Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2003 12:45:13 -0700 (PDT) From: mycandlelight_dreams <mycandlelight_dreams@yahoo.com> Subject: Swim Coach - Chpt 10 THE NORMAL BORING DISCLAIMER: This story is FICTION, and just one of my fantasies. Any similarity to real persons is purely coincidental. Further, this story contains sexually explicit information between an adult and a teen-ager. If this type of material offends you, do NOT read further. However, if you like these kinds of stories, then read on and ENJOY! --- CHAPTER 10 --- After a while, the reality of going to school in Florida began to set in. "I'd have to leave my friends behind. I'd have to move." "I know, Chris, but this really is a great chance to pursue an Olympic medal, if that's still one of your dreams. This is your chance." "It IS one of my dreams, Coach, you know that..." He paused, and lowered his head. "It's just, that there's something you don't know." "Well, what is it?" I asked, walking over to his chair. I kneeled down next to him and I could see the faintest sign of a tear forming in his eye. "Chris? What's up? I thought this would make you happy." "I am happy. I mean, I think so. I dunno. It's just that so much is going on. I don't know what to do." He looked up at me, and his pleading eyes were crying for me to give him some kind of direction. "Chris, you said there's something that I don't know. What are you talking about?" I posed the question. "Coach, can I tell you some private? And you'll keep it to yourself?" He put his hand on mine. "Of course. You know you can count on me, Chris. What's this all about?" Chris got up from the chair and walked to the window. He pulled down the blinds and looked out in the locker room. "This has been my home for a long time, Coach." I stood up. "I don't understand, this is your first year at Lakeview." "No, not this school. This town. I've lived here all my life. I've never even visited anyplace outside of Michigan." He turned around and looked at me evenly. "And now it's all changed." I walked closer to him and hugged him tightly to my chest. I didn't even care if someone saw us or not. "Tell me what's going on, Chris. Why are you so upset?" "My mom told you that my dad works a lot and that he was working late the night we had you for dinner, remember?" He looked up at me again. I knew almost immediately where this was going, but I had to be sure. "Yes, sometimes fathers do that for their families." "He wasn't working late, Coach. At least, not for us! He left us, Coach, over three weeks ago, and he's not coming back!" Chris fell into my arms, the floodgate of emotions exploding from him. It all made perfect sense to me. The extra attention from Charlotte; the hunger for attention from Chris. "Easy, Chris, it's going to be okay. Your mom's a strong woman, and you guys are going to be just fine." "It's my fault, Coach! He left because of me!" Chris said through sobbing tears. I held the boy closer to me, softly stroking his hair. The office door flew open. "Reggy wants to know if you're coming back out?" Jake said as he opened the door without knocking. "Not right now! Get out!" I yelled at the boy, who quickly exited, slamming the door behind him. "Oh, great," Chris said, raising his head and sniffling back the tears. "Now, everyone's gonna know I'm a big baby." "Don't you worry about them, Chris, I'll take care of them." I stroked his hair again. "What do you mean, it's your fault?" "I...I can't, Coach, please. Don't make me tell you, please." His voice had changed from tears of sadness to fear of retaliation. "Listen," I said, seating him back down in the chair. "We're not through with this. Stay here, I'll be right back." "Coach, I'm sorry." He began to sob again. "I've let everybody down." "I'll be right back, Chris. You stay right here. Understand?" Chris nodded and put his head down. I walked out to the pool and blew my whistle. By now, Jake already had the news of Chris' sobbing session spread through the team. "Line up!" I yelled out, my tone undeniably firm. The boys quickly lined up beside the pool, looking directly at me. "We're a team here," I started as the boys settled down. "When one of us is in trouble or hurt, it's our job to pitch in and help out. Right?" "RIGHT!" They chimed in. "What's wrong with Chris, Coach?" Reggy asked. "He's having a rough time right now, Reggy. We just have to be supportive and be patient while he works through it." I said, reassuringly. "Is he in trouble?" Reggy asked. "What did he do?" "Reggy, the details are none of your business, or any of you for that matter. And, no, he's not in trouble. Now listen to me, Gentlemen, I refuse to have my team turn into an old-lady-gossip-mill. So, Chris will not be a topic for endless debate, understand?" The boys nodded. "Good. Resume the practice