Date: Sun, 03 Aug 2003 19:07:04 -0400
From: bccccand@netscape.net
Subject: Metropolitan Romance-8

Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction, and any
resemblance to real people or events is coincidental.  It
contains descriptions of sex between adult men.  If this
type of material offends you, or if you are forbidden by law
to read it, please exit the story now.  E-mail comments are
gratefully accepted.

Sorry for the delay. My story now also appears on
Archerland, which is an excellent source of good quality
fiction. Chapters will be updated there first, and then to
nifty. You can read MR at www.archerland.net  . Thanks for
reading!

  Metropolitan Romance-8

  The best-laid plans - Everything seemed to be shaping up
for the summer events. The dances were still progressing
nicely, but the canoe trip had hit a snag. Two sponsors had
to back out because of illness in the family. I could always
go as a sponsor, but I knew Eric would never go. He really
wasn't the outdoor type. His way of communing with nature
was to work in the garden. The trip wouldn't conflict with
the vacation we had planned, but I had been trying to
schedule a more relaxed pace while Eric was out of school.
It would not only mean ten days apart, but the preparations
and recovery time would mean that the real commitment was
for at least two weeks. On the other hand, this canoe trip
had taken on dimensions far greater than merely the
experience for the boys. If only for Paul and Jared's sake,
the trip had to happen. Even with me going, we still
desperately needed another adult. I also didn't want to do
the training with one man missing. Damn. What a way to ruin
an evening.
  I decided not to tell Eric about the canoe trip problems
over supper. I still had meetings at the church, and I
wanted more time to deal with this issue. The support groups
were going well. Brad Carlisle even gave me a faint smile
when I looked in on the youth meeting. I couldn't remember
when I had seen him smile. Jared was absolutely bubbling. I
sure hoped I didn't have to put a damper on his excitement.
The adult meeting was well into final preparations for the
youth dance. As I went to leave, Paul followed me out of the
room.
  "Hey, Steve. How's it going?"
  "It appears that everything is under control tonight," I
replied. "All the groups are hard at work."
  "If you don't mind my saying so," he started, "you look
like you have something on your mind."
  I must have given him a confused look, because he began
explaining.
  "You were kind of distracted in there. Is something
bothering you?"
  A perceptive, intuitive Paul was a new concept, but then
the man never ceased to amaze me.
  "Well, actually Paul, there is. Two of the counselors for
the canoe trip had to cancel. I can step in and replace one
of them, but I think I need another adult along to make it
work."
  He paused and seemed to be mulling something over in his
head. Then, decisively, he began again.
  "You know, I bet my friend Kevin, from work, might be
willing to go. When I told him about the trip, he said he
wished there had been something like that for him when he
was young."
  "That doesn't mean he would necessarily give up vacation
to go canoeing with a bunch of boys," I responded.
  "Oh, I think he's jump at the chance. Do you want me to
ask and see if he's interested," Paul asked.
  Impulsively again, I decided to give it a shot. Paul
immediately went to call Kevin. I stood in the hall in sort
of a daze. For some reason, Paul seemed to catch me off
guard every time. I searched my reactions for any
reservations I might have. I didn't feel any. I hoped I
wasn't beginning to trust in Paul prematurely. Paul returned
with an expression that could only mean he was successful.
  "Kevin was thrilled to be asked. He also said he could
attend the training this Saturday. Is there anything else he
needs to do?"
  "We'll cover everything else at the training. Thanks,
Paul."
  He looked me in the eye for a moment and then gave me one
of those grins. At that moment I finally realized why he
always seemed to unnerve me. I was attracted to him. Damn. I
don't think I want to try explaining that to Eric. It's
probably that silly grin he and Jared share, but he flat got
to me. Oh well, maybe I would do a better job responding to
him now that I had a better feel for what was happening.
Paul and I were still standing in the hall when the youth
session quit for the evening. As young people of all sizes
and descriptions filed out of the room, I noticed Jared
walking with Brad Carlisle. They both moved on our
direction.
  "Hi, Jared," I said. "Hi, Brad."
  "Hello, Rev. Williams," Brad sputtered meekly.
  "Rev. Williams?" Jared howled. "What's with the Rev.
stuff, Brad? Call him Steve."
  Brad smiled at me once again. He was quite cute when he
smiled. When we finally convinced him that I did in fact
want him to call me Steve, the conversation started jumping
from one subject to another as only teenage boys can do.
