Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 22:47:39 -0400
From: crazy4u <rnielsen47@gmail.com>
Subject: The Man From Swift Current Chapter 88, GM College, 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.

Please contribute to Nifty so we can continue to enjoy these stories!

*** ***

Chapter Eighty Eight – The Charles Inn

I opened my eyes, and stared up at a white ceiling.  I was disoriented and
confused, because somehow the ceiling seemed to have lowered itself to the
point where if I stood up I would hit my head on it.  My eyes must be
playing tricks on me, or something.  When I tried to move, I found I
couldn't.  I had been restrained somehow.  That is when I began to panic.
I had the sensation of movement that only served to heighten the sense of
hysteria I felt rising up from deep inside of me.

Then, I heard a voice saying, "He is starting to regain consciousness."

I turned my head, to see an unfamiliar face hovering above me.  It was the
deeply tanned face of a handsome young man.  His angular face was framed by
dark brown curly hair.  He had a generous mouth and a square jaw.  His
emerald green eyes held my gaze.  He didn't say anything, but there was an
instant connection between us.  Don't ask me to explain it, because I
can't.

After a few moments, he put his hand on forehead, and asked, "How are you
feeling, Glenn?"

I didn't answer; because my mind was swirling around the questions I wanted
to ask, "Where am I?  What happened?"  The words hovered on my lips, but I
couldn't seem to get them to come out.  Everything seemed to be moving in
slow motion, kind of like those action scenes in the movies, where they
slow everything down; so you can see every movement, as the actors go
through their fight scene.  My tongue felt like it was a foot thick in my
mouth, and my throat burned, as if I had just drunk a shot of ever clear,
straight.

It took what seemed like an eternity for the instructions to travel from my
brain to the muscles in my face, and neck to get my mouth to open.  When it
did, no sound came out.

The stranger said, "Don't panic, Glenn.  Your mother is right here with
us."

I looked where he directed my gaze.  I saw Mom sitting next to me.  She
said, "Glenn, everything will be okay.  We are in an ambulance heading to
the hospital.  We should be there in a few minutes."

I heard the stranger talking to someone, telling them that I was awake, but
unable to speak.  I attempted to speak, but, again, there was nothing.  Why
wasn't I able to talk?  I didn't understand what had happened to me.  The
last thing I remembered was being very angry with Rick for asking me to not
act so gay, so that he wouldn't be kicked out of the military.  Then,
everything went blank.

We arrived at the hospital, and they took me into the emergency room, where
they transferred me to a regular hospital bed.  A nurse was taking down
information from the stranger in the ambulance.  He turned to me, and said,
"You are going to be okay, Glenn.  I'm leaving you in good hands."

A few minutes later, a doctor came in, and started asking me questions.  I
started to get really frustrated that I couldn't answer his questions.  He
said, "I'm ordering a CAT scan, and an MRI to see what is going on."

He left, and the nurse said, "I'll bring your family back."

She left me, and returned with Mom, Dad and Rick.  I could see from Rick's
face that he had been crying.  I reached out my hand to Rick, who took it
as he sat down next to the bed.  Rick tried to smile, and said, "You're
going to be okay, Babe."

I smiled at him, and tried to say, "I love you," but I failed to make my
voice work.  My lips moved, but no sound came out.  Tears of frustration
started streaming down my cheeks.

Rick's face registered his shock, when it dawned on him that I couldn't
talk.  He turned to my Mom, and, in a stricken tone of voice, asked, "Do
they know what happened?"

"No, they don't know anything, yet.  Glenn hasn't been able to speak, since
he regained consciousness," Mom said.

Rick face crumpled, as he realized that something serious had happened to
me.  Up until that point, he had relied on Mom's assurances that Glenn
would recover quickly from his seizure like his sister, Nancy, had, as
small child.  Mom put her arms around Rick, and said, reassuringly, "It's
okay, Rick.  Glenn will pull through this."

I squeezed his hand to reassure him that I still loved him.  I moved my
other hand over, and traced our secret code on the back of his hand.  At
first, Rick looked at me trying to figure out what I was doing.  Again, I
traced the numbers of our secret code on the back of his hand (8-3-1-4).  I
smiled, and squeezed his hand at the same time.  Rick still didn't get it,
so I repeated it again.  This time it clicked, and he nodded his head in
understanding.  He smiled for the first time since he had entered the
emergency room.

