A Special Place

By Sequoyah Pendor

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(Parts Thirty-one - Forty)
        
Part Thirty-one

Luke 
      
        Eugene, Larry, Bill, Linda and Matt each had a subpoena to appear as witnesses at Orie's and his gang's trial so they probably would not be in school Tuesday. Matt drove Michael, Mary Kathryn and me to school and hooked up with Eugene so I could keep the Jeep.
        Michael and Mary Kathryn had watched the beginning of the trial during AP American history, but could not prevail upon their other teachers to allow them to watch it. My teachers felt that we could find out what happened later, so I didn't know anything. When lunch came, Eugene, Larry, Bill, Linda and Matt were waiting for us. Jacob McAllister, who was now a part of the regular lunch crowd, joined us. As soon as everyone had gotten their lunch, we were all clamoring to find our what had happened in court. "Well, I'll tell you this, you don't ever want to have to face Judge Snow, especially if you think you can get her to go easy," Bill laughed.
        "Oh, I'm not so sure. I think they all got off pretty easy compared to what could have happened," Linda said. "I know, had I been in her shoes, that Orie..."
        "Yea, but you would have been out for revenge, not justice," Matt laughed. "You would have had a sharp knife and only started with the squirrel grip!" he said as all the males grabbed their crotch, protecting the family jewels and wincing. "But stop discussing what you would have done and tell us what happened."
        "Well, the three jerks--and Mr. Mason, I might add--entered into a plea bargain. The three got tried as youthful offenders," Linda said, "which means if they keep their noses clean their record will be erased--in ten years. Judge Snow sentenced them to ten years in the state prison and suspended that sentence on some conditions."
        "Yea," Larry said, "They have to serve six months in the boot camp for youthful offenders beginning as soon as they can be admitted. Imagine what will happen if Marshall decides to talk to his Drill Sergeant the way he talked to Ms. Jones? And until they can get in boot camp, they are in the county jail."
        "And the six months is not just six months," Matt added. "They have to SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE six months in boot camp. Don't think Mommy will be able to make life easy for little Orie there."
        "And they are not free when they finish boot camp. They have to give 100 hours to community service under the direction of the sheriff or his appointed deputy. Can't you just see the sheriff or, better yet, one of the deputies who came out to rescue us, going easy?" Eugene laughed. "Plus, when they leave boot camp, they have to enroll in a GED program."
        "What's that?" Jacob asked.
        "The Graduate Equivalent Diploma program. It's for people who haven't finished high school. You study and take a series of tests and if you pass you get a diploma which is supposed to be as good as a high school diploma," Paula said.
        "They have six months to present Judge Snow with a GED. They also have to complete a course in tolerance approved by Judge Snow," Eugene said, "And, Michael you'll like this, they must find gainful employment within two weeks after leaving boot camp AND pay restitution to you for the posters they destroyed and to me and Bill for damage to our cars."
        "Plus, all three must complete an alcohol and drug awareness course and Orion has his driving license suspended for five years," Bill concluded.
        "Wow," Jacob said, "doesn't sound easy to me."
        "Judge Snow said if they were convicted on all the original charges, they would be middle-aged before they saw life other than through razor wire. So I guess it really was easy."
        "And, if they don't break any laws for ten years, their record will be wiped clean," Matt added.
        "And if they do?" Mary Kathryn asked.
        "They will have to serve the original ten years--beginning from the day of their new conviction."
        "Wow," Jacob said again.
        "What about Mr. Mason?" I asked. "He's the one who should really have been locked up and the key thrown away."
        "He kinda got off light too, I think," Bill said. "His lawyer said he wanted to plead guilty to a misdemeanor because, as he was sure Judge Snow knew and would consider, he was a good teacher and a community leader and especially of young men. That was a very dumb thing to do. I could see steam coming out of Judge Snow's ears before the lawyer finished. She sent his lawyer and the assistant DA outside to come back with a reasonable plea bargain. She would not allow him to be charged with a mere misdemeanor. He was finally charged with aiding and abetting a breaking and entering, destruction of property and something else related to the fact that as a teacher, he has authority over students so it's kinda like contributing to the delinquency of a minor even though all six were over eighteen."
        "Anyway, the school system had already suspended him without pay because of his violation of the anti-discrimination and bigotry policy. Judge Snow gave him a fifteen year sentence, suspended all except six months to be spent in the county jail. The state will take his teaching certificate, but since he could teach in one of the so-called Christian schools without certification--like Temple of Praise Christian School--she forbade his teaching in this state in any capacity and he is not to work with any group of children under eighteen until his suspended sentence is over. He will be an old man then. Well, he will be working with some kids under very close supervision. He does have to give 200 hours in community service to Juvenile Hall. 'I want you to see what happens to children who lack moral guidance since you have shown you don't know what that is,' Judge Snow said. His lawyer requested that he be allowed to serve his active sentence somewhere else so he and his family could leave Concord. She said he could, so long as she approved it. And THAT was the day in court," Larry said.
        "Frankly, I'm glad that's all behind us," Eugene said. "But... there's... well, there's still the McBride trial coming up..." We all looked at Eugene, expecting him to say more, but he was looking down saying nothing else.
        Since I had finished everything except the final revision of the catalog, I had asked Uncle Michael to meet with me and Mr. Stephenson last period so we could all three go over it and see the photos Mr. Stephenson had ready. When I arrived in the art room, Mr. Stephenson and Uncle Michael were in the office talking. When I came in, Mr. Stephenson asked me if I was sure Mr. Greywolf was able to make do without his manager and we all had a good laugh. Mr. Stephenson had taken a copy of the catalog and done a paste-up of the photos and I was really impressed. "Mrs. Greywolf sent down a copy she had looked over and there were several corrections, but nothing major. I made those before I printed out a copy for the paste up," Mr. Stephenson said.
        "Luke, I think this catalog is a fine piece of work. It is as good as any I have ever seen for an exhibition and I have seen many. I hope you know it is going to cost a fortune to get it printed."
        "I didn't. I know nothing about that. The posters we had done for Michael were the only experience I had with printing and they weren't very expensive."
        "That's because they were all done in a single color. Sure, there were shades of the same color, but that was done by screening parts of the poster. This catalog will have to be done on an excellent four color press."
        "Well, it's not very nice to say, I guess, but Millie's paying for it so I don't have to worry. But I bet she thinks twice before offering to foot the bill for another artist. She gave me a thousand to spend on supplies and equipment and they took it all and a bit more. Of course, the bronzes could never have been done without Mr. Washington's gift and Mr. Dietrich working for free. Man, this is an expensive exhibition!"
        "And worth every penny," Mr. Stephenson said.
        "Luke, I meant to talk with you about it earlier, but you need to decide which pieces are for sale..."
        "I hadn't thought about selling any of them. It just never occurred to me."
        "Well, I can tell you, there will be art dealers present and they will want to buy many and probably most of your pieces. Most will be honest and offer you a fair price. Others will not. Unless you object, I am appointing myself your agent and I will handle any and all sales. But I will need to know what's for sale and what's not."
        "I guess I'll need to think about that, but I know there's one..."
        "And I was thinking about buying that one myself," Uncle Michael laughed.
        Mr. Stephenson was also laughing and said, "I had thought about making you an offer, but after last Saturday night, I didn't think I could afford to spend the rest of my life's earnings for a painting!" And, damn, I blushed.
        "Luke, I think you have been hanging around that Greywolf kid too much!" Uncle Michael laughed. "John, if you have everything together, I can take it to Millie so she can get on with getting the printing done.
        Mr. Stephenson looked at Uncle Michael and smiled, then said, "Call me tonight."
        "Sure will."
        Since everything was done that I had anything to do with, I decided to go to the band room and see how things were going there. When I got there, the ensemble was in the middle of something I had never heard before, but it sounded vaguely familiar. Just when I thought I might be getting it, Eugene saw me and stopped the group and said, "Hi, Luke. Like to hear a real rouser?" He lifted his baton and called out a number and soon the room was filled with sound. It was really wild. Matt hadn't seen me until Eugene called my name and when he did, he looked kinda funny, but when Eugene started on the new piece, he gave the school's keyboard all he had. In fact, the group was going so well none of us heard the final bell. When the ensemble finished, we realized the bell had rung. Matt, Eugene and I walked out to the parking lot. "I'm kinda at loose ends, Matt," I said. "Everything's ready and Uncle Michael just left to take the catalog to Millie. I don't know what to do."
        "Well, you could come with me and listen to the practice, but we're concentrating on one of my compositions and it's not for your ears."
        "I think I'll see what Larry's up to. Think you and Eugene might meet us at the falls when you finish?"
        "Later maybe. I have an appointment with the therapist after practice," Eugene said.
        "You and Larry?"
        "No, just me today. In fact, if you guys could wait for me, I think I may need to talk with the three of you after I see her."
        "You need to talk, we'll be there. Matt, I'll take Larry and the Jeep and Mom can bring you home. We'll wait at the falls for you, Eugene." We all agreed that was a good plan. Matt let me drive and, when we were out of sight of the school, he proved a Lakota Korean didn't let little things like a gear shift and four-wheel-drive lever keep him from getting the kisses he wanted!
        When we got to St. Mary's, I called Mom and asked her to pick up Matt, and Larry and I drove to the falls. The day was absolutely hot for May so we headed for the falls' cool waters--actually they were still pretty cold.
        Larry and I were lying on a blanket warming ourselves, after we had been swimming for a while, when Matt joined us. He immediately stripped off his clothes and we all went swimming, diving from the lip of the falls, yelling and carrying on like normal teenagers, I guess--which, of course, we were, but as near high school graduates, we often took ourselves too seriously.
        When we were well chilled again, and were lying in the sun, Matt said, "Larry, something is really bugging Eugene. He was super critical last week at practice and again today. Paula asked him last week if he wasn't concerned with more than the ensemble and he said yes, but didn't say any more."
        "I noticed he acted strange at lunch today. He made a comment about Rev. McBride and I thought was going to say more, but he just hung his head."
        "We haven't had any secrets from each other, I thought. Most of our therapy sessions have been together and we really have worked through a lot of shit. I have in particular, but there is something bugging him. You're right, but he won't talk about it and I learned not to mention it. But I'll tell you, he has held me at a distance since--I think it started last Sunday. I mean really at a distance. An occasional kiss--very occasional--and when I asked, he says, 'I love you, but this is something I have to work out.' After what I had done to him, I haven't pushed him at all. I hope that's why he went to see the therapist today. We were both scheduled to go, but he asked to go alone."
        "Maybe that's why he wanted to talk to us. Hope we can help him. The kid's hurting," Matt said.
        The sun was so warm and we had all been playing hard so we all three drifted off to sleep. We were awakened when Eugene came. "Did you cross the canes, Eugene?" Matt asked. Eugene nodded his head. "Care to swim and then talk, or talk now?"
        "Matt, I think a swim might help me clear my head a bit," he said as he began to shed his clothes. Soon all four of us were back in the water. We swam until we were all blue-lipped, even Matt, then got out.
        It was getting late and the falls were shaded so I said "Guys, grab your things--if you have enough to grab," and laughed as I pointed to cocks which had sought shelter from the cold water, "and we'll go up top to Lookout Rock. The sun has warmed it all day so we can thaw out and, besides, the view is great."
        "Hey, I remember the view from up there," Larry said as he picked up his clothes. As we walked toward the top of the falls, Matt and I had our arms about each other, but when Larry started to put his arm around Eugene's waist, Eugene almost seemed to pull away. We walked in silence and when we got to Lookout Rock, I spread the blanket and we all sat down; Matt between my legs, leaning against my chest, just where he was meant to be. Larry had sat down with his legs spread, but Eugene sat to one side. No-one spoke a word.
        Finally, Eugene gave a long, pain-filled sigh and said, "I guess I may as well get on with it. Can I just talk and you listen, at least until I finish, then maybe we can talk. I don't know." All three of us nodded agreement.
        
