DISCLAIMER:
Please note that none of the characters in the story exist and the events that take place are purely imaginary. This is a detective story with sexual overtones. I hope that you like this as a piece of writing.
WARNING:
Do not read this story if you are in any way offended by acts of a homosexual nature.
Do not read this if you are under the legal age for accessing adult sites.
Always indulge in safe sex.
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Luke's Big Adventure
Chapter 24
Having left the campsite, all six friends had made their way to the city railway station, from where they would go their separate ways. Mike and Jake were due to leave first as they had the longest and most complicated journey between Malaga and Lisbon, which would take almost the whole day. On the other hand, the other four only had a relatively short journey by train to the airport. At the station, there was a group hug and then they broke into couples to say more personal goodbyes. As Mike and Jake went through the barrier to join the train, the other four stood and watched them go. As they boarded the train the pair turned and waved to their friends.
After the train had left, the remaining quartet went to find the train to the airport. Although they were all returning to England, Luke and Ahmad were travelling to Gatwick, as was Sam, but with different carriers and Jamie was flying to Luton. Nevertheless, they decided that once at the airport they would check-in and sit together in the departure area until their flight time. The waiting number slowly dwindled as each different flight was called and the friends hugged and promised to keep in touch. Ahmad made a special point of making sure that Jamie had his contact details. Because of his slow walking, Luke was given special treatment at boarding time, and this worked out.
The flight home was smooth and went without a hitch and, on landing, Luke had been asked to wait behind as a wheelchair had been ordered to help him through the airport. Initially, the teenager had been upset and wanted to refuse but when he realised the distance he would have had to walk he was pleased he had not let his pride get the better of him. Once they landed in Gatwick and had passed through immigration and customs, Luke asked the attendant pushing the wheelchair to let him walk out under his own power. Limping slightly, the teenager emerged into the arrivals area with Ahmad at his side and they quickly spotted that Luke's dad was there waiting to drive them home.
On the drive home, the teenagers chatted about the highlights of their holiday, although both knew that they would have to repeat much of what they had said to the rest of their family once they reached home. Ahmad felt confident enough to tell Robert Townsend about meeting Jamie and how excited he was that he would be in London if his A-level results were OK and would be able to see the young actor regularly. In reply to a question the teenager said that he thought Jamie's family name was Butler, but he did not know whether he had played any parts on stage or the broadcast media. Luke suggested that they might do an internet search when they got home, an idea that gained instant approval.
When they reached Luke's home, Ahmad's parents were already there waiting to greet their son on his return and they and Luke's mum stood in the doorway just as the car came to a stop. On seeing her son, Molly could see immediately that Luke was in some discomfort, but her efforts to elicit information from him were met with a refusal to talk. Putting this reluctance down to the presence of Ahmad and his parents, the issue was left hanging, but Molly was determined to probe deeper.
As soon as he was inside the house, Luke went to his room with Ahmad in close attendance. He immediately powered up his computer and did an internet search for Jamie. The results were a surprise. Even before he went to RADA, Jamie Butler had had roles in two television plays and a minor role in a West End production. The youngster had been very modest about his achievements but, knowing what he did now made Ahmad even more determined to keep in touch with Jamie. Still reeling from the information, the pair were summoned to the kitchen by Molly where a spread of food provided by her, and Ahmad's parents awaited them.
After lunch, Ahmad and his parents left and, before he could leave as well, Molly cornered her son and began to probe more deeply about the holiday and how Luke was feeling. Under this intense scrutiny, the teenager was forced to admit that the holiday had been much more difficult than he had expected. On the other hand, Luke asserted that he had enjoyed the holiday and talked about some of the highlights that he had enjoyed and finished by saying that taking all-in-all he was glad that he went. Molly could sense that there was more, but her son was not in the mood to talk about it. She simply asked,
`And did you all get on OK, no falling out?'
`No, mum, we all got on very well, no arguments at all and everyone was very supportive towards me, especially Jake, of course.'