The nurse returned, and said, "We need to take him for a CAT scan, and an
MRI.  Why don't you make yourselves comfortable in the waiting area?  I
will let you know when he is back from getting those tests done."

They wheeled me out of the emergency room, and took me down several
hallways to the have the two tests done.

*** ***

Rick sat in silence next to Glenn's parents.  He was mentally beating
himself into a pulp, for asking Glenn to stop being who he was.  He was
totally blaming himself for what had happened to Glenn.  He had been so
worried about himself, and the impact Glenn's behavior would have on him,
that he hadn't really seriously considered how Glenn would feel about his
request.

He knew that Glenn would be angry; but he figured that, eventually, Glenn
would calm down, and would acquiesce to his demand that he refrain from
outward demonstrations of affection that might lead someone to think he was
gay.  He had closely watched Glenn's reaction to his request.

He had seen the expressions cross his sweetheart's face, starting with a
look of pure astonishment.  Then, his astonishment seemed to be replaced by
bewilderment and confusion.  Rick hadn't interrupted Glenn's thoughts,
because he was hoping to avoid angering him.  Then, he saw a look of
complete and utter sadness and dejection cross his face.  That look had
pierced his soul.  He remembered it, now; and he was sure he had made a
huge mistake asking Glenn to change.  But he didn't have time to react to
that injured look, because Glenn's visage had changed so drastically, by
the time he decided to speak.  He had never seen Glenn look so angry and
upset.  It was almost like there was a fire in his eyes that totally
consumed him.  Rick had seen that wave of anger and frustration; and had
cringed, knowing that it was directed at him.  But then, everything had
come to a sudden halt.  Glenn had gone rigid in his arms, his face froze
and his eyes stared straight ahead, as if they were fixed in place.

It had taken Rick a moment, or two, to realize that Glenn was in trouble.
Rick had never witnessed someone having a seizure before, and had no clue
what was happening.  His only thought was to get help.

During the ride to the hospital, Dad had tried to comfort him.  "It's going
to be alright, Rick."

Rick hadn't responded, and had turned his head away, so Dad wouldn't see
the tears that were streaming down his face.

When he didn't answer, Dad said, "Stop blaming yourself for what happened
to Glenn.  We don't know what is going on.  Glenn needs you, Rick.  You
have to be strong for him.  You have got to get a handle on your emotions,
and think through this, logically."  Dad paused, and took a quick glance
had his son's life partner.  He could see Rick was taking it pretty hard.
He realized, at that moment, just how much Rick loved his son.  "Rick, we
love you as much as we do our own children.  We need you to stand shoulder
to shoulder with us, so we can help Glenn.  We are not going to allow you
to wallow in self pity, especially not now!"

They had pulled into the parking area for the emergency room, and quickly
found their way inside, where they found Mom waiting for them.  She took
one look at Rick's face, and pulled him into a warm embrace.  She held him
for a long time, without saying a word.

When the nurse came out to get them, Mom said, "Rick, please try to remain
calm, for Glenn's sake.  He needs you to be his rock, right now."

As he walked into the room, he was relieved to see Glenn was awake.  Glenn
smiled at him, and reached for him.  That was all Rick needed to know that
things were going to work out.  His lover boy wasn't angry with him, and
the look on Glenn's face told him all he needed to know.  Glenn still loved
him, and that is all that mattered.  It was as if a huge burden had been
lifted from his shoulders.

But, then, things went way wrong!  Glenn couldn't speak!  He immediately
blamed himself for causing Glenn's seizure.  Glenn had tried to reassure
him by tracing their secret code on the back of his hand.  It had taken him
a couple times to figure out what Glenn was doing.  When he did, he was
very glad they had set up that secret code to communicate their love for
each other.

Now, he could do nothing, but wait.  Mom and Dad had called Aunt Hannah and
Uncle Carl, to let them know what was going on with Glenn.  Mom came over,
and sat next to Rick, putting her arm around him.  "How are you holding
up?"

Rick said, "I am okay, for now.  I hate waiting, though.  It is not my
strongest character trait."

"You're a lot like your father, in that respect," Mom said.

That made Rick smile, as he looked across the room at his Dad pacing back
and forth, almost as if it would make the hospital staff move faster.
"You're right about that, Mom."

"You know that Glenn loves you very much," Mom said.

"Yes, I do.  I've never doubted that Mom," Rick said.

