Friends or What

Friends or What?-Chapter IX

AUTHOR: Barry Mattison

WEBSITE/EMAIL: http://storiesbybm.webs.com stories@barrymattison.com

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INTRODUCTION:

This is a fictional story about how two young guys grew up as friends since 3rd grade and are now in their Junior year ready to end the year, planning summer vacation. One likes the other and has had a crush on him for some time, but doesn't really know what that means, the other has a girlfriend and doesn't really see anything beyond his childhood friend other than their friendship.

The characters in "Friends or What?" are all fictional and any semblance to real persons--living or deceased--is purely coincidental.

DISCLAIMER (VERY IMPORTANT-PLEASE READ):

This fictional story and others written and published by this author are written for the gay reader in particular and describe scenes of male nudity and sexual acts between two or more guys that some readers may find inappropriate and/or unsuitable for their reading. Please do not read any further if you find such reading offensive or if it may become property of anyone under the age of 21. "Friends or What?" is copyrighted by Barry Mattison under the Registered Trademark Foxstories® and published as StoriesByBm© with exclusive permission to publish given to the Nifty Alliance Archive only. Anyone wishing to use any stories published under either copyright may go to the web site listed above and read the information posted there for legal limitations. Copying, distribution or re-publication of this writing in any other web site, private or otherwise, without written permission of the author is a violation of local, national and international copyright laws and will be pursued to the fullest extent allowable by applicable laws governing that country.

Chapter IX

Last chapter the guys had spent the nights at the end of the lake camping out, enjoying an evening under the stars, and an early morning romp in the sack. Nothing out of the ordinary. Now they are deciding what to do for the rest of the day.

"How's 'bout we go for a swim and hang around here for a while, then saddle up and take a ride the long way back to the ranch through the valley? Todd asked."

"Is that the big flat area you can see from the secret spot that's over the backside of this hill behind us?"

"Yeah. It's completely different territory from what we've been through so far. Might catch us a rabbit for lunch or something; you never know, but it's a nice ride."

"Okay, let's do it. Why don't we skip the swim, pack up and head out...after rousting up some grub. I'm hungry enough to eat that pack horse."

"Sounds good to me...I'll get the fire started if you get some mix out for flapjacks. There's some wild blueberries growing over near where the horses are hitched."

I gathered firewood while Jason went to fetch some of the blueberries. Now, blueberries in these parts grow both on bushes and the smaller ones grow on the ground. Bears also like blueberries for breakfast. I had the fire going, a flat iron out and was walking out to meet Jason when I heard this high pitched scream from Jason followed by a blur of a half-dressed handsome guy go flying by me yelling something about 'bar...bear...behind....me....run! I looked all around and saw nothing following him, but the horses were upset and making a lot of noise. I slowly walked to my horse and pulled my rifle from it's case. Then I untied the horses and walked them back to the camp and handed the reins to Jason...after I had coaxed him to swim back from the float.

"Uh, Jason honey...you probably didn't have to swim out to the float. What did you see?"

"A big, black, ten foot tall bear...maybe twenty foot tall. All I know is that he wanted the blueberries more than I did and his open mouth was bigger than my head. I wasn't goin'ta argue with him so I graciously left him our blueberries too 'n run like hell.

"Oh, that must have been you that passed me then, not the lake monster. Shucks, I thought I'd finally seen it with its arms a flappin' and naked legs just a whirrin' an' a headed for the lake. Dang, I could've shot the wrong thing."

"You wouldn't shoot me...would you?"

"No babe, but you are looking mighty like a lake monster right now all blue colored and all. Why don't you get dressed and we'll eat later. That bear will come into camp if we start cooking now. They have to eat as much as they can now to pack on the pounds to make it through the winter hibernation. I wouldn't have sent you back there if I thought there was one there. I'm sorry babe," as I hugged him to warm him up and stop him from shaking and shivering.

"Okay. Whatever you say. Let's get out of here. That's twice this spot has been bad luck. Once for you and once for me."

"I wouldn't say it's bad luck, it's more like nature is working against us, or maybe we aren't working with it. If I'd been thinking better I wouldn't have sent you back there because of the reports that there was a bear in the area. That's enough to make me know better. I'm sorry babe. You said it was your job to watch my back in school, but it's my job to watch yours out here. Seems as though if we work together, like the twins we are, we complement each other pretty well. But to be safe while we're packing up, keep an eye out for that bear case it decides to come to help us pack a little faster."

"Don't worry, I'll be the first one out of here if it shows up."

"There's a mistake right there," I said as we continued packing. 'Never run from a wild animal that's big enough to take you down, like a bear, mountain lion, something that big because running stirs up their instinct to chase. The best thing to do is lay down and roll up in a ball as tight as you can to protect your face and stomach. Most times they'll eventually leave you and walk away after a little mauling, but it's better than getting killed. You can't outrun a bear. They can run as fast or faster than a horse...at least much faster than you ever can, and forget climbing a tree 'cause they'll be up there waiting for ya'."

"Who are you, that guy on TV from the zoo or something? How come you know so much about all these things?"

"My grandfather taught me most everything I know about the woods and the animals, and the rest I learned from books and TV. I love learning abut animals, their habits, where they live, how they survive, their characteristics...just about everything I can learn about them. Good thing I know as much as I do about nature. It makes me more comfortable being out alone, and with you."

