Date: Tue, 17 Aug 2010 20:18:42 -0700 (PDT)
From: Joe Collins <joecollins7420@yahoo.com>
Subject: Searching for true love   Chapter 3

This is the story of one man's search for true love. However, there will be some
sex but the real focal point will be on the relationships developed along the
way. If you are not of legal age, this is unlawful in your area, or man sex
bothers you, then I would suggest you leave now. Drop me line, I would love to
hear from you.  joecollins7420@yahoo.com


Chapter 3
When I arrived at the airport, my parents and Aunt Nancy were there to meet me.
I told them all about the boys and James' job at the ranch. Aunt Nancy beamed
with pride to find out that her grandson was having the time of his life. All of
us decided to go to a restaurant and have dinner. They wanted to know all about
the ranch. I told them that James and I had downloaded all the pictures that we
had taken and would give them a slide show them when we returned home.

I got a big surprise. Aunt Nancy, my mom and Dad were contemplating selling out
and moving into the town near the ranch. They wanted to be near their boys but
at the same time give them ample space. I started a slide show on my computer
and the more they saw, the more they thought moving there was a very first-class
idea.

I called James on his cell phone and caught him at the pool with his friends. I
told him that his grandmother wanted to say hi and put her on the line. She told
him what she and his Aunt were thinking about. Tears started to roll down her
cheeks and she handed the phone to me.

"Ok, wise ass, what did you say to your grandmother to make her cry?"

"Just told her that I thought that was a fantastic idea and I just wished I had
thought of it. I think it would great if they were near us and we could visit
when we wanted to!"

"James, Have I told you recently that I love you. I think you just made a
decision for your grandmother and my parents. They were having doubts but I
think you helped calm their fears by telling them you missed them and wanted
them close-by. Thanks, guy! See you soon! Miss you, Son, and love you. Bye."

My parents and Aunt Nancy all started to talk at once. "Hey! One at a time! My
brain has gone into overload and just about to shut down completely."

Dad started to speak. "We have all been talking about leaving Seattle and moving
close to you. Once thing for sure, we don't want to live on a ranch. We would
like to be close enough to visit occasionally."

"So tell us what you think and also all about the ranch and Roundup. Roundup is
such a funny name for a town. Is it really called Roundup?" Asked Aunt Nancy.

"You had you phone on speaker so we already know what James thinks and we heard
your reply. You were such a sweetheart with him and we all know just how much
both of you mean to each other. I think an old confirmed gay bachelor is taking
fatherhood very seriously." Replied Nick's mother.

"Mom, how did you know that I am gay? I have never told you and I tried to hide
it from everyone so I wouldn't get into trouble at school!"
"Nick, everyone knew. Your father and I have known for a long time. Parents have
a sixth sense and know everything about their children. We figure that you have
to live your own life the way that you want to. You being gay doesn't mean that
we love you any less! Now why don't you answer Aunt Nancy's questions?"

"Yes, Roundup is a name of a town in Montana. It is a small town about 2500
people and has a high school of about 200 pupils. Children are bused into
Roundup from all the ranches around. Why don't I pull Roundup, Montana up on the
internet and let you see and learn about Roundup. You will just love the
country, the peace and quite of a small town."

"I have already made my mind up but I would like to read about Roundup anyway."
Aunt Nancy respond.

We talked until it was time for bed and then we all we to our rooms. I found it
very hard to get to sleep. A thousand thoughts keep running through my mind. I
keep coming back to the idea of Jake and I could develop a relationship. Did I
want to get that involved or not? Would a relationship have an effect on James
and how would he react? What about Joe, the man that I have been involved with.
How would I tell him? Questions and more questions and no answers. Tomorrow is
Saturday. I would just call Joe the first thing in the morning and make
arrangements for us to get together tomorrow and thrash out what was going on.
Finally, I dropped off asleep.


