Tommy and Tanner Chapter 23
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. It is not my intention to offend anyone or to get you in trouble.
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.
This is not my first attempt at writing fiction. My longer stories 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), and "Second Chance" (September 24, 2010) under "High School" and "Someone to Watch over Me" under "Beginnings" in the gay male section. There are a few short stories also: "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) under "High School", "Brazil Affair" (October 1, 2010) under "Beginnings" and "Seth's Gift" (October 10, 2010) under the Science Fiction/Fantasy category.
I am now listed on Nifty under the category of "Prolific Net Authors" which will make it easier for you to access earlier stories. Some of these stories are also posted at: www.storylover.us along with those of other writers that may interest you.
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.
Finally, 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.
David (dlee169@hotmail.com)
Tommy and Tanner, Chapter 23
Tommy and Tanner weren't sure whether they were attending the Halloween party or not even though it was being held in their church this year. Given the fact that Sibyl had tried to get back with Tanner in recent weeks, he was all for sitting this one out. After the homecoming dance, he had blocked her number from his phone so she couldn't text him anymore and she seemed to be keeping her distance. Still he was uneasy, fearing that she might come on to him anyway.
A couple of days before the scheduled event, the boys ran into Ava again in the hall at passing time. She asked them what they were wearing for costumes and was disappointed to hear that they might stay home.
Finding out it was because of Tanner's not wanting to run into his ex, she told them, "Didn't you hear? Sibyl left yesterday to live with her aunt in Madison for the rest of the school year. She says she can't stay here because everyone is talking about her behind her back. She's become paranoid!" Ava paused. "I stuck my nose in and talked to her mom. You can't repeat what I'm going to say, because her mother is afraid people will talk, but I know from how you handled her miscarriage that you won't spread anything. Sibyl will actually be living in a facility where she'll get treatment for her emotional problems. Her aunt does live nearby and will visit her often. Her mother let it slip that her mental health has been deteriorating since her pregnancy and the abuse she took from Jordan. They should all have faced reality and sent that jerk to prison for a long time, but I guess that's water under the bridge. I hope at least that Sibyl be able to deal with it."
"Jeez, as much as I wanted her out of my life, I wouldn't have wished all of this on her," Tanner frowned. "She didn't do anything more than lots of other girls do, and they don't pay the price."
"True," Ava said. "But, I think many of them do in one way or other. All experiences change us, especially intimate ones. That's why I'm not rushing into anything."
"You'll make someone a great mate when you find him," Tommy smiled.
"You guys will too, or should I say, you DO too?" she said with a smile as she turned to hurry to her next class.
"She's so cool!" Tommy enthused. "She's figured us out and she's our bud anyway!"
"Yeah, that is sweet," Tanner agreed. "We're lucky."
For the Torrance boys, it was a scramble to decide what to throw together for a costume. Their buddy, Andy, had planned to go from the start, so he had rented a Spiderman outfit from the local theatrical supply store. His only decision was whether to wear underwear or a jock under it. He felt he didn't dare go commando for fear that he'd get hard and embarrass himself.
The boys got Tim to take them to the shop, but there wasn't much left that wouldn't cost more than they wanted to spend. Eventually, they settled on renting long black wigs, eye patches, and play-swords to dress as pirates. They completed their attire with clothes from the Goodwill that they could rip up a bit, and a couple of bandanas to roll up and tie around their foreheads.
Teri helped the boys with makeup by putting a coat of cold cream on their faces and using charcoal dust to make them looks dirty. She also painted on a couple of "scars" with an old lipstick. When they looked in the mirror, they liked the results.
There was another party in town for middle schoolers and Tuck went to that with Bobby since Bobby's mom would pick him up and he was invited to sleep over there after it. He had originally said he was too old for a middle school party, but remembered his attitude about coloring eggs at Easter and decided to go. Besides, if it turned out to be an uncool thing to do, he could always tease Bobby that he'd pushed him into it. Both were looking forward to being at the high school one next year. They felt a lot more grown up than they were in actuality.
Everyone at the high school party ended up having a good evening. The games were fun and there were a number of funky prizes. Andy got first place for the best commercially-produced costume. He WAS Spiderman. He'd chosen to wear the jock which kept his bulge centered, but tamed. He received appreciative glances from members of both sexes, making him think that there might yet be a guy out there for him.
Tommy and Tanner came in second for the best homemade costume. The judges felt it was a tie, so both boys got a prize. They were beaten out by Ava who came as a pumpkin. Her mother had sewn together strips of bright orange fabric that were tapered on both ends to make them look like the loves on a real pumpkin. She wore green tights and had a little hat made like a leaf. It was a clever costume, but kept the boys who danced with her from getting as close as they might have liked.
