Rob

This is a fictional story. It is based on the few experiences and many fantasies of the author. If you are really into graphic sex, it may not satisfy your purpose for coming here. If you like to hear of real love and real teen angst, with a little sex thrown in, you are in the right place. There may be some amount of graphic sex between males. If this is objectionable to you, or you are legally too young to be here, you are cordially invited to press your back button.

Characters:

Robert E. Lee Balser

Denny (Dennis Andrew Miggs), 20

Robert F. Balser, Rob's dad

Donna Balser, Rob's mom.

Roger, Rob's attorney

Nana, The Balser's housekeeper

Garth Roth, 22

Randy Small, 24

Bob, Denny's Brother 3 years older

Gail, Bob's wife

Jack, Denny's oldest brother, 9 years older

Jack's son's, Jacky, Bobby and DennyToo

James Miggs, Denny's dad

Carol Miggs, Denny's mom,

Ray, Denny's dad's Deputy D.A. friend

Tad Newliegh, the new roomie

Jacob Smith, Rob's former "Landlord"

Linda Smith, Jacob's wife

Chris & Craig, partners, Rob's roomies.

Seth, Chris's Brother

Luke, Seth's partner.

Etta, The Smith's housekeeper

From Chapter 10:

"Have you discussed children -- adoption -- at all -- like your friends have done?" Said my dad. The one time they were here, Those children were adorable! They seemed to not be suffering from any lack of love!"

"Little Uri and Ursula? Nope! They have lots of love."

"How old are they now?" My mom asked.

"About 3 or 4, I think." I replied.

"They seemed to adore their uncles!" Mom said.

"Yeah. You know that Chris and Craig are not their real uncles, right?"

"I was aware of that. But that's how they are being taught to think of them, as I remember."

"That's right. And I'm Uncle Rob."

"Uncles and dads." My dad said. "I wonder if there are any women in their lives."

"I don't know, Dad."

We had a wonderful dinner. My parents were wealthy enough, but they never wanted outside help - domestic help -- in the home. My mom loved being the mom. And since there was only me, I guess it was not overly challenging for her. She fixed all my favorite dishes and she had a red velvet cake for dessert. Again my favorite! And it's not just the color, though it does look great!

We talked some more after dinner, then in a half hour we were home celebrating our decision. Yeah -- use your imagination. It's probably better than I could describe anyway.

Chapter 11

We visited Denny's parents the next night. When Denny made our announcement, they seemed pleased, but not really exuberant. We didn't have any expectations. After dinner, on the way home, we decided to drive the two hours down to Santa Barbara. Well, it's two hours when traffic is at it's lightest -- and you are in a Corvette! It was 9:30 PM when we pulled in to the drive.

I couldn't resist racking the pipes a little, and so three guys appeared outside the door, at the top of the stairs. "C'mon up!" Craig hollered. We're havin' a party!" It was then that I could hear the music coming from inside. When we got there, there was no party -- except my guys.

I'm not that bold or flamboyant usually, but I was wishing that we already had our rings. I had already made one decision anyway, but that will come later. When we got up there, there were of course hugs all around. I was a little disappointed. Seth did not jump up into my arms as he always had in the past. I guess he was growing up. But he looked up into my eyes, and said, "Damn, I've missed you, Rob! You're my biggest brother. But - - I guess this has helped me and Chris to be closer as brothers."

"I know. It's feels strange coming back as a visitor now. It seems only yesterday that you used to run and jump into my waiting arms. I suppose you ARE getting a little old for that."

"Funny thing is, I definitely thought about it -- then decided against it." He then laid his face on my lower chest and squeezed me for all he was worth. The top of his head only comes up to my pecs.

"So, how's L.A., Rob?" Chris asked.

"Oh, it's not Santa Barbara, but I'm getting used to it. If I hadn't moved there, I wouldn't have gotten together with Denny."

"Where DID you guys meet, again?" Craig asked.

"It was in Kansas City."

"KANSAS CITY!!??"

"Remember my cousin died?"

"Yeah?"

"Denny was his -- er -- guy."

"Oh! And that weekend - " said Seth.

Something seemed wrong to me -- different.

