Sid G

Mall Punk

Chapters 17-18

Chapter 17
Library, School, Party

This time I saw there were three new messages waiting. As I unbuttoned my shirt I hit the play button.

"Son, it's Styan, call me before you listen to any other messages." I pounded the stop button, picked up the phone and hit the speed dial and then his extension as soon as the first sound of the greeting came over the line.

"Mr. Maskovitz's office," Margaret Stohlmayer said.

"Margaret, it's Jon, my Dad called."

"Oh yes, one second." I paced in a tight circle as I waited.

"Jon," Styan said.

"Dad, is everything all right? Are you OK?" Styan chuckled and I relaxed a little. "What's up Dad? Please."

"You're going to have to miss a couple days of school next week, that's all."

He never let me cut. "Why?"

"You, Gary and I have to take a business trip. To Boulder, Colorado to make a formal presentation on your library."

"What? You're kidding. Fantastic. What does this mean?"

"Settle down, this is the semifinal round. We're one of five teams they've invited out there to make presentations. Gary Black's already working on the scale model we'll need."

"I can't believe it, I can't fucking believe it. I never dreamed," I started crying. I just couldn't believe that they like my work that much.

"You did it son, I'm so proud of you," Styan said, and I cried harder.

"Pull yourself together, get your homework done and I'll pick you up for supper. We're all going out to celebrate."

"Sorry, I just never thought," I started to say as I wiped my eyes.

"I know son, but you can listen to the rest of the messages now. I love you so much."

"I love you to Dad, see you later." I hung up, finished drying my eyes and went to hit the play button again. There were still three new messages waiting for me.

The first was from Harry Lowell, my Dad's partner, congratulating me. The second was from Don Werner, Joe's father. He congratulated me and said he was glad his son was in love with a boy talented enough to keep him living in the style that he was rapidly becoming accustomed too. Also that he'd let me tell Joe.

The third call totally threw me for a loop.

"Son, it's your father, I mean Lamont, oh shit I don't know what you want me to call myself. But forget that, Styan just called and told Don Werner and me. I just want to say how proud I am of you and what you've accomplished. Keep up the good work son. I love you. Bye."

The message ended and I hit the replay button and listened to my biological father's voice two more times. Mixed feelings tore through me. I glowed in his praise, but hated him too. Not for calling me 'son', after all I was. But because he had never treated me like one, shit I hadn't even been a blip on his radar screen.

I took a deep breath and let it out. "I'm not going to let him bring me down," I said to the empty room and smiled. I finally hit the play button to listen to the last message.

"Hi Styan and Jon, its Ton-Ton. Guess where I'm living now? Give up? I'm back with Eric, hopefully for good. It wasn't working with my aunt and cousins and I missed my friends so we all talked and Eric agreed to give it a chance. Here, Eric wants to say something, but first I just want to say I'm so excited and happy, bye."

"Hi, it's Eric now, calm down Ton, it's my turn. Yes, I did it. I admit I missed him after he moved out, and when they called me I thought about the happiness you two have and decided to give it a shot. I understand we're all having supper tonight at Danny's Ribs. See you then; hope to have time to talk. Got to go, I've got to help Ton-Ton with his homework. Bye."

I started to reach for the phone, deciding whether to call Eric or Styan first, when the doorbell rang. I ran over and let Joe in. We hugged and kissed like it'd been days since we'd seen each other instead of an hour or so.

"Ask me what's new," I said.

"What's new?"

"Nothing much."

Joe started tickling me under the arms. "Answer or I'll tickle you to death," he said in his best German accent.

"Your uncle's a daddy and my library made it to the second round."

"What?" he stopped tickling me, "explain that please."

Instead of answering I pulled him on top of me and I slid my hands inside his pants and cupped his round cheeks in my hands. Joe matched my move and I felt his fingers slipping inside my crack. I ground my groin into his and felt him come to full erection.

"Tell me you fuck," he said.

"Or what? You'll stick that big cock up my ass."

"No, I won't stick it up there."

I moved one hand around to his front and started massaging Joe's rod, feeling the precum start to leak. I wiped it up with my finger, withdrew my hand and slowly sucked on it.

"I guess I can wait," Joe moaned as he slowly lowered my pants, from the inside. I unbuttoned his shirt, starting to chew on his nipples as they became accessible. The windows were covered so I took Joe to the floor and slowly pulled his pants off. "I don't want to wait to long."

Neither did I. With a well practiced talent I swallowed his throbbing cock quickly and smoothly and started sucking on it. After nearly a year I can read his body. I can tell exactly when he's five seconds from the point of no return. And stop him from reaching it.

The third time I stopped I pulled completely off and we kissed.

A long, deep, passionate kiss. A kiss only two people who truly love each other can exchange.

"Fuck you," Joe said, "I want to fuck my lover's ass."

"Yeah."

I moved on top of him and slowly guided his prick into my hole, feeling it grow inside me, even after I felt his pubic hair on my cheeks. Slowly I raised and lowered my legs as I stroked my cock.

After ten minutes I lifted off him and rolled onto my stomach, and Joe quickly reinserted his cock. He was in charge now and he kept at a slow, steady pace for a long time before he screamed and filled me with his seed.

Joe slowly pulled out and rolled off of me. I turned over and put my arm over his. "You know, we've got to talk to our fathers about having the company invest in a biotech company that can find a way for us to have our own child one day," Joe said as he took my cock in his hand.

"Be worth a fortune, all the gay couples out there who want a child that's truly their own."

"Yeah, now you were going to tell me something," Joe said and released my cock.

"Keep stroking," he resumed, "Ton-Ton's moved back in with Eric, probably for good if everything works out. It wasn't working with his Aunt, and Ton wanted to go to his old school."

"That's so cool, I've missed the little kid."

I took Joe's head in my hand and lowered it onto my thick, leaking cock and immediately filled his mouth with boy cum. When he was finished swallowing I filled him in on what was happening with my library and the dinner that night.

The dinner was great.

The rest of the week was chaos. I went from school to the office and worked with Gary on the model. It was the first time I'd seen any of my designs in three dimensions, it was so cool. Then came Friday morning at school. Styan gave me a note to drop off at the office about my upcoming absence. I dropped it off on my way to home room and didn't give it another thought.

I got reminded when Joe and I walked into architecture at the end of the day.

"Well, well Mr. Sorrel, I hear you're going to be missing a few days next week," Mr. Zephyr, our teacher, said.

"Yes sir, my father has a business meeting out in Colorado and wants me to come along. I should be back on Thursday."

"Yes I know. He's an architect, isn't he?"

"Yes, he's a partner in a firm here in town. They're up for a contract for a university library and they're making their presentation to the committee next week ."

"Very good, just one thing though. I've been watching you work, and while you are the best student in this class I believe you've been holding back."

"No, I don't understand sir," I said. Part of me wanted to grab Joe's hand but he had slid away and into his chair, leaving me at the door in the front of the room.

Mr. Zephyr turned to one of the other students, teacher's pet really. "Carl, put that drawing up on the screen please," Mr. Zephyr said.

The room darkened slightly and as a drawing appeared my stomach dropped.

"I found this in your computer file the other day Jon. I don't recall assigning this to you or receiving anything like this from you."

I coughed, "I was just fooling around sir. I'd finished the day's assignment and was trying something out. I'm sorry, it won't happen again."

"It had better happen again, this is some of the most advanced work I have ever seen from a high school student in this, or any other school."

"Thank you sir. I appreciate that."

"You're welcome Jon, now for the rest of the class please discuss this drawing. Carl can focus on any part you want."

"Start with the bedroom, that's his favorite room," came a boy's voice from across the room.

"Yeah, little faggot sure seen enough of them," came another from the same direction.

"Lights on Carl," Mr. Zephyr snapped. "Whoever said those things stand up now."

Chairs moved to the side and I spotted two guys starting to stand up and I tried identifying them, but couldn't. What the fuck was I going to do? What was Mr. Zephyr going to do?

"Well, well. Mr. Norton and Mr. Alea, what is the meaning of this?"

"We don't want his kind in our school, Norton said."

"And what kind is that?" I found myself asking.

"A faggot whore who hangs around the mall picking up tricks. That's what kind," Norton said.

"I'm glad I don't have gym with you, I'd be scared to take a shower," Alea said.

I took a deep breath and decided to go for broke. "You're right, I am gay, but you don't have to worry girly, you've got nothing I want."

"The three of you, that's quite enough," Mr. Zephyr began. But he was too late, Alea was coming over the desks. One of the desks was Joe's, and he rammed his fist into the bigger boy's balls.

Any other time it would have been funny to watch the instantaneous change from charging bull to whimpering baby lying half on and half off the desks.

"Jon, Joe, go to my office now. Conrad, drag your friend down to the nurse's office and wait for me, now. The rest of you, class is over, remain here until the final bell. But I urge you to think before spreading what happened here around campus," Mr. Zephyr said.

Conrad half dragged his cohort out and then Joe and I started to leave the room.

"Jon, wait please. Mr. Zephyr, can I ask Jon a question?" I turned and it was Betty Collins and my heart sank. I'd been putting her off about an article for the school's paper and the last of my luck left when I saw her.

He turned to me, "it's up to you Jon."

I nodded. "What Betty?" I asked.

"Is it true?"

"What? Am I gay? Yes I am."

"About being a whore?"

"Miss Collins, that will be quite enough. One more word out of you and you'll be in the office and off the paper," Mr. Zephyr said.

Thoughts ran through my head and I looked over at Joe and mouthed, "what do I do?"

Joe stood up and walked over to me. Took my hand. "Tell the truth."

"Mr. Zephyr, can I answer the question? This is going to get out and I might as well get my side in before it looks I'm staying out of school to avoid the charge."

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Mr. Zephyr asked.

"This isn't the way I wanted it to come out but it's out, or I'm outed, so might as well tackle it head on."

"The floor is yours."

I squeezed Joe's hand and took a deep breath. "Yes I'm gay. But Conrad was only half right, I was a whore at the mall, but not any more. Not since my foster father took me in. You see until November 8th of last year, my fourteenth birthday, I was a prisoner in my own home. Rarely let out of my room, and then usually for sex sessions with my older stepbrothers and their friends. I was physically and sexually abused for about ten years. My father and stepmother didn't care."

"You're just making that up," came a voice.

I ripped my tie off and started pulling my shirt out. "Come up here. Take a look at my back, touch it, and then tell me I'm lying."

A boy I didn't really recognize came up from the rear of the class. I lifted the back of my shirt and turned my back to him. "Take a good look, touch the scars," I said.

Moments later I felt tentative fingers tracing a particularly long one and then move over to others.

"I'm sorry Jon, I just didn't think things like this happened in towns like this. Only poor people beat and fucked their kids."

I felt tears on my cheeks, was that how they got away with it? Rich people, good white families didn't do that kind of thing. I turned back around and looked into his face.

"No problem, I guess most parents want their kids thinking they live in a safe little world, but we don't." I tucked my shirt back in while he sat back down.

"My only contact with the outside world was through television. They bought me computers and educational software. I never held a pencil in my hand before this spring. As I said I escaped on my birthday and made my way to the mall. I lived there for four months. There were a lot of kids."

"Like me," Joe said.

"Who let me crash with them from time-to-time and I had sex with some of them."

"Like me," Joe said.

"There were also men who paid me for sex. It's how I got enough money to eat and buy what I needed."

"How did it make you feel?" Betty asked.

