Date: Thu, 02 Nov 2000 22:32:18 -0500
From: Sequoyah <pendor@mailcity.com>
Subject: ASP-34

		     A Special Place--Part Thirty-four

				 Warning!

     The usual warning applies: This story contains sexually-explicit,
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				Disclaimer
     This is a work of fiction, any coincidence is just that, a
coincidence.

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			    Additional Posting

A Special Place is also being posted at http://go.to/gaywritersguild. Check
it out.

			      About the Story

     Lest we forget, A Special Place, as of this part, covers about two
month's time. Not very long in the history of the world!

     As you well know by now, without the help of myadopted sons, A Special
Place would not be the story it is. Thanks to my newest and oldest
children!

Chapter Thirty-five is the concert and exhibition. The program and catalog
are near completion and constitute a very large file. Accordingly, I plan
to post in two parts, but at the same time. I hope by next weekend. There
is a possibility that much of the real music will be available as MP3
files.

As always, your letters and notes are what keeps a writer writing.  Even a
short note is appreciated.  Sequoyah


		 A Special Place--Part Thirty-four--Larry

    I reviewed the plans for setting up the audio and video I had done. Of
course I wouldn't know exactly how good a job I had done until we could
check it out. I planned to meet Friday with the engineers so we could look
over the actual building. We would start setting up the systems Monday
after school. If all went well, we would tape a couple of the practice
sessions and make any necessary changes and adjustments. When I had
finished, I left a note for Mom and walked over to Eugene's to use his
computer to fax the plans to the engineers of the Lexington PBS station.

    Millie met me at the door and asked if I could spare a few minutes. She
got cokes and we went to the library. "Larry, I'm worried about
Eugene. When he came in from practice, I asked how it went and he said,
'Shitty, Mom, absolutely shitty.  Think I was responsible. I'm going to
take a nap.' He went upstairs and a few minutes ago, when I checked, he was
asleep.  I'm really worried about what he might do. Would you please spend
the night with him? I am really worried."

    "You know I don't have to be begged to spend the night with Eugene, but
what's wrong? He has said nothing to me."

    "You mean he didn't tell you about the letter he got yesterday?"

    "I know nothing about a letter. What letter?"

    "He got a letter from the DA yesterday asking him to be at the
courthouse at 9:00 Saturday and plan to spend four to six hours looking at
tapes in preparation for McBride's trial. McBride's attorney has managed to
get the trial scheduled quickly--don't know what strings he pulled to get
that done. It's scheduled for the week after the concert. Eugene is beyond
upset over having to look at those tapes--who wouldn't be? And he is still
worried about how you will react, what you will think of him after you see
them. I made sure you could go with him, but I wonder if he has decided
against that since he said nothing to you."

    "Millie, you know I love Eugene. If he was a willing participant in
some wild sex with McBride now, I would have real problems with it. I'm not
sure I could handle it. But that's not the question. McBride raped him... I
can't understand how he can love me after what I did to him, but he does. I
know he does. I feel like shit every time I think about what I did to him,
but most of the time I can put that behind me and just love him and accept
his love for me. I have to be there when he has to watch those tapes and
relive the terror of six years ago. I have to be."

    "I'm glad you're here, Larry, let your mom know you'll be here
tonight. I don't want Eugene to do something foolish again."

    I called Mom as soon as I thought she would be home and told her what
was going on. While Millie was seeing to dinner, I went upstairs, faxed the
plans, then went to the bedroom to get Eugene. He never completely waked
up, but said, "I don't want dinner." When I told Millie, she said we should
just let him sleep.

    After dinner, Millie asked about the taping of the concert and Luke's
exhibition. "It's as good as it can get on paper.  Unfortunately, paper is
not the actual space. So many things can go wrong when you start dealing
with what is--rather than what you thought was."

    "Just like life," Millie mused. "Well, you've got to do a good
job. Don't want to put pressure on you, but a good job is important to your
future and your future with Eugene." Millie sighed and said, "I don't know
what I would have said if I had wanted to put pressure on you! But this
concert is really critical for the lot of you. Try to get some sleep. It's
early, but I'm going to my room and read."

    "I'll go up. I probably should do some school work but, to tell the
truth, everyone's just coasting now--well, Eugene and I do have AP physics
next week, but right now I think I better make sure he's ok. Millie, when
will everything settle and be normal?"

    "I guess you're adult enough to know," Millie smiled, "This is
normal. When things settle down, people will be saying how natural you look
as they peep into your coffin! Well, I'll admit things do settle down a bit
more than they have been the last month or so but, no, normal does not
exist. Take care of my boy and yourself," she said and stood. I hugged her
tightly. As I did, she said, "Even with all the hurt and pain, I wouldn't
trade what you kids have given me for anything."

    "I don't think we would have made it without you, Millie. You're
super!" I hugged Millie again and went upstairs.

    When I reached the room, I looked at my love who was sleeping, but
hardly peacefully. He was tossing and turning, muttering in his sleep. My
heart ached for him as I undressed and got ready to slide into bed beside
him. As I turned the cover back, I saw Eugene was still dressed. I debated
what to do, then decided to undress him. He couldn't be comfortable.  I
expected him to wake up, but he didn't. When he was undressed, I slid into
bed and spooned into his back, hugging him to me. Eugene turned over,
pulled me close and kissed me hard. "Larry, hold me. Hold me tight. Let me
know you love me," he muttered. I did as he asked and soon he was asleep
again, but not as fitfully as before. It took me a while, but I finally
drifted off.


