Cards in the Deck

This is a work of fiction - names and places are elements of fiction.

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Cards in the Deck - Adam and Ben 18

Part 2 - The Gulf

Now I have to be honest with you. We collapsed last night after the party and with a house full of people, we didn't engage in any sexual activity. Having been more than a month since I had seen Adam, it was long coming. He kept my dick at full attention all the way to the Gulf. Playing with mine while I was driving then pulling his out. I thought I was going to have to pull the car over and deal with it. I didn't though. I maintained my composure all the way to the hotel. I had booked us into one of the newer places as Gulf Shores is an old beach. You could smell the salt and hear the waves as soon as we exited the car. We turned it over to the Valet and our bags were ushered into the lobby. We checked and our bags followed us to the room. Once there, it was on. I don't have to tell you, the first round went quick. I fucked him hard and he took it. That's all, just fucked. As we laid in the bed and cooled off, we got close. I fealt our intimacy seeping back in. We laid in each other's arms. He was so happy about yesterday. He surely fell in love with St. Luke's. He said it was hard as hell. Everything was a collaboration, very little work on an individual basis.

We decided to take a shower. He climbed in with me, which I did not expect but I didn't reject either. It was 3 pm in the afternoon and we had dinner reservations at 6. Once in the shower, we soaped each other. We kissed. We rubbed each other's bodies. We kissed some more, then he turned me away from him and took me from behind. The shower was hot and steamy. He was filling me in so many ways. My lover was back. We came again, quietly, passionately. The steam filled my head.

Once we were out and dried, we dressed in casual clothes headed out for a tour. We had a week after all. The place was lovely. A big pool and easy beach access. I hadn't been to the beach in so long. I was dizzy with memories. Ian and I spent time down here. He loved the ocean. The soft, white sand blew around Adam and myself as we walked around. He was acting very reflective but I didn't press him. The graduation events, along with the party, seeing so many friends, and two hot love making sessions...well who wouldn't be reflective?

We headed to dinner and since we had not eaten all day, a big plate of gulf shrimp and oysters sounded great to us both. Over dinner, the talk became more excited. College, and working over the summer. "I need some money," he exclaimed. I was glad he was happy about working at Brevard Packaging again. He did such a great job there. I filled him on the Trust and the Executive Director, and how the football challenge worked toward our goals. He said he should have thought of it.

By the time we got out of dinner, it was getting dark. We returned to the hotel, took off our shoes and walked some stretch of beach. I tried to take his hand but he pulled away. I told him, "Adam, we are together now. You don't have to worry anymore."

"What will people say?"

"Who cares? You turned 18 in April. My guardianship of you expired then. You have graduated from high school. You are an adult now even though you were of consenting age before." I took his hand again and told him just relax. Some other beachheads passed us by and didn't give a glance. "See?" I asked.

We started walking again. Some folks were lounging in the sand, some still in the water. The ocean at night is not a place for me. There were some fishermen. Some college aged guys walked past us and I could feel Adam try to take his hand away. I held tightly. They passed and when the passed, Adam took a look behind him to see what happened. When I asked, he said one of the guys gave him a thumb's up.

"Adam, its all different now. What we do together, how we take care of each other, our focus is different. You have completed the first rites and we have just a few months before you go to school."

"That frets you, doesn't it?

"Yep"

"It shouldn't"

"Why not?"

"Im not going anywhere. There is no better man, Ben."

"You think that now."

"Shouldn't I feel the same way?"

"No."

"Why not?"

Point duly noted.

"All those hot young college guys. I would be tempted," I added.

"And I might be too. Can anyone of them take you place? No!" he dragged out. "You know Ben," he said facing me, standing still, "I don't even care what you look like anymore. I know your touch, your voice, your smell, your expressions. This afternoon I felt like I had just gotten out of bed after being asleep for a month. And when you walked into that auditorium Friday night, I literally scooched in my seat."

"Scooched?" I laughed.

"Yeah, thats better than shimmied."

"Agreed."

"I wanted to yell out, `HE'S Mine!'. That is my man. My Ben! I wanted to spout it out like a selfish kid pointing to his bike."

"I knew where you were the minute I entered the room."

