This is a work of pure fiction, but based on the author's feelings, beliefs, and in some cases, experience. Come to think of it -- it might not be very pure either! There may be graphic sexual encounters at times between men, so if this offends you, you are invited to retreat. If you are too young or it is otherwise illegal for you to be reading this kind if story, shame on you for reading it - - please stop here. If not, - - ENJOY!
Cast of characters:
Ben Hastings -- That's me!
Bill "Bubba" Hastings -- My Dad
Veronica Hastings -- My Mom.
Reyna -- My Best Friend
Ranj Kumar-- Another friend
Jared -- A football whore.
Rex Majors -- Ranj's roommate.
Everett Majors - Rex's younger brother
Mick and Mack Majors - The twins
Kirby and Wyatt -- the youngest Majors
Etienne Croissant -- Salesman
Alan Randall -- Dad's friend
Al Randall -- Alan's son.
From Chapter 32:
"Now for the real surprise!" He said. He walked over and took from his wallet a condom.
"You're kidding! Where did you get it?"
"The manager."
"Did you get two?"
"He only had one. We'll have to make do."
Chapter 33
I was in the heat of the moment when I asked him to -- to -- make love -- to me. I can't say the "f" word, because it sounds vulgar -- and I didn't want it to be like that. Now the heat was different, and I wasn't so sure that I wanted - - that - - right now - - at this moment in time. As I was considering this -- in the split second it took to think all of it -- Etienne said,
"You first."
As I said, I wasn't so sure, but again, I was also not willing to now go back on my word. I got on my back on the bed. Etienne looked at me like I was crazy -- again. "What are you doing?" He asked.
"I -- um -- well - " I stammered. "Um -- well, I don't wanna be mounted like some kind of dog. I think face to face would be better."
"I think you speak a different language down here in California!" Said Etienne, grinning.
"Huh?"
"I didn't mean that I was gonna fuck you!" You're gonna fuck me - - first!"
"Nuh-uh!" I said. "No -- it's your condom. You get to use it first."
"And that's fine. As it's my place I make the rules. And I WILL use it first - - by putting it ON you -- then you can put it IN me." He had the most irresistible grin on his face, standing there holding the condom like it was a 50 dollar gold piece.
During our argument over "who gets fucked first", we both lost our wood. So he dropped to my crotch and slurped my dick up into his mouth and started to suck on it like it was his mother's tit. His mother's tit never got this hard or this fast! As soon as he had me hard as a rock he rolled on the condom. It was a little tight. We laughed about the probable size of the former owner.
Then HE flopped down on his back and raised his legs over me. I slipped between them and he put them over my shoulders. He reached up and pulled me down into a wonderful kiss.
As we kissed, he guided my hand to his anus. "I think you need to work it open -- um -- before you can get in."
I agreed and I pushed his legs off my shoulders. It was more comfortable for both of us lying side by side. I easily worked in my middle finger. Then two. Then three, and I spread him open with the three fingers.
Then he groaned. "You okay?" I asked.
"I'm fine." He groaned. "Just go for it." He pulled his knees up to his chest, his back to me.
"No -- on you're back! Face to face."
"Please -- let's start this way."
I scooted up behind him. I put my condom covered stiffy up to his anus -- and pushed. It had closed up again. "I think you have to work me open again." He said. This was getting to be a chore. I made the mistake of putting my finger up to my nose. Shit.
"I can't do this, Et." I said. (Did I just call him "Et"?)
"Well, I can!" He said. "Take that thing off!" He said, again with his gleeful grin, and he grabbed the condom and pulled it -- I guess expecting it to come off easily. It didn't. I ripped wide open!
We both gawked at it and then busted up laughing. "Maybe that's why he didn't charge me for it!" He laughed.
I was so glad he laughed! It could have been a major issue. I was happy for a couple things. First, Etienne was not so focused on sex that he hated me for not performing. Secondly - - he was almost as inexperienced as I. When I first met him, I thought he was so sophisticated and -- experienced.
I lay there for a moment, deep in thought. "Well," he said, "I guess that moment has passed." He lay back with his hands under his head. "I could get used to you!"
"Huh?"
"Oh, I dunno exactly, but -- that could have been a huge problem -- with some people. I mean, we have all night -- right? I just -- I mean -- you really make me feel at ease and -- good!"
"Yeah." I agreed. "I guess that's it." I was still on my side. I idly traced figure eights on his chest, tickling both of us in his hair.
