Growing up Joshua This is a work of pure fiction, but based on the author's feelings,beliefs, and in some cases, experience. Come to think of it -- it mightnot be all that pure! There may be graphic sexual encounters at timesbetween males, so if this offends you, you are invited to retreat. If youare too young or it is otherwise illegal for you to be reading this kindif story, shame on you for reading it - - please stop here. If not, - -ENJOY! Cast of characters:
Joshua Alan Black II Barbie Warfield -- my mother Dennis Warfield -- my stepfather
Richard -- My favorite Cousin Ray and Raul -- Richards' younger brothers.
Nate Willows -- My first roomie.
James Meriwether -- Mid-year Transfer
Seth Gary -- My therapist. Luke -- Seth's partner. (Lukamaiola Makamakahaiiolioli)
Jake -- Seth's Cousin Colin -- Jake's partner Uri -- Jake and Colin's Son Ursula -- Jake and Colin's Daughter
Chris -- Seth's brother Craig -- Chris's partner
Rob -- Seth's "big brother" (not really, but ... ) Denny -- Rob's partner. Greta -- one of Rob' and Denny's 4 kids.
Uncle Jake Smith -- Jakes father and the Smith Patriarch Aunt Lindy -- Jakes Mom Etta -- The Smith's housekeeper
From Chapter 23:
I sat on the couch upstairs, stunned to almost a catatonic state. In walked Seth and Luke, both laughing about something. They stopped immediately when they saw me. "What's wrong, Josh?" Asked Luke.
"Do you need to talk?" asked Seth.
I couldn't answer. I looked straight ahead as if through them both.
"Oh crap, Luka!" Said Seth as he squatted in front of me. Luke sat beside me.
"I thought you said he wouldn't do this any more." Said Luke, putting his arm around my shoulders.
Seth grabbed my arms and said, "Josh -- are you -- I mean -- can you talk?"
Chapter 24
"I'm okay -- I guess." I answered. "I just talked to Richard. He uninvited me from the reception!"
"Wha -- at?" said both of them together.
"Bunny -- his wife -- is jealous of me!"
"And so he called to tell you not to come? Geez, is she already carrying his balls around in a box in her purse!" Said Luke. "But ... HEY! Now you can go to Nicaragua with us!"
"Luka -- I can't go this time! I can sometimes break appointments, but I can't be a no-show at the clinic. There is no one else to take my place."
"I'm getting so tired of this!" Said Luke crossly, then he softened. "I know, I know -- you need them as much as they need you!"
"Why don't you and Josh go without me?" Said Seth. "Are you up for that, Josh?"
"I -- uh -- well -- I don't even have any clothes for - "
"Luke can take you shopping!" Said Seth.
"Oh yeah! Burlington! We can all go!"
"I HATE that place! You guys go without me!" At my inquiring look, he explained, "I was nearly killed -- twice -- there! I'll pass, if you please!"
The next day, on the way up to Burlington, Luke explained how Seth was kidnapped not far from there and then a few months later was pushed into the icy waters of Lake Champlain, by one of the same guys who had kidnapped him, on a chance meeting on a ferry boat. A liberal judge had let them out on bail.
"Burlington is the coolest place ever to shop!" Said Luke.
Luke steered me away form the bargain tables that I was used to gravitating toward. "That's last year's styles and -- last years technology!"
He pretty much told me everything to buy. Nearly everything was either Gore-tex or Speedry material.
"You'll need this!" He said. "At least at first, you will." He handed me a shirt that seemed almost rubbery, but very light weight. "It'll keep you from getting sun burnt, but let you tan slowly. We'll also lather you up with lots of sunscreen."
"You don't use it?"
"I still put some on my nose. The angle of the nose -- and the thin skin there makes it very vulnerable."
He made me buy several surfer shorts -- at 50 dollars each -- all Speedry material. . They all went to my knees. I frowned. "I know!" He said, "I'd like to see more skin myself, but it's just not done! The girls wear the skimpiest suits they can find, but we have to cover up. Otherwise we look gay!" He laughed at my obvious "duh!" look.
When we climbed back into Luke's VW, he paused a moment and stared into my eyes. He looked like he wanted to say something, but he only started the car, and drove home.
When we got home, Seth was waiting, excited. "You'll never guess who's here!"
