O’Melissokomos
The Bee Keeper

Embracing Love

by Fahrenheit80

Joe Miller was just ordinary.There was nothing special about him, outside the fact he was a happily married man. When he looked at his peaceful home life, Joe Miller knew he could not complain. Living in a house with a picket fence with Cindy, his lovely wife, and their two teenage daughters, Nicole and Trishelle, he thought of himself as the happiest man in the world. He did not earn a big paycheck nor was he as successful as his wife who was a renowned surgeon. But he was satisfied about the achievements he has gotten so far.Nevertheless, there was something that gave him some hard time. Over the last seventeen years Joe Miller gained a lot of weight. He used to be athletic. But he stopped going to the gym when his eldest daughter Trishelle was born. He tried every diet out there. Nothing worked.

“I love every pound of you,“his wife said the morning of their 20^th anniversary. Joe Miller was talking about a stomach stapling operation at breakfast. But Cindy and his daughters dismissed his idea.

“Just accept it, dad”, were the only words that came to Trishelle’s mind. She was too busy learning for an exam.

“Exactly,“ Nicole said. “But if you really want that operation we should talk about my breast enlargement.”

“You know our answer, honey”, her mother replied. “No.”

“But, Mom.”

“Just accept it, honey.”

While her sister was ambitious, Nicole was more of a diva. She always wanted the newest and prettiest things whether they were expense or not. Her dream was to participate in America’s Next Top Model.

“Don’t you have an exam today, Nicole?”, her mother asked.

“I learned yesterday.”

“While watching your favorite TV shows,“Trishelle remarked.

“Shut up geek!”

“No fighting at breakfast”, their mother said, “Especially today.”

Joe tried to imagine how his life would have been if he had two sons, instead of two daughters. But he loved the girls so much he immediately threw the thought away.

“Do you think you can stop by your barbershop to get a haircut”, Cindy asked.

“Sure.”

“See you tonight,“ were the last world his wife said to him.

They were about to celebrate their 20^th anniversary at the same restaurant in which Joe proposed to her. He could not afford a diamond back then. But he promised to buy one the day he made enough money. And he kept his promise ten months later.

When Cindy gave her husband a kiss, little did she know that life as she knew it would soon end.

Joe left work early to get his haircut. Unfortunately, his regular barbershop was closed for repair work.“Aw, man!” Somehow, he knew that it would not be his lucky day.

Two young men, a blonde and an African American, saw him staring desperately at the closed entrance door.

“Hey, what’s the matter”, the blonde asked.

Joe turned around. The young men were tall and muscular. Although they were not older than 20, they represented perfect images of masculinity. It was obvious that they were hitting the gym on a regular basis, unlike somebody who overindulged himself since the day he became a father.

“Nothing,“Joe stammered. He took a deep breath to get over his nervousness. That happened to him all the time when was in front of men who were taller than him.

“Can we help you?”

“Erm… Well… You don’t know a barbershop nearby?”

The two men looked at each other and grinned. “Well, yes”, the African American replied. “We do know a barbershop. Just go down the street. Turn left. Then keep straight on. For 5 minutes, or so. You can’t miss it.”

“Down the street. Left. Got it!”

“Give the barber our kind regards”, the blonde said and took the hand of his companion.

“Thanks!”

Joe Miller head off. He did not know that he was on his way to step into the lair of a powerful being. Since ancient times, the creature found enjoyment in playing with people’s lives. And Joe Miller would become its latest victim.

“Hello,“the creature greeted in the appearance of the flamboyant owner of an old-fashioned barbershop. For Joe Miller there was no doubt that this guy was gay. He showed the typical mannerism like talking with a lisp and gesticulating with his hands while talking.

“How can I help you”, the barber asked. “Oh, let me guess. You need a haircut?”

“Erm...” Joe thought to turn around and make a run for it. He was not against gay men. It was just that he preferred to be not too close to them. But the barber took his hand and led him to a chair before he could react.

“Please, have a seat.”

Joe did what he was told. There was something in the barber’s voice. He could not figure out what is what. All he knew was that it was irresistible.

