Tales from Bentonville

Tales from Bentonville, Chapter 66 By David Lee

Warning: This story contains scenes of love and sexual interaction. Much of this involves males with other males. If the reading or possessing of such material as this is illegal in your country, state, province, county, municipality, etc., please leave this site immediately and do not proceed further. If you are under the legal age to read this, please do not do so. It is not my intention to offend anyone or to get you in trouble.

The author retains all rights to this original story. Please do not publish without explicit authorization from me.

Disclaimer: This story is completely fictional. Most of the places mentioned, and none of the characters exist in real life. Some may possess physical or personality characteristics of people I know or have known. But if you see yourself in this story, your imagination is better than mine!

"Tales from Bentonville" is a romantic story centering on the lives of high school kids. Lovers of other ages may appear, but not normally in a cross-generational sense. References to sex with under-age kids may be made for the sake of the story line. However, I feel that child molestation is a crime and should not be glorified or tolerated.

This is my fifth attempt at writing fiction. My other stories on Nifty include: "Zeke" (August 29, 2005), "Always and Forever" (March 25, 2004) under High School, "Brad and Alan's Canoe Trip" (April 23, 2004) under Camping, and "Jacob and Jacques" (May 30, 2004) under High School. Some characters from previous stories may have cameo roles in this one. However, you need not read them first.

Our only reward for contributing to Nifty is your e-mails. Please write if you like the story. Please include the name of the story in the title of your e-mail. I get a lot of spam!

Finally, thanks and hugs to Tim, Tom, and David who edit for me so that there are fewer mistakes!

dlee169@hotmail.com

Tales from Bentonville, Chapter 66

The December meeting of the Gay/Straight Alliance at Bentonville High was postponed until the second Monday of the month. This was done to accommodate the schedules of the four university men who were going to speak. Many kids expressed an interest in attending once the word was out that all four of the guys were legendary wrestlers in high school and two were distinguishing themselves at the university. The latter pair had been one-time students at Bentonville High.

Well before the meeting began, the auditorium was nearly half full. Originally Joel and the other officers had planned to use the student council room thinking that it would be adequate for the small crowd they had anticipated, but they had quickly moved the location once they saw how well attended it would be. Joel called Pizza Hut to revise the order he had placed.

Zeke Adams and his partner, Bryan Stillwell, were the main speakers, but their housemates Trevor Thomas and Marc Morris were on the panel too. Those two had not come to Bentonville more than a couple of times since their families had thrown them out.

In the audience were a couple of members of their families. Trent was there to see his brother, Trevor, and Mindy had come to see her brother, Marc. She still felt terrible for having outed him, but she wanted to see him at a distance at least in order to know that he was okay. Colton was Marc's cousin and he was glad to see him, but he would have been there whether Marc had come or not. Still, it filled him with a sense of satisfaction to know that at least one member from his mom's side of his family was out and proud.

The first part of the meeting was taken up with a few business details. Then Zeke and Bryan took turns giving out information about the plight of gay students in Iowa schools. The statistics were those that they had presented to other groups many times:

"Bullying and harassment have become commonplace in our schools," Bryan began.

Then he and Zeke presented a PowerPoint show to prove the point.

• 17% of students or over 80,000 Iowa students do not feel safe at school (Iowa Youth Survey, 2002)

• 5% of students or nearly 24,000 Iowa students report being physically assaulted (Iowa Youth Survey, 2002)

• 18% of students or nearly 85,000 Iowa students report being threatened (Iowa Youth Survey, 2002)

• 61% of gay and lesbian students do not feel safe at school while 83% report being verbally harassed, 34% report being physically harassed, and nearly 20% report being physically assaulted

• 81% of all students report hearing "that's so gay," 63% report hearing "fag," and 38% report hearing "queer" frequently or often in school.

Parents and educators agree that bullying and harassment is a serious problem:

• A recent survey of Iowa Parent Teacher Association members found that 41% felt bullying was extremely important and 33% indicated it was very important.

• The education community is in agreement on this issue: no child should be bullied or harassed, including those that are gay or lesbian. School Administrators of Iowa, Iowa State Education Association, Iowa Department of Education, and Iowa Association of School Boards all have position statements and/or policies on this issue.

