This is a story that involves sex between males. If such a story is offensive, or illegal for you to read where you live, then do not continue,
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My thanks to John and Michael who have read this through and made a number of corrections and suggestions. Any remaining errors , grammatical, spelling or historical or whatever are entirely my fault.
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Two Jubilees and One Spitfire.
Resume:- Trevor is now involved in a relationship with Bob, a married man.
Part 33. While the World held its breath
The first six months of 1962 saw no radical changes in Trevor's life. He continued to see Bob almost every Friday evening, and for the whole weekend of the school's half term. Then his wife took the children up north to visit her parents. Greg and Mark continued to live with Trevor in the house in Chelmsford Road. The three men got on well together, and there was no way that Trevor felt the odd one out. He had Bob. Trevor did well at work. He was moved to another department, and the move meant promotion and an increase in his salary. In February he was allowed to be away to give three lectures in Germany, and to take part in a couple of seminars. At the end of his visit tentative plans were made for another visit in the autumn.
There was Bob. The hours together on a Friday evening seemed to be getting shorter. It became harder with each passing month to say goodbye at Barkingside. Half terms when they had two whole days together, and the delight of sleeping together, became times long looked forward to, and long recollected. Greg and Mark arranged to be away for the weekend for the first two half terms , so that Trevor and Bob could have the house completely to themselves. Often they would go the cinema together, and sit holding hands. They did not dare even risk going to the West End, to a theatre or a concert, in case they were seen by someone who knew Bob and his wife.
The relationship was slowly coming to mean more to both of them.
It was just after Easter when Greg and Mark told Trevor that they were going to look for a place of their own.
"It's not that we don't like it here. But house prices are rising We would like to get started in owning a place of our own. We will give you as much warning as possible when we have found somewhere."
Trevor understood their reasons.
They found somewhere very quickly. A small terraced house in Highams Park. They moved into their house at the beginning of August.
Trevor decided that he could make ends meet, and did not need to have the rent that Greg and Mark paid. He knew it would be difficult to find a tenant or tenants as understanding as Greg and Mark had been. There was also a growing feeling that he might be seeing more of Bob in the future. But Trevor did decide that he would get someone ho could clean the house for him, and keep an eye on the place when he was away.
He put an advert for a char woman or cleaner in the local corner shop. There were three replies and he interviewed them. He wanted someone he could trust, because he knew that he would be away from Leytonstone at regular intervals. The first woman he did not like. She was a chain smoker, and smoked throughout the interview, and was not even careful where she deposited her ash. He decided that there was something he did not trust about the second woman - she looked shifty. He was not fully happy at turning her down on such subjective grounds. The third was a young woman from the Caribbean. Her clothes were colourful, and she obviously had a sense of humour. Her name was Gloria. When Trevor asked she said that the pastor of the free local church would give him a reference
"I goes to Church every Sunday regular as watch work. I like to sing, but the hymns they sing ain't got enough rhythm."
Trevor decided he would take up the reference.
"But there is something I must tell you, Mr Russell. I tell you this, even though you might not give me the job because of it. I got a li'le boy," said Gloria.
"I thought you said you weren't married," said Trevor without thinking.
"I'm not. See, he's a li'le love child. When the man knows he put a bun in the stove and realises I'm going to have a baby, he beetles off back to the West Indies, before you could say Fred Robinson. Leaves me on my own to bring up the baby. He don't give me even a dollar."
"It must be difficult for you."
"Yes, it is difficult to tie ends."
"How old is the boy?" asked Trevor.
"He's nearly four. I'll be glad when he goes to school, will give me some quiet and peace."
Trevor rang the pastor of the church and was told that Gloria was very clean and worked hard to keep herself and the boy. She was also very honest and reliable. She did cleaning for the pastor and his family.
Gloria came to work for Trevor. They did not see each other very often. Trevor had told her the work that he needed doing each week. He would leave her a note of other things that needed doing. He also left her a weekly shopping list, and the money. When he came home the shopping was always put away, and the prices on the shopping list were carefully written down, and the receipt from the till was placed, with the change, on the table. She kept the place spotlessly clean, and saw extra jobs that needed doing long before Trevor did. Trevor was very happy at the relationship.