"Omigod that's stimulating!" He said. "Are you trying to light me up again?"
"I wasn't, but since that other moment passed, we may as well let another get started! I dunno about you, but my moment of -- um - "
"Revulsion?"
"I guess. But it too has passed." I said, as I let my figure eight wander down his hairy tummy and into his pubes. His head was still propped up on his hands. I crawled on top of him. He smiled and wrapped his arms around me. I lay my head on his furry chest and sighed. He patted my back -- like I was a baby. I burped. We both laughed.
"Vous êtes irresistable !" He exclaimed. I didn't need a translation of that. As his hands traced their way down to my butt, I pushed my way up and kissed his neck. He removed one hand to my face and lined it up for a wet kiss on the mouth. Both our pelvises began to undulate at the same time, and the result was precum and a very passionate kiss.
"Vous êtes irresistable !" I repeated back to him. He flipped us both over to where he was atop me and then kissed me some more. I couldn't stop my hips from their thrusting motions. There was just enough precum between us that things slipped around nicely.
Then he moved down to lick and suck on my nipples. He rubbed his stubbly face on my baby smooth chest. That too, made my dick flex and I felt another generous spurt of precum leave me. He kept moving down my body and kissed and tickled my tummy and navel. As he was licking my navel, his chin was grazing the head of my engorged bone. I moaned. He bent his head and licked it. I shiver went through me, as I moaned even louder.
I closed my eyes, expecting any moment to feel his warm mouth surrounding the head, when his fingers found their way to my perineum. I felt like I would cum on the spot, but all I did was push out a heavy shot of more precum -- and a little shriek.
"I guess that means you like it!" He laughed. I love his laugh! I never thought about laughing during sex, but -- why not? I was learning that sex can be fun. Or - - SHOULD be fun! I bent my legs involuntarily, and my big toe nearly went into his ass. It was his turn to shriek. Then he did engulf my head in his mouth and sucked hard, pushing open the hole, and also mashing it with his tongue. My dick, even when hard, has a soft head.
I again caressed his butt hole with my big toe. He coughed and then again laughed. I was beginning to really like playing with Etienne. He went all the way down on me, and then sprang back up and kissed my mouth, and I got a strong taste of my precum.
"I could get used to this real fast!" he said. I kissed him deeply, and as he was now back up to my level, I could reach his butt with my hand, and it felt so good all furry and warm! I let my fingers probe his crack until I found his anus. It was tightly closed. I wet my finger and softened it up, as he willed himself to relax it.
My middle finger popped in and he moaned in my ear, then kissed it, sucking on the ear lobe. This sent a shiver down me, and I put my finger as deep into him as I could. I could feel him tense up when I came to his prostate. I flipped it several times which got me a long, low pitched moan. He swathed my ear with his wet tongue and then sucked and bit my ear lobe some more.
We both were undulating all over each other, thrusting and rubbing our stiff masts against each other.
I started to breath very quickly, knowing that my orgasm was seconds away. "Wait!" I said. I turned and we immediately went down on each other with fast, full strokes, deep into our mouths, and pushing past our gag reflexes. Then we both pulled up and did very fast short bobbing on each other, and I was moaning very loud, trying to wait for him to catch up to me, but I was already feeling my juice rise.
As I shot my first load, he deep throated me and my loud, rumbling moan sent him over the edge and he started thrusting and pouring cream into my mouth as fast as I could swallow it. I lost track of what he was doing, other than he was fulfilling the massively strong need that I wasn't aware I had a few minutes before.
When we were both finished, as if by agreement, we softly continued to suck, as we both went soft and mushy. He began chewing on mine, and so I did the same, because it felt so good -- on both the receiving and the giving end.
As I became very soft, he sucked it all the way in and also my nuts. He swallowed my soft dick and massaged it with his throat muscles. Of course as he taught me, I followed suit.
The next morning I asked him, "Is the first night always like that?" We had awakened several times and gotten off each time in several but similar ways.
"I dunno. I haven't had that many first nights. I'm thinking - - no."
What we didn't get done was any phone calls. We decided it was worth our time to get to know each other better.
(That's our story and - - we're stickin' to it!)
We had four appointments that day, but no sales. Two of them asked us to come back at another time.