"We are right there Ben. I love you so much," he said as the wind whipped his blond hair across his face. It sounded so good to hear. And to say. "Then hold my hand and lead me back to the hotel." He did so, but his hand was brittle. This would take some time. When we got back to the pool entrance, I stopped him and kissed him quickly. No one was there but a little public display could heat things up. And in fact, it did. We experienced a third round back in the hotel. This one started on the hotel balcony when I came up behind him and gently inched his athletic shorts down exposing the baby smooth skin of a tight round ass. I am sad to say, I did not cum a third time. Just couldn't. He didn't know that; however. He did, a small splash for mankind.

"Adam," I said, as he crawled into my arms under the soft silky sheets, "lets spend this summer living it, not worrying about it. Fair?"

"That sounds perfect. Besides," he replied, "while I once was the learner, I am not the master!" and he lifted his head up to give that silly giggle when he roll's off something funny. He turned me away from him, wrapped his strong arms around me, and played the `big spoon.'

We got up the next day with the sun rising over our hotel, peering through the blinds. We through on the bathing suits, grabbed our sunscreen and towels and headed down to take in sun and water. Once we laid claim to a spot on the beach, we headed out for a walk. The breeze was gentle but the sun was starting to radiate heat. Adam wanted a quick jog. I told him to be my guest. A jog to him is like me running while being chased. I walked a ways to get my head in the game then turned back. I was stretched out on my towel when he got back. He had built up an attractive sweaty gleam. He pulled me up and we headed out into the water. The blue waters of the Gulf felt good on my skin. The salt coated us, making our pores feel fresh. A few yards out, the waves began to grow. We played in them and dared them to knock us down. We talked about those things that don't usually come. What's the worst thing this and whats the funniest thing that. He filled me in on St Lukes gossip.

"You know the guys there get it on, don't you? I bet Mckinnon has enjoyed a blowjob or two," he grinned.

"Did he proposition you?" I asked

"Hell no, I wouldn't be his type. He would prefer those guys who are less masculine and who would keep their mouths shut. I don't have any proof, though. Just suspicions. Judson did hit on me some more but I told him we had to keep our friendship in place. He didn't seem to be offended."

"I didn't see him after graduation. I would have thought..."

"His dad whisked him away right afterwards. They had some trip to go on. I didn't like his dad at all. Asshole."

"Yeah, thats why i didn't want you to play in that park." Then, splash! A big wave knocked me down. Adam jumped the waves and helped me up. Just as he smiled at me, I touched his leg. His skin felt like silk in the water. He didn't flinch. It felt good being able to touch him outside in public, even if it was under the water.

"I'm heading back to the towels to get some water," I said. I asked him to head back down toward our things. The surf had migrated down the beach a bit. I walked up the beach and found our towel spot. He swam through the water. He had a graceful style, head down, stroking the water. No sooner than I had taken a big swig of water, it happened. Both shock and fear gripped me like that most terrible thing in my life. He ruffled in the water, then kicking then splashing and screaming. Then I saw the blood on his foot. He was on his back and kicking with the good foot hard. I screamed "Shark!" I heard the lifeguard whistle and other screams. I ran toward the water and he seemed to be free. He looked up at me but I think he was just looking at the shore. Some big guys out in the water were rushing hin and grabbed him by the arms and pulled him to shore with them. His eyes were clinched closed and blood was running from his foot. When he fell on the beach, a crowd gathered and I sank by his side.

"Adam, Adam, are you there? Can you hear me?"

"YES" he screamed. "My foot!" He had his leg aimed in the air and blood was running down. The lifeguard came and had someone of the phone. He was ordering an ambulance. I stayed there with the waves breaking against me. The lifeguard rolled him over and we kept him talking until the ambulance came. The guys who lured him in pushed the gathering crowd back. The beach was a mess. The water was vacant.

Once we were admitted to the hospital, the doctors whisked him away to perform their assessment.

I picked my phone out of my bag and called my parents were still at Brevard Manor nosing around.

"Hello Ben," answered Margo. "How's the beach? Is something wrong? Did you forget something?" she asked curious why i would be calling her.

"Mother," I said gravely, "there's been an incident." I didn't know how to phrase it softly or gently. Was there a way? "Mother, Adam was bitten by a shark," I said quickly and quietly. I was trembling. Its not the sort of thing you say everyday.

