The Metamorphosis of Jeremiah Long 21
Warning:
This story contains scenes of love and sexual interaction between males of similar age. If the reading or possessing this material is illegal in your country, state, province, county, municipality, etc., please leave this site immediately and do not proceed further. If you are under the legal age to read this, please do not do so.
The author retains the copyright, and any other rights, to this original story. You may not publish it or any part of it without explicit authorization from me.
I have written several other stories. My longer ones on Nifty include: "Always and Forever" (March 25, 2004), "Jacob and Jacques" (May 30, 2004), "Zeke" (August 29, 2005), "Tales from Bentonville" (November 16, 2008), "Second Chance" (September 24, 2010), and "Tommy and Tanner (October 21, 2012)under "High School" and "Someone to Watch over Me" under "Beginnings" in the gay male section.
My short stories include: "Brad and Alan's Canoe Trip" (April 22, 2004 under "Camping", "Of Angels and Dragons" (November 8, 2008) under "Camping", "A Christmas Tale" (December 22, 2009), "Wyatt's Thanksgiving" (November 20, 2012)under "High School", "Brazil Affair" (October 1, 2010), "A Technological Christmas" (December 23, 2011), and "Patrick's Christmas (December 19, 2012) under "Beginnings," I have one story in the Sci Fi/Fantasy category called, "Seth's Gift" (October 10, 2010).
You can easily access most of my tales by going to the "Author" button in Nifty's home page and scrolling down to David Lee. Some of these stories are also posted at: www.storylover.us and www.saberpeak.com.
My only reward for contributing to Nifty is your emails. Please write if you like the story. Please include the name of the story in the title of your email because my email service sometimes puts them in the "spam" file.
Thanks and hugs to Tom and David (boxerdude) who edit for me so that there are fewer mistakes! They not only proof-read, but make other valuable suggestions.
Your donations to Nifty are appreciated to keep this a free site for us and for you.
David (dlee169@hotmail.com)
The Metamorphosis of Jeremiah Long, chapter 21
Back home again, the boys soon started their summer routine. All of them would be spending time in the pool improving their strokes. Joe would be joining Vin Rossi's program at the Y along with Mark, while Davy and Jon would participate with Bradon and Nate in the competitive swimming class that Cade was teaching at the high school. Having the four of them train as a team could turn them into a powerhouse for the next season.
Bradon was already certified as a lifeguard and was on the sub list at the city pool closest to his house. The other boys began doing odd jobs consisting of mowing lawns for people on vacation or filling in as courtesy boys at a local supermarket. While they would have liked having employment that brought in more money, they were content to spend time simply being kids. They still had plenty of things to occupy their time, and their dads told them they should enjoy their summers before they grew up and had responsibilities which kept them from being free.
Jon and Davy planned to use part of their summer vacation reading the books on their list from school. Since they both loved to read, it didn't feel like a chore.
Joe was still being tutored some by Cade and the three of them, along with Mark and Bradon, were going to continue karate lessons with Harrison.
In addition, Davy, and Joe got their learner's permits within a week after returning from the lake. (Jon and Bradon already had theirs.) Mark pouted because he would have to wait another month for his, but the others told him he could ride along sometimes when they practiced so he could watch what they did. That seemed to placate him to an extent. With the number of adults in the close-knit group, the boys were able to find someone to take them out several times a week for the rest of the summer. Phil and Brent both let Mark drive around in the stadium parking lot at times when no other cars were around. He got to practice parallel parking along with the others.
Brock and Brent again hosted a rather large gathering for the Independence Day celebration, with Todd, Jim, Cade, and Harrison as co-hosts. The number in attendance was about the same despite including new people because some of last year's guests couldn't come.
A few of the older teens had other activities this year that kept them from coming, but a couple of them made sure to join their younger friends for at least part of the day.
Wyatt and Jesse could have gone to an upscale party which Wyatt's parents were attending, but felt more at home with Davy and Jon. The younger boys were thrilled that they were there.