Molly knew not to press her son any further, knowing that he would eventually tell her what was bothering him. Instead, she changed the subject and said,
`You have remembered that you have a hospital appointment on Monday afternoon, haven't you?'
Yes, mum,' Luke sighed before adding, it's only a regular check-up, no biggie.'
`I know but I thought maybe in the excitement of the holiday and next Thursday's exam results, you might have forgotten. Your dad is away that day, but I'll be able to take you to the hospital.'
`Thanks, mum. I hope you don't mind but I'm feeling a bit tired after today's journey, I think I'll go to my room and lie down for a bit. I'm hoping to message or chat with Jake and let him know I'm home safely.'
Molly nodded and tried to keep her concern at bay by tuning towards the kitchen and saying,
`I assume you'll still want more to eat later, so I'll leave something out for you, OK?
`Yes, thanks, mum.'
Luke knew that he ought to have told his mother about the pains he was feeling in his semi-paralysed side, but he wanted to speak to the doctors first. The excuse that he wanted to speak to Jake was not entirely disingenuous because he did want to see his boyfriend online. When he finally reached the American, he was in Lisbon in a room he was sharing with Mike. He looked very tired and so did Mike who leaned towards the camera to wave at his oldest friend.
`You look knackered, how was your journey?', Luke asked with concern.
`It was OK. Very long, lots of changes but we got here in the end. How was your journey, did everything go smoothly?'
`Yeah, it was good. I've had to run the gauntlet of mum's questioning, but I managed to survive that, too.'
`I expect I'll be in for something similar tomorrow. Can't wait to be back and to see you. Hope you don't mind but I'm going to bed now. See you tomorrow. Love ya!'
`Love ya, more!!'
`Not possible.'
Jake ended the call before Luke could respond. The teenager grinned, slid off the bed and found his way to the kitchen where the promised food was waiting for him. As he was carrying a plate back to his room, Luke's father appeared and said,
`I've just spoken to Mike's dad, and he says that he'll be leaving early tomorrow and pick up Jake and Mike about ten and be back well in time for lunch. He suggested you might like to go over there then to meet and greet them.'
`That sounds great. Thanks dad. I'm going to eat this and then go to bed so that I'm at my best for tomorrow.'
`Sure, sleep well, goodnight, Luke.'
The sun was shining brightly and there was still no sign of her son when Molly knocked gently on the door to his room. There was a reassuring grunt from inside as Luke acknowledge the sound.
`Morning, sweetheart, I thought I ought to wake you up as it's gone ten and you're expected at Mike's house soon. I've brought you some tea and toast to keep you going until you leave. I know you'll want to shower and get ready, but you need to eat something first. May I come in?'
`Of course, mum.'
Luke pulled the covers up the bed and sat up leaning against the pillows, and his mother noticed that he was looking infinitely better for the long sleep than he had the night before. The teenager looked at the tray she was carrying and said,
`Thanks, mum. You're the best!'
Luke quickly showered and dressed and carried the tray back to the kitchen a little unsteadily. His mother looked at him and said,
`Would you like your dad to run you round to Mike's?'
Although he knew that his mum was trying to be helpful, Luke inwardly seethed with resentment but managed to decline the offer politely,
`No thanks. I'd rather walk. It's good exercise and it's a lot less walking than I did most days on holiday.'
Molly nodded and watched as her son limped towards the door and walked slowly down the street.
As he approached Mike's house, Luke recognised Sam's car parked near his best friend's house. He knocked on the door and Mike's mum, Mary, opened the door and smiled warmly,
`Come on in, Luke. They're not home yet but I'm sure they won't be long. Sam's here as well. Come on through, he's in the garden. I'm expecting Scott, Kate, and Ethan to appear soon too.'
