In the following story, all of the characters are totally fictive and the setting is real. For whomever it would be illegal, immoral or prohibited for any other reason whatsoever to read a story about love between two young men is kindly requested to refrain from continuing. A free picture album illustrating this story (pdf) is available upon request at maringiustinian@gmail.com. Please remember to help Nifty stay online by sending your contributions. This being said, I hope you enjoy the tale.
NEVER BY CHANCE
by Marin Giustinian
Winchester England, then Patmos Island in the Aegean
June 1990
Authentic angels are companions who see and understand us better than we do ourselves. They are usually embodied in human flesh, gifted with the power of passion and lust, oblivious to the fact that they are actually messengers of the Almighty.
Adam Winslow, barely eighteen, was graduating from the Winchester Boys School. He was one of the few lads who loved going to chapel. Now that he was admissible to college, he elected to study theology at Winchester University in the autumn.
Ever since the age of fourteen, he had developed a passion for John of Patmos, Christ's preferred and youngest disciple. Now that he was in between school obligations, he expressed the desire to visit the island where Saint John was supposedly exiled by the Romans and there, dictated the Book of Revelation to his young scribe. Adam often imagined and envied the young scribe devotedly seizing the words of the disciple Christ loved.
Adam and his father, Thomas, adored each other. Adam knew that he could talk about any and everything with his Dad. As graduation approached they spoke about his 'pilgrimage' to Patmos. As a fervent yet very liberal, open-minded Anglican, Thomas congratulated his boy and readily agreed to finance the trip, secretly hoping that the adventure would confirm his vocation as a future minister.
Spring eased into a splendid summer. Adam finished school with the headmaster's personal congratulations.
Several days later he boarded a direct flight to Athens, landed, and took a taxi to his hotel in the Piraeus, the port town on the outskirts of the city. There he spent the night, and on the following morning, Monday, July 1, 1991, at ten he embarked on the ferry to Patmos. During the eight hour crossing on the crowded ship, he left his rucksack on his reserved seat inside and found a nice spot outside to sit, dream, reading his notebook, and contemplate the fleeting wake of the ship, never thinking a single second that it was irresponsible to leave his belongings unattended.
As the ship was mooring in the port town of Patmos, Skala, Adam went to fetch his rucksack. It was no longer on the seat where he had left it. He panicked, desperately running up and down glancing everywhere to see if he spotted his sack. Passengers were milling everywhere. He caught the attention of a steward who said he could do nothing. Adam still had with him his waist pouch belt containing his passport, money, travellers cheques, and a little leather bound notebook and pen. That was it.
So there he was, standing on the landing pier, feeling totally distraught and helpless. Adam prayed all the saints and angels in heaven to fly to his rescue. That's when he spotted a young vendor of artisanal jewellery on the quay. Something made him feel that the young man could be of help.
"Do you speak English?" inquired Adam with a shaky voice.
The vendor replied, "Yes, need help?"
"Can you tell me how to get to the police station?"
"Got real problems?"
"My sack was stolen on the ferry. I don't know what to do. All I have with me is in this pouch, my papers and money."
"Good! At least you have that. Money? Travellers' Cheques?"
"Some drachmas and Thomas Cook cheques. Why?"
"Police hate vagabonds, hippies. If you can pay your way, that's okay. You look decent enough. The police station's not far. I'm closing down now. It's on my way. Wait until I finish folding my display and then I'll take you there."
As they walked, Theo Ioannou introduced himself, saying he had lived with his mother in London from the age of six to fifteen. His mother had worked in a Greek restaurant in Islington, ran by her brother.
Adam also learned that he and his mother had left London to take over his grandmother's tiny restaurant by the old fishing port in Skala. Both hated life in London and were glad to be back to civilisation, as he said. He also was proud to say that he dived for sea glass and made string pendants that he sold to people getting off the ferry or queuing up to board.
Adam introduced himself in turn by saying that he had finished high school and was travelling to Patmos because of its reputation of being a holy island.
"Are you a pilgrim?"
"I guess you could say so."
"I'm not a religious person, but I prefer pilgrims to tourists. Tourists are good clients, but they leave trash, make prices rise, and usually are arrogant with us. Pilgrims are better behaved. I'll take care of you," calmly stated Theo, looking at Adam with sincere compassion. "Don't worry, we'll find a solution!"
Adam melted, relieved, uttering, "Bless you, Theo. You're my angel."
Theo laughed, "Angel? Maybe, but I really don't think so. I just believe in helping a brother in need."
Adam introduced himself to the police officer and with the help of Theo, explained his problem.
The officer replied in rudimentary English, "You lucky to meet Theo. Good man. Many thieves work on ferry. Always keep things with you."
Then the officer gave him a form and invited them to take a seat at a small desk to fill it in.
Theo grabbed the pen and said, "I'll fill in the form in Greek. What's your full name and address? Your passport number? The colour and brand of your rucksack? It's contents?"
When this was done, the officer took Adam's deposition and told him that there was only a very slim chance that his belongings would ever show up but if they did, they would contact his home in Winchester. Adam thought that was rather silly, but he understood... He thanked Theo and said he must find a place to sleep and then go shopping for clothes and toiletries.
"It's late. You're welcome to come home with me. I can lend you clothes and then help you shop for new ones tomorrow."
"I don't want to impose."
"Don't be silly. You're not imposing. I'm inviting you! You need me and I like you. Simple, no? Come on."
Adam was impressed by Theo's directness. There was no hesitation, no second thought. Following Theo, Adam felt a new, warm sensation deep inside, something genuine he had never felt before.
On their way along the waterfront to the old port where Theo lived, Adam inquired, "You seem to be well known by the police."
"Here, everybody knows everybody. By tomorrow morning, everybody will know what happened to you too! Ha!"
They chatted all the way, walking together to the far end of the fishing port.
"Will your family be surprised that you bring a foreigner home with you? Mine would think I'd gone mad!"
"Listen, I have my own separate room. My father's dead. That's why my mother left to join her brother in London. My father was a fisherman. He stayed drunk all the time. During a squall at sea, he fell off his boat and drowned. Once we moved back here, I didn't even know how to read and write Greek. Only English. But now, no more school for me. Two years ago, when I was just sixteen, I made my own business. I'm a lucky boy. I've got a good room of my own, with a toilet and running water. Mum's doing a great job with her mother's little restaurant. I help her every night washing dishes and sweeping the floor. My room's way large enough for two, that is, if you don't mind sharing my big bed."
"I don't mind at all sharing the bed of an angel."
