Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 01:16:30 -0500
From: mark corlis <mcnc1966 (at) gmail (dot) com>
Subject: In The Blink Of An Eye Chapters 1-3

In The Blink Of An Eye
Copyright 2008 by Mark Corlis
All Rights Reserved

This is a copyrighted work and may not be reproduced or distributed without
the written permission of the author.

If you are under 18, live in an area where works such as these are illegal,
or are offended by the ideas of gay love, then it's time to leave.

This is my first attempt at writing a story after being a frequent reader.
Comments and suggestions are welcome at mcnc1966 @ gmail.com. Try to keep
the comments constructive if you please. I hope you enjoy and look forward
to your responses.

All characters and events in this story are fictional. Any resemblance to
actual people or events is merely coincidental.

Now on with the show.....

Chapter 1

Change.....the only constant in life. I had accepted that fact in my short
time on earth and come to welcome it. "Roll with punches kid or life'll eat
ya alive" my father always told me. It was the best advice he ever gave
me. If I had only known how far I would roll!

Let me introduce myself.  I'm Brandon, an 18 year old, newly minted high
school graduate. I live along the crowded beaches of South Florida, an
almost magical playground for any guy my age! I stand almost 6 foot 2 with
thick dirty blonde hair and bluish eyes. I am as skinny now as I've ever
been. Weight was my enemy growing up. I was the target of bullies who made
it a sport to invent new and ever more cutting nicknames for me. It hurt a
lot but I never let them see me weak. Changes began when I turned 13. I had
a major growth spurt and my weight stayed pretty much the same. By the time
I turned 15, my weight and height matched each other pretty well. I weigh
in at 200 pounds now. It's not perfect, but it's the best I've ever
looked. My new body allowed me to wear tighter clothes, but it took a while
for me to appreciate what the mirror showed me. At least I didn't wanna
barf at what I saw now.

Well into the changes my body was going through, people began to take
notice. I became more self confident and it showed. I made friends more
easily and girls started fighting over me. I settled on one in particular
(Her name was Erica) and dated her throughout high school.  We weren't prom
queen and king but still made many people jealous lol. Senior year, Erica
and I made it a point to apply to the same universities in hopes of
fulfilling our "forever" promise to each other. Being good students, we
were both accepted to the University of South Florida. We quickly filled
out all the required paper work and dreamt of how great college was gonna
be for us. I was on top the world and felt invincible. I was fairly decent
looking, somewhat smart, and had the girl of my dreams at my side. Nothing
was gonna stop me. Months later, I would realize what a fool I was!

The massive shock to my life came 3 days after I graduated high school. My
best friend David decided to hold an end of the road party. We told
everyone to bring refreshments, with David hoping to have enough group shit
to get everyone happy.  We spent the day getting his place ready for our
big soiree. David and I were drinking from our private stash the whole
time. We would break about once an hour to hit on my always present pot
pipe, which was loaded with the most expensive weed I had EVER bought. By
the time shit was finished, we were feeling no pain. Good alcohol and even
better weed made me even more unstoppable!

Tons of people showed, most empty handed. David was pissed! To make matters
worse, Erica backed out to attend some bullshit party her parents were
going to. Now I was pissed! Bout an hour after most had arrived, the well
was dry. David and I even broke out some of the booze we had stashed for
us. Hell, as buzzed as I was, I shared all my totally expensive weed with
everyone. Before we knew it, everything was gone and people started to
drift out. David started panicking! He wanted his party to be remembered
for life. With all the good shit gone, though, that wasn't likely. I
couldn't let my best bud down so I started getting cash from everyone
there. I told David I was gonna go see Rob, a family friend who ran a
nearby liquor store. Rob was the big bro I never had and I was sure he'd
hook me up. He had the hots for my sister Jenny so I knew if all else
failed, I could play that ace. David told me not to sweat things, but I
flipped him off and grabbed my keys. Fate was waiting right around the
corner for me.

Things were pretty normal at first. I couldn't exactly see clearly but I
had a mission to complete. The only thing in my favor was the weed induced
paranoia causing me to drive somewhere near the speed limit. As I came into
an area where every mother fucker and their brother parked on the street, a
walker popped out from between two cars. I panicked big time, slamming on
my brakes and cutting my wheel hard so I didn't hit him.  What my stoned
brain didn't see was the big fucking truck I pulled in front of!
Crash.........Bang.......Darkness.......Silence.

Bright lights....shouting voices....someone screaming my name.....then
darkness again.

