This work is copyright. I have given permission for a copy of this story to be placed on the Nifty Archives under the terms of their submission agreement. But This work may not be copied or archived onto any other website or newsgroup without the prior written permission of the author.
This story is fiction, it didn't happen, to the best of the author's knowledge no one in the story exists in real life.
If you have a problem with reading stories of a homosexual nature, then bugger off. Also you shouldn't read on if you are below the age of consent, or you have the misfortune to reside in an area where reading and downloading this kind of material is against the law.
A debt of thanks is owed to Tom W and Lars who have helped to remove the errors, any which remain are my own.
Chapter 15
"We better get a couple more shirts than this list suggests," Robbie said as he and Ben shopped for new school uniforms on Monday morning. "Otherwise you could run out before laundry day."
"Okay, Uncle Rob." Ben wasn't that interested, to tell the truth. This shopping expedition was merely bringing home to him the reality that he'd be starting at his new school in a week's time.
"At least you don't have to wear a blazer. Me and your dad had to, and they got pretty warm in the summer, too."
Ben suffered the indignity of having his inside leg measurements taken, along with those for his chest and waist. They emerged from the department store a couple of hours later laden with packages. Ben resigning himself to his fate, and Robbie wondering how he could get away with not telling Carl the full total of how much it had all cost.
"Okay, we'll drop these off in the car, then I'll treat you to lunch. What do you fancy?"
"Pizza!" Ben said, brightening up for the first time that day.
"Thought so," Robbie smiled.
Several slices of deep-pan meat-feast later, the two came out of Pizza Hut to a rain-swept street. As they ran to the car, Robbie had an idea. He wasn't sure if Carl would like it, but he thought he could justify his purchase. "Ben, come in here for a minute."
The two entered a mobile phone retailer. Robbie had such a phone, though he rarely used it. He wanted to get one for Carl; he didn't trust that van of his not to break down. 'If he won't let me buy him a new van, then I want him to be able to call for assistance if the thing breaks down.'
Robbie thought about getting Carl a pre-pay phone, but he wouldn't be able to always make sure that there was enough credit on it, and it would be awkward to keep giving Carl the money to keep the thing topped up. Therefore he decided to get a phone tied to a contract with a reasonable amount of 'free minutes' each month. Despite the fact that there was a baffling array of different contracts to choose from, Robbie's analytical mind soon discarded the inappropriate ones, zeroing in on the one he thought would be best. The salesman tried to get him to go for a different scheme. Robbie thought the salesman was motivated more by the level of commission he would receive, rather than offering the most suitable contract. He stood his ground.
Robbie arranged it so the monthly statement would go to Carl. He thought that would be best, he didn't want to make it look as though he was keeping an eye on what calls his lover was making. However, Robbie made sure the monthly fee would come out of his own bank account. The sales assistant became a little awkward, until Robbie told him that such an agreement was perfectly permissible, and if he refused to arrange it there were plenty of other retailers in town who would be glad of his custom.
Before leaving, Robbie also picked up a pre-pay mobile for Ben, who was delighted to receive his own phone. Not that he would need to use it that often, but Robbie wanted Ben to be able to call for help if ever he were in a jam.
"You'll probably have to keep it turned off at school, otherwise they might confiscate it. But it's there if you need to get in touch with either me or your dad in an emergency," Robbie told the grinning pre-teen.
"Thanks, Uncle Rob. I promise I won't ring loads of people on it."
"You won't be able to, love. The calls are quite expensive, but when the credit runs low, just let me know and I'll put some more money in it for you, okay?" He felt like adding, 'but don't tell your dad'. However, Robbie stopped himself, he didn't want to cause Ben to have to keep secrets from his father.
The paperwork for Carl's phone completed, the two left the shop. Fortunately the rain had stopped, so the two did a little window-shopping as they made their way back to the car.
"I know you didn't like getting all those clothes, Ben. I don't like that kind of shopping, either. But we got it all done in one go," Robbie told Ben as he drove the pair back to the house.
"Yeah, it's just I'm not looking forward to going back to school."
"I know, sweetheart. But don't forget, it's just the same for all the other kids in your year."
"I know," Ben said, not feeling that much better.
"Now, Carl, don't get awkward," Robbie said when he handed over the new mobile phone.
"But they're expensive, these things. You promised not to go buying me presents."
"Yes, Carl, I did, but I don't look upon that phone as a present. What if the van breaks down and you need to get in touch with either a garage or me? I'm not gonna apologise for buying it for you, Car. So don't try and put me on a guilt trip," Robbie said defiantly.
Carl had to accept Robbie's logic. He'd taken the van to the garage the previous week to have it patched up. The mechanic had told him that the van would soon need to be scrapped, as the engine, not to mention the suspension and the gear box, were well past their best. Looking down at the tiny phone, which fitted snugly in the palm of his hand, Carl quietly said, "Thanks, Rob."
"Car, I want you safe at all times, I'd go out of my mind if anything ever happened to you."
Carl hugged Robbie to him. "Thanks, babe. And we could have phone sex, too," he whispered lasciviously into Robbie's ear.
"Oh, you mucky bugger, you," Robbie said, rubbing himself up against Carl's crotch.
Carl's manhood immediately began to stiffen. "Rob, we can't, Ben's only in the room over the way."
The two were in the Drawing room, with Ben in the study.
"Well, the advantage of the doors in this house is that all of them lock," Robbie said, separating himself from Carl and pressing the button on the door handle, which stopped it from turning, effectively locking it. "Now where were we, oh hunky lover of mine?"
"But the condoms and lube are in the bedroom," Carl said, just before Robbie pulled Carl's trousers down.