"Who?" asked Luke.
"Ren and Lenny! they're only here for one night. I put them up in the small guest room."
"Aww -- too bad they missed Rob!" Said Luke. I know Len's gonna be disappointed.
We went in and up to the den. The far right door was ajar and out came a very compact kid, in only his bikini skivvies. He appeared to be maybe about my age, and didn't seem in the least bothered that he was practically naked in front of a stranger.
"Ren!" Said Luke. They hugged. "This is Josh. He's the latest boarder at the Makamakahaiiolioli manor!" That was the first I ever heard Luke refer to anything with his stamp on it.
Ren smiled wide and reached out and bussed my fist. He was short, but he was like compacted sinew! His muscles weren't grotesque, but he was definitely a body builder. He had some amount of fat, but even that was well placed.
"Seth tells me you're only here for one night. What's the rush? We were planning a trip to Nicaragua next week."
"Surfing?" Said Ren, excitedly.
"You know it! Seth can't go, so Josh here will be going with me. He's never surfed."
"DUDE!" Said Ren.
"He'll be great in no time. I can tell!"
"Hey, Lenny!" Hollered Ren. "C'mon out!"
Out came a guy at least as tall as Rob -- maybe 6'-8" tall -- and skinny as a bean pole! It was all I could do not to gawk, he was so lanky. A real geeky looking guy.
He thrust his hand out -- to actually shake mine. "Leonard Kirk Harston!" He said, before introductions could be made.
"Lenny used to be ashamed of that name!" Laughed Ren.
Lenny explained: "I grew up under the shadow of two of the nerdiest Trekkies you can imagine. I didn't have a chance -- well ... obviously!" He joked, sweeping his 6'-8", still very skinny body with his hand. "But -- I have learned to love it -- after I found out that Ren was such a Star Trek freak! I was named after Leonard Nimoy and Captain Kirk -- if you can believe it."
"I always liked Star Trek. Data is cool!"
"I'm still trying to catch up with the re-runs. My mom and dad embarrassed me so bad, I never watched them while I was in school. I mean ... I'm geeky enough without the trekkie stigma on me."
"Aw, Lenny!" Said Ren. "You know that you're hot! At least to me -- and especially in your old band uniform!"
"And that's all that matters ... to me!" Said Lenny.
"Then stop dissing yourself!"
Lenny looked down at me and grinned. "Ain't he great? Blinded by love! Hee hee!"
"Anyway ... What do you think about going to Nicaragua next week?" Said Ren to Lenny. "Luke want's us to go with them to a surfing competition."
"Yeah, like I'd ever be able to compete for anything" Said Lenny. He explained to me, "Ren is like a fish in water. I can tread water -- but that's about it. Ren's old house used to have a 3-story water slide down to the pool ... from his bedroom!"
"I sold that to my brother-in-law when my -- I mean our - " Ren got choked up.
"Ren's whole family was taken by the San Diego earthquake, including Bobby's wife, Joy and his little boy. Bobby is still not quite over that."
"Bobby is your brother-in-law?" I said to Ren who had gotten control again.
"Bobby is the best ... brother-in-law ...a guy could have. He ... and Lenny ... were the ones that brought me through this in one piece. Oh -- and Len's parents. They were pretty hateful at first, but they came through when we needed them the most."
"There's so much that you don't know, but we'll catch you up, if we go with you." Said Lenny.
"If?" said Ren.
"I promised Dad I'd go fishing with him next week. He never takes a break ... from work ... or from Mom. They both need a break sometimes. I just don't know if -- hey! Wait a minute! Why don't you ask Bobby if HE wants to go? Now HE's a good surfer. He can at least keep up with you, Ren."
"I dunno." Said Ren to Lenny. "I hate going without you!"
"You need some time with Bobby too, sweetheart! And he probably needs it more than we know!"
"Bobby's awfully busy, running my dad's business." Said Ren.
Lenny explained to me, "Ren's dad was super -- I mean -- filthy rich, and he made it on his own. When they were killed, he had already made a contingency plan, where Bobby would take over as the CEO until Ren was old enough."
"Yeah, like I was ever interested!" Said Ren. "I really doubt he'll be able to - "
"We can at least ask HIM!" Said Lenny.
