Tales from Bentonville, Chapter 98
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 Please do not publish without explicit authorization from me.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 Tom and David who edit for me so that there are fewer mistakes! They not only proof-read, but make other valuable suggestions.
dlee169@hotmail.com
Tales from Bentonville, Chapter 98
Jacques and Genevieve Teague arrived at the Eastern Iowa Airport by private jet in the middle of the week. Rhys and Jane picked them up in their new Escalade rather than one of the sedans because it had more room for luggage. The two couples had lunch in Cosgrove before continuing to Bentonville.
Joel was happy to see that his other set of grandparents thought enough of him to come all that way to celebrate his becoming an adult. He had mixed feelings about the fact that his parents would not be in attendance.
Later in the week, Abby and Allen arrived bringing her younger brother. Abby's parents were planning to come for the open house as well as Allen and Alex's. Joel felt great about all of the people who going to help him celebrate.
Joel's birthday bash, on the weekend, was a smashing success even though there was no beer keg (which a number of kids would like to have had). Rhys said that he realized that the guys probably drank on campus, but that he could not be responsible for having that kind of party on his property. There was too much at stake personally and financially.
Iowa laws on underage drinking had become stricter in the past couple of years and adults who indulged their children or grandchildren were facing stiff penalties, including jail time. Joel agreed that he didn't want to see his grandparents in jail even if Martha Stewart had served time and become more popular than ever.
Joel's grandparents had spared no expense in providing imported delicacies along with the usual teen fare. They weren't flaunting their wealth. Rather, they felt that young adults should have the opportunity to sample exotic foods as a part of their learning experience. After all, some who were born and raised in small Midwestern towns would quite possibly become world-famous and rub shoulders with the elite. Having a taste of diverse cuisine would make them more at ease if and when that happened.
The catered event was held at the lake property and Greta opened up her place for their use as well. It was still warm enough for activities like waterskiing, jet skiing, swimming, and the like. There was a volley ball net set up for those who wanted to play.
The party lasted from noon until 4:00 with the close friends staying longer by prearranged invitation. There were over 200 teens in attendance, but the food never ran short although the kids put a sizeable dent in it.
Jane and Genevieve were of the old school which said it was better to have too much than too little. However, as the party wound down, they despaired at the potential waste. Greta suggested calling the women's shelter in Cosgrove to see if they could use the leftovers. The person in charge that weekend assured Jane that they would be thrilled to have the donation.
The three women drove to Cosgrove with the food as soon as the caterers had it packed and loaded into Jane's Escalade. When they got to the facility, they were met by a woman whose face lit up like a Christmas tree when she saw the amount of food they were bringing.
"We are painfully low on supplies and I was going to have to cobble together a strange mixture of leftovers and packaged macaroni and cheese for the evening meal. Oh my, our clients have never even seen food of this quality. This is fantastic. God bless you!"
Before they left, all three women wrote checks to the shelter to be used for restocking the pantry. Jane made it clear that she wanted to make regular donations so that the women and children would be well fed. It made her heart ache to see the sadness in the eyes of some of the children. She could certainly spare the money to make a real difference in their lives.
After most of the guests had left (Dustin, Dave, Dane, Colt, John, Darrin, Dan, Cory, Mike and Brent were among those invited to stay), Joel's grandparents presented him with the big gift they had picked out for his coming of age party. Well, he wouldn't take possession of it until later because it wasn't going to be built until he made some decisions about color, transmission type, etc.
When he opened the little box wrapped in gold foil, it took him a minute to figure out what it was. The gold key attached to a sheet of embossed note paper would be cut to fit his new Porsche 911 GT2 when he picked it up in Germany. The delicate calligraphic writing (of his Grandmother, Genevieve) also explained that Alex and he would be receiving plane tickets for a trip to Europe in the summer as soon as they could arrange their schedules. It would give them a chance to do extensive touring before putting the car on a freighter to be shipped to Chicago.
Joel's grin spread across his entire face.