"Sometimes it's like that." He said. He took me home this time and dropped me off, not coming in. As I came through the door, the first person I met was Everett. I don't think he suspected anything -- more than maybe an assumption -- but I felt immediately guilty - - of what I don't know.
"Nice Clothes!" Said Everett. And he hugged me. "Mmmm! You smell great!"
"Where is everyone?" I asked.
"At the park. Mom decided a picnic at the park would be a good family night out for us."
"Oh. Why -- um -- why aren't you with them?"
"I wanted to wait for you."
"Oh." I repeated. "What if I hadn't come home?"
"I woulda walked over by myself. I was just getting ready to start walking. But I'm glad you did come home. I wanted to talk to you."
"Oh! What about?" I asked. We started walking to the park together.
"Aw -- I just wanted to talk about -- um -- well -- (sigh!) Jared!"
"Is there a problem?"
"A couple problems. First, um -- I dunno, it's just -- um -- Ben, I'm getting tired of Jared's -- um -- I mean -- his - "
"Immaturity?" I offered.
"Yes! I know he's older than both of us, but -- I'm wondering if some people -- ever -- grow up!"
"What's he doing -- now?
"Nothing new. I guess I thought he was changing -- maybe I was hoping too much, I dunno. He acts like -- like a stupid high school kid!"
I stopped. I put my hand under my mouth and pinched my lower lip -- trying not to smile too much.
"Okay, okay! I know! I'm still a high school kid! But only for the next week! And I'll be 18 -- well you KNOW when! And he's already 23 -- isn't he? Yet he's still playing the silly little boy games -- I mean -- why can't he grow up?" I fully expected to see agony on Everett's face. Instead there was more like anger -- disgust. "You know how I think of him?"
"How?" I asked.
"Hmph! I think he's cute! Like a little boy is cute! I don't want a little boy!"
"Well, it's not as if you're married to him." I said.
"You don't get it! He just keeps hanging around!"
"Well, my parents invited him -- like -- into the family."
"Yeah!" he said sourly. "And -- he'll be at the park tonight too! I told him that I don't want to keep seeing him -- like we have been. But he just acts like nothing's changed."
"But -- it's hard to -- um -- resist him -- when he's coming on to you -- right?"
"Not any more. I mean -- it's all the time. No, I don't respond. But I can't ignore him, either. I guess I'm just gonna have to be nice to him. Sorry to put this crap on you, Ben. I never felt that he and I were going together -- but I think maybe - "
"He does?"
"I decided I'm gonna take a walk with him -- at the park -- and tell him -- um -- break up with him. I think that's what it's gonna take."
"Well -- it sounds like you've got it all together, Ev. I dunno what you needed me for. You're doing fine."
"Aw, I guess I just wanted someone to bounce things off. I just wanted you to tell me I'm doing the right thing. Thanks."
"No problem." I said, as we turned into the park, and saw the family. The little boys saw us and came running. "Um -- you said there were a couple problems - - ?"
"Oh. Yeah." He said as Kirby beat Wyatt to his older brother. Kirby is a year older, but at least a head taller now. Picking Kirby up and swinging him around, Everett said, "The other problem is -- I still love you -- Ben."
Wyatt stood looking up at Ev, pouting, and as Kirby was already occupying the place he wanted, he then looked up at me. I picked him up and he kissed my cheek and hugged my neck.
"Ben -- I think I'm in love with you!"
"Ev loves Ben! Ev loves Ben!" Echoed Kirby.
"SHhh! Kirby! It's a secret!" Whispered Ev in Kirby's ear as he drilled his tummy with a finger. Kirby giggled and repeated it in Ev's ear in a stage whisper.
Wyatt looked seriously at me and said, "Wyatt loves Ben too." And he kissed me -- on the mouth. I hugged him as we came to the rest of the family. Both boys wiggled to get down as soon as they were back.
It's hard to experience an ache in your heart when people are around. I thought about Etienne and how much I was getting attached to him. Then I thought about Ev. With all the hellos and hugs, he just kept watching me -- like he was hoping for a reaction. I felt so conflicted! When he didn't get one, he walked to Jared and said something. They walked away.
I felt like shit!
The family time was fun enough, and seeing Jared's expression as they came back, I realized that Everett had told him -- "the bad news".
We got home after dinner and some games and I went directly to my room and made some calls. I set up three appointments for several weeks away. Just as I finished the last call, my phone rang. It was Etienne.
"Wanna come over tonight?"
"Etienne -- um -- no. I think I better stay here tonight."