"What? What kind fo shark? Is it bad? Is he ok?" Her voice was getting louder with agitation. "Phil! Get down here now. Ben is on the phone!" she shouted to my father. Once he had found her, she put me on speaker. "Tell us everything," she said.

I told her the doctors suspect a small, perhaps a baby shark. Feeding in the surf when Adam swam by. Some damage to his foot and ankle. We didn't think it was life threatening but he is in surgery.

They were beside themselves. She gave me encouraging thoughts. She asked me what I needed just then and I said nothing. I was just waiting for the full report. I told her I had to go but I would call back later.

The reports throughout the day was mixed. He lost blood but they transfused without issue. There were many small teeth marks which were bandaged and would clot just fine. There was a small tear in one tendon and a nerve that would be harsh short time problem but shouldn't a lifelong matter. Could it have been worse, yes definitely. Was it something Adam deserved? No definitely!

I talked with him briefly that evening. He had a lot of drugs in him. I sat with him in his room throughout the night. My brain would have driven me crazy if I hadn't fallen asleep in the chair.

The nurses came in and out through the night and checked his stats and temperature regularly. He was stable. That morning I slipped down to the cafeteria and got some coffee. I heard reference to shark attack as I headed back to the hospital wing. I guess we would be somewhat famous. I had seen the report on the news last night. It was the only showing of the shark that day. He may have been injured if Adam kicked him just right. Size of bite, according to the doctors indicates the shark was very infant.

Before I got back to the room, I could hear Adam fussing with the doctors. He was in pain, he was mad. When I walked in he looked at me with disgust. I walked around his to the window side of the bed, the direction he was looking.

"Hey buddy," I said quietly.

"No fucing pep talks from you thanks. I have heard it from the doctors already! My life is good and fucked and we both know it!!"

I didn't argue. It was best to keep quiet and not argue. He ranted a while until he gave out of steam. Then I got a text from Margo.

TEXT: The eagle has landed!

TEXT: huh?

Then the phone rang. As soon as I answered she started right in. "We are in the parking lot. Where do we come?"

Holy crap, I thought. They have dirven down here? Not sure how I felt about it.

I walked down to the lobby and found her and Phil waiting for me.

"Mother! What are you doing here?"

"How is he this mo rning?" asked my father.

I told them he was in a state. I filled them in on the prognosis as we rode the elevator up.

"Mother, I can't believe you came all the way down here."

"I'm swooping son," she said heading out of the elevator.

My father asked, "Do you know what she is talking about?"

"I do," I said.

She found his room and marched in. Walking into the room with her purse on her arm, she started right in.

Adam looked at her in surprise and beamed out, "Mrs. Brevard! What are you doing here?"

"Good Lord! Its SHARNADO!"

Adam looked up then tilted his upward and gave a laugh.

"Thats right," he said. "And you're the only one who's gonna call me that!" She laughed and went over to my chair and took a seat by him. Phil approached his bed and gave him a warm greeting but this was way outside his comfort zone. He was genuinely affected to see Adam down like this, however.

"Son," said Margo, "Lets talk about. You were in swimming in the Gulf?"

"Yes ma'am"

"I bet the water was amazing. My father always said the Gulf was the most blessed body of water. Unleashed as many joys as secrets it harbors."

"That sounds curious." They nodded to each other.

"Can you still taste the salt?" He nodded.

"When did you know you were under attack?"

"I felt something rubbery then knives in my foot then a hot pain like an iron on my foot."

"What did you do," she asked.

"I kicked hard with my right foot. I kicked really hard, like for my life."

"Good. Where was the shore?"

He pointed to his left.

"Where was Ben?"

He pointed the same direction. "On the beach. I heard a whistle and people screaming. Then I felt arms on both side of me pulling me towards the shore. I think my foot had fallen off because I couldn't feel anything. When I landed on the beach, I kicked it up to keep it out of the sand." He looked at her expecting a response.

"Adam, this is what we do in business - its called a post mortem - we examine events to determine what went wrong and if we should have done better. We identify gaps." She rubbed his arm. "I believe, you did just about everything right," she said honestly. "You used your strength to ward off the creature, you kept your senses and knew where the shore was. You were attentive to sounds and knew help was close by. You didn't panic. I think you might have greatly disappointed that shark."

