Author: J. Gardham gardham1@yahoo.com
This story is fiction as are the characters, if you think you see yourself in this story that's cool as long as everyone remembers there's nothing in this story that isn't pure imagination.
"Benjamin and Me"
Chapter 5
Winter had come and gone, Glen had graduated at the end of May and Bill would be going into the seventh grade in the fall. The summer would be filled with training as he continues his quest for entering the Kentucky equestrian games the next year. According to Robin, Bill was a great study and would be as ready as it was possible to be in time for the games.
The trails through the woods and around the outer fringes of the meadow were complete and we were having a gazebo built just at the edge of the woods as you overlooked the meadow and pasture where the horses run. It was truly a beautiful sight with the white fence surrounding the meadow acreage with the house in the background. The sweet scent of clover wafted through the air completing a pastoral scene. The gazebo was going to be large enough to hold an outdoor kitchen with electric and water was being run out beneath the surface of the ground to support lights and refrigeration, we should be able to celebrate this 4th of July there.
We put Larry in charge of hiring workers to build the gazebo, plans had already been drawn up and the men responsible for the building said it was a great design and shouldn't be a major problem to complete by the 4th.
As we were all sitting on the balcony enjoying one another's company in the evening we noticed a man and women approaching the house, Larry sat up and stared before moving to the railing. Glen asked if anything was wrong as he slipped his arm around Larry's waist. "I don't believe it, what are they doing here?" "Who Larry" "You won't believe this but that's my mother and father, my loving parents who threw me out of the house when I was eighteen without clothing, money or food". Thomas stood up and headed for the stairs, if you don't mind Larry I'd like to be the one to greet them at the door. "By all means, be my guest, I could be dead for all they care".
Thomas open the door and introduced himself, Larry's parents introduced themselves as Bob and Nora Kent. "We understand our son Larry lives here, we'd like to see him if he'll let us". "You haven't seen your son since he was eighteen, he's no longer the child you threw out in the cold to fend for himself, he's now a twenty-one year old man and he's become an important and much loved part of our home". "We know we don't deserve his love, we just want him to know we were wrong, what we did was unforgivable and we won't blame him if he doesn't want to see us". "Maybe you'll pass that on to him".
Larry had been listening to their conversation and quietly walked up beside Thomas. Glen and Robin sat on the stairs wanting to be close to the man they loved. Bob and Nora both looked at him, neither recognizing the six foot three inch well built man with dark curly hair and sky blue eyes. Almost with disbelief, Nora finally figured out he was her son and started to reach out to him, then stepped back next to her husband. "Larry it's good to see you". As tears trailed down her cheeks Bob put his arm around his wife and pulled her close. "Larry we aren't here to ask your forgiveness, although we pray one day you will, what we did to you goes beyond terrible, we want you to know we were wrong in the way we mistreated you even before we put you out". "We've prayed for God to forgive us and maybe sometime you'll find it in your heart to forgive us, we know it's more than we deserve, we just wanted you to know, we do love you and
we're sorry for being such horrible parents".
Larry put his arm around Thomas's waist as he looked at his parents and smiled, "mom, dad if there's one thing Thomas and Benjamin have taught me it's the value and importance of forgiveness and I do forgive you". "I don't understand what has brought about this change of heart but I'm happy for it". With that Larry stepped up and hugged his mother and then his father, both were crying as his dad thanked him for his kindness. Looking at Thomas, Bob said, "I can't thank you enough for raising our son, it's obvious he's turned into a wonderful man, we owe you his life". Nora stood on her tip toes and hugged Thomas, "thank you for all you`ve done". They turned and walked down the walk on their way back to their own home.
Robin and Glen both hugged Larry, "you're such a good man Larry, that took a lot of courage and love to look them in the face and forgive them". "I know God would want me to, and I also know Thomas and Benjamin, whom I consider my fathers would want me to". Thomas turned and pulled Larry into his arms, you truly are our son Larry, we couldn't love you anymore if we had brought you into this world ourselves". With that Benjamin also gave Larry a loving kiss and hug, "you're one in a million kiddo you make us proud".