It was early October, Trevor had been to Lille in France on work for several days. Trevor returned home in the middle of the afternoon. He came in and got himself a cup of tea. [Continentals can never make a cup of tea properly!] He sat down in the living room, and started reading the Guardian Newspaper. Isaac had always taken the Times, or the Telegraph, but Trevor had gone over to reading the Guardian after the Suez fiasco, as that paper had been one of the few that was against intervention in Egypt from the start.
He heard a key in the front door, and Gloria came in with the shopping he had asked for, followed by a small three year old boy.
"Oh, Mr Russell. I was hoping to get this all put away before you returned home."
"That's all right Gloria. There's a cup of tea in the pot, would you like one?"
"Yes, please. This is my son Zach, short for Zachariah."
The small boy peered round his mother's skirts, and with huge eyes looked at Trevor.
"Hello, Zach. It is good to see you. Been shopping?"
Zach ran across the room and climbed onto Trevor knee, put his arms round him and gave him a kiss.
It was difficult to say who was the more surprised Gloria or Trevor. But Trevor had been used to having his name-sake on his knee, so he recovered from his surprise very quickly. He put his arm round young Zach and gave him a kiss. That led to more kisses from Zach.
Gloria looked on with astonishment. "I've never known him like that with a man. He usually runs a yard or hides behind me."
"It looks as though you'd better get your own cup of tea, Gloria. What would this young man like?"
"Oh, don't bother with him," said Gloria.
She was interrupted, "Milk, please."
"Give him some milk, please, Gloria."
"I can never get him to say, please, but out it come with you."
"He knows when it's important."
Gloria handed Zach a cup of milk, which he drank very carefully. Then, handing the cup to his mother, he gave Trevor a milky kiss.
Gloria was put out at the sight.
Trevor gave Zach a hug and another kiss.
"I'm lucky if I get a good night kiss," laughed Gloria. "You've made a conquest, Mr Russell."
Zach continued to sit on Trevor's lap while the two adults talked, and was not at all pleased when his mother took him home.
That evening there was a phone call from Bob. "All right for the weekend 26-28th? The family's half term arrangements are as usual."
*** On Saturday 15th October 1962 an American reconnaissance plane on a routine flight over Cuba took photographs which, when interpreted by Intelligence, revealed Cuba was preparing sites for the launching of rockets with a nuclear capability. President Kennedy was quickly informed. The Cuban Missile Crisis had begun.
On the 22nd Kennedy went public, and the world began to hold its breath. This story is not the place to spell out that fearful weekend. It was a rare example of politicians acting with wisdom and understanding. Neither side pushed the other into a corner where to concede would bring disgrace. Neither side took action that could be construed as a desire to launch a Third World War.
There had been a slight change in the Friday ritual for Trevor and Bob. Trevor was able to get home earlier, so he went straight home from work, and started preparing the meal. Bob usually arrived a quarter of an hour or so after Trevor.
When Trevor opened the door to Bob, they did not fall into each other's arms as they usually did.
"What's the news from Cuba?" asked Bob.
"Nothing new. It is all very tense."
"It is a sobering fact to realise that we may be on the threshold of annihilation."
"With just a four minute warning."
"I felt bad saying goodbye to the family this morning. Wondering if I'd see them again."
They gave each other a quick hug, and a rather perfunctory kiss.
For the first time they kept the radio on while they ate in case there was a news flash.
"I don't know that I want to survive a nuclear explosion," said Trevor. "Any life afterwards is going to be so grim."
"The last war was bad enough, and terrible for many; but what will things be like after an atomic bang hardly bears thinking about."
For the first time there was no hurrying upstairs.
They even did the washing up before going upstairs. But once they were in the bedroom they were into each other's arms.
"If this is going to be the last time, Trev, we must make the most of it."
They undressed hurriedly, and were soon in bed getting close to each other.