"That weekend nothing happened. But unbeknownst to each of us, each of us was eyeing the other. We both even had to deal with a bit of guilt over that."

"Guilt?" Said Seth.

"Well, Garth was hardly cold yet!" Denny added.

"Oh. Well, then so much has happened since then!" Said Chris.

"Yeah -- it still hasn't been that long, really." I mused.

"Guess who showed up in Santa Barbara!" Chris said.

"I couldn't guess." I answered.

"Well, you better sit down. Do you remember Al?"

"Al?" I said, not sitting.

"Adrienne Little."

"Oh -- AL?? No KIDDING!?" Al was my sort of girl friend in Berkeley.

"Yeah! And she wasn't alone!"

"Oh?" How did you meet her?" I asked.

"Well, she actually looked us up. Actually she was looking you up. You name is still listed under the phone here. She called asking for you. She didn't mention who her companion was until they got here."

"Oh. Was there some reason that -- who was it?"

"Who would you guess?"

"I -- erm -- not even a clue! I didn't know that many people."

"Rob, THINK!" Chris said. "This was someone you KNEW! Think of the most unlikely person that you would guess Al would show up with."

"Chris, seriously I can't think of -- well the ONLY other guy -- it IS a guy, right?"

"It's a guy."

"Well the only other guy I can - - wait a minute -- you said `unlikely'?" I said. He nodded "NO!" I denied that I even could think such a thing!

Chris's head was bobbing up and down as he said, "Yup! Gunther!"

My knees grew weak, as I studdered, "G -- g --g Gunt!? NO! She couldn't! He was expelled from that school! How - "

"Apparently his dad had enough clout with the alumni association, and since you guys left, anyway,"

"Al and Gunt!" I said, as I finally did sit down. I was stunned. "Well -- were they just passing through -- or - - ?"

"Nope! They live just across town." Chris said.

"Wow! Well how did he weasel his way back into her life?" I said. "This is like a bad dream!"

"Actually, you could ask them yourself. They are going to be here tomorrow morning, if you were planning to stay. It is kinda late to be going back."

"Well, actually, I knew it could be risky coming here unannounced. But I -- no! We'll go home tonight! There is no way I want to see him -- ever again in my life. And you - - - YOU! You were the one hurt the most by his shenanigans! How could you - ?"

"This is one of the few disagreements that Chris and I have had since we were married." Craig said. "He was hurt so bad by that -- that -- "

"Asshole?" I offered.

"You see, Christy -- I'm not the only one who feels that way!" Craig said.

"But that's just the point, Craig! If I -- who was hurt the worst by him -- am willing to forgive him - "

"NO!" Craig yelled. "NO! Fuck that asshole! It's got nothing to do with forgiveness! As far as I am concerned, he hasn't changed!"

"How can you say that, Craig?" Chris argued. "He seems completely changed! Haven't you - "

"He has not made one move -- or said ONE thing about asking anyone's forgiveness! He `seemed' to change every time he needed something, back in Berkeley -- if you can reMEMBER back that far!

I hated to see my two best friends argue like this. "Chris -- can I make an observation?"

Chris looked up at me. He could tell I agreed with Craig, but he nodded.

"First of all, where do they live? You said across town?"

"Yeah -- you know where that park is -- what's the name -- well it was called `the rainbow club'."

"There! THAT'S where they live? That's the worst part of Santa Barbara. Okay, here are my thoughts on this. Gunt seemed to live for creating dissention between us all whenever he could. That was the way he made himself feel important. It breaks my heart to see you two -- my best friends -- arguing like this. Can't you see, Chris -- he's doing it again. Divide and conquer. You KNOW me. I'm probably the most forgiving guy you know. But - - - he is trying to get something. He sees how well you live and -- well obviously by the area they live in -- they are not doing well -- be careful.

"How -- er -- why are they coming over tomorrow?" I asked.

"When they called the first time, Seth answered the phone." Craig said between his teeth. He invited them over, knowing what time we would be home. We were a little late and so that -- Gunt -- weaseled his way into Seth's good will."

I looked at Seth. He was watching, wide-eyed, this whole thing unfold. Craig continued. "And it was Seth who invited them here tomorrow."