After breakfast, I called Joe and decided to meet at his place. I went over and
knocked on his door. When he opened it, we were in each others arms immediately.
We didn't waste any time and headed for his bedroom. We had one terrific time
and finally we were just laying there in bed holding each other.

"Joe, we really have to do some serious talking and thinking."

"Nick, I know what you are going to say. Remember when we started dating four
months ago. We agreed not to get emotionally involved. I care for you a lot and
really enjoy being with you."

"I know Joe, and that is one of the things that is bothering me. I really care
for you but I have become emotionally involved but I can say that I don't love
you. I still want you as a friend but just as a friend not as a lover. I have
met someone and this may go beyond just a friendship. I just have to wait and
see how it works out."

"Nick, I am so glad for you. The same thing has happened to me. I, also, have
met someone. The feelings go much deeper that what we have. I have tried to
figure out how to tell you that I needed some space and time to think. Here we
are the two of us, feeling the same thing and afraid to actually say how we
feel."

"That is because we are concerned and don't want to injure or upset the other.
Joe, I want us to remain close and very good friends. Nothing or anyone can't
take that from us. We don't have to have a sexual relationship to be friends. I
have taken pleasure in the time that we have spent together and I have no
regrets or misgivings."

"I want to wish you all the happiness in your future and you have my blessings.
Nick, you are one special person and no one will ever replace you. I am glad
that we have had this discussion. My new friend has asked me to move in with
him. I have been holding off in giving him an answer. Now I can. Thanks!"

"Joe, I wish you the same. What do you say that we quite talking and enjoy what
time we have left."

Joe and I spent most of the day together. Most of the time was just spent
holding each and talking. Our friendship has grown stronger and the bond between
has become very permanent. No one or anything can come between us.


Mom, Dad, Aunt Nancy and I spent the next week getting ready to move. We decided
to give all our furniture, unwanted clothes, and etc. to the Salvation Army. We
would buy new when we arrived in Montana. My parents and Aunt Nancy put their
houses on the market. We loaded a U-Haul truck and we were ready to leave. I was
to drive the truck and tow Aunt Nancy's car. Dad was to drive his car. The time
to depart arrive, we piled into the vehicles and took off. Lookout Montana, here
we come!

It was sad for Mom, Aunt Nancy, and myself. We were leaving our childhood homes
behind and starting a new life in a new place. Dad had grown up in Olympia and
was a city boy all his life. I knew that they would never regret leaving
Seattle. The first time, I left Seattle, I knew I had a challenge before me.
With my family all standing beside me, I knew life would offer great rewards..


I called James when we were getting close. He would be waiting on the porch for
us. It was a pretty picture. James had on his work clothes and had a big straw
hat. He looked like a model for some tractor company. We had barely stopped
moving when Aunt Nancy and Mom were out of the car and running to meet him. Dad
was not far behind. James met them half way.

By now, I was on my way to give him a big hug. I was very glad to see him. I was
amazed at the good tan he was getting. It gave him a certain glow that made him
look like a man. He flexed a muscle and laughed.

"I wish that I could stay and visit but I had to shut the bailer down and I know
the guys will be caught up and waiting for me. I will see you when I get off
work tonight. Love you" and he was gone on the four wheeler.

"Can you believe the change in him? And to think, I had trouble getting him to
take out the garbage." said Aunt Nancy with a tear in her eye.
"Let's go in and I will get us something cold to drink and will show you our new
home. This big house belongs to James and I now. We have lots of room if you
want to stay out here!"


"Nick, We will stay for a few days until we can find a place in town. As we said
before, We are city folk not country people." Commented Dad.
"Wait until we go into town. You will find out you will still be country. I bet
you could put the whole town in 3 or 4 of Seattle's Blocks." Laughed Nick.

There was a knock on the front door and I went to answer. "Hello, Jake! What are
you doing knocking. Why didn't you just come on in."