They kissed, and hands went to those spots which each knew aroused the other. Soon there were murmurs of appreciation from them both.
Bob leant up on his elbow and looked down into Trevor's face. "I love you, Trev!"
"I love you too, Bob. A lot." Trevor's hand reached and held Bob's cock and slowly moved his hand up and down.
"Trev, I love the way you do that. Only men know how to hold a cock, and what to do with it. Women just don't know."
"I wouldn't know anything about that," said Trevor with a grin "I do know I want your cock deep inside me."
"Good! I am always ready to do that to you." Bob got off the bed, and got the lubricant, and prepared Trevor and himself.
Trevor lay on his back a pulled his knees up, so giving Bob easy access. Carefully Bob placed his cock head on Trevor's hole, and began to push. As they had done it so many times there was no difficulty. Slowly Bob made a full penetration and Trevor could feel Bob's hairy balls resting against his buttocks. They smiled at each other. Bob took it slowly.
"I think this is what I'd like to be doing if we got the four minute warning," said Bob. "And I would not want to stop. What better way to enter eternity than screwing the man you love."
"Would we arrive at the Pearly Gates together in this posture, or separated?"
"You'll have to ask that theological question to your vicar friend," replied Bob.
Trevor laughed, "I might just do that."
Bob moved slightly and his slow gentle thrusting was now on target. Trevor groaned with pleasure.
"I like doing this to the man I love," said Bob, speeding up slightly.
"Do you love me?"
"Yes, Trev, very very much." Bob's hands reached down to hold Trevor's cock.
"Careful with what you're doing," said Trevor. But it was too late. Trevor climaxed and jets of white spunk shot out over his stomach. That triggered it for Bob. He climaxed and his jets of white spunk shot deep in the darkness of Trevor.
After a couple of minutes regaining their breath, Bob pulled out and they lay side by side.
"It gets better every time," commented Trevor. "Love you, Bob."
"Love you too, more than words can tell."
They kissed, and entwined together they dropped off to sleep.
It was about 2.00am when one of them moved and they both woke. The pulling apart had broken the spunky bond that had glued them together.
"That'll teach us to clean up afterwards," muttered Trevor.
Bob reached for his watch. "Just gone 2.00. I wonder if there is any news."
"Shall we go down and see. There will be a radio station somewhere where we can hear some news."
They put some clothes on and made their way downstairs. While Bob made them both a drink Trevor fiddled with the knobs on the radio, and eventually found a French speaking radio station. Bob had almost no French so Trevor had to translate. There was a lot of interference so it was not easy for Trevor to listen and translate.
"The Russian ships are still sailing towards Cuba," said Trevor looking up at Bob.
"Armageddon approaches."
"So what are we doing down here?" said Trevor.
"Wasting time. But I need a pee first." Bob went into the bathroom and having relieved his bladder, took the opportunity to clean himself up. Trevor then went into the bathroom and did the same.
They went upstairs, got into bed, and turned out the light. They snuggled together, each wanting to be as close to the other as possible.
"I do love you, Trev. I look forward to every moment with you, but especially these times when we can sleep together, and be relaxed spending more time together."
"I'm the same, Bob" There was a minute or two of silence before Trevor whispered, "Do you really love me?"
"You know I do." Bob grasped Trevor closer, and covered his face with kisses.
"I'm finding, Bob, that it's getting harder each time we part."
"I know what you mean. It is getting harder each Friday to pull myself away from you."
Trevor weighed up the pros and cons of asking the crucial question, but hesitated. There would surely be a better time and place.
Bob woke first on the Saturday morning. He extracted himself from Trevor, and crept downstairs. While he made a pot of tea, he listened to the news.
There was no change from what they had heard in the middle of the night.
Trevor stirred as Bob entered the bedroom. "Good morning, lovely man."
"Good morning to you, sleepy head. Want a cup of tea?"
"I should say. Cup of tea, and then I want to repay you for what you did to me last night.
"Good, my arse is itching with anticipation."
They sat up in bed, holding the tea cups in their hands. "Any news, Bob?" asked Trevor.