Ren looked like he had suddenly built a wall between himself and Lenny. Lenny whispered something in his ear. Ren looked repentant. "Sorry babe! You know how quickly I can get that way."
"Yeah, and I know how quickly you can come out of it too."
"Only you can make that happen!" Said Ren, as he took out his Blackberry.
"Bobby? Duh! Listen, I know it's short notice, but -- can you get away next week -- to go surfing with me and Luke and Luke's new friend? No, not THAT kind of friend! It's a new guy that lives here at the Smith Compound. Yeah. Are you kidding me? Aw now you're gonna make me cry, bro! Here! I'll let you talk to Luke."
He handed the phone to Luke who told him when and where to meet. Luke already had a suite of rooms on contingency. Bobby could go.
"Bobby is Colin's brother." Luke told me later. "Lenny and Ren went back to their California home in Venice beach, and Rennie said he would be flying out with Bobby. I think you may like Bobby."
"Oh -- why is that?" I asked.
"Bobby's kind of gay ... or rather bisexual." Said Luke.
"He's also extremely flighty!" Said Seth, coming up the stairs. "I don't think you want to mess with him, Josh. Like Colin, he's a babe -- maybe even more so -- but he too is still getting over some heavy stuff."
"Yeah, Lenny -- or was it Renny? Anyway one of them told me he lost his son. I get them mixed up."
"Yeah they do look a lot alike!" said Luke sarcastically.
"I'm sure he is talking about their names, Luka. It can get pretty confusing when we're all together ... Lenny, Renny, Denny ... well you get the idea. Anyway, yeah, he lost the little boy and his wife at the same time. But you are right -- I've talked to him a lot. It was losing Jakey that put him over the line."
"Jakey? I thought I heard Colin call Jake Smith that last night."
"You probably did. Little Jakey was named after him." Said Luke. "He was such a cute little combination of Bobby and Joy! And he was a bundle of Joy ... that kid!"
"I just can't imagine what it would be like to lose a son -- especially such a little -- well -- at any age, I guess." I said.
"Yeah -- it's devastating. So just keep that in mind. And also -- that he IS flighty. In my opinion, he's not in any state yet -- to sustain a relationship. But he is highly hormonal driven. I know he's been active with several of both sexes, since he lost Joy and Jakey."
I felt a little tingle of something go through me, as Seth was telling me these things. I was under the impression that patient communications were confidential. "Um -- how -- I mean -- is that common knowledge? I mean uh -- I thought that -- uhhhhm -- patients and doctors were um -- supposed to be -- uh - "
"Confidential?" Said Seth. "They are."
Luke chimed in, "Everyone knows about Bobby's escapades. Unlike his brother, he's a bit of an exhibitionist. He likes to show off his body - "
"which is very buff and defined!" Said Seth.
"and also brag about his conquests!"
"Which he does to assuage some of his pain." Added Seth. "Some people withdraw, and others -- overcompensate. I think you are strong enough -- being forewarned -- to handle the situation. And that's really why I even brought it up."
"So -- you're saying I should keep far away from Bobby?" I asked, now more intrigued than ever.
"N-no." said Seth thoughtfully. "There's a possibility -- maybe be way-out possibility -- that you may be perfect for each other. He's a hot guy and you're a - "
"A VERY Hot guy!" laughed Luke. Seth gave him a strange look.
"But you need to be informed. You might want to inform him about your situation, too -- so he is forewarned as well."
It struck me almost humorous that someone should be "forewarned" about me. I thought about it all night long -- and the more I thought about it, the more what Seth said bothered me. By the middle of the night, I was in tears and I punched in a number in my Blackberry.
"Wha -- wha -- huh?" Came a very drowsy voice on the other phone. "Oh, Josh!" He said. "It's -- omigod, it's 2:45! Are you okay?!"
I was sobbing so hard once I heard his voice, that I said, "Just a minute, and I coughed hard to try to get it under control. With a raspy voice I said, I -- I'm okay -- I mean -- that way!"
"That way? What's wrong Joshy?"
"This is really stupid, but - " I sobbed, then coughed again. "but -- I had to call you to -- beg you to forgive me. You were always so -- so -- tuned in to my feelings and I just realized -- from something that Seth told me -- that I have been -- so -- um -- FUCKING -- insensitive -- to YOUR feelings!" More coughing. "I am so sorry, James -- I am sooooo sorry!" I blubbered some more, and of course he said it was okay.