By now Jason had calmed down, dressed, and we had the camp pretty much packed up and the horses loaded. All I needed to do was put out the fire with some water and spread out the ashes. After that was done and the ground cleaned up it looked like nobody had even been there.

"What'd you do all that for?"

"What?"

"Take what you need to survive when you're in the wild, but always leave only footsteps is what grandpa used to tell me. I think he was part Indian of some kind. I'd have to ask granny, but he did have real long hair he tied with a band and boy could he ride a horse. He's the one that taught me how to ride, talk to and train horses and riders. I sure do miss him. Well, let's mount up and get going. That bear's probably left the country after seeing you half naked and screaming, but just to be sure, those blueberry bushes grow to the south, so we'll head north and circle around where he might be so we don't scare him again. I wouldn't want all his hair to fall out and be cold this winter seeing you again."

"Ha ha. You're a funny guy, but I'm glad you're my bro and know so much about all this. I just never even knew."

"Wait 'till we get back to school, the rope 'll swing the other way because you're the one that's the smartest when it comes to being street savvy. I'll be depending on you to keep me out of my locker until I work out enough to handle myself. I tried weight lifting one semester and lost ten pounds. Go figure. Maybe swimming will get me in shape to handle myself."

We headed north on the trail into the woods. Jason had his eyes roving all over the place looking for his friend. I wasn't too worried because I knew the horse would smell him long before we would know he was in the area. The winds were fairly calm, but changing around slightly from different directions. I tried to get Jason occupied with conversation but he was not to be distracted from his watch duty. So for a while we sauntered along in peace, checking out the natural beauty of the woods, the variety of animals and the warmth of the sun peeking down through the canopy of Maples, Conifers and other hard and soft woods.

"Hey, bro," Jason called. "Think we can take a rest stop for a few minutes. Myegs could use some stretching."

"No problem. Let's stop up ahead just a bit. There's a little field where we can let the horses rest and eat and there's also a small stream for them to get some water from...us too. It comes from a spring so I know it's good to drink from without boiling first."

"Great. My butt is a little sore from turning and checking on the pack horse."

"I'll take the next shift with the pack horse when we start up. We'll be at the stop off in just a few minutes...hang in there."

"I'm okay."

We made it to the rest spot in about fifteen minutes and dismounted. I liked to always take the packs off the pack horse as well and give her a break too. We took them all out into the edge of the small meadow and hobble them where they could reach the stream and the grass while still being able to rest in the shade. The temperature had been climbing throughout the day and the sun was now right overhead, making it the hottest part of the day.

"How about making a sandwich or something, maybe one of those apples," I asked Jason.

"Sure. I'll whip us up something. Sure you don't want to whip us up some bark soup or something like that?"

"Naw, no time. Maybe for dinner when we get home, if you want."

"You're a nut, you know that. But I love you for being just the way you are."

"Let's put a blanket roll down near the horses, in the shade, and rest for a while. We can eat with the horses. Up for that?"

"Sounds good to me. I'll fill the canteens from the spring. Be right back. Where is the best place to get the water?"

"Just follow the stream up about a hundred feet and you'll find the spring. Don't get too close though. Stand on the rocks at the edge and fill the canteens from there. There may be some quicksand around there so stay on the path. Want me to come with you?"

"Nope. I can get it. I'll be right back."

"Okay. I'll be right here, waiting for my babe to return with fresh water."

I lay back on the blanket and closed my eyes as the sun beat down on the blanket and warmed up to a perfect temperature. As I was laying there I noticed the horses smelling the air in the direction of the spring. They do a funny whiff and snort with their noses when they sense something not right, especially something dangerous. I slowly walked over to my horse and grabbed my rifle and headed towards the trail where Jason had just gone. Just as I stepped onto the trail the horses snorted fairly loud, which let me know for sure that something was out there. I slowly started down the trail, bending down to check tracks in the dirt as I went towards the spring. As I got closer I suddenly noticed the splayed out tracks of a fairly large mountain lion. The tracks occasionally covered Jason's in places and I knew it was stalking him. They could kill a human in just a few minutes and usually jumped from behind and grabbed their prey by the neck, breaking the neck. I was within sight of the spring now and could see Jason bent over the spring on the rock, filling each canteen, oblivious to his surroundings and intent on getting the canteens filled. I looked around the brush around and above him, knowing that the cats liked to take a high road and jump down on their prey. Sure enough, crouched down on a rocky ledge about ten feet above Jason was the lion, eyes fixed on Jason, ready to spring. I brought my rifle up and fired just as the big cat sprung from it's hidden perch. The force of the cat hitting Jason knocked both of them into the deep pool of water. I ran as fast as I could, afraid I had missed the cat. The pool was turning blood red and Jason was struggling to stay on top. I jumped in, grabbed him and pulled him to the edge of the pool. He was stunned, but unhurt from what I could see so far. I helped him out of the water and turned to look at the cat. It was still moving slightly, the signs of nerves dying.

"Are you okay bro? Where did he hit you when you went in?"

"All I felt was this truck land on me and we both went into the water. I'm just sore everywhere."

"Strip down and let me check you over for any scratches. Their teeth and claws have a lot of bacteria on them and if you got bitten or scratched we'll need to clean those out real good."

