Date: Tue, 29 Mar 2005 10:10:36 -0800 (PST)
From: T Chase McPhee <survivalgame@yahoo.com>
Subject: Nature Walk 15

The following story is a work of fiction set in the
format of reality. Any resemblance to real people is
entirely coincidental in nature, and is not meant to
accurately reflect persons in towns, cities, or
governmental areas, in which the story is staged. If
sexual scenes involving male to male relationships
offends you, then you should not read this story.
Additionally, if you are under 18 years of age, in
most states and countries, you are not allowed to read
this by law. This is fiction. Don't forget, in real
life, to think about 'sexual safety matters'.

"Nature Walk" 15 (M/t oral)
wriTten by T. Chase McPhee

As the afternoon faded into the early evening, the
boys had spent their time between the pool, out for a
hefty meal of messy ribbed steaks, vegetables, rice
and some tasty breaded finger foods. The culinary
delights reached the apex with Alberto's famous Zebra
Cake. A bit on the weary side, the boys retired to
Kade's home theather where they started on the a
'Rings' marathon. Matty and Chad cuddled. Ken and Sean
sat there watching the movie, arms around each other's
shoulders, but not as deeply devoted lovers. However
some serious necking didn't begin until Philip, Aidan,
Tom, Denis, Eric and Mark were zonked out, lots of
little snores permeating the room. The adults were
whooping it up around the pool, lit up with tiny
twinkling lights and plants abounding in lush
greenery.

"Well, I guess we should hit the road. First day of
school tomorrow," Steve put a damper on the wonderful
evening.

Walking into the dark home theater, Steve and Barry
cleared their throats persistantly.

"You guys want to help round up the troops?"

Matty, Chad and Ken helped the older boys, telling
Sean to take it easy. Kade and Jade went right for
Aidan and Philip, helping them to their feet. They
behaved like two little drunks trying to wipe the
sleepy's out of their eyes. Philip let Kade pick him
up, complaining of his tender knee hurting. The one
that wasn't supposed to be paddling around in the
pool, as per doctor's orders! Aidan tried to pull the
same with Jade, but she said she would need to sign up
at the gym first. However, Sean said he had recovered
enough and scooped Aidan up in his arms. Philip,
catching wind of this then wanted to be carried by
Chad, whom obliged.

"Philip, you little faggot! Get your thumb outta your
mouth!" Chad busted his little brother.

Philip laughed. As soon as they all loaded up the car,
Aidan and he turned into two little devils, teasing
the hell outta their big brothers.

Matty dropped Sean, Aidan, Philip and Chad off at the
Clark house, then headed on over to Ken's place. He
arrived home about the same time as his mom and
Alberto.

"Tired Matty honey?"

"Not really mom."

"Good. Let's have a chat in the kitchen then."

He followed his mom into the wide range of open
kitchen, where Alberto made up some sandwiches.

"Oh, none for me thanks."

"You sure, son. There's plenty."

Alberto always called Matty 'son' when reduced to a
band of three.

"But I will have a beer, please."

"Coming right up."

As they sat back and took his first chug, the front
door bell rang.

"Aren't you going to answer it, mom?"

Alberto replied, "They'll find their way."

Matty's curiousity became short lived, as two entered
the kitchen.

"Hey man!"

"Don't get up hombre. Mmmm, what's this Alberto?"

Juan helped himself to picking up the freshly made
sandwich Alberto had just assembled for himself and
took a bite out of it.

"Hey, this is good. You'll have to give me the recipe,
Alberto."

"Sure. Very exotic ingredients, Juan. Peanut butter,
grape jelly and white bread."

The two smiled at each other.  When they turned, Matty
and Miguel still hugged each other.

"Hey, you two better come up for air!" Bernice yelled
out.

"What would you like to drink, Miguel?"

"I'll take care of my man, Alberto."

Juan went shopping in the fridge and pulled out two
Corona's.

"Um, pass another one of those this way, Juan!"

"Sure, what's the magic word, Matty?"

"On accountta there's a lady present, I'll use the
secondary, Juan, 'please'?"

After they all got settled, Bernice started on the
reasoning behind this little gathering. However, first
Alberto wanted to take up the lead.

"First, I want to apologize to Miguel for perhaps not
being the father I should in..."

"Dad, you don't have to say anything."

"No, for a long time I've been taking out on you the
hurt I've felt over this whole business, which isn't
right."