Theo laughed, tapped Adam on the back and asked, "Why do you always say I'm an angel?"
Adam pondered the question an instant, shrugged, and stuttered, "I don't know..."
The two lads walked into Jacinta Ioannou's small restaurant. Theo introduced Adam to his mother. She looked at him up and down, then opened her arms giving Adam a very warm hug, uttering "Poor boy! I'm ashamed of the Greeks. Theo will take good care of you."
Suddenly Adam had an instinctive reflex of gratitude. He bowed his head with his hand on his heart and simply said, "Thank you very much!"
"In Greek we say 'Efharistó' for thank you."
Adam repeated. Jacinta caressed his smooth cheek. He was adopted.
"Come on. Let's wash up. Follow me!"
Theo was like a whirlwind. Adam was having problems keeping up. Above all, he didn't want to make a blunder, misbehave, or offend his angel.
Theo led Adam outdoors explaining that his mother lived in the flat adjacent to the restaurant. They went to the backside of the building and climbed the narrow stairs to the roof which was, in fact, a terrace surrounded by a low wall about four feet high. A spacious single room had been built up there, occupying about half the space. That's where Theo lived.
Theo opened the door inviting Adam to enter. The room was well lit by two large windows, one with view onto the terrace and further beyond, the port. Theo's work table was under the window and on the other side of the door, there was a sink on the wall with running water. Against one wall, a blue chest of drawers stood under a window with view on the sea. On the other side stood a tall wooden wardrobe also painted blue. Facing the door was the double bed with a small desk, bedside lamp and chair. On the other side, a narrow door lead into a toilet. The walls were whitewashed; a single light bulb with an enamalled shade above it dangled in the centre. That was it.
The lowering sun cast a golden hue inside. Everything was sparkling clean and tidy. Adam immediately felt at ease. Theo must have felt it.
"Adam, you seem less tense. I'm glad!"
"I envy your 'penthouse'. May I use your toilet?"
"Help yourself."
"Efharistó," Adam replied, proud of his Greek.
"Well said!" laughed Theo.
When Adam came back out, he found Theo naked on the terrace with a towel over his arm.
"Let's wash up for dinner, get good and clean," stated Theo as he turned on the water of the hose.
Fearing to offend Theo, Adam reluctantly obeyed, undressed, and joined his host. Theo handed Adam a soap bar and held the hose spout over his head. He shivered, exclaiming, "Do my back and I'll do yours afterwards!"
Adam giggled as he lathered up Theo's backside. Then he walked around up front. Theo handed him the hose, beamed, and raised his arms. Adam took the hose and sprayed Theo up front. He lathered Theo's wispy pits, his chest, belly, and hesitated continuing on down to his cock and balls. Adam glanced at Theo. Theo nodded. When Adam had finished he rinsed Theo, frontside and back, admiring his soft olive tanned skin, his refined muscles, his well proportioned body, his perfect cock, elegantly erect, gleaming, dripping in the sun.
"That was good, Adam, really good! Now your turn!"
Theo took the hose from Adam's hand and sprayed. Adam yelped, shivered, and laughed waiting to be scrubbed. He didn't wait long. Theo lathered, scrubbed and massaged Adam's back and front, from face to ankle. Adam laughed and squirmed as Theo's vigorous hands did their job, cock and all. It was delightful for Adam. He had never felt so alive in his life. Never had he received such generous attention, enjoying the way Theo was enjoying washing him too, in all simplicity.
After abundantly rinsing each other, they towelled each other off and rushed back into the room. Theo threw himself on the bed, exclaiming, "You are a wonderful friend, Adam, and the best looking fellow I know, so white and blond and delicate looking, better than a beautiful girl! I really feel great!"
Adam replied, as he began picking up his clothes off the floor, "You flatter me. I enjoyed it myself!"
"Leave those dirty clothes. I'll run a machine!" shouted Theo, jumping off the bed.
Adam didn't move. Theo opened his cabinet, and took out a black T-shirt and a pair of faded jeans tossing them on the bed.
"For you."
"Thank you... and underwear?"
"No underwear. Useless. I wash everyday."
Adam had never dared go 'commando' but had often wanted to. He wiggled himself into the jeans, stuffed his still plump, uncut cock inside, and buttoned up.
"You really do look better like that!" declared Theo.
"You say that because we dress alike."
"You'll see that the fellows on the island are all dressed like that. You now look like a native!"
When they entered Jacinta's restaurant, Adam felt like a prince beside his brand new best friend.
Jacinta gave them both a thumbs up. The regular client with whom she was talking asked her who was with her son. She was proud to say he was an English lad her son had saved.
Theo led Adam to his table in the back of the kitchen already set for two. While he served their plates, Adam breathed in the spicy unknown scents that filled the kitchen. It seemed that every passing moment was full of new delights, new surprises. He sat there, silent, his eyes halfway closed savouring the joys of his plight. It could have been worse; it couldn't be better!
"You okay?" inquired Theo.
"I'm great!" replied Adam looking down at the plate of food on the table in front of him. Theo filled Adam's glass with icy retsina wine. After filling his, they raised their glasses in a silent toast, winked, smiling at each other. Adam took a sip and was surprised by the taste, then licked his lips, and drank some more. Theo beamed gazing at him across the table.
At the end of the meal, Theo asked Adam to tell him about his life in Winchester.
"There's not much to tell. My father is a private dental surgeon and my mother is his secretary. They are very open and loving. I have an older sister, already married. I was good at school, I'm supposed to study theology at the university, but I still don't know what I really want to do later. One of my reasons for coming here was to try to understand myself better. I think that's all.
"Do you have a girlfriend?"
"I attended an all boys school and never looked for girls' companionship... nor, like most of my mates, their favours, if you see what I mean... In fact, I've never committed myself to anybody, male or female."
Saying that, Adam suddenley realised how alone he had been -- and the worst, never really realising it.
Theo broke the momentary silence saying, "Me neither. I'm not committed. I fucked a girl just before leaving London. To be honest it wasn't much fun. She said, 'Now you're mine for life,' and I said, 'Forget it!' She screamed at me so I left and never looked back. I'm finished with girls, at least for the time being. I'd rather stay happy and free like I am now."
Adam listened. Their eyes locked. After a few seconds, Adam managed to utter, "I've never fucked, but I think I would feel like you..."
Theo simply winked as a reply. Adam winked back, never lowering his eyes. Then they both smiled. Theo stood and began cleaning up their table.
"I've got to do the restaurant dishes for mother."