"See anything?" Jason asked in a very scared voice. "

"No, not yet. you were very lucky. Wait a sec, he did get you with one claw on your shoulder . Must be when it landed on you and vaulted the both of you into the spring. It's not deep. I'll get the kit out, clean it out and put a bandage on it until we get back home. It'll be alright."

"That was close. I could have been dead in an instant if you hadn't shown up just at the right time. "

"Actually, you can thank your horses for picking up on him being in the area, I just followed their directions. Dang good thing I brought this rifle along this trip. Guess this will have to be a permanent piece of hardware on future trips when you're around. Critter's seem to be attracted to you for some reason. You feel okay to ride? I'm still shaking a little myself actually. I didn't know if I had hit the lion, you or both when I shot there was so much blood."

"Yeah, after a short time to get my nerves settled down. What about the lion?"

"Well...I'm thinking. I can't leave it in the water and pollute the spring, so we need to pull it out of there. You'll have to help me with that. Then when we get back to the ranch we'll call the Fish and Game and report the attack. They'll want to know about it because there may be something wrong with the cat. I'd bring it back with us but I don't think the horses would appreciate it. We'll be back later today and we'll call right away. So if they want to come out to see it we'll have to lead them back here tomorrow. You feel up to it?"

"We'll see later how I feel. This has been an educational summer, but a dangerous one for me and I'm still shaken. That's twice today I've been too close to being mistaken for some animal's dinner. Somehow that has an effect on my nerves. And they say things come in three's."

"That's okay. I'll bring them out if you don't feel up to it. But I hope you don't develop a feeling of being afraid of being in the woods from all this. These animals are just doing what is instinctive to them. It's our responsibility to learn their ways and how to live with them. They were here long before we were. I know much more about that obviously than you do, but you know a lot more about other things than I do. So we teach each other about those things so that we can survive apart or together...after all...we are twins!"

"That makes sense. I can't run the rest of my life being afraid just because something like this happened today. Yes, it was dangerous, but you were right there for me and I know I can depend on you when we're together. So...I'll come back out tomorrow and face this thing again and do it right. Actually I feel pretty good that I'm still standing and not headed out 'a here already. One thing I need to do is learn to shoot."

"I'll teach you that and many more things as long as you help me finish this last year of school in one piece and work out what we're going to do about college. I don't have the resources to go to school, so I'll have to get a job after graduation."

"Lot's of things to still talk about, but in the meantime, let's head on back to the ranch and get in touch with Fish and Game about this critter. What d'ya day?"

"Sounds like a plan bro. By the way, I love you."

"I love you too."

We got back to the house just as the sun was hitting the tops of the tress. After taking cares of the horses and making sure they were bedded down for the night we decided to leave the bulk of the overnight packs for the morning as we would just have to reload again. Granny was on the porch, as usual, rocking away in the old swinging rocker. I never could figure out how that thing stayed up in the air let alone held anyone in it as it swung back and forth on its creaky hinges and rusty chains. After we told her about the day's adventure she was quite worried about the both of us being out alone like we had been, but also proud of the way I had handled each situation. When I told her how I knew how the horses alerted me to the bear and the lion and that I'd followed my instincts just like grandpa had taught me she felt much better about us being in the woods and told us that we could continue to keep going out, but to be extra careful. I asked her if she'd ever heard about anyone being attacked by a cougar around here.

"Not in all the years since I've been alive and living here have I heard of such a thing. I suspect that there may be something wrong with it. What did you do with it?"

"I also thought the same thing so we pulled it out of the spring where it landed when I shot it and put it up a tree so if that bear was still around it would have a hard time getting at it. I thought we should call the Wildlife people and tell them about it and see if they wanted to bring it in for testing since they're pretty rare around here and never attack people. They probably want to talk to us about the whole incident too. What do you think?"

"Why don't you let me make the call and let's see what they say."

"Jason got a couple 'o nicks on his shoulder by the claws when it knocked him into the pool. I cleaned them out and out stuff on them from the first aid kit and bandaged him up, but maybe you ought'a take a look at him and fix him up right just in case."

"Jason honey, come sit on this stool and take your shirt off so I can see your back and look at these scratches. We don't want to let those get infected."

After granny re-cleaned Jason's wounds, as slight as they were, she replaced the bandages with new ones after putting on some of her special remedy that stunk to high heaven.

"Thanks granny,"Jason said. "We'll be upstairs in the bedroom. Neither of us is hungry right now. I think the adrenaline is still coursing through my veins from such an exciting day."

We were lying on the bed when granny called us to let us know that someone would be here the next morning around nine and would like us to lead them to the the spot. They want to bring the cat's body out and send it for an autopsy and also talk to us about the incident. "Wow," Jason said,"we could be on the news or something about this. Especially you with your expert shooting skills. I never thought about this but you shot and killed that thing right in mid-air right as it hit my back. That's a pretty good shot."

"I only did that because I didn't want a mountain lion for a twin brother...just kidding"

"Thanks a bunch. Up for a shower together?"

"With who?" You?" Well...I don't know, you've been swimming with mountain lions and playing with bears and swimming in the lake today and never invited me. Now you're inviting me. Besides, you can't now that granny has cleaned and dressed your wounds."

