Date: Thu, 01 Dec 2005 18:41:32 -0500
From: Tyler Peel <tylerpeel@hotmail.com>
Subject: The Road Home Part Six

DISCLAIMER: WARNING!! This is a work of homoerotic fiction written by an
adult for the purpose of entertaining other adults. If you are not eighteen
years of age or you have any problem with this type of literature then this
is a warning to read no further. The author will not be held responsible for
any reason if you choose to disregard this disclaimer. If it is not legal to
read the following fictional story in your country then please stop now.


The Road Home:  Part Six (The Restaurant)

"Hahahaha.." Derek laughed as he entered his room followed by his parents.
"How come they're never this quiet at home?" He asked his parents.

"Shush Derek!  Let them sleep."  His Mom said.

"Wake them up Linda. they'll never sleep tonight if you let them sleep now."
  Larry told his wife.

Larry went around to Tyler's side of the bed and stepped up on his desk
chair so he could better see Luke to wake him up.  "Hey Pookie Lukey!  Time
to get up!"  He said ruffling Luke's shoulder.

"Mmmmm... Hi Dad, when did you get back?"

"Just now Lukey!  C'mon, get up or you won't sleep tonight."  His Dad pulled
him into his arms and brought him down from the bed.

On the other side of the bed Derek could be just as gracious and loving at
waking Kyle up or not!  "Hey tard boy!  Get the Hell up!  And you better not
have wet my bed"

"DEREK!"  He got from both of his parents.

"Hey everybody," Kyle yawned and looked around the room from his vantage
point. "Man I would hate to wake up having to take a piss in the middle of
the night and forget I was this high up."

"Kyle get the Hell off my bed so I can make it up!"  Derek demanded.

"Derek!"  He got from both of his parents. again!

Kyle jumped down and asked "Where's Ty?"

"Probably at work!"  Larry said.  "So did you guys have fun this afternoon?"

Both boys began talking over one another and finishing each others sentences
telling their parents about what they did.  This just made Derek more
miserable knowing that comparisons were being made.

"Hey Dad, could we take Tyler home and leave Derek here?"  That comment
resulted in a pillow flying at him.

"Kyle we'll meet you halfway and leave Derek here okay?"  Larry smiled.

"Okay Dad!"  Said a smiling Kyle while looking at his older brother.
"LARRY!"  Linda glared at him.

"I'll make you a better deal Kyle; you can keep Tyler if I don't have to
look at your face ever again!"  Derek shot back.

"DEREK" He heard from both of his parents, again!  "Seems to be an echo in
here." He mumbled aloud to himself.  Luke heard it and grinned.

"Shouldn't you guys be checking into your hotel?"  Derek asked?

"He's right dear, we really should get checked in."  Linda said to her
husband as she filled each drawer of his 5-drawer chest.

"Okay rug rats. let's get checked in."  Larry called out.

"Dad, do you think they will have bunk beds in the hotel?"  Luke asked.

"Not likely Luke, you have to share a bed with your brother tonight."  Larry
said.

"Do we get to see Tyler again?"  Kyle asked.

"Have you got Tyler on the brain Kyle?"  Derek asked shaking his head.

"Nope, he's just the brother that Luke and I have always wanted" Kyle said.

"Yeah, he's so cool Dad!  You should see him skate on the half pipe!"  Luke
chimed in.

"You'll probably get to see him tonight Kyle if we go to that Italian
restaurant for dinner."  Larry said.

"I WANT PIZZA!"  Luke yelled

"You'll eat anything and everything Luke" Kyle said.

"Honey what do you think?  Want to try the restaurant that Tyler works at?"
Larry asked Linda.

"Sure honey, but I think we really should let Derek decide."

"You're right!  Derek, where do you want to eat tonight?"  Larry asked him.

"Like I have a choice?"  He answered.

"Of course you have a choice Derek!  We want to go eat whatever would make
you happy.  We don't have to eat Italian.  You'll just have to listen to
your brothers whine all night."  Larry winked at Derek.

"Fine, we'll eat at Tyler's restaurant." Derek said.

"Does Tyler own the restaurant?" Luke asked.

"No tard boy number two!  He just works there."  Derek snarled.

"DEREK!"

"I know, I know."  He responded.

"Larry, did you look at Tyler's artwork?  These drawings are incredible.
Look at the charcoals of his dog and his little brother has the same eyes as
Kyle."  Linda said.