"This isn't my house, remember! I have the big white house across the road. Who
are these lovely women. I bet you are related to them. It is plain to see where
you got your good looks from. Sir, please forgive me. I didn't intend to imply
that you are an ugly duckling. You are far from that." remarked Jake.

"Dad, Mom, Aunt Nancy, I would like to introduce Jake, who runs this place.
James and I may own the ranch but Jake is the manager, foreman, boss or what
ever you want to call him."

"Jake, My name is actually Leon but call me Dad if you want. This is Alice but
call her Mom. This woman you had better just call her Aunt Nancy but you will
hear James call her Grandma. I don't think I would call her that if I were you!"
said Dad giving Jake a big hug. Mom and Aunt gave him a big hug and a kiss on
the cheek."

"Nick, I must be getting back to work. Those teen age boys have probably taken
off swimming since I am not there to supervise. Just kidding. They are a great
bunch of kids and would work with out me. We work in pairs and since there is an
old number, I have to really give it my all just to keep up with James. We are
going to have a big cook out tonight and swimming afterwards. I will leave it up
to you to entertain yourselves. I am very glad to meet you folks. I have heard a
lot about you and feel that I have known you long before you arrive. Later!"
said Jake as he was walking out the door.

"Nick, you had better snag that one. He is cute and a keeper." Laughed Aunt
Nancy.

"So you know my deep dark secret also. Who told you, Mom?"

"No one had to tell me. It is written all over you. Your mom and I had
suspicions when you were a teenager. We became more sure as you got older. James
on the other hand is as straight as they come. Right?" commented Aunt Nancy.

"You have that right. That is one kid that you don't have worry about. He is
going to chase anything who wears a skirt. I guess I can't say that in these
days. You can't tell a man from a woman by the way some of them dress. Aunt
Nancy, we can all be proud of that kid. I can't wait to go to his first football
game."

"Is he going out for football?" inquired Aunt Nancy

"That he is. The practice starts the last week in August. That is why he is on
the haying crew. There are 4 boys from the ranch who will be going out also.
They are trying to build a little muscle. The boys are just trying to keep up
with all the rest of the ranch and farm boys. They have started a running
program every evening. I want to join them and see if I can get back in shape."

I went down to the workers houses and found a couple of the women who would take
us on a tour of ranch. We spent the rest of the day touring and still had much
to see. Soon it was time to head back to the ranch house. Everyone would be
getting off work and cook-out should be about ready to begin.

Soon the ranch was buzzing like a swarm of bees. Everyone headed for the showers
to clean up and get ready for dinner. The men started the grills and put the
steaks on to cook. The women were busy making salads, wrapping potatoes in foil
and putting them in the coals to bake. Everything came together like clock work
and soon everyone was eating a delicious meal.

Jake rattled his glass with a spoon to get the attention of the crowd. "Boys,
are you ready? Good! Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to introduce the
entertainment for tonight. Let's welcome, James and the Haymakers!"

James and the other four boys came running out. Each boy was carrying a musical
instrument and they all started playing. What surprised the crowd was James who
started singing in a loud clear, tenor voice. The crowd became very quite and
then burst loose with a thunderous applause. James' family had tears in their
eyes. Not one of them knew James could sing and sing he did.

James and Haymakers played and sang for about an hour. Jake stood up and started
talking. "I am just as surprised as you are. They boys have been down in the
barn every night. This is what we get for leaving teenage boys alone, with out
supervision." Again, the crowd stood and applauded. "Tell me boys, where did all
of you learn to perform so well? You did a marvelous job tonight. I am sure that
we will hear a lot more from you."

"I know you will. The band learned to play in school. Among with everything else
that they did, they found time to fit band into their schedules. I joined the
choir in Seattle and the leader gave me individual voice lessons. Unforeseen,
circumstances brought us all together. We all had sheet music and just pooled
our resources. Thank you for letting us try our talents out." Again the crowd
erupted in thunderous applause.