Next morning there were two state wardens at the house just before nine with their own horses and a drag to bring the cat out on. We introduced ourselves and briefly told them about the incident on the way to the barn. After getting our horses ready we headed out the short way to the spring. It was about a two hour ride, but we'd all brought some supplies for snacks and water to drink. We arrived right on schedule and I showed the wardens where the cat was in the tree. They got it down to look it over while we took the horses out to the field and let the horses rest and drink. After maybe fifteen or twenty minutes they came out to meet us, dragging the cat behind them. They placed it on a tarp, wrapped it up and tied it down on the drag.

"So what do you think about the cat sirs? Do you think there's anything wrong with it?"

"It's hard to tell visually, but it is very unusual for them to attack a human in these parts unless game is not plentiful. From the deer sign we saw on the way out here I would say that their main food source, or lack of it, is not the problem. What I think you both should do is go to your doctor and start the rabies shorts until we get the report back one way or the other whether it was infected or not. I know that the idea of rabies shots is not too thrilling, but rabies is not anything to play around with and it's better safe than sorry. That was quite a shot you took young man. Went right through the heart. Killed him instantly and saved your brother's life without a doubt. They can kill a full grown man in just a few seconds if they really want to. Then they drag the carcass off and cover it with leaves to come back to later. We've never had a report of an attack anywhere in this area, so you guys are the first ones involved in an attack of this nature. We have to report this to the state and of course the news will want to know all about it, so expect a few reporters snooping around. We can give them all the information if you want instead of letting them nag you. It's up to you.

"What to you want to do bro," I asked Jason.

"I think I'd rather let the wardens here release whatever information they need to and keep the people away from us. How about you?"

I looked at the wardens. "I agree with my brother. If you could just do whatever you do in these circumstances we'd appreciate it. I think we're going to be more than busy with those shots. I hear they're somewhat painful. Do you have to advise our doctor about this to authorize him to start the shots?"

"Yes. He will receive a call from the state later today when we get back to the station. We'll get the information when we get back to your place. You know, you guys are very lucky this didn't turn out to be much worse. If Todd here wasn't such a good woodsman and good shot Jason might be dead, or at least severely wounded now. You guys have much to be thankful for."

"We know. We remind ourselves of that everyday. We just barely found out that we were even blood brothers by birth -- in fact we're twins. I don't know how you guys feel about this subject, but we're also both gay and love each other. It's a long story and it's gettin' on time-wise, but we spend a lot of time exploring my family property and camping out and know this area very well."

"I can't speak for my partner here, but I'm happy for both of you that you know what you want at your age. You're lucky to have each other to depend on and to have found each other while you're young. And as far as being gay, there's no problem with that. My younger brother is gay, lives with his partner and I love them both. By the way, my name is Jeff and this is my working partner, John. You guys are lucky to have such a big playground to spend time on. Too bad it couldn't be used for something constructive, like a camp for disabled kids or something like that without ruining it. I'd love to help out with something like that should the day ever come."

"Funny you should mention that," I said. "I've talked to Jason about pretty much the same thing near the house someday where kids could come that have never been to a camp, or are disabled, or have other issues and give them a chance to be themselves with no pressure from parents, doctors, and all that. It's just a dream now. We're only seniors this year and still have college to go, but it's a dream."

"You can count on me when that day comes boys. Until then, call me anytime. I'd love to do some riding with you guys, see your property, maybe do some fishing if your grandmother doesn't mind."

"Sounds fine with us I guess," as I looked at Jason shaking his head up and down.

"Well, let's get loaded up and get back with this critter so we can get it up to the office for an autopsy and get hold of your doctor about those shots. We'll try and push this through so that if it tests negative you can stop the shots."

"Thanks. We'll take the lead if you're ready to go."

"Mount up," Jeff said. With that we headed back home with a dead mountain lion and a new friend.

On the way back we all talked about the ranch, what we'd been doing all summer for fun, and Jeff and John commented on how well we rode. I told him that I'd been riding since I was just a little kid and the horse I was riding was my own. I also told them that Jason had only started riding this summer and he and his horse were in love, that's why they rode so well.

"We are not," Jason said as he pulled up and knocked me on the shoulder.

"Are too."

"Are not."

"Then how come when you guys part at night you 'gotta gt a kiss from your horse before you leave the barn?"

"Because if I don't he picks me up off the floor and drops me in the sawdust or some horse shit."

Jeff and John were riding behind us laughing at the both of us.

Jeff said, "It's easy to tell you two are brothers, and that you also love each other. My brother and I would have been at each other by now, or been out in some pasture at a flat race to see who was better than the other."

Believe me," that's coming later," Jason said. "We're still competitive."

Everyone was laughing as we pulled our horses up beside the wardens truck. "Let us put this thing in the back just in case you've been exposed to something. We have gloves to put on to handle the cat. After putting the canvas wrapped body in the back and closing the special made lid of the pickup body and locking it Jeff asked if he could speak to granny for a minute.

"I'll go fetch her if you want to come in the front room and wait," Jason said.

Jeff and I sat and chatted while Jason went to get granny. In a few minutes she and Jason came up the front steps and into the room. Granny sat down in her usual rocking chair as Jeff stood up until she had sat down and Jason sat down with me.