regime I gave you. Reggy, you're in charge while I take care of Chris. When the laps are finished, start on the specific routines. Remember, Gentlemen, we still have finals coming up, and there isn't much time to prepare. You boys want to win this thing, don't you?" "YEAH!!!!" They all screamed. "All right, then practice is the key." TWEEET! I blew my whistle again, and the boys set off with renewed vigor. I returned to my office to find Chris still seated there, but the sobbing had stopped. Now, he was in more of a deep concentrated thought. He didn't even hear me come in, and seem startled when I touched him. "I can't go, Coach. Not now. I'm all mom's got left. I simply can't go." With that, he got and started to walk out. "Chris Telater!" I loudly announced, stopping him in his tracks. "I haven't dismissed you yet. Sit down!" Chris turned and looked at me, stunned, not sure I was serious. "I said SIT DOWN!" I pointed to the chair. Chris walked back to the chair and carefully sat back down. "The first thing we're going to do is meet with you mother." The fear returned to Chris' face, and he jumped out of the chair in front of my desk. "No, Coach, please. You don't understand. This is my fault. She'll hate me just like he does. You can't do this, Coach, please. I'll quit the team. I'll run away. Do you hear me? I don't care. Just please; don't talk to my mom about this. Coach, please!!!" He ran around the desk and hugged me tightly, his body beginning to shiver. "Whoa! Settle down, Chris. What's gotten into you? It'll be all right." I held him tightly as my heart felt his pain. --- "Mom? I'm home." Chris yelled out as the two of us walked through the front door. "Hi, Honey," Charlotte said gleefully, as she appeared from the kitchen. "How was practice? I've almost got dinner ready. Oh my," She said, seeing me standing in the foyer. "Coach Frye. Are you staying for dinner?" Her eyes twinkled. "Charlotte, we need to talk. May I sit down?" I asked, closing the door behind me. "Oh, goodness, where's my manners? Yes, please, come in, come in." She lead the way to the living room, and Chris sat in an overstuffed chair, while I took a seat on the large black leather couch. "Is everything all right? Did something happen at practice?" "Charlotte," I said, motioning for her to sit down. "Chris told me about your husband leaving and he's very upset about it." Charlotte's pleasant demure façade melted away and the torment of being thrust into single-parenthood revealed itself. "Oh, I see," was all she could muster, as her body gave way to the weight, and she sat down at the other end of the couch. "Mom, I'm sorry. Please don't be mad at me. It just slipped out." Chris began to apologize profusely for letting out their little family secret, and Charlotte quickly raised her hand in a 'stopping' motion. "It's not your fault, Chris, there's nothing for you to apologize for. It was bound to get out sooner or later." She began to dab her face before a single tear appeared. "But it is my fault," Chris continued. "If I had just said yes, he'd still be here, and you'd be happy again." My attention quickly turned to Chris. "Said yes? Said yes to what?" Charlotte's attention was also drawn to Chris, now curious about his statement. "Chris, what are you talking about?" Chris stopped, realizing he had already said too much. "I...I can't. Please, Coach, please...let's just forget this whole thing, okay? We're better off without him!" "Chris, Honey," Charlotte said, as she walked to the chair, and placed her hand on his head. "Forget about what? What are you talking about?" "Oh, God. If I just said yes, he'd still be here. I'm so stupid." Chris lowered his head in shame. "Chris!" I called out to him and he immediately lifted his head. "Did something happen to you?" Charlotte looked at me and then quickly looked back at Chris, as though her own wheels had begun to spin. "I thought I was alone." Chris started to speak, softly at first, causing both Charlotte and I to strain to hear him. "It was the night you were at the teacher's meeting at the school, remember, Mom? He came home, late as usual, and I didn't hear him come into the house. Then, he came to my room." Chris paused as the memory rushed in, flooding his mind, and once again, placing him in his bedroom. --- "Oh, God...ugh, huh, mmmmm...oh, yeah...I love your cock." Chris moaned as the peak of his orgasm fast approached. He opened his eyes to get another glimpse of the naked man in the magazine, knowing it would send him over the edge. The man's long dick hard on the page was the most incredible thing Chris had ever seen, and it only made his masturbation more intense. "I knew it!" Chris heard the voice say. He scrambled to hide the magazine and cover his naked torso, but it was too late. His father got a full view of