"I think I'll give you another lesson in oral sex." Robbie got hold of Carl's rather utilitarian white boxer shorts. 'I can see us having an argument when I go and get him some sexier underwear,' Robbie thought.
"Oh, be gentle with me," Carl said before a moan escaped his lips as Robbie took him down to the root. Carl had tried to deep throat Robbie a few times, but his gag reflex had kept kicking in. Robbie had told him that it didn't matter, and he'd improve with practice, but Carl wanted to be the best lover he could for Robbie.
Carl closed his eyes; the warm moist feelings he was receiving around his manhood were wonderful. Previously, he'd always thought that he possessed a low sex drive, but Carl now knew the reason why he'd thought that. He didn't think he could ever have enough of his Rob making love to him. Not that he was in the least bit reticent about returning the favour.
"Jesus," Carl exclaimed as Robbie began poking his tongue into Carl's pee slit.
Robbie then retracted Carl's foreskin and licked away the small deposits of smegma that had accumulated around Carl's glans. Robbie particularly enjoyed the cheesy treats with their concentrated Carl taste. He knew he'd never get enough.
Fearing they'd be interrupted, Robbie sped up his sucking, soon bringing Carl roaring towards his climax. Unable and unwilling to deny the crescendo of feelings and physical stimuli, Carl hurled three or four jets of scalding cream into Robbie's waiting mouth.
Robbie knew that the average volume of ejaculate was only about 20 ml, just over a tablespoonful, but it always seemed to be more to him. He resisted the urge to swallow his prize, he thought he might try and advance Carl's sexual education by indulging in a little cum swapping. Though at first surprised by Robbie's intentions, Carl soon caught on and they began passing the fluid between them. The semen gradually grew less flavourful as their combined saliva diluted it. They both swallowed, Carl then treated Robbie to a firm lip lock.
Once they broke contact, Carl said. "Wow, Rob, would you believe that's the first cum I've ever tasted?"
"Really? Well, I'm glad I was able to introduce you to the joys of it then. And I have to say that you began your experience with a most excellent example. It had a distinctive body, I was receiving a hint of nuttiness, and in the background there was a definite air of autumn fruit, with a smoky edge. All in all a most satisfying vintage," Robbie said, emulating the wine tasters on the TV.
"You dozy bugger," Carl said, laughing. "Do you want me to try and do the same for you?" he said, looking into Robbie's eyes.
"It's not necessary, love. We don't have to do one another turn by turn. Making love should be, must be spontaneous. It's much more fun that way."
"You're amazing, do you know that?" Carl said, kissing Robbie again.
"Oh, one does one's best to please."
Someone tried the doorknob. As it wouldn't turn, they began knocking. Carl quickly put his wilted penis away, Robbie grinning at his lover's 'deer caught in the headlamps' look. He went over to the door and unlocked it.
"Hi Ben, managed to figure out how your phone works?"
Carl wondered at the calmness of his lover, his own heart hadn't yet returned to normal.
"Yeah, Uncle Rob, it's great." Ben advanced into the room, sniffing. "Mrs Rowlands been using a new furniture polish?" he said, grinning widely.
"Don't be cheeky," Carl said, his face burning red at being found out. Carl began to tickle his son under his arms.
Once Ben had settled down again, Carl asked, "Did you get everything you needed for your school uniform?"
Ben's face dropped. "I don't want to think about it now, but yes, I did."
"It'll all be fine, love. Try not to worry," Robbie said. He knew exactly what Ben was going through.
"That reminds me, how much do I owe you, Rob?" Carl said, getting out his wallet. "And I can't say I'm too happy about you buying that phone for Ben, either."
'Oh shit,' Robbie thought. "Erm, Car?"
"Yeah?" Carl said, unzipping the note portion to his wallet.
"Look, erm, I want to buy the clothes for Ben."
"No, that's not right."
"Carl, I want to do it. I want to be a part of Ben's life."
"Rob, I pay for his school uniforms, he's my kid, my responsibility."
"Carl."
"No, Rob. How much?"
"It was a present from me to my nephew." Robbie stood his ground.
"Rob, we have an agreement, no present giving."
"That agreement doesn't apply to Ben."
"For fuck's sake, Rob!" Carl was getting angry.
"STOP IT, STOP IT!" Ben shouted. The two adults froze. "I love you both, and you aren't going to argue. I won't have it." Ben ran from the room.
Carl and Robbie remained motionless for a moment, both regretting what they'd said. Then they ran after Ben. They found him back in the study, sitting in a corner chair, looking miserable. "You two mustn't fight. It's not right. I want you to get on, and I couldn't bear it if you two split up because of some stupid argument about my school uniform."
"We're not splitting up, son." Carl knelt at Ben's side. "I'm sorry, squirt. I know how you like everything to run smoothly. It's just you have always been my responsibility in the past, and I've always paid for all your clothes." Carl rubbed Ben's shoulder. "I know you don't like me and your Uncle Rob to fight, sweetheart. We don't fight often, it's just that money can sometimes cause adults to argue."
"But if Uncle Rob has plenty of money, and you don't, then let him pay for more things! I don't think he'd mind, would you, Uncle Rob?"
"It's not quite that simple, love. People like to be able to, well, not be dependant financially . . ." Robbie tried; he didn't really know how to explain the situation to a twelve year old.
"Adults! Look, Uncle Rob, you've got more money than dad, right?"
"Erm, yeah," Robbie said.
"Then it's simple, if a kid of twelve can understand it, I don't know why two grown men can't."
"Son, it's called pride," Carl said.
"If I was to ask if Uncle Rob could pay for the clothes, would you say it was okay? I've never asked for much, have I?"
"No, son, you haven't," Carl said quietly.
