Date: Fri, 16 May 2003 22:59:43 EDT
From: Draginacht@aol.com
Subject: David's Initiation: The Recovery 13

Disclaimer: The following is a work of fiction and any resemblance to real
people or events is purely coincidental.  The story contains graphic
descriptions of sex between men. Anyone who is forbidden by law to read such
material must stop now.  This story is being posted to the Nifty Archive
solely for the enjoyment of its readers.

*******

David's Initiation: The Recovery 13

*******

Dave was sitting at his computer refining the plans for his dream home when
he heard the buzzer at the door to his condo. `Who could that be!' he
wondered. He wasn't expecting anyone and people normally called to see if he
was home before they came by. He walked into the living room and opened the
door.

"Dad!"

"Hello, David," Bob said rather timidly.

David felt frozen to the spot. His mouth dropped open in amazement as he held
the door. Both men stood still, neither one moving. Each seemed afraid to say
anything for fear it would be the wrong thing. Finally, Bob knew it was his
place to begin.

"I'm sorry, Son, can you forgive me?" Bob said as he hesitatingly extended
his arms.

David lunged at his father and wrapped him in his arms. "Dad! Dad! Oh God,
Dad, I've missed you!" Both men were breathing heavily, their emotions on
overload. David managed to move them into the room so the door could close
then they stood holding onto one another for at least three minutes. David
seemed to be dreaming. With his face buried in the crook of his father's
neck, David remembered when he was a little boy and used to crawl up into his
father's lap and go to sleep in his arms. Perhaps this feeling was brought on
by his awareness of his father's scent. He began to relax.

"It's been a long day, David, mind if we sit down?" Bob finally asked.

"Of course, Dad." They separated, crossed the room and sat on the sofa. David
reached out and took hold of his father's hand and they stared at each other
through puffy, tear-soaked eyes. Bob started to apologize again and David
stopped him. "You're my Dad. I don't need any apology from you, I owe you
one."

"Please... let me finish, Son. I've been thinking about this for quite a while
and the last three days have brought it into focus." David nodded. "Look..."
Bob paused for a moment and took a deep breath. "I've handled this pretty
badly. That day you told your mother and me you were... the way you are... (Bob
wasn't quite sure what he should say: queer, gay?) I was totally surprised,
blown away. I wasn't prepared for it. The thought hadn't crossed my mind. I
didn't want to accept that my own son could be like that." Bob paused to
catch his breath and think before continuing. "And I don't want you to
misunderstand, I haven't totally bought into this idea, I still have a lot of
things to sort out. I just never imagined I'd have to deal with this in my
own family." Bob paused for a moment then changed the subject. "You know
where your mother and I have been for the past three days?"

 "Why... no. Should I?" David said with an innocent, questioning look.

"We spent the weekend in Texas with Steve and Alex Roehl." Bob could see that
David looked genuinely surprised. "They flew us out and back in their private
jet. We got to meet so many people who know you and think the world of you,
especially the Roehls. Steve took me around the ranch on horseback, a kind of
boyhood dream of mine, and we had a long private chat. After listening to him
say how much he admired you and how so many other people felt the same way I
finally got the message that I was the one who was out of step here. That
message said that my only son had grown up to become quite a fine man and I
didn't even know him." Bob squeezed David's hand. "I'd like to change that,
if you'll let me."

David wasn't crying but his cheeks were streaked with tears. "Of course I'll
let you. It's no secret, I've been miserable without you."

That was the beginning of a long discussion. David called out for a pizza and
while they were waiting David gave his dad a tour of his condo. Bob noticed
the picture on top of the chest in David's bedroom; it was the same one he
had seen at the Roehl's. The pizza arrived and they sat at the kitchen table
and ate it. Dave dug into the fridge for a couple of beers and for the first
time as two independent adult men they enjoyed a beer together. Bob wanted to
know what brand of beer David liked and that started a discussion about beer.
Other subjects popped up that allowed Bob to learn more about his son's
opinions, likes, dislikes. David wasn't ready to stop talking so he asked his
dad to spend the night. Bob agreed and called Nancy to let her know where he
was and that he wouldn't be home that evening. David got on the extension and
they worked out a plan for Monday. Nancy would call Bob's boss and say he
needed the day off for personal business, then she would join him and David
in the city.