Clearing his throat to get some attention Reggie was standing behind them leaning against the wall with his arms folded over his chest. Everyone turned as Thomas said, "Reggie couldn't you ring a bell or tap on the wall or something before you just pop out of nowhere?" "That wouldn't be any fun at all". "You and Benjamin have the same weird sense of humor, what brings you here, not that it isn`t always a pleasure to see you". "Actually I'm here to speak with Larry about his parents". "I see, well in that case we'll leave you to it then".
Larry spoke up, "I want you all here anything Reggie has to say to me he can say to all of us, it'll save me from repeating it later". Reggie's reply was, "I like your style young man". "First of all Larry your parents really have missed you and regret their treatment of you when you were a child". "The Lord has touched their hearts and they have learned to love and accept all of God's children for who they are just as God created them". "More importantly I want Larry to know his mother is very ill and may soon die if something isn't done to help her get treatment". "Everyone there was shocked, Glen and Robin both put their arms around Larry". "What's wrong with mother Reggie?" "She has cervical cancer it's treatable now but will soon go beyond that stage if something isn't done immediately".
All of them were deep in thought momentarily, when Thomas turned to ask Reggie what they needed to do to help, Reggie was gone. "Benjamin the next time Reggie shows up I want you to talk to him about disappearing before we have all our questions answered". "Yeah like he's going to pay anymore attention to me than he does anyone else.
"Glen you're our resident doctor will you make an appointment at the hospital with one of their specialists, it's obvious we need to get Nora into treatment quickly, Larry you're going to have to take charge of your parents and make sure they understand they're not to worry about costs, their job is to follow the doctors instructions so Nora gets well". "If you have to drag them to the hospital for their appointment do it, take Glen and Robin with you if necessary".
Larry grabbed Thomas and kissed him right square on the lips, "yes boss, anything you say boss, God how I love you Thomas, you really are a Heaven sent". Turing and Hugging Benjamin he said, "you too big spooky guy".
"Thomas I love you so much I could eat you up". With a wink Thomas said I'll hold you to that later Benny boy". "Geese don't call me that I hate it". Laughing Thomas said, "I know".
Glen set up an appointment with their top oncologist for early the next day. Larry and Robin went to his parents home at the crack of dawn to make sure Nora and Bob would be ready to go since there hadn't been time to notify them before hand. Bob opened the door surprised, but happy to see Larry. Larry introduced Robin and asked how his mother was. Bob said she was quite weak this morning and was still in bed. "Dad we need to get mother up and dressed she has an appointment with a doctor who specializes in the treatment of cancer, we have only an hour and a half to get her ready and down to his office. I'll start getting her ready right now but son we haven't any money left to pay bills, we've already gone through our savings on doctor bills.
Robin said, "Mr. Kent, there'll be no charges to you, all expenses have been covered, what we need you to do is make sure your wife gets to all the appointments for the treatments necessary to make her well". "Oh son, you can count on that, that dear woman is all I have in the world except for Larry, and I hope he'll let us become part of his life". "Mr. Kent if appears that he is a part of your life, now go in and help him get his mother dressed". As weak as Nora was she never once complained as Larry and his dad got her ready and into the car. They were at the hospital by eight a.m. Doctor Brown already had a messenger bring Nora's previous examination findings from her doctor. From what he saw made it imperative that Nora start treatments today.
Bob and Nora where both overwhelmed with the speed at which things were happening, but also you could see a glimmer of hope in their eyes. Larry leaned down and kissed his mother as she was being wheeled in for her first chemo treatment, "I'll be here waiting with dad when you come out". Turning to Robin Larry said, "babe you don't have to stay I'm sure there's things you want to get done". "If you think you're getting rid of me that easy you've got a lot to learn bucko". Larry hugged Robin tightly trying to fight back the moisture that had gathered in his eyes.
Turning to Mr. Kent Robin asked, "is there anything I can do for you?" Bob stood and pulled Robin into a hug of his own as he whispered, "yes there is something Robin, please call me Bob, I really don't deserve your respect". Mr. .....Bob, we all make our mistakes in life, Larry has forgiven you and I have nothing to forgive, you and I have a clean slate, our relationship began the minute Larry said he forgave you". "The past can't be rewritten once it's gone it's gone". "Let's pray you, Nora, and Larry have many years left to write a fresh new chapter to your lives". "No wonder Larry loves you Robin, how could he not, thanks for your kind words".