Andy accepted the invitation to sleep over with Tommy and Tanner. It would be fun to get together mostly to BS instead of dwelling on Mason's death.
Tuck's party turned out to be better than expected, and he was kind of glad that Bobby had encouraged him to attend. He was also relieved that his mom had talked him into a loose-fitting costume which disguised the boner that kept arising when he danced with some of the girls.
Bobby admitted having the same "problem," so the two decided to take care of them together when they got back to Bobby's just before going to sleep. They kept their hands to themselves, but didn't avert their eyes.
On Sunday, the Torrance family plus Lee and Peter went to Dorothy's house for lunch after church, having received the invitation the previous week. She said it was in commemoration of All Saints' Day, but hinted that there were other things to celebrate as well. Teri had offered to help, but Dorothy had politely turned her down saying that it was being catered by a young woman who was starting her own small service and could use the business.
Dorothy stayed home from church in order to be rested for the remainder of her long day. She knew she could nap later, but given her plans it was unlikely.
The guests arrived en masse, having left the church at the same time. Tark brought most of his family in the minivan, with Peter bringing Lee, Tommy, and Tanner with him. Once again, Lee had spent Saturday night with Peter. It was becoming a regular thing.
The dining room table had been extended fully and was set with china, crystal, and sterling. Teri estimated that the flat wear alone would be worth a small fortune even at meltdown prices. It had a simple, but elegant pattern. Everything on the table fit perfectly with the Craftsman style of the house.
By this time the renovation was complete, so Dorothy took her guests on a tour of the whole place before lunch. Some of the rooms had very little furniture in them, but the pieces that remained were original Craftsman style. Both Teri and Lee noticed that the breakfast room table and chairs had been replaced by craftsman reproductions. Lee was rather sad to see "his table" gone. He wondered what was up.
To the surprise of the Torrance family, Jennifer Baker was the lady preparing and serving the food. The boys were disappointed that she'd left Brendon with a babysitter instead of bringing him along.
"He understands that there are some things he can't be involved in. Dorothy said I was welcome to bring him, but I knew you were coming and that you'd have no time to yourselves if he were here. Don't fret, Andy is his sitter and he'll have a great time."
Around 3:00, Dorothy excused herself for a few minutes and went upstairs. When she came back down, she had a small carry-on bag and a rather large envelope. As she was about to make an announcement, the front doorbell rang.
"That will be the limo driver," she said. "Jennifer, please have him step into the foyer and tell him that I'll only be a minute. Lee and Peter, would you please go up to my bedroom and bring down the two suitcases that are in my closet?"
"Of course. What's going on?" Lee asked.
"I'll tell everyone as soon as you come back," Dorothy smiled. "So, the sooner you get them the sooner you'll find out."
Lee and Peter made quick work of their errand and placed the luggage in the foyer where the driver picked them up and took them to the car.
"I'm leaving from O'Hare for Tampa in a couple of hours. I have a lovely apartment reserved and will be living there permanently. Since I've grown to love you all and I hate long goodbyes, I decided to spring this on you. Once the limo has departed, I want you to open this envelope. There are some letters and papers that you'll want to read. Now let me have a few hugs and I'll be on my way."
Of course everyone hugged her with tears in their eyes. It took awhile because no one wanted to see her leave. Luckily, her flight didn't leave until 6:20, so there would be no problem in making it through security in plenty of time.
Everyone stood in stunned silence as they waved to her from the front porch. As they went back inside, they all felt a bit strange being in her house with her gone.
Tucker brought them back to reality by suggesting that they hurry up and open the envelope.
"I'll do it if no one else wants to," he said. "But I really think Tim or Lee should."
Tim suggested that Lee do it, and everyone went along with that.
Inside were smaller envelopes with each person's name on them. Tanner's was the thickest, so Tark said he should open his first. Tanner read the top note and handed it to Tommy to read aloud for everyone to hear.
"Dearest Tanner,
You are a loving, caring young man. I appreciate your completely selfless gesture in wanting to buy this house for your family with money you might receive from the Sessions' estate. I had already decided to do what you wanted to do, but I didn't want to spoil your plans by telling you. So, for the sum of the $500 you gave me as earnest money, I have sold this house to you and put it into the names of your parents as you wished. It is meant for the whole family and I trust that Tark and Teri will share the proceeds if they choose to sell it instead of living here.
I want you to know that this is not a sacrifice on my part. My family was well off and I was the only heir. Also, my husband made a very good living. I have more than enough to see me through the rest of my days on this earth and I'd rather give some of it to you and have the pleasure of knowing that you enjoyed it.