Chris' boyhood and the magazine he was so intensely jacking-off to. "No, no, don't hide it now. Daddy's already seen his little fag-boy's dickie. I always thought you were queer, Chris, and now I know it's true." Chris' dad moved in closer, closing the bedroom door behind him. Chris froze in place, unable to move, or scream or anything. He wasn't sure what was going to happen, but he certainly wasn't prepared for what did happen. "So, you like looking at cocks, do you, Faggot? Well, Daddy's got a big one for you. Feast your eyes on this!" Chris' dad unzipped the fly of his dress pants, pulling out his now fully erect dick. He then moved closer to the bed toward Chris. "Now, Faggot, why don't you show Daddy just how much you like his dick?" Chris backed up toward the head of his bed. "Awww, come on," his dad said, yanking the covers off of him. "Look, your dick's still hard. You know you like what you see. Come on, touch it." He moved closer, and Chris backed up again, pressing his body against his headboard. Chris' dad moved closer still, pointing his stiff dick at Chris' mouth, egging him on. "Suck it, Faggot. Wrap those gay lips around my cock!" Chris began shaking his head 'no.' "No? Just a minute ago, you were saying how much you love cock, now you say no? Come here, damn it!" His dad pulled his head forward, pressing his dick to Chris' tightly closed lips. Just then, the front door slammed shut. "Chris? Honey, I'm home. You wouldn't believe what those teachers are up to now." "You tell anyone about this, you little faggot, and you'll be truly sorry. Got it?" Chris' dad quickly zipped up his pants and walked out the door, leaving the boy naked and shivering. --- "Oh my God. My baby, my poor baby!" Charlotte pulled Chris into her arms, the tears streaming from her face. I too, felt a lump in my throat, but it was minimal compared to the rage of anger I felt toward this sweet boy's abusive father. "If I had just said yes, and done what he wanted, he'd still be here. I'm sorry, Mom. I'm so sorry." Chris gave in to his building tears. "Now, you listen to me, young man," Charlotte said, through tears of her own, "none of this is your fault. What he did was just plain awful and wrong, do you hear me? He's the bad person here, not you. I had no idea this happened, Chris, right under my roof. I'm the one who's sorry, Sweetheart. I love you, Chris, so much." "I love you, too, Mom," Chris said, his face now buried in her bosom. "Charlotte?" I was about to bring up the scholarship issue. Perhaps a new start for both of them. But, she never even looked up at me. "Charlotte, if you need anything from me, please ask. I'm only too happy to help." I got up from the couch and walked over to Chris. Resting my hand on his shoulder and leaning in, I whispered to him, "You're a good boy, Chris. You did nothing wrong." I left the two alone. I knew that they had much more to talk about. I quietly stepped out of the house, closing the front door behind me. --- "Russell! Geez, you look like shit, Mate! What the hell happened to you?" David said softly, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. I couldn't speak. The shock of the day was overwhelming. It had been a roller coaster ride of emotions, and I was feeling sick to my stomach. "Okay, okay," David said to me, as I laid my puppy-dog eyes upon him. "Manuel, take Mr. Frye to my private room. He'll be served there." "Yes, Sir. This way, please," Manuel said, leading me through The Brass Turtle restaurant. "Here we are. Select any seat you'd like," Manuel said, as he opened the French Doors leading into a dark and cozy private dining room. "Thank you," I managed to mutter out and walked slowly into the room. I selected a seat near the head of the rather ostentatious table. The dark paneling reminded me of those used in the late 1970's, and the lights could have been turned up a bit, in my opinion. I placed the cloth napkin to my face, hoping to wipe away the sick feeling I had. "1964 Bordeaux," David said, re-entering the room. "Oh, David, you always did know how to cheer me up!" I smiled as best I could, the pain and anger of Chris' story still ringing in my ears. "Well, Mate, nothing's too good for you. Now, you sip your wine and tell me what happened." David poured the wine, and as the delicious liquid flowed down my throat, my story of Chris flowed from my lips. With my gut wrenched in anger as the last of my story escaped my lips, David wrapped his arm around me. "Well, Mate, it seems you already know what you need to do." I looked up at him, our eyes met, and the tension in my belly suddenly disappeared. He was right, I did know what I needed to do to help Chris, and by the time I saw Chris again the next day, everything would be worked out. I was sure of it. David stood up and as he turned to leave the table, I