Aarons Year of 77

In the weeks to follow the assignments continued to be piled onto to us and one by one, we started to lose people by the curbside. As Adam's Birthday and Thanksgiving approached, the first semester English class shrank from twenty-one students down to fifteen. A partial refund of tuition fees was available to those students who changed their mind about the Program within the first month after commencement. Some have decided to cut their losses and drop out, rather than continue to endure the brutal pace and demands of the Program.

I'll be honest. There were several times when I became discouraged and wanted to just hop the bus and go home. But I remembered that last horrible phone call and the awful conversation I had with my sister Ariana before she and Warren moved away. And in some twisted way, she really did me a favor when she told me I wouldn't last through the first semester. I was damned-well going to prove her wrong. And so, I persevered and tried to keep focus on why I was there and what my end goals were.

The sacred five, who I thought would be the ones to make it through the first semester... Aleyn, Lorita, Melora, Lynne and Colin offered up their own surprises. As we entered the second week of October, Line dropped out, then followed by Lorita.

I must admit, Lorita was not a surprise to me.

Lynne however, well... that shocked me. I was to learn later that her Father had been diagnosed with Cancer. And, as he was divorced and as Lynne was his only child, she was stepping in to provide health care and support to him. I was truly sorry to see her leave the Program. She had talent. I hope she returns to the Program sometime in the future. I know though had it been one of my parents, I would have done the exact same thing without a moment's hesitation.

Colin continued to chat up every gullible female in the class. And it always seemed to me that his projects and presentations seemed to assimilate design concepts that were suspiciously borrowed from those fellow classmates who fell under his spell.

Aleyn always seemed to manage to complete his assignments and continued to maintain his `C+' average. He remained just under the radar and avoided the dreaded wooden rod that Camilla continued to brandish like a crazy, near-sighted empress. As the weeks rolled on, I have to admit his sarcasm and biting, sometimes cruel wit and observations made me glad he was sitting beside me... even though he made me feel less than him somehow when he compared my parents and background with his at times.

As for Melora, I was determined I would be her partner for the group assignments we were told would be coming up in the second and third terms. She was my hero.

My marks seemed to be all over the place that first semester. I tried to focus on what courses I considered to be important and which were prerequisites to pass in order to go on to the next stage. For example, Interior Design One was a precursor to Interior Design Two and such until the final year, when a major thesis project on hotel and restaurant planning would complete the Program. We had some fluff courses which were added to the curriculum in order to meet the requirements of the Program and provide opportunities for creative expression. They touched upon Industrial and Graphic Design, Professional Photography, History of Art and Furniture and English, of all things! And while they did little more than create additional stress with more workload and assignments, I have to admit I found some of them to be fun and a welcome respite from drafting and building construction and assembling abstract models reflecting Design Theory and Principles.

Lynda Naagy-Birdsong's major assignment for my first semester was stumping me. Even so, I found her lectures on History of Design and Architecture as well as her ones on History of Furniture Design to be interesting and useful. Giving Lynda credit, she knew how to hold a student's attention and was knowledgeable on the subject matter she spoke about in her classes. But the one major project we were given by her to be handed in for 60% of our grade for the first semester was one I just could not get my head around.

It was to be either a presentation booklet or series of display boards reflecting `Architectural History from our own personal, creative perspective' and was to demonstrate our knowledge of certain periods of Architecture. As well, it was to be a visually appealing, professional-looking presentation integrating best practices of Graphic Design in how we laid out whatever subject matter we were planning to cover.

"Hi Mom. I'm glad you called! How are things back in Brock Vegas?"

We're both laughing at the sarcastic term to describe the city and then she says, "Hello Aaron. Everything is good here. Blackjack misses you. And he's been moping around the house for the past month. You are coming home for Thanksgiving on October 10th, I'm assuming?"

"Yes, of course Mom. I'm coming home for the whole weekend. I could use the break. And I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving Dinner with you and Dad. Your apple, strawberry crumble pie is something I wouldn't miss. Oh... and thanks for asking Adam too. I know he really appreciated the invitation."

"That was one of the reasons I called you Aaron. Please give Adam a call and get him to ask his Mother to come as well. She'd probably welcome a break from having to do up her own dinner for Thanksgiving and let someone else entertain her for a change."

"OK, Mom I will. And I'll ask him to get back to you."

"We miss you Aaron."

"Hi Adam!"

"Heya' cookie boy. I miss you baby! I'm glad you called. What's up... besides what you're most likely grabbin' onto there right now with your right hand?"

"Well, we haven't talked all week and I miss you too. I just got off the phone with Mom. She called me and told me to ask you about having your Mom come to join us all for Thanksgiving dinner. Would you ask her and maybe give Mom a call to let her know if she can come too? She said it might give her a nice break from having to cook herself."

"Ok babe. Sure thing. But she might be having her own dinner with Bast though. And remember, she wants you to come for dinner too... maybe on the Friday when you are down that weekend. I sure hope you're gonna' be hungry that night!"

Well the food up here is the pits. So any home-cooked meal would be appreciated. You know I think I've actually lost weight."

"Baby no! Your only 115 pounds soaking wet now. You can't afford to lose weight. I don't wantcha' gettin' sick up there Aaron."

"I know."

"Uhm, uh... Aaron, I better warn you about your Mom before you come down that weekend. I went over to help her get her garden ready for winter and she, uhm, well... she, uh kinda' looks a little bit different since you started school."

"What do you mean?"

"Well baby, she's got her hair done now in a big, frizzy Afro' and was wearin' a bright red, one piece zipped-up pantsuit when I was over there. She sorta' looks like she's trying to look like that woman outta' that movie The Bride of Frankenstein'. And she asked me to teach her how to do The Hustle' cause she wanted to go out sometime to the disco out at Long Beach!"

"What? Tell me you're kidding! And how dare you compare my Mother to her!"

I'm actually trying not to laugh at his comparison of her to Elsa Lanchester. I can just about picture it in my mind.

"Nope Aaron. I'm bein' dead serious baby. I asked your Dad about it and he just kinda' shrugged his shoulders and said something about her going through Menopause. Then he laughed and said she'd been goin' through it for the last twenty-five years of their marriage! It's actually kinda' funny what he said."

"Oh my God... thanks for warning me."

Then he changes the subject and continues with, "How are the assignments and courses going? I know you've been busy. It's been really hard for me not to pick up the phone to talk with ya'. But I really wantcha' to concentrate on your studies there."

Adam, I'd rather you call me, even if only to talk for a couple of minutes than sit around here and wonder why you haven't. Let's make a deal to call each other every couple of days, OK?

"Well, OK... uhm, do ya' want me to come up and pick you up on October 9th and bring ya' back to Brockville for the weekend? Mom isn't using the car that night. And she thought maybe you and I could come over for dinner once we got back with her and Bast. She promised no turkey though `cause we'll be having that with your Mom and Dad. Would ya' like that baby?"

"That would be great. Yes! How are you there Adam? "

"Like I said, I miss you baby. I've gone over to see your parents a few times and had a couple of suppers with `em too. I've been helping my Mom a bit. And other than that, just work as usual at the store. Not much really happening back here in good old Brock Vegas Aaron."

"I wish I could say the same. I've got this one assignment I have to do for 60% of my mark for History of Architecture and I have absolutely no idea what I am going to do yet. It's beginning to really bother me, to tell you the truth."

"Well cookie boy, let's you and I just forget about work and classes and assignments that weekend, and just walk around town here and enjoy the fall weather and each other. Does that sound like a plan to you?"

"Sounds like a perfect plan, since you're a part of it. I love you Adam."

"I love you too Aaron. I miss you so much."

Friday, October 9th arrives and Adam pulls up in his Mom's lime green Volvo to pick me up for Thanksgiving weekend. "Heya' baby!" he says, as he closes the front door and moves in to grab me in a tight embrace. "What the fuck are all these pillow cases stuffed with? Have ya' not done a laundry since I was last up?"

"Uhm, no Adam. I just haven't had the time to go and sit in the laundromat and wait for everything to wash and dry. I know Mom won't mind if I do them down there. God! I missed you so much!"

"Judging from how hard my dick's gettin' at the moment, I'm guessin' it musta' missed you too!"

I reach down to grope Adam's big basket and realize he's as hard as a rock and not wearing any underwear, given the sticky wet spot that's starting to seep through the warm crotch of his jeans.

"I'm going to do you right now Adam. I've missed how you taste and smell and I just have to, like, right now."

"Well, my dick was half hard drivin' all the way up here. So if ya' wanna' taste of my big light sabre, then get down there and do me now before we hop into my Mom's car to head back to Brockville. Am not gonna' have ya' suck me off in my Mom's car `cause that would be just too weird baby."

"Well that kind of spoils my plans to play with your stick shift on the way back." We'll have to negotiate that on the way home Chewbacca!"

"Well cookie, to quote you... all things are negotiable."

"You've been reading more chapters in that `Joy of Gay Sex' book, given how you're goin' down on me there."

My tongue is teasing the tip of his big, stiff cock and sucking up every bit of pre-cum that's leaking out of it. I can smell his cloying, provocative man scent, and my hand is massaging his pleasure trail. He has to lean back against the wall to steady himself. And all I can hear are his moans of pleasure as I take his entire cock in my mouth, while my finger plays with his anus."

