Date: Thu, 06 Sep 2001 00:29:58 -0400
From: LJB <readersstop@netscape.net>
Subject: To Fulfill a Prophesy Section 50 (LJB)(MM BB Bb 1st anal oral teen1b
    teen2b slow)(50/56)

The following is a pure work of fiction and is the property of the author.
If you are looking to get off quick, read something else.  This story is
presented in serial form and you'll read a lot of background, before you
get any mind-blowing sex scenes.  If you are bothered by same sex
relationships, read no farther.

This is a story about the interaction of males with each other in a
fanciful  setting.

It's a story with some sex, not sex with some story.

******************************************************
I have begun to post a new 4 part series on Nifty under gay/beginnings.
It is titled "Joe's Dilemma".        (LJB)
******************************************************

To Fulfill a Prophesy


Section 50

Ted - Wednesday night

I decided I wanted to try to strengthen my relationship with and
understanding of the boys I was committed to and the boy I was considering,
adopting.  Our household was really a rather unusual place for a boy to
develop in, because we had so many great male role models for them to
emulate.  This made me question the value of my role as a father to Kevin
and my personal relationship with Davey and Denny.

Kevin, at 16 years of age was settling in his own permanent, adult
relationship and Tim was a very positive role model for him to admire and
follow.  My relationship with him was cordial and friendly, but how could
he see me as a new father during his mid-teens, when he had never truly had
a model through his life ?  We didn't have feelings of parental and child
love for each other, and it seemed truly too late in his life for either of
us to develop them.  At best, we might eventually be friends, but I
wondered with the age difference between us, if either of us has a sense of
motivation to even seek that kind of relationship.

Davey is a different story.  We shared a parent and child love which had
developed in an almost instantaneous flash.  I could provide some influence
for him and he at least acknowledged a respect for me that allowed him to
accept my guidance.  Teens of 14 years could be rebellious and detached,
this boy never showed any propensity for isolation or withdrawing from the
responsibility of his role in life.  On the contrary, he seemed eager to
embrace his destiny and face the future.  I could support Davey as his Dad,
by encouraging and recognizing his natural strengths and abilities and by
being the central, older adult to whom he could turn at any time.

Denny was mine.  Every fiber of me felt this 8 year old boy belonged to me.
He had a corner of my heart that he would own forever.  Since the day he
had decided he wanted to be adopted, he has been my son.  Maybe it was
because he is so much younger then the others, or maybe it is just because
he gave himself over to me in trust and love.  The day he told me he was
the fourth Guardian, I was shaken to the core.  I had convinced myself he
couldn't be.  It may have just been wishful thinking on my part.  I wanted
him to have a normal life.  To be a young boy and to grow to adulthood.  I
finally realized he could still, if I see it is provided for him.
Normalizing as much of his life as possible had to be my role with him.

This trip was an opportunity to get to know each boy better.  I had decided
to have Anson accompany us for several reasons.  His relationship with
Davey and Denny would allow me to spend some time with Kevin, without
worrying all the time about them.  Anson also would be better off with us
while Digger was away this final week.  He might also relate well with
Kevin as I have noticed he and Digger have been spending some time with
Kevin and Tim.  In many ways Anson at 20 is in need of a father figure as
much as any of the younger boys.  I hope he was not seeking that role in
Digger.

We were borrowing Mr. Chen's car and taking the camper trailer for our
trip.  Everything was loaded by noon on Monday.  We had lunch with the
others, said our `good byes' and were on the road by 1 o'clock.  We started
with me driving and Kevin riding shotgun.  Anson sat in the back behind me
and Denny sat in the middle with Davey next to him.  The general
conversation during our first hour revealed Davey and Denny had never been
any farther away from the city than the `castle', not counting our flight
to the `cabin'.  They were interested in the scenery and fascinated by the
small hills as we saw them first in the distance and then as we entered
them.  We were traveling west, to the ocean.  None of my passengers had
ever seen it and we were going to make our base of operation at a camp
ground located next to it.  Anson took over the wheel at 4:00 and by 6:00
we were pulling into our destination.

The facility was well kept and the sites quite large.  Seeing as we had
come at the beginning of the week and in a period when school was still in
session, there were numerous vacant spaces and only the permanent residents
were on the grounds.  Before we did anything else, we left our site and
walked over to the beach.  The white sand stretched across the entire front
of the camp.  The sand was warm and we all took our shoes and socks off and
walked through it.  The boys, all four of them, waded around in the shallow
water as the waves spilled up on the shore.  We spent the better part of an
hour just playing along the shoreline.  There was no difference between
ages in this activity, except maybe Denny got wetter than everyone else.
It was actually a very equalizing activity for everyone.