grabbed his arm and stood next to him. Without saying a word, I hugged him tightly to my chest. As our embrace broke, David merely smiled at me, nodded once, and then left me alone in the dining room. As I sat back down, my mind stirred to remember why we had broken up to begin with. As the flood of good and bad memories of our times together rushed through my mind, the alcohol had begun to rush through my blood. I felt weak, and slumped in my chair. Here, in The Brass Turtle, I felt safe. Funny that I should even think I needed to feel safe, or perhaps more relieved than safe. In any event, I was none too eager to leave. And David was not too eager to see me off. He busted through the door again carrying a huge bowl of anti-pasta salad and a Black Pepper grinder. For David, there were only two ways to chase away the blues; food and sex. David was an exquisite connoisseur of both! I finished another excellent Brass Turtle meal, kissed David on the cheek, and as I turned to leave the private dining room, David touched my shoulder. "Don't be such a stranger, Russell. I miss you." I didn't turn to look at him. I knew I couldn't. I knew I wouldn't be able to leave the restaurant if I did look at him. I simply said, "You're a good friend, David. Good night." I then walked out of the dining room, leaving my friend and his big heart behind. --- "I knew you'd call," Jerry said as he picked up the receiver, checking the 'caller-ID' on his phone. "I think I can help you, but I'll need a little help of my own in return." I paused, letting the reality that his 'Olympic Hopeful' was almost secured. "What kind of help?" "You've got to take me with him. Think of it as sort of a package deal." "Oh, now Russell, come on. How many middle school coaches do you know that get offered jobs in Tallahassee? You know I can't just create one." Jerry's words rang true, but I was headstrong on this one. "Look, Jerry, here's the deal. It's both of us, or nothing. You know his talent. Sure, he's a little rough on the edges, but you've seen him in action. And with the Nationals coming up, you know he's going to take Gold on that too. You can pass on this if you want to, but you and I both know you won't." "I'm listening," was all he could say. For the next 30 minutes, I outlined my requirements for the 'package deal.' "That's it. Should be pretty simple to manage for a big Scout like you." "I'll see what I can do. But, Russell, you've got to make sure that the kid's mother signs on it. No signature, no deal. I'll call you in the morning." I heard the click on the other end. As I placed the receiver back down, and rested my head against the pillow, I knew I was doing the right thing. But, would Chris and Charlotte be so receptive? --- As I rang the doorbell, I glanced down at my watch. 5:45. Chris would certainly be getting ready for school. A moment later, Charlotte answered the door. "Russell?" "Good morning, Charlotte. I know it's early, but do you mind if I come in? I need to talk to you and Chris." Charlotte opened the door wider, allowing me in. "Chris? Coach Frye is here. Could you come down, please?" "Hey, Coach," Chris said, bounding down the stairs as though the previous evening had merely been a bad dream. The trademark smile on his face had once again concealed his true pain. We sat on the couch, all of us together, and I laid out my plan. "The Olympic Training Center in Tallahassee, Florida wants to take Chris on. It means a full scholarship, Charlotte. And, a chance to start a new life, away from here, and away from Mr. Telater. It's a chance for Chris to live out his dream, Charlotte. He's good, he's really good, and they know it." Charlotte looked at me, confused, surprised, excited, dismayed, a mixture of emotions running wild through her mind. "But how is this possible?" Charlotte asked. "We could never afford to move, especially with what's happened with Chris' father. I know it's just a matter of time before he stops sending money. I mean, sure, I have my investments, and fortunately, my father's flatware company is doing well, but uproot and leave?" "Charlotte," I said, placing my hand on hers. "It's all arranged. They'll cover the moving expenses, the scholarship, and I've arranged for new housing for you, which they will pay for during his first year. That's gives you plenty of time to find work, and get settled." Chris' eyes were big as saucers by now. All he could do was sit and listen and occasionally nod in support. His dream was coming true. How, he didn't know, but it didn't matter. I was making it happen. I looked over at Chris and he smiled at me. I could tell he wanted to jump from the couch and hug me, and I felt the same way. "There's something else you should know, Charlotte. I've taken the liberty of locating Mr. Telater." This news stopped both