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 35:
"Dear Steve T." I started my letter to the online advice fag, "I am almost 21 and am wondering what you think about playing with different guys -- not going all the way -- but just sex play -- as long as they know it's not serious. I would like a committed relationship someday, but I don't want to put myself into cold storage while I wait for him to appear.
Also, is 21 too young for a forever relationship?
Signed, Yours Truly"
My finger quivered over the send key. Almost of its own volition, the finger tapped the key, and my letter was sent into the universe! I wanted to get it back, but it was gone. I never received an answer to my question. At least not from the advice fag. But my answer came in the form of -- what else -- a dream.
"Dear Truly, You obviously don't want to hear the real answer to your question, because you already know it!"
Chapter 36
Aw, who pays any attention to dreams anyway?
Saturday was overcast when I woke up. I didn't feel very good for some reason. As before, Al came early.
"But it doesn't look like a good day for the beach." I said.
"It'll burn off. What's wrong, Ben? You don't look too good?" Said Al.
"I'll be okay." I think I knew what it is, and - - it isn't physical. "Um -- well -- if you think it'll burn off - "
"Even if it doesn't -- sometimes that makes better waves -- and it's cooler when we get out. Can't complain about that."
"You boys be careful. You can burn worse when there's no sun. Wear sunscreen."
"You can?" Said Everett. Al asked him to go too, and he agreed to try out a board even. But he had to be back his work shift that started at 3:00. That was okay, because we were all going to Al's house for a barbecue. All except Everett, of course because he had to work.
"Yes dear." Mom explained. "When the sun is behind a cloud, the burning rays can still come through, and you can be burned not knowing it because you don't feel so hot."
Everett was kind of depressed since Dad had his talk with him, and since I had mine with Etienne. He came and slept with me at night, but we didn't do anything except spoon. He really was becoming "just my little brother". He probably felt left out too, being the only one who couldn't go to the barbecue. So he was happy to go surfing with us.
We started out slowly -- Al teaching Ev pretty much like he had done with me -- how to catch a wave, how to pull out of one, and what to do in case of a wipe out. By noon he was getting pretty good. I sat out a good portion of the day because they would not rent more than two boards to Al, especially since Everett was a novice.
But I did get a few nice long rides and a couple very nice 7th waves. It was about 12:30, when there was a "perfect wave." I was on the beach watching Al and Everett. I could see the big wave coming from way out, thinking it was just my imagination.
But as it grew closer, it got bigger, and I saw Al saying something to Everett, and Ev shook his head. When the big wave came -- and it wasn't even a 7th wave -- both guys started to paddle for all they were worth. The were both standing up about 10 yards apart, when another surfer, who I watched go from the crest nearly to the bottom and back several times, made his way over to Everett.
It was as if in slow motion when they collided. The other dude's board went flying in the air and the back of it hit Ev in the head. Ev went down! I looked to see if he came back up behind the wave, but the wave was too big to see behind it. I also saw Al pull out of the wave, then disappear behind it. My heart stopped for a moment.
Then I saw them. Al was dragging Ev onto one of the boards, with the help of the other surfer. As soon as Ev was lying on a board, Al pulled him ashore. It was shallow enough to do. As soon as he saw me, Al motioned to me to come. They had come in about 50 yards south of where I was standing. I ran to them.
As I got closer, I could see the left side of Ev's face. It was covered with blood. Several other people ran to him and got there before I did. They lifted him off the board and on to a towel that someone had there. He was limp, as far as I could see. A life guard was there immediately, giving him CPR. In a few moments, Ev threw up his lunch, and then took a huge gasping breath.
Then he started crying like a baby, writhing around and holding his head. The lifeguard explained to me later than he had a delayed reaction to the accident. When it happened the lifeguard held him down in a wrestling hold and put his face next to Ev's and sort of slapped the right side of his face -- hard.
"Calm down buddy, you're gonna be okay." Said the lifeguard, soothingly. Ev looked up into his face and threw his arms up. The lifeguard started to take defensive action but Ev's arms cam around him and he clung to the lifeguard, his bleeding face all over the lifeguard's chest and neck. "It's okay, Buddy. What's your name?"
Ev looked at his blankly. "Can you tell me your name?" Repeated the lifeguard.
"Everett Majors." Said Ev.
"Ah! From the south, huh?" Said the lifeguard, clearly relieved that Ev answered him. "How old are you?" Ev looked up into his eyes and tried to smile. Then he grimaced. "It's okay, don't worry about that right now. Is there someone else here with you?"
Ev pointed at me and then said, "I'm eighteen -- um -- seventeen! I'll be eighteen in a month."