David and his dad were up late talking and getting to know each other all
over again. David told his dad about everything he could remember about what
had happened to him since they last saw each other and Bob was astonished at
David's accomplishments. They didn't get to bed until after 2:00 AM. They
had a little father-son fun making up the bed in the guestroom, Bob said
Nancy made the bed one way and David said the Army taught him to make it
another way. They had fun.

Monday morning Bob realized he didn't have any clean underwear, a change of
clothes or his toiletries. David gave his dad a brand new pair of CK boxer
briefs, along with a very nice polo shirt and a pair of slacks. That launched
a discussion of why David liked boxer briefs better than ordinary briefs or
boxers. After donning his new boxer briefs, Bob began to agree with his son
that they felt really good. David complimented his dad on how good he looked
in them and also noticed just how well his dad filled them out. `Obviously
runs in the family,' Dave thought. As they were looking for the slacks, Bob
couldn't avoid noticing the exceptionally fine assortment of expensive
clothes handing David's closet. David let his dad use his electric razor,
although like David he didn't have a very heavy beard. David also came up
with a new toothbrush which he suggested his dad leave for the next time he
spent the night. That suggestion contained a lot of promise and both men
smiled at each other. Noticing that his father seemed to be in a good mood,
David brought up the subject of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
(PFLAG). Bob acknowledged than Nancy had already looked into it and he had
agreed to drive into the city for meetings. Their hometown didn't have a
chapter and Bob was still concerned about appearances.

David called his office and told his boss he needed the day off and was told
to take as much time as he needed. Nancy arrived shortly before 10:00 AM, and
after a mini-family reunion they went to lunch. After lunch David took his
parents to see where he worked and introduced them to Howard Hastings and
several of his colleagues. Then they went to the Philos Foundation and
David's parents were quite impressed by the way the staff greeted David. They
heard so many people address their son as `Dave' that they soon began to get
used to it.

David insisted his parents stay for dinner and he took them to a Chinese
restaurant just around the corner from his condo. Yee was actually the one
who found the place. He discovered that it was run by Chinese emigrants from
his same province and the recipes were authentic Chinese. David, Mike, Todd
and Yee had become regular customers and Yee had insisted that his three
American friends eat with chopsticks like proper Chinese. Consequently, when
dinner was served, David, Bob, and Nancy were given chopsticks. David came to
his parent's rescue and requested knives and forks but David used his sticks.
That provided Dave an opportunity to tell his parents about Yee, and by
extension, about Mike and Todd. Of course he edited his story to avoid
causing his parents any embarrassment. He was sure that they would eventually
figure it out but for now it was not an issue.

Later Monday evening, after his parents had gone home, Dave was sitting at
his computer working on the plans for his dream home when the telephone rang.

"Hello?"

"How did you do it!" Kate demanded.

"Hi, Sis, I didn't, really, Alex and Steve Roehl did it."

"Great! Now tell me everything!" she demanded. Dave spent the next hour-plus
telling his sister everything he could remember.


On the first Saturday morning of February, Sam called and asked Dave if he
had time to take a drive.

"Where to, Dude?" Dave asked. Sam chuckled. "What's so funny?"

"You! I kind of like it when you call me `Dude,' It makes me feel years
younger."

"Yeah, so what's up, Dude?" Dave added some chuckles of his own.

"You've been huntin' for some property, haven't you?"

"Yeah. You got something?"

"Maybe. I'll pick you up in fifteen minutes and take you to look at it," Sam
said.

"I'll be ready.

Fifteen minutes later, Dave slid into the front seat of Sam's GMC Sierra
crew-cab and they were off. Sam drove north out of the city and into rolling
countryside. Dave could see by the presence of newly paved roads and an
occasional house under construction that the area was under development. The
houses looked enormous, like the development was going to be very high
priced. Sam pulled over to the side of the road.

"Here we are," Sam announced. The land rolled gently and was covered with
trees. Dave was immediately attracted to the spot. They got out of the truck
and walked around for a while as Sam spoke. "This area has just opened up for
development with one acre lots. The prices are still affordable but that
won't last long. There are plenty of lots along this road and more along the
road directly behind these lots. You ought to be able to get your pick. Whata
ya think?"

