This is a fictional story. It is based on many experiences and fantasies of the authors. If you are really into graphic sex, it may not satisfy your purpose for coming here. If you like to hear of real love and real teen angst, with a little sex thrown in, you are in the right place. There may be some amount of graphic sex between males. If this is objectionable to you, or you are legally too young to be here, you are cordially invited to press your back button.
Cast of Characters:
Leonard Kirk Harston (Lenny) Lawrence Olivier Goodwin (Rennie)
Minnie Harston, Lenny's mom Randal Harston, Lenny's dad
Mr. Goodwin, Rennie's dad Mrs. Goodwin, Rennie's mom
Joy -- Rennie's older sister Jennifer -- Rennie's younger sister
Bobby -- Joy's husband Seth -- Lenny's friend
Luke -- Seth's lover Chris -- Seth's Brother
Craig -- Chris's lover Jake Smith -- Seth and Chris's cousin.
Colin -- Jake's husband & Bobby's brother Rob -- a Friend
Denny -- Rob's husband Morty -- Rennie's Cousin
Ursula -- Jake & Colins daughter Uri -- Jake and Colin's son
Carrie -- Jake's sister Uncle Jake -- Jake's dad
Aunt Lindy -- Jake's mom Renate -- The Goodwin's housekeeper
Etta -- the Smith's housekeper Shelley -- Friend at University
DeVon -- Shelley's cousin Marcus -- DeVon's brother
Arthur -- A team leader at the shelter George - Ren's tennant
Ty -- new friend from Oklahoma Ricky, Ty's cousin
David - Toyota Dearlership owner Jason, waiter
Suzanne -- Jason's wife Jamie Hocking -- A new friend from school
Kevin -- Jamies brother Joe, Ernie and Bret -- Str8 (?) Friends
James Hocking, Jamie's dad Esther Hocking -- Jamie's mom
Tom Whatley - Cop
From Chapter 24:
"You are so awesome!" Tom said to me.
"This is so -- um -- different -- for me." I mused. "Strange to me -- but when I was in high school, I was such a nerd, no one looked twice at me -- well almost no one."
"Well, I am looking twice and more! And I am seriously interested. Okay?"
"Okay! Deal! And --- me too." I said shyly.
He closed his eyes and took deep breath. "You know I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight!"
"Sorry." I said shrugging.
Chapter 25
"Lenny, I don't know what it is exactly -- but I just feel so -- well -- comfortable -- or something -- with you. I mean, I like that you're tall and all, but that's not it."
"Heh," I started, "and it's not like I'm exactly model material!"
"Yup -- your humility I like too! Fella, you are a very cute guy!"
I grabbed a picture of me in my full band uniform that I kept on top of a bookcase -- to keep me humble! "Look at this! I was a sophomore in high school when this was taken!"
He looked and I saw his jaw drop. Then he grinned. "This is you??"
"Gosh, I HOPE not!" I said laughing!
"OH! I didn't mean -- I mean -- shit! This isn't fair. That doesn't even look like you now! But -- you said -- well, you said ALMOST no one gave you a look. So I guess SOMEONE did."
"Yeah. My friend Lawrence -- Rennie. We both were watching each other, but -- we were both too shy to say anything, afraid of -- afraid that the other of us was a homophobe, I guess."
"No shit? I thought today's youth were so much more open and accepting."
"They might be -- but it's still not very cool to be gay in high school -- at least not where I went. And it DEFINITELY was not cool where I lived -- namely -- at home!"
"You mean your parents?"
"Duh!"
"How bad is it?"
"I don't know exactly. My dad kicked me out awhile back, when I came out to them. My new friend's dad recently talked to my dad -- kind of twisted his arm, socially -- and Dad said he was sorry, but I don't know how sincere he is about that. That was after my mom's stroke."
"Oh. So the shock of the stroke may have made him more vulnerable -- or something?"
"I guess. Do your parents know about you?"