The barber tied the cloth around Joe’s neck. “What’s your name?”

“Erm… Joe.”

“Oh my, what a mess”, the barber murmured while he ran his fingers through Joe’s hair.

“Erm… Busy at work.”

“Work… What else? Men are always working so hard nowadays. Sometimes they haven’t got the time to take care of themselves.” The barber sighed. “I will never understand that. It’s just sad. Very, very sad.”

“I wouldn’t say that.”

“How come”, the barber asked. “Just look at yourself.”

“You are very… forthright,“Joe remarked. Actually he wanted to say “ignorant”. But he contained himself. Instead, he imagined how he would punch the barber in the face. The idea left him when he combed his hair.

“Excuse me for being honest, Joe.”

“I don’t mind. By the way, my wife loves every pound of me.”

“Oh, a married man. But I wasn’t talking about your… baggage. I was talking about your hair. It needs some special treatment. But don’t worry. You are in good hands - my hands. I promise I will be very professional.” The barber started to rub Joe’s hair with soap and warm water.

Somehow the procedure had a calming effect on Joe. He felt dizzy.

“So, Joe, tell me. How long are you married?”

“Today is our 20^th anniversary.”

“Oh, then I will try extra-hard to turn you into a gorgeous man.”

Joe squint his eyes. He did not want to fall asleep. Stay awake, he told himself.

“Children?”

“Two daughters,“ Joe murmured. He came close to a trance-like state. But still he tried to resist. Don’t fall asleep. Don’t fall asleep. Joe knew that something was very wrong. His inner voice told him to leave. But he could not move.

“Say, Joe, are you happy being a husband and a father?”

“I never thought that I was unhappy.”

That was not the answer the barber expected. He saw the challenge that Joe Miller was a hard nut to crack. And that was the reason the barber could hardly hide his excitement. “Just be honest to yourself, honey.”

“I am honest. I really am.”

“So, you love your wife and your daughters?”

“Yes, of course. They are everything to me.” For a moment Joe was able to unchain himself from the dizziness that held him in its grip. It was all thanks to the thought of his family.

In the meantime the barber was shocked by his reaction. Joe Miller meant it. Everything he just said came from the bottom of his heart.

I have never met somebody like him before, the barber thought. His excitement went up to a completely new level. Just a while ago he was afraid to die from boredom. Oh, he could not wait to change the life of Joe Miller. Joe, the faithful husband. Joe, the loving father. Joe, the straight overweight guy. Today was the day the barber would take everything Joe Miller loved away from him.

“Lay back and relax.”

Joe saw that the barber’s eyes were glowing. Was it his imagination?

And then it happened. His hairs started to grow back the way it was before he entered parenthood. Over the last years he was afraid to turn bald before he would hit his 50s.

“There really wasn’t a time you wanted to walk away?” The barber turned off the water.

“No”, Joe answered. “I could never leave my family. I am happy with my life. I could lose some weight. But I can’t imagine a life without my wife and my daughters.”

The barber sighed. Love, he thought. That’s something I will never understand. But I know how to have fun. He braced the back of the chair and moved it into an upright position.

“You are a lucky man, Joe.” The barber stepped on the side lever of the chair. It first went down a bit, then up.“And you know what?” Stepping on the side lever, the layers of fat on Joe were melting off, leaving solid muscles. Then the barber took out the clippers. “Today is your lucky day! Can you feel the difference?”

Joe looked himself in the mirror. The first thing that came to his mind was that it was someone else face he was looking at. The man in front of him was a twenty-something with a wide and solid chest. Joe was forty-five. And his chest hung more like a bosom.

The barber touched Joe’s right cheek. “Oh, you could use a shave.”

With one of the classic shaving cream brushes the barber started rubbing white foam over Joe’s face.

“It has a strange aroma”, Joe remarked.

“Sorry for that.”

“No, it’s good. It reminds me of… how my daughters smelled when they were babies.”Joe put a smile on his face when the flood of memories embraced him.

“Did you ever wonder how your life would turn out if you never married?”

“No.”

“Never ever?”

“I love my wife since the day I first saw her.”