of them cold. I have some friends that owed me a few favors, and during the night, I had called on a few of them. "He's in Ohio, and has already taken up residence with some prostitute named 'Dixie' or 'Trixie' or something like that. He won't be giving you any problems, but you should take steps to secure the safety of Chris. I have some friends that can help us with that, if you'd like." "Russell," she paused, wiping the new tears from her eyes. "I was certain that last night was the end of our lives. How you managed all this, I'll never know. But, thank you. Thank you, Russell." She reached over and hugged me tightly. "Yeah, thanks, Coach! You totally rule!" Chris finally spoke. I would be sure to get his hug later. "Well, listen, I've got to run. School, you know. I'd be happy to give you a lift, if you're almost ready." I motioned to Chris, who immediately jumped from the couch and headed upstairs to retrieve his backpack. "Charlotte, I've arranged for a meeting with the Olympic Committee representative for tomorrow night, here. Do you think you could whip together another of those fancy meals you do so well?" Her eyes gleamed and the smile reappeared. "Shall we say 7:00 PM?" "Seven will be perfect. Tell Chris I'm in the car. Have a good day." I closed the door behind me. --- Swim practice was back to normal, with Chris showing renewed enthusiasm toward his dives. "Damn, Telater, take it easy. You're making us look bad," Reggy nudged his ribs. "Yeah, like you could ever look bad!" Chris pushed him back. "So? You okay or what? I mean, yesterday was kinda weird." "Yeah, I'm cool. Reggy? Can I ask you something?" Chris pulled him aside. "Sure, Man, what's up?" "Okay, I know this is gonna sound queer or whatever, but like, have you ever moved away and had to leave your friends?" Reggy looked at him seriously and then the wheels began to click into place. "You moving?" Chris nodded his head. "Looks like it." "This is about Jake, isn't it?" Reggy asked, his face still serious. Chris' eyes widened, revealing the answer. "I knew it. I could tell you two had something going on. I'm just sorry I didn't get a piece of it." Reggy looked directly at Chris, and then his eyes scanned down Chris' body. "Are you serious? I mean, Jake and I both said you look awesome, but I never knew. I mean, I thought...I dunno...I just didn't know." "Yeah, well, now you do." Reggy moved closer, reached down and grabbed Chris' balls in his left hand. "You better not tell anyone else, Telater. Got me?" "I got ya. Geez, relax, Reg. What's the big deal?" Reggy released his grip, but kept his hand on Chris' crotch. "The big deal is no one knows, and I've got a rep to protect. That's the big deal." Reggy moved his hand away, but not before brushing across Chris' dick. "So, Jake doesn't know you're moving?" "Yeah, and I don't know how to tell him." "You want me to tell him?" Reggy smiled devilishly at Chris. "Naw, that wouldn't be right. He should hear it from me. He's gonna be pissed, I can tell ya that." Chris looked to see if anyone was close by. "He and I have kinda gotten close, you know?" Reggy nodded. "Yeah, I know. I saw the long showers." Reggy smiled at Chris. "Just tell him, Telater, he'll be cool. Hey, I got an idea." Chris looked at Reggy curiously. "I've got the place to myself this weekend. My rents are leaving town. Maybe you guys could come over. I'll help you tell Jake about the move." Chris knew that Reggy had other things he wanted help with, so maybe this was the perfect solution. "How about Saturday, after practice?" "Yeah, that's cool." Reggy said as he walked away, leaving Chris to think about Jake, Florida, and now Reggy's place on Saturday. --- "Okay, that's it for today! Hit the showers, and we'll see you guys tomorrow." I blew my whistle and the boys headed off for the showers. It was one of my absolute favorite times of the day. Their wet bodies walking away from me, their firm muscular asses shifting left and right in their royal blue and red Speedos. I could feel my dick getting hard, and I knew I'd need a nice long shower session after today's practice. My mind instantly flashed on Chris, and I started to fantasize about my 'hug.' However, my fantasy would be postponed today, for as the rest of the boys headed out of the locker room, I noticed that Reggy hadn't left yet, and in fact, was still in the shower room, along with Jake and Chris. I slowly walked over to the doorway, and listened in. "Mind if I get some soap?" Reggy said, reaching across the front of Jake. Jake couldn't help but notice Reggy's rising dick in front of him. Reggy was close enough that Jake could reach out and touch the dark inviting boy tool. He dared not. It was 'look, don't touch' and Jake knew it. Chris smiled at himself, for he knew that Reggy was teasing Jake. Only Jake didn't