Date: Tue, 21 Sep 2004 19:48:53 -0700 (PDT)
From: Mickey S <njmcmick@yahoo.com>
Subject: Billy and Danny II, Chapter 28

This is a story of love between two young men. If you are under age, or
live in an area where reading stories that include sex between males is
illegal, or if you're not into this type of story, please leave. The story
began in 1969. While the characters and their story are completely
fictional, it is set at places that are real and is told against a backdrop
of some real events. This was a time when all sex was safe. It isn't now,
so please respect yourself and others enough to always play safe.

I would like to thank all of those who have written to me with comments,
suggestions and encouragement, especially my fellow writers in the Nifty
Six. The author retains all rights.  No reproductions are allowed without
the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at NJMcMick@yahoo.com.

July 1974

Danny

As we got further into the summer and I still had no idea what I'd be doing
in the fall I started to freak out a little bit. I'd been quickly accepted
into grad school at Rutgers so that was at least something to fall back on
but I was thinking of that as a last resort. Not that grad school was a bad
thing, but it would cost money and being a TA wouldn't pay enough to even
cover my expenses. Besides, I wasn't looking forward to that long commute
to New Brunswick by myself. For three years Billy and I had done it
together every day but doing it alone would make it seem twice as long.
Besides, I was pretty sure our car wouldn't survive the year if I had to
put that kind of mileage on it again.

I'd been on interviews at a couple of high schools. Englewood seemed the
most promising but that was all the way up by the George Washington Bridge,
nearly an hour away, almost as long a commute as Rutgers. I really wanted
to find something closer to home, especially with the new baby due next
month. I was holding my breath waiting to hear from Morristown High. The
interview went well with the principal. Aunt Connie had told me she was
pretty liberal but I still didn't come out to her. I didn't want to take
any chances. My references from Chatham were better than I'd hoped for so I
didn't have to get into details about why I was changing schools. My
reviews were excellent. Dr. Swanson's letter was pretty perfunctory but he
had allowed my department head to write a personal recommendation. Since
she had no idea I was gay and had come to like me in spite of my being an
unwed father she wrote a good letter.

I'd started working weekends as a waiter at Rod's as soon as the school
year ended. Even though we wouldn't start feeling the pinch until September
I figured it wouldn't hurt to get a little extra money in the bank. The
tips weren't as good as at The Restaurant and the work wasn't as much fun
but it was only a couple of miles from home so commuting took no time at
all.

One afternoon, Billy and I were working in the garden and discussing my
prospects.

"When did Morristown say they'd let you know, babe?"

"They didn't. They still had a couple of other people to interview but
since school is starting in six weeks I assume they'll have to make a
decision soon."

"I'm sure you'll get it, Danny. You're a good teacher and you make a good
impression. Your interviews went well, didn't they?"

"I suppose. The one with the principal was good. I'm not sure about the
meeting with the department head. Mr. Romano was nice enough but he was
such a stuffy old guy and was so serious. He seemed impressed with my
paperwork but I'm a little worried that he might be aware that I'm gay."

"Why would you think that? Did he say anything?"

"Nothing specific, but he mentioned that I looked familiar, that he thought
he'd seen me around town. Normally, people don't notice me much. I'm kind
of quiet, average looking and tend to blend in. What they do notice is the
two of us together. Even if we're not being affectionate and obvious we're
still an unusual looking pair. And while we haven't exactly flaunted it you
have to admit that we haven't always tried to hide our relationship around
town."

"Well, don't worry about it. There's nothing you can do about it at this
point anyway. Whether you get a job or end up back in school we'll get by."

"Are you sure, Billy? The medical bills for Lucy and the baby are going to
wipe out our savings next month. I can't imagine us being able to get by on
just one paycheck. Maybe I should talk to Wayne about working at The
Restaurant part-time in the fall."

"If it comes to that I think it would be a better idea for you to stick
with Rod's. No point in putting all that time into commuting into the
city."

