The Feint Smell of Rain

This is the true story of a chance meeting, and the events that followed it, that had a profound impact on my life.

I have changed the names of the people involved, but all places are the actual places where the events took place. It is set in South Africa during the 1970's, a very conservative and turbulent place at the time.

The story contains scenes with drug use by, and sex between, underage boys. These scenes are there merely to tell what actually happened, and are only included where it is deemed to be necessary, to know the circumstances under which it took place and to advance the story line. If it is illegal in your territory to read this, or if you object to any of the above on any other grounds, do not continue.

It is a poignant tale of love, discovery, triumph and tragedy experienced by two teenage boys.

The Feint Smell of Rain

Chapter 5

When I arrived home my Mom was not home. I gathered that she must have gone to church. I phoned my friend, Dave, where I was supposed to have slept over the night before, to tell him that in case my Mom went to their place, to corroborate my story about me spending the night there. He agreed, but wanted to know why he had to lie. I told him that I would see him the next day to fill him in on the details.

During the course of the conversation he let me know that they would be leaving for a ten day holiday on the South Coast late that Tuesday night. Immediately, I realized that it presented me with the perfect opportunity to spend ten days with Ben.

When my Mom arrived back home, she was unhappy about the fact that I did not phone before I decided to sleep over at Dave's, as she believed. I lied that we went and visited his grandparents on the farm, and only arrived home late, and I had thought that it was too late to cycle home or to phone to let her know. She was satisfied with the explanation and after she let me know that I should phone in future, no matter what the time, the subject was dropped.

Ben phoned me that night and I told him that I might have a surprise for him. He was eager to know the details, but I told him that I would let him know in due course.

On Monday morning I could hardly wait to get to Dave's house. Soon after my Mom left for work, I had a bath and cycled to his place. Dave and I attended the same school and were in the same class. We were also part of the same circle of friends. I considered Dave to be my best friend amongst the group. We shared many interests. We liked the same music and we both loved reading. There was a time when I had a crush on him, but it blew over as I realized that I had no chance of ever being in a relationship with him. He was straight as an arrow. He never knew about the crush, or that I was gay.

When I arrived at Dave's house, he was busy watering plants in the front garden. We greeted one another at the gate, which he opened to let me in. He explained that he was nearly finished with the day's chores, and that we could talk when he was done. I stood with him as he watered the last of the plants and we caught up on what we had been reading since we last saw one another.

Dave was about five foot eight. He was dark haired and had a lean body. He grew rapidly over the preceding year from a short stubby boy, into a very handsome guy that all the girls swooned over.

When he was finished, he poured a pitcher of orange juice with ice in the kitchen, and we went and sat under the thatch roofed barbeque area next to their pool.

"So, what are you up to? Why did you want me to lie to your Mom?" Dave asked after he poured us both a glass of juice.

"I spent Saturday night in Joburg," I said "but I told my Mom that I came to visit you."

"Where did you go?" he wanted to know.

"I met someone on Thursday... we went to a disco." I explained.

"Oh, my God! You got yourself a girlfriend!?" Dave called out excitedly. "She must be something! You have only ever ignored the chicks that are after you at school." he continued.

"Yeah, well..." I shrugged my shoulders, not knowing what to say.

"Let me guess? She is older than you..." he gushed.

"Yes... not really" I struggled.

"Now what does that mean? "Yes... not really"" he asked.

"There's more... I need to tell you something." I said.

"Well, if you only met her on Thursday, she can't be pregnant, or can she?" he joked.

"No..." I laughed nervously "it's not a girl."

Dave looked at me with a confused expression on his face. "If it's not a girl, then it must be a guy." he said. "So... you made a new friend...or...?" Then the realization dawned on him. "You mean to tell me....you're... this guy is more than a friend?"

"Yes." I said.

Dave sat in stunned silence and looked at me. I could not bear look back at him and wondered if that was the end of our friendship.

After a few minutes if him not saying a word, I felt very uncomfortable. "I... I think I should go." I said and got up to leave.

"No... no, don't go. I am just... shocked." he said. "Sit down."

I sat down again. "I am sorry." I apologized close to tears.

"No need to apologize." he comforted me. "I am surprised, yes," he continued "but in retrospect... I don't think I should be. You never had a girlfriend and some... some of the guys told me that they thought... you know. ..You never come on to any of us. So... I suppose the only thing that changed is that I know now."