"There's something else, too," Ben said, looking at the two men he loved most in the world. "Dad, you said that I was your kid and your responsibility. That's good, but I want Uncle Rob to be responsible for me as well." Ben sniffed, "I want to have two parents again. I want to have two dads."
Carl and Robbie stared at Ben, then at one another.
"Ben, erm, I don't know if I can be a dad to you, legally, I mean."
"Can't you two and mum sign some kind of contract or something, that says that I want Uncle Rob to be my, oh, I don't know, to make Uncle Rob my guardian?"
"Ben," Robbie also knelt down by Ben's chair. "I love you to pieces, and if it were possible, I'd be a second dad to you in a minute. If it's okay with your dad, then I'll look into me becoming your guardian, okay?"
"Thanks, Uncle Rob, you're the greatest. Well, kind of equal greatest with dad," Ben said, blushing.
The two men kissed Ben's cheek before standing up.
"Okay, Rob, you can pay for his school uniform."
"Thanks, Car." The two kissed.
After Ben had gone to bed that night, Robbie and Carl sat in the Drawing room, discussing the situation with regard to Ben.
"Look, Carl, Ben's your son, I can't and won't argue with that. When Ben said he wanted me to play a role in bringing him up, well, I felt so proud that he'd, well, that he would trust me enough to want that."
"It's not easy for me to let go the reins, you know. Ben's always been my responsibility since Maureen left."
"I know, sweetheart, and you've done a magnificent job with him. But will you let me share him?" Robbie asked earnestly.
"Yes, love. Ben loves you very much, that's obvious. You know sometimes a parent has the unpleasant duty of saying no? In the past Ben's never asked for things he knew I couldn't afford, but he knows that you've got money. I just don't want him to think that you're a bottomless pit."
"I don't think he'd do that, but yes, I see where you're coming from. Carl, whilst I can appreciate that you don't want me to shower you with presents, I can't agree to such a strict arrangement with Ben. I promise I won't go overboard with him, though."
Carl leant over and kissed Robbie. "I think you'd make a brilliant dad or guardian or whatever it's called."
Carl said he'd need to go and see Maureen about what they'd discussed. Although Ben had lived with him pretty much full time, Carl and Maureen had agreed to joint custody of Ben when they had divorced. Carl knew that this would mean him coming out to Maureen. He'd hoped that he could have put off doing it till a later date.
Normally, Ben spent some of the summer holidays with his mother and her husband, Bill. However, Bill had relocated his family to Herefordshire over the summer, so it had been decided that Ben would go and see them at half term instead.
"When Ben and Maureen talked on the phone the other day, she told him that they've found a nice new house that doesn't need much work doing to it. So maybe I'll go down to Hereford on Saturday and come back Sunday. Going down there will also stop Ben from brooding about starting school on Monday," Carl said, working out a plan of action in his head. "It'll also mean I won't be in Greenville for Sunday lunch." Carl's face dropped a little. He'd spoken to his mother that afternoon, but his dad was still struggling to accept his son's sexuality.
"It'll work out okay, love," Robbie said, squeezing Carl's arm. "Do you want me to go to Hereford with you?" Robbie asked, knowing that Carl would probably need his moral support.
"Thanks. It might help Ben, you being there. Bill's an okay bloke, but I'm not sure how he'll deal with the fact that his wife's ex-husband is gay. He always struck me as being pretty conservative."
"I hope there won't be any unpleasantness, then."
"No, me neither, but, Rob," Carl said, taking his lover's hand, "I'm not gonna hide what we are to people like Maureen and Bill."
Robbie smiled. Carl had certainly come a long way in the past couple of weeks.
First thing the next morning, Robbie rang his solicitor's office for an appointment. At first, the secretary at the other end tried to palm him off with an appointment several days hence. Though Robbie hated doing it, he told the woman who he was, and that he would appreciate a more timely slot. The woman put him on hold for a few moments. Robbie gritted his teeth; if he heard Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons' ever again it would be too soon.
"Hello, Mr Foster?" the cultured female voice said down the phone.
"Yes."
"I can fit you in at three o'clock this afternoon if that would be convenient?"
When Robbie presented himself at Samuel Parker's office that afternoon, he was soon shown into the book-lined inner sanctum.
"It's a pleasure to see you again, Mr Foster," Mr Parker said in his most Uriah Heap insincere manner. Samuel had had to re-jig his appointments to fit Robbie in, but the Foster account was a big one, and he didn't want to lose it. The Foster's had conducted their business with the firm of Parker and Son for more years than Samuel could calculate.
Robbie sat himself down in the buttoned leather armchair opposite Mr Parker's desk. The solicitor went through the usual ritual of offering coffee, which Robbie refused, 'once bitten, twice shy'. Robbie knew that Mr Parker's secretary couldn't make coffee to save her life.
"Now, how can we be of service?" Mr Parker said, his cheek beginning it's usual twitching.
Robbie fixed his gaze slightly above Samuel's head to avoid looking at the facial tick; he knew that if he looked at it, he'd get an uncontrollable urge to giggle.
Robbie outlined his proposal to become a guardian to Ben. Though Samuel Parker was a little shocked to hear of two men parenting a child (it would never have done in his father's day), he masked his surprise by taking notes on a legal pad.
". . . I assume there'll be no problem in drawing up such an agreement?" Robbie concluded.
The solicitor cleared his throat and treated Robbie to his well-practiced 'I'm giving this matter the full benefit of my many years of legal wisdom' look. The matter was quite simple in reality, but Samuel always enjoyed treating his clients to his little bit of theatricality. It also went some way, he believed, in justifying his high fees.
"No," Mr Parker said at length. "However, the child's mother, whom you say has joint care and control, could challenge the agreement at a later date. It is possible that even though she has willingly signed such an agreement now, a court might look favourably upon any change of heart that she may have."