"Sam, this is terrific. It's awesome!" Dave was excited. "It's exactly what
I've been hoping for. Let's get back to town; I want to place a bid!" This
was the type of opportunity Dave was prepared to spend some of the money on.

Back in town, Dave contacted the realtor handling the property and the lady
offered to meet Dave at his condo. After very little conversation, Dave
purchased four conjoined lots, two fronted along one road and the other two
were directly behind the first two and were accessible from the other road.
The realtor could barely contain her excitement. Dave spent the rest of that
weekend planning the construction of his new home.

Wednesday, Dave had to go home at lunchtime to pick up some documents he had
taken home the night before but forgot to take to the office that morning. It
was a chilly winter day; a cold front had come through during the night
bringing rain and a blustery wind that seemed to cut right through your
clothing.

"Hi George, okay if I leave my car here for a few minutes?" Dave said as he
ran under the awning to get out of the rain.

"Certainly, Mr. Baker, it'll be just fine." George was the doorman/security
guard for Dave's condo. Dave took the elevator to his condo, found the papers
he needed, and went back down to the entrance.

"Thanks, George, see ya later."

"Yes Sir, Mr. Baker, you have a nice day."

Just as Dave's hand touched the car door handle he heard a voice.

"David?" Dave paused. The voice was very faint, weak, yet familiar. Dave
looked around and saw a man with dirty brown hair wearing a dark, lightweight
jacket that was completely soaked. Suddenly recognition set in.

"Danny?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Baker, I told this bum to get out of here earlier. You just
go on, I'll take care of this," George assured Dave.

"NO!" Dave almost shouted as he held his hand up signaling George to stop.
"It's okay, George," turning to Dan, "Dan, you're soaked. C'mon, I'm taking
you upstairs. George can you give me a hand, please?" By now Dave was
standing right next to Dan and could tell he hadn't had a shower in a while.
Dave placed his arm around Dan's back and positioned his hand under Dan's
armpit then began guiding him toward the building entrance. George held the
door open for the two men and then ran ahead to call the elevator.

"Dan, what are you doing here?" Dave asked, his surprise showing.

"Long story, Dave." At that moment they stepped into the elevator and waited
for the doors to close.

"Well, I'm gonna get you up to my place and get you out of those wet clothes.
How did you find me?"

"That's easy for anyone with my computer skills. I've been watching you for
a couple of days, I just had to find the right time to catch you." The
elevator doors opened and Dave guided Dan into his home. He took Dan straight
to the bathroom.

"Okay, get out of those clothes and into the shower. Just pile those rags in
the middle of the floor while I get you a towel." Dan didn't argue he just
slowly began to undress. Dave went to the pantry, found a large beach towel
and threw it into the dryer on "HOT" to get it warm. Then Dave went to his
closet and found some sweats he thought Dan could wear, they were very near
the same size. Dave went back into the bathroom, picked up Dan's dirty
clothes, took them to the laundry room, removed $1.27 and Dan's wallet and
then tossed the clothes in the washer with some soap. He opened the door to
the dryer and pulled out the hot towel, folded it to capture the warmth and
headed for the bathroom. Just before he reached the bathroom door he heard
the shower stop and when he walked through the door Dan was standing on the
bathmat dripping wet.

"Ohmygod!" Dave gasped. What he saw was not the same muscular young man he
remembered from their high school days. This was a different Dan. He was very
skinny, almost emaciated. Those beautiful muscles that Dave had so admired
were gone. Dan LOOKED sick. Dave quickly unfolded the hot towel and wrapped
it around Dan from front to back pinning Dan's arms at his side. With Dave's
arms around him, Dan sagged against Dave, resting his head on Dave's
shoulder, and began to sob. Dave tightened his hold on his friend to give him
support and began to caress his back to comfort him.

"I'm scared, Dave," Dan finally said in a weak, sobbing voice. Dave's brain
was racing, trying to figure out what to do. Finally he pushed Dan back and
got him to stand on his own two feet.

"Here," Dave said and he held out the sweats he had in his hand, "finish
drying and put these on then come into the kitchen for some hot chocolate."
Dave waited until he got a head nod of agreement then he turned and walked
out of the bathroom. He'd seen men who looked like that at the Philos
Foundation and it never had a happy ending. However, Dave recalled that he
hadn't seen any soars of lesions anywhere on Dan's body and maybe that was a
good sign.

