This is a work of pure fiction, based on the author's feelings, beliefs, and in some cases, experience. 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:
Cole Alexander Stephanson IV -- Our hero
Jazz -- (Jack Zachary) Coles oldest brother
Diane -- Jazz's wife
Janie and Jesse -- Jazz's kids
Rod -- Coles middle brother
Suzanne -- Rod's wife
Will and Cole V -- Rod's kids
Igor (Iggy) -- Cole's Tutoring Pupil
Cole Alexander Stephanson III -- Coles Dad
Ethyl Stephanson -- Cole's mom
Rex Remlin-- Rod's best friend
Gus Hartwin -- Cole's Boyfriend
Michelle -- Cole's old girlfriend.
Dexter -- Iggy's boyfriend
Ed -- Paramedic
Manolo -- Paramedic
Steve -- Manolo's boyfriend
Randy -- Found Boy
Curtis -- Found boy's brother
Kian Willis-- Friend in Vancouver
Nicolas Poole-- Friend in Vancouver
Howard Poole -- Nicolas's Father
Christian -- the pool guy
Boyd -- the pilot
Spike -- Cop and former classmate
The twins:
Marcus Aurelius
Alexander The Great
Jon -- Teacher's Aide
From Chapter 36
"Ig, we can't do what we used to do -- but we both felt bad about you sleeping all alone in there. Wanna snuggle a bit?" I chuckled.
All he did was sigh and snuggle back into my body. Gus in turn spooned into Iggy's. I squeezed Iggy's shoulders. "Now where were we this afternoon?" I said. He started with a giggle but then it quickly turned into quiet sobs and gasps. He definitely needed more release. We fell asleep in that mode. The last thing I remember thinking, was that I'd forgotten how much I loved Iggy.
Chapter 37
"Vell, of course my dream vould be what ve had before I vent beck to Dex. Gott! I miss him!" Said Iggy the next morning as we all got dressed.
"Ig, my heart really aches for you, but -- I'm sorry -- we have just had too much trouble trying to -- well -- include others -- into our relationship." I said.
"Naw, it's okay. You asked vat I vanted. I know you guys are committed to itch otter."
"Ig, it seems like your accent is more since we have seen you. Is that my imagination?" Said Gus.
"Naw! I still hafta work at it, and when I am -- well -- discouraged, it just is too much work. Sorry. I'll try to - "
"No, Ig! Don't worry about it! I just wondered." Gus said apologetically.
"Yah. So, you don't know anyone that I can -- be close to here?"
"No, sorry. We're not much in to - " I started.
"How about Jon?" Said Gus.
"Who?" Said both Iggy and I.
"Jon -- the RFA guy." Gus repeated. I wonder if he would - "
"Ohhh -- I don't know." I said. "He's not even sure he's gay. He just wants to -- play -- right now. I'm not exactly sure that Ig wants to - "
"Dat's EXACTLY what I want!" Said Iggy. "I just want someone to play with!"
"Oh! Wow!" I said, with a chuckle. "Where are you staying?"
"Um -- well -- here, last night."
"Your parents place?"
"Yah, it's dere, but it's too damnt far."
"Gotcha!"
"Yeah, this is Cole."
"Uh -- oh! God, Cole, did I fuck you guys up? I'm sorry, I - "
"No, Dude, it's not your fault. We worked it out."
"Oh - - great! Does that mean maybe you want to do some more?"
"No!" I laughed. "We're not open to any more. Jon, what I called about is -- I -- er -- WE -- have a friend here with us that you may like to meet."
"Oh, another RFA candidate? I dunno, I'm not really - "
"No, not an RFA candidate. Jon, this is kinda awkward. Do you -- um -- I mean, are you interested in -- meeting another -- um -- guy - "
"Hell Yes! Damn! I am so horny since -- well, you know! I have no clue where to go to meet guys. I tried a gay bar. It was as if I didn't exist. No one said anything to me except the barkeep."
"Wo! Well, gay guys sometimes tend to be kinda shy. No, this is an old friend of ours. He just came back into town."