"Fuck baby! I'm gonna' cum like anytime now! Keep strokin' my balls babe! I gotta' get rid of some of my ball juice and I'm gonna' explode deep inside your mouth like, right fuckin' now!"

"Aww! `Fuckin' fuck' babe! What a perfect way to start a Thanksgiving weekend with ya'. Jeezus fuck, I've missed you so much Aaron."

"I promised Mom we'd be back no later than 7:00pm for dinner with her and Bast. She's gonna' have dinner on the table for us for 7:30pm so we better pack up all your crap here and get back on the road like, right now!"

"OK Adam. But before we go, I got you a birthday present for next Wednesday. And I want you to open it now."

"Aww baby! Better not be a pair of your cum-stained bikini briefs there. I'm not gonna' wash `em for ya'! Seriously though honey, ya' really didn't hafta' go and do that."

"I know I didn't... "

Adam gives me a stunned look of surprise and we both laugh.

"You didn't think I was going to forget now, did you? I didn't have time to wrap it so the plastic bag will have to do."

Adam opens up the bag and pulls out an Algonquin College sweatshirt, dark evergreen in colour, with the College Crest logo and lettering and after a few long seconds looks at me and says, "Aaron, this was really thoughtful of you. Thanks so much cookie."

"It should fit you and I hope you like it."

"I'll wear it to bed to remind me of you every night," he says softly.

He is oddly quiet while checking the size label on the sweatshirt and I know he is thinking something. "Is it OK Adam? Is it the right size? Do you like the colour? Would you have wanted something else?"

"Well baby, Algonquin is where you're going to school up here. And to be honest, I'd rather I was wearin' you to bed every night. But it's a really sweet present and I'll wear it when you're not around and when I miss you, which is like, almost all the time now these days."

He reaches out and pulls me into him and my hand somehow makes its way into his shirt, rubbing his chest hair until he eventually sighs and says, "No more of that for now or we'll never get outta' here and down to Brockville in time for dinner. Thanks again for the present Aaron. I do love you, you know."

"You better Adam. That sweatshirt cost me thirty-five bucks!"

He laughs and says to me, "I'm worth it babe."

We're pulling up in front of Delphine Blanchard's house on Broadway Crescent and I have to admit, I'm a bit nervous really meeting and having the chance to talk with her for the first time. I look at the raised ranch bungalow style house with the double car garage on the basement level and a big, curved bay window beside the front door. It's very different from my Mom and Dad's house. I'm guessing it was built in the early to mid `sixties. It's right on the curve of the crescent at the top of a little hill and the front garden and hedges look carefully clipped and manicured.

"Mom and my Dad bought the house when it was first built and this is where I grew up Aaron," says Adam, as he hops out of the car and comes around to my side. "Now, you just be yourself and don't think you need to impress anyone to get' em to like ya'. We're gonna' have a nice dinner. And after that I'll take you on over to your parents' place, OK Aaron?"

"Hi boys! Glad you made it back before dinner. You certainly made good time on the road. Adam, you know Bast already. Aaron, this is a good friend of mine, Sebastien Forestier from the Hospital. He works for your Father as an Orderly there."

"Nice to meet you Mr. Forestier."

"Call me `Bast' Aaron. Everyone else does. We want to hear all about how your first few weeks of school have been for you. Del, that bottle of wine I brought over. Let's open it now before dinner."

Walking into the living room, the first thing I see is a huge `L'-shaped sectional sofa in an avocado green and burnt orange, bold floral fabric with clear plastic slipcovers over it... and a coppertone brown, thick shag carpet on the floor. Up on the wall, above the biggest combination stereo television liquor cabinet console I've ever seen is a beautiful quilted piece hanging from a maple rod that I'm guessing Adam's Mother must have made.

"That hanging quilt is really beautiful Mrs. Blanchard."

"It's Del' sweetie. Call me Del. And thank you. Now, how have the first few weeks at Algonquin been for you Aaron? I'll bet they've been exciting!"

"Well Mrs. Blanchard... errr, uhm, Del... they've just gone by so fast. I just haven't had the time to sit back and really think about them. I have a feeling Christmas is going to come and I'll still be trying to finish my assignments."

"When does your first semester end Aaron?"

"The last day for actual classes is Friday, December 2nd. And all my assignments have to be complete and handed in for the following Friday, December 9th.

"How are the other students in your Program making out?"

"Well, it's funny you should ask that. We've had like, six or seven drop out already. At the rate things are going, I can see a few more drop out before the end of this first semester. There's a lot of class time and assignments to get through. I think some of them had no idea what they were getting themselves into before they enrolled in the Program. It's good though, because it gives the rest of us more time with the Profs and the Instructors. It's been pretty good so far... all things considered."

"Have you had much chance to get out to experience life outside of the College?"

"Not yet, no. I'm finding just trying to keep up with my classes and workload to be pretty demanding. And I really haven't had much time to do much else, to tell you the truth."

"I can vouch for that Mom, given the five stuffed-full pillowcases of laundry he brought home with him." says Adam while laughing in the background. "I'll need to remember to get that stuff outta' the trunk when I take ya' home to Bethune Street."

"Oh yes! Thanks for letting Adam pick me up with your car ma'am. That really helped me out a lot."

"You're more than welcome Aaron. Now I'm curious, what has been the biggest surprise to you, now that you're settled into your new apartment in a new city?"

"I guess not having someone around telling me what to do all the time. I have all this freedom now to come and go whenever I like. Does that make any sense to you?"

"It's called growing up and becoming an adult. I'm sure you'll do very well once you get a chance to catch a breath and experience life outside the Campus... and Brockville too, for that matter," Delphine says, while casting a thoughtful glance over at Adam.

"Have you managed to make any friends with any of your classmates yet?" she asks.

"Not really friends, no. But Melora Payne in my class has been pretty nice to me... and Aleyn Kinzinger who sits beside me. His parents live just east of Maitland. And well, he is probably the one person I've had a chance to sort of get to know in the first few weeks. He's OK. But I don't know if he's going to stick with the Program after first year. He's taking a leave of absence from his full-time job to see if he wants to go through the full Program. It's pretty competitive. So I don't want to get too friendly with anyone just now, until I know if they're going to stick with the Program or not."

"Well here's to you Aaron. Let's celebrate your first few weeks in College and hope you continue to grow with your studies. Cheers!" says Bast, as Delphine heads into her harvest gold kitchen to serve up dinner.

Later that evening before Adam takes me home, he heads down to where we parked before, just west of Centeen Park. "I wanna' talk to you about a few things before I take you on home Aaron. OK with you?"

"OK Adam."

"Its times like this I miss my old Ambassador baby. I'd like to cuddle in that big front seat and be close to you right now. But I've been giving some thought to when I was last up in Ottawa with you right before school when we went to the Coral Reef Club, and I think we need to talk."

"About what? Did I do something wrong Adam? You sound very serious."

"Aww, no cookie honey... nothing to worry about. But I've been thinkin' about the age difference between you and me, especially with my birthday comin' up next week. And I'm thinking that if what we have here is going to last, then I'm gonna' hafta' give you some space to grow a bit on your own and experience the same things I did at your age. I don't want you later on to feel like ya' missed out on anything `cause you spent all this time with someone who's almost eight years older than you. Do you understand what I'm saying to ya' here?"

"No... not really Adam. Are you saying you don't want to see me anymore?"

"Oh hell no! No fuckin' way! That's the last thing I want. But you're still so young and I don't wanna' be someone who controls you. You're a smart young man. And both you and me need to have freedom to grow and do whatever it is we want in life. That doesn't mean we hafta' be apart though. I think what I'm tryin' to say to you is that for this relationship to last we hafta' come at it from the perspective of mutual respect and as equals. That's gonna' be real tough, given the age difference between us. I want ya' to know though Aaron, I see you as an equal partner here. You're doing just great now with your education. And that's making me think about where I am with my life and what I want to do. I haven't figured that one out just yet. I know I'm gonna' hafta' make some decisions for me soon. And I wanna' make sure you're an important part of that... but not at the expense of you havin' to sacrifice anything for me. There has to be respect and trust and support between us. And by that, I mean not just me watchin' over you to stop ya' from making some of the mistakes I've made in my own life. I don't think that's gonna' happen anyway. You're a lot more mature than I was at your age. And I think you're damn smart too. I love you Aaron. You know that already baby."

"I need you to be there for when I make mistakes though Adam. I love you too. I don't think of you as a father figure or anything like that. It's just that you just happen to be a bit older than me and I like older guys because they usually are more mature than the ones my own age. And like you, they're usually a whole lot sexier too. Especially you! I get flutters in my stomach that shoot right down to my cock every time I'm close to you. And I don't ever see that stopping either. All you ever need to do is look at me a certain way and boom... my penis gets hard and all I want is to be with you."

Adam gives me one of his indecent, dirty laughs and says, "And I find cute, horny, kinky little smart-ass buggers like you just as sexy babe. I'm no cradle-robber though. There's just something unique and special about you Aaron."

"OK then Adam. So what you've just said to me... what does this mean for us now?"

