First, I want to apologize to my loyal readers for taking so long in posting this chapter. I have been involved in something that will relate to a future chapter. As the time gets closer, I will reveal what I have been up to.
This is a story about a man and a handicapped teenage boy that meet and fall in love. If you are underage or offended by the subject matter, please leave. Up to the point in Chapter 1 where they talk for quite some time, the story is real for the most part. We did part without ever exchanging anything more than conversation and he was just as beautiful as described. Maybe if I had been more aggressive...who knows? The rest is strictly fiction and wishful thinking on my part. Please send any comments to redfordtodd1_@hotmail.com. Be kind as this is my first effort. No offense to handicapped persons is intended. It may come across as long winded and I don't always get right to the sex. (it is there when needed) I wanted the reader to feel like these were real people, and get to know them.
I want to give credit to my good friend, Wilson, who has helped me more than he will admit as my editor.
Also, I would like to thank the author, einhard. With his encouragement I began this story and will continue to write for quite some time.
Any similarities between a character and a real person, living or dead, are purely coincidental. Any actions the reader takes as a result of reading this story are not the responsibility of the author. You may not reproduce, post, or distribute this story in any way without the author's expressed written permission. You may print out one copy or save one copy of this story for your own viewing and entertainment. By reading further, you implicitly are agreeing to the above guidelines.
Dear readers, my thanks to all of you, and please do keep in touch.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Todd's Birthday Dinner >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
TODD
What a great pair. I knew in no time that I would care for them as much as Gerry did. Em told us that we had to get changed before we left. Gerry had a grin. What was up now? He had me follow him into his room. Opening his closet, he pulled out a brand new suit and handed it to me.
"We wanted you to have something nice for your birthday from Bill and I." Em said from the doorway.
It was a beautiful charcoal gray three piece. On the hanger with it were a navy shirt and a silk tie. Gerry took one of his crutches and fished out a box on the floor.
"We made sure that we didn't forget the shoes. You always seem to wear either gym shoes or sandals," he said with a smile.
"Well, there is, um, one more surprise." Bill said. From behind his back he pulled out a match for my new suit, shirt and tie as well.
"It's for Gerry. We just wanted our boys to look their best today." Em explained. "Now get dressed. There are only so many hours in the day, you know."
There were tears in my eyes as I gave them both a hug. "Thank you so much, it's absolutely beautiful."
"You're more than welcome, Todd. Now get a move on!" Em scolded with a grin.
It didn't take me long to get changed, but Gerry was another matter. For all that he could do, it seems he didn't know the first thing about putting a proper knot in a tie. After several tries, I pulled mine loose and put it on him; then, I wore his. Hey, it was the only way I could think of.
I began to have the "sense" that they were keeping something from me again. Well, whatever it was, I knew it had good intentions.
Em made sure that we looked about as perfect as could be before we left the house. She and Bill were both dressed up as well.
We went for a drive downtown. I wasn't paying any attention to where we were. The next thing I knew, Bill was parking the car and we all got out. Going past a few shops, he stopped and opened a door. As I was looking at the sign, I noticed that it was a photography studio.
"Bill and I thought that it was time for a new family photo with the four of us." Em explained.
My emotions were almost overwhelming. "Thank you both from the bottom of my heart," I said with tears forming in my eyes once more.
"Well, your more than, uh, welcome." Bill said.
We went in and waited for a few minutes. I looked at the three of them. The love that held us all together was boundless. When we were called back, the photographer was ready. He had Em and Bill sit holding hands. Gerry stood behind Em and me behind Bill with a hand resting on both of their shoulders. Behind their backs Gerry took hold of my free hand. It was almost like an electric shock. After several flashes and some minor adjustments to our pose, the photographer announced that he was done. He stood and looked at Gerry and I.
"Have your grandsons ever thought of modeling? There`s a lot of work these days for two good-looking brothers." He said.
"Well, we`re not brothers, we're cousins." Gerry said.
The man looked shocked. "Well, brothers or cousins, you two could make some serious money. Think about it, and if you are interested, give me a call. I do a lot of local work."