Within a month Nora was regaining strength and was looking like a new woman, she'd lost a lot of hair but with a professional stylist taking care of her hairpiece she looked good considering what she's been through. Larry and his parents had come to terms with a new beginning to their lives. By mid June Nora had her last treatment and was diagnosed cancer free with Dr. Brown advising an examination every three months for the next year.
The gazebo was nearly finished and would be ready for the 4th of July celebration. Thomas noticed one of the workers who appeared to be in his early thirties usually stayed late and worked by himself until dark. Out riding one evening before darkness fell he stopped to admire the man's work. "You do great work and it's greatly appreciated".
"I'm Thomas" and he reached out to shake the man's hand. "Nice to meet you, I'm Brad Cunningham". "I notice you work late a lot Brad any special reason?" "Yeah, I guess, I feel comfortable here and there's no one to go home to anymore, working keeps my mind busy". Noticing that Brad said no one to go home to "anymore" prompted Thomas to ask, "you said anymore do you mind me asking what happened to the person you used to go home to?"
"My partner and I had been together for over thirteen years, when one day he just announced that he'd found someone younger and was leaving". "Poof the love of my life was gone, no warning, just I've found someone else and I'm leaving". "That was six months ago and I still can't get him out of my mind and heart." Thomas got down off his horse and walked over and pulled Brad into his arms with a warm, affectionate hug, the tenderness caught Brad off guard and the hurt he'd been holding inside came rushing out in sobs of grief.
When Brad regained some semblance of control he apologized to Thomas, "I don't know what came over me, I'm sorry for that, I feel so embarrassed". Looking into this handsome man's face Thomas said, "you have nothing to apologize for Brad, a few years ago I came home to find my loving partner sucking the mailman's cock". "I was so depressed I moved eighteen hundred miles away which brought me to this beautiful area to a life rich with love and friendships". "It appears the incident in your life brought you here also and it's a good place to be". "Yeah I guess you're right Thomas, it's the reason I stay as late as I can, it's a feeling of comfort that I haven't felt in six months". "Unfortunately by working late I've cut my time here short by finishing the job early".
"What job are you headed to next?" "Don't have anything planned, not sure what I'll do with myself since I hate being in the apartment alone". "Look around at this place Brad". I have everyday, it's beautiful and peaceful". Thanks, but that wasn't what I was referring to, I mean look at all of these buildings, and there's eight miles of fence to keep up with". "We need someone with your talent to work here full time helping us keep this place in pristine shape, after all we are a bunch of fuss butt gays living here". Laughing Brad said, "Thomas are you offering me a job?" Laughing along with him, Thomas said, "Yes I'm offering you a job and a place to live, now if I have to beg I will, but I'd rather not so will you accept?"
"You got me Thomas, when do I move in?" "How about tomorrow morning if that isn't too soon for you, we'll all pitch in and help". "Tomorrow's good, the sooner I get away from that place and the memories the better off I'll be". Another hug and Brad's sad eyes had a bit of a sparkle to them. "Thanks Thomas, I won't let you down, I'm a good worker". "I can see that and now you'll get to enjoy your work on this gazebo when we celebrate the forth out here". "You just might be the guest of honor come to think of it".
Brad moved in with everyone's blessing including Benjamin who Brad accepted without so much as a flinch considering he was a ghost after all. He was beginning to wonder if he was losing some of his scare factor. Everyone assured him he was as scary as ever which wasn't at all comforting since they were all laughing at him as they said it.
The 4th of July was here and Nora and Bob were coming to share in the festivities as well as celebrate Nora's recovery. There was an interesting addition since Nora and Bob asked if they could bring their pastor with them, which of course was fine depending on how well Benjamin behaved since he'd decided he had to regain some of his spookiness. Thomas reminded him that Nora might not be up to being terrorized by a disgruntled ghost and Ben said he'd be sure and keep that in mind, but wasn't promising anything as far as the pastor was concerned.