"Good, then, you know how you can help Glenn," Mom said.  Rick furrowed his
brow, and looked at her.  She continued, "You need to show him your love.
He needs that more than anything else you can do.  Just be there for him."

Rick nodded his head, in understanding.  "I will make sure he knows that I
love him more than anything else in this world."

The nurse entered the room, and Dad nearly pounced on her.  Dad's reaction
brought a smile to Rick's lips.  Dad had to be the most inpatient person he
knew!

Mom and Rick walked over to join Dad, as he started quizzing the nurse, "Do
you have the test results yet?"

The nurse shook her head, "No, but the doctor would like you to join Glenn
in his room.  Please follow me."  She turned, and led them back to Glenn's
room.

They entered the room to see the doctor speaking to Glenn, who was
vigorously shaking his head in the negative.  The doctor saw them come in,
and turned to them.  He said, "I've been explaining to Glenn what we saw in
the tests.  There is nothing on the CAT scan, and the MRI didn't show
anything either.  We do not know what caused the seizure.  His blood tests
all came back normal.  I was just asking Glenn about doing some additional
tests."

Dad asked, "What tests?"

The doctor explained to them what the tests were, and asked if he had their
permission to do them.

*** ***

I sat there listening to the doctor explain everything again.  I was so
frustrated at not being able to speak.  The doctor was asking my parents
for their permission to do the tests.  That really made me angry, because I
had just been trying to communicate to the doctor that I didn't want the
tests done.  The doctor was treating me like I couldn't make my own
decisions, just because I couldn't speak to him!

Mom looked at Dad, then at Rick.  "What do you think?"

Rick said, "I don't know what we should do.  Maybe we should ask Glenn."

Finally, someone was asking me what I wanted done to my body!  Rick came
over, and took my hand.  "What do you want done, Babe?

I shook my head, and tried to speak.  This time, my mouth moved, and I
shouted, "I want them to leave me alone!"

The sound of my own voice surprised even me.  The doctor turned to me.
"Why don't you want the additional tests?"

"Because there is nothing wrong with me," I said, in a much calmer voice
now that I could speak.  "I want out of this place, and there is nothing
you can do to convince me that those other tests will show anything more
than the ones you have already done."

Mom asked, "Are you sure, son?"

"Yes, I am sure.  I want out of this hospital," I said, with an edge to my
voice.  "I don't like being treated like I am stupid, or lacking in
intelligence, just because I can't speak.  These people here seemed to
think I was somehow incapable of making my own decisions, and turned to you
to make them for me.  I want out, and I want out now!"

The doctor's face showed consternation, and more than a little arrogance.
"I don't think it is wise to release you from the hospital."

I looked him squarely in the eye, and said, "I wouldn't stay here for all
the money in the world, especially if you are the doctor who is going to
treat me.  I want to speak with the hospital administrator."

The doctor's countenance immediately changed.  "You don't have to do that,
sir."

"I think I do, because you need to remember how to treat people.  We aren't
just cattle being herded through your emergency room," I said, in a tone of
voice that left no doubt of what I thought of him.

I held the doctor's gaze for a few seconds more, before he looked away.  He
said, "I'm sorry that you feel that way.  I will be back in few minutes
with a one of my colleagues, who can take over from here."

He disappeared, and everyone's attention turned to me.  "What was that all
about?" Dad asked.

"Dad, he wouldn't pay attention to me.  I tried to communicate with him,
and he ignored me.  At the very least, he could have handed me a piece of
paper and a pencil, so I could write down what I wanted to say.  He was
talking about medical procedures that I don't think are necessary, and I
kept shaking my head, `NO,' but he just kept going.  I don't want anything
to do with this hospital, if that is how they treat their patients," I
said.

Mom said, "What do you want us to do?"

"I want out of here.  We can schedule an appointment with a specialist that
Aunt Hannah knows, or at least, find out more about those tests, before I
subject myself to their medical procedures," I said.

Dad said, "Okay, son."

Rick said, "But I want to make sure you are okay, Babe."

I looked into Rick's eyes, and said, "I'm fine, now that I can speak again.
I was getting pretty worried there for a while, especially since that
doctor wasn't paying any attention to what I wanted done."

The doctor returned with the nurse, and another doctor.  He said, "This is
Dr. Newburg."  After the introductions were made, he left the room.

Dr. Newburg said, "I'm sorry to hear that you are unhappy with Dr. Kent's
treatment of you.  I have looked over the test results, and found nothing
out of the ordinary; however, I recommend that you see a specialist, as
soon as possible."

