{Blaine Anderson, Age 23}

I was right out of college when I moved to New York. I was young and had a decent job as a grade school music teacher. I loved kids and the big city and I wanted someone to share it with. I had been out to a few different clubs and bars just trying to get a feel for what New York night life is really all about but so far no luck, I was still single and felt like I was going to grow old with only my cat to keep me company.

“That’s it for today class” I say with a smile as the kids file out of my room and into the crowded hallway. It 's 3:00 and the school day has just ended. I love both music and kids and that’s why I excepted this job, It doesn’t pay much and the kids have my ears bleeding at times while they play their out of tune version of Row, Row, Row your boat on their various interments but I love my job non-the less.

It’s after 5 when I make it back to my downtown apartment; thanks to traffic and a quick stop at the store. Once I changed and fed my cat I head out for a fun night of dancing and drinking. I don’t do this often but it’s a Friday night and it’s also the start of spring break so I’m off work for the next week and a half. I call a cab knowing I wouln’t be able to drive home. Once the cab arrives I head to the first of many clubs I will be visiting tonight.

I’ve been told I’m an attractive guy I have short curly brown hair, and a slim body that has a lot of guys all over me at times, but I don’t just want a one night stand I want to find the one. You might say I’m a hopeless romantic and you may be right, but is it wrong to want a guy that’s not only my partner but my best friend? I want someone who I can tell everything to, someone who will be there every morning when I wake up and give me a kiss right before bed. I want a family and kids. I want what everyone wants, and that’s to be happy.

By the time I arrive at the first club it’s packed. People are lined up around the block waiting to be granted access to one of the hottest gay clubs New York has to offer. I walk past the line of guys, some are making out to pass time others are looking at their ID like it’s going to do a trick, those are the guys that are under 21 and are hoping their cheap fake ID with fool the guy at the door to letting them in. As I make my way to the front of the line I see Jason is working the door today and I grin. Jason is my best friend’s husband and we have known each other for years. His husband, Aaron is the one who got me my current job.

“Hey Jason” I greet as I finally reach the front of the line.
“Blaine” He says in a surprised voice; ever since I got my job I haven’t been here much.
“Go ahead in man” He says unfastening the velvet rope that is made for people who can get quick access, like me.

The club is crazy. I make my way through the sea of drunk guys and to one of the many bars scattered around the over sized room. I order a beer and check out the guys on the dance floor. Most are grinding against one another and after a quick swig of my beer I go join them.

By the time I leave the bar it’s getting late. I call a cab but with the traffic I’m stuck waiting outside. I never wait right in front of any club or bar. Too many creeps drive by looking for some lonely and drunk guy who will give his what he wants and I’m not that guy. I walk across the street and down the road to a small pizza shop which has already closed for the evening and wait for my cab.

After a couple minutes of waiting I hear a noise coming from the alley between the pizza place and an old hotel that has been closed for what looks like years. First I think it may be a cat or dog that is hurt but after listening closer it’s not the sound of animal crying it’s something else, something that sends chills down my spine.

I turn the corner of the pizza shop slowly looking around in the dark shadows. I see nothing but can still hear the sound. I take a look around at the empty side walk and then turn into the alley. I make my way down a few feet before stopping and listening. I quickly turn around when I realize the noise is coming from behind me. Balled up between two dumpsters is a young guy, I kneel down trying not to get too close to the crying stranger.

“Sir, are you okay?” I ask and the guy jumps.
“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to scare you. Are you hurt? I can call an ambulance” I say looking at the figure of a man who has yet to revile his face to me.
I hear a mumble but I can’t make out what he's saying.
“Can you speak up please?” I ask inching closer to him.
“I don’t need your help” the guy says in a quiet voice and he raises his head to look at me.

I gasp quietly.
The boy is covered in bruises and what looks to be an inch of dirt and dried blood covers his face and every other inch of exposed skin.
“Please let me do something for you” I say feeling sorry for the guy.
“Do you know a place I can clean up?” He asks in such a quiet voice I can barely make it out.
I think. I want to say to come back to my place and he could shower and I would make him a hot meal but I don’t think he will trust me enough so I’m going to have to get creative.