Date: Thu, 29 Apr 1999 11:46:32 EDT
From: Eric Case <eric_case@hotmail.com>
Subject: Myles and Mark 10-12

As in all the other parts to this story, do not read it if you're under 18
(pfft yeah right), it is illegal to view sexually explicit material where
you live, or if you are offended by the prospects of a young man and a
young teenager engaging in sexual activity.

Sorry this part took so long in the works but I had to spend some time
writing part one of "Through Marks Eyes"

Thanks again to all of you who sent me comments and compliments. I
appreciate all of your support! Here are the next parts to the story. Hope
y'all like them! You can send any comments/suggestions to
eric_case@hotmail.com.

Thanks y'all,
                                              E.C.

**************************************************************
This chapter is dedicated to my friend AJ whose guidance and friendship
have helped me through some of the most difficult times in my life. I love
you Andrew and I hope one day I can be there for you the way you have been
there for me! Much like what you have told me so many times, Travis would
be proud to know he had a friend like you and you may not be my big
brother, but you are truly a close second and I wouldn't be who I am today
without the strength you have given me. You sheltered me from the storm and
held me up when the sun shone and for that I thank you today, tomorrow, and
for all eternity.

Your friend forever,
                                   Justin
**************************************************************
Part 10

          We ate dinner at the Chinese buffet, the Shang Hai Temple, and
REALLY enjoyed it. Mark didn't just go back for seconds, but had gone up
four times before he was full and I matched his four and went two more for
good measure! Then we had desert (ice-cream) and relaxed for a few
minutes. I guess the evening news had talked about my returning to the
field since the whole time we were there people had given me
congratulations mentioning "the lick" I had put on Washington. I can't say
I didn't appreciate all the praise I was getting, it was great. Mark didn't
seem to mind either since he got that big heart-melting smile every time
someone patted me on the shoulder and gave me a "way to go Johnson."

          When we were finished I paid the bill leaving a nice tip for the
waiter who had brought us our twelve glasses of coca cola, sprite,
rootbeer. As we got into the truck I asked Mark "where to now little
buddy?"

          "Wanna go see a movie?" He asked

          "Sure, what do you wanna go see?" I answered.

          "The Lost World is still playing at the Cinaplex." He said doing
up his seat belt. "Have you seen it yet?"

          "Nope I haven't, have you?" I asked smiling

          "Yeah I went to see it with my parents, but I'd like to see it
again if you do."

          "Okay then The Lost World it is!" I said and shifted into gear
and headed to the theater on the other side of town. We got our popcorn and
MORE pop and took up two seats in the back row. The movie was great but
Mark had already seen it and knew when all the "scary" parts were. When
Malcom's daughter and girlfriend were digging their way out and then the
raptors head burst in through the hole I jumped but Mark was ready and
watched me to see me jump and laughed gleefully at my reaction. At one
point I looked over to see him staring at me, and when our eyes met they
locked. We nearly began kissing right there, but I managed to tear myself
away to look back to the screen. When the movie was over we left and headed
back home.

          When we got back home we cuddled in my big armchair for about an
hour while we watched tv but I was tired and could tell Mark was too so I
picked him up and we headed off to bed. We stripped off each others clothes
and climbed into bed together and snuggled up close facing each other. "I
love you Myles." Mark said softly.

          "I love you too Mark." I said as I rubbed my hand up his side.

          "I love you more!" he giggled

          "Now let's not start one of THOSE discussions shall we?" I said
smiling. Mark rolled over so that his back was facing me then moved back
towards me and rested his head on my arm. I brought my other arm down over
him and held him close. "Besides we all know I love YOU more."

          "Hehe, night Myles." he said

          "Goodnight Mark." I answered and we drifted off to sleep feeling
our naked flesh against each other and feeling safe and secure.  .

************************* part 11 - yes part 10 was really short but it was
finishing off from part 9. Parts 11 and 12 are longer to make up for it :)

          We awoke pretty early Sunday morning and showered and got
dressed. I drove Mark home after giving him a big goodbye kiss before we
left. I walked him up to the door and before he could put his key in the
lock his mom opened the door with a big smile and brought us both
inside. Aaron was sitting in their living room in his house-coat reading
the morning paper. "Myles!" he said with a huge grin crossing his
face. "Congratulations on making the team again. I knew you could do it!"