Finally, Jared said nonchalantly, that Brad wanted to go on
the canoe trip. I had never thought of encouraging him to
go. He was so shy and withdrawn. That hadn't stopped Jared.
And it looked like Brad actually was interested.
  "But I don't think we can afford it," Brad stated
dejectedly. "Money's pretty tight with dad in jail."
  Jared started in on his dad about paying for Brad's spot.
I was finally able to interrupt.
  "We have scholarships for the camp, Brad. Your expenses
can be covered. Would you be interested in going on the
trip?"
  "Oh yes. I'd love to go. I've never been before, so I'd
have to learn to canoe."
  "Nick and I could teach you," Jared beamed. "Nick's
family has a canoe."
  And so yet another member of our summer excursion was
recruited. Jared and Brad seemed to be relating well. If I
hadn't been committed to going on this trip before, it was a
cinch now. Paul and Jared agreed to drop Brad off at his
house. Paul said he would talk with Brad's mother about the
trip. Now all I had to do was go home and inform Eric that I
booked up two weeks of our relaxing summer.
  When I finally made it home, Eric was sitting in the
family room reading, wearing only his boxers. As I stood in
the doorway, he looked up at me and smiled. Then, tossing
aside the book, he stood and walked over to me, putting his
arms around me. After a long, deep kiss, he met my eyes.
  "Okay, spill it mister. What have you done now?"
  I tried to look as innocent as possible, but obviously I
wasn't succeeding.
  "I can tell by the expression on your face that you're
going to tell me something I'm not going to like. Am I
right?"
  "Well- yes, you're right."
  "I wouldn't know where to begin guessing what you've done
now," he said, "so spill it."
  "Jim Wilson called today. He and Phil can't go on the
canoe trip."
  Pure terror colored his face. I knew he wouldn't be
happy, but I had hoped for a better reaction than I was
obviously going to get.
  "Tell me you didn't sign me up to be a sponsor," he
croaked.
  "No. No, I didn't do that. But I did basically agree to
go myself."
  "I don't have to go?"
  "No," I reassured him. "It's just that I wanted us to
have a relaxed summer to spend a lot of time together, and
this is going to take out a good two weeks before it's
over."
  "But I don't have to go?"
  "No, silly. I know you better than that."
  I stretched my arms around him and laid my head on his
shoulder. It never occurred to me as a tactic to fake him
out with something worse and then let him be relieved with
what I had to drop on him. As I held him, I let my hands
roam over his back. I was certainly crazy about this guy.
Finally, my hands slipped under the band of his boxers and
started squeezing his cheeks. This definitely had the
desired effect, and soon we were kissing and groping for all
we were worth. It was a long time until our usual bedtime,
but I didn't mind heading upstairs any ways.
  As we lay in bed enjoying the afterglow of our
lovemaking, we discussed our plans for the summer.
Definitely, more of what we had just done was on the list.
What was most important was that we had a chance to really
get to know one another. We had certainly made a lot of
progress, but long-term relationships need a good
foundation. I wanted this summer to focus on building that
foundation. Our vacation together would be a big part of
that, but it's also important to work out the day-to-day
kind of relationship as well. We knew a lot about each other
at this point, but we still had a ways to go on predicting
what each other were thinking. The trust between us was
growing and yet it still felt a little shaky at times.
  The next few days went quickly and before long it was
time for the first dance. This would be a new precedent for
the youth in our program. Everyone was excited and they had
definitely been busy inviting others. The night of the
dance, there had to be over one hundred excited teenagers
standing around in the parking lot. Even traditional dances
for young people this age were somewhat difficult to get
started. The girls started dancing with each other first.
The guys were still hanging back, around the edges. Paul and
Carol were chaperoning and Jared had brought Nick. I could
see Paul encouraging Jared, but he wasn't budging. Paul
looked up and saw me watching. Then, wearing that damned
grin, walked directly towards me.
  "Steve. The boys seem reluctant to dance."
  "Even gay guys have a macho thing," I replied.
  "Well, let's get this show on the road," he said,
reaching out his hand. "Care to dance?"
  Damn that grin. I think he knew I was attracted to him
and was doing this to play with my mind. Not to be outdone,
however, I took his hand and walked with him to the center
of the parking lot. You could hear the murmurs. At that
moment, the music changed and a slow song started. I figured
he might shy away from that kind of contact, but he took me
in his arms and we started to dance.
  "Mind if I lead," he asked.
