Date: Thu, 6 Aug 2009 21:12:01 +0000
From: Steve Thomas <stevethomas535@hotmail.com>
Subject: Hey Mikey - Epilogue

This is a work of pure fiction, but based on the author's feelings,
beliefs, and in some cases, experience.  Come to think of it -- it might
not be all that pure! There may be graphic sexual encounters at times
between males, 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:

Michael Timothy Headly -- That's me! (Sometimes ... Ronny)

Spike -- (Diane, my big sister)

Mary -- My mom

Tom -- My father.

Gilbert Blank -- Friend from Woodland

Joey Gray -- Gilbert's "little brother"

Bobby Pepper -- New friend

Arlo Gates - Orienteer

Randy Samson -- Arlo's roomie

James Samson (Jay) --  Randy's adopted brother and ... My Twin! (Shawn)

Blair -- New Roomie (Todd is his friend from high school)

Jacky -- one of five brothers and a sister: Jared, Jed, Jimmy, Jock and Julie

Jody -- Dude from Hurricane Harbor

AJ Rippey -- Jay's team mate.

Epilogue


So many of you have asked ... so here it is:



"You boys know that it's never going to be easy for you, right?"

"Yeah Dad," Said Jay.  "But it would be dishonest to not be who I am.  And
I could not be me without my brother ... I could not be whole, apart from
Mikey.  I tried it ... not for the two years I hoped -- but I gave it the
best that I had.  Contrary to what I told Mikey, I couldn't stand the
thought of him ... with ... anyone else."

"Mr. and Mrs. S, I know that we have been lucky in many ways."  I started.
"I've heard some horror stories about the way some like us have been
treated, but here in Chicago and ... really out in California where I am
from ... it's easier than some other places.  And I think most of that's in
the past in most places.  The youth today are not so freaked out by someone
who is different than they are.  We still expect some people to act rudely,
but - "

"But -- Mom -- together we are stronger than apart."  Said Jay.  "We'll
never ... at least in our lifetime ... expect to be accepted by The Church
as normal.  And ... well ... we AREN'T normal.  We represent somewhere
between 3 and 20% of the population ... and from what I have been able to
research, it's probably closer to 6%.  So if 94% are heterosexual, then yes
... we are different ... which means that we are not normal -- as some
count it.

"I don't agree with those that said the Jesus might have been gay -- or
those who claim that Joseph Smith performed gay marriages.  Don't worry
about us that way.  As far as I can determine, most gays are more like us:
they just want to live and be happy.  Some are not as lucky as Mikey and
me: they never find the second part.  And I know that we are young
... twenty in December ... but I don't think we will ever desert one
another.  We DO have weaknesses and so we will have problems -- like anyone
-- and maybe some serious problems, even.  But I am confident we can and
will be strong together.

"I'm sorry, Mom ... I have asked the Bishop to remove my name from the
records of the church."

"You know, son, that in doing that The Church will leave you alone, but
also prays that you will come back someday."  Said Jay's dad.  "I'm not
sure that's possible, considering their strong present beliefs about
homosexuality.  You'll never be hated ... at least not officially.  But
there are always some , and they will be judged strongly for their own
hypocrisy and being in judgment of others ... who will act hatefully ... in
and out of The Church.

"But the most important people in your world -- besides each other -- are
you family and I know I speak for us and well as your own parents, Mike.
We love you and accept that you love each other in a way that we can only
understand as how your mother and I love each other.  The attraction to
your own sex will never make sense to me."  He said with a shrug.  "I just
have to accept what's before my eyes.  And as you said, I can see how your
brother ... and Mike's sister ... simply see you as their brothers, and
think nothing about your private feelings -- other than they love you for
loving them and ... each other.  Diane and Randy are the example and the
hope of the future."

"Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. S."  I said.

"Yeah, thanks, Mom and Dad."  Said Jay.

"And maybe ... you will someday feel comfortable calling us Mom and Dad,
Mike."  Said Jay's Mom.

"That may be sometime when you are comfortable calling him ... Mikey!"
Said Jay, grinning

"Welcome to our family ... Mikey!"  Said Mr. S.