"Look at his drawings of Damon Rhodes Mom!  It looks like a black and white
picture but he actually drew it."

"Yes dear, he really is talented.  I wonder why he isn't pursuing a degree
in art?"  Larry said.

"Maybe he wants a job." Linda snickered.

"Did I tell you he wouldn't accept any money for looking after the boys this
afternoon?"

"Really?  We can't accept that.  You have to give him something tonight."
Linda said.

"Wait and see if he earns first!" Derek snarled

"HA!  Like you would know anything about that!"  Kyle tossed in to the
conversation and Derek took off after him down the hallway.

"Boys!"  Yelled Linda but they were already gone.

"Linda you better have a talk to that boy!  I spoke with him last night but
it obviously didn't sink in.  Tyler's life is going to be hell with Derek if
he doesn't alter his attitude."  Larry said and Linda reluctantly agreed.

Derek returned with Kyle in a headlock.  "DEREK" Yelled Larry, and as Derek
released his brother, messing up his hair he said, "Dad, I was only hugging
my favourite brother."

Luke innocently added, "I'm glad I'm not his favourite brother."

"Okay boys, we're going now!  Derek, we'll pick you up at 7:30 and please
dress appropriately!  Larry said.

"That means wear some underwear Derek."  Kyle laughed and ran out of the
room before Derek could even think about coming after him.

"Dad!  See what I have to put up with?"

"Right Derek. it's all their fault." Larry just shook his head and walked
out.

"Derek, wear a nice shirt and your beige cargo pants please!  And I will
tell you right now I'm up to my limit with you!  Your father and I have
spent a lot of money on you this week.  Your brothers haven't said a word or
even asked if they get something!  You didn't have to put up with them all
afternoon and you are still mean to them. I know they are a lot younger than
you but you're at the age where you should know better!  I really don't know
what I did to raise such a selfish, spoiled brat."  Linda said with a strict
voice.

"I know every parent says it to every child but someday you're going to want
to have your brothers beside you and they won't be there.  When that happens
just remember whose fault it is!  You misbehave tonight and you'll deal with
me in front of your brothers and Tyler.  I think you owe Tyler a great deal
of thanks for just giving us a few hours of peace today."  Derek didn't say
anything.  He just Brendant his head down hoping the lecture would end
sooner rather than later.

"Oh Derek, please stop sulking.  I love you, you know?"  Linda said to her
son.

"I know Mom.  I'm sorry I let you down. again.  I know I'm a
disappointment."

"Derek!  Don't start that crap with me!  You've never been a disappointment.
  But you are missing the enjoyment of the world around you.  Soon enough
you'll be out on your own and you'll realize all that you had up to this
point and how you've wasted so much of your life being angry and jealous.  I
want you to be happy, but you have to learn to love and accept yourself,
warts and all, to be able to love others and see the beauty around you.  Now
go get ready and remember how much your family really loves you!"  Linda
kissed her son and walked down the hallway to the elevator.

"I love my family too Mom." Derek said but she was already gone.

Derek stripped down to his boxers and walked over to look at Tyler's wall of
drawings.  He removed the one colour photograph off the wall and stepped up
on Tyler's bed using his desk chair to help him up.  He laid down staring
closely at the family picture.

Dr. Anderson phoned Ciccone's Trattoria and made reservations for five with
Gina as soon as they checked in to their room.  He further requested to be
seated in Tyler's area.

Gina laughed and said.  "I think I need another two Tyler's because everyone
wants to be served by him."

"Well we are new friends of Tyler's.  My son is Tyler's room mate at Drexel
and Tyler recommended we come here for dinner while we are in Philly."  He
told Gina.

"He's such a good boy.  After all he's been through this year I wonder how
he does it!"  She said.

Dr. Anderson didn't pursue the conversation any further but made a mental
note of what she said.  "He seems to be a wonderful boy and my two youngest
think the sun rises with Tyler."

"Everyone here loves Tyler Mr. Anderson.  I would adopt that boy in a minute
if I could!"  She replied.  After a few more pleasantries Larry got off the
phone.

"Boys, why don't you go check out where the pool is, and don't get wet!  Be
back in 10 minutes okay?"

"Okay Dad!"  They yelled and hurried out the door letting it slam shut.

"Linda, I just had an interesting conversation with the owner's wife of the
restaurant that Tyler works at."