“When was that?”

“Kindergarten.”

“And you knew right away that she was the one?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, that’s so lovely.” The long straight razor came out and hovered for a second over Joe before masterfully taking its first swipe. “And ever since you were faithful to her?”

“There were no other women.”

“And no other men”, the barber whispered. “But that’s gonna change.”

“Did you say something?”

“I was just talking to myself. Don’t listen. I’m a drama queen.”The rhythm of the razor started up, swipe, then wipe. Back and forth.

“I have to admit, you are very… unique.”

“Got a problem with that?”

“No, it’s just… I’ve never met a guy so…”

“Hilarious?”

“Absolutely fabulous.” Joe made an irritated face. “Where did that come from?”

“Don’t rack your brain over it. It just happens to me all the time. Anyway, thank you for the compliment. Are you trying to hit on me?”

“Sorry, still married, still straight.”

“Not for long.”

“What?”

“Just talking gibberish.”

By the time the barber was done, Joe’s upper lip was bare, but covering his chin there was a goatee.

“Tadaa,“the barber shouted. He really did a great job.

Still, Joe was not sure if it was his face he was looking at. Everything had changed. Even his eye color. Just a while ago his eyes were blue. Now they were green. Furthermore, he used to have a double chin instead of a square jaw. And what happened to the hump on his nose?

“You like it?”

“Well…” To be honest, Joe liked the look of his new face. On the other hand it felt strange. How could he be married for 20 years when he still was in his 20s? No, something was very wrong. He could remember everything what happened the last 20 years. His eldest daughter Trishelle would go to college soon. Nicole was making plans for her participation in America’s Next Top Model. And his wife… Didn’t they just talk about the possibility of a stomach stapling operation? That did not make sense.

“What’s wrong, Joe”, the barber asked.

“Everything…”

He is still fighting, the barber thought. He really is a hard nut to crack. But not anymore.

“I know something that will help you.“

“I should go.”

“Stay!” The barber pressed Joe back on the chair. “And relax.”

He took out his scissors and started clipping the end of Joe's hair. The still wet strands hit the floor little by little. With each clump of hair Joe’s old self slowly faded away. He became more muscular. His belly disappeared completely, leaving an 8 pack.His arms and legs were not too overly big, but they matched perfectly with the rest of his body and his new bubble butt.

Joe tried to cling on his memories. His daughters. The days they were born. The moments he held them in his arms. His wedding. The evening he proposed to his wife. His first kiss with Cindy.

I can’t lose them. No! No! No! No! They need me. I need them. Oh God, help me! I have to return to them. Cindy. She is waiting for me. At our restaurant. For our anniversary.

Joe saw images of his wife. Her smile. Lying in bed. Embracing him. Holding him tight.

“Why are you still fighting”, the barber shouted. He was angry. He never felt that way before. And he hated it.

“Love… my family,“Joe murmured. Tears ran down his face.

“Love?! Do you know what I am trying to give you? Freedom, Joe! I want to give you the chance to live a life free from the burden of being a husband and a father!”

“Don’t want it.”

“You haven’t tried it yet!”

“That’s not… what I want.”

The door opened. Three musclemen, wearing skin tight jeans, wife-beaters and black leather boots, entered the barbershop. They were in their late twenties. Their arms were heavily tattooed. And on their right and left ear they were wearing several gold rings of varying sizes and thickness.

The barber knew them. Last month they were living the lives of Mormon missionaries. Today they were strippers at a gay leather bar called Babylon.

“Hey, we are here for our weekly haircut”´, one of them said.

The barber put an amused grin on his face.Away the anger he felt just a second ago. He turned back to the man who clung to his old self.

“That will change soon,“the barber whispered. “Just wait. You will turn out great.” And with that he went to the three musclemen, Jeff, Piotr and Rick. “Greetings, my gorgeous knights in shining armors.” He gave each one of them a kiss on their cheeks. “How are you?”

“Great,“Jeff, the one with the golden hair, replied.

“We have been hired for a photo shooting,“Piotr said with a Russian accent.

