Second Chance, Chapter 54
Warning:
This story is copyrighted by the author known as David Lee and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without explicit permission.
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 54
Wonder of wonders, the sky began to clear around noon. Eric and Josh disentangled themselves and peered out into the sunshine. They marveled at the fact that the forecasters had called it right for a change.
Dane dug out some bread, lunchmeat, fruit, and chips for lunch. Each guy made his own sandwich and sat, scantily clad, on the log near the campfire site. They didn't hurry eating, knowing that each passing minute of sunshine would make their tents that much drier.
Eventually, they rolled up their sleeping bags and air mattresses and got all of their personal gear packed away. There was no use in stalling any longer, so they folded up the tents as well.
Back on the river, things were much quieter than they had been the past two days. The weekend campers were long gone, leaving only a small number of vacationers.
As the guys passed the next campsite, they saw the family that they'd met the night before. The boys were all in the water splashing around, but submerged their bodies to the neck when they saw two canoes headed their way. Once they recognized who was in those canoes, they stood up with the water barely to the waist level of the middle boy. The oldest was almost completely exposed to the crotch and seemingly not embarrassed. Because the water was crystal clear, there was no hiding that they were all swimming nude.
The guys gave them a cheery greeting and received the same in return. They grinned as they realized that they were probably responsible for the new freedom the younger boys were enjoying near their camp.
Around 4:00 p.m., Dane spotted a campsite that he thought would be good and they pulled into it. It turned out to be fine, so they decided to set up quickly so they could lie in the sun again.
They had originally talked about fishing, but Colt reminded them that the steaks had thawed out completely and might go bad if they were held another day.
As the guys were lying in the sun, the couple with the three boys paddled by again. That might have gone by completely unnoticed, but the young boys recognized their canoes and shouted greetings. The guys felt almost like they'd gained three younger brothers.
Josh and Eric volunteered to search for more firewood while Dane and Colt took a nap. They had to go back into the woods quite a ways before they found a dried branch that was small enough for them to carry back.
When they arrived at their camp, Colt and Dane were nowhere to be seen. They wondered if their friends had gone exploring. About that time, Dane and Colt emerged from their tent glistening with sweat and looking flushed. Their cocks semi-hard, they slipped into trunks and headed to the river to bathe. Eric gave Josh a knowing smirk. It looked as if the other guys must have enjoyed a quickie in their absence. After sawing up a number of small logs, Eric and Josh joined them in the water.
Their evening meal of steaks grilled over an open fire, accompanied by potatoes roasted in aluminum foil in the coals and a salad of cutup fruit, tasted as fine as the fare in some trendy restaurant. They sat back feeling pleasantly filled and ready to relax.
There wasn't a lot of cleanup to do because no pots and pans had been involved in the cooking. Josh volunteered to wash their plates and tableware and Eric helped him.
In the mean time, Dane and Colt sawed up a few more chunks of wood and built up the fire. Since they had eaten fairly late, daylight was beginning to fade and the light of their campfire set a cheerful mood.
They sat for a while conversing about everything in general and nothing in particular. Colt did volunteer to see what wedding preparations he and Dane could set up for the next month. He seemed almost as excited about their marriage plans as Eric and Josh did.
"Uh, are you ready to graduate to the next size," Eric asked when they were in their tent for the night.
"I'm a little sore from last night, but I'll help you if you want." Josh said.
"I'm feeling a bit tender too. My whole gut is a little sensitive. I think we should stick with the middle sized one for a while, but let's not use any tonight. I'm really pleased that we're getting this stretching stuff done ahead of time. I wouldn't want to be walking around looking like I'm bowlegged on our honeymoon!"
"Yeah, thanks to our buds and our dads, we should be fine by then. I never realized what a `tight-ass' I was until we started using those dildos." Josh snickered. "How about just making out for a while?"
The two boys kissed deeply while running their hands over each other's body. They were reminded of the passion that they'd discovered a bit over a year before on their first camping experience together. Their feelings had only grown stronger.
"I keep thinking about what a brat I was and how close I came to missing the chance to meet you." Eric said when they came up for air. "If my dad had given in and let me fly back to my mother's house, we might never have met, much less fallen in love..."
"Maybe we'd have had another opportunity," Josh mused. "Our dads weren't going to miss their second chance so maybe we'd have met because of them. Anyway, I'd like to show you how glad I am that we did meet and fall in love."
Josh guided Eric's hand to his raging hardon to prove his point. Eric got the message and slid down to take the prize in his mouth, positioning his body so that Josh could easily reach his crotch. Josh moaned his approval as he nuzzled and licked Eric's balls. A couple of minutes later, each swallowed the other's cock as deeply as possible. Both were getting adept at taking it to the hilt for short periods without gagging.
