Usual Disclaimer: If you are not 18 years old yet do not read. If you are offended by male to male sexual content do not read. If the laws in your state or county forbid this type of material, do not read. Otherwise enjoy the story and all comments good or bad are welcome and I'll look forward to hearing them.
The author retains copyright (2003) to this story. Reproducing this story for distribution without the author's permission is a violation of that copyright.
PETER'S MISTAKE. PART ONE
Peter was looking forward to the new year and the start of his career as a teacher at a TAFE college in Melbourne. The excitement and tension of searching for a suitable place to live had resolved itself far beyond his expectations when, through a family connection, he found a big old house on a double block not too far from the college. With four bedrooms and a split level attic as well as a bungalow outside he knew that this would work well as the rental costs could be offset by offering the rooms for boarders. The house would need a good bit of tidying, painting, and some renovation to get it ready. The week before the start of semester was a whirl of meeting staff and planning courses in the maths department. Each afternoon he made his way to the college swimming pool for a workout for about half an hour as he liked to keep his fitness up. Yes this was going to work - the water was looked after so well that he didn't have to worry about his eyes which stung and watered after a swim in many public pools.
On the fourth day he noticed that another guy about his own age was watching him. Mmm! Is he watching me, or my swimming? Just as Peter was heading for the showers the guy approached and introduced himself.
"Hi! My name's Kevin and I've noticed you here for a couple of days now. I am on the Phys Ed staff and I see that you have quite a bit of experience as a swimmer."
Well this was nice. Peter always responded well to a bit of flattery. In this case it was well deserved, as, for three years, he had worked with a professional coach who was associated with his surf club. After a bit of general talk Kevin said he'd see him round a bit because he was on the duty roster for the pool for two afternoons each week. Peter went home wondering a bit about the interest Kevin had shown in him. That night while he was beating off, the image of Kevin in his speedos popped into Peter's head. On the weekend Peter spent the two days tidying the four bedrooms and washing the walls and ceiling with sugar soap to get them ready for painting. The attic was going to be his space, he decided, as it was a great living area. The front level looked out through a bay window to the garden and street and the lower level at the back had its own small ensuite and looked down on the back yard with a view of the bungalow to one side and the garage on the other.
Monday was the orientation day for new students and was very busy. The first thing Peter did in the morning was to put a sheet on the student notice board for students looking for rooms. He noticed quite a few similar notices and wondered if he'd have much luck. At morning break one of the College course advisers asked if Peter had time to talk with a student who was worried about his maths subjects. Peter was keen to help and arranged a meeting at the start of his lunch hour. He was looking through the class lists for his courses when the Adviser tapped on the door of his little office in the Maths Department. Mr Bonner, this is Michael who I mentioned before. He is keen to talk to you about his Maths and see if you can help him some way. I'll leave him with you to see if you can work something out.
Peter told Michael to come in and sit down.
For a start Michael, please call me Peter, as I find all this Mr stuff a bit proper.
As Michael moved to the spare seat Peter found that his mind was in a turmoil. This was without doubt one of the best looking guys he had ever seen. He looked at Peter with a big smile but there was a haunting quality about his eyes. Peter suddenly realized he was staring and quickly asked what the problem was. Michael explained that during the last year he had missed more than half his Math classes and was worried that if he didn't get some extra help he would find it difficult to keep up. I was really hoping you might know of someone suitable, who could give me private tuition each week. I'm not worried about the cost but I do want someone who can help me get right ahead where I always used to be.
Peter listened to himself with some surprise as he responded.
Well Yes! In fact I do know someone who is just perfect for you. I will guarantee right now that he is spot on for the content of your courses. He would expect you to turn up for a ninety minute session of full on work with him and then for you to do just as much in your own time. Do you think you could handle that?
Man! That's just what I'm looking for.
Peter wrote the name and address on a sheet of paper and handed it to Michael who took it and looked down and read it. He frowned, then with a puzzled look on his face, started to speak.
But! ...
Peter interrupted and said -
Just turn up there on Wednesday night at 7.30 and after a trial he'll work out any arrangements with you. O.K. Michael! I hope you have a really good year. I'll see you in class tomorrow.
Michael jumped up, grabbed Peter's hand, and saying his thanks looked Peter straight in the eye. As Michael left, Peter blinked and looked at his hand. Strange! He thought, that felt like static electricity, but there's no carpet here Even stranger! He thought, did I just get hypnotized or something.