"That sounds reasonable.  When can I get out of here?" I asked.

"Now that your speech has returned, I think you can go, as soon as you are
ready," Dr. Newburg said.  "We don't know a lot about the effects seizures
have on brain function.  When your speech didn't return immediately, we
thought maybe something else was going on, like a stroke, or maybe a tumor.
I'm glad that your speech has returned, and I apologize for Dr. Kent's poor
bedside manner.  He is new to the ER."

"I think he needs to have some remedial training in the area of
interpersonal skills," I said.

Dr. Newburg smiled, and said, "I think we all can benefit from some
refresher training in that area, from time to time."  He gave me a pointed
look, then left the room with the nurse right behind him.

Rick took my hand, and peered into my eyes, as if searching for signs that
I wasn't quite right.  "Are you sure you are okay?"

I calmly returned his worried gaze.  "I am just fine, Babe.  I really am.
I feel great."

Mom said, "We are still worried that you might not be quite out of the
woods yet, with whatever was going on with the seizure.  Nancy had frequent
seizures from the time she was 18 months old, until she was nearly three
years old."

I nodded my head, "I remember those, since I was old enough to help you,
when she was having a seizure.  If I thought that I had something like what
Nancy did, I would let them run more tests.  However, I know what triggered
it, and I know not to let that happen again."

Mom looked at me in surprise.  "I didn't think you remembered anything that
happened, just before you went unconscious."

"I remember it as if it happened just a few seconds ago, Mom.  Things are
pretty crystal clear; and to answer your question, the seizure didn't
damage my memory.  That is why I am still very angry with Dr. Kent." I
replied.

I glanced over at Rick, and saw his shocked look.  "Yes, I remember very
clearly the conversation we had, Rick, and your request of me," I said.

We were interrupted by the nurse, who had me sign a bunch of papers.  "I
will get someone to help you to the hospital entrance, where your family
can pick you up."

Dad said, "We will be out front.  See you two in a few minutes."  Dad took
Mom by the hand, and led her from the room, followed by the nurse.

There was silence in the room, as neither of us said anything.  Finally,
Rick asked, "Are you still angry with me?"

I didn't answer his question.  Instead, I reached for his hand, and pulled
him over to sit on the bed with me.  I cupped his cheek with my hand, and
said, "I am no longer angry, but I am very deeply hurt."  I paused, then
said, "Help me get dressed, so I can get out of this place."

Rick helped me get on the t-shirt and shorts he had grabbed for me, while
the paramedics had wheeled me out of the house.  I sat up on the bed, and
swung my legs down to the floor.  I slipped my feet into the flip flops
Rick had positioned for me.  Rick helped me stand up, and I wrapped my arms
around his waist.  I leaned my head against his chest, and murmured into
his shirt, "I love you."

Rick's arms tightened around me, and he responded, "I love you, too, Babe."

A nice looking guy entered the room with a wheelchair.  He looked from me
to Rick, and said, "I'm sorry if I am interrupting anything.  I can always
come back."

Rick said, "You aren't interrupting us.  Please come in."

He smiled, and said, "Hi.  I'm Chris, and I'm here to take you down to the
patient entrance."

I nodded my head, and took a seat in the wheelchair.  He wheeled me down
the hall, and out the doors to the waiting area.  He took a quick turn, and
I was whisked outside, where my parents were waiting.  Rick opened the car
door, and turned to help me get into the car.

Mom turned around in the front seat, and looked at me.  "Are you up to
stopping to get your music?"

"Yes, I am, and I would like to pick up an electric piano with a headset,
if they have one," I said.  "I know Aunt Hannah and Uncle Carl have a nice
piano, but I don't want to bother everyone with my practicing."

Mom said, "That would be fine, son.  Hannah and I talked about getting an
electronic piano, yesterday, when we found out you had been invited to play
for the music festival.  Your father and I have agreed to buy the piano,
since we are thinking of buying a home here.  Hannah has agreed to store
the piano in her home until we finalize the purchase of our new home."

I looked at her in surprise.  "Are you and Dad going to move here, and
leave the farm?"

"No, but we plan to split our time between the farm and St. Catharines,"
Mom said.

"I want to start transitioning the farm over to your brother.  We will
still live on the farm during the summer to help with planting and
harvesting; but we plan to live in St. Catharines during the winter," Dad
said.