"As I said, I'd spent ten years being used as a sex slave. Finally I could pick my partners, and get paid for it. Even a thank you occasionally, and believe me I appreciated it. It took my foster father, Joe, and other friends and family to make me understand I was good for something besides a sex. But since I met my father back in March I haven't turned one trick and have no desire to do it again."

"Besides, if he does his boyfriend will be very, very, mad at him," Joe said, then leaned over and kissed my cheek.

"And I don't want that," and kissed his. "Any more questions?"

"Joe, is your story like Jon's?" somebody asked.

"No, mine is the typical Longston upbringing. I'm just gay and have been since I learned that my penis had a couple of different uses."

The class, including Mr. Zephyr, laughed.

"Class, wait here until the final bell. But I want to ask you to think and be careful about what you say about what's happened today. You all know the school's policy on sexual harassment and the school will enforce it swiftly and without exception. Miss Collins, I especially ask you to be judicious about anything you write.

"Yes sir. Jon, when are you leaving?"

"Sunday evening, and yes you can call me."

"You're giving a girl permission to call?" Joe asked in mock surprise.

I slipped my arm around his waist, "no call to get jealous boyfriend."

"Jon, Joe, not in class please. Could you wait for me in my office, I'll be there shortly," Mr. Zephyr said.

We almost ran down the corridor to his office and quickly closed the door behind us. Like most of the teachers' offices the top of the corridor wall was glass but Mr. Zephyr had installed curtains which Joe quickly lowered.

"Hold me," I said, and he did.

We held each other silently for a minute and then I looked into his eyes.

"Did that really just happen? Did you really?"

"Oh yeah, it really happened, and you know what?"

"What?"

"I'm happy," Joe said. "Hiding the fact that I was gay, that you're my boyfriend was driving me nuts. Now we can walk down the halls like any other couple."

"I've got to sit," I said.

"You OK?"

I nodded as I sank into a chair. I looked around and saw a gallon jug of water on the desk and pointed. Joe found a couple of cups and we each took a glass, not even thinking if Mr. Zephyr would object. After a couple of minutes I finally felt normal again, almost.

"Joe, I knew this would happen sooner or later, almost surprised it took this long. But are you really OK with it? You didn't have to come out."

"My dad and I talked about this before school started. I told him how much I really loved you, how we met, and what you'd done to stay alive."

"What he say?"

"First he pressed me for more details from before you ran away. Then I had to talk him out of either quitting or killing Lamont. Finally he told me the facts of life. That eventually something like this would happen to you and to do what I felt was right. If that meant telling the world I was gay that was fine with him and mom," Joe said.

I stood up and walked over to Joe. He stood up, our arms snaked around each other and we kissed. We stood like that until the bell rang.

Fortunately we broke right before Mr. Zephyr walked in with Dr. Gilead and Mr. Halsey.

"You two all right?" Dr. Gilead asked.

"Yes sir," I said and Joe nodded. "I'm sorry about this, really didn't expect this to happen this way. Hoping it wouldn't actually."

"I can understand that. It might have been nice if you or your foster father had mentioned these little details."

"Roland, let's be real," Mr. Halsey said.

Dr. Gilead nodded, "as of now both of them are suspended for next week pending further review. That's what policy demands. As for you Mr. Werner."

"Yes sir," Joe said.

"Can you arrange to go on that trip with Jon?"

"Sure, as long as I can get a plane ticket, but why?"

"You hit another student, arguably in trying to defend Jon but I'll still have to suspend you for three days. I've got to enforce the rules. If you're not around it may be easier," Dr. Gilead said.

"No problem, sir. I'll call my father as soon as I get home and he'll make the arrangements," I said.

"I've got an idea, I want the two of you to write a report on what goes on at a presentation. Do you think Mr. Maskovitz can get you into the actual presentation Jon?" Mr. Zephyr asked.

"No problem, I have to be there anyway," I said.

"Jon," Joe said.

"And why is that?" Mr. Zephyr asked.

"It's my design."

"That's the last time you get away with a freshman assignment young man."

All five of us started chuckling.

"Yes sir," I said.

"Admiral, take these two to their lockers and then the office, Joe's mother should be there by then," Dr. Gilead said.

"My mother, oh shit. What you tell her?" Joe said.

"Just the truth, I hope she knew?" Dr. Gilead said.

Joe nodded.

Mr. Halsey walked us in silence to our lockers and then to the office. Mrs. Werner was sitting in a chair sipping at a cup of something and talking to Dr. Gilead and Mr. Zephyr. Her back was to us so I couldn't tell how she felt.

"Hi mom," Joe said as we walked in.

She turned and stood. I realized she was upset. "Mrs. Werner, I'm sorry," I said. She raised her hand and I stopped.

"You've got nothing to be sorry for Jon. This isn't your fault."

"More mine than Joe's, and I am sorry you're upset."

"I'm not upset at either of you," Mrs. Werner said.

Joe walked over and took her hand. "Then what mom?"

"Loss of innocence, I hoped that at nice, peaceful, good class of people Longston Academy you two wouldn't face this kind of hatred. You'd come out when you were ready and everybody would just shrug."

"That's not real mom," Joe said.

"Mrs. Werner, let me assure you that gay-bashing is covered in our code of conduct, including under sexual harassment. The school, I, will not tolerate anything like this again," Dr. Gilead said.

Mrs. Werner put the cup down. "I want to thank all of you for your handling of this today, and your assurances for the future. However, I assure you that if my son or Jon has any problems I will make sure that the rules are followed.

"Come on boys, your fathers are waiting for you."

The following Sunday found the four of us winging our way west. First to Denver and then to Boulder. When we checked into our hotel there was a message waiting that our presentation wouldn't be until Tuesday afternoon.

"Cool dad, gives us more time to prepare," I said.

"Better, this time means we're the last to go and that position usually goes to the front runner. But that doesn't mean we don't have lots of work to do tomorrow. Including you Joe, full presentations are complicated and we all need to be on the same page. But tonight the pool is open late so why don't you change into your trunks after you unpack and have a good time."

"Sounds good, you going to join us?" I asked.

"No, but remember you don't have time to go picking up girls."

"Styan Maskovitz, is it really you?"

We turned towards the voice and saw a giant coming toward us. He seemed to be running but when I looked at his legs he was just walking. The guy had to be seven feet [2.10 m] tall, well over three hundred pounds [130 kg] of muscle.

"Lance, Lance Altair, I didn't expect to see you here," Styan said and took the man's hand.

"Wasn't planning on it until I saw your name on the list. So how you been?"

"Great, you got time to talk?" Styan asked.

"Sure, a half-hour in the bar?"

"Dad, who is this?" I asked.

"Dad, you?" Lance said.

"Foster father technically. Lance this is my son Jonathon Sorrel, his friend Joe Werner and my assistant Gary Black. Guys, this is Lance Altair, principal owner of the architectural firm of Altair, Cooke, Levins and Company. Besides being one of our competitors he was my roommate in grad school."

"An honor to meet you sir," Gary said.

"Mine too, if your work on this project is top rate maybe I'll steal you from my buddy." Lance turned to face me. "Are you the Sorrel whose name's on the blueprints?"

"Did everybody get a crack at seeing the opposition except me?" Styan asked.

"Don't know, I just make it a policy to ask for copies. Don't always get them, but it helps in prep. Now young man, answer the question."

"Yes sir, that's me," I said.

"Actually, Jon's the primary designer. The rest of us just worked on technical issues," Styan said. "But do me a favor and don't tell the committee that."

"In that case you're buying tonight, and I'm mighty thirsty. You can come along too Gary if you want. I'll tell you stories about your boss that will give you a partnership."

We shook hands and headed upstairs. Gary just kept staring at his hand.

"You ever going to wash that hand again?" Joe asked.

"I'm not sure, he's a giant in our field Joe. Not just his size, but his firms track record of getting the jobs it wants, the quality of the designs, his originality. And you never told me you knew him Styan."

"I told two talented employees, agreed to set up a meeting, and he hired both of them away from me. Didn't upset me, but I promised myself never to make that mistake again. And you my friend are more talented than either one of them."

"Can I remind you of that at review time?" Gary asked, and we all laughed.

Our three rooms were adjacent on the tenth floor and after hurriedly unpacking Joe and I headed down to the seventh floor pool. The pool was set in the middle of an atrium, and while not long enough for competitive swimming it was for getting the kinks out of a long day of traveling. Joe and I had continued going to the teen club at the Y for the rest of the spring, but now we just went there to swim or workout. While I'm in a lot better shape than I was last March Joe is still the better athlete. And he makes sure he stays that way.

After a half-hour of hard swimming we climbed over the wall and into the whirlpool. Five minutes later Joe nudged me in the side. "See that kid just came in? He's so hot."

I looked up to see this blond Adonis walking around the pool. Had to be over six feet [1.80 m] tall with hardly any body hair. Blond hair cut in a fade but with a rat tail that ran between his shoulder blades. He was wearing a racing suit and when he got closer it was clear he was packing a good size cock.

"I know Styan said we didn't have time to pick up girls, but do we have time for him?" Joe asked.

He walked up to us and looked down, we smiled up. "Hello, want to join us? The water's not too hot," I asked.

"Are you Jon and Joe?" he asked.

"Guilty as charged, and you are?"

"Rod Altair, you met my dad downstairs. He suggested I find you."

"We're glad you did. Want to come in?" Joe asked. "Oh, I'm Joe and this is Jon."

Rod climbed in and Joe and I separated so he could sit between us. I looked around and realized we were the only ones in the place. "Is this the first time you've gone with your dad to a presentation?" I asked.

"No, I've gone to a few the last couple of years. Mostly when it's someplace he finds interesting. Of course, those are the only ones he usually handles himself anyway. How about you?"

"This is our first, my dad's the architect and I was coming all along. Joe was sort of a last minute addition to the team. So what are these things like?"

Rod talked for about ten minutes. I was fascinated. I also noticed that he didn't object when I moved closer and our legs met. Nor when I put my hand on his thigh. He didn't stop talking until Joe's hand reached his butt and mine his crotch.

"Do you mind?" I asked when he fell silent.

He smiled, and put one hand on each of our legs. "Not at all, but I understand you have your own room."

"Would you care to see it?" Joe asked.

"Love to," Rod said and squeezed our legs. I squeezed his cock at felt it expand. When he rose out of the water I could see a good eight inches [20 cm] outlined in the tight fabric. We wrapped our towels around our shoulders and headed upstairs.

As soon as we were in the room I turned up the thermostat and got some more towels. By the time I returned from the bathroom Joe and Rod were naked and holding sodas. I saw one on top of the refrigerator for me, but when I looked back at Rod I knew what I wanted to drink.

I knelt in front of Rod and took the large boy tool in my hands and gently stroked it as I leaned over and licked his balls. Around his crotch was a coating of light blond hair. I took first one nut and then both into my mouth and gave them a good bath. When I felt a drop of precum land on my shoulder I released them and slowly licked my way back up his cock.

"Rod, lay on the bed," Joe said.

"Why?" Rod asked.

"You'll see," Joe said and took his hand and positioned him on the bed. "Back to work lover."

"You get to work lover," I said.

I positioned my mouth over his cock and spread my legs to give Joe complete access to my hole. As I slowly began to swallow the long, thin, rod I felt Joe's hands spread my cheeks and start rimming me.

When my nose reached Rod's bush I wiggled my ass to get Joe off for a second while I repositioned myself. That done I started to slowly bob my head without using much suction to start. When I'd established a good rhythm Joe began inserting his hard cock into my experienced chute. Once in Joe started matching his strokes with mine.

"Oh shit, you're really fucking him!" Rod said.