"What did she say?"  Sparking Linda's attention.

"She made a reference about Tyler and 'all he's been through this year'?  I
didn't pursue it but I think there's a lot more to Tyler than we know."
Larry said.

"Do you think it was safe for us to leave him with the boys today?"  Linda
asked.

"I think that was fine.  If there had been a problem we would have known by
now.  Luke would say anything in front of anyone, and from the way the lady
spoke it sounds more like there has been some sort of tragedy in his life
recently."  Larry mused

"Oh Goodness Larry.  Do you think we should confront him?  Make sure he is
okay."  She asked.

"No Linda.  I think Derek will be the first to find out but I wouldn't say
anything to him about it.  He can be very cruel at times.  Let's find the
boys and go get Derek.  I'm looking forward to tonight.  Maybe the boys will
want to sleep at the dorm and you and I can have some private time?"  Larry
said raising his eyebrows and smiling as he pulled his wife into an embrace.

"Want to wager on the odds of us getting a night alone before our
anniversary in November?"  She asked Larry.

"Mmmmm.. That would involve Derek offering to keep the boys overnight. No.
I think is a pretty safe bet" Larry and Linda turned off the lights and went
searching for the boys.

The party of five arrived just after 8:00 p.m.  Tyler spotted them and
immediately went to the front entrance to greet them and grab 5 menus.

"Good Evening Madame's et Monsieur's et les enfant!"  Tyler said in a
horribly outlandish Quebecois accent!  "Welcome to Ciccone's Trattoria, je
m'appelle Tyler!  I will be looking after you tonight!

Everyone laughed and Derek said, "You've just obliterated 1000 years of
French culture with that accent Monsieur Peel!"

"Are you mocking me Monsieur Anderson?" Asked Tyler.

"I apologize Monsieur Peel, I forgot you were Canadian, I will repeat it
slower.  Much Slower!"  Derek said to a round of laughter from his family.

Tyler wraps his arm around Derek who was surrounded by the family and said
in his horrid French accent, "Tsk! Tsk! Monsieur Derek?" Tyler said waving
his index finger.  "Are you not aware that one should never mock the person
who serves you your food or is capable of placing small, non-domesticated
animals with reptilian qualities in your bed while you sleep!"  Everyone
laughed.

"Oh, so you met his past girlfriends?"  Said Kyle!  (Roar of laughter)

"Derek Zero, Tyler Zero, Kyle One!"  Luke said and got a high five from
Tyler who then said, "Nice one Luke!  Now I get to play with your food and
Derek's!"  He winked and led them to their table.

"Noooooooooo!"  Was all Luke said as he put his hands up to his face
imitating the Home Alone movie.

"Now, Dr. and Mrs. Anderson, would you care for something to drink?  Perhaps
a nice bottle of wine!  If you like red we have a wonderful Chianti Ruffino
'98.  We also have a great Borelli from '97 but since you are throwing away
a lot of money on your eldest, I might be able to scare up a half bottle of
something in the alley out back from one of the winos?" Snickers came from
four of the five people sitting at the table.

"A bottle of Red would be great.  Thank you, Monsieur Peel."

"And for your three darling children?"  Tyler asked.

"ROOT BEER!"  Announced Luke.

" *Sigh*. you can dress them up." Tyler said smiling at Luke.  "And Monsieur
Kyle will be having?"

"Anything that will make the sound of that fake French accent go away."

"Aaaahhh. then Monsieur wants a double Scotch, no ice and a Coke then!"

"And for the graduate?"

"I'll have what he's having!"  Derek smiled and pointed at Kyle.

"Aaaahhhh. Monsieur also wants a 'Shirley Temple' then???"  Tyler asked
twisting his face.  Kyle just glared up at him with death-ray eyes!

Tyler messed up Kyle's hair and again looked at his hand and then wiped it
on Kyle's back.  "When will I learn to stop doing that?  I hope we have some
disinfectant in the back" He said walking away while everyone but Kyle
laughed, as he was too busy fixing his hair.

Tyler returned with a tray of drinks and five empty wine glasses.  As he
pulled open the cork on the bottle of red wine, he stuck his finger in his
mouth and made the popping noise of a bottle of Champagne being opened
followed by the 'shhhhhhhhhhsssshhh' of the overflowing bubbly.  Luke
giggled and Tyler looked at him and said in his faux French accent, "Sacre
Bleu! It isn't that type of wine is it?"