"Really? I'll be 19 in a month!" Said the lifeguard. "August 30th is the big day for me!" He said.
"Really?" Said Ev. "Ow! It hurts to smile!" he said, but smiled regardless. "Mine is August 31."
"Okay, now that we know you are gonna live, let me look at that gash in your forehead. It missed your eye by a half inch!"
"I -- I can't see very well from that eye." Said Ev, suddenly looking scared again.
"There." Said the lifeguard, wiping his eye. "That better?"
"Much better. What's your name?"
"James, but -- everyone calls me Red for some reason." His hair was bright red, and his face was covered in freckles. He was very cute and looked like the all American boy!
"Nice to meet yah, Red!" and Ev smiled widely, followed by, "Ow!"
"Yeah, that's gonna hurt for a day or two." Said. "Hey, Al!" Said Red. "Were you the one who brought him in?"
"Yeah." Said Al.
"Well, you probably saved his life."
"So did you, Red!" Said Al, grinning. "When do you get off?"
"As soon as you let me into your pants! Don't give me that look! You know I've always wanted a piece of your ass! Haha! Actually my shift just ended with your buddy here. I was just taking off when I heard the commotion. Randy is up there now." He said, pointing to the lifeguard tower. Randy waved. Red gave him the okay sign.
"What're you doing for dinner, Red? Dad's having a big barbecue up at my place."
"I've never been to your place. Where is it? Didn't you tell me you lived closer to Redondo?
"Actually closer to Santa Monica. You can follow us if you want. You're here in Huntington aren't you?"
"Yeah. The Harbour. Um -- I'm gonna have to take a rain check on that. Got a big date tonight. Well, not that big, but he's a nice guy -- and drives a nice car!" Said Red, grinning.
"Oh!" Said Al. "I didn't know you were gay!" Then a light bulb went on in his face. "Hey! You're sure you can't dog this guy? Everett here is gay too. I'm sure he'd love to get a chance to thank you! And this is his big bro. He's my bud! He's gay too!"
"What?" You're gay?" Red exclaimed to Al.
"NOOOoo! I am NOT gay!" Al looked around to see who else may have heard that. The crowd had dispersed. "I'm not gay, dude. But I've got no problem with it."
"You're lucky!" said Red to me. "I'd die for a guy pal that wasn't always hitting on me!"
Somehow I didn't believe him. The way he ogled Al when he thought he was gay gave him away.
"Naw, dude. I can't let this guy down. He's a little older and probably has enough issues as it is. But I'd love to hang out another time."
"Do you want to hang out with an immature kid from Texas sometime too?" Said Everett, grimacing again from his smile.
Red poked Everett in his chest and said, "You are a cutie pie! Naw, sorry dude, I'm not into pedophilia. I like older guys."
"Lucky them!" said Ev.
"Everyone has their preferences, Dude. I go for guys about twice my age. You know -- the daddy type?" Then he turned to Al. "Of course I might make an exception for you, sexy!"
"Stop, Red! Ain't gonna happen in this lifetime." Said Al.
"What about you -- uh - " Red turned to me.
"Ben." I said.
"Yeah, Ben. What about you. Do you like older guys? You seem like the type."
"I -- um -- don't much care about age. Only if I get along with him." I said. "I keep telling myself I'm not in a hurry."
"I heard a `but' in there somewhere." Said Red.
"Yeah, I admit it. I sometimes want it all -- now!"
"Yeah, me too -- like every day." Said Red.
"What about this guy tonight?" Said Al.
"Naw, he's not my type."
"Well, so, then, blow him off."
"Can`t do it. He's too nice."
"Him and - - you!" Al said sarcastically.
"I told you I'd give it all up for you!" Said Red.
"You're just after my money, perv!"
"You got it!"
Al then put his hand around the back of Red's neck and pulled him close.
He whispered something in his ear. Red eyed me for a moment, and then said, "Your friend is trying to set you up. God! What I'd give for a friend like that!" Said Red. "I think he's a keeper, Ben!"
"Well!!??" Said Al. "You always SAY you want someone twice your age, but I think you're just looking for someone who is more stable that most of the bimbos that want your body!"
I want his body, I thought. Am I a bimbo?
"I gotta admit," said Red, "That's definitely part of it."
"I'm tellin' yah, man! Ben's your guy!"
"Hey!" I exclaimed. "I'm still standing here? What am I -- a piece of meat?" I tried to say it laughingly, but I really felt it.