"Well, I've thought a lot about this. For one thing, ya' don't need me to be taking you to places like the Lord Elgin and bars like that. Of course, I'll always go with ya' whenever I'm up in Ottawa, and you when want me to go with you. But you're gonna' get lotsa 'interest from guys and I'm just gonna' hafta' get used to that and not be jealous or overprotective. I don't wantcha' to be going into any bath houses like the Club Baths' at 1069 Wellington though. The Police raided that place last year in May. And the Ottawa Citizen' threatened to publish the names of all the men who were either in there at the time, or who were members of the place. Twenty-seven men got arrested that night. The whole gay scene up there in Ottawa just hasn't been the same since then. Lotsa' guys and women are scared for their jobs and their safety right now. And the fuckin' Ottawa Police and the RCMP are still out to get anyone they think is gay cause they all just fuckin' hate us. Promise me you won't be goin' into any places like that cause I don't wanna' hafta' worry about you getting arrested, or beat up, or getting crabs, or VD or anything like that."

"Uhm, OK Adam."

"And I think you need to have a few friends close to your own age you can spend some time with while I'm back here workin' for now. I'm thinkin' about my job and apartment back in Brockville. And I've almost come to a decision about what I wanna' do in the next few months. But I'm not ready to talk to you a lot about that just now. Mrs. Fullerton was talking to someone from the `Shopper's Drug Mart Group' though and they may want to buy her out as part of their expansion program by opening up a franchise on King Street downtown here. She's something like eighty now and not gettin' any younger. She won't always be around. And that's really made me think. For now, all I know is that I want and need you and want us to be together like, all the time. But I don't want to come between you and your school work. And I don't want to smother you either. Do you understand what I'm tryin' to say to you here Aaron?"

"I do now. Yes. And I miss you like, all the time now too and want you to be up here with me. I've heard some stories from Aleyn Kinzinger about the clubs, and going out every night, and smoking up, and doing poppers, whatever that is... and getting drunk and, and, well... I'm just not interested in those things."

"Aaron, I want you to come to those decisions and feel like you can make those choices on your own. I'll always be there to support ya'. You can count me for that. But I don't wanna' be having to babysit you or tell ya' what to do all the time either. Some days I feel like I'm barely able to make my own way in this world. So you just might hafta' help me too honey."

"Sounds like a good plan and basis for a relationship to me."

"Me too baby, me too."

"I still get to suck your `King Kong' dong whenever I want. And you get to fuck me whenever you want though, eh Adam?"

"That's not negotiable baby! And judging from how hard you just made me now by changing the subject and bringin' up sex, I'm gonna' let you go down on me right now cookie boy. What goes on in Mom's Volvo stays inside Mom's Volvo though, deal?"

"Shhh! I can't suck your big, hairy dude piston and talk at the same time."

Twenty minutes later and Adam quietly says to me, "I'm pickin' you up tomorrow morning and we're gonna' take a long walk downtown together. Your Dad promised me bacon and eggs and coffee first thing so I'll be joinin' ya' both for breakfast. And Blackjack is really happy when I take him for walks now. He doesn't get enough exercise. And your parent's backyard just isn't big enough for him to run around and play in. I've gotten to really like him Aaron. And I know he misses you a lot. Also, I was thinking about your Architectural assignment for that Birdbrain' lady and you and me are gonna' walk around Courthouse Square cause I think I might just be able to give you an idea or two while we walk around. Sometimes an answer can be staring ya' right in the face. But it might take someone else and their eyes to push you into seeing it. I'll see you tomorrow baby. And be prepared to spend some time walkin' around with me and enjoying the fall weather and the leaves, and each other."

"Good God Aaron! Lucky for us we've got a king-size washer and drier down in the basement here. I'll get into this tomorrow morning while you and Adam go downtown. He said something to me about helping you with one of your assignments when he was over here earlier in the week. Don't get used to me doing your laundry for you though sweetie. I'm only going to do this for you this one time, you hear me?"

"Uh... yes Mom. Thanks."

"Aaron we're so glad you are home now for Thanksgiving with us." my Dad says, and reaches out to give me a hug. "I've missed you son."

"Me too Dad."

"Oh no! Richard, look at Blackjack! He's pee'd on the rug in front of the sink! He's so excited to see Aaron."

Blackjack's tail is going 100 miles an hour. He's running around in circles, chasing his tail with his tongue hanging out and barking every thirty seconds.

"I've missed you too Blackjack."

"Mom... uh, your copper-coloured Afro' hair and that jumpsuit and big, wide Bianca Jagger' headband... uhm, Adam said something about you wanting to learn how to do `The Hustle' and go out to the Flying Dutchman sometime to their disco. Uh, well, what made you decide to do that with that hair band and your hair?"

Dad is sitting there with a bemused look on his face and is just waiting for Vivienne to respond.

"I just felt like it was time for me to make a few changes, given that change is happening with you and Ariana and life in general. Why? Don't you like it Aaron?"

"The pantsuit looks pretty cool Mom. I'll just need to have some time to get used to the hair. It's brighter too... and all the grey is gone out of it."

Richard chokes and quickly jumps in at that point and says, "There never was' any grey in it Aaron! For a young man who is supposed to be so good with colour, I'm surprised you would even think that. Your Mom still looks like she's in her thirties and has the butt to prove it too in that outfit."

Mom turns ten shades of red and says to Dad, "Let's not discuss my butt in front of Aaron, Richard.'"

To which Richard replies, "OK honey. We'll take that conversation upstairs when we go to bed then."

"Oh Jeez' Dad! When is the next bus back to Ottawa?"

"Have you heard anything from Ariana, now that they are out in Calgary?" I ask them both.

Richard answers by saying, "They were able to make it out there safely and arrived about a week or so ago. They have rented a house for a year in the east end. And apparently, someone that Warren had hired to work for him when he had his contracting firm back in Brockville here offered him a job. Your sister is looking to find a job with one of the bank branches out there. They're going to be just fine Aaron. Don't you worry about them."

"I still think about what she said to me Dad. I hope they're going to be OK."

"We know son, we know."

"Did you talk to Adam about having Del come over to join us for Thanksgiving dinner Aaron?" my Mom asks.

"She's having a dinner for her and Bast for thanksgiving."

"Who is `Bast' Aaron?"

"Oh no! I don't think I was supposed to say anything about that. Uh, oh well... Bast is someone she's been sort of dating for a while now. It's a big secret though. Dad, you know him. He works under you at the Hospital, Sebastien Forestier. He's an Orderly there. Do you know him Dad?"

"Oh yes, Sebastien, I know him very well. Hmm, I wonder if he might be uncomfortable coming over to have dinner at his bosses' house. I'll bet that is why Delphine has been turning us down for dinner over here. Also, the staff at the Hospital like to gossip and create all kinds of unnecessary drama at times. Both you and I know that Viv, don't we?"

"Indeed we do Richard," she replies.

"Tell you what Aaron. You didn't tell us this. Leave this with your Mom and me to handle with Delphine and `Bast'... is that how you say it?"

"Yes Dad. He was really nice to me at dinner earlier. He seems like a very nice man."

"He is Aaron. He's a very quiet and shy man when on duty. He keeps to himself most of the time. Leave this to me. I'll make sure he and Delphine feel they are welcome over here anytime."

"Thanks Dad. I know Adam would really appreciate that too."

Later that night when Mom and Dad are in bed together, Richard turns to Vivienne and says, "So how about that. Delphine and Sebastien shacked up. I never would have thought the two of them would get together in a million years."

"Oh, I don't know Richard. Del has been alone and on her own for years now. And she said to me she found it lonely and really tough when Adam moved out on his own. I'm happy she's found someone. Now Richard, instead of you jumping in here and putting your big foot in your mouth with Sebastien, would you please just leave this for me to speak privately to Del about? I want her and Sebastien both to know that we would like to have them over here. And I don't want the fact that he works under you to be a source of discomfort."

"OK Viv. Now, on another topic... since when have you ever thought my feet were big honey? Is there anything else you'd care to comment on with respect to size on me now that we're in bed together?"

"Oh shut up Richard and just kiss me you damned silly fool! The door is locked I hope, isn't it?"

"Double-bolted from the inside. Blackjack can sleep in the kitchen tonight," he laughs and responds while cuddling up close.

The next morning and Adam and I have just covered the four blocks from Bethune Street to Courthouse Square. "OK Aaron, here's my pitch to you about that History of Architecture assignment you've been worrying about. Hear me out on this. And if ya' like it, I won't charge you a fee for my services!"

"You can take it out in trade if I like it Adam." I respond and laugh at him.

"OK babe, here goes... We're standing in the middle of Courthouse Square right now. Start with the Courthouse and go clockwise. Count the number of historic buildings going right down to King Street and back up, until you get to the Courthouse again. And remember to include the ones that got torn down in the past couple of years like, where the Comstock Block was."

"Uhm, OK. Not sure where you're going with this. But I'll play along."

I start to count and name the buildings off to myself... the Old Courthouse, the Wall Street Methodist Church, the new Bank of Montreal where the old one used to be, the First Baptist Church, the land where the old Comstock building used to be, the Toronto Dominion Bank at the corner of King and Courthouse, the Cossitt Block, The old Post Office, the Brockville Club, the George Street Episcopal Church, Courthouse Terrace and the First Presbyterian Church.

