Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2003 11:10:03 -0800
From: Steve Thomas <s4d@hotmail.com>
Subject: Rob, Chapter 19

This is a fictional story. It is based on the few experiences and many
fantasies of the author. If you are really into graphic sex, it may not
satisfy your purpose for coming here. If you like to hear of real love
and real teen angst, with a little sex thrown in, you are in the right
place. There may be some amount of graphic sex between males. If this is
objectionable to you, or you are legally too young to be here, you are
cordially invited to press your back button.

Characters:

Robert E. Lee Balser

Denny (Dennis Andrew Miggs), 20

Robert F. Balser, Rob's dad

Donna Balser, Rob's mom.

Roger, Rob's attorney

Nana, The Balser's housekeeper

Garth Roth, 22

Randy Small, 24

Bob, Denny's Brother 3 years older

Gail, Bob's wife

Jack, Denny's oldest brother, 9 years older

Emma, Rob's boss.

Jack's son's, Jacky, Bobby and DennyToo

James Miggs, Denny's dad

Carol Miggs, Denny's mom,

Ray, Denny's dad's Deputy D.A. friend

Tad Newliegh, the new roomie

Jacob Smith, Rob's former "Landlord"

Linda Smith, Jacob's wife

Chris & Craig, partners, Rob's roomies.

Seth, Chris's Brother

Luke, Seth's partner.

Etta, The Smith's housekeeper

Donny, Works with Rob

Timothy -- Donny's brother

Rod -- the flight attendant

James (Red) Rod's friend

Carrie Smith, Jake's sister

Dr. Kepanokoma -- in Hawaii

From chapter 18:

"Boy, I'm just one liability after another for you! Can I even drive my
new car?"

"Okay, so you remember that! That's good. Do you remember why we're
here?"

"Uh -- because you love me?"

"Well, I do love you! But what else?"

"Be -- cause -- you're parents love us and wanted to make sure we had a
proper honeymoon?" He said very seriously until the end when he cracked a
smile.

"Denny! I've been through too much for you to play with me like that!
This has been very scary for me."

"I'm sorry Robby." He sounded sorry. "Really, except for what happened
in the airplane, I can remember everything. What time do we have to board
the boat?"

"Early afternoon. We get settled and then go for dinner in the grand
dining room."

Chapter 19

I had our stuff sent ahead to our stateroom as soon as we were up and
packed. Then we decided to head out to the Asian Market, which was right
next to the Royal Hawaiian. We had a bit of an argument about swimming.
Denny wanted to swim at Waikiki, which is right outside the hotel. I
vetoed that idea.

"Dammit, Rob! You're NOT my father! I wanna go swimming!"

"I KNOW I'm not your father! So stop making me act like one! I want you
around for a long time! We AREN'T swimming -- except in the hotel pool!"

"Well, FUCK YOU! I'll go if I want to!"

"OH! The LITTLE boy is rebelling is he? Okay, then you do whatever you
WANT, BABY! Only don't expect me to be there to rescue you if something
goes wrong!" I said and I stormed out of the room. I bristled all the way
down to the Lobby area, where there were luxurious seating -- couches and
chairs -- in open air. There are no bugs in Hawaii -- at least not in
Waikiki.

I sat on a couch, stewing for a half-hour. Unwilling to go back, and fit
to be tied. Finally I got up and went outside. The white sand of Waikiki
beach was warm and clean. At least in front of the Royal Hawaiian, it was
kept up perfectly. I took off my shoes and walked in the sand. As I
watched the minimal surf roll up and down, my anger was turning to regret
and remorse. What could be dangerous about letting my sweetheart get wet
in the clear pacific waters here?

"I'm sorry, Robby!" I turned and he was behind me, looking worried. "I
know you're right. And I know you only are trying to protect me. I just
lost it. I feel so bad. I wish I could take those words back."

I knew exactly the words he was referring to. He knows how I hate foul
language. "Well, rather than take them back -- when you're better, you
can make good on them, eh?" I smiled. "And Babe, I'm sorry if I was
being unreasonable."

"No, you were not unreasonable. Robby, I was so afraid when you took off
like that! I cried for most of 15 minutes. Then I started to look for
you. I looked on the balcony up on our floor, and then in the pool area.
I was frantic. I was afraid -- afraid - " tears sprang from his eyes.

I gathered him up in my arms and whispered, "What were you afraid of,
baby?"

"Robby -- I don't want to ever lose you!" And he sobbed on my chest.