"Thanks... for understanding" I said. "Please do not tell anyone, I am not ready yet..."

"Don't worry." he said "Your secret is safe with me. Tell me about this guy?"

I told Dave about Ben and made sure to leave out the details that might have raised questions about his lifestyle.

"At least he is not some old perv." Dave said with a chuckle when I was finished.

"He is a wonderful guy." I said "It might be hard to believe, but after just three days with him, I really love him. And I know he loves me too"

"I wish you all the best then." Dave said sincerely.

"Now, I want to ask you another favor." I asked. "If you can ask my Mom if I could go away on vacation with you, I can go and spend the time with Ben?"

Dave thought about it. "I don't know... what if something happens to you?"

"I know it is a lot to ask, but it is the only way I will be able to see more of Ben this school holiday." I begged. "And I will be safe... nothing will happen."

"I hear what you say, but one never knows." he said apprehensively.

"Please Dave, I beg you?" I asked desperately.

"OK, I'll do it. I just hope I do not regret it later." Dave capitulated.

"Thanks." I said. "You won't regret it, I promise."

We went to his room and he took out some old rock and roll records of his dad's that he discovered somewhere in their house. We sat on his bed, with our backs against the wall, and our shoulders touching, as we had always done, and listened to some tracks. After about two hours, I decided it is time for me to leave.

Dave opened the gate, as he would usually do, when I left.

"Thanks." I said. "For not being freaked out about me, and for doing me the favor."

"You're still my best friend." he let me know. "As I said, the only thing that really changed is that I know now. And as far as the favor goes, I understand that you really want to spend time with your lover."

We said our goodbyes, and I left.

That night Dave phoned and asked my Mom if I could go on vacation with them. He explained where they were going and how long they were going to be away. After she made sure from him that it was fine with his parents, she gave her permission. When they finished their conversation, I thanked him and told him that my Mom would drop me at their place the next day. It was all just as an eye blind for my Mom not to get suspicious, and I would walk the short distance from their house to the station.

Ben phoned a little while later. He pestered me about the surprise I told him the night before I had for him, but I was coy about it, and only said that he would find out soon.

My Mom gave me some pocket money for what she thought was the vacation, and I packed a bag with clothes for the next ten days. I was so exited that I could hardly sleep that night.

The next morning Mom dropped me off at Dave's house on her way to work. He was waiting for me at the gate. His parents were home and we thought it best not to go inside, as they might ask questions about the bag, and we would rather not tell any more lies. He walked with me to the station. When we arrived there, I was lucky to be just in time for the eight thirty train. as the next one only left at ten.

When I arrived in Johannesburg, I went straight to Ben's flat. I was not sure if I was going to find him at home. I knocked on the door and a fat middle aged black woman opened the door. The four boys that lived there were having breakfast around the coffee table in the lounge.

When Jamie saw me, he ran to Ben's room. "Benny, Benny..." he shouted "Fred is here!"

The woman let me in when she realized that the boys knew me. While I greeted her and the boys in the lounge, Ben came around the corner from his room, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"I can't believe this, I thought the little rascal was teasing me!" he said as he saw me. Then he hugged and kissed me.

"Surprise!" I said when I got my breath back from his passionate kiss.

"So this is it then... the surprise" He noticed the bag. "and you are sleeping over!"

"No..." I said "I am not just sleeping over. You are going to sit with me for at least ten days."

"You serious?" he asked disbelievingly.

"Until Sunday next weekend." I said.

He hugged and kissed me again. Then he spoke to the woman in a black language. She smiled, shook her head and went into the kitchen.

We went to his room and sat on his unmade bed. I explained about Dave and how I got the idea to come and visit for the rest of the holidays. He smiled the whole time. The woman came into the room with two cups of coffee.

"Siyabonga Mama" Ben said to her. (Thank you, Mama)

"Fred, you met Alinah?" he asked.

"We sort of met... Nice to meet you, Alinah." I greeted her again.

"Alinah is our Mama." Ben said. "She cooks and cleans for us. She is the best cook in the world" he complemented her with a smile.

"Aay... tsk." she said and turned around and shook her head from side to side again.

"True, Mama!" he called after her as she left the room.

"Aay suga wena!" she said and chuckled. (Away with you!)

Ben smiled. "She doesn't want to show that she likes compliments."

"What language is that?" I asked. "You sure are a man of many talents... artist... linguist."