"Why don't you move into Swift Current near Uncle Dave and Aunt Mary?" I
asked.

"We thought of that, as well, but your Uncle Dave suggested that we buy a
couple of homes, here.  We are looking for a duplex; so we can rent out one
half of the house to pay the mortgage, and we will live in the other half
during the winter season.  Your Uncle Dave plans to retire in a couple of
years, and they are planning to retire to St. Catharines, since Ben and
Janice plan to live in Toronto after graduating from the university.  They
will rent out both halves of their duplex until they retire," Dad said.

I looked at Rick, and said, "Maybe we should look at buying a home here, as
well, since it seems that everyone is moving down east."

Rick smiled, "Let's talk it about later, when we have had some time to
consider what our plans are for the future, Babe.  I'm still worried about
how you are feeling right now."

I nodded my head.  "Okay, but let's not put it off too long."

Rick smiled, and put his arm around my shoulders. "Let it be for now,
sweetheart."

We left St. Catharines General Hospital, and Dad drove us the five
kilometers to Thorold Music, and we pulled into the parking lot.

Rick helped me out of the back seat, and we walked into the store.  I went
up to the store clerk, and asked for the music Mom had reserved for me.
The young man helping me looked me over, and smiled.  He looked to be about
my age, with dirty blonde hair, blue eyes, a lopsided grin, and a clear
complexion.  He had a swimmer's build.  He was wearing a sleeveless muscle
shirt, and a pair of tight fitting jeans.  I grinned, and winked at him.
His grin grew broader.

He said, "My name is Kelvin Murray."

He reached out his hand, and I shook it.  "Nice to meet you."

"I will be right back with your music," Kelvin said.  He went into the
backroom, and retuned with two copies of the Saint-Saens Piano Concerto
No. 2, and handed them to me.  "Is there anything else we can do for you?"
His grin made my heart skip a beat.

"Yes, I would like to check out your electronic keyboards," I said,
returning his grin.  At this, Kelvin's face lit up like a Christmas tree.
He walked around the counter, and walked over to where the keyboards were
set up.  He sat down at a nice Roland electronic keyboard.  The price on
the item was a little more than I thought we should pay.  He started to
play, then stopped, and invited me to join him on the piano bench.  I sat
down next to him, our legs touching.  He put his hand on my leg, as he
asked, "Do you want to try out the music you are picking up today?"

I said, "Sure."  Kelvin jumped up, and quickly grabbed the music from off
the countertop.  He returned, handing it to me.  I opened one of the copies
of the concerto, and started to sight read it.  I stopped, and looked at
Mom.  "Why don't you play it, since this a piece you know by heart?"

Mom smiled, and took my place at the keyboard.  She closed the music.
"Glenn is right.  I don't need the music for this one."

She placed her hands on the keyboard, and closed her eyes, as she began
playing.  By the time she finished playing, we had a crowd of people around
us.  She opened her eyes, and smiled at me.  In her music teacher voice,
she said, "That is how it's played, Glenn.  I expect you to have it
mastered, before you leave for Atlanta."

I laughed, and looked over at Rick.  "Rick, never have your mother be your
music teacher.  She is ruthless, when it comes to mastering technique, and
don't even try to get out of practicing!"

Mom laughed.  "Yes, you were a little disadvantaged in that way, Glenn.
However, I can't think of anyone else in the neighborhood who could have
taught you as much as I have."

"You are so right about that, Mom," I said.  "The best part about having
you teach me music is that I got to spend a lot of time with you."  I gave
Mom a hug.

Mom smiled, and said, "Thank you, son."

Dad put his arm around me, and said, "Are we buying the keyboard, or not?"

I laughed at my Dad's impatience, and said, "Yes, Dad, I think we're buying
the keyboard."

I turned to Kelvin.  "When can you have it delivered?"

Kelvin smiled, "We can have delivered first thing tomorrow morning."

"Good," I said.  Kelvin took down the keyboard's information, then pulled
out the paperwork for us to sign to purchase the keyboard.  We paid for it
and the music, and left the store.

Rick and I climbed into the back seat of the car.  Dad said, "I think we
should head back to Carl and Hannah's.  Aunt Hannah has a big dinner
waiting for us."

I turned, and looked at Rick.  "You know she made pecan pie, just for you."

Rick grinned, as he put his arm around my shoulders.  "Yes, Aunt Hannah
always makes her finest pies for me."

