Date: Thu, 27 Nov 2008 23:19:47 -0500
From: Morris Henderson <bigmoh@post.com>
Subject: a_rocky_road_Chapter_1

A ROCKY ROAD
By Morris Henderson

PREFACE

This is a sequel to "An Improbable Love" that can be
found at www.nifty.org in the High School category.
You should read that story before reading this sequel
because it will provide essential background on how
two teens met, how they discovered each other's secret
yearnings, how they bonded remarkably quickly, and how
they coped with having to share their love in an
environment that was toxic to homosexuality.  More
importantly, it will explain the values and attitudes
of the two boys and of the people who were influential
in their lives.

If you chose to disregard this recommendation, the
following summary is a minimal introduction the
characters you will meet in this sequel.

TJ

Thomas Jefferson Ryerson III, a sixteen-year-old high
school student from a politically and socially
prominent family, lives in an affluent community near
Arlington, Virginia.  He has had a privileged life but
is irritated by inequalities and injustices and is
committed to combat all forms of prejudice and
discrimination.  A talented athlete (tennis,
swimming), he also excels academically.  He was a
frustrated virgin until he met Neil.

Neil

Neil Bailey, an eighteen-year-old, earned early
admission to a prestigious college in Washington, D.C.
His parents in Norman, Oklahoma, a college professor
and a High School music teacher, are very open-minded
but his younger brother is very homophobic.  Neil
recently recognized that his goal of becoming a
concert violinist is unrealistic and he has yet to
decide on a career.  Before meeting TJ, he had a brief
relationship with another college student that ended
very painfully.

Mr. and Mrs. Ryerson

TJ's mother, a talented and well-known violin soloist,
was the catalyst for TJ and Neil to meet.  His father,
a high-level attorney with the U.S. Department of
Justice, subscribes completely to the "family values"
of his religion and political party and therefore is
unyielding in his condemnation of "deviant" sexual
behavior.  He was aloof and demanding toward his son
until, at Neil's suggestion, TJ successfully, if only
partially, repaired the antagonistic relationship.

Isabel

TJ's nanny and subsequently the Ryerson's housekeeper
lives in a private suite at the Ryerson's elegant
home.  She was and is a powerful influence on TJ and
is most responsible for his enlightened perspective on
race, class, and discrimination.  She knows the nature
of TJ's relationship with Neil but voluntarily agreed
not to tell anyone.

Cory

A classmate of Neil's lived in the same dorm as Neil
the previous semester.  Arrogant and self-centered, he
frequently suffered physical and emotional pain as a
result of soliciting sex from other men.  Neil often
used `tough love' to correct Cory's dangerous
behavior.

Ramon

Isabel's nephew, a photographer, is in an openly gay
relationship with Jerry, a journalist.  He has offered
to be a mentor and counselor for the two teens
whenever they face a problem or need advice.

A final note

This is a story of two teens' struggles to nourish
their loving relationship in the face of obstacles and
social pressures.  There will be occasional
descriptions of sex between them but if your interest
is predominately erotic descriptions of sexual
activity, look for it elsewhere.



CHAPTER ONE

The plane was on its final approach to Will Rogers
World Airport in Oklahoma City.  Two teens were on
board.  Neil, the 18-year-old teen, had invited TJ,
his 16-year-old boyfriend, to his home in Norman,
Oklahoma for a two-week visit.  The younger teen gazed
out the window, fascinated by a landscape that was so
different from his native Virginia.

It had been a long flight, made longer by an hour's
layover in Atlanta.  The time seemed to pass quickly,
however, because the boyfriends had been conversing
continuously since TJ's mother dropped them off at the
airport in Washington, D.C.  They had recalled their
final days of the school year.  TJ had just finished
his Junior year of high school and Neil his first year
of college.  The joked about TJ's sixteenth birthday
party and the freedom he gained with the gift of a new
car from his parents.  They also explored possible
plans for their stay in Oklahoma.  Because of the risk
of being overheard, however, they had not been able to
talk about their affection for each other nor the
hoped-for opportunities to express their love during
the coming weeks.

TJ was excited to be visiting a part of the country he
had never seen and grateful that his father had
reluctantly given permission for the trip.  He was
also grateful for the supportive arguments from his
mother and Isabel that were decisive in winning his
father's approval.

More than anything, however, he was eager to meet his
boyfriend's parents because, he hoped, he would become
their son-in-law.  As the plane touched down, TJ grew
anxious and his perceptive lover noticed his mood
change.

"Is something bothering you, TJ"

"I'm just a little nervous.  I hope your parents like
me."

