Second Chance, Chapter 48
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This story contains descriptions of love and sexual fulfillment between people of the same gender. If possessing or reading this kind of material is illegal where you live, please leave this site at once.
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Chapter 48
The trial for Jake and Dalton was postponed yet again to give the defense more time to prepare. Aaron was getting sick of it. Dylan reminded him that a similar thing had happened with Rick Hamilton who had shot him.
"They'll keep putting it off hoping that everyone will get tired of it and then it will go easier on the scum they're representing. Then at the end they'll make a deal and it won't even go to trial."
"Yeah, but Jake's up for kidnapping, stealing a car, and doing drugs as well. I don't see how he can get off too easy."
"Rick nearly killed me! I should think that would count for something."
"Yeah, I guess it would have been bad if you'd died. You're okay for an older bro."
"And you're okay for a younger bro," Dylan responded giving his thinner sibling a bear hug. "Since you've been dating Sam, you're almost human!"
"He IS good for me."
"Yeah, he's tamed you down. You don't act so much like a fairy!" Dylan teased. "How come?"
"I guess I don't have anything to prove. I'm out; it's okay. I don't have to be in anyone's face because most of my real friends don't give a shit either way."
"Not to change the subject, but are you and lover boy going to go with Rob down to the soup kitchen to visit that old guy who helped him? I think his name is Sam, too."
"We are. We're about the only ones of our group who don't have a summer job other than mowing a few lawns. We have the time and how could we turn down a stud like Rob?"
The visit to the mission was an eye-opener for the younger teens who accompanied Rob and Robbie. They had no concept of the poverty and hopelessness those people lived in. And, the people who were being helped by the mission had it far better than those living under bridges or in the alleys.
Old Sam didn't look as old as he had when Rob had last seen him. Being sober, eating regularly, sleeping well, and having improved hygiene had subtracted 10 to 15 years off his apparent age.
His eyes lit up when he saw Rob. They filled with tears when he got to hold Robbie.
"You're gonna let an old reprobate like me hold this precious child? He's like a little angel. Now I feel like a real grandfather."
"Don't you have grandchildren of your own?" Rob asked.
"Yes, but I don't expect that I'll ever see them. My children disowned me a long time ago. I have no one."
"Hey, if you stay on the straight and narrow, they just might want to get to know you again. I've made peace with my mother and I see my brothers and sisters again. I've tried to forgive my father and in my heart I think I have. I just don't want to see him again! So if your relatives are like some of mine, there is hope."
"See how you feel about your father? Sometimes the pain is too deep. I fear that's what I've caused for my children. But as they say, `where there's life, there's hope'."
Sam went on to tell Rob how his life had changed. He credited Rob's kindness toward him for helping him to turn around.
"When you came back and gave me food, I realized that someone cared about us even when we hit bottom. I know it was originally intended for Willy, but you gave it to me. Then you came back and checked on me and left money here at the mission for things I needed. That gave me just enough hope to try to get my act together. Really it did.
I have a part-time job and a decent room. They'll help me find another place to stay after my time limit is up here. We can't stay here forever, you know, because there's so much need. The mission is hoping to buy the hotel property across the street and turn it into little efficiency apartments for people like me. We still need to raise an additional $200,000 at least. I don't know how that's going to happen in this economy."
"You never know," Rob said. "There are people in this community who could afford to help if we could convince them of the need. There're also government grants."
"That's all true. But who's going to write them?"
"I'll talk to the director. Perhaps I could lend a hand."
It was time to serve the noon meal and some of the volunteers hadn't shown up. The cook was in a tizzy because it was the second time in as many days that they were short-handed. That's when young Sam and Aaron stepped up.
"Uh, we're not doing anything for the next hour or so. We can help if you need us," Aaron said.
"We sure can," his boyfriend agreed.
"You boys are a blessing! Come wash your hands and put on latex gloves and I'll show you where you're needed."
Rob sat with Sam while he ate, feeding Robbie his bottle which the cook had thoughtfully warmed. Any number of diners came by to see Rob's son. They kept their distance as if they were afraid to intrude, but all seemed to enjoy the sight of a healthy, clean, innocent child.
