SURROGATE FATHER NO LONGER
Foreword
Thirty five year old Mike Davis and 18 year old Corey Hopkins recently committed to a lifelong partnership based on a solid foundation of love for one another. You may wonder about the substantial age difference of the two gay lovers. It bothered Mike for a time but he overcame any doubts and it is no longer an issue. The lovers coped with another problem, however. Mike and Corey lived in a downstairs apartment while Sherry Hopkins, Corey's mother and Mike's wife, lived quite separately, upstairs in the same house.
[AUTHOR'S NOTE: The explanation for the improbable situation is in a previous story, "Surrogate Father." A full appreciation of the characters, their relationships, and how they came to occupy the same house requires a reading of the original story, which is strongly recommended but not essential to understanding this sequel.]
PART ONE
The marriage ceremony at Sherry's church was brief. When it came time for the groom to kiss the bride, a perceptive observer would notice the lack of passion in the ritualistic expression of love. Corey, watching his lover kiss his mother, was suddenly weighed down with a variety of emotions. There was impatience that the charade would soon be over. There was sympathy for his gay lover and his mother having to endure what was surely unpleasant for them both. Or was it unpleasant for them? Could their kiss be more than playing a role? Disquieting tinges of jealously surfaced in his mind. He should be the one kissing the most important man in his life ... not a woman ... not his mother. The kiss, however, was almost mechanical. Neither Mike nor Sherry expresed any passion. There was a bond between them to be sure but it never rose beyond the level of respect and friendship that had matured during the many years that Mike filled the role of surrogate father to her young son. Still, Corey resented the apparent infidelity of his lover.
The marriage was a deception to create a façade of respectability. Sherry didn't approve of her son's gay relationship but grudgingly accepted it. And since her son professed to be gay, Mike would be an acceptable partner. He had virtually taken the place of Corey's father who died when her son was an infant and had an admirable character. Recognizing the inevitability of her son living with the older man, she had no choice but to allow the homosexual union. She suggested, however, the pretense of a marriage and offered the basement apartment of her house to avoid scandalous gossip among congregants at her church if her son's homosexuality were to become known. It was, she reasoned, better than having her son move in with Mike, which would arouse all sorts of suspicions. The newlyweds would never share a bed but would maintain the appearance of marriage.
Mike moved into the Hopkins house the day after the wedding ceremony. Mike and Corey's first night in their new home was bliss, a consummation of their union as gay partners. Their thoughts and actions were concentrated exclusively on each other and on the intensely satisfying emotional and physical bond that each had craved.
The ecstasy enjoyed by the two lustful lovers contrasted sharply with the agony that Sherry was suffering in her upstairs bedroom. She knew, of course, what would be going on in the basement apartment but couldn't bring herself to think of it in detail; it was too ... well ... abnormal and, in fact, disgusting. She had agreed to the homosexual relationship and even suggested that it take place in her home. But that was when her rational mind was in charge. Now, it was her emotions that tormented her. Her son, for whom she had such great expectations, was queer ... and now living in sin. Her hopes for grandchildren were dashed. Two floors below, her only son was engaging in forbidden and abhorrent behavior. Where had she failed as a mother? What could she have done to protect her son from the influence of a man who, in spite of outward appearances, was a degenerate sinner? Refusing to accept the reality of Corey's inborn sexual preference, she put the blame on Mike. But there was nothing she could do about it. It was, of course, hypocritical to permit the deviant behavior while outwardly professing to be a good Christian but she squelched those thoughts. The sham marriage must continue to present a respectable image to all her friends. It was a trap of her own making and there was no escape. The only consolation was that she had made her beloved son happy, a thought that allowed her, after agonizing for hours, to fall asleep.
<><><><><>
It was midmorning before Mike and Corey awoke after a prolonged night of lovemaking. Their exploration of a wide variety of sexual stimulation provided pleasures that were punctuated by crescendos of orgasmic release. Technically, neither was a virgin but it was the first time either had enjoyed unfettered sex as an expression of mutual love. It was the fulfillment of a wish each had held in secret. Their relationship -- a boy and surrogate father -- had been a familial type of love for more than a decade but, as Corey reached the stage of youthful manhood, a new type of love emerged -- imperceptibly at first -- an undeniable romantic love -- accompanied by primal lust. Both had yearned to express that love intimately but each for his own reasons had restrained himself from voicing what he most wanted before they confessed their mutual attraction to each other.