"But Ben has always lived with Carl. And I don't think Maureen would change her mind."
"I'm merely pointing out all the possible problems. It's my duty as your legal advisor to do that."
"Yes, thank you, I appreciate that," Robbie said. He didn't really think that Maureen would wish to challenge the contract, though Robbie, being the cautious man he was, couldn't fully discount the possibility.
"Since the Children Act of 1989 has been enacted, the courts are reluctant to become involved in determining where or with whom a child is placed. The act makes the court duty bound to take into account the minor child's wishes. You say that Benjamin is now twelve years of age?"
"Yes."
"Well, quite a lot of weight would be placed on Benjamin's wishes. And as I said, this scenario only comes into play should a challenge be made."
Robbie asked Mr Parker to have the papers drawn up, hoping that Maureen would be prepared to sign. Carl had seemed fairly convinced that there would be no problem on that score.
Earlier that morning, Carl drove to the building site as usual. His time at work had become far more pleasant of late. Fat Frank's laziness and disruptive behaviour had finally caused the foreman to dispense with his services. After Frank had been drinking one Friday afternoon, he returned to work, and due to his inebriated state, accidentally fired a panel pin from his nail-gun into his left hand, raising the roof with his screams. Though it was site policy that no employee could drink during the day, the rules were often bent; the management would turn a blind eye to the odd drink, but Frank had over-indulged, therefore Henry, the site foreman, had had no option but to give Frank his cards.
Carl immediately asked Henry if he could be paired with Jerry, a man whom Carl thought would be accepting of his newfound sexuality. Fortunately Henry agreed to Carl's request.
Although Carl was very nervous about coming out to Jerry, he was glad that he'd done so. Jerry had simply smiled, patted Carl on the back, and thanked him for trusting him with such a delicate secret. The two had then begun to forge a strong and productive working relationship.
"Not much longer to go now, ay?" Jerry's jovial face greeted Carl as he alighted from his van. The pair had just over a month to run on their contracts; the work was progressing well, they would easily be able to finish their assigned tasks in their allotted houses in time.
"Yeah. It's not been a bad job, I guess. Though I could have done without Fat Frank," Carl said, retrieving his lunch bucket and thermos flask from the front passenger foot well.
With Sarah away, Robbie had taken over the pleasurable duty of seeing that his man received a hearty meal at lunchtime. Carl had asked Robbie if he could put in plenty because he enjoyed sharing his lunch with Jerry. The two wouldn't usually sit with the other guys, preferring to go somewhere quiet to talk. Carl really appreciated being able to open up to Jerry, a man about six or seven years his senior. Jerry had worked as a joiner over in Germany for a few years when his two children were small. "The money was great, but Patsy missed her family, so we came back to dear old Blytie."
Much to Ben's distress, his final week of freedom passed all too quickly. Though the prospect of seeing his mum was a bright spot to look forward to.
"Maureen wasn't wrong when she said that their new house was out in the sticks," Carl said as he drove Robbie's Trooper through the country lanes on the outskirts of Hereford on Saturday afternoon.
"Mum said she liked the place, but wasn't keen on being woken up by the cockerel crowing from the next door farm every morning," Ben said from the back seat.
Although Maureen had offered to put Carl and Ben up at the house, Carl told her that Robbie was also coming with them, and they'd get rooms in a guesthouse in the centre of Hereford. Maureen had wondered why Robbie was travelling with them, but she hadn't asked.
Drawing up outside the pleasant stone farmhouse-style dwelling, Carl advised his fellow travellers that he'd do the talking. Carl hoped that he'd be able to speak to Maureen without Bill being present.
"Hi, mum." Ben got out of the car and ran towards his mother. After being hugged half to death and suffering the indignity of having his cheeks kissed, Ben then spent a couple of minutes talking with his half-brother and half-sister. Carl re-introduced Robbie to Maureen. She'd known Robbie from school, of course, but they hadn't been very close.
"It's good to see you again, Robbie." Maureen held out her hand, still wondering why he was there.
"You too, Maureen. You look to have a decent set-up here," Robbie said, looking around at the house, the two small outbuildings that stood at the other side of the yard, with the rolling hills behind, all added to the rural idyll.
Carl saw that Maureen had certainly gone up in the world since she was married to him. He knew that Bill had always had a very well paying job with the council, director or manager of some big department or other.
Thinking his young family would do better in a more rural setting, Bill had cast his net wide, looking for a similar management post with another local authority.
"Yes, we really like the place, and thankfully it didn't need much doing to it, either," Maureen said of Robbie's enquiry. "Please come on in. Bill's just nipped out for a minute, he shouldn't be long."
Maureen showed her guests into a large stone-flagged kitchen, complete with wood burning stove, solid marble countertops and whitewashed walls. There were innumerable copper cooking utensils hanging from hooks on the wall. The room was dominated by a large work-worn and obviously well scrubbed kitchen table. Maureen asked her guests to sit at the table whilst she organised refreshments.
"Sorry I can't offer you home-made scones or anything, I haven't got used to the solid-fuel oven, yet," Maureen said, placing a plate of shop bought chocolate-chip cookies on the table.
They talked for a few minutes about inconsequential matters. Carl knew he'd have to speak up soon; the knot in his stomach was getting ever bigger. "Look, Maureen there's something I need to tell you but, erm." Carl nodded towards William and Tamsyn who were playing in a corner of the room.
"How's about you showing me your bedrooms?" Ben said, rising from the table and approaching his half-siblings. The two children stopped their play and after getting a nod from their mother, lead the way out of the room.
"He's really growing up," Maureen said of Ben.
"Yeah, he's a brilliant kid," Carl said. He cleared his throat, "Look, erm, this isn't easy but, well, you ought to know . . ."