"What's not to like?  You're intelligent and have a
winning personality.  I've seen you handle social
situations so I'm confident you'll make a good first
impression.  Besides, you're my friend, which almost
guarantees that they'll like you."

"I must disagree.  Being your friend only guarantees
that they'll be polite.  I want them to like me
because..." TJ glanced around and continued in a
hushed tone, "...because when they find out, it will
be easier to accept me."

The older teen, carefully choosing his words, almost
whispered, "We've had this conversation before but let
me repeat.  They'll be surprised but not angry or
upset.  It may take a little while for them to accept
it but trust me.  You have no reason to be uptight.
Finally, remember that we're just friends on a
vacation.  There will be no dramatic revelation, no
crisis, just two weeks of relaxation."

"I want to believe you, Neil.  I trust your judgment.
But, to tell the truth, I'm scared."

Neil felt an urge to hug his lover to comfort and
reassure him but knew he couldn't lest other
passengers see them.  Instead, he placed a hand on
TJ's, squeezed it, and said, "I can see you're
anxious.  I have a suggestion.  When I was a freshman
in high school, I gave my first recital.  I was so
nervous that I felt like throwing up.  My mother sat
me down, told me to breathe slowly and deeply, and
close my eyes.  She told me to imagine myself playing
extremely well.  It took a while but eventually, I
could almost hear the audience applauding as I
finished the piece.  It was a mind game but it gave me
the confidence to go on stage and concentrate on my
playing.  Was I nervous?  Yes, but it was only mild
stage fright and not the overwhelming fear that it
might have been.  So here's what I want you to do.
Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and visualize!
Anticipate a warm welcome.  Picture yourself being in
total control of your words, actions, and feelings.
Call on all the positive energy that I know you have
in you."

TJ was initially skeptical that it would do any good
but he trusted his lover and had nothing to lose by
trying.  By the time the plane had taxied to the gate,
his anxiety had begun to diminish.  Neil's whispered
encouragement helped: "It will be fine ... They will
like you immediately ... I'm here with you, TJ ...
I'll always be with you ... It will be just as
wonderful as you want it to be."

The plane was now at the gate.  The engines shut down,
their muffled roar replaced by the attendant's welcome
to Oklahoma City where the local time was ten past
four.  Passengers began to retrieve their belongings
from the overhead bins but Neil continued his soft
words of encouragement.

Finally, it was time to disembark and Neil asked, "How
do you feel?"

"Much better.  Thanks.  I confess that I didn't think
it would work but it helped a lot."

"One more thing.  Don't talk until we get near the
baggage claim area.  Concentrate on those pleasant
thoughts circulating in your mind.  My parents will
immediately like you.  Believe it!  Make it happen!"

Neil's coaching and TJ's willingness to follow his
partner's instructions worked.  He was not completely
confident but the anxiety that plagued him was gone.
It was another example of how TJ had learned to rely
on his new lover's guidance.  Although there was
minimal difference in their ages, the younger teen
usually (but not always) willingly ceded the
leadership role.

Neil's parents greeted and hugged their son, a display
of parental affection that TJ envied.  Neil then
handled the introductions and his parents were
especially cordial in welcoming TJ, saying, with
obvious sincerity, that they were grateful that Neil
had such a good friend.  The vacation was off to a
magnificent beginning!

The 23 mile drive from the airport to the Bailey home
in Norman, Oklahoma passed quickly, thanks to the
light Saturday afternoon traffic and continuous
conversation.  The lively exchange of information was
not, as TJ expected, centered on Neil's experiences in
college but included friendly questions about TJ's
activities, interests, and goals.  The young visitor
began to feel almost like a part of the family.

When they arrived at Neil's home, the two boys took
their suitcases inside.

Mrs. Bailey said to TJ, "I'm afraid the guest bedroom
has been converted to Mr. Bailey's office.  I hope you
don't mind sharing Neil's room."

"Not at all, ma'am.  Neil told me about the sleeping
arrangements and assured me that he doesn't mind my
intrusion ... as long as I don't snore," he joked.

"Is Jeff home?" Neil asked his mother.

"No.  He's on a weekend campout with the Boy Scouts.
I don't think I told you.  He's the assistant Scout
Master now.  It's not an official title, of course.
He's only sixteen.  But he enjoys it and he relates
well to all the younger boys.  He was disappointed
that he couldn't be here when you arrived but he'll be
back in time for Sunday dinner.

"Good.  I'm anxious to see my little brother."

