Disclaimer: This story is entirely fictional and not intended for minors or those judged unable by law to read this material. Any resemblance to actual people is purely coincidental and not intended.
The author reserves all rights to this work.
15 HARTFORD
The story so far: Martin's mother has died and Martin discovers that it was not really his mother after the funeral. Summer arrives and Martin and Michael celebrate the first anniversary of Jimmy's death. The story continues after summer and after Michael starts his second and final year.
Part 11 - The Disappearance
It was November and the chilling cold is just starting to come from the North. Michael had been very busy in his school work. He had already covered many subjects in the first year so that he could finish in two years instead of three. However, the second year was just as heavy, if not heavier. In the summer, he had often cooked dinner at Martin's flat and then go back to his flat for the weekend. However, presently, he was usually very tired after he finished on Friday and ended up having dinner out with Martin. Martin became very concerned with Michael's health.
"Mike, you are pressing on too hard. I think I was wrong to try to get you to finish in two years instead of three."
"Don't be silly, Martin. The workload is heavy, I admit, but I am able to handle it. It's just that I have extra classes on Thursdays and the experiments and projects lined up are more demanding," explained Michael just before he took a bite from a fried chicken wing.
"Look Mike, I think I am being too demanding on you. I know that getting together is important for our relationship but I think it is madness to expect you to turn up at my place after classes just so that we can sleep together."
Michael smiled. Martin was right. He had ended up sleeping immediately after hitting the bed when he spent Tuesday and Thursday nights at Martin's.
"I am sorry for sleeping when we should have been making love," said Michael in a very apologetic voice.
"Oh Mike," said Martin as he shook his head. "It has nothing to do with sex. I don't mind you sleeping at my place. It's just that if you go home immediately after school, you'll have a better rest to face the next day. I won't complain if you don't come over. I may miss you, but I know that it is for the better. I wouldn't want you to damage your health."
"So, are you chasing me out?"
"Of course not! What were you thinking ..." Martin started to say but he saw the twinkle in Michael's eyes. "I should have known better ..." and that caused Michael to give a small laugh.
"Will I at least have Fridays?" Michael asked in a pleading voice.
"I don't see why not. We'll still have dinner and then I will send you back."
It was settled. It was a once a week meeting for both of them until Michael graduated.
They did not want to make the same mistake the previous Christmas when they made last minute shopping. They had already planned what to get the Watson family and Nelly when they met at the beginning of December.
One of the football players from Manchester United was signing autographs at a sports shop in London on the first Thursday of December Martin agreed to take the morning off on that day to get to London early and get an autographed football. Both knew that Adam would really like an autographed football of that player.
Martin reached the shop at about half past seven. In front of him were about twenty young people, mostly teenagers. Martin felt a little embarrassed because he was the only middle-aged man there. At eight, the police came to set up cordons. By nine, the queue must have increased to at least two hundred. Martin looked behind him in the queue and spotted a few men and women older than he was. He felt less uncomfortable knowing he was not the odd one out. The crowd had really started to become big. Many were there with their cameras. When the player arrived at ten, there were shouts and screams, mainly from the girls in the crowd. There were flashes everywhere as almost everyone squeezed in front to get a snapshot of their favourite football hero. The police did a good job of containing the crowd and there was hardly any unpleasantness. Many of the young people in front were wearing the Man U colours but Martin was in his shirt and tie. When the player saw him, he grinned.
"You don't look like a football fan, sir," the player said.
"It's for my son," Martin lied, knowing that it would be difficult to explain his relationship with Adam. "He is a great fan of yours."
"You must love him very much to endure all of this to get him an autograph," the player said.
Martin just nodded and handed the player the football he had carried and said, "His name is Adam, Adam Watson."
"Well, Mr. Watson, I'll give you a signed poster as well. What would you say to that?"
"I'd say a big 'thank you', Adam would be thrilled."
An aide whispered something to the player who nodded and started signing. "I was just told not to keep the others waiting ..." the player said. He had a warm smile as he handed the poster and ball back to Martin.
"Thanks," was all Martin could muster up.