"I hope he's dead."

"Maybe not, Adam. Remember, that's his water before it's yours. You are technically the invader."

"You're right," he said. "Im so sorry you had to come all the way down here but I'm glad you did. We had a great party at the house, didn't we?"

"We sure did," she said. Margo looked at up me. "I think he's well attended now, son. Adam, tell Ben to go back to the hotel and shower and freshen up."

"I think you should," he said to me. "You look like hell!" and we all laughed just a bit.

"Phil, go with him and help him gather up some of Adam's toilettries. Also, do you have an Ipad or laptop?"

"Yes, of course," I responded.

"Bring it with you," she requested. "I have a Skype account and perhaps Adam will want to have a skype call with his friends this evening. Get that fella Quinn on it so he can spread the word."

"Oh cool! That would be awesome!" exclaimed Adam.

"Bring me a good cup of coffee, Phil. Get yourself one, too!" she suggested.

She was amazing during normal times. I had no idea she was capable of this.

The shower was refreshing but my head was reeling. What have I lead him into? First, the mess with his father. Then sending him away to a crazy school, now I have thrown him into the ocean and fed him to a shark. Would I be the death of him or would he be the death of me?

When I came out of the bathroom Phil was watching CNN.

"You were talking to yourself in there," he said. "You're wrong."

"What do you mean?"

"You haven't led him into anything. He is making personal choices to experience life with you. That shark was a bad accident and could have been worse. What if it had been a small child who would have lost an arm or leg? What if had been an expectant mother? Or an aged person who might have thrown a clot and had a stroke? He is strong, he will survive, he will be a star for being the shark attack victim!" he said with some humor.

"I know you're right and I appreciate your sentiments, Dad. I just want him to have a level playing field."

"You want to build the field for him. Let him find the level part of the field and then enjoy it with him. Its no doubt you can show him worlds he may never see but he was to find some of it on his own!"

He was completely right. I needed to get control by letting up on control.

When we walked into the hospital room, Adam and Margo were laughing like they were old friends. The both looked at me with straight faces. I knew something was up. Adam informed me that Margo had been telling stories about my youth. Apparently, she knew more about what I had been up to then I had thought.

Quinn had about seven friends who were available for the call, Somel were not happy that they could not attend. I was happy he got Mckinnon on it. He went over the events in detail with them while Phil, Margo, and I went to dinner.

Later that night when I went in to check on him, he was in good spirits. We talked for a while. He and Margo had enjoyed a terrific day and I had to give her all the credit. When she "swooped", she really swooped. The Skype call had been a great success. His friends had come through as well.

It was late. The room was dark but for one lamp. The nurses were all out. I slipped into the bed with Adam who scooted over and flipped the cover up for me. Maybe it was the meds but Adam was in a mood. A good mood. With a little kissing and some manuevering with my hand, Adam left quite a mess for me to clean up. Whats a little youthful mischief if it distracts from catastatrophe?

Over the next week while recovering from two surgeries, the doctors made us aware that football would out of the picture this upcoming year. Adam was clearly devastated. So much so that he asked that I not push him about college. He wanted me to convey to Mississippi that he would not be coming in the Fall semester. I was content to accept his decision but would not let him sit on his ass in self pity forever. School would be revisited.

Within the week, I would have to return to Brevard for work. Erin and Joe would spend a couple of days with Adam as he recovered. The following week, Adam returned home. I drove down to pick him up along with his cast, crutches, and other things. Some of his friends were waiting with Quinn for his return and they had a little party. It was a good event to ease his self pity. They all stood by his decision to not go to school in the Fall.

Once he progressed to wearing the boot, he went to work which really helped us adjust to normality. The discussion we had on the beach that first night lived on. We spent less time analyzing it and more time living it for the rest of the summer.

Rather than review every day and every conversation, I want to move readers forward. The next chapter will review how the next four years progressed for Adam and Ben and reveal the future state of things. While Cards in the Deck may remain the story title, the remaining chapters will be subtitled The Last Brevard.

Hope you enjoy!