Sixty-nine had long been their favorite number between one and 100 and tonight they continued the tradition. They made love unhurriedly bringing each other to the brink several times before making the final plunge.
Cuddling once more while cooling down with soft, sticky kisses, they fell asleep.
One more day and night on the river and then it would be over. Everyone was feeling a bit saddened by that fact. They had bonded like brothers during the past few days. It was awesome to see how close guys could get when the trappings of civilization were stripped away and they lived so freely out in the open – becoming connected with nature in the process.
They could easily have canoed the distance to the modern campground where their vehicles were parked, but chose to stay at a primitive campsite only a few miles from their destination. Here they could still be bare-assed most of the time, unlike the big campground where there were lots of people of both sexes around.
They sunned and napped in the buff and didn't dress except for going back into the woods to retrieve more wood to build a big campfire that they would sit around in the evening.
The guys decided to try to catch the main course of their dinner instead of opening the canned stew that was their backup. This time, Josh had excellent luck. He caught his limit in a very short time. Eric did okay, but Dane and Colt both caught more than he did.
Again Josh chose to do most of the cleaning. He really didn't mind doing it and he was faster by far than his companions. They helped of course.
There was just enough cornmeal and flour mixture left to coat the fish adequately. It was a good thing that Josh had brought plenty in anticipation of good catches.
Their dinner that evening consisted mostly of fried fish with the remaining chips and fruit. Tomorrow they would be able to stop for lunch on the way back to St. Paul so it didn't matter that their supplies were getting low.
As was their custom, they bathed in the river after most of the other people had pulled in somewhere for the night. No one boned up in the process because they were getting used to being naked together. It was almost like four brothers camping as a group.
Since it was their last night, the guys sat up longer than usual talking. It wasn't that they were discussing anything earth-shaking; it was more like simply enjoying their time together and hating to see it end.
Because of retiring late, no one got amorous that night. The air had cooled down nicely making it ideal weather for cuddling. That is what Eric and Josh did. Even though they cuddled together naked, they didn't need to have sex to prove that they loved each other.
Dane and Colt must have done the same because there were no sounds coming from their tent that suggested any activity but sleep.
Dane whipped up French toast with the remaining bread, eggs, and milk. There was enough bacon left for each guy to have two pieces to go with it. There was no fruit left and only about 12 ounces of orange juice which they divided up four ways. Rations were a bit meager, but would hold them until they were on the road home.
Eric gave part of his portion of food to Josh, saying that he didn't feel that hungry and knew that Josh would be.
After washing up their dishes and packing everything, the guys got in their canoes to paddle the last few miles. In less than an hour's time, they had pulled up to where their vehicles were parked and were loading them for the drive back.
As soon as they got to a town with an eating place, they stopped for a second breakfast. Everyone ordered a pretty large meal. The food was inexpensive and filling. Each guy had a different kind of omelet. Eric tried an exotic one with several kinds of meat in it. However, he wished he'd ordered something simpler because by the time he got it, he didn't have much appetite. He shared again with his lover.
The guys had decided to ride back to St. Paul with their own partners rather than to split up as they had on the trip out. They were about two hours from the restaurant heading down a nearly deserted state highway.
Dane was feeling amorous, but was doing his best not to distract Colt too much. Instead of cupping his husband's crotch, he kept his left hand on Colt's right leg – skin to skin just below where the hem of his shorts ended. Colt was still wearing a goofy grin and oozing precum.
"If we weren't trying to keep with their pickup, I'd pull over and make you finish what you're starting," Colt grinned. "It's not nice to be a cock-tease!"
"I could unzip you and suck that bad boy if I thought you could keep Grandma's SUV on the road while I got you off."
"I promise I'll stay between the lines," Colt moaned. "Please don't get me hot and leave me hanging."
"You're not hanging; you're standing straight up!"
Just as Dane was reaching for the zipper, Josh's pickup signaled a right turn and pulled onto the shoulder. The passenger door opened quickly and Eric rushed out puking in the ditch.
Colt pulled up behind with his flashers on and they jumped out to see what was going on. His cock softened in the process and thoughts of getting off faded as quickly as they had come.
"What's up?" he asked Josh who was by then holding Eric's shoulders to steady him.
"I think it might be food poisoning. He thought that omelet tasted a little strange. Something in it might have been spoiled. He got really cold, but his forehead feels hot to the touch. He's complaining about pain around his abs."
"Should we try to find a clinic or hospital?" Dane asked.
"I doubt there's anything in any of these small towns. It's only about an hour and a half `til we get home." Eric said. "I feel surprisingly better after ralphing my guts out. Maybe we could stop for some 7up or Sierra Mist. I could really go for something to change the taste in my mouth."