Clearly defined, enumerated policies help eliminate harassment and bullying:

• Students from schools with enumerated polices report that others are less often harassed in their school because of their physical appearance (36% vs. 52%) and sexual orientation (32% vs. 43%)

• Students from schools with enumerated policies are more likely to feel very safe at school (54% vs. 36%) and one-third less likely to skip a class because they felt uncomfortable or unsafe (5% vs. 16%)

In light of those facts, Zeke and Bryan urged the students to become active in lobbying their legislators to pass an anti-bullying law so that students in ALL of Iowa's districts would have protection.

"We were fortunate that Cosgrove High had put that policy in effect already.

I understand that your school has a similar one. You don't know how lucky you are, or maybe you do." Bryan told them.

Zeke continued:

"Since the elections last month, we will have a new group of legislators in January as well as a governor who support what we want to achieve for equality for LGBT students. Please show them your support too. I have run off some copies of postal addresses and e-mails for contacting your senators and representatives. It's available on the back table for you when you leave."

Then the panel asked for questions. Zeke had to explain that LGBT stood for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual students. Some kids reacted with a bit of nervous laughter. A few wondered how many people in the room fit into one or other of those categories.

One girl asked about how they knew that they were gay and if they were monogamous. The latter part was rather personal, but Bryan chose to answer it first.

"We are faithful like married couples are supposed to be. We pledged ourselves to each other in a ceremony the day that Zeke turned 18. Our friends and family were there to support us. We have never regretted taking that step even though people told us we were too young to know what lasting love is."

"I'm not sure when I first had the inkling that I was gay," Bryan continued.

"I'm not into labels. I eventually came to the realization that there was no one in the world for me but Zeke."

Zeke smiled as he picked up where Bryan had left off.

"I repressed my feelings for a long time because of the teachings of my church. I knew that I felt something for Bryan that I never felt for a girl -- even one who tried to get me in bed. I might add that she was unsuccessful. I like girls as friends. I have a lot of guy friends as well. But, I have only one love of my life."

Questions also came up about how the guys were treated in sports by their straight friends and opponents. Marc and Trevor responded that there were those who shied away from them and those who showed not difference in how they reacted. They explained that it was a lot like being a part of some other minority. Some people couldn't see you for anything but a label while others were "color blind."

Marc was asked how he got the courage to come out in the first place.

"I was a big chicken," He responded.

"We both were," Trevor chimed in.

"We were going to wait until the last month of our senior year in college when our families would not be able to take away our tuition money," Marc continued. "But fate stepped in and we were discovered. When that happened, there was no reason to hide anymore."

More questions were asked about how they had been able to afford to go to the university and how they managed to live without support of their families.

"These two guys on the stage with us are the ones who saved us and got a plan going so we would have a place to live," Trevor said. "Then Marc's grandmother gave us some money for tuition and we got sports scholarships. We get our emotional support from their families and my wonderful straight little brother, Trent!"

Trent blushed and smiled as his close friends began to clap for him.

After the formal session was over, most of the audience stayed around for a slice or two of pizza. Mr. Heitz, the group's sponsor, had received a generous, anonymous donation for the treats. He was certain that Joel was behind it, but he never let on other than to give Joel a knowing look.

Mindy Morris was heading for the door when her brother caught up with her. She looked almost frightened when he got near.

"Mindy, I'm not going to yell at you! I just want a chance to talk for a minute. It's been difficult not seeing you in three years."

"Marc, I'm so sorry. I know that you must hate me as much as I hate myself for what I did. I had no right. I've been coming to these meetings to support other gay kids. I'm trying to atone for my sin."

"Mindy, don't hate yourself. I've forgiven you a long time ago."

"But I feel like the guy who betrayed Jesus. If I had had any guts, I would have hanged myself too."

"Don't say that! Maybe Judas did what he was supposed to do. How would the story have turned out without a crucifixion and resurrection? What you did ultimately worked out well for Trevor and me, as you heard. We have great housemates and have actually managed going to school without having loans to pay back. Grandma has been generous and our buds have been there for us emotionally as well as financially. Life is great. The fact that our parents can't accept us would always be there if we were still in the closet. I mean the moment we came out, they would have disowned us."

Mindy thought about what her brother was saying. He wasn't holding a grudge. He still cared about her. She began to cry. When Marc embraced her, she sobbed out of control.

"You hungry?" Marc asked when the tears subsided. "They held back a couple of sausage pizzas for the officers and speakers. You must join us."

Mindy was pleased to be included in the "inner circle." She wasn't especially hungry, but sharing food with the others was a kind of bonding experience.

The siblings hugged again when it was time to depart. Mindy promised to e-mail Marc often. She said that she had an account that their parents didn't know about -- just in case someone figured out that they were corresponding.