In the kitchen, Dave went about making some hot chocolate for both of them
and that provided him time to think. A few minutes later Dan walked into the
kitchen in his feet bare, his hair uncombed and sat down in a chair. Dave
poured the hot milk into two cups, added the instant chocolate mix and
stirred until it was thoroughly mixed. Carrying both cups to the table, he
set one down in front of Dan and then sat down around the corner of the table
from Dan. They both sat drinking the chocolate, neither speaking. Dave had an
idea, reached for the phone and dialed.

"Philos Foundation, how may I help you today?"

"Francine, it's Dave Baker."

"Oh hi, Mr. Baker, how are you today?"

"I'm doing okay, is Dr. Gray in? I need to talk to him.

"Yes Sir, he is, I'll buzz him." Dave waited as he was placed on hold.

"Dave, to what do I owe this pleasure?" Doc Gray sounded in good spirits.

"Doc, I need a favor. I have a friend who needs your help but I know you are
almost full. Is there any way you could see him?"

"Bring him over, Dave," Dr. Gray's voice was suddenly dead serious. "For you
I'll empty my own office and put him in there if I have to."

"Okay, give us about fifteen to twenty minutes."

"We'll be ready, bye."

Dave hung up the phone and turned to Dan. "Feeling any better?"

"Yeah... thanks." That was all Dan seemed interested in saying. Dave went to
his bedroom, found a clean pair of socks and some old running shoes and took
them to the kitchen. Dan had finished the hot chocolate and Dave handed him
the socks and shoes.

"Put these on and we'll be going."

"Where to?"

"Somewhere to get you some help." Dave knew Dan's jacket was soaked so he
went to his closet to find something for Dan to wear over the sweats. The
only thing he could find was his camel colored cashmere overcoat so he pulled
it out and took it to Dan.

"Put this on and let's go." Dave seemed to be in a hurry. He had thought
about fixing something for Dan to eat but decided that getting him to Philos
was more important.

Fifteen minutes later Dave pulled up under the canopy of the old converted
hotel. Dr. Gray recognized Dave's car and came out to greet them. As Dave got
out on his side of the car Doc Gray was opening the passenger door.

"C'mon Son, come with me." Doc Gray said as he helped Dan get out of the car.
He led Dan into the lobby and straight down the hall, Dave in tow. In no time
Dan was wearing hospital pajamas and being helped into a bed. It seemed to
Dave that Dan was about to allow himself to collapse now that he was being
cared for.

"Dave, let's go talk," Doc said as he tried to usher Dave out into the hall.
"We're going to start a work-up on him but we need some basic information. He
didn't have his wallet with him, do you know if he had one?

"Oh shit! It's back at my place. What'a ya need that for?

"I'm looking for any personal information I need to help him with, like a
Social Security Card, driver's license, stuff like that. Also next of kin."
That comment startled Dave.

"Next of kin?" Doc could see Dave's concern.

"It's just a formality, Dave, we have a lot of paperwork to fill out. Maybe
you can get us started."

"Oh, yeah," Dave said with some relief, "let me look at it. I'm sure I can
answer a lot of question and then I'll go get his wallet." The two men began
walking toward Doc's office. "How soon will you know anything?"

"I'd say we should know the answer to the question you haven't asked... by
Saturday. But it'll take about a week for the full picture to develop."

"Doc?" Dave looked at the man he had come to know quite well over the time
he'd been associated with Philos. "If there's anything he needs, ANYTHING,
you know, I'll pay for it. Okay?"

"I understand, Dave, now let's get working on those forms."

Dave knew enough about Dan to complete a good portion of the forms. Dan's
Social Security Card was in his wallet and that was important. In the space
for Dan's insurance provider, Dave entered his own name. Dave called his
office to let them know he wouldn't be in until the next morning and then he
spent the rest of the day sitting with Dan. The staff had given Dan something
to eat and he slept a good part of the afternoon. Dan woke up in time for
dinner and after visiting with Dave for a short while and before he went back
to sleep, Dave promised to visit him every day at lunch and in the evening.

