Date: Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:29:51 -0400
From: crazy4u <rnielsen47@gmail.com>
Subject: The Man from Swift Current Part 3, GM High School

Comments on the story are appreciated and may be addressed to the author,
Russ Nielsen (rnielsen47@gmail.com) To read more of my stories you can find
them at my story site - http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/

All the usual disclaimers apply. This is a work of pure fiction. Any
similarities to persons living or dead are coincidental. If it is illegal
to read this where you live, don't read it. If you are under legal age
where you live, don't read it.

This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between adult
males. Passing through Nifty's main page to get here is your way of saying
it is legal for you to be reading it.

Chapter Three -- Back to School

Ben hoped to play hockey professionally and wanted to get a scholarship to
attend college. Ben is my idol. He just seems to have it all together
emotionally, mentally and physically. He is 5'7' and extremely well
built. He works out constantly and prides himself on his excellent
physic. He is very good on the ice. Ben is definitely one of the best
hockey players I have ever seen. Sharing a room with Ben has been both
challenging and rewarding all at the same time. He is always encouraging me
to work out with him and to bulk up. Only problem is I hate going to the
gym. It's hard enough hiding my interest in other guys during regular
classes let alone going to the gym. I am always afraid one of the guys will
catch me checking them out in the locker room. My other fear is not being
able to control my reaction to being around so many great-looking guys. The
last thing I need is for me to cause problems for Ben because of my lack of
control.

Ben has taken me on as his special project to get into shape. He thinks
that I should have a perfect physic like his. After all, we are related. As
a result, Ben drags me to the gym three days a week to work out on the
weights. The other days of the week, we run, swim or play a pick-up game of
hockey with Ben's friends. I am really not into all this physical fitness
stuff but I love being around Ben and his friends so I guess I stick with
it.

I love to swim. In the water I can be graceful and coordinated. Playing
other sports, I just can't seem to get it together. I not very well
coordinated and don't do well in team sports. I have always been the last
one chosen for teams and only taken because someone had to take me. More
often than not I would just sit on the sidelines and cheer for those who
were on the teams.

I am very shy and try not to be noticed. I am really into music. I play the
piano and the violin. My mother plays the piano and violin as well. She has
a great love of music and has encouraged all of us to learn to play the
piano at a minimum. I love to read and take myself to other places as I
read about them. At school, I am taking all of the usual subjects: math,
English, French, chemistry, P.E., etc.

I eat lunch with Ben's hockey team every day. It has been a great
experience for me to be part of group. My old school, Kincaid Central,
pulled kids from all the surrounding farms in the entire area and had
grades K-12. We got a good education but the social aspects weren't what
you would call fantastic.  I had very few friends there. Since we all came
from the surrounding farms, we didn't get together after school due to the
distance and the lack of transportation. Here at SCCHS, we don't have to
worry about the distance since we live close to the school as do many of my
classmates.

As you can imagine, P.E. was both my favorite class and my worst class. I
dreaded having to go into the locker room and tried to be the last one to
class so I could dress somewhat in privacy after all the guys were already
in the gym. Coach always gave me a hard time about being late to class
every day. From the very first day, the guys seem to sense that I wasn't a
jock and again I ended up being that last one picked for the different
teams. On the second day of class, this kid named Ian picked me first for
his team. I did a double take and thought maybe I had heard wrong. Then he
repeated my name and waved me over to him. I walked slowly over trying not
to show the shock and surprise I was feeling. As I got closer, Ian raised
hand and gave me a high-five and said, "Welcome to my team, Glenn!"

"Why did you pick me," I asked as I looked him over...he was a little
taller than me with dirty, blond hair and hazel eyes. He had a handsome
face in a rugged sort of way. It was also obvious that he worked out at the
gym. I could really go for this guy! I quickly looked away before I got
caught looking him over as he answered my question.

"Because you are new to this school and so am I," Ian said with a smile. I
looked at him kind of dumbfounded. How did he know I was new to this
school? When I didn't respond, he continued "I am an exchange student from
Norway. My mom is English so we split our time between London and
Bergen. Mom thought I should spend some time in another country besides
England and Norway so I applied to come to Canada as an exchange
student. Who should we choose next?"