“Congratulations. I knew that somebody will recognize your talents someday.”

“It’s no porn, dude,”, Rick the hairiest of them remarked. “But we are working on that.”

“Don’t worry. You will make it big in the industry.”

“Did something happen”, Jeff asked, “We heard you screaming.”

“Screaming? Me? Don’t be ridiculous.” The barber touched Jeff’s unshaved cheek. “Are you growing a beard, Jeffrey Honey?”

“I thought it would make me appear manlier.”

“Should I change your hair color? How about something extraordinary? Like green? Or blue?”

“You are the pro. Everything you do will turn out fantastic.”

“Oh, Jeffrey Honey, you are a big charmer.”

“Luckily, he shares with us”, Rick laughed.

“Are you really alright”, Jeff asked.

The barber sighed. “I knew I can’t hide it from you. There is something that gives me a headache.”

“What it is? I will crush it for you,“Piotr said.

“It is,“the barber hesistated for a moment. “No, I can’t pester you with my problem. I have to solve it myself.”

“Please”, Jeff said. “If there’s anything we can do, just ask.”

“Right,“Rick and Piotr shouted in perfect synchronism.

“Okay. There is a customer on the chair. He is in deep, deep, deep denial. I need somebody to give him a helping hand to come out of the closet. I was trying my best. But… he is such a bonehead.”

“That guy?” Rick pointed his finger to Joe.

“Yes, he is the only customer sitting in a chair right now.”

Perhaps, it wasn’t a good idea to decrease his intelligent, the barber thought. After all he already was no Einstein before his change. Oh well, better next time.

“Leave him to us,“Jeff said and headed to the chair where Joe was sitting, followed by his two ridiculous handsome mates who were porn movie material – just like himself. If He-Man and She-Ra would have been married their children would turn out like them.

“Careful,“the barber shouted. “He believes he is still a virgin! That’s goes especially for you, Piotr!”

“I won’t break him,” he laughed. Piotr was notorious for being very rough to his fuck buddies. Rumor had it that one of them pressed charges against him for assault and battery. The weapon he was supposed to have used to commit the crime was his monster penis.

Joe was horrified by the three musclemen. But at the same time he was strangely attracted to their bodies. He could smell their manly odor.Their sweat. It was intoxicating. When they removed the cloth around his neck, move the chair into a half-lying position and ripped off his suit with their bare hands, his fear completely turned into sexual excitement he never experienced in his whole life. Totally different. And yet alluring.

“What a beauty,“Rick whispered.And he was right. Joe’s appearance was close to perfection. There were no fat but pure muscles.Joe could earn a big paycheck in the adult industry. Every woman and especially every gay man would lust for him. But he did not wish for it. He already found the love of his life, a peaceful home and two daughters who were a few steps away from adulthood.All he wanted was getting old with Cindy and see his children find their own happiness.

Joe could not lose them. He had to return to them.

All of the sudden there were hands touching him all over his body. One after another the three musclemen took off their clothes.

Jeff planted a kiss on Joe’s neck.

“Stop…,“ was all Joe could say. To his horror he recognized that it was not his voice. It sounded more feminine. By all means, this voice did not match with his new muscular body.

Piotr started to lick Joe’s nipples. They became rock hard. Just one second later Joe felt something strange. He looked down and saw one golden ring in each nipple.

Where did they come from? And then he remembered. It happened two years ago. When he went out shopping with his best friend, he visited a new tattoo shop. They were offering piercing for half the prize. Joe could not resist to have his nipples pierced like his favorite gay porn actor Tober Brandt.

No, that isn’t right, Joe thought. He never heard of Tober Brandt nor did he ever watch a gay porn. He was straight. He was deeply in love with Cindy for more than 40 years. But how could it be? Joe just turned 26 two months ago.

No, no. I’m forty-five. Forty-five. I grew up in a small town. I was five when I first met Cindy. I’m married. Married. And straight.

In the meantime, Rick worked on Joe`s8 inch of dick. When he went down and wrapped his lips around it, a stream of pure sensation hit Joe. He groaned in pleasure.

It felt so good!

Why did he have to resist?