Mom said I was zonked for over three weeks. I sorta remember people talking
to me, but it seemed like a dream or something. The family was with me the
whole time, pretty freaked out by things. Mom, Dad and my sister took
shifts staying with me. Someone always held my hand. I guess my body said
"No more sleep mother fucker" one day. I opened my eyes slowly, seeing only
a blonde head looking down at me.

"Hey there sleepy head" the voice said to me. I recognized it immediately
the voice as Jenny's.  " You've had us scared shitless" she continued.

"Everything's blurry" I said.

"Doctor's been putting drops in your eyes to keep them wet. They've told us
that your vision should be completely normal so I'm sure it'll get better"
Jenny said matter of factly.

"Doctors?  Where the hell am I Jenny?"

"You're in Broward General Medical Brandon. You were in a bad car
accident. Don't you remember?" she asked.

"Accident? I remember leaving David's house and now I'm here" I
replied. "Why am I here Jenny? What's happened to me?"

Her face dropped slightly. Her mouth opened, like it was trying to say
something but couldn't find the words. Finally, she gave me a little smile
and patted my hand saying "Dad and mom are due here any moment. They'll be
thrilled to see you because the important thing is you're alive and here
with us. It suddenly occurred to her that no one knew I was awake. "I'm
gonna get the nurses now. I'll be right back." That said, she got up and
rushed into the hall.

With my eyes being less blurry, I took a moment to check things out. My
right arm was covered in a cast from my wrist to my elbow. I tried to move
it...not happening I decided. My left arm had an IV running to it dropping
something into my body with a rapid drip. Raising my left arm, I ran it
along my forehead and face. I could feel a bandage over my right eye. The
skin felt rough in other places. By the time I got halfway through feeling
my face, the door burst open and the bullet I call my mother came rushing
in.

She wrapped her arms around chanting "Thank you God! Thank you God!" OK,
being loved by her was great but my bod was hating the squeezes. I groaned
in pain.

"Oh shit, I'm hurting you" she said wide eyed. "Forgive me, but I just had
to hold my baby!"

What the hell was goin on? My mom cried like a baby while babbling on and
on. It hit me that Jenny's face was tear stained too. That's all it took
for me to put my foot down. "Excuse the French Mom, but ya think someone
could fucking let me in on what's happening here?" My unflappable mother's
face became immediately concerned. She plopped down in the chair next to me
and took tight hold of my left hand. She spoke with a quiver in her voice.

"Brandy (a nickname I hate), you probably won't like what I'm gonna tell
ya. Please listen carefully and remember that the important thing is your
alive and have your whole life left ahead of you. Can you do that for me
sweetie?"

"Oh shit, this sounds bad" I thought. I nodded my head silently.

" You were in a terrible car accident son. According to witnesses, you were
driving down US1 when a pedestrian stepped in front of you. You didn't hit
him, but you did swerve into the path of a semi truck going pretty
fast. The driver had no time to react and hit you head on. The car flipped
and folded up around you baby. It took the paramedics over an hour to cut
you out of what was left."

I pondered her statement silently for a moment and responded "Well I'm here
now and I'm apparently gonna survive. Don't worry Mom. Things'll be cool
soon and then it's off to college. My public is expecting me" I laughed
softly.

Mom sighed and began again. "Brandy, honey, college may have to wait a
little while. Your recovery is gonna take some time. Your father and I
don't want you to rush. We'll take care of you for as long as we need to so
you can adapt to your new life."

New life?  What the hell was wrong with the one I had? Why wouldn't I going
to college as planned? I needed answers and I needed them now. "Mom" I
began "You've always shot straight with me, no bull added. Don't stop
now. Tell me the truth about all this. I'm confused and getting really
pissed off!" I hated showing anger toward my biggest fan, but I was really
confused.

"Calm down and I'll continue" Mom said. "Your injuries were extensive. You
had a deep cut over your right eye that required a bunch of stitches to
close. Your right arm was broken in three places and had to be operated
on. Your intestine was punctured along with your right kidney. They fixed
the intestine, but the kidney had to go. The worst damage was to your right
leg. When the car folded up, it was crushed. The doctors did their best to
save it. But they couldn't save it honey. Your right leg had to be
amputated."

The words echoed in my head again and again. "...your right leg had to be
amputated." I didn't fucking buy it so I quickly threw back the blankets to
see the worst was true. I stared at it, getting more pissed by the
second. Why me?  Life was coming together so well. Erica and I loved each
other. I had David and lots of other friends. College was coming soon and
then great things. That's how it was supposed to be, damn it! Not this. Not
me baby. I shook all over. Tears, sweat, heat......a blow up waiting to
happen!

"Sweetie, talk to me" my mother begged.