                                 A Special Place--Part Thirty-four--Paula

    The practice was terrible! It started off poorly as Eugene didn't seem
to be with us. After he made a couple of blunders, Matt started making
mistakes. That, of course, threw the chorus off. The practice just grew
worse and worse until there was no way I could not be affected. We finally
just stopped and talked about what was going wrong. Jackson, as always,
spoke up quickly. "Frankly, we suck. I don't know why, but we're not
working together. I don't know the reason, but unless we get it together,
we better hang it up." There were heads nodding all over the place. "I know
it may be hard for some and we probably all want to have Friday to party,
but there's lots riding on this. I suggest we have a practice tomorrow
after school--not only to get ourselves together, but also to get the
program together. We've never done the whole thing as a single program."

    "The only problem I have with that is getting people home. I don't
think Greywolf and Mr. Allan would mind bringing everyone, but I doubt
they'd be interested in hanging around to take everyone home. After all,
they are doing it for free," I reminded the group.

    "I guess parents might be able to pick up some of us and some of us can
drive. I'd be happy to take some home. How many of you will have a problem
arranging a way to get home?" Jackson asked. Several hands went up. Looking
at who had a hand up, Jackson said, "Eugene, you, Matt and I could take
care of those can't we? Even if we have to make two or three trips."  There
was no reason I couldn't, so I nodded as did Eugene. "Ok, practice from
4:30 until we finish--not before 7:30, I'd think," Jackson said.

    When I got home, Mom asked how practice went and I told her. "I don't
know what happened, but I'm sure something is going on with Eugene. I hope
it's something he can handle quickly because if he's not all right, there's
no way Matt and I can carry the concert. We're having a practice tomorrow
and go through the whole concert without stopping, then go back and work on
the bad places. Don't expect me home until 8:00."


                                A Special Place--Part Thirty-four--David

    I got off work about 4:30 Friday and decided to go by and see how
Michael's house was coming. I got the grand tour and, when we had finished,
we went out back to the carriage house. "I think it will be finished this
weekend and I planned to move in here, but I have run into a problem. I
thought about the great memories I had of living in the carriage house in
Chicago, but got reminded--very quickly--that this isn't Chicago and I'm
not that young man."

    "Michael, I need to talk to you about something. I guess it's kinda the
same thing. Last night as Elizabeth--I mean Margaret, of course..."

    "Give me the details since you have just given me the problem," Uncle
Michael said and he wasn't smiling.

    "Margaret and I were in the kitchen fixing supper when she said, 'Damn,
this kitchen just isn't right!' and I said, 'It's always been fine before.'
Margaret looked at me with fire in her eyes and said, 'It was fine for
Elizabeth, David, but I'm not Elizabeth!' I was more than a little taken
aback and suddenly I remembered all the times I had done what I just
did--call Margaret Elizabeth. After dinner, I walked through the house and
thought about when Elizabeth and I had decided on this color for a room,
that piece of furniture, that picture, this arrangement of something and
realized I was comfortable in the house because it had been the way it is
for years. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that Margaret
couldn't move in the house without being reminded she was--it sounds
terrible, but you know what I mean--a replacement. Well, I know she's not
and I love her dearly. Of course I still remember and love Elizabeth, but
what I need is a real new start, not just a replacement for Elizabeth. Does
that make sense?"

    "Painfully so, I'm afraid. And a good reminder which I needed. So what
do you want to do?"

    "I had thought about just selling the place and moving, but I don't
think I could stand that and I have Michael to consider. I guess what needs
to be done is to have the whole house redone--new paint, wallpaper, new
furniture and definitely a new kitchen. But then there's Michael to
consider and money. It will cost a bundle and I don't make that kind of
money."

    "How about Margaret? She definitely makes good money. I have visited a
doctor a few times," Michael laughed.

    "I kinda hate to do that."

    "Got a problem with a wife who makes more money than you do?"

    "Actually, I would say otherwise most of the time, but, yea... no. I
mean I don't have trouble with her making the money, but I'll admit I have
trouble when she spends her money for something I think I should provide."

    "Sounds to me as if you two need to talk about the difference between
'ours' and 'yours and mine'. James and I had a problem until one day he sat
me down and asked very pointedly, 'Michael, are we partners or are we two
individuals who like to play around in the same bed?' That hit me between
the eyes big time. I realized that by thinking 'his and mine', I was
keeping us apart. You need to think about that. What do you need to do now?
Having just had a similar problem tossed in my lap, I remembered what James
had said, 'We're in this together or we're not. If we're together, it means
there's no yours and mine; it ours and we make decisions together.'"

    "You're telling me you have a new partner?"

    "No, I'm telling you you have a wife, not a bed partner. You also have
a son. Talk to Margaret and tell her you are aware of a problem which can
destroy your relationship--and it can--and make a decision as to what to do
about redoing the house. And you and Margaret need to get Michael in on
that as well. He's a part of the picture as well as you two--at least for a
couple more years. If money is a problem, I won't give it to you. I don't
think that will be helpful. I'll loan it to you interest free and with a
repayment plan you can live with, but if Margaret wants to pay for it all,
then you need to think about that. In fact, I suggest you pool your
income--common bank accounts, common decisions about how to spend it. As a
token repayment for the time I have lived at your place--and it looks like
I will be living there for a while longer now--I'll be happy to work with
the two of you in finding things, locating dependable workmen, directing
work--what I am doing here."