  "You might as well," I answered. "You already are."
  "I've never danced any other way."
  Even as he talked he was able to keep that grin.
  "It looks like it's working," he smirked.
  "Wh-What," I suavely replied.
  "The boys - they're dancing."
  Sure enough. When I finally remembered we weren't alone,
I looked around and saw at least a dozen couples dancing,
including Jared and Nick. Paul's grin changed to a look of
pride as he watched his son.
  "You really are Okay with Jared aren't you," I queried.
  "I can't believe how unhappy he was after my knee-jerk
reaction. No father should make his son that unhappy. Look
at him. He is truly happy, isn't he?"
  "Yes," I said, looking into his eyes. "I don't think
there is anything you could have done to make him more happy
than supporting him here tonight."
  Then he pulled me closer and whispered in my ear.
  "Thank you for everything, but especially thank you for
helping me get my son back."
  "I really didn't do that much," I replied.
  "Don't be so modest. My family would be in ruins right
now if it weren't for you. And Eric, of course."
  As he said this, he looked deep into my eyes. For a
moment, I would have sworn he was going to kiss me. The song
ended and so did the moment. We slowly stepped apart. I
hoped it was dark enough that he wouldn't be able to see the
effect he had on me. As we walked to the edge of the parking
lot where the refreshments were set out, there were Eric and
Carol talking and laughing. That was a good sign. I didn't
know if Eric had a jealous streak, but I didn't want to find
out in the middle of a church function. Every relationship
has to determine what is off limits. Is looking but not
touching acceptable? Eric and I had never discussed it, but
I assumed our living together meant that were going to
monogamous. Maybe that would be a good discussion for one of
those summer down times.
  The dance was now off and running with all kinds of
combinations on the `dance floor.'  Loren and Larry were
there helping with crowd control, but it wasn't really
needed. Everyone was on their best behavior. They probably
deduced that getting to have another dance would hinge on
how well this event went. At one point there was a line
dance that had almost everyone included, even the adults.
Larry wasn't involved. He was standing back still looking
official. I had declined also. Someone needed to watch the
refreshments and keep away the neighborhood cats. Larry
walked over to me.
  "That was quite a deal," he said, "you and Paul dancing.
It seemed to do the trick, though."
  "I have to admit I was more than a little surprised, but
Paul is an interesting man."
  "I could tell you were definitely interested," he
chuckled.
  "Shit. Could you actually tell?"
  "Yea, but I don't think very many noticed."
  "Do you think Eric noticed," I asked. "That's what
matters."
  "I don't think so. He was fairly involved with his sister
then. So what gives?"
  "He always seems to catch me off guard for some reason.
He is an attractive man, and there's something about that
grin of his," I confessed.
  "His son has the same grin I've noticed," he said with a
smirk.
  "Most definitely."
  "Did Loren notice?"
  "Who do you think pointed it out to me," he declared.
  "Damn, that means I'm going to here about that for a
while."
  "Maybe in the future you need to wear a jockstrap to
these dances," he said, almost giggling.
  "Very funny," I replied indignantly. "Go ahead and have
fun at my expense."
  Larry laughed a hearty belly laugh. He was one of many
people who had come into my life recently who had made my
transition to a different lifestyle so much easier. I knew
he was a true friend. He had proved that already. In fact
almost all of the people who had become important to me were
at the dance. As I looked around the parking lot and saw all
the joy, I had to pause and give thanks for everything was
happening in the church and in my life.
  We finally wrapped up the dance and sent the youth home,
or wherever they were going. My responsibility for them
ended at midnight. They were on their own now. The adults
hung around and helped restore the parking lot to its
originally intended use. We were all a little tired, but the
success of the dance had everybody's spirits high. There
were all the thank you's and congratulations for a great
event. Eric and I got into his car and started for home.
  "So, did you enjoy the dance with Paul?"
  So much for discussing this later.
  "I was very surprised he suggested it. It did seem to
break the ice and get the youth dancing with each other," I
answered, hoping still to avoid the real questions.
  "Do you always get turned on dancing with a straight
guy?"
  Well, there we were. I searched his face for a clue as to
how he was truthfully reacting. Eventually, he smiled. My
heart started beating again.
  "That wasn't very nice," I stammered. "You had me really
worried."
  It was a wonder I hadn't wrecked the car. My hand were
shaking as I grasped the steering wheel.
  "Sorry. That was kind of cruel wasn't it?"