The last straw snapped. "Get out. Just get the fuck out! Everyone just get
the fuck out now!!!!!" I screamed. Mom's head dropped but she nodded her
agreement. She quietly turned around and left the room, never looking
back. As the door closed, I raged. The table on wheels next to my bed went
flying into the wall after pushed it hard. I ripped those cups for the
heart thing off and threw them as hard as I could. I yanked the IV tube
outa my arm and pushed the whole god damn thing over. What I totally forgot
was that the heart machine showed a flat line. People rushed in thinking I
was dead or something.  They saw what I had done, then moved to hold me
down. Some son of a bitch poked my arm and away I went.

I woke up later to Dad rubbing my forehead. He smiled, but appeared
worried. He looked like shit but I figured I better keep my mouth shut. He
began to speak once he realized I wasn't gonna sleep again.

 "Hey Tiger, I'm so glad to see you!"

As he spoke, a single tear rolled down his right cheek. In all my years, I
had never seen my father cry. We were extremely close and he was always my
rock. He got me through all the bullshit. I could tell him anything, and
get the advice of both a concerned father and a friend. His tears broke me
and I sobbed hard into his chest, clutching him tightly.

"What do I do now Dad? I'm a fucking cripple! How am I ever gonna have the
life I was meant to have?"

I felt my father's body stiffen as he began to speak. "Brandy, nothing
prepares us for times like this. I don't know where we go from here. I do
know that you won't be alone. Draw strength from us son. We love you know
matter what and will be here for you, cheering you on or kicking your ass
like always."

I held my father tighter and cried hard. Somewhere along the line I fell
back asleep.



Chapter 2

It's been a year since my accident, a year I wanna soon forget. Once my
wounds healed, I was transferred to a place where I would learn to walk and
shit again. The first person I met was my physical therapist, a dude named
Rick. He was a recent grad of Florida State University, so we had something
in common right away (Noles rock!).  He gave me the Cliff Notes version of
what my life would be like over the next few months. Lots of stretching,
lots of weight training, and lots of pain. I was thrilled.....NOT! I knew
this was gonna suck but wheelchairs aren't my thing. I put it in my mind
that I was outa these wheels and on my feet soon. No one was gonna see me
lookin all old and shit in this thing. Rick also informed me that I would
be seeing a therapist too. A fucking shrink? Is he serious? I guessed he
probably was! Rick was dressed in a tight white wife beater, a pair of
khaki shorts and the latest Teva flip flops there were. He had jet black
hair with totally dark brown eyes. He looked Italian I guessed but was
Greek in the end. I was on the right continent at least lol. He had an easy
going manner about him that put me at ease right away. He became my friend,
my confidante and my crush. I had suspected I was gay for a while now, but
looking at Rick made me know that was a total fact.

Therapy sessions were a bitch for a few reasons. A few weeks on my ass made
me a weakling. My muscles yelled at me a lot. Worse yet was the shocks
Rick's touches gave me.  They started off very small but increased in
intensity. I would work hard, curse a lot and sweat like a pig. I wasn't
sure how much of the sweat was from the therapy and how much was from Rick
being so close to me. He was a flat out stud, everything I had ever wanted
to be. His body was lean and hard. His chest was cut some and his stomach
was flat. He was no Arnold Schwarzenegger though. He was built more like
Michael Phelps.....slim but tight.  Standing at 6 foot 4 made him kinda
intimidating. What I could see of his Olive skin was smooth. He told me
later he shaved all body hair to show his shit off better. I chuckled at
that lol. He sported a pretty nice bulge where it counted. I would guess
about 5 inches soft or so. When he didn't sport his over priced designer
flip flops, he was barefoot. We both shared an intense dislike of shoes.
Even his feet were perfect to me. All toes straight as an arrow, following
in descending lengths, and toenails clipped with perfectly rounded edges.
No fucking red neck inbred hillbilly stuff going on there. I would lust
after him every time we met.  Getting me back in shape required him to
touch me all over. My legs, my arms, my foot, my back, my shoulders...
hell everywhere except where I wanted it most. I was putty in his hands. My
skin stayed fire hot and my cock was even hotter. I had quit wearing
underwear long ago so the pre cum flowing from my wood would wet my shorts
directly. I didn't care! Rick noticed all this (who the hell wouldn't) but
only winked at me. Everything got crazier for me each time we worked. I
jacked myself hard with him fresh on my mind after every meeting. My cock
would shoot 3 or 4 or sometimes 5 hard ropes of cum. I'd never shot that
much in my life. Damn that man made me hot!

