The following story is a work of gay fiction. If the subject matter is offensive to you or you are too young please exit now. This work is the property of the author and may not be reproduced without permission. John Tucker, JETjt@aol.com
SUPER JEFF
Chapter Twelve
JEFF'S POV
What a wonderful night. I can't imagine being without Chris. He's become such a part of my life, a part of me that the thought of ever losing him would be like cutting off my arm. My heart told me that such a disaster would be beyond comprehension. I washed the horrible idea from my thoughts and remembered Chris' sweet face. Again we limited our lovemaking to kissing, touching, and oral activities. I knew I could be happy with never going beyond what we were doing, yet the new thing we did made me wonder. As we took each other in our mouths our fingers penetrated each others' rectum until we found that special spot that turned up the flame on our passion to new heights. It was a new sensation, one I'd read about, but never really believed until I asked Chris to do it to me. He noticed my reaction at once and later insisted that I try it with him. He enjoyed it as much as I did.
Sunday morning we got up late, breakfasted, then went again to the golf course. After an hour on the driving range and putting green we played 18 holes. Chris was a little disappointed since he had three holes where `the wheels came off' in his playing and the harder he tried, the worse he played. I slowed down our play, insisting that he take practice swings each time he went to address the ball. After a hole of mixed shots, his game came back and he played better than he ever had before. We talked about the mental aspects of the game and how it was essential that he learn to forget the last hole and even the previous shot, and to play each shot like it was a new game. Once he got over his frustration at playing poorly, his game reflected the lesson that he'd accepted. While the three bad holes had doomed his score for the round, I more than praised his improved play. He also had some truly great shots, including one drive that rivaled mine. All in all it was enough to encourage him. He even told me afterward how happy he was to have taken up the game.
Since we'd already checked out of our hotel, we debated whether or not to go back early to camp. We decided instead to take in a movie and dinner before we returned up the mountain. In the movie we sat in a secluded section and held hands during the feature. It was the best part of the show, for me. After a nice dinner at Applebee's we reluctantly drove back to camp, arriving just before `lights out'.
The guys were happy to see us, which made us both feel good, yet in many ways I looked forward to the following Saturday when the camp would be over. We decided that once the campers left, we'd stop on the way back and spend the night together once again before we took the final leg of our journey home.
The last week in camp was filled with fun and camaraderie as the final game competitions were held on the last Wednesday. Even though there was intense rivalry between the cabins, I was pleased at the way my guys supported Chris's cabin too. I'm sure they knew of my closeness to Chris and wanted to please me. They pleased me in more than that way too. We won the games, and Chris' cabin was a distant second. I was more than happy that Jon and Ben were voted as team captains. They worked the other guys very hard, yet encouraged them, rather than criticized them when they didn't do well. It was especially gratifying the way they praised Sammy. They made sure that he was included in all the activities and gave him special attention to prepare him for each event, congratulating him when he did well. I felt that all three guys developed a bond between them that would last long beyond camp.
Chris and I didn't have much time together. The morning run now included virtually the whole camp and our work-out sessions were never ceasing. Chris and I had to split up the lifting sessions between us, just to have some time for the guys in our respective cabins. On Friday as the end of camp drew near there was an assembly inside the multipurpose building where we ate. Each cabin had to present a skit or performance of some kind to entertain the others. My group had bugged me about what to do and I ended up making a few suggestions. I was surprised at their choice, so I had to go to work right away doing a little arrangement of a song we were going to do. The guys all scrounged up the costumes and I worked with them in a few practice sessions. Some of the skits were really cute, including Chris' cabin guys who presented a melodrama skit, replete with costumes and exaggerated lines, resulting in cheers and clapping from the audience.
Before our turn came, my guys disappeared immediately after the previous group was finished and quickly donned their costumes, which I'd never seen. After we were introduced, I got up and said a few words about how I'd enjoyed the performances so far, encouraging and praising the campers for their work. Then I sat down at the rickety upright piano in preparation for our act. I played a quick peppy interlude to give my guys a bit more time to get ready. At last the curtain parted at the edge and Sammy signaled that they were in place. I played just long enough for Sammy to get back on stage with the others.