"Dad, I understand," Miguel again tried to make passe.

"Well, I just want you to know that and also,
Matty..."

"I understand too, Alberto."

"It wasn't right of me to have Miguel fill you in on
the details of you both being brothers, Matty."

Bernice, "Good, now that all that crap off the table,
over and done with..."

They all giggle. Juan says, "Leave it to Mama Bernice
to get everybody back on the same page. So, what's up
Mama Bernice? What's the big secret?"

"Since it's confession time," Alberto took up the
soapbox once again, "we wanted you to know that
Bernice and I have decided to elope."

"Elope mom?"

"Well yes, Matty honey, with your approval... and
Miguel's."

Matty and Miguel both didn't see a reason to give them
the go ahead.

"Why don't you get married here in West Highland at
the church?" Miguel questions.

"Oh we don't want folks making a big to-do about it,"
Bernice answers.

"Were you at least going to invite me?" Matty
inquires, then turns to Miguel, "and him?" flicking
his thumb in Miguels' direction.

"Do you need a ringbearer? I'm good at balancing rings
on a pillow!" Juan offers.

They all crack up with Juan's humor.

"The thought had crossed our minds that it would be a
nice gesture to have you boys along," Alberto
mentioned, "I mean, I messed up enough."

"Alberto, shush, before you bring me to tears!"

"Mom, cut the antics," Matty replied, well knowing her
falsified crying act.

"Oh hush Matty before I take you out back and give you
a switchin'!"

"I'm too old for that, mom."

%

"Comfortable, son?"

"Yeah. Thanks dad and I want you to know something."

Sean lay there in bed, with the sheet up to his navel.
He looked up at his dad, sitting there on the side of
the bed, with his knees pushed to the side, making
room for the old man.

"What, dad?"

"Hee heee... Just looking at how you turned out to be
such a beefcake, Sean."

"Haa ha... even so I'm adopted, I guess I got some of
your traits, dad."

"Maybe. Um, Sean, your chest looks mighty sore and..."

"It doesn't hurt, but Dad, I'm real sorry about
eluding you for so long about this bdsm stuff."

"You keep saying that, Sean and what I would like you
to do is have some therapy sessions with Dr. Roberts."

"Ooooh, but dad."

"No, Sean. I think it would be in your best interests.
You see, I know it's not the bdsm in itself. Lots of
guys have an interest in that sort of thing. That's
not the problem though. You have some buried thoughts
in your past, I suppose mainly extending from Seb,
which I myself feel guilty not seeing it happen
earlier in your life."

"Dad, please don't feel bad."

"Like you, Sean, there's things I can't forget. That's
why I've agreed to see Dr. Roberts myself. Infact
Barry and I are going together."

"Dad?"

"Yeah, son?"

"I'm real happy for you and Barry."

"Thank you, son. You don't know how much it means to
me to have your support."

"Well, Barry's sure getting a hot fox!"

Steve laughed and then thanked Sean.

"Are you thinking of having Barry and his family move
in with us?"

"No, actually I thought of selling and having us all
move in at the old Chatsworth place. What do you think
about that, son?"

"I think it's a good move, dad."

"Hmm... I didn't expect quite that reaction, but then
again understand now what thoughts you might have
about this place."

"Yeah, well there are certain areas of this house that
give me the creeps, dad."

"Is that the reason you spent so many nights at
Matty's?"

"Yeah, most likely. I even think that that's the
reason I began to draw close to Matty. I even thought
maybe I loved him, like a lover."

"Funny thing is, Sean, that I thought maybe that had
been the case."

"Dad, don't be mad at me."

"Of course not, son."

"Dad, Matty did some s&m stuff with me, but it's
because I begged him to do it."

"Why am I not surprised?"

"You're not mad are you?"

"Listen, son. I know Matty Bridges doesn't have a mean
bone in his whole body. He's a kid with a good, solid,
loving upbringing. I tend to think that 98% of the
time he has a solid head on those shoulders...."

"The other head isn't bad, either!"

Steve smiled along with his son.

"Yeah, well that's despite the problem. Look, I've got
a busy day tomorrow and so does Barry. I imagine he
wants to chat before sleeping."

"Don't kid me dad, talk?"

"Okay, so we'll be doing more than talking, so I'd
better get a move on outta here."

"Dad?"

"Yes, Sean?"

"I love you."

