Cole

Part 9: Pencil, Paper, and Alcohol

Three days after the start of the New Year. Cole and Matt had conversed in the prison library of Area D. Matt had already presented Cole with another healthy choice of steamed rice, broccoli, bottles of spring water, and whey protein for shakes to be shared with Rico. Satisfied once again, Cole made his way back to the cell. Upon opening the door, his cellmate and first boyfriend, Rico, stood in front of the corner mirror mounted on the wall, naked for the most part save for a pair of shoes and socks.

 Rico was flexing with his new physique, clearly proud of the physical change he had undergone since training with Cole. He was toner and was gaining some muscle mass. For Cole, he was happy to see that his teachings were paying off as he was fixated on Rico's even more toned buttocks. Snapping out of his bewilderment, Cole sat the goods from Matt on a table to have a word with Rico.

Cole: You do know the cell door's unlocked, right?

Rico: Yes, I am aware.

Cole: Aren't you worried someone can just... walk in? Like the guards or another cellmate...

Rico: Well, if they do, I can only hope they like what they see.

Cole: **embraces Rico from behind** Like me?

After a brief kiss between the two inmates, Cole presented Rico with his own portions of lunch before chowing down. Rico got dressed and the two happily gorged on the day's healthy meal with the mounted HD television playing in the background.

Cole: You've done an amazing job, you know. The training, the sparring... look at you.

Rico: I owe it all to you. I just wish...

Cole: What?

Rico: Don't get me wrong, I'm so lucky to have you in all of this, but with each passing day that I'm behind bars...

Cole: I know. You wish you were out there making something of your life, your art.

Rico: I've been looking at the things artists have posted on the internet. Makes me want to do more than just tattoo art.

Cole: Thinking of going to Art School?

Rico: Like I can afford to? Especially after this...

Cole: Well, I mean, Art School these days is becoming increasingly more cheaper.

Rico: Like three bucks a semester? That's all I can afford.

Cole: Won't your family be able to help you out?

Rico:... Provided if they want anything to do with me.

Cole: I'm sorry.

Rico: Don't be. It is what it is.

As the two continued consuming their lunch, Rico felt it was time for Cole to know more about his situation and what eventually brought them together.

 Rico Barros was born to working-class parents who migrated from Brazil to the States. Barely two years Cole's junior, Rico was his parents' first-born while being raised with siblings; two younger brothers and one younger sister. Throughout the years, Rico and his father would often reach an impasse when it came to the former's life and occupation. His father wanted him to attend college for Business Management, even insisting he did so, despite Rico's interest in art. Rico had always been defiant and the disagreements with his father came to a head when Rico's sexuality was revealed to his parents. Though Rico's mother was as supportive as she could be of her son, his father was not so in the slightest. Rico was eighteen years of age when his father kicked him out of the house he grew up in and was forced to share an apartment with his then-boyfriend at the time. To survive, Rico worked difficult jobs while trying to save money for college. Apartment rentals were increasingly more expensive, therefore his means to attend any classes for fine art had experienced one setback after another.

 Fast forward to one year after Cole's conviction, despite the falling out with his father, Rico at times would visit his parents for a gathering via a typical dinner. Marcos Barros, Rico's father, still valued his family despite his disapproval of his eldest son's decisions, hence the gathering for dinner, much to the delight of Ali, Rico's Mother, and Rico's younger siblings. One Friday night when Rico's family dinner concluded for the evening, he journeyed back to his apartment. The evening gave off cool refreshing breezes and the city lights from a distance compelled him to not go home at that particular moment, but to sketch the city view instead. Taking out from this backpack the sketchbook he always kept with him, Cole sat down on a bench at a bus stop to draw the lit-up city buildings. It was then that he could not help but notice that he was being watched by someone who was also waiting at the same bus stop. Rico glanced over his right shoulder and realized that another young man was trying to get a bird's eye view of his sketch in progress. When he was finished, he got a better view of his observer, and an acquaintance was made that night.

??: That's very good, man.

Rico: Thanks. **extends a hand for a shake** I'm Rico.