"What's his story?" Jon asked.
"His lover died. I'll let him explain it to you."
"Wow! That's heavy. When can we meet? Does he know that I am kind of trying to -- discover myself -- at this late age? How old is he?"
"Iggy's 22. And yeah we told him a little about you..
"22! Perfect! So -- does he look like a toad? Haha!"
"You will have to judge that for yourself." I said, disappointed.
"No! I mean -- sorry! I'm just that vain, I guess. When can we meet?"
"Let me talk to Iggy."
"Iggy! Cool name! Hah!"
"Yeah. He's from Russia."
"RUSSIA! Ohhhh." He said.
"You have a problem with Russians?" I asked, again a little irritated.
"Naw -- it's just a lot to handle all at once. Remember -- before a few weeks ago, I never even knew anyone gay. Hah! And now maybe I `ARE one'!"
"Well, okay. I'll call you as soon as I talk to Iggy." I said. "Bye."
I turned to Iggy. "Ig, I dunno. I wasn't too happy with his reactions."
"Like you told him -- `let me be the judge of that'. If he's horny, I am too!" He laughed.
"This afternoon okay?"
"I can't go then," Gus said, "but maybe that's best!" He said with a chagrinned smile.
"That works for me!" Iggy said, his tongue almost falling out.
"Dang, Ig! You haven't even met him yet."
"I TOLD you I was horny! Oh! I'll need to clean up!"
"Your shower this morning wasn't good enough?"
"Dude! I need to look my best! Can you go shopping with me?"
"Iggy, you're kidding!"
"This is my first blind date -- ever! It's kinda freaky!"
We went in his car. His parents had bought him a new "Z" convertible for graduation. We went to Mervyns. He bought a pair of nice dress pants, black, with a pink wife-beater shirt and a dark gray shirt he wore open. "Man, you don't mind making a splashy first impression, do you?" I said, grinning.
"Yah! They are the most important!"
When Jon opened the door, his mouth fell open at the sight of Iggy. I almost laughed, but didn't. I looked at Iggy, and his mouth was the same -- open and staring at Jon.
"Uh," I stammered trying to get hold of myself -- trying not to laugh, "Jon, this is Ig -- Igor."
"I KNOW who it is!" Jon said. "Igor was a year ahead of you -- same class. Only I never called him Iggy. It was Igor, and I never expected -- well -- DAMN Igor, you look better than I remember!" Iggy blushed.
"Well, I never knew YOU were gay!" Iggy said.
"That made two of us -- back then! Well, come in, come in!" We stepped in and closed the door. Jon said. "How long can you stay?"
"Um -- oh!" Iggy said. "Cole needs to get back home to help his mom with his brothers."
I looked surprised, then said, "Oh! Yeah, I do!" Iggy threw me his keys.
"Can you take me back to Cole's later on?" Iggy asked Jon. "It's over in Downey."
"Not a problem. Guess I'll see you later, Cole."
I stepped out the door, closing it, then remembered that Mom was expecting Iggy for dinner. I opened the door and caught them in a passionate kiss! "Wo!" I said. "Temperature's risin' in here!" They both giggled. "Uh -- guess I'll tell Mom you won't be there for dinner. She'll be disappointed, but - "
"Why don't you go back for dinner and then come back here for the night, Igor?" Jon said. "Would that work for you?"
Iggy looked at me then back to Jon. "Yah!"
As we walked to the car, I threw his keys back to him. He threw them back to me. "Go ahead! You know you wanna drive it!" He said.
"No, actually I don't. Gus does most of the driving now. My sight is still pretty weak."
"Oh. Sorry, Dude So, how bad is it?"
"Pretty bad. Ig, I've been hiding it from my folks -- and Gus too. Please don't tell. I'll tell them soon. I've been really taking it easy on it all summer, hoping that by fall it'll be easier for me to go back to UCLA. I'm all registered, but I'm scared."
"Better tell dem, Cole. It won't be any easier in three weeks when you start back."
"I'm afraid they won't want us to go up to Canada -- in a little over a week! I'll tell them after Canada."