While Rick worked to get my body in shape, Sarah worked to get my mind just
as strong.  She grew up in a prominent New England family (another way of
saying they're loaded) and got her M.D. from New York University. She was a
beach bunny at heart and found her way here right out of school. I'd heard
she turned down lots more cash other places so she could work with patients
directly. Her manner was informal, no sign of the silver spoon she grew up
with. We covered many subjects. I guess I was a bit pissed off. I spent
lots of time feeling sorry for my one legged ass and even more crying. I
felt like a total puss but came out better in the end. She had the patience
of a saint and never let me down.

I decided today that Sarah and I needed to confront the lust I felt when
Rick touched me. Part of me said to grab him and lay a lip lock on him. The
other part said I was tee totally crazy!  I took a deep breath and headed
out on thin ice.

"We've worked really hard to make me ok with myself, right?" I asked
Sarah. "What I need to know is what to do when someone sets you on fire
with a look and into a fucking comet with a touch. I have no idea what to
do with these feelings and you need to help me now!" Blunt requests were
normal for us.

Sarah sat back in her chair and put her pen to her mouth, the signal that
she was thinking hard.

"It would help if I knew the situation" she said.

I let loose all of the feelings I had when Rick touched me...the steel hard
pole....the stained shorts....my heart ready to explode outa my chest. She
listened carefully, chewing on the pen by this point and then spoke
carefully.

"Your reactions could be purely physical. No doubt about that. Humans have
a fundamental need to be touched and different bodies react different
ways. You need to figure out why he makes you this way. Do you want to jump
him for release or is it something deeper? Is it his hot body or is his
heart you find so irresistible? Until you know the answer, I'm afraid my
advice might hurt more than help."

"Great, more fucking questions with no answers!" I spouted to no one in
particular.

My outburst caused Sarah to laugh out loud. Being the total professional
she was, however, she regained her composure quickly and continued. "I have
a suggestion for you that may make you think that I'm the world's craziest
shrink Brandon. I want you to think about talking to Rick about all this.
Before you say no, let me tell you that I know Rick pretty well. I think
you'll be amazed how easy he is to talk to."

"You're right! You are crazy!" I murmured.

"Maybe so but I want you to consider it" she replied quickly.

I told her I would think about it. With our time being up, I needed to get
somewhere to clear my fogged brain a bit.  I wheeled myself out the door
onto the balcony. The sun beat down on my bare leg and I quickly removed my
shirt and shoe. I reached into the bag on my chair, getting a badly needed
Marlboro out and lighting it. I hit hard on the filter, the calming smoke
filling my lungs. I began to think of what Sarah had said when a voice
interrupted my thoughts.

"Fuckin things'll kill ya!" My heart skipped a beat.

Rick lit his own smoke and stepped up next to me. I looked at him, shook my
head and laughed.

"Self righteous bastard" I said smiling at him.

"Mind if this self righteous bastard joins you for a few?"  His tone was
more serious than usual.

"Free country I suppose" I replied.

Rick sat down on the bench in front me and continued hitting his butt. I
took all of him in. His body sure was hot....that much I was sure of. I
wanted to lick every part of him and then do it all over again. I felt the
familiar stir start in my cock. There was something else, though. He was
the kindest and most dedicated guy I knew. I think he would've given me the
shirt off his back if it would've helped. I sighed being no closer to the
answers I needed.

Rick looked me in the eyes. "Today we get you up and around for the first
time. You ready for that?"

"I was born ready bitch!" Being a smart ass was always my gig when I felt
nervous. Now was no exception.

"Then no time like the present, huh?"  As he said this, he flipped his butt
off the balcony. I hot boxed one more hit and did the same. He grabbed my
shirt and shoe, flinging them into my lap. He pushed me through the door
and into the therapy room. Out of the blue, I got nervous as hell. Don't
ask me why. Lots of things poured through my head until I couldn't take it
any longer.

"I lied Rick. Maybe I wasn't born so ready" I said shyly.

Rick grinned, his whole face lighting up. "Thought so. Why don't we do
something first and see if we can make that spinning mind of your rest
easier." I exhaled a huge breath.

"Thanks" I replied.

Still smiling, Rick wheeled me out of the main therapy room and through a
door toward the back of the room. I hadn't been here before but knew better
than to ask questions. After a few moments, we entered the hydro therapy
room and Rick locked the door.

With a gleam in his eyes, he said "I think I know exactly what you
need. Now strip!"

I felt the flush begin at my big toe. My dick immediately got totally hard
and my mouth went bone dry. I sat staring at him for a moment, my mouth
wide open.