He moved aside and rolled up the poster as he exited. He was promptly ushered out to the street by one of the policemen. Martin had taken the train and he managed to return to his flat and then reached the workshop by one. He had taken a small sandwich on the train but he did not really have a good lunch. However, he was happy that he managed to get what he wanted. He skipped lunch to get back to work.
Charlene's present was a little easier, though it was expensive. One of her favourite bands was performing in London the Monday after Christmas. After some discussion, they decided to get four tickets so that Charlene and two of her friends could go to London with Mrs. Watson as chaperon. They managed to get Mrs. Watson to agree to the plan and so they booked using Martin's credit card which was offering priority booking.
For Nelly, Martin felt that she was too lonely up in the house when he was at work. So, they decided to get her a puppy. They managed to get in touch with a breeder who was able to deliver a puppy about three days before Christmas. Michael made arrangements with his family to look after the puppy as their contribution to the present for Nelly.
Mrs. Watson decided that they should invite Martin and Nelly for Christmas Eve Dinner. They were to arrive at about four because Nelly had insisted to help out in the kitchen.
Promptly at four, Nelly and Martin arrived.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Watson," Nelly greeted.
"Good afternoon, Miss Lessington," Mrs. Watson responded.
"Good afternoon, Miss Lessington," chorused the twins.
"Gosh, I have never been called that by friends. Even at work they would call me Nurse Nelly. Why don't you all just call me 'Nelly'. It would sound so much better."
Mrs. Watson smiled. "You must then call me Jo, short for Josephine."
"Alright, I will. Calling me by my name would help me feel younger. My hair is really greying this year."
"You must be teach me how you manage to hide those grey hairs so well, I don't notice any difference. You're as radiant as last year," Mrs. Watson said.
"Why! Thank you Jo. I am flattered."
"I wasn't flattering, just telling the truth."
"Hi there, Mr. McBain," Charlene greeted Martin.
Just as Adam was about to open his mouth, Martin said, "Since we are at the topic of names, I insist that you call me 'Martin'. It is so much more friendly and I am a friend of the family, aren't I?"
"Ok, Martin," Mrs. Watson said, "Then you must call me Jo, too."
"It would be strange," Adam said, "What about I call you Uncle Martin?"
Mrs. Watson knew that Martin had found out a way to get out of the awkwardness of addressing each other formally. She also knew that Martin would feel also feel uneasy if Adam were to address him 'Uncle' considering his relationship with Michael.
"Well, dear, we must respect Mr. McBain ... I mean, Martin's wishes. I know he wouldn't mind you calling him 'Uncle' but I don't think you want to give others that he might be trying to court me, do you?" Mrs. Watson said with a wink.
"Are you?" Charlene asked expectantly. She knew that her mother was lonely and she knew that Martin was a very nice man. She wasn't going to object if that were true.
Martin started to blush and the two older women started laughing.
"If that were true," Nelly remarked, "then I suppose I would have to do babysitting tonight!"
That brought about another round of laughter from the two women. Both knew that Martin did not want the twins to know the truth yet. However, it was a humourous turn of events.
"I wouldn't mind that!" said Adam, causing Martin to blush further and sending the two women off for another fit of laughter.
"Good afternoon everyone. What's going on?" Michael asked as he stepped into the house.
When Charlene explained the situation, Michael started laughing too. "Let's not laugh too much at Martin's expense shall we? I assume I can call you that now since you have given permission to everyone else?" Martin could only nod, not yet fully recovered.
"Adam, can you help me with the tree outside?" Michael asked.
"So that was why you were not here when Nelly and I arrived," Martin remarked.
Michael grinned and said, "Whilst the womenfolk are preparing dinner, I thought we menfolk could set up the tree and decorate the living room a little."
Charlene pretended to pout, "We women are always shooed into the kitchen!"
"No pouting, Charlene, or you would not get your presents from Santa Claus this year," Adam replied. "You better watch out..." Adam started singing 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town'.
Charlene put her hands over her ears and went into the kitchen.
Martin and Michael laughed.