??: Nice to meet you. I'm Joel.

 Joel Juarez... that was his full name. Hailing from the Bronx in New York, Joel was of Hispanic descent. He sported long hair which he often kept in a ponytail, and kept a well-trimmed goatee. He was living with his cousin at the time while gaining income from working at a fast food restaurant... or at least, that's what he initially revealed to Rico. Rico and Joel immediately clicked as the two got to know each other more and more. Joel revealed to Rico that he was bisexual, with some attraction for females while having an even stronger attraction for males, and with constant flirting, Rico was just his type.

 In regard to their outings together, money was tight, but they were certainly memorable for Rico. On one particular Monday, after takeout at a local Chinese restaurant as well as seeing a movie, the pair visited Rico's favorite spot: The Franklin Park Zoo. It was after ten in the evening, and the park was close to concluding visitor hours. Barely any other visitor was present at this time as Rico and Joel took their final stroll around the park.

Joel: It's been, what? A few weeks now?

Rico: Sorry?

Joel: We've gone out for two weeks. When are we gonna...

Rico: Well, we can't go to my place because of my two roommates...

Joel: **Sighs** Yeah, and we can't go to mine because of my cousin. I wish that fat fuck would go out and get a life.

Rico: **laughs** So, what do we do?

Joel: You're.... clean, right?

Rico: Always! Not even ten roommates can keep that from happening.

Joel turned his gaze to a series of trees behind two benches.

Rico: No fuckin way, Joel.

Joel: Come on, baby.

Rico: Don't try and sweet talk me. The answer is no.

 Keeping his gaze directly on Rico's eyes, Joel undid his belt. Despite Rico's warnings not to do so, he proceeded to bring his blue jean shorts down to his ankles. It was the first time Rico had seen Joel's impressive man-tool. Fully erect, Joel was eight inches uncut in length; his girth had to be at least six inches. Rico was mesmerized as Joel grabbed him by the hand, bringing them both to the tree area to keep themselves hidden from whoever was nearby. As there was just enough light to see one another, Rico decided to give in and undid his pants. Joel was bold as he set much of his clothing aside save for his sneakers and socks. He was skinny in his physical stature and the erect cock on his 5'6 frame looked as if someone had a genuine third leg.

 It was an experience that Rico had remarked as “mating season” that night in the zoo. Rico kept himself steady on one of the tree barks, bending over while Joel went to work on his boyfriend's infamous buttocks. It was difficult for both young men to keep quiet during their first time having sex. Doggy-style was the position from start to finish. Their consummation lasted for four minutes as Joel was not able to last too long from thrusting inside what was warm and tight. Rico, however, in his mind, was in heaven. It was just in time that Joel removed his cock out of Joel's anus to stroke out his semen. Their tryst did not go unnoticed, however. They were caught by one of the security guards for the Park and were forced to leave the area immediately. Joel quickly dressed himself and Rico only needed to pull up and buckle his pants as they complied with security to leave. They laughed about the experience afterward. It was the beginning of a series of risky moments. At times, they had to be especially careful when running the risk of being caught by police officers when engaged in public sex. But such risqué moments were exhilarating for them.

 Despite the good times, financial struggles were not uncommon in their daily lives. They worked regular jobs, but the pay was barely enough to get through their portions of the bills at home despite living with others. Then came the legal problems. In order to gain extra money, Joel was involved in drug dealing. As appalling as it was for Rico, he chose to continue to see Joel under the condition that he stay out of the latter's dealings. Rico never suspected, however, that he would find himself in a similar situation that would land him in serious trouble and unfairly so.

 One night, Rico celebrated one of his roommates' birthday at a party, which also involved attending a gathering at their local bar. Rico was the designated driver, therefore, he could not drink any alcohol that night. It was around 1 a.m. when he and his roommates decided to head home. While en route back to their apartment, they were stopped by police officers.

Rico: Hi. Is there something wrong?

Officer: License and registration, please?

Rico: Here's my license.

Officer: Registration?

Billy: It's my car officer. I can't drive because I've been drinking.