"I love you too, son."

Like since a little kid, Steve bent over and placed a
kiss on Sean's forehead.

"Thanks dad."

"For what, son?"

"For being a real dad to me."

"You call me or come get me if you need something."

"I will dad."

Steve smiled, closing the door behind himself, hearing
Sean turn over in his bed.

%

"Mission accomplished, Steve?"

"Yeah, for tonight."

"You're not worried, are you?"

"I don't know."

Barry embraced Steve, as soon as he crawled under the
covers of the darkened room.

"No menu planning tonight, Steve?"

"Nah. Tonight I'm concentrating on the joy of gay
sex!"

Right after his comment, Steve kissed Barry's lips,
pressing his body into his lover.

"Mmmm... love your hairy body, Barry."

Steve moved his hands up and down the hairy chest and
stomach that lay next to him. His head bowed and much
to Barry's enjoyment, his tongue found a nublet
resting inbetween the thick undergrowth of fur.

"Ooooooooooh!" Barry cried out as Steve cupped his
lips around the nub, then pulled away at the nip until
it slid from his grasp.

"Mmmmmm... love the taste of you Barry."

Barry rubbed Steve's flawless, smooth back. His
fingers found the clefts of his lover's asscheeks,
poking into the mounds of lightly haired flesh. Steve
loosened his grip, sliding his tongue down the bear
body and then impaling Barry's bellyhole with his
tongue. Barry arched his back and squirmed about as
Steve teased his tongue in and out. Then a jolt went
through Barry as Steve's teeth bit around the edge of
the deep innie.

"Oooooh Steve.... my bellyhole master!"

Stopping a moment, Steve confided, "I never did this
to a guy before."

"No kidding, Steve. It's like you've had years of
practice."

"You like  it, no?"

"Oh yeah. I can't believe it myself, that your tongue
on my navel is so erotic!"

"Yeah, I can tell."

"HuH?"

"Your cock is poking me in the Adam's apple!"

Steve didn't complain too much. He scraped the precum
and cleaned his fingers with his own lips.

"Steve, this feels awesome, but I'm worried about
tomorrow."

"Oh, don't worry Barry. I'll take care of the kid's
breakfast."

Barry smirked, then spilled, "It's not breakfast I'm
worried about."

"I know. But it's fun humiliating you!"

Barry tortured Steve back, sticking the tip of his
finger in his asshole.

"Ooooooooooh!"

"Hee heeee..."

"Wiseass!"

"Hee heeee... getting even."

"I wonder what Dr. Roberts thinks about that?"

As the two talked about things, from Dr. Roberts, his
professionalism, to what they thought his body looked
like, to school, to what they would have for
breakfast, then on Jade for a second, changing the
subject to Kade and what a hot body he had while
swimming, Barry and Steve kept a constant fix of their
hands on each other's cocks. Each claimed they jerked
their load off inbetween their bodies with thoughts of
each other, but who knows if twenty-seven year old
Kade Love's bod didn't play a part in that high end
orgasm!

%

Next morning, Steve stood in the kitchen, his bathrobe
loose, the belt untied. Yawning, one hand held open
the kitchen cabinet door, the other hand down his
back, via the neck opening, scratching. His eyes were
glued to nothingness even though the Crispy Rice,
Cornflakes and Cocoa Puffs stood out in front of his
face. Then he heard a tap-tap-tap on the glass of the
back door. Investigating, Jade's smiling face and
waving hand greeted him. Remembering, in the nick of
time, Steve tightened up his appearance.

"Isn't this a surprise!"

"Here, take this bag. I have a few more groceries in
the car."

"But your not hired yet, Jade."

"First day is a freebie!" She yelled back.

Steve hightailed it from the door to the upstairs to
summon everyguy to a 'clothes alert'!

When Jade returned to the kitchen, she let herself in,
hung her coat over a doorknob and went to work making
breakfast. Before she got too far, Matty walked in the
same back door.

"Oh good, here Matty, put on this apron and get
cracking open some eggs for me."

"I knew I should've waited a half hour!"  Matty
willingly allowed himself to be placed into slave
labor.

"Hi Jade!"  Two calls of her name came from the two
pipsqueaks coming into the kitchen.

"Hello my darlings!"

"What's for breakfast," Philip asked getting hugged
after Aidan.

"Sausage and eggs for today."

"I don't like sausage," Aidan reported. Philip kind of
turned his nose up at it, too.