Couldn’t he just give in?

Could he just play along?

His old self was still fighting desperately until Jeff parted Joe’s lips with his tongue. His first kiss with a man. And it felt so right!

Joe’s defenses began to crumble. Before he could say knife Joe found himself stroking Jeff’s hair tenderly while their lips were sealed together and their tongues danced inside. They were interrupted by Piotr who wanted to join in. He nibbled Joe’s right ear. Then he turned to his face. His tongue pushed its way into his mouth.

It feels so good. So good. So good. Oh God, I can’t. I can’t take it any longer. The taste of a man. His tongue. It feels so raw.

Joe admitted that he liked it, the way the three musclemen touched him. He could even imagine to suck their cocks and let them fuck his ass. Oh yes, he would let them if they asked.

That was the moment the man called Joe Miller drifted away. And with that a new personality emerged. His name was Brent Charles. He came out when he was sixteen. To his own surprise his coming out did not shock his family and friends. They already knew he was gay. Even his mother told him that there was no need for coming out. She and his father accepted his homosexuality since the day he came back home from kindergarten and admitted that he fell in love with another boy.

To make things short: Brent Charles would never touch a woman sexually. He was gay from tip to toe, a drama queen, a slut and a power bottom with a leather fetish. Moreover, he loved who he was.

Rick released Brent’s dick. “Ready or not, dude, here I come,” he shouted.

Piotr and Jeff stepped away.

“Don’t take all the fun for yourself, Rick,” Jeff said with a big smile on his face. He knew what he was talking about.

“Don’t worry, guys,“Rick replied. He pushed Brent`s legs open wide and crawled up over his muscular body. Their eyes met for the first time, reflecting pure lust. “There is enough for all of us.”

His weight forced Brent’s legs back.

“Oh my…” Brent could not get his eyes of the beautiful cock that would soon give him the intimacy only men could experience.

“You like it, dude,” Rick asked.

“Well, I don’t call myself a size queen. But I don’t mind having that tool of yours in my ass. Oh yes, that’s gonna hurt.”

“You really are a slut, are you?”

“Stop talking and fuck me with your manhood.”

Reaching between them Rick guided his cock towards Brent’s hole.

“Oh yes!” The muscle hunk who used to be a happy family man could hardly wait for the first of many thrusts. As more and more of Rick’s weight settled over his body, more and more of the beautiful cock inched inside him. It made him groan in pleasure.

Rick cooed in his ear and sucked his earlobe as they became one. But all Brent could think about was the pain in his ass. As Rick’s hips pushed the last inch of the cock into him he felt the large balls of his sexy fuck buddy hanging off his butt cheeks. Brent was taking deep breaths.

“Jesus…,“Rick whispered. He held Brent’s head in his hands, opened his mouth and gently French kissed him.

“Let’s skip the foreplay,“Brent recommended. “Fuck me senseless! Make me scream! Show me heaven!”

Brent gently moved his hips out a little and then back into Brent. Then he began his movements in and out of him faster. Brent held his lover tight. He found himself wrapping his arms around Rick’s back.

"Oh baby, Oh baby," Brent shouted as Rick pumped him fast. It did not take long when they reached climax. With each time his cock fired inside the muscle hunk, Rick sucked in deep breaths of air. Some time later he went limp on top of Brent, their lips locked in a tight embracement.

“You finished,” Piotr asked.

Rick grinned and looked into Brent’s eyes. “That was awesome, dude. You are a great fuck, you know that?”

“Same goes for you, sweetie.”

“My turn,” Piotr demanded.

“Alright, alright.” Rick coughed a few times. Then he arched his hips back and his soft cock slipped from Brent’s slimy hole.

Brent sighed. But his mood got up when he look at Piotr and Jeff. “How about a threesome?”

“I don’t mind,” Jeff replied. “Piotr?”

“As long as I can fuck his ass.”

“I can live with that.”

Brent jumped off the chair. He went down to Jeff’s cock for a good old-fashioned blowjob while Piotr pushed his infamous monster penis into his hole.