The Witte clan came as a group, but in two cars because Mickey needed to leave early to fill in at the hospital. She knew her boys would want to stay as long as possible. Bradon had been looking forward to spending time with Megan who would be at the party, and Mark was staying overnight with Joe. They were both evidently becoming closer to their love interests, and while they seemed too young to her, Mickey understood that they were growing up and that whatever would be, would be.
Cade and Harrison were probably the happiest of any people at the cookout because it marked their first anniversary of coming out to everyone as a couple. The unpleasant circumstances that caused the sudden shift in their relationship were now mostly a distant memory. Harrison's parents' divorce was final and he had reconnected with his mother, so he was in a far better place emotionally this year. The fact that she had accepted their invitation to the party was a definite plus for them.
Besides horsing around with Wyatt and Jesse, Davy, Jon, and Bradon hung around with the girls who had become their frequent lunch companions at school. A stranger seeing them together might have assumed they were three couples going steady. In one case it seemed to be true. After enjoying an intimate experience with Micah, Bradon had claimed he was about 70 to 80 percent straight. Although he didn't rule out playing with a boy again, he thought he preferred soft, spongy breasts to hard muscled pecs and was looking forward to the day he could get laid. However, he wasn't rushing into it. Like his brother, Mark, he felt there should be a foundation of love and trust rather than plunging headlong into a physical relationship based purely on mutual desire.
Mark and Joe seemed to have reached the plateau of mutual caring. Their behavior toward each other would set off the gaydar of anyone possessing that sixth sense. They could scarcely keep their hands to themselves. At one point, Bradon took them aside and suggested they might want to slip off to Joe's room for a quickie before they embarrassed themselves and everyone else, and they took him up on it. About 15 minutes later, they rejoined the party looking slightly flushed and not sporting quite as big bulges in their Speedos.
Later in the evening, Mark gave the same advice to his brother after noticing the effect Megan was having on him. Bradon was initially put out with Mark, but did go off to a bathroom to relieve himself in order to cool off his apparent lust.
The conclusion of the city's fireworks show again acted as the cue for people to begin to pack up and leave. All the guests thanked their hosts, and most made offers to help clean up. Some actually carried through.
Toward the middle of the month, the guys at Davy's house heard a lot of whooping and hollering coming from the downstairs apartment in the late afternoon. They didn't have to wait long to find out the cause.
An elated Harrison came to the sliding door in the kitchen with Cade in tow. Cade looked equally thrilled. Both started talking excitedly at the same time.
"Okay," Cade announced. "I'm gonna shut up and let my Harry tell you because it's really his news, even though it affects both of us."
"I have a real job!" Harrison exclaimed. "It's in my field and everything. I've been hired to be the new overseer of the hospital's computer information system. I got it partly because the consultant they hired knew me from when I worked as a trouble-shooter for the lab at school when he was an adjunct professor there. He told them I had better problem-solving skills than anyone he'd ever worked with! This is awesome! I'm starting at $70,000, which isn't top dollar for a computer geek, but there will be incremental raises and lots of perks and benefits."
"It's about twice what a lot of beginning teachers make," Cade grinned, "And you don't have to deal with discipline problems and parents who think their kids are God's gift to the world!"
"Plus you won't have to worry about layoffs like some of the Rockwell employees do." Brent added. "We're okay because there are domestic and military contracts which rely on our areas of expertise, but that's not always the case."
"Let's have a celebration!" Brock suggested. "I'm headed for Fareway to pick up a few things for dinner and I'll simply add to my list."
"You don't have to feed us," Harrison said. "You do so much already."
"Perhaps we're not obligated, but we want to make this a special occasion."
On the way to the supermarket, Brock phoned Jim to see if Todd and he were available to join them. Jim was in the process of making a big potato salad and insisted that he would bring it if it would go with what Brock was planning. Brock said it would be wonderful along with sirloin steak and watermelon that he had on his list.
Promptly at 6:30, everyone sat down to a great summer dinner on the deck. There was lots of conversation about Harrison's good fortune, and then he dropped another bombshell.