"Oh yeah, Jon's got a nice ass, an ass made to be fucked."

I lifted my mouth off Rod's cock. "Nice, all you can say is nice?"

Rod put his hand on my head and put it back where he felt it belonged.

Of course, for the moment at least, he was right. His cock continued to expand inside my mouth as I bobbed and licked. I slid my hands under his ass and let my fingers slip inside his crack and play with Rod's hole. He started moaning and shifting as the tip of my finger slipped just inside.

But, with two horny teenage boys it never seems to take long before I'm being filled with sperm, and that night was no exception. Rod shot a huge load first, which was quickly followed by Joe's filling my ass with his seed. I kept sucking on Rod's rod until Joe pulled out of me. Then I flipped over on the bed next to him with my cock standing straight in the air.

Without waiting Rod moved and swallowed my cock. With his nose in my bush he started licking my cock. I used all my experience to hold out as long as I could.

"Can't hold out much longer, so if you don't want to swallow pull off." I said.

He did, aimed my cock at his face, stroked once and I covered his face with cum. When I was done shooting he used both hands to spread it all over his face, neck and chest.

"I love the feel of cum drying on my body," he said. "One night up at summer camp I was the cookie in the middle of a circle jerk and at least twenty boys came on me, some I think twice. Didn't shower for days, and some of my friends added to it everyday."

"Man, you must have been ripe," Joe said.

"Yeah, but it was an all boys camp out in the woods. We were naked most of the time, only wore short cutoffs for meals and other times the equipment needed protecting."

Joe handed each of us our sodas. "Tell us more. Where is this camp?"

Thirty minutes later the phone rang. "Hello," I said.

"Hi Jon, is Rod Altair with you?" Styan asked.

"Yeah, he found us at the pool and we ended up here. He's been telling us about his summer camp."

"Put him on, his father wants to talk with him."

"Sure," I said and handed Rod the phone. Of course he had to lean over me and I took the opportunity to caress his butt cheeks.

Joe and I listened to a series of yeses, fines, and goods.

"Dad, can I spend the night with Joe and Jon? They've got a king size bed and a recliner."

There was a pause and I figured the two fathers were talking. Finally Rod handed the phone back to me.

"Yes dad."

"Son, Rod can stay, but."

"To late dad, and he didn't mind at all," I said and the other two started laughing.

"I figured that, just no trading professional secrets is what I was going to say."

I started laughing, "I love you dad, and don't get too drunk we've got work to do tomorrow."

As I finished hanging up the phone Rod pulled me back onto the bed and rolled on top of me. My hands found his smooth cheeks and I started rubbing them. Finally my fingers started their way inside him. Finally I had two fingers inside him to the first knuckle.

"Jon, will you take my cherry?" Rod asked.

"Are you sure? It's a big step."

"Yes," he kissed me and our tongues met, "I've known I was gay for years, and told my parents last year. My friends at home don't care, some will even blow me back, but none will fuck me. "I want, I need to feel somebody I like inside me for the first time."

As our lips met Joe pulled my hands away and started rimming Rod. Despite it being tight Joe got his talented tongue a good way in and lubed him up nicely.

"You ready Rod?" I asked.

"How do you want me?"

"Lay down flat on the bed, let me do the work and enjoy. If it starts hurting tell me and I'll either slow down or stop."

"OK, but I want your cum on my stomach," Rod said.

"Sure," I said and gave him one more kiss before he slid off me. I used my precum to lubricate my cock head and placed it into position. I started pressing and my tip quickly found his sphincter.

"Now press out like you're taking a dump," I said. He did and I quickly slipped the rest of the way in.

"Oh shit, that feels so great," I said as Rod's tight hole collapsed around my cock. "You OK?"

"Feels so good, better than I ever imagined it when I was playing with my dildos," Rod said.

I started stroking at a nice, slow, steady pace. I wanted to make this last, and have Rod enjoy it. I looked over and saw Joe sitting on the chair, stroking his rod while he watched the two of us. I blew him a kiss, "I love only you," I mouthed.

"I know," he whispered.

Underneath me Rod was moaning and I knew there was going to be cum stains on the bed when I was finished. But who the fuck cared.

Slowly I started picking the pace up and after a little while I pulled out, flipped him over, and covered Rod's chest and neck with my cum.

It was wonderful.

Joe touched my shoulder and I rolled off of Rod. As soon as I was clear Joe added his second load of the night to Rod's torso. Surprisingly Rod hadn't shot and as soon as Joe's first shot landed he erupted.

Joe got us each another soda and some snacks from the refrigerator and we watched TV for a little while before we fell asleep.

Joe and I were wrapped in each others arms when the phone rang to wake us up. Rod also happened to be closer so he picked it up.

"Hello, who do you want?" He paused, "OK, we'll see you then."

"What?," I said.

"Your dad, we meet them in half hour in restaurant for breakfast. We have to shower and get dressed first."

"Separate or together?" Joe said.

"Together, quicker but no sex, no time," I said.

"I need to pee," Rod said and disappeared.

Two minutes later he came back out holding his swim suit. "Either of you got something I can wear till after breakfast. This is all I got, and I don't think my dad would appreciate it."

"I've got a pair of shorts that will do, it should stay up OK, just a little shorter on you than me. But I don't wear underpants, if that's a problem."

"Well, the suits a little wet so I won't be either, sort of sexy come to think of it.

"Fine, then just pick one of Joe's t-shirts and that'll do the trick. You've got your sandals from the pool, right?" I said.

"Yeah thanks, come on I've got the shower started."

The shower really wasn't big enough for the three of us so the bathroom was a wet mess by the time we were clean, thank God the presentation wasn't until the next day. My shorts were snug around his hips and the shirt he picked covered the waistband so nobody could tell how low it was.

Styan, Gary and Lance were waiting for us when we walked into the restaurant only five minutes late and with our hair almost dry.

"Breakfast is on you Lance," Styan said.

"What?" I said.

"We had a bet, I figured you'd be at least fifteen minutes late and your dad figured ten," Lance Altair said.

"Sorry dad," Rod said as we sat down. "But, Jon really pushed us to move. I think he was trying to impress you."

"Jon, you've impressed me enough. If after college you want to intern with me before you go to work with your dad you've got a job for as long as you want."

"Thank you sir, but that's so far off."

The waitress came and we ordered, ate, and went our separate ways. Rod offered to return the clothes right after he got them washed but we told him to keep them and we'd see him at the pool that night.

We drove out to the university and found the proposed site. It was a beautiful spot with the mountains in the background and not too far from the dorms. I turned Gary's model around in my mind and it looked perfect from two possible angles. The rest of the day was spent back at the hotel rehearsing the presentation. Styan and Gary were going to do the talking but Joe and I would handle the drawings and models.

Dad finally released us after supper and we found a message on our door when we got back up. Rod would meet us at the pool. That evening the three of us just swam, sat in the whirlpool, and talked for a couple of hours. Despite being several inches taller then either Joe or myself he was about four months younger than me.

We slept late the next morning and after breakfast did a quick run through of the presentation. After lunch we changed into our suits and headed back to the university. After setting everything up we sat around and waited.

"Do we include this part in our school report?" Joe asked but the door opened before anybody could respond. Four men and a woman entered the room, they ranged from forty to over sixty I guessed, I thought one looked like a Native American and that really made me nervous. The adults chatted while we sat by the wall.

Everybody started to take their positions when the door opened and a man walked in with a Native American boy around my age. They apologized for being late and took their seats. Styan started and the initial presentation went smoothly. Several times I caught the boy looking at me and we exchanged smiles. His was a brilliant contrast to his darker complexion.

When Styan and Gary were finished we took a five minute break and then it was time for questions. Surprisingly the boy started.

"Are you the Jonathan Sorrel who worked on the design," he asked, looking directly at me.

"Yes sir," I said.

"Please call me Bo," he said and we exchanged smiles.

"Let me introduce the latecomers," the chairman said. "The gentleman is Dr. Compton, chair of the library committee, and the young man is Bo Swiftwater."

"Thanks Dr. Cromwell. Now how much did you contribute, and I can usually tell when I'm being lied to."

I looked at Styan who nodded. "I did the original design and drawings off the specs. Mr. Maskovitz is my foster father and liked what I'd done. Then Mr. Black worked with me in making it right."

"To be honest, that was mostly technical issues not basic design," Gary said.

"Jon, can I call you that?"

"Sure Bo," I said.

"Do you have any Native American blood in you? You've given the spirits of my people a very pleasing home."

"Thank you, I don't know if I do but I did a lot of research when I was working on it, and the cultures of the various tribes always interested me. Not what you get from movies, I mean the real cultures of an oppressed people."

Bo shook his head, "this is more than just research or interest Jon. This is understanding. My grandfather would be very pleased with this design. But mine is not the only vote, and I'm sure my fellow committee members have more questions.

Despite Bo's support the remainder of the questions were not softballs. After it was finally over Joe and I walked over to Bo and shook hands.

"Somehow I feel Joe is more than just your best friend Jon," Bo said.

"A lot more actually, but sometimes it's safer just to say that."

"I understand, I try not to let people, especially my friends, know how rich I am. For an old traditional Indian my grandfather was one swift investor." Bo leaned closer and gave me a quick peck on the cheek. "Besides, I'm gay too. Oh, and Dr. Compton is my foster father as well. He took me in when my mother left me and my grandfather died."

"Cool, I'd runaway and was living on the streets when I met Styan and he took me in," I said.

"On the other hand I come from a normal two parent family who love each other, love me and my younger brother. Though there are times I can't fathom why they keep him around," Joe said and we all laughed.

"Bo Swiftwater laughing! What an unusual sound." We turned and saw Dr. Cromwell approaching. "Jon, that's another point in your favor."

"Actually Joe's to blame for the laughter," Bo said and we all chuckled.

"Jon, that's quite an impressive piece of work. You better keep it up, we're talking about building another four-to-six buildings here and I expect you to compete for all of them."

"Thank you sir, we will."

"But next time I expect you to do more of the presentation yourself," Dr. Cromwell said. He shook our hands and left.

"Congratulations, I think you have three votes already. Let me introduce you to everyone else," Bo said.

By the time we left for the hotel I was floating. I wasn't assuming anything but all the kind words from the committee made me feel great. A few had even asked me some questions about the design and why I'd done some of the things I had. Styan and Gary were always nearby but they let me answer.

We arrived at the hotel and Lance and Rod were in the lobby. As we approached they stood and each waved a white handkerchief.

"You withdrawing already?" Styan asked.

"Acknowledging defeat, you guys must have really impressed them. They called five minutes ago to tell me you'd gotten the contract," Lance said.

"What, you're kidding me," I said.

"Lance, that's impossible," Styan said.

At that moment a bellhop came up to us and handed Styan a note. He opened it and read it and just held it out to me. I took it in a trembling hand.

"Read it Jon," Joe said.

"Dear Mr. Maskovitz, It is the committee's honor to award you the contract on the Swiftwater Native American Affairs Research Library. Please contact Dr. Cromwell in the morning to set up an appointment. Sincerely, Bo Swiftwater."

Joe screamed and we all started jumping, laughing and cheering, even Lance and Rod. All six of us ended up around a table in the bar drinking champagne.

"Styan, congratulations, I've never seen a committee make their minds up that fast. You bribe them or something?"

"No, I haven't either. I knew we had Bo Swiftwater's vote but the other three."

"Styan, we had at least three. Dr. Compton is Bo's foster father and I figured he would go along with Bo. After Dr. Cromwell talked to us I felt sure of his vote, and I guess with those three in our corner at least one of the others just fell into line," Joe said.