"Can I help?"
"Of course!"
While they were doing the job, Theo said, "Tomorrow we shop for clothes at the fisherman's cooperative. Good, no-nonsense clothes, and inexpensive as well."
"I need a toothbrush, basic toiletries, a brush, and stationary too..."
"We'll find everything. No problem. Tonight, we'll share my toothbrush."
Adam thought, sharing a toothbrush? Strange idea... Then he shrugged and said to himself, "Why not?"
It was a little after 10:00 PM when they finished sweeping the restaurant and setting the tables for breakfast the following morning. They both received a sweet hug from Jacinta. "Sleep well, boys. See you in the morning," she said walking with them to the door. Outside, the night was clear with a nearly full moon rising over the water. They climbed the stairs to Theo's 'penthouse', admired the view once more, and then went inside.
The heat of the day still lingered in the room. Both splashed their faces with water, brushed their teeth, and stripped. Theo threw back the sheet and fell on the bed, sprawled on his back. Adam slipped in beside him.
Not a word was said as they laid there only inches one from the other, eyes closed, erections rising. Theo restlessly shifted slightly to the middle, his hip touching Adam's.
Adam yawned slipping his leg against Theo's.
Theo turned his head towards Adam and sighed.
Adam opened his eyes to see Theo looking at him in the moonlight.
"Sleepy?" inquired Theo, whispering.
"No, and you?" whispered Adam with a slightly hoarse voice.
"Me neither"
Both cocks throbbed with each heartbeat. A transparent drop of slick leaked from Adam's glans. In the silent heat of the bed, they lightly nudged each other.
"I like you," stuttered Theo.
Adam caressed Theo's foot with his.
Theo touched Adam's hair, his moist lips glistening.
Adam pulled Theo against him. Their cocks collided, crossed, then crushed together as their plump lips met.
Instinct kicked in. They made out like mad, grinding and writhing with delight in each other's urgent grasps. Their tongues danced together.
Suddenly Adam tensed, shivering as his cock shot load after load of impatient cum. At that very instant, Theo's spewed into Adam's pubic curls. Their spontaneous orgasms took them both by surprise. They gasped, catching their breath, then laid there, never releasing.
Adam uttered, "I'm sorry... Please excuse me... I don't know what made me..."
"Sorry for what? That was wonderful! It happened to us both at the very same moment. If we stay hugging like that, we'll get cum-stuck together."
"I wouldn't mind," softly whispered Adam, giggling.
Giggling, Theo uttered, "Me neither."
Their lips tenderly sought each other's once more. A youthful scent of sweat and semen hovered in the air. Slanting moonlight flowed in through the window, gleaming on their love-splattered flesh.
Theo the Angel and Adam the Pilgrim fell asleep entwined. Monastery bells rang the midnight hour of beauty and peace.
Even a good hour after dawn, Theo woke, still enlaced. He carefully disengaged himself from Adam and went to the toilet. Adam turned, rubbed his eyes, and yawned as he came to his senses. He giggled, hearing the familiar tinkle of morning relief.
Theo returned to the bed.
"Good morning, Angel."
"Good morning, Pilgrim."
Theo seized Adam by his wrists and pulled him out of bed. Once on his feet, Adam squeezed his own penis, exclaiming, "It's urgent!"
Theo gave him an affectionate slap on the buttocks and headed out into the sun. Theo was rinsing off with the hose on the terrace when Adam hurried out to join him.
Two glistening youths, frolicked nude in the morning sun, teasing each other in the rainbow spray of the hose. Theo dropped the nozzle and tackled Adam. They both fell in the swirling puddle on the tiles, wallowing over each other like two slippery eels. Then suddenly came the kiss, both tender and tough, a kiss full of meaning, a kiss full of budding love.
Laughing, Adam asked, "Do you still like me?"
"I think so -- even a bit more than before!"
" I like you a lot too. You're my first best friend, Theo..."
"Really?"
"Really!"
Theo blushed, inquiring, "Hungry?"
"Starved!"
They dried each other off, ran inside, and dressed. Minutes later they gave Jacinta a kiss on the cheek and sat at their table in the kitchen.
"What do my two happy scoundrels want this morning?"
"Whatever you have, M'am."
"Theo eats an English breakfast..."
"A full English breakfast?"
"Yes! He's always hungry."
"Two English breakfasts then. Thank you!"
"You're welcome, darling. You make my son happy, so I'm happy too! I plan on spoiling you!"
Theo quipped back something in Greek. Jacinta laughed, winked at Adam and said, walking over to her stove, "Theo's jealous! Good for him!"
"Are you jealous about what your mother said?"
Shrugging, Theo replied, "Not really... I was joking. I'm glad she wants to spoil you, that way you won't go away!"
"I don't need her to make me stay!"
Theo reached over and gave Adam a gentle pat on the cheek.
Jacinta smiled as she set the pitcher of fresh orange juice on the table, and asked, "What kind of trouble are you two scamps getting into today?"
"We're going to get Adam some clothes and various things he needs this morning at the fisherman's store and this afternoon, I'll take him to visit the Cave of the Apocalypse, and after that I'd like to teach him how to dance the sirtaki, or maybe the tsamiko..."
"Sitarki! -- Tsamido's too hard to begin with. Remember, he's English," advised Jacinta.
"What do you mean, dance?" stuttered Adam, suddenly horrified.
"In Greece, menfolk and lads dance. We have fun dancing in the taverns. I love to dance the sirtaki. I must teach you. You must know how to dance when we go out and drink with friends!"
"He's right, you gorgeous sweet creature! You two together are a vision of heaven. Dancing a good sirtaki, older men will throw you coins, pay for your drinks!"
Theo stood and began a step, clicking his fingers. Adam's eyes gleamed.
"You see, it's easy," Theo said.
"Adam, love, how do you like your eggs?" interrupted Jacinta, lifting her frying pan.
"Once over lightly..."
"That's how I like my eggs too!" laughed Theo.
They bought sandals, then two pairs of jeans, four black T-shirts, a knitted cotton sock cap, a toothbrush, a hairbrush, a razor, and a bottle of sunscreen.
"You need diving goggles too," stated Theo, "tomorrow we sail over to Agreloussa, dive, and gather sea glass. We'll take food and come back in the evening."
"Then I need a bathing suit too."
"What for?"
Adam felt a bit stupid.
They went to pay. Adam prayed that he had enough cash, doubting that the store took Visa credit cards.
The bill was half what Adam would pay in the UK. He had cash to spare, surprised at how inexpensive his purchases were.