Officer: I figured. If you can step out of the car, please. I just need to do a breathalyzer exam.

Rico: Of course.

 The alcohol levels in Rico's two roommates were above the legal limit, but everyone was of legal age and Rico tested zero since he did not consume any that night. Just when it seemed that the group was free to go, the officer was alerted to the barking emitting from his vehicle. It was a German Sheppard; a typical canine used in law enforcement. “Police dogs”, as it were, are trained to detect a series of illegal materials ranging from substances to bombs. The officer's K-9 smelled something and while Rico was at a loss as to what was happening, he noticed the nervous expression on his roommates' faces. The officer ordered Kevin, Rico's other roommate aside from Billy, to open the trunk of the car, which Kevin complied but reluctantly. To Rico's shock and horror, the officer discovered a large quantity of cocaine. Rico, along with his roommates were charged with possession.

Despite having no knowledge of his roommates possessing drugs, let alone that the substance was not even his, Rico was given a year's probation. His legal troubles got him fired from his job, leaving him to move back in with his family. Rico's situation had reignited the tensions between him and his father, who was furious that his son was now in trouble with the law but was still able to endure to the point of ensuring that Rico was not homeless. But Rico's complicated situation would only become worse.

Despite his problems, Rico was able to land a new job at a Home Depot. It was a Friday night when he concluded his shift for the evening and had arranged with Joel to hang out in the latter's new car... and then some. Rico was surprised that his boyfriend had taken on a loan to buy a car, with Joel believing that he could afford it. More than an hour had passed since Rico had started waiting for Joel at his new job's reserved parking lot area, which was their place to rendezvous. But Joel was nowhere in sight. No longer willing to wait, Rico returned to his family's home. Upon entering he noticed his father sitting on the living room couch with the lights on but the television was turned completely off. Thinking nothing of it, he attempted to retreat to his room, only to be stopped by his father calling to him.

Marco: Rico...

Rico: Pai?

Marco: Sit.

Strolling over to the living room table, Rico's father grabbed a set of documents to be presented to Rico himself.

Rico: What's this?

Marco: Sign it. It's consent to attend conversion therapy.

Rico:.... What?!

Marco: SIGN IT.

Rico: Y-you'll never accept me for who I am.

Marco: This is how this works: you sign that and become the person you're meant to be or pack your things and get out. DECIDE!

 His eyes brimming with tears, Rico reluctantly signed the documents placed before him, using his shaking right hand. His father looked at his trembling son, making it clear that he would not change his mind. Marco did, however, tell him that his first session was in one month, believing it was enough time for Rico to prepare himself. The following day, Rico was awoken by a call on his mobile phone. He did not recognize the number but chose to answer it anyway.

Rico: Hello?

Joel: Hey baby.

Rico: Shit, man! Where are you? I was worried...

Joel: Rico! I'm in jail.

Rico: For what?

Joel: Possession and distribution of illegal substances.

Rico: Ah, god damn it, Joel! You said you'd stopped.

Joel: I know. I'm sorry. As you know, this isn't my first rodeo with the law.

Rico: So, what does this mean? Are you still in jail?

Joel: My bail is set for two grand. Till then, I have to stay at Goldstone Penitentiary.

Rico: Two grand?! I don't have that kind of money!

Joel: I know. And I can't drag you into this. You have enough problems.

Rico: I'll say. Dad's forcing me to attend conversion therapy. My first session is in a month.

Joel: The fuck?!

Rico: Yep. Look, I don't know what's gonna happen but since I can't come to see you, I'll write you. Just to make sure you're alright.

Joel: Thanks. I love you.

Rico: I love you, too. Bye.

