Briarwood

All rights reserved. Copyright held by the author. If you are underage or are offended by gay fiction, containing graphic sex and explicit language, please exit now.

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"BRIARWOOD"

aka "Whence Cometh My Help"

(The Revised Version)

A dramatic saga

by

Ritch Christopher

literary enhancement by

Les Martin

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BOOK TWO

Chapter Seventeen

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The breakfast fire had been properly doused, the camping gear and the RV were all packed. The fathers and sons took another look at the campsite, aglow in the early morning sun, then climbed into the RV. For some strange reason, a sudden smile would cross the face of one or another. The seating arrangement in the Winnebago was the same going home as it had been Friday afternoon with Walter in the front passenger seat next to Bruce, who was driving. Alex and Ted asked if they might 'nap' in the far bed on the way home, as they seemed not to have had much sleep the preceding night. The two boys let modesty prevail, choosing to sleep in their white briefs rather than sleep sans clothing in front of their dads.

Alex lay down first and Ted slid into bed with his back to Alex, assuming a spoon position. With Alex's arm draped around Ted's waist, they soon drifted off to sleep.

Walter and Ted had had a wonderful evening as well, rekindling the glowing embers of an old fire that once had burned hot and heavy between them. This weekend's sex was the first Walter had experienced since Clair first became ill. Bruce wasn't quite so horny as Walter since he and Jane still went through the physical motions occasionally, not to mention his now-and-again jerk-off sessions with Ted. Both men realized they had been happy with their wives and rearing their boys, but that it wasn't the same as it might have been had they been free to pursue their gay relationship.

When they bonded as children, the ties between Walter and Bruce had always endured...even as best friends and not lovers. Each would have given his life for the other if the occasion ever required it. At the time, they weren't lovers in the physical sense, but Walter and Bruce did love each other deeply and knew they always would. Now the second generation of love between the Claytons and the Baxters had commenced and looked as it were sealed...as Walter and Bruce wished their relationships might have been.

Looking toward the back of the RV to be sure the boys were asleep, Bruce looked at Walter and quietly said, "Thanks, Wally, for the best time I've had in years."

"Thank YOU, Bruce. It was wonderful to recapture old feelings. I don't think I'll ever forget it."

"You know, Wally, I was serious when I suggested we could meet from time to time, if not on a regular basis."

"I've been thinking about that, too. Bruce, I could only do that if I was certain Jane wouldn't be hurt or upset."

"Hell, Jane and Clair both knew about us even before Ted and Alex were born."

"How do you know? Clair never mentioned it."

"She wouldn't. Jane asked me about our friendship, yours and mine, shortly after we married. I couldn't lie to her. I didn't and never have for twenty years. I've always been honest and upfront as far as my telling her the truth."

"Did she get angry?"

"Not at all. She and Clair talked together about the way you and I looked at one another...the way we finished each other's sentences. The way we always wanted for the four of us to do things together. Jane is blonde, but she's not a dumb blonde. She reads me like an open book."

"Are you going to tell her about what happened between us the past two nights?"

"If she asks, sure."

"Think it will upset her?"

"I really don't think so. Hell, most men our age have already had two or three affairs, especially after being married twenty years. It's better that I have an affair with a man than be screwing another woman whom Jane would think of as a rival or as competition. She knows I couldn't marry a man if she and I ever split up...and if I need a man in my life, she'd rather it be you. She loves you, Wally. Our families have been one all along. Now with Ted and Alex teaming up, it will only solidify what's always been there."

"Are you pleased about Alex and Ted, Bruce?"

"I couldn't be happier. They've grown up together, been together all their lives and up until a few days ago, I can't remember either of them saying a cross word to the other."

"I know Alex is really sorry about what happened. He told me as much, in just so many words."

"I wish I had known the real reason for his suicide attempt. I'm sure had we talked to both of them earlier as we did last night, all that could have been avoided. It frightens me to think Alex might have died because of our lack of parenting skills."

"I think you are a better parent than I. From what Ted implied, you and he have been closer than Alex and I...or even Jeff and I."

"You mean our masturbation sessions?"

"For one thing, yes. I don't know if I could jerk off with either of my sons. Sure we love each other tremendously, but when it comes to matters of sex? I don't think I could do it."

"I suppose Ted just naturally assumed that all fathers and sons did it and he must have thought Alex was as experienced in masturbation as he."