"Same as in the middle of the night.
"I bet old super Mac [Harold Macmillan, Prime Minister] and his cronies haven't had much sleep."
"I don't know, he strikes me as the unflappable type," said Bob.
They drank their tea, and Trevor took the cups and saucers and placed them on the bedside table. "Now for the start of the real business of the day." He put his arms round Bob, and they kissed. Then they both wriggled down into the bed, and started feeling each other.
Their lovemaking that October Saturday morning was leisurely. The political crisis with the possibility of a nuclear holocaust made them savour their intimacy to the full. They both twice deposited their spunk deep inside the other. After the final session they both fell asleep in each others arms.
It was just gone midday when they awoke.
They got up, went through the bathroom, and had a meal. At one o'clock they listened to the news. There was still no change.
"What are we going to do this afternoon?" asked Trevor. "Anywhere you'd like to go?"
"I've never been into Epping Forest," replied Bob.
"Epping Forest it is."
Trevor drove the car to High Beech. They walked down passed the church and on towards Connaught Waters. Trevor told Bob about his first visit to the Forest with Isaac many years before, when he was a small boy. He tried to find the place where he had sucked Isaac's cock, but was not sure that he remembered the exact spot. They admired the pollarded hornbeam trees, which had now shed half of their autumnal leaves. When they got to Connaught Waters they sat on a log looking out over the water. Everything was bright in the October sunshine, and the sunlight twinkled on the ripples. It was a peaceful scene far removed from the threat of nuclear extinction.
Trevor reached along and put his hand on Bob's. They turned towards each other and smiled.
"Do you really love me, Bob?" asked Trevor.
"You know that I do." Bob took a quick glance round, and seeing no one about, he lent towards Trevor and gave his cheek a kiss. "Why?"
"There's a lot in a word. I may use a word. I understand, or hope I do, its meaning. At least it's meaning for me. You may use the same word, but does it have the same meaning for you? There may be differences of meaning between us. Perhaps only slight nuances of meaning. There is uncertainty as to whether we are meaning the same thing."
"What's made you so philosophical all of a sudden?" asked Bob.
"If we use words like nail', or hammer', we can be pretty sure we are meaning the same thing. But are we meaning the same thing when we use a word like `love'? I say that I love you. That has a particular meaning and significance for me. You say that you love me, does it have the same meaning and significance for you? Are we saying exactly the same things?"
"I don't know. You're getting into deep waters for me," said Bob.
"When we first met in that Turkish Bath what was I looking for? What were you looking for?"
Bob began to reply, but Trevor held up his hand to stop him speaking.
Trevor looked down onto the ground in front of them and continued. "As you know I have had several very meaningful relationships. Isaac. Fergus, Kundi, even with Harry when I was a small kid. I missed Kundi greatly. As you know something nearly happened in Berlin. That was like with my soldier friend, Eric, a sort of miscarriage of love. I didn't know where Greg and Mark were taking me that Friday evening at the Izmir. I meet up with you. It was a purely sexual contact. I enjoyed it, felt frustrated that we were unable to take it further that evening. But the second time when we came back to Leytonstone for the first time, I began to get to know you. I began to like you as a man, being with you. I enjoyed talking. You were more than a man with whom it was good to have sex. Then you told me you were married. As you know that shook me. It really shook me. Greg and Mark were a great help in pointing out to me the obvious, that there were a great number of married men, who really preferred having it with another man. That you were married was your problem, not mine. I decided to continue. But I was also determined not to get too involved. If I can put it this way; I was determined to allow my body to be committed, and perhaps my mind, but not my heart. Over the months I have being saying to myself, Trevor you must not fall in love with Bob.' Falling in love is often seen as a sudden thing. The seeing a perfect stranger across a crowded room' sort of thing. But Bob, I've fallen in love with you slowly. It's been a gradual process over a period of time. I just want to be with you. One Friday evening a week is not enough. These occasional weekends are wonderful, but they come to an end. They are so frustrating. Each one makes me wanting you more, and missing you more than ever. The pain at each parting is getting greater." Trevor looked at Bob.
