Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2007 07:51:50 -0700 (PDT)
From: crispin emrys <crispinemrys@yahoo.com>
Subject: Crispin-and-Zephyr/Part-1-Crispin/Chapter-13 revised
These stories are the product of my imagination. However, nothing happens
in a vacuum. Like most fiction, it is based on real people I have met,
places and events I have seen.
The Prologue and Chapters 1-13 appeared on Nifty this winter. They have
been extensively revised (especially Prologue and Chapter 13) and Chapter
13 has been completed. I will post two per week then continue with
Chapter 14.
It may be against the law to read where you are because of its content or
your age. Or you may feel uncomfortable reading it because of the belief
systems you have accepted. Follow the dictates of your heart. If you do
read this series, I hope you enjoy it.
When this five part story is completed, it will have told the tale of one
boy and one man and how their intimate relationship and love for each
other led to the creation of a modern day legion of boy knights. These
knights errant became young champions of human and social rights and
defenders of the weak and the downtrodden. These Boy Knights of the
Green Republic reveal the true meaning, purpose and power of boyhood.
You may be aware of the etymology of the word knight, that it is derived
from the Old English cniht, meaning page boy, or servant, or simply boy.
Knighthood, as in the Old English cnihthad, had the meaning of
adolescence, that most intriguing period between childhood and manhood.
In this sense every boy is a knight, and in my estimation a potential
knight errant.
Copyright 2007 Crispin Emrys. All Rights Reserved.
This series may be displayed on any website so long as no money is
charged for access and attribution is retained. Just ask permission
first. Thanks.
This project is dedicated
to Guy Davenport, a gentle genius and unsurpassed writer of short
stories who died in 2005,
to every Crispin and Zephyr in this or any other world,
and to you the reader that you may be encouraged by it.
I am Crispin Emrys at crispinemrys@yahoo.com. Please feel free to
contact me. I always enjoy hearing from readers.
Index for Part I -- Crispin
February 1999
Chap 1 -- Robbie 1
Chap 2 -- Robbie 2
Chap 3 -- Call to Crispin from Gwen Powell-Jones
Chap 4 -- Crispin thinks it over then agrees to visit
March 1999
Chap 5 -- Plane Boy -- Cody Clarke
Chap 6 -- Crispin stays with Gwen, visits various schools and takes the
position
Chap 7 -- Cris and Cody 1
Chap 8 -- Cris and Cody 2
Chap 9 -- Cody stays with Cris at Gwen's
Chap 10 -- Cris finds a perfect garage apartment
April-May 1999
Chap 11 -- Cris closes his affairs in San Francisco
Chap 12 -- Adventures with Robbie
Because of the large cast of characters, I thought it would be helpful to
the reader to have a list. Ages are for March, 1999.
Crispin Emrys Wydham
Chipper Sutherland
Anna (Annie) Rothko
Aleksey Rothko (Alex, Alyosha, Alyoshka) -- 13
Mikhail/Michael Rothko (Misha, Mishka) [1983-1996]
Robbie -- 15
Summer -- Robbie's mother -- 32
Tanner [1984-1998]
Adam -- Tanner's brother -- 10
Gwendolyn Powell-Jones
Cullen "Cully" Powell -- 23
Major Theresa (Terri) Clarke -- 35
Jonathan Cody Clarke -- 11
Uncle Billy Clarke -- 33
Paul - Uncle Billy's partner -- 22
Crispin and Zephyr
Part 1 - Crispin
Chapter 13 -- Revised
May 1999
San Francisco to Boulder
Robbie walked into what Cris called "the Great Room" with a large
box of books and stacked them among the others against the wall. He and
Chipper and been helping Cris pack in preparation for the big move. They
had worked all day and had accomplished nearly everything they had set
out to do. Because Cris hated packing and all the myriad of small
decisions that had to be made about what to keep, what to discard, or
what had to go with what and where, he was glad they had nearly finished
with this portion of the moving process.
"Hey, Cris, Cris," came a high treble voice from down the hallway.
Into the Great Room bounced an adorably cute ten year old boy wearing
only a pair of very short frayed cut offs that fit rather snuggly on his
slim frame. "Cris, you want for me to pack up all your flutes?" asked
the boy waving a long dark brown bamboo flute. Cris had picked up the
bamboo flute first in Hawaii, where he made his own just as a pastime,
and developed his not insignificant talent when he traveled in southern
India. It took countless years for Indian flute musicians to be become
truly proficient. But Cris had picked up enough of the essentials of
scaling and meter to play reasonably well, at least for a California
crowd. He had an extensive collection of flutes of many sizes and
dimensions, all hand crafted either by himself or craftsmen he had met on
his travels in south Asia.
"Ah, good idea, Adam," Cris responded with a smile. "Put 'em in
the long tube containers that are in the kitchen. I think they're over
by the stove. And better put in some wadded paper so they won't rattle
around. And then I guess tape 'em shut."
"Will do, boss," the lithe boy responded vigorously nodding so that
his long blond locks danced around his head. Grabbing the two cardboard
tubes and flashing an engaging grin, he bounded out of the room and down
the hall.
Adam was Tanner's young brother and was spending the weekend with
Robbie helping Cris to pack up the last of his smaller possessions in
preparation for the arrival of the movers. Cris surmised that Adam must
have been built like his brother at that age: a swimmer, just like
Tanner, he was slim but not bony, with muscles beginning to stand out on
his chest and abdomen. His well proportioned legs were tanned and
handsome to view. He wore his straight darkish blond hair in a surfer
cut that covered his ears and some of his forehead and hung almost down
to the bottom of his neck in the back. While most of his swimming
buddies had closely cropped hair, Adam liked his this way and used a swim
cap during practice and meets. He was both poised and wiry, clearly in
charge of his body's movements, which just seemed to flow even as he
walked, though he had so much energy he usually ran. He was such an
excellent swimmer and all around athlete that some said that he even
eclipsed his brother when he was that age. Adam had worshiped Tanner and
wanted more than anything to follow in his footsteps. But he missed him
terribly.
Adam had taken Tanner's death especially hard because they were so
very close in spite of their age difference. Since then Robbie had
literally adopted him as the little brother he never had and they had
become almost inseparable. In fact most observers simply assumed they
were brothers. During school their time together was mostly limited to
the weekends. Being with Adam was good for Robbie who loved the little
guy nearly as much as Tanner had and was himself strengthened by this
relationship because he so loved helping others. And it was good for
Adam because he was able to work through his loss by being close to his
brother's lover. Adam's parents, who were very caring but tended to be
somewhat distant outwardly, were very supportive of this relationship and
did all they could encourage it.
