The following story was originally written for a german website and later printed in my first book "Der Neuanfang". After I translated my story "Never saw a miracle" into english and getting lots of good feedback, I decided to translate this story, too. Some readers wrote me that I don't have to apologize for my English -- so I won't anymore g.
The story is set in Germany, so of course there are a few things unfamiliar to people from other countries. As example temperatures are given in degrees centigrade: 0 C are 32 F, minus 5 C are 23 F and so on. If there are any things you don't understand, please feel free to ask me about it. I love getting emails anyway, and I'd like to say my thankyous to all of you who already wrote me.
There are two other stories of mine published here on niftys:
"Never saw a miracle" in the gay/highschool section
and
"Different" in the gay/no-sex section
If someone is interested in reading the original german story, it's here:
http://www.nickstories.de
Look for "Peter's Stories". And if some is interested in buying my books (in german language, of course): they can be bought directly from me, even with my signature which will be worth millions when I'm a Nobel prize winner someday -- lol...
I'm sorry for the delay, but with job, family and especially the Olympics I didn't have much time on my hands to translate.
But now let the play begin^Å
--*
A new beginning -- Part 16
© 2001-2006 by Peter Conrad, Peter_Co@web.de
Fifteen minutes later we were fed and it was time to start our shopping tour. We said our goodbyes, then we left the house. The gods of public transportation were with us, we didn't have to wait long for a tram which only ten minutes later spat us out in the city.
"Here we are."
"What are we looking for anyway?"
"The most important first. A cell phone."
"Rich boy!"
I grinned.
"Sponsored by mom and dad. Took me long enough to convince them."
"Okay, let's go."
Half an hour later I was 75 Euro poorer and the proud owner of my very own cell phone. We left the store and Flip gave me a questioning look.
"And what do you need now?"
"Your help."
"Oh? Well, shoot."
"You're from Bavaria, aren't you?"
"Jo mai, sure!"
"Then I guess you know how to ski?"
"Who doesn't?"
"Me, for example."
"And now you want to change that?"
"I don't WANT to, but I'm afraid I HAVE to. Did you hear about the class trip in february?"
"Yeah, I think I remember such a thing. Are we going to the Alps or what?"
"Not THAT high into the mountains. But high enough for skiing, and I'm afraid I can't talk myself out of it."
"And now you need skis and other stuff."
"More the other stuff, skis and boots we can rent there."
"Okay, you need a snow suit and gloves and so on."
"Exactly. And I was hoping for an expert -- meaning: you -- to help me with it."
"Sure, let's go!"
Did I already mention that I wasn't a fan of clothes shopping? Yes, I think I did. Especially trying on different things wasn't my idea of fun. Only Philipp being there with me prevented me from running out of the store. After a while we had reduced the selection of snow suits down to two. One was a combination of bib pants and jacket, the other one was a one piece suit.
"What do you think, which one should I buy?"
"Take the overall."
"That's what I call a quick decision. But why the overall, Mr. Expert?"
"Overalls are better for beginners -- and you, my friend, are an absolute beginner."
"That I am. But why are overalls better for beginners?"
"When you fall into the snow -- and believe me: you WILL fall into the snow, and quite often! -- there is no opening between pants and jacket where snow could get into the suit."
"Hm, sounds logical. Anything else?"
"Yes. The overall looks better on you. It emphasizes your cute body."
Oops, I guess he read my mind about his tight fitting jeans!
"Okay, the second reason is good enough for me."
"Why am I not surprised..."
Next we got gloves and glasses, and the amount of money I had with me was going down quickly. When we had everything I thanked my boyfriend for his help.
"Thanks, Flip. I don't know anything about this stuff. And to be honest: I'd rather keep it that way."
Philipp laughed.
"Come on, it will be fun. And I'll help you learing how to ski."
"Haha, fun. Maybe for you, with me always falling on my knees before you. I'm not so sure if it will be fun for me, too."
"We'll see. And now I want my consulting fee!"
"Consulting fee? What kind of consulting fee do you want?"
Philipp quickly looked around, then he pushed me into an empty elevator, pushing a few buttons. The doors closed, then he started to collect his consulting fee, pressing his lips against mine. Not that I had anything against this kind of payment! But I sure was surprised about my freshly outed lover, being so aggressive. Sadly we didn't have much time for our tongue duell, the elevater made a pinging sound and the doors went open again. Reluctantly we let go of each other, and I decided, that I didn't pay Flip enough yet. My fingers found the close button, and the doors closed again -- just in time before a few older women could step into the elevater.
