The following is a pure work of fiction and is the property of the author. It's a story with some sex, not sex with some story.
Please remember this is fiction. Representation of characters and institutions may not be relevant to today's society.
I do not usually acknowledge e-mails, instead using my time to write. I do appreciate hearing from you to let me know if this story is meeting your expectations. Hope that you continue enjoying the story. LJB
Happy Fathers' Day.
Seeing as it's a special day and Chapter 10 kind of left you hanging, according to a few readers who let me know, I'm releasing this chapter a bit early, so that no one suffers any serious damage.
For those who keep asking, I repeat, all my stories are posted to NIFTY. You can find a comprehensive listing under the following: Gay/Authors. In the Prolific Writers Listing, I am recorded in the "L"s for LJB. I wish you happy reading.
Joseph Andrew Collins Chapter 11
There was a strange tension in the air as I entered the lounge before 11 o'clock as we had been directed, so last instructions for tonight could be received. I went over and took my seat next to James, my current twin. The silence among my Pledge brothers was almost deafening. I believe at times you could almost hear the proverbial pin drop.
The Pledge Master and several of the other Brothers came in from the main lounge area.
"We pretty well covered the announcements earlier." he commented. "Pledge Joe, remain here. The rest of you are dismissed. Showers and bed, right away." A couple of the Pledge brothers started to move, but finding the rest of them remaining where they were seated, they settled back into their seats. Pledge Master Vince stood for a moment waiting for the group to move and then realizing no one was going anywhere, he asked, "Do we have a problem here ?"
"Yes, Sir." Kirk answered, rising to his feet. "There is word going around that Joe is to be punished for how he handled Ty this afternoon. Some of us have had a talk with Ty and he told us about his episode with James. James told us about what Joe did and we have a problem with Joe being disciplined for defending one of our Pledge brothers."
"The Executive Council has reviewed the events and has made a ruling." Pledge Master Vince declared. "It is not the role of Pledges to question the actions of the Executive Council. Now off to bed, before I have to start charging Lifesavers."
"Sir, you may as well take them all." RAT stated. "If Joe is disciplined for what he did, 14 of us, not including Joe are prepared to resign immediately."
"Sir," Tyler spoke, rising slowly to his feet, "I may hurt like hell right now and worse later, but I agree with my Pledge brothers. I wasn't asked, but I'll make it 15 resigning. I know what I did was wrong, but I did do it. Joe may not have followed procedure, but I'm certain if it had been me it had happened to, he'd have taken the same action against my aggressor. I hold no grudge toward him. I deserved what I got." He sat down again. I stood up and turned to face my brothers.
"I thank you for your support, but what I did was wrong and I deserve to be disciplined for my actions." I said. "What I did was wrong. None of us has the right on his own to punish one of our brothers. I understand that now. The Fraternity, through the Executive Council has to retain that authority." As I spoke, my brothers rose to their feet. I turned around and found the rest of the Executive and all the Brothers were entering the lounge and at the very end of the line filing in was my Dad.
"Brothers and Pledges," Chris announced, "Brother Michael, Chairman of DPD National Board of Directors has decided to speak to us. You may all be seated."
"Tick, come here." my Dad instructed. He turned me to face my Pledge brothers and stood beside me with one arm draped over my shoulder. "I have very strong ties and feelings toward this particular Chapter of DPD. It is the most special in the group of 34 Chapters we sponsor. It is my Chapter. I lived here and graduated from this College. It is this Chapter that I encouraged my sons to Pledge and be inducted into as members." He looked behind him and motioned Brad to come forward and stand on his other side. Dad put his other arm around Brad. It was pretty clear he had identified and claimed us as his sons.
"I have a great deal of respect for the Executive Council of this Chapter, for their diligence and adherence to the traditions of our Fraternity, but also for the innovative way they attempt to keep us current with the times and challenges of society and our new Pledges. The one absolute that they, nor any other Executive Council in this organization can not tamper with, or allow others to disregard is the authority with which each Executive Council is entrusted."