We headed back to our camp site and set up our equipment.  I had brought
the two tents and the boys were given the choice of using them, or sleeping
in the camper.  They all thought, they would try out the camper tonight to
find out what it was like, so we didn't erect the tents.  The camper was
set up quickly with everyone helping.  Anson and Davey cleaned up the
onsite Bar-B-Que and started the fire around our quick lighting coals.
Following my instructions, Kevin and Denny cleaned some potatoes, sliced
them and wrapped them in tin foil with butter and a little water.  They
laid them over the coals of the B-B-Que, turning them regularly.  While
they looked after that, I prepared the steaks which were packed in our
cooler.  A salad was prepared and the steaks were placed on the grill.
Half an hour later, we were sitting around our table, having our first
campsite dinner.

When we had finished eating, nothing was left.  We had eaten every scrap of
food that had been prepared.  It's strange how food prepared and eaten out
of doors seems tastier.  Everyone was full and lazed around for awhile.
Eventually recovering their energy, the younger ones talked Kevin into
going exploring and Anson agreed to go along with them, while I
straightened up from dinner.  Heating water was easy with the coals which
were still smouldering and the dishes were clean in no time at all.  Kevin
came wandering back to our camp just as I finished up.  I unloaded some of
the folding chairs from our equipment and he sat on one while I relaxed on
another.

"You not interested in seeing what there is to do here ?"  I asked him.

"I'm sure I couldn't avoid getting a full report, even if I tried, when
they get back."  he replied.  I don't think he was really complaining, just
commenting on Denny's detailed descriptions.

"You sound like you're not happy about being here."  I told him.

"I'd really sooner be with Tim."  he admitted.  "It's not that I don't want
to be with you and the guys, I just have gotten use to having Tim with me."

"One of the problems with being very young and having a close relationship
with one person," I commented, "is that it is easy to become too dependent
on that one person.  You were raised and taught to be dependent on only one
person, so naturally it is the easy routine for you to return to, but it is
not the best thing for either you or Tim.  Relationships need breathing
room.  People need to interact with a variety of individuals, in order to
learn how to be social and keep themselves interesting to their partner.
As unappealing as it might seem to you at this time, it is good for you and
your relationship to take a breather.  I'm getting one.  Anson is
continuing one.  Just think how great getting reacquainted will be, when we
get back."

"Well, if I can't be with Tim," he responded, "I can't think of any people
I'd sooner be with."

"Relax, enjoy your younger brothers.  You might even have a good time."  I
suggested.  The others returned.

"Dad, you should see the great playground they got over there."  Denny
said.  "Can I go over and play on some of the equipment ?"

"Dad, they have an arcade down there in one of the buildings."  Davey
spouted.  "Can we go over and play some of the games ?"

"Dad, you should see the cool life guard types, playing basketball over
there with no shirts on."  Anson imitated the younger boys.  "Can we go
over and watch them sweat and stretch ."

"Where ?"  Kevin asked.  Anson and I looked at him.

"You have a partner."  Anson told him.  "You shouldn't be interested in
such things."

"So do you."  Kevin shot back.  "And at least I can get over there without
walking funny."  They both started to laugh.

"All right guys, let's share."  I offered.  "I'll go over to the playground
with Denny and you three can go first to watch the guys play basketball and
then to the arcade for awhile."  Everyone agreed and off we went.

Denny and I were back to our camp site long before the others.  We had been
to the community showers and he was in his pajamas, ready for bed when the
three older guys returned.  I suggested they consider turning in soon,
because tomorrow would be an early and long day for all of us.  I took
Denny into the camper which I had already converted to sleeping mode and
read him a chapter from the book he had brought along while the others went
for their showers.  I think he was asleep before I was half way through the
story.

The camper had cushioned mats which lay out on opposite sides of the
trailer.  Kevin was to sleep on one side with me and Anson was taking the
other two boys on the opposite side.  I was in my sleeping bag when the
older three came back from showering.

"That shower really felt good on my sore muscles."  Anson said.

"I didn't know the shower head went low enough to help the muscles that are
bothering you."  Kevin teased him.