Luke walked slowly out into the garden and was greeted by Sam, who was beaming broadly. The pair sat and chatted about their experiences of the flights home, but their talk was interrupted when Mary called to them to say that her husband's car was just coming up the road. The trio came out onto the front lawn and watched as George Porter parked his car and he, Mike and Jake got out. With what seemed like perfect timing, Jake's family appeared in the drive at the same time. A combination of family and friends joined in mutual hugging and greeting before Mary Porter ushered them all into the house and through into the garden where they were joined by Mike's sisters.
Food was quickly produced and laid out on a trestle table and Ethan led the charge to get there first. He was quickly followed by the other youngsters and lastly by the adults. Everyone sat on the chairs provided or on the grass and conversation flowed freely with each of the returnees talking about their personal highlights of the holiday. Among the group, Luke remained surprisingly quieter than normal, but this was put down to the fact that he was tired.
The most excited person at the party was, undoubtedly, Ethan who was torn between wanting to receive attention from Mike's sisters on the one hand and that of his brother and Luke on the other. In both endeavours he was partially successful. The girls enjoyed his company as it distracted them from having to listen to the stories from the holiday their brother had just returned from. Jake and Ethan were enjoying the conversation, but Ethan was determined to annoy his brother and win Luke's attention as much as was possible. In the end, Jake lost his temper and aimed a swipe at Ethan which missed but did not prevent the youngster from falling onto the grass and complaining loudly. Jake's dad, Scott, had witnessed the whole event and admonished both brothers over their behaviour. This quietened the matter down but once it began to bubble up again, Scott decided that they should return home. After they had left, Mike's sisters and their parents also went indoors, leaving the teenagers and Sam alone.
The quartet chatted for a short while longer before they broke into pairs. Jake had noticed that his boyfriend had hardly spoken during the earlier conversation looked at Luke with concern,
`Are you OK? Are you worrying about Thursday?'
Luke gave a half-smile acknowledging the American's concern and then said,
`I'm OK, really but it's a big week for me. I have a hospital appointment tomorrow and then the exam results on Thursday.'
`I see. I don't think you have anything to worry you about Thursday, but would you like me to come to the hospital with you tomorrow.'
`No thanks, Jake. My parents are coming, and I don't want a crowd. I'll speak to you once I get back or you could come back with me now and we could hang out at my place.'
Jake shook his head sadly before saying,
`I'd love to, but I think I ought to spend some time with my parents.'
Accepting the argument and fully appreciating the sentiment Luke leaned forward and gave his boyfriend a big hug and kissed him on the lips and whispered,
`I do love you so much.'
Jake had responded similarly and then they parted.
As he walked slowly home, Luke realised that there was more he ought to have said and so he suspected did Jake, but both chose not to take the matter further. In part, Luke's reticence was due to the fact that although he knew in theory what the right thing was for him to do, he had yet to be convinced. His reasoning was sound insofar as it went but he needed time to formulate precisely what he believed he needed to do.
The following day, Luke went to the hospital for his appointment. He turned down his parents' offer to join him in the consulting room and entered alone. The consultant looked up and smiled in greeting,
`Hello, Luke. Good to see you again. How have you been. I understand you've managed to go on holiday.'
Luke nodded and replied slowly, keen to get his points across as clearly as he could,
`On the whole I think I'm doing OK, but I don't seem to be making as much progress as I had hoped. I enjoyed my holiday and wouldn't have wanted to miss it, but I did find it very tiring.'
The consultant nodded and then said,
`According to what I've heard from your old swimming coach and from the physiotherapists you are making slow but steady progress, and you are much better than you were. As far as the holiday is concerned, yes, you probably did do more than you should, and you got tired easily but look at it as a major step in the right direction. Anyway, I'll quickly examine you and then give my opinion.'
The consultant checked everything and then told the teenager to sit back down again.
`I fully agree with the reports I've received, you are getting better, but it will take time and I cannot promise you'll ever get fully fit again. I know that may be disappointing, but you will see great improvement over the coming months, I'm sure.'
