TRIALS AND TRIUMPH - PART 1
Chapter 10: WHERE TO GO?
Eric awakened slowly in the morning from a very deep sleep. He lay there with his eyes closed, gradually brushing away the cobwebs in his mind. The first conscious sensation was that he had an erection, which was not uncommon for an eighteen year old boy. The second, however, was startling: something was gently rubbing his rigid penis. His eyes snapped open. He was instantly fully awake. But disoriented. His body jerked and he gasped. Where was he? What's that unusual feeling in his private parts? It took only a few seconds to realize that he was in bed with Ted Connors and the man was fondling his stiff cock. A whispering voice reverberated in his ears. "I'm sorry, Eric. I shouldn't have taken advantage of you when you were still sleeping. But I couldn't help myself. My adoration of your body controlled my behavior. Please ... please forgive me."
Having recalled his agreement to be a sexual partner of the fiftyish man, Eric said, "No apology necessary. I was just a little surprised. But I have to admit that it's a wonderful way to wake up." The comment was not entirely diplomatic because Eric appreciated the compliment and enjoyed the attention. To emphasize his meaning he grasped the older man's hand and replaced it on his cock. "Feel free to do whatever pleases you ... whenever you like."
"You mean that? You really don't mind?"
"Yes, I mean it. With, of course, the qualifications we discussed before," Eric added with a grin. "No S and M stuff and be gentle the first time you fuck me."
The man returned the grin and said, "Okay. What I want to do right now is take you into the bathroom, get in the tub with you, and wash every inch of your magnificent body."
An hour later, after washing each other, occasionally kissing, and playfully dueling with their hard cocks, they returned to bed. They repeated the sensual lovemaking that they had enjoyed the previous night with less foreplay but with equal satisfaction.
As they cuddled tightly together in post-orgasmic bliss, Eric reflected on how he came to be the personal assistant (VERY personal!) of the man that had owned the company where he once worked. He thought about the contrast of his homeless periods and the life of luxury and world travel that he would enjoy. But then a random thought popped into his mind and he felt compelled to ask, "What about your housekeeper? She knows I'll be living here but what will she think about our sleeping together?"
"No problem!" the man replied. "She has a gay brother. She's even a member of PFLAG — Parents and Friends of Lesbians And Gays. And here's another bit of good news. I've given her two days off for a long weekend to visit her elderly parents. That means we have four days of complete privacy. We can do whatever we want ... whenever we want ... and wherever we want. I guess you know what that means."
"I do," Eric grinned.
"My suggestion right now is that we go downstairs for breakfast. Don't bother getting dressed. I'd like to admire you without the impediment of clothing. Are you agreeable?" Eric just grinned his reply.
In spite of the constant distraction of a naked young man in the kitchen, Ted Connors fixed an ample breakfast. He thoroughly enjoyed the freedom to cast frequent glances and occasionally prolonged stares at the young man's body. Eric enjoyed the man's attention and did his share of ogling the man's firm, trim body, his swinging cock and balls, and nicely rounded ass. His earlier fear of becoming a boy toy or, more distastefully, a whore boy no longer haunted him. Instead, he acknowledged that he thoroughly enjoyed the sex. The first and the only sex he had previously, with Brian, was thrilling but it had been spoiled by Brian's subsequent sullenness and eventual hostility. However, sex with his new partner, whom he was instructed to pretend to be his dad, was quite different. The man was considerate, appreciative to an extreme, and a virtuoso in arousing erotic sensations.
After the meal, Connors suggested they relax on the patio behind the house. "Sounds good," Eric replied. "I'll get my clothes."
"No need for that, Son. There's a privacy fence surrounding the patio and pool. Nobody will see us." After a pause and with a wicked grin, he added, "But we can see as much of each other as we want.'
The patio and the pool were as sumptuous as the interior of the house. Eric couldn't imagine how much it cost. They settled into comfortably padded chairs under a gazebo. Eric was amused that his dad's eyes continued to roam up and down his body, lingering periodically on his crotch. If that's what pleases him, Eric thought, I'll help. He spread his legs to reveal more of his genital region and mischievously asked, "Is that better?"
"MUCH!" the man replied. "I hope I'm not making you uncomfortable by staring at you. It's just that you're so beautiful."
"Not at all. In fact, I'm flattered."
"Flattery is a term that's too often used for false praise. In your case, however, you're worthy of admiration. It's been a very long time since I've been able to catch more than a discrete glance at a naked male body. And yours is ideal ... so very masculine ... so very sexy."
Several minutes later, Connors said, "I told you we would be doing a lot of travel. Most of that will be in foreign countries. I'm guessing you don't have a passport."
"No, I don't."
"Well, we'll have to remedy that. It will take several weeks to process the application so our first excursion will have to be in the United States. Is there any place you would particularly like to visit?"
"No, Sir. I've never...."