We spent the evening with Aunt Hannah and Uncle Carl.  Dinner was
fantastic, and it was wonderful have some "chill" time with just family,
after the busy week we had with Ben and Janice's wedding.  Rick and I sat
together in their huge beanbag chair.  I sat between his outstretched legs
and leaned against Rick's chest, as he wrapped his arms around my waist.  I
listened to the adults talk about the beautiful wedding.  At one point, I
interjected, "I saw Aunt Sylvia and Uncle Gordon at the wedding ceremony."

Aunt Hannah said, "Yes, I made sure they got an invitation.  I'm glad they
decided to come.  After what happened the last time Rick and Glenn were at
their home, they haven't had much to do with the rest of the family.  I
hope they will start to come around more often.  I really miss them."

"I hope that Sylvia and Gordon can see past their pride, so they can
acknowledge that their darling son isn't as perfect as they would like him
to be," Dad said.

Carl said, "I think Sylvia has, but Gordon refuses to believe that anything
happened between John and Glenn.  Sylvia talked with Kate a few months ago,
and said she was working on Gordon."

I said, with a hard edge to my voice, "I have no desire to talk with John,
or his parents, until they acknowledge that what John did to me was wrong,
and should never have happened."

I stiffened in Rick's arms.  He nuzzled the back of my neck, and whispered
in my ear, "It's okay, Glenn.  Just relax, please."

I heard the fear in his voice, and I let go of my anger, allowing my body
to relax in the warmth of his arms.  Rick always made me feel safe from the
world.  I tried to shut out the memories of John and his friends;
repeatedly raping me, calling me his little whore, and promising to
continue fucking me, every time we came to visit his house.  His words
still echoed in my head, despite the passage of time.  Unless you have been
through such an experience, there is no way for you to understand how I
felt, being violated by my cousin.  John told me I was the one who wanted
him and his friends to fuck me, and that I was the one who wanted them to
have sex with me.  He said I was the one to blame for their desire to fuck
me.  I shuddered at the memory of how much it hurt the first time he forced
his cock inside me.  John had taped my mouth shut, so no one would hear me
scream.

Rick asked, "Are you okay?"

I replied, "No, I am not okay.  I have never had such a vivid recollection
of what happened, when John and his friends raped me, as I do right now.
It's like I am watching a video recording of it.  I can't seem to shut it
off."  The obvious pain in my voice, and the shaking of my body alerted my
parents that things weren't going well.

Mom asked, "Did you bring the medications your therapist gave you?"

"No, my therapist said I was pretty stable, now.  She said I didn't need to
take those medications, anymore," I responded.

"I think that seizure brought those bad memories to the surface," Dad said.

I nodded my head.  "I agree, Dad.  I have never felt as depressed as I do
right now.  It scares me."

Rick said, "Maybe getting some sleep will help.  You haven't rested at all,
since leaving the hospital."

I agreed, "Yes, getting some sleep sounds good."  I stood up, then turned
and took Rick's hand in mine.  I pulled him up, and he put his arm around
me, and together we started toward our bedroom.

"Good night, everyone," I said.

Mom said, "Good night, boys."

As soon as Rick closed the door to our bedroom, I collapsed into his arms.
"Please hold me," I said.

Rick held me tight for a few minutes, then he said, "Let's get you into
bed."  He stripped me out of my clothes, and carried me to our bed.  He
quickly did the same, and joined me.  I snuggled against him, and soon
relaxed.  The last thought I had, before drifting off to sleep, was about
how exhausted I felt.

*** ***

Rick felt Glenn's body relax, and heard his breathing slow.  He knew that
his sweetheart was finally asleep, after a very eventful day.  Rick's brain
wouldn't shut down.  He stared up at the ceiling thinking about the day's
events.  He kept coming back to what had triggered Glenn's seizure.  He
knew that his request of Glenn to refrain from being so openly gay had
caused Glenn a lot of pain.  He wished that he could figure out a better
way to handle his fears.  Now, he wasn't sure where he stood with Glenn.
Glenn had been as affectionate as always, but there seemed to be a barrier
between them, that hadn't existed before today.  It was like Glenn had put
up a protective force field around himself.

Rick knew that he had to breach that barrier if they were going to resolve
their differences.  He thought about how he should approach the issue with
Glenn for a long time, before drifting off to sleep.