"Thanks for the offer, but I'm not from around here. And, my younger cousin here is moving soon." I said.
"That's too bad, you both have a look that I think would go over big." He replied.
About that time we had moved from our pose. He did a double take. Taking off his glasses, he wiped them and put them back on. He had a very confused look as we left.
Getting back in the car, I said, "What's next?"
I could "sense" some deep emotion from Gerry. [it was like I could read his mind at that particular point.
Putting my arm around him and holding him tight I said, "Em and Bill, I know and I'm okay with it. Let's go." Bill began the trip.
Gerry looked up at me, as his tears began to fall. "You really do know, don't you?"
I loved him so much. Tears began to fill my eyes as well. "Yes, baby, I know."
A short time later, we were out in the country. Bill slowed down and turned into an unmarked drive. After a few minutes on this well kept pavement we had arrived.
Gerry was sobbing softly against my shoulder. "Baby, we're here. I'm ready."
He didn't seem to want to move. I opened the door and then went around to the other side. Gently, I lifted him into my arms and began to carry him. Em and Bill were close behind.
With no one giving me directions, I made my way across the small cemetery to the double headstone. Slowly, I lowered Gerry onto the grass nearby. Em and Bill sat next to him.
I approached Gerry's parents' resting-place and went to my knees in silent prayer. Several minutes passed. With my eyes closed I could feel the warmth as if someone was embracing me. No, make that two someones that were embracing me. I had no fear from these new sensations. A large part of it felt so similar to the love that emanated from Gerry to me.
They, his parents, were here with us right now. They were here with me. Could they read my thoughts? No, I don't suppose so. I did know that they could read my emotions as I kneeled there. What if I spoke aloud? It was worth a try. "If you can hear my words, could you give me some kind of sign?" I waited a few minutes, and then I could feel a firm hand on each shoulder gently squeeze and release. "Thank you. It makes it all so much easier."
Thinking back on all that had happened between Gerry and me, I began to tell them about it. When I had finished, there was the squeeze again. What now?
I began to speak again. "Em mentioned that the two of you had the gift'. She was right in more ways than she could imagine. She also speaks of Gerry and me as having the gift. I finally understand now just what it really is. The gift' is made up almost completely of love that has no limitations and no conditions placed upon it. Yes, you two have the gift' and made Gerry from your gift'."
Their positive emotions washed over me as I said, "I know now that Gerry is your gift' to me. I understand that now. I will always cherish him as the ultimate gift' anyone could ever hope for."
"Earlier, I asked Gerry a question that by rights should have waited until after I spoke to you. I now ask your permission and your blessing for Gerry to be my betrothed. He is truly the other half of my soul, my heart and my life."
Tears ran down my face as I received my answer. A gentle kiss was laid on both of my cheeks and a firm embrace that I felt deep inside my very being. A sob of sheer joy escaped my lips. "Thank you." I told them.
After a few minutes I went and brought Gerry over. He wore such a lost expression.
He spoke. "But, you can't. They're both..."
I told him. "They're both here, right now. Just close your eyes and feel them." I pressed my lips to his shaking hand.
His body began to quiver slightly as I pulled him close. "Mum... Dad! You really are here!" He began to calm.
The minutes passed by. Then perhaps an hour. Gerry opened his eyes. "They spoke to me."
I sat there holding him and nodded.
"Let's go home, now." He said.
I smiled as I picked him up and took him back to the car. We were all silent on the drive back.
GERRY
How could I begin to tell Todd what I had learned from my parents?. Where to start? We arrived home and sat in the living room. All eyes were on me.
"Todd, they knew everything about you." I said looking into his eyes.
He looked at me and said, "The fact that they still approved of me can't be all bad." He wore a bit of a smirk.
"This is serious. They know all there is to know from the time you were born," I told him.
Todd sat with a stunned look.
"If I ever doubted that we were destined for each other, I don't now. It was part destiny and part my mum and dad," I said.
"I'm really lost. Could you explain it just a little better?" He asked.
There was so much to tell. "Talks-to-the-wind was also my father's great-grandmother, as well as your father's grandmother." I told him.