All day Peter's mind kept replaying the look of gratitude on Michael's face just before he left.
After school Peter went for a short swim but left early because the pool was so crowded with first day students having a try out. When he got home he changed to his running gear and went to the local park on the banks of the Yarra River and ran for half an hour. He had a quick shower and made an early meal. He'd said on his rooms to let notice that he would be available for contact between 6.00 and 7. 30. Right on 6.00 the phone rang and a guy named Brian said he was interested and would like to have a look at the rooms. Peter said that as long as he could be there by 7.00, why not come right over. Brian arrived before long and introduced himself. He was a student at the College and doing his second year of a Graphic Art course. As Peter showed Brian the three bedrooms and the bungalow, he was watching and listening closely to try and figure how well he might fit in. He found he quickly started to like Brian. He seemed to be a bit quiet and reserved but appeared to have a friendly and thoughtful manner. This house is a non-smoking area and you need to quite independent as you will have to look after yourself, doing your own cooking cleaning and washing etc. This way I can keep the rates a bit lower and I get to live my own life. This situation will be no good if you are looking for full board.
Brian responded by saying that that kind of setup was great and that he would love the front main bedroom with the ensuite if that was possible.
Before we go any further though we have to talk through the issue of being gay.
Peter was a bit stunned. How could this stranger know that.
Brian continued, You see I have had trouble before when people found out so I don't want the situation again, where I have to move because I'm not accepted.
Peter gave a bit of a mental laugh. That certainly wasn't going to be a problem here.
Brian! As far as I'm concerned that's not even an issue. That's your own personal life and it's none of my business.
Brian still looked a bit worried. Well there's a further complication. I have a partner and if you were happy about it we'd like to share the room. I'm nineteen and he's twenty one so we're quite legal. Ideally we'd like to have a flat but we just can't afford it and this situation looks like our best alternative.
Peter thought quickly. Brian had obviously had a rough time at some other places and he felt a bit angry at the unfairness of it. Peter had his rates all worked out. The house was costing him $200 and he had decided to charge $50 for the bungalow, $40 for the front bedroom and $30 for the other rooms.
O.K! Here's what I can offer. For a start if your partner is happy with this setup then so am I. The rent for the room stays at $40 but you'll need to pay a bit extra for another person's use of the power and gas etc. How do you feel about an extra $10 per week.
Brian looked a bit taken aback. Do you mean $50 a week for the two of us? Most places have been asking about $80 or more for just one person. Do you mind if I bring Anthony in to see? He's sitting out in the car waiting.
Of course I don't mind. I'll be in the kitchen when you've made up your mind.
Brian ran down the steps and returned with Anthony. It was only a few minutes later that they found Peter in the kitchen and with big smiles on their faces said they'd love to have the room. Everything was agreed and Peter watched with a funny feeling when they gave each other bit of a hug. Brian! There's a minor problem. The rooms need to be painted before they can be used. I was planning on painting yours on Friday afternoon, so it would be Sunday before you could start moving in, and I've just had another thought. Would you like to choose the color scheme between you?
A quick look passed between them and they nodded agreement.
Brian went a little bit formal and started to speak.
Mr Bonner we really want to thank you for this. We've been having a lot of trouble finding a place to stay and suddenly this seems too good to be true. You won't find us any trouble at all and would you mind if we helped out with the painting?
Here's this Mr Bonner thing again thought Peter. In one day everyone suddenly seems to looking at me as if I'm ten years older. I guess it goes with the job and I'll just have to get used to it. But not at home.
Peter! Please call me Peter. At least here at home. And I'd really appreciate your help.
After making a few more arrangements Peter watched the pair walk to the street with a good feeling. I enjoy helping people he thought.
The phone rang four more times that night with students enquiring about the rooms. Two of them lost interest when they realized they would have to do everything for themselves but another guy was keen to come round the next night and have a look. The fourth call was a girl from College asking if other people besides students could rent the rooms as she had a cousin who was looking for a place in the area but he didn't go to College. Peter explained that the student notice board was just the first place he advertised so as long as he fitted in there'd be no problems. They arranged for the cousin to turn up at 6.00 the next night. Peter did some preparation work with the bedrooms for the painting and then went to bed early for his big first day of classes tomorrow.
What an interesting day! You never know what is going to turn up next. His hands headed South for their nightly job and he found the image of the coaching student in his mind.