"Jay, as your bishop, I could never marry you to your Mikey.  But I can
pray for you.  I can pray that the Lord will watch over and protect you,
and that others -- in and out of the church - will be charitable.  But I
can't make them be.  I have watched you through the young men's program and
am sad that you are forced to take this step -- because like your family --
I love you.  But I agree with your father.  If you choose this, then you're
better off without the responsibility of church membership.

You won't have home teachers, Jay, but I'm sure that your dad will look out
for you.  He's an honorable man ... as I believe you are.  I can only pray
that all this gets worked out in heaven."

"Thanks Bishop.  I love you too."  Said Jay.

The bishop looked at me and said, "Mike -- just looking at you ... I'm
damned if I can't help but love you too!"

We all laughed, and I said "Thanks!"



"Where do we go from here, Shawnie?"  I said.

"Well, I screwed up any chance of university this semester, but hopefully I
can get in, in January."

"Are you sure?  With AJ out of commission, maybe the coach can work a deal
for you.  At least get you in -- even if not on a scholarship yet."

"Don't count AJ out yet, but I guess I could talk to coach Bill.  I had a
good rapport with him last spring, when he came to the high school."



Jay got on at the university.  No one complained about him staying in our
dorm, since he wouldn't be occupying another bed.  A few people just had to
look the other way.  I mean ... there has to be SOME benefits to living in
Chicago.  Then we went to the Samson home every weekend ... and slept in
separate rooms ... a small sacrifice for the love and support they gave to
us.

AJ commuted from his new home ... on Lakeshore Avenue.  He and Charlie and
Jay and I were constant companions.  Charlie easily reverted back to
"acting" the teen part while he was with us.  He was also the resident
"sports doctor" for our whole dorm.  All the guys loved to have him
"adjust" them.  Don't think he did anything more than adjust -- but hey --
we're all gay and to have a hot older guy touching us ... was better than a
poke in the eye!

Mid semester, Arlo found his guy!  We all were happy for that.  It's not
that Arlo is a dog by any measure, but he is VERY choosey!  We got a
transfer from another campus and the counselor felt like he might fit in
with our little group.  She was right.  Amir is from Iran, very dark and
very handsome.  He's about Charlie's age, and immediately he and Arlo
seemed to be drawn together.  Arlo the creamy white, (Albeit with dark
curly hair!) Texan was quite a contrast to the Persian.  They were
inseparable from day one.

For Thanksgiving, Jay and I managed to fly to California after Thanksgiving
at the Samsons.  We spent the weekend there, getting one day with Diane and
Randy, before they flew to Chicago to be with his family.

We got back late Sunday night and when we came into the dorm, AJ was there
waiting for us.

"We have a big favor of the two of you."  AJ said.  "We want both of you to
be our best men!  We're flying to Vermont just after Christmas -- to be
married!  And ... we want ALL of the flat to be in attendance."

"Ah couldn't afford that.  Ah'll be in Texas for the Holidays."  Said Arlo.

"It'd mean an awfully lot to us ... whoever can make it.  It's only for
that weekend after Christmas and ... oh!  Charlie is springing for all the
flights and we will be staying at his friend's compound there, so that will
be gratis as well."

"Good to have friends like that!"

"Charlie met him when he attended a massage therapy seminar here in
Chicago."

"Wow!  Did they - " started Arlo ... never one to be subtle!

"Ryan's Straight!"  Said AJ.  "Too bad too, cuz he'd make any gay guy
drool.  His dad's place is where we'll be staying.  The Crayson Manor isn't
actually part of the compound, but Rye says it may as well be.  His dad was
widowed for a number of years before he met his soul mate.  Rye's dad is
gay.  But he and his sister consider both of them their dads.  They pretty
much grew up with them together."

"The Crayson Manor."  I said.  "Sounds ominous!"

"I guess it is.  The Craysons and those in the compound next door are very
well off.  Anyway ... whattaya think?"

"Ah'd feel funny taking charity."  Said Arlo.

"Aw get over yourself, Arls!"  Said Jody, having grown a huge set of balls
since coming into our house!  "Our friend is asking us to support him!"

Arlo looked at Jody, shocked at first but then pensively.  "Ah'll talk to
mah parents.  Ah think they can stand me away for a weekend!"