"Thank God, Alex has Ted now and I won't have to become a teacher of THAT skill!"

"They're really happy together, aren't they?"

"They're the personification of two love birds."

"Do you suppose they went all the way?"

"You mean anal sex?"

"Uh huh..."

"I'd bet my life on it! Could anyone have stopped me and you the first time we tried it?"

"How old were we...I mean the first time...?"

"Let's see...mutual masturbation at twelve, oral sex at thirteen...so I'd say we were both fourteen."

"Jesus! How did we keep from getting caught? I mean our parents were as liberal or as understanding about gay sex as we are."

"Dear God! Heaven forbid either of our parents had ever caught either one of us! I would have been sent to a boarding school somewhere in Asia and you'd have graduated high school in Europe or Australia!"

"Hell, we didn't even have email in those days. We WOULD have been out of each other's life forever."

"Amen!"

"Wally, about the living arrangement we spoke to the boys about..."

"Yes?"

"How do you want to work it?"

"Well, Alex's bedroom is rather large, as is Ted's. I was thinking about buying an additional dresser or a large double one...expanding the closet if necessary and then, we take them shopping for a completely new wardrobe. That way they'd each have clothes at both our houses. Then whatever we have to duplicate in the way of computers or whatever they enjoy doing and it would be like 'going home' regardless of whose home they should decide to go to."

"You don't think Ted will be in the way, having him with you for a week at a time?"

"Heck, no! They practically spend weeks together now. What about Jane? Think she'll mind having Alex for long visits?"

"Not in the least. For twenty years, Jane has begged me to have another child or at least adopt another one. She's always wanted two sons."

"Well, Jane doesn't know it now, but she's about to get her wish!"

"God, this is going to be so great! I'm just so fucking excited. WE can spend more time together without raising eyebrows."

"I don't think it's a good idea for our neighbors to know about the new union just yet. They're going to have a difficult time keeping their new relationship a secret from their peers at Briarwood High."

"You know, I got the impression that neither of them give a damn who knows. If either of them decided to have a live-in girlfriend, everyone would say, 'how cute they are'! But because they both want to be live as gay lovers, suddenly, it's almost a crime to love someone IF he is the same sex. Fuck! Look what happened to us!"

"You regret that, don't you?"

"Always have...always will!"

"So do I, Bruce."

"You know I love you, don't you?"

"To quote a wise old scholar, 'always have...and always will'."

"Would you believe me if I said I've always been IN love with you?"

"Yes, I'd believe you because I've always felt the same way myself about you."

"I'm glad, Wally...REALLY glad! You know, you really are still quite agile in the sex department."

"You're no slouch yourself."

"Sex was good, wasn't it?"

"I can honestly say, I thoroughly enjoyed the entire weekend. Yes, it was wonderful!"

"Keep that thought in case I call you next weekend!"

"I...I'll think about it!" Walter said and laughed.

"God damn! You still make me horny after all these years. I guess I never got enough of you!"

"Well, if I decide, you'll have plenty more!"

The trip home was happy and memorable for all four, even more so for the boys, since Alex had wriggled his hand down the front of Ted's white briefs while they slept.

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Jeff, choosing NOT to go camping, had opted to spend the weekend with his best friend, Earl Freeman. Jeff, with his new sexual discovery was eager to see how much Earl knew and how much he could teach Earl, just in case if Earl was still sexually uneducated. Jeff was always willing to help a friend out when necessary.

Jeff and Earl had become friends when they played 'tee' ball, followed by little league baseball. Earl was more proficient at sports than Jeff, but Jeff didn't care. Jeff was a daredevil who loved to play pranks and had a good sense of humor, especially when he failed at things such as making a 'C' minus on a test because he thought the teacher had worded the test incorrectly. Jeff wasn't a troublemaker or a bully, he was bullheaded and could only see things HIS way. He loved to argue with his teachers even if he knew that he was wrong. He would take the opposite side of any viewpoint just to revel in the conversation and keep it going. Jeff had been sent to the principal's office so many times that he and Mr. Bartolli became good friends. Seldom did Mr. Bartolli punish Jeff. Actually the principal looked forward to Jeff's visits because Jeff was so much fun being around. No one could hate him; he was popular among all his peers and groups. Even knowing he would strike out at bat, Jeff was always the first person to be chosen on a team. Everyone wanted Jeff around as he was liked and loved by everyone.

