A Good Year at Linwood High, chapter 4
The following Thursday was Rhett's birthday. Like Ashton, he hadn't wanted a big party. He'd originally planned to have just Ashton and Carson come over, but he couldn't exclude Griff since the kid was living with the Havel's. So, those three teens were the only ones present in addition to the family.
Brianna was pleased to have Carson included since the two of them were dating pretty regularly. He might not be her forever-boyfriend, but she wouldn't complain if he were. They were looking at the possibility of attending the same university so they wouldn't be separated after high school.
Unlike Ashton's party, this one didn't include a sleepover. That, too, would have presented an awkward situation. So, Rhett and Ashton were planning a little together-time for Saturday night. Griffin insisted that he would be fine in his own room and didn't want to spoil anything between his best buds.
Like Ashton, Rhett ask that his guests bring only a card. He knew that Griffin was watching his pennies, and he didn't want anyone to feel obligated.
After the cake was served, the teens did the usual things, like playing a few video games, but those didn't go too late because it was a school night.
Griffin was slightly younger than his two friends but not by much. He would turn 15 on Sunday. On Friday, Terry called Kathryn for advice about nearby motels because he was planning to come to Iowa so his son didn't have to spend his birthday without any family present. To take care of two obligations at once, Terry would fly in on Sunday to celebrate Griffin's special day, and then he could spend a few days checking out housing the following week.
Instead of recommending the Longbranch where they'd stayed in June, she insisted that he be their guest. There were more bedrooms in her house than anyone needed, and it didn't make sense for him to spend money on accommodations when he was already laying out a lot for airline tickets.
Terry was hesitant about taking her up on it because Joaquin would be with him. He wasn't sure how open-minded these people would be.
"Um, my husband will be with me, and that would be an additional stranger in your house," he demurred. "We shouldn't impose."
"The more the merrier! We'd love to get acquainted with both of you. There are two unused bedrooms with king-sized beds on the same floor with your son, so you can have your choice."
After her enthusiastic response, Terry felt welcome.
Kathryn decided to host a celebratory dinner for Griffin on Sunday, including a coconut cake which she'd found out was his favorite. She wasn't sure if everyone would be as passionate about that flavor, so she would make a chocolate one as well. This boy could do with some indulging!
Ashton thought of another birthday treat for Griffin which he could enjoy on Saturday night. It would have to take place then instead of Sunday because it involved inviting Levi for a sleepover, and most parents wouldn't want their kids staying up late before a school day.
He'd been looking for an excuse to play matchmaker, and after watching the two of them dance on Wednesday, he figured they'd be happy to have time together before Griffin's father and stepfather arrived. Two adults housed on the same floor wouldn't be the end of the world, but it was bound to put a damper on the activities the boys might like to engage in.
Levi accepted the invitation without any hesitation. He knew that Griffin was living at Havel House and, of course, was happy to be with other guys from the band whom he was pretty sure were gay. No one had brought up the subject, but he hadn't missed the intimate looks that passed between them. Having been at the dance might not have labeled them. However, they'd mostly partnered with each other instead of a girl. Brianna, Megan, and Chloe had danced with some of the unattached boys at times that night. Still, it seemed like Ashton and Rhett had rarely been apart.
On Saturday night, Levi arrived before dinner as he'd been invited to do. It was a casual supper cooked on the grill by William Havel. He enjoyed doing it, and it was a way to give Kathryn the night off.
Shortly after eating, the four boys headed upstairs while Carson stayed behind to help his father set the kitchen to right. He'd let Ashton know ahead of time that he wouldn't have KP duty when he had guests to entertain.
"I brought my sleeping bag," Levi said. "That's what we always did back at my last school, and you didn't say anything."
"Do you have an aversion to sharing a bed with someone else?" Ashton grinned.
"Um, not especially..."
"Rhett and I were planning to sleep in my bed, and I think Griffin would share his."
"I could do that," Griffin said quickly. Then he blushed about looking too eager.
"In the meantime, we have video games to play and we could show you the hidden rooms upstairs."
"I wanna see the rooms before anything else!" Griffin insisted. "You keep saying you'll show me secret stuff and you never do."
"I'm sorry, Griff. Something always seems to come up. I didn't want to do it while Megan and Dave were here and then it got late."