See? Even love couldn’t keep him from temptation, the barber thought. But he was really close to mess up the transformation, despite being an ordinary man.

The barber asked himself if he had gone too far. In a way he killed a man who already found true happiness with a wife and two daughters.

No, all I did was set him free from the burden of family life, the barber told himself. Just look at him. He is now living life to the fullest – in a body to die for. Enjoying his sexuality. Doesn’t he look happy?

There was no doubt that Brent Charles loved his life. He could care less about social conventions. Being married and having kids were the last things that would come on his mind.

Meanwhile, the barber successfully got rid of the strange thoughts. But to his surprise he came to realize that he had lost track of time. Brent was already swallowing every drop of Jeff’s cum while Piotr was resting on the chair.

“How does it taste,” Jeff asked.

“Seconds, please,” Brent replied with a dirty grin, licking his lips.

“You wanna drain me dry?”

“If you let me?”

Rick interrupted their conversation. “We should go,” he said and threw Jeff his clothes. “We have to get ready for work.”

“Oh, right.”

“You really have to go”, Brent asked.

“Sorry.”

The musclemen put their clothes on and rushed to the door. They bid farewell to Brent and the barber before leaving. “See ya!”

Brent sighed. He turned around and looked at his reflection in the mirror. There he was, totally naked. Broad shoulders.Large square pecs swelled on his chest. Rock solid abs. A bubble butt. The man in the mirror could not complain about his body that would help him break into the entertainment industry.

“Oh my, aren’t I handsome?”

The barber stood behind him. “Absolutely.”

It was hard to believe that Brent Charles was an overweight man in his 40s in his past life. But his new personality had its flaws. He was shallow, selfish and bitchy.

“You did a fantastic job,” Brent said to the barber. “But…”

“Oh, have I done something wrong?”

“Oh no, I really like it. It’s a masterpiece!” Brent looked down on the floor. “So, where are my clothes?”

The barber handed him a shopping bag. “Looking for that?”

“Thank you very much.”

Brent put his hand in the bag and took out a pair of black leather pants, a black leather vest and black boots. He did not wear anything other than leather. That went especially for his pants. Brent preferred them to be skin tight, showing his bubble butt and muscular legs. But it was always a challenge to put them on.

“Oh my, did I put on some weight? Or did my butt got bigger?”

The barber had to refrain from laughing. Would Joe Miller have the guts to dress in such a provocative way? No! Joe Miller did not like to show off nor was he interested in fashion. He was definitely the type who preferred casual clothing.

“Time to have some fun,” Brent said.

“Oh, honey, you already wore three guys out,” the barber remarked. “Just call it a day.”

“I’ll sleep when I am dead. By the way, this ass is made to be fucked.”

Brent was about to leave the barbershop when he stepped on something. He looked down. There was a wallet lying on the floor.

“What’s that?” Brent picked the wallet up and looked inside. He found a credit card, money and a photograph. “Joe Miller… Not really my type… On the other hand… If he just lose some weight… He seems happy.”

The barber snatched the wallet away from him. “It belongs to a customer who… was desperately in need for a new look.”

“Was he satisfied with your work?”

“Oh, he definitely is.”

“I would be surprised if he wasn’t.”

And with that Brent Charles left the barbershop.

The next six months went by without a day of sexual escapades. Brent Charles earned quite a reputation in the gay world. He was notorious for being an out-going and erratic slut who switched his sex partners as often as he changed his underwear. And there were many times he left them heartbroken. But he could care less about their feelings. The concept of a monogamous relationship did not fit in his philosophy of life.

The barber really did a great job. He called the transformation of Joe Miller his masterpiece. But still there was Joe’s family who fell into great despair since his mysterious disappearance. There were missing posters all over town. His wife Cindy even went to several television and radio shows to ask the public for help. Joe Miller was not the type of man who would leave his family without a note. He loved his wife and daughters.

One night Brent Charles and a fuck buddy were on their way home when all of the sudden the fuck buddy stopped in front of Joe’s missing poster.

“What’s wrong, sweetie,” Brent asked.

“Don’t you think that’s sad?”

“What?”