"Lose me? What are you talking about?"

"I didn't know what to think when you walked out. (sob) I didn't know
if you'd be back!"

"Oh, Denny! How could you even think I would leave you. I LOVE you!"

"I know couples who have broken up because of less than that."

"Denny -- Do you remember our wedding vows?"

"I th -- I think s-so."

"I pledged my life to you. I meant it. Did you?"

"I did! But look what you got! How can you love me? I'm a wreck!"

I held him close for a few moments. People were staring. I didn't care.
"Denny, we're adults now. We're married but even adults have
disagreements. Did your parents break up because of arguments?"

"No."

"Neither did mine. And neither will we. I'm yours forever -- if you will
have me."

"Have you? It's YOU who has to put up with me!"

"Denny,"

"You have to put up with my frailties -- my weaknesses. You have to put
up with my acting like a teenager! You have to - "

"Wow! You're enumerating all the reasons I love you!"

"You -- you -- love my weaknesses! Yeah, right!"

"Denny -- Sweetie pie -- It's your very youth that draws me to you. I
know lots of guys my own age. But YOU are the one I LOVE! Do you know
that your `frailties' as you call them make me feel important? I NEED
to care for someone! Don't make the mistake of thinking that I love you
because I pity you, but it's -- like -- we each have incompletions in
our lives -- that the other completes."

"Naw! You are completely -- complete! How do I complete you?"

"(sigh!) Denny do you realize that I live off my daddy's money - and in
his shadow. I'm pretending that I make my own way in the world, because
I have this little penny-ante job that I go to every day. But everything
nice that I have has been bought with my daddy's money. And probably
will be. It's all phony window dressing. You are the only real thing
that I have in my life. I don't ever want to lose you! You give me the
will to keep living each day -- to keep up the charade. You know MY
weaknesses, and help me to keep them secret from the world. I love you so
much. If you insisted, I would leave you. But it will never be of my own
doing!"

Denny pushed me away, and looked in my wet eyes. HE smiled. "Hey! Our
first fight!"

"I'm sure there will be many more. But we love each other -- we will
survive them all." I sat him down, removed his sandals, and rolled his
pant legs up. Without a word, I took his hand and led him to the water.
He thought we were going to wade. I just kept walking into the water. He
resisted, but I kept hold of his hand and pulled him out about 25 yards.
Waikiki beach is very shallow.

"Hey!" He finally said. "We already sent all our clothes to the boat!
What're we gonna do?"

"We'll just get some more -- with my daddy's money!" and I dragged him
the rest of the way into the water. I was careful not to get his bandage
wet.

"Hee hee! Now who's being the teenager?" He said. I held him again. We
both looked back at the beach at the same time. There was a crowd of
people watching us! They probably thought we were doing a double suicide
or something, after the emotional scene on the beach!

"So, have you had enough swimming at Waikiki Beach?" I asked him.

"Yeah -- more than enough!"

I picked him up, cradling him like a baby, and carried him out of the
water. I set him down and put his sandals back on. And we walked up
toward Diamondhead, past the aquarium, and then turned up and walked
around the park that was across the street from the beach, until we were
nearly dry. Then we headed for our original destination -- the Asian
Market.

We got some new clothes, and since we didn't want to carry the others
around, we just left them where we were sure someone would pick them up.
As we passed a certain store, which seemed to specialize in pearls, I
admired a very masculine pendant -- a dolphin set with a black pearl and
a small diamond.

We walked around some more, then ate lunch at one of the many Asian take
out/fast food places. One order was more than enough for both of us. When
we were finished eating, I had to pee. I asked him if he needed to. And
he said, no, he would wait for me.

I came back and it was time to get to our boat. We hailed a taxi, and
within minutes we were at the harbor, on the gangway of "The Island
Dream" cruise boat. A beautiful Hawaiian teen boy and girl put colorful
fresh flower leis around our necks. When we were on board, our steward
personally showed us to our stateroom. It was in the upper passenger
deck, and had it's own balcony, complete with chaises for sunning.

There was Champaign, cheese and crackers on the dresser and of course
mints on the pillows. This was not new to me, but I delighted in seeing
the surprise and wonder as Denny discovered each new wonderful perk.
Sailing first class has its advantages! We each lay down on a chaise and
promptly fell asleep.

 

"Sir? Sir! Are you dining this evening with the captain?" Our steward
gently awakened us.

"Huh? OH! Is this our night?"

"Yes sir. Will you need any assistance?"

