Fiction | Chapter One | Steve and Glenn | By John Laing

Berlin, Germany. Steve and Glenn had been inseparable since elementary school, their friendship a constant through the ups and downs of adolescence. Now, as recent high school graduates, they were embarking on a European adventure before starting the next chapter of their lives—Steve on a full scholarship to Harvard and Glenn at Yale. This trip, a generous graduation gift from Glenn’s parents, was a celebration of their friendship and a final shared adventure before they parted ways.

Steve came from a conservative Jewish family, which had shaped much of his worldview and values. His parents, though supportive, held traditional views, emphasizing the importance of community and family heritage. Glenn, raised Episcopalian in an affluent family, valued open-mindedness and inclusivity. A committed vegetarian, Glenn had always been passionate about ethical living and social justice.

Their differences had never been a barrier; instead, they often found common ground in their shared interests. Both were enthusiastic supporters of progressive minds such as Kamala Harris, admiring her advocacy for civil rights and justice. They frequently engaged in deep conversations about politics and social issues, finding solace in their shared ideals despite their diverse backgrounds.

As they traveled through the historic cities of Europe, from Paris to Prague, their bond deepened. They marveled at the art in the Louvre, strolled through the quaint streets of Salzburg, and sampled the vegetarian cuisine in Florence, accommodating Glenn’s dietary preferences. Yet, amidst the laughter and adventure, an unspoken tension lingered—both knew that this summer was not just a prelude to their university lives, but also a turning point in their relationship.

One night in Vienna, after a long day of sightseeing, they found themselves in a quiet café, drinking local beer. The conversation drifted to their futures and the challenges ahead. They had been intimate since their junior year, sharing a bed on this trip, but their closeness had always been framed as ‘boys being boys,’ nothing “special.” However, the topic of love came up, and they hesitated, each waiting for the other to speak.

Finally, Glenn, always the more outspoken, confessed that he had feelings for Steve that went beyond friendship. Steve, his heart pounding, admitted he felt the same. The revelation was both exhilarating and daunting. They were in love, and both finally acknowledged it, but the road ahead was uncertain.

Steve worried about how his conservative family would react, fearing they might not accept his relationship with Glenn. Glenn, though supported by his family, knew the challenges of a long-distance relationship, especially with Steve’s commitments to his faith and cultural practices, such as observing kosher dietary laws.

Despite these concerns, they decided to try to make it work. They promised to communicate openly, visit each other as often as possible, and support each other’s dreams and aspirations. They also agreed to navigate their religious and cultural differences with mutual respect and understanding, finding ways to blend their traditions and values.

The rest of their trip was a mix of romance and introspection. They explored Rome, visiting both ancient synagogues and cathedrals, tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain, and wishing for strength and unity. In Venice, they took gondola rides, discussing their favorite Kamala Harris speeches and dreaming about a future where they could openly share their love.

As their incredible journey drew to a close, they stood on a bridge over the Thames in London, watching the sunset. They held hands, feeling the weight of their promises and the uncertainty of the future. Yet, they were hopeful. They knew that love was a journey, one that would require patience, effort, and a lot of faith—in themselves and each other.

Returning home, they faced their families. Steve’s parents were initially shocked but eventually grew to understand and accept his relationship with Glenn, seeing the love and respect between them. Glenn’s family welcomed Steve warmly, appreciating his efforts to respect Glenn’s beliefs and lifestyle. Glen’s mother seemed to be happier then his father, but his father like a good WASP masked any concerns he felt. Together, then, Steve and Glenn navigated their new reality, finding ways to bridge their differences and celebrate their love.

Their story became one of resilience and commitment, a testament to the power of love in overcoming cultural and religious barriers. As they prepared to head to their respective universities, they felt a renewed sense of purpose and connection, ready to face whatever challenges the future might bring. Freshman fall quarter awaited.

Friendship to Love: Unforgettable Summer Adventure in Europe (July 24, 2023)

Chapter Two

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TAGS: Interfaith Love, Cultural Diversity, LGBTQ Love, Jewish Christian Couple, Vegetarian Lifestyle, European Adventure, Love Across Borders, Fiction, New Beginnings, Summer Romance, Cross Cultural Relationships