"If you've got Bo and Cromwell right then you had almost all of them. Between his donation and Cromwell's control of college funds the others would do anything to keep them happy," Lance said.

"Dad, now will you look at some of my drawings?" Rod asked.

"As soon as we get home, I promise."

Mr. and Mrs. Werner and Mrs. Black met us at the airport when we got back. It was the kind of flight that makes you understand why the Pope kisses the ground every time he gets off a plane. I might have, except I figured if I bent over I'd heave my guts out, again.

There was a Sorrel Industries limo waiting for us when we had our bags which gave the five of us plenty of room to stretch out. I really appreciated the soda from the refrigerator.

"So dad, why the limo? You never use one," Joe said.

"Give us a little time to talk son. A lot has happened since you left."

"Is everybody all right?" Joe asked.

"Everybody's fine, it's the aftermath from last Friday at school."

"They didn't kick Joe out? It wasn't his fault," I said.

"No, it was close for a while. The other boys' parents were screaming for blood after they were expelled, and they're still threatening to sue everybody involved. But your teacher's account of the events got Joe off with the three day suspension, which ends today," Mr. Werner said.

"So what's the problem Don?" Styan asked.

"Not only is everything all over school, it's all over town. I've probably spent more time talking about it over the last three days at work than anything else. Even got some condolence cards, unsigned of course. But at least a dozen employees have come out to me and their co-workers."

"How's my dad taking it? I mean Lamont," I said, and took a glance over at Styan.

"No problem son," Styan said.

"He finally signed off on adding sexual orientation to the sexual harassment and discrimination policies, and gave domestic partners full benefits company wide. He also said to tell you that he's behind you one hundred percent. As your cousin or your father."

"Honey, you're still sugar coating it," Mrs. Werner said.

"Am I?" he paused, "I guess so. OK, what happened has been covered in both the school and local papers. It's a good thing you answered Betty's questions or it might have been worse. The papers went after the Sheriff after they made the connection."

"Why didn't anybody call us?" Styan asked. "You knew where we were, he knew where we were, the whole damn world knew where we were and nobody could pick up the goddamn phone and call me!"

"If it wasn't for Betty, your mother and my beloved we might have had to," Mr. Werner said.

"Mrs. Maskovitz and I just did what any mother would. We told them we loved our sons and the ones they loved."

"You faced down the press mom? Cool. What you tell them?" Joe asked.

"That we knew you were gay and that Jon was your boyfriend. That we knew about Jon's background and it didn't make a bit of difference to us. That Jonathan Sorrel was a great young man, who did what he had to do to survive, and was putting his life back together with the help of a lot of good people. Especially my son and his foster father."

"Cool," Joe said.

"Thanks, what did grandma say?" I asked.

"Supposedly the first reporter got answers that weren't printable in an x-rated book but then she calmed down. I've got all the papers here for you to read, and your parents are waiting for you at your house Styan. Official car in the driveway," Mrs. Werner said.

"Sounds like them. So what happens next?"

"The five of us get to school after first bell tomorrow and head straight for the office to meet with Dr. Gilead 3;

The next morning found us standing backstage in the auditorium while the entire school filed in. Though standing wasn't the right word, I was pacing all over the place. Even with Dr. Gilead's review I still didn't know what to expect. What really pissed me off was going from the high of Boulder to this. Couldn't I enjoy anything?

"Hi son."

It wasn't Styan's voice so I turned towards it and froze. It was Lamont Sorrel. "What are you doing here?" I asked.

"I came to support my son, if that's OK with you," Lamont said and extended his hand.

I took it, and for the first time felt some warmth from his touch. I understood, finally, that he really did care, was trying to reach out to me. And I was finally ready to start reaching back. "Thanks father, I'm glad you came. It's been a wild week, oh we got the contract on the library. Didn't even freak them out when they discovered it was my design."

"Great, you've got to send me a picture of the model," Lamont Sorrel said.

"Has anybody discovered our true relationship or are you still my cousin?" I asked.

"I don't think so, but I don't care Jon. If and when it comes out, or you're ready to tell the world it's fine with me. I can take the heat over what happened, it's your happiness that matters."

"One day father, but hopefully we won't be forced to do it today," I said.

"Everybody, come here please," Dr. Gilead said. We all moved to where he stood.

"Mr. Sorrel, this is a pleasant surprise," Dr. Gilead said.

"I figured the vice-chairman of the board should be here, to defend the school if I have to, but mostly to support Jon."

"I'm glad, because there are at least two reporters out there. I was able to keep the television crews and photographers out but I couldn't come up with a good reason for them not to be here after all the publicity."

"Don't worry Roland, the press loves scandal, but just go ahead with what you had planned," my father said.

My father said. In the midst of everything it suddenly struck me how good his coming made me feel.

Styan touched my shoulder and we followed Dr. Gilead through the curtains and onto the stage. We took our seats while he walked to the lectern.

"Students, parents, guests, welcome to Longston Academy. Before we start I want to tell you that there are members of the press here today. They have promised not to take pictures or use anybody's name without their permission. Of course, those of us up here are not that lucky.

"I won't bore you by repeating what happened last Friday in Mr. Zephyr's last period class. I'm sure all of you have heard the details. I've heard a dozen different versions myself. After hearing one I was surprised any of the participants were still alive and the school still standing.

"Following the incident the facts were reviewed before disciplinary actions were taken. Mr. Norton and Mr. Alea were expelled and Mr. Werner was given a three day suspension, which concluded yesterday. The school hoped that would be the end of it and it would stay within the Longston Academy family. Unfortunately that did not happen, and the resulting publicity brought about this assembly.

"Several students, parents and outsiders called to complain about there being admitted gays on campus. I told them, and I remind you, that Longston Academy does not discriminate on any grounds. The only thing that will keep you out is an inability to meet our standards, and the only thing that will get you kicked out is not obeying school rules. Sexual orientation is also covered under our sexual harassment policy.

"I ask Barton Finch to come to the stage now. Mr. Finch is the president of the freshman class."

Barton and Betty walked up the aisle together, climbed the steps and walked to the microphone.

"Hello, as the president of the freshman class, to which both Jonathan Sorrel and Joseph Werner belong, I want to tell them that they are still welcome in this school and at all school functions. Including the Freshman Dance next month. Personally I want to tell Jon that I feel we've been friends since the party at my house and this has only made my feelings stronger.

"Over the last five days Betty Collins and I have talked to various students, faculty and administrators about what happened and some of the reaction. With Dr. Gilead's permission I am announcing the formation of the Longston Academy Gay and Straight Student Alliance. The purpose of the group will be to promote understanding and acceptance between students regardless of sexual orientation. Not as a dating service. The final step is obtaining permission from the Board of Trustees."

"Mr. Finch, consider the permission granted," Lamont said and rose.

"Mr. Sorrel, thank you. Thank you a lot. I hoped for your support," Barton said as he took my father's outstretched hand.

"People like Mr. Werner have been pushing me to expand my companies' anti-discrimination and other rules to cover sexual orientation for some time. Despite knowing several talented and valuable gay and lesbian employees I hesitated. It took my young cousin's outing last Friday to get me to see the light. On Tuesday of this week I included sexual orientation in all policies and granted full employee benefits to all domestic partners of Sorrel Industry employees. And to the members of the press here, if you haven't printed that news yet, you'd better now. The floor is yours Mr. Finch."

He shook Barton's hand again, then Mr. Gilead's. As he approached his seat next to mine I stood and took his hand. "Thanks."

"In that case the first meeting will be tomorrow afternoon in Room 222 immediately after school," Barton said.

"Thanks Barton, Betty," I said from my chair. They came over, Joe and I stood and we all shook hands.

Dr. Gilead returned to the lectern and I began to shake. "Jonathan Sorrel has asked to say a few words this morning. Jon."

I looked at Lamont, Styan and Joe before standing up. I knew what I wanted to say, but to actually talk in front of everybody? When I got to the mike there was a polite round of applause as I took the sheets of paper from my pocket.

"Thank you, there are a couple of things I want to say. One, I'm sorry about the way things happened on Friday, and any negative publicity it might have brought our school. When I was growing up I dreamed about going to school, and having regular friends. I've found that here and would never want to hurt either the school, my friends, or my schoolmates.

"But, as I said, I'm sorry about the way it happened. Neither Joe nor I feel bad, guilty or sinful about being gays. We just are.

"Nor am I sorry about the way I lived and what I did to survive for the four months between the time I left home and the time my dad, my foster father, took me into his home and his heart.

"I know some in this building, in this town and surrounding area are wondering if I'm going to turn on the kids who helped me by letting me crash or the men who paid me for sex. The answer's no. I told my foster grandfather, Sheriff Maskovitz, that in the beginning. To my adult clients though there is one exception. I promised him then, and I'm telling you know. If you hurt a hair on another kid then I will come forward. So behave. Thank you."

I stepped back and the applause started to build. A hand slipped around my waist and I knew it was Joe's. I turned to face him and gave him a quick kiss. "Oh, and if you don't know him, this is Joe Werner, and he's mine," I said.

"Good catch Jon," someone called from the audience.

"He knows," Joe said.

"Joe, Jon, please be seated," our headmaster said.

Styan shifted over so we were sitting next to each other now.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Dr. Gilead began, "I'm going to tell you something now that only a few people know. "My middle son, Blaine, is a sophomore at New York University. He should be a junior but he had to take a year off. You see, Blaine's gay, and a year ago he was severely beaten just because he is gay. Three fellow students found him in a school men's room and beat him. So if any of you think that what I've said, or the school's done, is just politically correct claptrap, think again. I will enforce our school's policies.

"Now students, report to your second period classes. If you have study hall in here please report to the cafeteria. Dismissed. Everyone else please stay seated so the students can leave and resume their education." He turned and faced us. "I believe the two of you are still students here."

"Yes sir," we said together and left as quickly as we could.

The rest of the day went smoothly. Each of Joe's and my teachers let our classmates ask any questions before class got down to business and just about all were positive. About a dozen or so told me they'd see me at the club meeting.

The only class I was really nervous about was the last one. I walked into the room and my house was up on projector.

"Mr. Sorrel, I believe you were about to give a little talk on Friday before we were interrupted. Are you prepared to do it today?"

"As prepared as I was on Friday," I said. Meaning not at all.

"Before you get started I want to know how you two spent the last three days."

"As you know my father is an architect in Longston. He had submitted a proposal for a college library in Boulder, Colorado. Joe, my dad, one of his senior architects and I went out to make the presentation."

"Who made the preliminary designs?" Mr. Zephyr asked.

"I did, they helped me a lot, especially Mr. Black, after I showed them though."

"How did the presentation go?"

"They got the contract," Joe said.

The applause and cheers sounded so good.

The next afternoon there were twenty-nine boys and girls at the first meeting of the Longston Academy Gay and Straight Student Alliance. By the end of the meeting seven of the guys and three of the girls had come out, and that didn't include Barton. He called me that evening and told me that he just wasn't ready to tell his parents. I told him I understood, not everybody is ready at the same time. On the other hand, Kyle was one of the seven.. Kyle if you don't remember is the younger brother of the first kid who let me crash. After the custodian finally kicked us out we sat on the front steps talking until parents started showing up looking for their kids. Two of the other boys asked Joe and I if we wanted to double date, which we quickly agreed to.