"Let me help you carry your loot!" stated Theo, "Is there anything else you need?"
"I need a sack."
"I can give you one. Anything else?"
"Stationary. I have to write home -- and maybe a Greek-English dictionary or conversation book."
"Why the book? You got me!"
"I don't know why... Maybe you might want to have your room back for yourself."
"Don't be silly. I don't want you to go away! I already dread the moment you go back to home. Do you have fixed reservations?"
"No, I have an open return ticket valid for one year."
"Forget the dictionary! Okay?" ordered Theo, a bit upset.
"Okay! It's forgotten," stated Adam with a big smile, "I want to write to my parents before lunch, that's all I need to do. After that, I'm one hundred percent yours for the cave, the dance lessons, and all the rest... Especially all the rest!" said Adam, with a wink.
"Give me a kiss, Adam!"
"In the street?"
"Nobody cares!"
Adam shrugged and gave Theo a quick, little kiss.
"Better than that... I need a real kiss -- like a man."
Dropping all apprehension, Adam gave his mate a kiss to remember and they both darted off to the office supply shop, bought Adam's stationary, and were back in the room by eleven.
Adam tried on his clothes. His new sandals gave the perfect touch to his Patmos lad's attire. His school uniform was long forgotten! He felt good like that. Free balling in his jeans, a flimsy t-shirt on his back, and his feet in open sandals. The sock cap looked dapper on his head with the bangs falling out. He felt like his real self, whoever that is...
"Do I please you, Theo?"
"You look like you belong here."
Adam beamed.
"Now give me all your new clothes. I'm going to machine wash them too. You don't know what kind of chemicals can still be in them! By the way, your old clothes must be dry by now. Do you want to put them back on?"
"Never in your life! I only need the socks if I have to wear shoes. Can I wear the clothes you lent me a day more?"
"You can wear them all you want, Adam! I'm going down to help Mum clean fish. When you've finished doing your thing, come on down."
"I'll be down in a minute."
Tuesday, July 2, 1991
My dear parents,
The flight went like clockwork, no problem during the stopover in the Piraeus, but on the ship to Patmos, the adventure began. The vast inside passenger space with all the seats lined up was hot, noisy, and crowded. I left my rucksack in my seat and went out on the aft deck to enjoy the air, the view, and the space. I wrote a few thoughts and slumbered some as the hours slipped by. When we arrived in the port of Skala on Patmos, I went to pick up my sack. It was gone. I ran all over the boat looking for it. The passengers were disembarking. Still no sack. The steward said that nothing could be done aboard and that I should go to the police in town. He almost pushed me off the ship.
That's when the after-disaster miracle happened. I still had my traveler's pouch belt with my passport and money, but that was it. I spotted a young vendor of hand made pendants on the quay. He looked friendly. I asked him if he spoke English. He replied in perfect English that he had lived with his mother in London. To make a long story short, he became my guardian angel. He and his mother took me in. Theo has a room of his own. His mother, Jacinta, runs a little restaurant. I'm welcome to stay as long as I want. Theo is really great. We hit it off immediately. This morning we went to buy clothes for me in the fishermen's store. Nothing fancy! Theo gave me an extra bag he had. I'm in excellent hands so don't worry! This afternoon, Theo is taking me to visit the cave in which Saint John dictated the Book of Revelation. I'll say a thank-you prayer there.
I do not promise to write every day, but I shall keep you posted from time to time.
I love you dearly!
Adam
PS. You can write to me at the following address...
Adam folded the letter and slipped it in the envelope, deciding to post it on their way to the cave. He washed his hands and ran down to join Theo. Jacinta immediately had him set the tables. He felt proud to be useful, especially when Theo looked at him with an admirative smile as he loaded the dish trolley. Adam felt like he had done that all his life.
Patmos is a semi-arid, rocky island, seemingly white-washed by an insistent sun. The walk from Skala to the cave with the stop at the post office took about thirty minutes. They climbed to the sanctuary. The dusty afternoon heat felt like the devil breathing on the back of his neck.
Theo encouraged him, saying, "In the cave, it's cooler and very beautiful. If you want I can leave you alone inside to pray. You are the pilgrim... I'm just the companion! Ha! I can wait in the shade of the gift shop and study their junk."
"If you want, Theo... but I'd really like for you to be with me..."
"No problem!"
It seemed like there were hundreds of tourists going up and down the path leading to the cave. Once they were there, they had to wait their turn to go inside.
Yes, the air was cooler, but thick with incense smoke and candle soot. The walls were covered with paintings. Ornaments and objects hung everywhere. It was hard to imagine a cave. The superficial babbling of the tourists made it impossible to pray. Adam was appalled and deeply disappointed as tears of disappointment, and a bit of anger, swelled. Of course he had seen photos of the sanctuary, but never had he imagined it crowded like that with such disrespectful, half-dressed invaders.
Adam whispered in Theo's ear, "Let's get out of here, Theo. The spirit of Saint John isn't here! Religion has expelled it from the place!"
"Follow me!"
The two young men, elbowed their way out of the cave, and once back in open air, the heat and the light felt wonderful!
"Adam, the spirit of Jesus, of the saints, angels, and gods of old are still here. They are inside us. Each one of us has his own personal Jesus inside. He is in our flesh, our blood, and bones, always there to hear our prayers, there when we need him. That's what I believe."
"But I thought you said..."
Interrupting, Theo stated, "I said I'm not religious. Religion is a business. But I am a believer. I believe that Jesus is a feeling. He's someone intimate deep down inside that makes things happen when they are most needed. Our own personal Jesus worked the miracle of what happened in bed together last night. He made us feel strong for each other, and our natural bodies gave each other our most precious fluid of life. It's a part of the will of the gods."
Adam understood very little of what Theo was talking about. He spoke of Jesus, the Saints, and the pagan gods all together. Adam simply smiled and uttered, "If you say so, Theo. I never thought about Jesus being one of many that way."
"You don't think about Jesus nor the gods. You experience them, sometimes without even being aware of it. Your Jesus sent you to me yesterday and my Jesus welcomed you. Jesus is one and like Dionysus, He is many, but for now forget all that. Just remember, whatever happens, it's never by chance. Now let's go dance!"
Umbrella pines cast a welcoming shade on the secluded beach, known only by the locals, at the foot of the cliff. A cool sea breeze blew in from the bay. Several other young folks, boys and girls, were laying on the beach, some swimming naked in the crystalline water.