    "Michael, I am so relieved. I guess I don't show it often, but I was
really upset. I love Margaret as much as I loved Elizabeth and I could see
a wedge growing between us over something which seemed unimportant to me,
but I see now it was very important to her. Thanks, big brother."

    "You're welcome, little brother. That's what big brothers are for. And
you don't realize how much having my little brother means to me."

    "Got a phone here?"

    "I got one put in the day I closed on the house. It took some fancy
footwork, but I got it done because I knew I'd be making a million calls a
day as soon as the work got started. It's right over there."

    I called Margaret's office and told the receptionist I'd hold when she
said Margaret was with a patient.

    Several minutes later Margaret's voice said, "David, is something
wrong?"

    "Yes, but nothing that can't be fixed. When will you be free?"

    "I have one more patient then I'll be leaving."

    "I'm picking you up. Michael can come by and get your car."

    "Ok, but what's going on?"

    "A lot I think you'll like," I laughed, "but you'll just have to wait."

    I picked up Margaret and asked if she would like to see Michael's
place.

    "Sure, but is that what all the mystery is about?"

    "No. I told you you'd just have to wait about the mystery," I
laughed. I enjoyed keeping Margaret guessing.

    Michael gave us the grand tour and Margaret was full of
suggestions. "But I guess you don't really need any suggestions and
certainly not a woman's touch," she finally laughed.

    "Says who?" Michael responded. "You've made some exciting suggestions
and I certainly appreciate having a woman's touch--when it comes to
renovations and decorations. I'll admit that I can do without it very well
in the bed," he laughed and Margaret blushed big time. "I didn't know
doctors could be embarrassed!"

    "You need to learn, Michael, that sometimes I'm just a woman--not a
doctor," she responded.

    "Don't think I am the only one who needs to realize that!" Michael said
and gave me a sharp look.

    When we had completed the tour, we drove to the farm and I asked
Margaret, "Feel up to a short walk?"

    "It's afternoon, so sure."

    "What does that mean?"

    "It means I feel up to a walk in the afternoon, but not necessarily in
the morning. What do you think it means?"

    "Frankly, I haven't the foggiest. But would you like to walk to the
falls? I need to talk."

    "Always," she responded. I grabbed a blanket and we walked across the
meadow, hand in hand. I crossed the canes when we reached the path to the
falls. On the beach, we sat down on the blanket and were both silent for
several minutes just enjoying the sound of the falls, the river and the
birds. Finally I broke the silence. "Margaret, I need talk, ok?"

    "Ok."

    "Remember last night when you said something about the kitchen and I
said it had always been fine?" She nodded without speaking. "And the times
I have called you Elizabeth?" Again she nodded. "Well, today when Michael
was showing me around his place, he talked about moving into the carriage
house because of the carriage house in Chicago. I then told her about our
conversation. "Margaret, I am sorry. I love you, Margaret Bailey Andrews,
but I have treated you as a replacement for Elizabeth. You said you are not
and I never expected you to be, but I have treated you as if you were. I
want us to sit down and decide how to make the house our home."

    Margaret grabbed me around the neck and gave me a big-time kiss as
tears filled her eyes. "Thank you, David. I would like to say it didn't
matter, but it does, it has. It has been creating a feeling in me I didn't
like."

    "Margaret, if it's necessary, we can sell the farm..."

    "Never! That farm and the falls and the family are a part of me
now. And we're not going to do anything without Michael. He is as much a
part of us as if he were mine."

    "But he'll only be here two more years..."

    "David, he must NEVER think that I am trying to replace his mother. I
neither want nor will I tolerate anything that suggests that, even if he
were only going to be here for two weeks. While I'm sure we can work out
anything else, but there is one thing about which I am adamant. The
downstairs bedroom has to go!"

    "Well, I guess since it was mine and Elizabeth's..."

    "Not OUR bedroom, the other downstairs bedroom."

    "No problem. It's been little more than storage space for years and I
can see why you might want to do something with it."

    "I don't want to do something with it. Something must be done about it
and before too long."

    "Whatever you say. What do you want to do with it?"

    "I told you it's not a want. It's a need." Margaret's eyes were
sparkling, a smile hovered about her lips and she finally said, "It's going
to be a nursery."

    I must have been spaced out because I said, "Well, I see no reason why,
or why not if you wish, but..."

    "You may be sharp in other ways, David Andrews, but I guess I'll have
to spell it out. It NEEDS to be a nursery because you are going to have a
child to put in it."

    I'm sure I looked stunned then I stammered, "You mean..."

    "About the only thing I can mean. I'm pregnant."

    "But I didn't think you could know this quickly. I mean..."

    "David, I guess if you want to put it that way, I am pregnant with your
love child. Remember a certain day here at the falls BEFORE we said 'I
will' we kinda did?"

    I looked at Margaret, half unbelieving, but thought back to the
mornings she was in the bathroom longer than usual, and to her comment
about walking in the afternoon and morning, and I realized what she said
and I had heard was the way it was.  I pulled her to me for a long, tender
kiss. When I released her, I said, "Margaret, when you mentioned getting
pregnant that day--my God, the day you did--I felt like I was too old, and
I may be, but no-one could convince me right now. I am so happy--dense
maybe, but happy. Damn, I'm going to be a father again and Michael will
have a brother..."