School, swimming, football season, wrestling ... all seemed to settle
somewhere into the back of our priorities -- though we all did our best --
as we planned this group trip to Vermont.  Ryan Crayson came out for a
visit and we all met him at a party at Charlie and AJ's place.  Ryan was
straight ... they SAID -- but if so, he was the quintessential
metro-sexual!  He fit right in!

"Of course both of my dad's will be excited to host your marriage, Charlie.
And the Smith clan will be cordial as well."  At several querulous looks,
he explained, "The Smith clan live next door.  Thiers is a compound of
several homes built around a central court.  There are actually several
families there, but the mainstays are the Smiths, a well-to-do former Santa
Barbara, California family.  I think you'll all love my closest friend,
Seth Gary and ... well we call his partner, Luke, though his real name is
Lukamaiola Makamakahaiiolioli."

"Show off!"  Said Charlie.  "What you may like to understand about this
Smith Clan is ... other than the elder Jacob Smith and his wife ... the
patriarch and matriarch of the compound, all the rest are gay ... including
the Smith's daughter and her partner.

"The point is," continued Ryan, "Our place is probably not big enough for
all of your wedding party ... but the Seth and Luke ... and all the Smith
Clan ... will take in and treat you all like royalty."

"Where does all their money come from?"  Asked AJ.

"They are from different backgrounds.  Seth, the Smith's actual nephew
(they encourage everyone to call then Aunt Lindy and Uncle Jake) is a well
known psychologist in the area and Luke owns a small airline in Hawaii with
his sister."

"If he owns a Hawaiian airline, why - " Started AJ.

"That's kind of their business, Aije."  Said Charlie.

"Sorry ... I just have an inquiring mind."  Laughed AJ.

"I'm sure Luke wouldn't mind if I tell you this much: His sister likes
controlling the business ... he likes to surf!"

"Wow!  Me too!"  Said AJ.

"Um -- how long do you think that they want us to stay ... if we just go up
for the wedding?"  Asked Jay.

"Everyone has their own timetable."  Said Charlie.  "But we'll me married
the Saturday after Christmas and we hope that everyone can stay until after
New Years."

"The Smiths do the holidays up in grand style.  They have an open party for
every occasion.  It is well monitored by the local authorities ... they are
invited too.  Of course that time of year we're covered in snow, but the
Smiths have covered porticos going from manor to manor, with heaters
overhead, so that it's perfectly comfortable to walk in your swim suits
from one pool to another."

"Wow!  Walking out in the snow with only a Speedo on!  That's pretty rich!"
Said AJ.

"I think you'll like it.  And ... since it's a private party ... it's
pretty much clothing optional!"  Smiled Ryan. "Of course only the really
radical gays care to expose themselves like that.  But the show can be
entertaining sometimes."

I looked at Jay.  He grinned, and blushed, as ... I know ... he had a
swelling in his own shorts (We tend to mirror those manifestations!) The
difference in us is ... he still blushes!  I love that boy so much!

Later that evening, as he dropped me off at my dorm, "Mikey ... I miss
you!"

"I know.  But we do need to finish our education.  It's probably best that
you live at home -- at least for now.  Next semester may be different.
Then maybe we can think of another arrangement.  We see each other three or
four times a week, and - "

"I know.  I guess I'm just being selfish ... but I want you to myself and
... every night!"

"Heh", I chuckled, "You just have too much free time with all those cushy
classes.  I'm pretty busy with my studying now.  And ... um ... I've been
meaning to tell you something ... "

"What, babe?"  He asked.

"I've been thinking about changing my major."

"Wow!  Well, I know you've been mostly getting the basics out of the way
anyway."

"Yeah, that was at my pop's advice.  He knows more about me that I do
sometimes.  But -- it may mean more time in school."

"What are you -- thinking about?"

"Psychology."

"Really?!!"  He said, more enthusiastically that I expected.  "Ronny!
That's what I want to be!  We can go into practice together!"

I grabbed him in a close embrace and we kissed as only two excited boys
can, when they are happy ... and sexed up!  Then I said, "It's pretty late,
Dude!  I better get in there."

"Were you gonna have a wank before going to sleep?"

"You know I always do."