I was tempted, just to impress Denny, to take him up on it, but decided
not to. "No, Paul, that'll be all for now."

"If you need anything, just ring!" and he was out the door.

"Okay, sleepy head, up and at `em! Tonight we dine with the captain."

"Really? Wow I thought that was only in the movies and the Love Boat!"

"Nope! It really happens. But only in first class!"

"Oh." Heh! He didn't sound too impressed.

The captain's table was set up the same as all the rest, except it was
the head table in the room. There were three other couples at the table
with us. Everyone was dressed in shirts and ties, and dresses. This was
required in the Grand Dining Room. The captain was a portly, jovial man.
"So, Mr. Miggs, did you step on that going up the stairs?" He joked with
Denny about his bandaged nose.

"Nope, my partner here slammed it in the shower door! You can't see the
damage I did to him!"

"Oh -- OH! Hohohoho! I can tell I've met my match!" Polite laughter
around the table. And so it went as the captain made a point of
conversing with each person there. "I saw we're to deliver your things
to the Royal Hawaiian when you de-board. Were you married there?"

This guy does his homework! "No sir," I responded. "In Palos Verdes,
California."

"Oh yes, wonderful place! Dennis and Rob here," he announced to the rest
of the table, "are on their honeymoon!" Polite applause. Among the people
that are privileged to dine with the

captain, are very few who would be outright rude. I was happy when it was
over.

After dinner we walked out on the deck for awhile. It was cool, but
comfortable. We stopped to look at the moon, mirrored on the glassy sea.
I unconsciously reached for Denny's hand. He took mine and pulled me to
him. I didn't resist. We were on a lower deck, hidden behind a dinghy. I
wrapped him up in my arms and we kissed for an eternity, beneath a
perfectly round moon.

He broke away for a moment and reached into his pocket, producing a small
box. He opened it and showed me what was inside. A very masculine pendant
-- a dolphin set with a black pearl and a small diamond. He took it out
and placed it around my neck, along with the lei that we received
earlier. Then he kissed me.

"When did you get this?" I asked.

"When you went to the bathroom. I was sure you saw me coming back from
that kiosk!"

"No. I didn't! Pretty sneaky, you! I love it!"

"Now it's my turn."

"To what?"

"Go to the rest -- er -- it's called a head on a boat, right?"

"Heh! Well, maybe a navy boat. I think it's still a restroom here. Do
you want me to go with you?"

"No, I'll be okay. Be right back."

Famous last words.

I was standing next to the railing, wondering how I could have lucked
into this relationship. I saw the drunk out of the corner of my eye, but
paid little attention. He seemed to be just walking past, albeit,
struggling to keep his balance. When he got to me, he lurched in my
direction. With my high center of gravity, he had no problem and pushing
me over the side. He grabbed for me and caught my arm. I was at his
mercy. He struggled to hold on to me, but my arm was slipping through his
sweaty hand.

He was bent over too far and I could see that if I didn't slip away
soon, he was going to follow me over the side. I jerked my body, and fell
about 30 feet into the water. I watched as the drunk just stared back at
me. I tried to holler, but the engine noise drowned out any noise I could
make. The drunk seemed to disappear behind the railing. I watched as the
boat slipped past me and got smaller and smaller.

I looked around and saw a small atoll some ways off toward the nearest
island, where there were lights. Thank god for the bright moonlight!

The water was not the least cold. The lei had gotten ripped off somewhere
in the struggle. I felt for the pendant. It was intact! Some how this
comforted me. I thought about how Denny had given it to me.

OH MY GOD! DENNY! What must he be thinking! I wasn't worried about
myself. I wondered what Denny would do. I thought it out as I swam toward
the atoll. Often they were encrusted with sharp coral. These clothes
could save a lot of misery.

I took my time swimming. I was a strong swimmer, but knew my limits. I
just stopped and floated when I got tired. I started thinking about what
Denny would do without me. I guessed he would be all right. I hoped that
he would hurt as much as I would be if I lost him. Then I snapped out of
it, realizing again that it was only a matter of time and we would be
reunited.

As I was floating once, I bumped into something. I felt carefully, and it
was sand. I climbed up a steep embankment. I got to the top and looked
around. It was about fifty yards across the atoll. I waded all the way
across. I rested a few moments -- not much more, and taking one last look
out to sea, I saw a twinkle in the distance, where the boat had sailed. I
watched mesmerized, as the launch came closer, searchlights a-blazing.