“When someone you dearly love disappears?”

“Are you talking about the missing poster? They are everywhere.”

“I saw his wife on TV”, the fuck buddy said. “I was crying like a baby when she told how life turned upside down for her and for her daughters when her husband didn’t return home. It happened on their 20^th anniversary.”

“Oh, you are so sweet,” Brent remarked stroking his fuck buddy’s chin. “Tonight you can fuck me in any position you like.”

“I want you on the sling.”

“Your wish is my command.”

Brent could not wait for his nightly fuck session. And the bigger the cock the better.

A month later somebody of Brent’s past life paid the barber an unexpected visit. It was Cindy Miller, Joe’s wife. The barber knew who she was. Somehow her presence made him nervous. “Oh hello, how can I help you?”

“I’m sorry. I’m not disturbing anything, am I?” Since Joe’s disappearance Cindy lost some weight. She was skinny. And it seemed as she did not get enough sleep.

“No, not at all”, the barber replied. He was shocked about Cindy’s appearance. But he hid his dismay behind a smile. “Do you want a haircut?”

“No, I am here because…” Cindy showed him a photograph of her husband. “Have you seen this man?”

“No.”

“Are you sure?”

“Is this your husband?”

Cindy hesitated for a moment. Then she nodded. “He disappeared seven months ago. I’ve got an anonymous call this morning. He told me that he saw him entering your barbershop the day he disappeared.”

“I’m sorry”, the barber said. “I get so many customers these days. I can’t remember all their faces.”

“It’s alright.” Cindy tried to put a smile on her face. But she couldn’t.

“Do you want to sit down for a moment?”

“No, no,” Cindy stammered. She wiped away her tears. “I should better get going.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes…”

“I hope you will find your husband soon.”

“Thank you.”

Cindy rushed through the door.

For the first time ever the barber wished he had the power to reverse a transformation. He realized he had done something terrible and that his actions could lead to fatal consequences.

Suddenly there were screeching tires. A woman’s scream.

The barber stormed outside. There was a car, lying upside down on the street. And right next to it the barber spotted the photograph with Joe’s face.

“Call an ambulance”, somebody shouted.

That isn’t what I wanted, the barber said to himself. He stepped forward, expecting to find Cindy’s lifeless body.

When the barber went around the car he saw something he did not expect.

“Are you alright”, Brent Charles asked Cindy. He was lying on top of her. If it wasn’t for his fast reaction the car would have crushed her.

Cindy opened her eyes. “I guess.”

“You’re sure?”

Cindy was surprised to look at a handsome young stranger who was dressed in black leather. She knew that he was gay at first sight. But somehow she felt a connection. The same went for Brent. There was a bond between them. If he weren’t gay he would call her the most beautiful woman on earth.

The barber couldn’t believe his eyes. How can that be, he asked.

Even the barber felt that there was something going on between them. But Brent Charles was gay. He wasn’t able to love a woman nor could he feel any sexual attraction for a female body. And yet…

The barber was curious. He wanted to know what will happen to them. For that reason he used his power to look into the future.

One year from now: Brent persuades Cindy to go shopping. They buy new shoes, a new dress for Cindy and a pair of new leather pants for Brent. Later, that same evening he takes her to his favorite gay bar. He goes on the stage and dedicates a song to her. For the first time since Joe’s disappearance Cindy Miller smiles.

Two years from now: Brent wins the title of International Mr. Leather. In his acceptance speech he thanks his best friend Cindy Miller for believing in him. Two months later he is forced to resign because during the competition he was having an affair with two judges. His comment: “Do you have any idea what I went through for winning this title? I should be honored for my bravery!”

Five years from now: Brent gets his big break in the music industry. His debut album is certificated gold in several countries. After winning a Grammy for Best Performer he admits in an interview that his first No. 1 single is about his best friend.

Six years from now: With Brent’s support Nicole participates in America’s Next Models. Although she gets to the top 5, she is eliminated for being too demanding during a photo session. Later she is signed to Ford Models while Trishelle is working for her Doctor of Medicine.