The man interrupted by firmly saying, "I thought we agreed that you would not call me `Sir' but would consider me as your dad. It's important that we project a respectable image so do me a favor. Get in the habit of calling me dad."
"Sorry," Eric replied. "I guess I'm still getting used to my new life. I'll be more careful ... Dad."
"Okay. Now where would you like to go? What would you like to see and do?"
"I've never given it much thought. I've never thought I'd have much of a chance to travel. Do you have something in mind?"
"Matter of fact, I do. What do you think of camping and hiking in the Colorado Rockies? And maybe side trips to the Tetons and Glacier National Park."
"Sounds wonderful!" Eric gushed.
"Then it's settled," the man grinned. "I'll make the arrangements. So after we apply for your passport, we'll go shopping for camping gear and outdoor clothes. Right now, however, I'd like a dip in the pool. Will you join me?"
They swam a few laps and then stopped in the shallow end of the pool. The man put his hands on Eric's shoulders and said, "You're as good in the water as you are in bed." He then grabbed the young man's waist and lifted him up, sitting him on the edge of the pool with legs dangling in the water. He began fondling Eric's cock. It would be impossible to tell which of the two enjoyed it more.
Eric soon sprouted an erection and his dad seized the opportunity. Fondling the teen's balls with one hand and encircling the base of his cock with the other, he wrapped his lips around the action-ready rod. Eric felt the familiar sensations increase and tried to delay orgasm to enjoy them. But his best efforts failed and he filled his partner's mouth with hot semen.
Having recovered from his second orgasm of the morning, Eric slid back into the pool and hugged his benefactor. "May I return the favor?" he asked.
"Not now, Son. You're young and virile. You can get it up and off frequently. I was like that once but you'll have to understand that I need some time to recharge my batteries. While I'm doing that, however, I'd like to do what I just did. It's another form of pleasure for me that I thoroughly enjoy."
The next three days were spent shopping, applying for a passport, and relaxing at home (always nude). One evening, Ted suggested watching a movie in the basement media room. Eric agreed. He thought that would be a welcome break. He enjoyed the frequent sex — in numerous locations in the house and outdoors — but it had become routine and therefore was slightly less thrilling and gratifying. Somewhat more troubling for the young man was a growing worry that he would forever be obligated to satisfy what seemed to be the man's insatiable appetite for sex. He suppressed that worry, however, with the hope that the frequency of sex would decrease once his benefactor had satisfied a need that had been building up for years.
"Go on downstairs to the media room, Eric. I'll get the movie and join you in a moment."
When the man returned, he brought a videotape that he loaded into the VCR. "What are we going to watch?" Eric inquired.
"It's called `The Road Trip' and I thought it might be appropriate since that will be our first excursion.
Within a short time, Eric realized that the video was a gay porno movie. The first clue was when two studs kissed each other. It wasn't long before they drove in a convertible down a dirt road and into a wooded area. They kissed again, stripped, and made passionate love. The dialog was lame, the photography was second rate, but the explicitness of the studs' sex play left little to the imagination. Eric, in spite of the constant sex for three days, was aroused and sprouted a boner. The action so captured his attention that he didn't notice Ted kneeling before him. Only when he felt his legs being spread apart did he realize what the man wanted. The combination of the porno movie and his dad's expert stimulation produced a massive orgasm.
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At nine on Monday morning, Eric and Ted were snuggling together in bed when Sarah, the housekeeper, arrived for work. She found the kitchen cluttered and a pile of laundry to wash but the four days she spent with her parents were worth extra work that she must do upon her return. Eric heard the commotion in the kitchen and said, "Geez! I forgot Sarah would be here this morning. Maybe I'd better sneak back into my bedroom."
"No need for you to sneak around, Eric. But it's about time we got up. Why don't you go to your room and cover your lovely body with some clothes? I'll dress, too, and break the news to Sarah about our sleeping arrangements. She's very supportive of gay rights. She may be surprised but she won't be upset. And I guarantee that when she meets you, she'll be happy that I found a superb partner."
Eric gave the man a hug and said, "I'm happy, too. For the same reason. I found a wonderful partner."
"That's MARVELOUS!" Sarah squealed when Ted told her that he and Eric would be sharing the master bedroom. He didn't explicitly say what else they shared but he assumed that Sarah would grasp the full implications of the news. His assumption was confirmed when the woman said, "I've always thought it was a shame that you lived alone ... without a companion. You seemed to be married to your job. But, of course, I never said anything. That wouldn't be proper. But I'm happy for you both and wish you nothing but the best."
"Thanks, Sarah. But you must also understand that our sleeping arrangements must be kept a secret. No one ... not even your brother ... must know the nature of our relationship."
"But of course!" Sarah replied. "You can depend on me not to say anything. I know all too well the consequences."