"Sorry, Al. I just can't blow this guy off." Said Red. Was I only imagining that he was eyeing me again -- with regret? "Hey, are you heading to Hawaii this summer? I hear the south winds are blowing up awesome surf on the south shores." He said to Al.
"I heard that. I really need to get a job sometime."
"Come on! Your daddy will let you slide on this one. It may be your last summer off."
"Yeah, like I haven't been using that one for the past three years!" Said Al.
"Well, think about it. My dad said we can use our condo in Kihei. The surf is usually awesome there, but this year it should be phenomenal. It would have to be during the Labor Day holiday, though."
"My pop has one at Turtle Bay."
"Yeah, but Turtle Bay's on the north shore -- of Oahu -- and you know it's a winter thing."
"Yeah. I dunno. Dad would like to see me do something productive."
"Well, then work it through your mom! At least think about it." Said Red winking. "And I'll save the bedroom with the twin bed in it for us!"
"Hey, you're starting to scare me, Dude!" Said Al. "Fuck you!"
"Now you're catching on!" Said Red, grinning.
They were having fun joking, while I was glad I had on loose surfer shorts. It felt like quarts of precum would spring out of me any minute. Good thing we just came out of the water. Ev looked like he was used to grinning. No more grimace. But his face was still a mess.
"Hey, I gotta go. Can't keep my `daddy' waiting and - worrying. I'm serious about Maui, Dude! Consider it!" He gave Everett padded wipe or something. "Not much I can do with a bandage, Everett. Just keep that pressed on your forehead. You'll have some hefty swelling for a couple days, but I think you'll be okay." And with that, Red ran toward the pier.
"Damn, I'd like to go with him! I love big Hawaiian surf!" Said Al to anyone who was listening.
We still had time left, but considering Everett's wound, we decided to bail. We packed our stuff into Al's mom's big Escalade and went home. Ev called his work on the way, and asked if he needed to come in so they could see the damage. His shift manager said no, he believed him.
Of course everyone was shocked when Everett walked in to the barbecue with a goose egg on his forehead. My mom rushed to him. "Oh, Sweetheart! Are you okay? What happened?"
Ev shrugged. "Just had a little collision with a big surfer. Nothing to worry about."
"Well, it looks like you had a big collision1" Mom cried.
"Yeah, Dude!" Said Al. "And the surfer was the small one. Did anyone else notice that he didn't even bother come over to see if Ev was okay?"
"So, are you goin' to Maui with that Red guy?" Said Everett
"Red guy?" Said Al's dad.
Al looked disgusted at Everett, but contained himself now that it was out. "It's nada, poppy!" Al told his dad. "Just some gay guy who wants me to go to Hawaii with him for a couple weeks." Al looked at both Ev and me nervously.
"Mm-hm!" Said Alan. Looking at my dad, he said, "Bubba, I think my son is worried about he might succumb to the wiles of a gay surfer."
"Dad!" Said Al.
"Is this guy any good?" Asked Alan. Everett sighed audibly.
"I think he meant at surfing, perv!" Said Al to Everett. "Yeah, he's one of the best! I've known him for years."
"Well, if he hasn't gotten in your pants after all these years, I doubt you have to worry much, son!" Said Alan laughing. "I think you should go!" Al got a surprised and confused look on his face. "Al, you'll have all your life to work. I didn't take time to have enough fun when I was your age. I couldn't afford it, actually. But -- well -- you can!"
I saw my dad's head shaking back and forth, almost imperceptibly. I could only guess what he was thinking. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe he was wishing he could indulge his son like that.
"Can I take Ben with me?" Cried Al. Something jumped inside me.
"If he can go -- I think that would be a great idea!" Said Alan. Al looked hopefully at me.
"I -- uh -- dunno," I said reluctantly, "that's after the fall semester starts."
My insides were screaming out yes!
"Another Semester won't hurt, Son." My dad said. You could have knocked me over with a feather. "A chance like this doesn't come around every day, Ben!" Dad said.
"Didn't you tell me that Ben will probably be going to UC, Bill?" Dad nodded. "My cousin can pull some strings when it comes to UC. He practically owns UCSB. You could probably start a couple weeks late with his clout."
"Wow! Who's your cousin?" Asked Dad.
"I doubt you'd know him. His name is Jacob Smith."
"And you think he could pull some strings at UCLA?"
"Probably. I KNOW he could at Santa Barbara.
"Well, I couldn't swing the cost of putting Ben up in Santa Barbara."
"You see, Billy Boy? You need to be open to possibilities."
"What kind of possibilities?" Dad said.
"Who knows? Just be open to the universe delivering what you want -- and deserve!" Said Alan.