"Hi Emma, long time no see."

"Hi Jeff, how are you and the wife?"

"Doing fine. Love the job but don't ever get out this far to visit like I used to. Sorry about Charles. He was quite a guy and a great teacher to me."

All the while they talked and reminisced about the past Jason and I were looking at each other in surprise and then back at them trying to catch parts of their conversation. I was trying to remember if I had seen Jeff around the farm before, but didn't. We didn't dare interrupt and spoil the moment for them. Obviously they knew each other quite well. Finally Jeff got around to the reason he needed to talk to granny.

"You've got a couple of great boys here Emma. Todd did a right good job of dispatching that lion and saving Jason's life. Good thing they are so close and watch over each other so well."

"That they do. I'm very proud of both of them. What seems to be the problem though?"

"There is a slim chance that the lion might have rabies. The way that it attacked Jason so close like that just out in the open, not stalking like they usually do along with some other clues make me think that there's something wrong with it. Coupled that with the fact that they never come down this close to people with such a dense food source in their higher habitat and also that this is the first attack we've ever had on a human just don't add up. So I believe that it would be in the boys' best interest to get to their doctor and not only get a tetanus shot but also start the rabies series. I'll have to send over the proper papers from the office to your doctor to start the process, but I would get them started today. I know it's a painful series, but I promised them that I would get this pushed along as fast as possible to shorten their pain."

"Well, okay Jeff. If you think that's what's best then I'll get the doctor on the phone and you can brief him and we'll get over there while you get back to the office and fax over the paperwork. This isn't anything to fool around with as you know."

"Thanks Emma, I knew you'd understand right away and know what to do. I'll talk to the doc now and then get going."

Granny looked at us and said,"Why don't you guys wait here for a few minutes while Jeff and I go call the doctor and see about this."

We agreed to wait and moved over to the couch where we could sit together. I was thinking about what had happened here. It was like a big, dark cloud had moved into the room and was about to dump a few buckets of water on just us.

Jason asked me if I knew anything about rabies shots.

"No. I mean, I know what rabies is and all that, but the shots are a new thing to me. I'm not too afraid of a shot so it can't be that bad. Besides, we both have to do them so we have each other to lean on. In and out, no big thing."

Granny and Jeff came back and as Jeff left he shook our hands and thanked us for our help in handling this case. He also gave granny a hug and a peck on the cheek goodbye, piquing the interest of both of us.

"Okay boys, the doctor wants to see you right away. I'll have Jenkins pull the car up and we'll go there right away. Although they have the animals body you might not have to have the shots yet, but he wants to see you both and talk to you...at least give both of you a tetanus shot."

"Oh great, a shot," Jason muttered.

"I hear that they give it to you in the bum too," I said. "Got clean boxers on?"

The next thing I heard was footsteps running up to the room. I quickly followed. I also knew that the shot was in the arm now and didn't even hurt, but I couldn't resist having a little fun.

At the doctor's office we both got our tetanus shots, but the doctor decided to hold off on the rabies shots until hearing back from the Fish & Game Department. Apparently this was policy and was quite safe and in compliance with state laws. Had we needed the shots it would be a painful series of shots injected around the site of any wounds or open areas where the infection might occur. When we got our tetanus shots they did ask us if we wanted it in the arm or the butt. Jason decided he could take it in the arm until I showed him the poster on the wall of the mad doctor holding a syringe the size of a jack hammer...he changed his mind. Turns out that it wasn't a case of "size matters" when it comes to tetanus shots because when the shots arrived he quickly changed his mind, dropped his shorts and bent over the table. The male nurse looked more like a movie star than a nurse, and the needle he was holding was so small you could hardly see it. Now, I may be small, but I have this teeny, tiny little jealous streak running through me and no doctor was going to put his hands on my lover's butt, shot or not.

"Uh, Jason dear...that shot goes in the right arm, or left, depending on which one I decide I'm going to put it in. You might want to zip up that butt and save it for later."

"Huh...oh...okay...got'cha. Sorry bro, ah, dear."

"Thank you babe. Let's get out of here and get back to having some fun. There's only a few days left before school. We've got to pack and all that stuff."

After we got home Jason and I wandered upstairs and lay down on the bed to rest our sore arms for a while. Something had been bothering both of us -- a twin thing -- and we hadn't even spoken to each other about it yet. Jason turned on his side, looked at me, reached out with his fingers and gently brushed them through my hair.

"I hate the thought of going back to school for even one more year. It's not the guy's making fun of us or anything, it's that I'm going to miss the freedom of riding up in the mountains on our horses, camping out with you, going swimming and lying out in the sun together. It's cuddling up in bed together or lying out under the stars and listening to you tell me about each of the constellations. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's about us, together, that is going to change for the next year. Come to think of it, where are we going to live anyway? We're both legally adopted now by granny since your adoption went through as your father was never found. That means the state is no longer responsible for you, which is good in a lot of ways, but leaves us sort of hanging out there with no means to take care of ourselves."

"I guess we had better sort that out with granny today before we make too many plans for school. Let's go have a talk with her, what do 'ya think?"

"I think that would be wise."