As soon as Robbie had been fed, the cook sent out a plate of food for Rob as well. He hesitated taking the food when there were so many who had so little, but he felt it would be impolite not to break bread with them.
When the serving time was over, Aaron and Sam sat down with Rob and Sam to eat their lunch too. They were hot, tired, and famished. The simple fare provided by the mission tasted surprisingly good.
"I think I'd like to volunteer here regularly," Aaron said. "I like feeling that I'm contributing something. There's plenty of spare time to do the things I want to do. The few yards we mow don't occupy us that much."
"That makes me proud of you!" his boyfriend smiled. "I'll do it with you. I'm supposed to get a car in a couple of weeks for my birthday. We could be together and do something good at the same time. In the meantime, maybe someone could bring us."
"Thanks for wanting to do this with me. I knew I liked you for more than what's in your pants," Aaron whispered to him.
Sam and Aaron giggled at their private joke.
While Aaron and Sam were talking to the cook, Rob and the elder Sam went to find the director. Mr. Worthington was pleased to see Rob again and delighted to meet Robbie. After a bit of chit-chat, Rob got down to business.
"I want to help with your fund-raising. I'm a pretty fair writer and I live in the same house with a guy who is excellent. One of our dads is a lawyer who could probably help me too. What I'm trying to say is that I would be happy to help apply for any grants – governmental or private – that might give money for the housing project Sam has been telling me about. Could you use my help?"
"YES!" Mr. Worthington stated emphatically. "That's not my area of expertise and frankly I'm working a 70 hour week trying to hold the place together as it is. We can't afford an assistant director.
I have a whole folder of forms for possible grant money. Let me get it for you and you can take it home. If you can't find the time, just return them next week with no hard feelings. Whatever you can do will be appreciated, but I know you have responsibilities too."
After saying goodbye, Rob rounded up his passengers and headed home. His mind was working on other sources of help too. He might convince his mother to get involved. She was good at filling out forms. And, she knew influential people who might hold sway with the foundations in question. Heck, she might get some of them together to back the mission on their own. Hmm...
Reese and Cam continued to see each other daily. By mutual agreement, they met for lunch or scheduled a run in the park rather than spending too much time in either apartment together. Each was hoping not to muddy the waters by getting involved in too much sex before developing a true friendship.
After a three-mile run on Thursday afternoon, they sat in the shade to cool off. Their conversation was about philosophy and religion of all things. Reese was really impressed at the depth of Cam's understanding. Cam was likewise pleasantly surprised by what Reese knew.
"You're not just another dumb blond," Cam joked. "You have a solid background in a number of esoteric subjects."
"Uh, if you've been looking, you know that my American Aboriginal features and coloring are about as far from blond as can be!"
"Yeah they are! And I think you're beautiful, if I may use that word."
"Thanks. I think you're a wet dream come true and you can quote Latin to boot!"
"Ah yes, "Cogito ergo sum!" Cam recited in a tone that made it sound seductive.
"Cogito ergo cum," Reese countered in a similar manner, pronouncing it like "come".
Cam laughed so hard that his sides hurt.
"That sums you up alright. You think, therefore you cum. You breathe, therefore you're horny! What am I gonna do with you."
"I can think of several answers to that and they all involve being naked in my bed or maybe on my knees in the restroom over there or you on your knees in those bushes..."
"Putting sex aside for a moment, do you think you know me well enough yet to know I want more than that?"
"Yeah, and I do too. I'm sorry about all the suggestive talk, but I'm really horned up and I don't want to do it with anyone else but you. I do have feelings that run deeper."
"Okay, how about spending Saturday night and all of Sunday at my place. My housemate is supposed to be gone to his girlfriend's unless his plans change."
"Why don't we spend it at my apartment," Reese suggested. "I know I'm gonna be alone. In fact, I'm so alone that I'm gonna have to find somewhere else to move or get another guy to share expenses. You know anyone compatible with a horny Redskin?"