Eugene's Story

        "Ok, I know I have been acting kinda strange the last week, ever since we were at the sheriff's office. I didn't know what to do. I have really been wrestling with a demon and I thought he might win. I knew I might lose Larry and I couldn't stand the thought of that. I was also afraid I might go nuts. That would be better. Luke, I know that desperate feeling when you just wanted to end it all. I really seriously thought about that. I really did. Millie knew something was wrong and in her usual subtle way said to me, 'Son, I know something's eating at you. If you want to talk about it, I'm here. If you want extra sessions with your therapist, schedule them, but for God's sake, don't do anything foolish. I can't stand seeing you being eaten alive.' I hugged her and told her I would see the therapist, but I went with Larry and that wasn't going to do any good."
        "Then I realized things were really getting out of hand, Matt, when you and Paula pointed out that I had been harsh on the chorus and offered to help. I still didn't do anything except allow my demon to chew at my guts. I was having nightmares when I went to sleep and staying awake as long as possible because of them. I was becoming a physical as well as a mental wreck. And, you, my beloved Larry, I was shoving away and crying inside when I did it. I told myself I'd have to get used to not having you." When I said that, Larry reached out and placed his hand on mine and I didn't jerk away even though I felt I should. "Sunday night I sat in the jacuzzi, trying to relax, hoping I could then sleep without nightmares. I had bought some benadryhl and when Millie asked about it, I told her it was for allergies, but it was really to help me get to sleep. I'd take two or three, then wished I hadn't because I feared the nightmares. Anyway, Sunday night I took four, and spent some time in the jacuzzi getting really sleepy. When I had dried off, I flopped in bed, really out of it."
        "Sometime early in the morning, the nightmares started. I finally waked up, soaking wet with sweat and crying my eyes out. I got up, tossed down some--I'm not sure how many--pills and climbed into the jacuzzi. I turned the water temperature up so I could really get relaxed and maybe get to sleep again without nightmares. I guess I just passed out because I slipped under the water. I was going to drown if I didn't do something, but I really wanted just to slip into oblivion. But then I thought of Larry and all of you and what my death would do to my friends who had stood by me..." Larry was now holding my hand and crying softly. I started to squeeze his hand, then didn't, then realized he was my world and what I was doing to him, so I squeezed it lightly. "I started struggling to get out and finally got my head above the water, but that was all I could do. I was so drunk from the pills and warm water, I was too weak to crawl out. I knew that if I allowed myself to go to sleep, I would drown."
        "Then all my rage, all my self-loathing, all my fears just came to the top in horrible scream after scream. You may remember Millie said her room was in the other wing of the house and our noise would upset the neighbors before she heard it? Well, fortunately, she was wrong. Actually, she says she just knew I needed her. In any event, I was screaming and screaming as I slipped deeper and deeper in the tub, still struggling to get out, but growing weaker. Millie practically burst the door down when she came rushing in. She grabbed me under the armpits and yanked me out of the tub. Don't ever think my mama is a weakling! She flopped me out of the tub and on the floor as if I was nothing. She called her doctor and I heard her yell into the phone, 'Hell yes I know what time it is! Why do you think I called you at home?' She saw the benadryhl bottle, looked at me and I nodded. Well, she got me up, made me throw up then started me walking--not very well. In fact, she was more or less dragging me. When the doctor came, he made me throw up again and then gave me something and told Millie I'd be all right. 'Probably a little drunk tomorrow, but ok.' Then he said to me, 'Son, put that bottle away so you can't get it at night. More people overdose on medicine because they are sleepy when they take a dose and take too much. But you'll be ok'."
        He left and Millie said, 'Son, that wasn't an accident, was it?' I started crying and told her it was and it wasn't. I told her I hadn't been able to sleep without nightmares and I thought if I took enough benadryhl and sat in the jacuzzi, I'd get some real sleep. She asked me if I wanted to talk about the nightmares and I started to say no, but then just completely broke down, ran to her and she held me while I cried my eyes out. Then I told her the problem." I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. These were my friends who would accept me regardless; I knew that, but this was harder than I thought. I was silent for a while and no-one interrupted my silence. Larry had scooted closer and it was all right. "The doctor had told Millie to keep me awake for a couple hours, but she didn't have to do anything except listen because it took me two hours to get out what was bothering me. When I finished, she asked what I thought I needed to do and I told her I needed to see the therapist alone and then talk to you guys. I didn't want to talk to Larry alone," I glanced up at Larry, "because I wasn't sure what he would say."
        I took another deep breath and was silent for a while. The sun was low and it was getting cool so I said, "I think we need to get dressed," and we did. We all settled down again--this time I had Larry sit between my legs--and, after another deep breath, I started telling the whole story. "Larry, I should have realized what was buried in the deep, deep part of my memory the day... well, you know." I looked at Larry. Tears started down his face again. I couldn't take that. Unless I was careful I was going to undo all that he had accomplished in recent weeks. I wrapped my arms around him and, when he turned to face me, kissed him savagely, the first real kiss he had in a week. "Babe, don't. It's just that when that happened, I suddenly looked at you and saw Rev. McBride. It was just for a second and I didn't know why and didn't even remember it until later. That Sunday when I saw all those tapes being brought in, I didn't know why, but I got very upset. Then that night I had my first nightmare. When I woke up, I realized the nightmare wasn't so much a nightmare as a memory I had pushed out of my mind. Each night the nightmares got worse and each time I woke up, I remembered more."
        Shaking all over I said,"Ok, I guess I may as well start at the beginning." I pulled Larry to me and held him tightly. For the first time in, I guess in a week, I rested my head in the crook of his neck, inhaling the scent of my man as he reached back and stroked my hair. Suddenly I knew what I should have known all along: he loved me and would still love me when he knew the truth. "Six years ago--I had just turned twelve--my father caught me whacking off in the bathroom. He beat me until I could hardly stand and made me use the bathroom with the door open afterwards. When summer came, I was told I was going to the Temple of Praise summer camp. 'Rev. McBride will get the devil out of you so you'll stop playing with yourself. You keep that up and Rev. McBride says you could become a homo-sex-ual.' The camp was for boys ten to fifteen and was really rugged. We slept on shelf-like things without a mattress, were up at 5 and kept up until all hours. There was practically continual hymn singing, bible reading and preaching. We were fed little enough and what there was, was pretty terrible. Showers were just shower heads attached to a board across some trees with boards to stand on. No hot water."
        "When we had been in camp a few days, the Rev. McBride had all of us--there were about twenty boys--strip and line up on the boards under the showers. He said, 'Look around you. See some of you are already growing hair to try to hide your devil's tool. Well, all of you have got to learn to beat the devil.' He had us take our cocks in our hands and then to beat the devil. I knew what we were doing, we were jacking off. I liked to do it when I was alone, but not there in front of all these guys. I had matured early and had already started cumming when I jacked off, even though I was only twelve. Most of the boys didn't--I guess all of you remember when you just got weak kneed and nothing came. All the time all of us were whacking off, Rev. McBride was making a video. He said it was to prove we knew how to beat the devil out of his own tool. After that day, he would call one of us into his cabin and have us show him how we could beat the devil. I noticed he only selected those who could cum. And he taped all of the sessions."
        "After he had me in two or three times, he said that I had a lot of the devil in me because every time he had me beat the devil, a lot came out. Sometime during the second week, he came into my cabin at night and got me and took me to his cabin. When we got there he asked me if I remembered what to do if someone was snake bitten. I told him what he had told us, you had to suck the poison out. 'You are right,' he said, 'and you have to do the same thing with the devil in you. You have a lot of devil in you, Eugene, just like your daddy said.' He had me undress and then he started playing with my cock. When it got hard he said, 'See, the devil has made his tool big. That devil has to be sucked out,' and he started sucking my cock. I was very confused. I couldn't understand how sucking out the devil could feel so good. He sucked and ran his tongue around the head of my cock then he stuck his finger up my ass. When he did, I started shooting and shot until I collapsed. When I did, he said I needed to keep our session a secret because if I said anything, the devil would invade my body and he couldn't help me then. I didn't know what was going on and I had heard all about the devil and hell's fire. I was a very terrified twelve-year-old. And, of course, he had a video camera going all the time he was sucking me off."
        "He sucked me off two or three times that week. Then he asked me to suck him. I didn't want to. 'If you're holy,' I asked him, "why would anyone have to suck the devil out of you?' He laughed and said, 'See, you do know that you have the devil in you and I do not.' One night in the third week, he came and got me in the night and took me to his cabin where he put a hose attached to a bag up my ass 'to wash the devil out.' It hurt like hell and I had horrible cramps, but he would fill me full and wait until I squirted it out. He did it several times until the water came out clean. 'See' he said, 'I've washed the shit out of you, but the devil may still be inside. Sometimes the devil had to be poked out,' he said as he put something up my ass and on his fingers and started poking his fingers in my butt hole. He kept on, even when I told him he was hurting me, until he had three fingers in me. 'My fingers ain't enough. I can still feel the devil; he's still in there.' I was crying because I hurt so bad but, instead of stopping, he started slapping my butt harder and harder." I had been talking with my head down I was so ashamed and, when I glanced up, I saw Luke holding Matt tightly and both were crying. My precious Larry's head was resting on my shoulder and when I looked up, his face was all distorted from his crying.
        "He finally was hitting me so hard I had a choice, stop crying or be hurt worse. I bit my lip and got control of myself. He said, 'Now that's better. I've got to punch the devil out of you.' He pushed me down on my hands and knees, put more stuff up my butt and, when I looked through my legs, saw he was putting stuff on his cock. When I realized what he was going to do, I started begging him not to, but he went ahead. He shoved his cock up my ass and I wanted to die I hurt so bad. 'That's just the devil in you crying because he knows he's going to be poked out of you,' he said, and started fucking my ass. I kept begging him to stop, but he just fucked harder and faster. He reached around and got my cock and started beating it for all he was worth as he fucked me. I finally felt him shoot a load in me and, when he did, I came too. When he pulled out of me, he told me I was now holy and the devil had no control over me. 'Don't you feel better?' he asked. I didn't want to say I felt dirty, filthy and ashamed and, besides, I felt as if he had ripped my ass apart. I was afraid if I said no, he would do it again and I knew it would kill me I hurt so bad. I just nodded. He gave me some tissue, to 'wipe away the devil' and, when I did, I saw that it was bloody. He gave me more tissue and, when I wiped my ass, it was also bloody. He finally stopped giving me tissue and said, 'Here's some holy oil,' as he gave me a jar of ointment. 'Anoint your outside and inside now and in the morning and until the places where the devil came out of you are healed.' He sent me back to the cabin after again telling me I had better not tell anyone or the devil would possess me."
        "Three or four days later, my father came to pick me up and Rev. McBride told him I had been devil possessed and he didn't know what I might think or say had happened but, 'Praise the Lord, the devil has released him. The devil was making a homo-sex-ual pervert out of him, but he has been saved.' I was still sore and hurting and when I got home I tried to tell my mother what had happened. She called my father and the two of them said I had been demon possessed and that Rev. McBride had thought I had been saved, but I must not have been because I was accusing that holy man of demonic acts. And, as they always did, they beat the shit out of me. Gradually, they convinced me that I had the ideas put in my head by the devil because such sinful, evil and perverted acts were filthy and dirty and I needed to get them out of my head. Over the next few years I listened as Rev. McBride preached again and again about the filthy, dirty acts homo-sex-uals engaged in and I pushed the memories of those three weeks further and further back in my mind until I, literally, had forgotten them. Or so I thought."
        "Then I met Larry and fell in love with him. He was so good and kind and I loved him with everything I was. I started questioning what Rev. McBride preached and when Larry and I started playing around, I was in heaven. There could be no devil involved in how I loved Larry and the joy he gave me." Suddenly Larry was no longer crying softly. He was wailing as great sobs shook his body. I held him as close to me as I could and kept saying, "Larry, don't. I love you, Babe." But I had to finish the story. I had to get it out. "When Larry took me that day, I saw a flash of Rev. McBride and didn't understand why. I soon forgot about it until last Sunday when I saw him being brought in with all those video tapes. I knew I should know something about them, but I just couldn't remember. Then the nightmares started. They were replays of those three weeks six years ago. I felt dirty, filthy and ashamed. I pushed you away, Larry, Babe, because I felt I would make you filthy. I tried to forget again, but the harder I tried, the clearer my memories became. Well, you know the rest. Finally, after I tried to end it all--maybe I didn't think I was doing that, but clearly I was, I went to Dr. Ridley today and told her the whole story. She told me I had to talk it out with someone I trusted. I was so glad you guys would be here for me and Larry."
        "One thing I feared more than anything was having to tell you, Babe, because we had come such a long way with having you accept yourself and I knew that you could start hating yourself again but, Babe, you cannot. I need you--not hating yourself, but loving me. I need you, Larry. I was also afraid those tapes would be shown at the trial--I know they have been sold all over the world, but anyone who has one is not worth thinking about--but what if they were shown here and everyone saw me? Dr. Ridley called Judge Snow while I was there and she told Dr. Ridley the tapes were being reproduced by the Feds with the faces of those involved blurred so we couldn't be identified. She said the Feds wanted to have Rev. McBride, but she had told them he would have to face state charges for sexual child abuse and then they could have him. Well, that's the whole pile of shit. Except for one thing more..."
        Matt interrupted me, "Jake Hilliard, Danny Elrod and Buddy Johnson?"
        I nodded, "They were at that camp the next year." Everyone was silent for a bit then we were a mass of arms and legs as all three of the best friends a man could have hugged me.