Ellen Freeman, Earl's mother, enjoyed having Jeff at her house to visit or for a sleepover with Earl. Although she did hide her 'breakable' antiques before he arrived. Jeff seemed to always break something, spill something, or knock over something on his visits. In other words, he was a lovable klutz. Earl had two younger sisters, Alice, twelve, and Sally, eleven. Ellen had been a single mom ever since her husband, Burt, had died from leukemia almost nine years ago.

As soon as Bruce and Ted had picked up Walter and Alex in the Winnebago to go camping, Jeff was on his bike, scurrying to Earl's house for the weekend. Besides the clothes he was wearing, Jeff packed three pairs of Jockey briefs, a couple of t-shirts, three pairs of socks, and a pair of dress pants and dress shirt to wear to church with the Freemans on Sunday. He forgot his brown leather dress shoes to wear with his dress clothes, but what the heck, everyone in Briarwood had seen Jeff in sneakers at one time or another.

Arriving at the Freeman's, Jeff discovered Earl wasn't there, just Ellen, Earl's mother, and the two little girls, Alice and Sally. Earl had gone downtown in Briarwood to pay the electric bill at BRI-EL to keep from having to pay the late charge penalty. The Freemans were supported by a small pension check supplied by Adams Hardware where Burt worked before he became ill. The Freemans were far from being well-off and seemed to live from one check until the next, but they managed financially as Ellen worked Saturdays cutting and measuring materials at the Sew-What Fabric Shoppe.

In Jeff's eyes, Earl and his family bordered on being poor. So whenever Jeff went to Earl's house to spend the night or stay over for dinner, Jeff thought it would help their budget if he ate very lightly. He would fill up on food at home to make up for all he'd miss at Earl's. Ellen didn't scrimp on food for her family. She bought inexpensive or 'sale' items which would last for several meals and still supply her kids nourishment. For example, she would buy an eighteen or twenty pound turkey at sixty-nine cents per pound and it would last practically an entire week...sliced turkey, turkey sandwiches, turkey croquettes, turkey tetrazinni with oodles of noodles, turkey hash, etc.

On this particular night, Ellen had prepared a huge pork roast (on sale at Piggly Wiggly for thirty-nine cents per pound) baked sweet potatoes and a tossed salad. Jeff, always the one to volunteer, asked Ellen what he could do to help her with dinner. Knowing Jeff's clumsiness with dishes, plates, and glassware, she opened her cupboard and got a large Tupperware bowl (plastic for sure) and asked if he would be kind enough to make the salad.

"SURE," Jeff replied eagerly. He was not the cook that his brother was, but salad was his forté, as that is what his dad and brother had him do at home, primarily for EVERYONE'S safety.

From the refrigerator, she retrieved a head of lettuce, a large tomato, and half-a-dozen scallions. Simple enough for anyone to do. Ellen thought it best if Jeff didn't use a large knife to cut the lettuce. She told him that the proper way to cut lettuce was to tear and break it. Let the lettuce come apart into pieces along the veins of the leaves. A head of lettuce was similar to the human body as it had veins and if they were cut with a knife or scissor, the veins would bleed their natural juices and that's the reason lettuce turned dark before a meal was served. This sounded logical to Jeff so he carefully tore each leaf into bite-sized bits along the veins. He was doing an excellent job.

Rather than risk Jeff lopping off his hand or finger with a butcher knife, Ellen suggested that Jeff cut the tomato and scallions with a small paring knife. The surgery was successful as the vegetables were cut into pieces without a sign of Jeff's blood. So far, so good. Jeff asked if he could make the salad dressing, the kind his dad made at home.

"What do you need for the dressing, Jeff?" Ellen asked.

"Do you have any spices?"

"Yes, in the cupboard above the stove. You'll find basil, oregano, parsley flakes-- almost anything you'll need for dressing. The vinegar is in the cabinet to your right and the salad oil is beside the stove. You WON'T need a knife, will you?"

"No, maam, I'll just need a spoon and something to shake the dressing in."

She handed him a plastic tumbler with a metal lid which she used to make shakes for the kids. Nothing was breakable and that in itself eased Ellen's mind.