Colton got a special hug from his cousin Marc, too. Marc whispered in his ear asking if he and Dane had come out yet. Colt shook his head and then whispered back that they probably would next year.

"It won't be so hard for us because our parents are cool with it," Colt assured him.

In the short time before Christmas, the Bentonville teams all did fairly well. The basketball team didn't have the awesome record that the football squad had had in the fall, but so far they did have more wins than losses. Their main problem came in the form of a senior boy who had become part of Bentonville's team when the schools consolidated. He thought of himself as the big star and tended to hog the ball. His lack of teamwork cost them at least one game. The coach was not happy. He called the young man into his office for a little "come to Jesus meeting."

"Gavin, we have to come to an understanding if you want to continue to be a starter on this team. You have to learn to function as a PART of the team."

"What's there to understand," Gavin smirked. "You know that I always score the most points of anyone on the team. What would this program look like if I weren't here?"

The boy's smugness was more irritating than his boasting. He had just crossed the line.

"I'll tell you what, son; we are going to find out what this program would look like without you. You will not be in the starting lineup for our next game. You don't even need to dress out because I won't put you into the game if we fall 50 points behind. You have to learn a lesson here. If you promise me that you will change your attitude, you will be welcome to come back the following game."

"You are gonna lose so bad without me," Gavin taunted.

"You never know, we just might win," the coach smiled. "You aren't the only one with talent. But like I said, you can come back when you are ready to be part of a team."

Gavin wasn't used to being crossed by anyone. He would have the final word.

"If that's what you think, well fuck you because I quit!" Gavin yelled as he stormed out of the room.

The coach nodded thoughtfully. He wondered how soon he would hear from the kid's parents.

Dan and Cory were both starters in the next game. They faced a team that was pretty tough, but Cory had played against some of these guys before. Dan had less experience playing against them, so he listened carefully to Cory's description of how they operated.

Gavin was sitting right down front in the bleachers under one of the baskets. He was going to have a prime seat from which to watch his former team lose. He smirked as he envisioned the outcome. Each time Bentonville fell behind, he smiled.

Bentonville got off to an early lead, but lost it in the first quarter. The lead seesawed back and forth several times. By half-time, the score was tied. Gavin was certain that Bentonville would lose steam in the second half.

The coach tried to get his boys settled down as they relaxed in the locker room. He gave them a good pep talk, complimenting them on their excellent teamwork. He had them close their eyes and visualize the basketball going though the hoop. He let them know that they were capable of pulling this off even though Gavin wasn't there to help them. He charged each one to be aware of who was in the best position to score.

"Remember that we have two players who can hit three-pointers consistently, namely Dan and Cory. If the guys close to the basket are being too well guarded, fire the ball to either of them if they are in good position for the long shot."

Bentonville came back onto the court with renewed drive. In the first five minutes, they moved nine points ahead. Six of those came from Dan and Cory who managed to sink three-pointers. Gavin began to look glum.

At the buzzer, Bentonville had beaten their opponents by a score of 95 to 84. It was a huge upset according to the sports reporters. No Bentonville player had a big total personally, because they had all shared the ball with any guy who had a good chance of scoring a basket. They had functioned as a unit.

Everyone from Bentonville was elated, except Gavin and his father. They hurried out of the gym before anyone had a chance to speak to them.

Colton was having his best wrestling season yet. In the few matches he had participated in so far, he had pinned his man early and decisively. He credited it to his being paired up with Dustin for practice. Wrestling against his heavier, stronger bud was making him stronger too. He was also working out in the weight room regularly with Dane. Dane was staying long and lean for swimming, but he was also building up stamina and upper body muscle for the butterfly stroke. Their coaches had hired a trainer to teach them the routines that would benefit each of them most.

One late afternoon when they were lifting alone, Dane was spotting for Colt.

He had worn a ratty old pair of gym shorts and a torn jock chosen especially for this moment. When Colt looked, he could see his favorite part of Dane's anatomy partially exposed. He lost concentration and almost dropped the barbell as the crotch of his shorts began to fill out. He could see that Dane was enjoying the effect his holey jock was having.

"What are you looking at?" Colton demanded in mock anger.

"Uh, nothing," Dane whispered, trying to sound frightened.

Colt responded by pulling Dane down onto a mat. Dane knew what was coming next because they had played this scene in their bedroom a couple of times. Colt held him down forcefully and then lowered his lips until they touched Dane's.