          I smiled back and was about to say thank-you when Mark said "Hi
dad!" giggling.

          "Maaaark," Aaron said as he put his paper aside and opened his
arms wide. Mark walked up and threw his arms around his dad. "How was your
weekend Marcus?" he asked.

          "It was pretty awesome!" he said with his eyes twinkling.

          "That's great. Congrats Myles," Laura said as she came into the
room with a glass of orange juice and plate of pancakes for me.

          "Thanks," I smiled. "How did you know I hadn't eaten breakfast
this morning?"

          "I could hear your stomach rumbling when you walked in and
smelled the food!" she laughed.

          "Works for me!" I said smiling as I took a seat on the couch.

          "Oh you'll let him eat in the living room but if I do it I get a
dirty look!" Aaron teased.

          "Well it's not every day we get to have THE Myles Johnson here
for breakfast!" She smiled.

          We all sat down to eat the delicious breakfast while exchanging
conversation and I took my leave. Over the course of the next two weeks I
was busy and Mark didn't get to stay over on the weekends since we didn't
want to make our relationship too obvious but we did see each other through
the week. Finally the week of MY first game came around. I was excited
since we were playing Midland College but Mark was going NUTS! They were
talking about it in the paper, on the local cable tv, in the barbershop on
fifth street. Everywhere I went I heard about how I was going to get
revenge and this and that. The guy who had injured me, Alex Williams, was
still playing and all I wanted was one good shot on him, but I wouldn't go
looking for him. That wasn't me, THAT wasn't Myles Johnson's way!

          On the Friday before our Saturday game Mark's team was playing a
game against the worst team in the league. We weren't even almost concerned
and pulled most of our starting players out in the third quarter since we
were already leading 56-6. Mark, my baby boy, had scored three touchdowns
on defense off of a recovered fumble and two interceptions totaling up 130
yards. At the end of the game Mark asked his dad quickly if he could spend
the weekend at my place since he hadn't the weekend before. "Ask your
mother" was the answer he smiled jokingly, then he added "sure, I'll break
the news to her in a few minutes."

          We packed up our stuff and headed to my place leaving the whole
racket behind. Town was buzzing with business about the season opener for
the EVU Marauders tomorrow afternoon and I didn't want to be a part of
it. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the support from everyone but I play
for the game, not to make it onto the news. When we pulled into the
driveway Mark hopped out slamming the door behind him, and ran up the front
steps to the door and opened it and stepped inside. I was at the base of
the stairs when he disappeared inside and I walked casually up the stairs
and inside closing the door behind me. I reached for the light and turned
it on. Mark was sitting on the bottom step leading upstairs smiling at me
as the front hall came into view.

          "Tomorrow's your big day," he said softly as he stood up. He was
smiling at me seductively now as he stepped towards me. "I've missed you
Myles," he continued slowly as he took two more steps. My heart was
pounding now and the look on his face was really turning me on!

          I swallowed hard. "I've missed you too Mark," I replied as he
took three more steps towards me and took a hold of my shirt. and pulled me
down to my knees in front of him. He was a little taller now and I looked
up into those big blue eyes I could have easily gotten lost in.

          He reached his hands around the back of my neck and touched his
forehead to mine. "I just don't know what to do with you Myles!" He said
smiling. "I want to have sex with you Myles, but I want you to get a good
rest tonight so you can play tomorrow afternoon!"

          "Well the game isn't until 2:30.. sooo... I can ALWAYS sleep in!"
I said matching his smile.

          He smoothed the hair down the back of my head and kissed my
forehead. "Okay Myles.." he said as he took my hand leading me towards the
stairs. "I hope you haven't been fooling around with anyone else, cause I
really need some loving!"

          I stopped him and turned him around. "There is no one else Mark."
I said calmly. "I love you more than I've ever loved anybody! I don't need
anyone else in my life but you!"

          "So you're my boyfriend?" He asked smiling sweetly, eyes
twinkling.

          I paused for a moment contemplating the depth of it all. "Yes
Mark, I guess the word to describe it would be boyfriend." I smiled feeling
a bit silly but it was the only thing that made sense! This thirteen year
old kid was my boyfriend and I loved him more than any woman.