"Zulu." Ben said. "I can speak it because I was always around the maids when I was very small. They took pity on me and looked after me. Alinah has a heart of gold. She has been around ever since I can remember and she came and worked for us when we moved in here."

We all had black maids working for us, but we did not necessarily get to know any of them. They were just there to do the cleaning and sometimes the cooking and we never gave them much of a thought. His interaction with Alinah, and the obvious affection he had for her, was something new to me.

Ben put his arms around me. "What a surprise..." he said softly."I missed you so much."

"I missed you too. That is why I am here, I could not stay away." I said.

"Let's go and have some breakfast. We have to get a move on, otherwise Alinah is going to throw us out. It is past ten already. She doesn't like us around when she has to clean up." He took my hand and led me to the kitchen.

The boys had just finished their breakfast. Ben introduced me to them properly for the first time. Apart from the blonde Jamie, the other three were Andrew, Jason and Peter.

Andrew was thirteen. He had ash blonde hair and was stocky, short and seemed, even at his age, to be a ball of muscles. "Napoleon..." Ben said when he introduced Andrew to me. "Always the leader."

Jason was a tall, skinny and gangly ginger haired teenaged boy, with freckles all over his face and even his arms and hands. He seemed to have a perpetual smile on his face, as if he enjoyed every moment of life. Ben joked that his mother must have lied to him about his age, as he just turned fourteen, but that he, Ben, thought he must be way older. Jason seemed to burst with pride when Ben made the remark. "And a naughty fucker, Fred. Watch out for him." Ben winked in my direction and Jason gave him the middle finger.

"And this is Mr. Silent." Ben said as he introduced Peter, a skinny dark haired ten year old. "Never talks, but what he lacks in words, he makes up for in courage." he said as he gave Peter a shove on the shoulder. "Forever picks fights, and then poor Andrew and Jason must cover his back." Peter just looked at Ben shyly. Jason put his forearm around Peter's neck and gave him a playful one armed hug to his side.

Alinah came from the kitchen with two steaming bowls of porridge with sugar, butter and milk. She gave Ben and me each one and turned to the other boys. "Chetsha," (Quick) she said to the boys "go clean your faces and hands and get out from under my feet."

The boys went to the bathroom to clean up and then left the flat together, constantly chirping.

While Ben and I ate while we sat on the floor at the coffee table, I remarked. "You all seem like one happy family."

"We all have our demons... sometimes they get the better of us." he said. "But on the whole we make the best of the situation, and we are all well aware of the fact that... that we are not like other people. We stick together, that's how we survive... And even though... outsiders may think that we are lost to the world, and... and will never amount to anything, we still have our hopes and dreams."

My heart went out to him as he said that. I realized that I held exactly the prejudice he was referring to. I came from a privileged background. My dad was in the top management of the mine he worked at before he died. My Mom was a high ranking civil servant. My oldest sister was a school teacher and my oldest brother a university graduate with great career prospects. My other brother and sister were both at university. My dad left us a good inheritance, which had been put in trust for each of us. It would pay for our education and we would have access to the funds when we reached the age of twenty five. Our futures were mapped out for us, and we knew what was expected of us. We accepted that it was they way it should be.

"What's your dream." I asked Ben.

"To always be with you." he immediately replied with a smile.

That was not the answer I was expecting. "Thanks... me too... but you know, apart from that." I pushed.

"I just want to be loved and accepted... for the person that I am." he softly said.

His words made me realize how much he considered himself to be an outsider. Someone, as he said just a few moments before, that is not like other people. I wondered what it must have been like growing up the way he did. I considered his lifestyle, up to that point, to be out of choice, but suddenly it dawned on me that it was more out of necessity. He had to do what he did, because there was just no other way.

I reached over and took his hand in mine. "And what a great person you are." I said. "You make it very easy for me to love and accept you."

"And you inspire me to be better..." he said and looked deep into my eyes.

We took our empty bowls to the kitchen and went to Ben's room. Alinah had made the bed in the meantime. Ben decided to go and take a bath. He opened both the wardrobes in his room. The one I knew had his clothes in, and I assumed the other one as well. I was surprised when he opened it. It housed a component hi fidelity set and a vast collection of records.

"Listen to some music while I go and wash my stinky parts." he said and took off his clothes before he went to the bathroom with a towel around his waist.

I looked through his record collection. He had literally hundreds of records, most from artists that I have either never heard of, or, ones that I have never listened to. His taste seemed to lean towards heavy rock and underground music.