"What's so important about Canada?"
I told him about our new friends up in Vancouver. He scoffed, "And dis is more important den your sight? C'mon, Cole! You know I'll keep your secret if you insist. But -- just tell them!"
"I -- (SIGH!) I know I should."
"So do I. As a matter of fact, I take back my promise. If you don't tell them tonight, while I am there, I will tell them before I leave. Don't look at me like that. I'm not a doctor yet, but I'm studying to be one -- so are you! This is shit! You know that the sooner you know about something, the better chance of: - "
"I know, I know!" I said, crestfallen. I'll tell them tonight."
Dad insisted in taking me to the emergency room immediately -- even before dinner. Iggy called Jon to tell him he might be later than he expected, explaining the situation.
"Mr. Stephanson, you are very lucky you came when you did. There's no telling when this might have completely detached. Your retina was hanging by a thread. What prompted you to come tonight?"
"My pal Iggy, studying to be a doctor, told my dad it was important."
"I'm gonna admit you to the hospital for constant monitoring."
"How -- how long do I have to be here?"
"A week -- maybe more, depending on how you do. You're young, so it may be shorter."
"Are you insured?" The doctor asked.
"Yeah -- on my dad's plan as long as I stay in school."
"C-can I go with him?" Asked Gus.
"Are you a relative? Oh, it doesn't matter in this case. You his brother?"
Gus looked me in the eye as he said, "Yeah, I sure am!"
"I guess this is where I take off!" Iggy said.
"Oh, Ig! Thanks soooo much. Have fun at Jon's, and - - we'll expect a full, detailed report!"
"Yah!" He laughed.
"Gosh, I'm awfully sleepy." I said.
"It's the shot I had the nurse give you. You'll be out pretty much for most of the next week."
"Okay." I said. Suddenly nothing mattered in the least to me. I looked for the longest time at my sweetheart's face. Then as if by magic, he was replaced by Rex.
"Dude! Back so soon?" He said.
I closed my good eye. Yup, I still saw him. "Yeah. It must be the drugs."
"Oh yeah! I always loved drugs! Ha-ha! Wassup, Grunt?"
"I'm in the hospital for observation. My good retina almost detached."
"It won't"
"What?"
"I got it on good authority. After this, you won't have to worry any more about losing your sight. Your eye will get better -- all the way better."
"I thought you said you couldn't ask." I commented.
"Well, I did. He said I could tell you if I ever saw you again."
"Ahhhhh! And you're glowing again. This angel thing is very cool." I said.
"I know. Of course to be a full fledged angel, I will need my body back."
"Really? How come?"
"It's hard to explain. I don't really understand all of it. But without a body, you just don't have as much power. I can tell you things, but I can't do anything that takes a body."
"Like what?" I asked.
"Like -- a full angel can lay his hands on someone -- someone in your mortal reality -- and heal them. A spirit can't do that,"
"Does Jesus have a body?" I asked.
"Dude! I didn't ever read the bible before I died -- but I KNOW YOU have! Think!"
"Well, he appeared to a lot of people -- and asked them to feel the nail prints and to cast their hand into his side -- where he was pierced to make sure he was dead. Hey! If everyone is resurrected with their perfect body, why does Jesus still have those scars?"
"They are like medals to him. They bless the believers and curse the unbelievers."
"Rex -- did you know Lucifer -- you know, before you were born?"
"Oh yah! We all did!"
"Rex -- I found out -- recently -- that I knew him pretty well."
"I know." He replied.
"Really -- were you too?"
"Not really. But I was somehow summoned when you had that first RFA. I heard it all. Man, that was so cool. Most people don't find anything like that until they're here -- `safely dead' as they put it here. You should not share that with just anybody. It's pretty special. Sacred."
"Really?" I said.
"Duh! Cole, you are the talk of people up here every so often."
"What??? Why?"
"Not many that were that close to Lucifer got away."
"Got away?"
"Dude, you know how many he took down with him?"
"Huh?" I said.