"Uh, I don't know...how about that kid over there," I said pointing to a
tall dark-headed kid leaning against the wall.

Ian called out his name, "Brian, come on over and join our team!" Brian
broke into a smile when he heard his name and trotted over and high-fived
both of us. Choosing up teams went on until there were six teams of five
guys for three games of basketball. Our other teammates were Scott and
Jimmy.  Both were about the same height and build as myself. Ian organized
us and put Brian under the basket since he was the tallest. And so
on. After a couple of intense games, the coach blew the whistle for us to
go get dressed. Ian congratulated us for playing so well together. We had
won both games which made us all feel pretty good. As we headed to the
locker rooms, I started to hang back to give the other guys time to get
dressed when Ian looked back and stopped to wait for me.

Ian asked me, "Why do you always come late to class and then wait until
everyone is out of the locker room to dress?"

"I'm just shy that's all. I don't like getting naked in front of other
guys," I said looking at the floor and shifting uncomfortably from one foot
to the other.

When I finally looked up, Ian was looking me directly in the eyes, "You
have no need to be shy. It's just a bunch of regular guys and no one is
going to make fun of you or anything. You know...we all have the same
equipment!"

"I know that but I just like having some privacy when I'm getting dressed,"
I said. I was starting to get a little defensive and it showed in my face.

Seeing my change in attitude Ian said, "I'm sorry, dude, I didn't mean to
make you angry. I was just curious that's all. I'd like us to be friends. I
hope I haven't spoiled any chance of that by asking you sensitive
questions."

"That's okay. Maybe we can get together after school sometime," I said.

"Sure thing, how about today after school? You could come over to my house
and we could play some video games."

"Alright, but I will have to call my Aunt Mary and let her know. Where do
you want to meet?"

"In front of the school, that's where Pat picks me up and takes me
home. Pat and Gene are the family I am staying with here Swift
Current. They are part of the organization that sponsors foreign exchange
students. After spending my senior year here, I will go back to college in
London. At least, that is what my mom wants me to do. My dad wants me to
attend school in Norway. So why are you calling your Aunt to get permission
to come over to my house? Don't you live with your parents?"

"My sister, Nancy, and I are staying with my Aunt and Uncle so I can go to
school in the city instead of staying down on the farm with my parents," I
said. "My cousins, Ben and Cynthia, go to school here as well."

"That's really cool that your Aunt and Uncle are willing to let you stay
with them!" Ian said.

We headed into the locker room to find that most of the guys had already
changed and were heading out to their next class. Ian and I had to quickly
change and join them or we would be late for class. Of course, I checked
him out as he stripped down in front me. I looked up to find he was doing
the same thing to me.

Ian looked up and caught my look and just laughed and said, "See, we have
the same kind of equipment so you don't have to be so shy. By the way, I
like what I see...Do you like what you see?"

I turned very red and just turned away to finish putting on my clothes.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you," Ian said as he came up behind
me. He put his hand on my shoulder and turned me around to look at
him. "Are we still okay?"

"Yeah, we're okay," I said. "Come on, let's get to class." I tried not to
run away but Ian had to walk pretty fast to keep up with me as we left the
locker room. Ian's comments had me wondering not only about myself but did
I dare hope that he was of the same mind as I was. It really had me shook
up. I could hardly think straight for the rest of the day.

Our friendship continued to grow over the course of the next few weeks. Ian
always picked me to be on his team and helped me try to improve my game no
matter what the sport was for that day. Ian is naturally athletic and plays
every sport well. Ian started joining Ben and I at our workout sessions at
the gym that same week. Ben and his crew began including Ian in their
activities. Ian was an instant hit with the guys. He just knew exactly what
to say and how to say it. Ian's sense of humor was a little on the odd side
but he always managed to get everyone laughing at his jokes.

We spent almost every day together at his house or mine. Uncle Dave and
Aunt Mary treated him like he was part of the family. Ian loves music. He
isn't very musically talented but that doesn't stop him from appreciating
music.

We were at Ian house studying for a math test when Ian stopped studying and
looked over at me on the couch. He got up from the table and walked over to
me.

"Here listen to this song," Ian said as he handed me his IPod.

I listened to the music for a minute and said, "I like it but who is it?"