We found her down in the kitchen getting some dinner ready, but unwilling to discuss anything until after dinner was over. We decided that we'd help with the dinner so Jason and I set the table and peeled potatoes while granny prepared the rest of the meal. Granny had invited Mr. Jenkins to dinner as we would be leaving soon and she knew that the three of us had become good friends through the summer. Jason set another place setting for him just in time. Mr. Jenkins knocked at the door and walked in. He was all dressed up in his Sunday's finest as folks used to be for dinner. Jason and I looked at each other and decided to do the same. Excusing ourselves, we ran upstairs and pulled out some fancy clothes, khaki pants, polo shirts with collars, and even put socks and shoes on. a final spit 'n shine in the bathroom and we marched back down just in time to help granny set the food on the table. Seems that she had dolled herself up as well.

"My goodness, where'd the boys go Mr. Jenkins? Somebody replaced my boys with clean, good-looking young men...with shoes on...and socks! I can't keep adopting every good looking young man that walks in and sits down at the dinner table. You and I Mr. Jenkins are just getting too old for this kind of Tom foolery."

"Well Emma, I think that you've done a right good job of making good, strong young men out of those two boys that arrived at the beginning of the summer. I 'spect that you are right proud of both of 'em. I know I am."

"You're right George, they have come a long way, maybe I did make the right decision after all."

"What are you two talking about," I asked. I never knew your first name was George. And I'd forgotten that granny's name was Emma until Jeff was here today. Took me a while to get used to that. Speaking of which, I have a few questions later to ask you about him."

"I thought you would." granny said. "I'll tell you later. First though, would you like to say grace George?"

"It'd be my pleasure ma'am."

After grace we all sat around the table enjoying the finest meal I think I've ever had. I think Jason was feeling the same way. For some reason, lately we had begun to communicate on a different level, one that required less talking and just came to us as thoughts or feelings. We could complete each others' sentences, feel funny things when something wasn't right with the other one, things like that. I don't know if that was from being twins, from being so close as lovers, or even a combination of both...but it felt natural and good. At the dinner table Jason and I were passing around food to the ones that wanted it without even thinking or being asked, a feat that didn't go unnoticed by both Mr. Jenkins and granny as they slowly watched us move about in unison without speaking a word.

"Will you look at these two," George said. No wonder they act as one. I even notice when they ride. Their horses act the same way, like they all belong as a complete set. Most amazing thing I ever seen."

"I noticed it a long time ago and have watched them bloom all summer. That's why I invited you to dinner this evening so we could all talk together about the future. I have a lot of things to talk about. In the meantime, let's continue to enjoy this fine meal together as these two stare at each other again like they came from mars or some nearby planet."

It was a fine meal with such good company. We talked about all that had happened that summer, laughing at the way Jason's horse liked to lift him up in the air and gently drop him in the sawdust, or the horse poop...the not so elegant way we had sent Linda spinning out of the yard once and for all with her ego between her legs and not Jason's...uh hummmmm, you know what. What a summer it had been. But the best part was that Jason and I had become fully aware of ourselves, who we were, what we wanted, and had ended up in a very close and personal relationship as brothers, twins and lovers. Nobody could break any one of those bonds forevermore. That's what made us committed to return to finish school unafraid of the bullies, the slurs and the harassment. They were only words. We'd find out who our friends were in a hurry and with them we'd finish our last year with our heads held high, standing up for ourselves as one.

Both granny and Mr. Jenkins were staring at us when we looked up. Apparently our thoughts had turned into words somewhere along the way and they had heard a lot of what we had been thinking about. I expected one of them to make a comment, but after a moment, dinner finished and granny's famous apple pies came out of the oven. Smothered in homemade vanilla ice cream, nothing beat granny's homemade apple pie.

After dinner was over we all helped clean up the table, cleaned the dishes and retired to the sitting room to listen to what granny had to say.

"To start off with boys, I just want you to know how proud I am of the both of you for the way you've handled yourselves this summer, how helpful you've both been 'round the ranch with the renters, the horses, and especially the way you've represented the ranch to the outside community. Your grandfather would be very proud of both of you, as I am. What I really want to talk about is the last of your high school year's starting next week. I understand that you want to finish school in your own school with all your friends, but since this is actually your permanent residence as of the adoption, it creates a problem. Technically you should be finishing here where you reside; however, I've made arrangements for you both to finish at your own school. "Granny," Jason interrupted, "excuse me but where are we going to live? That's a long way from here."

"I've made arrangements with someone to have your own apartment close to school. You'll both be responsible for keeping it in good order; that includes keeping up with the house work, doing your own laundry, dishes and all the regular chores you would as if your were living together on your own, because that's what you'll be doing for the first time in your lives. In this case you won't be living entirely alone. Jeff, is a long-time friend of the family and has agreed to live in the apartment, in his own room, and oversee how you guys handle things. He'll do his share of the work, but you two will be responsible for the bulk of the place. I've set up one bank account in which I'll place $2000.00 a month for food and essentials which you'll need to do a budget for. All you need to do is stop by the bank and sign the signature cards. If you need any extra money you need for other items you will have to figure out how to earn on it your own. This will help teach you how to live on your own and spend money wisely, or not. I have made arrangements with the school principal only so that nobody else will know. As far as I'm concerned it's none of their business. Now I want you boys to make me proud this last year. Honor Roll would be nice...both of you.