Theo invited Adam to take his sandals off and dig his toes into the soft cool sand under their feet.
"Your feet are tender, prisoners of your shoes. You have to wake them up, give them the feeling of the earth beneath you. How does that feel, Adam?"
"That feels good!"
Theo put his arm over Adam's shoulder and said, "Do with me what I do. Don't worry if you're doing it right. Just do it and hold on to me like I'm holding on to you. We go slow at first. That's how the sirtaki begins."
Adam had always thought he was awkward. He wasn't competitive at all. He hated sports and the idea of dancing terrified him. "Only Irish or Scottish lads dance. Not the English!" jested Adam.
"Rubbish! While you're here, you're Greek, so dance, man! Dance! I want to be proud of you with my mates!"
That last sentence hit Adam straight in the guts. He gasped, smiled, and stoutly ordered, "Theo, get me going!"
Little by little Adam caught on to the step, clinging to Theo as the energy began to flow between them. Seeing Theo teaching his English guest, other boys showed up. Two of them grabbed each other by the shoulders and placed themselves in front of Theo and Adam, mirroring their dance. Two others and a girl clapped the rhythm whistling. The pace accelerated. Adam felt like he was flying. After a long moment, exhausted, he and Theo fell on their knees. The others congratulated Adam, ruffling his sweat drenched hair. Theo beamed. One of the fellows, spoke up in English, "Not bad, Englishman. With music and wine, you will dance like Theo. You are beautiful!"
Adam smiled at his dance master. Theo held out his arms, grabbed Adam's head and pulled him into a vigorous man kiss. Then they stood. Theo patted Adam on the buttocks and shouted something Greek. The others shouted back 'okay' and ran back to the water.
"What did you say?" inquired Adam, feeling rather elated.
"I said we'll be at the fisherman's taverna Saturday night where we'll all dance until we collapse!"
"Can we practice some more... with the music?"
"In the cool of every evening on my terrace with my cassette. Now, let's go home. We both need to wash up."
Adam sniffed his pit, giggled, and said, "I think you're right..."
"I like your smell, but we need to wash anyway!"
Adam blushed, "Let's go!"
They waved to the others and strode up the path, side by side, in perfect rhythm. On their way, Adam said, "That's strange. Your mate said I was beautiful."
"He's right, you are beautiful!"
"In England no boy says that another boy is beautiful. They rarely even say handsome. Beautiful is only for girls."
"I know... for some things, the English are a bit primitive. It's really sad... sad and stupid!"
Adam laughed. "I guess you're right. You are beautiful too, Theo!"
"Beauty is our personal Jesus showing through us -- You and I are beautiful together because He knew that the one who stole your sack needed it more than you. That's how He brought us together."
As they walked, Adam pondered Theo's way of seeing things, as if he saw beyond the facts. It was evident that the near disaster proved to be the most wonderful thing he could imagine, but from there, deduct that his joy was due to a thief for stealing his sack... that was a bit too far-fetched.
Then it dawned on Adam.
"After all, Theo, if you're right, the theft worked a miracle... So Jesus loves thieves also," concluded Adam, not really understanding at all, but whatever -- the thought made him feel good.
As soon as they entered the room, clothes flew everywhere. On the terrace, Adam and Theo enjoyed scrubbing each other. As they dried off, Theo said, "I've got some perfumed oil inside. It's what I use for wanking. If you want, I can massage you with it. That way you won't be sore from dancing tomorrow."
"You are really too kind to me, Theo! I'd love for you to massage me. Nobody's ever massaged me..."
"You'll see. I'll take special care of you, Adam. Let's go inside. It's best to massage in the shade."
Theo had Adam lay down on a towel, first of all face down. He spread the oil on Adam's back, buttocks, and upper legs. The scent of santal filled the space. Theo knelt and began kneading Adam's back muscles until they became like putty. Then he worked on Adam's firm arse muscles, releasing all useless tensions. A small moan escaped from Adam's mouth when Theo's fingers lightly touched his sphincter.
Adam wiggled a bit, readjusting his very erect cock straining beneath him.
"Turn over on your back. I'm going to do your legs and then the rest. Are you enjoying it?"
Adam felt like he weighed a thousand pounds as he slowly managed to turn over, uttering, "Love it!"
Theo began by oiling Adam's feet, then calves and thighs. He massaged, working his way up each leg. He then oiled all of Adam's front side, loosening his pectorals, then his shoulders, neck, and arms.
Adam's cock profusely leaked a nice amount of precum. It had puddled in his navel. To finish his job, Theo mixed a drop or two of oil in with Adam's natural slick and began to gently wank him, squeezing, twisting, swirling his palms over the gleaming glans. Adam immediately arched convulsing, his cock throbbing in Theo's grip. Semen flew, splashing down on Adam's belly. A few drops hit Theo's cheek.
Adam laid there gasping with a radiant smile covering his face. Then he slowly stretched, writhing like a cat. Theo dipped his fingertips into some of the cum and brought the cream to his mouth. He found the taste quite suave and smiled. At that very instant Adam opened his eyes.
Beaming, Theo declared, "Not only are you beautiful to look at, but you are wonderful to touch, and you even taste good!"
Adam tried to utter something, and then gave up giggling with his arms stretched out for a hug. Theo pulled him up close and cradled him in his arms. After a moment of pure bliss, Adam said, "You are unbelievable, Theo..."
"How do you feel?"
"There are no words..."
They took their time washing up again, then dressing. When they told Jacinta about their afternoon, she congratulated them and asked them to set the tables. They dined again in the kitchen, then enjoyed a glass of wine outside waiting for the last clients to leave. Theo did the dishes as Adam washed off the tables, stacked the chairs in a corner and mopped the dining room floor. They kissed Jacinta good night and climbed the stairs to their room.
Once in bed they kissed, trying not to yawn, then whispered, "Good night" to each other and still embraced, they fell directly into to a much needed sleep.
Adam woke up just before dawn. He and Theo had planned to get underway early, in order to sail over to Agreloussa and have a nice day diving for sea glass. He laid there, eyes wide open, listening to Theo's heavy breathing, enjoying his warmth against his skin. He was not yet used to the fact that his life had totally changed, that his Jesus and Theo's were deeply in love with each other and that -- and that he need to suck Theo's cock.
