Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2007 16:27:13 -0700 (PDT) From: T. Chase McPhee <survivalgame@yahoo.com> Subject: (continuation of) ROAD TRIP: Randy The story below is a work of fiction, set in the format of reality. Any resemblances to real people, alive or in the hereafter, is entirely coincidental in nature. It is not meant to accurately reflect upon persons, in towns, cities, nor governmental areas, which the story is stages. If a sexual scene involving male-to-male relationships offences you, then you should not read this story. Additionally, if you are under 18 years of age, in most state and countries, you are not allowed to read this story, by law. Check with your local laws regarding such. Sexual safety matters. This is fiction. Use protection, in real life. ROAD TRIP: Randy wriTten by T. Chase McPhee % "Hey, `stringbean'!" "Well, will you look who's home from the hospital!" Anthony greets Randy. "How are you doing, hon?" Roberto adds, bending over and giving him a kiss. Behind the handicapped chair, Nicholas is all smiles, happy to see Randy settling in to his old self again, even though he knows the twenty year old will never see things in the same way again, after their terrifying ordeal. "It's... it's good to be home." "Of course it is," Anthony says, welcoming him. Pretty soon you'll be as good as new. Nicholas, I need to talk with you." "Sure." "Meet you at the pool!" Roberto says, taking on the helm of the chair on wheels. Nicholas says, warmly, "See you later, baby." "Okay, Nicky. Don't be long." The two go into the den. "Listen, there's a coupla things we need to talk about." "First, Anthony, do you mind if we discuss something." "No problem, if you have something on your mind." "It's the living arrangements." "So, you're still thinking of moving out, Nicholas?" "Yes and no." "Oh? How does that go?" Anthony quizzes him. "Before all this mess happened, we intended on having a place to ourselves, but with the way Randy is feeling, I think having more people around him, will be for the best." "I agree. Especially people who love him." "Thanks, Anthony." Quite casually, but not out of character, Nicholas takes both of Anthony's hands, saying, "Thanks for everything you've done," followed by a strong kiss on the lips. "You know you're like a brother to me." "I feel the same way, Anthony." "Good, then you wouldn't mind me saying this." "What?" "I want to take care of all the bills from the hospital, plus any followup care." "No. It's not right or fair." "Nicholas," Anthony warmly says, placing his hand on Nicholas' cheek, "sometimes life just isn't fair and we need help each other on the rebound." "Thanks, but I want to help out." "You know we, Roberto and I, love Randy too and we want to help too." "I can tell. Roberto is really developing a strong bond with Randy." "In his own carefree manner, but one thing I'd like to ask." "Oh?" "If you and Randy need your privacy, take it. If you need for Roberto and I to step out of the house for awhile...." "How can I do that? It's your own house, Anthony." "I know. But promise me you wouldn't hesitate. Plus, if you need for one of us to do some of chores, ask?" "I can handle it." "You were always the bullheaded one!" Nicholas smiles. "Yeah, but I can remember somes times, in the past, when I couldn't tell you anything." "So, we're even. All I'm saying, is I don't want to see you in the hospital because you're all worn out, Nicholas. Now come on. Agree with me." "Alright, but I want to help with the bills." "I did a little `under the table' deed and called my attorney." "Not the first time you did something under the table." "I'm not talking about `that', Nicholas!" They both smile, recalling the day, years ago, when the two got drunk and Anthony sat under the table! "I know what you mean. So? What underhanded thing did you do?" "Had him quickly get Randy enrolled in an insurance plan." "I'd call that, smart!" "Still, there will be some bills, but I don't want you or Randy upsetting yourself over money." "Not a chance. Anything else?" "Yes. I was thinking maybe it would cheer Randy up, if after awhile we had a party. You know, our mutual friends, old and new." "Sounds great, but now is too soon." "I agree." "So, what did you have in mind?" "Well, Nicholas, what would you think of having a white party?" "White party? Cool!" "We'll have a DJ, have it catered, make swimming optional..." "I think it's great, but one thing." "What's that, Nicholas?" Again, the tender moment comes over the two, not unusual for brotherly love. "Since you don't want me paying for any of the other expenses, I want to pay for the party." "Hmm...." "C'mon Anthony. Who's being bullheaded now?" "Alright. On one condition." "What's that?" "I was thinking of a celebrity, so you let me handle that end of the party." "Yeah. Okay. But I pick up the tab for the rest." "Except for Roberto's and my sheets?" "I'll let you slide there, too." % Meanwhile, Roberto has stripped down and is in the pool. "Do you think you want to come in?" "I'd like that, but I have some parts of