Tuesday was the first day of classes and this was rather overwhelming, meeting so many people who would be relying on him to get them through their courses. He was generally pleased with the atmosphere in most of his groups and started them off with his ground rules. Basically that the students were responsible for their own efforts, anyone needing help would be helped if possible, late work would have a percentage penalty and there were to be no put downs of any other students.
In the afternoon Peter had a quick swim in a pool crowded with many students having a try out of the facilities. Then he left to pick up some painting supplies on his way home. Peter was just finishing his tea at 6.00 when he heard the sound of a motorbike stopping outside, and soon after there was a knock at the door. When Peter opened it there was a giant standing there. Well that was his impression at any rate. The guy was very tall and broad, dressed in bike leathers and holding his helmet in his hands. Peter stepped back, daunted for a moment, then, realizing he was being a bit rude, apologized for his reaction. The guy gave a bit of a smile and said,
No worries! I'm quite used to it. I've come to see about a room. My cousin said she arranged for me to see you tonight. My name's Andrew by the way. Sorry I startled you, but it does come with the territory.
Peter saw a bit of a twinkle in his eye and realized he had gone from minor apprehension to liking in about ten seconds flat.
Hi! I'm Peter! Come in and I'll show you round.
By the time Peter had finished with a tour of the house and explained his house rules, he'd mentally labeled Andrew as, 'The Gentle Giant' and was hoping he'd like the place.
I should take you out to the bungalow as well. It's just two rooms really, a small room and a larger room. You could set it up however you liked but you'd still have to use the house for the kitchen and the bathroom.
Andrew showed high interest so they went and had a look.
This would really suit. I'd be prepared to pay you up to $110 a week if you think I'd fit in. But there's also the issue of my motorbike. A lot of places don't like the image.
Peter laughed, Well I like the image. I used to have one myself for about two years. It wasn't a powerful one but I still enjoyed it. I do think you'd fit in and the rate for the bungalow is $50. The rooms are $30.
Well! The bungalow is the big attraction because I actually have a piano which I thought I'd not be able to bring but the two rooms means I could. Are you serious about the $50? That's way under value.
Peter explained how renting the rooms out meant he was staying there for nothing as well as having a bit of company. They talked a bit and Peter learnt that Andrew did some kind of work with computers and was interested in Martial Arts. As they walked out to the front Andrew organized to move in the next week and then Peter admired the motorbike, which was an extremely powerful one.
After Andrew left Peter thought the household was going to be interesting. What a mixture! A computer bikey who was into martial arts and enjoyed playing the piano.
Right on 7.00 another knock sounded at the door.
Peter recognized this guy as he had been at the pool the last two afternoons. Peter was doing his assessment routine while he explained everything. He quickly made up his mind about this one. He had a very open and forthright manner and somehow seemed to cause a smile in his enthusiastic approach to things. His name was also Peter but he said to just call him Pete. He turned out to be pleased with the setup and asked the price for one of the bedrooms.
You've got to be joking. You should be asking three times as much for this. It's only a five minute walk from the College. I'll take it. Hey! I mean would you be happy to rent it to me?
Peter laughed then explained that the room should be ready by Monday after the painting was finished.
Wednesday turned out to be an eventful one in Peter's life. First the College Public Relations committee knew his reputation and asked him if he would consider helping them by being the photographer for official occasions and general College activities. He accepted this on the spot because he'd actually been hoping for something like this. At the pool in the afternoon he saw Kevin managing a large group of swimmers. He knew how difficult that could be so he offered to help if he could be used somehow.
Peter! I'll owe you. If we could split this group in two we'd be able to do a much better job. This is the largest group of students we've had for a number years, wanting to be on the swim team and there seems to be quite a bit of ability. I'm taking them on my roster afternoons which are Monday and Wednesday. Could you manage to help on both those days? Peter said those two days were just right for him and that he was looking forward to it. Well! How do you feel about swapping the two groups on a weekly basis? I know you have skills that I don't and that way all the swimmers would get the benefit.
When he finished swimming he met Brian at the paint shop and they bought the paint for Friday.