"While the mouth open is a cute look for you, don't think that's gonna help
you get naked." I laughed nervously and realized I only had my shorts to
go. A million thoughts, most of them dirty, crashed around in my
head. Finally, I gave up and wiggled out of my shorts. My 6 inch cock
pointed straight out and had a drop of pre cum at the tip. I was
embarrassed and excited all at once.

I jumped hard when Rick put his hand on my shoulder. "Relax Bran, you're
gonna love this. It's just you and me here. Thought maybe we could relax
and talk a bit." With that, he flipped a switch and water started swirling
around in one of the tubs. Steam billowed off the surface. I'm sure it was
cooler than my body right now though. Rick retrieved a wide cloth belt and
headed my way.

"Lift your thighs Bran" he instructed. My dirty mind went wild and I
thought I might pop right there. I complied quickly, though. He slid the
belt under my thighs and walked around behind me. He reached underneath me,
his hands passing beneath my ass cheeks. My dick pulsed harder and pre cum
oozed heavily from it. Rick pulled the belt hard and it came to rest under
my ass.  He pushed the chair toward the tub and attached the belt to two
cables with a bar suspended between them. He connected the belt to the
cables and told me to hang on to the bar. As nervous as I was, I think I
could've broke that bitch in two with ease. He took a quick step away and
flipped a nearby switch. I felt my body being lifted off the chair and
toward the pool. Half way there, though, the lift came to a dead stop.

I looked over at Rick and saw his eyes blazing at me. He stepped closer and
began to speak. "Bran, I've been noticing the way you been looking at me
lately. It's not the way most patients look at me." I hung my head in
shame. I was busted big time. He grabbed my chin, pulling me up until I
looked into those flaming eyes again.

"While I'm flattered as hell, I have to tell you something. I have a
boyfriend. We met my junior year at FSU and have been together ever
since. He's great, but he's also noticed that I talk about you an awful
lot." My curiosity was piqued now. He continued.

"While I have no intention of breaking up with him, we have discussed how
close I feel to you. Yes, Bran, you affect me too. I want to show you that
you are not just another patient to me. Charlie is cool with everything and
I have been dead honest with him. So enjoy today but know we can't go
further than this."

Rick stepped toward me and took my head into his hands. Over what seemed
liked hours his face came toward mine. Our lips met softly at first. I was
shocked as hell. My every dream was coming alive. His tongue grazed my lips
and my mouth opened instinctively. We wrestled back and forth in our
mouths.

Urgency took over, and I wrapped my arms around him, eager to push his
tongue deeper. My heart was beating a mile a minute. I was sweating like a
whore in church. All too soon, he broke the kiss and rested his forehead on
mine. He rubbed his head across my cheek and began nibbling on my ear lobe.
Holy shit! My cock lurched hard and let a load of pre cum loose. It fell
down my throbbing shaft and landed on my pulsating sack. I was lit up from
head to toe. As if that wasn't enough, his hand rubbed across my chest and
settled on my left nipple. He rolled the eraser hard nub in his fingers
causing a moan to escape from my lips. He released my ear lobe and began
lightly flicking his tongue down the side of my neck. Each new contact made
my heart beat harder. I was so light headed I thought I would pass out, but
fought the urge so I could see what's next.

His mouth settled at my nipple, his tongue darting out to lightly flick the
very tip. I shuddered and moaned louder. As if that was the signal he was
waiting for, Rick sucked the whole thing into his mouth. He nursed and bit
softly to the point I thought I would explode. I felt free and exhilarated.
He released my nipple and licked down my belly. I am one ticklish SOB so
this was a huge shock. I writhed and giggled, but he never stopped. He
scooped out my navel with his tongue, making me scream out loud. How he
ignored my obscene noises is beyond me. He remained focused and continued
downward. His tongue reached my pubes and starting exploring them. My
laughing ceased right away. The whole surreal situation now became suddenly
real. He looked up at me and paused.

"You want me to stop?"

"I might die if you do" I panted.

He grinned and resumed his assault on my pubic hair. My cock was so hard
I'm sure it stretched 5 inches beyond its normal length. He finally reached
the prize and grabbed it at the base. I'm no porn twink but I think I'm
respectable down there. He moved it around a bit, admiring its finer points
I guess. Without a second thought, he opened his mouth and took my cock in
to the root. I saw stars and laced my fingers in his hair tightly. I was so
far above cloud 9 it was sick. He massaged my cock head with his throat
muscles, then began a slow up and down motion, never releasing
suction. When he reached the top, his tongue would force my piss slit open
before engulfing me to the root again. WOW!