Todd looked at me as he digested what I had said. "You mean that we are related by blood on both sides. That's like a double dose," he said.
Nodding, I continued, "You were a chosen one while you were still in the womb. The same was true of me. Your power is stronger because you are one generation closer to our ancestor. When we first met I was like an unlit candle, and you the flame. Every time that we have bonded, it has increased our love and our strength. The evil powers of the world fear us because together we will be able to beat them. It was evil that made you so miserable most of your life, and it was also evil that made me into a cripple. The dark ones plotted and killed my parents. It took all of the resources that evil had to do so. They are still trying to rebuild their strength. We have to be very careful that we never allow the dark ones into our lives. If we do than we will almost surely pay dearly for it."
I paused for a few moments letting my thoughts organize themselves. "Talks-to-the-wind left her father and her people because her father was a minion for the dark ones. He cursed her, not only for leaving, but because without her power to help him he was weakened. She was much stronger than he was."
I looked at Gram. "You were right. Never before has the `power of light' been brought together as it has with Todd and me. We have much ahead of us, but I wasn't allowed to know. Todd and I have to handle each day as it comes."
Turning back, I took Todd's hand. "I want you to look in my eyes and focus on your feelings for me."
I did the same. In only a few seconds our hands became almost hot. The aura was back and much brighter than before. "Todd, that's the power of light', our light. Slowly, we will learn how to use it. We are together for a far greater purpose, and as we are needed we will be told. I know nothing more of this power' than of that which I have spoken."
I took my hand from Todd's and the light slowly faded. "The night that we first met was ordained centuries ago. It was my mum and dad's job to guide us together. My accident that next day was unforeseen. Afterwards, they were the ones who urged you to hurry and return here. They were responsible for us ever meeting."
A sob escaped me at that point. Todd hugged me to him. Just thinking of how they always knew about me and had made sure that I would end up in Todd's arms was overpowering. They had made absolutely sure that my one love and I would cross paths.
I looked at Gram and Gramps. "Mum and dad also used their influence to make you both accepting of Todd. They knew it wouldn't be too long before you took him into your hearts like you did."
Gram smiled and said, "He holds almost as much of our hearts as you do. And if you ever pull another shenanigan like earlier, he'll have a bigger part than you just for putting up with you." She had that look that said she was only partway joking.
"And what `shenanigan' is she talking about, Gerald?" Todd asked, looking me square in the eye.
"Well, you know," I said feeling a bit embarrassed.
"I will, if you tell me," he replied.
"Gram was a little upset that I hadn't told you about my being ready for the move or about my being able to help out," I responded.
Looking at Gram I knew she was going to let me have it. She said, "A little upset you call it? Todd, how would you have felt if in a few weeks he had just shown up on your doorstep?"
I could "sense" he was feeling a little awkward. "Well, to tell you the truth Em, I would be just about as happy as I am now," he said with all sincerity.
She threw up her hands. "You two are going to give me gray hair!"
I stifled my laugh looking at her silver rinse that she had. "It's a bit late for that one, don't you think?"
She put on a most indignant expression. Looking, I saw Todd put his hand over his mouth. Our mirth fed back and forth for a few seconds, expanding as it went. Not able to hold it in any longer we both cracked at the same time. In only a few seconds, Gram and Gramps joined in. We needed it after the day we had shared.
Only a few minutes later, a car sounded its horn in the drive. I got up and looked out the window, then at my watch. "Dinner time." I announced.
Todd got up and joined me at the window. Seeing the car outside he just shook his head.
"Gerry, I know that you're trying but you can't spend your entire inheritance on me in one day," he said with a grin.
"You're not upset with me?" I asked.
"You would know before I did if I were. No, I'm not upset. This is turning out to be the most terrific birthday I have ever known." He responded. [his love flowed to me and mine to him] Taking me in his arms he gave me a short but fantastic kiss.
"Wait until later." I said with a wink.
He just shook his head and rolled his eyes. "I can't even imagine," he replied.
We went out to the limo that waited in the drive. The ride to Kate's house wasn't very long. We all agreed not to say anything to her or Wayne about the happenings after they had left.