"I have discussed the matter at hand with the senior Advisor and Chapter President as well as Pledge Joseph's Agent. If you cannot accept the directive of the Executive Council, then you must resign. However, if you can open your minds to realize how their decision reflects the quality of their leadership and the honour of this Chapter, you will rethink your options and become better men in the doing."
"Tick, do you freely accept the finding of the Executive Council ?" Dad asked me. "Understand, if you do not, I will endorse your decision and resignation fully."
"I freely accept, Sir." I stated. "I place myself in the hands of my Brothers."
"Brother Brad, do you freely accept the finding of the Executive Council ?" Dad asked.
"I do, Sir." Brad responded. Dad reached behind him to one of the Brothers and brought forth the paddle. He handed it to Brad.
"Pledge Joe, assume the position." My Dad instructed. I looked Brad in the eye and he told me what to do. I undid my pants and pushed them and my underwear to my ankles as I bent over, exposing my bare butt to my brother. The first crack of the paddle burned like fire. I grit my teeth and focused on Brad. He coached me to dull my senses and control my reactions. The second smack just about jarred me out of my focus, but I held it with Brad's help. The third hit connected with a message. 'The End.' Brad filled my mind with those two words, which drew me back to this plane.
"Your reprimand is complete." my Dad stated. The Council had modified my reprimand to three paddles; on my Dad's recommendation the matter should be completed and ended immediately. I felt Brad beside me as I lifted my pants and pulled them into place, hooking the waist snap. After I adjusted them, Brad hugged me and I hugged him back. He was the only one who could have discipline me without causing my Pledge brothers to rebel. Everything had happened so quickly, none of them had hardly moved a muscle before it was all over.
No one actually said anything. Pledge Master Vince motioned and the Pledges quickly moved from their seats to the stairway and silently went up to have their showers. The Brothers turned to file out of the wing, back to their own sections. Many of them patted me on the shoulder as they passed by me. Sandy stopped and asked if I was okay. I assured him I was.
Dad placed his arm around me again and guided me into the main lounge and then to Chris' office. Brad, Andrew and Chris followed behind us.
"How did you know to come ?" I asked him, wrapping my arms around him in a hug which he returned.
" I had an uneasy feeling about you all afternoon and was going to call you, then Ken Williams called me this evening before he left here and told me what you did to that boy." Dad informed me. "He and Darrin were both concerned. They'd never seen you hurt someone on purpose. I must admit, I didn't think it sounded like you either. I understand why, Tick, but it was wrong for you to do it." He released me and I stepped back to look up at him.
"I know, Dad." I admitted. "At the time, it seemed the right thing to do."
"Not without talking to Brad," he reinforced, "or Andrew. You know better."
"There was someone else involved." I stated. "His privacy was important."
"Either one of them can keep a secret. Stop making excuses." he insisted. "It was wrong."
"Yes, Sir. I know." I admitted, hanging my head.
We talked for about 15 minutes in Chris' office. Most of the conversation was questions from Dad and Andrew about how Brad and I felt being unable to see and talk to each other like we normally do. I had to admit it was difficult and I was having a lot of problems about knowing what Brad was thinking and reacting to me. They all seemed especially interested in that. While we were all there together, I realized I could hear Brad again and I could hear my Dad as well. He made some silent comments to us as others spoke and we would both smile and even laugh. I felt a lot better.
"Dad, did you feel the paddles ?" Brad asked.
"Did I ever." Dad admitted. "You sure you had to swing that hard ? I had to join Tick at his focus point on the second one. Everyone would have been a little shocked if I had started yelling." We all laughed. There was a soft knock on the door. Andrew opened it and admitted Vince. Introductions were made.