Larry

        As I listened to Gene's story, I felt all kinds of emotions. I wanted to get right up and go kill Rev. McBride for what he had done to my babe. I felt like I was as big a pile of shit as he was because I had raped Gene too. I felt my very insides being torn apart by the pain my love had endured. I wanted to find old man Joyce and strangle him. How could anyone treat a child the way McBride had? Or the Joyces? How could anyone treat someone he loved more than life itself the way I had treated Gene? Gene was right--we had come a long way, but this sure didn't help my feelings about myself. I had cried until I was out of tears when Gene finished and the guys started hugging us.
        When the hugging was over, Gene held me in his arms as tight as he could and gave me a tender loving kiss. "Larry, you've got to know that I would never have survived without having you love me. When I remembered what had happened, all I could think of was that I was just a cheap whore and you couldn't possibly love me. But you do and that's what counts. We have each other, as bruised and battered as we are."
        Tears welled up in my eyes even though I thought I had run out of tears long ago. I kissed Gene softly, gently, and said, "Till death do us part."
        He returned my kiss and said, "Till death us do part."
        It was sunset and the sky was all aglow with yellows and reds and oranges. Matt looked toward the west and said, "Larry, Eugene, it is the end of a day and of self-hate. There's no room for that. There's only room for your love for each other. A day ends and tomorrow is a new day. Try to remember that and put the past behind you." We all sat silent until it was quite dark then walked away from the falls. As he uncrossed the canes, Luke said, "I hope the river washes away the pain spilled here today and gives healing. Matt, Gene and I said, "Amen," because it truly was a prayer from our hearts.
                                
Matt    
   
        Wednesday's practice was perfect. We finished the first half of the program with so few mistakes I couldn't believe it. Eugene was lavish with his praise for the ensemble and they lapped it up like thirsty dogs. And, of course, they were--thirsty, that is--since Eugene had had little or nothing good to say about their work for the last few sessions. With the ensemble high, the chorus caught the spirit and, I must admit, I did as well. When we finished, I was really high as were the members of the ensemble and chorus who asked if we could practice the second half Thursday. Jackson said, "I'd like to see if we can do as well with it as we did today with the first half" and there was a chorus of "Let's do it!" Paula, Eugene and I quickly agreed.
        Luke had taken the Jeep so Eugene and I sat on the church steps talking about the practice and how well it had gone. Then he said, quietly, "Matt, Larry and I had a long talk after we got home last night. I kept feeling like 'damaged goods' and when I said that he said, 'And I did the damaging.' Well, I felt like I had driven a knife through his heart. We kept talking and finally he said, "Eugene, I know we can't go back. What has been done has been done, but maybe we should do what Matt and Luke are doing. Maybe we should forget sex--I mean going all the way--and kinda work up to that again. We talked some more and agreed we would try, but at the same time, not set some deadline like you and Luke have. When we both agree we are ready..."
        "I don't know about that. Both Dad and David said it's really hard--no pun intended," I said as Eugene started laughing. "I mean once you start, to stop."
        "That's the reason we said, 'Until we are both ready'."
        Luke drove up and parked on the street and came up to the steps. "Matt, Eugene, I've been thinking. Why don't we take a break and all go to that place in Lexington Friday night? That way we won't have to worry about getting this Lakota on his organ bench next morning."
        "Sounds good. Who's invited?"
        "All of the Fellowship I thought, but then I remembered Paula's single, Jacob doesn't know about us and Mary Kathryn and Michael are only fifteen and will have to have permission."
        "Well, Mary Kathryn and Michael's birthdays are in the next two weeks and, if we agree, maybe Jacob could be clued in and be Paula's date later."
        "So how about the four of us?" Luke asked.
        "Let's," Eugene said. "And we'll take my car; that Jeep is not made for lovers."
        "You know that too?" Luke laughed. "It's a deal!"
        As we headed toward the Jeep, Luke said, "Where to, Matt? I really feel at loose ends."
        "I know the feeling after today. With Eugene's turn around, the practice was unbelievable today and there's nothing I can do. Of course, we both need to get serious about reviewing for the AP exams. Home first?" Luke nodded. As we got into the Jeep, I asked, "What about your AP portfolio?"
        "Mr. Stephenson has it for a final check. It's on its way. One down, three to go. How do you feel about them?"
        "English, a snap; physics, ok; calculus, shakey, I'm afraid. Music? I'm really not sure since I haven't studied that much music theory. You?"
        Calculus, a snap; physics, ok; English, shakey. Art? Mr. Stephenson and Uncle Michael say I have an easy five, but I really don't know."
        "Music and art are actually freebies, aren't they? I definitely need work on calculus. I have all the review sheets."
        "Same with English. Matt, why don't we spend some time at my place? We know it's just going to be hugging and no--well very little--playing around. Since we need to be studying and we really are best where the other's the weakest, we could really get in some good study time."
        "Sounds good, Yonghon Tongmu. If we were at my place, I know we'd spend more time playing around. We need to be together to help each other out and maybe we'll get more comfortable at your place. How about if I come over as soon as I finish dinner and spend the night in your bed."
        "I guess I could stand that," Luke laughed, struggled across the gear shift and kissed me.
        When I got home, I told Mom and Dad what Luke and I had decided, also that we were planning on going to Lexington with Larry and Eugene Friday night.
        "Sounds good to me," Dad said.
        "Matt, I hope you work hard on the calculus. Mr. Mitchell is depending on your doing well. Same with Luke and his English."
        "That's the reason we're working at Luke's," I said. Mom looked puzzled and Dad said, "I'll tell you later, Yong Jin."
        After supper, I went to Luke's and we then settled down to work. We agreed to work until ten, dividing our time between calculus and English. And we really did work without playing around. Promptly at ten, we undressed and went to bed. The door had been wide open all evening and we left it that way without comment. When we got in bed, there was some really great kissing and we both got hard--we were still horny nearly-eighteen-year-olds after all--but stopped with kissing and, wrapped in each other's arms, we slept.
        Six-thirty came very early and I discovered that I much preferred the dreaded alarm clock to being woken by Mary Kathryn yelling, "Ok, get your lazy, buck-naked asses out of bed. It's time to run." Luke and I hopped out of bed, answered the call of nature, including a bit of cleaning up since we both, obviously, had wet dreams, pulled on shorts and hit the road. When we got back to my place, Luke said, "Matt, so long as we are going to be doing this study routine, why don't we have supper at your place and breakfast at mine?" I agreed and told Mom and Dad what our plan was and they appreciated the fact that we were splitting meals with our families.
        After school, practice was even better than the day before and we completed the second half of the program. I think the concert could have been presented that night it went so well. When I got home, Luke met me at the front door and gave me a Luke special kiss. "Sarang Hanun Pomul, I missed you! I really am at loose ends. I've been feeling like I should be busy doing something, but couldn't think what. 'Course if you had been here, I'd have known what to do!"
        "I'm here and we have an hour or so before supper," I kissed Luke softly. As we started to my room, we stopped in the library where Mom and Dad were grading papers. "Hi, Mom, Dad, I'm home."
        "We would never have guessed that was the reason Luke stopped pacing the floor and ran to the door," Mom laughed. "How did practice go?"
        "Perfectly. Absolutely perfectly. We are ready and we have two weeks to go. Paula, Eugene and I talked about cutting back to a single practice next week since several of us will be taking APs."
        "How're the study sessions going? You two getting any work done or just playing around?" Dad asked.
        "Actually, it may come as a surprise, but we study. Half the time English and half calculus. No real playing around--I mean some great hugging, kissing and cuddling when we go to bed, but that's it."
        "We still don't feel quite right with anything else at my place."
        "As I said, I can understand that. It's my night to do supper so you have an hour," Dad said and smiled.