Matty reached for the Cocoa Puffs, saying, "Eat up,
guys!"

He also provided them with two bowls, spoons and milk.

"Hmm, maybe I should make you my assistant Matty!"

"Um, I don't think so Jade. All I'm capable of serving
is cereal."

"I'd be interested in learning how to crack an egg
open!" A new voice bellowed forth.

Matty walked over and hugged Sean.

"How you feeling bro?"

"Okay. Thanks for helping me out yesterday, Mattyboy."

Jade addressed Sean with a good morning and then asked
Matty to call the household for breakfast.

Sean said to her, "Like mother, like son," when Matty
let out an updated version of the hogcalling!

"Sean?"

"Yeah, Squirt?"

"Why did you let some guy whip your chest?"

"Um, ah...."

Seeing the predicament Sean stuttered through, Jade
helped turn the subject on to an alternative.

"Philip, Aidan, what are taking to school for lunch?"

"Jade, don't you know it's rude to interrupt?" Philip
said.

"I-I'm sorry, honey." She turned back to the range and
moved the sausage and eggs around on the griddle.

Sean and Matty proceeded to bust Philip's chops,
without speaking. Boy, did he feel like a sorrysport!
Sean, Matty and even Aidan coaxed Philip off of his
counter stool to go make up.

"Jade, I said a dumb thing. I hurt your feelings,
didn't I?"

Turning back to Philip, standing there, she bent down
on one knee. She had her own formula for making up.

"Yes, but if you eat this whole sausage, I'll forgive
you!" A smile followed.

"I'll eat one too, Philip, if you do!" Aidan stood
there looking at the cook, eager to help Philip make
up.

Their faces all crinkled up, trying to chew up the
little links. Jade smiled, then stole the remaining
halfs out of their hands.

"This mean you're only half mad at us, Jade?"

"I'm not mad at you at all, Philip, but I should tell
you to next time think before you say something,
okay?"

"We get the message," Aidan took partial blame, even
though the comment came solely from Philip.

Sean says, "Geez, you little guys, it's like Jade was
making you eat soap. Here, Jade, fling a couple of
those on this plate!"

Matty slapped Sean in the back of the head. "She's the
cook, dufous, not your maid!"

Matty took Sean's plate to the stove, where Jade lay
three links and some eggs on it.

"Thank you maid Jade!"

Philip says, "You better be careful, Sean. Jade'll
take you out back for a swishin'!"

Matty replies to that, "Don't coax him on, Squirt."

Sean gave Matty the eyes. They knew the implications.

Soon the rest of the guys, young and older, tumbled
into the kitchen. Barry and Steve stood, while the
boys sat at the table.

"You look very distinguished for your first day,
Barry."

"Thank you Jade. Good eggs and sausage."

"By the way, Kade will be by soon to..."

"Good morning!"

Walking in the back door, Barry and Steve eyed up the
medium brown skinned hunk arriving.

"Kaaaade!" Philip and Aidan greeted the twenty-seven
year old history teacher.

"How's my swim team buddies?"

"Good," they each replied.

"Kade has offered some chaffeur service this morning."

Steve and Barry thanked him.

"C'mon guys, bundle up, it's chilly out this morning."

"Is it time to go already, Jade?"

"Yes, Philip. C'mon, let's go find your coats. Where
are your backpacks?"

Jade took the two into the foyer by the front door.

"Oh noooooo."

"What's the matter, bro?" Aidan asks Philip.

"My backpack is with all the moving stuff we didn't
get yet."

"I think Kade has an extra one, Philip."

"What color is it?"

"Pink?" Jade 'the trickster' comments.

"Ugh."

She laughed her ass off at Philip's look and actions.

"You're foolin' me Jade, aren't you?"

"Yes I am. It's a dark blue."

"I never thought that you would get even, Jade."

Philip got even for Jade getting even, when he didn't
laugh right away. She chased him all the way to the
kitchen, catching up to him as he hung around his
dad's waist.

"Whooooa, buddy. Almost showered you with my coffee!"

Steve says, "Where do you get your energy, Jade?"

"I dream about it. When I wake up, it's there!"

She turned towards making sure all the boys had enough
to eat, as Steve and Barry debated about the
scientific evidence surrounding dreams carrying over
into the morning light!