    "Or sister. That I don't know yet. Not sure I want to know. At least
not right now, but why don't you make mad, passionate, animal love to your
new child-to-be's mother?" I didn't need a second invitation. Well,
actually, I needed to be reminded that sex with a pregnant woman didn't
hurt her or the baby. Of course, I knew that, but I guess the old
testosterone, male protective mode kicked in. But I liked the way Margaret
made me remember!

    When we had finished making love we lay, naked, holding each other
until the sun moved behind the trees and the shade covered us. No longer
warmed by it, we dressed and walked back to the house, hand in hand. As we
walked, I asked Margaret when we should talk to Michael, "Before or after
dinner?"

    "How about between those two? We still have dinner to prepare unless
some elvies have done it while we had fun at the falls," Margaret laughed.

    "You had fun? I thought I was being very serious."

    "David, having sex with you is always serious fun!" Margaret laughed,
stood on her tiptoes and kissed me.


                           A Special Place--Part-Thirty-four--Matt

    When Luke and I got out of school, he asked if I could go home with his
mom. Seems he had a message from Uncle Michael telling him the packing
experts wanted to meet with him to look at the task they had in crating the
pieces for the exhibition. "I told Uncle Michael I planned to put them in
the van and haul them to St. Mary's. He got a look on his face as if I had
suggested throwing the Mona Lisa in the back of a van and driving her
around Concord," Luke laughed.

    "No problem. But this is Friday and Dad and Mr. Allan are bringing the
kids to practice and it is up to us to get home.  It will probably be close
to eight before we finish since we are planning a complete run through and
then, if necessary, going over the worse parts. I was supposed to take some
kids home, but maybe..."

    "When will you finish?"

    "Probably between 7:30 and 8:00."

    "No problem. At least I hope. I'll try come by at 7:30."

    "Ok, but not before!" When we reached the parking lot, I tossed Luke
the keys and, before he walked around to the driver's side, he kissed me
big time. "Luke, you've got to stop that! All Independence will know!"

    "Matt, I've about reached the point where I don't care what people
know. Well, actually I do. You're right," he sighed.

    When I got to St. Mary's, I decided I'd do a strictly Bach program for
the bishop's visitation and I had plenty in the concert. Selecting the
hymns was fairly easy as Gertie had pulled the service bulletin from his
last visit. I just made a few changes and gave the new schedule to
Gertie. That out of the way, I decided to take a walk before practice. I
wasn't very anxious to get started on that!

    As I walked by Mr. Swartz's shop, he was sweeping the sidewalk. I
suddenly recalled a thought I had earlier and, when he finished, we went
inside. "A problem solved," I thought as I walked out.

    When I got back to St. Mary's, Dad and Mr. Allen were just pulling into
the parking lot with a load of singing and laughing students. I only hoped
their mood would continue. Eugene and Luke drove up just as a car marked
with the call letters of the PBS station pulled into the parking lot. When
a couple guys got out, Larry walked over and shook hands with them. Eugene
explained, "Larry faxed the plans he had drawn up for the recordings
yesterday and he was to meet the engineers here this afternoon. He has
promised they would not interfere with the rehearsal. Matt, Paula, I need
to talk to the group before we start." He was very serious and looked
troubled.

    "Sure, no problem," we said.

    The kids became quiet as they entered the church. When we started
rehearsals, I had explained how Episcopalians felt about the church and
that I would appreciate it if they would respect it by leaving the horse
play at the door. "Of course, this not a service so feel free to talk when
we are not working, but just talk quietly if you would. Also, I know few of
you are Episcopalians or Roman Catholics but, when we enter the church, we
usually kneel and spend a few minutes in prayer.  I do, even when I come
just to practice. No-one expects you to do so but, out of respect for
anyone who might, let's agree to have three or four minutes from the time
we get in until we start. Ok?" There was complete agreement and the kids
had respected that and some did kneel for a short prayer--I noticed that
more and more of them were.

    As Paula, Eugene and I went inside, several kids were kneeling. After a
few minutes, the last one got up and came up front. "Before we start, I
have something I need to say," Eugene said as all the group got quiet. "Our
last rehearsal was terrible," he began and there were many nods of
agreement. "I want to apologize for that since basically it was all my
fault. I was very distracted and started making mistakes. As you saw, that
was catching--soon Paula and Matt were making mistakes. When that started,
we ceased being a group, being together. I was distracted because I had a
difficult decision to make and it was the only thing I had on my mind. As
closely as we have been working, I think you deserve an explanation."
Eugene then told them about the whole rotten mess with McBride. Before he
was halfway finished, all the girls were crying and about half the boys
were teary-eyed. By the time he was finished, there wasn't a dry eye in the
house. Even the two engineers working with Larry were misty-eyed and Larry
was weeping silently. "So that's it. That was why I was distracted. Having
made my decision about testifying, I have my shi... stuff together, so
let's practice." But practice was not to be until there was a fifty-person
group hug. Well, actually, about fifty people hugged Eugene two or three at
a time and the guys were perhaps more demonstrative than the girls.

    I had heard that tragedy brings people together and it certainly seemed
to bring this group together. We were really tight and made so few mistakes
I couldn't believe it. It was impossible to imagine the group rehearsing
Friday afternoon was the same as that which sounded so bad the day
before. For the first time, we ran straight through the entire program,
stopping only for the fifteen-minute intermission as we would during the
performances. When we finished, I said, "Ok, you have kept one secret well,
can I trust you with a new one?" There were loud shouts of agreement. "I
will play a piece as a surprise for Millie who was my organ teacher. It
will not be on the program and I will play it after you leave for the
intermission. I guess you can use it as a "going to the potty"
piece. Besides, it will give you five or six minutes before the crowd hits
the johns. I need to warn you, you may need earplugs." I started the piece
and, when I had finished, the group started applauding, whistling and
shouting.