"No fucking way!" Tom's whole stance changed to belligerent.
"Wow. That was a pretty strong answer."
"My dad is a cop too -- 1st lieutenant -- up for chief maybe in a couple years -- back in Iowa. I -- I don't -- I mean - well, they DON'T know."
"And they don't wonder why you aren't married -- at 36 years old?"
"I don't think so. Cops often don't marry right away. What woman wants to worry about her man getting shot or killed every day?"
"Hmm. Yeah." I said thoughtfully, frowning involuntarily.
"Oh no! Not you too!?"
"Aw, it's nothing."
"No -- seriously -- would it bother you -- that I'm a cop?"
"Of course it would." I said, and then paused to think. "But -- well, I'm not going to stress out about it -- at least not now."
There was another embarrassing pause. Finally I said, "Well, look at us! You've been here more than 5 minutes, and we're still standing here at the door talking. Come and sit down!"
I picked up the remote and pushed a button. Some music came on. "Uh -- you want something to drink?"
"Whattaya got?"
"Soft drinks. Fruit juice."
"You don't drink?"
"Nope."
"Why?"
"That would be MY question. I don't like the taste. I don't like the way it makes me feel. So why do it?"
"Was one of your parents an alcoholic?"
"They both drink, but -- no I would call either of them an alcoholic. Look: I just don't see any reason why I should drink alcohol just to go along with the crowd. I've never done anything just to go along with the crowd. That's probably another reason I wasn't popular in school. Gosh! That's ALL about doing what everyone else did!"
"That's true."
"Rennie did -- does!"
"and -- you don't approve, huh?"
"He hurt me pretty bad -- because he couldn't stay sober. Always getting either drunk -- or high!" I said it more bitterly that I meant to.
"Wow. I guess." Tom said.
"I mean -- I don't blame him. With his loss of his family recently -- who wouldn't?"
"Well, for one -- probably YOU wouldn't."
"Did you want me to start drinking?"
"Nope! Look -- you know what?"
"What?"
"I don't drink!" He said
"Oh God! Now I feel like a fool!"
"Why?"
"Going off like that!" I exclaimed. "You really didn't ask for any thing hard. I just assumed -- well -- I'm sorry."
"Stop with the `I'm sorry' routine. You are what you are! I respect that! And - - I was hurt by liquor too."
"Oh. I'm sor -- I mean -- oh! I -- don't know what to say."
"It was my parents. Both are alcoholics. My dad's whole family are. My uncle used to get drunk and come to bed with me -- when I was about 10 or 11 -- up until I was about 16."
"Aw -- now that's just not right! Oh, Tommy, I -- OH! God1 I'm so -- sorry!"
"I couldn't tell anyone."
"Why not?"
"I felt such extreme guilt over it."
"Guilt?!" I exclaimed. "Why did YOU feel guilt?"
"Because, babe -- I secretly liked it! My uncle never said anything about it -- ever. I didn't think he remembered even doing it."
"10 years old? Gosh! What did he -- oh! Never mind!"
"No -- it's okay. I need to talk about it. I just never -- have the opportunity -- with other people -- guys. At first he just would kiss me and then go to sleep."
"Oh. And what did you - "
"Oh, at 10 years old I was eating it up! To have a 17-year-old pay that kind of attention to me? How do you think it made me feel? Then when he would pass out, I used to -- um -- look at him."
"Um -- what?" I asked.
"Well, mostly it was dark. It wasn`t so much looking as -- feeling. I remember the first time I reached down -- I had to get under the covers to reach it -- I was so small -- but the first time I touched it he moaned, and it scared the living shit outa me!"
"Wow! I GUESS!"
"Then when I figured out he never was going to wake up -- I did more and more."
"Are you sure he didn't ever wake up?"