Very gently, Adam urged Theo to roll a bit on his side. Then he carefully slid under the sheet. The scent of Theo's groin inebriated him. He licked his lips. Theo's cock was plump, neither hard, nor soft. Adam delicately pulled back the foreskin and put the glans in between his lips, licking the slit. Without moving his head, Adam felt Theo's perfectly beautiful sex lengthen, finding its own way deep into his mouth. Adam's tongue relished Theo's rising erection. Theo budged. He was now totally hard. Adam sucked. Theo throbbed. Adam felt a hand caressing his head then another pulling him up. In total silence they kissed. Theo then spun around and swallowed Adam's leaking cock. Adam hummed as he resumed sucking Theo.
Their rhythm at first was sporadic, but after a minute or so, they slowly began synchronising their sucking, instinctively fucking each other's mouth. Their tongues danced, their heartbeats resounded in their chests, their hips moved ever so slightly as they massaged each other buttocks, urging each other into their opening throats. Theo began to whimper, then hum as his motion accelerated. Adam followed suit. Their orgasms happened at the same moment, each gulping down the other's semen.
Satiated, Theo climbed back up to face Adam. Adam grabbed Theo's head, smearing a kiss on his sticky mouth. Theo began to giggle. Adam broke into an uncontrollable fit of laughter; Theo the same. Writhing in glee, they frolicked, licked, groped, and tickled, playful as innocence itself, happy to be alive together. Suddenly Adam screamed, "Let me go! I've got to piss!"
"Me too!" laughed Theo as they both jumped out of bed and ran to the sink, laughing.
As they peed, Adam stated, "I love your cum, Theo. It's spicy."
"And I love yours too, Adam, because -- because it's simply yours!"
Adam blushed.
As Jacinta prepared breakfast, Theo packed their lunch. He filled a basket with a loaf of bread, some salt and olive oil, a chunk of cheese, and a big bunch of grapes. He topped off the basket with a bottle of velvety sweet red wine.
"There's not much wind. Do you think you'll be back by dinner time?" inquired Jacinta, putting their plates on the table.
"I hope so. If we're becalmed, can you handle the restaurant by yourself this evening?"
"Of course. I was just worrying..."
"Don't worry about us, Mum!"
"I always worry! It's a mother's job!" declared Jacinta, trying to look stern.
"We love you, Mum!"
"I love you too, you worthless scoundrels! And take blankets! You never know if you'll have to sleep, cramped in Hylas with no wind all night long!"
As they walked down to the dock, Adam asked, "Exactly, what is sea glass?"
"Sea glass is the debris of broken glass bottles or other glass objects, coloured or uncoloured. The pieces have to roll for ages in the pebbles, sand, or rocks wearing off the cutting edges and becoming sort of frosted."
"How do you know where to find it?"
"Some people find it washed up on the beach, others, wading in the shallows. Usually, it's what left after a sea wreck when there was a cargo of glass objects aboard such as bottles and other glass objects before plastic invaded us. When I asked an old fisherman if he knew about wrecks around Patmos that carried glass things, he told me about a Turkish boat, many years back, with a cargo of perfumes that ran on the rocks over on Agreloussa. Last year I took my father's boat, Hylas, and sailed her over to the spot he told about. Only about eight to ten feet under the water, near the rocks, there were pieces of sea glass of all colours spread a bit everywhere. You'll see, at first it's not easy to spot, but once you get the eye, it's easy. Sometimes, in one dive, I found a fistful, but other times, I only found two or three in hours of diving. It's fun, and work too!" explained Theo.
Then changing subjects, Theo asked, "Do you know how to sail?"
"I've gone out with the school sailing in the Solent. I learned the knots, how to hold the tiller, drop anchor, etc. I love sailing."
"Our sails are different from yours, but it's basically the same. We'll have fun. The wind's getting lively this morning. We won't have to row much to get out of the harbour."
"There's no motor?"
"What for?"
Aboard, Theo kept two jerrycans with water, a tarp, a tin box with lighters and matches inside, and other 'in-case' commodities stashed in the bow coffer. They put the picnic basket and blankets in there as well.
Theo unlocked the chains from the oars, gave one to Adam, and put the other in the aft oarlock. They cast off, and rowed, a bit chaotically at first, and headed out of the bay. Once they had cleared the point, Theo hoisted the mainsail and Adam the jib. Theo scampered aft, grabbed the tiller and swerved starboard. The sails tightened. Adam secured the jib sheet and propped himself in the bow as Hylas picked up speed. He was in heaven. Theo was busy trimming the mainsail and when his course was set for Agreloussa he hailed Adam to come and try the tiller.
About an hour later, they lowered the sails entering a little sheltered cove. Theo threw the anchor overboard. As the anchor took hold in the seabed, Hylas eased to a full stop about thirty yards from the shore in six feet of transparent water. The mid-morning sun cast a perfect shadow of Hylas on the sandy bottom.
"This is paradise, Theo!" exclaimed Adam, pulling off his jeans.
"And it's all for us!"
Once naked, Theo slathered Adam with a thick layer of sunscreen and dropped the rope ladder so that they could easily climb back aboard. Theo had a small denim pouch tied with a string around his waist. Both with their diving goggles in one hand and genitals in the other they leapt into the warm water with a big splash.
Before swimming off, Theo shouted, "Gather only the pieces about the size of half of your thumb with no sharp edge. Follow me."
They spat in their goggles, pulled them over their faces, and dived. They surfaced and dived over and over until Theo finally found three nice pieces of blue sea glass. A few minutes later, Adam broke surface holding a ruby red piece in his fist. Theo surfaced beside him.
"Red! That's very rare! That's a good sign, also! Put it in my pouch."
Prodded by his lucky find, Adam dived some more, finding three other pieces of other colours. An hour and a half later, Theo's pouch now contained twelve.
"Theo, I'm dead tired. I'm going to rest up some in the boat."
"I'll join you in a minute or two. It's time to eat!"
They laid their loot out to dry on a bench.
"I think we've done a good job already. After lunch we can go explore the island. There's an ancient ruin of a temple over the hill. It's hidden in a kind of glen, beside a small freshwater spring. Every time I go there, I get hard. Strange, isn't it?"
Lunch was duly enjoyed, especially the grapes. The lowered mainsail shadowed Hylas at anchor. After a moment of tender napping, they decided to go ashore.
Holding towels and sandals hight over their heads, they swam, halfway wadding to the beach. The island was in full bloom. The shrubs and wild flowers exhaled the scent of Grecian summer. It took them about fifteen minutes to climb the hill, overlook the glen and then go down to the patch of green around the spring. Lemon trees and myrtle surrounded a few stone columns standing among the scattered blocks of a former temple. The spring's cool freshness invited them to linger.