 During the agonizing weeks that followed, Rico's famous love letter to Joel made its way to Goldstone. For a time, he did not know whether or not the letter, along with his explicit photos, had made their way into Joel's hands. It was the least of his worries, however, as his first therapy session was at the break of dawn. Needing to clear his thoughts, Rico took his father's car to his local bar for a relaxing drink as well as engaged with his true therapy: his sketchbook. For a time, he kept himself isolated, drawing one image after another, but the stresses of his predicament had already taken its toll. He opted to have some relaxing drinks that night, but he was anything but relaxed as his thoughts were still plagued with his ongoing problems. Deciding to return home to face the inevitable, he tipped the bartender before leaving. But his heavy drinking and his emotional turmoil proved to be a dangerous combination, leading to yet another fateful development. Rico drove his father's car almost erratically. An officer patrolling that night demanded he stop the car, but Rico was too lost in his thoughts and somewhat in an intoxicated state to even notice the police. After what was fortunately a brief moment, Rico had snapped out of it, before he had done any harm to himself or any passing pedestrian. The damage was done, however. After finding that his blood alcohol level was above the legal limit, Rico was arrested.

 During his trial, Rico pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and reckless endangerment. Despite the circumstances of what led to Rico's second arrest being revealed in the courtroom, the judge presiding over the case was in no forgiving mood and Rico's probation violation only served as ammunition for him to receive a prison sentence of one year and a month. His father had decided to cut all ties with him. Rico was to serve his time at Goldstone, but Joel was already released, due to being bailed by his cousin, though would still have to face trial.

The first day of his incarceration was a day Rico would never forget. Fellow inmates, cheer and jeers, some even throwing wolf whistles at Rico.

Inmate: PRETTY BOY! You good at suckin' dick, pretty boy?

 Rico kept his head down, paying no attention to anyone, save the guards who instructed him on where to navigate. He was to occupy one of the lower-level cells in Area C. The cell was also occupied by another non-aggressive inmate, who was kind enough to help Rico settle in. Like Cole, Rico could barely get an ounce of sleep on his first night and his eyes were endlessly flooded with tears, the reality of becoming a convicted felon.

 Rico's first week at Goldstone was hell, as it was to be expected. The attention he received from a staggering amount of fellow inmates was alarming. One time, during breakfast, some inmates looked at him with flirtatious gestures, while others expressed a look of disgust. “What the fuck is wrong with these people?” he thought to himself. Suddenly, a tall and older inmate stood in front of Rico before turning around and arched his back slightly as he looked over his right shoulder.

Inmate: I love you papi! Fuck me papi!

 Every inmate who was present in the cafeteria, as well as some of the guards, had collectively laughed at this blatant mockery. Realizing that it was a reference from the letter he had sent Joel a few months earlier, Rico was quick to leave the cafeteria and return to his cell. Retreating back to Area C, Rico's means of entering the cell was blocked by a prison guard. Unfortunately, it was not just any guard, it was the ever-so-corrupt Officer Dennis Mason.

Rico: C- Can I get through?

Mason: Where are your manners, boy? You didn't say please!

Rico: Uh... please.

Mason: Sure thing. Gonna need a key though.

Rico: A key? I...

Mason: That's right. You see, it's a special lock that requires a special key. Your mouth is the lock... and guess where the key is?

Rico: What?

Mason: Come on. Take a guess! It's tucked in somewhere.

Rico: What the hell is this?!

Mason: Don't talk to me like that, boy. I said guess where the key is!

Rico: **looking at Officer Mason's crotch**

Mason: Ooh! You guessed right, buddy! My office... now.

Warden: Dennis! The hell's wrong with you?! I've been calling your fricken mobile!

Mason: I had it on silent. Besides, I'm busy right now. Whatever it is, it'll have to wait.

Warden: I hope for your sake that you're joking. Because I sure as hell am not laughing. Office! Now!

 The Warden's timing could not have been better, but Rico knew he would not see the end of the crooked guard. After finally gaining access to his cell, Rico found that he had received some mail. Thinking it was from Joel, he was instead surprised to see that the package was from home. Opening it, the contents contained a sketchbook with numerous mechanical pencils. The package also contained a letter revealing that it was not his father who sent the package, but his mother, letting Rico know how much she loves him and has not given up on him, igniting a sense of newfound hope. But Rico knew he had a long way to go.

