It's the mid-1970s filled with bellbottoms, afros, and soul soul soul. John Henry and Alphonse discover an intoxicating blend of desire and power that binds them together. "The Beginning of John Henry and Alphonse" is a steamy New Adult short story that delves into the passionate and tumultuous relationship between two young men on the brink of adulthood. Their encounters unfold in hidden corners and secluded spots where they can explore their forbidden connection away from prying eyes. Car windows fog up with the heat of their clandestine meetings, each twist and maneuver in the confined space revealing the shifting dynamics of control and domination between them.As they navigate the complexities of their burgeoning desires and the societal constraints of their time, John Henry and Alphonse must confront their deepest fears and insecurities. Their journey is one of self-discovery and awakening, where love and power are inextricably linked, and every encounter pushes them closer to the edge of their limits. "The Beginning of John Henry and Alphonse" is a raw and evocative exploration of young love, power, and the intense emotions that come with finding oneself in another in the vast, impersonal landscape of the city. Charles W. Harvey is a native Houstonian and a graduate of the University of Houston. At UofH he studied fiction under the guidance of Rosellen Brown and Chitra Divakaruni. In 1987, Charles was a 1st place prize recipient of PEN/Discovery for his short story Cheeseburger, which went on to be published in the Ontario Review. In 1989 Charles Harvey was awarded the Cultural Arts Council of Houston Grant for Writers and Artists. Also in 1989 he was a finalist in the MacDonald's Literary Achievement Awards. Charles has been published in Soulfires, Story Magazine SHADE, High Infidelity, The James White Review, and others. He is the author of the novels The Butterfly Killer, The Road to Astroworld, and Antoine's Double Trouble. He is also the author of several story and poetry collections. He also writes for the stage and screen.