Reluctantly, they disentwined themselves to take care of the customary morning bathroom rituals that included their first time showering together. The affectionate and arousing attention to each other's bodies inevitably resulted in their returning to bed where they made love passionately up to, including, and beyond intense orgasms. They had no thoughts of anyone other than themselves as they cuddled together in bed.
Corey's mother, meanwhile, had left for work but she found it difficult to concentrate on her job. She guessed quite rightly what her son and his older lover had been doing the previous night but tried, unsuccessfully, not to think about it. She still regarded homosexuality as sinful and deviant. And still resented what she thought was Mike's seduction and corruption of her son.
Sherry reminded herself of the agreement she, Mike, and her son had made. Their pact included all the situations they could think of. The door at the top of the stairs would be closed at all times. Although it was one house, it was two separate homes. She would not intrude into the two lovers' home unless invited nor would the men venture upstairs uninvited. She understood that Mike and Corey wanted to live independently as a couple without intrusions from her in her role as mother, landlord, and sham wife. Her priorities were her son's happiness and avoiding the scandal of her son's relationship with another man. They had even agreed on a myriad of other details to ensure privacy but at the same time maintain the illusion of a new husband moving into a single mom's house. Mike and Corey could come and go as they pleased through a separate doorway to the outside. There would be a separate telephone line to the downstairs apartment. Gas and electricity would remain on a single bill but were factored into the rent that Mike insisted on paying. Mike could use half of the two-car garage since it would bolster the neighbors' perception of a "normal" marriage. They would have the same mailing address but would remove only their own mail from the mail box each day. And on and on.
It all seemed so workable but, over time, difficulties would arise that jeopardized what they hoped would be a happy accommodation of everyone's needs. Not the least of these difficulties was Sherry's lingering belief that Mike had led her son astray.
<><><><><>
It was lunch time when Mike and Corey finally got out of bed and dressed. Throughout the afternoon, they unpacked several boxes of personal items that Mike had brought from his old apartment -- clothes, toiletries, dishes, cookware, some books and CDs -- just the minimum to get by. His furniture and countless other boxes of things he wouldn't need immediately had been put in storage.
Having finished that task, Corey said, "All my stuff is in my old room upstairs. I'll go get it."
"No, you won't!" Mike said. Corey was stunned at the emphatic tone.
"And why not?" Corey asked in what sounded like a confrontational way.
"Because your mother's at work and not home. Remember our agreement? Two separate living quarters. No roaming free in the other person's home unless invited."
"But she won't mind," Corey objected.
"Probably not," Mike said more softly as he retreated from the role of surrogate father chiding a misbehaving child. "But a deal's a deal. We can't start down a slippery slope."
"Okay," Corey said with an expression that suggested both that he felt punished for his lack of judgment and resignation to the restrictions of the separate quarters agreement.
Mike sensed the disappointment; he had seen the same reaction many times when his young friend was growing up. He hugged his lover and explained, "If we want privacy from her then we have to honor our agreement. We both have to remind ourselves from time to time that we're living in separate homes. We can't just roam free in somebody else's home. If we violate that agreement, then we're risking our own privacy."
"Sorry," Corey said contritely. "You're right, of course. I guess it'll take some getting used to."
"She'll be home in an hour or so. You can get your things after supper. And I have a suggestion for when you do."
"And that is?"
"Your mother's been through some tough times. Having a gay son. His loving an older man. Our living here. Trying to maintain appearances of a proper family. She's been wonderful but I suspect that deep inside she's hurting. When you do get your things, take time to tell her how much you love her. I think she needs to hear that. She needs to know that you're not abandoning her."
Corey grinned. "That's one of the reasons I love you, Mike. You're always thinking of how other people feel and what they need."
"Oh!" Mike responded with fake disappointment. "I thought all along it was my cock and ass that appealed to you."
"That, too," he said, chuckling..
"PROVE IT!" Mike exclaimed. "We've got at least an hour before supper.