"Then you may as well let me come in and fix that for you!"  He said
grabbing my crotch, which was well on its way to my belly button!

We went through the living room quietly.  If anyone was still awake, they
were in their rooms studying or ... taking care of their own concerns.

He quickly got me off ... though it wasn't with his hand ... and he kissed
me deeply and sweetly as I drifted off to sleep, letting me taste my own
honey, mixed with the sweet taste of his kiss.  He let himself out.

We did the cross country shuffle again as Diane and Randy and I did our
best to see all those who love us.  Jay and I made sure that we could be
back in Vermont by the 27th ... when Charlie and AJ were to be married.  We
decided to drive, and we weren't disappointed.  The winter weather was
beautiful; everything shrouded in a blanket of white, but all the roads
clear and kept free of ice and snow.

Ryan Crayson arranged for us to stay with his best friend, Seth and his
Hawaiian partner, Luke.  The elder Smith's were gone on a holiday of their
own.  But all their Christmas decorations were still up and the whole
compound looked like a fairy land.  Well ... okay it WAS kind of a fairy
land, but I meant the other kind!

AJ and Charlie stayed with Ryan and his sister and Dads.  The wedding was
the night we arrived, at the Crayson Manor.  It was a beautiful ceremony,
in which they each composed their own vows.  The Crayson home is very
masculine in its furnishings.  Not much lace and gingerbread!

 When it was over, there was a horse drawn sleigh at the front entry which
took them away and to a place that they kept secret.

We went back to Seth's place afterward.  Seth was not exactly small
... maybe 5'-10" tall, but he was slight and looked older than the mid
twenties I was told he was.  He had dark hair and deep set eyes.  He looked
nothing like his brother, Chris, who, with his partner, both could have
passed as Hollywood celebrities.  Seth was handsome, but reserved in
contrast.

Luke had a very dark complexion, with purple eyes and either his hair was
blue or just so black that it looked like it.  His purple eyes intensified
that look.  Luke was more reserved than Seth.  I wondered what it was that
made them so.  I figured that was the psychologist in me.

I had learned before we came that Seth is a psychologist ... a reality
therapist he called himself.  I spent more hours with him than I realized
either of us would be comfortable with.  He seemed to be interviewing me.
I seemed to be interviewing him.  We laughed when we realized what we were
doing, pointed out to us by both Luke and Jay.

The night of the wedding, Jay and I were uncharacteristically quiet after
we went to bed.  Finally I said, "Do you know what I've been thinking?"

"Duh!"  He laughed.

"I want to do it some day."  I said, of course talking about the marriage
ceremony.

"Duh!"  He repeated.  We had finished with our own celebrating and were
both lying in the huge king-sized bed with our hands behind our heads.
"But -- why someday?"  He added

"Huh?"

He turned on to his side, his arm holding his head up, and said, "Why don't
we do it while we're here?"

I turned to face him -- to verify that he was as serious as I already knew
he was. "I -- I -- I mean ... when?"  I hadn't thought about doing it so
soon.

The next morning Seth and Luke's house keeper made eggs, bacon and whole
wheat pancakes with fresh butter and home made fresh maple syrup.  There
was a bowl of fruit left over from the wedding party last night.

"Luke tells me that you two might want to tie the knot before you leave."
Said Seth.

I looked at Jay.  He turned red.  "I -- I -- um -- I might have mentioned
to Luke that I was thinking about it ... at the reception last night."
Said Jay.

"How long have you two been married?"  I asked Seth.

"We're ... not."

"Oh!"  Jay and I said in unison.

"There's nothing wrong with getting married."  Said Seth.  "We just have
been together a long time and see no reason for it.  My Brother and Craig
are married.  Both Chris and Craig and my cousin, Jake and Colin said their
vows long ago.  Then Jake and Colin went through a civil union ceremony.
Rob and Denny got married when it was made legal last year, along with my
brother and my cousin ... all together.  But ... they all have kids.  We
don't plan to have any kids."

When Seth said that, Jay and I looked at each other wide-eyed.  "How -- how
is it - " I started.

" -- what's involved to adopt children here -- if that's what they did?"
Said my brother.