"Oh! He did!" Tom said. "It only took one time. I was stroking him and when I would hear him start to breath hard I used to stop. After about a week of that, - maybe it was longer -- he spoke to me. I FROZE! I didn't know what to say. I started to cry. He started to kiss me. He said it was okay. It was our little secret. I KNEW it was wrong! But I liked it -- and I liked him! That was the first night I ever tasted cum -- when I was 10 years old!"
"Shit!" I exclaimed. "Didn't you ever tell anyone?"
"Lenny -- you're the first person I ever told."
"Do you ever see him?"
"Not in the last ten years. As I said -- I am not sure he even remembers it -- after he sobered up. I loved the taste of the beer -- or whatever it was he was drinking -- on his breath. I felt tremendous guilt -- but never told anyone."
"Do you -- do you hate him now?"
"Naw. What's the point. I've had a lot of time to think about it. He is married with 5 kids. As far as I know, he is str8 as an arrow. I was angry at one time, but now that I'm older -- I see other 17-year-olds. Now I can see -- they are just boys! I did some stupid things when I was that age. Nothing like that -- but stupid anyway."
"So -- do you think that's why you are -- I mean -- gay?"
"I -- don't know. I doubt it. If I wasn't already attracted to guys I might think differently. But - "
"I remember when I was that age!" I said
"You mean last year? Haha!"
"No! When I was 10! A lot of guys were playing around with each other. How do you know you weren't the same as them?"
"I -- I don't -- really. What I do know is -- I am gay. And it doesn't show any signs of changing. And I'm satisfied knowing that."
"Hmm. Yeah. Me too -- I guess." I said.
"So -- wanna be gay with me?" He quipped.
"Shut up!" I exclaimed.
"I didn't mean that we should do anything! I just meant -- we can be our own little support group."
"Deal!" I said. "Wanna shake on it?"
"Sure!" He replied and immediately started to shake -- all over -- like a wet dog. I started laughing and he grabbed me and said, "Wanna kiss on it?"
I didn't resist. He kissed me very sweetly at first. I put my hand on his scratchy face, caressing it with the grain. He put his tongue to my already open lips, but not in. I closed down on his tongue and sucked it in. I wanted him so bad, but I reminded myself that I didn't want to do this -- not now. Not yet. I broke the kiss and hugged him and kissed his neck. He patted my back and started to pull me on top of him.
I pulled him back up to a sitting position. "Wait, Tommy -- wait." I crooned. "Someday it will come -- and it will be sweet, Tommy -- sweet." I said prophetically.
He hugged me. "You are something else, Lenny!"
"Huh?"
"I think you're more mature than I am. You definitely have more willpower than I do."
"How long's it been?" I asked him.
He looked down at the floor. "Two years."
"TWO YEARS!??" I said.
"Lenny, I was just getting used to the idea that I was -- well -- too old. The guys that I was interested in -- well -- they didn't want an old fart over 30!"
"That was YOUR perception. There's no one like that in THIS room!" I replied. He kissed me again. He let me take the lead, and never tried to push anything. We talked some more. We fell asleep on the couch kind of leaning on each other. I woke up and lay him down on the couch and covered him with a blanket. I got him a pillow. He woke up as I was putting it under his head.
"Thanks." He said sleepily.
"Did you need to wake up any particular time?" I asked.
"Not really. Thanks, Lenny -- I lo- thanks a lot!"
"Thank YOU Tommy."
I went immediately to sleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. Some time later, there was a gentle pressure on my shoulder. "Lenny -- where's the bathroom?"
I pointed it out to him. When he came out of the bathroom, I grabbed his hand. "Go get your pillow. You may as well sleep in here." I was asleep before he got back. I woke up early to pee. He was spooned up behind me, stripped to his boxers. I had my jammers on. It felt so good and so warm.
I slipped out of bed. When I got back, he was turned the other way, so I slipped back under the covers and spooned up behind him. He let out a long rumbling sigh. We fell back asleep until the sun woke us again.