When Ben finished his bath fifteen minutes later, and came back into the room, I still had nothing on the turntable.

"Don't you like my music?" he asked. "I thought you were going to play us something."

"Gosh! I hardly know anything here." I said, still looking through the them.

He came over and leaned over me, stark naked, and his limp dick swung above my head where I sat on the floor in front of the wardrobe. He slid a record out from in between the rest and gave it to me. "Put this on... The Doors... you'll like it." he said.

"You're a tease." I said as I looked at his dick above my head.

"I am... am I not." he giggled and dressed himself.

I put the record on the turntable. When the music started, it was the first time I have ever heard The Doors. It was driving rock music and the lead singer had a beautiful haunting voice. I sat down on the bed.

"Listen to the lyrics." Ben said. "Jim Morrison, a true poet."

We listened to three tracks, then Ben suggested that we go somewhere else, in order for Alinah to be able to clean the flat. When we were out in the street, he said "You asked about my dreams earlier. Let me go show you."

We walked the two blocks to Joubert Park. When we arrived there he pointed to a symmetric, neo-colonial style building at the south end of the park. "There... my favourite place in the whole of the city."

"What is it?" I asked.

"The art museum." he answered. "I used to sell my drawings in the gardens here. Unfortunately, the subject matter did not go down well with the powers that be."

"I guess then that you are telling me that you dream of being an artist?" I said and then corrected myself. "What I mean is... you are one... already, but that's what you want to do with your life."

"Exactly!" he said and looked deep into my eyes again. "And now that I've met you... you inspire me... to take action and work on that dream. I want you to be proud of me... one day... when we're old and grey."

"I am sure I'll be." I replied. "I already am proud just to be your boyfriend."

We went inside and Ben showed me his favourite artworks that were on display at the time. Sometimes he would get lost in a scertain piece. I just stood by and enjoyed the experience of seeing the obvious pleasure he felt in the familiar, to him, environment and the appreciation he had for the art. I looked not only at the art, but the architectural features of the building amazed me. The marble floors and the intricate molded skirting along the floors and the vaulted ceilings.

When we left, we had spent about three hours inside the gallery. In the meantime the sky outside became cloudy and there was a strong westerly breeze blowing.

"I smell rain." Ben said when we walked down one of the lanes in the park.

I smelled the air, but could not smell the rain he was talking about. I turned around to look at the building again. "That's such a nice building." I said.

"You like old buildings?" Ben asked.

"I love them. That's my dream... to be an architect." I said.

"Ever seen Windybrow?" he wanted to know.

"No." I answered.

"Let me go show you." he offered.

We walked west down Wolmarans Street in the direction of Doornfontein. We stopped briefly at a corner cafe along the way to have a cold drink, and then walked further. On the way we discussed our plans for the future, Ben telling me about his dreams to be an artist and me telling him about my love for architecture. When we reached Nugget Street, we turned north, up the hill. After two blocks we came upon a beautiful, yet somewhat dilapidated, two story Victorian Building, witch seemed completely out of place between the high rise blocks that surrounded it.

"Beautiful old lady, isn't she." Ben said.

"It is... what is it?" I asked.

"They call it the mattress warehouse." he chuckled. "A nurse's residence."

I laughed at his joke then observed. "It looks like one of those old houses in Parktown."

"You're right. It was a house... the only one left over from all houses that were built by the Randlords in the area at the turn of the century." Ben informed me.

"Pity that it is being neglected the way it is." I said and felt a pang in my heart as I looked at the faded grandeur while I tried to imagine what it must have looked like in its glory days.

"If it survives the bulldozers, someone will still see the potential." he said. "They are turning the old market in Newtown into a theatre complex. So there is hope, maybe a hotel."

We lingered for a while and looked at the old building with its intricate balustrades along the long verandah.

"Seeing that we are in the vicinity, I want to go and see Marcus." Ben said after he thought that I saw enough of the old building. "I think that he is a perfect match for Edward."

"A friend of yours?" I asked.

"Rich, clever, Jew boy... he is in matric at Parktown Boys High." he explained. "Not really a friend, more of an acquaintance. We went to the same primary school and we bump into one another from time to time. He is gay, and I know he likes guys a bit older than he is. They are usually the ones he hooks up with at the discos. I doubt if he has ever met Edward, because they both are not really regulars at the scene."

