Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2004 15:18:34 -0700 From: Steve Thomas <s4d@hotmail.com> Subject: Coles-Dreams, ch 8 This is a work of pure fiction, (Just how pure is in question!) based on the author's feelings, beliefs, and in some cases, experience. There may be graphic sexual encounters at times between men, so if this offends you, you are invited to retreat. If you are too young or it is otherwise illegal for you to be reading this kind of story, shame on you for reading it - - please stop here. If not, - - ENJOY! Cast of Characters: Cole Alexander Stephanson IV -- Our hero Jazz -- (Jack Zachary) Coles oldest brother Rod -- Coles middle brother Igor (Iggy) -- Cole's Tutoring Pupil Cole Alexander Stephanson III -- Coles Dad Ethyl Stephanson -- Cole's mom Rex Remlin-- Rod's best friend Gus Hartwin -- Rex's ex From Chapter 7: I quietly said, "Gus -- Iggy -- Will you be my boyfriends?" Both of them, as seriously as I had asked, said, "Yes". Chapter 8 It just made more sense for me to ask them. Neither Iggy nor Gus knew the other well enough really -- to ask each other that question. But - - I could! I really didn't expect such an immediate response from them both, and to tell the truth, it scares me. I'm not sure I can fulfill the emotional needs of two people at once. But we have been nearly inseparable for the last six weeks. Our families are wondering what's happening. Actually, Iggy's and my parents really don't have a clue, but my brothers do. Well at least a clue that I am playing -- with someone. Rex's cold seems to be never ending, sometimes getting better, sometimes worse. Now that Gus is part of my home as well as dorm life, I don't see Rex much. I hear regular reports from Roddy and my mom. When the Spring Fling semi-formal dance came along, no one thought anything about 3 single guys coming together -- like they may have if there were only two of us. None of us were ready to be "out" to our classmates. So we danced with girls who came without dates. I showed Iggy and Gus how to dance a little before we went, and they had a lot of fun. We all did. When the dance was over, Iggy told us to go ahead home (home would be my house. We were permanent fixtures there on weekends) and he would catch a ride later. We were home for no more than a half hour when Iggy came in. "I just wanted to be sure you guys were here. I'll tell my ride to take off." "Hey!" I said, "At least invite him in -- for some ice cream or something." "Are you sure?" He asked. "Of course!" I said. "Do you have to ask?" "It's not -- a -- `him'. It's a girl." he said. "That's - - okay. Then ask `her' in!" He went out and came back. "She says no. She knows you -- from high school. She is uncomfortable coming in." I immediately charged out the door. I saw a Mustang convertible, but not who was inside. I leaned down and looked in the window. My stomach tightened. I felt a pain in my chest. "Hello, Michelle." "Cole." "So - - did you just meet Iggy tonight?" "Yes. He seems very nice. Polite. Dances smoothly, too. He told me you taught him." "I -- uh -- yeah, I showed them a couple steps." "I'd like to have seen that!" "Why don't you turn off your car and come in for some ice cream?" "I -- uh -- really shouldn't. I don't want to spoil your party." "No problem. My parents are still up -- and they'd be disappointed if you didn't come in and say hi." "Oh! Your parents are here?" "Yeah. They live here, yah know." I said sarcastically." I wondered just how much Iggy had told her. Michelle was the only girl I kept going back to in high school. We never hooked up for any length of time -- never "went together" or anything. But we dated pretty steadily in the 11th grade, for about 5 months. I broke up with her when school got out. It was at an annual signing party. She cried. I cried also, but only because I was devastated to make her cry. Funny thing is -- I got that old "good" feeling when I first saw her. She got out of the car. She took my arm as we walked to the house. It felt like old times. It felt good, but -- like back then -- it didn't feel natural. "Michelle!" My mom said. "How nice to see you!" "Hello Ethyl!" She considered Mom and Dad like second parents. Her dad committed suicide when she was in 8th grade. We danced and won contests on TV in 9th grade. We were always expected to do something special at all the school dances -- and we did! There are several pictures in school annuals of everyone spread out in a circle watching Michelle and Cole dance. I think everyone figured we just go together until we got married. I think that was Michelle's fantasy too. Obviously that wasn't gonna happen. Back in 11th grade, I didn't even know why. I just knew it didn't