Near‐Life Experience by Alix Bekins

[reviews_and_ramblings]

David and Jason are both texans in Los Angeles, both theater actors and buddy friends. But David has not shared all with his friend, in particular he has not shared the fact that, even if he dates women, what he is really interesting in is men. And four years before he had an unprotected relationship with a man that now called David to tell him that he is HIV positive and that David needs to get tested as soon as possible.

The only person David can rely for comfort and support is Jason, and Jason luckily confirms that he is really a good guy and friend. He is near David every step, he cuddles David when he is in fear, he calls him at night when he is down... in the two weeks it takes to have back the test, Jason becomes David's world. And during this period, David realizes that lately he didn't feel the need of a relationship since he just had it, with Jason. Now David needs to convince Jason that what he feels is not gratitude or loneliness, that Jason is not only a comfortable pillow to grip when he is down, but that he is the real one for David.

David and Jason are like thousands of people in the world. Young and healthy, they never thought that something like AIDS can happen to them, even if David knew that he wasn't always safe. But it's easier to forget what you don't want to admit. And then admit something like that maybe means also admit that he is gay and bisexual. Being bisexual is easier, you can make a little step out of the closet while really you still leave open the doors in case you want to retreat. And then, if David comes out, he risks to loose Jason. Sometime friendship is steadier than love, and maybe David is not ready to loose Jason.

While David is forced to come out when the AIDS threat raises its head, probably Jason would never do the same if not forced. Jason is kind and gentle, a steady friend, but maybe he is less daring than David. He never steps back when it's time to help his friend, but when it's time to make a step further in their relationship, it's when he wavers. Be generous with his friendship is easier than be open to love.

The book is not long, 60 pages, but it's really tender, and despite the serious matter, it manages to be also light and funny sometime.

http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/novellas.htm#Near_Life_Experience_

Amazon Kindle: Near-Life Experience

Reading List:

http://www.librarything.com/catalog_bottom.php?tag=reading list&view=elisa.rolle

Comments

[alix-bekins.livejournal.com]

Oh my gosh, I'm so embarrassed that I didn't reply to this message ages ago - I had my LJ alerts set up wrong. But I'm delighted that you enjoyed the story. Thank you so much for reading and for the lovely review!

-Alix