"How did you know that this is one of the cars that I seriously love?"
"I'd like to tell you that I'm psychic," Rhys answered. "However, that wouldn't be entirely true. You might ask your boyfriend."
Joel grabbed Alex and planted a big kiss on his smiling face. Now he realized why Alex had wanted to discuss dream cars a couple of weeks before. They had gotten on the `net to search all of the cool cars they could think of.
Joel's grandfather continued: "We know that you may want other vehicles as well and we also know that you'll have a difficult time rationalizing having a fleet of cars when there are people in need around the world. But, you need to know that it's okay. Lots of people, like Bill Gates, give millions to help others, but still collect expensive toys for their pleasure. Our combined fortunes aren't in the same league with Mr. Gates' money, but we can afford to do this as well as continue our charitable contributions. We hope that you'll keep this car as a reminder of your 18th birthday even though you will own many other vehicles throughout your life. I'm planning to erect a large garage complex on the far end of this property where we can safely store this and other cars that you may want to keep, but can't drive on a daily basis."
Joel hugged his grandparents after letting out a whoop of joy. He had also been looking at a Land Rovers and now realized that he could have one of those as well if he wished. With this birthday, he would come into a lot of money as well as being able to wield considerable power in the company that his Grandfather Teague had founded. He smiled at the thought that, for all practical purposes, his father now worked for him.
Toward the middle of the next week, Brent got a message at school that he should come home immediately. He was concerned that his grandmother might have taken a turn for the worse. She had been staying with his mother and him since the weekend. It looked like it might be a permanent situation unless she had a relapse and needed skilled nursing care.
When he came in the back door, he was greeted by Sheriff Larkin who was sitting at the kitchen table talking to his mother. They both turned and smiled gravely at Brent. He sensed that there must be some word about his father and he was correct.
The sheriff told about sending Jack's pictures and dental records to the police departments of a number of Caribbean countries as well as Hawaii and a few small nations in the Pacific. Based on Jerry's "vision", he had thought it a good idea.
Law officers in St. Thomas had made a positive ID. Jack's body had washed up on the shore near Charlotte Amole and had been kept in cold storage until it could be identified.
Brent didn't know whether to be sad or relieved after hearing the latest information about his father. He was still having difficulty getting his head around the whole idea of being beaten and left for dead. It seemed so totally out of character. He wondered what it was that had set his father off. Was it the fear of being discovered or did it have to do with Brent's being gay. Or did he simply have no feelings for him? Brent supposed that he would never know.
After the sheriff left, Jodie brought up the confrontation Brent had had with his father.
"I still don't understand why he hurt you. I think that you are holding something back. What did you do to set him off?"
"I told you that he was angry because I'd talked to that sheriff in Wisconsin who wanted to feature us all in some police magazine. I think he was afraid of being recognized."
"You shouldn't have gotten involved with the law in the first place! If you had minded your own business, Jack would be alive today and we wouldn't have to be scraping along wondering where our next dollar was coming from."
"Mom, I couldn't in good conscience allow a pornographer to go free so that he could take advantage of other innocent kids. He had to be stopped; I had to report him."
"What doesn't ring true is how you got involved with him in the first place. Tell me again what happened."
"He tried to force Mike and me to let him film us naked and, uh doing stuff to each other. He saw us in the open shower at the campground and said we were photogenic and could make lots of money. When we refused, he threatened us. The other guys came along and saved our butts."
"That still doesn't make sense to me. You must have done something that made him think you were queer. I think that Mike is a bad influence on you. I'm not sure that I like how he acted in the hospital. It was almost like you were lovers."
Brent's face blanched at his mother's words. He tried to play it cool, but couldn't help reacting. She was watching his body language and realized that she had touched a nerve.
"It's true, isn't it? You are a homo. Your perverted nature has messed up our whole lives. If you weren't like that Jack would be alive today. You are a dirty little pervert! I want you out of my house – NOW! Pack up you crap and get out!!!"