Kate had done quite a transformation. With her hair piled high and spiked heels she didn't seem quite so short next to Wayne.
"I had to look my best tonight for two reasons." She explained. "The first, of course, is for Todd's birthday. The second is because it's our first date as a couple." She was almost glowing, and so was Wayne.
We chatted on the way with Kate doing most of the talking. Todd and I forgot ourselves for just a few seconds. He took my hand in his and I felt the warmth begin to increase. When I realized what was occurring, I pulled my hand away. Kate and Wayne both sat there staring with their mouths open.
Thinking quickly, I said, "I couldn't believe how bright those lights were on that truck that just passed us."
They both seemed to accept my explanation. Kate resumed talking. Todd and I just looked at each other and grinned. Gram and Gramps did the same thing.
Todd and I had talked about food many times while I was still in the hospital. He had said that French cuisine was his favorite but he always went away hungry. I had spoken with the manager when I made the reservations and explained that Todd's portions were to be double the usual. There were also special arrangements made with the orchestra.
When we arrived at the restaurant it was everything I had wished for. The food was incredible, as was the atmosphere. A strange thing happened when our drink orders were taken. Todd had become insistent that he only wanted iced tea. He didn't say a word when he was served a larger portion than the rest of us. Also, he never mentioned once that the orchestra was only playing Gershwin tunes.
Now, the service we had was something else entirely. I forced Todd's hand from the moment we stepped inside. The maitre d' was obviously speaking French to his wait staff, who responded in kind.
"Todd, you're the only one here that can tell him who we are and what we want." I said with a smirk.
He gave me such a look, with his eyebrows raised; it was all I could do to keep from laughing. With a nod of his head he began talking to the man. I thought that he was going on a bit extra long and seemed to pause a few times as he talked. When he was done, I thought I saw a bit of a grin on the maitre d's face. The man disappeared for a few minutes and when he returned said something very brief to Todd, who answered back.
With a nod of his head, he showed us to our table. It was a fairly large room and I couldn't move as fast as the rest. Todd said something to Gram as he came back to accompany me. When I reached the table, there were five chairs and a highchair. All five were standing next to a chair leaving me with... I know that I wore a pout as Gram took her camera out and snapped a photo of the `chair' and me.
"Gotcha, didn't I, baby?" Todd said with a huge grin.
The rest were laughing, except for the maitre d. He had a smile on his face. A regular chair was quickly brought and I watched as Todd slipped the man a folded bill.
I just looked at Todd wide-eyed. "If I were you, mam, I wouldn't close my eyes tonight."
"Don't forget, baby, that I owe you this one and many more just to break even. You, not I, should worry about closing your eyes tonight!" [his playful mood came across]
All five were chuckling, and I soon joined them. A few minutes passed and the waiter, Pierre, appeared. He was a handsome man, maybe a few years older than Todd was. The two conversed in French. There was something `funny' at the start. Pierre seemed to be spending a lot of extra attention to Todd. Was I imagining it? Every time he came back to the table, I glanced at the rest of our group. They wouldn't meet my eyes and added to it all Todd seemed to be enjoying it.
What was this damnable feeling that had come over me? I had never felt like this before. Thinking about it for a few minutes, it dawned on me. I was jealous! That's exactly what it was! Wow! Looking at Todd, I could tell that he `sensed' my feelings, and smiled almost condescendingly at me.
I was doing my best not to get angry with him. Pierre returned and at one point put his hand on my man`s shoulder! That was it! I wasn't going to take one more minute of this!
Todd smiled at me again and, looking into Pierre's eyes said something, of course in French, to him. I saw the expression change quickly on Pierre's face. He mumbled a few things to Todd and quickly left.
Oh, I was so angry! "What did you do, set up a date for later?" I almost spat out. I could sense his mirth.
"Gerry!" Gram scolded.
"Well?" I asked. [his love flowed to me]
"If you must know, then I will tell you, baby. I said to him, `Pierre, the young man on my right is my lover and soul mate. Right now he is getting very angry about your flirting with me. In fact, if you don't stop flirting, I wouldn't be surprised to see him pick up one of his crutches and insert it in your anus, sideways. And if he doesn't do it, I will!' Is exactly what I said to him."