"Thanks again," Ted said. "Now ... there's something else I need to say. I've told you that after leaving the company I would be doing a lot of travel. I may be gone for weeks at a time. While Eric and I are out of town, you can set your own schedule. Since nobody will be here, there won't be much work to do but I'd appreciate it if you would stop by the house periodically just to check on things ... mail, phone messages, that sort of thing. And coordinate your visits with the landscaper to be here when they take care of the grounds. I've arranged with my accountant to pay all the bills and send your regular weekly paycheck to you."
"You're very kind, Mr. Connors. I'll take care of everything while you're away."
Eric entered the kitchen and Ted said, "Sarah, this is Eric, the new resident in the house."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Eric," Sarah said.
"And I'm pleased to meet you," Eric replied.
She shook the young man's hand but, to Eric's mild discomfort, held his hand and gazed at his face for several moments. "Pardon me," she said. "It's just that ... well ... the resemblance to Mr. Connors is remarkable ... at least the way I imagine he looked at your age."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Ted laughed. "After a bit of breakfast, we're going to see the travel agent. We'll have lunch out. We then have to do some shopping but we'll be home for supper."
"Travel agent?" Sarah inquired. "Where are you going? When are you leaving?"
"We're going camping in the Rocky Mountains. When or for how long I don't know yet. I'll let you know as soon as we know."
Chapter 11: SCENERY AND SEX
It was oppressively hot in Denton, Texas when Ted and Eric climbed into the taxi for the twenty-six mile ride to the Dallas/Fort Worth airport for a flight to Denver. Ted was looking forward to enjoying the cool mountain air of the Colorado Rockies and exploring the richness of nature. He had wanted to hike through the canyons since he visited a cousin in Colorado Springs years before. But he was never able to take a vacation since he took over running the company when his father retired. Eric shared Ted's eager anticipation to see the beauty of the mountains but his dominant emotion as they left for the airport was the excitement of his first plane ride.
The short flight, just an hour and a half, was time enough for the flight attendant in the first class section to serve drinks and a snack. Eric declined anything with alcohol, having long ago resolved to be a teetotaler lest he suffer the unfortunate fate of his first father. There was little conversation beyond Eric's expression of amazement at what he saw from his window seat.
They took a taxi from the Denver airport to the western fringe of the city where they picked up a rental RV [for non-U.S. readers, that's a Recreational Vehicle or Motor Home]. After shopping for groceries, a twenty-minute drive took them to Golden Gate Canyon State Park where they would park the vehicle and use it as a home base while exploring the verdant splendor of the canyons and mountains.
By the time they parked, hooked up the water and electric lines, unpacked, and ate supper, it was growing dark. Eric knew what that meant: an hour or so of sex before falling asleep with arms and legs intertwined. Just like many times before, Ted seemed to be interested only in extended foreplay and bringing Eric to orgasm. The man got hard but didn't ejaculate. Initially that had puzzled Eric but he had become accustomed to it. Still, it made him wonder. Would he, when he reached Ted's age, lose the ability and even the desire to cum?
For the next six days, they walked the dirt and stone foot trails or rode bicycles on paved bike trails, stopping frequently to admire the scenery and occasionally watching the wildlife. On the third day of their stay, at Ted's suggestion, they abandoned the well-traveled trails to venture into the forested hillside. They stopped at the base of a rocky cliff to eat the lunch they had packed that morning.
"If there's a heaven," Ted mused, "I hope it's exactly like this place. I'd hate to spend eternity in a place like Texas."
"It IS beautiful," Eric replied. "Far better than I expected."
The man gave his young companion an odd look and said, "But not as beautiful as you. I could spend eternity admiring you ... and making love to you."
Before Eric could reply, he was grasped in a tight embrace and given a long, very passionate kiss. The teen returned the kiss — not because of any deep affection for his benefactor but more out of obedience to the conditions he had agreed to: serving as a sex partner in exchange for a comfortable life and extensive travel. Although it had been less than six hours since they engaged in sex, he knew what would happen next. When they broke off the kiss, Ted was unbuttoning Eric's shirt.
"Here? Now?" Eric asked incredulously.
"Yes," Ted replied. "No one will see us. And you're irresistible."
It wasn't long before shirts came off. Jeans and underwear were pulled down around their ankles. And each had developed a hard- on. Eric was lying on his back on the slightly uncomfortable ground with Ted over him in a sixty-nine position. Unlike their previous couplings, Ted was the first to release a burst of creamy nectar into his partner's mouth. Eric guessed that it was the risk of being seen that had increased the older man's arousal. Although he was also concerned about being caught, which impeded his sensual excitement, he climaxed soon after.