While continuing to bathe my ever harder pole, he gripped my balls, rolling
them around gently. They were covered in pre cum and now saliva. Breaking
his assault, Rick took one nut in his mouth and sucked hard. I cried out in
pleasure. I probably sounded like a woman getting eaten out but who
cares. I was one big hormone at that moment. Having completed that nut, he
dragged across my swollen sac and repeated his action on the other nut. I
knew I wasn't gonna last long at this rate and told him so. He backed off
and slowly jerked me, his gaze never leaving mine. The eyes were burning
more than I had ever seen.

He smiled at me and dove down on my cock again. I know my eyes rolled back
in my head! Once my cock reached the back of his throat, he began humming.
That's it! I was dead meat. I quickly fell over the falls and felt white
hot cum travel rapidly up my shaft.

"I'm cumming" I screamed out.

Rick's mouth never left my cock. He sucked harder as I exploded like a
bomb. Ropes of cum shot out of the head.  He tried to swallow it all but
some ran out of the sides of his mouth. My body stiffened and I saw a light
brighter than the sun.

When I woke up, my naked body was surrounded by bubbling water. As the haze
in my brain cleared, I felt arms tighten around me and pull me against soft
supple skin. I turned my head slightly to see Rick. He had joined me in the
tub, apparently, and was holding me tight in his arms. I looked directly at
him and smiled.

"I take it you enjoyed that" he said.

"Fuckin A" I beamed. He snickered and I turned tomato red. I was completely
taken by him, but I knew it was not to be. I may be young but I knew better
than to come between lovers. I sighed contentedly.

Rick pulled my face up to his and said "If only I was single....."

I put my fingers to his lips and shook my head no. He nodded slightly and
pulled me in for an amazing kiss. I snuggled harder against him and fell
asleep.





Chapter 3

Things moved along quickly for me. Spring had arrived and all the tropical
flowers were out in force. I loved being among them. I know...totally
gay...but if the shoe fits.....lol. I got fitted for a prosthesis in
January and was pretty good walking with it by now. It may not be walking
as you two legged fuckers know but I was thrilled. Ditching the sticks for
the most part was a milestone in my life!

The day had arrived I looked forward to and dreaded. I was leaving the
rehab for good the next day. Who am I kidding? I was freaked out. The world
seemed scary to me, so big and complicated. Being here I was safe and
protected. I got shivers thinking of all the assholes I might run into. Oh
well, I still have two fists I suppose lol.

Rick and I became closer than ever. The sexual contact we shared never
happened again. I respected his rules and even met Charlie. I was dog
scared but he confirmed to me that everything was ducky. What didn't change
between us was the kissing, hugging and holding. Rick was always touchy
feely with me after that day and I enjoyed his attention. We soaked in the
tub together often, locking lips and lightly caressing each other. It was
the most profound times I had ever had. All good things must end
though.....right?

The day was here. My junk was packed and Dad was heading to the car. I
looked around the room......my fortress for these last months. I sighed
hard, fighting back the tears. "Never thought I would ever miss this place"
I thought. I would though....the doctors....the nurses.....Sarah....Rick.
Rick. Rick. Rick. I would miss him most of all. I had never needed someone
like I needed him and now I had to turn my back and walk away. I knew we
weren't in love, but I guess you're first whatever he was is always
special. I lost the fight and started tearing up badly. I was standing in
the now empty room, feeling scared and lonely when two strong arms locked
me up tightly. I turned and felt soft lips touch mine. I shivered.

Rick pulled back and gazed into my eyes, never releasing his grip. Nothing
was said. Finally, I couldn't stand it anymore and broke the silence.

"I love you Rick. I know we're not in love but I love you all the same. I
won't ever forget the things you've done for me." I lost my words and
hugged him tightly.

Gripping tightly, he replied "Bran, I love you like no other. I'm gonna
enjoy watching you fly baby." I laughed at that one.

"Dunno about flying. I do well just to hobble some days." He flashed his
wide grin that melted me. I looked away and broke our embrace. I picked up
a wrapped box on my bed and handed it to him. "Open it" I instructed him.

Rick carefully undid the taped seams and lifted the top off. Pealing back
the tissue paper, tears immediately came to his eyes. Inside was a picture
of us in the tropical flower garden. It was the first picture taken of me
standing since my accident.

He set the box aside and pulled me into his arms. We kissed, cried and held
each other. I don't think either of us realized how bad this day would
be. My Dad knocked on the door, and entered the room.  He hugged Rick,
thanking him for all he had done. He then announced it was time to go. I
nodded my head and moved to the door.