Luke acknowledged the comment with a slight nod of resigned acceptance and then shifted awkwardly in his chair a movement that the doctor picked up on immediately,
`Is there something else you wanted to ask about?'
`Yes, there is. Over the last few weeks, I've been feeling quite strong bouts of pain in the paralysed area of my body. I didn't think that was possible.'
`I see. Well, I don't want to get your hopes up, but it might be a sign of some higher degree of recovery than I would have expected. As we aren't entirely sure what caused the collapse in the first place, it has been difficult for us to know how best to treat you and how far you might recover. So, it could be a good sign that things are moving in a positive direction. On the other hand, it could be what is sometimes called "phantom pain" where your brain sends pain signals to you from parts of the body that are no longer capable such feelings. A good example would be someone feeling pain from an arm after it has been amputated. So, I suppose, I would have to say, we don't know what the cause of the pain is, but I suggest you monitor it, and I'll ask the physios to keep an eye on it as well and then we'll review everything at our next check-up. Of course, if you need to see me before then, don't hesitate to ask for an appointment. Is that OK?'
Luke took a moment to take in all the doctor had said and then said,
`Yes, thank you, doctor.'
The consultant stood up and walked to the door with Luke by his side. At the entrance the doctor shook the teenager's hand and said,
`Well, goodbye, then and I look forward to seeing you again soon and, by the way good luck with your results on Thursday.'
When he re-joined his parents, Luke gave them a summary of what had happened but skirted round the pain issue by saying the minimum he thought he could get away with. He knew that his parents would be supportive and would also ensure that he got an earlier appointment if it was needed but he, like they, did not to get over optimistic.
Luke knew that Jake would be anxious to learn what had happened, so he called him as soon as he got back home to his room. The American was given more information than Luke had told his parents and reacted with a mixture of sympathy and enthusiasm,
`Hey, that sounds awful as far as the pain goes but if it signals life coming back to your paralysed side that would be amazingly great. No pain, no gain, I suppose, huh.'
Luke grinned at his boyfriend's enthusiasm and responded,
`I'd much rather have the gain without the pain, thank you.'
`Sure, you would but let's take what we can. I don't think I'll be able to meet you for the next couple of days as my mom's sister is in London and we are going to meet her there. However, I'll be back on Thursday for the results. In any case I'll talk to you all the time I'm away. Love you so much.'
`Love you more. I'll give you details of plans for celebrating the results tomorrow. Love you even more than a second ago.'
`Love you ...'
Jake's final words were cut off as Luke's phone battery died.
There was a knock on the door and Molly called to her son to say that Mike was there. Luke asked her to send him to his room and opened the door to welcome him. Like Jake, Mike listened to Luke's account of his hospital visit, which omitted the question of the pain he had endured during the holiday and took an equally positive spin on it. However, he explained that he had another reason to visit on top of getting the medical update,
`I chatted to Ahmad earlier and we thought it would be good if we all met on Thursday somewhere quiet in town and opened our results together. You and Jake go to a different school from him and me, but we could all have the dubious pleasure of opening them together. I'll have mine sent by email and the rest of you could bring your unopened envelopes. What do you say?'
`Mike, it sounds like a great idea. The four of us have got so close over the last year and it would be amazing to share the moment. Count me in! I'll contact Jake who is visiting his aunt in London and tell him the details once we agree a time and a place.'
A few moments later Mike called back and told Luke that he had agreed with Ahmad that the little café at the far end of the beach was a good location. Their friend had suggested that we meet at 11 which will give you, Jake, and him time to collect their results and for us all to get to the venue. Mike also reported that Ahmad had heard from Jamie several times since they both got back. Before he ended the conversation Mike asked if Luke was missing Jake and asked if he would like a visit.
Luke said that he was missing the American but could not meet up with Mike because he had a physiotherapy session booked within the hour and would then be going on to do some swimming training. Luke added that he planned to do the same the following day but was looking forward to seeing everyone for the results meeting the day after that.