  I would have tried pouting for effect, but I was so
relieved that he wasn't angry that all I could do was smile
back at him.
  "Listen, Steve, I know we haven't talked about any of
this," he began, "and maybe tonight isn't the greatest
opportunity to do it, but I'm not upset that you are
attracted to Paul. I've assumed for some time that the
attraction was part of the dynamics between the two of you."
  "On my part you mean."
  "Actually, I doubt he would admit it, but I'm pretty sure
it goes both ways."
  I sat there with my mouth wide open. I knew where he was
going with this, but my mind couldn't catch up with the
conversation. He saw my confusion.
  "Me thinks he doth protest too much," he said with his
eyebrows arched.
  "You mean -"
  I was being my typically eloquent self again.
  "I would never have thought so at first. But now that he
is trying to be more open for Jared's sake, there's
something about the way he looks at Jared and Nick when
they're together. And of course there's the way he looks at
you."
  I was still dumbfounded. Usually I was good at picking up
these kinds of signals, but I had missed this one. If Eric
was right, that is. Since words were failing me, I merely
continued to smile at him. I think he enjoyed being one up
on me.
  "Well, if Paul Langley is interested, he is going to be
real disappointed," I finally declared. "I've already got my
man, and he's plenty of man for me."
  When we left the dance, I would have sworn I was almost
dead on my feet. Funny thing. I wasn't at all tired now. And
that was good, because when we made it home, Eric wasn't
tired either.
  The next day was Sunday, and the dance was the talk of
the church. The youth were still excited and ready for
another one. There was informal discussion about a back-to-
school dance. We were of course expected at the Langley
house for dinner. Jared was still flying high as a kite. The
dance was obviously a success in his opinion.
  I thought dinner might be a bit awkward, after the
dynamics of the dance. Then it occurred to me that the
dynamics at the Langley house were usually intense for one
reason or another. This was merely another installment. Eric
seemed very relaxed and that was good. There were moments in
the last several months when it felt as if I were navigating
a minefield. I needn't have worried. Everyone was in a good
mood and the atmosphere was comfortable. It was the first
time since I met these people that we each appeared to be
enjoying ourselves. Paul and Jared were getting along
famously. The acceptance had to be genuine. Eric and his
sister were obviously closer than ever. Even Eric and Paul
were joking around like old buddies.
  I offered to help Carol in the kitchen after dinner. The
other three men were only too happy to let me take that
task. We put away leftovers and filled the dishwasher. Carol
turned to me with her eyebrows furled.
  "Steve, I need to ask a favor of you."
  "Why of course, Carol," I replied. "What can I do for
you?"
  "I need to have a biopsy done."
  "What are you looking at here, Carol," I asked.
  "They have discovered a cyst on my liver," she stated.
Her eyes never left mine.
  "When is the biopsy?"
  "It's Tuesday morning. I was wondering if you could be
there?"
  "Yes," I said. "I'll definitely be there. Will Paul be
there as well?"
  She finally broke eye contact. So now the true
predicament was on the table.
  "I thought I might not mention it until after the results
are back," she whispered. He's been through so much - we've
all been through so much. It's probably nothing anyway. Why
should he get upset over nothing?"
  "Carol, I try not to tell people what to do. But think
about it. He's going to have to know eventually. Either way
it works out, don't you think he may feel as if you don't
trust him?"
  "I hadn't thought about that," she replied. "What about
Jared? He's so happy right now."
  "Didn't I hear him say he was going over to Nick's?"
  "Yes," she said tentatively.
  "While he's gone, discuss it with Paul. I trust that the
two of you will do what's best."
  "I haven't told Eric yet, either," she said sheepishly.
  "I think you and Paul need to talk about this between the
two of you. Would you mind if I told Eric when we got home?"
  "I think he'd understand. Do you know what time the
biopsy will be?"
  We went on to discuss the particulars of the test. I
hadn't realized we had been in the kitchen that long until
Jared came in to announce he was leaving. I suggested we
leave as well. When we were in the car, Eric began what was
becoming an all too familiar location for the third degree.
  "So, what did you and Carol talk about for so long in the
kitchen?"
  Sometimes Eric could beat around the bush until you
almost begged him to ask his question. In the front seat of
the car recently, he was becoming laser accurate. Since I
was driving again this time, I felt it was safe to proceed.
There wasn't anything to be gained by waiting.
  "She's having a medical procedure on Tuesday, and she
wanted to hear my perspective on some things."