Friday, Dave joined Dan for dinner and then they returned to Dan's room. Dan
was slowly regaining some strength and for the first time felt like talking.
He began to describe his life since the last time they saw each other last
summer. The stories Dan told, in graphic detail, made the hair on the back of
Dave's neck stand up. A little over a week ago he woke up one morning and
realized his life was a wreck. He was sandwiched between two guys who had
used him repeatedly during the night and he couldn't even remember their
names, let alone know anything else about them. His roommate, the guy he was
living with, was asleep in the other bedroom with another man Dave didn't
know. The whole scene made him sick. He knew he had to get out of there but
didn't know where to go. By going through the pants of all the other men in
the apartment he was able to come up with enough money to purchase a bus
ticket to here. His only hope was to find Dave. He needed help and knew he
could depend on Dave. Dave was devastated by Dan's story. He moved from his
chair, sat on the edge of the bed and they hugged each other.

After a few moments they separated. "Look, Dan, you're gonna get well. I'm
gonna make sure of it. Now you just lie down and get some rest. I'll be back
tomorrow. Okay?"

"Yeah, okay, thanks Dave, you're a great friend. I'm not sure I deserve
you." Dan stretched out, closed his eyes and was asleep almost immediately.
Telling his story had been very stressful but it was also therapeutic.
Sharing his terrible story with his friend seemed to help and he slept better
that night.

Dave left Dan's room with his head hung low and he found his way toward the
lobby. Just before reaching the lobby he passed a door. It was the door to
the small chapel that Reverend Tim Fields had fought very hard for when
renovations were being debated. Dave paused... turned left, walked into the
chapel and sat down in one of the folding chairs facing the nondenominational
alter. After sitting for a couple of minutes in quiet meditation he lifted
his head and began to recite the Lord's Prayer then, thinking he was alone,
he began speaking.

"I'm sorry," he paused. "I shouldn't have said the things I said. I know I
said some awful things but I didn't really mean them, you know that. I still
love you, I always have and I always will. I was in pain from losing Paul.
Paul was my love, I was angry at his loss and I blamed you. That was wrong
because it was my fault that he died, not yours. I know that now but I
couldn't accept it then. And now my best friend Danny is here with who knows
what kind of infections." Dave took a deep breath and exhaled. "And now I'm
here to confess I have been wrong and to ask you to help Danny as much as you
can. He needs your help so much... Please... Please." Dave lowered his head and
began to sob.

In his sorrow, Dave felt someone sit down beside him and a strong arm went
around his back and held him. Dave looked up to see Father Tim looking at him
with a comforting smile. Tim had been making his rounds when he saw Dave
walking down the hall and turn into the chapel. He had also listened quietly
at the door as Dave exposed his inner pain. `So that's what this is all
about! Dave thinks he's to blame for Paul's death,' Tim thought. He
remembered that moment several years ago when Dave came into his church and
screamed at the top of his lungs then ran from the building as fast as he
could. They sat quietly for several minutes, Dave willingly leaning against
Tim.

"Dave?" Dave didn't respond so Tim continued. "Have you ever heard the term
`free will'?" Dave just nodded his head. "Do you have any idea what it
means?"

"No, not really."

"Well, I believe the Lord puts us on this earth and gives us free will. To
me, that means each of us has the freedom to make choices throughout our
lives and we have to accept the consequences. The Lord lets us make those
choices. That means he's willing to let us make choices that could hurt us.
He doesn't sit around trying to stop us from doing those things. And as an
extension of that, he's there to receive us if our choices turn out very bad.
He's also there to help us when we realize we've made a mistake and want
help and forgiveness. Does that make any sense?"

"Yes," Dave said quietly. "But... but, if I had been with Paul he wouldn't
have been speeding. He liked to drive fast but I could get him to slow down.
All I had to do was place my hand on his leg and he would slow down. I wasn't
there for him to get him to slow down." Tears were streaming down Dave's
cheeks. The pain was back.

"But don't you see, Dave, that was Paul's choice. Was it possible for to be
with him at that moment?"

"No."

"Then you can't be responsible for Paul's choice, can you?"

Dave was quiet for a few moments while he pondered that question. "I guess
not," he said sounding defeated. "He keeps saying he's sorry, maybe that's
what he means."

"What do you mean, `He keeps saying he's sorry'?" Tim asked.

"Oh, nothing, just nothing."

"You have to let him go, Dave, and get on with your life. The Lord is taking
care of him, you know that."

"Yes, I know that. You're right... I need to think about this some more." The
two men sat together for a few more minutes then Dave stood and Tim stood
with him.