"Ha, ha, very funny."  Anson replied.  "I'll bet you were just as sore your
first time and Davey is going to find out soon enough what using new
muscles is going to be like."

"Not me."  Davey vowed.  "I'm not going to bottom."  The other two stopped
what they were doing and stared at him.

"You think Brian is going to be low man for you all the time ?"  Anson
asked him.  "Have you asked him about that ?"

"Well, no."  he answered.  "I just figured.......Dad, can I ask you
something personal ?"

"I guess so."  I replied, knowing full well what was coming.

"Do you ever bottom ?"  he ventured.  "You know what I mean ?"

"I believe I'm familiar with the term."  I said.  "What makes you think I
don't catch all the time ?"  There was a silence for a moment and then a
bit of mumbling among the three as they compared opinions.

"No."  Davey certified.  "I got two certified catchers here and my own
intuition that says your a confirmed pitcher, but do you ever bottom ?"

"When you're in love, guys," I told them.  "some couples are comfortable
with trading off.  Some aren't.  It depends on what the individuals feel
they want to do in expressing their love for each other.  When it's just
sex, it's one thing to have your absolutes, take it or leave it, but when
it's making love, the lines sometimes get pretty fuzzy.  It's something
couples need to work out, together."

"But I don't think I want to do it."  Davey said.

"Aren't you the young man," I asked, "who told me not too long ago, he had
never done it and wasn't going to until he found someone he really loved ?"

"Yeah, but look at Anson."  he replied.  "He was so sore he could hardly
even walk on Sunday."

"Don't use me as an excuse."  Anson responded.  "As sore as I was, I'd have
been right back there Sunday, if Digger would have me.  In fact, we didn't
exactly sleep in on Sunday morning.  I was sore, but we were very careful
and it was worth it, as far as I'm concerned."

"You're just afraid," Kevin told Davey, "and there's nothing wrong about
that.  But you're expecting Brian to go through what you're afraid about.
Why, because he loves you more ?"

"No."  Davey roared, getting quite upset.  "I love him every bit as much as
he loves me."

"Then stop making plans ahead.  Follow Dale's guidance."  Anson counseled.
"Ask us or your Dad when you're unsure.  That's what this time you two have
is about.  It worked for Digger and me.  Dale will see you are both
prepared, you don't need to worry.  And Davey, there was no pain my first
time, because I had been prepared properly.  This now, is just muscle ache,
like I exercised too long.  I used muscles I'm not use to using.  That's
all."  Davey seemed satisfied with the answers he received and the three of
them prepared and climbed into their sleeping bags.

Of course Anson had to move Denny back into his spot before they could use
the bed.  He was upside down and half out of his bag, but with Davey's
help, he was fixed up in no time.  Kevin turned out the lantern as he
crawled into his bag, next to me.

"Dad."  Davey called over to me.  "You never did say if you ever switched
around,"

"That's right, Davey."  I responded.  "Good night."  There were some
chuckles from Kevin and Anson, then everyone said `good night' to the
others.

 It was just past 6:am when I woke.  Denny's early morning arrivals had
trained me well to be just slightly ahead of him.  During the night, Kevin
had quite insistently spooned into me in his sleep.  Even when I wrapped my
body around his, he was still somewhat restless and I suspected he was use
to being more closely joined with Tim than just spooning, while they slept.

I could see a young head popping up on the other side of the camper and
knew my little man was looking for his warm up snuggle.  He slowly worked
his way out of his sleeping bag and climbed over the two other bodies on
his side of the trailer.  I eased Kevin's body over, away from me, so when
Denny climbed over him, he slipped into my sleeping bag with me.

"I'm not cold this morning Dad," he assured me, "but I came over to keep
you company anyway."

"Well, that was very considerate of you."  I assured him as he snuggled in
tight to me.  "It's a good thing you don't need to warm up, because we have
to get everyone else up very soon.  We are going to have a busy day and
need to get an early start."

"Good," he said.  "Let me wake them up for you."  I could hear the impish
tone in his voice.  "I haven't had a chance to try it on Kevin."  He lay,
quietly wrapped in my arms and just stared at Kevin.

"Is that what you do to Davey and Jamie ?"  Kevin asked, opening his eyes
and looking straight at Denny.  "It's no wonder Davey says he going to kill
you.  I was just at the best part of a really great dream and then there
you were, telling my to wake up."  I could feel Denny giggling in my arms.
He leaned on one of his elbows, so he could look over Kevin at Davey.