What? Did they expect me to just stay there? I didn't try to wave or
holler. Even with the bright moon, I was way too small to be seen
flailing around. All I could think of now was my sweet boy, worrying.
What would he do? I started to swim toward the island. I was getting
pretty drowsy. My arms and legs were feeling like pieces of lead. I
decided to turn back to the atoll, and sleep there overnight. I swam back
and then I heard it. "Mr. Balser -- sir -- wake up!"

"What? Was I dreaming?"

"I'm afraid you and your partner will have to hurry to be able to make
the Captain's table in time, sir!"

"Thanks -- er -- Paul, is it?"

"No sir -- I'm Sing -- your steward."

"Thanks Sing."

It was ALL a dream! Except that we WERE dining with the Captain -- in ten
minutes!

"Wake up sweetie! We've gotta jam!"

The captain was tall and slim. We didn't walk out to the lifeboats. (No
WAY!) There was no pendant. And I was one happy guy! In the morning, we
de-boarded on to Maui. We were in Maui 2 days. There was too much to see.
Mostly we got ideas of where and what we want to do when we come back!
And make no mistake -- we ARE coming back!

We hiked up the Haleakala Crater. That was almost too much for Denny. So
in the afternoon, we boarded a whale watching boat and just relaxed --
and watched.

We were back in time for dinner. If the captain knew of our orientation,
I guess it was no secret to the rest of the staff. I figured out that my
dad must have clued them in. I'll explain.

It didn't take us long to notice that all the people at our table were
men! And our waiter and busboy were very kittenish with each other, as
well as with their table guests. We had so much fun! The only other table
that looked as fun as ours was a table of teenagers.

We learned that these teens' parents were on a 25th high school reunion.
One night -- when everyone else was having escargot and poached
mahi-mahi, there were an assortment of pizzas delivered to the kids'
table. Their waiter and busboy constantly entertained them with magic
tricks, origami, and jokes.

We made quick friends with the two guys that sat to our right. Gene and
Dave were their names. They were both in their early forties, were from
Queensland, Australia, and were celebrating 15 years together. This was
the kind of people I wanted to stay friends with! You better believe that
both Denny and I gave them grief over being from QUEENS-land!

Dave and Gene were quartered four levels below us. Normally that would
not even be allowed. People of the same station were normally tabled
together. But -- station was not the common denominator here. Their room
was barely able to turn around in -- more like a closet. We spent several
nights during the cruise in their company. Up late playing cards one
night. I'll let you guess what the card game was! Hint: Denny was forced
to wrap up in a blanket to watch us finish the game.

Our second day in Maui, we took a helicopter ride over the island. Very
cool! Denny thought he was well enough to go snorkeling. I had to pop his
balloon one more time. This time was not as bad. He had a way of
forgetting that his face was bandaged! I promised we would come back and
do it later. We went everywhere with Gene and Dave for the rest of the
cruise. They liked us and both Denny and I were attracted to both of
them. Not sexually -- but they had a certain charisma.

We next visited Kauai, the garden Island. Since I was here last there was
a major hurricane. I heard that Kauai was devastated, but you would never
know it today. It seems lusher and greener than before. Next was the Big
Island -- Hawaii. We were three days here. There was so much to do. We
passed up several events because Denny was not up to it -- or I
determined he shouldn't. Gene and Dave preferred to stay with us anyway.

The 7th day was a day of minimal duty for the crew. They were there if we
needed them. It was a day of rest for the boat too. If we wanted, we
could take a launch to Molokai. We wanted. Molokai used to be totally off
limits to tourists. It used to be a leper colony. We were taught its
history as we sailed to it on the launch. Even the lepers could find ways
to be happy in this island paradise.

The last three days were back to Oahu -- and Honolulu. I had spent many
idle days there as a teenager. Even at that, Luke told us of some great,
out of the way places to go -- that only the natives know about. Gene and
Dave accompanied us everywhere. Our last night on the boat, we celebrated
a good time and finding a lasting friendship. They didn't go back to
their cabin until well after 3:00 AM. None of us wanted to say good bye.
We walked them back and stood in the hallway outside their room for at
least 15 minutes, just hugging goodbye, vowing to stay in contact.

When Denny and I got back to our stateroom we collapsed on the bed fully
clothed. I woke up about an hour later and covered my boy up. When I
heard a tapping on the door, I looked at the clock. It was 9:00 AM! We
had to be out of there by 10.00! "Hello!" I hollered. "Come in!"

Sing thrust his head in. "Time-ee get up sir!"