%

Tom and Eric left for one school bus stop, as Denis
and Mark lit out for the one that would ferry students
to the high school. Aidan and Philip left with Kade,
whom also offered to take Steve and Barry to the high
school, where he also taught history. After dropping
Philip and Aidan off, Kade began to stir up some
conversation.

"Nervous about your first day, Barry?"

"Oh sure I am," Barry replied.

Chad, in the back seat with his dad, gives him a back
hand in the stomach. "Oh, you'll do fine, dad."

"Thanks son."

"The boys seemed plenty excited," Kade continues,
trying to strike up some more conversation.

"Dad?"

"Yes, Chad?"

"Do you think we can look for a cheap car for me?"

"Gosh, I never had anyone wanting to turn down free
limo service," Kade replied.

"You're a good driver, Kade."

"Why don't we talk about that later, Chad. It all
depends on what you want to do for college."

"I want to go to West Richland Community College,
dad."

"Have you decided on a field of study?"

"Most likely science, possibly geology."

"Excellent!"

Steve seconds Chad's choice, as he puts his hand to
the back seat of the BMW and rubs Chad's leg.

"Good choice, Chad and you couldn't have picked a
better geologic playground."

"I know and my first order of study is going to be
that rock sticking up outta the cliff."

Kade begins in on a short introduction to the jutting
stone, but all too soon the entrance to the high
school approaches.

Barry had been a little silent, listening to Chad,
Steve and Kade speak about geology, but his mind had
been on a bothersome subject. It didn't have much to
do with the curriculum or how he would go about
getting a point across. No, actually he wondered how
he would survive with all the cute high school boys.
If they all were as debonair as Connor Matthews and
Jim Faulkner, the seventeen year olds Steve had
introduced to him at the half time Saturday morning,
then he would make sure his lecture originated from
behind the front desk.

Kade told Steve and Barry he would connect with them
at lunch. Steve knew they had the same lunch period.

Chad went off on his own to find his way. Right away
some guys and girls introduced themselves. A couple of
them spotted him walking in with 'Mr. Clark' and knew
from the previous week of this stranger in their
midsts.

The three headed towards the office to check in. Kade
stole his goods from his teacher's mailbox and bid the
two farewell til lunch. It seems that Barry became the
focal point of everyone's attention. He met teachers
with a smile, everyone eager to meet and greet. As the
teachers cleared out their mail boxes and headed for
their classrooms, the principal came in.

Steve says to Barry, ever-so-softly, "Gaydar up?"

"Hello. You must be Barry Barr."

"Yes."

"I'm Alex Washakie, principal of West Richland High
School."

Barry shook his hand, wanting to get it back, but like
duct tape wrapped around them, their palms remained
glued in position.

"I see you've met Steve Clark."

"Yes, he seems like a nice man."

Barry rolled his eyes, as Washakie stare away to one
of the secretaries, telling her it's time to sound the
bell. Finally the principal lost his grip when the
chime the secretary sounded into the microphone didn't
sound.

"Now what do we do?" Washakie, his patience expired,
panics.

Barry walks over to the microphone and says, "May I?"

Picking up the mic, Barry leans in and in his most
suave, masculine voice dictates, "Please rise for the
salute to the flag!"

Everyone is blown away by his professionalism. The
principal shoves a paper with morning announcements
into Barry's hand, at the conclusion of the Pledge Of
Allegiance.

"I think we've got ourselves a winner here, Steve!"
Alex Washakie lends the vote of confidence towards
Barry.

Steve thought, 'if he only knew'!

%

"C'mon, Sean, we'll be late for class."

"Okay, Matty."

Like every Monday morning, Matty and Sean left for
West Richland Community College together. After
fastening seat belts, Matty looks behind and backs
around to face forwards, heading back down the
driveway.

"Matty?"

"If you thank me one more time for yesterday, Sean..."

"No, it's not that, even though I do."

Sean looks to Matty, whom smirks.

"Matty, I... man this is so lame."

"Sean Clark?"

"Okay. Matty, I think I really like Jacq della Croix."

Good thing they had their seat belts on.

"Jacq? What about Ken?"

"Ken and I are more friends."

"Oh man. Have you gone and done it this time, Sean."

"I know."

"So, tell me. What draws you to Jacq. He's gotta be at
least twice your age, Sean."

Matty shifts and keeps on the beaten path to WRCC.

"Yeah, you're right Matty, he is twelve year's older,
but I have this feeling deep inside that... that...
Matty I think I love the guy."