"OK, guys," Cris called out in a raised voice. "Who wants
pizza." A chorus of responses, all affirmative were heard throughout
the third story rooms. "Good, lets all gather in here and see if we can
agree on what kinds we should order." After considerable debate they
settled on their choices. Adam phoned in the order reading off of the
list that Robbie had penned.
Cris looked at his worn out crew. "Y'all looked beat. I know I
am. Whadaya say we call it a day, eat some pizza and watch some
movies." This suggestion was met with unanimous consent. Cris headed
into the kitchen and grabbed a couple of beers, for Cris and Chipper,
Pepsis for the boys, and they all flopped down on the large carpet in the
Great Room and relaxed. When the pizzas arrived they moved into the
media room on the second floor.
Toward early evening Chipper said that she one film was good for her
and was going to go on home. She would see them tomorrow, late morning
though, since it would be Sunday. All the males hugged her, which made
her laugh.
"Here I am in a room full of really good looking boys, all single,
but no potential mates, at least not yet." On this last comment she
looked directly at Adam who blushed and smiled, even though he knew she
was just teasing him. He hammed it up by looking like a forlorn urchin
in some silent classic starring Mary Pickford. They all were laughing at
his theatrical discomfort and playacting as Chipper grabbed him and
kissed him on the top of his shaggy head, hugged him tightly and then
headed out the door.
"Can we watch one more before we hafta get ready for bed, Cris? I'm
not tired yet." said Adam in his most imploring tone.
"Sure, I guess I can handle one more," responded Cris. "What
about you Robbie?"
"I'm game for one more."
"Yeah," shouted Adam.
"I vote for Raiders of the Lost Ark. It's always fun to watch,"
Robbie suggested.
"Adam?" Cris asked, looking over to spadger.
"Sure, I've only seen it once. Let's watch Raiders."
"Raiders it is," said Cris. "See if you can find it in the boxes,
Robbie. I think it's in the pile over there," Cris said pointing over
to the huge stacks of boxes at the far end of the room. But since all
the boxes were clearly marked and as Robbie had done the DVD packing, he
knew exactly where to find it.
"Cris, can we make some popcorn first?" asked Adam.
This request was greeted with approval although it took some effort
to orchestrate. They had to dig through several boxes to find the
necessary pots and search more in order to locate the popcorn. Again it
was Robbie's organizational talents that saved the day.
Soon the three were comfortably ensconced on the couch munching away
at buttery popcorn and sipping preferred drinks. Cris was parked in the
center, Robbie stretched out with his back leaning against Cris's side
with his legs stretched out toward the end of the couch, and Adam nested
on Cris's lap. Cris lifted his right arm and wrapped it around Robbie so
that his forearm rested against the boy's chest. He placed his left arm
around Adam and moved his hand underneath the young boy's tee shirt
tenderly rubbing his wonderful tummy. Adam turned his head back, smiled
and stretched so that he could give Cris a peck on the cheek. Adam
balanced the big stainless steel bowl of popcorn on his lap so all could
grab handfuls.
It was a little after ten when they all headed off to bed, Cris in
his room and for the sake of propriety, Robbie to the guest room to sleep
with Adam. Robbie usually slept with Cris when it was just the two of
them. Cris always slept nude, Robbie usually in a loose fitting silk
pajama top that did not even reach his navel, and Adam cute as a button
in micro briefs. About midnight Cris was awakened by a body slipping
beneath the covers of his bed and snuggling up to him. Robbie. Cris
welcomed his lover into the bed and both just went back to sleep. When
they awoke they found that Adam had also gotten into the bed sometime
during the night as well. He was now sandwiched between them clothed in
his electric orange briefs. Cris and Robbie had slept so soundly that
neither had noticed.
Cris got up so as not to disturb his two sleeping house guests and
made the boys breakfast and himself a pot of tea. He was sitting in the
kitchen drinking a mug of tea and musing over all the events of the past
months when in bounded Adam, still in briefs, who immediately jumped onto
his lap, threw his arms around Cris and sat facing him with his head
resting on his shoulder. Cris responded by hugging the little spadger
back and kissing the top of his head, which was the only part of Adam
that was within immediate lip range. It was sometime before Adam was
ready to eat or Robbie ready to get out of bed. So it was very late in
the morning before they returned to what they hoped was the end of
packing. Chipper showed up around noon with deli sandwiches. And so
went the last weekend in April.
Because he was an exceptional student and the school officials very
cooperative, Summer was able to arrange for Robbie to be released several
weeks early for the purpose of educational travel. All that he had to do
was finish selected portions of the required course work and take the
requisite end of course examinations, which he would with flying colors.
By mid May Robbie was going to be out of school. He was eagerly looking
forward to nearly three weeks of just Cris, no school, no swimming.
The weekend prior to the last week of school for Robbie, he and Cris,
with Adam's indispensable assistance, began preparations for their road
trip to Boulder. Cris had quite a bit of camping gear, tent, sleeping
mats, light weight sleeping bags, cook stove, cooking utensils, and so
on, which had to be checked over and organized. They bought
non-perishable food both for camping and snacking on the drive which they
stored in boxes in the garage. Cris had a shell for his Ram pickup so
things could be safely stored against inclement weather.
Then the day arrived. All the items that Cris had intended to give
away had been distributed. The moving company had agreed to come in two
weeks in order to load the furniture and boxes that were being shipped to
Boulder. The house had closed and the keys transferred but as part of
the agreement, Cris was able to store his things there until the moving
company picked them up. The auto transport company had sent a flat bed
wrecker over for the jeep, as it should not be towed. It would go from
there to the freight yard where it would be loaded on an autorack for
shipment by rail. Cris would pick it up in Denver. Cris took Chipper up
on letting him stay with her since his house was now unlivable.
Chipper knew that where Cris stayed, so did Robbie, and that also
meant Adam. So Robbie and Cris spent the last few days, which happened
to be a weekend, first with Chipper and Adam on her houseboat, then all
four of them headed up to the cabin for a going away celebration. Adam's
mom had arranged for him miss a few days of school, which was not a
problem for the lively fifth grader. They had a lot of fun together
those last few days, and each would remember them fondly. Adam was sad
and was going to miss Robbie, but since it was only three weeks everyone
knew he would make it through this time of dearth. Early on a Monday
morning Cris and Robbie headed out after farewells of joy and sorrow.
Chipper drove Adam back to her houseboat where he was going to stay for a
few more days and then she would run him home. He would be fine.
Robbie had helped Cris to map out a route that would allow them to
visit to as many national parks as they could reasonably explore in the
allotted two week period. They stayed off of the interstates, since they
were not in a huge hurry and wanted to see more of the country, which is
not really possible sticking to the interstate highways made for speed.