"I know Rod's is more practical but I'm just not as comfortable there. At
The Restaurant I never felt like we were servants or 'the help'. We were
professionals doing our job. Yeah, now and then some arrogant queen tried
to act superior but usually everybody treated me as an equal. At Rod's, I
don't feel like that. I've actually been called 'boy' now and then. And it
was so humiliating that night one of my students from Chatham came in with
her parents and I had to serve her. "

"I know what you mean, Danny. The gay community does seem a little less
class-conscious most of the time. Maybe sex is the great equalizer. Anyway,
let's not worry about that before we have to."

"I keep thinking about my old savings account. If only we had that money it
would make things so much easier. It would give us a bit of a cushion."

"I know you've given up on re-establishing a relationship with your parents
but that is your money, Danny. You could track them down and insist that
they give it to you. At this point they can't possibly think that holding
onto it is going make you go back to them."

"No, but it could turn out to be a nasty confrontation and I don't think I
could deal with that, Billy."

"Then how about this? We find out where they are and get Clay to write them
a letter as your attorney. That way they'll know you're serious but you
don't have to confront them personally."

"I don't know. That seems so cold."

"I don't believe it. After what they've put you through you worry about
being cold to them?"

"Okay, Billy. I'll think about it. But only if there's no other way."

Mark

I left the restaurant around midnight one Friday night and found Joe
hanging around out front.

"Hey, what's up? What are you doing here?"

"Waiting for you. I haven't seen you in ages. It's been way too long."

"Yeah, I think the last time we ran into each other was that time in
Julius' last winter. Want to go over there for a drink?"

"How about Carr's? It's quieter there."

"That's because it's a wrinkle room. Everybody there is so old. I'll bet
there's never been anyone under forty in the place."

"Oh, it's not that bad, Mark. A friend of mine tends bar there. He says
it's a good place to talk. And older guys shouldn't put you off. You're
waited on lots of them at The Restaurant."

"Yeah, I know. I didn't mean anything by that. The older guys I've met are
mostly nice. It's just that a place like that isn't what springs to mind
when I think of a fun night out."

We walked over to the bar. All eyes turned toward us when we walked in. I
was right-the youngest guy on our side of the bar looked older than my
father. Joe went up to the bar and got us drinks from a cute young
bartender while I grabbed a table near the back.

"So how's single life, Mark?"

"Mostly just that, Joe. Single. Between school and work I don't have much
time for dating and you know I'm not much into tricking."

"Yeah, we're a lot alike in that way. We're both relationship kind of
guys. Are you doing okay with being on your own?"

"Actually, I'm doing better than I thought I would. Keeping busy helps. So
does living near Billy, Danny, Lucy and Aunt Connie. You can't get down for
too long around them. They just won't let you."

"They're good people. You're lucky to have them in your life. I wish I
could see more of the guys."

"They're pretty busy themselves these days what with Charles and Tyler and
the new baby due soon. It's like living in a big extended family."

"Sounds like I'm missing a lot. I'll have to get out to see everyone
soon. So I guess you're doing fine. Jamie was worried about you."

"Jamie? When did you talk to him?"

"He calls now and then and stops by whenever he comes into the city. I
think he's still holding out hope that I'll end up his brother-in-law."

"Yeah, he did take to you right from the start. The boy has good taste in
men for a straight guy."

"He's a sweetheart and loves you a lot, Mark. He was worried about going
off to college in September and leaving you."

"I'm going to miss him. He and I have become so close this past year but
it's odd to have my little brother looking out for me. It should be the
other way around."

"I'm sure you take care of him as well, Mark. No good relationship is all
one-way."

"So how are you doing, Joe? Seeing anyone? Maybe you and I could go out
sometime. Just to make Jamie happy, you know."

"He'd like that, I'm sure. Under other circumstances so would I. Actually,
I'm seeing someone right now. That's him behind the bar. Jerry and I have
been going together for a few months."

I tried not to let my disappointment show but don't think I succeeded.

"That's great, Joe. He looks like a real stud. I wish the two of you luck."

"Thanks, Mark. You know, a part of me will always love you. For what was
only supposed to be a summer fling we had something pretty special."

"I feel the same way. Of course, you were my first, so that alone made it
special for me, but it was more than that."

"I hope you know that if you ever need a friend I'll be there for you."

"Yeah, I realize that, Joe. The same goes for you. Too bad we met at the
wrong time. We connected on so many levels, I think."