As the men and boys were finishing their meal, Harrison got down on one knee beside Cade's chair.
"Cade William Carstenson, love of my life, will you consent to be my husband?"
Tears started to flow from Cade's eyes as he moved his chair back and joined his boyfriend on his knees.
"Harrison Lee Brooks, I love you more than any other creature on earth. I accept your proposal with great joy!"
By then, there weren't any dry eyes in the group. Harrison excused himself to run downstairs and returned moments later with a bottle of Champaign, a bottle of sparkling grape juice, and glasses on a tray.
"I've been planning to do this as soon as I got a job. I was afraid the fizz might go out of it before it became a reality because I couldn't ask Cade to be my life-partner on waiter's pay."
"You could have," Cade insisted. "I was planning to ask you soon so we could be married before school starts."
"But I didn't want you to have to continue to support me," Harrison said.
"This has to be for richer or poorer, and we need to be willing to support or accept support no matter what," Cade answered. "Love doesn't depend on money."
"I know, but I have a lot of loans to pay off and..."
He didn't get to finish his sentence because Cade's lips were firmly pressed against his.
"Okay guys, cut out the mushy stuff and give us some of that sparkly wine," Davy joked.
"I brought the grape juice for the minors," Harrison smiled, "Unless the parents say it's okay."
The parents did allow the boys to have a little bit to toast the prospective grooms. However, Harrison opened the juice in case the younger set wanted more to drink.
After several toasts, the conversation took another turn.
"I think it's time Harrison and I pay rent or find a different place to live. I'm not really earning my keep now that Davy doesn't need much in the way of tutoring."
"But Joe is still going to need your help and Davy and Jon depend on you too. Aren't you happy here?" Brock asked. "I know your apartment isn't all that big."
"We love it here! It has everything we need and the location is great."
"Well, then there's no reason to move unless you don't like living so close to some of your students."
"You know they're like little brothers to us," Cade said, looking at the young faces around him.
"In addition to what you do, Harrison is giving the boys and their buds valuable self-defense training," Brent said. "We feel that you men are earning your rent and more. It's especially nice to know that if we both had to be gone to a conference or something at the same time, the boys would have adults nearby whom they could count on. It's not that we wouldn't trust them to be alone, but knowing you're here certainly makes us feel better."
"But since my soon-to-be husband has fallen into good fortune up to his cute little butt, I believe we should pay you at least $900 a month."
"How about you do that until you have saved up enough for a down payment?" Brock suggested. "We'll put the `rent money' into a savings account and return it to you to supplement what you've managed to put away. We can spend it on new furniture or carpet or give it to you in cash so it won't look like income to be taxed."
"But you could rent the apartment to someone else for more than that?" Cade insisted. "And you'd have that money for the boys' college fund."
"I doubt we could officially rent out the apartment in this neighborhood without violating the covenant." Brock said. "Besides, I've already listed all the things you guys do to earn your rent; and my parents have money set aside designated for the boys' educations in addition to what we have."
"I'm overwhelmed!" Cade said, shaking his head.
"Me too," Harrison agreed.
They both got up to hug their benefactors, and were about to go down to their apartment when Phil showed up, bringing Mark to stay the night with Joe. Phil and Mark were soon brought up to speed about Harrison's job and the proposal. Mark was as excited as anyone because he idolized them - especially Cade.
Cade and Harrison got married in early August. Judge Keegan had agreed to officiate. He was already acquainted with Davy and Joe, of course, and didn't hesitate to be involved with young men the boys considered to be extended family.
The ceremony took place in the backyard of the Mason-Hart home. The guest list was small and included Marcia Keegan, the judge's wife, Cade's family, Mark's family, Jon's family, and Harrison's mother, Vera, in addition to the Mason-Hart household.
Dress for the occasion was casual, with the grooms wearing new pure white jeans and rainbow silk shirts that they'd ordered specially from the Internet. Both looked radiant as they joined hands before the judge.