"OK, I got twelve Adam. Do I get a prize now or something for it?"

"Not just yet baby. Now... uhm, how many hours are there on the face of a clock?"

I'm starting to get a little impatient with him but still playing along. "Twelve Adam. Where are you going with this?"

"Patience cookie butt boy, patience. Architecturally, how many different types and styles of buildings would you say there are here? And over how long a time period would you say they've been built?"

A lightbulb is beginning to go off with me. "Adam, are you suggesting I take these buildings and describe them and relate them back to their time periods and then maybe compare them to the hours and hands of a clock that's tracking progress and time? Is that what you are trying to tell me?"

"You got it baby! You wouldn't have to go too deeply into describing them... just their architectural style and then take photographs, black and white ones of all of them. Then you could compile them all into a booklet or something like that. What do you think of that idea?"

"I think you just gave me my first `A' for the semester Adam! God, I love you. Thank you so much."

"I even help ya" with the photographs. It'll be fun. And Aaron, sometimes the best ideas come from the most surprising inspirations and unlikely sources. Never forget your hometown and where you're from. Brockville is a historic city and its Architecture is really important and worth recognizing, preserving and respected."

"Hello Del. How are you? We haven't talked since our lunch together."

"Hello Viv. Happy Thanksgiving Weekend to you," says Delphine, as she answers her phone.

"Thank you Del. I just wanted to call to say thanks for letting Adam drive Aaron home from Ottawa. I don't think the five overstuffed bags of laundry he brought along with him would have fit into the overhead bins on the bus!"

Del laughs and says, "Welcome to the world of a College student mom Viv. I can still remember when Adam did that to me years ago when he was up in Kingston."

"Listen Del... I'll get right to the point here and hope you won't be embarrassed or offended. Aaron let it slip quite accidentally that you and Sebastien were quietly seeing each other. I'm absolutely thrilled for you. But I have to ask, are either Sebastien or you nervous about coming over here, because he works for Richard and we all work together at the Hospital? Please be honest with me."

Five seconds of dead silence on the other end of the receiver, and finally Delphine says to Vivienne, "Viv, I really don't want anyone to know about Bast and me. But yes, frankly he is apprehensive and cautious about having the staff at the Hospital know about us right now. It's still early on in our relationship. And you know as well as I do how nosy the staff are up there. Neither he nor I need to be talked about."

"I understand completely Del. And that is why I'm calling. This is confidential information. But Richard plans to retire sometime next year. He is sixty-three now so please tell Sebastien not to worry about reporting to him and coming over here. And please Del, Richard's planned retirement is not something we want to have circulated at the Hospital for the moment any more than you and 'Bast'... is it?"

"Yes Viv. He likes to be called Bast. He's the best' at just being Bast' as he reminds me all the time... "

"Good. Now that we've confided in each other, then I hope that settles that. And as for you and Bast, I have to say I'm thrilled for you that you've met someone and are not alone there. It's none of my business I know. But I remember our lunch together and am feeling a little lost and lonely myself here with Aaron away at school. I'm just so pleased that you have someone for you there now."

Thanks Viv. I do appreciate that."

"Now... about Thanksgiving dinner. I have a suggestion and a proposal. I know you are doing up dinner there for you and Bast. Aaron let that one slip as well. But how about coming over to have dessert with us later on in the evening? Do you think Bast might be comfortable with that?"

"I'd have to ask him Viv. Can I get back to you on that?"

"Absolutely. We'd love to have you both come over, truly. Call me back when he lets you know. And Del, I swear to you that no one will hear about you and him from either Richard or myself. That is your business. But I want you to know, both Richard and I are very happy for you. You deserve happiness Del. You really do. We really are happy for you!"

"Thanks for that Viv. I'll let you know later on today."

"Are ya' hungry Aaron? Wouldya' like to maybe pick up some fish and chips over at Manoll's and maybe head down to Hardy Park to watch the ships on the river before the main channel freezes over in a few weeks' time? Then maybe we can go back to my place for a while. Whadya' think cookie boy?"

"It's going to be one of the last nice days to do that before the cold weather comes. Sounds good to me."

"You sure do like your ketchup there, dontcha'?"

"It's good with the batter-coated haddock. And I forgot how good these fresh-cut french fries were."

"So now that it's just you and me baby, tell me more about how you've been doing like, really. We haven't had much chance to be alone and talk since I drove ya' back. I remember my time away at College. And it was lonely for me at first. Have ya' really not gone out at all or done anything outside of your classes with any of your classmates?"

"Well Adam... like I said last night, I just don't want to get too friendly with anyone right now. There is this one guy named Colin in my class. He's straight by the way. But he chats everyone up. And then before you know it, his assignments look like someone else's when it comes time to hand them in. I don't trust him. And Aleyn Kinzinger... well, he seems OK. But his parents are really rich and he makes me feel like I'm some kind of charity case sometimes when he talks to me. I may be wrong though. I just don't know."

"You're just as good as anyone else Aaron. Don't you ever let anyone make you feel bad because of what they have and what you haven't. Take it from me Aaron. I aughta' know. And money isn't the measure of what makes ya' good... or happy for that matter."

"Thanks Adam."

"You're welcome. Now, are there any other projects or great mysteries of life you want me to help ya' with right now? Or can we go back to my place and maybe practice chapter fourteen of your `Joy of Gay Sex' book there?"

"No fair Adam! You've been reading ahead and are ahead of me now. I don't know what chapter fourteen covers."

"Everything chapters one to thirteen doesn't baby. Now let's hike it back to my place right now, OK?"

"I'll race you there!"

"Sometimes it's all about the journey and not just getting to your destination Aaron," he says, as he gathers up the newspaper fish and chip wrappings and tosses them into a garbage can... just before the gulls swoop down to fight each other to get the last few fries.

"You have lost some weight there baby. I can see your hip bones protruding out more than normal. How much did you say you weighed now?" asks Adam, as I climb fully naked onto his bed.

"I think I've lost maybe between five and seven pounds."

"Well baby, that's just not gonna' happen anymore. I can't have ya' wasting away to just skin and bones. You have to keep your strength up. Winters up in Ottawa are damp and cold. And I don't wantcha' coming down with the flu or bronchitis or anything like that."

"Since you're the drugstore wizard, I expect you to keep me healthy."

"I'm bein' dead serious Aaron. I know I said you hafta' grow up and learn at your own speed. But I do worry about you and don't want ya' getting sick on me. You got that?"

"Yes Adam, I do."

"Good! Now, let's see just how tight your little butt hole is there. I think it needs my tongue teasing it and getting it ready for a full-scale Star Wars Imperial Star Fleet attack! My light sabre might need some charging up from you though to get it ready for battle. Think ya' can manage that for me honey? Chapter fourteen is all about `69' Aaron. Do ya' know what that's all about baby?

"Nope. No idea," I lie to him.

He has his clothes off in record time, climbs over me on his bed and says, "Cookie babe, roll over onto your right side and get ready to take me in your mouth while I lean on my right side the other way and do the same to you. I'm gonna' play with your ass and balls and suck the livin' shit outta' your little buddy down there. And you're gonna' do the exact same thing to me. Now... when you really like what I'm doin' to ya' down there then I wantcha' to imitate it and do the exact same thing to me. That way I'll know what gets ya' off. Not that I don't already have a pretty good idea of that now though."

Every time I go down on him now all I can think of is his hairy pleasure trail and the base of his big, thick shaft. I like to squeeze it at the base, because he moans and groans when I do and his big cock seems to swell up even more whenever I do that to him. I know that when I do this, his cock head gets super sensitive and starts to leak precum and the sighs of pleasure get louder from him whenever I just focus and concentrate on what I'm doing to him down there.

The scent of his fully aroused cock is something I swear I would know in a darkened room. It's pungent, totally masculine and virile. And I wish I were a pair of his Superman underwear at times so I could be in his hot crotch and have his man smell between his furry, hairy legs and in his pube bush on me all day long.

"I love how you smell Adam..."

"Jeezus Aaron! You're one kinky little fucker at times baby. I don't think you'd be sayin' that after gettin' a whiff of me after three or four days without a shower. But if that's what gets ya' hot, then I'm OK with it. Now babe, I wantcha' to stick your finger up inside me. My butt needs some attention honey. We'll shower up together after this... maybe in four or five hours or so after we've had five or six messy cum sessions together. And I just might fuck you in the shower when we're in there together too. Whadya' say cookie?"

"What I really want to eventually do is play with your hairy chest and nipples Adam."

"Once I shoot my ball juice all over ya' then you can do whatever the fuck you want to me there baby. Is that OK with you?"

"I'm so boned up now Adam, all I want to do is just keep sucking on your big dick and have you cum all over me."

"Well, you just keep on with what you're doin' down there to my light sabre babe. And I promise ya' I'll explode all over ya' like, anytime now!"

"Jeezus fuck! Where in the fuckin' hell did you ever learn how to squeeze my cock in that exact spot when I'm cumming like that? It felt like I was gonna' pass out. And I've like, never ever shot a load that hard before. Like, fuck Aaron! Feel my heart in my chest. It's still racing here and my sphincter muscles in my ass just keep flexing. How in the fucking world did you ever manage to accomplish that baby? I just gotta' know so I can do that to you too."