me that still need healing." "Right. I forgot. Sorry if I brought back bad memories." "It's okay. One thing I want you not to do." "What's that, Randy?" "Is to feel bad talking about it. My shrink says it's good to talk about the incident, especially with people who love me." "And you know?" "What?" "Like Nicholas is a brother to Anthony, I feel we are that way, too." "Oh, that's so sweet of you, Roberto." "So, do you want to talk about it? Anything on your mind?" "I dunno." Randy's head sinks to his chest. "If it hurts to talk about it, we can do something else. Want to play some cards?" "No thanks." "Would you like a drink from the bar?" "I can't. I'm on an antidepressant. No liquor." "Something to eat?" Roberto asks. "Maybe some chips." "Okay. Be right back with some and a coupla sodas." Roberto runs like lightning out of the pool area and through the house. "Something the matter hon?" Anthony asks, meeting him on the way. "Randy's hungry. I'm getting some chips." Nicholas and Anthony reach the pool area. They find Randy at the water's edge, the deep end, looking into the little ripples. "Are you alright, Randy?" Nicholas asks, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Uh! Oh, you startled me. Yeah. I'm okay. Roberto went to find some chips." "We met him, on the way," Anthony says. "Maybe I should go help." Nicholas asks, "So, what's on your mind?" He rolls Randy back to a table. He sits there as well. "Nicholas, I want to be able to do things as before. Live life like we did." "And that we can do." "But..." "But what, hon?" "Nicholas, I'm afraid." "Of?" "Things. Like going out of the house on my own." "There's no reason why I can't come with you." "But what happens when I go to college. You can't do that." "Maybe I could. Enroll in the same classes." "The classes are closed." "Oh." "I appreciate what you're saying, but there has to come a time when I can't depend on you for everything." "I know." "Nicky, you went through the same thing as me and..." "Wait a minute. Something I want you to remember. You went through a lot more than I did. Yeah, I went through the mental anguish of having to watch them do things to you, but it's you who took the brunt of their torture and humiliation." "Still, they beat you." Then Randy says in a tiny, caring voice, "Are you alright?" "I had a couple of sore ribs, but I'm alright. Now we have to get you all better." "Nicholas?" "Yes?" Randy looks down the front of himself. "Are these welts going to go away?" "With time." "What about my nips?" "You mean are they going to heal up?" "I know I might have some scars. Those clamps were sharp, but at least, do you think they wouldn't be as swollen?" "Randy?" "Yes?" He asks, in a wee little voice. "Darling, let's wait and see what time has to offer. You had welts over most of your body. They are not all going to disappear in a day or maybe even a week, but to me it doesn't matter. When I first met you, I thought `what a gorgeous blond'. To me you still are." "Ooooh thanks, Nicky. I love you too." "I know you do." "Chips ahoy, maties!" Nicholas says, "I think you need to refocus on your career, Anthony." "So, I'd make a good comedian?" "No, but did you ever think about slinging burgers?" Randy smiled. It hurt too much to move around. Nicholas, knowing this, hand-fed the chips to his mouth. He held the glass, with a straw up. "I `can' feed myself, Nicky." "I know, but it's more fun if I do it, huh?" "Anybody for a game of cards?" Anthony inquires. Roberto answers, "I asked already." "Oh. How about a swim, then?" "Randy can't go in," Roberto says. "Oh yeah. Sorry. I forgot." Nicholas suggests, "But there's no reason why Randy can't get his feet wet!" "Sorry, Nicky. The place around my ankles, where they had cuffed, still is sensitive." "Oh, I'm sorry darling," Nicholas apologizes. "How are your arms, Nicholas?" Anthony asks. "Fine. Like Randy's ankles, my wrists are still a little sensitive, but okay." "But, Nicky, you can take a swim if you want." "Nah." "Sure. I can watch you swim. I'd like to watch you swim." "Yeah, c'mon Nicholas. Strip down for Randy!" "Anthony, I'm gonna swat you!" Nicholas then takes after Nicholas, chasing him around the pool. Of course, Anthony allowed him to catch up. When he does, he grabs Anthony from behind, wrapping both arms around him, putting Anthony into a cage, his arms the restraining bars. Picking Anthony up, Nicholas walks to the edge of the pool. Clothes and all, Nicholas says, "Oops!" He drops Anthony into the pool. Daringly, Roberto is behind Nicholas and gives him a mighty shove. It would take more than Roberto's hundred and fifty-four pound bod to do damage to a six foot, two inch, two hundred and five pound muscle builder, so Nicholas goes along with it, pretending he's falling and can't keep himself upright, taking the plunge into the depths of the pool. Roberto jumps in after him. It provides some much needed humor for Randy. % 2B continued... Copyright 2006 T. Chase McPhee This story may not be sold, nor made part of any collection without prior written permission, by the author.