"Sorry, it's full!"
The elevater went up again -- and we re-started the payment. We weren't so lucky at the top floor, before I could close the doors again a young mother with a stroller stepped in. The doors closed, and the elevater went down again.
"You can keep on snogging, just imagine that I'm not here."
Oops, I guess we didn't let go of each other quick enough at our last stop. Talk about two bright red heads. But on the other hand... I grabbed Flip.
A little later we were brought out of our kissing session.
"Boys, we're at the ground floor, the doors will open soon."
We let go of each other, and with embarrassed but also thankful smiles we left the elevater and shortly later the department store.
"And, Danny, what will we do now?"
I looked at my watch, it was already 11.30am.
"Do your parents expect you for lunch?"
"Not really, they only said that I should call them if I won't be home for lunch. Why?"
"You want to have lunch with us?"
"I don't know, I don't want to burden your folks with my presence. Especially not unannounced."
"You won't be a burden, I'm sure mom will be happy to have you with us. And my stepfather wants to get to know you, too. I told him so much about you already, he hardly can wait to meet you."
"Oh my god, is this a threat? What did you tell him about me?"
"Well, I know only good things about you, so I could tell him only good things."
"You old flatterer."
"It's only the truth!"
"Hm. Will there be enough to eat? I don't want you starving because of me."
"We'll have potatoe soup with sausages, and we always make a big pot. And it's all prepared already, we only have to warm it up."
"Okay, if you say so... I guess I better call my parents that they have to eat without me. Not that they send out a search party."
"Let's go home, there you can call them."
This time our ride in the tram wasn't that smooth. The tram was crowded, I guess many people had waited with their shopping for the time after christmas. A little dissheveled we reached home around noon. And nobody was waiting for us, there was only a piece of paper on the kitchen table:
"Whoever is home first: prepare lunch!"
How could resist such a charming request? Not a good son like me.
"Flip, the phone is in the living room. Call home, I'll take care of the lunch stuff."
"Shouldn't I help you?"
"No, thanks, I know where everything is."
"Okay."
It didn't take me long to lay the table, now only the soup was missing. Hopefully mom wouldn't let us wait much longer...
"I'm clear to eat with you, I just have to be home for coffee time. But..."
"But what?"
"You're invited for coffee."
"And for a big questioning session?"
"I don't think that you have to worry about it. My parents only want to get to know you better."
"I hope so. Now, let's go up to my room until the others show up."
We went up and made ourselfs comfortable on my bed, listening to quiet music. AND YES! We only listened to music and snuggled up a bit. Nothing more happened. Okay, we also kissed a bit, but that was it...
When we came up for air after a few minutes Flip used the break.
"Danny? I..."
"Yes?"
"I really love this! Being together with you. Kissing you. But ... I don't know if I'm ready for more yet. But I don't want to disappoint you! That's all so new to me!"
I guess this wasn't a good moment to break out laughing, but I just couldn't stop myself. At least I managed to keep it a quiet laughter.
"Are you laughing with me or about me?"
"With you. Flip, your last sentence could have come from my own lips. It's totally new to me, too!"
"What? I thought..."
"Flip, seriously. You're my first boyfriend. And the first boy I've fallen for so totally. Sure, there were others before you I found cute, but nothing ever happened. And you? You knocked me out of my socks the first time I saw you!"
"And I thought I'll make a fool out of myself because I'm totally inexperienced. I never before even kissed a boy."
"Well, you kiss really well for a beginner. If I can say so from my experience."
"What experience? Didn't you say that you don't have any?"
I told him about Tims kissing attack on me in the t-shirt store.
"Tim kissed you? Do I have to worry about it? Should I be jealous?"
"Oh no, really! He's totally straight, you can count on it. And he would be in sooo much trouble with your sister!"
"Why would I be in trouble with Veronika?"
Philipp and I were so busy with each other that we didn't realize that Tim was in the room until he said something.
"You would be in deep shit with Veronika if you threw yourself at my boyfriend again like in that t-shirt store. But don't worry, she wouldn't hurt you. There wouldn't be anything left to hurt after I'm done with you."
I smiled, my cute Flip could be sooo macho! I loved it!
"Philipp, I swear that I don't have any further interest in Danny. I love him -- but only as big brother."
"I'm glad to hear that."
"But it's completely different with your sister."