There were no musical numbers or homily, but the men did repeat their vows to one another, slip gold bands on each others' fingers, and light a unity candle with the flames of the candles their mothers had lit to represent them. After that, Judge Keegan pronounced them legally wed and all the papers got legally signed.
The lunch which followed was scrumptious. It had been prepared, at cost, by Chef Renaldo from Zephyr's where Harrison had worked. Harrison insisted that Renaldo eat with them because he didn't like treating him like a servant when they'd worked together as colleagues. Renaldo had never acted superior or snooty as some in his position might have, and Harrison wanted to continue their egalitarian relationship.
There were several rounds of toasts to the newlyweds, but the boys were limited to sparkling grape juice after the first one. Fortunately the adults lingered over their food long enough to be sober as a judge before driving anywhere.
Vera had joined the Carstensons in paying for the grooms short honeymoon cruise leaving out of New Orleans. Cade's brother and sister-in-law drove them to the airport around 4:00. Judge and Mrs. Keegan and Phil and Mickey left at that point, but the rest stayed to party a bit more. Todd and Jim were walking home and the rest would be staying the night because they had the apartment to use as well as the house to accommodate most everyone. Davy would be sleeping with Jon at his house.
Around 8:00, the remaining guests snacked on leftovers and some played in the pool. Most retired early.
Todd and Jim were impressed with the beauty and simplicity of the wedding. They talked about having a similar one next summer. They were certain that they would be together for the rest of their lives, and had already signed several legal documents to protect them as a couple and ensure Jon had a father in the event something happened to Todd. Still, they wanted the ceremony too, eventually. They hoped by then that Dr. Erenberger might be able to officiate without getting into trouble with the church.
Brock and Brent had been married in California before Proposition 8, but they had also had papers drawn up to protect their relationship with each other and their sons. In their conversation with Judge Keegan earlier in the afternoon, they were told that they could get a marriage license and he would handle the signing at the court house for them if they wanted to get married again in their new state. He expressed regret that gay marriages from some states weren't recognized by all states, and hoped the Supreme Court would soon remedy that eventually.
One of the more interesting things that happened that summer all started with an article in the local newspaper. Like many of the kids of his generation, Davy got most of his news from the Internet. But since his dads still subscribed to the Gazette, Davy would sometimes see something that piqued his interest. Such was the case with the story about a male stripper who had come to town to perform at the local "gentleman's club" for two nights of special shows for ladies only.
It was actually Jon who first saw the picture of the hot stud whose name was Josh Long.
"Do you think he's one of your relatives?" Jon asked. "You and he share some features, I think. But, I guess you look more like your dad."
"I do have a lot in common with Dad, but I see what you mean. Something about his eyes remind me of what I see in the mirror. I doubt it's possible seeing that he's a porn star."
"Yeah, but it says he used to have family in this area. There could be a connection."
"The only people who would likely know have all moved to Texas, I hope!"
"Your dad might know something about family history. Anyway, it would be fun to see if we could meet him.
Brock and Brent were hesitant to let Davy go to meet a gay porn star. They didn't absolutely forbid him to make contact, but said they would like to talk it over with Todd first.
He met with them after he'd done some detective work and told them that The Stallion operated within the law and hadn't had any problems other than the occasional fistfight in the parking lot, none of which had led to charges. It seemed to be a reputable business establishment and should be safe enough. He had also run a background check on Josh Long and found that his record was squeaky clean.
The next day, a slightly nervous Davy called The Stallion's number around 10:00 a. m. The person who answered was polite, but said he wasn't allowed to give out any contact information about their performers, as it would violate their rule on privacy. He did say that Josh would be coming in around noon to rehearse his act and might be willing to talk to him if they came out to the club, but there wasn't any guarantee.
Davy and Jon rode their bikes to the edge of town around 11:30 and ate an unhealthy lunch at a McDonald's about a mile from The Stallion. They arrived at their destination a few minutes before noon, only to learn that Josh would be arriving a bit later due to a scheduling conflict with his backup band. They sat in the shade of the only tree near the parking lot and waited.