"Maybe I'll be giving you some lessons soon. Think you can afford my hourly rates for tutoring Adam?"

"Aaron, if you can make me do that, then I'll pay you whatever your weight is in fish and chips."

"Your face when you orgasm is payment enough for me Adam."

"Come here and snuggle close to me. I wanna' feel your heartbeat next to mine. Let's just stay this way for a while. OK Aaron?"

I'm so relaxed and half asleep. All I can do is nod and nestle inside his warm inviting armpit to feel his strong, steady heartbeat and close my eyes.

Its Thanksgiving dinner at the Christie household. We're just finishing up the last of the stuffing and turkey and Mom is starting to take the plates away from the table when the doorbell rings.

"Now I wonder just who that could be interrupting our Thanksgiving dinner?" Vivienne says to Richard with a little smile on her face. Sebastien and Delphine walk into the dining room and Delphine says, "Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Hope there's some dessert and coffee left for us. We've brought a bottle of Grande Marnier over to mix with the coffee."

"Well, well! Anyone bringing liqueur with them is always welcome for Vivienne's homemade pie and coffee! Adam, Aaron... pull up a couple of chairs for Del and Bast. Happy Thanksgiving to you two as well."

Just then Mom comes into the dining room carrying a `Charlotte Rousse' lady-finger birthday cake, tied with an orange silk ribbon from Tait's Bakery on King Street with twenty-eight candles on it.

"The pie will have to wait Richard. Adam's birthday is this coming Wednesday. And given that Aaron will be back in Ottawa at school, Del and I decided that Adam was going to have two birthday cakes this year. Happy Birthday Adam! Now make a wish. And I'll take the cake back into the kitchen and serve it up shortly."

Adam is silent as he looks at the cake, then over to his Mom, then to me, and then finally, at everyone else. "I don't know what to say. I think some of my wishes came true this year. And most of them are about the people around the table with me right now. I do have one more wish. But I'll keep it secret `cause I really want it to come true. Thanks everyone." He blows out all the candles and smiles.

Richard hands Adam a card in a sealed envelope. "Now Adam, this is a birthday card from Vivienne and me. Don't open it here though. You take it home with you son and open it there. And again, a very Happy Birthday to you."

"Thank you Mr. Christie."

The evening ends with everyone in front of the fireplace in the living room having coffee and Grande Marnier. Blackjack is flaked out completely and snoring in front of the fire.

My Dad gestures to Bast and signals him to come over to talk with him. "Now Bast, I know you report to me at the Hospital. But when you're over here, it's just you and me and Del and Viv. Do you understand that?"

"Yes Richard. And thanks, I do."

"Good! Then let's get really drunk and pretend it never happened on Tuesday when our shifts start again at the Hospital!" Both men share a private laugh together while Delphine and Vivienne give them both suspicious looks.

"Uh, Aaron... can I see you in the kitchen for a minute? I wanna' take home a piece of that cake, if that's all right with you Mrs. Christie."

"It's all yours Adam. Take as much as you want," my Mom replies. Then she turns to Delphine and says, "Del, I have some Tequila in the kitchen. Have you ever had a Tequila Sunrise? They're absolutely delicious! Let me make you one when we finish with our liquor."

"Sounds wonderful! Thank you Viv."

"Aaron honey, do ya' wanna' know what my wish was when I blew out my candles?"

"I think I might already know Adam. It was for a new car." I answer him and then laugh.

"Nope. Not exactly. I think you know what I wished for. I love you Aaron. I know I've said that like ten times already today. It isn't easy for me to say that word either ya' know. Can I please see you tomorrow before ya' hafta' catch the bus back to Ottawa?"

"How about me staying over at your place with you tonight? Would you like that?"

"That would be the nicest birthday present I could ever receive. Let's make up some lame excuse that no one will ever believe and leave them to finish off their coffee and liqueur by themselves. Does that sound like a plan to you?"

"A perfect plan."

"Uhm, Aaron... when you go back to Ottawa, I wantcha' to take this shirt of mine back with you. I've been wearin' it to bed and sleepin' in it on purpose for the last four or five days. It smells kinda' salty and I sprayed some of my cologne on it. I rubbed my balls with it too. So my man scent is all over it. You can wear it to bed and fall asleep thinkin' of me if ya' want. I know how much you love how my suit jacket and old pants feel. It's a real kinky fetish kinda' thing to do... but ya' know baby, and I never told you this `til now... but honey, you wearin' and gettin' off on my clothes after I wear 'em really gets me hot and makes me feel really possessive and protective of you... almost like I need to douse you with my man smell to claim ownership if that makes any sense to ya' at all. It's like some basic kinda' primitive animal instinct thing. I think the word they use is primal... or somethin' like that anyway. Ya' know baby, I'd be walkin' around with a permanent stiff boner thinkin' about fuckin' you all the time if you were to just wear one of my old white dress shirts from work and nothin' else around here with your hot little boy butt and sexy legs teasing me. When I see ya' sleepin' with my sports jacket coverin' you, it kinda' makes me feel like you hafta' have me to be like... all over ya' inside and out to feel safe and protected and really belong to me. But cookie, I really need it for work right now. And this is the next best thing I can think of for ya' to have me wrapped around you to feel good when you're tryin' to fall asleep. Willya' promise me you'll wear it for me Aaron?"

"Well Adam, your old tan suit pants and sports jacket are a really masculine, touchy feely kind of thing for me. I like to rub my face back and forth on them to feel your big cock inside them. And I don't care if that's perverted or weird or not. I don't know if you can really understand that. But sure... you bet I will! Can I have your Superman briefs too Adam."

"Sure thing! Ya' know babe, every time I put on those old pants and start to zip up the fly, I keep thinkin' about you rubbing your face against them and that look you get on your face. Then I get half-hard and all distracted and horny... like every damn fuckin' time honey! Whatever gets you off baby works for me. Knowing it does too keeps me all boned up and juicy for ya' Aaron. Guess we're both kinda' kinky that way. Who knew, eh?"

"Yeah Adam, who knew?"

"Uhm, uh... Aaron, changing the subject here and while I'm still thinkin' of it too, I'm really gonna' try to stop calling you babe and baby all the time. I've been giving that a lot of thought. You're growing up and practically an adult now. So cookie and honey are what I'm gonna' try to remember to say from now on."

"When you come up to Ottawa next time to spend the weekend with me, would you maybe wear your suit though when you get here? I really do get off on the feel and smell of your hard cock inside your suit pants when I get to play with it. It really makes me horny and crazy when you go commando and your big, hairy dong is poking out at me and to quote you, sayin' hello."

"Cookie, any fuckin' thing I can do to keep you interested in what's hangin' down between my legs works for me. Now let's go to bed `cause tomorrow is gonna' be busy for us both. Nite honey"

"Nite Adam."

"Oh come on Aaron! We've only got a few weeks left until we have to start our final assignments for the semester! One night out isn't going to make a big difference at this point and I really want to party this evening, since it's Friday!" says Aleyn Kinzinger, as we head out the front door after enduring one more long and painful journey down Carnaby Street with Elizabeth Mountebank in Design Basics.

"God she is such a bitch that woman! I handed in that first assignment I had to redo for her weeks ago and she still hasn't graded it yet. I swear her cunty face was as icy as her vagina probably is when I asked her about it."

"Now you're sounding just like me! That's really good Aaron. Now let's dump our things over at my place and we can head out to the Lord Elgin and then catch a cab over to Sac's on Rue Principale in Hull to drink and dance our asses off until they close at 3:00am.

"I don't suppose it would do any harm to go to the LE. Adam will be up later on tonight though. So Sac's will have to wait for another time."

"He must be really something, this Adam of yours. Why don't you just leave him a note and he can join us at the LE when he gets off the bus from Brockville and gets to your place?"

"Uh, I don't know about that Aleyn. He's expecting me to meet him at the bus station.

He'll understand Aaron. Now come on! I have to walk Dietrich and then I'll lend you something of mine to wear with your jeans. We can make a Hollywood entrance together through the doors of Pick's Place and watch everyone pick their jaws up off the floor when we get there."

"Aleyn, he's worked all week long at Fullerton's and will have been on the bus for more than two and a half hours coming up here to spend the weekend with me. I can't just leave him stranded by himself at the station. Would you like it if someone did that to you?"

"Well, Aaron, you'll never catch me taking a bus anywhere. So I guess we'll never know."

"Aleyn. I'd like to go. But I'm not leaving Adam alone. And I think my own clothes are good enough."

Aleyn stares me up and down from head to toe and finally says, "Well don't say I didn't offer."

"Look Aleyn. I'd love to see your dog and apartment. Dietrich sounds beautiful and actually, I've seen you walk her on Elgin Street. I don't know where you find the time to keep her so well-groomed. Afghan Hounds need at least a daily brushing. We never have to worry about that with Blackjack at home. He constantly sheds and my Dad takes care of that."

"Well, she is a purebred sighthound and my parents help me out with money for a dog-walker and professional groomer for her," he says. "Tell you what. Come on up and you can see my place and meet Dietrich. And I have a really nice red silk shirt I think you really should wear tonight. In fact, I'll even give it to you and you can leave that old one you have on now with me and I'll have it taken care of. How does that sound?"