"I know our lease is up August 1st and Jim is moving away. Would it be premature for us to try living together? I'd pay half of your rent and take the smaller bedroom."
"I think it's a great solution. You can have the smaller bedroom on the condition that you don't sleep in it anymore than is absolutely necessary."
Sophia Mancini was not only willing, but delighted to help her eldest son learn to write grant applications. She gave him several pointers, but suggested that he fill in a short one on his own with the promise that he would let her go over it with a fine-tooth comb when he was finished. She said that they should confer with Ben too before returning it to Mr. Worthington. There was no reason not to tap several minds.
Rob hugged his mother with more affection than he'd been able to display in a long time. Sophia could see that this probably meant more to him than the BMW she had given him; and almost as much as her acceptance of Blake. She was moved that he cared this much about others. He had truly learned what it means to love one's neighbor.
Though Eric and Josh were kept pretty busy with their jobs at the country club, they found sufficient time to swim some and also to be creative. After all, what they did at work was basically mindless and there was no homework to keep them occupied in the evening.
The publisher that Mr. Shackford had set them up with had an editor who had suggested a few changes to "Armadillo Rap" before going into contract negotiations. The boys were eager to amend their work if it meant getting it published. In their hearts, they were proud of what they had already done and didn't see the need for alterations. However, they were also aware that the editor had a lot of experience in knowing what would sell best. He was the expert; they were not. Sometimes it was necessary to be humble and willing to take suggestions.
They had a couple of high quality copies made so that they could use them for making alterations without spoiling the original mockup. At least they could preserve that for their own collection.
A couple of days after having made the suggested changes, they were contacted by the publisher, Mr. Edward Overman, who said that he was flying into the Twin Cities on other business the following week. He would be able to meet with them on Tuesday morning if they could clear their schedules. They assured him that they would endeavor to do so. He had an original copy and wanted to compare their revisions with it. Besides knowing Mr. Shackford who had been his teacher, he knew Norm Hadley professionally and had contacted him. Norm had offered a room in his gallery for the meeting and he was inviting Mr. Gilbert as well as Mr. Shackford.
Of course the boys were elated! Josh immediately contacted their manager at the club to see about getting the time off. Cliff was not thrilled about having two of his best workers gone at the same time. However, he said he could understand the importance of their meeting with a publisher. When Josh said that he and Eric would be willing to work on Sunday to make up for Tuesday, Cliff was pleased.
"You know that's going to be an extremely busy day with the tournament here. I can really use your help. Have you guys been seen by a psychiatrist?"
"Well, I had counseling after my mother died," Josh admitted.
"Oh, sorry, I was trying to make a little joke. Most normal teenagers I've dealt with wouldn't volunteer for that much work, especially on their weekend off! But the guys that Blake recommended are all working out well. I should have known. I think it's great that you and your cousin will come in tomorrow. Responsibility must be built into your DNA."
After he got off the phone, Josh had to tell Eric the full conversation. They got a good laugh over the fact that everyone but their closest associates assumed they were related.
There was no one home to share the good news. Blake was working, Rob and Robbie were at Sophia's, and Ben and Scott had gone with Chuck and Robby to look at the house they were putting a bid on. What could two guys find to occupy their time?
"Let's celebrate by taking the canoe out to that quiet lake that's not too far away. We can pack a lunch, paddle around for a while, and maybe lie in the sun on a small island." Eric suggested.
"If we find one secluded enough and the lake isn't busy, we might lie out naked." Josh grinned.
"And if we do that, something might come up to amuse us." Eric agreed, licking his lips.
"Let's leave a note for the `rents and head out!"
The lake the boys chose was practically deserted. It was one where motorized craft was prohibited and fishing wasn't that great. With their lunch, towels, lotion, and a few other items onboard, the two paddled out as far away from anyone else as they could get. Once they got to an isolated islet of land with a few trees on it, they disembarked to set up for the afternoon.