Your friend,
Dorothy."
Inside the envelope were the deed and all the legal papers, plus another note that said the house insurance was paid up through December. Teri was searching her purse for Kleenex when Jennifer appeared with a large box of them that was quickly passed around the room.
Each person received a card with a personal message. Teri's had a note thanking her for the decorating advice and hoping that she'd be pleased with the choices she'd made.
Peter, Tark, and the boys had cordial messages tailored to the particular things Dorothy felt each had done for her. Tim's included special thanks for being the one who brought Lee back into her life.
Jennifer's card contained rather large check which Dorothy said was to be put toward her business expenses.
Finally, Lee opened his envelope. There was a generous check for him as well, but also a key. The tag explained that it was for a storage unit where Dorothy had put the old oak table and chairs from the breakfast room. Money was always welcome, but it was the table that brought tears to his eyes.
"Dearest Lee,
I will always think of you as my little boy, Randy. You have made me very happy by becoming my son again. I know you love the table and I hope you will use it to serve cookies to a lost child or two.
With love,
Mom."
Lee had been unable to finish reading it aloud and Peter had to read the last sentence for him. By now, everyone had tears running down their cheeks.
Tark thanked Tanner for his thoughtfulness that had impressed Dorothy so much. Then he thanked Tim and the rest of the boys for "adopting" her.
"This is all so magical. If Tim hadn't accepted the call to be her deacon, I suspect none of this would have happened. Dorothy would not have reconnected with Lee and she might never have become so close to us."
After a few more minutes of exclaiming over Dorothy's overwhelming generosity, Teri's practical side began to kick in.
"Come boys, let's help Jennifer clear the table and put the leftovers in the fridge for her to take home. We also need to decide who's sleeping where because I have a feeling we're gonna want to move in as soon as possible. I need to be settled before Thanksgiving because my parents and Tark's father will be here. This will be a splendid place to entertain.
May I extend an invitation to you as well, Lee and Peter? I'd been planning to anyway even when we didn't have this kind of space.
Jennifer, unless you have other commitments, I'd like you and your son to be here and I want to hire you to help prepare the meal. This will be a joyous celebration. We all have much for which to be thankful!"
Dr. Moore scheduled the assemblies for the suicide prevention speaker for the week before Thanksgiving break. It wasn't perhaps the optimum time, but it was the only one that fit in the speaker's schedule and Lana Boswell had been highly recommended, not only because of her academic knowledge, but also because she had a teenage son of her own who had once considered taking his own life because of his orientation.
The student body was too large to all fit into the auditorium at once, the gym being the only alternative site. However, knowing that the setting was usually connected with sports and "crazy" behavior, Dr. Moore felt it wouldn't foster the kind of deportment and attention that the subject and speaker deserved. Therefore, she made the decision to hold two sessions in the auditorium and split the group roughly in half, having freshmen and sophomores in one and juniors and seniors in the other.
Andy, Tommy, and Tanner sat together during the first session since it occurred during the language arts class that they had in common. All three were particularly attentive because they'd had some input in the event.
"What's your guess about what 14.5% of your fellow teens are thinking about?" Lana Boswell began.
"Sex!" a boy in the back of the auditorium called out.
Lots of giggles followed. The crowd loved his response. They figured the lady would blush and get flustered. This could be a fun time.
"Oh come on! The percentage for that is about 98 and the other two percent are asleep and dreaming about it." She responded.
There was more laughter, only this time the kids were with her. She hadn't even drawn a breath before she'd made her come-back. Being the mother of two teenagers had served her well.
"Seriously, guys and gals, the answer is an unfortunate one; it's suicide. Yup, in 2009 six percent of teens tried it. Fortunately, many were saved by the quick action of their families or friends. I'm going to give you some tips on how you might save the life of a friend. Some of you are going to feel hesitant to rat out your friends to their parents or other adults. You're afraid they'll be angry with you. Let me say that it's far better to face a friend who's pissed off than one who's lying in a coffin!"
Now she really had their attention. Not only had she put it in graphic terms, but had used slang that might have gotten some of them in trouble at home. This woman was a straight-shooter.
"Here is the progression," she stated, gesturing toward the screen. "First, there is contemplating suicide. In my research, I've found that quite a few teenagers have passing thoughts about ending their lives. One of my sons has admitted that, so I know first-hand.
The second step is deciding how to do it. Again, my son got that far. He considered storing up a supply of his medication and taking it with a large amount of alcohol. If intervention happens at this stage, there can be a positive ending to the story.
