Cheddar's, Chapter 18
After lunch, Ellie, Edgar, and Parker began calling the various relatives to let them know about Joan's death, and set a time for the memorial service.
Ellie had picked the coming Saturday, feeling that the intervening days would give everyone time to plan to come, and scheduling it soon would give Parker and Adam time to go back home to get settled before starting summer school. It would be enough time to mourn, but it would allow the guys to gear up to continue their schooling. Being occupied with classwork would help Parker take his mind off his loss. Life needed to go on as normally as possible.
In the time leading up to the service, Parker and Adam went to Woodfield Mall to purchase a couple of changes of summer clothes, and outfits dressy enough for the rites. Neither had packed anything more than a couple of extra shirts, shorts, and changes of underwear. They didn't even have shoes that looked good enough to wear in a more formal setting
Although they could have spent whatever amount they wanted to, they chose to purchase moderately prices things at Penney's and Macy's. They might be like rich young rulers, but they weren't spendthrifts. They would be more than presentable without spending money needlessly.
On Wednesday, Ellie had her housekeeping service come to change the beds and ready the place for company.
Parker and Adam had made an appointment to visit with Dr. Schmidt for that afternoon. Adam offered to drive, but Parker said he was up to it.
They checked in at 1:30, and were seen immediately. "Smitty" hugged each of them as they settled in comfortable chairs in the room they'd used before.
"My staff alerted me about your mother's passing, Parker. Please accept my condolences. Is that what you'd like to discuss?"
"Adam and I have both lost family members since we last saw you. I lost Mother, but only after reestablishing contact with my father, so I have at least one loving parent. He lost both parents, unexpectedly, in an auto crash."
"My sympathy to you, as well, Adam. This must be a trying time for both of you."
"It is, and it isn't," Adam responded. "Parker's mom hugged us both and blessed our relationship right before she passed away. She was a delight, and we've cried because her life was cut short, but we know she was suffering. So, we've made peace with the fact that she had to leave us.
With my parents, it was different. They died while I was here at Christmas time. A few months before that they'd said spiteful things to me when they threw me out, and had never reached out to me again. Today it's kinda more about me because I don't feel upset that they're gone, and I guess I feel guilty that I haven't experienced the emotions that Parker has. Does any of that make sense?"
"Yes, it does, but I think you're expecting too much of yourself. You have a perfect right to feel anger, or nothing, toward them. They abandoned you; you didn't leave them. The rift in your relationship wasn't your doing."
"In a way it was, they would have kept me if I had agreed to enter a reparative therapy program."
"Those programs are ineffective at best, and damaging at worst. You did the right thing in refusing. My advice to you is that you shouldn't berate yourself about what you feel or don't feel. May I draw a parallel that is sexual in nature, or would that be offensive?"
"The mention of sex never offends me," Adam grinned.
"Okay, think about the first time you masturbated. Did you feel guilty?"
"Um, yeah, I guess I did."
"Does that act seem wrong to you today?"
"Nope."
"So, what has changed?"
"As I've grown up, I've realized it's natural and healthy."
"Why did you feel otherwise in the beginning?"
"I'd been brainwashed by our church youth leader."
"Then, it had to do with unrealistic expectations imposed on you by the society you were in."
"Yes, it did. I think I see your point. The guilt I feel from not being able to mourn my parents' deaths doesn't really originate with me! I think I kinda knew that, because I told Parker how I'd cried over losing them when they sent me packing. I had already grieved. Now, you've validated it! It's like you've set me free."
"It's more like you've begun to internalize it. I'm simply your guide, walking beside you as you travel toward the light."
"Thanks! In another sense of the word, I feel lighter."
They went on to discuss Parker's loss, and his reaction. Dr. Schmidt was heartened by how his eyes lit up as he told about the family history Joan had made for him. Parker was healing rapidly. He was celebrating his mother's life more than mourning her death. These two young men had their stuff together, and should have a bright future if they continued in the direction they seemed to be headed.
He felt like he was talking to family members. He wasn't going to bill them for today's session.
The next day, the out-of-town relatives began to assemble. Sally and Ken arrived first, offering their condolences, and receiving sympathy in return. Parker was completely composed by then, and appreciated their compassion without being overly emotional.
He had a good time being himself in their presence without having to filter his speech to avoid offending anyone. Sally and Ken had no problems with anyone's orientation, whatever it might be.
Ralph and family arrived on Friday. It was evident to the rest of the family that he was uncomfortable spending more time than necessary in his parents' house. That was fine with Parker, but he did miss having an additional day with his cousin, Dan.