Rick walked me to the elevator, never letting my hand go. If Dad objected,
he wisely kept his mouth shut. The doors opened. I turned and got a kiss on
the forehead. The look in his eyes said everything I needed to know. I
turned and entered. The doors shut behind me, moving us downward. When the
doors opened, I think every employee who helped me at all was waiting. They
noticed my arrival and applause broke out. It took a while to get to the
car, everyone hugging and wishing me well. When I reached the car, I sat
down and fastened my seat belt. I looked at all the people I had grown to
love so much. Damn this was hard! The car started and began to move
away. As we cleared the covered portico, I saw Rick looking down at us from
the balcony. His face showed the hurt I know I was feeling. I kept eye
contact for as long as I could until we pulled out of sight. My chest
tightened and I cried silently. The man had become my life and that was
over now. I knew he would never want to hold me back and took comfort in
that fact. I looked up and smiled at Dad. He had been watching me the whole
time and returned my smile.

"Do you love him?" Dad asked.

"More than anyone or anything. It's not meant to be Dad but that don't mean
I gotta like it" I replied without nervousness.

"You'll be ok Brandy. It may take longer than you expect but I promise you
it gets better."

As soon as he finished, the tears welled and exploded. I let all of my pain
and frustration of the day come rushing out. Dad put his arm around me and
held me until there were no more tears left. I spent the rest of the ride
home pondering my next move.

I figured the house would be a zoo and my nutty parental didn't let me
down. Balloons and banners were placed all over the house and yard
welcoming me home. Mom was perched with the camera and started screaming
excitedly when she saw Dad's car. I rolled my eyes and groaned.

"I hear Alaska rocks this time of year" I said hopefully to Dad. He gave a
hearty laugh.

"She'd hunt us down and you know it!"

"Agreed." I said. "Guess we've got no choice then?"

"Not that I can see son" Dad replied. "Your mom has been planning for
weeks. Let's try not to let her down, OK? Who knows....maybe we can
eventually find a corner to hide in." I grinned and nodded at him.

As soon as the car stopped, Mom was all over me. A billion kisses later,
she excitedly pulled me toward the house. When I entered, I saw what had to
be every human I had ever known. I tried to act excited but was petrified
inside. I walked around, hugging and shaking hands. Everyone treated me
like I was gonna break if handled roughly. Mom was behind that I
suspect. Have to nip that shit soon. I made my way through the line and
came across someone with their eyes looking downward. Inwardly I smiled but
kept my exterior cool.

"Well, well, it does exist. I heard rumors but never know which ones to
believe" I said, never breaking eye contact. The head dropped lower, almost
admitting defeat.

I walked forward and grabbed a shoulder, turning the body toward me. That
completed, I wrapped him up in a huge hug.

"God I've missed you mutha fucka!" I whispered to David. He hugged me back
tightly, his relief obvious.

"I...uh...missed you too. Bran...I'm a dumb fuck and....." I stopped him
and suggested we continue this by the pool. Besides, I needed a smoke
something fierce! He smiled, nodding his agreement. Dave wasn't up for this
crap any more than I was. We turned and headed out to the pool area. It was
a perfect weather day, so I decided to take advantage of it. I stripped off
my shirt, dropping it on the patio. I kicked my flip flop off and headed
toward the pool. When I got there, I sat down and disposed of the peg
leg. I scooted forward and dangled my bare foot in the warm water. I lit a
smoke, inhaled deeply, then noticed David staring with his mouth wide open.

I guess I should fill you in on David's deal. After the accident, he kinda
freaked out a bit. I guess he thought all of this crap was his fault. Mom
said he got really down and stopped talking to most people. He was supposed
to go away with everyone else that fall but he chose to stay around while I
recovered. He never came to visit me in either hospital. I was completely
pissed at first, but Mom kept me calm.

She told me about his feelings and how he reacted to all this. I felt like
shit for being angry. I wanted to call him like a million times, beg him to
visit, and set everything right. I never could make the call. My mind
wasn't 100% and I had so much to handle already. Here he was now, standing
before me white as a sheet. Now was my chance to do what I couldn't do
then.

"Com'ere Dave" I said patting the spot next to me. He finished stripping
his shirt off, kicked his flops away and walked slowly toward me. He looked
like he could cry at any moment.

"Step on it asshole....I ain't gettin any younger " I said smiling, trying
to lighten the mood. He finally sat down next to me but his gaze never left
my stump. We said nothing for a few minutes. He finally looked up at me.

"Does it hurt?" he asked.

"It never really did. The muscle tone therapy for it hurt like hell but the
amputation never did" I said trying to keep him calm. His gaze returned to
the stump. I saw immense pain and guilt in his stare. I grabbed his hand
and forced it to my leg. He tried to pull back, but I was having none of
that. I ran his hand up and down it. He balled his hand into a fist. I used
my other hand to release his fingers and force to hold my stump. I held it
there tightly for a few moments. David finally relaxed but never released
his grip.