The next day was Saturday and Styan and I were over at Joe's house along with Eric and Ton-Ton. For the first half-hour he ran on about school, his friends, his new room and anything else that crossed his mind. Joe and I just sat on the grass across from and smiled, it was so cool seeing the little kid so happy. Eric had told Styan about some of Ton-Ton's nightmares so I knew he wasn't completely over the way his family treated him, but the happiness was genuine.

Without warning he shut up and lunged into my lap and gave me a big kiss on the lips. I felt his tongue on my lips and let him in. When his hand found my crotch I broke the kiss and gently put him back on the ground.

There were tears in his eyes and I had to resist picking him right back up. I couldn't though, I might not be able to resist a second time. Instead I gently wiped his cheeks.

"Don't cry Ton-Ton, you didn't do anything wrong."

"You hate me," he said, crying even harder.

"You know better, I love you, I care about you," I said.

"Then why wouldn't you let me touch your cock?"

"Why did you want to?" I asked.

"Because you're my friend, and I want to keep you as my friend."

"The first part is a good reason, but a real friend is one who doesn't need or want sex from you to stay a friend. Listen to me my friend, one of the hardest things kids like you and I have to learn is that we are more than sex toys, that we are whole people and the people who want to be around us just for sex aren't our friends."

Ton-Ton thought about this for a while. I could see the grownups watching us. Finally he reached out and took my hand.

"You said no because you are my friend, and want to be a good friend," Ton-Ton said.

"That's right," I said and squeezed his hand.

During lunch Styan brought up an event that I had been trying not to think about.

"You know son, it's only four weeks to your birthday. I think you deserve a big party."

"Two parties," Joe said.

"Joseph," his mother said.

"No, he's right. I want one party just for family. Styan and me, you guys, even Aunt Celia if she can come, the Lowells. Then I want one with all my friends and classmates. You know, the kind kids are supposed to have. Things to do, cake and ice cream."

"A clown?" Ton-Ton asked.

"Maybe," I said.

"I've got it, that new skate center that just opened. I'm sure they do parties," Joe said.

"But you can't skate," Eric said.

"A little, and we'll practice. Besides if Jon's the first one it'll be so cool. What do you think Jon?"

"Dad?" I asked.

He turned to Joe's parents, "help."

Mr. Werner offered to go with us on Sunday to check the place out. Which I'm not sure is the kind of help dad was looking for, but he took it anyway. After all, he'd never done a kid's birthday party before.

The four of us got to Super Andy's Skate Park just after one the next day and the place was jumping. We walked in the main entrance and were warmly welcomed by Super Andy himself.

"Welcome to the best skate park in the state, we've got all the excitement you can take. What you going to do first?"

"We're thinking of having my son's birthday party here if we can work out the details," Styan said.

"No problem, have you been here before?" Andy asked.

"No, they sprung this on me yesterday."

"Tell you what, take a walk around and find me when you're done and we'll take care of the details."

"Fine," Styan said.

We walked further in and started looking around. The first thing we came to was a large arcade, followed by a snack food stand selling you're typical teenager meal. A.K.A. Hot dogs, pizza, soda, etc. Past there was a skate rental desk followed by a regular inside skating rink with a live DJ playing music.

Outside was the real fun. There's a half pipe skate ramp and two down hill tracks. The first track is a full of twists and turns and goes down the hill at a low grade angel. The second track is a speed track. It is a drop of 35 degrees. They have a radar gun on the speed track to clock your speed. Joe and I put on our skates and safety gear, which is required on the outdoor tracks, and got going. The fastest I went down the speed track was about 30 MPH [50 km/h], which scared the shit out of me.

Our dads had to drag us off to go back inside.

We had the party the Tuesday afternoon after my birthday. Styan ended up renting a bus to take the fifty of us from school to the party, and another twenty joined us there for a fantastic afternoon. One of the highlights was when the DJ called a couples dance and there were as many same-sex couples as straight couples on the rink. About halfway through Tony came onto the rink with Barton and they started skating together.

For the only time there was a gasp and buzz. I didn't know if it was about Barton being gay or him being with Tony. Turned out to be both. I looked over and saw Brandon skating with a boy I sort of recognized from the Y, looking happier than he'd been in a while. Even Ton-Ton and Joe's younger brother were out there together.

Though Joe's brother told us he only did it to tease his parents, he was pretty sure he was straight.

We even had a clown on skates making balloons and doing stunts, while reminding us that he was a professional and for us not to try it. Then Kyle got on the half pipe and matched about half of them. The clown offered him a job.

We had the family birthday party at our house on my birthday. Mrs. Werner offered to do it at her's, but we settled for her help in organizing everything. I'd pictured a small party but there were at least twenty people in the house and a pile of presents on a folding table. And they all had my name!

About an hour into the party, when I thought everybody was there, the doorbell rang and I went to open it.

"Hi Jon," Lamont said.

"Hi," I said."

"I came by to give you your present." He handed me a small box.

"Thanks, come in, I'd like you to meet the rest of my new family."

"I'd like that, but can we sit someplace while you open your present."

"Sure." We walked into the office.

"Open it son," Lamont said.

Inside was a small photo album with a smiling baby on the cover. "Me?"

"Yes, your mother put this book together from the day you were born to the day she died. I haven't looked at it since the funeral. I really loved her, and when she was killed it almost destroyed me. Unfortunately, you became the real victim."

For the first time I could remember we hugged. "Will you go through it with me father?"

Lamont remembered everything about every picture, I didn't remember anything except my mother's smile. We laughed and cried. The final picture was a news photo of me in his arms at the cemetery.

I showed him the model of the library and basked in his praise.

We walked back out and Styan and Joe came over. I told them what Lamont had given me, and realized it was more than just pictures. It was part of my past as well. Joe and I wondered away from Styan and Lamont and as I drank a glass of soda took a good look around.

People talking, eating, having a good time.

Including me. What a difference a year makes.

That night I walked into Styan's room, got into his bed, and said, "hold me."

He kissed me gently on my cheek. "Happy birthday son," Styan said.

"Happy birthday dad," I said as he took me in his arms.

We lay there softly talking about the party when I realized something. We were in bed together, naked, my back to his front and his arm over me.

And neither one of us had an erection. Neither one of us had mentioned sex.

Just a father and son talking after a long day.

The way it should be.

Chapter 18
Jeff

This time I saw the darkened streets, the dark and lit houses we passed. As I drew closer to the mall I started thinking about how far I'd come in the last year. How while the calendar said I was fifteen in a lot of ways I was only one. No, I was fifteen, the first year of love from my parents counted a lot I guess. So did the next thirteen of hell. But as the streets flowed beneath us and as we turned into Longston Mall's driveway those years finally seemed to fade away and my new life took over.

The names I hadn't recognized my first night still shown at the top of the darkened brick complex as we circled it on the way to Macy's loading dock. Tonight I knew them all to well, after all this had been home for four months. But now, now I can walk into any of them and buy what I want without having to suck some guy's cock.

Styan pulled into a parking space and cut the engine and turned off the headlights. The vast darkness broken only by the lights from the neon signs seemed more overwhelming than it had a year ago.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes, I never said good-bye. I never really thanked him for helping me, letting me live here."

"As I recall you were blowing him on a regular basis."

I shrugged and got out of the car. Dad was right, but besides the point. Ever since I wrote about my first week of freedom I'd been thinking about him and needed to do this. I heard Styan's door close and turned my head. He extended his hand and I took it.

Unlike the first time I didn't try to be quiet or find a hiding place. We walked through the loading dock and receiving area. I pointed out where I'd slept all those nights I didn't have a place to crash.

"Stop right there. This is off limits and the store's closed anyway."

"Is that you Bob?" I said and stepped further into the light.

"Jesus Christ boy, you scared me half to death."

"Sorry, how are you?"

"Fine, now. Is this your foster father?" Joe said.

"Yes, Styan this is Bob. Bob, Styan. How did you know?"

Bob laughed, "I might be a stock boy but I read the paper. With all that mess at the academy," he stopped and shook his head. "Glad though, I'd wondered what happened to Fido. Prayed some sicko hadn't killed you and dumped your body where nobody could find it."

I shivered at the danger that had plagued my every day. "I know. It's why I wanted to come here tonight. To thank you and apologize for not saying anything earlier."

"You're welcome Jon, I'm just glad you found somebody who could give you a good home." Bob turned to Styan and held out his hand. I elbowed Styan when he was slow to take it. "Sir, I guess your boy's told you about the sex, and I just hope you won't hold it against me."

"No, not now that I've met you. I'm glad Jon found someone who took pity on him when he needed it. God bless you."

"God bless you for doing what I couldn't then," Bob said.

Styan took his wallet out.

"I don't want your money sir."

"I wouldn't insult you Bob, and call me Styan. Here's my business card, if I can ever be of assistance let me know."

"Like if you ever want to become a Big Brother and need a reference," I said.

Bob took Styan's card, looked at it and slowly put it in his pocket. "I'll think about it. I've missed having you around. And not for the sex, I have a boyfriend my own age now. Thanks a lot for coming, but I'd better get back to work.

Styan and I watched him turn and walk away. When he was out of sight we left.

"Go by the movie entrance," I said when we were back in the car. Might as well close the circle.

Styan started the car, put it in gear and took my hand as we pulled out of the spot. As we turned the last corner I thought I saw a bag by the door, but it disappeared when our headlights hit it.

"Did you see that?" Styan said.

"Yeah, this is weird."

"Very."

"Let me out," I said.

Styan pulled to a stop and cut the lights. "Be very, very careful. He may be armed."

I kissed his cheek and slipped out of the car and walked to where I'd seen the figure disappear. I stopped at the edge of the light coming through the mall's doors.

"Hello, don't be afraid I won't hurt you." No response, but I thought I heard a rustling. "Look, I'm just fifteen and ran away once myself. I found someone to help me. We can help you."

"You won't beat me?" The voice was so weak I couldn't tell if it was a boy or a girl or how old.

"I swear. I was beaten too and I'll never do that to anybody."

"I want to believe you but I'm scared."

I moved back so I was fully in the light and took off my jacket and shirt. I shivered in the cool November night. "Come look, come touch." I flashed back to when we'd found Ton-Ton at the cabin last summer. This time I had to hold together when he touched me. I heard rustling and then a shadow fell over me. A finger touched one end of a long scar and traced it all the way down my back.

"Can I turn around?" I said.

"Yes," said the small voice.

I turned and looked at a small boy. A little over four feet [1.20 m] tall with long, scraggly red hair. He was wearing shorts and a torn tee-shirt, both too small on him. His ribs pushed through the bruises covering his chest. One eye was almost swollen shut and there were more bruises under his other eyes and around his jaw.

"My name's Jon. What's your name?"

"Jeff, and I'm eight. Can you really help me?"

"Yes, I promise. How long have you been out here?" I put my shirt over his head and it reached down to his ankles. I slipped my coat on, it felt good over my bare skin.

"Three days."

"Hungry?"

He nodded and took my outstretched hand.

"My foster father's waiting for us in that car. Let's go," I said. Silently we walked over and got into the back seat together. It was a bit of a squeeze for me but with the bucket seats I couldn't sit with Jeff up front.

"Dad, this is Jeff. Jeff this is my new dad, his name's Styan."

"Hi, can you really help me sir?" Jeff said.

"We'll try. First let's go to our house and take a good look at you."

"Some food too," I said.

Jeff leaned against me and winced. As gently as I could I put my arms around him. We were halfway home when the cell phone rang. Styan handed it to me and I answered it.

"Hi."

"Jon, is that you?"

"Yes Grandpa, what's up?"

"As long as you two are out do you want to join a search party?"