My arm was around his waist when I woke up, my hand fondling his chest hair. His hand was ever so lightly on top of mine, squeezing it gently. "Hi." I whispered in his ear.
"Hi babe." He said in a high pitched tone. "Don't you have a class today?"
"Yeah, but it's not `til after lunch. Wanna -- er -- do you like to run?" I asked.
"Sure. Where?"
"Down the beach and back."
"I don't know if I could keep up with your long legs, though."
"That's okay. If you get tired, you can stop and wait for me." I said.
"Heh! I was hoping you'd say you would stop and wait for me!"
"I'll keep running, then pick you up on the way back."
"Oh! So you've already decided you'd LOSE me on the first lap, huh?"
"No question!"
"HAH! We'll see about that!" he roared.
"Now I don't need any heart attacks this morning!" I teased.
"OH! Now you're fuckin' with the wrong dude -- DUDE!" He said and he whacked my butt with his free hand. That pushed my hard-again dick up against his butt. "Oh! That felt GOOD! But I thought you said no sex!"
I popped out of bed, and stripped off my clothes. I knew he was watching -- and I liked it. I put on my running shorts and he said he didn't bring anything to run in. I threw him an extra pair and we went down to the beach. We ran barefoot. I was way out ahead immediately. I looked back and he was just running easily. I slowed down and by the time I was to one end of the beach, he was about 2/3 of the way. I turned around and when I got back to him, I grabbed his arm. "C'mon. Run back with me. I'll go slower"
"Show off!" He said. He turned around and we ran back, I kept a slower pace that he could keep up with. When we got to the other end of the beach, We just kept walking until we got back to my place. By that time, We were both breathing a little slower, and soaking wet -- including our shorts.
We showered together, but he didn't initiate anything, - and neither did I. I thanked him for coming over. He thanked me for letting him stay. As he left, I watched him all the way to his motorcycle. He hopped on, put on his helmet and waved. I waved back and then went into the house. I went into my bedroom. Our sweaty shorts were on the bed. I grabbed his and put it up to my nose. Instant reaction! I breathed in deeply, and squeezed my hardness. Then it was too far to stop. I was so horny, I finished up in record time, my nose buried in his shorts the whole time.
I went to school and came home. The messages slowed down a bit. I actually called Ricky. "Hi!" He answered the phone.
"You sound like a happy boy!" I said.
"Oh my Gosh, Lenny. Thank you so much for turning me on to Jamie. He is so awesome!"
"YOU are awesome, Dude!" another voice hollered from the background, that I assumed was Jamie.
"Ever since that night you `threw' us together, we've had so much fun together."
"Wow!" I replied. "Any sex?"
"Well, as I said before, only what you taught us. But it's not about that, Lenny. We're like twins separated at birth. We like the same things. We laugh at the same things. We both -- ha-ha -- cry at the same places in movies!"
"I'm happy for you both. And how about Ty. How's he doing?"
"I guess you haven't been to the shelter lately huh?"
"No. I had to get away."
"He's actually met someone there."
"Oh no! That's not exactly a place to meet people. The clients there - "
"Naw, it wasn't a client. It was another volunteer. Actually Ty and me's moving in with him next week."
"Both of you?"
"Yup! He invited both us. He has a nice place across town."
"On the beach?"
"No, but within walking distance. Both Ty and me's got jobs now, so we can help out with the rent and stuff."
"Great!" I said. "Listen, I wanted to invite you to my place next Friday night -- a party."
"You mean tomorrow night?"
"No -- next Friday. Tomorrow night the place will be occupied. Uncle Jakes son, Jake and his family will be here. But plan on next Friday, k?"
"Man, you're just a party animal, aren't you? That'll be great. That's where me an' Jamie met!"
"I remember." I said, chuckling. After making sure Jamie could go, Ricky confirmed they would be there.
"What can we bring?"
"Nothing except yourselves -- and ask Ty and his friend too!"
"Kewl! So - - anything else?"