"Wow! This place is fantastic Aleyn. Are those real maple inlays in the oak hardwood floor? And that wood panelling in the front hallway and living room... is that what Lynda Naagy-Birdsong was describing as English Tudor style linen-fold panelling? It must be 5'-0" high around the entire perimeter of the room. And the fireplace surround, is that real cream-coloured Carrara marble?"

Uh, yes... well of course it's real Aaron. But then, I couldn't really expect you to know that. When my Mother came back with Father from one of their postings abroad a few years ago, she found this place for me. And as for that 19th century mahogany Biedermeier fall-front desk and matching bookcases there... well, she had those brought back from Germany through my Father's diplomatic channels. And I wound up with them, because they were a matching suite and the bookcases were too tall for the library in their country house east of Maitland. Oh yes, and that late 19th century Irish Waterford crystal chandelier with the converted gas jets... another one of Mother's impulse purchases gone horribly wrong. It's all OK here though, I suppose."

"It's incredible Aleyn. Oh! I love that William Morris' wallpaper in the front entry hall. I recognise the pattern. It's called Ianthe' isn't it? Those pale teal, navy blue and blood red colours are just so beautiful together."

"Uhm, uhhh... yes Aaron. I'm surprised you would actually know that. It's imported from Liberty of London. But my Mother brought it back with her when she was there for a fitting for her annual spring and summer wardrobe at Norman Hartnell'. He dresses the Royal Family you know. I wouldn't have anything else but an original Art Nouveau William Morris pattern in there. I have a galley kitchen through here. And I like to sit and look out the window over at the Museum of Nature with a cup of double expresso in the morning. That is of course, after I walk Dietrich and before I head in to class. The mosaic marble tile floor in here is the same tile used in the main gallery hall of the Museum. This building was built in the early twenties. I think they used some leftover materials from when the Museum was built to finish the interiors of these apartments."

I'm speechless at the richness and elegance of Aleyn's place.

Aleyn continues to lead me through his place, describing it and saying, "There is a separate room with a big, leaded diamond-pane glass window just past the main salon... or the living room as you would probably call it. Actually, it's more like a double parlour with the columns separating the two spaces and I think wood sliding rod-pocket doors must have been installed there at one point. They would have had to have been more than ten feet tall as the ceilings in this apartment are fourteen feet high. The columns with the fluting going half way up them are of course, solid oak... as is the panelling and that crown molding and the doors and casings. And my bedroom is in here."

There is only one piece of artwork in his bedroom. A tiny black and white abstract print with a huge white matte and a simple, thin burnished silver frame hanging on the wall.

"That print is beautiful Aleyn."

"Oh that," he says. "Another one of my Mother's mistakes... "

I follow him into his bedroom, only to find Dietrich lounging on his huge brass bed with a white down duvet and what looks like a cashmere throw blanket, casually strewn out on top. At the head of the bed, there are huge, fluffed-up, goose down pillows that I swear have not one single strand of dog hair on them.

"Where do you actually do your assignments Aleyn?"

"Oh those... well `Mother' at the Bay lets me use his office there that has a drafting board and work table. So much easier for me that way."

"You don't have anywhere to sit down in your living room though. Just that beautiful fireplace and the desk and those bookcases."

"I like to live simply Aaron. And less is more. Especially when it's the best." He laughs, and then continues with, "But seriously though, I just roll out my 19th century oriental Caucasian dragon-patterned carpet in the entry hall closet and take the pillows off my bed whenever I want to lounge in there. Mother had that rug shipped to me in a diplomatic pouch from `Kirghizia' which was Father's last posting abroad before he retired. Strange that they call it a pouch at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs... but those things, which can sometimes be as big as a shipping container are never subject to inspection or customs duty when they come into Canada. I actually do rather like that rug. At least Mother didn't screw that up for once."

Ten minutes later and Aleyn has Dietrich's Tiffany blue patent leather collar on her and says to me, "Aaron, I have to take Dietrich out for her walk. Go into my closet and find that red silk shirt I promised you. It has a band collar on it. I think it's in a pile along with all the other ones on the floor. They're all new and I just haven't had a chance to hang them up yet. It's all just sooo' dreadfully boring. And oh yes, if you need to wash up you'll find fresh white towels in the bathroom. You may even want to use some of that cologne in there too. It's called Grey Flannel' by Geoffrey Beene' and is so much more sophisticated and subtle than that Eau Sauvage' stuff you seem to like.

"Uhm, well... OK Aleyn."

I can't help but compare my little apartment on Argyle with this amazing place and feel a bit like a poor country relation to what Aleyn and his Mother have managed to create here for him. And that comment he made about the `Eau Sauvage'. I have to wonder just what Adam would say about that.

"Yes! I just knew that shirt would look perfect on you Aaron. You know, the first time I ever saw you, you were wearing red. Leave that other thing of yours here. Just throw it down on the floor in the corner at the foot of the bed and I'll have my housecleaner see to it."

"Uh, Aleyn... Adam gets in around 9:00pm at the Voyageur Colonial station. Do you want to come with me to meet him there?"

"No Aaron. Not there. I don't do bus stations... sorry. I'll see you both downstairs in Pick's Pub at the LE when you get there."

"OK Aleyn. Your place is amazing and Dietrich is beautiful and thanks for the shirt."

"No problem Aaron. Later then."

The bus gets in twenty-five minutes late from Brockville. And Adam is the first person off, looking dishevelled, stressed and exhausted..

"Heya' Aaron! That goddamn fuckin' bus this time. Let me tell ya'. All I could smell was piss and disinfectant from the washroom at the back of the bus and I swear it seemed like everyone back there was smokin' their brains out. And I had to sit in a seat that I'm hoping someone spilled what was just Coke' on it. Its times like this I really miss not havin' my wheels. How s your week been?"

"It's been not too bad, except for today. I just got my final assignment from Camilla for the semester and it's a big one. And that damned Lisa Mountebank... is she ever a fucking bitch. She made this stupid comment during crit' time in her class today and said that Connie Reichmann, Melora Payne, Eleanor Morrell, Natalie Portlander and I had all failed her class because according to her attendance records we'd missed more than three of her classes for the semester. I didn't though Adam! The lift bridge was up one day when I went to cross the Canal because it was letting a sailboat through and I was more than fifteen minutes late for her class. I couldn't do anything except wait for the bridge to go down again to let me cross the Canal. I hate her! The other two times... well, once I was late again because of that stupid Pretoria bridge and I was sick another morning and didn't want to spread what I had to anyone else that day. Then Lisa comes over to me and says, Oh Aaron, I'll get to you and your crit' when I am done with Colin here.' Honest to God Adam, she spent more than thirty minutes with Colin flirting and then she says she's going to fail me and then is still planning to give me a crit'! I fucking hate that god-damned, fucking bitch! I said to her, Why are you even bothering to come over to crit' my work since you've just failed me for the semester?' And you do know what she actually had the nerve to say to me? Well, Connie Reichmann was listening to all of this and was really pissed off at her, and Lisa says, Well, I didn't actually say I was going' to fail you... just that I could... if I wanted to.' Adam, I hope her vagina freezes over forever and she never, ever gets to have sex again... not that anyone would ever want her!"

"Well, you stood up for yourself babe. And maybe that's what she needed you to hand right back to her... that you weren't gonna' let her bully and threaten you. I have a feeling she might not be so tough on you next semester. If she is, then you just go and report her to the Student Union and let them deal with her," he says to me. "And Aaron honey... the way you're swearing there baby, you're beginning to sound just like me!"

"I will Adam. God, I missed you so much!"

"Me too!"

"Did you bring your suit with you in that garment bag this time?"

"Sure did cookie boy. You can play with my lonely dick in my pants when we get back to your place, and I'll smother ya" with my suit jacket. Whadya' say to that, ya' kinky little fucker?"

"I say. Let's get out of here, and I'll take care of you when we get back to my place."

"I got to see Aleyn Kinzinger's place on Elgin today Adam. It's amazing. He gave me a shirt of his and wants us to meet him at the LE for a beer or whatever this evening. Do you want to do that or would you just rather stay at home here? I'll do whatever you like."

"Well honey, since you mention him more than the others in your class, I think it's time I get a look at him and meet him. I'll be wanting to get myself cleaned up a bit though to get rid of the stink of cigarette smoke on me from the bus and throw on somethin' sexy, so you won't be ashamed of me. Wanna' hop in the tub and scrub me up while I play with your little sailor boy down there?"

"Hmm, I have some new soap that Aleyn just gave to me. It's scented and is called `Grey Flannel'. Can I rub you all over with it and play with your hairy chest and then pretend to dry you off Chewbacca?

"Aaron, baby... uhm, just get the water hot and I'll letchya' rub me and scrub me and we can head out after that. Not with that Grey Flannel' shit though. We have it in the Men's cologne section back at Fullerton's. It's way too strong on me and smells like a goddamn cheap whore's perfume. I like my own cologne. Now get outta' those clothes and let's play rub a dub, dub, two sexy guys in a tub!"

The Lord Elgin Hotel is a historic landmark in Ottawa. It was built in the early forties during World War Two and with the exception of the Chateau Laurier Hotel on the other side of the War Cenotaph, is probably the most elegant place in the city to host wedding receptions and important events. I remember what Adam said to me about the washrooms there. And how I have to watch myself when I go down into the basement at Pick's Place' and in what they call `The Library' just off the main lobby on the ground floor.