"It's my favorite rock group called A-Ha. They are a Norwegian alternative
rock band."

"I've never even heard of them. How come they sing in English?" I asked.

"According to their lead singer, they sing in English so they can sell
their music to a much wider audience than just us Norwegians," answered
Ian. "The Germans are just totally wild about them as are the Russians. We
are very proud of them. Norwegians are the best at everything we do!"

"No need for any humility there!" I teased Ian.

"You're right! I can't help being the best don't you agree?" Ian joked
right back as he struck his signature muscleman pose.

After slowly looking him up and down, I said, "Yeah...I agree you're the
best at failing math since you won't study hard enough to pass the test
tomorrow! Your stunning good looks and charming manner won't work on
Mr. Manning. He will still fail you!"

Ian grabbed a couch pillow and threw it at me. That started a massive
pillow fight that lasted for a good half-hour before we finally got back to
studying.

As I got ready to head home, Ian grabbed a stack of CD's from his
room. "Why don't you borrow these CDs? I have loaded all the songs on my
IPod already."

I took the CDs from him and said, "Okay, but the guys in this group A-ha
certainly look like they're ancient to me. How old are these guys, anyway?"

"They cut their first record in the mid `80s and are still going strong. My
favorite is this one called Analogue. Try listening to it first. The older
ones are definitely out of step with today's music but they're Norwegians
so the music is still good---OLD, but good," Ian said.

I just laughed at that comment. It didn't matter what I said, Ian would
always find a way to turn things into a positive for anything Norwegian. I
think he does it in part because he's homesick. Aunt Mary honked the horn
just then, saving me from having to comment as I hurried out the door.

The next day after school, we were all hanging out at our house when Ben
brought up the subject of Jen.

"Hey, dude, how come you keep avoiding Jen?" Ben asked me.

"I'm not avoiding her. I just don't have any classes with her," I said.

"Jen thinks you hate her because every time she tries to talk to you at
lunch or after school, you start to act funny and make excuses to get away
from her," Ben said. "Maybe you could go a double date with me and my
girlfriend."

"What!! You have been holding out one dude!" I said. "Since when have you
had a girlfriend?"

"Yeah, Bro., `Fess up," said Cynthia. "Do I know the girl?"

"Yeah, who is the lucky girl?" Ian asked.

"Oh, I know," said Nancy. "It's Penny Turner! She's in my math class and
I've seen Ben talking to her in the halls between classes!"

"Oh, man, can't a guy get a break around here!" complained Ben. "I've tried
to keep it quiet until Penny was ready to tell her friends. You know how
rumors spread at school. Just because we want to start dating, everyone
will start saying we're getting married next!"

"Well, if you didn't make it so obvious, no one would know. And besides,
Penny already told me she likes you a lot and has been pumping me for
information about you all week," said Nancy.

Ben looked a little worried when he heard that, "Just what have you told
her about me?"

"Oh, that you can be hard to get along with and that you are so arrogant
and full of yourself that she needs to find someone better," said Nancy
with a smug little smile.

"You did not!" shouted Ben.

"How do you know?" asked Nancy

"Because I just know that's why," Ben replied.

After a few tense moments while they stared at each other, Nancy relented,
"Okay, I told her you were a great guy and that she would have a great time
going out with you. Happy now? However, I did say you have got to have the
smelliest socks around though!"

"I do not! Did you really tell her that?" Ben tried not to look concerned
but didn't succeed.

"Sure I did. Why would I lie about something like that?" Nancy replied.

"Now she probably won't go out with me." Ben's misery showed on his face.

Nancy couldn't help teasing him some more, "Well, I did tell her that you
don't smell bad as long as you keep your shoes on!"

Ben looked stricken. The look on his face had all of us laughing so hard we
couldn't stop. I finally said, "Ben, don't you know when Nancy is teasing
you? She didn't say any such thing. You are such a ninny sometimes!"

"I am NOT a ninny. Besides, you haven't answered my original question
before Nancy got into it with me. Will you go on a double date with me and
Penny? Maybe Ian could get a date and go with us as a threesome."