feel right. Any more than it did with all the other girls I dated. The closest thing to feeling right was the "date" I had driving to the beach during the all-night-party on grad night -- with Dave. He was depressed. I saw that and drove him to the beach. We didn't talk, but we connected as I never had with any girl. We never touched each other, and yes we both touched each other in an unexplainable way. And I never saw him after that. "Are you going to UCLA too?" Mom asked. "No, my friend does." "Iggy?" Mom asked. "No, I just met him tonight. We got to talking and so I brought him - - home?" "He's here almost every weekend." Mom said. "Cole?" She hollered in to my dad. "Come here and see who's come to see us!" Dad appeared at in the doorway. "Michelle!" he said. She ran to him and hugged him closely, even laying her head on his shoulder and closing her eyes. Dad gave an almost bewildered smile to us as he held her. She looked up into his face. "Hi Dad!" she said. I felt a familiar pain behind my eyes. I felt like a criminal. She didn't stay long. As soon as she left, the kitchen was cleaned up and we all got into my bedroom, I almost attacked Iggy! "What did you tell her?" "Nawtheeng." He said. When he was not sure of himself his accent always doubled. "Why did she bring you home?" I asked -- or more like accused. "She -- I -- she got me talking at the end of the dance, and -- I guess she saw you -- but you didn't see. When the dance was over -- well, she asked me to stay -- and she would bring me home. Good thing I wasn't going to San Bernardino!" "So -- you didn't tell her anything about - - us?" "Hell no!" Iggy said indignantly. "I'm not stupid! "Sorry, Ig. I just am suspicious that her motives were not what she seemed to express." "Not a problem." Iggy said. "As soon as I knew she was a friend of yours, I was careful, Cole." "She was more than a friend. She was as close to a girlfriend as I had all through school." "Did you feel anything -- special -- for her tonight?" "NO!" I lied. "That was a long time ago." "Good." He said. "Aw c'mon, Ig! You CAN'T be jealous!" "Er = no -- not -- I mean -- I asked her out next weekend." "YOU DID WHAT?" both Gus and I exclaimed. "Just like that?" Gus said. "Without even consulting us?" "Well, it's not as if -- hey! Guys! You're not serious about this are you? Just because we are together -- doesn't mean we can't see ANYONE -- does it?" "I assume when you ask someone out on a date - " I started. "Who said anything about a date?" He defended. "So -- what's going on, Ig?" Gus asked. "Okay, okay!" Iggy said. "There's an annual ice cream social at my church next Saturday night. My mom expects me to bring someone -- a girl! I just asked her, not expecting she would even go. She said yes!" "Ice cream social -- church -- sounds innocent enough!" Said Gus. "Hey! Why don't you guys come too?" Iggy said animatedly. "That would be very cool! That way, I can grant my mom's wish and - - then have you guys at the end of the party." "Michelle won't be staying there that night. It's quite a drive home from San Bernardino." I said. "Hmm. Maybe you're right. Well, we could all drive back here, but - - no! My mom's feeling will be hurt if I don't stay the weekend. Then you ALL stay. I'll get Michelle to drive herself up, so she can decide to stay or leave as she pleases. She seems to have a mind of her own, anyway." I looked at Gus. It was the first time I ever felt unenthused about going somewhere with the guys. He shrugged. I could see he wasn't exactly excited about it either, but he said, "I guess we could go. You, Cole?" I nodded, but it hit me that I was actually going to protect my interests. I didn't consider it before, but -- I really didn't want Gus and Iggy to be alone for a weekend. I was jealous! It took me by surprise. The next weekend was upon us before we knew it. Iggy went home Friday afternoon, after calling and exacting a promise from Michelle that she would come. He said she was welcome to stay the night if she wished. He told her that Gus and I would be there too - - unfortunately. Gus and I went home to our own families Friday night, But since we both were in Downey, he came over after dinner anyway. It occurred to me that Iggy wasn't bothered that Gus and I might be together for a night. I felt like a silly little girl, remembering my thoughts the week before. We were a threesome! And if one cannot be there, does that mean the other two must withhold love from each other? When Gus and I went to bed that night, it was weird. It was the first time we were alone together except for a few times at the dorm when Iggy was in class and we weren't. It was dark in the room, but there was enough light to see each