"Can you understand?"
Bob looked at Trevor. It was a solemn, slightly sad look. "I think I understand."
"Where we are going? I don't know how long I can go one seeing you for two or three hours once a week, and having the occasional weekend together. Do you see us still meeting in that way in a year's time, or in ten years time? You know there is a home for you in Leytonstone, if you want it."
"Are you asking me to.....?"
"Yes, I am, Bob. Come and live with me."
Bob took in a deep breath before answering. "It is true that I love you. Our times together are for me the high points of my life. I long for our Friday evenings, and these weekends, perhaps as much as you do. But.... But I am married. I have commitments to my wife, and to my children. To move out, to break up my family is not something to be taken lightly. I love my kids greatly. If I moved in with you I'd have to continue providing for them."
"Of course, I would not expect other wise. I'd have you for free," said Trevor with a grin.
"Trevor, you are a good man. I do love you. But I've got to think hard and carefully before making any decision."
"Naturally. I'd not want you to make a rushed decision."
They continued to sit in silence on that log, holding hands and gazing at the waters in front of them. Each was deep in his own thoughts.
"I wonder if there is any news about Cuba," said Trevor.
They got up and walked slowly back towards the car at High Beech.
The atmosphere of the weekend had changed. For the first time there were silences between them. Trevor wondered if he had spoken too soon, and whether he should have spoken at all. Bob was weighing up the pros and cons of leaving his wife and family and coming to life with Trevor. They listened to a late news, there was no change in the situation. When they got into bed for the first time in their relationship they kissed and cuddled and went no further.
Trevor was the first to wake in the morning. He went downstairs and make the morning cup of tea. The realisation of both of them that they were in bed with a naked man soon aroused them.
"I'm getting hard," said Trevor.
Bob reached across and held Trevor's cock. "So you are! And so am I."
"Do you realise that there is nearly twenty-four hours production of spunk in my balls waiting to be realised in an appropriate place."
"There are two places just waiting for it, Trev. My arse or my mouth. Delivery is eagerly awaited."
"I think I'd like you to suck me off."
"On one condition, you do the same to me."
"That's fine by me."
Bob licked and kissed all round Trevor's cock, before taking it in his mouth. He continued using his tongue and his lips. He took his time bringing Trevor to his climax. Then after a few minutes Trevor did the same to Bob.
Again they were late in getting up.
It was a little later in the day that they heard on the BBC news that the Russian ships had turned round, and were now sailing away from Cuba. The Cuban Missile Crisis was over but their personal crisis was yet to be settled.
Trevor's work took him away for the next three weeks. He made his first visit to the States, as a part of a trade delegation visiting New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Chicago. The early 1960s were a time when Great Britain as a result at the war lurched from financial crisis to financial crisis. Any opportunity to build up trade especially in American dollars was strongly taken. Trevor's job was to help the various businesses who were seeking to export to the States, and to look out for further openings for British trade.
He enjoyed his visit. Towards the end of the three weeks he began to look forward to being with Bob again. He decided that he must in no way push Bob into a decision. It must be Bob's decision and his alone.
As the time to return to the UK drew near he went out on a shopping trip. He had fallen into the custom of buying something for his godson whenever he went abroad. He was in a store in Chicago when he saw a toy that he thought young Zach would like, so he bought it. He knew that Gloria was finding it hard to make ends meet, so he decided he would buy a colourful blouse for her. The assistant who served him was very helpful so he hoped that he had got the right size,
He got back to Chelmsford Road in the late afternoon. There was a note on the table saying that there was a meal for him in the fridge. He was more than ever glad that he had brought something back for Gloria as well as Zach.
He ate his meal, and enjoyed it. He decided he would take the presents round to Gloria's. It was a quarter of an hour's walk, and it was just after 7.00pm when he knocked on the door of Gloria's flat. She opened the door. "Mr Russell!" There was a slightly embarrassed pause. "Do come in." It was the first time he had been in the flat. It was small, but he noticed how clean and tidy it was.