I turned to Seth. "Seth, all I want to say is -- be careful. Has Chris told you all that happened up in Berkeley?"

"No, but Craig has told me a little."

"Chris," I said, "I think you owe it to your little brother to tell him the whole story."

Looking at the floor, Chris said, "I -- I guess you're -- you're right." Then Chris looked at Craig, but continued talking to me. "Thanks, Rob. Thanks for setting me straight and reminding me who the most important person in my world is. Craig -- What can I say -- I'm sorry."

"Yeah -- well, apology accepted. I'm sorry I acted so violently. I wanna thank you too, Rob. It was your level headed, logical thinking that helped us. Thanks."

Denny stood silent and bewildered by this whole exchange. Finally he said, "So -- are we staying or going back tonight. I'd kinda like to stay and meet this guy -- just out of curiosity."

"Yeah -- I'm tempted. I'd like to see Al again, but no. I don't want to see him again. Guys, I think we better go now."

"What?" Craig said. "You didn't drive all this way to just say hi, did you?"

"Oh! No! Ahah - We were just excited over a recent decision we made. But it seems to have lost its luster now. We - erm -- decided to get -- engaged."

"Oh, God, Rob!" Craig said. "Sorry to bring you down like this!"

"No, it's okay -- you had no way to know. Let's go, Denny."

We walked down to our car. Seth followed. "I wish you weren't leaving, Rob." He said, sounding like any minute he was going to cry -- but he didn't. "I was hoping you and Denny could bunk with me."

It was then that I realized what was different. "Oh! Where's Luke?" I didn't see him upstairs."

"In Hawaii -- visiting his sister." Seth said, almost monotone.

"Oh? Funny time to go, isn't it? With finals coming up so soon?"

"He -- he's been - " Now I could see the tears starting. "He's been gone for two weeks now. I don't know if he's coming back." He stood there, three feet away from me, tears streaming down his face. I could see he wanted to come to me -- so I took two small steps and this time I did pick him up. He cried on my shoulder for a few moments, and I asked,

"What happened, baby?"

"His -- his -- his -- mom died, and his -- his -- dad asked him to come back."

"For the funeral, right?" I asked.

"ye -- ye -- yeah, but - "

"Oh, my poor Seth!"

"Rob, when he left, we were not -- not -- really getting along too well."

"WHY!!?? You two were -- no -- ARE so much in love!"

"When Gunther came, Luke didn't like the attention that he was showing to me."

"Gunt!?" I was appalled! "At it again, huh? Do you have their number?"

"Ye -- yeah -- somewhere."

"Lets go up and find it -- NOW!"

I followed Seth back up the stairs. The other guys were surprised to see us back. Seth found the number. I got my cell phone out and dialed it.

"Hallo!" Came that all too familiar voice.

"Gunt?"

"Who's this?"

"This is Rob -- Rob Balser."

"No SHIT!??"

"No -- kidding. Listen about tomor - "

"HEY! We are -- where are you? In Santa Barbara? We'll be at Chris's tomorrow and - "

"That's what I'm calling about."

"So you'll be there? Great! Al will love to see YOU!"

"No, I won't be there, Gunt -- and neither will you!"

"What? There must be some mistake. I was invited by Chris's brother -- what's his name?"

"It's Seth, and he and Chris and Craig are all standing here with me. I'm calling to un-invite you tomorrow."

"What??!! Let me talk to -- what's his name -- Seth? Yeah, Seth. Let me talk to him." I handed the phone to Seth. Gunt was talking loud enough for all of them to hear. Chris took the phone before Seth could.

"Gunt, Rob's telling you correctly. Don't come over!"

I could hear his reaction. "Fuck Rob! You know he always thought you guys were a bunch of woosie girls!" Chris looked at me and then Seth. Seth grabbed the phone and said,

"This is Seth. Get lost, Gunther! I can't believe you!" And Seth hung up.

We all looked at each other, our mouths hanging open. Then Craig looked at the phone in the kitchen. We all looked that way, knowing it would ring any minute. It didn't. "Oh! He probably needs time to figure out I was calling from another phone." I said.

BBRRIINNGG! The phone in the kitchen rang. Seth ran over and looked at the number. "It's him."