"It's okay, Joshy -- really I'm all right. I knew the score."
"I know you did ... and I -- I took advantage of you. NO! It's NOT okay! I shouldn't have done that1"
"Well -- then -- it's okay now -- now that you have realized it. And that, bro, is what makes it okay! Hey, just knowing that you love me enough to wake me up from a sound sleep to tell me that you're fucking sorry -- touches my silly heart!" He said, making us both start to laugh.
"I dunno what I'd have done without you James. You're one in a million! I guess I'll let you try to go back to sleep!"
"G'night, Joshy!"
It felt so good to get that off my chest ... and I didn't even really know it was there! I started to wonder who else I had hurt. Then I started crying all over again. Seth and Luke came in together, to see if I was okay. They told me that the walls were sound proofed, but our doors weren't totally closed.
"You had a breakthrough, didn't you, Josh?" Said Seth. I nodded. "Do you need anything?"
I had wanted to be held by Seth since I started seeing him. I was afraid to utter what I was thinking -- with strong feelings of remorse in the first place and then extreme guilt that I could even consider using this moment to get what I wanted.
"You know what I'm thinking?" Said Luke.
"I know exactly what you're thinking!" Said Seth.
"Move over Josh!" Said Luke. I blindly obeyed. Seth climbed over me and was at my back, and Luke snuggled into my front. They held me the rest of the night. Nothing sexual ... for them ... I think. Luke's boner didn't really count. What guy wouldn't get wood in that position? I hope Seth felt the same. I felt loved and protected.
"WO, Cuz!" said Bobby to Seth. Bobby was not a cousin really, but he was the brother to Colin, who's husband WAS Seth and Chris's cousin. He felt close to the whole family. "Where did you find this hot-tay!"
He was obviously referring to me. Even knowing of his reputation, I was surprised, embarrassed, excited and ... pleased! We all met at the hotel in Managua, in the suite that Luke had previously opted for.
Before we left, Seth pulled me aside: "Josh, I want you to know that you are so much more than a client. And I would never try to infringe on any client's personal morality. That's not the place of any doctor. What I want to tell you is -- I KNOW Bobby. He WILL hit on you ... if he's unattached and maybe ... if he is. He almost broke up Jake and Colin with his shenanigans."
"What? He came on to Jake?!!" I was appalled.
"N-not exactly." He said, with a sarcastic look.
"Not his own brother!" I said, shocked then immediately thought of my own brother ... and cousin.
Seth nodded gravely -- and I know he saw the change I my own expressions. "All I want to do is warn you. I'd hate to see you get hurt. But -- I think you probably are up for it with the progress you've made. And ... there again, those who are afraid to risk a little ... or a lot ... may never get the gold ring."
"The gold ring?"
"Luke is my gold ring. Only with us ... HE is the one who had done the risking. I never take that for granted. I owe him ... everything!"
"Has he ever goofed up? Never mind! That was a stupid question -- and none of my business!"
"You're right ... but I'm so proud of him! No. He has never betrayed me -- ever. I really don't think he's built that way." Seth looked sad for a moment, obviously revisiting some of his own mistakes. "Josh -- you can forgive your partner ... but the one hardest to forgive is -- myself. And even then -- even if we can forgive ourselves -- any reminder is a deep shuddering pain."
"Oh, Seth! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to - "
"No, it's okay. If it wasn't you -- it'd be someone -- or something -- else. It's like a thorn in my side. I can't seem to remove it and ... maybe I shouldn't. Just know that you will be tempted with Bobby. And I would rather see you -- not fuck with him." This was the first time I ever heard Seth swear. But he seemed to be doing it very purposely.
"But you may decide in the moment that you need to follow something to it's end ... or for whatever reason ... Just know ... I am ALWAYS as close as a few strokes on your blackberry ... okay?"
I was caught up thinking ... or maybe fantasizing ... on the hug that he gave me before we took off for Managua.
"Josh! Josh?" Said Luke. "Hey, this is Bobby -- Colin's brother." I was suddenly pulled back to the present reality as this guy, oozing with sexuality, stepped forward and grabbed my hand. He shook it and then pulled me into him for a hug. He whispered, "Seth told me to leave you alone! That's gonna be a hard task, you looking so damned hot and ... so young and beautiful! I'm gonna let YOU lead the way!"