"Not so little anymore," she laughed.  "He's grown
taller and added weight--all muscle, thanks to being
on the wrestling team."

"So I should not pick a fight with him?" Neil asked.

"Not that you would!" his mother exclaimed.  "I don't
remember your fighting since you were little boys."

"True enough.  He was never the pest that a lot of
little brothers are."

"Go get settled in," the woman said.  "I'll fix supper
and call you when it's ready."

Neil led TJ upstairs to his room where they deposited
their suitcases.

"No more pretense of a sleeping bag on the floor like
in my dorm room," Neil quipped.  "I inherited the
double bed when my parents got a king-size.  Do you
think it will be big enough for the two of us?"

TJ chuckled and replied, "I suspect we'll only use
half of it."

Neil grinned, closed the door, and embraced his boy
friend.  "We'll have to be very careful but I'm sure
there will be opportunities for indulging in sensual
delights."

"I certainly hope so," TJ murmured before kissing his
lover long and passionately.

Neil broke the kiss abruptly.  TJ's surprise and
disappointment were obvious in his expression.

"I'm sorry, my love," Neil began.  "But I'm getting
hard and horny.  Now's not the time.  We'll have to
wait until bedtime.  Then I'll show you the depth of
my love for you."

The two temporarily frustrated teens reluctantly
separated.  Neil made room in his closet and chest of
drawers for TJ's things.

"Are you sure you want to share your closet?  I can
keep my clothes in my suitcase."

"One day we'll have OUR bedroom, OUR closet.  In the
meantime, I'm happy to have your clothes in my
closet."  Then looking his lover up and down
lustfully, he said, "But even happier to have you in
my bed."

After supper, the teens joined Neil's parents in the
family room where the conversation was animated and
cordial.  Mr. Bailey took a special interest in some
of TJ's school projects that involved an analysis of
political and economic implications of class, race,
and religion in society.  TJ was initially hesitant to
discuss the conclusions he derived, fearing that his
hosts would not agree and it would open a chasm
between him and his future in-laws.  However, Mr.
Bailey couldn't conceal his pleasure over the young
man's intellectual rigor and logic.  It soon became
clear that TJ had won the respect of both of his
partner's parents.  That, he hoped, would prove to be
valuable when they found out the truth about their
eldest son.

Neil listened quietly as his father and TJ monopolized
the conversation.  He was extraordinarily proud of his
boy friend and particularly pleased that his parents
were impressed.

The conversation became hazardous, however, when Mr.
Bailey said, "You seem to be condemning intolerance
and discrimination in all its forms.  Would you agree
that there is sometimes a valid reason for it?"

Not suspecting the direction the conversation would
soon take, TJ replied, "Of course.  We can never
tolerate criminal behavior.  We shouldn't tolerate war
except in defense of freedom.  And we must not
tolerate discrimination that is irrational."

"Should we tolerate immoral behavior?"

TJ was shaken by the question.  Did his lover's father
regard homosexuality as immoral?  Would he therefore
be intolerant of his relationship with the man's son?

There was a bigger reason for TJ to be apprehensive.
His father frequently used that kind of question not
to gather information but to entrap.  Mr. Bailey's
question aroused those old feelings of threat,
defensiveness, and resentment over being cross-
examined.  Fortunately, however, years of experience
with his father had honed his ability to conceal his
anxiety and had enhanced his coping skill.  He paused,
assumed a thoughtful expression to mask a desperate
attempt to formulate an answer, and finally replied,
"No, sir.  But the difficulty is deciding what's
immoral.  Is eating pork immoral?  Jews think it is.
Is polygamy immoral?  Many cultures endorse and even
encourage it.  The whole conflict over abortion is
based on opposing views of what's moral.  Every
religion defines morality differently.  Sin and virtue
are ambiguous at best."

Both TJ and Neil were relieved to hear Mr. Bailey
laugh heartily and say, "If you were a student in my
class, TJ, you would get an A plus for that response.
Are you on the debate team in school?"

"No, sir."

"Have you considered following your father's footsteps
and becoming a lawyer?"

"Yes ... either that or a social worker.  I want to
help disadvantaged and persecuted people."

"Admirable!" the man exclaimed.  "Neil has already
mentioned that was your goal and a primary reason he
respects you so much."

TJ had successfully deflected a line of questioning
that might have led to a discussion neither he nor
Neil were ready to have.  There was still, of course,
a lingering doubt that Neil's parents would accept
their son's eventual openly gay union.  Neil was
reasonably certain they would but it remained an
unanswered question.