That evening, as they lay in bed after their third sexual episode of the day, Ted was the first to fall asleep. Eric, however, lay awake for a long time, unable to resolve a problem that had been gradually growing in his mind. The core of the problem was his new dad's continual need for and expectation of sex. A number of imponderable questions sprang from that. The first was duty versus security, comfort and adventure. While Eric enjoyed the sex — it was something he had long yearned for — its frequency seemed to diminish the enjoyment. Ted was always considerate and extremely generous but there was the constant obligation to submit to sex in exchange for a luxurious life style. He asked himself a mixture of questions about the future without being able to answer any of them confidently. Would the man's appetite for sex diminish over time? Perhaps his lust might gradually be quenched just as a starving man would ravenously gorge himself but then resume a more natural eating schedule. Or would the sex continue at peak levels? What would be the consequence of the sex binges becoming a mechanical response with no erotic component? Would I then be unable to achieve an erection? If not, would he be disappointed with me? Would he then terminate the relationship? What would I do then? I've been homeless before but might I face the possibility yet again?
Eric admired Ted but his admiration did not rise to the level of affection. It seemed like a partnership of convenience much like Ted Connors, the business executive, would enter into a partnership with another company. To be sure, the man was captivated by the teen's youthful body and said so repeatedly. But was that definitive evidence of genuine affection or merely a tactic to inflate ego and cement the relationship?
Before finally falling asleep, Eric had decided to honor his commitment to provide sex whenever Ted wanted it. He would enjoy the luxurious life and travel and hope that everything would work out.
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During the next month, they swam in the Great Salt Lake in Utah (a unique experience but disappointing). They toured the Tetons and Yellowstone Park in Wyoming (beautiful but overrun with tourists). They drove north and spent several days camping near Glacier National Park in Montana (where they were able to explore and enjoy the stunning magnificence of pristine nature relatively unencumbered by crowds).
Ted often grew tired of meals in the RV so they frequently ate at restaurants, many of them upscale. But he never tired of the private time with Eric in the RV ... or outdoors when there was little chance of being seen. It was rare that they had sex only once a day. Typically, there would be multiple sexual episodes. However, Ted seemed only to want unrestrained access to his young companion's body in extended foreplay and to bring the teen to orgasm. Eric puzzled over that. He wanted to ask why but never did because it might embarrass his partner by raising the issue of an age-related inability to ejaculate.
It was a long, tedious drive back to Denver to return the RV. For Eric, the flight to Denton was not nearly as exciting as his first flight. He looked forward to getting back to his new home. The RV was luxurious (and, no doubt, very expensive) but it couldn't provide the level of comfort and convenience of Ted's lavish estate.
They arrived home in late afternoon, went out to eat and finally settled in to the comfort of the living room about nine in the evening. After a glass of wine, Ted said, "If you don't mind, Eric, I'm going to soak in the hot tub for a while to get the aches out and then go to bed. I'm sure you can find something to do ... read, watch TV, or whatever."
"I don't mind at all," Eric replied. He was grateful that Ted's comment implied that he didn't want sex that night. They'd not had sex since the previous night and the teen welcomed the break from his duties. After skinny-dipping in the pool from dusk to dark, he went indoors and upstairs where he found Ted sleeping soundly. To avoid disturbing his sleep (and, to be honest, to avoid another period of obligatory sex), he went to his own bedroom to spend the night. He wondered, more from curiosity than worry, why Ted had gone to bed early without the customary expectation of sexual contact.
At seven the next morning, Eric awoke and walked to the master bedroom. Ted was not there. He put on a robe and went downstairs where he found the man pouring over some papers in his study. He said, "Good morning."
Without looking up from his work, Ted replied almost inaudibly, "Good morning."
Eric paused. He had expected a more cheerful greeting but there was none. He went into the kitchen and fixed himself a bowl of cereal and a glass of orange juice. He could think of no reason for the change in mood and behavior and it reminded him of Brian's inexplicable behavior after their first sex. Fortunately, however, unlike Brian, Ted had not spewed icy comments and hurtful remarks. Yet!
It was midafternoon when Ted emerged from his study, went into the kitchen, and fixed himself a sandwich. Eric joined him and asked, "Is everything all right?"
"No," the man replied. "There's been a glitch in the conglomerate's acquisition of my company. I've been on the phone for hours with the lawyers. They've called a special board meeting. I have to catch a redeye flight to New York this evening. I don't know how long I'll be there."
"Sounds serious," Eric said.
"It could be. I'm hoping we can resolve the issues. If not, the whole deal will collapse."
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The following day, Eric decided to visit Grant to say hello and, more importantly, to make sure that he was being properly taken care of by the firm Ted hired to help him dress, fix his meals, and keep the house clean. He drove the Miata to Grant's house and parked at the curb. Knowing what he did about the invalid's mobility, he opened the front door and called out, "Grant! It's me, Eric. Can I come in?"
"YES!" an excited voice called back.
The old man was seated in his favorite recliner with his walker beside it. He was positively exuberant with delight to see his former caretaker. "How are you?" Eric asked.