Ian laughed, "Okay, okay, I will go with you guys as long as I get to take
both Cynthia and Nancy as my dates." Both girls started giggling and
quickly agreed that they would go with Ian. They both have been drooling
over Ian since the day they met him. It's kind of comical to watch them
fawn over him. Of course, Ian just loves all of the attention and
encourages them by flirting outrageously with them.

"So when are you going to ask Jen?" Ben asked.

"I'll ask her tomorrow, okay?" I said, resigning myself to the fact that
Ben wouldn't stop pressuring me until I asked her out.

Later that night, Ian asked, "Are you really going to ask Jen out?"

"Yeah, I really don't have a choice now do I?" I said.

"I guess you're right, Glenn," Ian said. "Ben won't give up until you
do. Do you want me to ask to go out with you?"

"No, I can do my own asking, thank you very much. I don't need you to make
any worse for me than it is, okay," I said.

"Don't get so upset. I was only trying to help since I know you are so shy
around some people," Ian said.

"Yeah, right...and I'm Santa Claus,"

"No, really, I was just trying help"

"Okay, Ian, I believe you. Can we just drop it for now?" I said, more than
a little irritated at Ian for even thinking of asking Jen out for me. Ian
is my best friend but he can sometimes cause me so much frustration.

The next day during lunch, I made my way over to Jen's table and sat down
next to her. She looked up in surprise but didn't say anything. Her friends
hadn't come to the lunchroom, yet. So I knew I only had a few minutes to
ask my question.

"Jen, would you go with me to the movies this Friday night?" I asked. Jen
face lit up with a great big smile.

"Sure, I'll go with you to the movies. What time will you pick me up?" she
said.

"How about 6 PM and we'll get some pizza before going to the show?" I said.

"Sounds great to me! I can't wait until Friday."

"Good, I will call you on Friday just before I leave to come pick you up."
With that, I got up from her table and made a hasty retreat to the other
side of the lunchroom where Ian sat watching me with Ben and his hockey
buddies.

"Well, what did she say?" asked Ben.

"She said, yes. What else would she say?" I said.

"Good, now she will stop pestering me and Craig to get you to ask her
out. Isn't that right, Craig?" Ben said.

Craig responded, "It's about time dude! My sister is like a pit bull when
she makes up her mind to do something and you have been on her list for
some time now."

I looked across the table at Craig to see a look of relief on his
face. Craig is a nice guy and has always been kind to me. I kind of felt
bad for ignoring his little sister for so long. I'm sure she hasn't made it
easy for him, especially since we hang out together every day during lunch
and we have a couple of classes together as well.

After school, Ian asked, "So, you managed to ask Jen out all on your own!"

"Yeah, I've never been so nervous about anything in my life. Girls scare me
to death!"

"Same, here dude. I've can't come over tonight. Pat and Gene have plans to
take me to see some of their friends. So, I'll catch you tomorrow," Ian
said as he climbed into Pat's car.

Friday finally came. I called Jen to let her know we were coming to pick
her up. Ben borrowed Uncle Dave's SUV for the evening. When I knocked on
the door, both Jen and Craig stepped outside.  Apparently, Ben had arranged
for Craig to join us so there would be an even number. We all climbed into
the SUV and headed over to the local pizza joint then to the movie
theater. During our meal, I made small talk with Jen. Mainly, we talked
about school and our mutual friends. I held her hand during the movie which
caused her to smile and move her leg up against mine. I was just a little
uncomfortable but I made good on my promise to Ben. I looked over at
Ben. He just smiled and put his arm around Penny and started kissing her. I
quickly looked away. I couldn't wait for the movie to end so I could get
out of this situation!

After dropping everyone off at their homes, Ben asked me, "Well, are you
going to ask Jen out on a date, again?"

"I don't know, Ben," I said.

"What's there to know! Jen's a cute girl and she obviously likes you. Why
wouldn't you ask her out, again?"

"Ben, I'm just not comfortable around girls," I said.

"What? Are you trying to tell me you're gay?" Ben asked.

"No, but I'm just not sure of myself around girls that's all," I said.

"Well, the best way to cure that is to spend more time around girls! So,
why not ask Jen out on another date, but next time just the two of you go,"
Ben suggested.

"Alright, I'll think about," I said. "Can we talk about something else?" I
said just little heatedly.