    After the students had gone, Paula and I met with Eugene and Paula
hugged Eugene and said, "Eugene, what you did saved the concert, no doubt
about it. This group is now together as it was not before and as it never
would have been had you not done one of the bravest things I have ever
seen. Thank you and, please, let me and Matt know any way we can help you
though a really rocky time."

    "Thanks, Paula, I knew I had to do what I did, otherwise I would have
had no credibility with the musicians. It was hard, but their support will
make tomorrow easier."

    As we finished, Larry and the two engineers walked up. Larry introduced
them as Mr. Steinbeck and Mr. Greentree. Mr.  Greentree said, "Eugene, what
you did this afternoon was one of the bravest things I have ever witnessed
a young man doing.  I admire your courage and your willingness to fight for
justice."

    "I agree," Mr. Steinbeck said. "And, I would add, I can't believe the
sound you got out of your ensemble. But that goes for you as well,
Paula. And Matt, if your old teacher isn't impressed with the rest of your
part in this concert, she should be with that display you are putting on
for her."

    "How did your work go?" Eugene asked, since he had recovered from his
embarrassment before Paula and I.

    "Splendid, splendid," Mr. Greentree said. "Larry's plans seemed to be
almost perfect. Of course, all we did today were meter readings, but I
think we'll get a fantastic recording out of this. We'll record both
concerts and that way, should something go wrong such as a mike failing or
some other technical difficulty, we'll have a backup. >From what I heard
today, there'll be no need to have a back up because of a failure on the
part of the musicians. I still find it hard to believe that this concert is
not only with student musicians, but also directed by students and much
written and arranged by high school students. My son is in middle school
and plays in the band and it is terrible. I am giving serious thought to
moving to Concord if this is the kind of music that comes out of
Independence."

    "As I recall, music isn't the only reason I would like to have a kid at
Independence," Mr. Steinbeck said. "As a matter of fact, it was halfway
through the program before I could remember where I had seen you four. All
of you were a part of that service held here at St. Mary's." We all
nodded. "Well, that should make a lot of people come running to Concord."

    Larry needed to spend a bit more time with the engineers, so Eugene and
I started driving kids home. Luke hadn't shown up, but Gertie gave me the
keys to the church van which made only one trip necessary. Larry was still
working with the engineers so Eugene and I sat on the church steps talking
while waiting for Luke to show up. I told Eugene how much I admired him for
what he was doing and if there was any way I could help, to let me know. "I
just hope I'm up for Michael's party tomorrow night after looking at those
tapes," he said as Luke pulled up. It seems he had gotten so involved with
the packing problem he had let the time slip up on him.


                             A Special Place--Part Thirty-four--Margaret

    When David and I got back to the house, Michael was obviously home
because we could hear his music before we opened the front door. David
stood at the bottom of the stairs and shouted, "Michael!" about four times
before the music was turned down and Michael answered. "Could you come
down? We need to talk." Michael came bounding down the stairs two at a
time--his usual. I had asked David about that since it seemed dangerous to
me, and he had said he had given up long ago trying to get Michael to walk
down the steps rather than going into freefall.

    "Michael, Margaret and I are going to prepare supper, but we'd like to
talk with you at the same time if you don't mind," David said.

    "Sure."

    "Michael, I went to see Uncle Michael's place today and, while I was
there..."

    "Some place, huh, Dad?"

    "It sure is but, anyway, while I was there he opened my eyes to
something. He made me realize I hadn't treated Margaret right."

    "You mean he made you realize that you were treating Margaret like a
plug-in replacement wife, bringing her here into what is a kind of memorial
to Mom? Frankly, I was afraid I was going to have to have a talk with you
about that, but kept hoping you'd wake up. Margaret, I thought you would
have put your foot down and not moved in until he did something."

    "Like what? Sell the farm and move into a new place?"

    "Well, I had hoped it wouldn't have to be that drastic since it would
take us away from the family and the falls but, yes, something like
that. Seems you and I understood that you were not a replacement mom and
neither of us wanted that, but well..."

    "Michael, never fear that we will move away from this place; from the
family or the falls. I feel very much a part of all that. It's just..."

    "It's just that everywhere you look and live, you see things Mom
selected, arranged the way she wanted. As I said, the place looks like a
memorial to Mom. So what have you decided?"

    "Well, we have decided to decide nothing without you..." David said.

    "I have only two or three concerns--and they are not major since I will
only be here two more years. Of course you're going to get a new bed for
starters. That's damn fundamental and I get the king-sized you have
now. You can keep the trimming, but I get the bed. And my room is my
territory so no-one comes in and decorates it with fat-assed cupids or
cowboy scenes. And the third one is that something be done with the
downstairs bedroom. I am as guilty as you, Dad, but frankly, it's become a
junk room and we don't need that."

    David and I both were laughing so hard we were crying. When we finally
caught our breath, David said, "First, the bed is yours. I agree, it's a
pretty vital piece of furniture and we'll get a new one tomorrow."

    "And your room is your territory, Michael. Even if you were going to be
here twenty years, it's still yours. While I had thought of painting one
wall dayglo pink and papering the other three with blue cabbage roses, I
guess I can forego that," I laughed. "And the downstairs bedroom has
already been decided upon. I'm going to decorate it in blue or pink, I
guess."

