Mentoring, Chapter 4
As Aidan had predicted, Sara Dickinson greeted their news without a single discouraging word. In fact, she was quite cordial.
"I take it your relationship has evolved since the official end of the mentoring period," she said.
"Yes. I hope you don't think I'd let my emotions overrule my sense of ethical behavior," Aidan responded.
"I have no doubt you've done everything by the book. In fact, I wonder if you possibly over-compensated by holding Neil to a standard that was unrealistically high."
"He did have high expectations, but he was never unrealistic," Neil commented. "I'm glad he didn't let me slide by. I know I'm a better teacher for his guidance."
"It's good that you've learned from him. He has an excellent reputation with his students as well as his colleagues. Starting the karate club has helped the self-esteem of a number of students, and cut down on bullying. He's topnotch.
"Well, now that we've established that nothing unethical has transpired, let me offer my best wishes, and hope you'll find happiness together. Thank you for letting me know about your budding romance so I didn't hear it first from the gossip mill. The teachers' lounge can be a hotbed of rumors. If someone decides to `enlighten me' about your status, I can smile and exclaim how pleased I was to congratulate you both, instead of looking surprised."
Many things moved rapidly for the rest of the term. From the time they returned from break, they never slept alone again. There were no petty arguments or misunderstandings between them, as they had once feared might occur. Neil's underwear wasn't strewn around the bedroom unless it had been thrown there by Aidan in his haste to get him naked.
Due to a shortage of reasonably-priced rental units, Neil was able to break the lease on his apartment with his landlord's blessing. He got his deposit back, and he didn't have to pay after April 30th.
In school, classes and activities seemed to speed up too. With term papers and projects due, the men were occupied with more grading to do in addition to preparing lessons. Since they had similar responsibilities, both understood when the other had things to do besides play around in bed.
Besides fulfilling their classroom obligations and hosting the weekly karate club which Aidan had started two years before, the two of them volunteered to help with spring track activities. They didn't have coaching endorsements for the sport, but their participation in timing and recording stats during meets, as well as being chaperones on team buses for away-activities, earned them gratitude from the staff and students. It was beneficial for Neil in establishing a greater rapport with a wider range of kids.
Even though Aidan wasn't his mentor now, officially, his guidance continued to be a positive influence.
Their periods of intense focus on school events made their breaks seem all-the-more rewarding. Sunday afternoons were "family time" reserved for total relaxation whenever possible.
Neither of them wanted to lose his all-over tan from spring break, so they tended to sun nude in the backyard as often as they could. Slathering each other with lotion frequently led to other activities, such as a stimulating round of frottage.
Occasionally, they would hold back to let their lust build up, making their eventual orgasms more forceful than usual, teasing and keeping one another on edge.
It was late in the day on one of those Sundays in mid-May, and they had been enjoying the warm sun in Aidan's private backyard when they heard the doorbell.
"It's probably some kid selling something for a fundraiser," Aidan grumbled as he put on his shorts. "They always come around dinner time on the weekend when they figure people are home. If it's anyone who'll be coming back here, I'll make plenty of noise so you can get decent too."
When Neil heard his lover's voice in conversation with someone else, he quickly dressed, just in case.
Minutes later, Aidan came out the sliding door from the kitchen with a teenager in tow. Neil recognized the boy but couldn't recall his name.
"Neil, you remember Jared Burnside who's been in karate club, don't you? He's set to graduate in a couple of weeks. Jared, I'm sure you know Neil McVey who helps with the club."
The two shook hands and nodded.
"Jared says there's a message from Ms. Weaver, his counselor, on my phone about him, and he'd appreciate it if we read it before we do anything else."
Jared stood nervously by one of the loungers, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, while Aidan and Neil sat together on the other one reading the text message.
"Aidan, please excuse me for interrupting your day off. This is an emergency situation, and I'll try to find another solution on Monday, but could you and Neil give Jared Burnside shelter for the night? His father threw him out this morning, and I just happened to run into him around noon at the supermarket where he works. He was very distraught, and he asked if I could help. For some reason, he couldn't get hold of his friends who might take him in. Since I live alone in a one-bedroom apartment, it wouldn't be proper for me to keep him overnight. I'll be glad to help pay for his meals while he's with you if you can bail him out. He's an excellent student and a trustworthy kid who needs a break. He says he knows you.