"Nope! see you next week -- if not before."
"Bye!"
As soon as I hung up, the phone rang. Thinking it was Ricky, I answered, "Forget something?"
"What?" It was not Ricky.
"Oh, sorry. I thought it was someone else." I said.
"Dude! I need to talk with you!" It was Rennie. I took a deep breath.
"What's up, Ren?"
"I wanna ask your advice."
"What about?"
"I -- um -- I -- don't know what to do. I met this -- guy -- and, well, I just wanted to ask you something."
I couldn't imagine what I could tell him about some guy he met. "I -- okay. What's going on?"
"I really like him. He's so cool, and nice, and -- well, the thing is -- he doesn't need me -- I mean -- he's rich! All the other guys I have -- seen -- they- I mean -- I can't tell if they want me or my money!"
"Oh." I said. "So - - what kind of advice do you need from me?"
After a long pause, he finally said, "I'm so confused, Lenny. Part of me still -- still wants you. But - - this guy has really done a number on me."
"Explain `done a number' to me." I replied.
"I think -- I don't know -- I -- sort of -- feel like -- well -- like I NEED him! Lenny, he's as old as my dad was! How can I be so -- attracted to someone that old?"
He's asking ME that? What can I tell him? DUH! I'm in the same boat!
"Lenny -- it's -- it's -- David."
"David?" I queried. "What?! You mean David that owns the Toyota dealership?"
"Yeah."
"Rennie, he's married! He is trying to get back with his wife!"
"No, that didn't work out. But still, it's so weird. I think of him almost like a father! And yet I feel -- sexually attracted to him too! And -- it gets worse. I of course know his whole family. Len, I just don't know what to do."
"Ren, I am maybe the last person you should ask -- about this."
"Why? I mean, you are almost my age, but you were always so much more mature than I was -- no, AM!
"Rennie -- um -- the guy I kind of like -- now -- is twice my age. What can I tell you?"
"That's no biggie. Just tell me your gut feeling about my situation. Please?"
"You may not like it."
I didn't call to have you agree with me. I called because I just don't think I can think straight on this."
"Okay. Well -- I guess the first thing to consider is their age -- both yours and mine. When I'm fifty, this guy will be 68. How old is David -- about 45?"
"I guess."
"So when you're 50, he'll be 77. Okay, that's the first consideration. I'm glad you made me think about this! But now, maybe the more important thing is -- David's family. Is he going to want to go back to them in a few months -- or even years? Who knows?" I think you should do everything you can to get him to reconsider getting back with his wife -- so you have absolutely no responsibility in this break up."
"It's his wife that kicked him out."
"I know. But still, I think you should wait until the dust is settled there. And in the mean time, try to get him to get back with her. Are there kids at home still?"
"No."
"Thank God for that. Well, that doesn't change my advice."
"Well, you were right. It wasn't what I wanted to hear. But thanks for telling me what you think. Um -- so -- whats your new guy about?"
"Well, it's too soon to call him `my guy'. But I like him a lot. He has no idea of my wealth, except for my car, maybe. But he is so nice. And -- I don't think of him like a dad -- but his experience seems to appeal to me."
"Have you had sex?" He asked.
"No." I answered. "Have you?"
"Not yet." He answered
"Don't." I said.
"Don't?"
"I told Tom that I didn't want to have sex right away -- with him. I want to not be confused by sex this time."
"This time?"
"Ren, I've been such a slut lately! I hate to think about it."
"What? You?!!"
"Yeah."
"I thought you were Mr. Responsibility. And what? You've been going down with all those other guys?"
"Most of them."
"Shee-yit! I never woulda guessed. And you -- you still don't drink -- or anything, do you?"
"No -- and that's the other thing, Ren. Stop the drinking and drugs. It's not good for you."
"I know. I am trying. It's not like it was. A few weeks ago, I thought I was losing you -- and did -- and also -- my God, Lenny -- my family!"