  "Why didn't she tell me," he asked, almost accusatorial.
  "Babe. This has to do with Paul. She's telling him right
now. That's what we were discussing: whether or not she
should tell him before the test or wait until the results
are known. We decided I would tell you so she and Paul could
be alone."
  I could tell he was resisting the reasoning of my
argument, but was also begrudgingly beginning to accept.
Then the issue of the order of notification was quickly
replaced with the weightier matters involved.
  "What's she having done," Eric almost whined. "What's
wrong with her?"
  Up until that moment, I had been focused on Carol's
dilemma as to whether or not to involve Paul. I also knew
Eric would be a little upset about not being told by Carol
herself. What I hadn't let sink in yet was the real fear he
would have. Carol was his life-long ally and pillar of
strength. In times like these, I often think of having to
take off a bandage. Do you do it quickly and get the pain
over as fast as possible, or do you go slowly and gently. I
went for the rip and pull.
  "She has a cyst on her liver and they are doing a biopsy
to determine what it is."
  His face went pale. I began to question the wisdom of my
approach, especially in the car. I was about to pull the car
to the side and park when finally he regained his composure.
  "With the liver involved that could be very bad couldn't
it," he said softly.
  He was the science teacher, but he knew I had quite a bit
of experience in waiting rooms. I started with rip and pull
so I might as well complete it.
  "If it's cancer, involving the liver is a very bad sign.
Of course they don't know that it's cancer. That's why they
want to do a biopsy."
  Eric became very quiet. This was going to be a lot for
him to process. Suddenly, he looked straight at me.
  "I want to be there on Tuesday," he said almost
menacingly.
  "I'm sure Carol would expect that. You won't have any
problem getting a sub for your classes will you?"
  "Or do you want to be alone with Paul," he accused.
  Instantly I was defensive. So many responses flashed
through my mind. Fortunately, none of them came out of my
mouth. I couldn't think of a positive thing to say, so I
focused on my driving. I could hear him fuming beside me,
but I knew any wrong comment from me would only escalate the
situation. We arrived home, but neither of us got out of the
car. I was still at a loss for words. Sometimes helpers like
ministers, use up all the patience and understanding on
others and don't leave enough in reserve for the people
closest to them. Eric broke the silence.
  "I'm sorry, Steve. I'm upset about Carol, but I shouldn't
have jumped all over you. I do trust you and I'm not
actually jealous of Paul."
  Still unsure of what to say, I reached over and pulled
him into a hug. In a matter of seconds, we were both crying.

  The next morning, the Monday morning routine was the
furthest thing from my mind as I was still struggling with
the question of Carol's prognosis. Eric, Jared, and Paul had
all made such progress and were each finally able to enjoy
one another. Sometimes the cynic in me wondered why moments
of happiness always seem to be the harbingers of bad news.
Suddenly, Loren broke through my haze.
  "What is it, chief? You certainly aren't focused on what
I've been saying."
  We were in my office, so presumably we should have been
going over the calendar. Probably Loren was doing that very
thing.
  "I'm sorry, Loren," I began. "Carol gave us some
unsettling news yesterday, and I can't seem to get my mind
off of it."
  "Can you tell me what it was?"
  That was just like Loren. Always aware of the question of
confidentiality, Loren never failed to acknowledge that
there were bits of information I couldn't share.
  "Yes, Loren, you're like one of the family anyway. She is
having a biopsy of a cyst on her liver tomorrow. They have
no idea what to expect, but it's human I guess to expect the
worse."
  Loren stepped around behind me and began massaging my
shoulders. I hadn't even realized how tense I was.
  "And now," Loren said softly, "when you finally had that
family pulled together."
  Leave it to Loren to zero in on exactly what I was
thinking. All of a sudden, I became aware of the fact that I
was sobbing. Loren continued to work the muscles in my
shoulders. This wasn't supposed to be about me. But Loren
knew what few others did, that any grief still touched my
own. I had already lost one family, and I couldn't help but
think about how all this would affect me. In this inner
sanctum, with my most trusted confidant, I cried for myself
and let Loren comfort me. Eventually, I regained my
composure. Loren smiled at me and sat back down.
  "Did you see that the city fathers in all their wisdom
decided again to disallow health coverage for unmarried
partners," Loren added. "They even had the gall to specify
that commitment ceremonies and sacred unions won't count as
married."