"Okay. I'll be there at 6:00 in the morning."
"Are you trying to wear me out? I usually don't get up until 6:30."
"The early bird -- and all that! And -- I thought we could get some breakfast -- or something."
Or something?
"I'm really tired tonight, Et. Could you just pick me up at 8:00? I know exactly how to get to that dude's house. We'll still be there early."
"O -- okay -- if that's what you want." He said, sounding dejected.
I felt like shit!
I went to bed and was asleep in minutes. I dreamed, but don't know what it was. I just know I woke up and it was dark at my window, so I knew it was still not time to get up. I closed my eyes, but something felt -- not quite right. I looked at the other side -- toward the door and was about to close my eyes again when in the dark, I noticed something darker by my arm. I turned toward Everett, who was kneeling by my bed, his head next to my arm.
"Are you awake, Ev?" I whispered very quietly.
"M-hm." He said.
I opened the covers and he crawled in. He backed up to me and I spooned him for awhile, then rolled over him so I was facing him. I wrapped my legs around him and drew him close and we kissed deeply. I felt like this shouldn't be happening, but I was only half awake -- and so was he. It was more like a dream.
We fell asleep in that position, except my legs slipped from around him. We were face to face, I rolled half on the bottom, and Everett's face on my neck. We were both hard against one another's abdomens as we went to sleep.
We were hard against each other's abdomens when we woke up with a start. Shit! I didn't want Dad to catch us like this again! But it wasn't Dad who came in the door. It was Etienne. He stared at us and started a retreat. "Oops! Sorry." He said, but looked like he wanted to cry. He backed out of the room.
"No! Come in, Et!" I said. "You better get back to your room, Ev." Everett looked at me, frowned and turned red, as he motioned below. "Oh. Okay, you can stay here if you want." I said. I turned again to Etienne and said, "Sit down. Sorry, I didn't wake up. I'll only be a minute."
Etienne looked confused and still hurt. "It's okay, Et-yen." Said Everett. "We just like to sleep together sometimes. It's what brothers do. When I got up, it exposed part of Everett's body and he quickly pulled the covers up to his chin. But it did show that below the baby smooth, hairless skin on his tummy, there were boxer shorts. And of course I had on my sleep shorts, even though my boner was very evident, as I hurried to the toilet. I don't think Etienne cared - - all guys wake up that way, anyway. His expression softened a lot when he saw we were both wearing pants.
I shaved and brushed my teeth quickly, and came back to the bedroom. Etienne was lying atop my covers with his hands behind his head. Everett was turned toward him with his head propped on his hand, and they were in deep conversation -- which stopped when I came in. Of course I wondered what they were talking about. I was left wondering, as I started to throw on some clothes and I said, "I don't need any breakfast. Let's just go."
Etienne looked at Everett and smiled. "Actually, when I got up this morning, there was a message on my cell phone this morning - our appointment was cancelled."
"But - - that was the only appointment we had today!" I said, almost mournfully.
"Etienne asked me if I wanted to go to the beach with you and him." It wasn't until then that I noticed that Etienne was wearing jeans!
"Crap!" I said. "How often does this happen?" I said to Etienne.
"A few times a month probably. Well, you know already that a lot of guys cancel. It's just part of the percentages game we play. When it works out this way, I just make it a play day -- or whatever I can or want to do. So -- let's play a little!"
I looked at Everett, and he was grinning. "I thought you had a new job, Ev - - ?"
"I do. As long as we're back before 5:00 I'm okay. I have the 6 -- 10 shift tonight."
Everett got a job at McDonalds for the summer. He graduates next week. "Et also said he wants to come to my graduation!" Everett said excitedly. It was the first time I saw him excited about graduating. He seemed kind of depressed before -- that he was not graduating from his high school back home.
Did he just call Etienne, "Et"?
"You have to understand -- I will try my best to get to your grad night, but if some rich dude says that's the only time he can meet with me -- I'll need to meet with him."
"Grad night?" Echoed Everett, hopefully.
"Graduation." Etienne
"Oh." Said Everett, more subdued. "Because I was originally gonna ask Jared to my grad night party. I don't really want to go with him -- now. I wasn't gonna go -- cuz I hardly know anyone anyway - - But -- if you wanted to -- but -- you meant my graduation. Okay."
Etienne looked bewildered and - - pleased. "Huh? Me? You'd want me to go -- but -- I'm way too old, Ev!"