"Thanks, Tim, will you pray for Danny?"

"Yes, Dave, I'll be happy to. Now how about you go home and get some sleep."

Dave took Reverend Fields' advice but sleep didn't come easy. He tossed and
turned. Thoughts of `free will,' `choices,' `consequences,'
`forgiveness,' kept bouncing around inside his brain. And he half expected
Paul to make an appearance in his dreams but it didn't happen.

Saturday morning, Dave awoke almost more tired than when he went to bed. Doc
Gray had said he wouldn't know anything until the middle of the afternoon so
Dave drove out to the new property he had just bought and walked around for a
while. Just as he was about to leave, Sam drove up.

"I thought I might find you out here," Sam said as he climbed out of his
truck.

"Am I that easy to predict?" Dave asked.

"Sometimes. Whata ya think?" Sam asked as he made a sweeping motion with his
arm as if to scan the whole of the property Dave had purchased. "I didn't
think you'd buy the whole county," he exclaimed his exaggeration. When Dave
didn't answer immediately Sam began to suspect something. Placing his hand on
Dave's shoulder he asked, "Talk to me, Dave?"

Dave leaned back against Sam's truck and sighed. "I just got a lotta things
goin' on, Sam."

"Tell me about it?" Dave did want to tell Sam about it and as he talked and
got deeper into what was troubling him Sam reached into a secret compartment
in the back of his truck and pulled out a couple of cold beers. Sam turned
out to be a good listener and then asked some very pointed questions that
helped steer Dave to a clearer understanding and more relaxed attitude. Sam
reminded Dave or his own experiences with sick friends in years past, the
reason for starting the Philos Foundation. Dave immediately felt better
knowing that someone else understood exactly what he was going through.

"So, when do you wanna start construction?" Sam asked when he thought it was
a good time to change the subject.

"How about right now?" Dave asked somewhat rhetorically.

"Okay, I got just what ya need." Sam lifted the cover on the truck bed and
pulled out a shovel. "Let's have a ground breaking!" he said somewhat
excitedly.

Dave took the shovel and together they walked to where Dave envisioned the
front entrance to be. Placing the point of the shovel against the ground,
Dave used his right foot to force the shovel deep into the soil. He pushed
the handle down and the first load of dirt popped out of the ground. He
turned the shovel upside down, dumping the freshly turned earth back into the
hole it came from then handed the shovel to Sam.

"Your turn." Sam took the shovel and copied Dave's effort. "So, how long will
it take you to build it?" Dave asked.

"You want me to build it for ya?"

"I wouldn't trust it to anyone else," Dave replied.

"When can you get me the plans and a list of the materials?"

"I'll bring it to you Monday morning. I've already applied for the building
permits, all we have to do is fill in some blanks."

"Then I'll have you a house in less than three months, if not sooner."

Dave offered his hand; Max took it and they shook on the deal.

"Okay, now that you're gonna be a land baron it's time you joined my country
club so we can play golf," Sam goaded Dave.

Dave was feeling much better by the time he got back to town and, noticing it
was just past 12:30 PM, decided to drop in at the Subway for lunch and to see
if Mike was working. Mike was and after the lunch rush he sat down with Dave
and they got caught up on a few things. Dave told him about Dan showing up
and that he was on his way to Philos to hopefully find out what Dan's
prognosis was. Dave was definitely strengthened by his talks with Sam and
Mike, and he felt ready to face Doc Fields.

Just after 2:30 PM, Dave knocked on Doc's open door.

"Come in, Dave, I've been expecting you."

Dave was listening to the tone of Doc's voice and he thought it sounded
encouraging. "How much do we know?" Dave asked.

"First of all, you do realize that because you aren't immediate family I
shouldn't be talking to you about Dan." Dave nodded, he understood. "But
that's a situation we often find ourselves in with clients like ours, and
since you seem to be the only one he has at the moment, and you're paying his
bills, I think it's appropriate." Dave waited patiently wishing Doc would get
on with it.