"My youngest son seems to think you have an interest regarding his pants." Dad said, as Vince shook his hand. Vince's brow wrinkled in a puzzled expression. "I believe his exact words were to the effect that you wanted to get into them." I didn't know that much blood could rush to a person's face that fast. Vince looked like an overripe strawberry. For a couple minutes I thought he might have stopped breathing. "Oh, don't worry, Son. I had one son try to get in every girls' pants in the whole high school and nearly succeed. It's only reasonable this is going to work in the reverse as well."
"Dad, you better order him to breath, or he's going to keel over." Brad suggested.
"Don't let me bother you, Vince." Dad laughed.
"Now he's found out he can embarrass you," I warned Vince, "you'll never have a moments peace."
"I take it you didn't tell him you weren't wearing any pants at the time." Vince whispered loud enough for everyone to hear. This time Dad coloured red as he started laughing. Brad, Andrew and Chris also gained a red tinge as they laughed along.
"Touché, young man." Dad cheered. "You'll survive around our house. Well, I've had a long day. Who's got a bed for me ?" Brad raised his hand and Dad nodded. "Tick, I'll have breakfast with your Pledge class tomorrow morning, if that's all right."
"Sure, Dad." I confirmed. "Do you want to join us for our 5 mile run in the morning ? Pledge Master Vince might even let you ride in the jeep with him."
"You mean your Pledge Master doesn't run with his Pledge Class ?" Dad asked in a shocked tone, looking over at Vince.
"No Sir, he doesn't," Vince confirmed, "but I'm certain all they've missed by my not doing so, could easily be made up by you joining them for just one morning run." I thought how smooth he was, not taking the bait.
"Young man, do you think I got to be Chairman of the Board by doing stupid things ?" Dad responded, pretending to be indignant. "Now point me to my bed, Brad." Dad shook everyone's hand as he and Brad moved to the door, stopping to give me a hug and kiss on my forehead. "You took your reprimand like the man I believe your becoming, Son. I'm very proud of you." Dad told me. "I'm proud of all of you." He looked around the room.
"Come on, Tick." Vince said. "I'll walk you up to the Pledge bedrooms." We left the office and went to the Pledge wing. As we crossed the lounge and reached the staircase, Vince reached over and grasped my upper arm, turning me back toward him. "I'm so proud of you, I can't even begin to tell you."
"How can you be proud of me ?" I asked. "I've screwed up royally. I manhandled one of my fellow Pledges, I've been paddled in front of the entire House by my own brother, with my father looking on no less. The Chapter Archives, if they mention me at all, will describe a total screw up."
"Nothing that's happened hasn't been repaired." Vince consoled me. "You've shown the capacity to learn and adapt, Tick. Yes, you've made mistakes, but they've been honest mistakes and always in an attempt to do right. The Brothers of this Fraternity are humans. We make errors, but learning from those errors makes them have value." He leaned in and kissed me. It was passionate and I felt like I wanted to curl my toes.
"You better be careful doing that." I warned him when he released me. "I'm wound up pretty tight and my restraint might not be what it normally is."
"Oh, how I've longed to hear those words and wouldn't you know I can't take advantage of them." Vince declared. I leaned in and this time I kissed him. His hands moved up under the back of my sweatshirt and then down my back and into my pants. His palms felt cool on my bare butt cheeks, which were still burning from the paddle. The kiss ended and I leaned back from him so I could see his face.
"Vince, this is going to get me in more trouble if we don't stop now." I told him. He sighed and slowly pulled his hands from my pants and stepped back, nodding.
"I'll say 'good night' and leave you here, Tick." he suggested and I nodded. I waited at the bottom of the stairs and watched him stride across the lounge to the doorway to the main lounge, mentally peeling away his clothing with every step. He turned and waved before he exited.
Climbing the stairs, I went to my room and opened the door as quietly as possible, so as not to disturb my roommates. Slipping inside, the room was still well lit by the brightness of the fall moon. I sat down on the side of James' and my bed to untie my shoes. James sat up in bed behind me. As I turned to whisper to him, the overhead light snapped on and the bedroom door opened with half a dozen guys spilling into the room. Gary stood by the light switch. People kept pouring into our room until the whole naked Pledge Class was there.