"Dad, why do you let him do that."  Davey whined.  "You are not my friend
and now I will have to get even with both of you."  Denny continued to
giggle from his safe place in my arms and I knew he was trying to reach out
to Anson now.  After a few minutes, nothing appeared to have happened.

"Looks like it doesn't work on Anson."  I commented.

"He's awake."  Denny stated.  "He's just pretending he's not, so I won't
bother him any more."  Anson's eyes opened and he stared at Denny.

"Here I thought that we were friends, Denny," he muttered, "and now you've
forced me to help Davey kill you."  Denny giggled more.

"I'm sorry, Anson.  Dad made me do it."  he ratted me out.  I grabbed his
side and tickled him.  He squealed and thrashed around in our shared
sleeping bag.  Now everyone else laughed and cheered me on.

Pretty soon Anson had tickled Davey and Davey had retaliated.  Denny had
reached over and tried to tickle Kevin and Kevin had gotten him instead and
then tried to get me and I had tickled him instead.  So everyone was very
awake.  I told everyone to get dressed, we packed up our things in the
camper, unhitched the van and we were off to get breakfast.

We found a restaurant in the town about 5 miles from the camp and all had a
hearty meal.  They even had a banana for Denny.  When we had finished, we
piled back in the van and headed out for this day's activities.  About 1
« hours later we pulled into a site in the hills where there were guided
tours of the natural cave formations.  We were going Spelunking.  In the
back of the van, I had everyone's hiking boots and comfortable socks.  The
tour took about 3 hours and when we returned to the van, it was lunch time
and everyone was starved.  A short drive took us to a highly recommended
restaurant and an hour later, everyone was sated.

Back to the caves for the afternoon.  This time we opted for the caves that
were open for personal exploring.  The boys voted on staying together as a
group, so we headed in and followed some of the more worn trails through
all the rocks.  We experienced stalagmites and stalactites and natural
underground water flows.  We went into the areas that required us to use
helmets with lights attached and we even saw a small group of sleeping
bats.  I believe each member of our troop was suitably impressed with the
variety of activities which we had undertaken.  When we left the caves, we
visited a nearby geological museum and discovered samples of varied mineral
formations and core samplings.  We were all tired by the time we wandered
back to our vehicle.

Anson was much more limber after having exercised all day, but like the
rest of us was tired.  We picked up some finger lickin' good fried chicken
with fries and salads on the way back to camp and had an easy-to-fix
dinner.  This evening we all walked over to the arcade and spent an hour
playing games.  I promised everyone they would not have to do much walking
tomorrow and this news was greeted with great enthusiasm.  We all were in
bed at an early hour, basically as soon as it was dark and there was very
little moving around in the beds as everyone slept very soundly.

Wednesday morning we got to sleep in until 8 o'clock.  I even had to wake
Denny, so you can believe everyone was exhausted.  When we had the
equipment stored and the camper locked up, we climbed into the van and
headed back to our breakfast restaurant.  I had arranged yesterday for our
lunch to be ready to go when we got there and we filled our cooler with
ice, pop, sandwiches, sliced vegetables and fruit pieces.  We drove along
the ocean today to a marina, where the charter boat I had scheduled was
ready for our 10:am arrival.  We were on our way to experience some deep
sea fishing.

None of my crew had ever been on a boat before and to say they were
impressed with our charter would be an understatement.  We unloaded the
cooler and the other supplies I had brought and walked down the docking
ramp to today's adventure.  The Captain greeted us and was very helpful in
getting us aboard and settled.  He had two men on board assisting him and
within a very short time, we castoff and were headed out of the harbor.  It
was an ideal day, the sun was bright, the waves were small and there was a
light breeze.

I had brought everyone's bathing suit and we changed into them.  A high
rated sun screen was then distributed and everyone made sure everyone else
was well covered.  I told Denny he had to have a shirt on at all times.
With his red hair and fair skin, doing otherwise was asking for trouble.  I
also warned Davey and Anson to be extra careful.  Their blonde hair, like
mine, made them extra susceptible to burning.  Kevin's jet black locks
didn't guarantee him protection, but he had a much better chance than the
rest of us.  Everyone had to wear hats.