"Are you sure you're not confusing these with your
love for the bdsm, Sean?"

"I knew you were going to ask that, Matty and the
answer is 'no'."

"Your dad is going to have a shit over this, Sean."

"I don't think so. You see, my dad told me that Dr.
Roberts accredits Jacq with actually bringing me out
of this whatever I'm into."

"The result of Seb's treatment of you and the shock
you went into?"

"Yeah, that's it. My dad still wants me to talk it out
with Dr. Roberts."

"Cute guy."

"Who? Roberts?"

"Yeah. You're a lucky guy, Sean."

"You see, that's the thing too, Matty."

"You're in love with Roberts, too?"

"No, you dumbass. I want Jacq to be there with me."

"Do you think your dad, let alone Dr. Roberts will
allow that?"

"Well, just for the first couple of sessions. But
here's the thing, Matty. Do you think I should talk
with Jacq first?"

"Hmm... I think what you should do first is talk with
Ken, even though I detected from last night that you
two were more interested in the movie than each
other."

"You felt that too, huh?"

"What feelings did you get from Ken, Sean?"

"Like we're on the verge of a breakup."

"Then maybe he suspects it already. Still, you can't
leave Ken hanging, Sean."

"I know, Matty."

They pull through the gate of WRCC. Matty pulls into a
parking place.

"Matty, would you come with me to Ken's?"

"Sure, I'll drive you, but I think you and he should
have it out together. I mean, I can't go around
holding your hand all your life, Sean."

"Yeah, bro."

"But I do love you, Sean. You know that?"

"Likewise bro."

The two gave embrace over the stick shift before
departing the SUV.

"Meet you back here at four, right?"

"Yeah, sure. Maybe four fifteen. Wait for me."

"No, Sean. You can run and latch onto the bumper!"

Matty got a light rap in the back of the head before
parting ways.

%

"Nice job, Barry!"

Not only did Principal Washakie congratulate Barry on
the heralded job of reading announcements, but
bestowed the job on him indefinitely.

"Looks like you're in tight with the administration,
buddy."

"Hee heeee... not bad for my first day, huh Steve?"

As the class change came about, students tended to
stare at Mr. Clark, walking to his classroom with the
'new' science teacher. Steve showed Barry around the
'lab', the science room where they would be team
teaching from. So, Steve thought.

"Um, may I see you a moment please, Mr. Barr?"

"Why certainly, Mr. Washakie."

Steve got the students settled, as Barry stood in the
hallway talking with the principal.

"Hey, how's it going Mr. Barr!"

Washakie turned to the lad interrupting them,
"Matthews, don't you have class?"

"Sure, it's right here, Mr. Washakie."

If behind his back, the familiar student nickname for
the principal would have been 'Wash-ass-kie'. Connor
Matthews would use that nick when he sat in his seat
next to his bud, Jim Faulkner.  As Washakie talked
with Barry, he wished he could have been in the
classroom hearing Steve 'teach', one of the things
that interested him in seeing his partner in action.

"Let me just make mention of all of this to Mr.
Clark," Barry explained to Washakie.

"Excuse me, please, Mr. Clark?"

Steve bowed out of the classroom, asking the students
to pardon his absence. At this moment, Barry saw a
side of Steve never seen. Not anything bad, but
definitely he would cheer Steve on for.

"What is it Washakie? You're interrupting the learning
process, you know."

"I realize that Steve, but I think this is of your
interest."

"Then get on with it, Washakie."

Steve slightly changed his tune when the principal
made mention that Herb Crenshaw, one of the fifth
grade teachers had a heart attack just moments prior.
He sought Barry's help in covering for his classes
today, knowing that Barry had previously been employed
as a substitute teacher.

"Oh, I'm so sorry Alex. That sucks big time. I think
Barry's the man for the job."

Barry smiled humbly at Steve's suggestion. He also
liked the body touching part!

"Well, Steve, I apologize for having to take Barry out
of the classroom with you. Chances are he'll be right
back with you tomorrow morning, once we get things
settles on the elementary level."

"Oh? I thought this might be a more permanent
arrangement?"

"I'm not sure. I'd have to go over his records. Are
you certified for elementary ed, Barry?"

"Any level."

"Hmm. Then this might be an opportunity for you. Tell
you the truth, it doesn't look good for Henshaw."