other. We both put on our pajamas and quietly climbed in the bed. We lay there for about five minutes -- five L-O-N-G minutes -- saying nothing. "Cole?" Gus finally said. "This is kinda weird. Do you miss Iggy?" I didn't quite know how to answer him. I wondered what he wanted to hear. "Miss him? Well, duh! He's,always here -- and he's not now. Of course I miss him." I said. "Yeah, but -- is it a bad feeling -- or a good feeling?" He asked. "Gus, I just don't know what you want me to say. Okay, the truth: I've wanted to be alone with you for as long as I've known you -- especially in the last few weeks!" He let out a big sigh. "Me too." He said quietly. "Cole, I'm -- um -- having second thoughts about -- us." "Huh?" I said. "I mean this threesome thing. I have always wanted you - even before I knew why! Iggy -- I can't seem to feel the same about him. I'm afraid of losing you because of this weird arrangement." "You're not going to lose me!" I said. "No matter what, I'm in this with you. But -- I know how you feel. Last week it occurred to me -- I was jealous just thinking that the two of you might be together without me up there." "And - - do you feel the same about -- no! never mind!" he said emphatically. "What??!!" I asked. "Just never mind! I don't have any right to -- just never mind!" "You." I said simply. "What?" He said. "The answer to your question. If I had to choose - - it would be you." As soon as I said it -- even though it was completely true, I felt like a traitor. I felt like I was stabbing Iggy in the back.. "Oh, please, PLEASE don't ever tell Iggy I said that!" "Cole. I don't know how to say this, but -- Iggy has asked me the same question. I would not answer him. Because I didn't want to hurt his feelings. But he -- he -- he feels trapped." "Trapped?" I said, understanding immediately how Iggy feels. "He wants to find some way to -- to -- break off with you." Gus said. "What -- you mean - - is it because of Michelle?" "No -- I said he wants to break it off with YOU -- not me. He wants to be -- only mine." I was stunned! I felt the same as Iggy, but -- I wanted Gus, too! But if they want each other -- I couldn't even finish the thought in my mind. Tears flooded my eyes. A few short months ago, I was not willing to make a commitment to Iggy, and now -- Was I going to lose them both? "Cole -- How can we tell him?" "Tell him what?" I asked. "That we want to -- um -- just be together -- without him." My heart felt like it would burst from my chest. "Is THAT what you want?" I asked Gus. "What do you think I've been talking about? Of course!" My immediate reaction was to grab him -- to hug him -- but I didn't. "What -- what can we tell Iggy." I said. "I don't know. I know we went into this relationship with no promises, but -- I know how bad it feels to be rejected by someone I loved -- love! I don't want to be the one to cause anyone else to hurt like that." "I know." I said. "I don't want that either. He has meant a lot to me since the beginning of last semester. But what can we do?" "I don't know. For now, let's -- go the ice cream social, and see what -- happens." "Now that you and I have talked," I said, "I can't just pretend we didn't." "I know. Just -- let's -- go tonight and see -- what happens." I'm sure both of us wanted to make love that evening -- even if it had to be subdued in my parents house. But we just couldn't -- knowing what we were about to do to our friend. We talked so long, that half the night was already over. Gus hugged goodnight, and I turned over. He spooned me and we fell asleep. A sharp knock at my bedroom door woke us up. "Hey sleepy heads!" It was my brother, Roddy. "You guys gonna sleep all day?" I went to the door and opened it. He looked surprised. I'm sure it was because we were in pajamas. "Mom said to tell you that Breakfast will be ready in ten minutes. Michelle called. Wants you to call back." "Michelle?" I said to her as she answered the phone. "This is - " "I KNOW who it is, silly! Hey, can I grab a ride up to Iggy's with you tonight? I don't wanna drive all that way alone." What could I say? We made arrangements to pick her up at 4:30. I didn't know how the day -- or night would go -- but I knew I probably didn't want her driving back with us tonight or tomorrow. But somehow the gloom of last night seemed to be less with the light of day. We ate breakfast in our pajamas. Mom teased us about looking like a couple little boys. We grinned. I know how I felt: JUST like a little boy! In the back of my mind somewhere, was the lurking worry about what we would tell Iggy, but I also was glowing from the feeling I felt for Gus -- and knowing he felt the same for me. We went to the club and played some