I began playing the introduction to the performance and the curtain parted, revealing Ben and Jon at center stage, with the others loosely in a semi-circle behind them. I cracked up when I saw the costumes. There was Ben, my black bad-boy, dressed in drag as a woman in a period costume, holding Jon's hand. Jon who was standing beside `the lady' was the recipient of his unquestionably ugly girlfriend's attention. The audience roared and clapped as they saw Ben.
Jon acted out an exaggerated rejection of Ben, dropping the hand of his `intended lady,' then retreated to the company of the others, as Ben pretended to weep. As the music reached the lead-in notes, Ben began to sing. He was accompanied by background singing of oo's and ah's by the other guys from the cabin as he sang brokenhearted, in a heavy English accent, the lead-in which told of two lovers, their devotion to each other, and their plans to be married. The lyrics described how the heroine was instructed to meet her lover at the church where they would take their vows. Then Ben feigned surprise as he began the chorus:
"There was I waiting at the church, Waiting at the church, Waiting at the church, When I found he left me in the lurch, Lo how it did up-set me." "All at once he sent me round a note, Here's the very note, (taking out a piece of paper and waving it into the air,) This is what he wrote, (pretending to read) `I can't get away to marry you today^Å.. My wife^Å won't let me!"
The audience laughed and clapped their approval as the "choir" sang a little interlude, then Ben sang the whole chorus again.
As he concluded his performance the audience stamped their approval. Calls of `encore' were heard as the whole group bowed again and again, grinning. I had prepared them for this, and we had the encore ready, though none in our group except Jon and Ben were privy to it.
Jon, who had put on a straw hat during the applause, and removing his tie and dress shirt which had covered the top of his overalls, stepped forward as Ben joined the others.
I played a few notes of introduction and Jon began his little song:
"Dirty Lil, Dirty Lil, Lives on top of garbage hill. Never took a bath, never will, (he hacked up some phlegm and pretended to spit in time) "Dirty Lil."
He blushed, and then bowed, as the audience and his fellow campers laughed, screamed and pounded the floor with their feet.
Before the ovation died down, the group quickly filed off-stage returning to their seats in the audience.
When all the delightful performances were done, Mr. Jepperson got on the stage. The youths quieted as he began to speak.
"Campers," he began. "I can never remember in all my many years here, of a camp that came together like this one. I know that you all competed, but more importantly, you all became friends. I hope we see every one of you here again. It's been a pleasure being here with you. Now I'd like to give out three awards that we give out in each camp. They are for Best Cabin', Best Camper', and `Best Counselor.
"First," he said is the award for `Best Counselor'. I'd like to present that to one of our newest counselors, Jeff Richards."
I was shocked, but my guys pounded me on the back and clapped with enthusiasm as I stood during the applause and went to the stage to receive my award. I smiled, took the award, said a word of thanks, then quickly sat down to the clapping of the campers.
"Next is the award for the best camper. It's my honor to present this to^ÅSammy Jones from the Grizzly Bear cabin."
My guys yelled their approval and pounded Sammy on the back while he blushed and went up to receive his award with the audience showing their approval. I could quickly see that my guys were hoping for a clean sweep.
"Last is our most prestigious award, that of Best Cabin. I'm more than pleased to present that award to^Å The Polar Bears, Chris Taylor, Counselor."
My guys were crestfallen, yet clapped enthusiastically for their friends in Chris' cabin. Chris sent Frank Peterson, the captain of their competition team to lead the whole cabin up to receive their ribbons. Chris followed the last camper, receiving his own ribbon, and a small plaque for the cabin. He shook Mr. Jepperson's hand and thanked him. He then followed his guys to their seats. I saw tears of pride in his eyes as he looked over at me before sitting down. Damn! I was so, so proud of him!
Mr. Jepperson raised his hands for silence. The room stilled.