To outsiders, Luke and Jake seemed like an ideal couple. They were both role models in their own way. They had experienced good times as well as bad. They were polite, hard-working, and honest. Naturally, they had their faults, everybody did, but these were minor blemishes. Nevertheless, Mike's comment about missing Jake had prompted the teenager to think more deeply than usual about his relationship with his boyfriend. Luke had no doubt that he loved Jake and that he could see them sharing the future together. On the other hand, there were things that Jake did that irked him, not least the feeling that the American was always wanting to `mother' him, especially since his illness. It was, Luke knew, a good trait, but he sometimes wished that Jake would be more selfish.
At time as Luke was thinking about him, the American was also thinking about Luke. If he had been honest, he would have said that he was glad to have the two days in London because, although he loved Luke with all his heart, he also found the British teenager annoying. Luke could be moody even before the illness, but it had got worse and sometimes frighteningly so. In addition, Luke could be secretive as he was at the moment. Jake knew that Luke had not told him everything he was feeling or thinking, and he wished he would share his thoughts more openly. Jake hoped that his boyfriend would be more forthcoming after they had got their exam results. Jake resolved that the next time they were alone he would have a frank conversation with his lover and clear the air.
Luke had reached much the same conclusion about being more open with Jake at the earliest opportunity, but he was unsure how his boyfriend would react to what he wanted to say. The holiday had brought home to the British teenager how much of a struggle he was facing and the need to concentrate on physiotherapy and training exercises would only add to the pressure. He also realised that, always assuming he did well enough, going to university in a couple of months was too much of a challenge to add to what he was already facing. It had taken Luke a while to come round to this conclusion, one that he was reluctant to accept, but with exam results imminent, he could not put it off any longer. He had only one realistic choice which was to defer his place until the following year. What was holding him back from saying all this was how Jake would react. The American had been genuinely loving and supportive, but Luke did not want to force him into postponing entry just because of his decision.
It was not only Jake but also Luke's parents that would be affected by Luke's decision and the teenager knew that he ought to have discussed everything with them before finally making up his mind even though he knew they would support his decision. In the end, he decided that he would announce his decision to Jake and to his parents immediately after they returned from the results reveal meeting. He would also tell Mike and Ahmad of his decision immediately afterwards.
Luke was glad that his schedule of training and physiotherapy kept him fully occupied over the next couple of days. The British teen's parents put his unusual reticence to talk much to them was a down to anxiety over his exam results even though they were confident that he had nothing to worry about. Molly and Robert were relieved when Jake called round on his return from London and his visit seemed to cheer their son up. After a few moments of chat, the teenage pair disappeared into Luke's room where they hugged and kissed.
`I've missed you!' exclaimed Luke as he ground his body against that of his lover.
Mmm, yes. I can feel you have', giggled Jake in reply, and I've missed you too.'