As if defying Ralph to cross her, Ellie had had the roll-away bed for Dan set up in the room that Parker and Adam were sharing as she had at Christmas. She was relatively certain that Ralph wouldn't have to balls to make a scene over it again, especially during a time of mourning. If he should choose to do that, she WOULD send him to a motel.
The expressions of sympathy from Ralph and Jennifer were rather stilted and awkward. Without feeling comfortable in using their fundamentalist clichés about Joan sitting at the feet of Jesus by the heavenly throne, they seemed to be tongue-tied.
Dan's expressions were from his heart, as he said things much more meaningful to Parker.
When the teens retired to their shared room before bedtime, Dan hugged his companions tightly.
"I wish the circumstances were different, but I do love being able to see you guys! I have a few things to share.
"I used reverse psychology on the rents so that they forced' me to attend the funeral. I made up excuses for not wanting to come, so they felt compelled to insist! It's so much fun to manipulate them when they haven't got a clue that I'm doing it."
"Congrats on being a devious imp!" Parker high-fived him.
"I figured you'd approve. Anyway, I've used similar methods to get them to `foster' my relationship with Taylor. It's a blast. Even though they're not fond of Catholics, they see him as a positive influence on their errant child. Taylor can lay it on thick about the evils of abortion, and other mortal sins. Of course, he stays away from the subject of gay marriage, but they just assume his family is as conservative in their own way as they are."
"Be careful you don't get too cocky and blow it!" Adam warned.
"Speaking of cocky and blowing it, Taylor and I are closer than we were in the spring!"
"Jeez! You're getting as bad as Adam with the innuendos."
"I'm trying; Adam's my hero!"
"So, are you in a SUCK-sess-ful relationship with Taylor," Adam snickered.
"We're HEADing that way," Dan replied with a toothy grin.
"Oh Lord! Adam, you've created a monster!"
"He is an inspiration," Dan admitted.
"So, if you're doing oral stuff, have you been vaccinated of HPV?" Parker asked
"Are you kidding? My parents would consider that a license to have illicit sex! Taylor's dad had him get the shots even though his mother wasn't sold on it. I guess his dad whispered something to her that made her blush, and she caved in. Taylor suspects that she likes his dad to go down on her.
"I'm not messing around with anyone else, so I'm safe right now. I'll get them once I'm out of the house and on my own. Have you guys had them?"
"Yup. We don't plan to mess around with anyone else, but we're not taking any chances on ending up with throat cancer if there's any other way it can be transmitted."
"Can we all sleep nude tonight? Taylor and I do all the time. We keep a pair of boxers under our pillows in case we need them in a hurry."
"Sure, let's do it," Parker agreed. "After the nude beach, we have nothing to hide. If your father pulls the covers off again, I'll start jacking off in front of him. I think I'll just lock the door so he'll get pissed off if he tries to come in unannounced."
"Maybe you should leave it unlocked. It would be so cool to watch his expression if you bopped the bishop! I'd pay to see that."
After a little more teasing, the teens settled down to sleep. Parker slept the best he had since his mother's passing.
As the family waited at the back of the chapel, Parker made a mental estimate of the size of the crowd. He was surprised at the number of people who had shown up for his mother's memorial service. The place was as large as some small churches, and it was more than three-quarters full.
Ellie was amazed too, and sent a quick text to the caterer to make sure there were enough sandwiches for the luncheon. They had made up extras in case of a larger crowd, and could bring them from the shop at a moment's notice.
A couple of minutes later, the organ music ended, and the congregation stood as the family filed in to take their seats at the front where two pews had been roped off. Edgar, Ellie, Sally, Ken, Ralph, and Jennifer were seated in the first row. Behind them, Parker, Adam, Dan, Jonathan, and Bart took up the rest of the reserved spaces.
Fr. Price began with a prayer for all the saints both living and dead. That was followed by a rendition of The Lord's Prayer sung by a young tenor from the Lyric Opera.
Next, the priest read Joan's obituary which mentioned her travels as well as her involvement with various charities. Up to that point, Parker hadn't known the extent of what she did to further good causes. She hadn't mentioned any of it in the history she'd created for him. He would have to add those details to his file.
Then the priest read several short passages of scripture which speak of the hope of resurrection and eternal life, dwelling on the one in which Jesus told his followers that he was going to prepare a place for them.
After a short homily, Fr. Price repeated the words of commitment as he swung a small thurible to perfume the air around the urn which contained her ashes.
At the end of the rite, he chanted the benediction. Then the organist began to play softly while the family members were ushered out to the gathering space where they formed a reception line.
Parker, Adam, and Dan planted themselves toward the end of the line with Jon and Bart. Jon at first resisted the idea of participating because of having been divorced from Joan, but Parker insisted that he belonged there as his father. Ellie agreed that Jon and his husband were part of the family. Jon and Bart were moved by the gesture.