          His smile grew big and he jumped up throwing his arms around my
neck. "I love you Myles! Carry me!" He said giggling.

          I took him into my arms and carried him up the stairs as he
rested his head on my shoulder. He was my best friend, boyfriend, lover,
and the only person who I truly trusted beyond anything. When we got to the
bedroom I set him down on the ground and he stood in front of me. He
reached out and took a hold of my pants and tugged them off gently. I
kicked them off my feet and he pulled me over to sit on the edge of my bed
as he stood in front of me. He pulled my shirt over my head leaving it on
my shoulders so it formed a hood over my head then giggled. "There, I
should just LEAVE you like that for making me wait so long for this!"

          I slid the shirt the rest of the way off to see his smiling
face. Those full lips, little button nose. His beautiful blue eyes that a
person could get lost in were burning with passion and desire. He looked
down at the bulge in my boxers and licked his lips. He tore his shirt and
pants off leaving himself in his sexy little briefs and socks like me and
he advanced on me. Nearly lunging forward he pressed his lips to mine and
pushed me back onto the bed so that he was lying on top of me with his legs
on each side of me. He was pressing his tongue hard into my mouth and
thrusting his boycock into my firm stomach. I was needing release and
moving my hand to take my own cock to stroke it when Mark grabbed my hand
to stop me.

          He slid his body down me grabbing my boxers and pulling them down
as he went. My erection sprang loose as he did so and he enveloped it and
began sucking greedily. His hot mouth and seeing his pouty lips working up
and down my tool were bringing me quickly towards the edge and I tried to
pull him off and give him his orgasm first but he pushed my arms away with
one hand while holding himself tight to my legs with the other pulling off
only long enough to say "Let me finish!" Then he kissed the head tenderly
and took it back in. I let my head flop back onto the bed and let him do my
thing. I started thrusting my hips gently and moaning. I felt the pressure
build at the base of my erection and I tilted my head back and let out a
loud moan as I shot my load into Marks awaiting mouth. He slid his mouth
back so that just my head was in it and swallowed hungrily and sucked while
milking me until he was satisfied that I was cleaned out.

          Mark slid his underwear off and came up to straddle my face
positioning his little pink hole above my mouth. I took my cue and began
tonguing his hole repeatedly while he gently rubbed his erection. I took my
hands and held his hips so he didn't have to support his weight. I knew his
legs would be tired after having run so much during the game and he rested
his full weight on my hands saying "mmm.. thanksss" as the "S" of his
"thanks" ended he reached the edge. I shifted him down to take his cock
into my mouth not wanting to waste his boycum and I ate it all. It smelled
different from my own and I figured it probably tasted better but Mark
never complained about mine so he must be satisfied with it. When he had
finished cumming his body went limp and he laid in my arms. His head was
resting on my chest and his left leg was in between mine gently touching up
against my soft cock. Mark looked up and kissed me gently. "Goodnight
Myles," he said softly, then he yawned and put his head back down and went
to sleep. I kissed his forehead and brushed his sweaty hair back from his
face admiring it's peaceful look. A gentle smile on his lips. I gave him
one more squeeze in my arms then sleep came for me.


************************** Part 12 - The Return!

          I awoke the following morning to Mark nibbling my right ear
gently. "Good morning," he said smiling sleepily.

          I kissed his little nose. "Good morning baby," I answered quietly
meeting his smiling face with my own smile.

          "Did you sleep well? Are you ready for your big game?" He asked
looking into my eyes with his as they became more awake with each moment.

          "Yes, I slept better than I have in a couple of weeks, and yes
I'm ready for my big game."

          "Good!" he said as he jumped up out of bed and headed for the
bathroom. I followed him with my eyes not ready to get up yet trying not to
laugh at how cute he looked wearing only his socks with his half-hard penis
bouncing in front of him. My eyes lost him when he entered the
bathroom. There was a short pause then I heard his steady stream of urine
hitting the water in the toilet. When he came out he smiled as he headed
out of my room and into the main bathroom to take his shower. I was
surprised he didn't wait for me but figured he was giving me the distant
treatment since I had my "big game" today. I shrugged my shoulders and got
up and hit my shower. I washed myself quickly and dressed in my jockstrap
and supporter pants (they're like a tight elastic pant sort of like bicycle
shorts) and headed down to my basement. Mark had dried himself and dressed
out in his Marauders outfit and had his varsity jacket over his
shoulder. He came downstairs and joined me in the basement. I was standing
in front of the door to what had been the fruit cellar. He looked at the
closed door then up at me inquisitively. "What's in there?" he asked almost
in a whisper.