There is a side door that is at the corner of Laurier Boulevard and Elgin Street that avoids having to go in to the main lobby where the hotel staff give you judgemental stares if you go in that way.

I was to learn later on that the owners of the hotel were not exactly happy with the reputation of Picks Place and The Library being prominent, notorious, gay male cruising spots. But ever since the end of World War Two according to Adam, the hotel was about the only place in the city where men could meet to have a drink and check each other out with the intent of having sex together. It's probably one of the worst kept secrets in the city.

"Did ya' know Aaron that Lord Elgin was an Earl back in England and was the Governor General of what was then, the province of Canada between 1847 to 1854? This place has been a hangout for gay men ever since the end of the war. Lotsa' soldiers coming back from the war stayed here. And with the Department of National Defence just on the other side of the Canal and especially when the Union Station still had all the trains coming right into downtown, its reputation as a hang-out for guys to hook up for sex started way back then?"

"Was History one of your favorite subjects in school Adam?"

"Yep' honey, it sure was. Knowing the past can help ya' understand the present and shape the future baby."

"This place was just about the only place for men to meet back then. But then in the fifties and sixties, the RCMP started to monitor the place to try to uncover government workers they thought were a threat to the security of the country... and they were brutal and ruthless when they interviewed suspected homosexuals at their headquarters, right across from where the Russian Embassy is in Sandy Hill along the Rideau River. Lotsa' men had their careers destroyed by those fuckin' bastards. And some even committed suicide. We're lucky we didn't hafta' live in those times Aaron. I know that RCMP undercover officers still go into `Pick's Place' though and sit with their newspapers and take pictures of some of the senior government men who go down there. Some things never change Aaron. Ya' just gotta' be discreet when you go in there. Never know where you might wind up workin' when ya' graduate. And the last thing you need is to have an RCMP file on you if you ever need to pass a security check for a job or something like that."

"I'm glad you know these things Adam. I always feel safe with you."

"I'll always take care of ya' cookie. I love you."

"Aaron, before we head down into Pick's Place, let's poke our heads into The Library. It's pretty classy and not like the fuckin' meat market you're gonna' find when we go down into the basement."

The Library is elegant with beautiful, dark hardwood panelling, and has a long L-shaped' bar with a brass foot rail and a heavily veined, green serpentine marble counter top. The lessons that Lynda has been giving us at the College are starting to make me more and more aware of these things. There are seven or eight older men sitting at the bar drinking scotch or whatever. I can feel the frank appraisals and blatant stares and interest from them as we survey the space. There are landscape reproductions of The Group of Seven' Canadian artists and some black and white portrait studies of important celebrities by the famous photographer `Yousuf Karsh' in thick, ornate, gold-leaf frames with picture lights illuminating them around the room, and gold velvet, heavily-lined draperies with elegant sculptured pelmets and jabots framing the big windows looking out onto the National Arts Centre, Confederation Park and the First Baptist Church at the corner of Laurier and Elgin. The atmosphere is hushed, like what I imagine a men's club would be like. And there are wing chairs in green and gold striped, heavy tapestry fabric, tightly clustered around low, round coffee tables that I'm positive would bang the shins of anyone drunk trying to get into and out of those over-scaled Queen Anne reproduction wing chairs.

"A little too rich up here for my taste Aaron. The downstairs is more my style. But just remember what I told you about the washrooms here. You'll pass by them on the way down to Pick's Place on the landing where the stairs turn. Don't let appearances up here fool ya' into thinking this isn't more than just a place where men pick up other men for sex. And never let yourself get caught doing anything here that you wouldn't want your Mom and Dad to hear about, OK?"

"I understand Adam. I don't want anyone but you anyway."

"Just remember what I'm tellin' ya' honey please. And oh yeah... when we go downstairs and through the doors into Pick's Place you're gonna' get a shock cause it's loud and noisy compared to here. And if you hear guys whispering numbers out loud, they'll be staring at your hot, little boy butt there and rating it on a scale of one to ten when they check ya' out. And remember Aaron, your butt s mine and it's a ten and a half!"

"And yours is a twelve there Adam."

"Damn fuckin' right it is."

There are pay phones right beside the doors into Pick's Place and a couple of guys are standing around them, pretending to talk on the phone while checking everyone who is coming and going out of the bar.

"Couple of RCMP creeps right there Aaron. I recognise the look." Says Adam, as he heads into the bar with me behind him. The sounds of clattering glasses and beer bottles mesh with the high-octane, frenzied volume of lots of men getting drunk and laughter filtering out into the corridor, and I follow him inside and start to look around.

The place looks like a typical beer hall, like the Manitonna Hotel back in Brock Vegas... just not as dirty and stale beer-smelling with crushed peanut shells all over the floor. It has some class to it when I start to look around. There are banquette benches in green leather all around the perimeter of the room and captains' chairs facing the banquettes with their backs to the main doors into the space. Then in the middle of the room between the huge, thick wood-panelled columns supporting the hotel above are more large round tables and captain's chairs. All around the room, above the banquettes and wainscoting are gold leaf framed pictures. But these ones are illustrations of what I think must be Grenadier British soldiers in full dress with bayonets and rifles, posing to show off their military uniforms to reinforce the history and image of the hotel above. The noise is distracting, because it seems like everyone is talking at once and staring continuously at the doors into the bar to see who is coming and going, and what they are wearing, and how old they are, and whether they warrant a rating on their butts when they go to sit down.

Seven' I hear when I start to head over to where Aleyn Kinzinger is sitting along the wall with a couple of people I don't know. "No, no, no! That's a seven and half, if I ever saw one, says one guy to the other as Adam and I brush past them. Adam gives them both a dirty look and then puts his arm possessively on my shoulder and whispers to me, "Honey you're butt's a ten' to me and fuck those two nasty old queens. They're just jealous `cause you're a lot younger than they are. Now let's join your school friend over there, and you can introduce me."

"Well, I see you finally made it out tonight Aaron. Nice silk shirt you've got on there. I had to fight with a couple of mean bitches but I managed to hold on to these two chairs for you. Unfortunately, you won't be able to face the doors to check out anyone coming in or leaving. But that's the best I could do since it's a Friday and the place is packed with yummy guys tonight." says Aleyn, as he brazenly checks Adam out from head to toe and then dismisses him and starts to talk with his friends on either side of him."

Uhm, Aleyn... this is Adam, who I've been telling you about all semester."

"Obviously, Aaron. So Adam... you're the guy who works as a sales clerk back in Brockville who wears `Eau Sauvage'. You're older than I thought you'd be." Immediately one the guys sitting beside Aleyn covers his mouth with his hand to stifle a snicker. I can see that Adam is embarrassed and doesn't quite know what to say.

"Uh, uhm, yeah... right. Nice meetin' ya' too there Aleyn." Says Adam, as he stares warily back at him.

"And there's that `Brockville accent' I was telling you guys about when I go down to spend weekends with my Mother and Father," says Aleyn, as he stares directly at Adam and gives him a saccharine smile.

"How is your Mother, Aleyn? Is she still buying up all the antique stores in Europe and having everything shipped back for their house in the country?" says the guy on the other side of Aleyn.

"No Jeremey. Father has her on a strict budget now. And she can only buy what he approves of... for antiques and furniture, that is. As for hers and my clothes, well... we can still spend as much as we like on those. He likes it when we look properly groomed. He says it reflects well on him, and in the circles he travels... well, you know... appearances are just so important."

Once again, he gives Adam a head to toe appraisal, dismisses him, and then says to me, "So Aaron, we're just about to head over to Sac's in Hull. It's so much more chic and lots more fun than this stale old place. We only come here to get a head start on drinking and usually just cab it over to Hull from here after 11:00pm when they crank up the dance music and we can dance and party until 3:00am. Sure you don't want to come with us? Oh yes. And, you too of course... uh, Adam... was it? Did I get that name right?"

"No thanks Aleyn. Maybe some time again. This weekend is Adam's and mine. And I haven't seen him for a couple of weeks."

"Well, whatever Aaron. We'll see you around then. Bye."

Aleyn and his friends get up to leave, generating a cloyingly sweet, toxic cloud of `Geoffrey Beene' as they grab their jackets and head for the doors. Aleyn looks back to see how many guys are looking at him leaving and then gives Adam a withering look as he turns and heads out.

"Sooo... that's the guy you've been sitting beside in class Aaron?" says Adam, as he frowns and watches the doors as they swing shut.

"Uhm, yeah... that's him Adam. He's pretty good-looking, don't you think?"

"He's a little bit younger than me, I'm thinkin'. Maybe twenty-three or four and not my type at all. He's a bit too pretty for my taste. And in five years, that fat bubble butt of his is gonna' look like a flabby inner tube. Doesn't matter to me though `cause I'm thinkin' he doesn't really get off on me either, which is just fine with me."

Just then the waiter goes by and Adam gestures to him, "Heya' John! Good to see you man! Could I get a beer and a rum and coke for my friend Aaron here please?"