What about me? I thought.
"I just never thought an older -- guy -- would want to go to a high school party," said Everett, now quite embarrassed.
"Wouldn't you have more fun with your brother?" Said Etienne.
"Huh? Rex? Well, duh! But he - "
"I meant Ben!" Said Etienne.
"Oh!" Exclaimed Everett. "I -- uh - " Now he was really beside himself.
I let him off the hook ."You don't want your brother with you, Ev!" I said. "And it sounds like maybe Etienne would like to go." I tried hard to show some enthusiasm.
"Do you think you could?" Everett asked, cautiously.
"Well, even if I couldn't make the actual graduation -- I could do the grad nite with you. Is it still an all night party?"
"It IS!" Said Everett, excitedly.
"Heh. I'd have to get to bed early the night before -- that's for sure!"
I must have looked like a dog watching a ping-pong game. I felt sick to my stomach. But I tried not to show it. "Well, hey! Where shall we go -- to the beach, I mean?"
"What beach is the closest?" Asked Etienne.
"Bolsa Chica -- or Huntington." I answered.
"What's the difference?" Asked Etienne.
"Bolsa Chica has smaller waves." I said. "Have you -- either of you -- body surfed?"
"Naw." Said Everett.
"We didn't do much of that up in Montreal." Said Etienne.
"Well, maybe we can start out at Bolsa Chica, then later -- if you want, we can go to Huntington. At Huntington, there is a pier. The surfers go north of the pier with their boards. The body surfers stay south of the pier. Bolsa Chica Beach is the next beach south of Huntington.
"Cool!" Said both Ev and Et together.
"Is there a place to go for breakfast on the way?" Etienne asked. "I'll spring for breakfast!"
"We have to go through Orange County. There's anything you want -- on the way."
"Good! Do you have a swim suit I can wear?" Etienne asked me.
"Sure." I said, pulling out my shorts drawer. "These are fast drying -- well, all mine are."
"Erm -- do you have one for me too?" Asked Everett. "All I have is a Speedo I used at school in Texas. I dunno if I want to wear them at the beach."
"Omigod!" Said Etienne. "I'd like to SEE you in them!"
I quickly pulled out my longest surfer shorts and threw them to Everett. "These should work fine!" I said, maybe a little too curtly.
They both immediately stripped to put on the suits I threw to them. My stomach both ached and yearned as I saw them both nude in front of me. I was afraid they would catch me watching them, but then I noticed they were too involved gawking at each other to notice me.
I put on the suit I wanted, and then another pair of outer shorts. Etienne put his jeans back on. Everett excused himself to get some pants and shoes. After he left the room, there was an uncomfortable silence in my room. Etienne broke the silence. "You don't mind -- I mean -- my going to the grad night party -- with Ev -- do you?" I couldn't hide it this time. "Oh! You DO mind. I'm so sorry, Ben! I didn't mean to - "
"No -- It's okay." I lied. "Dad and I were planning something that night anyway." I said, compounding the lie. Ev came back in, grinning, excited like a -- well, like a school boy! Etienne mirrored his excitement. My heart sank even deeper. I was about to tell them I really didn't want to go to the beach with them.
"You're gonna have to show me how to body surf, Ben. I don't wanna drown!" Said Everett.
"Hah! Me too!" Said Etienne.
We stopped at Denney's for a greasy breakfast, then he had me drive his car to Bolsa Chica Beach. It was early enough that there were only a few cars there. When we got to the water, I showed them how to avoid breaking waves by diving under them. Both of them thought just that was fun. It was new to them.
Then I showed them how I could catch a breaking wave and ride it. I swam back out and both of them were trying to duplicate what I did. But they were trying to catch waves that were either not ready to break, or already breaking. I showed them how you have to wait for a wave that just is starting to crest before it gets to you. When the next one got to us, we all tried to get it. Well, actually they tried. I caught it. But then pulled out.
Swimming back, I told them, "Once you see a good one, you have to swim like hell to catch it!" And I saw another coming. "Go!" I said. We all swam with our arms like windmills in a storm. All of us caught this one and rode it pretty far in. The waves we were catching were about 3 feet high and the depth we were catching them in we stood about half out of the water.
After about an hour of doing that, Etienne suggested we get out for a rest.
"You wanna rest?" I said. Both of them vigorously shook their heads yes. "Follow me!" I said, and I swam out further.