After eating their lunch naked in the shade, they slathered sunscreen on each other's bodies and sprawled out face up on their towels in the sun. It was quiet and warm with a slight breeze to keep them from overheating. All in all, it was a perfect summer day.
"I'd sure hate to see you get burned," Josh grinned as he put more lotion on his hand and rubbed in on Eric's penis.
"Mmm, keep that up and there's going to be more than tanning oil on my abs," Eric responded lazily. "By the way, that's a request: `Keep that up'!"
"It looks like it's going to stay up all by itself," Josh snickered.
Eric sprang up like a tiger after its prey and covered Josh's body with his own. The combination of lotion and sweat made it so slippery that he nearly slid off the other side.
Josh pulled Eric's head down so that their lips touched. Making out under a clear blue sky still held the magic that it had when they'd met a year before. The sun wasn't the hottest thing around at the moment!
For several minutes, they wrestled together in naked abandon. Eric began to whimper signaling the inevitable. With a gasp of pure passion, he stiffened momentarily before unloading between them. That triggered Josh's response.
As they lay giggling in the afterglow, they heard a twig snap. A wide-eyed boy with his swim trunks around his ankles tripped and fell in his haste to get back to his kayak.
"Stay where you are!" Eric ordered.
The shaking boy didn't move.
"I'm sorry," he sobbed. "I didn't mean to watch, but I couldn't stop. It was so beautiful. Please don't beat me up."
"We're not going to hurt you," Josh said soothingly. "How old are you?"
"Twelve."
"I suppose you know all about jacking off."
"Y-y-yes."
"Well, I guess that you haven't witnessed anything that will lead you astray. We'll put our shorts back on and we can talk until you calm down."
"You don't have to cover up; you're awesome."
"Are you gay?"
"I think so," the boy hung his head. "I'm sorry."
"Don't go around being sorry for everything," Josh admonished. "We're gay and we're planning to live together for the rest of our lives. Gay is good!"
"I-I've never heard anyone say that before."
The guys talked to the kid for several minutes while their cocks deflated back to their "resting" size and they pulled their shorts up. His dick became hard again after his fear subsided. Unlike Eric and Josh, he left his tool exposed. He got bolder as his young cock got bigger.
"Would you think I'm a nasty boy if I get off," he asked.
"No, we've done it in front of others before."
"Cool!"
With no further words, the kid lay back, took himself in hand, and pumped furiously. Mere seconds later, he shot a watery stream clear up to his face. What it lacked in viscosity, it more than made up for in distance.
"Wow, you shoot like a fire hose!" Eric complimented him. "That makes it handy to taste."
The boy grinned while twirling his tongue around to catch some of his own nectar.
"That's the best it's ever felt! Do you guys live around here? Can we do it together sometime?"
"Sorry, Dude. We live in the city and we don't usually do it with anyone else. We're really a couple. You need to find a guy close to your own age."
"Uh, thanks for being nice to me. I was afraid you'd hurt me for watching you."
"Nah, we're all curious sometimes. Thanks for letting us watch you."
After saying goodbye, the boy pulled up his trunks and got back in his kayak, happily paddling toward shore.
"Do you think it was okay to encourage him? I feel a little guilty," Josh said.
"I don't," Eric responded. "He's old enough to make cum; he's old enough to show off. We didn't touch him."
"Did it make you hot watching?"
"See for yourself," Eric said as he pulled his shorts back down.
Josh knelt before his lover, sucking his inflating cock to the roots. Eric squirmed and moaned as Josh's talented tongue rapidly brought him to another climax.
As soon as he got his strength back, Eric returned the favor. They lay in the shade naked, holding hands as they dozed for a few minutes.
Upon awakening, they gathered their things to head back home.
Author's notes: The following people emailed since last posting: Cody, Tim E, John McD, Gary McC, Jim O, Chris B, RC, Jim We, Vann, Jim C, Rutabaga, Chea, Bertrand, Karserus, Carroll, Coach M, Paul R, Mark/Charlie, and Tom A. Thanks!
Can't remember who asked about Rutabaga, but he said he really just likes the sound of the word.