We walked up Nugget Street and turned into one of the side streets. At a nice apartment building Ben indicated that we have arrived at the building where Marcus lived. The modern building had a nice lobby, with paintings on the walls and a security guard/doorman behind a desk with a seating area close by.

Ben told the man who he was there to see and the guy phoned the apartment and spoke to someone on the other side of the line. Then he asked Ben his name and when he was satisfied that it was fine for us to proceed, he directed us to one of the lifts.

"Posh hey?" Ben said as we entered the lift and he pressed the top one of only three buttons on the panel. "Private lift..."

When we exited the lift on the top floor of the building, we found ourselves in another lobby, enclosed with glass sliding doors on two sides, the lift behind us and double doors in front of us. A handsome, typically Jewish looking guy with glasses was standing at the double doors waiting for us. He was about Ben's height and of average build.

"Hi Benny." he greeted. "What a surprise!"

"Hi Marcus, meet my boyfriend, Fred" Ben greeted back and introduced me.

"Boyfriend, Benny? Any more surprises." Marcus joked and shook our hands.

"Maybe..." Ben said as Marcus led us through a sliding door onto a roof garden outside the lobby.

I was taken by surprise. I have never imagined that there could be such a nice garden on a building. There were plants, trees and shrubs in pots, a fountain, lawn and a pool.

Ben and Marcus discussed what they were both up to since they last saw one another, after we sat down under and umbrella at a garden table and chairs.

"I want to introduce you to someone." Ben eventually got to the reason we were there. "A very nice guy and I am sure you two will hit it off."

"I don't know..." Marcus said. "I am so busy... being in matric... I spend most of my time studying..."

"Edward is a post grad law student here at Wits." Ben explained. "I am sure that he is also studying a lot. And I know that you said that you are going to study law as well. The first time I met Edward, I thought that the two of you were the perfect match. Please let me introduce you to him?" Ben urged Marcus.

"What's the deal?" asked Marcus. "Why is it so important to you that we meet?"

"No reason... he was a trick. Only a few times... and I know that he is not really after quick sex, but something more permanent." Ben said. "Now that I do not hustle anymore, I thought why not introduce the two of you."

"What happened?" asked Marcus. "Why are you not..."

"Because I fell in love." Ben interrupted him and said with chuckle. "And I want to spread the feeling."

"Benny, I never... I am so glad for you. But... how are you going to... live. I know that you had to do it to survive." Marcus asked concerned. "Fred going to support you? "

"No, Fred's still at school. I'm still working on the details," Ben said "but I am sure it will all work out just fine."

"You must say if there is anything... you know." I could see that Marcus was really happy with what Ben told him. "Oh, my..." he continued "miracles are possible..."

"You see..." Ben said. "Just maybe there is a miracle waiting to happen for you."

"OK, you convinced me." Marcus said after he thought it through for a minute. "When do you want me to meet this guy?"

"Soon... tonight maybe? I need to meet him to get some information from him. I thought Fred and I will go and see him tonight. If you are free then you can go with." Ben said.

They agreed that Marcus will meet us at Highpoint at seven. Then Ben and I left to go back to his flat.

We arrived back outside the flat just after four. Bernie arrived the same time as us and the three of us climbed the stairs up to the fist floor flat. Bernie was dressed in a grey suit and I could hardly believe he was the same person I saw dressed in the black dress on the Saturday night. He was friendly with me and I felt more at ease in his company.

When we entered the flat, Alinah was busy dishing up in the kitchen. The other four boys were there, as well as the little glue sniffer who swore at Ben the Saturday. We greeted everyone and Ben went into the kitchen to see what food Alinah made. Bernie went to his room to change into more comfortable clothes.

"Ooh Mama," Ben said in the kitchen "you made nice food today."

"Suga wena!" (You go away!) Alinah chased him. "There is not enough place in this kitchen for more than one. You wait till I have your food ready!"

Ben laughed and came into the lounge again. He made for the glue sniffer. "Let me smell you, you little shit. I am going to kick your ass with your glue sniffing."

"Yeah, you and what army?" the boy challenged Ben, and tried to get away from him.

Ben cornered him and smelled his hands and face. "You stink! At least I don't smell glue." He said and tickled the boy. "You can be glad."

The other boys sat and smiled at the two. Then Jamie piped up. "Costa kicked Billy's ass today." he said with obvious glee. "He stole a chocolate."