Luke

        I quickly flipped Matt over my shoulder and headed for his room. When we reached it, I kicked the door almost closed, tossed Matt on the bed and started tickling him. He was laughing and struggling to get away as I started undressing him, stopping to kiss him from time to time. He was finally undressed except for his briefs and I lay on top of my Matt and started kissing him all over. This time I was the wild man. Matt finally got his lips to mine and kissed me, open mouthed, sucking my tongue into his mouth. Without breaking our kiss, he started undressing me. Soon I, too, was down to my boxers. I rolled off Matt, put my arms around him and looked into his beautiful black almond eyes. "Sarang Hanun Pomul, I have missed you sooooo much this afternoon. I had nothing to do and all I could think of was you." His lips covered mine and we were again engaged in a passionate kiss.
        When we broke our kiss, he said, "Yonghon Tongmu, I was away from you for only a couple hours. What are we going to do this summer? We'll be separated for six weeks."
        "I know, Matt. I have been thinking about that. I don't know how I can stand it. I know we will be busy and it won't be like this afternoon when I had nothing to do and felt I had forgotten something I was supposed to be doing. But we haven't really had time together to make love for two days and it is nearly more than I can stand. Since your program is only four weeks, maybe you can come and spend the last two weeks I'm in Sarasota with me."
        "Well, let's worry about that later when we have more time. Right now there are more important things to be done!" And, with those words, he became a wild Lakota Korean again. I loved it as he kissed me all over, sticking his tongue in my belly button, my ear, my mouth. He reached into my boxers and pulled out my man's tool and started stroking it gently, slowly, while smiling and looking into my eyes. As he continued to give me the pleasure I had missed so much, I reached down and slipped off his briefs, releasing his--my--Lakota arrow. Matt removed his hand for a moment to strip my boxers off and resumed his stroking. We lay facing each other, giving each other pleasure, expressing our love in a very physical way while our eyes told the other of the depth of the love we had for our soulmate.
        There's one thing about horny almost-eighteen-year-olds: they have a short fuse, especially when they haven't really been with their soulmate for a couple days! It seemed we had barely started making love to each other's manhood when Matt covered my mouth with his, our breathing became one and we both shot man's seed on the other. It was so short a time that I felt we had cheated each other. "Babe, I think we just had a quickie and as good as it was..."
        "Yea, I know. I know what you mean," Matt said as his mouth again covered mine and we held each other close as our passion was expressed in a kiss. We lay in each other's arms, feeling the afterglow of love making, but somehow also feeling short-changed. "Babe, we still have time to play in the shower," Matt said with a wicked grin on his beautiful dark face. This time he tossed me over his shoulders and marched across the hall to the shower. Soon the warm water was washing over our bodies and Matt started soaping my body, releasing the fragrance that belonged to my love. As I inhaled that scent, I started getting hard again. Matt kissed me quickly and said, "Almost-eighteen-year-olds may have a short fuse, but I see at least one of them had a short recovery time as well."
        I grabbed Matt's tool and said, "I think you can make that two, Sarang Hanun Pomul!" We continued to play in the shower, soaping each other, stroking each other's tool, playing, until we were both hard as rocks. I pulled Matt's back to me, reached around and slowly stroked him. He pulled my head over his shoulder until his lips could reach mine and started deep kissing me as I continued to give him pleasure and love. When his breath started getting shorter and shorter, I increased my stroking, harder and faster. He had an arm around my neck and the other reached back and pulled my hips to his butt. Suddenly he pulled harder, gasped and started shooting charge after charge. With his last spasm, he relaxed his hold on me and I found myself supporting him. I held him until he was steady on his feet. He turned, pulled my body to his and kissed me softly.
        As he continued kissing me, his hand found my manhood and he started stroking it, slowly, very slowly. Finally, without missing a stroke, he moved behind me and pulled my body to his as I had done and continued making love to me. I was moaning "Sarang Hanun Pomul, Sarang Hanun Pomul" as I approached the point of release. Sensing I was nearing my climax, Matt started stroking me hard and fast. My climax hit hard, very hard, and I started sinking to my knees, but Matt held me. When I had discharged my last man's seed, Matt turned me around and pressed his lips to mine, thrusting his tongue into my mouth, bringing with it the wonderful and pure taste of my Sarang Hanun Pomul.
        For a change, I had been in such a hurry that I had not let Matt's hair down and mine had not gotten wet, so it didn't take us long to get cleaned up and dry. It was a good thing for just as we finished dressing and were exchanging a kiss, Greywolf called, "Supper's ready if you want it." Well, eighteen-year-olds may think about sex most of the time, but there are moments when food does enter their thoughts and I was starved!
        As soon as we had finished supper, Matt and I cleared the table and got ready to go to my place. We stopped by the library and reminded the Greywolfs we planned to go to Lexington Friday night with Eugene and Larry.
        "I meant to ask you," Greywolf said, "is there something wrong with Eugene? He has seemed very strange in class this week. Larry doesn't seem his usual self either."
        Matt looked at me and I guess we both were debating whether or not we should say anything and, if so, what. After all, Eugene had told his story behind the crossed canes. I finally said, "Yes, Greywolf, there is something wrong. I hope it's being dealt with, but I'm really not sure. That's all I can say because what we know was told us at the falls."
        "I understand," Greywolf said quickly, "but if there is anything I can do to help, call on me."
        "That goes for me as well," Mom Greywolf said.
        "Thanks for both of them. I'm sure they will appreciate that and we will tell them." Matt and I both kissed Mom and Dad Greywolf good-night and decided to walk home in a lovely May evening even though the moonlight was very faint. And we did take it slowly, stopping for a kiss, to just look at each other, to tell each other of our love. Even at that, soon--too soon--we were in my room, hitting the books. School sure can interfere with life sometimes!

Part Thirty-two

Michael

        Matt and Luke were so involved in getting ready for their AP exams, I didn't want to bother them--I mean Mary Kathryn and I have two AP exams--biology and US history--but that is not like having five. Nonetheless--I love that word, heard Yong Jin use it and it really sounded so neat--nonetheless, I needed to talk to them. So Friday morning when we were running, I let Mary Kathryn get ahead of me and signaled Matt to drop back. I pretended I had a cramp and Matt got my signal quickly and started massaging my calf. "Matt, Man, I have a real problem."
        "What's that, Lil' Bro?"
        "Well, you know Mary Kathryn's and my birthdays are coming up?"
        "Sure do. Sweet sixteen! Driving!"
        "Yea, well, that too, but that's not what has me worried. Bro, you're going to think I'm a silly fool."
        "Lil' Bro, you know better than that."
        "Well, some of the guys at school do. They say I'm a fool for still being a virgin and nearly sixteen when I could have been in Mary Kathryn's pants ages ago."
        "Could you? I'm not so sure about that!"
        "Ok, I could have at least tried. I talked with Dad and Luke about becoming sexually active--shit, that sounds like a health sex education something or other--anyway, they both said I'd have to make up my own mind and the guys at school, well, they're kidding me pretty hard. I thought about just telling them Mary Kathryn and I were fucking like bunnies the way they do."
        "You mean the way they say they do. Look, Michael, one thing you need to know. Guys lie big time when they are bragging about 'Man, I'm getting so much pussy I'm just about fucked out until I take a day off!' That's what they say and you can be pretty sure, the louder the talk, the less the action. And what about Mary Kathryn? How would she feel if you did that?"
        "Matt, I will feel lower than dog shit if I did run around bragging--even if it were so. I mean, what Mary Kathryn and I have is very precious to me. It's not like I ever look at her as something to fuck, I mean, I never look at her... Well, you know what I mean, don't you?"
        "I think so. She's the love and light of your life and one day you want to express that by making love to her physically, well, I mean by having sex with her. But you're not ready right now. Right?"
        "Yea, it has to be special, loving..."
        "Michael, Michael."
        "Yea, yes Matt?"
        "Lil' Bro, you've got a dreamy look in your eyes and on your face. You have drifted off into the land of romance.
        "Yea, I have."
        "So, Michael, if you can come back to this world, what's the problem?"
        "Matt, I don't like being kidded and called names. I mean, I'm pretty tough, but it gets under my skin."
        "Lil' Bro, your love's brother and I will be eighteen soon and we're virgins. Since we never so much as really dated girls, we get called names--they could be worse--and kidded a lot."
        "Yea, but that's different. I mean, at sixteen you were gay and not interested in girls."
        "I guess that's different. Actually, I was gay, but didn't know it or accept it. All I knew was I loved a Larsen with my whole being. That love has grown and changed since my sweet sixteen, but it had remained loving with all I knew--know--about love. So what's different about that?"
        "All I know is I love a Larsen with everything I am, as much as any almost-sixteen could possibly love. I guess there's really no difference. But I still hate the kidding."
        "Lil' Bro, when you and Mary Kathryn have sex is up to you two. Oh, Jens and David may talk big, but when you get ready you will. In the meantime, when someone starts kidding you, give them that wicked Michael grin and say 'If you only knew, you'd envy me because I sure as hell have more going for me than you do.' Then let them think what they want. They'll let up because since you don't give them the details they read off the net or some sleazy magazine, they'll wonder just what you have discovered that they haven't. And tell Mary Kathryn. She will know how to let the girls know what is going on and I suspect some who may be 'gettin' some' will find their supply cut off. And, Michael, talk with Bill. He has, in his own words, fucked around a lot and has some thoughts on that and, believe me, he's not gay!"
        "Thanks, Bro. Now if I just knew what to get Mary Kathryn for her birthday!" I laughed and hugged Matt. "See you shortly," I said as I turned to go into the house. It sure was good to have an older brother and, believe me, Matt was as much a brother as he would have been had we had the same parents. But I really did need help in selecting a birthday gift for my wild woman. I laughed at myself. I guess you have to be around sixteen when deciding about having sex and selecting a birthday present seem equally serious!