The third step is finding the means. That would be actually hoarding the medication and stealing the booze to go with it.
The fourth is figuring out a time to do it. When a person gets to this stage, it is difficult, though not impossible, to prevent its happening.
So, we want to intervene early. Please look for signs that things aren't as you think they should be. Are there changes in the person's mood? Has he or she lost interest in hobbies, sports, classes – things that usually are important to them?
Are they having trouble sleeping? Is there loss of appetite? Do they get frequent headaches? Certainly these are physical problems, but they can indicate emotional and mental ones too. We all have bad days, but if things like this persist for a couple of weeks, then someone needs to get to the bottom of it.
Conditions beyond the control of teens can push them into the kind of depression that can lead to suicide. There is far too much stress in your lives these days. It can come from unrealistic expectations from parents and peers, but it also comes from within. It might be related to self-image or orientation.
I keep going back to my son because that's the example that stands out in my mind. Jay is very good at succeeding in classes and sports. We never put undue demands on him. However, Jay is gay. He fought it for several years and thought that the only way to get `cured' was to opt out of living. And yes, we let him know that our love was unconditional, but he feared the reaction of his peers. By the way, I have his full permission to tell you about him. He's out and proud!
Bullying plays a very significant role in all of this, but that's a subject that another person will speak to in the future. Let me just interject this statistic here. Thirty-five percent of students who fall into the category of being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered and have been bullied, 35 percent (she reemphasized) have attempted suicide. That's more than a third! So please think before you hurt someone."
Ms. Boswell gave a few more statistics and then went back to recap how to help prevent suicide. She asked the counseling staff to stand and be recognized, reminding students that these people cared and would talk with them confidentially when they had a problem.
When the assembly ended, the students gave Ms. Boswell a round of applause. Several went to their next class with questions to ponder.
"I had some dark thoughts when my father was murdered," Tanner admitted to Tommy as they cuddled in bed that night. "If you guys hadn't taken me in, I might have killed myself rather than to grow up like my parents had to."
"We didn't `take you in,' we adopted you!" Tommy insisted. "I don't want you to think like my evil grandmother!"
"But, you don't know how hopeless I felt before you all let me know that I was loved. Your parents..."
"Our parents!"
"Okay, our parents have made all the difference in the world in my life."
"And what about me?" Tommy feigned pouting.
"You? You ARE my life! I can't imagine not loving you."
"Babe, you're so sweet!" Tommy grinned in the dark.
Tanner kissed him on the lips, effectively ending their conversation as they began the horizontal dance of love.
Author's notes: The following is a snippet quoted from an article about Austin Hendrix entitled:
Coming Out: The story of one openly gay athlete
By NANCY ARMOUR, AP National Writer – Mon Apr 11, 6:24 am ET
"According to The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization, gay, lesbian and bisexual youths are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual youngsters, and a third have tried to kill themselves. In a 2009 survey by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, almost 85 percent of gay students in middle and high school said they'd been harassed because of their sexual orientation.
Knowing others have faced the same obstacles can help young athletes struggling with the decision to come out, and Hendrix has shared his story on Outsports.com. He also made a video for the "It Gets Better" project, started last September as a response to the rash of suicides by teens believed to be victims of anti-gay bullying, including a student at Rutgers.
Just as important, though, is the support and acceptance of straight athletes. Eastern Michigan is one of the few schools to have a gay-straight alliance dedicated to athletics, the Student Alliance for Gay Athletes and Allies, and Hendrix is its co-president.
The program is similar to Athlete Ally, started by Hudson Taylor, a three-time All-American wrestler at Maryland who now coaches at Columbia.
"There are thousands of LGBT athletes out there not being made to feel welcome or included in the athletic environment. Straight athletes really have the power and ability to change that," said Taylor, who is straight. "If a few straight athletes ... would stand up and say, 'This language is not OK,' I think that would go a long way to changing the culture of athletics."
Hendrix has experienced that power firsthand."
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Here's the link, in case it's still up, so you can read the whole article.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ath_gay_athlete
Thanks to Paul R for sending it to me!
Thanks also to the readers who've sent emails since last posting: Jim W, Walt S, Ott H, Bill T, Roger L, Rutabaga, Lawrence and Douglas, Caleb, Trish, Bill K, Wayne, Bert H, Mark H, Tom A, JJ, Paul R, Paul F, Anthony B, and Jim C.
Okay, so a civil union isn't as good as a marriage, but it's a step. Rhode Island is the latest US state to allow it for same-sex couples. Half a loaf is better than no loaf at all. Still, until DOMA is defeated, these unions and same-sex marriages will not be recognized nationally. There is much work to be done.
David