The dinner was very lively with laughter and good cheer. They sat around after dinner to open their presents. When he saw the autographed football and poster, Adam became very excited. Charlene was so happy with the tickets. Martin had felt that there would be too many questions if the present were from both of them and so he bought separate presents for the twins. He bought a set of pens for Adam and a bottle of cologne for Charlene. Mrs. Watson beamed when she saw the pendant that Michael had picked for her and Martin supplied the chain.
"When I saw Michael pick up the pendant, I knew my task of looking for a present for you was easier, " Martin explained more for the twins' benefit.
Nelly squealed when she saw her present. She was very happy. "I thought you needed a companion for all the solitude in the house," Martin said. "It is a present from all of us. The Watsons had been taking care of the little fellow after we received her from the breeders." It was a pure-bred labrador pup.
The other presents were opened and everyone had a fine time. Soon, it was time for Nelly and Martin to go home. Martin had decided that it would be better for him to visit Michael the night after Charlene's concert. The both of them would then be able to spend a night together before the New Year when Michael would return home to be with his family.
Michael and Martin arrived at Martin's flat. The two of them had not been able to spend an intimate time together since that November when Martin felt that Michael needed his rest. They had spent Fridays together but he was usually tired and so it was just dinner and then on to home.
"Ummm," moaned Michael as Martin planted a kiss on his lips. They had finished dinner out and had just got into the flat.
Martin released Michael and said, "I missed you."
Michael moved his hands downward and found Martin's hardness. "I missed this."
Martin kissed Michael again. This time it was longer, their tongues reaching for each other. "I love you Michael." Martin looked into Michael's blue eyes to see the affection Michael had for him. He also could see something else. There was a yearning ... a hunger ... a desire in Michael's eyes. "When was the last time you came?" asked Martin.
Michael got distracted. He wondered why Martin was asking such a question. "I was here two weeks ago ..."
Martin laughed, "No, I mean when was the last time you had an orgasm?"
"Oh! I don't know exactly. I don't remember ever jacking off since I started the second year."
Martin smiled wickedly, "Therefore, I think we'd better fuck as soon as possible!"
Michael grinned at Martin's suggestion. He took Martin's hand and led him to the bedroom. They undressed each other and then mouths found dicks and within minutes, Michael was groaning uncontrollably. They came within seconds of each other. They kissed each other again, savouring the taste of each other.
"Now let's wash up and then we make love," Martin directed.
Michael was suprised. Martin had almost always been the passive partner. Michael had always directed him. This was a interesting development in their relationship. Michael did not mind it, in fact, he found it exciting.
As they washed each other, Martin could sense the wonder in his lover eyes. "What are you thinking about, love?"
"Not what, who ... I was thinking of you."
"I am here, what's there to think about?"
"You have taken command. I like that. Its a side of you I've only seen when you're at work."
Martin was surprised. He knew he did not have a good reputation at work for being human. "Am I being too commanding and rigid?" he asked worriedly.
"No, silly," Michael smiled. "I like it. I am not into those SM things but I like it when you take charge for a change. I sense you have a greater confidence as a lover."
"SM?" asked Martin.
"Sado-masochistic, you know where one partner is submissive and the other authoritarian. Sometimes there are slapping and stuff, not to injure, just to hurt a little."
Martin shuddered. "Doesn't sound like fun. You mean you like me if I hit you?"
"No," Michael replied. "I have never entered into that sort of thing. I don't think I like it, either."
"Good," Martin said, "I don't think I could ever bring myself to hit you."
"Let's forget about this SM thing."
"Good," Martin said a second time. "Actually, when I saw your hunger in your eyes when we came in, an idea formed in my mind. We should release all that sexual tension first and then we can take our time to make love."
"That's a good idea," agreed Michael.
In bed, later, Michael realised how much he had missed Martin. Martin was correct: after the need for physical sex was met, he was able to respond with his heart instead of his dick. As he felt Martin's arms around him, he realised that he missed his lover's physical expression of love. He felt emotionally safe with Martin. He responded by stroking Martin's back. He felt the sense of being loved and he wanted to reciprocate with his own expression of his love.