          I looked down into those big blue eyes and smiled. I stepped
forward and opened the door and hit the switch on the inside. Marks mouth
dropped open as he small room became lit and we stepped inside. Every
practice and game jersey, every pair of kleets, every pair of gloves, they
were all here. Shoulderpads, helmets, pants, pads, everything I had worn
and kept was on a shelf, a hook, or in a drawer. "Wooww!" Mark said. Along
the walls where there were no hooks were news clippings and pictures of
myself playing various teams in various divisions. "This is like the BAT
cave or something Myles! It's amazing!"

          I didn't give a reply, but simply strode forward to the
shoulderpads I had bought during my last season for the next year. The gold
"55" engraved on the epaulettes, the stainless steel straps. They had been
custom made for me. The helmet hanging above them with 55 over the facemask
where most other helmets had "Riddell" or "AIR" written on them. I never
had the opportunity to use them and hadn't even been inside this room in
nearly a year. I looked over my shoulder at Mark who was admiring my
various trophies and medals. "This is so cool Myles! I've never seen any of
this stuff! how come you never brought me down here before?" I shrugged my
shoulders as I sat down on the edge of a table. "Too painful I guess
right?" he said reading my mind as usual.

          I hadn't spoken since we had entered the room and when I spoke it
sounded like a thunderclap. "If I hadn't met you I wouldn't be doing this
right now. You've changed my life and given me something to live for
again. I'm not talking about playing football either," I said as he came
forward and wrapped his arms around me. "Well maybe SOME of it's football"
I chuckled and he pulled back smiling and gave me a gentle shot on the
shoulder.

          "Yeah I love you too Myles," he giggled.

          I turned and picked up my custom bag and fit my helmet and
shoulderpads into it. Then I stooped down to take my kleets and gloves out
of the wooden case they were sitting in. I opened the little glass doors
and took the kleets out first fitting them into the side pocket of the
bag. They set in just under the shoulderpads so everything fit. Then I took
the gloves out and put them into the front-end pocket and zipped it shut. I
looked over to where Mark was sitting on the table, his legs swinging
beneath it. His eyes were twinkling as he watched me. Then I smiled seeing
how attentively he was watching and he shot me that A #1 smile of his. I
took out my week-1 pair of game pants and fitted the knee and thigh pads
in, then put my kidney and tail pads into my mesh shorts. I looked up to
the clock on the wall and saw that it was now 10:00. I tossed my pants into
the bag next to my helmet and shoulderpads and closed the glass doors to
the "kleets closet" back and put my bag onto my shoulder. Mark hopped down
as I was walking past and put his hand up to the middle of my back and
walked along with me and I rested my hand on his shoulder. We went back
upstairs long enough for me to throw on some tear-aways and put on a
sleeveless shirt. I also grabbed my varsity jacket since it was rather
chilly that morning and put it on. Mark followed my example and we checked
ourselves out in the mirror.

          Aside from my brown eyes and light brown hair, Mark and I looked
pretty similar and could possibly have passed ourselves off as brothers
with his golden brown tan. His hair was blonde and mine was bleaching out
too from all the time I was spending in the sun. Mark didn't look like a 13
year old though. He looked at least fifteen with powerful looking legs and
a defined upper body. I still don't find many guys attractive but there's
just Something About Mary.. err.. Mark (okay okay so that was a bad
joke.. just humor me and chuckle to yourself! :)

          We walked back downstairs and I grabbed my bag from the hall as
we headed out the front door. Mark locked it behind as while I walked down
to the gator and opened the back hatch up and tossed my bag in. Mark waited
at the passenger door while I closed the hatch and opened up my door and
hit the unlock button. We both jumped in at the same time and buckled our
seatbelts hearing them click nearly simultaneously and burst out in
laughter. "Where are we goin?" Mark asked still smiling.