"Okay, but can we do it now?"
"Sure."
Ashton decided to save the lab until last, so he started with the hidden library. When he slid the panel back, Levi gasped right along with Griffin.
"Wow! This is like out of a movie. Is all this stuff for real?"
"Yup, it's probably as old as the house. These kerosene lamps are antiques and they still work."
Saying that, Ashton lit them and turned off the electric lights in the ballroom. Although it was still early twilight outside, the subdued, flickering light of the lamps gave the place an eerie cast.
"This is Anton Havel's diary," Ashton announced dramatically, removing a cotton cloth draped over it to keep the dust off. "We learned a lot about my great-great-great-grandfather from reading it."
"And we learned about mine as well," Rhett chimed in. "They were, um, special friends..."
"As in really close?" Levi asked.
"As in lovers," Ashton grinned.
"Way cool!"
"Yeah," he agreed.
"Okay, I've stalled long enough. Now that it's darker out, we can appreciate the rest."
So saying, Ashton picked up one of the lamps he'd lit and led the procession to the other side of the ballroom. Rhett did the honors and opened that panel.
Ashton went in first with Griffin and Levi close behind. The flickering lamplight lent an even more mysterious air to the room.
"Oh my God! Is this Frankenstein's lab?" Griffin gasped.
"Well, kinda," Ashton admitted. "We think my ancestor tried to bring his lover back to life here. See that helmet thingy? We believe he tried to harness lightning to awaken his brain. There was a wooden coffin here when we discovered the room, but Phineas Kirk is resting in it now."
"Oh man, that's really spooky," Levi exclaimed. "How much of this are you making up?"
"None. Will it mess up your sleep?" Ashton worried.
"Nah, I love mysteries and sci-fi stuff."
"Do you believe in ghosts?" Rhett asked.
"I believe in the possibility, but I've never seen one," Levi answered.
"And you're not likely to find one here either. Earlier in the summer, Ashton felt a kind of presence, and so did I, and we think it might have been two `presences.' But, after we exhumed my great-great-great-grandfather's body from the root cellar and laid him to rest in the cemetery, everything quieted down."
"Are you serious?" Griffin's eyes got as big as saucers. "This is creeping me out!"
"Yup, it's all peaceful now."
"If you get scared in the night, I'll bet Levi will keep you safe," Ashton smirked.
"Yeah, I will," Levi promised, putting his right arm around Griffin's shoulders.
Other than touching hands when dancing, this was the first real physical contact the two boys had had. Both felt a jolt of electricity that might have been powerful enough to revive a corpse.
After closing up the secret rooms, the guys went up into the widow's watch to look out across the neighborhood. There were lingering rays of pink and orange from the setting sun streaking fluffy clouds, and all looked serene. The view eased the feelings Griffin had experienced earlier.
Computer games also helped to change the mood. After playing for a while, the guys went down to the kitchen for a snack. When they got back, Ashton revealed the rest of the entertainment.
"Do you guys want to do something sexy?"
"Um, I'd have to know what it was and who'd be involved before I answer," Levi winced.
"Well, it's up to you guys. I thought the two of you might like to take a bath in the antique tub like Rhett and I do sometimes. We fill it about halfway with warm water and one of us sits with his back to one end and the other sits in the opposite direction. The faucets and drain are in the middle, so no one's back is wedged against them. One guy's legs will have to go over the other's and it makes for a very pleasant bath-time because your butts abut!" he joked
"Um, are you planning to be in the room watching?"
"Nope, Rhett and I will take a quick shower in the other bathroom. If you don't want to share the tub, we can switch. When we're all nice and clean we can go to our own rooms and do whatever."
The bath sounds really hot!" Griffin sighed. "You wanna do it, Levi?"
"Yeah!"
"Do you think they'll figure out how easy it is to suck someone's toes in that position?" Rhett giggled, as the two of them crawled naked into Ashton's bed.
"Nah, I think they'll be so turned on by having their balls touching that they'll probably explode before they think of anything kinkier. Did I overdo it by pushing them into sex before they're ready?"
"Nope. You haven't forced them to do anything. You've just provided an opportunity. It's up to them if they make use of it."