racquetball with Roddy. Roddy called Rex to ask him. I could see that Gus was visibly relieved when Gus said he was too tired. Roddy knew who Gus was from following Downey's football games after he graduated. He was happy that I had made friends with Gus. They got along great. After the racquetball, we went home and Mom had lunch almost ready. "Call Michelle, Cole. She called soon after you boys left for the sports club." "Michelle? Cole. What's up?" "I'm not going tonight." She said tersely. "er -- or -- I WASN'T. I -- was going to tell you not to pick me up. But I changed my mind." "Okay." I said. "Is there -- anything I can -- are you okay?" "Yeah -- YES! I AM! See you at 4:30!" What was that about? When we pulled up to her house, Michelle came running out and jumped into the Safari. I got out my directions to Iggy's house and started out. Gus had given Michelle his place in the front seat, and opened the back door. Michelle slid over next to me, and said, "C'mon, Silly. We can all fit in the front! We buckled the retrofit seat belts and as I turned on to the 91 freeway on-ramp, Michelle grabbed my arm and hung on to it. The three of us chatted all the way to San Bernardino. During that time, Michelle kept sitting closer and closer to me. I remembered it was this same car that I was driving when we had out first date. I think she was remembering the same thing as she laid her head on my arm. I remembered what a thrill that used to be for me. I felt no such thrill today. I felt uncomfortable. I didn't know what went down between Michelle and Iggy, but apparently she wasn't thrilled about it -- or him -- any more. When we got to Iggy's, after an impersonal hug, he introduced us to his parents -- very formally. He seemed stiff and uneasy. I knew he was paranoid about them suspecting anything about his attraction to guys. Then he introduced Michelle. His parents seemed very impressed. As soon as we were out of earshot form Iggy's parents, Michelle said, So -- where's your - - friend?" He led us to the back yard, where a very cute guy was sitting on a swing. As soon as he introduced us, though he was not introduced that way, I recognized his ex's name - Dexter. Iggy looked worried. Michelle gave him a quick, almost curt, hello. Gus and I said "Hey!" He smiled broadly and extended his hand. It was a strong handshake of someone who was sure of himself. I immediately understood what was happening as I saw a look passing between them. They were back together. His ex came back, and true to his promise, he had decided to go back with him. Michelle must have known this, and that's why she was going to cancel, but then for some reason changed her mind. I was afraid I knew the answer to that too. Michelle took Dex into the house, knowing Iggy might have something to explain to us. When they were gone, he immediately said, "I -- don't know how to start, but - " "No need." I said. We know. Gus looked at me like HE didn't know. "What?" Iggy said. "You and Dex want to get back together." "How - -?" "You told me if he ever came back, you'd HAVE to -- go back with him." "I'm so sorry. I have been in agony all day. It was hard to tell Michelle over the phone, but I just couldn't tell you guys over the phone. Can you ever for-gift me? I fill like a total ess-hole" "Don't." I said. "Don't - - what?" "Iggy, Gus and I were trying to figure out how to tell you something. We - - just want -- each other." "Sheee-yit!" He said. "You're kidding me! No, I can see you're not kidding me. Man I have had a hard 24 hours! He came back last night, and -- told me how much he missed me. Ever since then, I have been worried." "Well, worry no more, Ig! Do your parents know?" "Fock no! I was afraid Michelle would not come. You vill take her home with you tonight, yah?" "Heh! Yep. I think that's what we all want! Unfortunately including Michelle." "Why is that?" Iggy asked. "I think I know why she was so nice to come and be your beard for the night. She seems to want me back!" "Ohhhh! That's -- too bad. So she still has a bit of a let down, huh?" "`Fraid so." I said. We went to the ice cream social. The home made ice cream was good. Gus and I wanted in the worst way to disappear together -- but we were good. Michelle and I did a dance exhibition that blew everyone away, to one of the oldies songs they were playing. At 10:30 the party was over. None too soon for any of us. We were relieved it split up so early. On the way home, Michelle sat between us again. "I can't believe I'm sitting between the two best looking guys from my high school! How did you guys get back together -- er -- actually you were never friends in high school were you?" She laid her head on my shoulder and put her hand on