"I'd like to say how pleased I am with you all. I hope you've enjoyed your stay with us. Now if you'd all go out and reassemble at the campfire we'll have our farewell ceremony along with some camp songs led by Jeff Richards."
The gathering broke up and my guys again congratulated both me and Sammy. We thanked them and I gave Sammy a special hug, whispering softly in his ear how proud I was of him. He beamed at the praise.
As we left the building and headed for the seating logs surrounding the fire pit where a blazing fire had been started, Ben and Jon stepped over to walk beside me.
"Congratulations Coach," Jon said. "We knew you were the best. We're proud of Sammy too. ^Å.Uh^Å we just wanted to say we're sorry."
"Thanks. Sorry for what?" I inquired.
"For making us lose the best cabin award," Ben said. "We know we lost because of us and our fighting and for my picking on Sammy when we first got here."
"The award was not important to me," I said. "What is important is that you rose above your conflicts. You've become leaders and model campers in the last weeks, and I'm proud of you both. Ben, if there was an award for `Most Improved Camper,' you'd have won, hands-down."
He choked at the compliment, and muttered "Thanks," before Jon piped up with, "And he'd have won for `sexiest camper' too!"
I laughed at Ben's obvious embarrassment, giving them both a hug across the shoulders as we walked and I stage whispered with a laugh, "I think so too!"
Ben looked at me in surprise and asked, "What about Chris?"
"He's not a camper," I said, quickly thinking of my reply, then once I'd spoken I added a knowing wink.
"Yeah," Ben smiled in understanding.
"Hey I have to get up and lead this campfire thing," I said releasing my hold of them. "I'd like to talk to you both in the morning after breakfast and after you have your things ready for going home."
"Sure Coach," Jon said with a sad smile at the thought of leaving. "We'll catch up with you then."
"Thanks Coach," Ben added as they stepped away to go to their places around the fire.
The evening around the campfire passed with stories, songs, and a few words from Jamie, the Head Counselor. We concluded by singing the camp song, a slow campfire tune that told of youth, friendships and memories. More than one eye leaked as the campers and counselors all draped their arms over the shoulders of their companions on each side, standing around the fire and swaying back and forth in time as the words softly escaped their throats. The fire had died down and as if by magic, winked out as the song ended. Everyone stood still as Jeff prayed aloud.
"Most wonderful God. We thank You for the time we've had together under your starry heavens. We thank You too for the fun we've had. Most of all we thank You for the friendships that we've made while we've been here. Now we ask that You protect and guide us all through the coming year. Let us not forget the lessons that we've learned here nor our friends that have become a part of our hearts. Keep us safe on the road to our homes and to our families. Amen."
Everyone dropped their arms, and turning, began the walk to the cabins where they'd spend their last night on the mountain.
CHRIS' POV
I awoke early. It was as if my subconscious mind was reminding me that this morning would signal the end of our camp experience. I got up, took a quick pee and shower, then emerging from the bathing area, looked out over my sleeping cubs. I knew how proud I was of them and of their accomplishments. I could feel the joy and pride in my heart as my cabin received the `best cabin' award the previous evening. I thought of Jeff's silent congratulations as I looked with more than a little sadness at my guys. It had been a great experience for us all and I was so glad that Jeff had agreed to come.
The ringing of the large bell from atop the Administration Building signaled the wake-up call. Groans were heard from within the cabin as the guys moved, yet still hoped for some more needed sleep. The night before, I had heard them up talking and laughing into the late hours. I was sure they'd sleep most of the way home on the buses.
I threw on some clothes, then stepped outside into the cool air of the morning, knowing that the sun and clear sky indicated a warm day later on. I looked over at Jeff's cabin just in time to see him emerge dressed in his running togs and smiling at me. Honestly, the thought of running had been the farthest thing from my mind. I knew better though than to attempt opposition. Turning back into the cabin, I headed back toward my room to change, shouting, "Runners! Outside in 5 minutes!"