Brent couldn't believe the turn of events. One moment, he felt that his mother loved him unconditionally, and the next, she was throwing him away. He had to think quickly about what he would do. He was not of age, so she couldn't legally cut him off financially, but she could make his life miserable if he tried to stay.
He hurried to his room to throw together what he would absolutely have to have in order to survive. He packed his laptop in his backpack along with his school books, and threw underwear, socks, jeans, and shirts into his gym bag. Fortunately, it was empty because his gym clothes were in his locker at school.
Next, he dug into the back of his closet and pulled out a shoe box that contained about $500 which he had saved from his pay for working on the farm. It was all the money he had in the world and he knew it wouldn't last long, but it was something at least.
Finally, he put on his winter coat (even though it was too warm out to be comfortable). He was headed toward the garage to get his bicycle when his grandmother came out of her room and stopped him.
"Take this," she whispered as she thrust a fat roll of $20 bills into his hand. "I'll get you more when I'm at the bank. I overheard your mother and I'm sorry."
"I can't take this, Grandma. You need it. And besides, you don't want to give your money to a queer!"
"I don't like that word, and I don't think of you as being abnormal. I don't understand the part about loving another boy, but I do know that you are a fine young man and you are my flesh and blood. I'll not see you go hungry! You must take it and you should come to see me when it runs out. Just be sure to call ahead so that your mother is out when you do."
Brent gave his grandmother a hug and a tearful goodbye. He promised to keep in touch with her. Then he went to the garage, shrugged into his backpack, and balanced his gym bag on the handlebars of his bike as he pedaled away toward the big Victorian house several blocks away. He hoped that the invitation was still open.
John had been on the early shift and was home trying to decide what to make for dinner. He hated to be on a different schedule than his partner, Darrin, but it happened every so often with the rotation of personnel. Well, the good thing was that he got to be there for Dan. Of course it wasn't like Dan needed him so much since he and Cory were constant companions. John smiled at the fact that the two boys seemed to have come to terms with their sexuality and figured out that they might very well be able to make a life together in the long run.
The ringing of the front doorbell startled John out of his reverie. He hurried to see who was there. The look on Brent's young face told the story that John had feared might happen.
"Come right in," John called cheerily. "I guess that we should put your bike in the garage if this is more than a casual visit."
"Were you serious about taking me in?" Brent asked quickly.
"Of course! You'll be welcomed by all of us as another member of our little family." John assured him with a hug.
That embrace released a flood of tears from Brent. He had held it together pretty well as he rode over, but with the relief of having a place to stay; he simply couldn't contain himself any longer.
John got Brent settled at the kitchen table with a can of soda and then went to take care of the bike. He didn't think anyone would steal it, but he wasn't taking any chances. When he returned to the house, he called Dan to come down.
Once he found out who was there, Dan called Cory to come down too. The boys listened as Brent told his story. Brent finished with a plea.
"Please let me stay. Don't hate me because I'm a fag."
"Brent! Don't talk like that. You're gay; so what? You've been near us on the pep bus so you certainly must know that Cory and I are more than buddies," Dan said pulling his boyfriend near.
"Yeah, we're not out at school just like you're not, but that doesn't alter the fact that we're gay." Cory added.
"But, I'm afraid that it might get out about Mike and me if Mom is on the warpath. That could make you look guilty by association."
"Don't worry about that! If it happens, it happens. We will all stick together if we have to defend ourselves."
As they were talking, the phone rang and John answered it.
"Yeah, he's here," he said as he handed the receiver to Brent.
"Oh, hi Mike. I was going to call you. I just got here. Yeah, what did she say? Oh... So how did you know where to find me? Yeah, that's true, they did. Okay, I'll ask."
"Can Mike come over for awhile?"
"No problem!" John answered. "This is your home. You don't have to ask. Oh, see if he can stay for supper. I'm not sure what we are having, but I'm sure that he is welcome to join us."
Mike arrived a few minutes later on his bicycle saying that it was okay with his parents for him to eat supper there. His dad had sent along money to treat everyone to pizza if they wanted that. John's concern about fixing dinner had just been alleviated.