"Yes, we did, Mark. We still do. We just have lousy timing."

Charles

Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined how my life would turn out
this year. Not that I've ever allowed myself to have many dreams. Being
bounced around from one foster home to another my whole life I learned not
to expect much. I thought it was bad when I was little, not having a real
family, never belonging, but it got so much worse as I grew older. I'm sure
some of the foster parents did care. I remember a couple, anyway. But when
I was little I think most of them just looked at me as a check from the
state to supplement their income. As I got older, I was an unpaid
babysitter for their own kids and unpaid help around the house. A couple of
my foster parents were abusive, more verbally than physically, and some of
the other kids in the households made things pretty rough for a little shy
guy like me.

Being queer didn't help things any. I never told anyone but some people
just seemed to figure it out. It's not like I was effeminate or
anything. I'd paid a lot of attention to how I talked and moved so I
wouldn't give anything away but it didn't seem to do any good.

By the time I got to Central High I'd pretty much given up on life. I just
went through the motions every day, trying to stay out of trouble. It was
almost like I was waiting for something, or at least waiting for the
current situation to be over. I had no idea what I was waiting for,
though. I tried not to think about what my life would be when I was
grown. Some of the other foster kids I'd lived with talked about nothing
else, about how they'd take charge of their life when they turned eighteen,
how great it would be when they could do what they wanted with no foster
parents and no state to tell them what to do. As much as I hated my life in
foster care I couldn't see anything after that. No parents, no home, no job
training, no money from the state. Nothing. College wasn't even a thought.

Then I walked into English class and saw Mr. Matthews. Up until then nearly
all of my teachers were either women or old, boring men. Mr. Matthews was a
hot young dude. I spent most of the first class hard. Not only was he sexy,
he was actually excited about words and books. I'd always loved reading. It
was my one escape from the real world. I thought it was just one more thing
that made me a nerd but he was really into English and no one could say he
wasn't cool.

I had something to look forward to at school for the first time-English
class. I got so that I spoke up now and then, at first answering to some of
Mr. Matthews' questions, but then I even started offering an opinion here
and there and talking to Mr. Matthews after class. Then those guys from
West Side caught up with me after school and attacked me like they used to
last year. I was afraid they were going to kill me but Mr. Matthews showed
up and saved me.

I felt so guilty after that. He had been hurt really bad rescuing me. He
wouldn't have had to if I wasn't queer and I was sure he'd be sorry he did
if he found out. Instead he came to my rescue again when the state was
going to send me away. Even so, I had mixed emotions when I went to live
with him. I just didn't know what to expect.

By then I practically worshipped him. He had assured me that he and Danny
didn't want anything from me and I wanted to believe him but I couldn't
still quite let myself trust him. No one had ever given me something
without wanting something in return before. And forget about Danny, there
was no way I'd believe anything a white guy told me.

And yet they were exactly what they appeared to be. Two decent guys who
just wanted to help me. It took me a while to believe that, especially in
Danny's case, but after just a few months they were family to me more than
any foster home I'd been in.

I started working at the A&P as soon as school ended. It was the first job
I'd ever had and it really didn't amount to much-mostly stocking the
shelves and collecting carts in the parking lot. It only paid minimum wage
but it was so exciting to get my first paycheck.

I thought that maybe I should give the check to Billy and Danny since it
looked like they were going to need the money and I really wanted to
contribute something to my new family. The guys insisted I open a savings
account for college with it so they took me to the bank. The account was in
my name with Billy as the trustee. When we got home I just sat staring at
my bankbook.

"So what is a trustee for?"

"It means that because you're underage you can't take money out of the
account yourself. I'm the only one who can do that."

"So you turned me down when I offered you my check but now you have it
anyway?"

"No, it's not like that, Charles. The money is yours. I'm just the one
responsible for it, just like I'm responsible for you."

"So I guess I just have to trust you, don't I?"

"Yeah, I think you can trust me. I'm not gonna steal your money."

Danny had been quiet ever since we were at the bank. He got up and left the
room without a word.

"What's with him? Did I say something wrong?"