Corey burst out laughing and Mike joined in. They walked to the bedroom and were both naked and hard in no time. If it were a competition to see who could pleasure the other more it would have to be called a draw. Although they were still learning the other's most arousing treatment, they made the most of the opportunity to use hands and mouths to deliver the maximum of erotic enjoyment.
<><><><><>
That evening, Corey retrieved his clothes and personal items from his upstairs bedroom. Following Mike's advice, he paused to tell his mother that he loved her. He was stunned when she began to cry. He couldn't remember ever seeing his mother cry. (He was a mere infant when his father died and she cried for days.)
"What's the matter, Mom?" Corey asked.
It took a lot of coaxing but the woman finally admitted the reason: her son had been lead astray by a pervert. By this time, she was shaking with sobs.
Corey hugged her and waited for her sobs to abate before saying, "Mom, Mike did nothing wrong. I'm the one who started it all. Remember when he took me to urgent care? And the conversation we had when you found out? The fact is, Mom, that I'm gay. It's not something I chose to be; it's what I am. I talked to Mike about it a lot. He helped me through the denial, the guilt, and the depression. I didn't know then that he was also gay. It was only later -- after my affair with Jacob -- that I found out. By then, I realized that he was the kind of person that I wanted to be with for the rest of my life. I got up the nerve to ask him for ... well ... to have sex. He REFUSED! He'd have no part of it. But I persisted and continued to ask him. Eventually, I convinced him that I wanted him as a life partner. So there you have it. He didn't seduce me. If anything, I was the one who first suggested it and, in time, overcame his resistance. So don't blame Mike. And never forget that I love you."
"Forgive me, Corey," Sherry said through her receding tears. "I guess I jumped to a conclusion. Maybe because I still couldn't fully accept that my son was queer ... oops, sorry, `gay' is the politically correct term. Thanks for setting me straight."
"One more thing," Corry said. "I wasn't around when you fell in love with my dad but I'm pretty sure that your love for him was like my love for Mike. Also ... I'll put this delicately ... you and my dad expressed your love for each other at night and I'll bet it was wonderful. Well, I feel the same way when I'm with Mike. I have the very best partner I could ever hope for. And the very best mom I could ever hope for. I love you both ... differently, of course, but I'm grateful for my good fortune.
A smile finally returned to Sherry's face as she said, "I love you, too, son. Now get back to Mike. I'll be fine."
"Are you sure?" Corey asked.
"Very! Now get back downstairs."
<><><><><>
A week later, Sherry opened the door at the top of the stairs and called down, "Mike, can you come up? Pastor Thompson is here."
Mike knew what that meant. He would have to play the role of husband for appearances sake. "Be right there," he called back. Turning to Corey, he said softly, "Gotta go. Hope it doesn't take too long."
"You know why he's here," Corey said. "He's going to invite you to church service to welcome you into the congregation."
"It figures," Mike replied ruefully. "But you know how I feel. I've got no patience for dogmatic interpretations of the Bible ... or I should say the misinterpretations by many denominations. I'll try to behave myself but it could get ugly. Wish me luck."
After cordial greetings, the minister and the "married" couple settled into the living room. The pastor began the conversation. "I just stopped by to get acquainted. Sherry has told me so much about you ... how good you have been to young Corey as he grew up without a father. I'm delighted that you can be a full-time father to him now."
"As I am," Mike replied. "He's been a joy to me over the years and I'm proud of the admirable young man he's become."
"You and Sherry make a fine couple," the pastor said. "I pray that God will bless all of you."
In an attempt to steer the conversation away from religion, Mike said, "Nobody can replace Corey's real father but I'll do my best to continue to be there for him."
"I'm sure you will," the cleric mused, "As you always have since his father was killed. No doubt he's looking down from Heaven and is pleased with what you've done for his son ... and that Sherry now has a loving husband. I want you to know that we're all pleased to have you as a new member of our church and we look forward to seeing you at worship service Sunday morning."