I was struck in several ways. First and foremost was his body -- which looked as hard as steel. But relaxed as he held me and his hug was soft and warm. The bulge in his shorts was evident, but he wasn't sporting any wood. His smell was -- nothing less than intoxicating.
I could detect the CK-One that he had put on some time earlier, but mixed with his own musk, he was nearly overpowering my will from the start.
His smile took away my breath! He was slightly larger than his brother, and his skin was more tan, his blond hair like white frost on his arms. I willed myself to not lay my head on his chest, for that's what I was wont to do.
I extricated myself from him. I know it was only a small moment that he held me that way, but I swear all those thoughts went through my head and it may well have been a half hour that we stood there ... except it was only a moment!
"Josh has never surfed, but I am convinced that he will take to it fast!" Said Luke to anyone listening.
"Well, let's get out there and see just what he can do." Said Ren.
"Yeah -- you guys take him and show him his first waves -- while I go get registered for the tournament. I wish you were competing, Ren!" said Luke, on his way down to the lobby, where the registration setup was. "But unfortunately, you'd have to have been pre-registered anyway. And guys ... keep him away from the pier!"
"I'd not stand a chance with you in the running!" Ren shot back.
Ren was a water baby himself. Having grown up in Southern California, and his father being rich beyond measure, he swam in their in-home pool from practically the day he was born. He had a swimmers body -- tight muscles, but rounded out with a thin layer of fat -- that seems to be typical in swimmers. That only added to his overall vulnerable look.
As we headed out into the water, I noticed two sets of surfers on the side of the pier we were on. The more experienced were out further -- where I assumed the larger waves were. Then I saw it: One surfer -- too far out to even see what color shorts he was wearing -- stood up and a mountainous wave swell. He rode down the front of it before it started to break. He came closer and closer to the pier, then switched directions, cutting through the curl, and pulled back to the top, repeating what he had done. He made it look easy.
Maybe it WAS easy to him. Maybe the other surfers didn't bother with this wave, because of its lack of challenge. As he came closer and closer -- (His surfer shorts were red and black!) the wave seemed to get smaller. I thought he would pull out of it, but he didn't. Suddenly it looked as if he would run right over one of us, if we didn't move. I started to paddle.
"Don't move!" Hollered Rennie. "If you can see him, he sees you! He's depending on a hole somewhere between us!"
I watched in awe as he slipped silently past, with only the foaming at the top of the wave, as it started to pick up more steam.
I watched as he deftly -- and more carefully -- made his way through the young surfers coming out, then as if it was a skate board, his board flipped up into his hand and he was standing shin-deep in the water. A few on shore applauded.
"You'll be doing that by the end of the day, Josh!" Said Rennie.
"I thought he made it look easy!" I said.
"It WAS easy. The wave was small."
I had been through a lot, but not being raised near the ocean, I still had a healthy fear of water. I guess Ren saw the look on my face.
"It's a lot scarier than it looks. " Said Ren. "Wait'll you see what Luke has to ride this afternoon! These waves are nothing compared to those. You've seen the surfing videos, I'm sure. Well, up close they look even bigger. And let me tell you -- Luke has been on waves I`ve only had nightmares about -- not that I'd let a silly dream keep me from getting on one!" He said grinning.
Rennie looked especially vulnerable sitting on his surf board. He was slightly bigger than Luke, yet Luke didn't have that kind of vulnerable look. I think it was that Luke didn't have 5 ounces of fat on him. and yet, through the face, he looked the picture of vulnerability.
I could read Luke's face -- and he wasn't even here! He looked like he's seen his share of sadness and yet he looked like one of the kindest men I'd ever seen. He looked younger in some ways than Seth, yet I knew he was several years older.
"Josh?" Said Ren. "Are you ready to take on a wave? Turn yourself around, there's one coming! Right now start paddling and when you feel the wave take you, stand up and pretend your on a sidewalk. Yeah! That's it ... now st -- yessss!"