It didn't seem like it was possible, but a week later we were standing in the school hallway wondering what to do. Both of us were shell-shocked. A sea of people were moving around us in both directions, parting on one side and joining on the other side as if we weren't even there. In past years I would have been hanging with my favorite teacher being punished for doing nothing and Jason would be off with one of the teams for first practice. Instead, here we were looking for direction to the pool for swimming lessons to qualify for the team. I was going to have to work harder than Jason because of my size, but I was willing to do the work just to be able to prove to myself that I wasn't the loser that others thought I was. We didn't say anything to anyone about being brothers mostly because we were so busy with class schedules, swimming practice--I made the team by the way--and Jason's other extra curricular activities. He had decided to stay on the basketball team in case some scouts dropped by sometime and watched him play or coach recommended him in another sport.

Nobody seemed to notice that we left most of the time in the same car to go home, nor did they ask where we lived. In fact, no one seemed much interest in anything until one day Linda let it slide to one of her fellow tramps that it was pretty funny that Todd wasn't living in the foster home anymore, Jason didn't get picked up anymore and occasionally some cute older guy would drop them at school in a state vehicle and pick them up after school. It was an underhanded attempt on her part to start some rumors about us but we just ignored her, the rumors and continued on. It wasn't until one day during swim practice that we heard a voice from the bleachers calling out "fag boys in the pool" that we noticed her in the top row, alone, all dressed weird in black and white like a skeleton. Jason and I glanced at each other, shrugged our shoulders and went back to swimming. The pool was full of swimmers and the coach was there as well. As her incessant comments reached feverish pitch and became more directed at us in particular, coach finally went to his office and called security. In a few minutes they came and removed her from the swimming hall, kicking and fighting as if she was in another world. While everyone knew that she was pretty much on her way out and probably would never graduate, enough suspicion had been cast on us between her ranting and raving and the observations of others people to give them cause to look at me...ME. I knew this was going to happen again. Of course the team star couldn't be gay, but the little guy always was, it's just a given. Coach called me out of the pool and to his office.

"Coach," said Jason, "If you're going to talk to Todd, you're going to have to talk to me too since he's my twin brother. Nobody does anything to my bro without me knowing." He looked around the pool at the rest of the guys, "understand?"

The coach looked a little surprised that anyone would dare to talk back back to him. Even the rest of the swimmers were as still as could be, not a ripple in the pool as everyone waited for a response from the coach.

"Then Jason, drag your ass in here, the rest of you continue doing laps starting now until I come back."

We both got out of the pool and walked into the coach's office, closing the door behind us.

Todd asked, "What is it coach?"

Looking at Jason, coach said, "I really wanted to talk to Todd alone, but since you insist on being here then let's get some things out in the open here. First of all, what's this twin brother shit all about?"

"Our grandmother found out that we are legally twin brothers. We were separated at birth and raised without knowing that by two sets of parents who didn't care about either of us. Fortunately our grandmother did care enough to straighten it all out this summer, legally, get my last name changed back so we have the same last name and has adopted us both. That's the story about that. Anything else or can we get back to practice.?"

"Some of the guys have noticed you two seem a little close, even for brothers, which I'm having a hard time believing anyway. Is there anything else going on between you two that's going to interrupt practice, meets or the team?"

Jason and I looked at each other before I spoke.

"As a matter of fact there is something else. Although we feel that it is nobody's business, including yours, Jason and I are not only legally twins, but we are both gay and live together as partners in our own apartment with an adult friend of the family. We have nothing to defend, prove, or be afraid of except for the bigotry and unfairness that runs throughout this school. I've spent a lot of years being shoved into lockers because of my size by bullies and jocks while teachers and people like you turned your head and said it was just a natural thing that kids do. I'm telling you here and now, we both are, that neither of us will tolerate any harassment from anybody concerning gay people, us, or anybody else for that matter. We left this spring as a couple of Juniors for a simple summer vacation and came back a lot stronger, a lot surer of who we are, where we're going in life, how we're getting there, and the values and morals we're prepared to stand up and defend than most of these idiots have even considered. Look at that idiot that just got dragged out kicking and screaming. That happened because nobody cared to show her the right direction, assumed she was one way, and treated her that way. I'm not prepared to take any more of the crap I've taken for so many years, and Jason will stand by my side to help make sure of that. But I don't really need him to defend me because I'm not afraid of anyone anymore. So, if you or anyone else has a problem with me, us being who we are, then you need to get over it because neither of us will tolerate any harassment from students or faculty any more. Should you have a need to further discuss this issue talk to the principal; our grandmother has had a conversation with him before school started, along with our civil rights attorney."

"Hmmmm...that just about covers it coach," added Jason. "All we want to do is be left alone to participate in school activities just like anyone else would, swim on the team...we've already proven we can be a strong part of the team, and be left alone to prepare academically for college next year. We don't intend to wave anything in anybody's face or make a big deal of anything. In fact, our intention is to get through this last year as quietly as possible with good grades and move on with our lives. But make no mistake. As Todd said, if this gets blown out of proportion, there will be consequences for all involved. You don't know our grandmother. So, do we understand each other all around?"