Ashton responded to the light tapping on his door around 8:30 the following morning. Rhett and he had been up and used the bathroom already. They were in their underwear, propped up in bed.
"Come in."
"We didn't know if you'd be awake," Griffin grinned.
"We figured you two would be all worn out and sleep until noon," Ashton teased back. "Come sit in bed with us and tell us whatever you want to share. Like, how did your bath go?"
Both boys blushed to a deep crimson and seemed tongue-tied, which answered his question.
"Okay, I won't ask," Ashton continued. "It's really none of my business anyway."
"It was awesome!" Levi sighed. "I've never done anything like that before and I can't wait to do it again! That tub is the best!"
"We like it," Rhett agreed. "Of course, you can assume the same position in bed and not get wet, but we do love the tub. This house has a lot of great features."
"Speaking of which, did you guys get a visit from a ghost?" Ashton grinned.
"We forgot all about stuff like that," Griffin said. "Levi kept me safe all night!"
"You messed around all night?"
"No, but we snuggled all night. I've never slept better. I didn't even think about how I got thrown out."
They were interrupted by Carson knocking on the frame of the open door.
"Dad wants to know when you want breakfast. He and I are making it because Mom has some baking to do.
"Did you all squeeze into one bed?"
"Nope, we used two rooms. We're just catching up," Ashton told him. "We can be ready in 15 minutes, if that's okay."
"I'll go tell him."
Instead of playing more video games, the boys spent most of the morning up in the secret rooms on third floor. Levi was as fascinated by them as Griffin was. Ashton and Rhett shared a lot of info with them, making them promise not to tell it around. Both agreed. Griffin, at last, had his curiosity satisfied. Before lunch, Levi and he went back to his bedroom to satisfy some other needs. It appeared that the two had connected in a serious way.
The plane bringing Terry and Joaquin from Arizona touched down at the Eastern Iowa Airport at 2:35 PM on Sunday. William had driven the SUV with Griffin and Ashton along. Not knowing how much luggage the men would be bringing, Rhett had volunteered to stay home so it wouldn't be too crowded. He had a little homework which he should have done earlier and would come over when the rest got back.
The reunion of father and son in the terminal lobby was an emotional one. Joaquin was going to stand back until they'd separated, but William went up to him introduced Ashton and himself.
As Griffin had guessed, Joaquin was a handsome Latino man. He wasn't overweight but had just enough meat on his bones to make him look like a big teddy bear. It was easy to see why Terry had been drawn to him.
When Terry finally released his son from his embrace, he expressed his gratitude to William for rescuing the boy.
"I'm not sure I know anyone in my neighborhood who would have done something like that! You people are saints."
"You'll have to get used to stuff like that here. Our neighbors kept our son for over a week when we had to go to Florida, and that was before they knew us well. Of course, our sons and their kids had become instant friends. I think it's how the Midwest operates.
"We should probably head for the carousel, though I doubt your bags are unloaded yet."
When the SUV pulled into the drive of Havel House, Terry's eyes lit up.
"Um, no one mentioned that Griffin was living here!"
"I thought you knew he was staying with us," William shrugged.
"Yeah, but I didn't know you lived at Havel House! I remember hearing stories about the place when I was a kid. I don't think any of the locals ever slept here and few were ever inside. I saw Ms. Havel only once, and that was enough to scare me away. She looked like she was a hundred years old and she was dressed in black!"
"I understand she was quite a character," William agreed. "I think the black attire and her theatrical appearance was part of what drew her wealthy guests from around the country. Rhett's uncle Ken told us that she advertised in magazines published by groups who study paranormal activity. She probably cultivated her `other-worldly' looks to impress them."
"She did seem other-worldly, as you put it. I lived in the next town, but I'd get my parents to drive past the house on Halloween night just to see all the flickering lamps in the second-floor windows. She never lit the porch light, so no one tried to trick-or-treat. We figured she'd put a hex on us if we did!"
"You'll have to ask Rhett about her when he comes over. He seemed to think she was a nice old lady. While she still lived here, she always set out cold drinks for him when he mowed."
Rhett and Levi had been invited over for Griffin's official birthday dinner. Kathryn had done a roast beef with all the trimmings. It was a like a holiday feast. She was doing her best to be a surrogate mother. Griffin was an adorable boy, and she couldn't understand how his own mother could pitch him out.