"It's written in the Bible. He convinced a third part of Father's children to follow him. You were one of the few that were close to him that chose Jesus."
"So -- all those who followed him will go to that lower kingdom you were telling me about?
"No dude! Those are the ones who chose Jesus and didn't live righteously -- you know, liars, thieves, fornicators, - like that."
"Oh." I said, suddenly pensive.
"What?"
"What about us?"
"Whattaya mean?" He asked.
"You and me -- and Gus. Are we considered fornicators?"
"I don't know dude. There's something about the sons of Adam with the daughters of Eve. I dunno about the sons of Adam with the Sons of Adam. We're somehow different."
"You mean from the beginning?"
"Don't know that either. All I know is it's not really an issue with me -- or anyone else."
"Well -- why?"
"No matter which kingdom we go to -- we'll be happy there. They are all kingdoms of great glory."
"But if - "
"Coley, I can't tell you any more - - because I don't know. Maybe after I learn more -- or whatever -- I will know more."
"So -- we will keep learning after we die? Wow! That's a heavy concept! I always figured that when we die somehow all knowledge is added to us."
"Naw! It may be easier to learn some things here -- like knowledge -- but it's one thing at a time -- just like before we -- die. That's an interesting concept too. No one really dies. But mortal eyes can't see spiritual things."
"Okay, you're causing me more questions with everything you tell me."
"Dunno if I can answer them."
"Ok. Well, first, you said it may be easier to learn things -- like knowledge. What is hard to learn?"
"I told you -- anything that required a body. Like discipline over physical things. Again, - it's very hard to lose the craving for things that you're body has become addicted to. But it can be done."
"Rex, you said that Lucifer took a third of Father's children down with him -- What does that mean?"
"You and I were born on earth with bodies. Those that followed Lucifer -- Satan -- weren't allowed to have bodies. And when the earth is perfected -- they will be cast out."
"Cast out of - - what -- where?"
"They are here -- now -- all around. I choose to ignore them, but they are here -- doing what the devil tells them. But in the end they will be cast into outer darkness."
"Outer Darkness? What's that?"
"I don't think anyone here -- in Paradise -- knows, exactly. It's like a place of eternal nothingness. As I told you, there is no absolute death. Even the devils live forever, in eternal darkness. Conscious, but wishing they WERE dead -- forever."
"Wow!" I marveled. "That seems a bit drastic -- even unfair -- for making the wrong choice."
"That's one thing I DO understand, dude! We were given every chance to follow Jesus -- His name is Jehovah here."
"Oh? So - - Jehovah isn't -- um -- the Father?"
"Naw! The Father is Elohim. Jehovah and all the rest of us are his sons -- our spirits, anyway."
"Okay, so -- all of us who chose not to follow Satan -- we will all go to heaven?"
"Well - - yeah! But we will all go to `a' heaven. That's what I was saying earlier. The murderers and people will go the lower kingdom."
"Wow! Even murderers! Rex, I have so many questions -- but I don't even know how to ask them."
"You might not until you get here. And trust me, Cole, once you get here, you still can't learn everything you want to know."
"You mentioned Paradise. Isn't that heaven?"
"Nah! It's what they call the better part of the spirit world. It's where we wait to be judged."
"The better part? What else is there?"
"There's the spirit prison -- where the bad guys go. They can't move around as we can."
"So the ones in prison -- they are lost?"
"I don't think so. In the Bible it says that Jesus went to the prison to preach. If they were lost, why would they need preaching?"
"Umm -- where are all the people?" I asked.
"Whattaya mean?"
"I saw millions of people when I had the RFA's.
"Oh! That wasn't real. It was based on your spiritual memory."
"It seemed so real."
"Spiritual memory is like that. When people have a déjà vu, it's usually spiritual memory -- playing tricks on them."
"I just noticed - how come you're not glowing any more?"
"Hmm -- `guess I delivered the message. I'm probably telling more than I'm supposed to."
"Can you do that?"
"Dunno. Maybe. Anyway, I gotta go."
"Oh." I said disappointed. "Why?"