A small boy's voice called out, "Mummy, who is it?"
Gloria spoke to Trevor, "He's in the bath." Then she called out to Zach, "It's Mr Russell."
"Come and see me," came the voice.
Trevor looked at Gloria and she nodded, and led the way into the bathroom. Zach was standing up trying to see round the corner.
"Hello, young man, how are you?"
"I'm having my bath. Will you wash me?"
"I don't know," said Gloria. "He usually trots a mile when a man appears on the scene. No, Zach, Mr Russell is not into washing small boys."
"I am, actually," said Trevor. "When I go to visit my godson up north, I always have to bath him. Have done since he was a small baby. Apparently it's a part of my godparental duties. Young Trevor is a few months younger than Zach."
"Please," shouted Zach jumping up and down in the bath.
"Zach, behave yourself, you're splashing water everywhere," said Gloria.
Zach turned his big brown eyes first to his mother, and then to Trevor, "Please, Mummy. Please, Mr Russell."
"I will, if you don't mind," said Trevor to Gloria.
"It is good for him to be in contact with a man. I don't mind." Gloria sat down on the edge of the bath to watch proceedings. Trevor took off his jacket, rolled up his shirt sleeves, and knelt down by the bath. Zach got down and lay back in the water. Trevor looked at the boy's naked form below him. He got hold of the flannel and getting it fully wet, squeezed it out over Zach's chest and stomach. This brought squeals of laughter from the boy, and a smile from his mother.
Trevor played with Zach's bath toy, and simple wooded boat, making it sail round Zach. There was more giggling and splashing as Zach twisted and turned to watch the boat.
"Now, young man, I want to soap you all over. Stand up."
Obediently Zach stood up. Gloria noticed the obedience with surprise. Trevor proceeded to lather Zach all over. As he ran his hands over the small boy's body he remembered running his hands over Kundi. It was for them both a pleasant sensation, and even though for Trevor it was not sexual in any way. He was not into small boys.
Zach did not want to get out of the bath, when the washing and then playing was over
"Oh dear," said Trevor, "I've brought you a present, and as you won't get out of the bath I'll have to take it home with me."
That did the trick and Zach was immediately out of the bath.
"Would you like a cup of tea, or coffee, Mr Russell."
Trevor looked across at Gloria. "I think we'd better drop the `Mr Russell'. Called me Trevor, or just Trev. I don't mind which."
"Are you sure you don't mind, ....Trev?" Gloria spoke his name with a slight giggle.
"Trev!" shouted Zach.
"No, Mr Russell to you, show some respect."
"I don't mind him using my Christian name. If you're not happy, Gloria, I could be Uncle Trevor, or Uncle Trev."
Gloria went through into the kitchen and make some tea. There were squeals of laughter from the bathroom as Trevor made drying Zach into a game. Then he put him into his pyjamas, and they went through into the living room.
Trevor sat down and Zach promptly climbed onto his lap, and putting his arms round Trevor's neck gave him a couple of smacking wet kisses. "My Uncle Trev!"
The presents were gratefully accepted by both Gloria and her son.
"You can play with that tomorrow, Zach, " said Gloria. "You are late getting to bed."
"Uncle Trev, come and read to me." Zach got hold of Trevor's hand and pulled him into his bedroom. A second hand copy of one of the Ladybird books of nursery rhymes was found, and Trevor read three of them. The exhausted Zach was almost asleep, so Trevor slipped quietly out of the room.
"Thank you, Trev, for doing all that. There are no men in Zach's life. Usually he does not like to have anything to do with any man, even the milkman or the postman. He has always been different with you. I hope you don't mind his attention, and the wet kisses."
Trevor rubbed his face. "It's fine by me. He's a good lad. I would like to be an uncle to him. I expect he'll go off me when he gets a bit older."
The next Friday Bob came for the evening as he always did. They were both eager to see each other after the four Fridays apart. Once Bob was in the house they were into each other's arms. They ate their meal quickly, and were soon upstairs and into bed.