Luke ran his hand down between the two of them and cupped the American's obvious erection and gave it a squeeze. Jake pulled away to give his lover better access and the invitation was taken up and the eager Brit unzipped his partner's jeans. Luke dropped to his knees with some difficulty but succeeded in pulling down the American's clothes exposing his rock-hard cock. Without a moment's hesitation, Luke stuck out his tongue and licked the circumcised head before teasing the piss-slit and then taking most of the dick deep into his mouth. Luke allowed the cock to slide out between his lips making a loud plop and looked up with a grin at his horny boyfriend. Leaning against the end of his bed for balance enabled the teenager to use both hands to play with Jake's balls, and inch his fingers towards his hole. Jake began to face fuck his lover and held Luke's head firmly as he thrust in and out of the welcoming mouth and throat. Luke had managed to push two fingers into Jake's hole and each time they grazed his prostate the American's dick throbbed and spat pre cum onto the British teen's tongue and throat. Looking down, Jake could see Luke's cock was also spewing a stream of pre cum and he indicated that he wanted to change positions. He pushed his boyfriend onto his back and then straddled over him, greased his hole with some of Luke's pre cum, and slowly lowered himself on the British teen's rigid cock. Looking down with a broad smile, Jake began to slide up and down his partner's shaft. Each time he reached the point when he was fully impaled, the American's prick slapped against Luke's torso and the British teen tried to catch hold of it, but the faster Jake rode up and down, the harder it became for Luke to keep hold of the flopping cock. Luke knew he was losing control, and his shaft began to throb uncontrollably inside his lover. Jake tightened his arse muscles and gripped the cock as tightly as he could and, unable to hold back any longer, Luke splattered cum deep inside the welcoming hole. As soon as the dick inside him began to deflate and pop out of his hole, Jake inched up over Luke's chest and the British teen leaned forward to take the prick between his lips. The horny American slid deeper inside his boyfriend's mouth and twitched as Luke found the sensitive underside of his cockhead and piss slit with his tongue. The British teenager felt his lover's slit widen and he was rewarded as volleys of spunk shot into the back of his mouth and down his throat. Jake kept his cock in Luke's mouth until it became too sensitive, and he had to withdraw. The teenagers slumped back against each other fighting to recover their breath. When he finally could speak, Luke said with a wide smile.
`Wow!! You should go away more often!!'
`Nah, I miss you too much when I do!! I never ever want to leave you; it breaks my heart when we're apart. I love you sooo much!!'
Luke nodded and replied,
`Love you even more!!!'
On later reflection, Luke realised that this moment of mutual contentment had offered him an opportunity to talk frankly with Jake about his concerns over going to university later in the year. However, he did not do so either because he was secretly hoping that Jake would postpone entry to university as well or because he was still having doubts about the wisdom of what he had decided. It might have been possible that this was the opportunity for Luke to have discussed the matter not only with Jake but also with his parents, but the opportunity disappeared without him doing so.
Although he would have liked to spend the night with his boyfriend, Jake announced that he intended to go home as his dad had agreed to take him and Luke to the school to collect their results the following morning. The four teenagers had already told their parents of their plan to open them together at the café that Mike had organised but had also promised to call them immediately after to stop them agonising more than necessary.
The teenagers got dressed again and walked down towards the door past the kitchen where Molly and Robert were having a late-night drink. As they walked back, Luke's mum called out,
`Good luck for tomorrow, Jake. I'm sure you'll do well.'
Thanks, ma'am', Jake replied politely, I hope I do well and, if I do, it will be in no small measure down to Luke's help and support.'
Luke grinned but shook his head,
`Nah, mate, you worked really hard and I'm sure you'll get the results your efforts deserve!'
Well, either way, you lads will know for certain in the morning', Robert Townsend added, I've got my fingers crossed for both of you.'
`Thanks, Dad.'
`Thanks, sir', Jake said and made his way to the door.
The teenagers walked in silence to the gate where they stopped, leaned in towards each other, hugged and kissed deeply intil Jake finally broke away and walked slowly home. Luke stood at the gate watching his boyfriend retreat into the distance and only turned to go back inside once Jake had turned round, waved, and disappeared into the next road.
Back in the house, Luke returned to the kitchen and joined his parents and sat chatting with them. Once again, the opportunity to discuss his intentions was missed. Shortly after, he hugged his parents, who offered words of support and encouragement,
`You know how proud your father and I are of what you have achieved so far and the way in which you have dealt with your illness. We love you so very much and know that you will get the results your hard work deserves.'
Luke murmured that he appreciated the unwavering support he had received from his parents and expressed the hope that he would make them proud.'
Reassured that they were already proud of him, Luke went back to his room and got ready for bed. He did not sleep well as his mind was whirring with the implications of his big decision along with anxiety over the results of his exams.
The following morning, Luke was up early and came into the kitchen where his parents were already having breakfast. Molly offered her son some cooked food, but he said he only wanted a piece of toast and a cup of tea. Although he drank the tea, he merely fiddled with the bread and, in the end, left half of the slice uneaten.