"Sorry I wasn't here to greet you, but old Mrs Rodgers kept me talking." Bill came into the room stamping the mud off his boots.
Maureen introduced Robbie to her husband, who shook hands with him before sitting at the table with them.
"One thing that I'll never really get used to is how much slower life seems to be here in the country. You pay a visit to a neighbour, in this case Mrs Rodgers, she's got the next smallholding just down the track. I just went to return a casserole dish, and I had to stop for a cup of tea and a bite to eat," he explained. Mrs Rodgers had been one of many neighbours who had come round with gifts of food for the recently moved-in family. Maureen had placed the food in plastic cartons and put it in the freezer, as there was far too much to be eaten all at once.
Carl was feeling increasingly uncomfortable. He'd hoped that he could have got through his prepared speech without Bill being present.
"Look, erm," Carl said clearing his throat again. "This isn't easy for me to say, but well, Maureen, I've found someone else, to love, I mean."
"That's wonderful. You've been alone for too long. Is she okay with Ben? Surely you're not here to discuss him coming to live with us?"
"No, no," Carl said, shaking his head. "I couldn't part with Ben, ever. Look, you might not like what I've got to say, but I can't do anything about that. It's Rob. I've finally realised that I'm in love with him; I've always been in love with Rob here. I'm gay."
The room fell into silence. Maureen was confused. She'd been married to Carl, they'd slept together. She tried to sort out her thoughts. Carl was an absolutely fantastic father; he was probably a better parent than she was. She couldn't claim that Carl hadn't been inattentive to her, he'd been loyal, faithful and a good friend, but there had never been that spark. "It's a bit of a shock, Carl," Maureen said, still not quite coming to grips with the revelation.
"I know it is. It was for me too. But Mo, I'm absolutely sure of my feelings. I'm sorry to tell you this, but I'm more sure of my love to Rob than . . ." He didn't need to finish his comments.
"I see." Maureen didn't know what else to say. She'd known that Carl and Robbie had been thick as thieves for years. "Carl, you didn't get together with me all those years back just because you fell out with Robbie, did you?"
"No, Mo. Please trust me on that. It's only very recently that I've realised that I'm gay. I had no idea back then."
The word 'gay' had roused Bill into speaking.
"It's disgusting." His voice dripped with venom. "It's an abomination, vile . . ."
"Oh shut up, Bill!" Maureen, who for the most part was a meek and mild mannered person, wasn't going to have any unpleasantness when she had guests. Though she and Carl hadn't made it, she still loved him as a friend, and she wasn't going to allow anyone to insult a friend of hers. "You're talking rubbish, and I won't have you upsetting our guests."
"They are not welcome in my house."
"It's our house, not yours."
Bill was about to say that it was his money that had bought the place, but he remained quiet, seething inwardly. He knew that Maureen still felt a great deal for Carl, even though they rarely saw one another. That was another reason why he'd moved them well out of the area. Although Bill knew that his wife and her ex-husband's relationship was over, he was still a little disturbed at how well the two got on together.
"The reason why we've come is to discuss Ben's custody," Carl said, resisting the urge to thump Bill. "Ben wants Rob here-" Carl took hold of Robbie's hand in full view of the others. Carl both needed the physical contact, and he didn't think it would hurt to wind Bill up a bit more, either. "-to become a guardian to him. And to make things easier, we would need your permission to do that."
"Not a chance," Bill said through clenched teeth.
"It's nothing to do with you," Maureen rounded on Bill.
"I'm your husband." Bill tried to fall back on the old 'you promised to love and obey' line, but Maureen wasn't having any of it.
"Ben isn't your child anyway."
"He'd be better off with us bringing him up, instead of a couple of queers."
Carl stood up, brandishing his clenched fists. He wasn't so bothered about the insult being hurled at him, but he wasn't going to have anyone call Robbie that despicable name.
"Please, Car," Maureen said, trying to calm things down. "Look, it might be better if we take this outside."
Carl's shoulders, which had been tight with anger, slumped a little. "Yeah, okay, Mo."
Robbie, Carl and Maureen left the kitchen, leaving Bill to stew in his own juices.
"Sorry about all that," Maureen said when they were outside. They began to walk away from the house.
"Mo, are you okay? I mean Bill, does he treat you right?" Carl asked in concern.
"Oh I'm fine, love. Bill doesn't hit me or anything."
"He better bloody not," Carl said, getting angry again.
Robbie couldn't help but notice how much Carl still cared for Maureen. It didn't disturb him. He knew that although their relationship was a new one, he and Carl were solid. Carl's treatment of his ex-wife was further proof to him that Carl was a good, kind and decent man.
"Look, I've no objections to signing any legal papers or anything," Maureen said, not wanting to dwell on Bill any longer. "Now I've had time to think about it, the news that you're gay doesn't shock me. It's a bit of a surprise, but, oh, I don't know. All I want is for you to be happy." Maureen loved Carl as a good friend, and she wanted the best for him.
"I am happy, Mo, very happy," Carl said, taking Robbie's hand again. "Though I loved you as much as I could, what I have now with Rob, well it's . . ." Carl trailed off.
"It's okay, I know what you were going to say. As Ben wants to have Rob as a guardian, I take it that he's accepted that you're, erm, gay?"
Carl laughed. "Oh yes, absolutely. In fact it was Ben who got me and Rob together." He went on to tell his ex-wife all about how Ben had told the pair that they had to wake up to their feelings towards one another.
"You and Ben have always been so close, it's amazing," Maureen said, remembering how Ben's two-year-old eyes would always light up whenever Carl came into the room.