Soon dinner was ready. Earl had returned home from his errand. The roast was ready, the potatoes which had been placed inside the oven next to the pork were done and, TA! DA!, Jeff's salad and salad dressing were finished with nothing broken, no damage to the kitchen, and no blood had been shed. They were ready to eat, so Ellen sliced the roast and gave everyone a fair portion. She had baked five sweet potatoes which SHE, not Jeff, sliced open, poured a tablespoon of brown sugar on each, and a large pad of margarine. Jeff, the salad-maker, decided he would serve everyone his 'gourmet' dish...salad, tomato, and scallions.

Using plastic tongs, he put a large amount of salad on each of the five plates and, after giving his homemade dressing one final shake, he poured a sizeable amount on top of each portion of salad. Martha Stewart herself would have thought Jeff's salad was a good thing. Jeff was pleased and proud of himself. Ellen was pleased with Jeff as well. Then, all five sat down, Ellen said, 'grace', and all began to eat.

The pork was nice, hot, and juicy. The sweet potatoes were seasoned just right. Ellen was the first to take a bite of salad while Jeff watched her, hoping for her culinary approval. After the first piece of lettuce touched her tongue, she began to make a 'tasting' noise as if she were trying to identify the spices Jeff had used. The basil and thyme were very distinct as was the salt and pepper. The vinegar was tart but not old. It was the oil that tasted strange...strange to the point of almost being sickening. The girls put a huge chunk of lettuce in their mouths next and both said, "Eewww" at the same time. Earl took a bite and swallowed it whole and continued eating. Finally it was Ellen who asked, "Jeff, honey, where did you get the oil you used?"

"Just where you told me, Mrs. Freeman, on the right hand side of the sink. I'm surprised you had extra-virgin-"olive oil. That's what Dad always uses. He says it's expensive but it's the best when making salad dressings."

The light suddenly dawned on Ellen." You mean that large bottle of yellow liquid by the sink?"

"Yes, maam, it looked bright, yellow, and fresh...just like Dad's."

"Honey, that was hand-soap that I make myself and keep in that bottle by the sink. The cooking oil is beside the stove."

Earl finally caught on, "Brrachh! You mean I'm eating soap? Yuchhhh!"

Jeff wanted to die or run out the door to his house, but with his dad and Alec gone, he had no place to run.

"Gee, Mrs. Freeman, I...I'm so sorry..."

"That's quite all right, dear. Girls, push you salad to the side of your plates so that the soap won't get on the roast or your potatoes."

"Mrs. Freeman, I could go home on my bike and get some real olive oil."

"No, dear, it's all right...at least you didn't cut your finger while pouring it."

Jeff dropped his head. He couldn't eat--not that he wanted to save on the Freeman's food budget this time. He had lost his appetite.

After dinner, Jeff offered to wash and dry the dishes, but for some reason, Ellen told him it would be better if he went into Earl's room and played games or watched TV. Jeff was still embarrassed, but he obeyed Ellen and went into Earl's room, dejected and rejected.

Earl was sitting on the floor in his bedroom. He had turned on his small TV, his Nintendo, and had inserted the 'Mario Bros' cartridge when Jeff came in.

"You idiot," Earl said to Jeff. "You did that on purpose, didn't you?"

"What?"

"Put soap in the salad dressing..."

"No, Earl, I swear!"

"Jeff, you're my best friend. Don't you think I know you've played tricks on practically everyone at school. I just didn't think you were low enough to play one of your jokes on my mom. I mean we all might have died or gotten diarrhea, at least."

"Honest, Earl..."

"Did you know I ate my whole salad before I found out what you did!"

"No...you think we ought to take you to the hospital and have your stomach pumped?"

"No, I just hope I get the runs and shit all over your side of the bed. That will be my payback."

"I guess I'd better sleep on the floor."

"You can't! I don't have an extra sheet or blanket for you to sleep on the floor."

"Then I suppose I'd better stay awake all night and listen for your stomach to grumble!"

"Do as you like, but remember, you have to sleep in my bed with me."

"Oh, all right...but it WAS an honest mistake."

"Which 'brother' do you want to be, Mario or Luigi?"

"Luigi, I guess..."

"Why do you always say that?"

"Say what?"

"Every sentence you start, you usually say, 'I guess' or 'I suppose'. Aren't you sure of anything?"

"I guess I only do that around you. At school, I try to be sure of everything."

"What about at home? Do you say 'I guess' and 'I suppose' to Alex or your dad?"

"I suppose..."

"See, damn it, you just said it again!"

"Earl, are you mad at me about the salad dressing?"

"I'll let you know after we go to bed. You'll know when you wake up and find yourself lying in a pile of shit...MY shit."