More groans were heard as I entered my quarters and closed the door. Three minutes later I again emerged, ready to do battle. Most of my group were either dressing for the run or had already gone outside. I followed them, surprised at how many of the campers had gathered around Jeff standing over by the fire pit.
"Glad you could join us," Jeff said to me with a grin.
"I'm a glutton for punishment," I complained as I moved beside him and began my stretches.
"I'm just a glutton for you," he quietly replied. "I just can't get enough."
"Tell me that in 10 years," I challenged. "Then I'll know that I've made you happy."
"I'll remember," Jeff promised. "You can count on me."
By the time we'd finished our chit-chat and a few stretching exercises, the runners for the day had assembled and prepared themselves for the run. We took off out toward the road leading to the camp and the route that had become second nature to us all. Forty minutes later we again were back at our point of beginning. Covered with sweat, we first caught our breaths before heading for the showers and then breakfast.
The morning passed quickly as the guys finished their breakfasts, returning to the cabins to pack their belongings, then clean the cabin in anticipation of the next group of campers that would arrive the following day. Part way through the morning I saw Jeff talking to Ben and Jon over by the fire pit. After several minutes of conversation, they all exchanged hugs, then returned to their cabin and chores. By 1:15 PM, the campers were all assembled by their buses awaiting the order to load up their gear and take their places aboard. Jeff and I circulated, giving each of our campers a word of encouragement and a warm hug. Soon the buses were opened and the loading began. At 1:45 the first bus pulled out to the waves of the counselors and staff. Five minutes later the last bus had disappeared into the trees.
Somehow I felt that a small part of my life has just been taken from me and a tear ran down my cheek. Jeff , who had moved to my side as the buses left, put his arm around me and smiled sympathetically. I noticed that his eyes too were unusually full of fluid
Mr. Jepperson came up beside Jeff and me as we watched the last bus go.
"I'd like you to come to my office, if you don't mind," Carl requested.
We followed him into the Admin Building and into his office where he closed the door after we'd entered.
"Take a seat," he offered," as he sat down behind his desk.
We sat down beside each other and looked at our friend, our high school principal.
"I'd like to thank you both for answering our need," he began. "I had hoped that the fill-in counselors would be a band-aid to get through the first camping session. What I got was the whole hospital! I must say that I'm impressed. Thanks to the both of you, I think this session was the most successful we've ever had. I can't believe that you got practically the whole camp into both running and lifting. I was about to give that exercise equipment away, just to have the space for something that was useful. Now I'm glad I didn't. A couple of the counselors that will be staying have offered to take over both programs. I really look forward to school starting up and working with you both to make the Bulldogs the best school this year in the L.A. area. All I can say is, `thank you', and here are your checks."
"Thank you, Mr. Jepperson," I said quickly before Jeff could speak. "I can see how Jeff got elected to be Student Body President at our school. He has such wonderful leadership abilities, as do you. I think school this coming year will reach a new high."
"Thanks, but don't put yourself down Chris," Jepperson replied. "I watched you during the camp experience. You are no slouch yourself. I know that you'll be Jeff's right hand man throughout the coming year. I don't know when I've looked forward to the start of school so much."
"Thanks for the kind words, Carl^Å er^Å I should say, Mr. Jepperson, now that camp's over," Jeff stammered, offering his hand. "It's been a true pleasure working with you."
I joined Jeff in the exchange of handshakes, then after a final word of goodbye and picking up our checks we left the cabin, making the rounds saying goodbye to the other counselors as well as the camp staff. Thirty minutes later, our pick-up was packed, the engine started and had begun to move as we looked back at the camp where we'd had such a rewarding experience, one that brought us closer to each other as well as teaching us new lessons in life.
We drove off in silence, letting our thoughts run over the events of the wonderful previous three weeks. Later as we descended the mountain, I broke the silence, asking Jeff, "What was the pow-wow with Ben and Jon this morning?"
"Oh nothing much, I just wanted to talk with them and tell them how proud I was of them and their accomplishments," he said. "I gave them my phone number just in case they need us. It turns out that they live close to each other, but had never met before camp. Just prior to saying goodbye, they told me that they had become boyfriends. I wished them luck, and they wished us the same. I sure hope they do alright."