"They did, but they adopted them from the Ukraine.  The three couples
adopted all of the children of two widowed sisters.  Colin and Jake adopted
the first two, and then brought their mother to come care for them.  Upon
learning that there was a sister and several more children, they adopted
all of them, and brought both mothers here to raise the kids in the
compound.  In reality, we all raise them, but their legally adopted parents
are my cousin and Colin, my brother and Craig and Rob and Denny.  Rob is
like another big brother to me ... and I'm like ... the only little brother
he never had!"

"Wow.  What are the chances - " I started.  I didn't realize how excited I
would be about this prospect.

"That was a few years ago ... and it's hard to tell."  Said Seth.  "But I
can help you find out if you want.  When did you want to get married?"

"Now would be good!" I thought,

Jay said, "Yess!"

"Normally I would discourage two such young guys to do this," Said Seth,
"but you both seem very grounded and ... you seem to be in sync all the
time!"

"It's a twin thing!"  Said Jay.

"Are you both studying at the same school?"

"Yes."  We explained how we met a year earlier.  "Seth -- We both want to
be a psychologists, but Mikey's a year ahead of me."

"Why do you suppose you both want to be psychologists?"  Asked Seth.

"We both want to help others.

"That's the RIGHT answer!"  Said Seth more exuberantly that he'd said
anything.  "Luke ... where did you say we're going to surf next week?"

"Agadir, Morocco."

"Are there any smaller wave beaches there?  I'm assuming neither of you
Midwestern boys surf!"

"Wha -- I mean -- huh?"  Said Jay.

"I'm a California boy myself, but I grew up inland."  I said.  "Why?"

Luke grinned.  "Seth likes to have company when we go places like that.  I
go all over the world, and he is often too busy here with his work to go
with me.  But when he does, he likes someone else who will ride the smaller
waves with him.  His schedule is clear next week. He's wondering if you
guys would like to honeymoon in Morocco!"

"We couldn't afford anything like that."  We both said.

"That's the beauty of it.  The exchange rate in Morocco is insane ... in
our favor ... and I can get buddy passes for you to travel for nothing."
Said Luke.

"You see," said Seth, "Owning an airline counts for something!"

"Whattaya think, Babe?"  Said Jay.

"I dunno," I said cautiously "I -- just - "

"Look we don't want to pressure you.  Tell us tomorrow morning!"  Said
Luke, grinning at Seth.

We met most of the rest of the Smith Clan that day.  The children were
beautiful, all curly blonds and very well behaved.  We didn't meet the
Senior Smiths but there was a resident housekeeper who was spooky.  She
actually looked ageless ... but in that over 80-year-old way!

"Uncle Jake gave Etta a serious pension and golden retirement.  But she
loves everyone here.  She has family somewhere in Jamaica, so she sends all
her retirement to them and stays on with the Smiths.  She's family!"  Said
Seth.

As soon as we met her, she almost swooned and said, "Dese two habb special
powers!  Dey gonna be hard to figger out!"

>From that time, she eyes us from under her brows like she was working on a
puzzle or something.

Jake and Colin were as cordial as anyone could be.  Colin was robust and
blond, whereas Jake looked like he's seen more of life.  I couldn't wait to
know these people better ... and they seemed to invite it!  Colin was
reserved, but Jake was funny and always joking with an edge that Colin
seemed to appreciate.

When we met Rob and Denny, I wondered if Seth would jump up into Rob's
arms.  He didn't but there were such close hugs!  Both of them seemed to
inhale each other's essence.  Denny beamed and was not in the least put off
by the lesser hug he got from Seth -- though it was still warm and close
... and longer than most men would hug.  Luke pretty much stood his ground
and gave small hugs around.  Denny looked a little delicate.  He was tall
enough but next to Rob's 6'-5" frame he looked small.

AJ and Randy knew each other, but not well, so Diane and Randy were not
there for AJ and Charlie's wedding.  When I told Diane about us, she asked,
"When???"

I told her that it had to be in two days, she said, "You were going to
elope and not tell anyone?!"

"Diane ... I'm telling you now!"

"You better let us think about this!  When our little brothers get married
... would it occur to you that we may want to be there?"