"I know, Babe. I'm sorry."
"No -- I'm sorry! I fucked up. I could have had you if I didn't decide to sleep with every guy I laid eyes on."
"We were young." I said.
"Heh! We still are!" He exclaimed.
"I know! Because of that, I'm not gonna make any promises to anyone very soon. That's another problem with dating older guys: they are done with waiting. They want to settle down. I think you and I are too young to settle down."
"SIGH! I guess. It's gonna be hard."
"Don't give in to the liquor and stuff -- that will mess you up and make you give in."
"Yeah, I suppose. Well, thanks for talking to me, Len."
"Take care, Babe! Bye!" We hung up.
I felt all melancholy after talking to Ren. I KNOW how he feels. I still have feelings for him too. Now he made me think more about -- Tom. All I want to do is run away somewhere and hide sometimes. Luckily I had a test to study for tomorrow. I put my phone in the do not disturb mode and escaped into my books and notes the rest of the evening. I fell into bed with my clothes on.
The test was in chem. and was no challenge. I was the first finished, and was sure I aced it. I waited outside for Jamie, to walk over to the student center with him.
"I think I did pretty good!" He said as he came out. "I saw you leave about 20 minutes ago. Show off!"
"So -- did you pretty much know most of the answers?"
"Yeah. I have a question for you."
"Okay."
"Actually it's advice I want."
(Oh no! Maybe I should start a column!) "Advice -- from me? Why?"
"Heh! `Cuz I don't know anyone else."
"How about Ricky?" I asked.
"It's about Ricky."
"Oh." I said. (Uh-oh!)
"We've got the spring ball coming up. I wonder if I should ask him to go with me."
I shook my head in amazement. "I dunno -- how badly do you wanna get beat up after the dance?"
"I don't think that'll happen. Ricky is strong!"
"I know! But if there were 3 footballers against the two of you -- who would YOU bet on?"
"Hmmmm. You have a point."
"I just think you should keep a low profile. I know a lot of people -- gays -- wouldn't agree with that, but it isn't their business to put your neck on the chopping block, is it?"
"I guess not. Now for the more important question. Ricky told me he loves me -- last night. I couldn't say it back, and I know that hurt him. I don't know what to do. I really like him. I don't wanna lose him -- right now. But -- I just don't feel that way -- yet."
"Hmmm. Well, maybe he needs to love someone."
"Why? Did he tell you the same thing?"
"Well, what we said to each other is -- well -- confidential, I guess. But he is all alone here -- except for his cousin -- and I think he misses his parents and brothers a lot."
"But -- what do I tell him." He asked me.
"It's not easy, but -- in your own words, say something like this - and don't wait -- tell him tonight: `I have thought about what you told me last night. I don't know what to say, exactly. I like you -- a lot! And I don't want to do anything to lose you.' Then ask him if he's willing to wait for you -- to see if you can get up to speed with where he is."
"Oh. That sounds good. Ricky says you are having company this weekend."
"Yeah. The people I live with -- their son is coming from Vermont with his family." I said.
"Oh. And they are staying up there with you?"
"Yeah. There are three rooms there. The larger one to the left is kind of reserved for Jake and Colin and their kids."
"Oh. Jake and Colin? Is that two guys?"
"Yeah. Vermont was the first state to have civil union laws for gays."
"And they have kids?"
"Yeah. A little brother and sister from an orphanage somewhere in Eastern Europe.
"Wow. That's cool. I think I want kids some day."
"Yeah that'd be cool. I hear there are all kinds of kids like that -- orphans who need a family to grow up in."
"I don't think I want an orphan. I want my own."
"Oh? You planning on getting married -- to a woman -- and raising kids?"
"NO! Not with a woman!"
"There are lots of heterosexual couples who could raise all the kids babies that are born out of a family. Jake and Colin got some that may otherwise have been stuck in the orphanage. A baby needs a mom and a dad -- I believe. Who are you closer to -- your mom or your dad?"