"Nature calls!" he said, then laughed. "Naw! Just kidding. Can't do that without a body! See yah later -- I hope!"
"I'll be right back. Cole? Oh! Are you awake?"
I opened my eye. Gus was sitting in my partially darkened room. "Yeah, I'm awake." I said. "How long have you been here?"
"Ohh -- `bout 10 minutes. I've been talking to you. The doctor said you might wake up if I talked to you. Did you hear me?"
"I heard you say you had to go to the bathroom."
"I didn't say that."
"You didn't?" I asked.
"No. But I do! That's why I told you I'd be right back."
"Oh. Strange."
When he left, I strained my brain and it all came back to me. I had been dreaming. Maybe Gus talking had been why Rex had to go. Well, anyway, I was awake now.
"Cole, how do you feel?"
"Groggy." I responded.
"The doctor hoped someone would be here when you woke up. I'm glad it was me."
"Me too. How long was I asleep?"
"6 days."
"Really??!! It seemed like only a couple hours."
"Cole, the damage is completely healed. Your retina - "
"I know."
"What? How -- how could you know?"
"Rex told me. He was with me the whole time. He said that my eye is gonna be fine -- normal."
"And -- you believe it?"
"Why shouldn't I?" I exclaimed. "He said it and then I woke up to you telling me that it was completely healed. Of course I believe it!"
"You're amazing!"
"Not really. You know what I think?"
"What?" He asked.
"I think that a lot of people have experiences like I've had. Only they don't believe it -- so they forget. I'm gonna write it all down so I DON'T forget!"
"Man, I love you, Cole Alexander Stephanson IV!" He leaned over me and kissed me. I grabbed him and pulled him right up on to the bed and on top of me. Well, maybe he helped a little! We were thus engaged -- passionately kissing -- when the doctor interrupted us.
"Wow! Uh -- I was never that close with MY brother! I think I'm jealous! Cole. You've had - "
"I know! A complete recovery!"
"Oh, you told him, Gus?"
"I did -- but -- he already knew." Gus said, as he gingerly climbed off me.
"Hmm -- another one."
"Another what?" Gus asked.
"I've had several patients who knew when they woke up. You're recovery was actually miraculous. It just doesn't happen that quickly. I mean, I was hoping to send you home by now -- but usually would be with the normal cautions -- plenty of rest, careful not to do too much activity -- and all. You are already -- past that point. You can resume whatever normal activities you want."
"Thanks Doctor!" I said.
"Don't thank me! I only did the normal things required for someone with a detached retina. God did the rest." He said, then added, "But don't tell my boss! We'll let him think I did it! Haha But Cole -- I want to caution you one thing."
"What doc? No sex for awhile?"
"Haha! No. Believe whatever you saw. Some of my patients that seemed to already know they were healed -- they didn't believe it. Some of them had relapses. But the ones who believed in whatever they saw -- they never came back. So I have to assume their healing stayed with them. Good-bye!" He walked out.
"So -- do you believe it now?" I asked Gus.
"Apparently, I don't have to. But yeah -- I believe it! Here! Let me help you out of that bed."
"Dude! I'm healed! I can do it!" I smarted off. I swung my feet down to the floor and stood up -- for exactly ¼ second. I feel flat on my ass!"
"Dude!" Gus chided. "You've been there for six days! You're eye may be okay, but you're still weak!"
He helped me up, and held me up just long enough that my legs were not the only thing standing up! He closed the door and helped me out of my hospital gown and boxers. Then he helped me to the bathroom. "I think I got my legs back, sweetheart." I said, as I closed the door after me. As I came out of the bathroom, he was waiting at the door. "I really do feel stronger. I just wasn't ready to stand all at once like that."
"Well -- okay. But you're taking it easy for the next couple days!"
"Does that mean you are assuming the top position tonight?" I quipped.
"One way or the other!" He answered. He knows how I love it when he straddles me!
And that's exactly what we did after we went to bed.
Notes: Do you believe in miracles? I've seen to much to deny them. Comments may be sent to Steve at stevethomas535@hotmail.com. Thanks and love, Steve