I could sense that it was the truth. Looking at the others, they all had their hands over their mouths.
"You really told him that?" I asked.
"Yes, I did. And, I can almost guarantee you that he will behave the rest of the evening." Todd said with all sincerity.
Pierre chose that moment to return. Watching how he now distanced himself from Todd, I knew he had been put in his place. He saw to our table and quickly left. Mam gave me a look that said, `I told you so'. I couldn't help but laugh as I shook my head at him.
Todd looked at the rest of our group. "What I have to say to Gerry right now is for your ears as well." He turned in his chair and looked into my soul. "Before there was an `us', I would have been flattered by Pierre's attentions. If I were offered a hundred of him, or a thousand, I wouldn't trade for what I have with you."
How could it be possible? How could my love for him grow any more than it already had? [love flowed between us, deeper, stronger and brighter than ever before]
"Gerry!" Gram almost screamed.
We both had forgotten what `brighter' did these days. The modest glow around the two of us quickly faded. An explanation was avoided as Pierre arrived with Todd's birthday cake from behind us. It was huge.
With the five of us singing and joined by other customers as well as staff, Todd sat embarrassed by it all. He blew out the candles and smiled at me. After just a few moments, he excused himself, saying that he had to go to the restroom. I `sensed' there was more to it, but couldn't figure it out.
A minute or so passed and I got up and followed. Entering the room, I could hear his quiet sobs behind a stall door. It was locked.
"Todd, it's me. Open the door." I said, still unable to "sense" what was really wrong.
Hearing the sound of the latch, I pushed gently on the door. As it swung wide enough, I could see him sitting with tears streaming down his face. He looked up at me with such a lost expression.
"You can't `sense' why I'm crying, can you?" He asked.
I shook my head as I entered and closed the door behind me. "No, I've tried and it just isn't working."
Todd stood. "Baby, would you please just hold me?"
I wrapped my arms around him as he resumed crying. Several minutes passed before it let up.
"Now, do you mind telling me what this is all about?" I asked looking into his teary eyes.
Shaking his head, he said, "No, I don't mind in the least. From the time that you woke me in such a wonderful way this morning through to dinner tonight, this day has been like no other. Don't think for a minute that I didn't notice my extra large helpings or my favorite Gershwin music being played. You are so far beyond my wildest dreams. I'm only in here because I feel so damned lucky to have you and the others, and I am completely overwhelmed. I had to leave the table before I broke down in front of everyone. It's just tears of joy, my love. That's all."
Finally, I could `sense' something again. He was telling the truth. I looked deeply into his eyes, becoming lost in them for the umpteenth time. He moved his lips to mine and we finally were going to finish our kiss from hours ago. [our love flowed almost like never before] He reached for both of my hands and it was almost like a flash of light with a quick burning sensation as he touched me. Instantly he let go. We would definitely have to figure a way around this.
"What the hell is happening in there?" I heard Wayne's voice ask from the other side of the stall door.
Just one more interruption, after so many earlier. Pulling my lips from Todd's he looked at me with a smile.
"Hey, Wayne," he called out, "would you believe it was another truck going by?"
"I might have the first time, but now I want some answers." Wayne replied.
Looking at Todd he gave his okay and I opened the door. Wayne stood there with such a strange look on his face that Todd and I both laughed out loud.
"Well, am I going to get some answers, or not?" Wayne asked with a petulant expression.
"If you'll give me a few minutes to rinse my face, Gerry and I will meet you back at the table. We'll give you and Kate both some answers you might not expect." Todd said with a serious air.
"Okay, but if you both aren't back in five minutes, I'll send Kate after both of you!" He threatened with a slight smile.
"Don't worry, we can't have that happen!" I responded with a smirk.
Wayne left and I stood there looking at Todd. I could `sense' his feeling of calm.
"My awesome man, just what are we going to tell them?" I asked with a curious look.
Dear readers, Again my apology for taking so long. I promise to get the next chapter out much sooner.
Sincerely Todd Grant