  As a police officer's partner-to-be, this was more than a
political discussion for Loren. I learned early on, that
when Loren was on a roll, interrupting wasn't a wise
decision. I did what I do best: listened.
  "Councilman Roberts will screw anything with tits, and he
thinks he can preach morals to me. I'm tempted to go to that
bar where he hangs out and let him put the moves on me. He'd
get a surprise or two. I'd tie that little dick of his in a
knot."
  I chose not to ask for the source on that last bit of
information. I was supposed to be listening anyway. Loren
had never been one to give in to bigots. The sense of
resignation I was hearing struck me as unusual.
  "Loren," I asked, "Is something else bothering you?
Roberts has always been a jerk. I know we lobbied hard for
this health care clause, but we knew the odds were against
us. It's an election year. Politicians run scared in an
election year."
  "Larry and I were talking about how much easier it would
make our financial situation if I could be on his
insurance."
  "Have you two set a date for a commitment service," I
queried.
  "No," Loren answered, looking down at an expensive pair
of burgundy leather pumps.
  "Is there a problem?"
  "He says he's worried about the finances. Like what the
hell difference does that make? It's not like we have to put
kids through college or anything. We may not be well off,
but we won't have any more without a ceremony."
  "Do you think there's another reason," I asked.
  "I think he's unsure of what it might mean for him at
work. And I can understand that. But he doesn't want to talk
about the force."
  "Be patient with him. He's new to the idea of this kind
of relationship."
  "I know," Loren replied dejectedly.
  "Why don't you ask him to come in with you and we can sit
down and talk about it. You might as well address this now,"
I said.
  "Okay, we'll do that," Loren replied. "Do you want to
start over with the calendar?"
  "Screw the calendar. I get the feeling it's going to be
one of those weeks when the calendar goes out the fucking
window."
  I usually didn't swear around the church, but my attitude
had the desired effect. Loren grinned mischievously.
  "Speaking of windows," Loren began, "did I tell you about
the peeping tom?"
  "No," I answered. "Where?"
  "At Larry's house. I noticed this young kid hanging
around the neighborhood. I'm pretty good at noticing when
people are gawking at me. Well Larry and I were in the front
room and we were doing a fair game of tonsil hockey. Then I
noticed this kid behind a tree in the yard, looking right in
the window. I said something to Larry and he wanted to go
run him off the property. I said I had a better idea, and I
started undressing him right there in front of the window. I
thought his eyes were going to pop out of their sockets he
was so surprised. He started to complain, but I wouldn't let
go of his tongue. In a little while he was way too turned on
to argue that he wasn't into it. And when I say he was into
it, we certainly gave that kid something to watch."
  "Why you little exhibitionist, you," I snickered.
  "Me?" Loren asked. "The surprise was mister propriety
performing for all he was worth."
  We were both laughing and I realized that Loren had once
again lifted my spirits. I know a lot of professionals are
dependent on their secretaries, but my connection with Loren
went way past any of that. Our symbiotic relationship made
us a damn fine team. When we finally regained our composure,
I decided to give Carol a call. We rarely went to their
house during the week, but I decided this deserved to be an
exception. She was very open to our coming.
  That evening, around the dinner table, the mood was very
somber. Carol had told me on the phone that they had
informed Jared about what was happening. He was definitely
scared. We were all scared.
  "Listen people," I began. "Fears aren't any less real if
they're unspoken. We all know that we are afraid of
tomorrow. But we have each other. My mother always used to
say `never borrow worry or trouble.' There is no reason not
to be optimistic tonight. The chances are very good that the
cyst is benign. If it's not, then we'll face that when we
come to it."
  With that, everyone including myself began to cry. We
weren't necessarily being optimistic, but we were being more
honest. Eric brought up a memory of he and his sister
getting through a rough time and a whole litany of
remembrances began. It was an emotional night, but at least
we were talking. As the evening wound down, Jared excused
himself to go to bed. I hadn't realized how late it had
become. Carol and Eric were locked in an intense sibling
moment. That left Paul and I.
  "Steve," Paul said, "I don't know what this family would
do without you."
  "And I don't know what I would do without this family," I
replied.
  Then he took me in his arms and we held each other as if
to draw strength from one another. Soon Carol and Eric were
through and Paul let go of me. We all reluctantly said good
night and Eric and I drove home. It was going to be a
restless night for many, but I had no idea how restless it
could get.


  Comments are appreciated.  bccccand@hotmail.com