"What happened after we left ?" James asked. "Are you all right ? Did they do anything more to you ?"
"I'm okay guys, but thanks for asking." I told them. "I just visited with my Dad for a little while. He wants to have breakfast with all of us in the morning."
"He let them pound you. Even directed it." Kirk growled. "I'm not goin' near the guy."
"Listen, I'm only going to say this one final time." I stressed. "I deserved what happened to me. What I did was wrong and it was the responsibility of the Executive Council to set a reprimand. My Dad is the most special person I know and any of you who miss an opportunity to meet and be with him, are missing out big time. I love Brad, my brother more than any other human, both before and now. He did what was required, when no one else could and I respect him for doing it. This is over, we all go on from here."
"I don't blame you Joe." Tyler said. "I told everyone before what I did was wrong."
"I still owe you an apology, Ty." I replied. "I am sorry I acted like that, but so help me God, you ever do anything like it again...."
"There's no chance that will ever happen, Joe." Ty declared. "I got carried away, I got wrapped up in my own desires and stopped thinking about anyone but myself. I've learned my lesson. James I am so sorry for the way I acted and how I behaved. I apologize to you here before our Pledge brothers and ask you if you can't forgive me, please at least not to hate me."
"I don't hate you, Ty." James stated. "I forgive you, just never do anything like that again, to anyone."
"What's going on in here ?" a voice asked from the doorway. "I thought the Pledge Master had sent all you guys to your beds." I peered around the bodies standing in front of me and saw Andrew at the door. There was silence. "I wonder if I should start asking to see the Lifesavers you're all to have with you at all times."
I kept thinking, oh no, please don't have this happen now. They were only concerned about me; please don't make them pay for their genuine concern. Then for the first time ever, Andrew spoke directly into my mind.
"For you little brother, this time only." It was Andrew's voice, but it was like when Brad speaks to me. Andrew was looking directly into my eyes as his words came to me. He then turned and left.
"Everyone to bed." I said, "Now, before he changes his mind." The group disbursed quickly and soon James, Gary, Gavin and I were the only ones left. I undressed and left my clothing on the chair beside the desk, rather than taking them over to the drying room.
"Wow, Bro." Gary whistled as I walked to the light switch to turn off the overhead. "Your butt has the very worst sunburn I've ever seen. Does it hurt ?"
"No. It's just hot." I replied. "James, I might need to be behind you tonight. I think my butt's going to have to hang out of the cover."
"Any way you want it, Joe." he told me. "You can even be on top tonight, if you like." He might not be saying that if he knew how horny Vince had gotten me and it'd been two days since I'd gotten off." I just switched off the light and settled in for the night.
"Okay, men." the loud voice cracked the peace of my sleep. "Everyone up and ready to go running. Last five ready and in place, lose markers." I was pretty sure I was going to lose a Lifesaver this morning. Soon as I dressed I went to find Tyler. James followed along behind me without even asking where I was going. As I expected, Ty was still in bed, hardly able to move. I looked over his body and it was a map of black and blue bruising. His twin was still here, but Tyler is a big football jock and I kept thinking about whether the three of us were actually going to be able to get him to the tub. Before they arrived, I sensed Brad and Andrew were on their way.
"You two are twinned for now." Andrew instructed James and Verne, Ty's current twin. "Tell the Pledge Master you were helping me and I assigned you to be with each other." He sent them off for the run.
"We need to get him into hot water, to soak. The big tub in the old bathroom would be best." I thought, knowing that there were different bathroom set-ups in some of the other wings.
"That's not a problem." Brad's voice answered in my head.
"We'll go thru to 2nd floor main, then into the 4th year wing." Andrew instructed. Helping Tyler up, the larger men supported him as they took him to the big bathtub. I picked up his clothes from the drying room on the way. Once Tyler was soaking in the hot water, I had nothing to do but wait. Andrew came into the tub room and sat with me.