He carefully poured three glasses of wine, placing them in front of Dr. and
Mrs. Anderson and Derek.  Then Tyler walked around the table to where Kyle
and Luke were sitting.  He pulled out a can of grape soda and wrapped it
gently in a napkin, showing each of them the label.  He asked both of them
if this was acceptable and it was!  Luke just giggled with his hands over
his mouth, as Tyler's show continued.   Tyler dramatically pointed the can
of grape soda off in another direction, lowered himself down on one knee,
and 'popped' the pull-tab, to a round of applause from the table.  He
carefully poured a small amount in each of their glasses and asked them to
make sure the vintage was acceptable?  It was!

Tyler then took their order for appetizers and or a salad?  It was decided
that they would all have a 'kicked up' Caesar salad and bruchetta.   "So
that is four Caesar salads and a one pig trough for the little one?"  He
said pinching Luke's shoulder three times.  Luke was giggling so much he got
the hiccups.

Tyler returned to fill Luke's glass of water and asked if 'perhaps he'd been
drinking Monsieur's double Scotch?'  That only made things worse as Luke now
gasped for air.   Then Tyler said if there was only a Doctor in the house.
one that we could afford!!!!"  Linda and Derek had tears running down their
faces from laughing hysterically.  Dr. Anderson almost spit up his wine
after that comment.  "I'm sorry pal!"  He said to Luke.  "I apologize, and
to make it up to you I won't spit in your food. only Derek's!" Tyler said.

The hiccups were gone but Luke had to hold his dinner napkin over his mouth
he was laughing so hard.  Kyle was wiping tears from his eyes.  Tyler stood
for a moment and looked at all of them and said, "Really now!  If the lot of
you don't start behaving.." And he turned his back and walked away.  Other
customers in the restaurant began looking over in the corner to see what was
so funny.  Those sitting close to the Anderson's table could barely contain
themselves over this one-man show.

Tyler returned with their Caesar salad and bruchetta and then took their
dinner order.  Everything was going fine until he came to Luke.

"Wot up Lucas?"  Tyler grinned.

"I don't know what I want." Luke whined.

"Luke, you said you wanted Pizza!"  Kyle reminded him.

"I dunno." Luke said.

"Okay Luke, how about a homemade custom pizza just for you?"  Tyler offered.

'Really?  Cool!"  Luke smiled.

Tyler went off the to the kitchen and placed their orders.  Tyler returned
about 10 minutes later with his hands behind his back.  He asked Luke to get
out of his chair.  Tyler pulled the chair out and turned it towards himself.
   He then asked Luke to stand up on the chair.  When Luke was on top of the
chair Tyler presented Luke with a paper Chef's hat to wear.

"Put this on Luke!"

He told Luke to put his arms around his neck and then he picked Luke up and
carried him back into the kitchen.

"Chef-in-waiting Lucas Anderson, meet Master Chef and owner Angelo Ciccone!"

Angelo extended his floured hand out to shake with Luke.  Luke had one arm
around Tyler's neck and used his other arm to shake hands.

"Chef Lucas wishes to have a customized, homemade pizza!  Can you help him
out Angelo?"

"It would be my honour Tyler!  Any friend of Tyler's is a friend of mine!
What would you like on your pizza Lucas?"

Luke pointed to mushrooms, four different cheeses, pepperoni, sausage, green
peppers, and saut‚ed onions.

"Do you have any peanut butter?" Luke asked?

"What?"  Said a shocked Angelo.  "Peanut Butter on pizza?" Luke just nodded.

"Tell ya what Lukey, if you don't like your pizza I will go out and get you
some peanut butter okay?"  Tyler said.

"It's okay Tyler.  Thanks Chef Angelo!  Can I have extra mushrooms?"  He
said.

"Anything for a friend of Tyler's!  It was nice to meet you Lucas.  Come
back and visit anytime!"  Angelo said.  Tyler carried Luke back to the table
and set him down letting him keep the Chef's hat.

"So can anybody guess what Luke wanted on his pizza?"  Tyler asked.

All together they answered, "Peanut Butter!"  Everyone laughed.

"I love ya Luke, but you are just too weird!"  Tyler said.

"Tell us about it." Said Derek.