"For what?"

"Whom actually. An eight-year-old who disappeared in the woods this afternoon."

"Long red hair, about four feet two inches [1.27 m], thin, answers to Jeff."

"Where is he?"

"In my arms. We found him outside the mall. Meet us at the house with a photographer and a doctor. This kid's in worse shape than me or Ton-Ton."

"Damn it to fucking hell. Where do these fucking assholes come from?" Grandpa Sheriff Maskovitz took a deep breath. "Sorry Jon."

"Don't be, you said it for me. Maybe call Eric and have them meet us home too."

"Good idea, see you soon. Love you both." We both hung up.

"Dad's meeting us?" Styan said.

"Yeah, and I think Jeff's sleeping."

After we pulled into the driveway Styan went to open the front door so he could carry Jeff in. On his way back to the car two squad cars pulled up and Styan went to meet them.

I shook Jeff to wake him and barely got a moan out of him, and when I tried to move him he was limp. "Help! Something's wrong, help!" I said.

Styan, Grandpa and the two other men came running. Grandpa yelling to someone else to call for an ambulance. The door across from me opened and a stranger leaned in.

"Hi, I'm Dr. Wheaton, the police doctor," was all he said as he started checking Jeff. The front doors opened and Grandpa and dad got in."

"Is he alive?" Styan asked what I couldn't.

"Yes, but he's in bad shape. Maybe internal bleeding. Where's that ambulance?"

Seconds later it pulled onto our block and into the driveway followed by the EMS truck. Styan held me as they opened the door behind me so I could slip out of their way.

While we watched some of our neighbors joined us and we told them what we could. Eric and Ton-Ton arrived, but Eric left his foster son in the car when he saw the commotion. I went to join him.

"Us," he said.

"Worse," I said. We prayed, and cried.

I barely noticed when the ambulance and EMS truck took off despite their blaring sirens and flashing lights. The door opened and Eric motioned us to come out. We went to our fathers and held them tight.

"How is he? Will he live?" I said finally.

"He's alive, and has a chance, thanks to you son," Styan said. "Dr. Wheaton says if Jeff hadn't gotten help this fast they'd have found a dead boy outside the mall in the morning."

I looked around and saw Grandpa was standing nearby. "What about his parents?" I said.

"His father, Richard Aaronson, said his mother died two years in a fall. Right now he's in a jail cell with Bubba Jones who is six and a half feet [2 m] tall, 350 pounds [160 kg], and has never forgiven his daddy for the years he was whipped. Jeff's two sisters are being picked up by the state. I'm going to reopen the case on his mother after this," Grandpa Sheriff said.

"I know it's a school night, but come inside everybody," Styan said.

"I did my homework," Ton-Ton said. For some reason it struck all of us funny and we started laughing.

After he finished locking up the house Styan knocked and came into my bedroom. I was laying under the covers studying the ceiling. Dad came and sat on the bed next to me and my hand sought his. "How you doing son?"

I shook my head and he wiped a tear away from my eye. Suddenly I was in his arms crying into his shoulder, clutching him tight. He held me tight, hands soft on my scarred back. Soft soothing words on my scared, scarred soul.

Finally I flowed through his arms and onto my bed, totally drained.

Dad got me a glass of water and after I gulped half it down I smiled up at him. He bent down and kissed my forehead.

"Better?" Dad asked.

"Yeah, it's just how many kids like me are there out there? Am I doomed to find every one of them?"

"Too many and no. So far two boys have been lucky and you've been there for them. How many more you'll encounter I can't tell you."

"I know all of us helped save Ton-Ton's life, and maybe we saved Jeff's tonight, but knowing out there, in some corner of Longston, another boy or girl is feeling the strap or fist or cock for no good reason and against their will is scary," I said.

"Son, right now there's only one boy I'm concerned with, and that's you. Are you handling this OK?"

I thought this over, then shook my head. "Better than with Ton-Ton but I can't shake the memory of his limp body in my arms. I was sure Jeff was dead."

"He's not."

I nodded, and thought 'for now.' I squeezed my dad's hand. "Will you sit on the chair until I fall asleep dad?"

He closed the lights except for the bathroom light which left a soft glow through a crack. He pulled a chair around, kissed my brow and sat.

It didn't take me long to feel secure and fall asleep.

It was Saturday afternoon before they let me see Jeff. In the gift shop I bought a small Winnie-the-Pooh doll and brought it upstairs with me.

A doctor was walking out of Jeff's room when we got there. "Doctor, how's Jeff Aaronson?" Styan said.

"You are?"

"Styan Maskovitz and Jonathan Sorrel."

"Glad to finally meet the two heros. Jeff's still unconscious but if you hold his hand and talk to him he might hear you?"

"Any improvement," I looked at his name tag, "Dr. Montoya?"

"A little, but not enough. To be honest the bureaucrats upstairs are hurting him. He should still be up in ICU or the surgery recovery floor, rather than a pediatric ward."

"You're talking money," I said.

Dr. Montoya nodded.

"Dad, call him now. Doctor, move him where you think he belongs and make sure he get's everything he needs," I said.

"Son," Dr. Montoya said.

"Doc do it, the bill will be covered. I'm calling my son's cousin, Lamont Sorrel," Styan said as he pulled out his cell phone.

Leaving the doctor and Styan I entered the institutional green drab box of a room. The window overlooked another window and I heard kitchen noises drifting up from below. There were four ancient hospital beds and Jeff's was hidden by the door. I looked at the boys in the other beds, they stared listlessly at the television while dressed in their hospital gowns. Three more charity cases.

I sat next to Jeff and slipped the doll under his arm. It might have been my imagination but I swear his arm tightened around it. Remembering what the doctor said I started telling him about my week in school. The big football game coming up that night against our arch-rival.

"What school do you go to sir?"

I looked around and saw the other three boys sitting around me on the floor. I smiled at them. "Longston Academy, and my name's Jon not sir."

"Oh, your parents must be rich. My big brother had to drop out of school to help my parents feed us little ones."

"How many little ones are there?" I said.

"Two older than me and two younger, and momma may be pregnant again."

"What does your daddy do?"

"He's a janitor at Sorrel Enterprises' main building. Wants to transfer to maintenance but says there's never any openings.

"What's your name?"

"Manuel, Manuel Rivera."

"And your father is?"

Raphael Lopez-Rivera. Do you think Longston will win tonight?"

"Of course, one of our seniors could pick all of us up in one hand and juggle us like we were tennis balls."

Suddenly I felt my hand being squeezed and I turned to see Jeff's eyes opened and focused on the doll.

"My Winnie?" he whispered.

"Your Winnie Jeff. Do you like him?"

"Love Winnie, mom read Winnie to me. Where am I?"

"In the hospital, but you're getting better."

I felt something around my legs and saw Manuel punching the call button. One of the other boys got up and ran out of the room. He returned almost at once with Dr. Montoya and Styan. The doctor went to the other side of the bed and started checking the monitors and Jeff's vitals.

"Manuel, Tony, Lew, get back in your beds. How many times do I have to tell you the floor's too cold to sit on with your bare buns?"

"Yes Dr. Randy," they said and did as told.

My eyes followed them back to their beds, their naked boy buns momentarily distracting me. I heard a small cough, turned and saw Styan smiling at me. I blushed and turned back to Jeff and the doctor.

Dr. Randy Montoya had turned his full attention to Jeff. I started to move away but Jeff shook his head and said no.

"It's OK Jon, oh your cousin gave me full access to a fund he established."

"He say anything else?"

"He loves you, and be careful with your heart and money," Styan said.

I looked at the other three boys and knew what both my dads meant.

I could see the bruises beginning to fade, and his normal complexion returning. He was still way to thin but Jeff seemed healthier, and the doctor confirmed that when he finished checking him over. Styan and I stayed until Jeff fell asleep, still clutching Winnie to his chest.

They were out of Winnie dolls when I got to the gift shop so I sent the last three Tigger dolls to his roommates.

Eric and Ton-Ton, Joe and his family, and Styan and I went to the big football game. Longston was the home team and our seats were at the top of the stands on the thirty-yard line. OK, so Founder's Field isn't Giant's Stadium and the top was only row twenty. It was a great game, and we won on a last minute field goal 22-21.

Everybody came over afterwards to celebrate, but Joe stayed when his brother and parents left. A little while later Eric and Styan went up to bed. And I said bed not sleep.

Some totally unfunny movie was on Comedy Central and Joe and I were snuggling on the floor.

"This isn't fair," Ton-Ton said.

I picked my head up from Joe's neck. "What isn't fair?"

"Our dads are upstairs together. Soon you two will go up and I'll be alone with nobody to have sex with but my fist."

"Antonio, you're much too young to be talking about sex," Joe said.

Ton-Ton leaped on top of Joe and started throwing punches which landed on me or the couch as often as their intended target. "Don't ever call me that, never, never, never," he said over and over.

He let up for a moment, I grabbed him and pulled him on top of me. I brought his mouth to mine and kissed him, his tongue shoved its way into my mouth, and I felt the pent up need in him and took hold of his buns.

"I'm sorry Ton, that wasn't nice or fair," Joe said as he rubbed the younger boy's back. "Do you want to come upstairs with us? There's plenty of room in the bed for three."

Ton-Ton broke the kiss and looked at me. I nodded and smiled. He took his tee-shirt off and brought his mouth to mine again. As Joe stroked his back I slipped my hands under the band of his sweat pants, nothing but bare skin.

Ton-Ton lifted his hips and I slipped his pants past his hips. Joe moved and finished removing them. My lover put my hands on our young friend's back. I saw him spread Ton-Ton's cheeks and start rimming him.

The boy moaned as he felt Joe's tongue enter him. He broke the kiss and unbuttoned my shirt. Gently kissing my chest as he spread it open. His left hand went to my right nipple and his mouth started sucking on my other breast. But that wasn't what was leaking.

"Suck me Ton, suck me," I said.

He didn't have to be told twice. Without dislodging Joe, who was still eating out his asshole, he lifted himself up so I could slide myself up to where I could release my throbbing prick and feed it to his hungry mouth. With the care and speed taught him by his brutal father and brothers Ton-Ton quickly swallowed my cock and started licking it. He said something I couldn't make out.

"Did he say 'fuck me'?" Joe said.

Ton-Ton nodded his head.

"Looks that way," I said and ran my fingers through the boy's long black hair.

Joe finished stripping, slicked his hard cock up with some saliva and quickly entered Ton-Ton.

Ton-Ton lifted off me and moaned with delight. I grabbed his erect nipples and pulled him back down. First he licked the precum from my slit and then slowly swallowed me. When his lips touched my pubic hair I filled his throat with my seed.

Ton-Ton kept sucking on my cock as Joe kept fucking him in ever faster and harder strokes. When Joe finally filled his ass Ton-Ton sucked my rod so hard I had my second orgasm in ten minutes.

When Joe pulled out I lifted Ton-Ton off me and brought his rigid three inches [7½ cm] to my mouth. I licked every inch from his balls to the tip of his penis and when I took him into my mouth he came so hard and so loud I was positive Eric and Styan would be running down the stairs to see what we were doing.

But then I figured they knew. "You ready to go upstairs now?" I said.

"Carry me," Ton-Ton said. I got rid of the rest of my clothes and picked him up. Joe gathered three sets of clothes in his arms and followed us up. He likes watching me climb stairs. Says my ass is sexiest then, even covered.