"Are you sorry that I came over for the weekend?"

"Of course not, silly. You're practically the only friend I have who doesn't feel sorry for me or look down on me."

"Who looks down on you? Who feels sorry for you?"

"Anyone at school who thinks I'm poor. I mean just because I don't have expensive clothes or can't hang out with you at Sonny's Shack and buy cokes and stuff...and don't go to the movies like everybody else."

"Earl, you know I'll always buy you whatever you want at Sonny's. I'll pay for any movie you want to see. Geez! Have I ever complained about that? So my dad's a lawyer and Alex and me get a big allowance, I don't use it all. I'm always ready to share it with you."

"Out of pity?"

"No, because you're my best friend...and friends share and share alike!"

"What have I ever shared with you? I don't have anything to share..."

"Just being you is enough. You share your friendship with me and that's worth a lot more than money."

"Thanks,, but, no thanks."

"Why do you think I spend so much time alone with you? Sure there are other guys I could spend the weekend with, but they're not you. Whether you know it or not, you're very special to me...almost like...well, sometimes MORE than my brother, Alex."

"Why didn't you go camping with Alex and your dad?"

"Because Ted was going with his dad and when Ted is around Alex, I, almost disappear in Alex's eyes. It's like I don't exist. Ted is all he sees."

"They're not queer or anything, are they?"

"I don't know, but I've often wondered myself."

"Would that bother you if your brother was queer?"

"I don't think so."

"At least you didn't say, 'I guess so'."

"It might be a phase Alex and Ted are going through."

"A PHASE? What kind of books have you been reading? Where did you come up with that?"

"Talking with my dad and Alex. Alex says that all guys go through a queer stage in their lives."

"You've got to be kidding! Have you gone through it yet? At least I hope you have and it's over."

"I think I might just be beginning..."

"Boy, you must have eaten too much of your salad dressing while you were making it."

"Oh, if YOU haven't gone through it, you will, eventually...when you're older, of course."

"Jeff, you and I are the same age. When did you become so much older and wiser?"

"Actually, this past week."

"Your dad bought you a new encyclopedia, huh?"

"No, crazy, I had several long talks with Alex and he told me a bunch of things...things I never knew...things you've probably never heard of..."

"Like what?"

"OK, smarty! Do you know what masturbation is?"

"Masturbation? You mean, jerking off?"

"You mean you've heard of it?"

"Heard of it? Jeff, I've been doing it like since forever."

"YOU'VE been jerking off and didn't tell me about it?"

"Heck yeah!"

"Well, why for gosh sake, didn't you mention it to me?"

"Because guys don't talk to other guys about jerking off."

"Why?"

"Because...talking to another guy about it would seem queer."

"But, damn it, Earl, I'm your best friend. We're supposed to tell everything to each other...NO secrets."

"OK. OK! When I'm alone in my bedroom and I'm sure Mom, Sally, and Alice are asleep, I lie and bed and jerk off."

"Damn! I feel like the village idiot. I didn't even know about until Alex showed me how to do it this week."

"Alex SHOWED you?"

"Well, he TALKED about it mostly."

"If he showed you, Alex may be queer after all."

"Who SHOWED you?"

"No one. I taught myself."

"I suppose I AM an idiot."

"Heck, if I'd known it was that important to you, I wouldn't have showed you, but I would have told you about it."

"Yeah, but you didn't!"

"OK, so I'm a lousy best friend."

"Did...did you ever do it with anyone else?"

"Sure, Jeff, Alice and Sally come in my room every night and jerk me off, just after Mom gets through."

"Now that's a lie and I know it!"

"Oh, I found a topic you're sure about, huh?"

"Well, I know darned well if you didn't do it around me, you sure as heck wouldn't do it around your sisters or your mom."

"See, Jeff, you're getting smarter by the minute. COURSE NOT!"

"Would you be shocked if I told you that Alex and I did it together?"

"Not shocked, but a bit surprised."

"It's better and more exciting when you do it with someone."

"I wouldn't know..."

"I'll be frank with you. That's one of the reasons I chose to spend the weekend with you instead of going camping."

"So that you could come over and jerk off with me?"

"Well, I wanted to teach you...but since you already know..."

"Jeff, tonight, YOU sleep on the bed and I'll sleep on the floor WITH or WITHOUT a sheet and blanket. We're not gonna queer each other tonight or ANY night, so just get that thought out of your head!"