"Why last night ?" I asked. "Why did you choose last night to finally let me know you could communicate with me ?"
"It seemed like the right time." he responded. "I was very proud of you for what you said to the others. You take a leadership role with them and it's a natural thing for them to listen to you. I thought it was time for you to know."
"How long have you been able to do it ?" was my next question.
"You mean with you, or others ?" he queried, but I didn't need to reply, he read the thought. "Ever since I met you. I've been in touch with you since then, actually even before then, through Brad and your Dad."
"You knew my Dad before ?" I wondered.
"Your Dad is my Uncle Seth's big Brother. I met your Dad over 15 years ago, when I was a kid." he told me. "I've been aware of you and Brad ever since then." Our discussion was interrupted with the need to tend to Ty. Andrew worked on the opposite side of the tub from me as we moved Tyler around and flexed his joints, working from the top down. By the time we had finished, Ty was moving much better and as we assisted him from the tub, he told us his pain level was significantly reduced. Andrew said he would arrange with Coach Banks for Ty to receive a light massage following breakfast.
We helped him to get dressed and then we all went down to the main lounge. The Pledge Class arrived back from their run within a few minutes of our going out to the front porch. Andrew fed Tyler a couple Acetaminophen tablets, to help him through the morningand gave him a couple more for later.
After the runners had showered and changed clothing, we all walked over to the cafeteria as a group. Pledge Master Vince, Brothers Chris, Steve, Andrew and Brad accompanied us. My Dad had left the House earlier to see some of the College Administrators for an early morning meeting and was to meet us. When we arrived, he was waiting in an area where the tables had been arranged into a grouping. Table clothes were on the tables and they were set with silverware and water glasses.
Dad saw us coming and met us outside one of the entry doors. He announced we were not to go through the food line; our breakfast was to be served to us. We were ushered inside and invited to sit where we liked in the segregated area. As we entered in single file, Dad stood at the doorway and shook hands with each Pledge as they passed him, asking each their name. From that point on, he could speak to each individual by name. Two distinguished looking gentlemen dressed in suits with ties were already seated, one at each of two different tables and Dad claimed a seat at a third and asked the Brothers to each sit with a group of Pledges.
"I am very pleased to be able to meet with this year's Pledge Class, before the final selections begin. The fact there are still twenty of you on the first Friday indicates you all are valued highly by the Brothers who have supervised you.
I would like to introduce my other guests to our little breakfast gathering. To my right is Mr. Graham Pritchard, Chancellor of this College and to my left is Mr. Montague Steadman, President of the College. These gentlemen on hearing whom my breakfast companions were to be, insisted on accompanying me, so they might meet the future members of Delta Phi Delta. If you've had any problem with your College registration or classes since your arrival at this institution, either of these gentlemen would be most interested in hearing about it. I might mention quietly that Chancellor Pritchard is a DPD Brother and President Steadman wishes he was. Everyone chuckled as President Steadman nodded his head and voiced his agreement.
That set the pace for a light humoured greeting from each of the gentlemen, both of whom made a point of shaking the hand of any Pledge, or Brother within their reach. They both welcomed us and assured us that our involvement with DPD indicated, whether we achieved full membership or not, their great expectations for our achievements during the time we would be at the College, as the highest standards had already been applied to us. It was apparent to me that both of them knew the Brothers that were with us.
The more I looked at Chancellor Pritchard, the more I felt he looked familiar to me. It was his smile and a glance between them, which finally made the connection for me. I felt so stupid. Brother Andrew, my brother's 'big Brother' and my highly valued friend was Andrew Pritchard. The Chancellor was his father, who he had referred to when he talked about being a 'legacy' Pledge himself, because of his father.