"I'm sure they will," I assured Jeff. "They had a good example for a counselor."
"Thanks, but that's not what I'm worried about. I'm worried about their returning home to their friends and how it will affect their newfound relationship."
"Do you have their addresses and phone numbers?" I asked. "Maybe we could go down and spend a day with them before school starts."
"Yes, I'd like that," Jeff replied. "Now, I hope you don't mind but I've made plans for us this evening."
"No, I don't mind. Where are we going?"
"To Disneyland," he announced.
"Whoopee!" I yipped excitedly. "I've always wanted to go there!"
"You haven't been to Disneyland?" he asked in surprise. "I can't believe it!"
Visions of my father popped into my head.
"No, my Dad said it was much too expensive and not worth the money."
"Well, I think he's wrong," Jeff replied. "Get ready to be a kid again."
True to his word, Jeff had booked a room only a tram ride away from the park. I was so excited about the prospects of the following day's visit to the park I almost forgot to thank Jeff properly. Heh, heh!... I said almost! (blush).
The following day was all Jeff had promised. After eating breakfast and checking out, leaving our luggage in the hotel's baggage room, we took the tram to the park in time for its opening. We hurried around to a few of Jeff's favorite rides to avoid the rush that was sure to come later. It was with wisdom that I let Jeff lead the way. He seemed to know the ins and outs of the park, making the most of our limited time. By 4 o'clock I was bushed and ready leave.
"Glad we came?" Jeff asked as we passed through the gates to the tram station.
"It was great Love," I answered. "Thanks. I'm tired though and will be glad to get home and take a soak in the hot-tub."
"The folks should be back," Jeff said. "I wonder if they enjoyed Europe. More than that, I hope they remember their promise for a little side trip with them this summer."
"I'm sure they won't forget Jeff. They both love you."
"They love you too," Jeff said. "They just don't realize it fully yet."
I laughed.
Picking up our luggage from the hotel, Jeff and I loaded the truck and soon were on the half-hour trek to Palos Verdes.
The trip was not long and soon our tired bodies were dreaming of the hot tub in the house that would appear at the top of the next hill. As we approached, we saw two cars parked in front. They were plain sedans of an American make, not the fancy cars one would expect in this neighborhood. Jeff pressed the gate button on the opener he'd clipped to the visor and the large iron gates began their opening swing. Jeff turned through the gates and pulled around to the garage where, after opening the garage door, he backed into the space normally occupied by his Z car.
"Let's go inside and see who's here. Frank can get our luggage later," Jeff suggested.
"Okay Babe, "I agreed. "I hope it's not formal company. I smell like a goat."
"Yeah, but you're my goat," Jeff winked.
"You're baaaad," I said imitating a sheep as Jeff reached the door into the house. He grinned and pushed the lever down, opening the door and holding it as I entered. Following me, he quickly walked past me into the front foyer. In the living room he saw two men in suits talking to Frank.
"Hi Frank," Jeff said in greeting. "Are the folks home?"
"Come in Jeff, and you too Chris," Frank answered back without answering Jeff's question. "You need to meet these gentlemen."
We stepped into the living room with curiosity in our minds.
"You're Jeff Richards?" the first man asked Jeff.
"Yes," was Jeff's simple reply.
"My name is Agent Hardy, and this is Agent Sterling," the man said extending his hand. "I'm with the State Department, and Agent Sterling is with Homeland Security."
They each showed him their I.D.'s and gave him their cards.
"This is my brother Chris," he said, nodding toward me. They offered me their hands to shake, which I took in spite of the strange looks they gave me.
"What can we do for you?" Jeff asked, puzzled.
"I'm afraid that I have the duty to tell you that your parents are missing," Agent Hardy reported.
"Missing? Like how missing?" Jeff asked, his face showing alarm.
"They were apparently abducted by terrorists in London, three days ago," Agent Sterling said. "We're searching for them, but every effort so far has turned up blank."