"You're a fucking pimp, Jamie!" Billy said and gave Jamie a dirty look.

"I hope he kicked your ass well." Ben said. "He must call the cops on you next time."

"Fuck him!" Billy said.

"Swearing him out will make no difference. You're the thief. You still going to end up with your arse in jail." Ben admonished him.

Alinah called the boys over to the kitchen. Billy went to the area with the bunk beds and sat down.

"Cocky little guy." I said to Ben. "Does he stay here as well."

"No, he lives elsewhere in the block. In and out all the time." he said.

The boys each came with a plate of food and sat down on the floor around the coffee table. "You eat those greens!" Alinah called after them in a strict tone. "What you leave over, you get for breakfast. And I am serious. Billy, come get your food."

Billy went over to the kitchen and Alinah gave him a plate. "Thanks Mama." he said.

Ben laughed. "My God, you do have manners!" he said to Billy with mock surprise.

"He'll get a slap if he don't have manners with me." Alinah said from the kitchen. She called Ben and me to get our food and we went and sat in his room to eat. Alinah made meat, rice and gravy, boiled potatoes, sweet carrots and green beans.

"Quite a meal." I said.

"Make sure you finish it, or you'll forever be in Alinah's bad books." Ben warned me.

I ate all the food, notwithstanding the fact that I really hated vegetables. I was pleasantly surprised though, the carrots and the beans were very tasty and I enjoyed it. We took our plates to the kitchen and Ben decided that it was time for a joint.

He took his red box and invited Bernie to join us. After he made one large joint, Ben and I sat on the floor and Bernie on the edge of the bath while we smoked the joint. Alinah knocked on the door and announced that she was leaving.

Although Bernie was happy that Ben decided to stop hustling he was concerned about how he would support himself. "Don't get me wrong, Benny" he said during the conversation "I would only be too happy to support you, but there is no way I can afford to."

"I know, Bernie. That is the last thing that I expect." he said. "I am going to go all out selling my art again. I want to go and see some people... maybe we can work something out... if I can display my work and pay them a percentage on each sale. And I am going to find a part time job. I am under no illusions that I am going to make the money I am used to... far from, but I will make the adjustments I need to."

"I am still willing to compromise..." I let Ben know.

"No," he said adamantly "I am finished, forever."

"Benny, I am so proud of you... and Fred... I know Benny, and this is all because of you. I can only hope to one day find someone that I mean as much to, as you mean to Benny." Bernie said, and I could see that he meant every word.

"I hope that I can live up to that..." I said softly.

"I don't doubt that for one moment." Ben whispered to me.

"You know that you have my full support, Benny" Bernie said. "If I can help at all with anything else, you know that you can always ask." With that he left the bathroom.

Ben and I sat a while longer, savoring the effect of the weed in silence. Then we went to the room. Ben took the red bedspread of the bed and folded it again neatly.

"You are meticulous." I observed.

"Why?" Ben asked puzzled.

"I notice that you like things to be in place... folding the bedspread... everything has a place... you are neat." I explained.

"I am a bit anal." Ben said with a smile.

"Maybe your way of being in control?" I remarked.

"Never thought about it... but I suppose you are right... I like things to be ordered, especially my own things... must be some Freudian significance somewhere" he said and I could see that I made him think.

We lay down on the bed, my head on Ben's upper arm which was wrapped around me.

" When I woke up this morning I did not think that I'd be holding you now. Thanks for making the effort to come and visit." Ben whispered.

"I love you." I said. "To be with you is what I want most."

"I feel bad though... you having to tell lies to your Mom."

"So do I. I do not like it, but what alternative is there."

"I hope that one day it won't ne necessary anymore." Ben said.

"That day will still come. In the meantime..."

Ben took his arm out from under my head and turned towards me. He kissed me tenderly. We made out for a long time. We both had raging hard-ons in no time, but we ignored it and just enjoyed the tenderness and closeness that we experienced in one another's arms. I felt content, happy and loved. I did not want the moment to ever end.

Just before six, we decided that it was time to get up and get ready for the meeting with Marcus and Edward. We brushed our teeth, washed our faces, combed our hair and after Ben let Bernie know where we were off to, we left for highpoint.

When we arrived at Highpoint, Marcus already waited for us at the escalator to Kotze Street. We greeted and Marcus let us know that his car was parked half a block away. He showed us to a red brown Datsun 1200 Coupe.