"Let me." Craig said. He picked up the phone and started talking. "This is Craig, Gunt, Don't call here again -- or we will report you for harassing and stalking!"

"Craig, this is Al."

"Oh. Just a minute." Craig said, and he handed the phone back to me. "It's Al."

I took the phone. I felt really intimidated. She had no way to know what things have transpired in the last year. "Uh -- hello?"

"Who's this?" She asked. "No wait! I'd recognize that voice anywhere! Rob!"

"Yeah, it's me, Al."

"Wow! So you must be graduated by now too. Are you all finished?"

"I'm doing some post grad work -- at UCLA. I -- wow! Well, all I want to know is -- are you happy?"

"Yes, Rob, I am."

"I won't put you on the spot, but -- And you don't have to answer if you don't want to -- but -- has he changed that much? Al, You had -- er -- have so much class. I'm having a bit of trouble imagining this. Are you deliriously happy -- or -- yeah are you?

"No."

"And, has he changed, Al -- really changed?" Because I have to tell you my favorite people in the world -- four people -- have had their world rocked because of him."

"He HAS changed Rob. He's not the old - "

"Al, I'm talking about the last few weeks. Both Chris and his little brother are having difficulties with their partners, caused by Gunt coming in to their lives. I'm sorry if I came off blunt in the beginning, but their -- OUR relationships are too important to fool around with."

"I understand. I really do. How can I -- er -- we contact you? UCLA? So you must be down closer to L.A."

"I -- well, if you need to -- I repeat -- NEED to contact me -- call Chris. He can relay a message."

"Rob, this is Gunther. What are you telling my wife?!!"

"To please not contact me. Good bye, Gunt. I wish you well -- I really do -- for Al's sake." And I hung up.

"Wow!" Craig said. "You were awesome, Rob!"

"Well, don't expect that he will give up so easily. You all have to be firm."

"But you used to have feelings for Al, Rob, and the way you - "

"That's all in the past, Craig. I still care what happens to her, but not at the expense of my -- or any of my brothers' -- relationships!"

Everyone was gathered around me except Seth. He was kind of sulking in the corner. "Seth?"

"Yes?" He looked up, with tears in his eyes.

"I want to speak to Luke. Do you have his sister's number?"

"Yeah, but - "

"Let me help you, little brother."

"K." He handed me the number. I dialed it. A raspy, hoarse voice answered.

"Hello?"

"Is Luke there?"

"This is Luke. Rob!!??"

"Yes. This is Rob. Can you talk?"

"Yeah."

Good. First of all I don't know what is going on there, but just listen to me for a few moments, okay.?"

"Okay."

"Luke, I want to tell you about when I first started university -- in Berkeley." I proceeded to tell him everything that Gunt had done and tried to do to Chris, Craig and I in Berkeley. "He's a snake -- and he knows how to manipulate people."

When I hung up the phone, I looked at Seth and smiled. "Seth, he will be here tomorrow afternoon. Or rather at LAX."

Seth was speechless. I invited Seth into the bedroom to talk more privately. I invited Denny to come too. I explained what it was that Luke told me, which reduced Seth to tears once again.

He hugged me close and long. "You're the best big brother in the world." He said and he pulled my face down to his level and kissed my cheek. "I love you so much! Thanks!"

I next walked out to the living room, and found Al's number on my cell phone recall list. Luckily she answered. "Al, this is Rob. Can you meet me and my partner at the Café down the street from you -- without Gunt?"

"Yes. Gunt went out for some cigarettes. When he does that, he's usually gone awhile."

Well, that smelled to the heavens!

"We'll be back later sometime, Chris. Go down and tell your cousin she may have company tonight -- if my hunch is correct."

"What's going on, Rob?"

"I'm not sure, exactly, except I AM sure that Gunt is up to his old stuff."

I motioned "lets go" to Denny and we jumped in to the Vette. Then an idea occurred to me. I went to the big house and knocked and went in. Uncle Jake was on his way to the door as I stepped in.

"Rob! What a pleasant surprise!"

"Hi, Uncle Jake. Is Carrie here?"

"I'm right here." She said from around the corner in the living room.