After the initial cuddling, kissing, rolling around together and mutual thrusting, Bob lay on top of Trevor. He began to kiss Trevor's forehead. Slowly he kissed his way down over Trevor's face, and neck. He continued kissing Trevor's nipples and moving on downwards following the thicker trail of hair. Trevor opened his legs to give Bob full access. He kissed and licked the soft skin between Trevor's balls and thighs. Trevor began to groan. Each testicle was held briefly in the mouth, and then kissed and licked. Bob put out the tip of his tongue and touched the base of Trevor's cock. Slowly he licked his way up to the top. He repeated this many times,
each time enjoying the taste of the drop of clear liquid that had appeared at the tip of Trevor's cock.
"Bob, that is great!"
"Glad you're enjoying it. I'm enjoying doing it."
When Trevor's cock was completely wet Bob blew some warm breath on it. There were further groans of appreciation from Trevor.
Eventually Bob put the whole of Trevor's cock into his mouth and holding his lips in a soft grip ran them up and down the length of Trevor. The groans of appreciation were louder.
Suddenly Trevor passed the point of no return, and his sperm flowed out in a torrent into the ready mouth of Bob.
When they had recovered and lay in each other's arms they began to talk.
"I have been thinking a lot about what you said last time we were together when we were sitting on that log by Connaught Waters."
Trevor looked at Bob fully. "And?"
"Its not easy. I think I need more time, Trev. One day I am all for coming and living with you, and the next something happens with the kids, and I think I cannot desert them."
"I understand," said Trevor. "Take your time. I would far rather you made the decision after full consideration, than rush into a decision you might regret later, especially if you came to live with me.
So the weeks went by, Bob could not make a decision. There were times when Trevor felt guilty at putting the suggestion to Bob. But he knew that he had his own needs, and from his point of view the present arrangement was painfully unsatisfactory.
Trevor spent Christmas and the New Year with Paul and his family. There was now another Driffield on the way. The first part of the time was spent in the northern parish where Paul was working, and then they all migrated down to Winchfield for the New Year. Paul's parents were now showing their years, and guests had to help around the place.
Paul and Trevor had some times alone together. They talked. Paul shared with Trevor some of the problems of the parish. He was excited by the growing prospect of new services in modern English. Trevor told Paul all about Bob, and his frustrations. Paul listened, he was unhappy at the possibility of Bob's marriage breaking up, however homosexually inclined Bob believed himself to be. He totally agreed with Trevor that it must be Bob's choice and his alone.
At work things were going well for Trevor. There were periodic trips abroad. His work was appreciated. There were other horizons opening up for him. He was asked to review several books for a learned journal. Then he was asked to do an extended review of a particular book. This involved quite a lot of extra work as the book in question criticised the writings of another scholar. Someone who Trevor had not read. So he had to get to grips with the thought of this other man; and all that was before he started writing his 10,000 word article. He continued to work on his next book.
He remained in contact with Double O Brien. Often it was a telephone call just as Trevor was getting into bed, or a postcard complimenting him on a book review.
He led a disciplined life. On Saturday and Sunday mornings he aimed to get out for a thirty to forty mile cycle ride as early as he could. These two mornings on his bicycle were his main forms of exercise. He spent the rest of the weekend working. He had turned the small back bedroom into a study,
a place where he could leave everything out. Gloria was under strict instructions not to move any books and papers.
Every couple of months there would be a note from her, "Your study needs a good clean." He would have a good tidy up, and leave her a note, "Go ahead."
The strange relationship with young Zach continued to develop. Whenever Trevor went abroad he always brought back small gifts for Gloria and Zach. He tried to work it so he took them round to their flat himself. After the third time this happened Gloria said that it would be easier for him to come for a meal with them, rather than her prepare a separate meal for Trevor. Zach always insisted that Trevor bathed him and read him a bedtime story.
The winter of 1963 was long and cold. There was much snow. Eventually spring came, and Easter passed. Well into the summer the pattern of life continued.
Jeff at jeffyrks@hotmail.com