"Okay, don't get all mad at me for trying to get you out of your shell. You
need someone to push you a little bit to get you moving and I'm just the
person to do that for you"

I jumped out of the SUV as Ben parked it in the garage. I guess I must have
slammed the door too hard because Ben yelled at me, "Don't break the door!
You really are a piece of work, ya know."

I ignored him and found my way into the house and into our room. I'm really
not ready to talk to Ben about my sexual orientation right now. Can't he
just leave me well enough alone!

Ben soon followed me and shut our bedroom door behind him.

"Look, cousin, don't get all pissy with me when I am only trying to do you
favor," Ben said. His face was a mask of anger and he had his hands all
balled up in fists.

"Ben, I really do appreciate your help but not in the dating department. I
don't want to be set up on any more dates and I don't want to set up
anyone's expectations as far as a relationship goes. I'm just not ready for
that right now," I said. I was trying to calm him down but at the same time
I wasn't going to let him tell me how to run my life.

"Glenn, be honest with me. Are you gay like your brother, Randy?"

"I don't know, Ben. I am so confused about that issue. I like girls but I
also like guys, too. Don't be mad at me, please," I pleaded. "I am still
pretty angry at my Dad for disowning Randy and it's caused me to really
think about going out with a guy just to get to my Dad. I know that's not a
good reason but I really am interested in guys as well as girls. I dated
girls at my old school but that was before the scene with Randy and his
boyfriend. They seemed so happy together. Before that, I had never really
considered that I could be happy with a guy. I always thought I had to go
with the girls to be happy in a relationship. It made me sad to see Dad
hurt Randy and Shawn the way he did."

The anger left Ben's face as he sat down on his bed and faced me. "I won't
pretend I understand what you are going through. I am just not wired that
way. I just need you to be honest with me, Glenn. We have been best friends
since forever. Over the last few weeks, you haven't been very talkative and
I've tried to draw you out but you have always dropped back into your
silence. It really bothers me to see you this way. It's just not the Glenn
I know. I know how you feel towards your Dad and what happened with Randy
but it seems to be more than that. I will try to give you some space while
you try to figure out who you are and I won't keep at you to go out with
Jen, but you really should look at trying to get out and date someone. You
are missing out on a lot of fun and a big part of our high school
experience."

"Thanks, Ben. You are really the best friend a guy could ever have," I said
as I stood up and we knocked fists.

"You'd better believe it, dude. And I'm your best cousin, too, don't forget
that either," Ben said with a smile.

After that, we both got ready for bed and turned out the lights. I was
still really upset about Ben's pressuring me to go out with Jen. I couldn't
get to sleep right away. I could hear Ben's regular breathing as he fell
asleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow. I kept thinking about
whether I should just decide to try and get Ian to go on a date with me or
not. Ever since I first met Ian, I have dreamed of him sleeping with me and
all of the things we would do in bed together. I've gotten off in the
shower many times fantasizing about Ian. Talking to Ian is so easy and we
like a lot of the same things. I just feel better being around him. Not to
mention his perfectly sculpted body! Just thinking about Ian gave a hard-on
that demanded my attention and distracted me from my self-contemplation.

The next morning, I woke up to the smell of bacon. I stretched and yawned
and looked over to see Ben just waking up.

"Hey, cuz, we'd better get up if we want any breakfast," Ben said. "It
smells wonderful!"

Ben got of bed and headed towards our bathroom. After Ben finished, I took
my turn to clean up and get dressed. We both headed to the kitchen after
making our beds and straightening up our room.  That`s one thing Aunt Mary
was a very strict about...a clean room.

As we entered the kitchen, Uncle Dave asked, "How would you two like to
help me out down at the store?"

"Sure, what would we be doing?" I responded.

"We need to take an inventory of everything in the store," Uncle Dave said.

Ben spoke up, "I'd like to do that. I helped last time. We had a great
time!"

"Well, that's settled," said Uncle Dave. "We'll leave as soon as you two
are finished eating breakfast."

"Can Ian come help us as well?" I asked.

"Yes, he can. Why don't give him a call and have him meet us at the store,"
said Uncle Dave.