"Thanks, Sing." He closed the door. "Sweetie Pie, wake up."

"OHHhhh!"

"I know. But we've had six hours sleep."

"No, it's my bladder! I don't know if I can make it to the bathroom."

"You can. Here, let me give you a hand." I gently pulled him up and
pointed him to the bathroom door. He hobbled in there and relieved
himself, with loud groans. I hollered, "If I knew it was going to feel
that good, I would have come with you!"

When he was finished, he asked me what I meant.

"Chris told me that peeing while kissing and hugging is great!" I
answered.

"Uh huh! And how do you accomplish that without a diaper?"

"In the shower!"

"You mean -- ewww!" Denny recoiled.

"Hey -- to each his own." I was surprised at my answer. I used to be such
a prude!

On our way to de-boarding, there were many pictures of us, our dinner
table group, and of course us and Gene and Dave. Denny didn't like most
of them, because of his bandaged face, but I had to purchase some of
them.

We went back to Dr. Kepanokoma for a last check before boarding our plane
for the mainland. He asked us to say hello to Luke, and to tell him that
he (Dr. Kepanokoma) was still working on Luke's dad. Luke's dad had
disowned him, and apparently Dr. Kepanokoma was trying to get Luke's
father to relent. He also told us that Denny would have to be careful
about shock trauma to his brain for an extended time.

"I don't want to scare you, but to make you aware, and careful. You may
have to live with this all your life. No sky diving!" He said with a
friendly but concerned smile.

"How about deep sea diving?" Denny asked.

"Nothing that would shake or jar your head -- at least for the near
future."

The airliner captain promised clear skies all the way. I was still a
little nervous. Denny didn't seem to be phased. I asked him later why he
was so calm. "Hey, I didn't remember it at all."

"Ok. So ignorance really IS bliss!"

When Denny saw his Truck, he seemed relieved -- as if here was something
familiar. He started to get into the driver's seat. "Uh," I said, "Maybe
I should drive?" He looked hurt. I wished I had kept my mouth shut. He
offered me his keys. "No -- you have to start driving to school again
tomorrow anyway. You may as well drive." He brightened up immediately.

After the short drive home from the airport, we were surprised how tired
we both were. But I needed to talk a bit before bed.

"Denny, before we go to bed, I want to discuss a thing or two with you."
He got an uh-oh look on his face. "No, its nothing like you may think.
Well, first of all, I know you know this, but I love you so much I can't
even begin to express it in words."

He smiled and said, "Somehow you seem to find ways to let me know."

"Anyway, As far as I'm concerned my sun rises and sets on you. I find
myself worrying -- maybe -- or probably -- more than I should. I AM
worried about you. Dr. K indicated that you may be at least somewhat
delicate for a long time. Of COURSE I worry about that." Denny looked
really concerned about what I would say next.

"Denny, I don't want to be your father." I got a frown for that remark.
"No, I mean that! The fight we had last week shouldn't have happened. I
know that this puts a lot of responsibility on you, but From now on, I am
not going to bug you. If you decide you want to go sky diving -- it's
your decision. I would hope you won't do anything like that, but I
can't be your nursemaid or your conscious. And I'm sure you don't WANT
me to be either."

He just looked at me as if to say, "Yeah? So drop the other shoe."

"I have told you how much I love you -- or tried to. All I'd like from
you is -- I guess -- a reassurance form you that you love me enough to
take care of yourself -- preserve yourself -- for me." Tears immediately
filled my eyes, as the implied alternative presented itself. "I don't
want to lose you -- ever."

"I'm sorry if I worry you. And I know you don't want to be my dad.
I'll try to take more responsibility for myself. I really will. And I'm
sorry that I gave you such a hard time last week. My dad had the same
problem with me. Always called me immature. I guess since I will be 21 in
3 weeks, I better start acting like a man, huh?"

"One more request though?"

"Anything!" He said unequivocally.

"Don't lose your little boy quality. It's one of the things I love the
most!"

He grinned and said, "Oh, sure! You want your cake and to eat it too!"

"I guess." I said grinning back.

"Well, you can eat me any time you want!"

"You mean like - - - now?"

That's exactly what he meant!!

Notes: I'm so sorry to pull the old dream thing on you -- once again!
Haha! Well, I bet it got you! Guess what? It got me too! Send your
complaints -- or love -- to Steve at s4d@hotmail.com, being sure to say
"Rob" in the subject somewhere. Thanks and love, Steve


Bottom line: Love will Rule in the end.