    "I knew it! I flatass knew it!" Michael said, ran across the room and
grabbed and hugged me. "And if you've got to be traditional, although I
hate it, you'll have to go with pink. I am going to have a baby sister! And
I am sooooo very glad she was conceived at the falls and in broad daylight
like the rest of us!"

    "Whoa, wait a minute," David said. "What are you talking about?"

    "Look, Dad, Margaret's pregnant with a girl who was conceived at the
falls in broad daylight. All of the Gang of Four know we were conceived
there in broad daylight."

    "Well, if you know where and when the other three were conceived, you
know more than I do," David said.

    "Just check it out with Greywolf and Jens. You'll find out I'm right."

    "And the only time Margaret and I ..."

    David was blushing big time and I was laughing like crazy at his son
putting him on the spot. "Dad, don't try to fool the expert, you and
Margaret had sex BEFORE you were married and she's pregnant with my sister
from that. And don't think I am going to forget that in case I need it
later--I mean sex before marriage, not getting Mary Kathryn
pregnant. Besides, our first will be a boy."

    "Ok, Son, when and where are moot points now. But don't get hung up on
having a sister."

    "Yes, Michael, I'm glad you are pleased and excited. I wasn't sure how
you would take it. But don't get hung up on a sister to the point you will
be disappointed if it's a brother," I said.

    "Don't you know?" Michael asked incredulously.

    "No, I don't know and won't for a while--even if I decide I want to
know."

    "Well, I know. It's a girl. So decorate for a girl and be thinking
about a name for a girl. There must be several hundred floating around the
family since only Jens and Gabrielle managed to have a girl. Now if I may
sum up this conversation so you two can get me some supper: 1. This house
is going to be turned inside out and made into a home for this
family--David, Margaret, Michael and the girl--or girls. Actually, I may as
well tell you now, you're carrying twins, Margaret. In being turned inside
out, the downstairs bedroom will become a nursery and I will get the
king-sized bed and decorate my own room. 2. Margaret got pregnant at the
falls in broad daylight BEFORE you two were married. 3. She is having
sisters for me. 4. You two are going to get busy with supper because I'm
starved. That sums that up. Now the next item of business, about which I
have little say, is the money situation. You two need to deal with the
"yours and mine" money situation because it will cause very serious
problems down the road--not too far down the road, I might add. Is that
about right?"

    "On the nose, Michael, on the nose," I said, "except maybe the sister
or sisters part."

    "What you want to bet I'm right, Margaret? A new car, a night of utter
wild passionate love for me and wild woman, name what you are willing to
risk."

    "The right to choose your sister's name against washing supper dishes
until your brother is potty trained," I laughed.

    "You're on!" Michael said and extended his hand. After we shook hands,
he went back upstairs saying, "Now get busy with supper."

    I was laughing so hard I couldn't stop and David was just looking very
puzzled. "I don't know where he was conceived or if it was daylight or
dark, but you sure got a winner in that one," I said when I could finally
stop laughing.

    "Well, he's right. He was conceived at the falls in the daylight, but
what has me puzzled is how he knows. I certainly never told him and I know
Elizabeth didn't. She was so old fashioned about sex, if she had her way he
would still be thinking you went to the hospital and picked out a
baby. More than that, I've never heard Jens or Greywolf talk about when or
where the other three were conceived. Very strange. I'll check on that. And
he is so positive you are carrying a girl."

    "Just wishful thinking on his part. And I'll tell you another thing: I
can't understand why his father thought a woman wouldn't find great joy in
being stepmother to that kid or wife of his father."

    David and I got busy and supper was soon ready and David called
Michael. When he came down he asked, "What do you think of Isabell Buffy?"
and laughed.


                                A Special Place--Part Thirty-four--David

    Saturday morning Jens, Greywolf and I were going to help my brother get
some things in place for the big Sweet Sixteen party for Michael and Mary
Kathryn. When the three of us were in the van, I asked, "Guys, I have a
very, very personal question to ask. If you know and won't mind telling,
where were your kids conceived and what time of day?"

    "Strange question, David," Greywolf said, "But I assume you have a good
reason for asking. I can tell you exactly when and the time of day Matt was
conceived although Yong Jin and I have never discussed it or told anyone. I
mean, it's not a dinner conversation topic," Greywolf laughed. "It was
before Yong Jin left to do what was supposed to be a four-week state
evaluation of a school system on the coast. The team decided to work
weekends so they could finish in three weeks.  The day before she was to
leave, we were both pretty down. It was a perfect Indian summer day, so we
decided to go to the falls after lunch. We sat and talked and made love--I
must say, several times. When she got back from the trip, she had started
having morning sickness and knew she was pregnant. So Matt was conceived at
the falls sometime between mid-afternoon and just before sunset. I remember
after we had made love the last time, we walked to Lookout Rock and watched
the sunset. If I had a calendar, I could even give you the date."

    "Not necessary, but you're sure you never told anyone until now?"

    "Positive, and you know Yong Jin would never discuss such--probably not
even with me!" Greywolf laughed.