Eugene

        When I went down for breakfast, Millie said, "Son, there's an article in this morning's paper which is of interest to you. You can read it later if you like, but essentially what it says is that the Temple of Praise has hired a high-powered lawyer from Jackson to represent McBride. He filed a brief with a judge above Judge Snow, after she refused it, requesting that the video tapes with kids' faces obscured not be allowed since the children cannot be recognized. He argues that while they might be used in connection with child pornography, they cannot be used as evidence of child abuse because no child can be identified. Unfortunately, the altered tapes have been barred. The three in the state hospital have agreed to testify but, as the DA said, how will a jury view three witnesses who are presently in a mental hospital. I called one of my lawyers and he agrees that it is going to be a pretty weak case if it rests on what will be called mental patients. I instructed my lawyer to file as a friend of the court, but it doesn't look good."
        "Shit! That bastard is going to get away with years of child abuse! It's not fair, Millie! It's not fair!"
        "Son, I would have thought you would have learned long ago: life is life, it's not fair!"
        "Mom, what should I do?"
        "Son, I can't answer that for you. I pulled you out of that tub when you attempted to drown off your memories of the past and I suspect, your fear of the present. I wish I could answer for you. I wish there was an easy answer. I wish you had never been hurt as you have. But wishes don't change things. Talk to your love because your decision will definitely affect him. Talk to your friends. I know you won't have an easy time of it, regardless of what you decide but, remember, I'm here for you."
        I hugged Millie who held me to her ample bosom and stroked my hair as I cried. "Mom, just once, I would like to be free and happy for longer than a few days."
        "I know, Son." She continued holding me until I stopped crying. She lifted my head, kissed me on the forehead and said, "Eugene, when you hurt, I hurt, but you have brought me more happiness than I ever dreamed possible. I love you dearly, Son."
        "I love you too, Mom."
        I got ready for school and drove by Larry's and picked him up. As soon as he was in the car he asked, "Read the morning paper, Gene?"
        "No, but Millie told me about the article. Lar, I broke down and cried again. What should I do? Millie talked to one of her lawyers and he's afraid that without the tapes and with the only live witnesses being called mental patients, McBride will walk."
        "Well--Hey! What's with this Lar bit?"
        "It just seemed to fit."
        "Love it, Gene." Larry pulled my face to his for a deep kiss.
        I was trying to get into it and see where I was driving, when I gave up and pulled to the side of the street for an absolutely divine kiss which went on until I finally asked, "Are we going to make out or go to school?"
        "Man, if those are the choices, the decision is easy! But I'm much afraid it's not a real choice," he said, gave me a final kiss and scooted to his side of the car.
        "But Lar, what am I going to do? I just about came apart when I thought they might show a video of me being fucked by McBride. Then I was told I couldn't be recognized. Now the tapes are all out without live witnesses and the only ones who are willing to testify are--will be--called crazy, insane, unreliable mental patients."
        "Gene, I can't make the decision for you. I'm here for you regardless. Would it help if you talked to Luke and Matt? Want to talk to the whole bunch? Want to be left alone? Babe, it's your call."
        "I don't know, Lar. I just learned this morning. I'll think about it. But love me, babe. Love me." I had pulled into the parking lot and parked beside Matt.
        Larry pulled me to himself for a kiss. "To hell with anyone who has a problem with me loving my man," he said and kissed me again.
        When lunch rolled around I was still in a quandary as to what I should do. I couldn't stand the thought of that bastard McBride getting away with what he had done to so many boys, but I was also terrified of what would happen if I testified. I mean, what would people think of me? When everyone had gathered around our table, I was sure of one thing: the Fellowship of the Rings would stand by me--well, I wasn't sure about Jacob. He was a part of the Fellowship, but not really since he was in the dark about us. Michael--always Michael--started the discussion by asking, "I suppose all of you know what's happened to McBride? Everyone had. "Well, I hope someone other than the three in the hospital will testify but, damn, it would be hard. I always said I'd do what was right and stand up for what was right, but I don't know..."
        "Ok, Gang, I guess... I guess..." Everyone was suddenly silent and looking at me. Larry reached for my hand as Luke took the other and Matt placed his atop Larry's. "Jacob, this is neither the time nor the place nor way I planned to tell you, but..." Michael got up, stood behind me and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Jacob, first off, I want you to know I'm gay. Do with that what you will."
        "And I am his lover," Larry said without hesitation. Everyone was looking at Jacob to see his reaction.
        Jacob got a silly grin on his face and said, "I kinda got an idea that might be so when I saw you kiss Eugene this morning. And while we're at it, I'm not, but have no problem with it. My favorite cousin is gay and he's a great guy, just doesn't have the kind of plumbing I dream--wet of course--about. Further, if what I saw in a Jeep a couple days ago is any indication, I don't think you two guys are the only gay couple in the Fellowship."
        I guess Matt's blushing was catching or it might have been a reflection of his red face lighting up Luke's.
        "Well, so much for having Paula see how Jacob would handle two gay couples in the Fellowship," Luke said.
        "Well, there's more. Much more. I was also one of those McBride abused. Along with other things such as having me beat off, sucking me off, he raped me when I was twelve. I had pushed it so far back into my memory that I had forgotten it until I saw those video tapes--he had videoed everything he had me do and did to me--then I started having nightmares." I told them everything which has happened since then. "Now I have to decide."
        "Eugene, I'll stand by you regardless of what you decide," Jacob said. "I can't imagine what it must be like to be abused--raped. Man, you've got guts even to be around after that. You decide to testify and I think you're a number one hero. But if you decide not to, I sure can understand. I don't think I would, to be honest."
        "Thanks, Gang. I know it's finally my decision, but it's a great feeling to know you have people standing with you." I looked at Larry and saw a tear running down his cheek. I reached out with my napkin and wiped it away. "Hope I didn't sandpaper your face, Lar, but this school napkin is like recycled sandpaper, and it's all I have." Larry smiled, weakly, but he smiled.
        "Matt, I guess a very minor problem has been solved by Jacob; we don't have to worry about him any more. And you know something, I just remembered Nelson said something about 'with permission'. Gang, Matt and I, Eugene and Lar..."
        "Hey, that's for private use only," Eugene interrupted.
        "Sorry. We were planning on going to the club in Lexington tonight. We wanted to ask all of you, but with Jacob not knowing..."
        "And me single," Paula added. She's not dumb.
        "Well, I guess getting permission for the straight couple in the family will be easy and, now that Jacob knows about us... Jacob, think you could tolerate two guys dancing together?" Matt asked.
        "And having a Lakota Korean kissing the fool out of his partner while doing it?" Luke added and Matt blushed.
        "Hey, whatever you're into so long as it doesn't step on my space. And Paula, just friends of course, but I'd be happy and honored to step out with you, Prom Queen!" Jacob said.
        "That settles that. Linda, Bill, up to a night on the town?" Luke asked.
        "Damn straight--no offense," Bill laughed. "What time?"
        "Dinner? Steak and Ale? I like that place," Linda said.
        "We could, but not necessary. There's a bistro at the place and we wouldn't need reservations," Luke answered.
        "And more time for dancing," Mary Kathryn allowed.
        "Damn, that means that Jeep again!" Luke whined. "Unless... Matt, how's the insurance on the Jeep?"
        "When Yong Jin fixed it for you, it's fixed for anyone I give permission to drive it."
        "Jacob, would you and Paula be willing to drive Matt's Jeep. It sure puts a crimp in my style."
        "Sure," Jacob said, "but, as I observed, it's not a major crimp."
        "Try a gear shift in the balls and then say that!" Luke exclaimed. "How about we meet at Matt's place at 5:30?"
        "That's kinda pushing it, Yonghon Tongmu. I mean we have to get all sexy and good looking and, for some of us--like you, that takes a while. And we don't have to rush back since I don't have to be at St. Mary's next morning. 6:30 sounds more reasonable."
        "As I recall, Sarang Hanun Pomul, it takes you about 10 seconds to get sexy and good-looking, but I think you better wear clothes!" The whole gang laughed as Matt turned bright red. "Ok, meet at Matt's at 6:30."

Luke

        After school, we went straight home. I had Matt drive me by the house to pick out clothes and then we went to his place. Since we had some time before anyone else got home--we were skipping last period these days--It seemed just made for some serious love making. When we got to Matt's room, he dashed across the hall and came back with a huge beach towel. As soon as I saw it, I knew what he had in mind, "YES!!!" I exclaimed. Matt then held up the bottle of massage oil.
        "Yonghon Tongmu, you lie down right there and don't move a muscle! I'll be right back." Matt left the room and I heard him going down the stairs two at a time. I wondered what he was up to, but I did as he said. I lay on my back, my hands behind my head, staring at the ceiling and thinking about how much I loved my beautiful, full-of-life Matt. Only minutes after he left, he came back into the room, placed the bottle of oil on the night stand and became a wild Lakota as he climbed my body, literally, lying atop me and smothering me with kisses. I was finally able to get to his hair and, when it was loosened, I was covered with a cascade of blackness and the fragrance of my love filled the room. Our lips locked in a deep, passionate kiss, Matt started undressing me. When my shirt was off, he started kissing my bare chest, licking my nipples and sucking one, then the other. Without taking his attention from what he was doing to my chest, Matt had my belt and pants opened before I knew it. I raised my hips from the bed and he slipped them down my legs. Finally, rocking back on his heels, he pulled them off my legs and quickly slipped his thumbs in the band of my briefs and freed my man's tool which was already hard. As he freed it, Matt started moving up my body, looked up, gave me a wicked Matt grin and quickly kissed my cock. "Matt!" He looked at me, grinned and slid up my body to cover my mouth with his. While he was kissing me, I removed his shirt and opened his pants. Matt flipped himself in the bed and I pulled his pants and briefs off.
        Did I dare? Sure I did. I kissed the head of my love's Lakota arrow. Matt flipped himself again and looked into my eyes as a special Matt smile covered his face. "On your stomach, Bright Angel!" I turned over, placed my head on my arms as Matt reached for the oil.
        He poured a stream of WARM oil down my back. "Oh, Babe, that is wonderful! What did you do?"
        "I nuked it. Margaret told me 15 seconds or less in the microwave would do wonders."
        "It already has, babe. The fragrance is filling the room as never before and it feels soooooooo good."
        "It's just started!" Matt started massaging my shoulders and neck, kneading the muscles in warm oil. His fingers were absolute magic on my back and, finally, on my butt. He, again, allowed his fingers to slide over my cheeks, into my crack and brush my rosebud. I was streaming precum as he moved down my legs and started massaging my feet. He then moved back up my body, his body sliding over my oil-slicked back. When he reached my neck, he started kissing the back of my neck, then stuck his tongue in my ear while laughing madly. I turned my head, lifted it, and his lips met mine as his hair created our world. "On your back, Yonghon Tongmu!" When I turned on my back, it was obvious what Matt's attention was doing to me as my Nordic spear stood straight out from my body. Matt's body covered mine, his hair filling my whole being with the scent of my man as his mouth covered mine in a deep, passionate, kiss.
        Raising himself, he reached for the oil and poured a warm stream over my chest. Straddling my body, he started massaging my shoulders and neck and quickly moved his hands to my chest where he pinched my nipples, rubbed his palms over them, then continued on down my body. Avoiding my manhood, he massaged my legs and, again, paid particular attention to my feet. Finally, he reached for the oil again and as he did, his hair covered my cock. The feeling was so exotic! I almost shot and started groaning, "Sarang Hanun Pomul, Sarang Hanun Pomul, damn, Matt, your hair is driving me crazy!" Matt just looked at me, smiled, and released a stream of warm oil over my man's tool.
        Leaning over me, he spilled his hair over my rock hard manhood. Looking into my eyes, he gave me a mischievous grin and started shaking his head. His hair on my pulsating cock was driving me wild! Again, Matt poured warm oil over it and took it in his hand, kissed the head and started stroking me oh so sloooowly, all the time looking at me with those sparkling black almond eyes, and the mischievous little boy smile on his face. As he continued to stroke my manhood, he slid up my body, placed his lips to mine and his tongue invaded my mouth as my breathing became faster. I was breathing through Matt's mouth as his hand started moving faster and faster. I was making small noises in my throat as I held him to my chest, tightly. Then it hit. Skyrockets went off in my head as I stopped breathing for a moment. I was only conscious of the scent of my love, his arm around me and the electric charges going through my body and the fireworks in my head. As I gradually became conscious again, Matt smiled at me and again shook his hair over my now very, very sensitive man's tool. I grabbed him, pulled him to me and kissed the reason I was alive and wanted to live forever. "Sarang Hanun Pomul, if it gets better than that, I don't think I can stand it!" Matt's sparkling eyes looked into mine, a smile covered his dark, beautiful face and the scar told me the pleasure he had given me was but another of the many ways he had shown his love for me. He lay beside me as I gave him a tender, love-filled kiss and said, "Now, it's my time to make you see stars!" I reached for the oil and found it had cooled so I said, "Wait for me, Dark Angel!' Matt warned me to test the oil after I had nuked it because it got hot quickly. Three minutes later I was back, and proceeded to attempt to give Matt as much pleasure as he had given me--and all indications were that I succeeded!
        After we had lain in each others arms for awhile, Matt said, "Yonghon Tongmu, love sure is messy," and laughed a great Matt laugh. "I think we better get cleaned up."
        "Do we have to?"
        "No, but I hear the shower calling." The truth of the matter was that both of us had just about exhausted our passion or lust and our time in the shower was plain playful. Of course, we washed each other thoroughly, including our hair. Matt had gotten his really oily with his using it to give my man's tool a new thrill, but we were clean long before we decided to get out of the shower. In fact, I don't know that we would have got out, had the water not started getting cold.