Luke went on to tell everyone about how he got to custom make his pizza and
how the owner Chef Angelo personally followed his instructions.

Tyler returned with four of the five meals.  He had Lasagne for Dr.
Anderson; Fettuccini Alfredo for Mrs. Anderson; Shrimp Scampi on a bed of
Angel Hair pasta for Derek; and Linguini with mussels in a spicy Arrabiata
sauce for Kyle.

He then asked if everything was okay and hoped they would enjoy their meal!
As he was about to depart Luke asked, "What about my pizza?"

"Your pizza??  Ummm well.did you order a pizza??" Tyler said rubbing his
chin staring off towards the kitchen.  Then out came Chef Angelo with a
large pizza on a cake pedestal and Gina carrying a server's tray with a jar
on it covered over by a large cloth napkin.

"Mr. Lucas!  May I present to you, your very own personalized extra-large
pizza. and may I suggest a bib?  Perhaps a bucket too?"  Chef Angelo said.
Everyone at the table perked up to see a large pizza with the name "LUCAS"
spelled out in mushrooms.   The Chef received a warm round of applause from
the table and Tyler.  Then Angelo got down on one knee beside Luke and
presented the covered jar on the tray.  He told Luke to remove the napkin.
Underneath was a large jar of Kraft© Peanut Butter.  Anyone at a table with
a view of the Andersons broke out into laughter.  Chef Angelo got a hug from
Luke.

Tyler returned to freshen up drinks and make sure everything was okay.
"Everyone doing all right?"  He asked.

"Tyler you have made this a most memorable evening for all of us."  Linda
said.  "I don't even know how to begin to thank you."

"It's my pleasure Mrs. Anderson.  I just wanted to make it special for
everyone, especially Derek. since I have to live with him and all." He
smiled and winked at Derek.

"He snores!"  Luke said between gulping large chunks of a slice of pizza.

"Holy Crap Lucas! You've eaten almost half of that!"  Tyler said.  "You
better slow down or you won't have room for dessert!"

"Luke slow down?  Did you sleep through lunch Tyler?"  Kyle asked.  "Lunch
to him was a midnight snack."

Luke gave Kyle 'the look' but was too busy stuffing pizza into himself to
respond verbally.

Tyler returned to clear the table.  He just glared at Luke.  There was only
about one-third of the pizza left.  "Someone please tell me they've been
helping him eat that!"

"I seriously doubt it Ty.  He smeared peanut butter all over it before
anyone had a chance to sample it."  Dr. Anderson told him.

"Oh. My. God." Tyler said.  "You really do put peanut butter on pizza?"

Luke looked up and smiled with a mouth full of peanut butter pizza.  "Dear
God, somebody get me a bucket!" Tyler said.   He cleared away all of the
dishes and excess silverware and finally convinced Luke to give up on the
pizza but he would certainly package it up for him to take back to the
hotel.  "God knows it's not like any of the bums out back would even eat
that!"  Tyler said.

"Make sure no one tries to steal my pizza."  He said as Tyler walked back to
the kitchen with his pizza.  The Anderson's then heard Gina in the kitchen
say "Oh My God!" in her thick Italian accent.  Everyone laughed and Luke
just said 'whatever.'

Tyler returned with coffee for the Andersons and a refill of the boy's
drinks.  The Anderson's could see the kitchen staff gathered around Tyler at
the bar.  They were all laughing and patting him on the back.  He then
returned with four plates of desserts.  He held the tray up high so no one
could see what was on it.

"Please accept these desserts compliments of Ciccone's Trattoria!"  Tyler
began, "For Mr. Lucas Anderson!"  Tyler set down a plate with a perfectly
straight canneoli on it.  Tyler squirted liquid chocolate on one end to turn
the canneoli into a hockey stick.  He then inked out a hockey puck with a
net around it all in chocolate.

"Whoah!"  Said Luke.

"For the 'not so little dude'!"  Tyler announced as he set down a curved
canneoli with two large dots of chocolate below it that looked like
skateboard and a stick figure drawing of a skateboarder on top.

"Wow!  Hey everybody look!  It's a skateboarder riding a canneoli
skateboard! THANKS TY!"

"For Monsieur Derek" He said winking at him.  "Welcome to your new home
graduate!"  Tyler set down a canneoli that he chocolate inked into a
graduation cap with a tassel.  Below it read 'welcome friend'

"Thanks Tyler.  That's really nice of you."  Derek said smiling.

