Noel Landers
Gabriel has been living with me ever since that night, nearly a year ago, when we met so explosively at Ronny's party. Actually, she's only here one day out of four, the flight turnaround being about twenty-four hours, and I have grown terribly fond of her. So much so, that if she walked out of my life I'd probably end up a total faggot, as they say in America. She has become the "Bi" in my bi-sexual. I would be totally happy if I had the self-discipline and courage to make her the whole thing. I mean, she's certainly enough sex to keep the average man happy and contented with his lot. All I've managed to sacrifice are those meetings of The Circle that occur on days when she's in London. Well, as I've said earlier, if she knew about it, I'm fairly certain she'd walk out on me. Can't say I'd blame her.
Meanwhile, when she's here life is a total joy. We do everything together. Some evenings it's dinner and the theatre, or a party with friends. Other times we stay in bed for almost the entire twenty-four hours. What I like best, (other than our sex together, of course) is our waits. London, my town, is one of the world's most magnificent walking cities. Most of it is at eye level, unlike New York for example, which is a horrid Dali landscape at eye level and is meant to be seen from afar.
The best walking hours are late at night. Gabriel and I have spent hours, usually during pre-dawn, strolling through Mayfair or along the embankment and so on. I've been taking these walks alone for most of my adult life, and until Gabriel came along, I've been perfectly content to do so. But she's so perfect for me, so bloody compatible with my moods… we think the same, we laugh at the same jokes, engage in the same style of wit… I really do believe I'd be lost without her.
This morning she arrived on time. We had breakfast and then a long playful bath together. Then, around noon she went out to do some shopping. She'd said something about some sweaters at Marks and Sparks and then Harrods for a gift; friend of hers with a birthday or some such.
I did a few things around the flat and then sat at the typewriter for a few hours. Before I realized it, it was six o'clock. Where was she? Gabriel was usually very responsible, she will normally call if she's late, or detained. Then it was half past seven and I was quite concerned.
The phone didn't ring till eight. It was her. "I've been worried about you. Where in heaven's name are you? We had theatre tickets… "
"I'm sorry, Noel, forgive me."
"Where are you?"
"Are you sitting down?"
"No, I'm standing, which is exactly what I intend to continue to do. Now, where in the hell are you, my sweet?"
"I'm at Lord and Lady Flemming's… hello? Noel… Noel are you there?"
"Yes, Gabriel, I'm here, I was just in the process of sitting down. I don't suppose there's any possibility that I heard you wrong?"
"I doubt it"
"Oh." It was out in the open, finally. Well, everything ends sooner or later, "How did that come about, darling?" I asked.
"Sir Harry tried to cornhole me in the elevator in Harrods."
"Yes, that's Harry. Listen Gabriel do you… "
"And I saw a wonderful film in which you seemed to be the star. Oh, Noel!"
"Well, I guess that sooner or later you had to find out." I felt absolutely devastated. I didn't want to lose her. Suddenly I realized just how important she was to me. "When will you be by for your things?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I take it you'll be leaving me, what with…"
"Leaving you? Why? I mean, do you suppose this matters to me in terms of how I feel about you? Noel… Noel, can you hear me?"
"Uhh, yes, darling. I thought you'd be turned off me if you ever found out."
"How could I? I love you, darling. One doesn't go around breaking off one's engagement because of a little innocent buggery… does one?"
"No, I guess one doesn't." I felt elated, I felt as if I were capable of heavier-than-air flight without an aircraft! "Especially," I continued, "When one is the most wonderful girl in the world!"
"Flatterer!" she said. "But I am angry with you. Why didn't you tell me about all this long ago? I've been having a terrific time here. Harry and Sarah and Betsy the nut and Gerald, they're all mad. I haven't enjoyed myself so much since…"
"Oh, you crazy Americans are all alike!" I was overjoyed. No more secrets; Gabriel and I would share everything.
"Lady Sarah told me to remind you there's a meeting of The Circle here tonight and that you should hustle your little white ass over. Or do you want me to come home, Noel?"
"What would you rather do?" I asked.
"Oh, that's easy, I'd rather stay here, but only if you're with me. The idea of sharing this insanity with you is totally mind-boggling! I feel like it's Christmas. Please, Noel? Pretty please?"
"I'm on my way, ducks. Don't start without me." I hung up, jumped three feet in the air and did a triple double summersault into the net!