Matt        

        I always enjoyed making love to my man, but today was special. It was fun and it was fantastic. And, believe me, Luke had made me wonder if going all the way could be more fantastic. We were both exhausted when we finally dragged ourselves out of the bed and into the shower. But we're young and our energy returned quickly and both were playful as puppies when we got in the shower. We played until the water started to get cold, then dried each other and tended to each other's hair. Luke's hair was now a mass of pale gold curls covering his head. It only added to his already perfect beauty. He had chosen all black for tonight. When he was dressed, I looked at him and knew he needed something special and realized I had it. I opened my treasure box and took out the beaded headband I had worn to Lexington and put it around his head. Perfect!
        I looked in my closet, having decided I, as Luke, would wear something a bit less dramatic than the last time. I decided on black pants and a bright red shirt. Both Luke and I left our medallions out. When we were dressed, Luke took me into his arms and said, "You are beautiful, you are wonderful, your are mine and I love you more than life itself." His kiss was soft, tender, loving.
        "Yonghon Tongmu, I have dreamed of loving you as long as I can remember. Never did I dream you would love me and, even had I dared, I could never imagine how wonderful it would be to hear you say those three words, 'I love you!' And, Yonghon Tongmu, never could I have imagined how very, very much I could and do love you." Again, we shared a tender kiss. "My heavens, it's six already! I suspect the rents are home so I guess we better go down." Holding hands, we went downstairs and found Dad sitting on a stool in the kitchen, helping Mom prepare their supper.
        "Well, from the looks on your faces, the fragrance throughout the house and the fact that there is no hot water, I suspect two of Independence's finest cut class today and played around."
        "Two, I believe the words are stud muffins, ditched? Couldn't be," Mom laughed.
        "Technically true, I suppose, Mr. and Mrs. Greywolf," Luke said in his most serious voice, "however, I would like to point out that 1) most seniors are doing nothing and 2) we two, Independence's finest, have completed all the requirements of the classes we ditched that we could do at this time. As to playing around, we did not play around. It was serious business! I am, however, afraid we are responsible for the lack of hot water but, I assure you, you would rather have cold water than..."
        "Spare us the details, Mr. Larsen," Mom said, in her best classroom voice. We all had a great laugh.
        "You look great guys. Luke, the headband really suits you," Dad said, "but a blond Lakota I'm not sure about." We continued just talking and joking until the kids started arriving. Bill, Linda, Paula and Jacob came in first. While both Dad and Mom knew Jacob as a student, he was properly introduced and welcomed into our house.
        We got to Lexington about 8 and went straight to the club. We were all starved so we went to the bistro and proved that next to sex with teenagers was food. We were all in a great mood and even Eugene seemed relaxed and happy. When we finished, we walked to the dance floor where the DJ was already on duty. The music was fast and loud and we immediately hit the floor. One of the nice things about fast dancing was that you really didn't dance with a partner. Before I knew it, the gang was dancing like mad and the guys were trying to outdo each other. I had seen the Gang of Four dance and Michael was, hands down, the best at fast dancing. He was going wild when Bill danced over in a kind of male challenge and it was on. The rest of us just stood back and watched. Matt was an excellent dancer and I wasn't bad, but neither of us could keep up with Michael's moves. I noticed Jacob standing near me with a wicked smile on his face. Before I knew what was happening, he hit the floor and challenged Bill and Michael. They got wilder and wilder and soon had the floor to themselves. Everyone was standing on the sidelines, egging them on. That Jacob had some moves!! When the song ended, the DJ put on another equally fast one and the three started again. Michael was barely holding his own when Mary Kathryn had enough of her man being challenged and hit the floor, and the two started a wild, erotic dance. Cheers were rocking the roof.
        As if to answer the challenge, Linda and Paula slinked onto the floor and immediately became wildcats! Eugene and Larry, Luke and I were shouting, applauding and having a ball. While there was no doubt Luke and I couldn't match what was going on out on the floor, Luke grabbed my hand and we were on. Eugene and Larry couldn't resist and soon the entire Fellowship of the Rings was competing against each other in an unofficial contest. The cheering got louder and louder and our dancing got wilder. When the music finally ended, the DJ said, "Let's hear it for Mr. Greywolf and his entourage!" Those on the sidelines shouted, whistled, and applauded. "Now, to see the kids really get into dancing, here's their song!" We were all still standing on the floor when the music started and "More" poured from the speakers. In spite of the fact that we were all panting and sweating after the fast dancing, we each gathered our partner into our arms and started slow dancing. Luke rested his head in the crook of my neck and whispered, "Sarang Hanun Pomul, I love you, man, I love you!" and started singing softly. Then I realized that everyone--well, maybe not Jacob--was singing to their partner. Michael and Mary Kathryn started the kissing, but soon everyone except Jacob and Paula was dancing with their lips pressed to their partner's.
        When the song ended, we returned to our tables and were all sweating like mad. "I think we need drinks," Michael was finally able to say but, just as he got the words out of his mouth, Nelson and Holly appeared with a tray of soft drinks and water. Water was the drink of choice--at least at first.
        "Matt, Luke good to see you again. I assume these are friends?" Luke introduced the group and invited Nelson and Holly to join us. "We will if we're not expected to accept a challenge to dance! I haven't seen anything like that around here."
        "I guess it's because we're just from a hick town and have nothing better to do," Bill laughed.
        "Well, the fact that our mamas sent four of us to dance class every Saturday when we wanted to be playing might have helped too," Mary Kathryn said.
        "Those four sure have taught the rest of us how to slow dance. Man, I can't understand how that ever went out of fashion," Larry said.
        We sat around, talking and drinking--water and then soda. Gradually couples started getting up for a dance and returning. When everyone was on the floor except Luke and I, Nelson asked, "What's going on in Concord with this Rev. McBride?"
        "We'll tell you, but if Eugene comes back, it stops. He was abused by McBride and is trying to make a very hard decision," Luke said. Luke then told Nelson what all the uproar was about.
        When Luke finished, Nelson said, "Holy shit!"
        The conversation ended as Larry and Eugene came back to the table. As he walked up, Eugene said, "Matt, think Larry and I could spend the night at your place? It'll be late when we get back, but Lar and I need to talk to you and Luke tonight or tomorrow."
        "Sure, the guest room's yours."
        "Thanks. Guess I better call Millie. She may already be in bed, but I don't want her to get up and find me gone."
        "Phones are in the entrance. You couldn't hear here," Nelson said. Eugene thanked Nelson and he and Larry went to make calls. "He calls his mother Millie?"
        Luke and I laughed. "Well, that's a whole other story. Eugene's father is the senior elder in the Temple of Praise where Rev. McBride holds forth."
        "Shit! I bet he had a litter of kittens when he found out his son was gay."
        "Not sure. Not even sure he knows," Luke said and told Nelson about Eugene's being beaten and thrown out of his house.
        "Because he took part in that service?"
        "Yes. He was adopted the next day by Millie Willingham who is..."
        "Who is Concord! Even here in Lexington most of us know that. Damn. And she knows he's gay?"
        "She has a gay son. Eugene is the grandson she'll never have. Of course, legally he's her son and she calls him son. And she knows about Larry and Eugene."
        "Poor kid. I thought my brother had it hard. Hope things work out for him, but I'm sure glad I'm not in his shoes, but he's got guts.
        "This whole bunch has guts and we have had to prove it this year," Luke said.
        The Fellowship continued enjoying itself until the last dance was announced at 12:30. Someone in the crowd shouted, "Greywolf's choice" and others took up the cheer. The DJ said, "No need to ask. Greywolf's choice, 'More'."
        When we got to the cars, I said, "Jacob, why don't you keep the Jeep until tomorrow? I don't need it and Larry and Eugene are spending the night at my place. Bring it out when you feel like it." Jacob was happy to do so.
        As we started to Eugene's car, Eugene asked, "Matt, will you or Luke drive? From what I saw in the rear view mirror, that back seat is perfect for making out and I'd like to try it." Luke grabbed the keys when Eugene tossed then in the air and slid into the driver's seat. The drive home was pretty calm in the front seat, but steam was rising from the back!
        It was almost two when we got home and I asked Eugene if he wanted to talk tonight or wait. "I know we are all bushed. That was an exciting evening and I am so glad we went and very glad that the whole Fellowship went," Eugene replied. "I know we are tired and ready for bed, but I think I might sleep better if we talked now." We were all four in my room, sitting on my bed, waiting for Eugene.
        "I have been thinking about whether or not to testify against McBride. Tonight I forgot about it while we were having fun but, as soon as we headed for the cars, that was all I could think about."
        "From what I saw in the rear view mirror, you did have some other things on your mind!" Luke said with a laugh.
        "Well, I'll admit that it soon slipped my mind after Lar and I got in the back seat," Eugene said with a slight smile.
        "Eugene, you know you have steadfast friends who will stand by you regardless of your decision and I know it is not an easy one," I said.
        "That's the only reason I have kept thinking about it I'm sure. But I don't think I could live with myself if I allowed McBride to walk, not only because of what he did to me and other boys in the past, but I'm sure he would not stop if he were set free. I've decided to testify and, God, Lar, I know it will hurt you."
        "No, it won't hurt me. I mean, it will because I know it will be painful for you, but he has already hurt me all he can. I can and will only admire you for your guts, Gene," Larry said very softly as he pulled Eugene to himself for a tender lover's kiss.
        "I guess I just needed reassuring. I know you guys will stand by me, but I needed to hear the words and probably will need to hear them again and again. Now I hope I can sleep. Having Larry beside me helps a whole lot."
        "Luke looked at me with a real twinkle in his eye and winked. I knew exactly what he meant. I took what was left of the massage oil out of the night stand and headed for the kitchen. Luke got beach towels and said, "Larry, come with me."
        When I got back upstairs, Eugene was alone, looking puzzled, and I said, "Come with me," took his hand and headed to the guest room. Luke had found a couple large candles and placed them on the night stands on either side of the bed, covered the bed with the towel and left another towel folded on the foot of the bed. I put the oil on the night stand and Luke and I said "Goodnight, sweet dreams."
        When we reached my room, I asked, "Luke, why was there another towel on the bed?"
        "Babe, Eugene has hardly been sleeping, even with Larry in bed with him. I have a hunch that if Larry is half as good as you are, it will not end like our sessions with the oil. I suspect Eugene will be sleeping like a baby before Larry finishes. I told Larry just to cover him with the second towel, so there'll be no oil on the bedcovers, and let him sleep."
        "You know, Yonghon Tongmu, you have a heart as big as all outdoors."
        "Sarang Hanun Pomul, don't know what size it is. I guess you know because it belongs to you." With those words, Luke kissed me softly and started undressing me and, as soon as he finished, I uncovered the whole of my Luke's beauty. We crawled into bed, Luke lying on his back and me lying with my head on his chest, listening to his warm and loving heart beating. "Matt, sometimes I get to feeling sorry for us having to hide, with all that's happened because of our love, but when I look at Larry and Eugene..."
        "I know, but they have each other and, even with their rough start, I think they meant it when he said, 'Till death do us part'."
        "I sure know I meant it, Dark Angel."
        "And so did I, Bright Angel." Our lips met in a soft, tender, loving kiss and--in each others arms-- we slipped into the Land of Dreams.
        It was ten o'clock when I waked up. Luke was still sound asleep and I got up, slipped on shorts and a T-shirt, and went downstairs without disturbing him. Mom and Dad were in the kitchen having a cup of coffee. Apparently they had slept in as well since it was obvious they had just finished breakfast. "Have a late night?" Dad asked.
        "As if you didn't know," I laughed. "I know you and Mom keep tabs on your youngest--and oldest."
        "Since you got in late and we seem to have extra kids this morning, I assume you had a good time," Mom said.
        "We had a great time. It was good that Jacob was able to go so Paula would have someone. We danced our legs off! And the last song, without our asking, was 'More'! I let Jacob drive the Jeep since Luke maintains it places a crimp in his style. Eugene asked that Luke or I drive home so he and Larry could make out in the back seat. Yes, we had a fantastic time!"
        "Something developing with Paula and Jacob?" Mom asked.
        "Don't think so. Jacob is a free spirit and not likely to be tied down and I'm sure Paula is still stinging from that jerk Sheldon. No, I think they are friends and that's the way it will be. Besides, she will be gone next year and Jacob will still be here. Larry and Eugene asked to stay over because Eugene wanted to talk when we got back."
        "I hope Millie knows where he is. I know how I would be if I had gotten up this morning and you weren't here."
        "Not to worry. He called her from Lexington before it was too late."
        "Eugene wanted to talk about his problem?" Dad asked.
        "Yes, and since he talked here and it will all come out soon, I guess I can tell you about it. He was one of McBride's victims." I then told Mom and Dad the whole horrible story. "When the newspaper said McBride might walk because the only witnesses would be three mental patients, he just about went nuts. Well, he was well on his way before." I told them about his apparent attempt at suicide. "He was afraid what would be said if he testified, but he has decided to do so. Millie has a lawyer who has filed as a friend of the court and I guess Eugene will be talking with him today or as soon as he can."
        "The kid has guts and that's for sure," Dad said.
        "Who has guts?" a somewhat groggy Luke asked.
        "Mom handed him a cup of coffee as he sat down and Dad said, "Matt was just telling us about Eugene. He has guts. I admire his courage and understand his situation."
        "Breakfast?" Mom asked.
        "Foolish question," I responded. "I could eat a horse."
        "Afraid that's not on the menu, but if you could make do with bacon and eggs I could handle that."
        "Pile it on," Luke said as Larry walked into the kitchen. Luke got him a cup of coffee and he joined the group around the table.
        "Eugene still asleep?" Mom asked.
        "Like a baby. I was careful not to disturb him since I think it's the first decent night's sleep he has had in a couple weeks."
        "From what I could smell in the hall when I went up to check on you all this morning, I think he might have had help," Dad said.
        "Yea, thanks to Matt and Luke, I started giving him a massage with warm oil..."
        "That's why I heard the microwave ping last night--rather this morning," Mom said. "When you guys are doing that I sure hope you test the temperature of the oil before pouring it on someone. Oil can get very hot very quickly."
        "Matt warned us about that. And not to worry, Mrs. Greywolf, Luke gave us a couple beach towels so we wouldn't mess up the bed."
        "Good to know Matt and Luke have learned something. The first time they..."
        "Mom!"
        "Anyway, I'm pleased that it helped him sleep."
        "He was asleep before I finished. Sound asleep, and I think he slept peacefully all night. I guess making a decision and knowing his friends would stick by him eased his mind."
        "I'm sure it did," Dad said. "And speaking of the devil, good morning, Eugene. Understand you slept like an angel."
        "Morning. It was more like a rock, I think. Lar, why didn't you wake me up?"
        "Why? You haven't slept worth a damn--sorry Mrs. Greywolf--for a couple weeks and you expect me to wake you up from a peaceful sleep? Not on your life. Guess getting the decision behind you made a big difference."
        "And the warm oil massage didn't hurt any." Eugene kissed Larry gently. "Well, Mr. and Mrs. Greywolf, I guess I need to tell you what this is all about."
        "No need, Eugene, since we talked last night and it will all be in the open soon, I thought it would be ok to tell them. They know."
        "Eugene, I can't tell you how much I admire you and your courage. Having been where you have been..."
        "You were sexually abused?"
        "By an uncle when I was maybe a bit younger than you were when McBride abused you. It's a hard thing to deal with and even when you think you have dealt with it, you'll find you haven't. I was lucky, as are you, that loving people were there to help me. It's painfully true that often abused children become abusers. That's what happened, I'm sure, in the case of the three guys in the state hospital. But even at that there have been times... well, the night Matt told us he was in love with Luke, I just behaved terribly. Not because he was gay or in love with Luke, but I had a flashback to when..."
        "I know about that, Mr. Greywolf. It happened to me when... well, it happened to me. And when I saw those tapes being brought in, it triggered something and I started having nightmares until... well, I think I tried to kill myself although I wouldn't admit it, even to myself. But last night, from the very beginning I had a wonderful time. I knew I had friends who would stand beside me, and who could ask for someone better than Millie to support them? Then when we got here and I told Matt and Luke I was going to testify and they got Larry set up to give me a massage, wow! I was asleep before I knew it."
        "Always ready, Babe," Larry said, and Eugene kissed him again.
        "Well, don't think I won't call on you, and I hope I don't have to wait until something's wrong. Wow, look at that!" Mom had placed a huge plate of bacon and eggs on the table and Dad brought hot biscuits from the oven.
        "Dig in guys, I understand that food ranks right up there next to sex for teenage males," Dad laughed.
        "Sometimes I'm not sure it doesn't outrank sex, especially when Mom Greywolf does breakfast and I am starved," Luke laughed.
        After breakfast, Eugene and Larry took off without bothering to shower--headed, I'm sure, for a shower and then the jacuzzi. Luke and I took a leisurely shower, playing around, making love and then got dressed for Saturday chores. He left and went home. We had agreed to spend Saturday night at his place and include a study session. The closer AP calculus came, the more shaky I felt.
        I helped Dad with the Saturday chores, showered and left for Luke's at six. Gabrielle had called and invited me to supper. She had also invited Eugene, Larry and Millie. Of course, we had a delicious meal which four teenaged boys fell into as though they hadn't eaten in ages.
        After dinner, we went upstairs to Luke's room. Mary Kathryn was having supper with Michael so we had the upstairs to ourselves. Eugene said he had felt great all day and was glad he had made his decision. Millie was so proud of him she was about to bust, he said, when he told her. Her lawyer and the DA had come over when she called them and they spent the afternoon talking about how they would handle the new development. It was decided Eugene would view tapes to make sure they were the ones made during his camp and of him. "I know it is not going to be easy, but Larry has agreed to watch with me. The DA said McBride had carefully labeled tapes and he was sure he could pick out those of me. I'm sure the hell not looking forward to that!" When he finished, Larry hugged him and Luke and I joined in.
        The visitors left at eight and Luke and I immediately hit the books, going to bed after midnight. We had not split the time between English and calculus tonight because Monday was the first AP exam--English. Luke had two problems with English, both of which were a matter of attitude rather than intelligence or knowledge. He had a real problem understanding metaphor, which seemed really strange to me since he used it constantly. After we had been dealing with it for a while he said, "Light of my life, I think I have it, then I don't."
        "Luke, what did you just say?" I asked, and he repeated himself. "Then why do we have the desk lamp on?" I asked.
        "So we can see. Why else would we have it on?"
        "I can't understand you. You tell me I am the light of your life, but you have a desk lamp on."
        "You know what I mean. I don't mean you are really a light."
        "Oh, I see, you are using a metaphor. Now I understand."
        Luke had one of these "ah ha" moments and said, "I see what you mean: life is a ball game, you are my life... Now I see!"
        His other problem was that the essay would ask a question he couldn't answer. "In that case, Luke, you have to rephrase the question to one you can answer and stick to it." We worked until well after midnight and then went to bed. I was confident Luke would do well and he certainly was more confident than he had been.
        Gentle, soft kisses marked our good nights then our hard, naked bodies became entwined and, after a final kiss, Luke said, "Sarang Hanun Pomul, I love you so much, so very much."
        Nestling my face in the crook of my love's neck, I answered, "Yonghon Tongmu, those words make me the happiest person on the face of the earth and my love for you is as boundless as the universe." Moments later, I was dreaming of a perfect life with my Luke.
        