I looked and said, "You look fine. Grab your keys and come with me -- no time -- I'll explain on the way."

We ran outside and jumped in to her Escalade, and Denny joined us. I explained the situation as I drove to the dingy little café that was across the street from the "Rainbow Club", a park where degenerates met to have unprotected sex.

There was Al, looking tired and much older than I expected.

We made our way to the table she was at. She was surprised to see three of us. "Hello, Rob. You look great!"

"Hi, Al. I wish we were meeting under better circumstances." I made introductions. She raised her eyebrows when I introduced Denny as my partner.

"Why did you want to meet me?"

"Let me ask you this, Al. Why did you so easily agree to meet me. Are you really happy with Gunt?"

"Let's say I'm trying to make it work, Rob. I was hoping that reconnecting with some of the old gang might help."

"And has it?"

"It gave me some hope."

"I didn't come here to dash those hopes, Al, but -- -I'm afraid what I have to tell you isn't going to make things better."

"SIGH Well, give it to me straight."

"Al, Gunt approached Chris's little brother, Seth for sex. When Seth politely turned him down, he tried to play the blackmail angle to get Seth and Luke apart. It almost worked. He told Luke that he wanted a threesome with Luke and Seth, warning him that Seth didn't want to do it unless Luke said it was okay. As luck would have it, Luke's mom died and Luke was called home. He had planned to just not come back."

"Gunther did this? How can you be sure?"

"Al -- I'm sorry, but with my history with Gunt -- and the fact that Seth and Luke had no reason to lie to me about this -- I have to believe the boys."

"Well, I won't pretend that it's been easy, Rob. But I've tried to make it work."

"Al, please forgive me for even asking, but it may be important. When was the last time you were intimate with Gunt?"

Tears came to her eyes. "It's been months, Rob. Months! We haven't since we moved here."

"That's probably a good thing, Al. Look!" I pointed across the street, where Gunt was kissing a guy who looked like he found him in the gutter.

"Oh my god." She said and she started to cry.

"Do you have your own car?"

"No -- we can't afford two cars -- and he needs his for work. He's in sales. He drops me off and goes to work, then picks me up at the end of the day."

"Does he make any money?"

"Not yet. It's a strictly commission job. He says that - "

"Al, I am guessing that most of his `business' is across the street! Did you drive here?"

"No, but I see his car over there." She pointed to the parking lot at the park. Gunt was walking to it quickly. We left the café, and as we were going to the Escalade, Al, hollered, "I'll see you at home, Gunther!" He looked up at his name being called and then looked panicky. He ran for the car and jumped in it. By this time we were pulling out of the parking lot.

We beat him home by seconds. He jumped out of his car, ran to us and demanded, "What are you doing here!?" He ranted, "I thought you didn't want anything to do with us? To good for us are you?"

"I never thought about it that way, Gunt." I replied, evenly. "But yes -- too good for you -- but not for Al."

"Al's my wife, you can't - "

"Al is not being coerced into anything!" I said firmly.

"Gunther," Al said, too tired to say it with much force, "I saw you and that -- that -- whatever it was! I am going with Rob and his friends." She went into the apartment. We started to follow. Gunt ran to the door and positioned himself in front of it, blocking us.

"You are not welcome here! This is my home!"

"Get out of the way, Gunt! This is also Al's home -- but not for long!" I pushed him out of the way. Al was packing a bag -- not a suitcase -- there wasn't one.

"Do you need any help Honey?" Carrie asked.

"No, I don't have that much. Oh! Yes, will you grab that stereo?"

"You can't take that!" Gunt protested.

"Yes -- I CAN! My parents gave it to us- no to me! For my birthday. It's mine."

"but what will I - "

"You can go to hell, for all I care, you sleazy little worm!"

We piled into the Escalade and I drove us back to the Smith's.

Notes: If you want more history of Gunther and Al, See "Chris-crossed", last posted in the college section of nifty on 1/15/03. I love to hear your remarks, even if they are not all supportive. Address them to Steve at s4d@hotmail.com. Please put "Rob" in the subject area of your e-mail. Thanks and love! Steve

Bottom line: Love will Rule in the end.