There were two round tables in the center of fellowship hall reserved for the family. Parker was pleased that they had six chairs each. That meant there wasn't really room for more than Edgar and Ellie plus their two living children and spouses at one of them. So, the teens got to sit with Jon and Bart. He suspected that Grandma probably arranged it that way. She was very good at that sort of thing.
Several of the guests made their way to the tables at various times. Parker felt good that all of them took time to talk to him. He was impressed with the caring they showed.
Everyone, including Jon and Bart, went back to the house after the luncheon. Ralph and family left almost immediately, as they had packed their suitcases before going to the church. He said he had business to attend to the next day. Ellie was tempted to remind him that he considered it a sin to work on Sunday, but held back because she was relieved to have him go on his way as quickly as possible.
Dan would have loved a longer stay with his cousin, but he was also looking forward to being back with Taylor. His reward for coming to the funeral, without raising a fuss, was to sleep over at Taylor's for a couple of nights. They had plans to improve their oral skills, and not the kind used for debate club...
As soon as Ralph's car backed out of the drive, Edgar opened the bar. He mixed margaritas for everyone, making the ones for the teens a bit lighter. While sipping on them, they all shared stories about Joan.
Parker was happy to hear other tidbits about her childhood. His father added stories about their early years together. Parker could see some of himself in the things she had done.
He also learned that his mother was a very astute investor, and had quadrupled the inheritance she'd received from her grandparents by investing in utility stocks during the recession. Parker hoped Adam and he would be as good in managing their money.
As it got closer to dinner, Ellie suggested ordering Mexican to be delivered so they wouldn't have to bother with cooking or driving anywhere.
"We can have another drink without being a hazard on the road, and we can relax with no cooking, and little cleanup," she reasoned.
Everyone was for it, so they were soon deciding on which entrees they'd like to have.
Ordering in proved to be a great solution because they all kicked back even more.
Around 9:00, Ellie offered to change the bed in the room Ralph and Jennifer had used so that Jon and Bart wouldn't have to drive home to Schaumberg. They thanked her for the offer, but said they were quite sober after eating dinner, and had imposed upon her day already. She disagreed about the `imposing' part, but didn't push it because she suspected they'd sleep better in their own home.
Again, Parker and Adam contented themselves with snuggling as they drifted off to sleep. It seemed to Adam that they should wait a bit before being intimate. He didn't know how long people should abstain in a time of mourning, but he didn't want to do anything that might seem disrespectful. While he would love to pleasure his soulmate, he'd rather err on the side of caution than to hurt their relationship in any way.
Adam's unspoken question was answered in no uncertain terms when he awoke in the morning to the awesome sensation of having his balls licked. He was glad that they'd continued to remove the stubble daily with their Braun shavers, whether, or not, they were planning to engage in sexual activity. Of course, at their age, they tended to play frequently.
"Um, I'd better pee, and rinse off if you plan to continue," Adam suggested.
"Okay, let's take a leak, but not take a shower. If the grand `rents know we're awake, they'll be making breakfast. Besides, I'm in the mood to lick the sweat off your balls."
"I think you've already removed most of it, but I love the thought of tasting you as well. Let's make it quick!"
In a very few minutes, they were back on the bed, making out with abandon in preparation for relieving each other of their several-day buildup of seminal fluid.
Their hopes of edging for an extended time didn't pan out. Having abstained for a longer period than usual, their ejaculations were close to being premature. Fortunately, none of the nectar was wasted.
After cuddling for a bit in the afterglow, they got into the shower to clean up. The process of applying shower gel to each other's intimate areas led to rock-hard erections. The only way to relieve them was to cum again. This time, they humped their slippery bodies together until they achieved another mind-shattering climax. Neither of them felt the experience of sharing their love had been disrespectful.
After breakfast on Sunday, the guys packed their things and headed back to Iowa City. They would have time to rest up a bit before beginning summer school the following day. Perhaps, they could get in an adventure between the ending of the session and the beginning of the fall semester.
Author's notes: I heard from the following readers about chapter 17: Ott H, Steve C, Jack W, Walt Sz, Mendy D, Joan D, Randy McM, Tom A, GCD, Geoff S, Roy M, Larry S, Jae B, Bill K, Hotrod, Bill T, Frank K, Ray K, Vern, Phil S, Jeremy R, Paul R, and Barry J. Several others sent jokes and things, but I didn't include them in the count.
Public Radio is begging for money again, and I increased the amount of my contribution. Perhaps some of you will consider donating to them, and to Nifty. Many good causes need our support!
David