Their first stop was Yosemite, where they camped for one night. Although
it was fairly crowded even in May, they had no trouble getting a tent
site. After taking in some of the best sights they pushed on to Sequoia
National Park, where they spent two nights and had one full day of great
back-country hiking. Then they headed across the Sierras into Nevada and
Utah, camping some, staying in motels on occasion in order to get a
better nights sleep, make love in greater comfort and take showers. They
cut way down into Utah to take in Zion National Park and the northern rim
of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. They hiked down into the Canyon, camping
there a couple of nights so they could explore the grandeur of this
amazing geological wonder. Even though it was only May it was into the
low 90s during the day there and the hike out as a result proved to be a
challenge for both of them.
From there they journeyed around beautiful Lake Powell, impressive
for its huge size smack in the middle of the desert, then on to awesome
Monument Valley, where they met some German and Dutch tourists who got to
practice more of their English speaking skills. After going through
Four Corners, the only place where four states touch a single point, they
drove into New Mexico. They found a dirt road that allowed them to drive
right next to Shiprock, so called because it appeared as a sailing ship
on the horizon to settlers as they headed West on the way to California
in the first half of the 1800s. This mountain had great spiritual
significance for the Native Americans, who considered it holy ground.
For this reason Cris and Robbie did not attempt to do any climbing on
it. Their drive first from the north to the edge of the massive rock
mountain, and then around the eastern side of it was an truly unworldly
experience for both Cris and Robbie, although they were not able to
explain why in words. But it seemed that the mountain itself exuded
tremendous energy and power. They drove along an amazing ridge back of
exposed eroded rocks from Shiprock south to a paved road. Both would
never forget this experience.
Cris had also wanted to visit both Chaco Canyon and Canyon de Chelly,
very important early sites of ancient American culture, but that would
have to wait for another time since it entailed a large detour south and
time was running down. Instead after a good pub meal and a very relaxing
night's sleep in a Farmington, New Mexico hotel they drove up into
Colorado, visiting Mesa Verde and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, where
they camped another night. On the last leg of their trip they stopped in
Salida for lunch. This town on the Arkansas River, already a haven for
rafting, was fast becoming a mecca for artists, much as Taos had in the
1920s. As they drove onward to Boulder they spent the night in an old
hotel in Leadville, taking in the sights of that old mining community.
Even in May it was below freezing at night, which is not surprising given
it is situated above ten thousand foot level.
Finally during the late afternoon after more than two weeks on the
road they pulled into Gwen's driveway. She had given Cris a key so they
let themselves in. It was good to stop driving, which tends to be
exhausting no matter how it is accomplished. Both Robbie and Cris looked
forward to a nice warm shower and an good nights sleep and not having to
drive somewhere else the next day. They were in the kitchen making tea
when they heard the front door shut.
"Cris," she said delightedly as she walked into the kitchen, "you
made it. I am so glad." Then she turned and smiled at Robbie who was
sitting at the small cafe table. "And you are Robbie. I am so pleased
to finally have the opportunity to meet you. Cris has said so many
wonderful things about you," she continued as she went up to Robbie who
stood to meet her, hugged him lovingly and kissed him on the cheek. She
held him by his shoulders and said, "My, I do say, you are a very good
looking lad, just as Cris said." Robbie blushed slightly in spite of
himself. Typically honest Gwen.
"Hi," Robbie said in a quiet voice but with a huge grin on his
face.
"Well, I don't mean to embarrass you at all. Call me Gwen. You are
always welcome here. And I am so very glad you can stay and I can get to
know you."
Robbie visibly relaxed and responded in a more typically Robbie
fashion. "Thanks, Gwen. It's nice not to be on the road. And thanks
for lettin' us stay with you. Wow, you have a really cool house, too. I
like all the art work." Gwen did have an impressive collection of
modern art throughout the house.
"Thank you. You are kind to notice. I see we have tea brewing.
I'd love a cuppa. Over some tea and cake I want you to tell me all about
your trip boys."
"Tea coming right up," offered Cris. "Well, Gwen, we had a
tremendous trip. It was lots of fun and we saw just about everything
there is between California and Colorado. But it was also most
exhausting, especially after all that packing. It took all my mental
focus and drive to keep up with the energy level of a fifteen year old.
He could hike the pants off of me," Cris laughed.
"Aw, Cris, ya know that's not true. Gwen, he never stopped for a
minute, dragging me from one national park to another. Camping, hiking,
swimming, climbing. Wow, it was sooo great. And I got to drive a lot of
the time, too. That was really cool. But now I am totally wasted.
Whew!"
They all laughed at this extensive commentary. Over tea and scones
they went into some detail about their road trip adventures. No one had
the energy to cook so they went out for cocktails and Italian food,
Robbie's preference, and had a very warm time together. Robbie and Gwen
hit is off from the start. He obviously liked her and it was not hard to
see that she already adored this charming teen. They were home by nine
and the boys were asleep by ten. And sleep they did. Like rocks.
When Cris opened his eyes the next morning the first thing he saw was
Robbie's long-lashed deep blue eyes staring at him. Cris smiled at the
gorgeous sight. "Morning, lover. Sleep well?"
Robbie nodded, "Aw, man, it was great. I really needed that sleep I
guess. Now I'm really ready for some action."
"Action?" asked Cris as he playfully grabbed and hugged the boy.
There followed a mad cap session in which Cris tried to pin Robbie down
so that he could tickle him, while Robbie struggled to either get away
from Cris's wandering hands or get on top of him and do the pinning
himself. Eventually, they called it a draw. Robbie held his own for the
most part since Cris was not one to use his superior strength to Robbie's
disadvantage. They were lying on their backs next to each other on the
bed laughing and panting. Soon they were looking at each other with
puppy dog eyes.
Cris leaned over kissed Robbie's sensuously full lips and next their
tongues were locked in a dance. Robbie moaned contentedly and shifted
his body so that he could get up onto Cris's stomach, never breaking lip
contact during this maneuver. Both were rock hard by now and hands were
moving everywhere. It was not long before Robbie was deep inside of his
older lover pumping in and out for all he was worth, Cris matching his
movements with counter thrusts. They both reach a climax within seconds
of each other, Robbie first, as was the usual practice when Cris was on
the bottom. As they slowly came down from their orgasmic high, Robbie
rested his lithe body on his lover and mentor.
Robbie spoke first. "That was glorious. I just love it when I get
to be inside of you. It's almost as good as you being inside of me. I
don't know what I am going to do when I have to go back to the City by
myself."
"Well, lets not talk about it for right now. You're not leaving for
a week, so let's just enjoy what we have for now." They were both quiet
for a minute as Robbie rolled onto his back. Surprising himself maybe
more than the boy, Cris suddenly broke the silence and declared, " I
really love you, Robbie, more than I thought I ever could. You mean so
much to me. There is nothing about you that does not turn me on: your
eyes, your smile, your sweet and gentle manner, your gorgeous sexy body,
not to mention your lovely cock." As he said this he took hold of the
boy's tool which began to harden with his gentle touch. "Wow, look at
it grow. You are such a horny guy. I just love it. I could eat you
up. But then I couldn't play with this and feel it in me then, could
I?"