I was suddenly on my feet on top of a little piece of wood, cruising atop a small wave. It felt so completely awesome, and yet so completely familiar. Never had I ever rode my skateboard this fast! I felt the wave getting ahead of me. I was pretty sure I should creep forward on the board, but I couldn't get my feet to move. Still some fear, I suppose, mixed with excitement and confusion. I slipped over the top and behind the wave and lost power.
But -- I was energized! The next time I paddled out, I didn't even notice any fatigue, as I did the first time. Wave after wave, with the pointers that Bobby and Ren were giving me, I was getting better and better with each ride.
"Luke said you were a natural. Boy, he was right!" Said Bobby.
I watched Bobby and he rode his board like a statue. A Greek statue! He kept his washboard abs firm the whole time, and that seemed to make his nipples protrude even further. His longish blond hair, bleached out by the sun, flowed behind him like liquid silk.
"The contestants will be out here in about 30." Said Ren. Time for you to come out to the big waves that we promised you'd be riding today. Follow me!"
I looked out at the further out waves. They seemed at least twice the size they were earlier! I was petrified -- but I followed them out.
"Remember -- these are no different than the ones you have been riding all morning! The same rules apply. Walk out if you are behind and walk back if you start going faster than you feel good about. We only have this once chance before we go up and watch the pros from the pier.
I watched as wave after wave rolled under us. I'd have been glad to take any of them. Then Bobby pointed to the 2nd wave out. "That's it!" He said.
I looked and could not believe how much bigger it was than the others we let pass by us. "Start paddling!" yelled Rennie. I was petrified, as I saw it looming closer and closer, but ... my arms seemed to take over and obeyed Ren's command instead of my own fear.
Before I knew it, I was on top of the world, seemingly looking at the people on the pier, eye to eye. Scared shitless was how I felt! I looked over and Bobby prompted me to get further out toward the end of my board. In survival mode, I was beyond thinking. I did as he told me. I started to go faster and faster, and seemed to be being pulled into the curl. I had never done this, but rather than scoot backward, I instinctively went down on my haunches, and the wave covered me. Inside the curl, I could see through it like distressed glass.
I heard some muffled yelling -- no -- it was screaming, but couldn't understand it with the roar of the wave. Then it happened! My board seemed to explode from beneath me, and I plunged deep into the water. Miraculously, I was thrown clear of the first course of huge pier supports, one of which my board had hit. Luckily, I was clear of the wave, itself.
I felt another wave lift me as I was coming up for air. I looked and I was bobbing inside the courses of pier supports. I instinctively pushed away from the huge looming wood support coming at me. Then I heard more screaming. I looked and Bobby -- without his board, was swimming toward me, he too avoiding the pier supports.
I was bleeding but had full movement of my limbs, and really ... was not panicked. Bobby said to follow him. Rather than trying to swim out from under the pier, he led me straight down the middle of them to the beach. I've never been so exhausted in my life. I collapsed as soon as I reached water shallow enough to lie in it, with head above water.
Bobby dragged me further up, out of the water. No one else even noticed what happened, and maybe because I was in the curl when I went into the pier, I was hidden -- except Bobby knew where I was.
I had enough strength and tried to get myself up, but Bobby said, "Let me, Josh! There may be something broken."
It was a hot tropical day, but it was relatively cool under the pier, being wet and shielded from the sun. I was only half-aware of a few others who were shy of the sun, lying or sitting under the pier. Bobby carefully lifted me in his arms and carried me to dryer sand. Then he gently put me down.
"Nothing's broken, Bob." I said. "I'd know."
"Are you sure, Josh? You hit that post pretty hard."
"Only my board hit it." I said, looking into his eyes -- which looked deeply caring and concerned. I grabbed his neck and planted a kiss on his lips! "Thanks, Bobby!"
I was surprised by my own overt reaction to his brave rescue ... and a little embarrassed. And hearing of his reputation, I was also surprised that he didn't respond as I thought he might. He looked surprised, but just smiled down at he and said, "You're welcome, Bud." Then he added, "Think you can walk up to the top of the pier, so we can watch the competition?"
I got up and was again surprised. I had more bruises and aches than I realized, but I sucked it all in and started walking toward the steps up to the pier.
We were able to work ourselves over to a place on the railing, to watch Luke and the other contestants compete. On the other side of the pier, rather than the waves taking the surfers into the pier, they took them away from it. We had to wait for nearly an hour before the competition started. There were rows and rows of surfers sitting on their boards, waiting until that perfect wave ... usually about every seven waves was an extra big one.