"Let's get the bad news over with first," Doctor Gray said seriously. Dave
felt his stomach begin to tighten. "Dan is HIV positive." `Oh God!' Dave
thought. `Dan's T4 cells are probably below 500.' "But then I suppose you
already suspected that," Doc continued. "Now the good news, his T-cells are
very strong and I think he has an excellent chance of keeping them that way.
Thankfully Dan is not as bad as he looked when you brought him in. A better
diet and a lot of sleep have already done wonders for him." Dave was starting
to breathe easier. "I've started him on the latest treatment and we'll just
have to wait and see how he responds." Dave started to breathe easier again.

"If you've started medications does that mean his T4 cells are below 350?"

"Not by much, they're about 345, that's why I started the medications. I
want to give Dan every possible chance."

"Does Dan know?" Dave asked.

"Of course, I told him everything and we discussed a plan. He's agreed to
start individual counseling and we'll get him into our group sessions." Doc
paused for a moment then looked directly at Dave. "Does Dan have any family?"

"Yes, but they are not on good terms, because of Dan's..."

"I understand," Doc Gray acknowledged. He'd seen this before; the faggot's
family cuts him off like an offending appendage. "I was just thinking that if
Dan had the love and support of his family it could certainly be a boost to
his chances."

"Doc, Dan and I grew up together. His folks still live in the same town with
my parents. I'd have to think about it before I'd approach them about Dan's
condition. The last time Dan was home he and his dad got into a fight." Dave
was silent for a moment. "I can't promise anything but let me think about it."

"Okay, Dave, I can't ask for more than that. You want to see him now?"

"Yes please." Dave started to leave but stopped. "Oh, when do you think he
might be able to get out of here?"

"He can leave anytime he wants. He's not a prisoner, you know." Doc smiled.
"Really, he's still a little to weak for too much activity but a short trip
might do him some good. And as soon as he's able, he should move out
permanently, find a place of his own and start to rebuild his life. It'll be
good for him to think about an active future."

When Dave walked into Dan's room, Dan was standing at the window looking out
with his back to the door. Dave crossed the room and approached Dan's left
side. He placed his right arm around Dan's back, draped his hand on top of
Dan's right shoulder and squeezed it. They stood like that for what seemed
like forever. Dave could feel how skinny Dan was; he hadn't really felt it
before. Slowly Dan shifted his weight so his body could make better contact
with Dave.

"You know." Dan stated.

"Yes." Dave replied after several seconds.

"It's sure as hell not a bad as I feared." Dan expressed after several more
seconds. Dave thought Dan's comment sounded hopeful. They stood silently for
a while and Dave placed his left hand around Dan's left arm. "I want to fight
this, Dave." Dave's heart leaped with hope.

"You let me help?"

"Yeah, Bud, I need ya. I don't have anyone else." Whatever pride Dan had at
one time was now washed away by reality.

"What about your family?" Dan asked, hoping for some signal.

"In my dreams, Dave, in my dreams. I'm afraid I burned that bridge." That was
all Dave needed to hear. It was enough to cause him to think more seriously
about talking to Dan's parents.

In Dave's eyes Dan was looking a little better. Any improvement would be
better than what he looked like when Dave brought him here. He was to the
point where he needed some clothes so Dave went to his car where he had been
keeping the clothes Dan was wearing when Dave found him. When Dan put them on
it was instantly apparent that they weren't in very good shape.

"Let's go to Wal-Mart and find you something else to wear." Dave suggested.

"Yeah. And whada ya suggest I buy it with, my good looks?" Dan replied
sarcastically. There was also a note of hostility in his voice.

"Well, until we can find you a high-paid CEO position it kinda looks like
you're gonna be my charity case." Dave figured the best approach with Dan was
to hit him square between his eyes concerning his financial situation.

"Shit! You're right." Dan sounded defeated. "You're gonna own me, Dave, do
anything ya want with me."

"Hell, that's no bargain, you ain't worth much right now." Dave wasn't going
to feed Dan's little pity party.

Dan looked at Dave for a moment like he was in deep thought. "Okay,
motherfucker, you win... this time." Then he grinned because he understood what
Dave was doing, and they hugged.

At Wal-Mart, Dan tried on one pair of pants that seemed to fit okay and then
bought two more pairs in different colors. He got three T-shirts, some
briefs, and socks. It didn't seem to matter what Dan put on; all the clothing
hung loosely on his thin frame and made him look even thinner.

When they got back from their quick trip to Wal-Mart Dan needed to lie down
but he was ready for dinner when the time came.