my chest. "No." I said. "It really happened by chance. I was over at Iggy's dorm, tutoring him, when Gus popped in. He was, totally by chance, Iggy's new roommate. From that first day we've loved each other." Her hand dropped off my chest. It landed in my lap with a bounce. Guess what it bounced on! She quickly withdrew it and sat up straight. "What?" She said. What do you -- what are you -- are you - - ?" "Yeah, Michelle. We're gay. And -- we're in -- um -- we're a couple." I said it. It sounded far away -- like someone else said it. "Oh!" Wow! I'm sorry! I had no -- you guys are -- going together?" "Michelle." Gus said. "You won't tell anyone will you?" "Oh my God! You're asking a LOT! The football king -- in love with -- with -- the prettiest boy in school! And you want me to -- keep it a secret! No way -- I mean, well, of course -- if that's the way you -- I mean -- yeah -- I can keep a secret. It'll be the single most difficult thing I've ever been asked to do, though! Janet used to date Gus all the time. I see her every day at Cerritos! No, I won't tell. She is such a snotty little snob." Gus started laughing. "You think so too? I ALWAYS thought that! The only reason I dated her was everyone expected me to! She can bite my - " "AH!" Michelle quipped. "But you probably wouldn't want her to! Hee hee!" "I was gonna say `bite my ass', but no, I wouldn't want her to! You're right!" "But I heard she was a slut!" Michelle said. "That she fucked all the football players!" I was surprised to hear that come out of her mouth. "I think," Gus continued, "that was one of the reasons she was such a bitch with me. She could never get into my pants!" "So many of the popular girls were like that!" Michelle said. "Guys were just notches on their belts! I never wanted any guy to touch me!" "I KNOW you're not gay - - are you?" Gus asked. Michelle's whole composure changed. She looked like she wanted to cry. She couldn't answer. "Michelle?" I said. "What's wrong?" "Nothing." "It's NOT nothing -- obviously!" I said. "Can't you see? I can't tell you!" "We just told you that we are gay -- but you can't tell us!" Said Gus. She looked at Gus, then back at me. Her eyes filled with tears. My -- my -- granddad - - (SOB)" "Did he - - molest you?" Said Gus. "Many times!" She said through her teeth. "Did you tell your parents?" "I couldn't -- at first. It was my GRANDdad! But when I was 15 -- about 3 years after it started -- I told my mom. It was her dad!" "What did she do?" I asked, astonished. Michelle's eyes went dull. "Nothing. Nothing at all. She wouldn't believe me. Neither did my dad." "When -- when -- did he -- um -- stop?" "I told him that I told my parents. He never did it again. It was, like, brushed under the carpet. That's why I never wanted to be touched. "How did you and Cole stay friends so long, anyway? "We danced. And . . he didn't scare me like a lot of the other boys did! I felt at ease and safe with him. Now I guess I know why." I felt like I was a fly on the wall -- as if they thought I couldn't hear them. I spoke up. "I -- don't know. I didn't know in high school that I was -- I mean, I was in denial until last year -- last fall really -- when Iggy kind of opened my eyes." "How did he do that?" Asked Michelle, a giggle. Then she went on not waiting for an answer. "The perverted thing now is - I love to think about two guys making out!" "You're kidding me! I said. "I thought only guys -- STRAIGHT guys -- liked that -- well watching two girls kiss." "You don't like that?" She said. "I like to see two guys kiss." I answered. "But not girls?" She repeated. "Ew!" I answered her. So ... are you going to show me?" She said. "What?" I asked, but knew before it came out of my mouth what she meant. "You and Gus!" She looked over at Gus with pleading eyes. Both Gus and I giggled at the same time. She climbed over him and he sat next to me. I stopped the car. In the dim light of oncoming cars, we kissed -- for exhibition! She ooed and ahhed. "Man That was hot!" She said. Just like that, she changed her composure again. I am sure she was glad to move a little away from that subject. "It WAS!" Gus said. "Somehow being watched made it VERY hot!" We all broke out laughing. I was hella embarrassed, but - - I was so glad that something broke the gloom -- and I was also glad that Michelle and I were friends again! If I felt comfortable with her in high school, then I felt even more so now! "So, what are you going to do now, `Chelle? Now that you are old enough to set it right?" "I -- what do you mean?" "I think you should go back and set them straight now!" "Please, don't press me to do that. I'll keep you're secret. You keep mine. Okay?" "So - " I said, "Just like