Today were the elimination rounds. From the almost two hundred who were registered, only 20 were chosen to compete tomorrow. It was obvious to me when someone wiped out, that they probably were not going to be competing tomorrow, but -- other than that, they all looked amazing to me. And I was disappointed I couldn't even tell which one was Luke. There were several very dark skinned guys on boards, but I couldn't make out the blue hair. They all looked black-haired to me. When Ren pointed him out to me, (and how he knew is still a mystery to me) I think I more than anything imagined the blue hair, when I said, "Oh, yeah."
Luke made the first cut. Tomorrow would be for the semi-finals, where there would be only four chosen to compete in the multiple final rounds.
When Luke heard of my accident, his face became almost purple. He looked like he wanted to lash out at someone -- I guess for letting me come into such peril. "You were very a lucky boy, Josh! He said, looking daggers at both Ren and Bobby, then he softened. "Thanks." He almost whispered to Bobby. "Seth would have my left nut if I let anything happen to that boy!"
I was pleased that he thought Seth cared that much about me. I mean I KNEW he cared, but he must have somehow expressed some degree of "how much" to Luke.
We sat around the pool at the hotel for about an hour. I didn't feel much like moving, but even with spf45 sunscreen on, I was feeling the burning rays of the sun. "I need to get out of the sun." I said. "OHHhhh!" I moaned when I tried to get up.
"What's wrong?" Said Luke, concerned.
"My side -- geez, it hurts!" I was standing by this time. Bobby popped up and said, Stand still."
He gently poked and probed my side and ribs. When he came to one place, I cried out. "He has a cracked rib. I'll take him to the hotel physician."
Everyone accompanied us to the hotel physician's office. He wasn't there, and I got semi-comfortable on a couch, so Bobby told the others to go ahead and we'd see than later. They agreed, and left us alone in the office, to wait for the doctor to return.
I couldn't quite get comfortable on the couch. Bobby told me to lie on the floor. That was better. As I lay on my tummy there on the floor, Bobby started to massage my neck and shoulders, very gently. As pain will do, a kind of lethargy started to set in. I was feeing very drowsy, when I felt his lips on my neck. I though I felt something wet, then he was working it into my shoulders.
He kissed my shoulder and said, "I'm so sorry, Josh!"
"What?!" I said. "For what?"
"Luke was right. I should have been watching you closer!"
"I heard you yell -- I think that was you, while I was crouched inside the curl of that wave. You tried."
"Obviously I didn't teach you enough!"
"Bob -- you weren't to blame! I thought I was so cool!"
"Still -- I shouldn't have been fooled by your easy pickup of the techniques."
"Look, I don't blame you! Don't worry about it. I'm just happy that you risked your own life to help me get out of it!"
My shoulders were getting wetter and wetter, as he expressed his sorrow and disappointment in himself. "Just one more thing to add to my long list." He exclaimed.
"Huh?"
"I've always been such a screw-up! It seems to follow me around -- even when I try to avoid it!"
"Bobby -- you SAVED me!" I reiterated.
"Yeah, after I almost got you killed! I almost killed Jake, you know!"
"No, I don't." I said. Even though Seth mentioned something, I didn't know the details.
"Jake caught me kissing my brother. It wasn't just an innocent brotherly kiss! That was when he went off the deep end, got drunk and went to a park and went wild, fucking with anyone who would have him. It was a park where he knew lots of gays gathered. He got his AIDS during that binge. And it was because I couldn't leave my brother alone!"
I painfully turned and looked into his eyes. "I don't know all the circumstances, Bobby, but Jake didn't have to make that choice. He's responsible for his own welfare! And your brother? HE could have stopped you -- at any time -- couldn't he?"
He didn't answer. "Then, some months later, I went over to Joy's to tell her that Colin and Luke were back together. I took advantage of her vulnerability and that's when she got pregnant with ... Jakey! My Jakey!"
His tears suddenly multiplied. "He was such a high spirited little boy: full of life! That was over four years ago! Now he's ... gone!" He closed his eyes and squeezed out more tears.
"That wasn't your fault." I said.
