“Thoughts of a Friend” by leenys Well, this is my response to the song challenge. It’s based more on the meaning and emotion of the lyrics than the words. I may expand this into a full story, but for the moment, here’s what I threw down. “This is nice.” “Yeah.” “I mean really nice.” Ryan looked over at Colin. His friend was stretched out on his beach blanket, soaking in the California rays and looking perfectly at peace with the world. His lids were drooping, hanging heavily over flushed, sun-kissed cheeks. He had enjoyed himself more that day than he had in a long time. The recommendation that he and Ryan spend their off day at the beach was a good one. They had managed to find an area that wasn’t overrun by teens and college kids looking for a good time and a great lay. They were recognized, sure, and had to play the stars for a while, but after some time everyone was used to their presence and went about their business. They even played volleyball. Ryan had his height to his advantage, and although he wasn’t a particularly good player, basketball and golf being more his games, he managed to hold his own and keep the ball in the air. Colin was on the opposing team, his natural dexterity coming into play as he dove for grounders as nimbly as any pro player did. Laughter filled the salty air. The game was rough, grinding grit and sand into places better unmentioned, yet the discomfort was there and was enough to drive everyone to the water. Waves crashed over them, soothing their burns and clearing their minds. It wasn’t long before Ryan and Colin had to take a break, and collapse on their towels. Colin’s eyes had closed as his breathing deepened. Ryan laced his fingers behind his head and watched with amusement as his friend slept, while stubbornly denying the need himself. He found himself thinking about Colin, about his gentle nature, about the fact that everyone loved him and was very protective of him, none more so than Ryan himself. He remembered the first time he and Colin performed together. The poor guy was a nervous wreck. But he came through as always, maybe not amazingly clever and a little too timid at times, but his personality warmed the audience and those working with him. It was a nice contrast to the brash comedians that so often possessed the stage. Colin didn’t possess the stage. He graced it. And of all people, he trusted Ryan the most. Why? He had never wondered that until now. They weren’t that similar, but they weren’t that different. This wasn’t a case of opposites attract, or being so alike that they seemed one person. But there was a definite chemistry, or something, there, and he had always accepted it as fate. It was supposed to be. They were paired as a team for a reason, both on stage and as the best of friends. And yet as he watched his friend sleep, he wondered. Ryan had always considered himself a loner. He had a hard time trusting people; he didn’t want to open up to them. He had problems, sure, everyone had problems. Why should he dump his load in a world already beset with trouble? He felt better trying to handle things on his own. There were things he kept to himself, plenty of things, hiding his concerns from his wife and burying them deep inside. But he couldn’t hide them from Colin. Ryan was convinced Colin was put on the earth solely to care for other people. He had come to Ryan’s rescue many times when he was about to give in to the lonely despair he sometimes felt. A comforting glance, a cautious and concerned smile that blossomed into a cheery grin which lit his cherubic face, that was all it took for Ryan to suddenly confide his soul secrets to this man. And Colin would just listen with all his being, and never judge. Ryan always felt inadequate when helping his friend through tough times, knowing he couldn’t live up to the standard Colin set. Yet he managed somehow, and in a strange way became Colin’s rock, the way Colin became his conscience. Ryan pushed himself up on one elbow and watched. He recalled the volleyball game, how his friend laughed heartily every time he dove for the ball and missed, and the way he yelled out exuberantly when he scored. He thought about him splashing in the waves, trying his hardest to duck everyone in sight. And that look of wonder when he stared out over the water, as if seeing it for the first time. It wasn’t only his face that was youthful; his soul was youthful as well. He was a wonderful husband, a wonderful father, and the perfect friend. And as Ryan rolled over onto his back, he listened to Colin’s gentle breathing and smiled. “Don’t ever change, my friend.” >^^<