          "There's an alumni brunch this morning that all the players have
to attend. We pretend to be interested in what the old gentlemen have to
say about a game they haven't played in years." I said laughing to myself.

          "What am I gonna do?" he asked looking down at his lap. "You're
dropping me off at home right?"

          "Nooo!" I laughed. "You're coming with me! They may as well meet
the kid who's gonna be playing my position in a few years! Besides the
food's free, all the players from the team will be there and I think you'll
like it!"

          Mark was now beaming, and said "cool!" as I shifted the gator
into gear and backed out of the driveway. As I put her into drive I looked
up at the house and decided that at the end of the season I was
moving. This would probably be my last year and once I was done university
I didn't want to live in that house anymore. I nice house a bit further out
of town with a bigger yard would be nice. I certainly had the money. Hell I
could live in a house comparable to a pro ball player's house with the
income I was making off of investments. I started picturing my new place
with it's swimming pool, and garage.. "it will be great!" I thought to
myself as I pulled into the Alumni center's parking lot and shut the engine
off.

          Mark and I spent the next hour and a half eating, then
talking. He loved the stories some of the alumni had about "real football"
back in the days when the helmets were made of leather. The padding was bad
and everyone played injured. "Those were the REAL years of football" one
gentleman named Allan Pierce told Mark who just smiled and nodded listening
"intently" to everything Mr. Pierce had to say.  He was one of those old
gentlemen on the verge of senility who prattle on about the good old days
repeating themselves over and over, but he did it in such a self respecting
manner and with such grace in his voice that one couldn't help but respect
him. He had always been a big supporter of the team and had offered to take
me in when my family was killed.

          Eventually it was all over and it was time for the players to hit
the field. Mark and I got back into the gator waiting for some of the other
guys to gather around us in their cars then I opened the sunroof and Mark
stood up stinking his head out the top I let the horn rip (I had a few
extra decibels added to the horn just to enhance the fact that there was a
BIG AUTOMOBILE COMING THROUGH). With that signal we all headed for the road
that lead to the stadium and I gunned the engine to get there first as Mark
sat down and did his seat belt up. We made it first since the guys with
their sporty cars backed off when they saw a couple tons of American
engineering headed into their path and they took up their position behind
us as we drove down the two line road to the stadium horns blasting. When
we pulled up to the back of the stadium where we would enter, Mark's
parents were there waiting where I had asked them to. We hopped out and
Mark ran over giving them both a big hug. I lead them over to one of the
security personnel and he gave them their VIP passes that allowed them full
access to the stadium. I gave Mark a quick hug and headed for the locker
room. When I got in I saw that despite what I told them, the student
assistants had put out a pair of shoulderpads and a game helmet for me. I
took them down and tossed them aside getting a look from the coach. I gave
him a shot of my game face and as usual he broke our stare and went to talk
to some of the other coaches about the game plan. I dressed quickly into
the equipment I had brought getting more than just glances from teammates
admiring my pads and helmet. I wrapped my knee "just-in-case" so that there
wouldn't be any undue stress on it and pulled my sock up over it. I grabbed
my helmet and headed for the mirror to check out how I looked.

          When your a big slob offensive or defensive lineman, you can look
sloppy. When you're a defensive back, unless you make a big interception,
no one's gonna see you anyway. At outside linebacker you have to look okay,
but at middle linebacker, "the show" position, you gotta look sharp! And
sharp was an understatement. With my jersey's loose ends tied up tight and
tucked I looked stunning. The black and red of the jersey and pants adding
size to my growing frame. I was ready and today I would show everyone who
the mad dog middle linebacker of East Valley was.

* * *

          It was now gametime.. We had gone through practice after practice
to get ready for this and nothing would stop us now! As usual when it came
time to announce names for the starting defense they read off every name
before mine, then with the same old "and returning to middle linebacker for
the East Valley Marauders, number 55, the Beast of East Valley, coming to
you live and in full sound... mmmmmyyyyYYYYLLLLLESSS
JOOHHNNNSSSOOOONNNNN!!!!!!!!!" I burst out laughing as I bounded out onto
the field through the tunnel of cheerleaders. What was I a television
program? I didn't care, it was football and I was playing. I reached the
sidelines and started hyping up the other players the way I always had, but
it seemed different. More like I was watching what I was doing. I seemed
distant and not really in touch with the game yet and it scared me. I was
making the noise but didn't feel that intensity flowing the way it always
had before.