Robbie's eyes shone and he was grinning hugely. Words failed him so
he leaned over and gave Cris a long and voluptuous kiss that expressed
his own true feelings for the man he loved so much.
As he drew back they looked at one another, each peering deeply into
the other's soul through their eyes. Cris slowly shook his head and
smiled. "I feel so loved by you, Robbie. It energizes and empowers
me. It's like some kind of super potent mystical force that I don't even
have the words to describe. I guess all I can say is that it is very
good, and I'm so happy I have had this chance to love and be loved by
you. Thank you."
By now tears had formed in Robbie's eyes. He was so moved that he
could only smile and nod his head. But his eyes said it all. They just
gleamed behind the tears. Cris felt very moved himself, even as an idle
thought, maybe a premonition, flashed into his mind: 'Some day Robbie is
going to find another Tanner. How could I not wish that for him. Just
as I would wish for myself another Mishka. But I will still be sad when
this is over. Ah, well, carpe diem.'
Later that morning, once they had finished breakfast and Cris his
usual morning pot of tea, they drove over to his garage apartment. This
gave Robbie the chance to meet Helen, and of course she was very
gracious. They spent some time with her in her stately sitting room
having tea and and a light lunch, even though they had just finished a
late breakfast. But who could say no to Helen. Robbie just charmed the
socks off of her. Afterwards they excused themselves and Cris took
Robbie out the back and up the stairs to his cozy garage apartment.
"Gosh, Cris, this is a really neat place," Robbie effused. And it
was. Basically one large studio room, with part set off as a kitchen,
and two smaller rooms in the back. One would serve as Cris's bedroom and
the other a combination office-media center. The entire place was
paneled in pine, had light pine flooring, a wall full of French doors
that looked out onto the wide deck that ran the length of the structure
on the south side. It offered a grand view of the Flatirons and on a
clear day, Pike's Peak more then fifty miles away.
"Yes," said Cris, "this will definitely do. I 'm so lucky to have
found it. Let's bring up some of the boxes and clothes out of the
truck." They spent the rest of the day moving things into the apartment
and putting them away and getting things a bit organized. They cleaned
and repacked the camping gear and stored it in the garage. The furniture
was due in tomorrow in the late morning. It was to be offloaded in two
parts: first the apartment furnishings and then the items for storage
which would be in a large climate controlled facility located near the
Jefferson County Airport in Bloomfield. Lastly, they took the camper top
off the back of the truck and stored it on blocks in the garage. The
truck was easier to drive as there was less obstructing the view of
traffic from the driver's seat. And both admitted it looked a lot
cooler that way, too.
Cris let Robbie do the driving back to Gwen's. As they drove Robbie
asked if he was going to be able to meet Cody, saying that he really
wanted to. Cris was not surprised that he wanted to meet the boy who he
had fallen for. He thought that Robbie loved Cris so much that he wanted
to be a part of that chapter of his life, too. Cris knew Robbie's heart
was caring and gentle, and hid no ulterior motives of jealousy. In fact
he surmised that knowing both boys as he did, Robbie and Cody might just
really hit it off and become fast friends rather than competitors for
Cris's favor. So, he agreed that maybe this weekend might work, which
was three days away. He would call and see. Robbie seemed satisfied
with this and the conversation moved in other directions.
That evening Cris phoned Cody. He knew that Cris was here with
Robbie and Cody was also interested in meeting him, too. Cris loved both
boys, and was the lover of one. It seemed pretty clear where the
relationship with Cody was heading, too. Rather than feel guilt over
having two boyfriends, Cris was content with the flow of things that led
to it. His arrangement with Robbie was to have an open ended
relationship, both acknowledging that their sexual liaison was something
just for now. Each had voiced the assurance that they would be open to
other relationships and that they did not consider this one to be
strictly monogamous. But this was sometimes easier said than done. Cris
was not sure how the boys would respond to one another, although it
appeared that they were both very open to a friendship.
Cris wondered if their relationship would move beyond that into
something physical. Given Robbie's pretty typical teen horniness along
with his love of mentoring younger boys and given Cody's growing
curiosity about the physical side of homosexuality, Cris concluded that
one or both of the boys would move in the direction of sex before the
weekend was out. A brief tinge of jealousy rose up, but was easily
sidestepped was Cris saw the benefits for both boys in developing a
strong relationship that included a sexual side. And Cris was most of
all focused on what was best for others, even in matters of love and
sex. At the same time he knew that his bond with Robbie was forged in
the fire of grief and loss and could never be broken and that if it was
meant for Cris and Cody to eventually have a sexual relationship, it
would happen according to the unfolding of the Way.
So Cris decided that they would make tentative arrangements for the
three of them, along with Terri and Gwen if they were interested, to do
something yet to be determined on Saturday. Cody and Cris had not spoken
since he had left San Francisco, so they had quite a bit of catching up
to do. When Cris began to describe the trip out, he looked over at
Robbie who was sitting on the other end of the couch with his bare feet
resting on Cris's thighs. Robbie mouthed that he wanted to tell this
part, so Cris told Cody that he was going to hand the phone to Robbie.
"Hi, Cody," said Robbie in a quiet voice. "Cris has told me so
much about you I almost feel I already know you.
"OK. Let's see. Well I know you like Cris, that you are a good
student in school, that you are a really great soccer player, and that
your mom is in the Air Force.
"He did? Yeah, I swim on a swim team and for my high school, too.
"Freestyle is my best, but I can also swim breast and butterfly.
And I'm part of a relay team.
"Well, yes that's how we met. My friend, Tanner died of cancer and
Cris helped me through a really hard time. And then we just went on to
become really good friends.
"Thanks for saying that. I miss him all the time. But it's getting
easier, I guess.
"Yeah, it was great. And I got to drive a lot cause I have a
learner's permit. It was sooo cool. We went to a bunch of national
parks and did a lot of camping. It was pretty awesome.
"Sure, Cris took lots of pictures and I did too using his new
camera.
"Wow, that would too cool. Wait a sec and let me ask Cris," Robbie
said as he put down the phone. "Cris can we upload pictures from your
camera on a computer and send some to Cody?"
Cris smiled, "Absolutely. We can use one of Gwen's laptops. How
about tomorrow?"
"Cool," was the boy's reply. "Hey, Cody, yeah we can do that and
I will send you some maybe tomorrow if we can do it by then."