"Thanks, Marsha."
"So, may I ask what happened at home?" Aidan began. "I'm not trying to pry, but I suppose I need to know something so I'm not guilty of harboring a runaway."
"I'm 18, so you're off the hook on that," Jared said with a wan smile. "Here's the situation, straight-up, or maybe that's an ironic twist of phrase. My mother was going through my things checking for drugs. She's done this every once in a while, since I turned 14. No, I'm not a user, and I've never even taken a hit from a bong being passed around either. I admit I've had a few beers, but I'm not a drinker.
"Anyway, Mom found a note I thought I'd hidden well, and she went ballistic. It was kind of a love-note from Gabe Seyer. We've been seeing each other secretly since before Christmas. Well, I might have denied it was for me, but I couldn't do that to him. I really care for him.
"My mother was hysterical, but my father was even worse. He would have punched me around if I hadn't taken him down. I got off with only a slight bruise thanks to my karate training.
"I think maybe Bret or Caleb might let me live with them when I'm able to contact them. I know some of my friends' parents probably won't let me even couch-surf at their houses after my mother tells them I'm gay. Ms. Weaver said she would help me tomorrow, but she thought you might give me a place to stay for the night. The homeless shelters aren't open once the weather warms up, and I don't feel entirely safe sleeping in my car in the
Walmart parking lot after the shooting there last month, but that's an option.
"If you don't want a queer in your house, I'll head for Walmart. I promise not to do anything gay. I don't have any other options I can think of at the moment."
Aidan and Neil looked at each other and nodded, as they shared a nonverbal communication.
"We'd be pleased for you to stay here, if you don't mind sharing a house with a gay couple," Aidan smiled.
"But, you're not..."
"We are," Neil said. "We'd just as soon keep a low profile at school right now, but we're gay and we're living together."
"Awesome! Then you know how I feel."
"I understand completely. Aidan was fortunate to have parents who stood by him. I was cut off, and only recently reconnected with my maternal grandmother."
"Oh, thank you!" Jared exclaimed.
Neil hugged the tearful boy, and Aidan put an arm around both of them from the side.
"Well, first things first," Aidan said, shifting into a practical mode. "I'll text Marsha to let her know you're welcome here. She doesn't need to look for other solutions. There's a third bedroom that you may claim as yours. Do you have a lot of things in your car?"
"Not much. I was given a short span of time to grab all my stuff. I have my school books, laptop, and most of my clothes. I even remembered a jacket and my winter coat. My bicycle's hanging out of the trunk."
"I'll help you bring them in while Aidan's communicating with Ms. Weaver," Neil offered. "We can hang you bike in the garage with ours."
The two of them made quick work of moving Jared's meager possessions. Then they went into the kitchen where Aidan was making hamburger patties to grill.
"I hope you're not a vegetarian," Aidan grinned.
"Nope, I'm a confirmed carnivore," Jared answered. "Even if I weren't, beggars can't be choosers."
"But we would go out of our way not to offend a guest," Neil insisted.
Their meal was rather like a summer cookout, although they ate in the kitchen because the outside temperature had dropped as the sun descended into the west.
They continued to talk while clearing up from their meal. Jared pitched in to do what he could. He thanked them several times for their kindness.
After a while, Jared retired to the room they'd given him, and texted with Gabe. He learned that his mother had contacted Gabe's mother and accused her son of turning him gay. Gabe was already out to his parents, so it didn't cause him any problems. He thought maybe he could convince his parents to let them share his room, but now that Jared had a place to live, he was going to wait until they were comfortable with the idea that Jared and he were boyfriends before he broached the subject.
Jared took a shower before turning in, but lay awake for several minutes agonizing over his situation. The only redeeming factor in his day had been his acceptance by the two young teachers. He did feel fortunate for that! He had a roof over his head, and people in his corner. He could make it.
"Aidan, if I got a summer job, do you think..."
"We could sort of adopt Jared?" Aidan finished his sentence.
"I know it's your house, and I'm already sponging."