Josh got him a bottle of water to rinse with and dug out a tin of Altoids to sweeten his mouth.
They were back on the road and had driven about an hour when they came to the Interstate. Josh had to pull into the first rest area they came to so that Eric could rush to the bathroom. He barely made it before throwing up again.
Everyone else decided to go to the bathroom while they were there. Josh got on the cell phone to call home. Scott advised him to take Eric to a hospital that was on that side of town rather than to drive home. They used their TomTom and located it easily.
Fifteen minutes later, the guys were sitting in the emergency room. Since it wasn't yet noon and the hospital was in a rather wealthy suburb, the room was not packed with people waiting to be served. Eric was only third in line to be seen.
A nurse escorted him to an examining room after Josh had helped him fill out some paperwork. He was leaning on Josh because he felt rather weak and cold again.
"You may want to wait outside," she said to Josh.
"No ma'am. This is my fiancé and I have no intention of leaving him alone."
"Oooohkay," she answered with a frown.
In a few minutes, a handsome young doctor entered the room.
"Well, what seems to be the problem? The receptionist said you've had a sudden onset of vomiting and pain in your gut."
"We think he has food poisoning from something he ate this morning." Josh answered for him. "I ate a bit of it, but it didn't affect me."
"There's been a lot of salmonella going around in this country of late. Most people don't react quite that quickly, but it can be a good thing when you do. If it is a bug, getting it out of your system before it has a chance to attack anything important is great. However, if his guts are aching, it could be something that will need immediate attention. Can you call his mother so we can officially admit and treat him?"
"Uh, I called his dad about a half hour ago and he's on the way. We've been out camping and we're on our way home. I've already given his insurance info to the person at the desk. You don't need to worry about getting paid. We're responsible." Josh assured the doctor with an edge in his voice.
"That's not my main concern. I do need permission if we should have to do surgery because he's a minor and, well you know how malpractice suits go..."
"My dad's a lawyer, so my boyfriend had better get the best of care and not be neglected until someone gets here to sign some damn paper!" Josh exclaimed vehemently.
The doctor smiled.
"I think it's cool that you're protective of your buddy. Don't worry, I won't withhold anything that might be necessary for his wellbeing, I promise!"
"Thanks, just so you know where I'm coming from," Josh returned a tight smile as he allowed some of the tension to drain from his body.
"I'll order a room and have an IV on standby to be started the minute I know it's legal for me to do so. It's not urgent yet, but I don't want you to get dehydrated," He said to Eric. "Now lie back. I'm going to pull up your shirt and loosen your shorts so I can check your abdomen. Let me know if I touch an area that's tender."
When the doctor felt the area below Eric's bellybutton, Eric grimaced. As the doctor's hands proceeded down Eric's right side toward his pubic area, he moaned in pain.
"Son, I'm convinced that you're having an acute appendicitis attack and we're not going to waste any time. I'm sending you up to the surgical floor to be prepped and I'm sending your boyfriend with you. I know there'd be hell to pay if I didn't!"
Just then, Scott's voice could be heard out in the hall thanking the nurse for showing him to the examining room.
"Hi, I'm Eric's father. What's wrong with him?"
"We started out with the premise that he might have eaten something tainted, but I'm sure it's appendicitis and I'm recommending immediate surgery. Don't worry, the guys up there will test to confirm my diagnosis before we subject him to the knife."
Moments later, two orderlies arrived with a gurney to transport Eric to the surgical ward. Josh popped his head into the waiting room while the men were getting Eric ready.
"You guys might as well go to our house and unload the canoe and then go over to Wade's place. Eric is having surgery to remove his appendix and will be out of it for a while. There's no use in all of us staying here waiting."
Dane and Colt reluctantly agreed that it would be best to leave, but they didn't go until they had given Eric a hug and kiss on the cheek telling him he'd be in their prayers and that they'd be back to visit him when he felt up to it. Then they both hugged Josh tightly telling him not to worry and to call or text them with any updates.
Josh and Scott stayed with Eric as long as possible while he was being prepped. When it came to shaving his pubes on the right side, the young man with the shaver suggested that the two of them wait behind the curtain.
"That's not necessary," Eric spoke up. "There's nothing here that they both haven't seen. The last time I got shaved before swimming finals, Josh is the one who did it. If you're taking part of my pubes, please take the whole bush so it'll grow out evenly."
The young technician blushed slightly, but did as Eric requested. Josh really wanted to be the one to hold Eric's cock out of the way, but figured it would cause Eric to throw wood. Eric ended up doing that himself because despite the pain he was in, he knew that if anyone else touched his dick, he probably wouldn't be able to stay soft.
Eric was wheeled off to surgery shortly thereafter. Josh didn't want to witness the catheter being pushed into the slit of that part of Eric's anatomy that he had grown to love so well. It might have been more stressful for him than it was for Eric.