"How am I? No better. No worse. Except I miss having your company around here."
"I miss you, too," the teen replied. "I know that somebody is taking care of you and I just hope they're doing a good job."
"Stan, the guy next door — you remember him — he checks up on me from time to time. I only had one problem. One of the workers, a grumpy old bitch, kept fixing meals she KNEW I didn't like. Stan got her fired. Since then I've had no problems."
They spent more than two hours conversing ... mostly about Eric's new life and trip to the Rockies ... but not, of course, about the nature of his relationship with Ted. At one point, Grant asked, "Got a girlfriend?"
Eric deftly diverted the question by answering, "Not yet. Maybe when the time is right."
Having cheered up the lonely old man and determined that he was being well treated, Eric said goodbye.
Eric hadn't planned on it but a spur of the moment decision caused him to drive through his old neighborhood. He was astonished to see his childhood home remarkably well-kept with new paint, an abundance of flowers in the yard and the lawn newly mowed. Instantly, he knew his father no longer lived there. But where was he? What happened to him? Curiosity compelled him to stop and ring the doorbell. A young woman with a toddler at her side opened the door.
"Oh. Excuse me," Eric said. "I thought Mr. Mathews lived here."
"He did," she said. "Until he passed away."
Part of Eric was saddened over his father's death because — until he started drinking — he had been a good dad. But another part was relieved that he would no longer suffer from the self-destructive behavior that plagued the final days of his life.
"When did that happen?" Eric asked. The shock of the news was apparent in his reaction.
"I'm not sure but I think it was about a year and a half ago," the woman said. Eric did a quick calculation and concluded that his father died while he was living with Brian and the Winston family. "I'm sorry. I seem to have upset you with the news. Are you a friend of his? Or a relative?"
"NO," Eric shot back, not willing to admit that he was the son of a cruel alcoholic that let his life, his family, and his home deteriorate. Thinking quickly, he said, "My dad worked with him a long time ago and hasn't been able to contact him. The phone was disconnected and letters were returned. He asked me to stop by the house if I was ever in the neighborhood to see if he was okay."
"The letters must have been sent while the house was vacant. We moved here about a year ago."
The toddler was getting fussy so Eric said, "I'm sorry to have bothered you. But thanks for the information."
Eric wanted to visit the grave to say he forgave his dad for the cruelty and threats and that he understood it was the booze speaking. But he had no idea where it was. He resolved to find the grave later. At the moment, he just wanted to go home ... the home of his new dad ... and now HIS home.
Chapter 12: STRANGE DESTINATIONS
The following day, Ted had not returned from New York. He had not phoned home but Eric was not concerned. Although the man was obviously upset when he left, Eric was confident that the legal difficulties with the business acquisition would be resolved.
He decided to track down his former father's grave. The first step was to visit the library and scan microfilms of the Denton Record Chronicle newspaper around the time he'd been told was the time of death. An hour later he found the very brief obituary: just his father's name and age, the date of death, and the funeral home that posted the notice.
The Director of the funeral home was at first reluctant to provide any information but Eric was persistent. After learning that his visitor was the only son of the deceased, the Director retrieved a file folder, scanned it and provided the information Eric sought. The cause of death was an accident; he had stumbled off a curb into the path of an oncoming car. He was buried in Copper Creek Cemetery. Then the Director violated his own policy and revealed something astonishing. All mortuary and burial expenses had been paid — in cash — by an anonymous individual. "No, the Director said, "My records don't include his name nor do I recall what he looked like."
Eric's next stop was the Copper Creek Cemetery where he found the grave and a large marble headstone.
Walter Mathews 6/10/1950 - 12/17/2001 Weep not. He is at rest.
Eric collapsed to his knees, cried, and mumbled through his tears, "You were a good man .... once. And a good Dad. I loved you. I'm glad you're at rest. And no longer suffering."
As he drove home, the mystery of the anonymous donor haunted him. Was it my mother? NO! No one had heard from her for more than six years. Was it the church my father had attended? Not likely. He stopped going to church when Mom deserted him. Was it a co-worker where he once worked? Even more unlikely because they, too, were unemployed and couldn't afford the cost of burial. Besides, they never contacted him when he was alive. A relative? Unlikely because the only relatives were cousins who lived far away and they never called or visited. The most probable suspect was Ted. But HOW would he have known? And WHY would he do such a thing and not tell me of my father's death?
Eric resolved to ask his new dad about it when the time was right.
Three days later, Ted returned from New York with good news. The sale of the company would go forward. A group of influential stockholders in the conglomerate had objected and threatened a lawsuit over the contractual provision to keep the company operating and to keep current employees for five years. After sensitive persuasion and careful tweaking of the purchase agreement, the discontented shareholders were pacified.