Each of the boys checked out the boat thoroughly, Anson and Kevin a little
more subtly than Denny and Davey.  We traveled out to sea at a rapid pace
for about 45 minutes and then slowed to a crawl.  The Captain came down to
the deck from his wheel house and spent about half an hour instructing us
in the types of fishing that were available in this area.  He showed us the
different lines that were used and the hooks and bait.  He talked about
using the angling chairs at the rear of the boat and how his mates would
coach and assist us.  He also counseled us on wearing hats and lifejackets
and the importance of staying well hydrated from drinking and protected
from the sun by sun screen.

We had an excellent day.  Everyone caught fish.  We saved some and threw
most of them back.  The ones we saved were packed in ice, to be either
taken back to shore and eaten for dinner tonight, or to be mounted and then
shipped home.  It turned out each of us decided to have one of our fish
mounted.  In our catch through the day, the Captain and crew identified
Sheephead, White Sea Bass, Sculpin, Thresher, Bonito, Mackerel, a Barracuda
and a Blue Shark.  It was an exciting adventure and all of us enjoyed every
minute of it.  Kevin became so excited reeling in one of his early fish, he
lost the tension on his line as they were netting the fish and it almost
got away.

Lunch time sped by without anyone noticing and I had to make everyone stop
to eat, or it would have been forgotten all together.  We did however,
always remember the sun screen and none of us suffered any serious ill
effects from the heat.  Much pop and bottled water was consumed and a
steady stream was returned to the ocean by each of us.  Denny and Anson
both learned the hard way, the need to check wind direction before you try
to pee overboard.

It was about 5:pm when we stepped on the dock back at the marina.  Anson
and Kevin carried an ice chest between them, which contained three fish for
our dinner.  We had been given directions to a local restaurant which would
prepare our fish when we brought it in.  We also had been told where we
could get a shower before sitting down to dinner.  I had a change of
clothing for each of us in the van.

When we were ready for dinner everyone was so proud, I was afraid they were
going to burst.  I must admit, the restaurant did a fabulous job preparing
our catch.  It was a delicious climax to a very intense and exciting day.
After we finished dinner, we drove back to the campsite and on arrival,
everyone just collapsed.  I put Denny to bed and as usual, he was out
before I read his chapter.  No one looked like they had the energy for any
further activity tonight and they even turned down the offer of a campfire.

The three remaining guys went in the camper to prepare for bed.  It was an
unusually warm night and the breeze off the water provided a cooling
effect.  I moved my folding chair over to the edge of the beach and sat for
awhile looking out over the ocean.  This was our last night here and I
enjoyed the peace and tranquillity of the moment.  Anson came over and sat
on the ground beside me.

"This has been two of the most fulfilling days I can remember.  Thanks for
bringing me along."  he said.

"I'm glad you have enjoyed it, Anson.  I hope the boys have too."  I
responded.

"You can be sure of it."  he told me.  "They haven't stopped talking about
the things they've done.  Have you enjoyed yourself ?"

"Yes, I have."  I confirmed.  "I get a great deal of satisfaction and
pleasure out of seeing the boys learn and enjoy themselves.  You're
included in that too.  It's a pleasure to see you continue to grow."

"Thank you.  That's for both having me along," he outlined, "and for caring
about me enough to notice."

"You have a lot of people who care about you, Anson."  I assured him.

"I know."  he said.  "I'm very fortunate, Dad."  He stopped speaking and
looked at me.  "I'm so sorry, Sir.  I hear the boys all the time and it
just slipped out."

"Don't worry about it, Son."  I calmed him.  "In truth, I've pretty much
thought of you as one of my boys the past few days.  It's not a problem for
me, just relax."  He settled and we sat quietly for a few minutes.

"Dad."  Kevin called as he stepped out of the camper.  I answered and he
headed over to us and sat down beside Anson.

"I'm going to go to bed."  Anson said.  "I'll make sure Denny is tucked in.
Good Night."  We both wished him `good night'.  We were both silent as
Anson entered the camper.

"Dad, I want to thank you for dragging me along on this trip."  Kevin told
me.  "It's been one of the best times I've ever had.  It isn't just what
we've done, it's being here with all of you.  It's really been special for
me."

"I'm really pleased to hear that, Kevin."  I responded.  "It's been really
nice spending time with you and getting to know you a little bit better.
You're the boy I feel farthest from and now I think we are a little closer
and understand each other a little better.  That is one of the best parts
of being here, for me."

"Dad, Davey has told me about the restrictions under which he and Brian can
see each other and the reasons for them."  he started, "Why didn't Dale
restrict Tim and me ?  I'm concerned about what he was saying about getting
to know each other, so there is a relationship there other than just sex, a
friendship, so that we care about each other as people, not just as
lovers."