Molly gave Luke a comforting hug and said to him,
`I understand how you feel. It's an anxious moment, but, as I told you last night, your dad and I are confident that you will do very well.'
`Thanks for being so confident on my behalf and thanks for all your love and support over the years.'
Molly fought back a tear as she broke away from the hug and Robert stepped forward and took her place. Hugging his son he said,
`Good luck, Luke. I know you've done everything you can and that you will do very well. Don't forget to let as know as soon as you and your other friends have shared your results, we're as keen to know as you are.'
`Thanks, dad. I won't forget to phone and then Jake, Mike and I will walk back here together straight afterwards.'
Just at that moment there was the toot of a horn in the drive and Luke walked towards the door with his parents. He opened the door and, as he stepped outside, his parents called out,
`Good luck Luke and you, too, Jake. See you later.'
With a cheeky grin, Luke turned and said to his parents with mock solemnity,
`Well, one thing you can't say today is that the condemned man ate a hearty breakfast, can you?'
Molly smiled weakly and said,
`Get in the car, Luke and no more gallows humour. You're going to do well we all know it. Get off now and we'll see you later. You can always call if you want your dad to pick you up.'
`Thanks, again, mum, but I expect we'll walk, it's not that far.'
With a wave, Luke got into the back seat of the car and waved to his parents as Scott drove him and Jake away to get their exam results.
When they arrived at the school, the teenagers got out, thanked Jake's dad, who wished them both good luck and reminded his son to call with his results as soon as he could. Jake nodded an acknowledgement and waved to his dad as he drove away and then he and Luke walked through the gates and towards the school's main hall from where they would collect their results envelopes. All around the building there were small groups of students comparing results, some looking surprised, others elated, and a few looked disappointed. The school secretary was standing behind a table on which envelopes were grouped in alphabetical order. Smiling at the two teenagers, she handed them each their envelopes and said, somewhat mechanically,
`Well done. Congratulations on your results.'
As they turned away, several of their friends were nearby by and called them over. One of the boys said,
`Amazingly I got two B's and a two C's, so I'm off to Oxford Brooks. Jen over there got 3 A's and a B but Martha didn't do so well, she got 3 C's and a D.'
`You've done great, and so did Jen but I'm sorry about Martha, should we go over to her?' said Jake and Luke nodded in agreement.
`She's a bit upset but maybe a pair of cheery faces will give her a lift.'
`OK, we'll give it a try', said Luke and he and Jake sauntered over to where Jen and Martha were standing. The contrast between the two was obvious one was looking ecstatic, the other as if she wanted the earth to open and swallow her.
Jake put on his best smile and said,
`Hey, guys, well done Jen and hard luck Martha. What happens now?'
Jen looked sheepishly back and said,
`I've got a place at LSE.'
Martha mumbled a reply,
`I think I'll do some re-takes unless I get a place somewhere decent in the Clearing system.'
Luke intervened and said,
`That sounds like a good idea. There may be some good courses available through Clearing but of not then re-takes are a good idea.'
Martha mumbled her unenthusiastic reply,
`Suppose so.'
Jen intervened,
`So, how did you two do? Brilliantly, I suppose.'
Jake shook his head and replied,
`We haven't opened our envelopes yet we're meeting Luke's oldest friend and one of his swimming club friends both of whom go to other schools from us and we intend to open our envelopes with them.'
`Oh. Right', said Jen looking somewhat nonplussed.
Jake took the opportunity of the pause in the conversation to suggest that he and Luke should be getting off to meet their friends. It was a good twenty- minute walk to the café, longer with Luke being so slow, and they would be late if they didn't get going.
The pair walked slowly out through the school gates, possibly for the last time, and made their way to their rendezvous with Mike and Ahmad.
To be continued.
I hope you liked this story. If you would like to hear about the continuing adventures of Luke, Mike, and Jake and their partners, let me know.
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Rose but only use the current email address cutrose406@gmail.com
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