And so the two boys talked on as if they had known each other a long
time and were good friends. After at least half an hour when Robbie
handed the phone back to Cris, Cody had nothing but excited things to say
about Robbie who already seemed like a big brother to him. Robbie was
pretty stoked by all of this as well. As he and Cris snuggled on the
couch in the guest room later that evening, he asked how they should be
around each other when Cody was with them. He said that he did not want
to hurt Cody's feelings.
Cris smiled and they talked about ways they could all just relax and
be good friends and company for each other. He said that Cody was a very
adorable, affectionate and huggable boy and he reminded Robbie how good
he was with Adam, and that Cody was just a year older. Cris now knew
that these two would connect and if everyone would just be themselves it
would turn out fine. Robbie was less anxious after their talk, although
he remained excited. Naturally, he was a fifteen year old boy.
That evening Robbie, Cris and Gwen went out for pizza and a movie.
The theater was fairly crowded being a Thursday night, because, although
it was the Matrix which had been out for quite a few weeks already, it
was beginning to develop an almost cult like popularity, with people
returning for a second and third time. All three liked it and thought it
was a thought provoking film. They were having such fun together
exploring its meaning that they moved on to a local haunt for some
dessert and conversation. They had a free ranging discussion that
covered a wide variety of related topics from Philip K. Dick and Blade
Runner to British dystopian author J. G. Ballard, who Robbie only knew
from his autobiographical Empire of the Sun, a film he adored. Maybe it
was Christian Bale he really adored, he had to admit. From this the
conversation went to cyberpunk and then to more classic science fiction
works and finally fantasy tales that seem to be influenced by the Celtic
and Germanic myths, such as the Arthurian legends and Tolkein's Ring
trilogy. They all had great fun and Robbie learned a great deal about
parts of popular literature he had not yet discovered, but would soon
make his own.
When they got home Cris and Robbie transfered the photos of the trip
on to the computer in Gwen's office, which had more memory than her
laptop. Using Adobe Photoshop, they edited the ones that needed
lightening, more contrast, cropping, or some other measure of
assistance. They queued up about two dozen of the best pictures to send
to Cody using the 56k modem that was the best thing going at the time.
Unfortunately, the upload speed was much slower, but it could work on its
own all night. Cody could then open his email and download the pictures
the next day. When they stopped for the night, having worked for several
hours, it was nearly one in the morning. Both were so tired by this time
they snuggled and slept.
The next morning as Cris was brewing a pot of tea and throwing
together some breakfast for Robbie and himself, the boy was back at the
computer checking up on the pictures to be sure they had successfully
been sent to Cody's email address. They had. Cody would call in the
evening after he had downloaded and opened them up. They had a not too
leisurely breakfast then headed over to Cris's apartment to prepare for
the movers. They came in the late morning, right on schedule and moved
up all the items that were to be left there, then headed to the storage
facility. Cris met them there and oversaw the unloading and placement of
things into his fairly large storage unit. Robbie had elected to stay
behind and put things away in the kitchen and on some bookshelves in the
office that would also serve as the media center. Cris returned in the
early afternoon.
"Robbie, I'm back. Where are you sweetheart?" he called out as he
entered. He could see Robbie's handiwork wherever he looked. Things
were on shelves, in cabinets, on tables, in a very neat and organized
fashion.
"I'm in here Cris," came a muffled voice from the office.
Cris found Robbie under the computer table hooking up cables and
wires. "Wow, boy, you sure have gotten a lot done. You're such a
wonderful helper. Just like one of the wee good folk, better known as
the fairies."
"Hey, who are you calling a fairy?" Robbie called out in mock ire.
Cris laughed. "Robbie, they are the good little people. They help
those who have need. Nothing to do with sex, really. In fact, they are
really sort of asexual."
"Alright, Cris, I think you're only making it worse for yourself,"
Robbie said as the crawled out from under the computer table. He
grimaced and then broke into a big grin. "Got the computer all set up.
Next the CD player and speakers."
"Whoa, buddy. You need to take a break. Let's go get something to
eat. We can bring it back if you want to keep working."
"Sounds good. Why don't YOU go and bring something back and I can
work in peace without being disturbed by having you standing around
lusting after me," Robbie responded lightheartedly, "especially because
it works both ways, and I can be easily seduced by you at just about any
time."
Cris laughed, grabbed Robbie and hugged him. "I'll be back in no
time," he said and headed out the door.
Later, over lunch, Robbie and Cris made plans for the weekend. Cris
wanted to take Rick up on his offer to visit in Ned, which sounded like a
winner to Robbie. Robbie asked if they could take Cody along as well.
Cris was pleased with this suggestion, as he had wanted to do the same.
Also, Gwen had found three tickets to the Rockies game on Friday evening
and as she had no great interest in baseball, or cricket for that matter,
had given them to Cris.
So the plan was to pick up Cody Friday, which was the next day, after
school, catch the game at Coors Field, spend the night at Gwen's, since
he did not have the sleeping space for all three, and because it seemed
more like a neutral ground for a sleepover with two cute boys. The next
morning they would head up to Ned and spend Saturday night there. Rick
said he had plenty of room for everyone. On Sunday, Cris and the boys
would head back into town in the late afternoon, pick up Gwen, meet up
with Terri and catch a movie, eat out and then Cody would go home with
his mom. Robbie was excited, and this took his mind off of his having to
leave on Wednesday.
Cris and Robbie spent the rest of the day putting things away in the
apartment, hanging pictures and art work. They had accomplished a lot
and Cris was very pleased. And tired. As hunger began to take hold,
they headed out to find something to eat and found a friendly pizza joint
that served pretty good New York style pies, with hot, thin, crispy
crust. On the way back they stopped at Centennial Park and took a slow,
leisurely hike up onto the popular climbing rocks that overlooked
Boulder. After just sitting, enjoying the view, and shooting the breeze,
they headed back. Once inside the door they just fell into each other's
arms and, after hugging and kissing with great passion, headed to the
bedroom, where they made very vigorous and satisfying love to each
other. They were asleep by ten.
The next morning began late and neither Cris nor Robbie was in any
hurry to get moving. It was just good to do nothing for a change.
Having nothing in the house to eat, they decided to try the Buffs, a very
popular restaurant. It was worth the trip and Cris was soon a avid
patron. They found the local Safeway and spent a long time food
shopping. By the time they had gotten home with the goods and had put
away everything, it was time to get ready to head into Denver to pick up
Cody.
When the arrived Cris experienced the regular Cody greeting which
meant the cute lad came charging out the door and leaped into Cris,
thankfully, waiting arms. Legs locked around Cris's waist and arms
around his shoulders, Cody leaned into Cris and proceeded to give him a
very wet and sensuous kiss, which Cris willingly responded to. After
this, Cris carried Cody over to the truck and introduced him to Robbie.