Scott and Josh waited for what seemed like an eternity. Scott suggested that Josh go to the cafeteria for something to eat, but Josh wouldn't go. He couldn't think about food at a time like this. Luckily that huge second breakfast would keep body and soul together for some time. There was juice and water available in the waiting room and Josh had a bit of each.
Josh had his head down praying that the surgeons would use their best skills to heal his lover. He implored God to bring Eric through without any complications. He'd heard about people having their appendix burst causing brain damage so that they ended up with speech problems and other physical troubles. He could imagine how frustrated Eric would be if that happened. Eric was so articulate and intelligent. Josh asked God most of all to allow Eric to be the same when this was over.
The woman at the desk thought he was asleep when she came over to where he and Scott were seated.
"Eric is in the recovery room. Everything went well. Please follow me to a conference room where the surgeon will talk to you in a minute."
She was very surprised when Josh leapt from his chair and hugged Scott. He certainly hadn't been asleep! As she had promised, the doctor came in a few minutes later still dressed in surgical attire.
"I'm Doctor Matthews," he said offering his hand to Scott.
"I'm Scott, Eric's father, and this is his boyfriend Josh."
Dr. Matthews turned to shake Josh's hand as well.
"You have a very lucky young man in there. His appendix had an abscess, but it had not burst. Therefore the area was not subjected to septic poisoning and his recovery should be swift. He looks to be in great physical shape. That helps too. Since there's not an ounce of fat on the lad, you'll have to make sure he doesn't miss any meals. I will have the nurse give you a sheet of what foods he should have and what his exercise limits will be for time being. I can tell that he exercises. I don't want him to stop all physical activity, but I do want him not to overdo."
"How soon can I see him?" Josh asked.
"He should be coming out of the anesthetic right now and could be in his room within a few minutes. I won't limit the time you're allowed to spend with him, but be aware that he may not be totally responsive for the rest of the day while the anesthetic wears off. A lot depends on the individual, but many act dopey for several hours. Also, the pain medication might make him sleep a lot."
"Thanks for saving his life!" Josh exclaimed with tears in his eyes.
"You're welcome. Getting him in here quickly went a long way in that regard."
When Scott and Josh entered Eric's room, they were surprised to see him propped up in bed looking alert.
"What took you guys so long? I thought you'd gone home and left me here alone," he grinned.
"You know I'd never do that, Babe!" Josh insisted. "We didn't expect you to be really awake."
"Yeah, I know. Dad, thanks for getting here so fast. I overheard the doctor saying I was lucky to have this done before it got worse."
"You're welcome, Son. I don't think they would have waited for me after Josh more or less threatened the emergency room doctor. The man was quite impressed with his handling of the situation. He thinks Josh could be a good lawyer someday."
Josh moved in to kiss Eric on the lips just as a nurse entered the room. Neither boy let her presence stop them from their tender moment.
"Well, you seem to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for someone who just had part of his body removed," she teased.
"They didn't remove anything important, I trust," Josh said, raising the sheet and Eric's gown to check his anatomy. "Ugh, you've got a tube inserted in it," he giggled. "Did that hurt a lot?"
"Nah, it wasn't that bad actually. I think they put some deadening on it."
"On it or on the tube?" Josh snickered. "I hope they didn't deaden it permanently."
"Miss, you'll have to pardon these boys. They're growing up in an all male household and sometimes forget when it's not appropriate to talk like that."
"It's a hospital, and I'm used to seeing and hearing anything and everything. I'm certainly not offended. When boys banter like that, it's a sign that they're feeling okay. I take it that these two are pretty close.
Are you brothers?" she said turning toward the boys.
"No ma'am," Josh said. "I hope you were sincere about not being offended because you may be yet. This handsome guy is my fiancé. We're getting married next month in Iowa."
"Well congratulations! I hope I don't hurt your feelings when I say that I took you for being younger than 18."
"We are. Our dads are going to sign for us."
"That's great! I hope Eric is going to be feeling like his old self again by then. It could throw a wrench in your honeymoon plans if he weren't," she giggled.
After the nurse left the room, Eric reminded Josh to call Dane and Colt to let them know how well he was doing. When the connection was made, he talked to both of the Johnson guys to make sure they knew he was up for a visit after dinner. They promised to come by.
Author's notes: Thanks to the following who have emailed since last posting: Rutabaga, John McD, Tom A, Jim C, Paul R, Jim We, and Carroll.
The situation for Ugandan Gays is becoming graver by the day. I do hope that world opinion pressures the legislators there to reconsider their draconian law.
I'm considering posting "A Christmas Tale" next week. We'll see if I get it done.
Hope you're having a Happy Hanukkah and a Merry Christmas season.