Later on, after dinner, I said to Al, "I dunno what to think about all that universe stuff."
"You just have to - "
"I wasn't finished. Anyway, I'm not too sure about this universe stuff, but -- what do I have to lose?"
"That's a start." Said Al.
"Huh?" I said.
"You just have to know that you deserve what the universe has to offer." Al said with the same confidence that his dad had. "Most people grow up struggling and -- because they don't know anything else -- they accept that as their life. "I know you think it's easy for ME to say that. And I suppose it is. But I believe that the universe listens when we are open to it. And it will give us what you want."
"I just don't know if I can believe in that -- um -- stuff."
"And that's why you may never get what you want from the universe. You have to ask it!"
"That sounds like God -- and prayer." I said, expecting to get laughed at.
"Call it what you like, Ben! I believe it works! And if you are willing to say, `What have I got to lose?' -- you're way ahead of 95% of most people."
He had my attention. "So -- will you at least go to Maui with us?"
"Yeah -- I mean -- um -- Yeah! I dunno about surfing the big waves, but - "
"They're more tame in the morning. But I've seen you perform. You'll get the hang of it."
"Still waves as big as I've seen in the Hawaii Surf videos -- pretty scary stuff~!"
"Yeah! That's what gets me high! Fuckin' scares the shit outa me sometimes! What happened to Everett earlier today was really a freak. It just doesn't happen -- that often."
"Okay, stop trying to scare me, Al. I'm going!" I said.
Both Al and I looked over in the corner of the yard. Everett was practically in a fetal position on a lawn chair, holding his head. "Wow. He must really be hurting!" I said. "That's a nasty knot on his head."
"That's not all that's bothering him. Come with me."
We went to Ev and sat on either side of him. "Ev -- can I ask you a question?" Said Al. "And you don't have to answer immediately. But -- do you want to go to Maui with us?"
Everett looked up, stunned -- as if he didn't hear Al. Or maybe it was as if he couldn't wrap his mind around what was just asked of him. Then tear sprang from his eyes. "You're serious?"
"I like you, Dude! And I also know that you'll be 18 by that time."
Everett grinned and carefully wiped the tears from his face. "Go ask your dad what he thinks." Said Al.
After Ev left, I said, "Are you sure it'll be okay with Red? Will there be room for him?"
"Heh. Red's dad is richer than mine! I'm sure their `condo' isn't anything modest."
"He is? I mean he's rich?" I exclaimed. "But then why would he -- I mean -- he said he wanted you - I mean -- he said he'd lower his age standard for you. I figured it was because you're rich."
"You are so naïve, son!" said Al. "Don't you know yet that most gay guys seem to hunger to get a straight guy in the sack?"
"And you think that's why he asked you to go?" I said
"I like to think he just likes excellent company!" Said Al. "And if he could also make a conquest -- so much the better -- for him!"
"But not for you!"
"Hell no! Well, if I did succumb, then it would have been because I really wanted it all along -- right? But as I said -- `not gonna happen!' But I wouldn't respect him if he didn't try."
"You're not like most straight guys I ever knew!"
"Thank God! You finally noticed!" Said Al, grinning.
The rest of summer was the longest summer I ever knew. But I did go to the beach a lot with Al. Ev went sometimes too, when his schedule permitted. Al taught both of us a lot more about surfing. I caught on to the "no Fear" thing. It's bogus, of course. It's more like -- do it even if there IS fear. I definitely had that one down!
"Hey, Red!" Said Al, the next time we saw Red on the beach."
"Hey!"
"So how did your date with the `daddy' go?" asked Al.
"Aw he turned out to be a lot younger than I thought -- and -- he blew me off!"
"Isn't that what you guys do?"
"Fuck you! I meant he was a no-show. What can one expect from a guy named Etienne -- with a French accent?"
"What --at?" I said. "Etienne?"
"Yeah, he's from Canada. Heh! Here I wasn't willing to blow him off and he does it to me."
We didn't let him know we knew Et. Al easily got Red to agree to bringing his two fags along for the ride!
Everett regularly slept with me all summer but all we did was spoon. It felt good to touch the soft smooth skin on his naked body. (Yeah, he decided he liked the way Al sleeps!) The few appointments that would finish out my agreement with Etienne, went well. We closed most of those deals. Then we would go to his place and do something wild. (Nothing penetrating!)
I never mentioned Red to him, either.
One Al and I we met another excellent surfer on an overcast morning that we hadn't seen before. Al was especially intrigued, so he invited her to have lunch with us in Newport. (We hadn't planned any lunch as far as I knew!)