"Are you crazy?" Asked Etienne.
"Do you trust me?"
"I dunno!"
"Trust me -- follow me!" I said, and I continued swimming out. I didn't have to swim very far before I was out of range of the breakers.
"Now what?" Said Etienne.
"Put your feet down." I said. Both of them touched the floor of the ocean. We were just deep enough that the waves made us float, but the troughs let us stand, neck high in water.
"How are we supposed to rest?" Asked Everett.
"Like this:" I said and I floated on my back.
"I can't float." Said Etienne. "I've tried it lots of times in the lake."
"The oceans different." I said. "Try it."
Both of them looked at me incredulously. "Try it, dammit!" I said. "Just hold your breath and point your hands and arms over your head like this." I said, again floating. "Your arms and hands act as a counter-balance to your legs. It really works."
"I think he's trying to drown us!" Said Etienne -- half joking.
"JUST TRY IT, you PUSSY!" I commanded. By this time, Everett was already up on his back, floating like a pro. Etienne looked fearful, but took a deep breath, pulled up his legs and did as I told him and immediately he was floating.
"You have to hold your breath and take quick, deep breaths, trying to keep your lungs as full as possible most of the time."
Both of them sank a couple times -- because they were too slow at grabbing their next breath, but after a short time, they were both floating easily with me. "See how relaxing this is?" I said.
"Yeah -- and it's much cooler than on the hot sand!" Said Everett.
"Omigod!" Said Etienne. "Look how far we have drifter from where we came in the water!"
"Yeah, that happens." I said. "We can go in and walk back to our towels. That's normal when you're surfing or swimming in the ocean. Sometimes a very fast current will take you very fast to one direction or the other. It's called a rip-tide. And it's best not to fight it. Just go with it and swim in when you can. Other wise you can get too tired if you fight it."
We swam in and then walked down the wet sand to where our towels were. There were a lot more people there by that time. "Look!" Said Eitenne. "Either those dudes are gay -- or they're from Europe." There were four guys -- all older than all of us -- walking further up from the water than we were, all wearing Speedos'. One of them was pretty fat. They stopped and sat down with some woman who looked about their age.
"Guess they're from Europe." Said Everett, laughing.
"You guys ready to try some bigger waves?" I asked. "We can go to Huntington any time."
"I'm starved!" Said Everett.
"You would be!" Laughed Etienne.
"You need lunch -- or can we just get some strips for a snack until lunch time?"
"Strips?" They both said.
"They are salted tortillas cut into one inch strips. You eat them with salsa -- or alone."
"Where do you get them?"
"Huntington."
"Let's go!" said Everett.
As we neared the car, Etienne said, "Oh! I didn't think about all this sand in my car!" He looked freaked out momentarily, then looked sheepish. "Oh -- never mind. I can vacuum it." He chuckled.
I drove down to Huntington City beach. By this time it was teeming with people. The sand was very hot. For June this was a hot day. I guessed it was this way since Memorial Day. We found a place to lay out our towels, right next to several cute college-age--looking guys. They eyed us momentarily and then went back to the joking and stuff they were involved with.
We three immediately ran back to the shops, and found a place to buy some strips. "OOO! They ARE salty!" Said Etienne. "but I like `em!"
I bought each of us a tray of them and a soft drink. We carried them back down to our towels and sat down to eat them. The guys next to us again looked at us -- one of them whispering something that made the rest laugh uproariously. But they soon were again into their own conversations.
We ate our strips and then headed for the water. Both guys' eyes were round as plates, as they saw the water I wanted to take them in to. "I dunno about this!" Said Etienne.
"Are you sure this is safe?" Said Everett.
"Well, I'd say the hundreds of people out there think so!" I said. Look at the little kids -- and the old ladies! Let's go!" I said, shaming both of them.
As we again waded into the water -- this time it felt much colder -- because we were so very hot -- I reminded them of how to duck or dive under an oncoming wave. We had to go out to the neck deep water this time and the waves were only about a foot higher that at Bolsa Chica Beach, but we were a lot deeper, so the 4 foot waves looked more like 8 foot-ers.
A really big one came crashing toward us. "Ohhh -- shit!" Said Everett.
"Fuck!" Said Etienne
"Just dive under -- it's that same as at the other beach." I said as I ducked under the wave just in time. My friends did the same.
"Wow!" Said Everett.