"Your experience and situation was much different than Davey and Brian's."
I explained.  "It would have been after the fact for you and Tim and might
have seemed punitive.  Your relationship with Tim will take some work from
both of you, but it will have to come because you both want it to last and
succeed."

"Can I talk to you about Tim and me ?"  he wanted to know.  "You know I
can't talk to Dale.  It would be improper to speak about Tim to him.  I
still feel strongly about Dale, he rescued me, but I owe my allegiance to
Tim.  He is my Master."

"I thought Tim didn't want to be a Master/Slave couple."  I stated.

"He doesn't and we really aren't."  he explained.  "I just think in those
terms.  It's an old habit.  Tim is very open and liberal with me.  I'm the
one who keeps sliding back into my old routines."

"You can talk to me anytime you want, Kevin."  I assured him.  "That's one
of my roles as your Dad.  I might not always agree with you, but I will
always listen."

"Thanks, Dad."  he said.  We were both ready for bed, so I folded the chair
and put it with the rest of the equipment.  Just before we went into the
camper, Kevin turned to me and gave me a big hug and a kiss on the cheek.
I guess this trip was a pretty good idea.


Dean -Wednesday night

It was Monday evening before I realized how silent it had become at the
`castle'.  Sitting down to dinner it was just me, Dale and Jason.  I had
been with them throughout the afternoon, but that had been regular business
activity, here and at Head Office, so the absence of other family members
was not noticeable.  As we ate, the long, empty table was an obvious
statement that we were all who remained.

When Ted had told me of his intention to take the boys, I knew it was a
necessary venture for him to make.  He felt a strong need to determine how
he could contribute to each of the boys' development.  I knew he was very
concerned about a relationship with Kevin and whether or not he could in
any way provide this young man with any benefit from their association.  He
was not the only person who had some concerns about a relationship with
Kevin.  Before leaving for the airport that afternoon, Tim stopped in to
see me.

"Dean, I wanted to talk with you about Kevin before I left."  he advised me
as he sat down across the desk from me.  "I am hopeful when Ted returns, he
will be able to advise me more about how to widen Kevin's relationships.
He is trying to make himself dependent on me for his entire life."

"Have you talked with Dale or Ted about this ?"  I questioned.

"I frankly didn't realize it was as excessive as it is," he continued,
"until he found out yesterday about going on this trip.  If I had not made
plans to be away at the same time, I don't think we could have gotten him
to go.  As it was, he spent half of last night trying to convince me he had
to come with me instead."

"How did you finally get him to agree to go ?"  I asked.

"I didn't."  he said.  "I finally had to order him to go.  I don't play the
Master/Slave scene that he keeps trying to establish, but this time I made
it an order.  Once I did, it was over, there was no further discussion."

"This could very easily be a part of the dependency which we have expected
him to have."  I commented.  "I am sure over time we will all be able to
help him overcome his need to rely on someone else.  He has come a long way
with it and I believe Ted will work on it while they are away.  What ever
happens, we will all discuss it, as a group when they return."

"Good, I can use some more direct intervention."  he stated.  "Maybe now
that a settling period has passed and this trip brings out some of his
feelings, we will be able to help him make some more strides in this area."

Tim left, confirming with me he would return on Thursday and he would let
us know when, so a car could pick him up.

The loneliest time for me was when I went to bed at night.  How many years
have I slept alone ?  And now three nights seem like an endless eternity.
I don't know whether sleeping in our bedroom helped.  Ted's scent lingers
and causes me both comfort and loneliness.  I sleep holding his pillow
tightly, so I have a sense of his being close to me.  I find myself
thinking about Kevin's dependence as I view my own.  We are both needing
and we will both survive.  I do not pleasure myself sexually.  I suspect
Ted will not and I can at least share this abstinence with him.

Tuesday and Wednesday trudge on as business days tend to do when your mind
is side tracked by other issues.  Two months ago, I lived for the day's
business.  Now the business days serve only to mark the passing of time
until my family and my love will be back with me.  I can tell at dinner
Wednesday night Dale and Jason are also feeling the absence of everyone.
It occurs to me later in the Games Room, after Dojo they are keeping me
company, when there are other things they would prefer to do, so I say
`Good Night' early and release them from the duty which I am sure they felt
they owed to me.