"No, it's not your fault, Charles. We'll tell you about it someday. Right
now I think I'll go talk to Danny, though. Put your bank book someplace in
your room where you won't lose it."

The best part of working wasn't the money, though. It was finally a chance
for me to meet kids in town. I'd been living here for months but going to
school in Newark so I didn't know anybody my age. There were a couple of
guys from the high school working with me. There was a black kid named
Keith and a white guy named Doug who were in my grade at school. They were
both kind of tough looking; the kind of guys who would have picked on me or
at the very least ignored me at school. Being forced to spend a lot of time
working together every day worked to my advantage, though. It gave us time
to get to know one another. After a couple of weeks I was relaxed enough
around them to be able to join in their conversations and they had gotten
to know me well enough to accept me as an equal, or close to it. While it
didn't look like we were going to be buddies at least I'd know someone when
school started in the fall.

August 1974

Lucy

The past month this kid was showing me that he or she really was
Billy's. Lots of kicking and punching, twisting and turning. This was one
hell of an aggressive baby. While it had never really made a difference to
me I was beginning to hope it was a boy. If it was a girl I was thinking
we'd have to name her Frankie. While I wasn't looking forward to the
delivery I was beginning to look forward to the end of the pregnancy. I
just hoped the baby would be a bit calmer in the outside world.

Wednesday afternoon we were all out on the patio after lunch. Danny was
lying in the hammock with Tyler. Billy and I were both reading. The baby
gave a sharp kick that made me grunt.

"That wasn't a very lady-like sound, Luce."

"Just wait until we're in the delivery room, Billy. You'll hear lots of
unfeminine sounds."

"Yeah, Danny told me all about it. Don't worry. Between Danny's advice and
the Lamaze classes I think I'm all ready."

"Well, that's a comfort. As long as you're prepared I guess I have nothing
to worry about."

We went back to our reading until another kick actually made me yell out
loud. Both Danny and Billy jumped. Even Tyler turned his head toward me.

"Damn, Luce, that was a nasty one."

"Tell me about it, Billy. Except I don't think that was a kick. That felt
an awful lot like a contraction. I think this might be it."

"No way, Lucy, you're not due for two more weeks."

"Tell that to the baby, Danny. No need to panic, though. Let's just wait
and see if another one comes along in a few minutes."

Sure enough another even stronger contraction hit me fifteen minutes later.

"Okay, boys. This is it. Time to get moving, I think."

The boys went into action. Billy started toward the house.

"I'll go get the suitcase. Danny, help Lucy to the car."

"Whoa, slow down, guys. We've got plenty of time. First, I've got to call
the doctor. One of you can get the suitcase. The other go next door and
leave a note for Aunt Connie so when she gets home from her matinee in the
city she can go to the hospital. You might want to tell Mark, too."

Both boys went next door while I called Dr. Post. After the call I wrote a
note for Charles. He was at work at the A&P until five. Danny and Mark
walked in just as I was finishing. Mark went upstairs for my bag. Another
sharp pain hit just as Billy walked in.

"C'mon, everybody, no time to waste. Let's get moving!"

We all went out to the boys' car, which was parked behind mine in the
driveway. Mark took Tyler from Danny and climbed into the back seat next to
Billy. Danny helped me into the front seat, then ran around to the driver's
side. He jumped in, started the engine and then seemed to be struggling
with the gearshift.

"Take it easy, Danny. Are you sure you're okay to drive?"

"I'm fine, Lucy. I just can't get it into reverse. The clutch has been
acting up all summer."

He was pumping the clutch with his left foot, letting it in and out, trying
to shift over and over.

"It's just not working. I think the clutch is shot."

"Okay, we'll take Lucy's car. Everybody out. Mark and I can push this one
out of the way."

"Afraid not, Billy. It's stuck in first gear. I can't get it into neutral
so there's no way you're gonna be able to push it."

"Then what are we going to do? Aunt Connie's car is at the train station."

"Calm down, guys. We'll call a cab. That's what I did last year with
Tyler."

We all got out of the car. Danny grabbed the suitcase, Mark had Tyler and
Billy took my arm. They were all in frenzy, practically bumping into each
other. I was beginning to think it was easier last year going into labor at
home alone. Billy called for a cab and we all went out onto the front porch
to wait. The boys finally started to calm down, at least until I had
another labor pain.