that? Subject closed?" "What can YOU tell ME?" She asked. I didn't like where this was going. "Looks to me like you have your own problems." "Yeah -- I do -- and, what can I tell YOU? Maybe nothing -- if you don't want to hear it." "What? You're a psyche major now?" "No, but I have thought about it." "Okay, genius, tell me your thoughts?" She said. I looked at Gus. "It's okay. I don't care if Gus listens in." "I don't think this is the time or place, `Chelle. In the first place you're not exactly in an open space right now - " She settled down a bit. "No, Cole, tell me. Really, I will listen. You -- and your family -- your opinion means a lot to me." I took a big breath. "Oh no!" Gus said. "He's taking a big breath! That can't be good!" I gave him a look and said, "Well, first, you are carrying a lot of bitterness. That hurts ONLY you. Second, your parents deserve to know how they have hurt you by trying to sweep this under the rug." "But they don't believe - - " "They don't have to BELIEVE. They KNOW, Michelle. What they DON'T know is how they have screwed up YOUR life. They need to know that. Second to your own happiness -- and just as important - is the happiness of your future partner. You were comfortable with me because you felt I was no `threat' to you. Any `normal' guy will always represent your grandfather to you. "That's not fair to him or yourself. You may always be frigid and unavailable sexually and, by the way, unfulfilled. And he will always feel unfulfilled if he cannot ever satisfy you. That's all I can say to you on the subject. Only you can do anything about it." She looked stunned. Her eyes were all glassy. "You're right. You are fucking right, Cole! And I hate you for it! No really, I HATE that you're right. Do you know how many gay friends I have? Do you know what my favorite expression is?" "What?" I asked. "All the good looking guys are either taken or gay! Damn, Cole! I'm a fucking fag hag, aren't I? And I didn't even KNOW you were -- um -- well, I didn't even know about you!" "Hard to say, isn't it?" I quipped. "It's hard for me too." I looked at Gus. He smiled -- and looked a little embarrassed. "Sorry Gus. But Michelle and I go way back." "It's okay. I just -- it seems weird to me talking about this -- well -- sort of in the open like this." "Oh, don't worry, Gus," Michelle said, "I won't tell anyone about you guys. It'll be hard with certain people (snicker!) but like I said, I can keep a secret." "Funny thing is," Gus continued, "It feels strangely good -- to -- to -- not have to hide it! I mean, you know and yes, it's a little weird, but It's like -- um -- a big weight has been lifted form me -- you know?" "I know!" I said. "But not everyone will be as nice about it as Michelle." "That's true. I'm not quite ready to go public -- yet. But I can see why some want to." Gus said. "Michelle -- are you -- in any way -- attracted -- to -- girls?" "Oh GOD no! I don't really get along with them very well. I think -- I wonder -- maybe it has to do with the fact that they all like to talk about sex, and I -- well, I don't!" "And yet you liked it when we kissed!" I said. "Yeah! Well -- you guys are hot! You look like you have done it all your lives -- and love it!" "I DO love it!" said Gus, blushing bright red -- and grinning. "Wanna see some more?" "Hey!" I cried. "Now wait just a minute!" "I'd LOVE to see some more!" Michelle said. "But -- not more kissing. I'd like to see MORE than kissing." She said laughing, but like she was half serious. I pulled in to her driveway and she reluctantly got out of the car. Out of habit, I walked her to the door. I could tell she wanted to kiss me, and I might have if Gus wasn't looking on. I know he wouldn't have cared, but it was just weird. I then took Gus home. "Can't I come stay with you tonight?" He whined. I grinned, as if I thought he'd never ask. Funny thing was -- now that it was just the two of us, I felt a little shy -- and again fell in to my unworthiness around jock Gus. After we got into my bedroom, locked the door, and were snugly under my covers, Gus said, "So -- would you -- I mean -- do you think -- that - - I mean -- um -- Michelle! Would you -- ever -- want to -- um -- you know -- in front of her?" "Oh -- Wow!" I exclaimed. I dunno! Would you?" He turned red again, and grinned. "Yeah." I shook my head. "Well!!?? At least maybe we could practice a little -- in case it ever happens." He said. So we did -- practice! We both won! Notes: I just keep surprising myself. SOMEBODY STOP ME! Okay, if you want to comment (and I LOVE it when you do!) send it to Steve at s4d@hotmail.com. Be sure to put "Cole" on the subject line. Thanks and love, Steve Bottom line: Love will Rule in the end.