"If I had been with them -- I might have been able to -- protect him -- or - "
"Weren't they all killed?" No answer. "Bobby, you've got to stop blaming yourself for everything." I thought of Seth as I said it. That's what he would have said! If you were there, you would probably not be here -- nor this morning -- to save me!"
Again, I rose up and kissed him. This time he kissed me back -- passionately.
"So, we have a cracked rib here?" Said a voice behind us. Bobby almost dropped me. I moaned. "Help him up and into my examination room."
The doctor thoroughly probed and poked me and agreed with Bobby's assessment. "All we can do is tape you up."
"Will I be able to surf?"
"I think I'd take it a little easy, the doc said in his thick Spanish accent, "but you boys seem to do what you want. Let your dolor guide you."
"Huh?"
"Your dolor -- your pain! If it hurts -- slow down."
He taped me from neck to sternum. "Soak in a hot bath to loosen the tape." He said, and sent us on our way.
Back in the suite, it was a natural to put me and Bobby together, since we were both unattached. Luke had his own room and Ren was in another. There were two king beds in our room, so it was plenty large enough.
During the night, I woke up moaning. Bobby was there in an instant. He wrapped his large body around mine and gently rubbed me -- everywhere except where he knew the cracked rib was. It was I again who initiated a kiss. He again kissed me back and pulled me on top of his naked body.
I moaned and he said sorry, but I snuggled into him and kissed him even deeper. "You smell great!" he whispered. I kissed his neck and he moaned -- quite differently from my moans. I felt his hardness between us -- but it was no harder than my own.
"Jeez!" I said. "I really want this in me!"
"Me too, but I'm afraid of hurting you further."
I kissed and sucked then nipped on his nipples. He moaned again. I moved on to his rippled abs, and then tugged on his light blond treasure trail with my teeth. I licked the tip of his boner. He stopped me.
"If anyone's getting sucked tonight -- it's gonna be you!"
He said. He gently tugged me and lifted me back to his mouth and kissed me deeply again. Then he turned me over and went directly for my own gold.
"OMIGOD!" he said. I didn't expect -- this is -- something I can handle! It's a masterpiece!"
He swirled his tongue all around and into my foreskin, making. "umphs" and approving hums as he worked his way around it and down it. He fondled my nuts in his hand then grabbed my boner and squeezed and slowly slid the skin up and down the shaft as he sucked on one nut and then another.
I was about to bust a nut already when he again put his lips on my bone and went all the way to my pubes without choking. "You've done this before!" I marveled. He swallowed and again almost put me over the top.
Then he pulled about halfway out and sucked and tongued the head and top half of my shaft, as he stroked deeply the bottom half, holding and tugging my nuts with it. I felt it before it started to spasm. I got the little almost panicky feeling that comes just before blastoff. Then my whole body started to buck and spasm,. I felt a sharp pain in my side, but ignored it as I grabbed his head and pistoned his mouth and throat.
He was obviously enjoying the abuse I felt I was giving him, because he swallowed and kept up his own bobbing at the same time.
When I was finished, and barely able to keep up with my gasping breathing, the pain started to be more obvious. It was hot and searing pain and seemed to go from my side, through my groin, to my toes. Tears were coursing down my face, as I strove to contain my cries.
"Oh ... no! I've done it again!" He cried. "I'm sorry -- I'm SORRY! I can't seem to do anything right!" He whimpered.
"It's okay Bobby!" I said, still wincing, "I was the one who started it. I am responsible for me! As much as you think you have a weight advantage over me -- or whatever -- I can take care of myself! And - "
I took several deep breaths, as the pain started to subside. "And -- it was worth it! Hottest sex I ever had!" I kissed his gaping mouth and thrust my tongue deep into it. Then I pulled him to me and clung to him, as the pain got easier and easier.
"Gotta do that again after my rib heals!" I laughed. "I think I'm ready to go back to sleep, Bobby. And -- omigosh! Thanks for -- for -- I mean -- it was stupendous!" I exclaimed.
He started to get up to return to his bed. "Where you goin'?" I asked.
"I don't want to hurt you."
"Stay, Bobby -- stay -- please!"
Notes: Casual? -- more? Who can tell ... with Bobby ... with Joshua! Comments are welcome, to Steve at stevethomas535@hotmail.com. Thanks and love, Steve