With his mother's encouragement fresh in his mind, especially with a new sketchbook at hand, Rico developed a newfound determination to not allow prison to break him. During recess, he got to work on his first drawing at Goldstone. Noticing how some of his fellow inmates are swimming with tattoos from head to toe, a bright light was switched on in his head. He considered pursuing a job as a tattoo artist after his parole. After all, it was not uncommon for numerous tattoo artist to have a conviction on their record, so why not fall into that statistic?

 A number of inmates became impressed by Rico's talent and those talents caught the attention of two tall African American inmates to praise him further.

??: Nice!

Rico: Thank you.

??: Of course. Name's Kenneth. This is Barry.

Rico: Nice to meet you. I'm Rico.

Barry: Say uh... Rico, you might want to watch yourself around here. There's um... a little somethin' going around about you.

Rico: The letter?

Barry: Yeah, man.

Rico: **Sighs** I knew it.

Kenneth: Look, don't let these fools get to you. I mean, how long are you here for?

Rico: About a year.

Kenneth: It's gonna be tough, but clearly you've got talent. Make something of that when you get out of here.

Rico: I will. Thank you.

His story on past events concluding, Rico was cradled into Cole's arms. It was already night time and prison lockdown was minutes away.

Cole:.. Then a few weeks later, you met a prince charming who was ready to sweep you off your feet.

Rico: And impregnate me at any chance he gets. **laughs**

Cole: **laughs** It's good to know how much your mom still loves you. And how much she still believes in you.

Rico: Yeah. I haven't spoken to her since I was arrested. I miss her. I miss them all... even my father.

 Three days later, the prison lockdown had been lifted for just over an hour when Cole and Rico began a day of sparring. They were interrupted by Officer Turner's arrival.

Matt: Morning gentleman. Hey, Rico... you've got a visitor.

Rico: What? Who?

Matt: Don't know. One of the guards told me he had to go to the visitor's lounge in Area A.

Cole: Go. We can do this later.

 “A visitor? Really?” Rico thought to himself, confused by this sudden development. Since arriving at Goldstone, Rico had never received a visitor. So who could it possibly be? While he made the trek to Area A, he slowed down his pace. In his mind, he thought that just maybe it was his mother coming to visit him at last. Excited by this notion, he quickened his pace.

Finally arriving in the visitor's lounge in Area A near the exit doors Rico would learn that he was correct; his sights were immediately fixated on his mother Ali, who greeted her son with an excited laugh and heavy embrace. Rico reacted in the same manner. It was only a few days ago that Rico had recounted the events that led to his incarceration at Goldstone part of it including his mother's declaration to never truly give up on her son. As the reunited mother and son looked at each other happily, eyes flooded with tears of joy, the former had turned her gaze to the far end of the room, signaling that she was not alone.

Rico was in shock. He correctly anticipated that the sudden visitor he received in prison would be his supportive mother, but he did not think in the slightest that he would be visited by someone whom he thought he may never see again, cutting all ties as a family. Indeed, his father Marco had also arrived. Father and son slowly approached one another, standing face to face, with both individuals standing at the same height. The last time Rico had seen his father, the homophobic and stubborn parent who openly declared in front of a Judge, Prosecutor, and Rico's Defense Attorney he wanted nothing more to do with his son before storming out of the courtroom. But what did Marco's arrival mean? Why was Rico's father present at Goldstone?

 A tense stare-down had ensued between father and son. It was only momentarily until Rico's father spread his arms to the son he disowned. Rico immediately embraced his father. The mother would not give up on the son... and neither would the father. “That's not all”, Marco said, his own eyes flooded with tears as with Rico and Ali. Stepping outside of the lounge, Marco gestured for someone to come forward. To Rico's further delight, it was his siblings, finally able to see their brother after a significant period of time.

It was certainly a moment of reconciliation. Admitting to his past mistakes was just the beginning of Marco accepting Rico for who he truly was, but it was a long road ahead. Rico found it ironic that he had never been this lucky before his life at Goldstone: having a mentor/lover, genuine friends willing to protect him, and bettering himself physically and mentally. And now, he has the full support of his family. With overwhelming support, Rico's future seems even brighter than ever.

To be continued...