Cody was a wee bit embarrassed at his emotive expression, but Robbie,
sensing his discomfort, made light of it and soon all three was just
hanging out in the front, jabbering away. Cris, aware that they needed
to be on the road if they were to catch the beginning of the baseball
game, took the lead and soon they were on their way into Denver.
They ate so much during the game that dinner was not a real necessity
so they decided to go directly to Gwen's. She was relaxing over a scotch
when they arrived fairly late in the evening, and while Cris joined her,
Gwen directed the boys to the snacks. Soon they were all eating and
chatting
about all sorts of things. It was nearly midnight when Cris suggested
that it was time for the boys to head off to bed, which they did
willingly. Later, when Cris peaked in on they, they were both dead to
the world, Cody spooned into Robbie and Robbie with his arm protectively
thrown over Cody.
Early the next morning, just as the sun was beginning to throw it
yellow-orange rays over the horizon and through the trees in the creek
and into the windows of the guest bedroom, Robbie woke. He looked at the
cute young boy who shared his bed and realized how attractive Cody was.
He understood Cris being drawn to him and wistfully smiled at the thought
that while he was back in San Francisco they would be developing their
friendship. At the same time Robbie was content with his relationship
with Cris as something that was for now, but maybe not later. Time would
tell.
As Robbie looked at the sleeping boy, he could not resist reaching
over and brushing the long blond bangs from his forehead so that he could
have a fuller view of Cody's very cute face. Cody stirred and opened his
gorgeous green eyes and smiled warmly. Unthinking, Robbie leaned over
and kissed the boy on his lips to which Cody responded with a deep sigh.
When Robbie leaned back he saw that there were tears in the corner of
Cody's eyes, and he was briefly concerned. Reaching over, he gently
brushed the away with his thumbs and said, "I'm sorry. I did it without
thinking."
Cody responded in a cracked voice full of emotion. "Oh, Robbie, I'm
not mad or sad. I'm glad you kissed me. I liked it. I just had this
really deep feeling like, I don't know what, happiness I guess. Please
kiss me again."
Robbie smiled and moved closer to Cody, and before kissing him again,
reached around and put his arms around the boy, holding him tightly.
Cody gave himself to Robbie. Robbie, sensitive to the Cody's
vulnerability proceeded very cautiously, getting his approval each time
before taking his advances to the next step. Cody wanted to learn and
Robbie wanted to teach. Soon both boys' hands were freely roaming over
the other while they leaned into one another with raging erections and
grinding their hips against each other. This only heightened and further
unlocked their sexual cravings.
Robbie took the lead and broke contact. He sat up and looked with
warm loving eyes at Cody. "Can I teach you some things you may not know
about yet?" he asked in a quiet voice.
Cody was so charged with the intensity of what had just taken place
he could not speak, so he nodded.
"May I put you in my mouth and suck on you/" Robbie asked.
Again, with eyes wide Cody could only nod his willingness to be
loved. So Robbie lovingly brought Cody near to orgasm twice before
allowing the boy to experience a body wracking orgasm, but still not
capable of cuming. Afterwards Robbie just embraced the younger boy as he
slowly descended from his sexual high. As he rested his head on Cody's
chest he could feel the breathing as it returned to normal. Then he
lifted his head and smiled.
"Was that OK?"
Cody let out a sigh and smiled. "Gee, Robbie, it was more than OK.
I don't think I can describe it. It was wonderful. And intense"
Robbie sat up cross legged next to Cody on the bed. He could see
that Cody was thinking and did not want to intrude. After a few minutes,
Cody leaned over onto his side and rested his head in the hand of his
bent arm.
Slowly Cody began to speak his thoughts. "I want to do the same for
you, Robbie. I want to learn more. Will you show me what to do?" he
said with such a disarming openness that Robbie was deeply moved. Robbie
could not resist leaning over and kissing the boy on his lips one more
time.
"Cody, you are so sweet and gentle. Of course I will show you what
to do. I want you to know that I am really touched that you have asked
me, too." Then he proceeded to explain the ins and outs of blow jobs
and oral sex. He did not address anal sex, as he wanted Cody to take the
lead and he did not appear either aware of it or interested in it just
now. Once Cody had been given the basics, he sat up, pushed Robbie down
onto his back and gave the older boy one of the most loving blow jobs he
had ever experienced. Cody quickly mastered the art of bringing Robbie
to the very brink of orgasm before a cooling off period, thereby
extending the intense sexual experience. Finally, Robbie begged for
mercy and like the trooper he was, Cody sucked him dry, not losing a
single drop of Robbie's copious fluids. Then they both just lay on the
backs, holding hands and enjoyed the play of light and shadow as the sun
filtered through the leaves of the cottonwoods onto the walls and ceiling
of the room.
Neither realized, nor did Cris tell them, that he had opened the
door, which was ajar in order to see if the boys were awake. They were
clearly engaged and he smiled and quietly stepped back and shut the
door. He was not sure how all of this would play out, but he knew that
Cody could not have a better teacher than Robbie. After countless
discussions about sex and sexuality with Cody, Cris knew he was still a
virgin, although he had experimented a bit with another boy the previous
year. He and Cody had been involved in some pretty heavy petting, but no
sex, and Cris was not at all sure that would even ever happen. But he
did know that Cody was curious about his own sexuality and Cris was
thankful that Robbie was on hand to lend a hand, as their ages were very
close. Cris knew that to become sexually involved with a boy carried all
sorts of responsibilities and caveats and that it was something never to
be taken lightly, no matter how mature the boy appeared to be.
After both boys had recovered, Cody was intent of getting some
answers. "Robbie, was it wrong what we did. I mean, I told Cris I was
his boyfriend and I like him so very much, I want to do these things with
him, but he said that for now that was not an option. Still, I feel I
have somehow not been true to him."
Robbie did not answer right away. He, of course, already was deeply
involved with Cris in a very energetic physical relationship, but was not
at all sure the Cody realized this. No matter, he had to consider what
being loyal to another lover meant, which was what Cody was really
asking.
Robbie began slowly. "I think that a relationship is so much more
than sex, and sometimes may not even involve sex. I can see that you and
Cris have a very special relationship, but I doubt either of you are
ready to make it monogamous at this point."
Cody interrupted to ask what monogamous meant. After Robbie
explained, he went on. "I know Cris and to have a relationship with him
is a very open affair. By that I mean there is some open discussion
before things get too physical that sets some guidelines."
Cody nodded his head, and said, "Cris and I have talked about this a
few times. He said that he liked me a lot, and I said the same to him.
Actually, we both said the word love. But he also said that it was early
yet, and that I was still learning about relationships, so we should both
be honest with one another and not try to be something we were not. I
know he wouldn't be mad about what we did, but still I feel funny doing
it."