Our breakfast was brought in and served by six Pledges from the Epsilon Gamma Sorority, supervised by two of their Sisters. A couple of our guys knew some of them, so there was a bit of an undercurrent going on. The breakfast itself was outstanding. It was served country style. There were platters of scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, hot cakes, syrup and butter, hot biscuits, gravy, country home fries, toast, jams and jellies, Danish, orange and apple juice, milk, tea and coffee. Dad made a comment about having gotten to us before any of our Coaches had us sitting a training table.
When breakfast had finished, Dad thanked everyone for giving him the opportunity to meet them. He said, he knew many of us had classes, or practices to attend and he would not keep us, but any who wished to stay behind and talk with him were welcome to do so, he would be here until anyone wishing to see him had done so. When he was done speaking, my Pledge brothers all looked to me to speak for them. I stood.
"Brother Michael, Sir, Dad, or any of the above." I said and everyone laughed, especially Dad. "My Pledge brothers have asked me to convey to you their appreciation for being fed. They always appreciate anyone who will feed them." Another round of laughter. "Sir, we truly appreciate your time and efforts in helping to guide us through a bit of uncertainty in these, our Trials to become Delta Phi Delta Brothers. You have helped us to appreciate the role Fraternity is to play in our lives and many of us have gained a renewed dedication to the values, which DPD represents. Thank you." There was a round of applause.
Neither James nor I had a class until 11 o'clock. We held back, so I could be with Dad as long as possible. A number of my Pledge brothers remained as well and there was a general discussion about the Fraternity and how it was different when Dad was at school. He talked about the changes in some of the ways things were done and how the Frat House had changed and had been expanded. He stressed that the one thing, which had not changed at any time was the value, which DPD members placed on fraternity as more than an intellectual concept, but a way of living and joining with your brothers.
"Those of you who are inducted as Brothers will be prepared to expand your perception of family to include your Brothers. As you become part of the Brotherhood, you don't lose the family ties you have had growing up, you expand them to include a web of Brothers, who are prepared to assist and guide you, like you will do for the Brothers yet to come. Those of you who do not complete the Trials will still have the relationships established with your Pledge brothers. These can be lasting ties, providing you with strong contacts and friendships throughout your lifetime. I have two very good friends who were Pledge brothers and over the years it has been my genuine pleasure to be able to extend the assistance of the Brotherhood to them during some very traumatic times in their lives."
Dad left shortly after ten. He hugged me tightly and told me again he was proud of me and loved me, then kissed me on the top of my head. I felt a little sad to see him go, but as he turned a corner at the end of the walkway and passed from sight, I heard him tell me he would be back for the ceremonial induction of the new Brothers, next week. I turned toward Brad and knew he had heard it as well.
Three classes rounded out my Friday. I was back in my dorm room by 4:00 p.m., trimming my required essay on the aspects of love. Kirk was there. This essay was a real chore for him.
"I don't know about this 'love' stuff." he railed. "Shit, there isn't anyone I love and you and the guys are the only people I really like, so how am I suppose to write about love ?
"Stop complaining and start thinking." I told him. "Think about it. You know what love is. Well, if you don't love me and only like me, what's the difference between the two ? Brad, loves me. How is what you feel, different than what he feels ?" Kirk thought about it and sat down at his computer and started to write. An hour later, he declared he was finished.
"It wasn't so hard." he attested. "I guess I got more going on than I first thought about."
"Can I read it ?" I questioned.
"Noooooo way." he said. "This is private, between just Brother Andrew and me."
"Well, I'm sure the two of you will be very happy." I teased. "I think you're getting the best of the deal." It took him a minute to figure that one out, then he kiddingly threatened to kick my ass
At 6 o'clock we were seated in the lounge of the Pledge wing of the House. We all stood as the Pledge Master and several of the Brothers entered the room. They told us to sit down and pay attention.