"I'm sorry."

"Yeah, thanks Steve."

"Ah, hold on a second Alex."

Steve ducks back into the classroom.

"Hey, Wade, get your stinking boots off the desk!"

Bill Wade, termed 'class troublemaker' throws a
derogatory slur in Steve's direction.

"What'd you say Wade?"

"I didn't say nothin', Clark!"

"Wade, get your ass up off that chair and outside,
now!" Steve exercised his rights.

Some of the students booed. As Wade passed by Connor
Matthews, he said to him, "You're in trouble now,
Wade."

Wade didn't take kindly to the comment, turned and
hurled his fist right into Connor's face.  All hell
broke loose, as Connor Matthews jumped up and jumped
on Wade, pushing into Susie Smith, who fell across the
aisle, smacking into Claudia Simms.

"Get offa me you fuckin' fag!" Wade calls out.

Susie, angered by Wade's comment, pounces Wade over
the head with her science book.

"You don't talk to people like that, Wade, you jerk!"

Claudia backs up Susie, "You tell'm girl!"

By this time, Steve and Barry are on their way back to
the middle range of desks, to break up the melee.
Washakie has gone to fetch the nurse. A security
guard, a chubby guy by the name of Glen comes in and
tears Wade off of Connor.

"I saw the whole thing," Susie Smith reports. "Wade
punched Connor first."

Mike Finnegan comments, "Yeah, but Matthews provoked
him."

Claudia half enraged, half gone over the handsome
features of the new teachers states, "Wade punched Mr.
Barr. I saw it, clear as day!"

"Alright... everybody just settle down!" Steve called
out, his arm in the air for law and order to return.

Two other security guards had returned and they
proceeded in taking Connor and Wade out. Prinicipal
Washakie required Susie, Claudia and Mike to come
along as well to take statements from the students
regarding the fracas.

"Are you alright Mr. Barr?" Claudia asked, all
concerned.

"Yea, I'll be fine. Thank you, um..."

"Claudia."

"Yes, well thanks for your concern Claudia."

"Anytime, Mr. Barr."

The senior smiled on her way out. Barry hoped to God
she wasn't getting any ideas!

Steve dictated to the class to open to chapter three
in their texts and read.

"I'm sorry that your position has started out like
this, Barry," Washakie apologized to him. "I'll make
sure the Wade boy is disciplined for striking you."

"Yeah, well I'm sure he didn't know that my shoulder
was going to get in the way of his fist."

"Just as much, it shouldn't have happened and I want
to you fill out a report in case that shoulder gives
you any problem, Barry."

"Okiedokie."

Barry told Steve he would see him later and might have
to juggle the limo service after dismissal. Steve said
he would speak to Kade at lunch about it.

"Are you sure you are fine, Barry?"

"I'll live. So, are we headed over to the elementary
school now?"

"Yes. We'll take my car."

Barry retrieved his coat, which he left in the office,
totally forgetting it. One of the secretaries watched
over it for him. She also parted with an apple she
brought for lunch, as a token for saving her from
reading the morning announcements.

"So, how you found living arrangements, Barry?"

Sitting across the seat from Alex Washakie, Barry
answered the light chat, "Um, yes. Bernice Bridges
found a spacious home for my family and I."

Washakie didn't bring up talk of his former spouse,
knowing of her demise, but did talk about the boys.

"How are your boys settling in?"

"Fine. Chad, that's my oldest."

"Yes, a senior here at Westland High."

"Yeah, he made friends with Matty Bridges. Matty seems
like a nice role model for Chad."

"Um, I don't know if you know this, Barry, but Matty
Bridges is gay."

"Oh my! Is he now?" Contrary to Barry's acting stint
in the jon with Steve, his acting skills right now
seemed up to par with that of Dylan McDermott's. In
fact, the resemblance, except for the small belly, was
uncanny.

"Yes. Oh, but don't get me wrong. I have nothing
against the gay lifestyle, Barry."

"Does the school have any gay organisations?"

"There's a small handful of students that show an
interest, but at present we're looking for an
advisor." He didn't let on that Steve had been one of
the faculty members that interested him in approaching
for the position.

"I'm sure someone will come forward, if you advertise
the position." Barry thought it in his best interest,
to find out what his job would be like, before getting
to it, plus jump off the subject matter at hand.

"How many fifth grade teachers are there?"