Ted and Eric went to bed early that night but didn't fall asleep for hours. Ted had a lot of pent-up desires to satisfy. Eric willingly resumed his duties. He refrained, however, from asking about his father's burial and gravestone because he didn't want to spoil his new dad's homecoming.
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Eric's passport arrived in the mail. "That's great!" Ted enthused. "Now we can see the world. Together. There are so many places I want to see ... so many things I want to do. Are you as excited as I am?"
"It'll be wonderful," Eric replied but with far less enthusiasm than Ted had shown. Luxury living and travel was the reason for the young man's agreement to be available for sex. But the sex had lost much of its appeal because of its frequency and because it was entirely physical with little if any emotional component. He did not dislike Ted. He was grateful to him and admired him but he felt nothing that could be called affection for him. Ted was always considerate but hadn't shown any signs of genuine fondness. Theirs was a relationship exclusively based on physical sex and gratification of primal urges. Even the kisses seemed to Eric to be designed for erotic stimulation rather than an expression of a warm esteem.
"We'll go see the travel agent tomorrow morning," Ted announced in a way that allowed no discussion. "Our first trip will be to Peru to visit Machu Picchu."
"What's that?" Eric asked innocently.
"You don't know?" the man exclaimed with a tone that implied (at least to Eric's ears) the teen's ignorance.
"It's an ancient Inca city, built in the early fifteenth century as a home for the Inca Emperor Pachacutec ... or Pachacuti, depending on the translation. But it was abandoned before the Spanish Conquistadores invaded. For centuries, only a few native Inca people in the area knew of its existence. Since the Spanish invaders never knew it was there, it was one of very few Inca sites left in a pristine condition. It was completely unknown by the outside world until it was discovered by Hiram Bingham, a Yale historian, in 1911. Since then, it's been reconstructed and much of it and opened it up to tourists. It's difficult to reach. It's about eight thousand feet up in the Andes Mountains. But judging from the pictures I've seen, it's spectacular and well worth the climb. If you liked the Rockies, I think the Andes will blow your mind."
"My, my," Eric exclaimed. "You certainly know a lot about the place."
Ted grinned and said almost apologetically, "Ancient civilizations fascinate me. Especially the Incas and Aztecs. I've read a lot about them."
A week later, Ted and Eric flew to Lima, Peru. The only minor problem occurred upon landing when the immigration official questioned Eric about why a young man was traveling alone. "I'm not alone," Eric protested calmly and pointed to Ted. "I'm with my father."
"Then why do you have different last names on your passports?" the suspicious officer inquired.
Ted overheard the conversation and said, "He's my adopted son. I adopted him when he was twelve years old and encouraged him to keep his last name. It would avoid a lot of complications in school records." The explanation was offered with such confidence and pleasant authority that the uniformed officer believed it and motioned them to proceed to the baggage claim area.
"That was clever," Eric said softly to his dad.
"Success depends on anticipating problems, Son. And being prepared with a solution if they occur. That's true in business and it's true in every other part of life. But you already know that. That's why you finished school, were so good when we negotiated our relationship, and save your money as insurance against some unforeseen problem."
Eric grinned at the compliment but the idea of an unforeseen problem took root in his mind. He was aware of one problem for which he had a tentative plan: when to ask Ted about whether he paid for the burial and, if so, how to react. Another potential problem, however, he couldn't predict: a deterioration of his relationship with a generous and considerate man with whom sex was becoming more of a duty than a pleasure.
They collected their luggage, went through customs and boarded Aero Peru, a local airline, for Cusco, the city from which a train would take them to Aguas Calientes (English translation: Hot Waters), a rapidly growing town due largely due to the tourist trade. >From there, they would board a bus to travel up the twisty, curvy road to the ruins of Machu Picchu.
They spent the night in a Cusco hotel, retiring early because Ted wanted ample time for sex before sleeping and because they had to catch the train by half past six in the morning for the four-hour ride to Aguas Calientes.
What the train lacked in comfort was made up for by the scenery along the base of the Andes Mountains. As they passed the remarkable agricultural terraces of rice and every spectral color of potato that one could imagine, Eric asked rhetorically, "It's not at all like Texas, is it? It's even more spectacular than the Rockies." Ted just grinned at his young companion's child-like enthusiasm.
The train passed the colossal ruins of Ollantaytambo and followed along the Urubamba River to what was once the shady little village of Aguas Calientes. Along the way, Eric spotted colorful parrots, orchids of every shape and color, and a giant condor that seemed to glide effortlessly across the sky. Ted thoroughly enjoyed the scenery but Eric was awed by the beauty and experienced a strange sensation of being on an alien world.
At last they de-trained at the River Station for Machu Picchu and joined a tour group led by an aging man who claimed to be a descendant of the ancient inhabitants of Machu Picchu. His sun- darkened skin and the distinctive Native American profile seemed to substantiate his claim.