    "Well, I can be as positive about my two. Luke was conceived in October
as well, and damn, it was the same day as Matt!  Greywolf, I guess we
almost bumped into each other," Jens laughed. "Gabrielle had just received
the news her father had died and she was going back to Germany for the
burial and to help her mother get things in order. As with you and Yong
Jin, Greywolf, we knew we would be separated for a month or so. When I got
home, Gabrielle was packed and was really feeling down. When I walked in,
she said, "Jens, before I go tomorrow, I'd like to spend the night under
the stars at the falls.  Well, we did and, strangely enough, did not have
sex that night. We talked and cuddled until dawn then went to Lookout Rock
to watch the sunrise. We sat in silence for over an hour, watching the
sunrise, then just sitting and holding each other.  Finally, we made love
on Lookout Rock, twice as I remember--and I do!--then we went down to the
beach, ate and made love a couple more times and left just before
noon. Luke was conceived at the falls in the morning and I know it was the
same day as Matt because Gabrielle was worried about what Greywolf and I
would do with our wives gone. When she came back from Germany, she was sure
she was pregnant and she was right."

    "Mary Kathryn was a very different matter. I know we all did everything
we could to have children after Matt and Luke were born--both Gabrielle and
I were seeing a doctor, hoping she would get pregnant. She kept one of
those fertility charts and the doctor told me to avoid sex until the best
time for her and then have at it--as many times as I could on the right
day, then hold off to see if Gabrielle was pregnant. When the day arrived,
I took the day off and Gabrielle suggested we go to the falls, 'It helped
once,' she had said. As soon as we could get Luke settled with Elizabeth,
we went to the falls and had sex as many times as I could! We finally came
back around five and, sure enough, Gabrielle was pregnant."

    "Who all knows that, Jens?"

    "Gabrielle and I. Why?"

    "Well, I asked Margaret if it was ok to talk with you and she said it
was, but keep this under your hat until tonight.  Michael was ready to make
an announcement to the world and Margaret told him he could make the
announcement at his party.  Margaret is pregnant..."

    "Got a little ahead of the game, David?" Jens laughed and I blushed.

    "Well, kinda. And Michael assures me he'll not forget it in case he
needs it."

    "He better not need it anytime soon," Jens said, only half joking. "But
why the question about the kids?"

    "When we told Michael last night, he assured us he knew already, that
the baby--or babies--he says Margaret is pregnant with twin girls, and
where he got the idea, I don't know. He said he was pleased that she or
shes were conceived in broad daylight at the falls like the rest of the
kids. I knew neither Elizabeth nor I had told him about his own conception
and I sure didn't think either of you have told him about the other three,
but he was adamant and said they all knew it.  Damnedest thing. Now I
wonder about the girl twins!

    "Sure strange and I will definitely check it out with mine," Jens said.

    "Same here," Greywolf said. By the time the strange conversation was
over, we had arrived at Michael's place.


                                 A Special Place--Part Thirty-four--Matt

    Luke had been at loose ends when his exhibition was completed and now I
was at loose ends because he spent Saturday with Uncle Michael supervising
the packing of his work. It was to be moved to St. Mary's Sunday afternoon
and he and Uncle Michael would start setting it up Monday after school. We
had talked about his not sneaking a listen during practice and I promised I
wouldn't try to see the exhibit.

    He finally came by about 6:00 and said he was going home for a nap
before he got dressed for the party. "Man, getting everything packed was a
job and I was a nervous wreck half the time because, although I knew the
guys packing knew what they were doing, it was like watching someone pack
your children. I am as exhausted as if I had been running all day," he
laughed.

    "Are you coming here to get ready?" I asked, hopefully.

    "I'm not sure. Do you think I'd be welcomed?" he laughed. That did it!
I tackled him and laid one on him he's not likely to forget. "I guess that
answers my question," he said, returning my last kiss. "I'll be here by
seven. If I get a nap, I'll be fine for the party, otherwise I'd probably
fall asleep the minute we sat down. Guess we won't have time to play
around. We'll just have to get dressed when I get here."

    "Better than nothing," I replied and, after another deep kiss, he
left. Since I had been helping Dad around the farm, I decided I was pretty
tired myself and went upstairs, undressed and slipped into bed.

    For the first time in a while, I felt Luke's approaching presence
before waking up. As he slid his wonderful body next to mine, I awoke,
turned and saw his face before mine, his eyes sparkling, a huge smile on
his face. He leaned down and his lips touched mine, his tongue found my
open mouth and brought the taste I loved so much, the taste of Luke. His
arms encircled my body, pulling me to himself. The touch of his hands
against my bare skin send a thrill through my body as his fingers set my
hair free. Luke's hair was now long enough for me bury my fingers in it to
bring his lips, once again, to mine. "Do you want to be my party animal or
my sex kitten?" Luke asked as he looked longingly into my eyes.

    "No question about that! But I don't think we have a real choice do we?
I guess we better hit the shower--and little playing around because we'll
be late." Of course, there was some playing around, but not as much as
either of us would have liked. Choosing what to wear was no problem. Uncle
Michael had said this was a dress--coat and tie--occasion. Luke and I
dressed in identical navy blazers and grey slacks with red and blue striped
ties. I had to admit, we were dreamboats!

    When we arrived, most of the Fellowship of the Rings were already
present; only Bill and Linda were missing. When they came in, Gabrielle
said, "Bill, next time you decide to wear lipstick, use a mirror. It goes
on your lips, not all over your face!" I guess Bill had been around me too
much because he had contracted the blushing disease!

    When we had all arrived, Uncle Michael brought out champagne and said,
"I think Sweet Sixteen calls for special toasts" as he opened the bottles
and handed them to Jens and David who poured. "Michael, Mary Kathryn,
here's to your passing a milestone. May there be many others and may they
all be happy ones. Here's to your health and happiness!" Uncle Michael said
as he raised his glass, and we all followed suit.