Martin missed Michael's nearness, and most of all his expressive blue eyes. The unspoken communication that Michael transmitted through those eyes helped Martin to value himself. Before he met Michael, his life meant work and looking after his mother. He did not really put any value in himself, only in the rules that governed the order in the workplace and at home. He did his duty. Michael changed all that. He had begun to value himself and found a meaning in life.
The caressing led to moans from Michael. Martin usually did not make much noise when they made love. Michael was more expressive vocally. Martin was almost always poker-faced when making love. Fortunately, Michael knew what those slight changes in Martin's facial expressions meant and how to respond to the urgency of Martin's movements.
It reached a point when Michael said, "I need you in me, Martin." Martin nodded and reached for a rubber and the lube on the bedside table. He prepared Michael for his entry whilst Michael rolled on the condom on Martin's dick. As Martin was pumping in and out of him, Michael was watching Martin's face. His eyes were closed and the slight frown told Michael that Martin was enjoying the pleasure that Michael was providing him. For Michael, the feeling had gone beyond just physical pleasure. He felt truly one with Martin. He felt Martin's movements getting more urgent and he knew that Martin was getting near.
"Martin, I love you so much!" Michael exclaimed softly. Martin opened his eyes and gave a little smile. He bent down and placed his lips over Michael's. As he did this, Michael put his arms around Martin's neck. Soon Michael could feel Martin coming. This brought about his climax as well.
After disposing of the condom and cleaning up, they got back to bed and continued to kiss. Michael nuzzled his face in the side of Martin's neck. Martin responded by lightly stroking through Michael's hair. They drifted off to sleep.
Michael was not happy. He had begun the second term of his studies when he found out that the laboratory that his project team needed to work in was not available except on Mondays and Fridays. The team were told that they could use it during their free periods on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. However, to accomodate one of the senior professors who had suddenly decided to use the lab for extra classes, the Tuesday and Wednesday slots were withdrawn. The team could not meet on Thursdays because it was impossible to accomodate everyone's schedule on that day. Thus, only Mondays and Fridays were left. Because they had one day less, they would have to make up time by working longer hours.
Later, Michael went to see Martin at his flat and decided to tell him the news over dinner.
"I don't like it either," Martin said with a sigh. "But it is inevitable. I am disappointed but am not too bothered by it. It is only for a few months and it would really help you in your studies."
"Well, I am not happy!" complained Michael, "we already have so little time together. I feel that it is very unfair."
"Hey, I love you and you love me. So long we have that love, what's a few months? After that, we have a life-time. Furthermore, I am not going anywhere."
Michael smiled at Martin. Martin could see the love in his eyes. "You know how much I love you?" Martin asked. Michael nodded his head. Martin continued, "And I will always love you." Michael gave Martin a hug.
"And I love you too, Martin!" Michael said. "We are going to struggle through this, aren't we?"
"Yes we are, my love."
As Michael had an early class the next day, Martin drove Michael home before going back to his flat after dinner.
Michael and his team managed to finish their project ahead of time. They handed up their report a week earlier than planned. After they handed up the reports, they decided to go back to relax. Michael had a better idea. He thought he'd surprise Martin at the workshop just at about lunch time. In fact, he had just enough time to make his way there without rushing.
He saw the familiar face of the receptionist.
"Hi there, Liz. Do you remember me?"
"How could I not remember you, ole' blue eyes?" she laughed. "Now, are you applying for a job again? The last I heard, you had some problems at home and you had to give up your job. Then I hear from Sally that you have gone back to school." Liz said all this with one breath.
Michael laughed. He had almost forgotten what had happened the year before. "No, I am here to see Mr. McBain."
"Mr. McBain? He's not working here anymore. He got transferred three weeks ago."
"He did?" Michael asked feeling a rush of panic entering his being. "Thanks," he said meekly as he turned and walked away.
"Hey Michael!" Michael knew the voice. He turned and tried to smile at the woman with shoulder length red hair, "Hi Sally."
Sally was already showing signs of motherhood. She saw Michael's eyes and her smile changed into a look of concern. "What's the matter, Michael? I thought you would be happy to see me."