"Why did you have to be so damn cute?" Colt whispered as he had on that gray afternoon nearly two years before.

The boys continued to kiss passionately for a couple more minutes. Then, they stripped each other and headed to the last toilet stall where they stood rubbing their bodies together until they came hot and heavy. This time, there was little need for tissue to clean up because they did that with their tongues.

They giggled on the way to the showers recalling how hot the experience had been. There was a kind of thrill in reliving their first time together knowing that they might have been caught. After washing each other thoroughly, they were hard again. However, it was nearing dinner time and their physical hunger overcame their sexual desire.

The next couple of weeks were filled with activities again. The winter concert was heavily attended because it included choir numbers as well as the band performance. There were even a few numbers that incorporated dance movements. This was so big a deal in this small community that the sports coaches actually tried to schedule their meets around it.

After the concert, the new young vocal music instructor, Don Drahos, approached the guys who were waiting for Dave. The group included Dustin, Dane, Colt, Joel, and Alex. They were playing around imitating some of the dancing they had witnessed.

"I've heard from some church choir directors in the area that you guys have good voices and I just witnessed your sense of rhythm. I'm going to be holding tryouts for a swing-choir that I want to have ready by fall. We would begin rehearsing some songs and moves this spring so we might be able to compete next year. In fact, I would like you to come to some workshop sessions before break."

The boys said they would consider it. Joel mentioned that he and Alex would graduate in June, so there was not much reason for them to participate. The director, however, invited them to come along to rehearsals if only for the fun of singing and dancing. Everyone said that he would consider it.

"How does he know about how we sing in church?" Dane wondered aloud.

"Well, he's the choir director at our new church and he had recruited us to join the choir for some of the big events, like midnight mass on Christmas Eve. And, he has a lot of contact with other people who do that job in local churches." Alex responded. "I'll bet the rest of you have been drafted to sing occasionally."

For the rest of the short time until the winter break, the guys, including Allen, did work in some sessions with Mr. Drahos. He showed them videos of some of the swing choirs in the area. Most of the boys had not been to a swing choir competition and were amazed at the combination of grace and physically activity that was involved as well as the quality of singing. He burned some CD's with the music they were using so that the kids could practice at home.

More girls than boys showed up to learn the routines. It became obvious that almost any guy with reasonable ability would be included in the final group if only to balance out the number of girls.

Some of the musical numbers involved only guys and others only girls, but the majority had male/female pairs. Guys who had the upper body strength to lift the girls up and turn them around were going to be in popular demand. Mr. Drahos was sad that Joel and the twins would graduate before having the chance to compete.

At long last, the final school day of the calendar year was upon them. Students and teachers alike were ready to have a break. Some of the kids were going to be gone by Christmas, but most would stay close to home or visit relatives.

Joel and grandparents were heading to Belize almost immediately as were the twins' family and Abby's family. Everyone was packed and eager for a holiday away from the cold weather of Iowa.

Dane and Colt had been told that they were in for another adventure right after Christmas Day. Wade and Roger were keeping the details secret until the last minute, but the boys had been advised to get their passports out of the safe deposit box before Christmas Eve.

Author's note: I am recommending a story that is very romantic. It's called: "Butterflies Fly Free." Up to chapter 5, there has been no sex, but lots of caring and desire. I think that you will love it. If so, please write to the author to express your feelings.

Last time, I forgot to list Bill K as one who wrote to me. Mea culpa! I try to list everyone, but if I miss, please forgive me. I also attempt to answer all e-mails promptly. However, sometimes, I screw up. Sorry!!!

The current list of readers who have written to me include: Peter G, Tim (Fla), Joe, Jim C, BILL K, Rob (or Bob) and Walt, Mike S, Stephen P, Peo, Tom H (my faithful overseas editor), Jon (Joe Nathan of Matt and Jon fame), Kevin K, Ric, Mike K, Tim (my Iowa editor), David S (my other editor), Jim We, Jim C, Ringo, Rad (my other son), Jim K, Paul G, Z-man, Chuck V, and Paul W (Sad Song for a Gay Teen and FDTYBR). Thanks to one and all. Thanks also for you concerns for my health. I'm on a new, very pricey med for C. Diff. With my insurance card, my co-pay is about $370 for a two-week supply. Without insurance the same meds would cost $1200. Getting well can be expensive! Yes, I'm doing the probiotics route too. I'm trying everything except sacrificing chickens to the guardian spirits of guts. Perhaps that is the next step?

Love to all of you readers, David