Everyone rushed to the boys and congratulated them. There were some mighty proud
grandparents and parents. It is certain that there won't be any more sneaking
out to the barn to practice. Nick promised a new public address system and two
private professional tutors for the group, one for the band and one to help with
the singing.

Sunday arrived and the family and ¾ of the ranch hands all headed to church in
Roundup. This was a community and non-denominational church and had one of the
largest congregations in town. Needless to say , word had spread that James and
the Haymakers were fantastic. After the services, the pastor invited them to
perform the following Sunday and would devote his sermon time to the boys.

Nick and the boys decided to go into Billings to get some sheet music and to
purchase a good sound system. This would also give Nick and James a chance to
see a little more of the country.

After work, they boys were busy with music practice for Sunday. Everyone on the
ranch wanted to sit in on the rehearsals but were told they had to wait until
Sunday to hear them.

Sunday, arrived and the family found a pew that they could all sit in. It was
already occupied by an African-American young couple with two little boys. Nick
and James were visiting with them and discovered that they were just passing
though and were looking for work and had been living in Alabama. The man had
lost his job because of his race. Rather than fight the system, they had decided
to move north and to start over. They were down to their last $50.00. They had
been living and sleeping in the car and would continue until work could be
found.

Services were just about ready to begin. The minister and the usher came to the
pew and asked the young couple to leave. The couple were told that they would
have to go to one of the other churches to worship.

James bristled and wanted to know why they weren't welcome. "Reverend, Is it
because of their color or just what is the problem?" James was not given an
answer and the men turned to walk away.

"Reverend, my son asked you a question and he deserves an answer." said Nick
rather loudly.

"Please lower your voice and don't cause a scene. I ask you again to please
leave!" said the Reverend angrily.

The young couple started to stand and James told them to remain seated. James
went to the podium. "May I have your attention, please." It became very quite
and James continued to speak. "I don't know a lot of you and I am very new in
the community. I have just witnessed something that makes my blood boil. I was
scheduled to sing today but I won't be. In fact, I am leaving now but first I
want to tell you why. I was sitting by that young couple and their two young
children, when the Reverend and the Usher came and told them to leave all
because of their race. I will not support or have any part of this."

"Reverend, what do you have to say about this?" asked a man on the other side of
the room.

"I think the young man has this all wrong." said the Reverend.

"I was sitting in the pew right in front of the young man at the podium. I heard
everything and he is correct in what he is saying." said a woman with anger in
her voice.

"I am not going to stay and I invite anyone who agrees with me to leave with me
and further more I will not be returning to this church." James said as he left
the podium and headed for the door. James stopped by the pew and told the young
couple that he would like to meet with them out side. About 95% of the people
stood and started moving toward the door.

"Please be seated! I am sure that we can work this big misunderstanding out!
Please!"Shouted the Reverend.


"Pack you bags, Reverend! You are history!" came a reply from a woman sitting in
the back of the room.

"This is all the fault of you crazy faggots! You think I don't know what you do
when you are not working." shouted the Reverend.

"Does that mean they will burn in hell with me since you made me suck your cock
and you slid it inside me and made me not tell anyone? Asked a young 12 year old
boy.

"You mean that the Reverend has had sex with you?" asked a state policeman who
was in the audience.

"Yes, but not once but on a weekly basis for about 3 months now! Said the boy.

"Turn around, Reverend and put your hand behind you." said the policeman. "I am
arresting you for rape and sexual molestation of a minor."

"I am innocent. I did no such thing!" yelled the Reverend.

"Save it for the judge. I`ll just put you in the patrol car and enjoy the rest
of the service!"

"Hey, everyone! Let's go back inside and have our own service. I know 5 boys who
have worked very hard for this moment. I mean everyone, even our new friends. I
would like to extent a big welcome to you." said Jake with a big smile on his
face.

"We would be glad too. We want to thank that young man who stood up for us."
said the woman.

"I think you will be able to do that after the service. He is the lead singer
for the group that is performing today." Jake said with pride.