"Is Veronika here, too?"
"No, she went home with Kevin. That boy! We're totally outpowered. How do you survive this whirlwind seven days a week? I'd be dead after the third day."
"Hehe, just see it as a little foretaste of your own future kids, little brother."
"I really don't know what's your problem with him. Kevy is the most well-behaved and quiet little boy I could imagine..."
"Sorry, future brother-in-law, but I'm afraid your ability to imagine things isn't that good."
"Danny, do I really have to sit here and listen to that shit your little brother tell about MY little brother?"
"Ahem ... I'm afraid the answer is yes. Because I have to agree with Tim. Sorry."
"Ha, looks like I'm outnumbered here."
"That you are."
"Okay, okay, you're right. Sometimes the little brat is nerv wrecking. But I wouldn't want him anything else."
"LUNCH IS READY, ALL DOWN TO THE KITCHEN!"
Yes! Finally! Seeing the faces of Tim and Flip I realized that I wasn't the only hungry boy.
"The last down has to do the dishes!"
As always with such "suggestions" the one who made it had the advantage of surprise on the others -- and this time I was the one making this suggestion! Dragging Flip with me I raced out of the room and down to the kitchen, leaving Tim the thankless last place. But he, I already prepared the table, my little brother could at least take care of the dishes. And we had a dishwasher -- so I guess he would survive the work.
In the kitchen mom and Reinhardt were already filling the soup plates.
"There you are. Is Veronika here, too?"
"No, she's home. Can Philipp eat with us?"
"Sure, no problem."
We had yet to see if this really wasn't a problem -- maybe his eating habits were even worse than Tims and mine.
The next minutes we spend eating -- and Reinhardt with getting to know Philipp. After a while it was Tims dad who mad both Philipp and me getting red again.
"Danny, you really have good taste in boys."
We both weren't able to say a single word. Okay, everybody already knew about us, even before lunch, but still we were quite nervous. It was good to see that our relationship was accepted by the others, but it would take us a little more time to feel really comfortable around the others again. Whoever says that introducing a new boyfriend (or girlfriend) to the parents was simple and easy is lying.
Thankfully mom changed the topic.
"Danny, was your shopping tour successful?"
"Yes. By the way, thanks again for the cell phone. Especially to you, Reinhardt, I heard that you were the one finally convincing mom."
"Well, I think we'll all feel better knowing that you have one. Especially after the events at school and with your aount."
"As I said, thanks again."
"Tim, do you want a cell phone, too?"
"If you ask me this way... No, I don't think so. I don't want to always carry such a thing with me, and when I don't have it with me always there is no sense in having one at all."
"Okay, it's your decision. We just wanted to give you the chance to say yes."
And it was better this way, I didn't want him to feel "discriminated".
"And the other stuff? Did you get everything you'll need for the class trip?"
"Yes, mom! Just for this shopping I hired a Lederhosen-Sepp from Bavaria as consultant."
Quickly I looked over to Philipp, but he didn't feel insulted, he only grinned at me.
"Consultant. Such consultants usually don't work for free. I just hope you're able to pay Philipps fee."
Both Flip and I broke out laughing, surprising the others. Mom looked at us questioningly.
"Reinhardts question was funny, but I think there must be more about it, seeing you almost rolling on the floor."
I calmed down a bit.
"Let's just say that I already did a not so small advance payment. And don't worry, it won't put me into poverty."
Mom and Reinhardt gave each other knowing looks -- I guess they at least suspected what kind of payment I was talking about.
"Okay, I think it's time for a little fashion show, we at least want to know what we payd for."
There was now way to avoid it, so I gave in and went up to my room. I just grabbed the shopping bags when it knocked at the door, followed by my moms head looking in.
"May I?"
"Sure, come in."
"Now show me what your boyfriend has choosen for you. I have to know if his consultant fee was justified."
I laughed.
"Hehe, YOU don't have to pay it, I have!"
"I'm still responsible for you."
"Okay, here, look at it."
I showed her the red overall.
"Looks good. But put it on, I have to see it on your body."
I dressed up and made an improvized catwalk infront of my moms eyes.
"Ah yes. Now I know why Philipp recommended it."
"Don't you like it?"
"Oh, I do like it! It looks really warm -- and I guess such a one piece suit is the best choice for a flatland indian like you. You'll be rolling in the snow most of the time anyways."
"Thanks a lot. What a way to bust up my self-confidence."