"First of all, I don't like being threatened by either of you for any reason, however, I can understand your reasoning and desire to go through this year without complications and move onto college. You both are good members of the swim team and academically at the tops of your classes, so I have no problem there. In fact the more I think about it, it takes a lot of balls, especially for you Todd, to come in here and say to me what you did. At first I was ready to rip your head off and stuff it up your ass, but the more I listened the more I realized that you're right, both of you. There has to be a line drawn in the sand about the hazing, bullying and the way that the older, bigger guys treat the younger, smaller ones around here. I'd like you two to come up with a plan to start a new program here that will continue as part of the curriculum about bullying and how to stop it. I have some resources and there are some funds available from a few national TV shows that will help get it off the ground with guest speakers and everything. Will you guys do it?"

"Ummmm.....what do you think Jason?"

"Well, I think we need to 'put our money where our mouth is' as they say. If it'll save one kid from being hurt or even killed someday, then I think it's up to us to do our best to see what we can do."

Jason looked at me for a few seconds and then we both looked at the coach.

"Jason say's he'll do it too. You can count on us."

"I didn't even hear him say a word. How did..."

"We told you we are Fraternal twins. Although it's unusual, we have an ability to almost think each others' thoughts and communicate without speaking. It'll be a great advantage in competition. Shall we shake on all this then?"

Shake we did as our lives changed once again for at least this school year. But for now we were back in the pool, ready to finish up practice with the rest of the puzzled team. Just before coach re-started us he thanked us for our great idea and said he'd get us the information we needed before the day's end so we could get started.

In one voice Jason and I said, "Thanks for the help, we'll stop by later."

The whole team looked at us like someone had pulled strings in our back or something. In one afternoon we had turned a potential bad year into a positive one and also given us a reason to work with the other guys to bring down the hazing in the school. Ever since we had made the commitment to each other our life together had taken on more purpose and direction than it might had we gone our separate ways. I was proud of myself for standing up to coach and proud of Jason for standing beside me, with his foot on top of mine, giving me the nudge to do it.

After practice the guys gathered around us full of questions about the 'brother thing.' We explained together in our own communication style that we found ourselves using more and more...finishing each others' sentences, talking together at the same time, or reading each others thoughts almost...about granny and how she had found out that we were twins, born minutes apart on different days and raised by separate parents. That's why we were so different. To us, we were still different, but to the guys, who hadn't seen us all summer, they could see that there was a big change in both of us and we did look, sound and act like brothers in the way we talked, walked and thought. They especially noticed that in the pool we swam the same, looked the same, except I was a little smaller, and could do the same diving moves, everything.

"Listen guys," Jason said. "We both want to tell you something up front so that are no rumors or problems down the road. Yes, it's been the best thing that ever happened to me, to the both of us that we found out that we're fraternal twins brothers. I always wanted a brothers and so didn't Todd. Many changes have taken place this summer and both of us have grown up and matured fast."

"Most of you have already suspected that I'm gay and have taken it out on me by stuffing me in my locker, picking on me, tripping me with my books in hand and all that, but that isn't going to happen any longer. I am gay and if anyone has a problem with it too bad, take it to the principal, but I will no longer sit by and take it."

"And neither will I, not just because I'm his brother, but I finally figured out who I really was inside this summer. I have no problem in saying that I too am finally out and gay, and proud to say it. Furthermore, Todd and I are in a relationship, have been for a good part of the summer, and will be forever. Neither of us are ashamed of being who we are, we're not going to hide behind any doors or walk around with our heads down. If any of you have a problem with any of this then you need to speak up now and let's settle it because we need a strong team this year, the last for many of us here. We're all adults now, it's time to quit the bullying, start acting like young adults and work together as a team. I'd like to take home the state trophy for the first time in the school's history of having a swimming team."

Nobody answered Jason's question.

"Are we going to have to put up with crap from anyone or are we going to be a team and win like a team?"

Dave, the captain of the team, and one of my former worst enemies came through the small crowd, the others stepping aside their formidable teammate as he headed straight for me. I saw him coming, but looked him right in the eye and stood my ground, ready for anything he might throw my way. I felt Jason right there as well.

When he reached me he walked right up to me, towering over my much smaller frame, looked slightly down at me and said he had a comment to make about all this.

"When in the hell did you grow balls big enough to come out and tell us all this stuff without running in the other direction?"

"When I realized that I was just as much of a worthwhile person as you or anyone else here. I don't need anyone to fight my fights and I am no longer afraid of people pushing me around. Jason and I faced Rabid mountain lions, black bears and all sorts of dangers this summer and we survive all of them. Do you think I'm going to worry about people like you after facing down things like that?" I don't think so. So what'll it be Dave, friend or foe? I'm ready for either one...your choice."

He thought for a minute, looked around, especially at Jason, then back at the determination in my face. Slowly he extended his hand and said "friend."

Jason stepped forward and we both shook his hand. "Friends."

The rest of the guys always took their cue from Dave, as they did this time. The whole stress-filled room relaxed as Jason and I gave Dave a hug.

"Hey, not too close now guys, you may like it, but I'm just learning to accept all this," he said with a laugh.

At least we would be okay here with the swim team, but there would be other places, other battles to stand up against before too long. But for now we had won over the first group and that felt pretty good. Even though we didn't know it yet, we were about to make a few new friends from the swim team that totally changed Jason.

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