Lawn Boy, Chapter 7
Although Perrin had put up a good front about his father's attitude toward him, it was obvious that he'd been wounded by it. Liam brought the subject up as they held hands in bed that night in hopes of helping him to ease his mind and let go.
"Babe, it's gotta be painful to have your own flesh and blood cut off ties, but think of all the people who love you. You have Grandma Flo and Max looking out for you, and my whole family loves you to death."
"I know, but I still can't understand how someone can hate his own child so much. What did I do to deserve it? I grew up being obedient and keeping my mouth shut, unless he hurt Max. Is it all because of my orientation? God knows I tried to change that, but I couldn't."
"I'm not gonna even attempt to excuse his behavior, and I'm sure it'll take time to heal the emotional wounds he's inflicted on you over the years, but at least you now have a chance to start the process. You must accept that you are who you are. You didn't choose your sexual nature any more than I did. Your father hates gays, but his major beef is probably that you've grown up and don't allow him to rule your life."
"I know you're right," Perrin sighed. "By the way, what you did for me this afternoon certainly helped take my mind off my troubles. You know how to make my body sing!"
"About that; I don't want you to think I'm only after one thing from you. I really enjoy pleasing you sexually, but my feelings are a lot deeper than mere desire. Sure, I'll admit that I lust for your hot bod, but I care about the guy who's inside it. You know I'd do anything for you."
"Yeah, you offered to give up your truck so I wouldn't have to drop out of school. That's an example of real sacrifice!"
"Nah, it's only an object; you're a living, breathing, loving person who's become a part of me. I want to cherish and protect you for the rest of my life."
"Will you make me feel safe in your arms tonight?"
"I'll hold you anytime you want."
Perrin fell asleep, comforted by the warm body of his boyfriend nestled against his back.
Perrin received an urgent call from the dean of housing a day before the dorms would open for students to move in, asking him if he was still interested in being an RA for the coming term. The guy they'd given the job to had withdrawn suddenly to follow his girlfriend to UCLA, and they were desperate to fill the slot. Perrin was the first name on their callback list, so he was getting the first shot at it.
Of course, Perrin was delighted. Not only would he get free room and board, but there was a small cash stipend too. There were other perks, like having a larger bed, and not having a roommate. Both of those features put a smile on his face. It should be possible to have Liam sleep over sometimes, or at least they'd have a private place in which to play around.
He accepted the offer without a moment's hesitation.
"Can you help me move my stuff in the dorm today?" Perrin asked of Liam who was coming out of the bathroom.
"Did you get the RA job?"
"Yup! I'm on the fifth floor of Donley Hall, and I'll have a bunch of guys, including a dozen or so freshmen, to play big brother to."
"Would any of the guys on that floor have the chance to share your bed?"
"Of course not!"
"Damn, I was hoping I could sleep with you once in a while."
"You're in Donley?"
"Right next to the RA's room on five, as I recall."
"Awesome!!!"
"I thought Grandma Flo said we young `uns don't use that expression anymore."
"I can't think of a better one. Grandpa John might have said, `fuckin' A,' but it's pretty outdated."
Since Perrin had been given a master key-card for emergency use, he could access all the rooms under his supervision. He asked the dean if he could allow his friend to move some of his things in early. The dean gave permission, and had his assistant give Liam his room card as well.
Thus, the guys spent part of the day settling into their new digs. Liam loved the chance to be there first and pick the side of the room he liked best. It wasn't like a big deal, but it felt kind of good.
As he was helping Perrin arrange the RA quarters, a sophomore guy rapped on the doorframe and came in.
"Is one of you the new RA?" he asked.
"I am," Perrin responded.
"Can I ask a big favor and have you sell my loft bed? I'm moving into a frat, and I can't use it there. They let me keep it in the storage room over the summer. I'd like to get $50 out of it to pay for some of the materials. It's not a piece of junk, and with my labor it would hopefully be worth a lot more, but I've had a year's use of it, and I guess I can't expect someone to pay what I think it's worth."
"I can try," Perrin said. "Let's go take a look at it."
"I hate to sound stupid, but what is a loft bed?" Liam asked, as he accompanied the other two down the hall.