The comment irritated Mike. It wasn't an invitation; it was presumption that Mike WOULD attend. There seemed to be no way to avoid what Mike had feared. He glanced at Sherry with his eyebrows raised as if asking, "Shall I tell him?" She gave a slight nod of approval so he confronted the situation directly. "Well, Pastor Thompson, I'm afraid I'm not a regular church-goer. Don't get me wrong, I live a Christian life ... to the best of my ability ... but I much prefer to do so on my own."
Sherry, who had also feared the initial meeting with the pastor because she and Mike had discussed his views of organized religion, spoke up, hoping to avert an argument. "Mike and I have discussed this at length. We've agreed that he needn't attend church. I hasten to add that he's one of the finest Christians I've ever met. He has more compassion for others than anyone I've met. If the measure of a Christian man is `do unto others' then Mike is at the top of the scale." (She tactfully chose not to say -- "better than many in the congregation who forgot about compassion, love, and honor as soon as they resume their weekday lives.")
"It was a sticking point," Mike quickly added. "As we contemplated marriage, we examined very closely the role that religion would play in our lives. Sherry takes great pleasure in the camaraderie with members of your church and is inspired by your sermons. Consequently, I fully support her continuing active involvement in the church. She, on the other hand, understands that I will not accompany her to services."
The pastor was speechless for a moment but then said, "The Lord has said that salvation is ..."
"Pardon me for being blunt. Or should I say honest?" Mike interrupted. His patience was quickly evaporating and his irritation surfaced when he continued, "If my failure to attend church services condemns me to the fires of Hell, so be it. If, however, my good deeds earn me a place in Heaven, I'll accept that."
"But the Bible tells us...."
Mike interrupted again. "I don't want to get into a theological discussion. I left the only church I ever belonged to because of its explicit policies that discriminated against African- Americans and subjugated women ... all founded on the alleged revelations to the church leadership. I've not found an organized religion that consistently teaches love of God and love of mankind. So I will be guided by my own faith in a Divine Creator and not by someone else's interpretation of scripture. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll go back downstairs and continue helping Corey with his homework."
Sherry and the pastor sat uncomfortably as Mike walked out and down the stairs. The pastor was bewildered by what he had heard. Sherry was disappointed with Mike's forceful tone and even more with his abrupt exit from the room.
"Please forgive him," Sherry said. "He's a good man. He's a good father and a good husband. We have our differences but doesn't every married couple? I'm lucky to have him and am willing to overlook a few things because of all of the wonderful things he does for both Corey and me."
"Well...," the pastor said thoughtfully. "Several other women in the congregation attend services without their husbands. It's a shame, really. A family that prays together... as they say. I hope your husband will see the light and have a change of heart."
Now it was Sherry whose patience had been tested beyond limit. "With respect, Pastor Thompson, Mike is more deserving of salvation than some in your congregation who pretend to be God-fearing on Sunday morning but don't practice Christian principles in their daily lives. He has his flaws but don't we all? The fact of the matter is -- and will continue to be -- I will attend worship services and Mike will not."
"I see," the pastor said with an expression that suggested either disappointment or disapproval. "And Corey?"
"Corey is a young man now," Sherry replied assertively. "He's capable of making his own decisions. I will encourage him to attend church, of course, but I will not pressure him to do so. I will respect his decision and I ask that you do the same."
Feeling chastised by a parishioner, the pastor said, "I'll be on my way now but I'll pray for salvation for all of you."
Mike later apologized to Sherry for his rudeness, which disarmed her temptation to scold him for being uncivil. After some discussion, she conceded that it was better to get it over with and that no gentle phrasing would have been likely to make the point.
<><><><><>
For the next several weeks of summer, things were idyllic. Corey spent his time outdoors working for a landscaping company, which tanned his upper body and toned his already well-developed muscles. That, of course, increased his sex appeal and kept Mike's arousal at peak level. Corey did not complain; the frequent sex met the needs of a virile teen perfectly. Neither lover spent time thinking of the distant future when Mike's drive and ability would decline much sooner than his younger partner. They lived in the moment, thoroughly devoted to each other and relishing the many intimate encounters in bed.
Yes, life was good! But the seeds of trouble, temporarily dormant, would soon sprout unexpectedly and threaten their relationship.
...to be continued...
[AUTHOR'S NOTE: My thanks to Iatia for expert editing, for valuable suggestions, and for continuing encouragement.]