"There's you and Alonzo Romano, whom happens to be new
to our school system. A twenty-four year old
whippersnapper right out of college. Alonzo began
teaching last year in April when Mrs. Cranbury took
pregnancy leave."

"That's convenient." Barry immediately wondered what
the twenty-four year old looked like. He kind of hoped
he were fat and ugly. He didn't need the distraction.

Washakie pulled in the parking lot, taking up a VIP
spot. Together they walked across the circular drive
and entered the one story school. Immediately they
were greeted by a security guard.

"Hello Alex," he addressed the high school principal.

"Sam Champlain, I'd like you to meet Barry Barr,
Crenshaw's temp, whom will be taking his place until
Herb returns."

"I don't know. Herb looked pretty bad when they took
him out."

"Well, let's just wish the best for him, Sam."

"Yup. Said a prayer for him as they were taking him
out."

"That's nice, um well, we better get in there."

It became obvious to Barry that Alex was a God-fearing
man. This 'deja-vu' brought Barry's mind back to what
Philip said about not praying at the table.

"Barry?"

"Oh yeah, what's up?"

"I'd like you to meet our elementary school
prinicipal, Marsha Burke."

"Nice to meet you ma'am."

"Same here, Mr. Barr. We can get acquainted on the
way."

Barry figured the prinicipal to be in her mid 30's,
pleasant, but very professional. Good figure for a
woman, even though Sam Chaplain's shapely bod, in that
tight security shirt pulled over his abs interested
him more!

Instead of the fifth grade classroom, the elementary
principal led them into the auditorium. It seems that
the only personnel available at the time, to leave the
children with, had been the other fifth grade teacher.
Barry almost 'wowwed' out loud, when he saw the hunk
from the distance. Something in his boxer shorts told
him that this teacher was something hot!

"Alonzo, I'd like you to meet Barry Barr, whom will be
pinch hitting for Mr. Crenshaw until he returns."

"I'm very glad to meet you Barry," the other fifth
grade teacher announced in a totally masculine manner,
even though his handshake sent a different message to
Barry.

"The feeling is mutual, Mr. Romano."

"Call me Alonzo, except for in front of the children."

"If you don't mind, Mr. Romano, I'll leave Mr. Barr in
your hands."

Barry only could wish!

"Sure Marsha."

So, the two principals left, Alex Washakie complaining
that the Wade boy had struck up another fight.

"Looks like 'Nemo'."

"Yes, the children love the movie. I suppose we'll sit
here and let them finish watching it," Alonzo replied.

"Whatever's your pleasure, Alonzo."

Barry sensed Alonzo take that as more than some free
classroom time.

"Yes, ahem! Well, what Herb and I were planning, are
lessons together, so we could coincide with our class
trips, etc."

"Sounds good to me."

"Have you taught at the elementary level, Barry?"

"Substituted, plus I have some children of my own."

"Oh. What does your spouse do?"

Barry detected a slight low tone in Alonzo's voice.

"She's deceased."

"Oh, I'm sorry for prying."

Yet, it seemed his voice to sharpen up!

"Thanks. What about yourself?"

"Single. I have a nine year old, whom lives with me."

"Oh? Then he goes to school here?"

"No, the other elementary school. Teachers with
children who attend school generally don't pair off,
except in the high school."

"I'm not opposed to either."

"You wouldn't mind teaching your own children then,
Barry?"

"Nope. I teach them at home. There wouldn't be any
difference."

"I guess," Alonzo left it as is. "It's just about
finished. Um, today I had planned a spelling bee. It's
a great way to get to know your students."

"That's fine with me, however I'd like to go over some
lesson plans for tomorrow, if that suits you Alonzo?"

"That'll be great. Could take some time, though."

"I know. Would you care to bring your son over for
dinner, maybe?"

"You know, that might be a good idea. But also thanks
for the invite."

"No problem Alonzo. What's your son's name?"

"Diego. I'll have to warn you that he can eat up a
storm."

"No problem. Got one of those stormers at home, Tom."

Barry and Alonzo didn't have that much time to chat,
as 'Nemo' ended and they had to spring into action.
Alonzo introduced 'Mr. Barr', which the kids seemed to
like what he 'looked like'. One even mentioned he
looked like a 'teddy bear', which drew giggles from
the kids and lots of smiles.

%

continued.........

       Copyright 2005 T. Chase McPhee  All Rights Reserved.

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