I felt small and selfish.  "I dunno.  I mean -- it didn't seem like that
big of a - "

"I'll call you back!"  She said, sounding rather put out with me.  Almost
Immediately there was a call to Jay's phone.

"Jay -- bro -- Diane is really upset.  She says you two are getting married
and we weren't invited."

"I know, I heard Mikey's conversation.  Randy -- it's just not that big a
deal."

"I know, but you're not seeing it through the eyes of a girl!"

"That's rich!"  Said Jay.  "My straight, blind brother can see things
though the eyes of a girl!"  We all laughed at that!

"Seriously, Jay-jay.  Wait a few hours for your final plans.  Diane's
trying to put some ideas together.  She wants our parents and me and
herself to be there for you two."

"Randy ... you KNOW our parents won't want to come to see their gay son get
married!  They've been as open-minded as they can be this far, but - "

"Little brother, you may be underestimating Mom and Dad.  Just wait until
tonight, okay?"

"Yeah, sure, Randy."



"Really??!!!"  Said Seth. "This is huge!  If they want to come, we'll make
room for them here and at my brother's house!  This means more than you
realize, if they all come.  It means you have the support of your parents.
And -- if you want to wait a day or two ... we can catch up to Luke.  He
needs to be there at the beginning of the competition.  But we can come
later!"

I felt like I was being caught up in a whirlwind.  I wasn't sure I liked
things spinning out of control, but it was exciting.  Mostly I was worried
about Jay's parents reaction.  I called my closest advisor ... my own dad.

"I wouldn't worry about it, Mike.  Either they'll come or they won't."
Said my pop.

"Will you talk to Jay's dad, Dad?  You know how to talk and ... you are
more objective than we are."

"I don't know what I'd tell him that he doesn't already know, Mike.  The
way I see it ... I don't really understand the whole gay thing, but -- I
know there is a perception that all of you are promiscuous.  I haven't seen
that, but I think that it should be discouraged and one way to do that is
to embrace two men being monogamous."

"That's EXACTLY what I mean.  Jay could tell his dad those things, but it
means more coming from someone like you ... like Mr. S ... who maybe can't
get HOW we can love each other, but that it's just a fact of life ... you
know?  It'll mean more coming from you ... I think."

"I'll do my best, Mike.  You know there may be a chance that even if they
don't come ... maybe they just can't on such short notice -- that they
still support you being together -- rather than with someone else ... or --
worse ... some ONES else!"

"Thanks Dad.  Um -- there's another thing."

"What's that, Son?"

"What if ... um ... what if we -- um -- decided to adopt some kids?"

After a long pause, Dad said, "Wo!  Sorry, Mike I never considered you
having children with ... another man.  But ... if you did ... I know that
would make your mother very happy!  Well -- and me too!  I just hadn't
considered it!"  I could hear the smile in his voice and that made me
happy!  "We'd be proud to have them call us Nana and Papa!"

"Nana and Papa?"

"That's what your sisters kids are going to call us!  We both like that!"

"Thanks dad.  I love you!"

"We both love you ... both of you!  Bye!"

Two days later We were married by the same minister that married AJ and
Charlie.  My parents were there, and of course my best man ... Diane! And
... Randy was Jay's ... of course!  Seth was all grins.  Luke had to go on
ahead to Morocco, but he of course let us know how much he wished he could
be there!

Actually all of the Smith Clan attended.  It was in the living room at
Seth's brother, Chris's house.  Even the Elder Smith's came and that spooky
old housekeeper insisted on making refreshments for the small group that
attended.

Jay's dad couldn't come, but his mother did and she told Jay how much Mr. S
wanted to be there.  She said he was at first put off by it, but that he
got a mysterious phone call and his whole attitude changed.

Before the night was over, knowing we were leaving early the next morning
for Morocco, Mom, Dad and Mrs. S got us alone for a moment.  Dad said, "We
didn't know what was appropriate in a case like this, but I talked to the
Samsons and we want you to have this'" He handed us an envelope.  "Please
don't open it now ... only after you are alone tonight.  We want to say
good bye and that we love you both so much!  Who knows what could have
happened if you never found each other!  God HAD to have a hand in that!"
Mom and Mrs. S were both nodding, tears in their eyes.  "And so ... we
wouldn't think to question what God has brought together."