"All right, I won't try to do it with you. We can sleep in your bed together like always. I'm sorry...but it IS more fun with another person!"

"Shut the fuck up and let's play Nintendo, all right?"

"All right..."

The rest of Friday evening was normal and uneventful. Jeff and Earl played Nintendo until 11:00. Earl's sisters and mother went to bed at 10:00. With a slight skepticism and reluctant hesitation, Earl agreed to let Jeff sleep in the bed with him. Nothing had been said between the boys all night except Jeff's vivid imagination ran wild as he dreamt of things he would like to be doing with Earl rather than just sleeping. Somehow, the yellow soap did not upset Earl's stomach and he didn't feel an urge to go to the bathroom until he awoke Saturday morning.

By noon, Jeff had convinced Earl to go to the movies, insisting that he, Jeff, would buy the tickets and the popcorn. To make up for last night's salad faux pas, Jeff told Mrs. Freemen that his dad had given him extra money to buy Saturday night dinner for letting him stay there the weekend. Ellen thought it was nice and agreed since nothing would have to be prepared at home (with Jeff's help).

Both boys arrived at the multiplex and had the urge to go see "Mission Impossible" for the third time, but they settled on seeing "Scream" instead. Half the fun of going to the movies for Jeff was to buy a ticket for a 'PG' film and go to see an 'R' rated film. The remaining half was to slip into a second theater without buying a second ticket. Next to "Scream" was a movie called, "Beautiful Thing" which neither boy had heard of, but since the poster showed two boys playing, it looked appealing. So after "Scream" had finished, Jeff and Earl carefully went next door where "Beautiful Thing" had already started.

Halfway through the second film, Jeff realized that the two boys in the story had a crush on each other and, while their relationship was at least marginally accepted by their parents, they faced ostracism by their recent friends for being gay. With this insight, Jeff perked up, watching intensely. It took Earl a bit longer to 'catch on' but when he did, he couldn't believe what he was watching. Granted, the two in the movie had thick British accents but they both looked normal...one of them blonde and the other brunette, the same as he and Jeff. When the boys kissed and went to bed together, Earl became agitated, a bit repulsed, and wanted to leave immediately. This was a movie about queers and Earl only hoped that none of their schoolmates had seen him and Jeff enter.

"Let's go!" Earl said in a shouting whisper.

"No, man, this is just getting good!" Jeff whispered back.

"Then you can stay and see it all by yourself. I'm leaving." At which point, Earl got up and exited the theater. Not wanting to create a scene or a problem between him and his buddy, Jeff reluctantly rose and followed his best friend out of the multiplex and onto the sidewalk.

"Jeff, did you trick me into seeing that?" Earl's attitude was at least demanding.

"No, Earl, I swear. I'd never heard of the film before. How was I supposed to know?"

"I'm just a wee bit suspicious. You can be so devious with your pranks. First you come to my house to get me to jerk off with you and today, you tricked me into seeing a movie where one boy jerks the other one off in bed. That's just too coincidental, Jeff Baxter!"

"I don't know what made you so mad. It was a movie. The actors were acting, they weren't really doing anything to each other. I'd like to see how the movie ended. Maybe an alien sprang up from under the bed and ate both of them. We should have least stayed until the end."

"Maybe you ought to bring Alex to see it and the two of you can get hardons and jerk off together in the theater."

"I'm sorry. OK? I promise I'll never mention that movie again...but I DIDN'T trick you into seeing it. I had no idea what it was about."

"All right, as long as you don't tell anyone that we went to see it, especially together! So where to now?"

"I told your Mom that I would bring dinner back to your house for everyone. My dad gave me the money...so it's not mine in case you're embarrassed. What would you like?"

"I...I've seen commercials on TV for meatloaf or barbecued chicken dinners with all the trimmings at Boston Market. Is that too expensive?"

"Dad gave me fifty bucks! Heck, we can buy two meatloaves and two chickens, if that's what you want!"

"I would like it."

"Then let's go get it!"

The Briarwood Boston Market Restaurant was only four blocks from the multiplex, so they walked. Neither of them said a word for the first two blocks until Earl finally said, "Those guys looked so normal! I just can't believe they did what they did?"

"What guys?"

"The guys in that movie, idiot!"

"I thought we weren't gonna talk about it."

"I know, but I just can't get them out of my mind. They looked older, but I kept thinking they looked like you and me."