"Have you heard from their abductors?" Jeff asked in shock.
"Not a word," Sterling confided. "We're hoping that we'll hear soon. We've notified every police agency on the continent in the event that they've been taken off the Islands. The British are expending every effort and every clandestine contact to find them, if they're still in Britain."
"You think they've been taken away?" Jeff asked.
"It's more than possible," Hardy responded. "It took nearly a whole day for them to be reported missing. Then yesterday we got an eye witness who saw them being manhandled into a car. I hate to say this, but it doesn't look too hopeful."
"Your sister is being told today too. We're asking that you come to Washington where the search reports are being centralized."
"Can Chris come too?" Jeff asked.
"We don't have any report of a Chris in our files," Hardy reported.
"Chris is being adopted," Jeff fudged the truth. "I need him with me in any case."
"Alright," the agent agreed. "Your sister is being brought there too."
"I'm glad," Jeff responded, "even though we're not the best of friends."
"How soon can you be ready?" Hardy asked.
"Would tomorrow morning be too late?" Jeff asked. "We've been away and we could use a good night's sleep."
"That would be fine," Agent Sterling answered. "We'll pick you up at 8 AM."
"That will be fine," Jeff answered. "If you hear anything in the meantime, let me know at once."
"We will. We also will have a security agent posted outside your fence. If you hear anything from the abductors, call immediately."
"Is the guard really necessary?" Jeff asked.
"We hope not," Hardy responded. "We can never be too cautious though."
"I suppose," Jeff agreed reluctantly. "We need to return the pick-up we borrowed back to its rightful owner. I just thought you should know."
"Just tell the agent out front if you're going to leave," Hardy advised. "The agent will follow you though, just so you're not surprised. Don't forget, if anyone contacts you, inform us at once."
"You mean the phones aren't tapped?" Jeff asked.
"Of course they are," Hardy said. "It's all legal of course. We just need to monitor them to try to find the source of the call but they might try to call your cell phone."
"I understand," Jeff replied. "You have our complete cooperation."
"Thank you," Hardy said. "We'll leave you now. If we hear of anything we'll let you know at once."
"Thank you gentlemen," Jeff said standing and shaking their hands once again.
"We know the way out," Sterling said. "Thanks again."
When they were gone, Jeff slumped down on a sofa.
"I can't believe they're gone," he said shaking his head. "It all seems unreal."
JEFF's POV
Somehow the realization that my parents have been kidnapped and maybe even killed refused to register in my mind. Chris had a stricken look on his face which probably matched mine. I knew that it could be days or even weeks before we knew for sure what had happened. Until then we could only go on, the nagging uncertainty haunting our days and nights. I took Chris in my arms and we shared mutual support. I refused to cry, though my heart felt full of grief. I know that Chris was afraid to say anything or speculate as to the fate of our parents, believing, probably correctly, that it would cause my brave front to crumble. Instead he just held me saying, "I love you Jeff. We'll get through this together."
I smiled a grim smile at my brave Chris. This was the same guy that only a month ago was facing an uncertain future and was a basket case. Now he was a rock. I don't know exactly when and how it happened but I thank the Lord for him. I knew that he had quickly become attached to my parents, making them his as well, so I was sure that the brave exterior he was showing hid the fear and uncertainties he felt within.
"I guess we'd better find Frank," I said. "We need to get settled back in while we wait for news."
I took his hand while we wandered the house until we found a note. It seems that after he'd seen us come in and we were introduced to the Agents, he had quickly stepped out to the grocery to pick up fresh perishables that he'd let run out or thrown away after we'd left for camp. He said he'd be back around 5:30. I looked at my watch and saw that it was only a few minutes before that.
"Frank's at the store," I reported, reading the note. "He should be returning in a few minutes."
"Did he get our stuff out of the truck?" Chris asked. "If not we could take care of that for him and put our dirty clothes in the laundry."
"Good idea Babe," I agreed, knowing that keeping busy would help pass the time away.