Thomas gave him a delicious kiss and patted his ass as he said, "don't know what I'd do without you here to keep life interesting". Laughing Ben grabbed Thomas's crotch and said, "oh I think I keep your life interesting enough as it is". "That you do Benny boy". "Bitch, you call me that again and I'll scare the hell out of everyone at the party this evening". "Sorry Benjamin you know how much I love you". "Yeah right I can tell by that smartass smirk on your beautiful face".
Everything was ready, food, wine, beer, lemonade, soda snacks and whatever anyone could think of had been brought out to the gazebo which was lighted up with tiny twinkling lights that resembled fireflies thanks to Robin and Bill. Thomas, Benjamin, and Larry were at the house waiting on Nora, Bob ,and their pastor to arrive. The door bell rang and Larry opened it greeting his parents and the pastor who was f-u-c-k-i-n-g gorgeous to behold. Nora and Bob hugged Larry and introduced Gavin before they hugged Thomas. Gavin shook hands with Larry and Thomas before turning to Benjamin and offering his hand, Benjamin thinking he couldn't be seen just stood there with his mouth open. "What's the matter with the ghost does he have a germ fetish or doesn't he know how to shake hands?"
Thomas and Larry literally rolled with laughter at the look Benjamin had on his face. Thomas said, "maybe you have lost your spookiness Ben". "You can see me?" "Yup, I can and I have to say you're a mighty good looking ghost". "Well thank you Gavin with that Benjamin shook hands"
Nora and Bob were left speechless not having a clue as to what was going on. "Mom, dad, are you ready for a bit of a shock?" Looking at each other they smiled and said, "I think we're shock proof". "What you can't see that we're laughing about is we have a resident ghost who lives here with us, his name in Benjamin and he totally assume". Larry's mother asked Gavin if he could see Benjamin and Gavin said yes. Nora then wanted to know why she and Bob couldn't see him, we've heard you mention Benjamin's name before we just didn't realize he was a ghost. Thomas looked and Benjamin and asked if he could add a little extra ectoplasm or whatever he did so Nora and Bob could see him. "You just don't want me to any fun tonight do you?"
Benjamin did appear to Nora and Bob as gently as he could manage, Nora's response was, "oh my, you are a nice looking man, I'm so glad to finally get to meet you". "The pleasure is all mine Nora". Bob's response was to pass out colder than a cucumber. Larry was splashing water on his dad's face as he slowly came to, "dad are you okay, that was quite a shock wasn't it?" "You can say that again, where's your mother she didn't hurt herself when she fainted did she?"
"Aaah dad, mom didn't faint, she told Benjamin it was nice to meet him and they left arm in arm chatting as they made their way up to the gazebo with Gavin". "Don't tell you mom I fainted okay?" Larry rolled his eyes, like his mother wasn't standing right there when Bob passed out. Laughing Larry said, "No dad I won't mention it". Turning and looking at Thomas who had the most hideous expression on his face, Larry asked what was wrong. "Oh nothing, just trying really hard not to laugh is all". "Got ya, thanks for holding it in don't want to embarrass my dad". "Unhuh". "Why don't you go on ahead Thomas I want to show dad a few things on our way out to the gazebo". As soon as the back door shut Larry could hear Thomas laughing as he hurried up the hill.
Bob said, "I wonder what struck Thomas so funny?" "Oh probably something Benjamin did, he's kind of the resident ghost/comedian". "I see, well we'd better catch up with the rest of them, it looks like your gazebo turned out beautiful Larry".
The party went well, Robin, Bill, and Glen were setting off Roman Candles and other spectacular fireworks for everyone's entertainment. "Benjamin whispered to Thomas, check out the attraction between our Brad and the Pastor". "Are you kidding me?" "Look for yourself". Thomas did a casual look around just in time to catch Brad and the pastor slipping their fingers together as they stood talking off to one side. "Whoa. now that's a nice surprise, those two would make a great couple, they're both a couple of studs".
"Yeah, and the best part is..........."Well the best part is what Benjamin?" "I still got it babe, did you see the way Bob kneeled over when I appeared, it just proves I haven't lost my spookiness". Laughing his ass off Thomas kiss him, "yeah your spookiness is still in tact honey".
To be Continued
Jason Gardham