Dan and John bustled around making up the double bed in the room that would be Brent's. They put on a set of colorful sheets that might help to brighten Brent's mood.
While that was going on, Brent filled Mike in on the details of what the sheriff had told them and what his mother had said when he left.
Mike related his concern when Brent's mother had answered him by saying that she didn't know and didn't care where Brent was or what happened to him. The boys clung together for comfort.
Darrin arrived about 10 minutes ahead of the pizza delivery. He, too, welcomed Brent with a strong hug. He had suspected that this day might come.
"I need to make a few calls before it get's too late," Darrin announced. "I want to cover my butt in case Brent's mother decides to make trouble. Let's see, I'll inform Sheriff Larkin and Judge Maples - oh, and that new county social worker, Frances something or other."
Darrin made his calls and then the guys sat down at the big kitchen table to eat pizza. John had made a salad to go along with it because he had become quite health conscious since studying to be a paramedic. There was an option of fruit or ice cream for dessert; most chose the latter.
Around 8:00, Mike reluctantly got ready to go home. He wished that he could take Brent home with him, but figured that would be awkward on his first night in his new residence.
Brent wanted to have Mike sleep over, but was timid about asking so soon. He didn't want to rock the boat. These guys were great about giving him a place to stay.
Dan could nearly read their minds.
"Hey Darrin, why don't you call Mike's parents to see if he can stay tonight? I think Brent would feel a lot better in a strange bed if he weren't alone. Cory is staying with me. One more in the house isn't going to be a problem."
Darrin grinned and picked up the phone. A few minutes later, he was taking Brent and Mike to Mike's house so that he could get a change of clothes and the school books he needed.
Dan showed the boys how to operate the antique shower that was in the bathroom next to Brent's room. He giggled as he told them it was easier to use if they showered together. They didn't need a more formal invitation.
Back in Brent's new room, the two kissed standing by the bed. Mike gently nudged Brent down into a lying position on his back with his legs hanging over the edge. He hooked his fingers into the waistband of Brent's boxers pulling them to the floor. Then he got on his knees and buried his face in Brent's crotch. Brent made a little gasping noise.
Mike proceeded to bathe Brent's ball sac with his wet, warm tongue. Brent could only moan and run his fingers through Mike's silky hair. He didn't have the strength to do anything else. Mike licked up to the tip of his cock and then took it almost completely into his mouth, stimulating every inch. Brent felt an electric-like charge starting in his toes and working its way to is groin. He floated on the wave of ecstasy for several minutes desiring release, but never wanting the present sensation to end.
At last, he began to whimper. Then with an involuntary upward thrust, he pumped his load into Mike's mouth. Mike hummed around the exploding phallus. Both boys were enjoying the experience.
Brent was going to do pay-backs, but Mike wouldn't let him. Instead, he straddled his drowsy lover and stroked himself for about five times and unleashed a flood on Brent's abs and chest. Brent pulled Mike down to trap the juices between them. After the mess congealed a bit, he smeared it all over both of them and they climbed into bed to sleep.
Author's notes: Had fun in Europe. The steam room on the cruise ship had excellent scenery!
A lot of people wrote since last posting. About three of these were in regard to "Zeke" and "Always and Forever." It's nice to know that people still read the old ones. Okay, I hope that I didn't leave any names off of the list: Jim C. Tim E, Jim We, Tom A, Vann, Wildheart (Gary), Carroll, Luiz, Mel, Rad, Vern, Paul R, Paul W, James H, Charles R, Lone Wolf, Jay, and Joe. Of course my faithful editors, Tom H and David S have written several times to help polish this chapter.
Perhaps you heard about the devastating tornado about 60 miles north of us. It wiped about half of the town of Parkersburg. Remember the tornado in Bentonville? This one was far worse! Please keep the survivors in your thoughts and prayers. Seven people died in that storm that happened on the Memorial Day weekend.
David