Adam! We haven't seen you in here in a long time. Not since the police raids on the Club Baths' at 1069 Wellington' last year. So, this is your new friend, is he? Well nice to meet you young man. Anything for you Adam and your friend. I'll be right back with your drinks."

"His name's Aaron, John. You'll take care of him when he comes in here, willya' please?"

"Of course Adam. For you, anything!" So good to see you back in Ottawa. And with someone," replies John.

"John and André over there have been here forever Aaron. John must be almost seventy now and he's been serving up drinks here ever since the hotel first opened up. He's straight and married with grandchildren now. He's a really great guy. He always keeps his eye on us and makes sure we stay outta' trouble with the local cops and the RCMP. And André... well, he is one hot-lookin' man. I've met his lover and I'm thinking André must have been workin' here now for at least ten years. He's pretty tough and has seen a lot of things in this bar over that time and can bounce anyone outta' here if they get rowdy or give anyone trouble or too much attitude. They're good guys to have in your pocket, if you know what I'm saying."

"Speaking about pockets Adam, I was looking at the other guys in here and you know something? Your sexy butt's a definite `fifteen' compared with most of what I see in here."

"Aww, honey! That's really sweet of you to say that. I don't think your friend Aleyn would agree with you. But he's never gonna' get to see mine naked so I don't give a fuck whether he does or not. Uhm, after this wouldya' like to maybe head on back to your place and stop to have somethin' to eat at that twenty-four hour delicatessen before we go past the Museum of Nature? Maybe we could curl up together and watch television or something. It's been a really long day for me and I'm kinda' tired."

"Oh God, yes... for sure."

As we are leaving, Adam walks over to where John and André are standing, just I'm heading out the doors.

"Heya' guys!"

"Adam! Good to see you man! Is that you're new friend, Aaron? Was that his name John?" says André, as he turns to John and then back to face Adam.

"Yep! He sure is buddy!"

He's a cutie Adam. A real nice piece of `chicken' for sure. If I didn't have my baby right now, I'd be jealous!"

"Aww, thanks André. He's pretty mature for his age though just so you know, and not just some `dumb twink'. Uhm, guys, wouldya' maybe keep an eye out for him whenever he comes in here to make sure he stays outta' trouble? He's just about to turn twenty soon. And I'd really appreciate it if ya' kinda' were as good to him as you both were to me when I first started coming in here. Wouldya' do that for me please?"

John speaks up and says to Adam, "He reminds me of one of my grandsons Adam. Don't you worry, we'll take good care of him. Rest assured of that."

"I can always count on you two. He's special to me, and it means a lot to know someone has his back when he's up here in College."

"Never mind his back there Adam. I heard a couple of guys over there in the corner who were giving his butt a `ten' when he went out the door just now!" says André, while laughing at Adam's reaction.

"Well, that cute, little boy butt is mine André! So hands off there fella'!"

André chuckles and says, "You've got no competition from me, judging from the way he's looking back at you from the doors right now."

"Oops! Gotta' go! Like, right now! Nite' guys!"

"Are ya' cold there baby? Wouldya' maybe like my bomber jacket around your shoulders `til we get to the deli?"

"Gee Adam, I kind of miss you not calling me babe and baby anymore. Would you maybe do that for me more when we're together, just the two us, maybe like every now and then, like you just did now?"

"Anything that makes ya' happy babe, anything at all."

"That deli place was fuckin' packed. I'm gonna' make sure we go over to the IGA on Isabella cause you just can't be eating out all the time. You're gonna' turn into one big cheeseburger if I don't start getting after you about what you're eating. We're gonna' go do that together first thing in the morning. I'll load you up with everything I think you should have in your fridge there to keep ya' healthy. Now come on and let's get those clothes offa' ya' cause I wanna' see if you've put on a couple of pounds at least before my cock takes over and finds its way up into your hot, little butt there. C'mon, let's snuggle and my baby maker can practice some long division and maybe some multiplication scales on ya' before we fall asleep. OK cookie boy?"

"I need a pet name for you Adam. Wookiee just sounds really kinda' dumb and childish. Can I call you Chewbacca, or maybe even Sasquatch or just Sasq' for short when it's just you and me together?"

"Works for me there. My five o'clock shadow and hairy chest that you're always tellin' me gets ya' hot and horny and my big, hairy `King Kong' dong are just fine with that."

Now babe, let's get naked and review what we learned about 69' in chapter fourteen of your Joy of Gay Sex' book once again. Whadya' say to that?"

"I thinking I'm needing lots of practice with that one Sasq' until I get the hang of it."

"It's not supposed to be hangin' when you do that baby! Here, let me review that chapter with ya' right now."

Can I rim your hairy man ass again first Adam?"

"Oh fuck Aaron! Just do whatever the fuckin' hell you want to me! I'll be smilin' in my sleep next to you with my cock stuffed up inside ya' `til we fall asleep soon enough anyway."

"Hullo?"

"Hi, is this Adam Blanchard?"

"Uhm, yeah... who is this?"

"Hi Adam! I'm Calla Cuthbertson and a friend of Aaron's."

"Well, hi there Calla. I remember Aaron talkin' all about you. I think I went to high school with your older sister Cora Leanne. She was just starting at BCI. And I was in grade eleven or twelve back then."

"That's right Adam. She remembers you and told me to say hi when I called."

"How is Cora Leanne? Is she still working up at Black and Decker? Is she married yet? I haven't seen her in like, forever. Is she doin' OK? What can I do for you Calla?"

"Well... uhm, yes. She's still working shifts up at Black and Decker on the assembly line there. And she's still at home with Dad and me. Mom died last year when she had her last major stroke. And my other older sister Corinne is up in Kingston working as a prison guard at the Women's Correctional Facility. She lives with her friend Victoria. And no, Cora Leanne is still single. She just got herself a new puppy, a little miniature Poodle she named `Anne Murray'. I don't think she's gonna' get married anytime soon Adam. Corinne neither for that matter."

"I'm really sorry to hear about your Mom Calla. Aaron told me you were the one taking care of her there at home after she had her first bad stroke a few years ago. That musta' been really tough for ya'. Well, you be sure and say hi to Cora Leanne from me and tell her to pop into Fullerton's sometime real soon to get caught up. I remember her from BCI and she was always real nice to me when I was there. And Aaron tells me you were nice to him too before you, well... before you had to drop out."

"It's OK Adam. You can say it. There aren't any secrets in this town. Yes, I got myself pregnant when I was fifteen. You know Adam, Aaron was one of the few who bothered to speak with me and be friendly to me when word leaked out and I started to show. I decided to give the baby up for adoption and then got my high school through correspondence courses and work now at the Sub Shop on King Street West."

"Oh! Is that you in there in the evenings? You're kinda' pretty. I come in there once in a while. I never knew you were Cora Leanne's younger sister or I sure woulda' said hi to ya'. Have you heard anything from Aaron? Is there something wrong? Did he call you about something? What can I do for ya'?"

"Well Adam, you and Aaron have been seeing a lot of each other, I know. And he's sorta' occupied now with you and with school and all. He and I used to go up to the Skyline and the 401 Inn with Robert Pierce to dance in the discos there a lot before he met you in the summer... not that I'm jealous or anything like that. But he's just been so busy with you these past few months, and then with him moving up to Ottawa and going back to school... and you know his birthday is coming up on December 17th when he is back in Brockville on Christmas break. You do know that's his birthday, don't you Adam?"

"I sure do Calla. I was planning on taking him out to the Town Haus Restaurant on Apple Street for dinner that night. I need to fatten him up a bit with some Beef Stroganoff and Spätzle! Wouldya' maybe like to join him and me for dinner, and maybe you could give Robert Pierce a call and ask him if he'd like to come too? I think Aaron would be really surprised and happy if you both could come to help him and me celebrate his birthday. He's been really busy with his studies at Algonquin. It'll be a good chance for you and Robert to get to spend some time with him. Whadya' think Calla?"

"I can see why Aaron likes you Adam. I'd like that a lot. And I know Robert has been missing him up at the Mall. I just met a new guy named Charlie Rieder. I'd like to bring him along to get to meet Aaron if that's OK. Charlie and I are gonna' move out west to Prince Rupert in B.C. in the spring. And I really want to introduce him to Aaron before we go. I'll give Robert a call and get back to you to let you know if he can come too. Thanks Adam. We both miss him so much. Brockville just isn't the same without him, you know."

"Hell Calla! You don't need to tell me that! Let me know and I'll make the reservation. And if you're talkin' to Aaron, let's just keep this as a surprise for him. I know he'll be happy and excited to see you over the Holidays. And I'd kinda' like to get to know you too. Aaron has talked about you a lot to me and I know it hasn't been easy for you... and he's had his own problems in this city growin' up... just like you and me."

Adam hangs up the phone in his kitchen and starts to think. Now she's a really nice person who knows what real life's all about `cause she's hadta' live it and survive it. My kinda' person for sure. Not like that fuckin' Aleyn Kinzinger and his snotty and creepy friends up in Ottawa. Aaron and I are gonna' hafta' make some time for her and Robert Pierce. Fuck, I'm glad she called me. Actually, I'll give Robert Pierce a call myself and invite him. What the hell! No time like the present to meet the only other decent gay guy Aaron knew in Brockville before I came into the picture and got into his sexy, tight fittin' jeans."