Monday was the start of Thanksgiving week, and the beginning of my first real holiday season. My thoughts though were occupied by a couple of big tests and Jeff. The tests were in English and Biology. Dick Halsey has been really demanding the last couple of weeks. He had us reading the Canterbury Tales in the original. OK not as old English as Beowulf, which we're reading over Christmas, but hard enough if you can't get the rhythm.

In biology all we have to do is dissect a frog, a real one. The downside of being a wealthy private school is we all get our own, no sharing. We've also been told if we heave over the frog we just have to clean it up and get back to work.

I will not bore you with the gruesome details. But I didn't throw up, somehow.

As I stumbled into architecture right after my biology test on Tuesday my teacher, Mr. Zephyr, told me to report to the office immediately.

"Does he have to sir?" Betty Collins said. "He's been helping me with my project and I need his help."

Mr. Zephyr handed me the note. Grandpa Sheriff was waiting. "Sorry Betty, you'll have to figure out where to put those windows yourself. I'll check them tomorrow, promise," I said and hurried out of the room.

"Grandpa Sheriff, what's up? Everybody OK?" I said as I entered the office and saw him talking to Dr. Gilead.

"Mr. Sorrel, you know better than to interrupt," the headmaster said.

"Sorry."

Dr. Gilead nodded and they talked for another couple of minutes before Styan's dad walked over to me. "I need your help Jon."

"Sure, what?"

"Bubba Jones has gotten a lot of incriminating comments from Jeff's father, which he's given an affidavit for. He's willing to testify with nothing in exchange, which is great. We showed Mr. Aaronson and his lawyer the statement but they're still denying it."

"So where do I come in?" I said.

"I need a statement from Jeff and he's too scared to give it. One of the other boys in his room brought you up, and I almost wrote myself up for not thinking of you myself. Will you come with me, Detective Burr and the stenographer?"

"When?"

"Now OK?"

"Sure, could you just ask somebody to get word to Joe not to wait for me and I'll call him when I get home?"

Manuel and Lew were still in the room when I got there but there was another boy in Tony's bed. Manuel and Lew jumped out of bed and thanked me for their Tigger dolls. I looked over at the third boy. "Jamie, he's a good kid," Manuel said and I just nodded.

"Done." He smiled and I reminded myself to talk to someone about helping his dad.

Finally I turned to Jeff who'd been sleeping when I entered the room. The commotion had finally woken him.

"Jon? Is that you?"

"Yes, I told you I was going to watch out for you. How you feeling?"

"Better, but still a lot of pain in my stomach?"

"What did Dr. Montoya say about it?"

"Haven't told him," Jeff said.

"What!" I must have shouted it because everybody ran into the room. I waved the doctor over. "Do you tell him or do I?"

"Please don't," he said.

"Jeff I told you I was going to watch out for you, and that means doing what's right. Doc, he says his stomach's hurting him real bad."

Dr. Montoya sat on the bed and started poking Jeff's torso. At one point he screamed and shook so horribly I gasped and reached my other hand out to Grandpa.

"Sheriff, I know how important this is but I've got to get him into surgery fast."

"I understand, his getting better comes first."

"Jeff, will you answer one question from your friend?"

He nodded, "I know you do right thing for me. Just scared."

"Who beat you up?"

He shook his head violently.

"You saw the scars on my back. My half-brothers did that to me. They were sent far away where they'll never do it to me again. You tell us and the same thing will happen to who did it to you."

"Promise?" Jeff said.

"I swear," I said.

"I swear on my badge," Grandpa said.

"My daddy did it. First he did my mommy and after he pushed her down the steps he started doing it to me."

I held his hand and kissed him as a different doctor gave him a shot. Jeff's breathing eased and he closed his eyes. "He's asleep, we have to move him now," the doctor said.

I stood up and we watched them take him out of the room. When he was out of sight I turned to my grandfather. "Did I do it right?"

"Perfectly, nobody can say you put any name in his mouth. I'm proud of you Jon, as always."

"Jon, Sheriff," Lew called.

"Yes Lew," I said.

"Yesterday we were talking about our illnesses after Jamie moved in and Jeff told us the same thing then. That his daddy had beaten him for years, other things too. But he made us promise not to tell anyone."

"I heard too," Manuel said. I turned to the new boy who also nodded.

"Guys, this isn't just the Sheriff, he's also my foster-grandfather. He's going to have to get hold of your parents but if they say it's OK will you make a formal statement about what Jeff told you?" I said.

"Yes," they all said.

"Thanks boys, we all really appreciate this. People like Jeff's father are animals and should be put away for a long time. But one thing I've got to tell you. If anybody tells you something like this and wants you to keep it a secret, don't. If you know somebody's hurting someone else, or themselves, you'd be their best friend by telling. Even if they never talk to you again. Do you understand?"

All three nodded.

"Jon, why don't you wait here while I try and put things together," Grandpa said.

"Tell us about the football game," Manuel said.

"Yeah," Lew said.

"What game?" Jamie said.

I was halfway through the fourth quarter when Grandpa returned with Lew's parents, but we made them wait till the winning field goal was soaring through the goal posts for the second time and I was leading three boys in hospital gowns running around the room screaming, "we won, we won."

When the boys were back in bed Lew's father put his hand on my shoulder. "Kid, thanks, that's the happiest I've seen him in a long time. Will his statement really help the other boy?"

"Yes, Jeff's dad has to be punished. It'll also send a message to other kids it's all right to squeal when their friends are being beaten," I said.

"Go ahead Sheriff. Lew tell them everything truthfully. You may have to stand up in court under oath and repeat this," Lew's father said.

By the time Lew was finished Manuel and Jamie's parents were there too, and gave their consent. It really made me feel good to see their parents cared enough to come visit them after work.

When all the statements were done I hugged the three boys and left with Grandpa. By the elevator I saw it was eight and I realized I was starving. Then another thought crossed my mind.

"Grandpa, does dad know where I am? I forgot all about it with," I said and waved my arms.

"He should be downstairs, I called him after they took Jeff down to surgery."

"Thanks, will they let you know how he is?" I said.

"Of course, and I'll call you in the morning, promise," he said as the elevator doors opened.

The detective and stenographer declined our invitation to eat at the McDonald's inside the hospital. As we ate we brought dad up to date. We were finishing our ice cream sundaes when Dr. Montoya came in.

"Dr. Montoya," Grandpa said.

The man looked liked he'd aged ten years in the couple of hours since he'd left with Jeff. A lump grew in my stomach and I couldn't talk. I looked at dad.

"Doc?" Grandpa said.

"He's alive, and when he recovers I'm going to kill him. His stomach was full of blood from internal bleeding. Another couple of hours and it might have been too late. Jon can you explain why he didn't say anything?"

"Sure, if you complain about what he's done to you he's only going to punish you for complaining. You learn to accept your place and do what's needed to stay alive. Even when you really don't want to."

"But I'm here to help him."

"But you must have had a reason to leave his stomach hurting, and you'd beat him if he complained."

"That's nonsense!" Dr. Montoya said.

"You know that Doc, I know that. But kids like Jon and Jeff, they have to be taught again and again. It took Jon months before he completely trusted my love and kindness," Styan said.

"I don't know if I'll ever understand," the doctor said.

"Don't try, just get him healthy and ready for a new and better life," I said. "And the money in the fund is there for any mental therapy he needs as well. If a couple of extra dollars can help the other three just doctor the bill doctor."

"You're awfully free with your cousin's money, but thanks."

"They all helped Jeff tonight, it's the least we can do to thank them," Grandpa said.

"Shit, one more thing. Is the gift shop still open?" I said.

"Yes, another ten minutes," Dr. Montoya said.

Styan handed me a twenty and I ran out of the restaurant. They were out of Tigger dolls so I sent Jamie a Piglet.

When Styan and I got home I tried to study for my English test the next day, but just couldn't. Pictures of Jeff under the surgeon's knife turned into him being under his father's fists. I had to remind myself of what I'd told Ton-Ton that day in the cabin. It wasn't Jeff's fault. It wasn't Ton-Ton's fault. Most importantly, it wasn't my fault.

I made myself relax a little but still couldn't study. Styan was watching a movie on TV when I found him.

"What's on?" I said as I sat on the couch.

"Not a clue," he said and raised his arm. I put my head on his lap and he held me. "You finished studying?"

"Can't."

"We'll both stay home tomorrow. I'll give you a note to take in Monday."

"Cool." We finished that movie, and another, and another before we finally went upstairs to sleep. But don't ask me anything about any of them.

Joe's Great-Aunt Celia always had the family over for Thanksgiving, and Styan and I were told in no uncertain terms that we were family. Problem was Grandma wanted us over there too. Through delicate negotiations we arranged for Aunt Celia to serve at one and Styan's parents to serve at seven. Which suited Grandpa fine, since the second football game would be just about over then.

The weather had been overcast ever since the night we'd found Jeff but the sun broke out for Thanksgiving. Observing what dad assured me was an old Maskovitz tradition we had breakfast in bed while we watched the Macy's parade from New York City. I'd seen the parade on my tv at home other years, even watched it on a giant screen with surround sound in a deserted Macy's last year. But this was special.

As soon as the parade was over we showered and got dressed, separately. As I've said before the lover part of our relationship has ended and left us as friends, and parent and child. Parent and child, I still get a lump in my throat when I say that.

We got in the car and headed across town towards Aunt Celia. She lived in the Mt. Bev section, but in the older section past my father's house. Older section, older money, dad explained. We drove through the gate and up the long, wide driveway and pulled behind the first car we came to. The house was huge, maybe not as big as my father's but it just seemed so massive. It appeared to be cut out of solid rock with huge pillars and statues carved into the facade. The oak front double doors were at least ten feet [3 m] high and wide. Don Werner, Joe's father, answered the door and showed us in.

"You were getting the old lady worried," Don said.

"It's only 12:50, we're not even on time yet," Styan said.

"She's getting to the stage where if you're not a half-hour early something's wrong."

They talked as we walked down the hall and into a large, glass enclosed room.

"Child, you'll have them thinking I'm senile," Aunt Celia said from her chair. "Come here Jon."

I went and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "Thanks for inviting us Aunt Celia."

"My pleasure boy, you know you're looking more like your mother every day. The way your hair hangs and shines, your eyes. She'd be proud of you." She stopped and brushed a tear from my eye. "Now don't start that, a smile will do nicely instead."

I smiled and turned to look at the other people in the room. An old man was making his way over. He was about Aunt Celia's age and used a cane, though it seemed more as an aide than really being needed.

"Celia, I know I promised to wait but I can't. Is this really Jonathan?" the man said.

"Yes it is Paul, Jon go get a chair please."

I found a small chair alongside a table by the wall and started to bring it over.

"Not that one, it's a little too old to be sat on. Even older than me. Bring the one by the fireplace."

I blushed and gingerly returned the original, which turned out to be part of an almost three hundred years old set worth that many thousands of dollars, and brought the suggested one. I helped the man into the chair and turned to go look for Joe.

"Stay Jon, I'd like to properly introduce you two," Aunt Celia said.

"Get on with it young lady, I'm not getting any younger you know."

She took the man's hand and gave it a light squeeze. "He's one of the few who can honestly say that. Paul this is Jonathan Sorrel, Jon this is one of my oldest and dearest friends, your Great Uncle Paul Giladee.

Speechless I found myself reaching out to touch his face and then taking his outstretched hand. "You're really related to me? You knew my mother?" I finally said.

"From the day your grandparents brought her home from the hospital. And I remember when she brought you home as well." He stopped talking and brought a picture out of his jacket pocket and handed it to me. It was a picture of me as a small baby, my parents and grandparents. I recognized them from the album Lamont gave me for my birthday, but this one hadn't been in it.