No more than 15 minutes had passed when a bright red Camaro convertible pulled into the lot with a very handsome guy at the wheel. Davy got up and approached the driver, knowing it was the guy he'd seen in the paper.
"Hi, what can I do for you?" Josh asked with a dazzling smile which could have been used in a commercial for toothpaste. "You look a little young to be a porn-star fan."
"Um, I saw the story in the paper and I thought we might be related."
"You DO look something like I did a few years ago, but I'm not sure I was as cute." Josh grinned. "However, my relatives who used to live here were pretty much religious nuts, and I heard they all moved to the South somewhere – Texas, I think."
"Then it's possible." Davy said.
"I'm sure they wouldn't want you hanging around with the likes of me then."
"Um, my dad said it was okay as long as Jon came with me. This is friend, Jon."
"Nice to meet you Jon," Josh said extending his hand. "I don't think I caught your name," turning back to Davy.
"Oh, I'm Dave Hart. My mother's maiden name was `Long' and she took it back after the divorce. Her first name is Mavis."
"Is she related to an old coot named Jeremiah Long?" Josh asked.
"Yup, he's her father, my grandfather."
"She's my father's cousin, so that would make us second cousins, I guess. Certainly she'd have a cow if she knew we were talking. She'd probably accuse me of trying to turn you gay."
"It's too late for that," Davy grinned. "I should have introduced Jon as my boyfriend."
"Wow! Really?"
"Yup. It's cool to know that I didn't get all my gay genes from Dad, or are you only in gay porn for the money. We found an episode of the Tyra Banks Show on the net about guys who are gay for pay' as they called it."
"I'm not one of those; I am what I am. However, I've found that making movies and performing at gay clubs can be financially rewarding," he gestured toward his hot ride. "Are you considering it as a career? You have the looks for it, especially if that bulge is real."
"It's real," Jon assured him. "And you'd better not be perving on my boyfriend."
"I'm not really," Josh said in his own defense. "Like most guys – gay or straight, I tend to `size-up' the competition. I'll bet you checked me out."
"Well, yeah," Jon blushed. "You're definitely a stud."
"Thanks. I really have to go over a couple of spots in my routine as soon as the combo arrives, but we can go inside where it's cooler till they get here. I'll buy you something to drink and we can talk."
The proprietor wasn't quite as friendly as he'd been on the phone because he was concerned about having two minors in his establishment even at a time when it wasn't open for business. He did allow them to sit at a table in the back of the room after Davy explained he was Josh's cousin and that neither Jon nor he was working undercover for the police. When Jon got Todd on the phone to confirm his story, the owner brought a pitcher of Coke and a dish of peanuts and pretzels on the house.
"Sorry about being so gruff earlier. We run a legit place, and I can't be too careful," he smiled. "I've allowed the kid who mows to come in to cool off, but I have a note signed by his parents that it's okay.
"Dad said you had a good reputation. Believe me; he checked it all out before he let Dave and me come here. Thanks for the refreshments, by the way."
"No problem!"
Davy had several minutes to visit with his newfound relative, but felt it wasn't enough time. The combo arrived and the boys had to leave because the strip show would be definitely X-rated.
Before they said goodbye, Davy got Josh's cell number so he could stay in contact. He hoped to convince Brock to invite Josh over for a meal or something while he was in town.
Seeing that it was important to Davy, Brock and Brent decided to invite Josh over on Sunday afternoon for a time of relaxing in the pool followed by a picnic-type supper. They included Cade and Harrison and Jon and Mark in their plans as well. Todd and Jim were also invited, but could only stay a short time since both had to go in to work before 6:00 p.m.
Josh arrived at 2:30, looking quite attractive in his custom made shorts which hugged all the right curves and a tight polo shirt which accented his pecs. He had been concerned about being in the sun too much and ending up with tan lines, but was relieved to find that everyone else was planning to go skinny. Then he worried that his cleanly shaved crotch might serve as a distraction for everyone else. When he discovered that Cade and Harrison were similarly groomed, he relaxed completely.