"My mom."
"Kids need a mom -- I think -- if possible. We were discussing this at length in psych class awhile back. I decided that I agreed with the people who claimed a traditional family is best if it is possible."
"Oh. I guess. How about two moms?"
"Same thing. I think a baby -- a child -- needs a dad too -- if at all possible. Sometimes it's not possible. But when it is -- then that's the best."
"I see."
"Are you guys still coming to my party next week?"
"Duh! Yeah!"
"Good. Hey, you want a ride home? When's your last class?"
"After next hour. Thanks!"
"I'll be in the library."
We grabbed a shake and some fries and headed off in our own directions. I turned on my cell phone to check messages. Before I got to the messages it rang.
"Hello?"
"Hi Lenny!" Tom's cheery voice sang. "I was going to leave a message, and here you are!"
"Hi Tommy. I'm just headed to the library to do some research. What's up?"
"Well, tonight's Friday night, and I was wondering if you wanted to go to a movie."
"I -- uh -- not tonight, Tommy. I'm - um -- expecting company tonight."
"Oh." I could hear strong disappointment in his voice.
"Hey!" I said. "Maybe you'd like to come and meet them. They are Uncle Jake's son and his family. They'll be staying up with me."
"OH! Cool! What time shall I come over?" Tom asked.
"Why don't you come over for dinner? But come early -- what time can you be there?"
"I'm already off." He answered.
"Great. I'm taking Jamie home after his class. Meet you at my place at about 4:30?"
"I'll be waiting for you." He said. "Oh! Your friends -- they won't care about us -- I mean you and me -- you know?"
"I don't think so!" I said, conspiratorially. "What if they did?"
"You're too much! Bye!"
"Bye." After I hung up I realized I didn't tell him that Jake's significant other is a guy!
When I got home, he WASN"T there waiting, but there was a surprise waiting for me. The party had already started! When I walked in, the first person I saw was Seth! My heart did a big flip! I ran to him and picked him up, and threw him around in a circle. He looked better than I'd ever seen him. I don't know His guy-pal Luke very well. He waited quietly, then when I put him down, Seth said, "You remember Luke?"
"Yeah, we met at the hospital I think. Hi Luke!"
"Hi." He said shyly. I was again reminded of his blue/black hair! I wondered if that made his eyes purple, or vice versa.
Then I saw him. "ROB!" We seemed to walk in slow motion toward each other. When we met, he grabbed me like I was an old buddy. Oh that's right! I was the first guy he ever kissed. It was nice to look someone straight in the eyes without stooping or looking down! Especially this someone. Rob is so warm and nice.
"Have you met my guy, Denny?"
I looked into a face as sweet as Rob's. He had an almost imperceptible scar near his nose. He hugged me like I was an old friend. He looked at Rob with a delighted smile on his face. "Is this YOUR Lenny?"
I felt strangely light headed. I'm Rob's Lenny? What's that about? It showed on my face I guess. "Rob tells me you were his first kiss!" I felt my face heat up and my ears burning. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to embarrass you!" He smiled.
"It's okay -- I embarrass easily." I said.
"Me too!" He said. Next to Rob, Denny looks small. And he doesn't look very well.
Just then a bunch of kids ran out of one of the extra rooms, laughing and screaming. There were six of them! My eyes widened. "Oh! Rob said. "These are our kids."
"Six?!!" I said.
"Two are Jake and Colin's. The other four are all siblings, and are cousins of Jake's kids." Rob said.
"Wow! How - - "
"They are all from the same orphanage in Eastern Europe. Their fathers died in wars and their mothers actually live with us -- taking care of them."
I was dumbfounded. Speechless. "We all agreed they needed mothers in their lives. We are somewhat of a commune where we live in Vermont. Then Denny got this idea -- actually from the Bible -- of doing like Pharaoh's daughter who adopted Moses - To find the real mothers and bring them here. These kids have mothers to take care of them during the day like normal kids have. The only difference is these kids all have two dads when evening comes!"