"As if you would need it."
Hmpf. From time to time it would sure be nice.
"Daniel?"
Oh no, not another "Daniel-talk"!
"I know, we talked about it before, but still... I mean, you're both old enough to know what you're doing, but I still worry a bit, I'm still your mother. So please be careful, okay? Here, I bought you something today."
What she gave me next had my head turing bright red again. A pack of rubbers and a tube of lube.
"That doesn't mean that you have to use this stuff within the next few hours! I only want you to have everything you need WHEN you need it."
"Mom ... Philipp and I, we talked about it. We're both not ready for it, yet. Everything is so new for us. We'll take our time, and we won't rush into something.
She gave me a relieved look.
"Okay. Thank you for being honest with me. And now I won't keep you any longer, run down and show the others your snow suit. I guess you're getting hot in it, don't you?"
Of course she was right, but I guess this was a good sign. I wouldn't freeze on our class trip. At least one good thing. That I would totally make a fool out of myself trying to ski was a total different matter.
I went down, got acknowledging (and in Flips case admiring) looks, then I went up again, to get rid of the warm overall. Mom was sitting at the desk, looking around a little lost.
"Mom? What's wrong?"
"Nothing, Danny, I'm just a silly old woman. I mean... I knew that it would happen some day. My little boy growing up. But still... Soon you'll leave home for good, you'll move out and take an apartment together with Philipp. And Tim won't stay much longer. The fate of a mother, seeing her kids leaving..."
I was only half out of the overall, but now I had something more important to do. I sat down on the chair beside my moms.
"Come on, mom, I won't leave you so soon. You'll have to live with me a little longer. And even when I finally move out you won't lose me totally."
"I know, Danny, I know. The realisation that it WILL happen someday came just so suddenly when I saw you together with that cute boyfriend of yours. And knowing that Tim already has a girlfriend didn't make the impact easier."
I was really glad that she at least had Reinhardt in her life now. Mom wouldn't be alone, even when Tim and I were out of the house someday. But -- to be honest -- I didn't plan on leaving home soon. "Hotel Mama" was just to comfortable g.
"I guess then you'll just have to pamper Reinhardt. And later the grandchildren."
"Well, I guess Tim has to take care of that."
"Who knows? Maybe in a few years Philipp and you could adopt? Or don't you want kids?"
"It's a little early, I never thought about having children before."
"You're right, and I'll try to keep myself together a little better."
"By the way, I'm invited for coffee at Flips."
"Oh. Well, I guess there you'll be questioned like Philipp was questioned here."
"That's what I'm afraid of. But this morning everyting went well with his family."
"Good, I don't think that you have to worry. Just remember that the whole situation with having a gay son is much more new for his parents than it is for us. Show a little consideration."
"Don't worry, mom, I don't want to upset my future parents in law."
"Good. And now I'll go down and send up your Flip."
With these words she left the room, and I finally got rid of the warm snow suit. Just when I put it into the closet the door went open and both Philipp and Tim came in.
"Looks like my consulting did work fine, your folks like the overall."
"Okay, okay, I guess I could give you another payment."
"Great! Come on, I'm waiting!"
"He you two! Straight boy in the room!"
"You're jealous, little brother?"
"No, but do you have to kiss every free minute? Show a little consideration for the innocent youth!"
I sighed.
"Okay, okay. Flip, can you take a raincheck?"
"If I have to. But I expect interest!"
I grinned.
"That I could live with. By the way, Tim, you don't want us to believe that you and Veronika only sit together talking and doing nothing else?"
"With all due respect and considering her big brother being present I deny any statement."
"Ah yes. No statement is a statement, too. What do you say, Flip?"
"Guilty as charged!"
My little brother had a very satisfied grin on his lips.
"To change the topic: what are your plans for the rest of the day?"
"Danny is invited for coffee with my parents, I think we'll go over around 3pm. Don't know yet what we'll do later. And you? I guess you'll meet Veronika again, don't you?"
"Yes, but much later. We want to see a movie, the 7pm showing. She wants to see the new Brad Pitt movie. You want to join us?"
"Don't know yet. We'll talk about it."
The following one and a half hours we spent listening to music and surfing the internet, then around 3pm we left the house. In the meantime the battery of my new cell phone was charged, the sim card was activated, and from this moment on I was part of the modern communication world. And of course mom used this to demand from me a call if I would stay out longer. And of course as a good son I promised her this...
..*
To be continued in part 17