          We won the coin toss and the offense was on the field first
against Midland. They weren't THAT good this year. Enough to be a challenge
but they were no East Valley (chuckle). When the defense went out after the
offense put three points up with a 28 yard field goal, it was like
everything was moving to fast.. or maybe it was too slow. It just didn't
seem real and I didn't feel anything. I lined up and on the first play
drove through a blocker to tackle the runningback for a two yard loss. On
the next two plays we pushed their offense back to 4th and 20 and they
punted.

          Our offense and defense continued on in this routine for the rest
of the first half scoring 17 points and leaving Midland with zero. We went
into the locker room at half time for a break and coach Brown came
over. "Are you okay Johnson?"

          "Yeah, sure thing coach, why?" I asked trying to act naturally.

          "You've got no fire Myles! It's like you're goin through the
motions out there but it's not really you!" he said looking me in the eye.

          "I can't find it coach!" I said quietly. "It's like my body's
here and I'm just watching it!"

          "You need one big hit to bring you back to game day," he said
calmly. The first play of the second half, they'll run off tackle just like
last game."

          I looked up. "Like last game.." I repeated.

          At the start of the second half the defense started on the field
after we kicked to Midland College. They returned the ball five yards and
were driving from their own fifteen. I lined up at my spot and my heart
started to pound. It was the weirdest thing. It was like I had been frozen
and began to thaw. The colors of everything became brighter and I started
feeling my body again. The tension in it. The few bruises I had. Everything
was coming into focus.

          When the ball was snapped I read the play right away. Coach was
right, it was that same play. I followed the ball and saw Alex Williams,
the far side offensive tackle coming down the line. I came to the tight-end
blocking down on our defensive end and was coming around the corner to make
the tackle and saw Williams headed for me. I broke down low, tensed up, and
focused all the anger, the frustration, the pain, the fear, my love for
Mark, my love for my town and school, everything I had in me I put into
that hit and it showed. I knocked the 297 pound Alex Williams clear off of
his feet and he hit the ground hard. I ran over him and hit the runningback
hard enough that the ball popped loose. I dove onto it and covered it up
recovering it for us. When I looked over to where Alex had landed. He was
still on he ground catching his breath. I handed the ball to the ref and
walked over and stood over him for a moment and I could almost hear the
crowd go quiet. I calmly asked him if he was alright and held my hand
out. He looked surprised at it then looked into my eyes and nodded. When he
took my hand, I helped him up, slapped him on the back and headed to the
sidelines. Even the players from my team standing on the sidelines as I
strode over looked at me almost with awe. I wasn't mad at Willams
anymore. I had gotten all of that out of my system with that hit and now it
was nothing but the love of the game I was playing for.

          I walked over to the bench to take a break and get a drink of
water and walked over to where Mark, Laura and Aaron were sitting. "Hey,
how are y'all enjoying the show?" I asked smiling.

          Mark could only hold both thumbs up as Aaron said "I'm very
impressed with that display of sportsmanship Myles. People could learn a
lot from you." He was smiling and Laura nodded with a tear in her eye.

          I smiled and said I'd talk to them later and headed over to stand
next to the coach. I played out the rest of the game taking my intensity to
the good old "mad man" levels that had made me.. well famous before my
injury. We drove the score up to win the game 34-0, our defense scoring two
touchdowns (one by yours truly) and the team celebrated hard. I on the
other handed was swamped by reporters and did not want to talk to any of
them. Coach Brown stepped in to say there would be a press conference on
Monday and I would answer questions then.. well thanks for getting me loose
now, but a press conference on MONDAY? Ohh well. I changed out of my
equipment and deposited it all back into my bag. I grabbed a quick shower
and threw on my clothes and headed out with my bag slung over my shoulder.

          When I got outside the stadium leaving through the back door,
Mark, Aaron, and Laura were there waiting for me. They immediately began
praising me for my game and I thanked all three. We all went out to dinner
and spent the evening talking. When I broke the news that I was planning on
moving they looked inquisitively at me. "I want a new place," I said
plainly.  "I've lived in this house for a long time and it has some goof
memories, but it has a lot of painful ones too. The old Berkenmeir place on
the edge of town is for sale and I'm thinking of buying it.