Fortunately, the taxi arrived just then and got us all to the hospital
without any further trouble. After completing the paperwork Billy and I
were taken to the delivery room while Mark and Danny headed to the waiting
room.

I had been a little apprehensive about how Billy would handle the delivery
room. Yeah, Danny's the sensitive one but sometimes the guys who act the
toughest on the outside are the ones who get the most squeamish. Billy was
tough when it came to 'guy stuff' but I wasn't sure how he'd do in a
situation like this. He'd been a little awkward all though Lamaze classes
and he wasn't exactly calm when I went into labor but I soon discovered I
needn't have worried. Once the heavy-duty labor began he was perfect. He
gave me my instructions in a low calm voice and stared right into my
eyes. It was almost like he had me in a trance staring into those warm dark
brown eyes of his, listening to that deep, soothing voice. The pains were
worse than last year and while I lost track of time I knew it was taking
much longer this time than with Tyler. All the while Billy was a rock,
never wavering, gently reassuring me. At the end I thought I was being torn
apart and just when I thought I couldn't take it anymore with my last ounce
of strength I gave one final push and it was over. I felt so weak I thought
I couldn't even breathe but then I heard the baby cry. Billy and I both
looked toward Dr. Post.

"You have another beautiful boy, Lucy."

Danny

Mark stayed with me in the waiting room until four-thirty when he had to
leave for the train station to go to work. I sat there by myself holding
Tyler who didn't seem to get the importance of what was going on. He dozed
off right after we got to the hospital. I really wanted to pace but I
didn't want to wake him up so I forced myself to sit still. After a while
Charles came in.

"We seem to keep running into each other in hospital waiting rooms,
Charles."

"Yeah, but this is a much happier occasion than last time. Any word yet?"

"No, they've been in there a few hours. I don't remember it taking this
long with Tyler."

"Every baby is different, Danny."

I looked up and saw Aunt Connie standing in the doorway.

"Aunt Connie! Thank God! I was afraid you were going to miss it. How did
you get here so fast?"

"Mark left a note under my windshield wiper at the train station so I came
straight here. I guess we've just got to wait now."

It wasn't too much longer before Billy came out looking happy but
exhausted.

"It's another boy, guys, and he is so beautiful. Just wait until you see
him."

"Did everything go all right? How is Lucy?"

"Everything's fine. It was really hard on Lucy but she did great. I think
she may be a little sore for a while though."

When they gave us the okay we all went down the hall to Lucy's room. She
was lying in bed looking very pale but smiling. In her arms was the baby
wrapped in a light blue blanket. We all crowded around to get a good look.

"He's gorgeous, Lucy, He looks a lot bigger than Tyler was."

"He is, Danny, he's eight pounds ten ounces. Thank God he was two weeks
early."

"Any idea what you're going to name him, Lucy?"

"I think so, Charles. I've changed my mind about a dozen times the past few
weeks but when I saw him I went back to my first choice. I want to name him
Jason." She looked at Billy. "Any ideas for a middle name?"

"I think you know the answer to that, Luce."

"Okay, then. Jason Daniel Matthews it is."

We left after a short while so Lucy could get some rest and begin to
recover from the ordeal. Aunt Connie joined us at the house for a late
supper of salad and sandwiches.

"You've got quite a family now, boys."

"So have you, Aunt Connie. We're all in this together, you know."

"Yes, I do, Danny, and I couldn't be happier. I was thinking that a girl
might have been nice but then again, I enjoy being surrounded by all of you
good-looking men."

"Yeah, you and Lucy will have to get used to being our favorite girls."

"Oh, I have no problem with that, Billy."

Aunt Connie had had a long day between her trip to New York and the
excitement at the hospital so she went home right after we ate. We put
Tyler to bed and Charles followed soon after. He had to be at work in the
morning. Billy and I sat up for a while and talked. Now that we had kids in
the house we had to be a bit more discrete so we couldn't make love on the
living room floor in front of the fireplace but I did manage to continue
our family tradition of fucking the new daddy once we were behind closed
doors in our room.