<<Let no man put asunder>> sounded in head.  I looked at Jay and his eyes
too were full, and that prompted me to follow suit.  After long hugs all
around, and a lot of kisses and "I love you's" Ryan Crayson took them all
to the airport.

We went back to Seth's house.  He was already in his pajamas, and was just
waiting up for us.  We walked up the stairs together and he headed to his
room and we to ours.  "G'night, Guys!" Said Seth.  He started to close his
door when Jay said, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah.  It's always kind of lonely when Luke is away.  But I'm fine.  I
certainly didn't want to bring you two down.  Sorry I was so transparent."

"Hey -- why don't you just come and stay here with us!"  Said Jay, knowing
what I was thinking.

"Yeah, right!  An extra body with you on your honeymoon night!  Get real!"
Said the reality therapist.

"No really."  I said.  "It's not as if this is our first night together!
We've been doing this for some time now ... and we'd love it if you'd join
us."

"Instead, why don't you join me!?"  He grinned.

We found that Seth was younger than he appeared.  We didn't get much sleep
before our flight to Morocco.  We talked almost all night!  Don't suppose
we did anything bad ... Seth loves his man too much.  But we really got to
know each other.  Seth told us of his struggles to get where he is.  And
"struggles" is putting it mildly.  That's why he seems older.  But he still
has the heart of a kid and we laughed as much as anything else.

The bottom line for the night was ... by morning, besides losing a lot of
sleep, I made up my mind about changing my major course work at the
university.  Seth is going to become our mentor and Jay and I planning to
join his free clinic in Vermont, once we graduate.

In the morning, Seth again called on his best friend, (well, okay -- his
second best friend!) Ryan Crayson, to take three very sleepy boys to the
airport ... which is about 90 minutes away, on the other side of Lake
Champlain.  Seth shuddered slightly on the ferry crossing and told us of an
experience he had there, when two guys tried to murder him.

Our flight to Morocco gave us time to relax and catch up on the sleep we
missed.  The buddy passes that Luke got us were in first class, so each
seat almost made out into a bed.  Then when we got there, because of the
time change, it was bed time again!  We had our own room and made up for
our night with Seth.

We took a taxi to the resort that they stayed at.  Seth said they don't
always stay in such luxury.  Sometimes they are lucky to do any better than
to camp on the beach.  But this competition was near this resort, so that's
where we stayed.

Our honeymoon was more than we might have dreamed about ... had we known to
even dream!  Before we came to Vermont, we had no intention of getting
married.  Now we were married and in a faraway place, learning to surf and
making love to each other every chance we got.  Our love deepened those
three days more than the whole year before!

We opened the envelope that our parents had given us and there was a large
amount of money, and a letter from Jay's dad:

"Dear Sons,

I am sorry I could not come to your wedding.  It feels strange even writing
it, but I'm trying to get used to it.  Mike, your dad and I talked for
several hours, while he patiently convinced me that what you are doing is
probably best for you.  Jay, I am humbled by the things I learned.  I
learned that Mormons aren't the only spiritual people on the earth.

On my mission and then also when I was a bishop, I learned to love others
even if I couldn't agree with their thinking.  Tom taught me more humility,
as he showed me a better way ... in handling and reacting to what I
initially thought was the end of the world ... one of my son's turning out
gay.

I just want to tell you both that I love you and that I am proud of you
... for being men and taking a stand against terrible odds.

Love, Dad"

Thereafter, I had no trouble calling these wonderful people, Mom and Dad.
If my dad has taught me anything, it is that other people's differences are
not something to fear or hate.  Right or wrong, we have the privilege to
believe as we see best.  And that we should allow others that same
privilege, even if that puts them at odds with us.

What???  You were expecting me to tell you specifics about our honeymoon
sex?  We're married now ... that's privileged information!

Notes: This is the REAL beginning for Mikey and Jay and ... the REAL end to
the story.  If you want to know more about Seth's struggles to get where he
is, write to me at stevethomas535@hotmail.com and I'll send you links to my
other stories, including ... "Seth".  Thanks for all your support and kind
letters of encouragement.  Ciao and ... Love, Steve