    "Mary Kathryn, may you continue to grow and may you bring to many
others as much happiness as you have given your mother and me in your short
sixteen years," Jens gave the second toast.

    "Michael, may you know as much happiness as you have given me in your
sixteen years," David toasted his son.

    There were other toasts and Luke said, "I would toast Michael for his
teaching me that love is fun!"

    After Luke, each of the Fellowship toasted Michael and Mary Kathryn for
some aspect of their character and personality.  Finally, Michael raised
his glass and said, "Here's to the family which has stood beside me and
guided me in the right way and especially to Mary Kathryn who has given me
love I would never have dreamed possible."

    Mary Kathryn was the last to raise her glass and toasted Michael and
the family, "Here's to the blessing that I have been given by being
surrounded by a loving family--my mom and dad, Yong Jin and Greywolf, David
and Elizabeth and now Margaret and three wonderful brothers and a lover!"

    Just as we headed to dinner, Uncle Michael filled our glasses again
and, when he did, Michael raised his glass and said, "A final toast. Here's
to Eugene who has the courage of a lion and the willingness to risk all on
behalf of others!"  As glasses were raised, all present cheered.

    As soon as the blessing had been said and the food served, Eugene spoke
up. "You all know Larry and I spent most of the day at the courthouse
looking at tapes McBride had made of me. Knowing your love and care for us,
I know you'd like to know what happened. I had feared reliving those
horrible events and what Larry might think about me after seeing
them. Larry spent last night with me and I was essentially zoned out. The
TV was on and there was a biography of Marilyn Monroe on. We were half
watching it at first, but gradually we both got involved in the tragic
history of that beautiful woman. On the day she married Joe Dimaggio, a
reporter asked her what about her life she would change. She replied, after
a moment's thought, 'Nothing, because if anything were changed, I wouldn't
be here and know the happiness I know today.' Today, when the tapes
started, I remembered that. I was not the person I was watching. I had been
then, but this is now. And I realized had those events not happened, the
love I know from you all would not be. I would not have Millie as my mom
nor Larry as my lover. Far from being distressed tonight, I am here
celebrating the birthdays of two wonderful friends and of my present life."

    Dinner became more festive after Eugene's revelation. After dinner,
before the adults retired to the carriage house for drinks and coffee,
Uncle Michael brought in a large tray loaded with packages. Most were
obviously from Mr. Swartz's shop.  "Are you kids keeping Mr. Swartz in
business?" Dad laughed.

    "If it's necessary, I guess we would," Bill laughed. Larry and Eugene,
Bill and Linda, Paula and Jacob, Luke and I had all bought "couples' gifts"
for Mary Kathryn, all from Mr. Swartz's shop--necklaces, bracelets,
pendants and a brooch--all featuring Michael's roadrunner or kokopeli. Bill
and Linda, Paula and Jacob had given Michael several CDs he had mentioned
from time to time at lunch. Larry and Eugene had given him a silver chain
from Mr. Swartz's and Luke and I had debated for a while, but finally
settled on a Hopi overlay belt buckle with the roadrunner on it. The adults
in the family had given each of the two more practical gifts, clothes and
such as they always did. Uncle Michael said, "Michael, I wanted to get
something I knew my long-unknown nephew would enjoy. I hope you will--and
Mary Kathryn with you." He handed Michael a very small box, plainly
wrapped. When Michael opened it, there was a key inside. "I expect you to
follow Larry's mom's rule--be responsible and show respect," Uncle Michael
said as Michael remained speechless. The key was to a new Geo
Tracker. "Jens, from what Luke has said, this car has built-in birth
control--a stick shift and a four-wheel drive lever," Uncle Michael
laughed.

    It was now time for Michael and Mary Kathryn to open their gifts to
each other. Mary Kathryn was ecstatic when she saw the earrings with the
roadrunner on them. When Michael opened his, it was a medallion with a
beautifully engraved St.  Michael on the front, slaying a dragon. On the
back were the words, "To Michael from one who loves him for his fearless
dragon slaying. MKL." With the gifts opened, the adults were ready to leave
when Michael said "Hold up! There's one more gift. Won't be opened for
about eight months or so, and it has some pretty beautiful
wrapping. Margaret is giving me twin sisters!" A flood of questions and
comments followed. Margaret finally made it clear the twin sisters were
Michael's idea and that she wasn't sure whether she was carrying a boy or
girl.

    "Were they conceived at the falls in daylight like the rest of us?"
Mary Kathryn asked.

    "You know they were," I replied and Luke and Michael were both
nodding. The adults looked puzzled. I don't know why. We all knew we were
conceived at the falls in daylight.

    The adults left us to ourselves and we ate, drank, and danced until
long past midnight--long past. But before we started, we all had to go
outside and see Michael's car. It was the brightest lime green I had ever
seen. It practically glowed in the dark!

    "So much for parking in a lovers' lane," Bill laughed. "Everyone will
raise hell because you will light up their activities."

    When the evening finally ended--actually the evening ended in the
morning--I knew we'd be a sleepy bunch since we all had things to do
Sunday, but it was worth it to spend time with such great friends and
family. Luke and I were so exhausted that when we reached his place, we
just undressed, tumbled into bed, kissed each other goodnight and were
asleep in seconds.

*******************************************************************************

Suggestions for Margaret's yet-to-be-born child? pendor@mailcity.com