At Machu Picchu, Ted seemed to know almost as much as the tour guide and showed in subtle ways his delight when he asked the guide questions and occasionally got a response of, "I don't know, Sir." Eric, by contrast, was fascinated with what he saw and what he heard and was not surprised by the depth of his benefactor's knowledge. Midway through the tour, however, he felt like he did in school when he couldn't remember everything the teacher had said.
The last train back to Cusco left at five. But Ted was delighted that he'd also made reservations at the modest but modern Machu Picchu Hotel (owned and operated by UNESCO) just outside the main entrance to the ruins, and even if it was over $800.00 per night per couple.
As the "sacred" Sun was setting over the misty pinnacles of the Andes, native Quechua Indian men gathered near the light of an open fire-pit near the hotel, and began playing eerily haunting melodies on their local instruments: the Queña (like a small flute), the bamboo Panpipes, the Cajon Drums with deep-sounding tones, even though the instruments looked like plain old wooden boxes. They also played the Charango Guitar and the Andean Violin.
Young ladies in their colorful shawls and their bright printed full skirts with tons of petticoats beneath came around to the candle-lit tables on the hotel patio terrace with glasses of Pisco Sour, the delicious but strong national drink of Peru. Eric whispered discretely to Ted, "If I were straight, these beautiful girls would give me a hard-on." Ted laughed.
Eric accepted the Pisco Sour but, honoring his vow to abstain from alcohol, gave it to Ted. Then the ladies brought out platters of Llama, Beef, and Guinea Pig, commonly called "Cuy", the Andean equivalent of Beluga caviar because they are so desirable. Of course there were bowls of rice with Ahi chili peppers that Ted relished but Eric found too spicy. Bowls of mashed, fried, boiled, broiled and raw but delicious potatoes made up the rest of the meal, only to be topped by Flambée Flan, a flaming, succulent custard made from Llama milk, honey and fertile eggs with very young embryos of chicken in it. Eric thought the custard was the best part of the meal but groaned when Ted told him about the embryos. "It's quite all right," the man said. "It's healthy, safe to eat, and you have to admit it's delicious."
Over the next two hours, the musicians played louder and faster tunes. Gringos, now uninhibited by the Pisco Sours, rose from their dining seats and danced — singly, with their spouse or companion, in threesomes and foursomes. A few men danced together, and a few women danced together. Everyone was enjoying the festive activity. It took some gentle persuasion from a slightly inebriated Ted but a very sober (and essentially shy) Eric joined his companion on the dance floor.
The altitude cried for another Coramina Glucosa tablet, a common help for travelers going to the upper levels of the Andes because altitude sickness can be quite painful and the little white tablets, though used for other purposes around the world, are tiny lifesavers in mountainous regions. They are available without prescription in every airport and at any local 'farmacia'. Ted had purchased a bottle upon arrival in Cusco and easily convinced Eric to use them. The teen was reluctant, however, to accept the offer of a couple of Coca leaves that could be chewed on while engaged in some high- spirited activity like dancing in the thin air of the Andes. He relented, however, when Ted said that Coca Cola contained the juice of the Coca leaf until 1929, but in the '40s, it could still be found.
After a succession of fast dances, the musicians played a slow tune to signal the conclusion of the festivities. Ted and Eric clasped each other tightly and moved to the slow rhythm, grinding their crotches together and oblivious to what the strangers around them might think. Ted whispered very quietly into Eric's ear, "I'd like to sneak off and lie down with you on the grass in the shadows of the hotel. We can enjoy each other and then just gaze at the southern sky with the Southern Cross Constellation and sparkling stars above us."
"Wouldn't be safer and more comfortable in the hotel room?" Eric asked.
"I suppose you're right. Being arrested in a foreign country can be very problematic."
The next day was spent with another visit to the ruins where they just roameed around without the regimentation of a guided tour and marveled at the beauty and the ingenuity of the so-called primitive inhabitants.
In the late afternoon, Ted suggested they wander off to a nearby hillside. Eric knew what that meant. They would find a secluded spot away from the crowd and engage in sex just as they had in the Colorado Rockies and Glacier National Park. His assumption turned out to be correct. They found a spot near the 'Temple of the Moon' on the backside of Huayna Picchu, the tall peak behind the ruins in this ancient land. It may have been due to the fabulous surroundings but Ted was extraordinarily horny. He achieved an erection before lowering his trousers and maintained it for longer than Eric could remember. His orgasm, in spite of the previous night's ejaculation, produced a prodigious amount of cum. Eric, too, found the episode, his first in a foreign country, to be more satisfying than what sex with Ted had lately been.
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Three days after returning to Denton, three days in which Ted frequently reminisced about what he clearly thought was a fascinating visit to Machu Picchu, he and Eric were snuggling in bed as they always did after a prolonged period of sex. Ted murmured to his young partner, "I've said this many times before and will continue to say it but you've made me a very happy man. Thanks."