"That's cool!" I said.
"It's better than the orphanage. It may be awkward explaining to them that most kids have only a dad and a mom and -- the dad and mom sleep together. But we'll handle it when it comes up. For now they're happy to have what they have."
"A commune? You mean like Communists?"
Well, sort of, but not like the communist governments. They use the word to justify taking from the people."
"Oh. Like our country uses the word `democracy' to take from the people."
"Not quite. We still have a lot of freedoms here that the people in communist countries never had."
"You're Lenny, aren't you?" A new person asked me.
"Yes."
"I am Craig, Seth's brother-in-law."
Then another: "And I'm Seth's brother, and Craig is my man!" Said Chris.
I was kind of overwhelmed. This is what I WANT!
As I was thinking about this, a modest, but very handsome guy came out of the bedroom. He looked older than all the others. He stopped cold when he saw me. "You must be Len -- right? I'm Colin." He said in a low voice.
"Oh!" I exclaimed. "Jake's -- um - - " I turned immediately red.
"Yeah!" he said, laughing. "That! We were married in Vermont a few years back. Jake!" He hollered. "C'mere and meet Len. He just got here!"
I had heard that Jake had had AIDS. I expected someone anemic or something. What walked out was not anemic. Jake was robust and handsome! And looked like a movie star. Dark and hairy, with deep set eyes. He strode over to me from the bedroom and shot out his hand. He was his father's son! "Great to meet you, Len!" We shook hands and he looked through me with piercing eyes.
"Hi." I said again suddenly shy. All became quiet except for the kids in another room. I looked from one face to another. Eight adults and six kids!
"Well, this is a surprise! A PLEASANT surprise!" I said. "Where are you all staying?"
Chris spoke up. "Rob and Denny and Craig and I are over there, with our kids, and Jake and Colin are in the big bedroom with theirs, along with Seth and Luke."
"Not going to happen!" I said with sudden urgency and power. I'm sleeping on the couch and you guys can use my bedroom!" They started to resist but I insisted.
"He's right, guys." Jake said. "It's silly for you to all eight be in one bedroom. Don't be proud."
"Thanks, Lenny!" they all said.
Jake said. "Dinner's a little later tonight. Carrie's coming back from somewhere, and Mom wanted to wait."
"Do you think one more would be a problem?" I asked.
"Oh yeah -- Etta said you have a little friend -- Bobby's brother-in-law?" Colin said. I knew that Colin is Bobby's brother.
"No this isn't Rennie. This is -- Tom. And -- he's not so little."
"Won't be a problem for either my mom or Etta. There's always enough." Jake averred.
I saw Luke head for the kitchen, and Seth said, "Hey, c'mon down and help me bring some of our stuff up."
I followed him out the door. "Thanks a lot for giving up your room, dude. That was cool."
"It made sense."
"I suppose. But it's not the first humble pie we've had to eat this trip."
"Why's that?" I asked.
"Rob paid for Luke and me."
"Seems like you'd be staying with your brother." I mused.
"Well, Rob and Denny have two kids and Chris and Craig have two, but in actuality they are all brothers and sisters. So they like to keep them together, I guess. And besides -- we're all brothers!" He said grinning.
Man, THIS is what I WANT!
Notes: Nice to see the whole crew back together for a bit. If you have not read about the other guys, they are all here. In order is the best way to read them, starting with "Colin":
nifty/gay/college/colins-story COLIN
nifty/gay/college/chris-crossed CHRIS_CROSSED
nifty/gay/college/denny-comes-out DENNY-COMES-OUT
nifty/gay/college/rob ROB
As always, please write if you have comments, to Steve at s4d@hotmail.com. Please put "Lenny" in the subject line. Thanks and love! Steve
Bottom line: Love will Rule in the end.