"Well, I know darned well that you don't look like a queer. Neither do I."

"But neither did they!"

"I told you that Alex said it was a normal thing that most guys go through. ALL guys."

"Maybe ALL guys except me!...But they kissed! It was so sickening! How could actors even do that...boy actors?"

"We'll talk about it more after dinner...only if you want. Now, here's Boston Market. Order anything you think you and your mom will like."

Earl took Jeff at his word and ordered TWO meatloaves and TWO chickens with the double side orders of mashed potatoes and green peas."

"What about dessert, Earl?"

"We have money left for that?"

"And then some."

Earl pointed to a whole Dutch apple pie and the whole order was boxed and put into a bag. The bill was almost thirty five dollars. Jeff paid the bill and tipped the cashier two dollars, thinking that that's what his dad would do.

It was only 4:30PM but the aroma of the restaurant food caused Earl's mouth to water. He wanted to hurry home and have a five o'clock dinner. On their arrival at Earl's home, Ellen was amazed and delighted with the dinner surprise. There was enough food for Saturday night, Sunday lunch after church, Sunday dinner with leftovers for the beginning of the week.

Alice and Sally's eyes almost popped out when they saw the feast. They hadn't eaten restaurant food since before their dad became sick and they were too young to remember that. The meal was delicious and Ellen said an extra long 'grace', thanking God and thanking Walter Baxter for his generosity.

When dinner was finished, Ellen asked the girls to help her wash the plates while she stored the remainder of the Boston Market prize in the refrigerator. Jeff and Earl's stomachs were completely sated and it was only 6:00PM. They were both too full and too tired to play Nintendo, so they flopped on Earl's bed, fully clothed to rest and let the meatloaf dinner digest.

"That was soooo good, Jeff."

"Thanks! At least I didn't fuck up tonight's dinner."

"Ever think why you're so clumsy?"

"Sometimes. I guess my mind is on other things when I make my blunders."

"Seems like your mind is ALWAYS on other things. It's like you're planning the next thing before you finish whatever's at hand."

"I suppose I get that from my dad. As a lawyer, he's got to think for himself, his client, and know what the opposing lawyer and his client are planning to do."

"What are you planning next?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, you're lying here beside me and I know your mind is not occupied with this conversation. You're thinking about what you're gonna do later tonight or tomorrow. I guess what I'm trying to say is, you don't live in the present with the rest of the world. You're always planning your future."

"Doesn't everyone?"

"I don't."

"Aren't you planning on going to church with your mom and sisters in the morning?"

"Maybe and maybe not. I haven't given it much thought."

"What are you thinking right this minute, Earl?"

"I don't want to give you the wrong idea, but I can't stop thinking about those two guys in that movie."

"Why?"

"Because I keep thinking they were you and me."

"That's stupid when I know you won't even jerk off with me."

"What if I changed my mind?"

"I'd think YOU were acting."

"No, I mean it! What would you do if I changed my mind?"

"If I thought you weren't setting me up for one of your jokes...?"

"I'm not joking. All joking aside, what would you do?"

"Well, I think the two guys in the movie kissed first."

"Would you like to kiss me?"

"What? And get my head beat in?"

"I couldn't, not if I put my hands behind my back."

"You're serious, aren't you?" Jeff found himself in a situation that could be great--or it might damage his friendship with Earl permanently.

"Try me and see."

"Put your hands behind your back first!"

"All right."

Earl slid his hands under his buttocks and flat against the bedspread. Jeff wasn't quite sure if he should proceed. So VERY slowly Jeff turned over on his side and his head was very close to Earl's. Jeff showed no sign of reacting, so Jeff raised his head a bit and moved his lips to about two inches above Earl's. Their noses were so close, Jeff was inhaling the warm air exiting from Earl's nostrils. Then, ever so delicately, Jeff touched Earl's lips with his own. He waited for Earl to shout or jump up and take a swing at him, but instead, Earl closed his eyes. So Jeff pressed his lips more firmly against his best friend's and Jeff felt Earl sigh. Jeff raised his head and looked at Earl's shut eyes and said, "Did that disgust you?"

"No." Earl's voice showed his great wonder at the kiss, but more importantly, at his own personal reaction to it.

"Are you mad?"

"No."

"Want me to kiss you again?"

A pause, then, "Uh huh."