By 8:30 PM Dan was tired enough to call it a day and went to bed. Dave said
goodnight and left for home. During the short drive to his condo, Dave had an
idea but he wouldn't do anything until in the morning.

Sunday morning he was up early and called home.

"Hello-o!" Nancy answered in her usual cheerful voice.

"Hi, Mother, what's for breakfast?"

"David! Are you coming home for breakfast?"

Dave laughed. "No, Mother, but I need to ask a favor."

"You just name it, Dear, I'm sure I can do it."

"You remember Danny Chambers, don't you?"

"Why yes. Haven't seen hide nor hair from him in years. Didn't he go into
the Army or something?"

"The Navy, Mother. Do you ever see his family at church?"

"Oh yes, quite often. You want me to say hello?"

"Not exactly, let me explain. I want to find out what their attitude is
toward him. Do they know where Dan is and what he is doing? But I don't want
them to know I'm asking."

"I don't understand, David."

Dave was trying his best to get his mother to spy for him but he didn't want
to get her in trouble. How to do that?

"Okay, Mother, here's the situation. You should know that the last time Dan
was home, last summer, he and his dad had a fight and Dan knocked him on his
ass. Sorry, Mother, that's the only right way to say that."

"I think I understand, Honey. Knowing Buddy like I do, he probably deserved
it. You know we were in high school together. The stories I could tell!
Anyway, go ahead."

"Without actually telling them anything, see if you can find out how they
feel about Dan. Do the miss him? Would they like to see him? You know, stuff
like that without being specific. And try not to let them think you know
anything." Dave paused for a moment thinking about whether he should burden
his mother with the worst part. He decided not to.

"Shall I call you when I get home?" Nancy asked when David didn't continue
talking.

 "No, Mother, I'm going to church with Mike and Todd. Let me call you when I
get home. My church starts at about the same time yours ends. Is that okay?

"I'll wait for you to call, bye, Dear."

"Bye, Mother." Dave hung up the phone.

Except for his visits to Texas, this would be the first time in a long time
that Dave actually chose go to church. Sitting with his two friends, Dave
began to get some of his old feelings back and it was good. As Dave left the
church Reverend `Father' Tim Fields gave him a particularly warm smile and
firm handshake and Dave began to get a warm feeling inside.

"Hello-o?" The sound of his mother's cheerful voice always gave David a good
feeling.

"Guess who!" Dave said playfully.

"Oh, David, I thought it might be you, how was church?"

"Very nice. Did you have any luck?" Dave asked anxiously.

"Yes, I talked to Abby, that's Danny's mother, and she said she hadn't heard
a word from him since he was home last summer. She seemed worried and I got
the distinct impression she would really love to see him."

"That's all I wanted to know." Dave seemed encouraged. "Mother, I'm gonna
drive down. I need to talk to Danny's parents and find out if they are
serious about wanting to see him. Would you go with me?"

"If you want me to, David."

"I do; I may need some moral support. I'll be there in about an hour, I'll
tell you more when I get there. Bye."

"Bye, dear."


A little over an hour later Dave parked his car in front of his parent's
house, walked to the front door and knocked. His mother opened the door.

"David! Why are you knocking? This is still your home!" Nancy said almost in
a scolding manner, as she hugged her son then gave him a peck on his cheek.

"I don't know, Mother, it seems so strange after so long."

"David!" his father called out as he walked into the room. They embraced for
a moment then released. David hadn't felt this good for a long time. He
looked around just enough to see that nothing had changed. It felt and
smelled like home. Then as quickly as possible he explained that Danny was H
IV positive and what that meant. David's parents weren't very well
informed about HIV/AIDS but they at least understood that Danny could be
seriously ill. David expressed his hope that Danny's family was ready to give
him the love and support he needed. Before leaving for the Chamber's house
they decided that David should follow Nancy so that if things worked out he
could leave directly from their house and not have to take Nancy back home.

This was another thing Dave had never done and he was plowing new ground, so
to speak. Oh well, he hoped the worst thing that could happen was that they
would say no and he would leave. Before leaving, Nancy called Abby and said
David was home and wondered if it was convenient to drop by for a visit. It
was.

David drove behind his mother and thought how strange it must appear for two
cars, each with only one person, to drive up and stop in front of the house.
He followed his mother to the front door and she rang the doorbell.

********

(To be continued.)