"Can I," I said.

"That's why I brought it. I've got stories to tell you but they'll wait for another time."

"Yes sir, can I ask one question though?"

"You just did, but go ahead," Paul Giladee said.

We all laughed. "My mother, was she and my father happy together? Did they love each other?"

"Oh yes, oh yes. It was a marriage of love, not an older man looking for a trophy wife. Robin would never have settled for that and your father was never as happy before or after those too few years. Now go child and find your young man."

I blushed and gave my Uncle a quick kiss on the cheek and headed off with my prize in my hand, and my mind.

I found my way to the other side of the house by following the noise of kids playing and talking. In a corner of the room I saw Joe talking to another boy about our age. He seemed familiar but at first I couldn't place him. Joe took his foot off a chair and motioned me to sit. As I did the boy smiled and my jaw dropped.

"I see you two have met," Joe said.

"Yes, and while your outfit that night had charm you do look a lot better today."

"Thanks, it's Paul, right?" I said.

"Amazing after all this time. Actually it's Robert Paul Giladee, Cousin."

"Cousin! This is too much, Aunt Celia just introduced me to my Uncle Paul Giladee and now this," I said.

"Grandpa Paul," Paul said.

"Any other surprises?" I said.

"John, Christopher, Mary, come here now," he said.

"Do we have to?" the smaller boy said.

"Yes, just for a minute, promise."

The three trotted up and looked at their big brother. I stared at the younger boy, he looked just like me in some of the pictures. These really were relatives.

"Is this the new cousin you told us about?" the older boy said.

"Yes, though at fifteen he really isn't new. This is Jonathan Sorrel, and down the ladder it's John, Mary and Christopher."

"Why haven't we met you before?" Mary said.

How to answer this one?

"His mother died a long time ago," Joe said, "and she was your Aunt. Jon's evil stepmother wouldn't let him see anybody from his mother's family."

"What happened to your stepmother?"

"I escaped from her evil clutches and like Cinderella I'm living happily ever after," I said.

"Can we go play? The minute's up," Christopher said.

"Go," Paul said.

When they were gone he turned to me. "Sorry, I didn't think they'd do more than say cool and bye."

I moved my chair between my love and my cousin and they spent the remainder of the time until lunch pointing out other kids and occasional adult and how they were related. It slowly dawned on me that there were connections between the two families.

"Joe, are we related?" I said.

"Yes, but we don't have to worry about any incest taboos. I think it goes back to Aunt Celia's parents or grandparents generation, and then there's another overlap somewhere in our parents' generation.

I leaned over and kissed him, "incest taboos? We break enough taboos without having to worry about those. Not that I give a damn."

"Neither do I," Joe said and returned the kiss.

"I guess everything I heard about you two is true," Paul said.

"Yeah, we're lovers and we do a lot more than you and I did Cousin. I hope it doesn't bother you," I said.

"No, to be honest I enjoyed that blow job and you two being gay doesn't bother me a bit. Besides if Aunt Celia and Grandpa Paul don't mind nobody in any branch of the family is going to say anything negative," Paul said.

All of a sudden a black mop of hair was in my face and giving me a kiss. "Hi Jon, Joe," Ton-Ton said. "Who's this?"

"My cousin Paul on my mother's side," I said

"Cool, hi Paul, I'm Ton-Ton and Eric Werner's my foster dad."

"Cool, welcome to the family kid."

A single tone sounded and in seconds we were the only ones left in the room. "I guess that means it's dinner time," I said.

"No, that's for the kids, and that means you Ton-Ton, Joe said.

"OK, see you later." Ton-Ton ran out of the room like he hadn't eaten in weeks.

"At fifteen we move to the grown-up table thank God. Let Lucy be in charge of the brats this year," Joe said.

"Serves her right after all the years she's been the biggest brat of them all. But let's turn off everything that needs turning off," Paul said.

It was a good thing we did, because otherwise there would have been lots of drained batteries and dead games after the meal. Out of habit Joe turned the lights off as we left the room when the double tone sounded. I followed Joe and Paul past the kids' dining room, through the room where Aunt Celia and Uncle Paul had been and into a massive dining room lit with six large chandeliers, filled with enough tables for a couple hundred people.

Joe checked a chart on the table and whistled. "We're at the head table."

The head table turned out to be five lined up in a single row along one wall and we were at one end. As I'd expected Aunt Celia and Grandpa Paul were seated in the middle. Styan and Joe's parents were there too. Then Paul pointed out his parents sitting on Styan's other side. Then I realized it was Lamont sitting between Paul's mother and Aunt Celia. What was he doing here? I stood and walked over.

"Hi father."

"Hi Jon, how you doing?"

"Fine, and thanks for helping Jeff."

"It's why I set that fund up in the first place. I gave them a million to help underprivileged kids and I find they haven't touched a dime of the principal or interest. But how are you handling facing another kid like Jeff?"

"Rough at times, blew off an English test yesterday, just couldn't get into studying. Mr. Halsey will have my head on Monday."

"Should I," Lamont said.

"No, dad and I will handle it, but thanks. My 'cousin' Lamont has helped a lot already and we appreciate it. I'm surprised to see you here though."

"Aunt Celia invited me, and you do not turn her down. Though she didn't tell me she was going to introduce you to half the Giladee family."

"I'm glad she did, it's so awesome to meet all these relatives. I told three of the kids they hadn't met me because my evil stepmother wouldn't let me and I just escaped, like in Cinderella."

My biological father just looked me in the eyes and I thought both of us were on the verge of crying.

"Young man, take your seat please, we are about to get started," Aunt Celia said.

"Yes ma'am," I said and returned to my seat.

"Lamont's your father?" Paul said.

I turned to Joe who shrugged and smiled.

"Only family knows, most people think he's my distant cousin, and that's the way I want to keep it," I said.

"But why?" Paul said.

"Paul, you didn't ask too many questions that night and it was one of your best qualities. Outside of a nice cock."

"As long as I got that out of you I'm satisfied."

There was a clear ping and I saw Aunt Celia tapping the glass in front of her. The crowd fell silent.

"Paul and I want to thank everyone for coming today. Thanksgiving is a day best enjoyed in the bosom of one's family, even if you don't have much to do with them the rest of the year. It is a day to remember the blessings of your family and begin to put away the hurt and misunderstandings dividing you. It is also a day to enjoy the wonders of the generations which follow us. Today we are blessed with three young men joining us in this room for the first time. I would like everybody to welcome Paul Giladee, Joseph Werner and Jonathan Sorrel as adult members of the family."

Joe and Paul started to stand and I followed suit. We were greeted by a round of applause.

"I would also like to welcome back after too long an absence Lamont Sorrel." Lamont stood, waved and sat.

A team of servants served the first course and between mouthfuls and talking with Joe and Paul I scanned the room full of faces. Periodically I saw one man avert his eyes as I came in his general direction. His face rang a bell but for the longest time I couldn't place him. Finally I caught and held his eye, he nodded slowly and smiled. It was the guy who kept dropping the five dollar bills after looking at my naked, shaved chest at the mall. He'd never said a word nor indicated he wanted anything more. Silently I mouthed, "thanks for everything."

"You're welcome, my pleasure," he said.

We ate, we talked, time flew. Periodically one of the younger kids would wander in looking for a parent and go out.

After the dessert dishes had been cleaned away Aunt Celia rose. "Ladies, will you join me in the other room for coffee."

The three of us looked at each other in puzzlement. Aunt Celia was the last one out the door and when they were closed Uncle Paul pushed back his chair, loosened his tie and said, "finally I can breath again. Move closer men, let's not make the job too difficult for Krug and company.

As the other guests moved closer to the front table the butler, Krug I guess, and others handed out glasses and bottle of brandy and cigars. The three of us looked at our fathers and got four nods of the head in return. Styan and Lamont looked at each other and laughed.

I didn't mind a bit.

On the other hand, while the brandy and cigar tasted fine my stomach minded them a lot. I put the cigar away first but that didn't do the trick. But hey, I'm only fifteen and a couple of weeks. Joe and Paul weren't doing any better so we asked one of the servants to bring us sodas instead.

Ton-Ton walked in, over to Eric climbed up on the chair next to his dad and grabbed for Eric's glass. Eric tried to stop him but the youngster was too fast and took a drink. His eyes widened and everybody started laughing. "Uh dad, you told me to remind you when it's time," Ton-Ton said when he'd recovered.

I looked at my watch, it was 6:20, we had forty minutes to say our good-byes, get our car and over to our second dinner. Styan and Joe's parents stood. "Uncle Paul, gentlemen, it has been a pleasure. However, we have to head over to our second dinner, so on behalf of my brother and my in-laws we bid you good-night and we'll see you at Christmas."

Grandpa and Grandma did not have as big a crowd, but neither do they have as big a house and there were people all over the place when our caravan arrived. In addition to the eight of us and Styan's parents, Styan's older brother Boris was there with his wife and three kids. Right behind us came Styan's sister Leah with husband and her three in tow. At fifteen Joe and I were the oldest of the kids, which stretched down to Aunt Leah's two-year-old girl.

After the introductions were done and some chatting with my older cousins Joe took my hand and pulled. As we passed the front door I saw Dr. Montoya had joined us and I ran up to him.

"Hello Dr. Montoya, how's Jeff?" I said.

"I'm fine thank you, glad to be here, this is my wife Flora, Flora this is Jonathan Sorrel. He's the one who finally got the hospital to use that fund," Dr. Montoya said.

"Pleased to meet you," Mrs. Montoya said.

"Sorry doc, pleased to meet you. Your husband really puts his heart into his patients."

"Thank you Jon."

"OK, now how's Jeff?" I said.

"Much better, he's even walking to the bathroom by himself and eating some soft foods. All four residents of Pooh Corner say hello, Happy Thanksgiving, and thanks," Dr. Montoya said.

"Pooh Corner?" Joe said.

"First Jon bought Jeff a Winnie the Pooh doll, then Tiggers for his three roommates. When one left and a new one came in he got that boy a Piglet."

"Cool," Joe said.

"Speaking of cool," Grandpa said as he put his hand on my shoulder.

"What Grandpa?"

"Thanks to you Jeff's father has stopped denying everything. His lawyer and the District Attorney are working out a deal which will keep him in jail a long time but avoid a first degree murder trial in the death of his wife."

"Cool," I said and gave in to Joe's continued tugging.

He led me out the back door into the cool evening and to the swing set that's been there since dad's childhood. Soft lights over the deck were the only illumination. Joe checked to make sure nobody had followed us, then pulled me into his arms and we kissed. His hands roamed over my back and ass and eventually inside my pants.

Without breaking the kiss I unzipped his fly and pulled his rapidly expanding cock out and started stroking it. I wanted to kneel and suck it, strip and be fucked by my lover's sex but there was no place private enough. I felt Joe's hand on my fly and spread my legs to give him easier access. He quickly had my cock out and matched my rhythm. Tongues danced, lips bonded, hands blurred, cum shot out further than ever before. We shook each other dry and reluctantly put our lover's penis away. Finally back in one piece we sat on the swings and gently swayed back and forth while holding hands.

"Happy?" Joe said.

I kissed him hard. "I'm always happy when I'm with you. If you mean about everything else today."

"I do."

"Yes, meeting my Uncle and cousins was really exciting and I think helped fill a whole in me. But being with you is what makes me happiest.

We sat on the swings, holding hands quietly until Ton-Ton came and got us.

NEXT PART