"And this?" Ben asked him. "Where's your Mom's Merc?"

"My Dad bought me this for my eighteenth birthday." Marcus answered. "I suppose it is his way to atone for his sins." he chuckled.

"Sins?" asked Ben.

"Running off with a young blonde." Marcus said.

"Definitely no Jew-mobile." Ben quipped and winked at Marcus as we got into the car.

"Yes, yes... at least I know you by now." Marcus laughed.

"Oh, you do? This is typical of the upper classes." Ben mocked playfully. "Can't even walk the few blocks to Braamfontein. Always have to show off!"

"Gmf...upper classes." said Marcus. "I wish!"

I enjoyed the banter between the two on the way to Edward's flat. He lived in an old Art Deco block just off the Wits campus. Marcus parked the car and we went up to the flat. I noticed that Marcus became very quiet.

"You nervous?" I asked him.

"Yeah, slightly," he admitted. "Usually I have some dutch courage before I hook up."

"When your life is about to change forever, you are allowed to be nervous." Ben said and gave Marcus a playful shove.

"You seem very sure of yourself about this?" Marcus asked.

"Never been more sure of anything." Ben said as he knocked on Edward's door.

After about a minute Edward opened the door. He greeted us and let us in.

"I'm glad I found you at home. I was worried you might be out." Ben said after he introduced Marcus and Edward.

"You know... studies, studies, studies." Edward shrugged his shoulders.

"I know, that's why I took the chance to come without letting you know. I was sure we'll get you here." Ben said. "Marcus also wants to study law next year."

"Really?" Edward asked surprised. "Which university are you going to?" he asked Marcus.

"I'll be coming to Wits." He answered. "The most convenient place, I live in Berea."

"Yes, that would be convenient." Edward said. "What school do you go to?"

"PBH." said Marcus.

"Also in the neighborhood... good school." Edward observed.

"Yes, basically over the road from here." Marcus said.

We were still standing around at the door.

"You busy, or are you going to invite us in?" Ben asked brazenly.

"Oh, sorry... of course." Edward apologized and gestured towards the lounge.

As we went to sit down, Ben winked at me and lifted his eyebrows towards the other two when he caught my eye. It was obvious that Edward took an interest in Marcus. Ben and I sat on a couch next to one another. Edward and Marcus sat opposite each other in two armchairs.

"You play sports?" Edward asked Marcus when we were seated.

"I run long distance and play hockey for the first team." Marcus answered.

"Really?" said Edward. "I used to play hockey too. And I run a few kilometers every morning."

"That's great!" said Marcus. Then he looked down and fidgeted in his chair. It was obvious that he feels embarrassed about his enthusiastic reaction to Edward's words.

Ben put his hand on my leg and gave in a squeeze. I looked at him and he winked again.

"We had a hockey tour to the Natal Midlands last week." Marcus said and tried to mask his unchecked response.

"No!" Edward exclaimed. "That's my valley. I went to Hilton. Did you play against them?"

"We did." answered Marcus. "They beat us solid."

"Ahh, good! That's my boys!" Edward laughed.

"They were good." said Marcus.

"Goodness, how I miss the old alma mater now." said Edward. "I had great times there."

"Yes, I'll miss school too." Marcus remarked.

Ben was watching the two with obvious satisfaction. "I think we must get to why I am here in the first place." he said. "If I leave you guys to it, we'll never get around to it."

Edward looked at him and his ears discolored slightly. "I... I am sorry." he apologized.

"I hope you're not!" Ben laughed. "You are obviously enamored by your new acquaintance. I am glad. See Marcus, I told you you'll hit it off"

Ben and I laughed and Marcus went a crimson red. He wanted to say something, but then decided not to and looked down at his hands with a shy smile.

"You mean this...?" Edward asked.

"This is him... the guy I spoke about at the club" Ben interrupted him "and he is no rent boy. See, now the ice is broken." Ben laughed again. "What is this beating around the bush with niceties? I'll never understand you normal people. I mean, it is obvious the two of you like one another. Just say so and get it over with"

"You're another one," Edward laughed "no scruples."

"Straight and to the point with his street smartness." Marcus quipped.

"Nice to meet you Marcus." Edward looked at Marcus with a big smile.

"Likewise." Marcus said.

"Before you start again." Ben smiled. "Let's talk about me first."

We all laughed before Edward started. "I spoke to a professor in the arts department, who serves on the governing body of the art school. She said that you are going to have to do a series of tests before you will be considered for admission. I also told her that you dropped out of school, when... mid standard six?"