Part Thirty-three

Michael        

        Mary Kathryn came to supper with us Saturday night and after supper we sat in the porch swing and talked for ages about a lot of things. I finally told her what I had talked to Matt about and how I had felt pressured to do and be something I was not. "I can't understand why boys--and in my book they're boys--have to brag about having sex. I mean, is it a game like basketball where you keep score?" she asked.
        "I guess it's supposed to prove you're a man. Being in love and loving someone physically, I mean having sex, is never a part of the locker room talk. Just fucking."
        "Well, I know some girls get pregnant to prove they are a woman and some guy does the job to prove he's a man and there's another child without decent parents. It's not about love. It's about... well, it's just bullshit. So Matt thinks the women can put a stop to some of the locker room talk. Who's the worst?"
        "No question about that, it's Ronnie Meyer. According to him, he gets laid at least seven times a week."
        "His girlfriend is Melinda Howell, right?" I nodded. "Well, she is a real firecracker and I expect there'll be fireworks when she finds out." We talked a while longer, but not about that. We talked about loving each other and how much we enjoyed kissing and all that, then got in some practice before Margaret came out and announced it was time for me to walk Mary Kathryn home. I knew the walk was going to be more than a little bit painful because I had been hard for ages.
        "I planned for her to spend the night here, in my bed," I said.
        "Think you better come up with a different plan, young Michael," Margaret said.
        "But I want to," Mary Kathryn said in a very pouty voice.
        "No doubt," Margaret said, "but it's time to hit the road!" We all laughed and I started walking Mary Kathryn home. The moon was only half-full but the sky was absolutely clear, so the moon looked much brighter than I expected. As we walked, I had to stop from time to time to look at my beauty's face in the moonlight--and to exchange a few kisses. Just past Matt's place there's a huge old oak which arches out over the road. When we reached it, I took Mary Kathryn by the hand and we walked under the tree and I leaned against it and pulled her to me. The moonlight shining through the leaves of the tree make a pattern on the face which I often saw in my dreams. A gentle breeze moved the leaves, changing the pattern on her face, teasing me as her lips, eyes and nose were highlighted and then shadowed. The fantastic beauty before me took my breath away.
        While we were on the porch, we did some making out but it was pretty tame compared to what was happening under the oak. The pressure of her body against mine made me even harder although I thought that was impossible. Our lips were locked together and I found myself breathing for the both of us. Well, not actually, but you know what I mean; every breath Mary Kathryn took came from me. When she placed her hand on the front of my pants and started rubbing my cock, I was in heaven! As she continued, I felt myself approaching that point I have loved since I discovered what I could do by rubbing and stroking my cock. Her touch became a bit more intense and that did it. I was blinded by the climax that hit me. I had to take my lips from hers as I was gasping for breath. When I had recovered enough, I pulled her to me and whispered in her ear, "Mary Kathryn Larsen, I love you, I love you!"
        Mary Kathryn stuck her tongue in my ear and when she removed it said, "If you ever think I don't love you, Michael, remember... God, I don't know how anyone could love a man more, I don't care how old they are." We stayed under the oak for a while longer, exchanging tender kisses and telling each other of our love. Finally we started back toward her house, our arms around each other, still exchanging kisses. Reluctantly, there had to be a final--long, passionate, but final-- kiss on her porch and I walked back to my place. Had anyone seen, there was plenty of evidence I had had a wild woman in my arms. I went upstairs and got into the shower to clean up and embarrassed myself when I realized I was singing at the top of my lungs. When I started the third or fourth time, "More than the greatest love the world has known," I yelled "YES!!"
        Dad came rushing up the stairs to see if something was wrong. When he knocked on the bathroom door and asked, "Are you all right, Son?" I shouted through the door.
        "YES!! I'm wonderful. Dad, I'm in love with the most wonderful, the most perfect, the most beautiful, the most loving woman in the whole wide world!"
        Dad laughed and said, "I think I would challenge that, Son, but I guess it would get me nowhere with you."
        "Margaret's great, Dad, and I love her to death, but she can't compare with my Mary Kathryn."
        "Only a fifteen-year-old's opinion, but it would be useless for me to argue," Dad said and laughed again.
        I wrapped a towel around me and came out of the bathroom, and Dad was standing in the hall laughing. "Seriously, Dad, have you ever been in love as much as I am?"
        "Twice in my life, Michael, and I can tell you it's a wonderful feeling, especially when you are loved in return as I have been by your mom and Margaret."
        "And I am by Mary Kathryn."
        "And as you are by Mary Kathryn," he agreed. We gave each other a high five and Dad hugged me. "We are two damn lucky men, Michael Andrews."
        "Indeed we are! ... I meant to ask earlier, Dad, where's Uncle Michael? I haven't seen him all weekend."
        "Well, he just said he had some business to attend to Friday and that he wouldn't be back this weekend. I think maybe he's gone courtin'."
        "And?"
        "And I'm not sure, but when he left he seemed almost as happy as his nephew was when he came back from a fifteen-minute walk that took an hour. Good night, Son, and sweet dreams."
        "Yea, sweet dreams... you won't have to dream because you have your woman beside you. I don't think that's fair!" I said in as pouty a voice as I could manage.
        "A privilege of age, I guess. And since when was life supposed to be fair?" Dad asked. I went to bed and dreamed of my Larsen beauty, but I was also having some disturbing dreams which I didn't understand. I kept dreaming that I was watching myself and couldn't really see me. I saw Mary Kathryn holding a baby--which definitely was mine--but I couldn't see me or who or what I was. It was puzzling.
        Matt and Luke had their first AP exam Monday--English--so I was surprised when they showed up for lunch. "How'd you guys do?" Mary Kathryn asked. All the seniors of the Fellowship were in AP English so they immediately started talking about the exam. All thought they had done well.
        "I wouldn't have done shit," Luke said, "had Matt not coached me, but I am confident I did well. Certainly not a five, but I'm pretty sure of a four". The others thought they did about the same except Matt who said he had done ok and the exam was what he had expected. He couldn't very well say what we all knew was true; he had probably aced the test.
        While we were talking about the exam, Melinda Howell came into the cafeteria--stormed in would be more like it. Mary Kathryn said, "Prepare for fireworks. I told Melinda that her boyfriend Ronnie Meyer had been bragging about having sex with her and she exploded." We all looked up and it was obvious Melinda was steaming. She walked--no, rocketed would be more accurate--to the table where Ronnie was sitting with some of his friends. When she reached it, she planted her feet about two feet apart and practically shouted, "Ronnie, I'm through with you! You've been bragging about having sex with me, you lying bastard! You have been trying for ages and when I finally decided it was ok, you needle dick, you couldn't get it up! That's as close as you ever came to having sex with me and that's as close as you ever WILL get, spaghetti dick!" She then stormed over to a table and sat down.
        "Thanks, Matt. I see what you mean about all talk and no action! Man, I bet there's a lot less talk in the locker room from now on!"