"It's kinda like bunk beds without the lower bunk. Guys sometimes put a sofa underneath, or a desk and stuff. It almost doubles your floor space," Perrin explained.
This loft bed was a fine piece of Mission style furniture, comparable to a store-bought one costing hundreds of dollars. It had been carefully crafted of solid wood, and beautifully finished with clear varnish which enhanced the grain of the wood. Besides holding the twin mattress lofted on the top, it had a detachable working surface as large as a desk which extended out from the posts at the foot of it. The guy had a couple of pix on his phone to show how it looked when set up.
Liam immediately fell in love with it. It would give him floor space for his fridge, plus a reclining chair if he wished. He might even put a futon under it to lounge on. He decided to sweeten the offer.
"I'll give you $60 if you'll help me assemble it in my room."
"Done!"
Half an hour later, Liam's room looked much nicer than it had with the bed and desk provided by the university, and the guy who had built the loft felt it was going to someone who would appreciate it.
"I can't believe my luck!" Liam grinned after the other guy had left.
"It's no doubt your reward for helping me," Perrin said. "In my family, it's always assumed that when things go well, it's because God is favoring you for being a good person. I wonder how my father would explain it, since he wouldn't believe what you've done for me fits that description."
"Perhaps he's limiting the scope of what the Almighty considers to be good." Liam speculated. "From what I've been taught, God is into love, not hate."
"More than likely my father would consider you sinful, but he's got his head squarely up his ass!
"Not to change the subject, but would you consider sleeping with me here tonight? I'll have to be on duty fairly early to meet the freshmen and give out keys, and it would allow us more time in the morning."
"That would be great! We can christen your bed right away."
"That will require going out and buying sheets and a comforter to fit my double bed, and making it up."
"I'm more than willing to help with that."
The two drove to Walmart to make the purchases.
Loren grilled steaks as the centerpiece of their casual going-away dinner. It wasn't like the guys were leaving town and wouldn't be coming back often, but he felt it should be a festive occasion to mark Liam's move to the dorm and celebrate Perrin's job as an RA.
Supper was a smashing success, and everyone was pleased with the quality of their meal. In reality, Liam's family was a bit sentimental about having their first-born leave the nest. Even Kellan, though he wouldn't admit it, felt a tug as his heart-stings. It would be different without Liam around.
When the college-bound guys left after dinner, they took the rest of the essentials for Liam's room, including the futon from the family room that Cindy was planning to replace with a more comfortable sofa. It would be good to have his stuff all moved in ahead of the traffic jam the following day.
Being the only occupants on 5th floor that night was a sort of surreal experience. They decided to make the most of it. There was a tiny bathroom attached to the RA quarters, and two lovers could take advantage of it when necessary, but using the more commodious communal showers down the hall would be preferable.
Despite knowing they were alone, Perrin thought it best that they take along boxers to wear back to his room, instead of being wrapped in their towels which they were originally going to do. There was a girls' floor above them, and it wasn't uncommon for members of the opposite sex to roam the guys' floor. They might as well get used to the idea of not going naked.
It was just as well that Perrin had thought ahead, because Mikki, the RA from sixth floor was headed for his room as Liam and he were returning.
"I thought I'd come down to welcome the new kid on the block," she joked. I knew Cameron from last year, and I wasn't impressed. I'm glad to see you're here instead. When the dean's assistant told me your name, I couldn't place you, but now I remember we had class together."
"Thanks," Perrin smiled. "We'd have been more formally dressed had we known we'd have company tonight."
"Oh, don't put on more clothes on my account. I appreciate fit male bodies. Just let me know if you get lonely down here all by yourself."
"If you're seriously flirting, I have to tell you up-front that I'm spoken for."
"Too bad; that's my luck. What about your friend?"
"Sorry for my lapse of manners. Mikki, this is Liam; he's in 529."
"Nice to meet you, Mikki. And yes, I'm off the market too, so to speak."
"I'll try to let the girls in my charge know. I'm sure some will be lusting after both of you."
They christened Perrin's bed with the juices they expended while rubbing their bodies together until they exploded. It was hot, and sensuous, and Perrin said he wanted traces of their activities that night to stay on his sheets until he had to launder them again. He was considering holding off for two weeks instead of one. Liam said he'd be happy to rededicate them whenever his services were required.