"Right." said Ben.

"Now I know you are quite intelligent, and I mentioned it to her, and she said that the school would decide after the assessment what standard to put you in, if you are accepted, that is." Edward continued. "As far as you being... an orphan..."

"Oh my God! You make me sound like Oliver Twist!" Ben laughed. "I never thought of myself as an orphan."

"Well, strictly speaking you are." Edward carried on. "That should not present a problem. I did not tell her your exact circumstances... I did not want to jeopardize... you know, what you have now, which obviously works for you, even more so now that you have decided to... you know... not hustle anymore. I mentioned to her that your parents are not... close by... and that you stay with a family member, and she said that it should make no difference. She will discuss it with the principal, as soon as possible, and will get back to me before school starts."

"Wow! That's great! Thanks Edward." Ben was elated at the news.

"It's the least I can do, Benny." Edward said.

"It's wonderful news." I said to Ben and gave him a hug. "I know everything will work out just fine."

"Just fine... with you by my side everything will always be just fine." he whispered.

"Where did you two meet?" Edward asked when he saw the affection between us.

Ben told them the story of how we met and Edward remarked. "Well Benny, Fred seems to be the most unlikely person I ever imagined you with. Not that is a bad thing." he added.

"True..." added Marcus. "I have detected a mellowness in you."

Ben laughed. "Must be the weed we smoked earlier."

Edward asked me a lot of questions about my background. I answered truthfully, about my family school and interests. After what felt to me like an interrogation, he said to me. "Be careful, the city has a way of mesmerizing you with its bright lights and excitement, just to leave you disillusioned later." And then he told Ben. "You know what I mean, Benny. Look out for this guy."

"I will, don't worry, he'll... we'll be just fine." Ben said and gave me a kiss.

We sat for a while longer. Edward and Marcus got into another conversation about Marcus' decision to study law. Ben squeezed my leg and gestured with his head that we should leave.

"We must go." Ben said. Marcus gave him a disappointed look. "Don't worry Marcus, we will walk home, you visit some more.

"I... I don't know..." said Marcus, unsure if he should stay.

"You're welcome to stay... if you want." Edward said to Marcus.

"Come on. Edward!" Ben urged. "Tell him you want him to stay."

Edward laughed nervously. "Of course I do."

"That's settled then." Ben decided for them. "Marcus, we'll see you again soon. Edward, thanks for your help. Come Fred" he pulled me behind him to the door. "Let's get out of here, the heat from these guys are going to kill me."

Edward and Marcus laughed nervously and said goodbye to us as we left. "That went well..." Ben said with a huge smile once we were out of the flat.

Ben deliberately took the darker back streets on the way back to his flat, so that we could walk with our arms around one another and hold hands most of the way. We discussed what Edward said about the school and about him having to find a job soon, before the subject changed to the sex we were looking forward to when we get to his place.

When we reached the flat we were both horny as hell. We went straight to his room, with Ben just shouting at Bernie's door that we were home. We stripped naked and fell onto the bed in a passionate embrace.

"I want you to fuck me." Ben said.

"It will be my first time." I reminded him.

"Well, then it be the your best fuck to date." he joked.

He got the lube from his bedside table and gave it to me. "No need to stretch me" he said "just lube us up and go for it."

He lay on his back and lifted his legs and exposed his bottom to me. I smeared his hole and my dick. Then I pressed my dick against his arse and he guided it to his hole. I pressed and he let out a gasp as I felt the my dickhead break though his sphincter.

"You OK? I asked.

"Yeah, just go for it." he urged me on.

I pressed deeper into his hot insides and his anus walls pressed against my dick. It was a wonderful feeling. When I was all the way in I started to gently fuck him. He wiggled his bottom and squeeze my dick with his arse muscles. I fucked harder and faster and in no time I felt that I was going to come. When he felt my dick starting to twitch, he moved his arse faster, and I had an explosive orgasm and ejaculated inside him.

When I recovered I pulled out of him and took his dick in my mouth and sucked him hard. He came in my mouth and I swallowed his load. Then we kissed passionately for a long time while we played with one another's dicks.

Our lovemaking continued for a long time. We would get one another close to orgasm and then back off, just to continue again once the feeling had subsided a bit. We both came twice more and I felt my balls starting to hurt before we fell asleep embracing each other.