He envied Davy for growing up in an atmosphere where nudity wasn't discouraged. He'd often wondered if the suppression of it in his early years had led to his infatuation of naked guys, like a guilty pleasure.
After horsing around in the pool for a half hour or so, Davy invited Josh to sit near him on a lounger so they could continue their talk about family. Josh told him of how strict his father had been until he started doubting the extreme practices of the church they belonged to about 50 miles to the north. He vaguely remembered being at a family reunion at Davy's grandparents' house. It wasn't long after that his father and mother broke with the church entirely. There followed a brief time of what Josh called "going wild" with lots of drinking parties and possibly some wife-swapping before his parents settled down to becoming respectable, though occasional, church goers.
By the time Josh began to realize he was gay, there was no problem in telling his parents. They accepted him completely and encouraged him to date other boys.
He had began modeling as soon as he turned 18, being in high demand for shoots where young, uncut boys were needed because he appeared quite youthful. At 25, he could still pass for 16 as long as he had a close shave and a bit of makeup to prevent showing a five o'clock shadow, which wasn't much because he was a natural blond.
In the past year, he had begun a relationship with a guy his age and was now looking to settle down. That was the main reason he was doing the circuit of strip clubs for entertaining ladies. His boyfriend didn't mind if he bared it all, but was uncomfortable with the idea that he might catch an STD from having sex with a bunch of other guys in the making of porn films.
Davy suggested that Josh think seriously about saving his money for a college education. Josh smiled at how Davy seemed interested in getting him out of the porn industry. Davy was surprised to hear that Josh already had two years toward his BA that he'd earned on-line and at a junior college.
At the end of their discussion, Davy figured Josh's parent's were among the few relatives he had on that side of the family whom he wouldn't mind meeting.
The guys all put on shorts before eating their supper. The boys noticed that Josh chose carefully what he put on his plate. He said he had to keep his body fat within a reasonable range or he'd be out of a job. That was another reason for getting a skill he could use in another line of work. He knew that youth and looks didn't last forever and he would likely outlive the demand for his services.
Josh took several photos of the group to share with his boyfriend, Graeme. Graeme called him on his mobile shortly after receiving them. He figured out that Davy had to be the relative and said that if his hair were bleached some, the boy would be perfect to play a younger version of Josh when they made a movie of his life. Josh said he doubted that would happen, but loved the thought.
When Josh got ready to return to his motel, he received hugs from everyone. He was really happy that Davy had sought him out. Having cool relatives was a definite plus!
Author's notes: Thanks to all who emailed my since last posting: Paul R, Paul F, Mendy D, Bill T, Tony W, Larry, Bill K, Roger L, Ott H, Vern, Jim W, Scott W, Tom A, John (re: Tales), JJ, Trish R, Harry T, JTR, and Sarah S (for Tommy and Tanner).
What can I say about the Supreme Court's actions that haven't already been said? While we all wished that the high court would have declared all laws that prohibit same-sex marriage to be unconstitutional, sending Prop 8 back to the previous ruling is a plus. Of course the overturning of the essence of DOMA is a much larger victory. You might be interested in this link which Scott W sent on the subject of DOMA: http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/george-takei-a-defeat-for-doma--and-the-end-of-ick/2013/06/27/d3c986dc-dd10-11e2-9218-bc2ac7cd44e2_story.html?tid=rssfeeda:
It is my ardent hope that equality may someday be the law of the land.
On another note, author Andrew Todd and a faithful reader, JTR, have encouraged me to pass along this link: http://blog.aspca.org/tags/take-action There is a real danger that any number of beautiful horses may be slaughtered for pet food. If you've read Andrew's stories, you know how deeply he loves horses. BTW, there is a young model/porn star by the name of Josh Long. I hope he doesn't mind having a fictional character with the same name. He is a cutie!
A belated Happy Canada Day to my neighbors to the north. Happy 4th of July to those in the US.
David