It was not the opening Eric had hoped for but the issue of his father's death and burial had become almost an obsession so he replied, "I'm glad you're happy. But there's a mystery I have to solve before I can be completely happy."
"What's that?" the man asked in surprise.
"My father died. I didn't know it at the time. Somebody anonymously paid for his burial and a fancy headstone. I don't know who did that. If we're going to live together, I think we ought to be honest with each other. Was it you?"
Ted was quiet for several moments, which Eric interpreted as a tacit admission. Finally, the man said, "Yes. You know already that I had a private investigator looking into your past. During that investigation ... while you were living with the Winstons ... he learned that your father was killed in an accident. I knew that he was penniless but also felt he deserved a decent burial. So, yes, I took care of it."
Eric's fury ignited. He sat up in bed and shouted, "Why the fuck didn't you tell me? My father died and you kept it from me! We had our problems before I left home but I loved him. I still love him ... at least the way he was before he took to drinking. I loved him in a way that I can never love you after you've deceived me. What else is there that you haven't told me? Don't you trust me to handle the truth? Don't you respect me enough to be honest with me? Or am I just one of your expensive possessions ... a staff whore boy?"
"Calm down," Ted urged. "You're an important part...."
Eric interrupted by saying, "Calm down? Why the fuck should I? You've USED me! You've been dishonest by keeping important information from me!"
Ted contritely said, "I'm sorry, Eric. I didn't tell you because I didn't want to upset you."
"What else have you been keeping from me?"
Ted paused, debating whether or not to disclose another, more significant item of information. Finally he said, "You're right. I should be honest. And there's something else I should tell you. Please. Please listen to what I have to say. About twenty years ago before my wife divorced me, I was struggling with my urges ... my basic nature. My wife was cold and our sex lives had withered away. I thought I could resolve my inner conflict by finding another, more congenial woman. I did. An employee of a firm I did business with. We worked together on a major project for a few months. We'd have dinner and drinks together from time to time. One night, she subtly suggested that we become friendly. Long story short: we got a hotel room and had sex. I never saw her again after that one night. Eventually, I yielded to my nature and found male companions. But I got caught and it precipitated the divorce."
Ted paused so Eric asked, "So what's that got to do with me?"
"My affair with the woman was nine months before you were born. The woman was Anita Mathews. Your mother. Your father was not your biological father. I am."
Eric was stunned by the revelation. He stared, speechless, at Ted. The enormity of the truth overwhelmed him. He and his REAL father had been having sex. Repeatedly. Frequently. Worst of all, the lascivious man KNEW it.
He jumped out of bed, ran to his own bedroom, collapsed on the bed and cried.
Ted followed him to apologize and to console his son. But Eric shouted, "Get the fuck out, you bastard!"
Ted, recognizing the futility of pacifying the angry teen at the moment, returned to his own bedroom to spend a long time regretting his errors of judgment and planning a way to reconcile with his partner. Sleep was fitful for both Ted and Eric.
Early the next morning, Eric gathered a few things. He would exercise the escape clause in the agreement with Ted and leave. For the third time in his young life he would be homeless. The father of his childhood turned vicious, threatened him with serious injury and ordered him to leave. His very good friend and first sex buddy inexplicably turned against him and evicted him from the house that had been a safe haven. And now, by his own choice, he would escape from a man who had effectively enslaved him and whose only interest in him was continuing gratification of lust.
The life of luxury with world travel was more of a mirage than a miracle. The comfort and the adventure of travel were enjoyable but he could no longer tolerate Ted's insatiable hunger for sex that had degraded the sex act from a thrilling experience to a mechanical obligation. Intimacy devoid of emotional bonding was unfulfilling. Far more unacceptable, however, was the man's inexcusable deception and dishonesty in withholding the truth. He was no longer willing to prostitute himself in the service of a self- centered master. NO! He would control his own fate! He would be homeless again but this time it would not be a traumatic crisis. He had a modest but adequate amount of money and it was a path he chose voluntarily.
When he told Ted of his decision and the reasons for it, the man listened with disbelief. He countered the young man's arguments not by promising to be more honest or by expressing affection but by emphasizing the rare opportunity to travel the world, to navigate through the Amazon and Nile rivers, to explore the South Pacific islands, to visit all seven continents and enjoy what each had to offer.
Eric recognized the fundamental nature of Ted's reasoning: generous compensation (but trivial to a billionaire) in exchange for loyalty and obedient sexual servitude. That, compounded with the man's fraudulent duplicity only strengthened Eric's resolve to leave.
Eric went out the front door and walked down the long driveway toward an uncertain future but with a confidence in his ability to survive and succeed, leaving an aging man distraught over his loss but none the wiser for it.
End of Part I.
Part II will describe Eric's continuing trials and triumph and will Be posted in mid-October.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thank you, Iatia, for your meticulous editing and for your friendship.