Nine years from now: Trishelle marries her college sweetheart. She and her finance ask Brent to be their wedding singer. Although he isn’t allowed to wear his leather attire he accepts. Their friendship falls apart two weeks later when Trishelle’s father-in-law admits that he and Brent are having an affair. They reconcile after Brent dumped the newly outed gay man for cheating him with a transsexual dominatrix.

Twelve years from now: Brent helps Cindy through Nicole’s brutal murder by a drug-addicted lover. She is survived by her infant son who will be raised by Trishelle and her husband. Two months later Brent and Cindy found the Joe and Nicole Miller Foundation, helping single mothers and victims of domestic violence, whether they are women or men.

Twenty years from now: Brent is charged for sexual harassment by ten different men. He pleads not guilty because they aren’t his type. Thanks to Cindy’s testimony the judge drops all charges against him. During the trial Trishelle finds a cure for a sexually transmitted disease that already claimed 100 million men and women.

Forty years from now: Cindy is dying from cancer. Brent is with her day and night. After she bid farewell to her family she tells him: “Thank you for being a friend over all these years. If it weren’t for you I don’t know if I could have managed it so far. You gave me strength during the hardest time of my life. And you are still making me feel comfortable.” That day Brent kisses a woman for the first and last time.

Sixty years from now: Brent is honored with a life achievement award for his accomplishments in the music industry. In an exclusive TV interview he tells the only person he truly loved was a woman called Cindy Miller.

“But you are gay,” the TV host remarks.

“Yes, I am.”

“But how can you fall in love with a woman.”

“Well, having sex with men exclusively doesn’t rule out the possibility to love a woman,” Brent answered. “During all those years I recognized that love isn’t just sex. When I was with her I felt complete. And even if she never loved me back I hope that she is now reunited with the man who has forever stolen her heart from me.”

Back in the present time, the barber experienced a sense of relief. There they were. Brent Charles and Cindy Miller, two souls who are meant to be together. Even the barber couldn’t change that fact.

“Why did you save me,” Cindy asked.

“Well, that’s the most stupid question I heard lately,” Brent said with a high-pitched voice. “Do you have any idea what I was going through? I was risking my life for you? And all of my friends know that I am no Samaritan. And you asked me why I saved your life? Well, sweetie, I don’t know. I didn’t think. And just look at me! My new leather pants.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You better should be.”

“If you don’t mind… Well… Thank you.”

Brent hesitated. Then he smiled. “You’re welcome.”

“Cindy Miller.”

“Brent Charles.”

“Nice to meet you,” Cindy said and shook the hand of her savior.

“Oh, come on!” Brent put his arms around her, locking her in a close embracement. “Don’t scare me like that,” he whispered in her ear.

The barber left the scene. He returned to the barbershop and started to review his past actions. There was no example that came close to the events that just occurred.

Love, the barber thought. Thanks to the case of Joe Miller he finally came to realize what it was. He could switch people’s sexual preferences, turn them into the most beautiful creatures in the world but he could not change their hearts. And with that realization the barber told to himself: “I lost.” But he wasn’t unhappy about that. On the contrary, he felt something he never felt before.

“I lost.” The barber could not help himself. He had to laugh. For the first time he laughed out of happiness.

Some time later he wiped away his tears. Since ancient times, all he did was for his own entertainment. That would end today. He looked around. The barbershop started to lose its magic. But that was alright. The barber knew that day would come.

The door opened. A businessman in his 50s entered the barbershop. He seemed in a hurry. “Good evening.I…”

The barber shook his head. “I’m sorry, but we are closing.”

The businessman made an irritated face. “But…”

“There is another barbershop. Just go down the street and turn right. You can’t miss it.”

Still irritated, the businessman left the barbershop. When he stepped out into the street, he heard a noise behind him. He turned around. For a few second he was blinded by a bright light.

“What the…” The businessman found himself standing in front of an alley between a pizza place and a doctor’s practice. He could swear that there was a barbershop… somewhere down the street.

“Oh well,” and with that he hurried to get a haircut. Because today was the day he and his husband would celebrate their 30^th anniversary.

Continued in Embracing Life

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