From the demeanor of everyone there, an outside observer might have assumed it was a family reunion. No one seemed to have any problem relating to anyone else. Terry and his husband conversed easily with their new acquaintances. Griffin was proud of his father whom he'd seen so little of in recent years.
The two kinds of cake for dessert were a hit as well. Almost everyone had at least a sliver of each. Griffin stuck to coconut. He appreciated what Kathryn had done for him and gave her a hug when dinner was over.
The kids had all given Griffin cards with a little money in them. Levi's card included a short note which made Griffin blush when he read it. He quickly put it back in the envelope and didn't share it with the rest.
Kathryn and William had given him a package to open. It contained a hoodie with the Linwood High logo on it. Griffin was truly touched.
His father and stepfather presented him with an Amazon gift card so he could spend it anyway he liked. There was also a heartfelt note tucked inside.
The formal dining room was in the old part of the mansion, of course. It had all the trappings of bygone elegance. After dinner, the guests were ushered into the original parlor where Terry and Joaquin were impressed with the beautiful antiques.
"I'm a fan of the Antiques Roadshow on PBS," Joaquin said. "I lack the expertise of a dealer, but I'd wager that some of the objects in this room are worth many hundreds of dollars."
"We've been told that," Kathryn agreed. "I'm more interested in their value as objects that are pleasing to the eye. It is a bit like living in a museum. Honestly, we spend the majority of our time at home in the new addition."
"Is the piano playable?" Terry asked.
"It's in mint condition," William answered. I understand Andela had it refurbished with new felting and all a year before she had to go to the nursing home. We had it retuned just last week.
"Would you like to try it?
"Yes, please!"
Terry sat down at the beautiful old baby grand and played Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata from memory. When he finished, there wasn't a sound in the room for several seconds. Then, everyone jumped up and applauded.
"Wow!" Willian responded. "You're concert material!"
"Thanks. I studied at the Juilliard after high school but dropped out and went into finance. You can't make a decent living as a pianist unless you're world-class."
"You sound that good to me," Kathryn insisted.
"I've kept up some of my skills on my electronic keyboard but that's like a rusty old Ford and this is like a Rolls Royce!"
"You're welcome to make use of it anytime while you're here."
"Dad, I knew you studied music, but wow!" Griffin said. "We should all play together sometime. I'm not as good as Ashton, but I'm getting better."
"Speaking of playing," Terry said, "I'll bet you guys would rather be playing video games than listening to me. It's supposed to be a party! You'll soon tire of being around your old man."
"Never!" Griffin exclaimed. "I'm so glad you're willing to come back to Iowa and take me in."
"I don't look at is as `taking you in,' it's like bringing you home," Terry insisted, rising to embrace his son. "I've waited a long time to have you back."
Most everyone in the room had to brush away at least one tear
When the party was over, Carson volunteered to drive Levi home. Griffin really wanted to go along so he could get a goodnight kiss, but he felt it wouldn't be proper to leave his father, so he walked Levi out to the car instead. It was a quickie, but he did get his smooch.
Although he didn't see it happen, Terry guessed what had transpired when Griffin came back inside looking flushed. He had missed some years with his elder son and didn't know him as well as he'd like to, but he couldn't miss the affection the boy had for Levi. He remembered his first crush and hoped that his son wouldn't get hurt if things didn't work out long-term.
Terry and Joaquin were thrilled with their accommodations and Kathryn's insistence that they take their meals with the family. So, in return, the men decided to treat everyone to dinner out at least every other day to help pay back their hospitality. After all, it would cost them as much or more to stay in a motel room, and they'd miss a lot of time with Griffin. Kathryn was fine with the arrangement!
Author's notes: I heard from Chandra B, Ray M, Walter S, Peter S, Charles G, Ott H, Jim M, Mendy D, Gordon, JJ R, Paul F, Marty H, Jim W, Frank K, Steve C, Bill T, (16) John L, Joe W (1), Allen, Paul R, and Zero M this week. I appreciate knowing you enjoyed the chapter. Your emails keep me going in this stressful time. Having a derecho on top of months of social distancing is getting old!
Thanks to David (Boxerdude) for editing this chapter.
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David