Spreading their towels on the grass by the small pool, Adam took Theo by the hand and led him to the edge.
"I want to dampen you, anoint you with the water of this spring. I'm sure the ancient Greeks revered it."
Theo consented in silence.
Adam dipped his cupped hands in the water, and caressed Theo's body, spreading the coolness all over him.
"That feels divine, Adam. Let's stand in the spring and douse each other..."
The image was one of a primitive baptism as the two young men carefully caressed one another with the purist of waters possible. Sunbeams, piercing the trembling foliage overhead, danced on their glistening skin. Then they just stood there in peace, foreheads touching, cock tips touching. Adam gently took Theo's erection in hand as Theo took Adam's. Ever so lovingly, they squeezed and massaged each other's throbbing cocks, their lips joined in a tender kiss. Suddenly their knees buckled. Their semen fell like wisps of liquid silver, oozing between their fingers.
"This is our offering, Theo. Our gift of gratitude to the spirit that still abides here. Thank you for all that you have given me. Thank you for all your love. I thank your personal Jesus."
"My personal Jesus says 'Efharistó' to you, and I say 'Thank you' to 'agapi mou', my dearest friend, my friend of love.
Cloudy strings of mingled semen meandered in the shallow pool, flowing around their ankles into the tiny stream trickling down the vale.
Their souls were lifted, pacified in the sacrality of the moment. They spread their towels in the shade and stretched out side by side, skin to skin, hand in hand. Slumbering, oblivious of the fleeting hours, they let the afternoon slip into sunset.
In the nearly nonexistent breeze they lazily sailed towards the lights of Skala in the distance.
"If we're lucky we'll be back home a little after one... maybe later," commented Theo.
"Who cares? We have food, and we're together, you and I and the world!"
"I guess you're hungry?" whispered Theo, caressing Adam's thigh.
"Very hungry!" affirmed Adam, nudging Theo's shoulder.
Laughing, Theo handed the tiller over to Adam and spread the rest of their lunch on the bench in front of them. He then opened the bottle of wine, poured a cup for Adam and another for himself.
They toasted in unison, "To us!"
As the hidden stars slowly crept out of the darkening sky, the chill of night fell on them.
"Do you want to dress?" whispered Theo.
"Just with the blankets, together..."
They snuggled together by the tiller and ate bread, soaked with olive oil and salt. They bit into a big chunk of cheese, and topped it all with sweet red wine. A full moon rose out if the sea, spilling its shimmer on the still waters.
Neither spoke until Adam whispered, "Theo? What are you thinking about?"
"You and me," he replied.
"Me too. Theo, I'm still under the spell of the temple and the spring."
"It's sort of like if we were... were, I don't know how to say it..."
"As if we were given a blessing..."
"That's it. As if we were united together."
"I believe we are, Theo."
"Me too, Adam! United..."
"Our hearts are united, that's for sure."
"And my body is craving to unite with yours, Adam..."
"Mine does too, Theo."
"I think it must hurt some, the first time..."
Adam kissed Theo in the neck and replied, "I don't care."
"I don't either..."
"In bed, when we get back home?"
"As soon as we're back, I promise."
"I want you to fuck me first, Theo. You've already done it... I'll know how to fuck you better after."
"Okay... and nothing can stop us..."
"Absolutely nothing!"
The gods of the wind understood. A stiff, steady breeze, rippled the water, filling the mainsail. Hylas heeled, picking up speed.
"Hoist the jib, Adam. We'll soon be making love like mad! I love you!"
"I love you too, Theo! By the grace of God, I love you!"
Hylas was tied up by midnight. Theo and Adam hurried through the empty streets, ran up the stairs, and threw open the door. In a flash they were rollicking nude in bed.
As Theo went to fetch his wanking oil in the toilet, Adam flipped over, hugged his pillow, and spread his knees. His beautiful rear glowed in the moonlight. Never had Theo's cock been so hard. He caressed Adam's inviting buttocks. Instinct drove him to lean in and lick the cleft, his tongue prodding the tiny, sacred hole. Adam nearly swooned. Becoming a bit more hardy, Theo fingered the hole, massaging it from inside. Tonguing, then fingering, little by little Theo felt the sphincter release and open. Adam whimpered with impatience. He moaned. His craving for Theo's cock sliding inside him, pushing him, breeding him made him tremble.
Theo too was trembling as he gently rubbed the tip of his glans urging Adam's anus to draw him in. Then as if the swaying motion of the boat under sail remained in Theo's cells, he began to undulate as Adam's arse welcomed his oiled cock, finding its way deep within his lover. He grabbed Adam's shoulders, nibbled his neck, his ears. Sweat dribbled from their pits. Adam sprawled under the weight of Theo, fucking, grunting, humming on top of him. He thought he was going to faint from the bliss as he felt Theo become tense, push, arch, and then nearly howl, emptying himself, cum and soul into his flesh. Adam too gasped as a new kind of orgasm spread through his body. Tears of glee gleamed in his startled eyes.
Theo collapsed inert, then rolled over, his limp cock slipping out. Adam rolled over on him and began to kiss him, lick him, letting his body take control. Slowly Theo reacted, kissing him back, writhing, all of him begging Adam to take him, love him, heal him in turn.
Adam relished the intense moments of worshiping Theo with his mouth, his hands, his cock, and heart. Like snakes coiling together, their rhythmical movements collided and synchronised in perfect harmony. Theo, on his back, raised his knees, offering his anus to Adam's tongue. Adam spat and licked, eagerly prodding Theo's hole. Then he knelt, his cock dribbling with precum. Theo grabbed it and positioned the tip to enter. Adam bucked, then pushed. He was inside. Theo cradled Adam's cock inside him, moving up and down, to and fro. Adam pushed and pulled. They looked wide-eyed at each other as they fucked. They were an erotic work of art devoid of any domineering, of any need of domination. Riptides of energy flooded between them, bonding them in a state of pure ecstasy, the supreme expression of incarnate love.
Adam suddenly stifled a scream, drooling as his semen gushed into Theo. Theo's mouth was agape as if astonished by the several drops of cum pulsating out of his cock as well.
Adam fell into Theo's outstretched arms. Enlaced, they rolled over, lost in love's lingering delight. A deep dreamless sleep overtook them, letting their mutual Jesus prepare their souls for a very challenging future.
During the following days, Theo showed Adam how to choose the best pieces of sea glass, drill, insert the twisted string and tie the knot, making a pendant.