Robbie smiled at the young boy's candor, honored that he would be
willing to confide in Robbie as seek his opinion. "I think that every
boy needs to learn about sex and that someone who is close to your age
may be the best teacher. For me there was Tanner who taught me me so
much. And there is so much to learn, because sex is so complicated since
it involves other people whose feelings have to be considered. You
shouldn't feel weird about what we did, because it is so natural. And
you need to learn how to if you are going to do things with Cris. It
will make your whole relationship so much stronger and better. Anyway, I
like you a lot, Cody. You are cute and very sexy and I sure enjoyed what
we did together. And I don't feel bad about it at all. I know it was
the right thing to do at that time, and I hope we can do more of it."
Cody grinned and thanked Robbie for being so big brotherly. He told
him he liked what they did and also wanted to do more. Then he proceeded
to jump on the bigger boy and madly tickle him in all the spots that
mattered. Robbie, momentarily caught off guard, took a beating until he
managed to recover and fend Cody off. Fair play dictated that it was
the little guy's turn to get jumped, so he did just that. In no time at
all he had Cody locked by his legs in a vice like grip and his hands were
going everywhere over the laughing boy. Finally, conceding to the
principle of mercy, abruptly stopped. By now Cody was in tears from
laughter and totally out of breath. He rolled into a ball and caught his
breath. After a few minutes, Cody took a serious turn.
"Robbie, can I ask you something really personal, about me I mean?"
"Course you can, Cody."
"I get confused about Cris. I really like him, love him I guess,
and want to be with him all the time. And I want him to love me back,
but in a physical way. I told him that but he said that was way up in
the future, or not, but not for now, anyway. I guess I agree with him,
but that still doesn't help me cause I still want him. I'm not sure what
to do, Robbie," Cody concluded with a look of perplexity.
"Wow, Cody, that's a lot. Well, I know Cris and trust him in
everything. I guess I would go with what he says. Anyway, if what you
want is right, it will happen. Only, when the time is right for it. So
you have to be patient and not push things too fast. Its OK to push a
little and keep testing the water. That way you let Cris know that is
the direction you want things to go."
"Hmm. That makes sense. I see what you are saying. I know I can
be more patient in my head."
Robbie smiled broadly, tousled Cody's hair and headed to the shower,
calling Cody to join him, which he did. When the boys had finally made
it into the kitchen, they found Cris happily preparing pancakes along
with bacon and eggs. He cheerfully ordered them to sit and as he served
each one, beginning with Cody, Cris gave him a very long and tender kiss
on his lips, and said how much he loved him just as he was. When he had
finished with both boys, he sat himself and they immediately began to
devour the huge stack of blueberry pancakes Cris had cooked.
Later that morning, after a hearty breakfast, the three drove up
Boulder Canyon to the Van Horn's in Nederland. Since Cris agreed to use
the jeep, they headed over to the apartment to switch out vehicles, and
the boy's did a rock, scissors, paper to see who would ride shotgun.
Cody won, but he graciously let Robbie ride on the way up, while he would
do so on the way back. The clear blue sky and the sunlight playing
against the still shadow enshrouded canyon walls, the lack of traffic,
the music on the jeep's CD player, made the drive delightful. Cris had
no trouble finding the Rick's home, co-navigated by Cody and Robbie from
the directions Cris had written down. The house was a huge log affair
located off Caribou Road, just a few blocks past what served as downtown
Ned. They had no sooner parked than they were inundated by a herd of
happy, yelling children, which turned out to be Rick's four children and
some of their friends who were hanging out.
The Van Horn's were a beautiful family. Rick's wife, Lizzie, was a
performance artist and nationally known potter, spent her early years in
Dallas, but from the 5th grade had attended the very non-traditional
Sudberry School in Massachusetts. Following a Summerhillian philosophy,
which emphasized freedom and encouraged empowerment for kids, this school
never forced the students to learn until they were ready and it was
something they considered worthwhile. She and Richard, also a Texan but
from that cultural and liberal oasis, Austin, had met while both were
attending UT. They had a very quick courtship and after a traditional
Texas wedding of tejano, honky tonk and country music and barbecue, moved
to Boston, where each completed higher degrees, Gwen an MFA at the Art
Institute of Boston, and Rick a PhD at Harvard. With his newly minted
credential, Rick took administrative positions with public schools first
in New York and then Minnesota, finally ending up pretty permanently in
Boulder five years ago. Like Cris he had been recruited by Gwen.
After several years in middle class Boulder, the Van Horns sought a
quieter place that was closer to Nature in which to raise their four
young kids, away from the hard charging bustle of Boulder. They had
found this house and fell in love with it. It was basically an old log
cabin that had been built at the turn of the century during the mining
boom. They remodeled it extensively, increasing the living space by a
factor of five so that their family of six was comfortable, with quite a
bit of space for the steady flow of visitors this dynamic family seemed
to attract. With quite a bit of acreage winding its way across some
beautiful ridges and up a lovely east-west valley that had a spring fed
creek that ran most of the year. They even bought and learned to care
for and ride four horses.
All four tow headed children with fair skin and round faces were very
pretty examples of their Dutch and Norwegian heritage. Ricky, the eldest
was 11, an extremely handsome boy with bright blue eyes and very long
hair that was tied back into a pony tail Ricky was a natural leader,
socially gifted and very outgoing and charismatic. He also had a very
compassionate and caring side and was extremely close to and protective
of his younger brother, Ramie. Like all the Van Horn children Ricky was
very athletic, and preferring soccer and skateboarding, but again like
his siblings, was very much at home in the out of doors.
Ramie, who was one year younger than Ricky, was considered by most
observers to be quite pretty and the fact that he wore his golden blond
hair long, gave him a very feminine air. Unlike his blue eyed mom and
siblings, but like his dad, he had hazel eyes that took on a green cast
when in the natural light. Ramie was extremely intelligent and even
tempered, more on the quiet side, even a bit shy, happily leaving the
limelight to his older brother. To others he sometimes appeared to
brood, but was pondering the social and natural worlds around him of
which he was a very keen observer. He kept a journal, having done so
for several years, in which he also sketched and drew. He enjoyed
writing, penning several books, his first completed when he was only
six. In spite of his pretty appearance and quiet intelligence, Ramie was
very athletic, naturally a stand out in every sport, especially
basketball. Like Ricky, Ramie was a very good skateboarder.
Jordie, short for Jordan, was 8 and was able to more than hold her
own when interacting with her brothers. She was very pretty, with rich
cobalt blue eyes and short spiked hair. Like Ramie, Jordie is a very
strong athlete, and like Ramie excelled in both basketball and
skateboarding. She was a very outspoken individual on a number of social
issues, such as rights for women and discrimination against gays, or the
lack of adult empowerment of kids, all of which was rooted in her
heightened empathic consciousness and her common sense concern for social
justice. She was very close to her younger brother, Benji, often guided
by his willingness to take up for the downtrodden in spite of it not
being the most popular position.