"Yeah, I've said it before, Mo, but I can't ever thank you enough for letting him come and live with me. I'm not sure what kind of mess I'd be in now if he hadn't been with me. I certainly wouldn't have this wonderful man by my side, that's for sure."
Maureen thought the love that Carl and Robbie showed to one another was beautiful. In truth she was a little envious of what they had. Bill was a good man, she knew that he loved her in his own way, but she just wished he'd unbend a little and sweep her off her feet now and again. She shook her head, realising that she'd been reading too many paperback romance novels.
Whilst Maureen, Carl and Robbie had been out on their walk, Bill had gone upstairs to see Ben. Finding him in William's room, the latter showing Ben his collection of toy cars, Bill asked Ben to step onto the landing.
"Look, Ben, are you okay about your dad and Robbie being, erm, well, you know? They haven't, well, they haven't touched you or, erm, anything?" Bill's motives were genuine. He liked Ben, and he didn't want him to come to any harm.
Ben cottoned on quickly. "I love my dad, and I love Uncle Rob, too. They would never ever do anything to hurt me."
"Yes, but men like that, they could, erm."
"No, never, not ever." Ben was adamant. "Before they got together, I used to see them look at one another when they thought the other wasn't looking. But they were both scared, because some stupid people think that two men loving each other is wrong." Bill tried not to bristle at the rebuke that Ben had not all that subtly delivered. "But I could see that they were both lonely and sad, so I sat them down and told them that they had to talk to each other, and tell the truth about how they felt."
"Really?" Bill was astounded that Ben had been the catalyst to Robbie and Carl getting together.
"I've lived with dad all my life. He's been the best dad in the world to me, but after mum left, he's not had anyone. Though I think he was happy enough, I know for definite that he's really happy now, and that's because he's with Uncle Rob. They really love each other so much. And I also love them, too. That's why I want Uncle Rob to be a kind of second dad to me, because I know he's a good and kind man."
Bill's hitherto firmly held beliefs began to crumble. He'd always thought of homosexuals as being over-sexed, camp, limp-wristed men who dressed up in women's clothes and wore loads of make-up. Clearly, Carl and Robbie weren't like that at all. Ben's sincerity really moved Bill. 'Out of the mouths of babes,' he said to himself.
"I just wanted to make sure that you were safe, that's all."
"I couldn't be safer," Ben said, looking straight into Bill's eyes. "I love them, and I don't care what anyone says."
Bill ruffled Ben's hair.
Maureen called up the stairs then for Ben, who came running. "Your dad and Uncle are in the yard waiting for you."
Ben kissed his mother on the cheek, left the house and got into the car. Robbie then drove into the centre of Hereford to the guesthouse which he'd booked rooms at earlier. He was paying for the rooms, despite Carl's objections.
Bill slowly came downstairs. Seeing him, Maureen said, "I don't want to hear it, Bill."
Bill came over and gave her a hug. "God, that kid's amazing."
"Huh?" she wasn't expecting Bill to say that.
"Ben. Did you know that it was him who got Carl and Robbie together?"
"Yeah," she said, smiling.
"Look, I've got a lot to think about. I can't say I'm totally comfortable about two men, two gay men, bringing Ben up, but I've got to say that I'm not totally revolted by the idea anymore."
"I'm glad, love. I didn't want to go against your wishes, but I would have done over this."
"It's okay, love. You sign whatever bit of paper you think you need to."
"Thanks. I'm gonna travel down to Greenville probably at the end of next week to sign the papers. Carl said it'd be best if I make a change to my will, too, to include Rob, saying that I want him to bring up Ben if anything happened to me before Ben reaches eighteen. I know you won't be able to get the time off from your new job, but I'll only be gone overnight. I can stop in one of Robbie's spare bedrooms."
"No one calls you a queer!" Carl said angrily.
"It's only a word, love."
"And a horrible, evil word, too." Carl was pacing the floor of the small room in the guesthouse.
"I think it was just that we caught Bill a little off guard."
"Why do you always see the good in other people?" Carl said, softening his tone and going over to hug Robbie.
"Because it doesn't matter. Bill doesn't matter. Maureen was the important one, and she's agreed to sign the guardianship papers."
"But Rob, he . . ."
"It doesn't matter, Car." Robbie rubbed Carl's shoulders, which began to relax.
"I love you," Carl said in a quiet and calm voice.
"I love you too, my precious Carl."
Later that evening, the phone in Carl and Robbie's room began to ring. Robbie picked up. "Hello?"
"Hi Robbie, it's Maureen."
"Oh, hello, is everything okay?" Robbie was worried that their visit had caused problems between Maureen and Bill.
"Oh, yes, it's fine. I was just ringing to ask if you three wanted to come back to the house for Sunday lunch tomorrow."
"Oh, erm, well."
"It's okay, Bill has promised to behave himself. It seems that Ben put him straight, erm, I mean, he helped Bill understand a few points." Maureen regretted the inappropriate use of the word 'straight'.
"Oh right, I see," Robbie said with a chuckle in his voice. Robbie briefly discussed the matter with Carl, who was lying on the bed next to him. "Maureen, we'd love to come over."
"About one o'clock?"
"Fine."
Robbie ended the call. "It seems that while we were out, Ben put Bill 'straight' on a couple of points."
Carl got up and left their room to get Ben, wondering what his son had said. He was also a little concerned that Bill might have upset him.
"Well, he was worried that I'd get molested or something," Ben said, once he was in Robbie and Carl's room.
"What! I'll fucking rip his head off!" Carl said, bunching up his fists and heading for the door.
"No dad, no." Ben got between Carl and the door. "I told him that you and Uncle Rob loved me, and that I was safer with you two than with anyone else alive. It's okay dad, honest."