As I climb into bed, I tell myself over and over this is my last night to
sleep alone.  Tomorrow Ted will return and be with me once again.  The
dinner table will be alive again and Denny will have stories to tell about
what he has done and what he had seen.  There will be chatter in the Games
Room and pleas to do this thing, or that thing.  It will be almost back to
what I have come to appreciate as normal.  True normal will be achieved on
Friday, when Jamie and Digger join us from their final trip away to school.
Then we can become a family whole.


Digger - Friday afternoon

Jamie and I had a very unusual greeting as we arrived back at his student
residence on Sunday.  Waiting for us, him specifically, was Head Boy,
Brendan Styles and Proctor ,Todd Tenman.  As soon as we took our bags from
the car, they were out to meet us.

"Jamie, I don't want you to worry.  I'm sure there's not really a problem."
Brendan spoke out with an urgency.  "Oh. I'm sorry.  Good afternoon,
Mr. Bailey."  His greeting to me was more polite tradition than actual
interest.

"What's the matter, Brendan ?"  Jamie asked.  "You are all upset about
something."  Brendan looked at me for a moment.

"We might better talk upstairs."  Brendan suggested.  "It's about your
exams."

"Mr. Bailey is my friend."  Jamie assured him.  "You can say anything in
front of him."

"Jamie, I'm sorry to tell you, `The Head' wants to see you in his office,
right after dinner."  Brendan said.  "You're to be reviewed for possible
cheating on your exams.  Mr. Bailey, I think there's a note at your rooms
about it, too."

"Do you know what this is about, Brendan ?"  Jamie questioned.

"I've heard you scored 100 on the three exams you wrote so far and they
want to know how."  Todd stated.  "The History Instructor claims no one
ever scores 100 on his tests."

Brendan and Todd turned out to be correct.  Jamie and I met with `The Head'
after dinner and he rather more tactfully than Todd, indicated there was a
question about Jamie scoring perfect marks on all three exams he had thus
far written.  He indicated Jamie's father would be consulted, but I
suggested if they were going to accuse Jamie of impropriety, they had best
be certain before Mr. McAdams became involved.  I explained if they had
made an error, Mr. McAdams would not prove very forgiving of having his
son's honesty questioned.

It had been decided Jamie would be scrutinized carefully during his next
two exams to see if the results were effected.  Jamie advised me, he had
been watched last Friday and hadn't really thought anything about it.  I
asked about this and was told it was true and nothing irregular had been
detected.  Just to be certain what was happening, I stated, I would also
attend these two exams and observe the observers.

Jamie wrote his math exam on Monday morning.  It was written in the gym and
Jamie's desk was set far away from the other students.  He was asked to
remove his jacket and roll up his sleeves.  None of this appeared to bother
Jamie in the least.  He in fact, found it amusing.  When the exam started,
three instructors were placed at points around Jamie, about 4 feet from
him.  Jamie completed the 2 hour examination in 50 minutes.  His paper went
with Jamie, myself, the math Instructor and the Chief Examiner to `The
Head's' office.  We all sat while the math Instructor marked the paper.
When he had finished, the math Instructor looked up and announced that
Jamie had received a mark of 98.

"That can't be right."  said Jamie.  "I know I had all of those solved."

"Well, there's only one here you missed."  The math Instructor assured him.
"Here I'll show you."  He wrote the question on a chalk board and worked
out the solution below it.  "There, you see how it works ?"  Jamie moved
over to the board and changed two of the figures the math Instructor had
placed in the solution.

"Yes, Sir."  he replied.  "But it works correctly if you carry these
figures over this way."  The math Instructor looked at the work and turned
to `The Head'.

"He is correct."  he conceded.  "I made an error.  He now receives 100."

"It appears we owe you both congratulations and an apology, young
Mr. McAdams."  The Head stated.  "I am most pleased to see the renewed
association with your father has stimulated you into working at your full
potential.  I shall recommended that next year, you be given work to
challenge your ample abilities."

Jamie and I were both pleased to have him offer this explanation for Jamie
achieving much better grades than he had in the past.  We were also pleased
his Dad had not been dragged into this matter and it had been resolved
affirmatively for both sides.  He was not required to undergo review on his
Tuesday exam.  The rest of the week was pretty routine except I hardly saw
Jamie at all during those days..  I monitored the tests I had scheduled for
Thursday and Friday morning and shortly after lunch on Friday we were in
the air off to pick up Jamie's Mom on our way home.