          "The Berkenmeir place??" Aaron said with voice raising
slightly. "They want up near ten million for it!"

          "Yeah.." I said in a flat 'what's your point' manner.

          "Have you GOT that kind of money?" he asked raising his eyebrows
causing his forehead to wrinkle.

          "I'm worth close to 56 million dollars Aaron." I said watching
their mouths drop. "I got a 30 million dollar settlement from when my
parents were killed with their life insurance and the money I got from the
trucking company and I invested it."

          "And it's doubled in two years?" Aaron asked.

          "Well actually it's more than tripled, but I gave some away to
charities." I said still maintaining my calm demeanor.

          "Well it sounds then, like you could easily afford the Berkenmeir
place." Laura said softly.

          "Hey you guys want a new car?" I asked in an almost child-like
fashion. I rarely spent large amounts of money but I would gladly have
showered them with gifts.

          Aaron laughed and slapped me on the knee in a friendly way
leaving it there for a moment. "No son, that's quite alright."

          "Cause I'll buy you one!" I continued, "any car you want you just
let me know. I think of you as my family and anything you ever need, I want
you to tell me about!"

          They smiled and thanked me but declined my offer. I didn't really
feel hurt, just that my closest friends didn't want any gifts I could give
them. I figured in time they'd become more comfortable with it and would be
okay with it.

* * *

          Well a couple more weeks went by as my team continued to rise to
the top of the standings in the league. I lead in tackles as well as Mark
did in his league. We were becoming known as the "two 55s of East Valley"
and would always get a kick out of walking around in our game
jerseys. During the first week Mark spent a couple of nights at my house
and our relationship continued to grow stronger. On school nights we made a
rule that there was to be no "hanky panky" and we were content to cuddle in
a chair and watch tv for a couple of hours before bed.

          In the second week I bought the new house and went to the local
furniture store with Laura to pick out new furniture. The house was pretty
gaudy and I wanted to tone it down considerably and hired decorators to
re-paint, paper, and even re-tile some of the floors. Then the furniture
was moved in. The master bedroom had a door to one of the other large
bedrooms and Mark grabbed this one as "his". The ten bedroom house with
it's 40 acre lot was a fixer-upper but in that one week I managed to get it
turned from "the old Berkenmeir place," to my home. I moved in on the
Friday morning.

          It was on the Saturday of that second week that my life
changed. It was after our game against Arden, a useless team that I walked
out to meet them at the usual place behind the stadium. They greeted me
with the usual congratulations and hug and kiss on the cheek from Laura. We
talked for a few minutes about the high points of the game and then I said
"well hey, let's get outta here and grab somethin to eat and we can talk
about this later?" I asked the group. Mark and I stepped towards my gator
and noticed Aaron and Laura weren't following. "Aren't you guys coming?" I
asked. "It's party time don't you know?"

          "Well.." Aaron paused. "We thought you two might want some time
alone.." he trailed off.

          "Time alone?" I asked playing stupid.

          "We know," Laura said flatly, looking me dead in the eyes then
turning her look to Mark who looked up at me with tears brimming in his
eyes. "The way you two act towards each other, the looks you give.." she
stopped looking around suddenly conscious of our surroundings.

          "Why don't we go to my place and discuss what is going on," I
suggested praying that they didn't "know" what I thought they were talking
about. Laura and Aaron got into their car while mark and I got into the
gator to drive across town to my new house. It would be the first time they
would see it fully furnished and I hoped it wouldn't be the last time I'd
see it before I saw prison bars.

**************************
Well that's the end of Parts 10-12. Hope you liked these parts too! Yes
this last part really did happen but it may not be what you think so y'all
will just have ta wait and see what's up in the next part!

Part 1 of "Through Mark's Eyes" is finished and you can check it out too.
Oh and some people thought I was Mark but I can assure you that I'm not
"Mark" from the story. :)

Thanks again for reading,

eric_case@hotmail.com

P.S, special thanks to Trey, D.Z., Robbie, JC, Joshy, l23m, and everyone
else who has sent me comments/suggestions!