They showered again in the morning, and took the four flights of stairs down to the dining room for breakfast. There wasn't a lot of variety to choose from because the cafeteria wouldn't be completely up and running until the next day. However, there were hard-cooked eggs, sausages, bread to toast, cereal, juice, and coffee. It was still a very adequate meal.
Other than Liam, the rest were all RA's. They sat at two large tables close together. When they were nearly finished eating, the dean's housing assistant came in to brief them again on procedures. She was amusing, and to the point. No one got bored with her short presentation.
Then, it was off to sit at tables outside their respective rooms to help organize and direct the new students. Liam sat with Perrin, and served as a runner at times when something needed doing that couldn't be taken care of by phone.
By noon, many of the new arrivals had received their assignments and key-cards. So far, Liam's roommate hadn't shown up.
Since there were still five more freshmen in Perrin's wing to arrive, he felt he shouldn't leave his post for lunch. Liam offered to get carryout from the cafeteria for both of them. He said he might go up to see if Mikki wanted something too. Perrin complimented him on his thoughtfulness.
"I think it's a good PR move to curry her favor. If someone should put up a stink about our relationship, Mikki could be a good ally. I'm sure she's straight, but she stands up for others who aren't. I've seen her in action."
As Perrin had predicted, Mikki was very pleased that they had thought of her. She gave him an idea of what she would like, but said she'd settle for about anything that would keep her body and spirit together until dinnertime.
Liam exchanged contact info with her so he could send her pix of the limited entrees, as he planned to do for Perrin. Fifteen minutes later, he had delivered her meal, and was eating his lunch with his boyfriend.
At about 3:30, Liam's roommate was the last one to show up. He seemed kind of out of it, and the whites of his eyes had a reddish cast. Liam feared he had drawn a pot-head to share his room, and he was none too pleased at the prospect. However, he decided not to make a snap judgment.
"Hi, I'm Clayton McBride, but I prefer `Clay.' I apologize for being last minute, but my stepfather was being a bastard. Is there a cart so I can get my shit off the sidewalk? I hope no one steals it in the meantime."
"I'm Perrin Prichard, your RA, and this is Liam Neuhaus, your roommate. I'm sure we can help you get settled.
Liam found a cart in the first-floor foyer, and went out with Clay to start retrieving his things. It looked like they had been literally dumped on the ground.
As Clay bravely tried to hold back the tears, Liam realized why the boy's eyes were red. It wasn't from grass.
"We'll get this taken care of," Liam promised. "I'll text Perrin to see if he or someone else can watch the rest while we take up the first load."
"Thanks! You're so kind."
"Hey, we're all in this together."
"That's a line from "Highschool Musical," Clay said with a wan smile.
"Yeah, I was in it last year; were you?"
"Two years ago. They double-cast the leads, so I got to be one of the Troy's"
"Me too! Wow, we already have something in common."
As they were smiling over their similar experience, Mikki came their way, waving.
"Perrin had to take care of a kid who just had a meltdown, so I volunteered to guard your stuff," she said.
"Thanks, Mikki! This is Clay McBride, my new roommate. It's great of you to come to his aid."
"Hey, what goes around, comes around. I'm Mikki Hogan, my father's Hulk Hogan, so you'd better be nice to me."
"Seriously?" Clay stared wide-eyed.
"No, I'm teasing, but I'll bet you'll remember my last name.
"Oh, there's another empty cart. I'll grab it, and maybe we can do this in one trip."
"Wow, you've got a cool setup!" Clay enthused, as he surveyed Liam's side of the room. Someone must care a lot about you."
"I do have several people in my corner, but it was sheer luck that I was here at just the right time to buy this loft off a guy who's moving into a frat."
"I wonder if there are any more of them. I wouldn't need anything that fancy, but it would be cool to have more room on the floor."
"I'll ask Perrin to check around."
It was nearing 6:00 when Perrin stuck his head in the open door.
"You about ready to go for dinner, Ba- uh, Bud?" he quickly amended.
Liam grinned and nodded, enjoying Perrin's near miss. At the same time, he rolled his eyes toward where Clay was standing, and Perrin caught his unspoken request.
"Clay, would you like to join us, or do you have other plans?"
"Thanks! I'd like that very much. I don't know a soul on campus."
