Lesson Number One (for Johnny)

"Brian Lawler, Jerry's son. use to be called Grand Master Sexay." Nolee shouted, tearing up. "He's a bad man and it's because he got addicted!"

"Well, that's real unfortunate but I'm not addicted, and I'm not a bad man." John said lowly. "I'm a slut, but I'm not a bad person."

Nolee nodded, feeling foolish. "I..I'm sorry..."

John looked down. "It's okay. I'm sorry." He murmured.

"No, it's mine." Nolee sighed. "I know your not Brian and not everyone is going to turn out like he did but..."

John nodded. "I know I need to quite. For my job at least. I'm trying..."

"How did you even get started in that nastiness?"

John shrugged. "Months ago, when Adam dumped me. I just... wanted to numb the pain."

"And the violent drunk comment?"

John shook his head. "I-It was nothing..."

"Tell me," Nolee said softly.

John looked down. "I uh... I was with Dave, before he quit. He um... he drank, a lot. And when he was drunk... he was violent, with me... He was very controlling." He sighed.

"He hurt you?" Nolee asked softly.

John nodded. "Yeah... a lot." He said, looking out the window.

Nolee hugged Johnny, "Some men are real jerks..."

John chuckled quietly. "Now that's an understatement." He sighed.

"Lemme guess you're use to jerks?" Nolee softly asked.

John shrugged. "I've had some good guys but I've dated many jerks." He said, smiling sadly.

"Mike seems to like you," Nolee softly said.

John smiled softly. "Yeah, he does doesn't he?" He said.

"See you do have someone," Nolee proudly smiled.

John sighed. "More or less. We're not really official. And I know for a fact you'll find someone."

"How can you be so sure?" Nolee asked.

John shrugged. "I'm a Shaman. I know all." He said with a grin.

"You so are not a Shaman," Nolee smiled turning on the television to a rerun episode of Family Guy.