"Okay, look. You're not sponging, and I'm sure we can afford to feed and house Jared without having you work an extra job. I know it means a lot to you to help a good kid in the way you'd like to have been helped, so consider it done. I kind of indicated to Marsha that we might `adopt' him, but I wanted to clear it with you before I made a promise."
"You don't need my permission, but you have it, of course."
"I do need your consent. You're my partner. We're a team.
When it was time to go to bed, the men found that they were also on the same page about what they'd like to do before they went to sleep. Their playtime in the yard had be interrupted before it could come to its logical conclusion, so they shared a shower and made out for several minutes. It was a predictable progression from there to expressing their love in a more intimate way. Both went to sleep satisfied.
Jared was up early enough on Monday morning to help with breakfast. Aidan decided there was enough time to have waffles along with eggs and bacon, so he got out the box of Krusteaz mix and set Jared at that task. Jared had two waffles staying warm in the oven, and a third nearly ready to remove from the iron when Neil came in to join them. Jared offered the fresh one to them to split, since it was the hottest. They insisted he take it, and they would eat the other two.
When it came time to drive to school, the men told Jared he was welcome to ride with them to save on his gas bill. He would have been happy to take them up on their offer, but he needed to be at the grocery store soon after his classes were over. In the past, his part-time job had provided money for a few extras. Now, he'd be depending on it to survive.
Aidan and Neil carried their lunches to the counselors' suite at noon. It would give them an opportunity to discuss Jared's plight without having Marie privy to their conversation. They liked her, but she had a way of telling the world everything she heard, and then some.
Marsha had been exploring programs which might offer subsidies to help pay for Jared's housing and for help with tuition to the community college. The men suggested she put all her efforts into finding ways to pay for his education. They would be willing to have him live with them while he was getting on his feet.
"That'll be an answer to his prayers for sure," she responded. "He's a bright kid, and with a little help, he'll be a real asset to society. Thanks for doing this!"
"Hey, I have to," Neil replied. "I struggled in a similar way, and I still have loans to pay off, but a person needs an education to make it in life these days, and I want to help the next generation."
"What he said," Aidan grinned. "We can make this work."
Over his lunch, Jared discussed his problems with Gabe, Caleb, and Bret. All were quick to offer help where they could. Neither Bret nor Caleb needed their paychecks from the store as badly as he did, and they offered to talk to the manager about reducing their hours.
Jared thanked them, but said he'd already texted with their boss and would go full-time once he'd graduated. Being of age, he could legally work more hours than younger teens could. He would come in very early to help unload trucks and stock shelves and could still take a late schedule of classes at the community college. Since his housing needs were covered, he was certain he could make it.
Jared settled into his new home quickly. His "dads" doted on him, making him feel like he was a part of their family. They decided to have an open-house in honor of his graduation, but he didn't want them to go to all the trouble and expense.
"You guys have a lot of end-on-the-year stuff to deal with. Gabe's mother said she'd throw a joint party for him and me. His parents are fine with us being boyfriends."
"Okay, please give me their phone number so I can help with expenses. There's no reason not to make this the party of the season," Aidan quipped.
He made the call and insisted on splitting the bill. Emily Seyer was pleased to have the additional funds to buy some extras for the event. She ordered a cake with Jared's name on it that was identical in every other way to the one her son was getting.
Having plans in place for his graduation made Jared feel a lot better. He figured he would have to get used to the idea of not having any family, other than the one consisting of Neil and Aidan. He could adjust to that.
Just when he assumed this was the new normal, he received a phone call from his grandmother in Des Moines.
"Jared, aren't you graduating this year? If so, why didn't I receive an invitation?"
"Mother told me not to contact you again after she threw me out for being gay."
"She did what?"
"She found a note from my boyfriend and both my father and she went ballistic. I'm living with a couple of my teachers now."
"Hmm, this is all news to me. Is it still possible to make it to your ceremony? Jessica, Bill, and I want to be there. Will you have a party? I'll be happy to pay for it."
"Grandma, didn't you hear what I said? I'm gay."
"What does that have to do with anything? You're my grandson and I love you very much."
"Oh, Grandma. I'd love to have you come. The ceremony is at the US Cellular Center right in downtown Cedar Rapids. It's at 10:00 AM on Saturday and the party's in the afternoon. You all must come to both if you can.