"Finally. for my 'piece of resistance'" Which Tyler said in his broken
French.  Which in turn brought three 'boo's' from the boys!  Tyler stopped
and glared at the three of them for mocking him.   "Dr. and Mrs. Anderson.
Thank you for being kind enough to share your family with me." And Tyler set
down a plate with two cannoeli's on it.  Tyler drew a chocolate ring around
each canneoli and then a third matching chocolate ring but no canneoli
inside of it.  Written around the edge of the plate it said, 'one down, two
to go'.  That got a round of applause from the table and Mrs. Anderson stood
up and gave Tyler a hug and a kiss.

Kyle and Luke said "Oooooooooooo!"  Teasing Tyler.

Kyle then added, "Get a room!  There are children here!"  Everyone in the
kitchen watching what was happening started laughing after hearing Kyle's
comment.  Tyler and the Andersons turned around hearing the noise from the
kitchen and then separated like a light bulb and cockroaches.

Tyler returned with a large cardboard pizza box and paybook with the cheque
inside.  He handed the paybook to Dr. Anderson and then placed the pizza box
in front of Luke.  Luke was about to open it and eat another slice but Tyler
slammed his hand down on the box and said, "Don't even think about it!!"

"Hey guys, you should go check out the washroom!  There's something really
unusual in there that you never see in a restaurant!"  Kyle and Luke ran to
the washroom.

Derek asked, "Please tell me it isn't a bidet?"

"Why I think that would be a great idea!" Linda said.

"In the guys washroom Mom?  Think about Luke?"

"Your right. he'd probably want to go get a toy boat to sail in it."

"That would really be rough seas for sailing" Tyler added staring off in the
distance.

"Derek, you of all should go and see what's in the washroom, after all I
have to share a room with you tonight!"  Derek got up and strolled to the
washroom with his father's request to make sure his brother's weren't
flooding the place.

"What's in the washroom Tyler?"  Dr. Anderson asked.

"Mouthwash dispensing liquid and cups!"  He smiled and walked away.

Dr. Anderson opened the paybook and read over the items on the bill.
"Honey, he really didn't charge us for the cannoeli's or that new jar of
peanut butter."

"Well desserts certainly aren't for free and I am sure Tyler will have to
pay for it out of his own pocket.  This is certainly the best family meal
we've ever had.  I know you will take care of him Larry."  Linda squeezed
his hand.

Derek was the first to return.  "They have a mouthwash dispenser in the
washroom.  Luke is drinking the stuff."  He laughed.

"Derek!  Don't you know enough to stop him?"  Linda asked of her son.

"Mom!  The kid eats dirt, newspaper, rubber stoppers, Lego's, and the corner
of your night table if I remember correctly.  A little mouthwash might just
clean him out."

Dr. Anderson went over to the till to pay and Gina met him there.  As she
went to ring in the bill on the cash register she stopped and told Dr.
Anderson of his mistake in leaving a tip.

"No mistake Mrs. Ciccone!  He didn't charge us for those delicious
Cannoeli's or the peanut butter and I know they don't come for free!  His
thoughtfulness is appreciated but he is still a student.  My wife and I
can't remember a nicer family meal!"

"Why thank-you Dr. Anderson.  We've already had several compliments from
people who sat near your table.  You know our business has almost doubled on
the weekends because of Tyler!  He even convinced the entire staff to donate
10% of their tips to charity."  She held up a large pickle jar that was half
full with bills and change.

Tyler approached Gina and Dr. Anderson and asked, "if everything was okay?"

Dr. Anderson pulled out his billfold and removed a one hundred dollar bill
and stuffed it into the opening of the pickle jar.  He thanked Mrs. Ciccone
again for 'the best family meal they've ever had'.  He patted Tyler on the
shoulder and returned to his table without saying anything.

When everyone was back at the table he asked them if there was anything more
he could do for them?  "Luke!  Would you like a breath mint perhaps?" He
asked.

"You heard huh?"  Luke said lowering his head.

"Yeah, but it's okay, they're taking it out of my next pay check!"

"Nooooooooo?"  Luke said, worried that Tyler was serious.

"I'm just teasing ya Lucas!"  Lucas wiped his forehead in an Oscar winning
performance.

"You are such a ham Luke!"  Tyler said.

"Damn! That's what I forgot to put on my pizza!"  He crossed his arms in
disgust.