I led Chris into the garage where we found that our gear was still in the pickup. We put our clubs in the garage rack and grabbed our bags, heading for our rooms. Once there we quickly unloaded our luggage, dumping all the clothing into the dirty clothes hamper, and putting the toiletries, still in their small bags, in our baths. After I finished taking my travel bag off the bed, I set it aside as I knew I'd need it soon to repack. I went into Chris's room and found that he too had emptied his. I set it down against the wall to get it out of the way. He came out of the bathroom and saw me there. We looked in each other's eyes still not knowing exactly what to say. Finally, taking his hand I said, "Let's go see if Frank is back."
We went downstairs where we found Frank in the kitchen putting away the groceries he'd just purchased.
"Frank, did the Agents tell you why they were here?" I asked in a soft voice.
"Yes," he said sadly. "I didn't want to let them in. I told them that you were expected soon, but that unless I knew what their business was, they'd have to come back. They asked who I was and after I identified myself, they told me about your parents. I'm so sorry. Just know that you can depend on me for anything."
"Thanks Frank, we appreciate your being here for us," I responded.
"Would you like something to eat?" he asked.
I looked at Chris. He shook his head `no'.
"We're not hungry just yet," I said. "Maybe you could fix some snacks for later. We're going to have to leave for Washington D.C. tomorrow morning. Would you repack for us? The dirty stuff is in the hamper, if you think we need any of it. I guess we'll need suits too. You can lay out travel clothes for tomorrow and leave our toiletry bags out too so that we'll have them when we get ready in the morning. Then if you'd like you can go to your place. Perhaps we'll know more about the folks in the morning before we're to leave."
"I'll take care of everything, don't worry about anything here," Frank promised. "Just do what you need to do."
"Thanks Frank," I said gratefully. "I guess now I'll call Donnie Smith and see about exchanging vehicles. He probably wants his truck back. We filled it up with gas before we got back."
"I think that would be wise," Frank agreed. "It's hard to tell how long you'll be in D.C."
"Come on Babe," I said to Chris. "Let's go into the study and call."
Chris took my hand and we left Frank to his activities. Reaching the room I sat down at the desk while Chris took one of the chairs across from me.
Pulling out my cell phone I looked up Donnie's number but chose to dial it up on the desk phone. The phone on the other end rang several times before it was answered. I recognized the voice of Donnie's father when he said hello.
"Uh, hello Mr. Smith," I said politely. "This is Jeff Richards. Is Donnie home? I was hoping that maybe tonight we could trade back vehicles."
There was a long pause before he answered. I wondered if something was wrong.
"Jeff^Å" he said^Å I could hear sadness in his voice as my name came out hesitatingly. "I don't quite know how to tell you this so I guess I'll have to say it however it comes out^Å. Last night Donnie was out in your car with his girlfriend. He was speeding and was involved in a major accident^Å. They were both killed and your car was totaled."
I gasped as I comprehended what he told me. Chris looked at my shocked expression and leaned forward in his chair at full attention.
"I'm terribly, terribly sorry, Mr. Smith. Please don't worry about the car," I offered as I once again gathered my wits. "We'll worry about it later. Is there anything we can do for you?"
"Thanks, but no, Jeff," Mr. Smith said on the verge of tears. "The funeral will be Thursday. We'll take care of your car after that, though both our and your insurance companies have been notified already. In the meantime, just keep Donnie's pickup at your place."
"Thanks, and don't give my car a thought for now," I suggested. "Would you have someone call my house if there is anything you need. I have to go out of town for a couple of days so if you'll just have them leave a message it will be relayed to me."
"I'll do that for sure and I appreciate the offer," Mr. Smith promised. "Thanks for your condolences Jeff. I know why Donnie thought so highly of you."
"Thank you Sir," I replied. "I'm so, so sorry about Donnie. He was a good friend."
"Goodbye Jeff."
"Goodbye Sir," I replied, then hung up the phone.
A torrent of held-back tears cascaded from my eyes as I looked across the desk at Chris.