"The guys I'm living with are helping pay for my party, so it's all taken care of. I hope you can be here!
"We'll be there," she promised.
Graduation day finally arrived. The seniors all looked sharp in their caps and gowns. Bret and Caleb looked especially impressive. Bret had always carried himself with confidence, and in the past couple of years, Caleb had matured into a young man who did the same.
Jared had recovered nicely from being disowned by his parents. He felt better having heard from his grandmother and finding that she was okay with his orientation. A new, more confident Jared openly held hands with Gabe as they waited for the ceremony to begin.
With the band playing "Pomp and Circumstance," the seniors made their way to their seats in the auditorium. Homeroom teachers were interspersed with their students, so Aidan and Neil didn't get to sit together.
After the short speeches by the seniors who had the top three grade-point averages, Dr. Dickinson took the microphone to recognize the achievements of various seniors. Several had been awarded Presidential Scholarship recognition, and some had been given full-ride scholarships to area schools.
Jared was totally blown away to hear that he was one of those lucky recipients. Since the announcement letter had gone to his parents' home, he had been completely unaware of it. It had been mentioned at the senior recognition night, but he'd missed that because of working at the store.
In the audience, Ms. Weaver made a quick note to let the university know he would accept it. She suspected his parents might be trying to sabotage his opportunity.
Backstage at the end of the ceremonies, Jared and Gabe hugged.
"Wow! You're gonna go to Iowa State with me!" Gabe exclaimed. "We need to get right on it and request to be roomies. It may take some arm-twisting to get it done if rooms have already been assigned, but my dad's a contributing alum, and he's got some pull."
"Being on the same campus will be a plus, even if rooming together doesn't pan out. I thought I'd be here going to Kirkwood and I'd lose you to one of those hot college boys in Ames."
"Either way, you weren't going to lose me," Gabe insisted. "I really care for you. Do you suppose I could sleep over with you after our party? Mom is a little uncomfortable about the idea of us sharing my bed just down the hall from their bedroom."
"I'll ask, but I'm pretty sure Aidan and Neil will be okay with it."
"I don't want to jeopardize your situation with them," Gabe said.
"You won't; believe me, they're very understanding."
Grandma, Aunt Jessica, and Uncle Bill found Jared as he stood in line behind the bleachers to get his official diploma insert with his name on it. They all hugged him amidst a few tears of joy.
Gabe's parents soon appeared, Jared made the introductions. He was barely finished when Aidan and Neil joined them, and he had to introduce them as well.
Gabe's mom, Emily, insisted that everyone come to their house for lunch. They could be first in line before other guests arrived at the party. She claimed to have enough food to feed a host of biblical proportions without a miracle.
For Jared, the event took on a special meaning by having at least some relatives in attendance. Grandma had put together a photo board with pictures of him as various stages of growing up. He hadn't expected that, and it was a real treat to have it side by side with the one Gabe's mom had made for her son.
In visiting with his family, he also learned his grandparents had put away money in a 529 plan for his college education. Along with his scholarship, this should cover most of his expenses. He would likely graduate with no student loans to pay off. The future looked brighter by the minute.
A few parties had been taken place before the ceremony. Among those was the joint party for Caleb and Bret at Caleb's house. Both mothers had gone all-out to make it a special event. Caleb's cousin, Vin, acted as the official greeter and junior host when the crowd got big enough that the graduates couldn't get to all the guests immediately. His family was extremely proud of how he ushered them in and made them feel welcome. Caen was his right-d man through it all.
Saturday night, Gabe and Jared shared Jared's bed. As he'd predicted, Aidan and Neil were pleased to accommodate them. It was their first time of sleeping together, and they made the most of it.
As a consequence, they slept late on Sunday morning.
Author's notes: Again, thanks to all who have sent emails of encouragement - Allen, Bill T, Tim T, Bill K, Gordon, Ray M, Jim M, John L, JCH, Hotrod, Tom A, Jim W, Steve C, Tony C, Scott M, JLF, Walter S, John L, Wayne, Don MacK, Joe W, Zero M, and Paul R. Your notes are my reward for writing.
Thanks to David and Tom for editing. I sometimes make last-minute changes, so don't blame them if you find some typos.
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