Michael looked at her blankly and said softly, "Martin is not here ..."
"He transferred three weeks ago. You, of all people, should know."
"He did not say anything and we had not been able to meet for two months," explained Michael. His voice was shaking and his eyes were brimming with tears.
"Come with me, Mike. We need to talk." Sally held Michael's hands and they went to the reception area and sat down. Once seated, she started asking, "Have you both broken up or something? Why were you not seeing each other for ... two months?"
"I was having a lot of work at school and Martin did not want to stress me too much and so we started seeing less of each other, only on Fridays. Then when my final project came up, I was not able to see him even on Fridays. He was very understanding and said it was okay. He was willing to wait for me because it would be just for a few months. That was two months ago. My team managed to finish early and I thought I would surprise him for lunch ... What has happened, Sally? Why was he transferred? Why did he not tell me of his transfer?" Michael started to weep.
"This is strange. As far as I can tell, Gabe is still supervisor at the plant back in the suburbs. That means he is not there ..."
Michael started to talk quickly, "Could he have had second thoughts about our relationship and ran away?"
"That's silly, Michael. He should have been man enough to tell you in your face."
"Maybe he has found someone else?"
"In a month after telling you that he would wait for you? Martin McBain may have a strange personality but he is someone who keeps his word. You know his sense of right and wrong ..."
"There's something wrong here," Michael said, "I know I should be angry that he left without telling me, but I am not. I can't help but feel that there is something bad happened with Martin. It is so uncharacteristic of him!"
Suddenly, Michael thought of something, "Perhaps I can call Nelly, she would know!" Wiping his tears, Michael walked towards one of the three public telephones outside the building.
"Hello!" Nelly answered at the other end.
"Hello Nelly, this is Michael."
"Hello Michael, what can I do for you?"
"Well, I had just come to see Martin at his workshop and found out that he has been transferred. Do you know where he has transferred to?"
"Transferred? No, he still comes back on Friday nights and leaves on Sunday afternoons like he used to. He has not said anything to me."
Michael began to weep, "Neither has he said anything to me!"
"How strange? He should have told you. However, I do notice that he was a little withdrawn the past two weekends. Have you both gotten into a fight?"
"No. Not that I can remember. Did he leave you any telephone number to call just in case there was an emergency?"
"No he did not. I wish I could help you, Michael but I don't know what to do. I will see him next weekend and I will tell him to come and apologise to you."
"Thanks Nelly. Good bye!"
As Michael replaced the handset, Sally saw the tears in his eyes and guessed that there was no good news. "No news?" Michael responded with a nod and a sniffle.
There was a moment of silence and then Sally suddenly perked up. "I know what I can do. Don't you move young man. I may have a way to find out where Martin McBain is."
Sally was away for quite a while but she came back smiling. Michael looked up hopefully, "You have good news I hope?"
"Quite good, I believe."
"You know where he is?"
"Well, not quite. I tried to ask someone I knew at the office here but she did not have any clue. The manager was out and I could only speak to him tomorrow. He had a meeting in the afternoon and was not going to come in. I then tried to call the other workshop. I managed to talk to Gabe Duncan, the one who took over his job at the suburb workshop. He promised to find out and call me with the results. He did not know when he would come to the information, but he said he would call me at home. Now, we only have to wait."
Michael nodded. He stood up to leave when Sally put her hand on his shoulder. "Let me buy you lunch. I think you need the company."
"Thanks Sally, but I have already ..."
"Now you won't turn down a defenseless pregnant woman, will you? We don't have to talk if you don't feel like it, but I think a good lunch would do you good."
Michael did not have the energy to resist. He left with Sally. After lunch he walked back to his flat silently, wondering what had happened to Martin. His heart was breaking but it was his hope that kept him from reaching the conclusion that Martin had stopped loving him.
to be continued
Author's note: I had received several letters regarding my writing after the last part. I hope my writing has improved. Feedback will let me know what I can do to deliver more entertaining material for you so write, I could do with the encouragement and help. Thanks.
Soul Lark solark36@yahoo.co.uk