Carl paused, he drew in a few deep breaths in an effort to calm himself down, but it was a struggle. He turned to face an anxious Robbie who was sitting on the bed. "How could he think that we could do anything like that?" Carl pleaded.
"Some people have it in their heads that all gay people are child molesters. Though statistics seem to show that most paedophiles claim to be straight. It's just another stereotype. But Car, I honestly don't think Bill was accusing us, really, it's just a case of him not understanding."
"But I couldn't . . . wouldn't . . ." Carl was at a loss for words.
"It's okay, dad. Honest." Ben wrapped his arms around Carl and hugged him. "Bill just thought I was in danger. I told him that I wasn't. He was wrong to think that I was, but he was only looking out for me."
Carl held Ben at arm's length and looked directly into his son's eyes. Though Carl loved Robbie very much, Ben was the most precious thing in his life. "Son, you know that I would never, ever do anything at all to hurt you." Carl was getting emotional.
"Dad, don't, please don't get upset. It's fine, it's all fine." Ben lead Carl to the bed. Carl sat down, his face a picture of misery. Ben wrapped his arms around his father and began to rock him. "Don't get upset, dad. It's alright, honest, I love you, dad."
Robbie looked on as Ben comforted Carl. He was never more certain that he wanted to be a part of Ben's life. Robbie didn't have the words to express how much he cared for, would do anything to protect the precious soul sitting on the bed talking quietly and reassuringly to his father.
Throughout the short journey to Maureen and Bill's house the next day, both Ben and Robbie repeatedly told Carl to remain calm if things got awkward.
"We'll just walk out, love. It's best not to make a scene, particularly if William and Tamsyn are there," Robbie soothed.
"I know, I promise I'll behave," Carl said, praying that he'd be able to keep his promise. The implied accusation that he could ever hurt Ben still rankled with him enormously.
As Robbie drew up outside the farmhouse, he spotted Bill coming out of one of the out buildings.
"Hello, glad you could come again." Bill held out a hand to Carl. "I'm sorry, mate. I shouldn't have said those things in the kitchen yesterday. But thanks to Maureen, and to Ben, too, though I'm still a little uneasy, I promise I'm not the monster that I made myself out to be yesterday."
Carl took Bill's hand. "Bill, I'd rather cut off my own right arm than harm Ben in any way. I've never so much as hit him, you must know that."
"I know," Bill said. "Maureen's always said what a great dad you've been to Ben. I've got to say that I was a bit surprised that Ben didn't come and live with us when you and Maureen broke up."
"God knows I'll always be grateful that she let him live with me." Carl went quiet then, remembering all the times he and Ben had spent together.
"Listen, I'm also sorry for thinking that you and Robbie could, erm, you know. Truly, honestly, I know you'd never do anything to harm Ben," Bill said, still holding Carl's hand. Bill looked directly into Carl's eyes, hoping that his sincerity showed. It did.
"Yeah," Carl said quietly. He didn't want to dwell on it any longer. Bill had apologised, Carl wanted to lay it to rest.
"Well, come along in then, I imagine the dinner will be almost ready," Bill said, rousing Carl from his thoughts.
Despite the previous day's bad feelings, everyone had a relaxed meal. Carl had forgotten how much of a good cook Maureen was. Ben just delighted in the fact that he didn't have to hack at his Sunday dinner, something he usually had to do when eating at his grandmother's. Robbie kept a close eye on Carl; he was pretty certain that the storm had passed, something he was very relieved about. Robbie knew that Carl had a quick temper, born from his protective instinct toward Ben. Robbie realised that Carl had taken him under his protection, too.
After a suitable interval had passed to allow everyone's stomachs to rest, Robbie announced that they had a long drive ahead of them, and needed to be making a move.
"I hope you liked the spare room, son," Maureen said to Ben just before he climbed into Robbie's Trooper. "Cause that's where you'll be stopping at half term."
"Yeah mum, it's great." Ben tried to project himself staying in the room, because that would mean he'd got through the first six weeks of high school unscathed.
Everyone said their goodbyes. Carl backed the car out of the yard and began the journey back to Greenville.
As the car sped down the motorway, Ben spotted something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head to get a better look. "Dad, stop the car!"
"Huh?"
"Pull over, dad, now!"
Thinking there was something seriously wrong, Carl flicked on his indicator, decelerated and moved onto the hard shoulder of the motorway. Once the car had stopped, Carl turned round in his seat and saw Ben undoing his seatbelt and opening the car door.
"Oih, where're you going!" Carl said in alarm; it wasn't safe for Ben to be wandering about out there with the traffic whizzing past.
"I saw a dog," Ben said, stepping out onto the motorway at the side furthest from the three lines of traffic.
"Get back in the car," Carl said.
Ben hesitated momentarily; he didn't want to disobey his dad, but he had to go and investigate.
"Dad please, it's important."
"Hang on, love, I'll come with you," Robbie said.
Ben was relieved that Robbie had spoken up, if Robbie went with him, he wouldn't get into trouble from Carl.
"What did you see, sweetheart?"
"It was a dog, Uncle Rob. I didn't get much of a look at him, he was sitting on the grass verge."
"I can't see anything," Robbie said, scanning the long swathe of grassland in front of them.
"It's a bit back I think," Ben said, beginning to walk.
"Give me your hand," Robbie said. He wasn't all that thrilled about this unexpected stop, but he could sense how important it was to Ben.
Carl got out of the car, too. He'd just as sooner have left the dog where it was; it could be injured, or even dead. Carl wasn't much of a dog lover.
"See, Uncle Rob?" Ben said, not raising his voice too high, though the noise of the traffic would probably mean that the dog was unable to hear him, anyway. They were a good twenty-five yards from the cowering animal.