"This is the final time we will all formally be together." Pledge Master Vince announced. "We will all be at the party tonight for some fun and recreation. Twelve of you will receive notice over the weekend to report back here at six on Sunday evening. Eight of you will not. Those of you who do not return are thanked for their participation in the first week of Trials. Those of you who return are warned that things will get rougher from then on. More demands will be placed on you, stricter compliance will be expected, you will be judged on almost everything you do and say. Are there further questions ?" Several Pledges raised their hands. Vince pointed.
"Sir, if we are not asked to return," Gary asked, "can we find out why ?"
"Yes." Brother Andrew responded. "You may call two weeks from today and make an appointment to see me. I will review the selection process with you." Vince pointed to another hand.
"Sir, why are there twelve returning ?" Richard questioned.
"The final two Pledges will be eliminated next week." Vince explained. "It will be through the same process as you've undergone so far, but as I warned you it will be more difficult. We will be giving you assignments, which will need you to think. We will be demanding a higher level of participation and involvement."
"We will also be dealing with you on a number of sexual issues next week," Brother Andrew warned, "so drop your embarrassment at the door when you return. There'll be no room for it here." Andrew's face was absolutely serious. I could sense there was something important about what he had just told us, but I couldn't read his thoughts. He turned his head sharply and glared at me. He was blocking my thoughts, knowing I was trying to read him. I watched him raise his finger in front of him and flick it from side to side as if admonishing me.
"All right, if we've covered everything, you're welcome back at the party, which will run from 9 o'clock until it ends. Don't forget the price of admission is your essay assignment. They all must be in by midnight. You may separate from your twin at this time. Good luck to all of you. You have been an excellent Pledge class to this point." Vince summarized and dismissed us. I gave James a hug and shook hands with him, saying I'd see him soon.
"Tick, I'd like to see you in my office, please." Andrew told me. He left the lounge before I got a chance to say anything.
"Yes, Sir." I thought and knew he had heard. As I started to go to the main lounge and up to Andrew's office, I handed Vince my essay as I passed by. He took it and glanced at me, but I had to go. I felt like I was in trouble, but I wasn't quite sure what I had done. The door to Andrew's office was open and as I raised my hand to knock, he told me to come in. I closed the door behind me and he motioned me to sit down.
"Do you think what you did down there was proper ?" Andrew asked, but I just looked confused. "You tried to read my thoughts. Do you read other people whenever you feel like it ?"
"No, Sir." I replied. "I only read people who read me. Someone like Kirk doesn't read me, he doesn't even know he can or how, so I don't read him."
"Tick, who else here can read ?" he asked.
"You already know, Andrew." I responded. "Why are you asking me ?"
"Yes, I know," Andrew confirmed, "but I want to know if you know." He waited for me to answer.
"Well, everyone here is perceptive, they could receive," I answered, "but only a few can actually read, if they knew how. You, me, Brad, Chris, Steve, Hogan, Gary, we can all receive and transmit, now. Only you, Brad and I can read, you know reach in and take without it being transmitted. Of course my Dad can do it too. I guess I can, because he can, though Brad has trouble unless someone is really excited or he is able to see their eyes."
"Did your Dad not tell you it wasn't polite to read someone without a really good reason ?" he asked. I had to drop my head and not look at him.
"Yes, you know he did." I confirmed.
"Well, you just tried to read me downstairs." he told me. "That was not right and you know it."
"Yes, Sir." I acknowledged. "I'm sorry, Andrew. I knew there was something important about what you were saying, but you weren't telling us. I wasn't thinking about what I was doing. Please don't tell Brad. He busted my butt about 5 years ago for doing it to him."
"Then learn this time," Andrew stated, "because I'll beat your butt if you try it again with me, little brother and there'll be no escaping to another plane when I do." There was no doubt in my mind that he meant it. There was a tap on his door and Andrew called out for Vince to enter.
"I'll never know how you always know when it's me." Vince exclaimed when he opened the door.
"I don't." Andrew lied. "I just say, 'Come in, Vince.' to everyone, so when it's you I'm always right." Vince stared at him for a minute trying to decide if he was being serious.