"So everybody enjoyed their meal?"  A round of 'thanks', 'Oh yeahs' and one
"burp" from Luke answered Tyler's question.

Tyler pulled out the chairs of Kyle and Luke and Luke jumped up on one chair
and jumped into Tyler's arms.  He gave Luke a big kiss on the cheek while he
squeezed the back of his neck three times.  Tyler gave his butt a triple
squeeze in return and set him back down.

Kyle then said, "I want a hug too!"

"Geez Kyle, I hope you don't expect me to pick you up?" He said Brendanding
down.  Kyle hugged him and whispered in his ear, 'I love you Ty'.  Tyler
said, "I love you too 'not so little Kyle'" And winked at him and set him
down.  They both turned around and Tyler had his hands on Kyle's shoulders
and gave him three squeezes.

"C'mon Derek," Said Kyle "Aren't you going to give Tyler a hug?"

Derek glared at him and said, "I would but not until our date is over
tomorrow night."  That got his parents and Tyler laughing and Luke and Kyle
just looked at each other.

"Buck up, Prom Date and give the boy a hug!"  Kyle demanded.  That got the
biggest roar of the evening and of course Kyle could only be one-up'd by
Luke who added, "Derek Zero, Tyler Zero, Kyle Two!  Games over folks! Time
to go home!"

With all that said the group of six moved towards the front door.  Derek and
Tyler following behind.  Derek put his arm around Tyler and hugged him.
"Thanks for everything bro!"  Tyler inadvertently gave him three squeezes as
he hugged him back.  Nothing was said but Derek couldn't figure out what it
meant and Tyler didn't realize he'd released some feelings out to Derek like
that.

Outside, Dr. and Mrs. Anderson didn't just invite, but insisted that Tyler
join them for brunch on Saturday morning before they headed home.  Tyler
tried to politely excuse himself but between Mrs. Anderson's insistence and
Kyle and Luke pulling on each arm he couldn't refuse.  Besides, Derek
whispered in his ear loud enough for everyone to hear, 'don't mess with The
Mom!  Trust me!'

"Larry is it too late to spend Derek's college fund on drugs and alcohol?"
She asked.

"Yea!!!!!!!!!!!" Said Luke only to have everyone stop talking and stare at
him.

"What?" Luke said.

"See ya at home Derek!  Good night guys!  Thank again for coming Mr. and
Mrs. Anderson!"  He waved as he returned inside the restaurant and locked
the door.

Gina called everyone around who was working that night.  "Everyone, Look!"
Gina held up the charity jar for all to see.  "One of Tyler's customers
deposited a one-hundred dollar bill into the jar!"  Gina said.  A round of
applause was heard and Tyler's face became flushed with embarrassment.

As usual Tyler got first dibs on the leftover Caesar salad and he loaded up
a carry out container.  "Hey Tyler!"  Brendan in the kitchen yelled, "Do you
want some peanut butter on that salad?"  Everyone, including Tyler, laughed
over that comment.  Cortina, another server, yelled to Angelo in the
kitchen,  "Are we adding peanut butter to the menu?  If so I hear it goes
good with jam" She said pointing at Tyler and laughing.  Everyone took their
turn digging at Tyler, all in good fun.

As Tyler was putting on his coat to go home Gina called him over.  "You did
really good tonight Tyler!  I'm very proud of you!  Everyday you are here
you raise us up to a new level.  Your parents would be so proud of you!"

"Thanks, Mrs. Ciccone.  That's very nice of you to say. it means a lot!"
Tyler was becoming misty-eyed and left immediately.  "Good night everyone,
see ya tomorrow."  Tyler said.

As Tyler headed through the kitchen to leave he handed Brendan, one of the
line cooks, a card.

"What's this?"  Brendan asked knowing full well what it was.

"Happy Birthday Brendan!  Hope it's a great day and a better year!"  Tyler
said.

"Oh Ty, thanks!  How did you know it was my birthday?"  Brendan said
grinning.

"Who do you think decorated the cake you guys had earlier?  I'm sorry I
couldn't be here but I had to look after my roommates little brothers
today."  Tyler said.

"Thanks Ty, but you really didn't need to get me a card, but thanks!"
Brendan said.

"Brendan, you make my job so much easier and you make it fun to come to
work!  I couldn't imagine being here without you!  Happy Birthday!  Catch ya
laterz!"  He yelled leaving out the back door.