"I'm going to go roust someone else out," Perrin said. "He's seriously homesick, and our company might make him feel better. Don't let him know I told you, because I don't want to embarrass him! He's a redhead, and he blushes at the slightest provocation."
"You know I won't, and Clay won't either, or I'll short-sheet his bed," Liam teased.
"They did that to a kid at camp one summer when I was about 12," Clay recalled. "It was funny, but boy was he pissed! So, I'll be good; I promise."
Garth Watson's eyes were still red from crying, but he forced himself to smile. He immediately felt better when he looked into the blue eyes of the blond boy he was being introduced to. He was pretty sure that Clay had been crying too. Maybe he wasn't the only one.
Over their meal, Liam related that Clay and he had found a common interest in theater, as both had had starring roles in the popular Disney musical. Garth perked up, telling about his experience in "Cats."
Perrin sat quietly, enjoying the lively exchange, but having nothing to add. His school considered theater to be inherently sinful, especially musicals like "Superstar" and "Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat," which they felt mocked the Bible. While he didn't agree with his old school, he didn't know enough about theater to enter the conversation.
Perrin was thrilled that Garth seemed to be making a connection with Clay, so he wouldn't feel alone. Liam was equally pleased that Clay was making a new buddy. Liam wasn't sure how well-developed his gaydar was, but he had a feeling about his new roommate. If he were to get too close as a friend, his motives might be misunderstood and lead to an awkward situation.
The job of an RA can cut into a guy's social life, as Perrin was about to find out. Instead of retiring to his room with Liam, as he would have liked, he had to conduct a meeting of the guys in his wing. He was prepared with the list of "house-rules" and expectations. The dean had provided handouts, so he didn't have to print them off, but he did have to field questions. He was glad that Liam and he had reviewed them together the previous day so that he was up on everything.
The big no-noes were drugs and alcohol. A secondary issue concerned sex. Obviously, there was a caution that "no" means "no" whether in a hetero or same-sex situation. Rape was rape. An associated issue concerned being respectful of one's roommate. If someone was planning a consensual tryst, arrangements needed to be made so that the other person paying for the room wasn't left in a lurch.
Some of the guys were eager to know how to negotiate the use of one's room for "entertaining;" others were embarrassed at the very mention of it.
Perrin did get a break, after the meeting, when Clay and Garth went to see what was on the TV in the lounge. They had invited Liam along, but he begged off, saying he needed some guidance from their RA.
"So, what do you want to know?" Perrin grinned when they were alone in his quarters. "Do you need a place for consensual sex?"
"I was hoping you'd provide one," Liam giggled. "Do we have time to mess around?"
"I'm allowed to hang a do-not-disturb sign on my door when I don't want to be bothered. Should I do that?"
"Nah, you'd better not appear to be cold and unfriendly the first night! I can wait."
"We could have a quickie. That's better than nothing."
"Okay, I'm in!"
Author's notes: For those not familiar with loft-beds, here is a link.
https://www.houzz.com/photos/65458019/Camaflexi-High-Loft-Bed-Mission-Headboard-Lateral-Ladder-Natural-craftsman-loft-beds
Thanks to all who emailed since last posting. Some of my long-time readers will notice new names again! I've been blessed with a number of new readers this fall. Here's the list as of the time I sent this for posting: Skip M, Bill T, Wayne, Mendy D, Walter Sz, Randy McC, Jim M, Gordon, Joe W, Ott H, Puppy W, Douglas and Lawrence, Max P, Charles G, Geoff S, Bill K, Greg D, Tom A, Tim T, Tyler W, John McD, John L, Paul G, Lance C, Ryan H, Frank K, Terry, Vedang S, Jim S, Tony C, Steve C, Paul R, and Dave T.
Congratulations to Australia for their vote to make same-sex marriage the law of the land. Here is a cool video that moment, and the long applause and singing that followed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhWjUdH61pQ
[https://www.bing.com/th?id=OVF.w2wrolpMl5lf2PXTe5TqDA&pid=Api]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhWjUdH61pQ
I am, you are, we are Australian - TONY BURKEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhWjUdH61pQ www.youtube.com The moment Marriage Equality happened in Parliament
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Thanks to David S for editing this chapter.
Love and Peace,
David