After tea Peter was waiting for Michael to turn up at 7.30. He found himself to be kind of nervous about coaching on an individual basis and was still rather surprised at himself that he'd made the offer. He'd kept an eye on Michael in his classes at College and so far had only really seen a rather quiet student who appeared to be listening very closely. Well! There was the knock. He'd find out soon how hard this was going to be. Peter opened the door and the first thing that hit him was the incredible smile on Michael's face. Mr Bonner! I'm so excited that you can help me like this. I feel like I'm getting special treatment. Peter started to take in the full picture and realized that Michael was looking marvelous. He was dressed in really nice clothes and obviously wanted to make a good impression. Peter grabbed Michael by the shoulders and gave him a friendly shake. Hey! It's Peter. Remember! I'm not that much older than you are you know. Peter took Michael upstairs to the living area in the attic. He had decided this would be the best work area as they wouldn't be disturbed when there were other people in the house. They sat side by side at the table and Peter got right down to business. First he asked Michael why he was doing so much math, particularly as one subject was the start of the advanced stream. Michael replied that he really liked maths because you really know where you are and wanted it to be his course major. After a bit of discussion about aspects of the courses and where Michael thought he was behind, Peter decided to start with an overview and strategies for graphing polynomials. This topic linked well with other areas of the course and would let him find out quickly just what weaknesses Michael had. Within five minutes Peter knew that Michael was going to be a success story. He understood ideas in a flash and had the knack of being able to generalize once he recognized a pattern. Peter taught by encouragement rather than pressure and gave praise for achievement and effort. He could sense Michael's pleasure whenever he gave this praise and that a great rapport was building between them.
Peter felt his excitement build as they worked for the first hour. They clicked as a team, with ideas flowing easily between them. This guy had a talent for maths. Peter stopped their work for a time so that he could talk.
Michael! Do you know how good you are at this? You are a natural! Do you realize that we have done in one hour, the work that I would take at least three weeks to cover in class? You have a great mind and a great approach and if you don't ace these subjects I will be amazed.
Peter could see Michael getting a bit embarrassed with this praise and his estimation of him climbed another notch. He's definitely not a bighead either, he thought.
Did you know that there is a maths scholarship that would pay all your course fees for next year? I'm telling you right now that with what you've shown me tonight, unless we have some kind of genius in the class then there is no reason for you not to win it.
As Peter was saying all this he could see the thoughts ticking over in Michael's mind. Good! I think I've got something going there.
Now! We'll spend the last half hour going over some of the work you'll be doing in class and that way you can be ahead rather than behind as you were worried about.
When they finished Peter showed Michael some exercise sets to try for himself. Peter watched as Michael packed his books. He does look to be on a bit of a high he thought.
Wow! That's the most I've ever enjoyed doing maths you know. I always thought that graph stuff was hard and you made it seem so easy. You're the best teacher I've ever had Mr Bonner.
A feeling of pleasure ran through Peter as he in turn, responded to the praise.
Well! Don't get carried away Michael.
He decided to bring his point home and reaching forward and gripping the hair on the back of Michael's neck, he gave a bit of a tug.
What's my name?
Ah! Peter?
Yes! Now, let me hear that again. Five more times!
Peter! .. Peter! .. Peter! .. Peter! .. Peter! ..
O.K! Remember! Or you'll get the treatment!
Michael took his wallet out. I want to pay you $40 for each night. I checked the prices locally and that is the going rate. I can tell that it's going to be really worth it.
Peter knew this was coming and had worked out his response.
O.K. Michael! Listen to this! One. I'm your teacher and I'm already being paid to make sure you learn this stuff. Two. You don't really need to be coached at all. You could catch up yourself in a month just by working hard and listening in class, which I've already watched you doing. I would feel like I was taking your money for nothing.
Three. You are the only student in the whole College so far with the gumption to approach me about your maths future. That makes you special.
Four. I enjoyed working with you so much tonight I almost feel like paying you.
So! No arguments!
That's the way it is. If you feel you have to pay me back somehow though, it would be great if you could come by on the weekend and help with some painting.
Peter was stunned by Michael's response. He leapt at Peter and grabbing him in a full on frontal bear hug, held him for ages. Peter felt the hair trying to stand up on end all over his scalp, while his body got goose bumps with the feelings flowing from this close body contact and he felt himself starting to get a boner.
Holy Hell! He thought. What a reaction! What is this all about? Blokes don't usually do this.
Michael let go and switched back to being the person he'd been all night. He started to talk about the painting on Saturday and what time to turn up and what had to be done. Peter laughed a bit and said to turn up whenever he felt like it, but not before 9.00 in the morning.