We worked hard all day but we enjoyed doing the work. I watched Uncle Dave
as he got everyone organized and jumped in to help get the work done. He
reminded me so much of my dad sometimes as I watched him work. I just wish
my dad were as understanding and willing to listen to me as his brother.

We went to church on Sunday morning as usual and spent the afternoon
playing board games and relaxing. Sunday is my favorite day of the week. I
spent a couple of hours practicing on my violin and then playing the piano
to accompany anyone who wants to sing. My Aunt and Uncle have great voices
and they love to sing. Ian, Ben, Cynthia and Nancy sing along as
well. Today, our routine was about to change.

Uncle Dave interrupted our singing by asking, "How about we walk down to
the convalescent center a couple of blocks down the road and sing for
them?"

We all just stood there for a few seconds thinking it over. Then all at
once we all responded, "Sure, why not?"

"I'll get the old time music book out so we can sing some of those golden
oldies for them," said Aunt Mary. She pulled out a couple of music books
out of a cupboard next to the piano.

We put on our coats and walked the few blocks to the center. Uncle Dave
opened the door for us and then went looking for the office. A few minutes
later, he showed up with little old lady with gray hair in a business
suit. She wore a great big smile on her face.

"Thank you for coming. I am Mrs. Miller. Our patrons get so lonely and
Sundays are especially hard for them. Come this way and I'll show you to
the sitting room where the piano is located."

With that, she turned and led us down a long hallway past the doors of many
of the patients who lived there. Some were obviously bedridden. Others were
sitting in their wheelchairs just staring at the walls. There were a couple
of younger patients that were recovering from surgery or other illnesses.
As she passed some of the rooms, Mrs. Miller would give a cheery, "Hello"
or "How are you today, dear?"

As we entered the sitting room, we could see that many of the home's
patients were already there.  They were gathered in groups talking amongst
themselves. There were a couple nurses attending to them, making sure that
they were firmly tied into their wheelchairs to keep them from falling out
or comforting them and answering their questions. Mrs. Miller marched up to
the front of the room and made the announcement.

"Hello, everyone, we have some special visitors. This is Dave and Mary and
their family from up the street. They have come to make some music and sing
some of your favorite songs."

With that introduction, I took my place at the piano while everyone else
lined up facing our little audience. We sang every song in the book. Many
of the older patients sang with us. One woman in her 90s, shouted out, "I
remember that one! Sing it again, please!" After we finished singing, we
went from person to person to shake their hand, learn their names and visit
with each one. Margie was the 95 year-old who shouted out about her song.

Margie said, in a rather shaky voice, "All of my family has already passed
on. I have out lived my kids and grandkids. So there is no one to me
here. I am so glad to have someone to talk to me. Can you come back to see
me, again."

This last was said with such pleading look, I couldn't help but respond,
"Of course, I will. We'll come be back every Sunday." I leaned over her
wheelchair and gave her a quick hug and Ian did the same.

"We will be back next week," Ian affirmed. "And we won't forget to come
visit with you."

Margie said, "Thank you for being so kind to me." My eyes were wet with
tears as I watched the tears running down her face.

"Next time, I will bring my violin to play for you. Would that be okay?" I
said.

Margie's face was transformed by a huge smile that lit up her eyes, "That
would be a real treat!"

"Good-bye, I will see you next Sunday then," I said as I moved over to talk
to an elderly gentleman sitting by the door.

"Hello, young fellow. I'm Harry and I'm might glad you folks came today,"
he said.

I reached out to shake his hand. "Nice to meet you, Harry. Thank you for
listening. I'm Glenn and this is my best friend, Ian." Ian reached over and
shook Harry's hand.

"I am happy to meet you, Harry," Ian said.

"I'm 99 years old and I'll be 100 next week. I hope you folks will come to
my birthday party," Harry said.

"It would be a real honor sir," I responded.

I turned and beckoned to the rest of my family to come over. I introduced
them to Harry.

"Harry will be 100 next week and has invited us to celebrate with him," I
said.

"That sound great," said Uncle Dave. "We'll make sure we're here!"

"It's nice to meet you, Harry. Thank you for inviting us," said Aunt Mary.