"Feels different then I thought it would. Don't know what I expected but
not this." He began to lightly caress the leg. He continued speaking.

"When I saw the car, I thought you were dead. I knew it was my fault. You
had no business behind the wheel and I let you go. I found out later that
you didn't die, but had lost the leg among other things. I wanted to take
your place, but I knew I couldn't. I called everyone the next day to break
the news. That whore, Erica, said you two were finished now that you were
half a man. I got royally pissed but she blew me off saying the whole man
couldn't fuck her so what would half do?"

I winced at those statements. If anyone had known, they sure as hell didn't
tell me. I kept my cool and continued to listen to my best friend.

"I tried so many times to visit. Even made it to the hospital lobby. I just
couldn't go further. I'm a total asshole and I'm so sorry Bran. All of this
was my fault and I hope you'll forgive me one day." Tears began escaping
his eyes. I clutched the hand on my leg harder. Now it was my turn.

"I wanna say a few things and I want ya to listen good. First off, don't be
a douche. None of this is your fault. Yes I was trashed but I still made
the final decision. I knew better David. Second, Erica's right. The man I
was couldn't or wouldn't fuck her no matter what she tried. This man sure
as hell wouldn't. I've learned a shitload about me lately. Namely that I'm
gay."  I paused to let that sink in.

David looked up at me and said "Really?" I nodded my head.

"And you pretty much knew all along?" I nodded again.

He looked out over then pool, analyzing what I just said. His hand never
left my leg. After what seemed like forever, he finally turned toward
me. Taking my hand in his, he said "Doesn't matter to me. I love you anyway
and I'm glad you're home asshole." A grin slowly came into view.

"I got one question though?"

"Anything you want" I said.

"Are you and Jen gonna share clothes and make up tips now?"

I bust out laughing and yelled "You little shit!" I took the hand holding
mine and ripped it forward. David didn't stand a chance. His body lurched
forward and fell into the water. I slid in after him and waited for him to
surface.

When he did I started to say "Ok Mr. fuck......." But a big splash cut me
off. Laughing my ass off, we got into a water fight for a while. We
splashed, laughed, swam and hugged for the afternoon. When we tired, we
jumped up on the side to dry off. I took a butt and fired it up. Dave ran
over to his clothes, grabbed his smokes and did the same. The easy talk we
had before my accident came back quickly. Finally we came back around to
college.

"You gonna try and head there this year?" David asked.

"I want to but the rents and I don't see eye to eye on how this should go"
I replied.

"Why not?"

"They have the idea that I'm gonna get an apartment and live with some
caretaker student in case something happens. I can handle my own shit and
wanna stay on campus!"

"Jesus Christ, dude. They're right. While I'd love to room with your cock
sucking ass, I wouldn't know what the hell to do if a problem came up. They
love ya and worry about ya fool. Meet `em half way and take the
apartment. OK?"  He still had a way with words.

"OK asshole, but only because you asked. As payment, I expect you to drive
me wherever and whenever I want you to."

He smiled widely "Deal. I got radio control though. Can't handle show
tunes!"

I smacked him and we giggled like girls. We chilled the rest of the day and
ate dinner together. After that, David said his goodbyes and left for
home. Before leaving, he hugged me and whispered "Glad you're back." I
hugged back and replied "Good to be back."

With David gone, it was time to inform Sonny and Cher they were gonna get
their way. They took it well and agreed to set things up the following day.

USF informed me that I would have to attend to the Summer B term since I
had been outa things for a year. David got the same response. We both
agreed and online registered for classes. Mom called my student warden and
informed him of the situation.  She said his name was Brian and he was fine
with the changes. We had to be at school the Friday after July 4TH. Mom and
Dad shipped most of my stuff up a few days before me so I could ride up
with David. The day came for us to leave. I was primed and ready. Mom cried
her eyes out while Dad stayed strong and offered advice. David threw what
little I was carrying in the car and we were off.

We listened to music (no Streisand of course), talked and smoked plenty of
cigs. We arrived in town about 4 hours later and found my apartment. David
told me to head over and meet the new roomie while he grabbed my gear. I
grudgingly agreed and headed to the door.

I paused a moment, wondering what I was getting into, then knocked. When
the door opened, I looked up and my breath left me....


			      TO BE CONTINUED


Well folks, that's the first three chapters. I won't post that many
together again but will try to be in depth in all successive chapters. I
have started Chapter 4 already, but I'm gonna hold it until I read
responses for these. Remember, constructive comments are welcome at
mcnc1966@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from ya soon!


Mark