"What?" I said.
"That was even easier than at the other place! I didn't even have to dive down. Hee hee!"
"Yeah -- I suppose." Said Etienne. "Now what do I do with this shit in your swim suit?" My head snapped around to Etienne. "Just kidding! But it almost scared the shit outa me! How do we catch these monster waves?"
"Same as the others, but you have to get started swimming a little sooner, because we can't just jump up and on top of the water like over there. And -- if a wave starts getting the best of you -- remember -- just dive back under it. Don't panic!"
"Yeah -- easier said than done!" Said Etienne.
But in a very short time, both guys were catching almost as many waves as I was, and giggling like a couple of school boys. Well -- actually one of them still WAS a school boy! One time when I caught one they didn't, then they caught one just about as I was getting back out to them.
They both caught it together, and went sailing past me, about half way into the beach. I watched them, approvingly, and then watched as they sprang up in the shallow water, laughing and hugging each other like old friends.
I waited for them to get back and we all caught a large 7th wave (About one in seven is much larger) and surfed most of the way to shore. We walked out onto the wet sand.
"Could we walk over to the other side of the pier and watch the surfers?" Asked Everett. He of course meant the board surfers. So we walked south and to the other side of the pier. We were all pretty much mesmerized by the many guys on surfboards -- all waiting for the seventh wave. When it came, they almost altogether started to paddle hard to get speed up before it started to break behind them.
Many of them pulled out -- whether because it was too big, or their timing wasn't right, I don't know. One big guy surfed almost all the way in.
"Kewl!" I heard someone shout. I looked in his direction, and happened to catch his eye. "Ben! What're YOU dong here! I didn't know you were a surfer!"
"Hi Al!" I said, as surprised to see him as he was to see me. What have you been up to?"
"Same-o same-o! you know!" He said. "This is Mesja." He said indicating the girl who was clutching his arm. "Mesja, this is Ben and -- what are your friends names, Ben?"
"I'm Etienne"
"Oh yes! From France!"
"Quebec." Said Etienne.
"Oh, right!" and this is your little brother -- um - ?"
"Everett." I said.
"Yeah -- Everett. Mesja -- you'd never guess they were gay, would you?"
Three men and one girl's mouths all hung open at that comment.
Mesja slapped Al's arm -- hard. "Allan! You don't just go blurting that out!"
"Why not -- they're all out -- right?"
"Well -- I am -- actually." Said Etienne. "But these two aren't -- really."
"Oh sorry. Well, you probably don't know anyone anyway -- right? So no harm done!" He judged. "So -- what plans do you have for the summer, Ben?"
"Oh, just work and maybe play a little."
"Yeah -- me too." Said Al. "You know our dad's have gotten together 3 times since we hooked them back up. That is so cool!"
"Yeah, I suppose it - "
"Hey! Do you have your boards with you?"
"We were just doing some body surfing on the other side of the pier."
"Oh. Do you -- er -- have you ever surfed on a board?"
"No." I said.
"Any of you?"
"This is our first time in the ocean." said Everett.
"Oh! Well, I have an extra board -- I was teaching Mesja to -- well -- you know -- and -- she's pretty much finished. Anyone wanna learn how to surf?"
"No way!!" Said Everett and Etienne in chorus. I didn't say anything."
"C'mon Ben. Grab that board over there."
"Go on, Ben. You've spent all your time teaching us to body surf. Now you learn how to use a board!" Said Etienne.
"I dunno - " I hedged.
"Come ON! Ben, you gotta live sometime!"
I shook my head and tried to shake off my fear. "O -- kay."
"Fuckinae!" Said Al. "Mesja, get him the board!" Al almost ordered the girl.
"I can get it!" I said, obviously irritated.
"No, it's okay." Said Mesja, as she ran to get it.
"Al -- you -- you - " I started.
"Dude -- sorry! She's a total slut! And -- she really doesn't mind., you know."
"I wouldn't treat a dog that way." I said, shaking my head.
"Yes you would! That's just the point. You would tell your dog to fetch something you wanted. She's like a dog -- almost like a puppy dog."
I was about to counter once more, but Mesja came back with the board. I almost thought she was panting like a dog. I expected her to lick his hand. But she said, "Thanks for the rides and -- `you know'! See you in a few days -- then?"