Benji, the youngest, was 7. Like his siblings, he has a round face
which in his case was very cute, with big pale blue, almost gray eyes
framed by long, curling lashes. Like Jordie, with whom he had a very
strong bond, he wore his hair short and spiked. Even more so than his
sister and brothers, he was a gifted athlete in all sports. He
especially enjoyed wilderness hiking and rock climbing, at which he is
very skilled and self-assured. Benji was outgoing and friendly, but at
the same time easy going in temperament, and was very popular with other
kids. Like Raine, Benji was very keen and insightful observer. More
than his siblings, he enjoyed taking risks, balancing confidence with
common sense and being careful. Of all the Van Horn kids, Benji was the
most independent, standing alone on an issue if he felt he was right no
matter what the opposition, although he was usually supported by Jordie.
The Van Horn children had learned from their parents to be loyal and
supportive of each other and rarely argued with one another. Most people
who knew them saw them as a tight knit team who strengths worked well
together. Growing up in Ned, so close to the Indian Peaks Wilderness,
they had acquired a love of nature and enjoyed being in the mountains
from a very early age. They were rough and tumble kids who also had a
strong appreciation for both art and people and were very popular among
their peers.
After all the introductions had been made, they headed into the
house, took the grand tour and then gathered in the kitchen for an
informal lunch of peanut butter sandwiches and veggies to gnaw on, with
fruit for a stop gap dessert while the blackberry cobbler finished
cooking.. Soon Cody and Ricky had pared up and were off to explore Ned.
Robbie and Ramie hit it off right away and were up in his room. Jordie
and Benji hung out with the adults and played quietly. Lizzie showed
Cris photos of some of her instillations, which were both very creative
and clearly focused on social issues of discrimination and power
imbalances. When she took out some of the family albums, Benji and
Jordie each took over one of Cris's legs and helped with the explanations
of who was doing what in each picture. They were totally adorable and
sharp as tacks. As soon as Lizzie announced that the cobbler was ready
to be served, they were off to the kitchen along with the other kids who
appeared as though out of thin air. Lizzie served, beginning with the
youngest. Rick scooped a huge dollop of ice cream on each and the crew
proceeded to devour the cobbler, each returning for seconds, and in the
case of Robbie, Ricky, and Benji thirds.
After some hot tea as a pick me up, they all headed up to the old
ruins of Caribou, taking both the Van Horn's old Apache pick up and
Cris's jeep. Rick, Robbie, Ramie and Benji rode with Cris, with the boys
belted into the back seat, the rest went with Lizzie. By the time they
arrived at the end of the road, the sky had clouded over and it seemed as
though they were might get to experience the usual afternoon
thunderstorm. Here on the Caribou plateau at about 12,000, they had a
magnificent view of many of the closer Indian Peaks, including both the
peaks of Arapaho just to the north of them. After several hours of
hiking through the grasslands, just as the weather was about to change,
they headed back to Ned, dinner and bed. Ramie had Robbie sleep with
him, while Ricky and Cody shared that bed.
Cris had a room and a bed all to himself, which after a day with so
many active people, he appreciated. Nevertheless, he awakened in the
morning to find Benji without a stitch of clothing sprawled out next to
him. Cris gently took his sheet and covered the sleeping boy as he
stealthily got up, dressed and headed downstairs to the huge kitchen,
which really served as the Van Horn family room. Rick and Lizzie were
already working on a massive breakfast that involved freshly baked
cinnamon rolls, hot cereal and hot beverages. Slowly, the kids began to
make their way into the kitchen, driven by their typically kid hunger.
By the time they were done it was late morning. Ricky suggested that
they explore the land behind them that included the ridge that separated
Ned from the Eldora valley that ran parallel just to the south. So they
spent much of the warm Sunday afternoon hiking about the ridge and
looking for signs of animals along the wooded slopes and exploring the
old railroad bed that crossed the ridge nearly a century before. By the
time they returned to the house, there was just enough time for a quick
lunch before Cris, Robbie and Cody had to head back into Boulder to pick
up Gwen. They had truly wonderful fellowship with this very tight knit,
yet very openly loving family and were sad to have to leave. Cris
promised to come again with Cody sometime very soon.
The drive back only took about thirty minutes. They picked up Gwen,
this time in the Range Rover, and met Terri in town where they ate
Italian food and saw a movie. After the movie was over the three adults
and two boys were standing in front saying their goodbyes. Cody would
not see Robbie again for some time. While Gwen and Terri chatted, Cris
led the boys around the side of the theater which was a more secluded
spot. Cody leaned up into Cris's ear and asked in a quiet voice if Cris
would mind if he kissed Robbie goodbye.
"Cody, you are so sweet to ask. Of course I don't mind. On the
contrary I am so pleased that you have become friends. I want that to
last."
So Cody stood in front of Robbie, put his arms around him and leaned
up to give him a very loving kiss. Robbie responded from his heart.
After several minutes Cody released his friend and moved to be next to
Cris.
"Cris, can I kiss you goodbye, too/"
Knowing Gwen had the situation well in hand, Cris said, "That would
be lovely." Cody tilted his head up and Cris met him more than half
way. They had a sweet parting kiss and a tender embrace, then Cris began
to release his arms signaling to Cody that it was time to go. They
headed back around the corner and said their final goodbyes and were
off.
Back at Gwen's Cris and Robbie talked a bit and then Cris and Robbie
made very passionate love to each other.
The next morning they moved their base of operations back to Cris's
apartment. There was still some unpacking to do, errands to run, things
to purchase, other things to fix, that the remaining days literally flew
by. Knocking off in the early afternoon, each day, the boys headed over
to Boulder Creek on far west end of town to a popular tubing spot. The
water was very cold, but incredibly refreshing after laboring all
morning. Each evening, after eating out, they called and talked with
Cody. Finally, they just fell into each others arms and made love. On
Wednesday, Robbie phoned both Gwen and Cody to say goodbye and then he
and Cris were off to the airport. They would miss each other so much,
but they chose not to talk about that, instead keeping the conversation
on the light side. When they pulled into the parking garage and found
space that was not very visible, Cris leaned over and took Robbie's head
in his hands and just looked at him for the longest time. Then he smiled
and leaned over and kissed him with great gentleness, being careful not
to raise the level of passion to high. Robbie broke the kiss and leaned
his head onto Cris's shoulder and they hugged each other for several
minutes. When they felt at peace again, they went to the gate until
Robbie's plane called for passengers. As Cris drove back to Boulder he
mused over all the events that had transpired since Gwen's phone call
five months ago, smiled and shook his head amazed at the way things had
worked out.