Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2006 19:27:37 +0000
From: F F <cb_45@hotmail.com>
Subject: Now and Then Chapter 4 - a

**************

Disclaimer: If you are not yet 18 years of age or if it is illegal to read
materials of this kind where you live, then please stop now. This story
contains descriptions of sexual activity between male adults. The acts are
consensual and are the result of their love for one another.

All copy rights reserved.  The author retains all rights.  No reproductions
or links to other sites are allowed without the author's consent.  The
author gives Nifty Archives permission to add to their site.

Sorry , but no sex in this part, I did not think it was appropriate at least
not at this stage. I also want to apologize for the delay and special thanks
to David (Dad on the Hideaway) for your encouraging words and constructive
comments.

****************

It was seven in the evening and we were all at the patio. The sun was
setting and the evening was showing signs of cooling down a bit but the heat
and humidity could still be felt.

Ali and Terry were sitting with their backs to the living room, deep in
conversation. I saw the car stopping at the gate and without a word I left
them and headed to the gate and let him in. We both walked to them. Sensing
our approach they both stood up and turned around to greet my guest.

I fell a step behind and let him proceed ahead of me. Terry stood there
smiling and about to extend his hand but Ali just stood there, his mouth
quivering and eyes open wide with all the horror of the world written on his
face. Ash colored. It is an expression you only see in horror movies as you
are confronted by a demon or a ghost. He was faintly uttering the words "No,
no  ... it can't be. Impossible  ..."

Ali fell back into the chair that he was about to vacate. Ash faced and
mouth agape. You can see that he was shivering and having difficulty in
breathing and trying hard to regain control. Well, who wouldn't?

Leaning on his walking stick and feet moving as if laden with steel, he
slowly approached the stunned Ali. Terry was standing there motionless not
knowing what to do. Form the look on his face you can read that he was
weighing the options. Jump the guy! Go to Ali offering protection! He was
also immobile. He only managed to say "What the hell is going on here and
who are you?"

He moved closer and with the support of his cane he slowly lowered his bulk
on the edge of the large coffee table in front of Ali, extending his bad leg
for comfort. Ever so slowly, he places his cane on his side, balancing it
and making sure that it would remain stable. He then turned his face and
looked at Ali. His eyes full of gentleness and warmth. He took one of Ali's
hands in his "I am not a ghost Ali. It is me. I know I am not supposed to be
here today. I should be six feet under, but I am here. I am here for real.
You can feel my hand, can't you? It is warm and not cold. I am here and
Alive." He turned around and looked at me "Thanks to this man. He is the
reason why I am here today."

Ali by that time had regained some of his composure and his breathing not
normal yet but getting under control. With a weak voice coming from a dried
moth; "how can it be? I was told that you were dead? You died in the
accident. I do not understand. I heard there was even a funeral and all that
goes with it. There is even a grave with your name on it"

"It is a long story but before that come here. Give me a hug. I missed you
all these years. Come on and properly greet your friend who had just risen
from the dead"

A smile showed on Ali's face and signs of tears were becoming evident, he
jumped into Mohammed's arms nearly knocking him over while wrapping his arms
around his shoulders. The dams in his eyes broke and uncontrollable tears
started to follow, sobs raking him. I can see from the shaking of his back
that Mohammed was crying too. Well we all had tears in our eyes, even Terry,
as he realized who this stranger is uttering "Well, I `ll be damned".

I felt very awkward and totally uncomfortable wondering what Ali's reaction
would be towards me so I retreated silently back to the kitchen with
Mohammed still holding Ali to himself soothing him with words and gently
rubbing his free hand in his hair. I can hear Ali's sobs becoming quieter.

Entering the kitchen I immediately busied myself in preparing the diner and
setting up the table. It was still warm outside to eat and the kitchen table
will do. It will provide a better atmosphere; I felt it would be more
appropriate than sitting at the dining table.

Returning to the patio, I found Ali was back in his seat with Mohammed Still
facing him. No tears but a radiant face beaming with happiness. He was
talking animatedly with Mohammed telling him about Terry. Terry was also
smiling and all the time nodding his head in agreement. He was seated on the
arms of Ali's chair with one arm loosely on his shoulder.

"Diner is ready, guys, sorry but the Kitchen table will have to do this
time"

We sat there in the kitchen having our diner. The talk was light and no
attempt was made to go into any serious topics. Everybody was making the
effort to avoid going into any serious talk even though we all knew that
some time we will be getting there but no one was in a hurry to do that. We
finished eating and Terry helped me with washing the dishes while Mohammed
and Ali retreated into the living room. I had prepared some coffee and
joined them there with Terry.

*****************************

"Ahmad; you never told me that Mohammed is still alive. All these years you
left me believing that he was dead. Why? We are supposed to be good friends,
no brothers and still you never said a word why?"

"I am sorry Ali. There are not enough words to express how sorry I am, but
believe me it was for your own good.'

"My own good. You realize the suffering and agony I went through." Ali said
this with eyes showing anger, disappointment and pain.

"I realize that but believe me ... "I couldn't finish, the feeling of guilt
overwhelming me. I couldn't meet his eyes.

"Ali, it wasn't Ahmed's idea, it was mine. I asked him not to say a word. It
was for your own good. If you knew then that I was still alive we would not
be all sitting here today."

"Even your father or any member of your family didn't say anything or even
give an indication that you were still alive. I went and visited your father
and brothers offering my condolences and they never showed any sign. The way
they acted would have defiantly got them Oscar nominations."

"I know. The whole thing was my father's idea. Apart from my father only my
eldest brother knew that I was still alive. Even my mother was left under
the impression that I was dead for a few months. Cruel I know but it was
necessary"

"Instead of saying it was necessary I think you both owe me an explanation.
It better be good. I am very offended by your actions and it only make me
feel that I was not worthy of your trust"

"Yes we defiantly owe you an apology and explanation"



To be continued....


Only constructive comments are welcome, do not bother if you want to point
out spelling or grammatical errors.

cb_45@hotmail.com