Theo went peddling his stock as Adam produced more. They helped Jacinta in the restaurant and practiced the sirtaki every evening before getting in bed for some even more mind blasting sex followed by deliciously still sleep.
Jacinta knew what was happening to her son. She prayed that he wouldn't be devastated, the moment his English lover would have to leave...
Friday, they returned to Agreloussa to dive for more sea glass and renew their offerings in the spring.
Saturday evening they met with friends at the taverna, danced late into the night and with a light hangover, slept almost to eleven Sunday morning.
Monday, while Theo was selling their pendants on the harbour, Adam wrote a short but newsy letter to his father.
Skala, Patmos, Monday, July 8, 1991
Dear parents,
I now have a moment to write, giving you my news.
During the past week since I've been here, a lot has happened. I bought several changes of clothes for nearly nothing at the fisherman's store. Theo says I look like a true islander. We visited the Cave of the Apocalypsis. It was crammed with tourists. No spirituality! Theo took me on his boat (only sail, no motor) to a nearby island where he dived for sea glass with which he made his pendants. I dived with him and now am rather good at finding nice pieces myself. Theo showed me how he makes the pendants. I work with Theo in his mother's restaurant every night. He taught me some Greek and even how to dance the sirtaki, a male dance that every fellow must know. We spent Saturday night in a fisherman's taverna and danced with Theo's mates until exhaustion. I admit, I had a little hangover the next day. The wine is cheap and delicious! During the evening, like some other of the boys, Theo danced a solo. You should have seen him. He was the best! He's the most beautiful person I've ever known, and I'm proud we have become very special friends. His mates have accepted me like one of the gang!
As you can tell, I've never been happier in my life.
I hope all is well in Winchester.
Your loving son -- and thank you again for giving me this opportunity to discover how I really like to live.
Adam
During the following week, Theo and Adam settled into a deeply satisfying schedule with only slight variations. Being now two, Theo's stock of sea glass doubled. They went only twice again, never forgetting to leave their offerings in the spring by the ruins.
Production of pendants doubled as well. Adam suggested that they place them also in a luxury shop in Chora. The owner of the shop joyfully accepted, paying them in advance.
Adam began to understand some Greek. He was able to read the Greek alphabet and use several useful sentences. Theo taught him a little bit every day.
He cleaned the dining room and terrace after the evening service in Jacinta's restaurant, and set the tables for breakfast. It had become his job. He took pride in such a menial task and did it to perfection.
And above all, they made love everyday, never exactly the same way. Sometimes they preferred drinking each other. Other times, one would fuck the other before going to sleep and be fucked waking up. Whatever the need of the moment, they always celebrated their love with reckless abandon, never inhibited, never violent.
They lived every moment heedless to the fact that it might not last -- and perhaps for that they were thoroughly happy, totally devoted to each other and to the Jesus they shared.
Tuesday, July 16, 1991
"Adam, you've got a letter!" shouted Jacinta from the top of the stairs leading to the terrace. Adam jumped up from the work table where he was finishing the last pendant of the afternoon waiting for Theo's return from peddling their goods at the harbour. He ran out to Jacinta.
"Efharistó, Jacinta" exclaimed Adam, taking the letter.
"Parakalo agapi," (You're welcome, love) replied Jacinta, hurrying back down.
Adam went inside and sat on the edge of the bed. He recognised his father's handwriting on the envelope. Suddenly he was afraid to open it. He carefully tore open the end of the envelope and unfolded the letter.
Winchester, July 12, 1991
My dear son,
Thank you for your letter. It sounds like you and your new friend Theo are having a great time. Please thank him and his mother for taking such good care of you. Glad to know that you're working in the restaurant to pay your way with them.
Your mother and I would like to know when do you plan your flight back? I remind you that you do begin your Theology studies at the University and it would be correct that you return at least two weeks before the beginning of your courses.
I was a bit surprised that you never mention your other visits to the religious shrines, monasteries, and churches on Patmos. I was a bit upset about you relating only your dancing, diving, and making costume jewellery.
You left saying you needed to broaden your experience and think about your future. I see that you broaden it a lot!
Be assured of our constant affection.
Mum and Dad
Adam turned pale, feeling nauseated, the letter trembled between his fingers. At that very moment Theo bursted in.
"I sold all the pendants! Not one left!..." exclaimed Theo, then seeing Adam stunned, his head bowed, whispered, "Adam, you don't look well... What's wrong?"
Theo sat on the bed beside his sweet Adam, and pulled him close.
"Read this," replied Adam, handing Theo the letter. As he read, a tragic expression veiled Theo's face.
"What are you going to do?" whispered Theo, daring not look at Adam.
Adam remained mute.
"Mum says we are too much in love to be separated. She's afraid I will go with you back to England."
"She needs you here, Theo."
"When do you leave?
"Never"
"WHAT?"
"I said NEVER. You know that your Mum's always right! I'm staying here with you because we are born to live and love together... It's the only life I want."
"But your father, your university...?"
"I have two letters to write, one for my parents, another for the university, and then we go help Jacinta in the kitchen, and do what we always do."
"Do you want me to go out while you write?"
"I want you to do what you feel like doing," calmly replied Adam, "after you kiss me."
Theo held Adam tight in his arms, covered his face with kisses, then, as Adam melted a bit, they shared a love drenched kiss.
"I feel like I want to go down and tell Mum that you're staying longer than you imagined, then come back up and relax on the bed until you finish your letters and jump on me!"
To summarise Adam's letter to his father, he wrote with a very steadfast pen that he was staying, that he was in love with Theo Ioannou, that they could fend for themselves quite well. Then he bluntly stated that he needed his parents to meet Theo and his mother, Jacinta, and that above all he needed them to come and give them their blessing.
Then Adam informed the university that he had simply changed his mind.
Adam licked the envelopes, addressed them both, and jumped on Theo, undressing him, as they laughed together.
They came down to dinner a bit late, beaming from ear to ear.
Epilogue
Thomas and Pricilla Winslow arrived on Patmos the last week of August. They immediately fell in love with Theo and his mother. They stayed a week. Adam and Theo sailed them to Agreloussa, dived, shamelessly nude, and gave them each a piece of sea glass to keep in their pockets for good luck. The parents decided to toss them in the spring pool by the temple ruins with the wish to often return to Patmos -- which they did twice a year.
Jacinta married her 'regular client'. She taught Adam and Theo how to cook her specialties and handed the restaurant over to them. The years passed and the spring on Agreloussa flowed on.
So thus real love occurs growing day by day stronger, never by chance... only by grace.