Brendan slipped out back and opened his card and a small envelope fell out.

"Happy Birthday Brendan,
Hope you have a great day even though you had to work.  I'm sorry I wasn't
able to be at the staff party for you earlier but I wanted you to know I was
thinking of you.  Words don't seem enough to say thanks for all you do to
make my life better, so I hope a gift card from the Business Depot is
appropriate for an internet junkie like yourself!  LOL All the best on your
day, Ty!"

"I can't believe he remembered me?"  Brendan thought to himself as he went
back inside to complete the close.

When Tyler returned to the Dorm he noticed his parking place was open.  This
surprised him because with all the vehicles arriving this weekend he didn't
think it would be free.  As he pulled up his headlights spotted something
shiny on the ground.  He stopped the Jeep and got out to look.  The entire
parking space was covered in nails.  He got back in to his Jeep slamming the
door and parked at the first available space he could find.

"Hi, can I leave a message for Gus?"  Tyler asked the weekend, night
security guard.

"Sure thing!"  He handed Tyler a pad of paper and a pen.  Tyler wrote out
the current time and brief description and then told the security guard
about what he found in the parking lot.

"So let me get this straight. You've been parking in this space for a month
now because Gus told you to and you drive in to find nails carefully dumped
there?"  He asked Tyler while making notes.

"Yes Sir.  The nails were purposely placed only in that one spot.  Gus was
keeping a security camera on that space and he told me to park there under
the light post so he could keep track of the area."

"Hmmm. let's see.  Yup, camera 5 is pointed there.  Why don't we go run take
a look at the tape and see what we find out?   Mike, as his badge stated,
invited Tyler behind the security desk and told him to take a seat.  He ran
the tape back to 4:00 p.m. and put it on fast-forward stopping it whenever
someone came into view.

"Now you see. what's your name Son?"  Mike asked.

"Tyler Sir, Tyler Peel!

"Aaaaah, the man with the sweet heart!"  Mike said laughing.  Tyler looked
at him strangely.

"Maybe I should rephrase that Tyler, the man with the good heart and the
sweet tooth!  Everyone wants Gus's shift."  He laughed.

"What do we have here?"  Mike said stopping the tape.  "Tyler these cameras
feed live images every second but they only snap and record one frame every
10 seconds."  Mike wrote down 8:55:40 p.m.   He paused the recording and
pulled the image on to the screen and then enlarged it.  "I would guess that
is a hockey jacket?  Does that look like the number 17 on the side of his
coat?"  Mike asked.

"Yes Sir, I would say so."  Tyler squinted trying to read the face.

"Do you know people on the hockey team Tyler?"

"Yes Sir, I'm on the hockey team, but I don't know who #17 is."

"That won't take long Son! I think we better call the Coach and the police."
  Mike said picking up the phone.

"NO SIR!  Please!  Talk to Gus first!  He will explain, but is it possible
for me to get a copy of these frames?"

"Alright.  Settle down, is this some sort of practical joke?"  Mike asked.

"Mike, Sir, would you mind disturbing Gus at home. Please!"  Tyler asked.

Mike picked up the phone and called Gus.  He stared at Tyler while speaking
with Gus.

"Sure, no problem.  Here Tyler, Gus wants to speak with you."  He said
handing the phone over.  Tyler spoke briefly with Gus and returned the phone
to Mike and Mike said goodnight to Gus and apologized for disturbing him.

"Well Tyler, Gus wants me to do exactly as you ask.  He wants me to make two
copies of the frames and give one to you on a blank tape.  He also wants the
mess cleaned up right away and for you to put your Jeep back there tonight!
I also have to send out a memo alerting all security to be on the look out
for anyone wearing the hockey team jackets.  We are to monitor them closely.
  Oh and Gus said to make sure you back your jeep in!"

Tyler thanked Mike and left his cell phone number and room number so Mike
could reach him when the spot was cleaned up.


Many thanks to those of you have taken the time to write and to Nifty.org
for providing a vehicle to display my first multi-chaptered story.  Everyone
has been very kind and forgiving of my mistakes.  Every email has been
appreciated and inspires me to take the time necessary to tell this story.
I hope you enjoy this as much as I am enjoying writing it.

Comments or opinions are welcome. Please email: tylerpeel@hotmail.com