The dog, a grey collie with black patches, looked disinterestedly at the approaching humans. She had been travelling with her owners, a young married couple with two children who were apt to tease her. The adults rarely scolded the children for their cruelty, though the dog had very clear memories of being punished if she ever reacted to being tormented by the children. She still recalled one horrible time when she was shut up in a dark outhouse without food or water for a whole day, because she'd snapped at the younger of the two girls. It hadn't been her fault, she hadn't been able to get away from them, nor could she make them stop.
Earlier that day, the puppy had grown excited at seeing the car being filled with suitcases, her cup of joy ranneth over when she was lifted into the car, too. She'd rarely been allowed to travel with her owners before.
They'd been travelling for quite some time, when the car had pulled up at a lay-by rest stop; the puppy was grateful because she needed to relieve herself. However, the family just opened the car door, and once she'd got out, they closed it again and drove away. She'd walked along the verge for a while, wondering where her owners had disappeared to. It was getting late and she was growing ever more hungry, frightened and lonely.
Ben slowed down his approach, not wanting to spook the animal. When he and Robbie got to within ten yards, Ben asked Robbie to stay where he was.
"Be careful, love, he might bite you." Robbie wasn't happy about Ben approaching on his own.
"It's okay, Uncle Rob."
Ben hunkered down to make himself look smaller, hoping he wouldn't frighten the dog away. "It's okay, little fella. I promise I won't hurt you," Ben said softly as he slowly crawled nearer to the dog. Ben held out the back of his hand, hoping the dog would sniff it and realise that he posed no threat.
"Okay, little one, you are a pretty boy, aren't you?" Ben stopped his approach three feet from the dog. "It's okay, I won't hurt you, I promise. Did your family leave you here then, little one?"
The pup was uncertain. The boy didn't look or smell like her owners, he didn't look as though he was going to hurt her, though. The pup was grateful that the boy didn't run up to her; she had always been rather skittish. Seeing that the boy had stopped approaching, the pup grew braver; she stood up cautiously closing the distance between them.
"Hello, little one," Ben said, trying not to raise his voice. "You look so thin," he added, stroking the top of the dog's head.
The puppy was reassured by Ben's calm voice and lack of jerky movements. He didn't seem to want to hurt her, like her previous owners had done. He smelt nice and safe. She pushed herself between Ben's legs, in order to soak up some of his warmth.
Ben stroked along the dog's fur. She was in need of a good grooming, but otherwise the coat was in good condition. She wasn't wearing a collar, so he wasn't able to tell who owned her.
The dog looked up at Ben with a pleading expression, she was hungry.
"Will you let me pick you up?"
The dog wagged her tail, so Ben very gently wrapped his arms around the puppy and held her to his chest. Ben continued to speak softly, which helped to soothe her nerves.
The puppy now felt safe and warm, a feeling which was fairly alien to her. The boy was wearing a nice woollen pullover that smelt a little of food. The pup lifted up her head and licked Ben's face.
Ben smiled broadly. "Who's a happy boy, then? I don't think your old owners are coming back for you, are they?"
The puppy wagged her tail again.
"Look, Uncle Rob, he's so small, and isn't he so cute? See how his left eye's blue, and his right one is brown?" Ben said, carrying the precious bundle over to Robbie. "Oh, and he's shivering, too."
"He is a pretty thing." Robbie knew what Ben's next question would be. He'd always liked dogs, but it had been impractical for him to own one when he lived in London. He had given thought to getting a dog now he'd moved back to Lancashire.
"Uncle Rob?" Ben said, looking appealingly up at Robbie.
Robbie smiled, he'd been right. "Yes, Ben, we can keep him."
"Wicked!" Ben said, getting excited, the excitement carrying through to his new puppy.
"I don't think it'd be a good idea, son," Carl said, sending Ben's spirits plummeting.
"Dad!" Ben turned on his most pleading expression.
"It might have fleas or something."
"We can get some flea powder, then."
"They aren't cheap to look after, you know, and there's the vet's bills. The dog might not be well, goodness knows how long it's been out here."
"Oh, stop being such a wet blanket, Carl," Robbie said, intervening. He pointed at the dog, who had lifted up her head and was treating Carl to the no-holds-barred cute-pup routine. "Do you honestly have the heart to leave that poor defenceless creature here by the roadside?"
"Erm, well, erm."
"Come on, Ben, love," Robbie said, putting his arm around Ben and escorting him back to the car, the puppy safely cradled in Ben's arms.
Carl followed along behind, glad that he didn't have to answer the question, because no, he couldn't have left the pup to fend for itself.
"I'll sit in the back with you," Robbie said. He was quite taken with the little dog, and relished the opportunity of getting a closer look.
Carl started the car, and they resumed their journey home.
"What you gonna call him?" Carl asked over his left shoulder.
"Erm, dunno," Ben said. "What do you think, Uncle Rob?"
"Let's have a look at him then."
"It's alright, Uncle Rob won't hurt you." Ben carefully handed over his pet.
Rob looked at the dog. "Erm, well Ben, for a start, he's a she."
"Are you sure?" Ben asked.
"Yes, he or rather she lacks, well there's only one tail."
Carl chuckled from the driver's seat.
"Oh, I hadn't thought about names for a lady dog."
"Won't that do?"
"Huh?" Ben asked.
"Lady. Can't get anymore feminine than that."
The dog struggled slightly in Robbie's lap. "Okay girl, want to go back to Ben?" Robbie put the pup back in Ben's lap. She turned round a couple of times then settled, keeping a worshipful 'thank you for saving me' gaze on her new owner.
"Will Lady be okay for you?" Ben said, meeting the pup's eyes.
The dog wagged her tail.
"Okay, Lady it is then," Ben said, scratching the pup behind her ears.
To be continued