know. Reggy began lathering his body. "Rents are gonna be out of town this weekend." Jake and Chris looked over at him, his tight mocha ass, wet with water and suds facing them. "Yep, I'm gonna have the whole house to myself." Reggy continued, now turning toward the boys. "Hey, maybe you guys could come over Saturday, after practice. We could watch a movie or just hang out." Jake's eyes got big and he looked at Chris as if to ask, 'Is he really talking to us?' "Sure," Chris said, surprising Jake even further. "That sounds cool. Thanks, Reg." "Cool. See you guys tomorrow." Reggy had rinsed off and shut off the water. As the dark-skinned and muscular boy walked out of the shower room, Jake's eyes were glued to his naked body. --- "Good night, Coach. See you tomorrow," Reggy said with a smile as he exited the shower room. "Good night, Reggy." As the boy walked past me, I couldn't help but admire his wet naked body. I could feel my dick tingle again, begging me for attention. --- "Dude, this is so wild. The coolest guy in school invites US to his house. Fuck, Chris, how am I supposed to keep from springing wood when I see him?" Jake looked down and pointed at his fully erect dick. Chris laughed. "Jake, I wouldn't worry about it." Then, he reached over and began pulling on Jake's dick. Jake moaned softly under Chris' touch, and Chris then kneeled down, facing Jake's dick. Chris opened his mouth, and Jake instinctively guided his love pole into Chris' hungry mouth. Jake moaned again, "Mmmmm. Fuck, Chris, you are so good at this." Jake wrapped his slender fingers around Chris' head, and began pushing his hips forward, fucking Chris' face. Chris held on to Jake's dick, releasing only slightly so that Jake could slide in and out with ease. "Oh yeah, Chris, suck my dick. Mmmmm, man, that feels so good." Jake moaned out loud, not caring who heard. Chris began jerking his own dick in rhythm to Jake's movements. As the steamy water continued to rush over their bodies, Jake could feel the same wonderful tingling in his tender balls. He knew he was going to shoot soon. "Dude, I'm gonna shoot." "Mm hmm," Chris moaned, locking his lips tighter around Jake's throbbing boy cock. "Chris, I'm serious," Jake tried to pull back, and Chris grabbed Jake's ass cheeks, pulling him deeper into his mouth. "Oh, fuck...ugh...uhhh." Jake exploded inside Chris' mouth, emptying his young balls of their sweet nectar. Chris continued to lick the bottom of Jake's shaft, milking the wonderful fluid from Jake's dick. When he was sure he had it all, he let Jake's softening dick slip from his lips. "Mmmmm," Chris moaned softly, licking around his lips for any remaining traces of Jake's pleasure. "Dude, you're like hard as rock. You gonna shoot?" Jake asked, looking down on Chris' dick. "I'm close, Jake. You wanna see it?" Chris pointed his dick toward Jake, so he could get a good view of it, as he continued to pull his dick faster and faster. Jake reached down and began caressing Chris' balls, knowing that would bring him closer. "Mmmm, fuck yeah, Jake...that's it...rub my fucking balls." Chris loved the feeling of Jake's hand on his balls, and he closed his eyes, lost in the blissful masturbation. Within moments, Chris could feel his balls tighten and tingle. Without even a moment's notice to warn Jake, his dick pulsed and three fast and watery ropes of boy cum shot out, coating Jake's arm with his spunk. Jake casually moved his arm under the spray and watched as the hot water rinsed away the evidence of Chris' orgasm. --- I heard the water turn off and knew the boys would be exiting soon. I casually walked back to the front of my office. The boys quickly dried off, dressed and gathered their stuff. "Night, Coach," Chris said with a big contented smile on his face. "Night, Coach," Jake chimed in. "Good night, Gentlemen. See you tomorrow." I smiled back at both of them. As Chris and Jake left the pool area, I saw Chris reach down and grab Jake's butt, startling him. Chris then turned back at me and winked. He'd done it on purpose, just to show me he was okay. --- As I entered my apartment, the phone was ringing. "Hello?" I spoke into the receiver. "Russell. Oh good. I was beginning to think that you weren't home." "I just got in. What's up, Jerry?" "Well, I was hoping I could stop by. I have something I need to talk to you about." "Can't this wait for the morning? I'm beat, Jerry." I knew I sounded whiny, but I didn't care. I was tired, and I still had this aching tingle that needed immediate attention. "I'd rather not. It shouldn't take long. I'll see you in ten minutes." Jerry hung up the phone before I could deny his request. Exactly ten minutes later, my doorbell rang. --- I hope you're enjoying this adventure. I welcome comments and questions, so, write me at mycandlelight_dreams@yahoo.com.