Jeff lowered his head for a second kiss, but firmer, harder, and with a trace of passion. Jeff was even more surprised when he felt Earl trying to raise his head to press their lips together tighter. Jeff became extremely brave and 'went for it'. Jeff had never 'French kissed' anyone in his life, but he knew it involved touching tongues and in this instant, there was nothing more he desired than to plunge his tongue between Earl's lips until he tasted Earl's tongue. Earl showed no resistance as he pushed his tongue against Jeff's until both tongues had reversed and invaded Jeff's mouth. They jousted with their muscular membranes, swapping saliva until Jeff felt Earl bringing his hands from beneath his body and placed them behind Jeff's back.

With Earl's mysterious encouragement, Jeff shifted his body to lie on top of Earl's. Now their bodies were touching from lips to toes. Jeff raised his head once more to catch his breath and in a dry whisper asked, "Wanna stop?"

"No way..." Earl replied huskily.

"Do you feel like hitting me?"

"Nope. I feel like kissing you again!"

"Are you game enough for us to take off our clothes?"

"Might as well," Earl said in a curiously soft voice. "I sure as hell don't want to jerk you off and get my clothes messed up."

"Are you sure? Really sure?"

"Yeah..."

"What changed your mind?"

"Will you shut up before you get me out of this mood?"

"I guess..."

Jeff eased his right foot off the bed until he was balanced to stand up and began to remove his clothes. While still reclined, Earl began to peel off his sweaty polo shirt and threw it on the floor. Before Jeff removed his shoes, he stopped to take off Earl's shoes and socks, freeing Earl's legs to slide his jeans down his legs. Jeff continued undressing until they both were only in their white briefs.

"Underwear too?" Jeff asked.

"Everything." Earl's tone left no room for misunderstanding.

The room was well lighted as it was too early for sundown, so each watched the other for the final revelation as they lowered their underwear. Earl on the bed, Jeff, standing beside the bed, both were naked.

"What's next?" Jeff asked.

"You call it! I mean wasn't it your idea to come over and teach me a thing or two?"

"Yeah, but you already know lots more than I."

"Just shut up and get back in bed. Let's see who's the teacher and who's supposed to make the first move."

Jeff had to climb over Earl to get to the empty side of the bed. Their privates touched for a moment when Jeff raised his leg over Earl's body.

"Damn!" Jeff exclaimed. "You're already hard!"

"Looking at the size of you, I hope you ARE, too. If THAT thing gets any bigger...!"

Jeff lay down and turned toward Earl who was still on his back. Neither of them moved for several seconds. Each was filled with cautious excitement, mixed with a tinge of fear.

"So you wanna jerk off now?" Jeff asked, timidly.

"I want you back on top of me."

Jeff was still a bit puzzled and filled with disbelief and skepticism, but he followed Earl's request and returned to the their previous kissing position. The weight of Jeff's body seemed to melt into Earl's flesh as their naked bodies merged together. Not wanting to say anything for fear of what would happen next, Jeff lowered his head and kissed Earl again. Earl thrust his pelvis against Jeff's and the two bodies began to undulate for three or four minutes, ending with each experiencing an orgasm with his best buddy.

Neither boy seemed ashamed or embarrassed afterward. Jeff still had no idea why Earl had changed his mind and decided to cooperate in this wonderful venture, but he decided not to question or 'guess' at the reasons.

By ten o'clock, neither of them could remember the number of times each had climaxed, but at their young age, there was nothing to stop either of them to have just 'one more'. By midnight, two hours later, each of them could have taught a seminar on masturbation and oral sex. They still had seven hours before it was time to dress, go to church, and ask God to forgive them of their sins. Before they literally collapsed from exhaustion, Jeff knew he was way ahead of Alex in sex education, as he and Earl had done things Alex had never thought about doing.

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Sunday morning, Jeff and Earl were already showered and dressed when Mrs. Freeman came to awaken them and tell them it was time to go to mass.

Ellen and her late husband, Burt, had been married at St. Genesius Anglican Church. Earl, Alice, and Sally had all been christened there as well. In all the years Jeff and Earl had been best friends, Jeff had never attended church with Earl. He had never been to an Anglican mass before and he was actually excited about it. Ellen was proud to have Jeff join them and at the end of the service, she introduced Jeff to Father Cliff, the new priest. For some reason, unknown even to himself, Jeff liked the handsome priest at once.

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(To be continued in "Briarwood"---BOOK TWO-chapter eighteen)

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