"Maybe -- whenever I get down here. See you Cutie Pie!" Said Al. Masja seemed to almost glow when he said that. I just shook my head. "Ready to drown?" Said Al. that made me shudder a little. But something inside me made me follow him to the water. I guess I still had that male machismo!
When we got out there, he made me paddle fast and start to get up. As soon as I started to get up, the board sank, but I gained some balance each time. "We usually try for the 7th wave, but since you're new at this, lets try an easy one. Ready? Because here it comes. Paddle like your life depended on it!"
I did as he said. The board caught the wave and I tried to stand. I fell. "It's okay, Ben! It's your first attempt! Here comes another. When you get up -- as soon as you are standing, step back on the board and you will be able to turn it with your other foot. Okay - -GO!" He started to paddle and so did I. All at once it seemed like something beyond myself lifted me up to standing position.
"Step back!" he yelled., and he showed me how. I stepped back and the board seemed to follow what my mind told it to. The board pulled up and back over the top of the wave. I was compelled to kneel back to the board.
"You're a natural!, Ben! That was awesome! We just missed a 7th wave, but let's try to grab the next one. If it gets too intense for you, just pull out like you just did.
I was very nervous, but I did as he said, and watched him closely. We waited seemingly for an eternity, but finally he said, "GO!"
I paddled faster than ever before, and before I knew it I was sliding down a huge (huge to me!) wave. I glanced over to Al and he was stepping back, so I did too, and my board seemed to glide back toward the top of the wave. Then when it got almost to the top, I stepped forward again -- and started again to ride down the wave. I did that three times before I saw Al pull out, so I did too. As soon as I did, I realized why. We were in knee deep water.
All jumped off his board and wrapped his arms around me and picked me up, whooping and hollering, "You did it! You did it! Yee haaaaw!" I doubt he noticed my blushing, as he seemed to be humping me as he jostled me up and down repeatedly.
"So you wanna go back out?" He asked.
I was very torn. I wanted to but - - - "Yeah -- I really do, but -- my friends - "
"I don't think they'll miss you much!" he said, pointing toward them. They were sitting very close, their noses almost touching, talking animatedly. I felt my stomach wrench. Before I could answer, Al said, "Look, why don't you just go with me another time? The waves are not so big always, but they roll further at Zuma."
Could Al see the turmoil I was in? He seems so heartless at times, but - - "Oh -- I -- I think I'd like that better -- yeah! I really don't want to make the guys wait on me. Unless -- would you mind taking one of them out?" He shrugged and nodded.
I ran to where Everett and Etienne were sitting. "Hey!" I said. They both turned and looked at me like they had been whipped. Was it guilt? "Do you wanna go out and try doing a board with Al?"
"NO WAY!!" They both said together. I turned and shrugged this time.
"I'll call you -- Zuma! Okay?" Said Al.
"I -- um -- Great! Sounds great! See yah!" I answered.
Oh! Um - " He came close to me and almost whispered, "don't mention to your dad that you saw me today. I'm sort of on restriction. I - "
"Restriction?" I marveled. I immediately wished I hadn't said it. He got an extremely embarrassed look.
"I know -- a 22 year old on restriction!" he smiled sheepishly. "But I guess as long as I live with them -- I'm still the kid -- right?"
I wanted to ask what he did to merit a restriction. "Yeah. As long as mom and dad are still paying the bills, eh?" I said. He shrugged again and grinned, then offered his hand. I shook it.
"I definitely will call you -- soon! I think maybe my dad will give me a by on the restriction -- if it's to be with you. He has been telling me that I should call you!"
"Huh?" I said. Now it was I who was bewildered.
"I dunno! I guess he and your dad have been talking and they just want us to be friends. Hey, I know you think I'm a fuck-up, but I can be pretty cool sometimes. And -- don't get me wrong. I really -- um -- love my dad."
I broke out into a smile. "Well, just don't get too cool!" I said. "I'm not sure my own nerdiness could take it!"
"I'll cal you, dude! See yah!"
"Bye."
Everett and Etienne and I went back to the other side of the pier and went back to body surfing. They were having the time of their lives. But now that I had tasted the world of board surfing -- doing it au natural was not all that exciting. There also were a lot of stray thoughts that prevented me from being as attentive as I maybe thought I should...
Notes: Is Ben getting too anal? Am I? Or is there something going on between Everett and Etienne? IS BEN TOO NICE!!??? Comment are always welcome to Steve at stevethomas535@hotmail.com. Thanks and love, Steve