"Tick," Vince changed the subject, turning to me, "how come I find I have your essay in my hand ? How are you planning on paying your admission to the party tonight ?" I tried desperately to think of a good excuse.
"You're broadcasting." Andrew said to me, as I realized I was pushing out my thoughts right to him. Vince didn't know what we were talking about and didn't seem to take notice. He just stood waiting for his answer.
"Well, the truth is," I finally decided to come clean, "I wasn't planning on coming here tonight." Andrew started to laugh and I gave him a severe look. I guess Vince did too.
'Yeah and are you going to tell him just where you were planning on cumming, little brother." Andrew spoke into my mind.
"I want you here." Vince said sternly. It didn't take any special ability to know it was Vince speaking, not the Pledge Master. "What do I need to do to convince you ?" The way he asked made it clear to me that this evening was very important to him.
"You just did." I told him. "I'll be here at 9 o'clock." He smiled and handed me my essay back.
"Don't forget that." he reminded me.
"Vince, shut the door and sit down." Andrew instructed. "I want to speak with the two of you." Vince did as Andrew directed and we both waited to see what he wanted.
"You both came to this Chapter of DPD in somewhat strangely similar positions." Andrew observed. "Tick, you have over the past two years become a part of this House, in part because you belong here without even knowing so. Vince you have the right of membership to bring you to this House, but in fact there were other reasons why you were selected to be sent to this location."
"I came because there was an opening and the courses I needed were here." Vince commented.
"Yes," Andrew agreed, "but the opening here was created and the courses were arranged to be transferred to this College." Vince sat staring at his senior; uncertain he could dispute what he was being told. He decided to accept what Andrew was telling him. He would place himself in his Brothers' hands.
"Brother Michael told everyone this is his Chapter and it is a very special place. He was not speaking figuratively; he meant it in the literal sense. This place and the people who have lived here and do now, are special. They and you were selected to be here because of their special abilities. Every person here has some ability in ESP, Extra Sensory Perception. Every year, this Chapter of DBD selects from the male Freshmen of this College, the 10 individuals who have the highest indication of ESP ability and then trains them to use those abilities."
"But why me ?" Vince asked. "I've never made anything move by thinking about it. I'm just a regular person. Tick's just a regular person. This is really hard to believe, Andrew."
"Billie Jean MacKenzie." Andrew said and I was flooded with images of a beautiful, young lady in high school and of Vince along with her. The image sharply focused on a night of anticipated passion that didn't turn out quite as expected.
"She actually turned out to be gay ?" I asked in amused wonder, turning to Vince. "Neither one of you knew about the other ? I chuckled. "At least it was a relief for both of you when you finally admitted it." I smiled. Vince was staring at me with eyes open wide enough for his eyeballs to fall out.
"How do you know that ?" he finally asked me.
"I drew the name from your memory." Andrew explained. "When I said it, you thought about a time with her that was significant and Tick read you. Brother Michael is a very strong reader. Brad and I are both near his level, but Tick, though still needing extensive training is the strongest yet. His perceptiveness has been active since birth and his father and brother have trained him and held control over him"
"And what about the other Brothers and the Pledges ?" Vince asked.
"Each has a degree of activity, or potential. The four years in this House is when they learn how to use what they have to their fullest potential. You have a very strong potential, but because you were at one of our other Chapters and somehow missed our screening, it was not identified until the last school semester, when Brother Michael visited your Chapter." I could sense how overwhelmed Vince was feeling.
"If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go over to my room and lie down for a little while." Vince stated. "I'd like to think about this for a bit, before the Pledge class starts to arrive back."
"Can I come ?" I asked him. He looked at me for a moment then nodded. Andrew excused us.
If anything was going to happen between Vince and me, it wasn't going to be now. We'd come back to his room from Andrew's office about 45 minutes ago and so far 6 different Brothers had stopped by to check out various things with him. I decided to go back to Roberts Hall and get ready to return here for the Friday Night Beer Fest.