Of Sea and Sand by Jonah
Simon and Garret are here again, looking after their young family. If you are unfamiliar with this family, we first met Simon in 'A Letter from America' back in 2019. He was a teenager then, now he is well into adulthood. Garret originated in another author's story. I want to thank Jacob Lion, in the USA for his permission to use his characters in my story. That's one of the things I want to make plain, all the characters in this, and all my other stories are wholly fictitious. They aren't based on real people. The other thing I want to make plain is that, while Simon and Garret are both gay, as are some other characters, this is a story about love - not sex, lust, or any other substitute, but real Christian love. If it's pornography you want, you'll have to find it somewhere else. Lastly, this story is brought to you by Nifty, free of charge. Nifty doesn't charge me to publish it, nor you to read it, but it does cost money to bring it to you. Please consider donating to Nifty at https://donate.nifty.org/ so that these stories continue to be available for all to read.
Chapter 2
On Thursday morning we awoke with three ten-year-old boys in our bed. Their room had been taken over by Grev Kennedy. Sir Philip had almost offered to take him in, but had eventually agreed that Grev would probably be better off with me. Rather than relieve Grev of his duties, Sir Philip had handed the acting principal's job to Charles, and Grev had been put on light duties. I had apparently gained Grev as a classroom assistant.
Sir Philip had also called an emergency governors' meeting for Thursday night but Grev was not asked to attend it.
"Is Mr. Kennedy going to be staying with us" asked Philip when he came down to breakfast.
Philip was the one who always asked questions. Lloyd was trusting enough to just take it as it comes. Barry was the cheeky one, but could be moody when the fancy took him.
Barry had already reached his eleventh birthday but all three of them would be eleven by the end of the year. Only Barry would come to the CTC when the holidays were over. Social services had arranged that, since Barry - only being fostered - was their responsibility. The other two were adopted by Garret and I, and we had arranged for Philip to join a Church sponsored secondary school. Lloyd, since his birthday wasn't till October, would still have another year at primary school.
Garret, the primary school teacher, put down the pile of exercise books he had been collecting and turned to Philip.
"I appreciate that you might not have noticed this Philip, but he already is staying with us. Don't ask me how long for, because I don't know, but we have to be nice to him. He's had a nasty shock and is a bit upset."
Philip wouldn't need more explanation than that. He'd been through trauma himself. All three boys knew what trauma was.
For Grev's part, interacting with the boys was already proving therapeutic. I had hopes that, working in a classroom would have the same effect. It did.
My first two periods were English Language with my own form of second years. I set a tough essay assignment then set to my usual prowl around the room, helping and encouraging. This morning I started one side of the room and Grev started the other. Since he was liked by the kids in the school, they were happy to ask for his help. He soon found himself immersed in their work.
Fourth year RE came next. Since I always encouraged asking of questions, these periods took a form very much like a discussion. Grev was a Christian, as I was, but he had very different views on many things. The discussion, though friendly, was very challenging.
By dinner time Grev had decided that he was enjoying himself. So, I decided, was I.
The afternoon session of design technology, with a group of fourth years, again challenged both of us, and again proved enjoyable for all concerned. The last double period was a spare session and we both ended up in the staff room.
"I'm planning on leaving early since it's my turn to cook tonight," I said to Grev.
I thought I should mention it since I had driven him to school this morning. His car was outside our house.
"Oh, quite understood," he replied. "I'll just collect my motor and get back to Hellesdon. It's been good staying with you."
"You've only stayed the one night," I pointed out. "Did you think we were going to let you off that easily?"
"Ah, I wondered if I'd find you in here," said Charles Wright from the doorway.
I rose.
"Is this principal business?" I queried. "Do you want me to leave?"
"No, I want you to put the kettle on," replied Charles. "I've just been catching up with Sir Philip. I've got a governors' meeting tonight, to which neither of you two is invited. We're going to talk about you, not to you. How have you been getting along?"
Grev shrugged, so I answered.
"Life in the classroom has been great. I'm thinking of applying for a classroom assistant full-time."
""And....?"
Obviously I had only half answered Charles' question. He hadn't been referring specifically to at school.
"He's talking of packing his bags and returning to Hellesdon." I said.
Charles sat in a spare armchair and crossed one leg over the other.
"I don't even know whether I'm in a position to veto that, but I'd advise against it."
"I could tell you," said Grev.
"It doesn't matter," Charles returned. "I'd still advise against it. Why would you want to go home to an empty house?"
"Besides which," I put in, "Garret, me and the boys are all enjoying having you with us."
"I've got to face it some time."
"Oh, I agree with that," said Charles. "Like old age, death and income tax. Don't do it until you have to. Who's cooking tonight?"
That last question was addressed to me so I raised my hand.
"You'd best get off then Simon. Grev has an appointment with Eric Rust in ten minutes so I'll drive him round to yours when he's finished."
While Grev was on light duties Charles was my boss so that comprised an order. I needed no second telling. I grabbed my jacket and left before Grev could raise any objection.
I was home for three o'clock, with the shopping. Plenty of time to prepare a culinary masterpiece. By the time Garret and the boys arrived I had prepared lasagne and cauliflower cheese with spotted dick and custard to follow. Grev was back ten minutes later so we could all dine together.
With dinner out of the way, Lloyd insisted that he wanted to operate the railway outside. I showed Grev how to operate the signalbox while Lloyd got the baby-deltic out of its shed.
"He's an experienced engine driver," I told him. "He'll drive to the signals. You just have to put him out on the main line."
"I wish I was an experienced signalman," Grev remarked.
"Oh, you'll soon get the hang of it. The frame is interlocked so you can't go far wrong. Pull over number three points then, if you give him number four signal, he should take it."
By half past five we had the train coupled on and Lloyd was running a train service for anybody who wished to avail themselves of it. I insisted on putting the train to bed at half past eight as everybody had school next day.