We said our good-byes to the staff and walked back to the house. As I took
my coat off in the hallway, I turned to Uncle Dave and said, "Thanks for
taking us there. I really enjoyed playing for them and it brought so much
joy to them. I'd like to do it every Sunday if that's okay?"

"I think that would a great idea, Glenn. I'm sure that everyone else feels
the same. Let's add it to our calendar to make sure we don't have any
conflicts," Uncle Dave said.

We went the following Sunday to Harry's 100th birthday party. As we walked
into the room, Harry waved us over to him. "I'm glad all you young folks
decided to show up to help me celebrate!" Harry said. "It's nice to have
new faces in the crowd. Everyone here has heard my stories about the old
days many times. I hope you have got some time to listen to some stories."

Uncle Dave said, "Sure we do. But let us entertain everyone with a few
songs first before we settle down to visit with you if that's okay?"

"Sure thing, I enjoy a good tune from the old days to help me remember when
I was young enough to dance to those songs!" Harry said.

With that, we entertained them with music and song. Uncle Dave and Aunt
Mary even showed off s dance step or two. They love dancing...ballroom,
country and swing. I brought out my violin and did some fiddling for them
to dance to some good country tunes. Pretty soon, we had everyone clapping
their hands and stomping their feet. After we started to tire from our
entertaining, we went around to each person to shake their hand and visit
with them for a moment. I kept my promise to Margie and sat next to her
while she shared her memories with me.

Last but not least, we spent nearly two hours with Harry listening to his
stories. Finally, the nurse came in to take Harry down to the dining
hall. We followed him and the nurse down the hallway. As we went, at each
doorway the nurse would stop pushing Harry's wheelchair so he could say
good night to his friends. In the dining hall, the nursing staff had
brought in a cake with candles lit and "Happy Birthday, Harry!" written on
the cake. There were some reporters from the local paper there to take
Harry's photo and to ask him how it felt to be 100 years old. They rolled
their video camera as we all sang "Happy Birthday" to Harry as he made a
wish and blew out the candles.

"This is the best birthday ever!" Harry said. "Thank you all for coming to
celebrate it with me!"

"No, Harry, thank you for sharing your stories and it's been an honor to be
your friend," Uncle Dave said.

We visited with him for a while longer and then said our good-byes to the
staff. We each wished Harry "Happy Birthday" again and gave him a hug as we
left to return home for the evening.

The next day, Monday afternoon, Uncle Dave gathered us around the kitchen
table. This was rather unusual since Uncle Dave usually doesn't come home
until after 6 PM so we were a little nervous as we waited for him to tell
us what was going on.

"I just got a phone call from the convalescent center. Our friend, Harry,
passed away in his sleep last night." We all sat there in a stunned
silence. Harry had been so bright and happy yesterday. He was the life of
the party. The tears formed in my eyes and started streaming down my
face. I looked around the table and saw tears in everyone else's eyes as
well.

"We should remember him as we last saw him...singing at the top of his
lungs and telling his outrageous stories to everyone who'd listen," said
Uncle Dave. "I am glad we took the time to get to know him.

And we will keep going back to visit all of the others who live there and
bring a bit of happiness to their lives. Is that okay with everyone?"

We all nodded our agreement. At that moment, the phone rang and Aunt Mary
got up to answer it.  She turned and looked at Cynthia and said, "It's for
you," and handed her the phone. After that we all went about our usual
after school activities. Later that night, I couldn't help thinking about
Harry and the full life he had lived. Many of his stories were about life
on his farm, raising a family, and enjoying his grandchildren. Isn't that
what I wanted as well...life on a farm like my parents with family and
friends to share in the experiences...but would I be able to find someone
to share that life with me?  Would it be a guy or a girl? How could I have
a family if a fell in love with a guy? Wouldn't that put an end to all of
my dreams of raising a family on a farm? I still have so many questions
about who I am.  Why can't life be simple and straight forward like
planting wheat on the farm? You prepare the soil and plant the seeds and
without too much trouble the wheat germinates and after a few months the
wheat is ready to harvest. Of course, there has to be sufficient rain for
it to grow but other than that growing wheat doesn't require a lot thought
or effort. It doesn't require any soul searching or deep thought.  Maybe I
should just go back down on the farm and things would work themselves out
in time.