Matt

        After lunch, Luke and I went to the office and checked out, taking advantage of the afternoon off provision of the AP exam schedule. "Luke, when Michael talked to me about being kidded because he was a virgin and almost sixteen, he had another problem. I think in his nearly-sixteen-year-old mind, they were close in importance."
        "Something as important as whether or not to have sex with my baby sister?"
        "In case you haven't noticed, lover boy, your baby sister is hardly a baby any more--a babe, yes, a baby, no! But yes, having sex with your sister."
        "She loses her virginity before I do and there is going to be big trouble," Luke said in a Jens voice.
        "Don't think you have to worry about that and I'm sure the kidding will stop after today," I laughed. "Besides, I told him just to give the locker room guys a wicked Michael grin and say something like, 'Man, if you only had what I have' and let the guys fill in the blanks. Anyway, he's really concerned about a birthday present for Mary Kathryn. Think we might buzz over to Mr. Swartz's place and take a look?"
        "Sure. Why not?"
        When we got to Mr. Swartz's shop, he was delighted to see us. We told him our problem and he suggested earrings which matched the central symbol on Mary Kathryn's ring. "Do you remember what it is, Luke?" I asked.
        "Yea, its the face of the corn maiden."
        "Let me see what I have," Mr. Swartz said and went in the back. When he came back, he had two trays, one of earrings and one of bracelets. "Thought you might like to see the bracelets as well," he said as he placed the trays on the counter.
        "Look at these," Luke said, holding up a pair of earrings with a roadrunner on them. "Didn't Michael pick a ring with a roadrunner?"
        "Sure did. Man, that would be neat--earrings to match his ring for his woman. Luke, my man, you are a genius. Mr. Swartz, would you put those aside until we can talk to Michael? I'm sure he will think they are a good idea and I would hate to have them gone if he wanted them."
        "Well, as you know, I have a good collection and sold few until some teenagers with taste took a bunch of my lovely rings. Now they are raiding my earring collection, it seems," he laughed. "Of course I will hold them for Michael. Just have him call or come by."
        When we left the shop, I asked Luke if he'd like to hear a surprise I was preparing for Millie and he said he would. We went by St. Mary's and I suggested we call the school and leave a message for Michael that we had a project we needed him to help with, and that I would pick him up. We did, and the secretary said she would give him the message. "Make sure he understands he is to be the only one we will pick up," Luke told her. As we were leaving the office, I said to Gertie, "Gertie, I'm going to play something for Luke I have been working on as a surprise for Millie. Now, for heaven's sake, keep quiet about it because it has to be a surprise."
        "You don't think I will hear it here in the office, do you?" she asked, somewhat amused.
        "I wouldn't be surprised! Just keep it under your hat!" Luke and I went into the church and I told Luke to sit in Millie's place--everyone knew where that was! "Luke, when I first started taking organ from Millie, she would occasionally open up this Flentrop and blast away with a piece I thought was great. Of course, when this monster is opened up, it should be in a place at least twice the size of St. Mary's, but Mr. Willingham insisted on having it. It has pipes that could have bird's nests they are used so seldom, such as this one." I played a note on a 32-foot pedal stop! In a small parish church, you just don't have a 32-foot stop, but St. Mary's did! "When I first started taking organ from Millie--I was only six ... remember that fuss?--Millie used to kid me saying, 'Matt, you may be good, but don't think you'll ever manage this,' and she would cut loose. Of course, when I started, I couldn't reach the pedal manual. In fact, I couldn't even reach the swell pedal, so it was a pretty safe bet on her part, but I think I can manage it now and I want to surprise my old teacher." When Luke was in Millie's pew, I started and don't think I made a mistake. When I finished, I got up and bowed as Luke stood applauding.
        "Damn, Matt, that's something! I bet Millie will wet her pants when she hears that! Babe, how would you like to grab a burger and fries since we will need to pick up Michael, and if we went home we'd almost have to turn around and come back."
        "Sounds good."
        We took our time eating and talking and then went to the school where Michael was waiting for us. "Michael, don't expect us to solve ALL your problems, but I think Matt and I have solved the birthday present problem. By the way, your's is tomorrow and you have AP history exam the following day. When's the celebration?"
        "Well, Mary Kathryn's birthday is the eighteenth and Margaret asked if we would like to have our celebrations together and we did. But it seemed bad to have it the night before the concert, which it would be if we had it the Saturday after her birthday, so the two of us asked if it could be this Saturday night and that was fine with Margaret. Uncle Michael asked about having it at his new place and we all asked, 'what new place?' and he said he had seen an old house--you know one of those old Victorian houses in Millie's neighborhood--along the river which had been allowed to run down. Millie knew who owned it and told him how to approach the owner--Millie had tried to buy it for years, but he hated Millie and liked the idea that he had a run-down house in Millie's neighborhood. Uncle Michael approached the man and told him he wanted to annoy Millie by moving into her neighborhood and hinted that he was not the kind of people Millie wanted living nearby. He bought the ploy and Uncle Michael bought the house for next to nothing last week. It will have to have a lot of work done to repair it and take care of other improvements he wants to make. He said he'd like to have the celebration there. The house would be cleaned up and the downstairs definitely usable, but not what it would be when he finished. By the way, he told Dad he was doing some business last weekend and had other plans so he wouldn't be home until Sunday night or Monday. When I asked Dad what he was up to, Dad said he though he was 'going courtin' and that was just a guess."
        "Wonder who he's courtin'?" Luke asked, then got a surprised look on his face. "You don't think it's Mr. Stephenson do you?"
        "I hadn't thought about it, but I wouldn't be surprised," I said.
        "I'm not sure. There's several years difference in their ages," Michael said.
        "Need I remind you that the same could be said of your dad and Margaret?" Luke asked.
        "Hadn't thought about that either. I guess when I think about, say, five years, it seems huge. I mean Mary Kathryn would be a middle school kid if there were five years' difference in our ages. I guess it's a matter of how old you are. Wouldn't that be great, since Uncle Michael has been without a partner for two years..."
        "So has Mr. Stephenson," Luke added. "Do you think there's something in the water on the farms? Seems love just kinda busts out if you hang around out there. Well, here we are," Luke said as we pulled up in front of Mr. Swartz's shop. "Matt and I came by today and looked at some earrings I think you and Mary Kathryn would like."
        When Mr. Swartz brought out the tray of earrings, Michael started looking at them and picked out a pair with the face of the corn maiden. "These match her ring," he said, but didn't seem too enthusiastic about them.
        "Here's the ones your friends thought you might like." Mr. Swartz took a box from under the counter and opened it to show Michael the ones with the roadrunner.
        "YES!" Michael exclaimed. "That's it. Her earrings would match my ring. Yes!, but I don't have the money with me," he said as his face fell.
        "Matt and I thought of that, so we got money from the ATM which we will loan you."
        "Thanks, those are perfect."
        "I'll wrap them for you," Mr. Swartz said, and disappeared in the back of the shop.
        "Thanks, guys, those are absolutely perfect! What am I going to do next year without you two around?" Michael's question touched a nerve since Luke and I still were scheduled to be on opposite ends of the east coast next year.
        Mr. Swartz came back with a beautifully wrapped box and gave it to Michael, who took it with an almost worshipful attitude. Luke and I paid Mr. Swartz and we walked to the Jeep, Michael carrying Mary Kathryn's gift like it was the Holy Grail!
        As we took Michael to his place, I noticed Mom and Dad were home so Luke and I stopped by. I was having dinner at the Larsens' and Luke and I were working on calculus. The AP exam was Thursday and I really felt shaky about it. In fact, I was feeling so shaky that Luke and I worked until midnight every night, spending more time on calculus than English once he felt confident about English, and now English was over we had really decided to work on calculus. We stopped each night at midnight and piled into bed without a lot of playing around. I was so tense that I was making him tense and we were still running, so we were getting about six hours sleep. Wednesday, we picked up Michael and Mary Kathryn after their AP exams. Both said they were confident they had done well. "How about spending some time at the falls?" Luke suggested. "I think all of us could do with some relaxing time." He had instant agreement.
        "Just remember I have this week's only practice this afternoon," I reminded the crew.
        Mary Kathryn crossed the canes and, when we had reached the beach, she said, "Guys, I feel like skin