Mia was Medium height with short brown hair. Kind of boyish looking. Just the type Al never goes for. He really liked her the first time we met, but she wasn't his normal bimbo, and I thought this freaked him out. Too late, I realized he was hoping to start something between Mia and me!
Before I knew it, Al had asked one of his bimbos along with us one night to a drive-in movie. This put me in the back seat with Mia, while Al made out shamelessly in the front seat with the bimbo. Mia took hold of my hand. My immediate reaction was to jerk it back, but -- I caught myself. I gave her my hand and she looked directly into my eyes.
"I'm gay, Mia."
"I like gay guys."
"You're not going to be able to `rescue' me." I warned.
"Haha! I don't think you need rescuing!" and she kissed me -- on the mouth. Something snapped inside me. I had kissed so many girls in high school and -- liked it then. But this was different. I had experienced letting my attraction for guys go and had -- had sex with them. I am not interested in girls - - or women! So -- why did I kiss her back? I think it just felt so natural, as it did a couple years ago.
Mia rubbed my back and that felt good. Then she started to rub my chest and that felt even better. I relaxed and closed my eyes. She worked her way down to my stomach. The hair on the back of my neck was standing on end. She has great hands. I loved the massage she was giving me. Then she squeezed my dick. In my relaxation, even I didn't notice it growing. It was hard as a rock!
Well!!??? What do you expect? A warm body was all over me, rubbing my back, kissing me and rubbing my chest and tummy and then this! My God, after all! I AM still a virile young man!
When she did that, I jumped and opened the door and sprang out. I walked quickly away, toward the snack bar. I heard the door of the Escalade close, and footsteps behind me. I walked faster and entered the men's room. The sound of footsteps didn't stop. I was sitting on the toilet, fully clothed.
"Ben?"
"What?"
"Ben, I'm sorry! I thought maybe - "
"You thought!? Fuck! Geez, Al, did you really think I would let her - "
"I said I was sorry, Dude. Please come out." I was maybe angrier than any other time in my life. I hyperventilated a little to try to calm down. "Please, Ben, I kind of promised my dad I'd at least try. I told him - " I opened the stall door. He was standing there, his eyes glassy.
That took me so much by surprise that I too clouded up. He put his arms out and I walked in to them. It wasn't anywhere near to a close hug. More like the a-frame that jocks do. He patted me -- I wished it was on the butt -- likes jocks do, but it was on the back. Another guy walked in and saw us. "Hey, fags! Take it somewhere else!"
"Fuck you, ass hole! We're not fags!"
"Yeah right! A coupla real jocks having a tender moment." He mocked.
Al broke away from me and rushed the guy! "Get the FUCK outa here!"
The other guy backed up and said, I gotta take a crap! I need to - "
Al grabbed the guy by the front of his shirt and lifted him up, and crashed him against the concrete block wall. "Too bad! I don't want you shitting while I'm having a fucking tender moment. Go shit behind a bush! Matter of fact go shit ON a Bush! I don't like either of the liberal fuckers!
He let the shirt go and the guys dropped to the floor and then ran out. I could see that his pants were wet in the front. I really did hope that there was nothing in the back!
Al turned back to me and as quickly as he ignited, he calmed down. "Sorry -- now where were we. Oh yeah we were hugging. Well that moment's long past, isn't it? Anyway, I'm sorry. It won't happen again. Ben, I -- I -- I don't want to -- um -- please -- I fucked up. Can we just forget it happened?"
"No. If we forget, it could happen again. Actually you did me a favor."
"I did?" He said.
"Yeah, in a way. I've had a few doubts about my sexuality until now. Al, I am queer and a three dollar bill!"
Al all of a sudden got a bright smile on his face. "Well, all righty then!" He said playfully. "Let's go back to the car so that poor fucker can come in here and clean himself up."
"Oh! You don't think he - "
"Oh yeah! He shit his pants, all right!"
We walked out and I made a bee line for the car. Al stopped me and turned me around. I was almost afraid of what he would do next. He just pointed me toward the bathroom door. The guy he had scared was waddling in to the bathroom like a duck. "O gosh!" I said. "Poor guy."
"You're too nice! He was an ass hole!"
"I guess."
"And -- I ain't gonna let any asshole call me a fag! Or you either!"
Notes: I know I had some of you worried! A few of you wrote and threatened to quit me if I got my boy into a relationship with a girl. So -- as much as I rant about never letting readers drive the story, I couldn't resist! But it worked out well for the story and the ever moving plot. Thanks to you who goaded me to do it! Any comments are welcome -- to Steve at stevethomas535@hotmail.com. Thanks and love, Steve