Twenty minutes later, Neil said, "We're still running
on Eastern Time and it was a long trip.  Would you
mind if we went to bed early tonight?"

"Not at all," Mrs. Bailey replied.  "And you can sleep
as long as you like.  After all, you're on vacation.
But if you're not up by ten, I'll call you for
brunch."

Safely in Neil's bedroom behind a closed door, TJ was
seized in a tight embrace and kissed almost violently.

"I'm so very proud of you, TJ.  I was confident they
would like you but I'm still surprised at how quickly
you won my parents' respect and affection."

"Thanks.  I was nervous when your father asked me
about tolerating immoral behavior."

"I could tell ... because I know you so well.  But I
don't think they noticed.  And your answer was
brilliant!"

"I was lucky," TJ said, embarrassed at the praise.

"Nonsense!  You were masterful!"

Denying TJ another chance to minimize his
accomplishment, Neil engaged his lover in a very long
and very passionate kiss.

When he finally released his lover from the loving
kiss, TJ said, "Now you've got me hard and horny."

"Well, then, let's do something about it!"

They quickly shed their clothes and scrambled into
bed.  Following an extended period of foreplay
consisting of gentle caresses and fondling, TJ
repositioned himself, offering his throbbing cock to
Neil's hungry mouth while filling his own with an
equally hard and impatient fleshy rod.

TJ, although he tried to extend the pleasure, was, as
usual, the first to erupt into his lover's welcoming
mouth.  Stifling his moans of ecstasy lest they be
heard beyond the walls of the room, he froze as Neil
gently milked the last few drops of creamy nectar from
the meaty faucet.  Then, he returned to his task of
giving his partner the erotic pleasure and sensual
fulfillment of a thoroughly satisfying orgasm.

As TJ had predicted, they used only half of the double
bed as they embraced each other, reaffirmed their
abiding love, and eventually fell asleep with arms and
legs intertwined.

They awoke the next morning just after seven.
Following a quick trip to the bathroom to empty their
full bladders, they cuddled in bed and talked softly.
Neither of them felt a need for sex although they
would occasionally run their hands lovingly across
each other's chest and back.  Even kisses were
infrequent and gentle but not without meaning.  The
relaxed closeness and contentment was, in its way, as
satisfying as more active sex.

At half past eight, they dressed and went downstairs
to find Mrs. Bailey reading the morning paper.  "Sleep
well?" she inquired.

"Very well," Neil answered.  "And TJ kept his promise
not to snore."

"I should have made you promise not to snore," TJ said
with fake irritation.  "You sounded like a grizzly
bear."

"Oh?" Neil countered.  "You've slept with a grizzly
bear?"

TJ almost gave a clever reply but it was too
suggestive to voice in the presence of Neil's mother.

After a delicious brunch, the two teens went on a
walking tour of the University of Oklahoma campus,
less than a mile from Neil's home.  TJ was overwhelmed
at the size of the campus, more than two thousand
acres with numerous academic buildings, a huge
football stadium, and high-rise dormitories for many
of the almost 19,000 undergraduate students.

"With the university right in your neighborhood, why
did you go to Georgetown?" TJ asked.

Neil chuckled as he recalled the decision process.  "I
fully expected to go to OU.  As you say, it's close.
And they offer a music major concentrating on string
instruments.  But my parents convinced me that an
important part of a college education is living away
from home.  They suggested the East Coast.  I applied
to several schools and Georgetown appealed to me.  The
clincher was the scholarship money!  I didn't know it
at the time but it was the best decision I ever made
because I met you!"

"Remind me to thank your parents ... at an appropriate
time, of course.  Do you think they will regret
persuading you to go away to school?  When they find
out about us, I mean."

"First of all, going east for school didn't make me
gay.  They would eventually find that out anyway.
More importantly, they are open-minded.  And finally,
I'm confident that they like you so they will accept
you into the family.  They may be surprised, perhaps a
little disappointed, but they will adjust to it sooner
than you might expect."

"I certainly hope so," TJ said earnestly.  "But how
about your brother?"

"He could be a problem.  I've told you he's a first
class prude.  He condemns any form of sex outside of
marriage.  And he's a bigot when it comes to gays.  I
hope his disapproval won't turn into hatred but if it
does, it's a price I'm willing to pay to be with you."


The time the boys spent touring the campus passed very
quickly and they suddenly realized it was time to
return home for dinner.  They arrived just as Jeff was
pulling into the driveway.  TJ was about to meet the
person that would plunge the two lovers into a major
crisis.

To be continued.

You may contact the author at bigmoh@post.com