*** ***

Rick woke up to an empty bed.  He looked around the room to see if Glenn
were anywhere in sight.  As if on cue, Glenn entered the room.

Rick took in Glenn's sweat-soaked running clothes, and the perspiration
running down his face.  He was a little surprised that Glenn didn't wake
him, so they could take their usual run together.

I said, "Good morning, Rick.  I am sorry I didn't wake you to go running.
I needed some time to myself this morning, to work out a few things in my
head."  I stripped out of my sweaty clothes, then leaned down to kiss Rick.
"Do you want to join me in the shower?"

Rick grinned, and replied, "Do you have to ask?"

I reached down, and pulled him up.  We grabbed our towels, and skipped
across the hall to the bathroom for our shower.  As we pleasured each
other, I kept thinking how much I loved this man.  After we finished our
morning toilet, we found ourselves sitting at the kitchen table with Aunt
Hannah, who had just finished cooking breakfast.  We dug in, and were soon
satisfied.  Mom and Dad joined us, and we stayed in the kitchen to chat
with them.  It wasn't long before we heard the doorbell ring.  Aunt Hannah
answered the door.  She returned to the kitchen.  "Glenn, it's your new
keyboard."

We had agreed the night before that the keyboard would be placed in Aunt
Hannah's living room.  Rick and I walked out to meet the driver.  I was a
little surprised to see Kelvin.  He climbed down out of the delivery truck,
with a big smile on his face.  "I wanted to personally deliver the
keyboard," he said, as he shook my hand.

I looked over at Rick, and noted that he wasn't happy that Kelvin had shown
up here.  I quickly turned away, and smiled at Kelvin.  "Thank you," I
said.

Kelvin and the truck driver quickly unloaded the keyboard, and set it up in
the living room.  I followed them out, as they left.  I thanked them again.

Kelvin said, "I would like to get to know you better.  Do you think you
could meet me at Envy tonight?"

I looked him in the eyes, and smiled.  "Yes, I think that getting out would
do us good.  I will see if my partner wants to go."

Kelvin's eyes widened, "Rick is your partner?"

"Yes, he is," I said, smiling.  "Why?"

"You two don't act like you are partners," Kelvin said.

Again, I asked, "Why?"

"When guys are really into each other, I can tell from how they act around
each other.  You two definitely don't have that special connection.  You
may have had it at one time, but it sure isn't there now," Kelvin said.
"Leave him behind, and join me for a night on the town."  He handed me his
business card.  I read it, then flipped it over to see his personal cell
number written on the back.  "Call me if you need me to drop by to pick you
up."

Kelvin smiled, and jumped into the passenger's side of the truck.  I
watched the truck disappear down Guy Road, before I turned around, and
returned to the house.  I found Rick sitting in the family room, waiting
for me.  He looked up, and asked, "What did Kelvin want?  I noticed you
were talking to him for a while."

"He invited us to go dancing at Envy, tonight," I replied.

"Are you up to going, Glenn?  I don't want you to overdo it," Rick asked,
his concern showing in his voice.

"I feel fine," I replied.  "I think we should go."

Rick didn't respond, so, I took a seat at the keyboard, and started
learning the new piece.  After a bit, I put the headphones on, since I
didn't want to torture everyone with my muddling through difficult
passages.  It was well after lunchtime, when I felt someone tap me on the
shoulder.  I looked up to see Mom standing beside me.

"It's time for you to take a break for something to eat," Mom said.  "Then,
I want to walk you through the piece."

I nodded my head.  I got up, and stretched.  I walked into the kitchen to
find Rick, sitting at the table talking with Dad.  They looked up from
their conversation.  Dad looked worried about something, and Rick didn't
look very happy either.  Aunt Hannah placed a plate of sandwiches on the
table, and took a seat indicating that I should help myself.

After eating, I returned to the keyboard, and my Mom listened, as I played.
She made me stop, and go over areas where I was stumbling with the
phrasing.  We kept at it, until Dad came in to call an end to our rehearsal
session.

It had been a grueling day for me, so I was more than ready to stop.  I
went to find Rick.  He was lying on our bed asleep.  I gently climbed in
beside him.  He automatically pulled me close. but didn't wake up.  I
couldn't relax.  Kelvin's words get ringing in my head, "You two don't act
like partners."  I tried to go back over the events of the last couple of
days.  We had been okay until yesterday.  When I had the seizure,
everything seemed to change.  Maybe it was just an anomaly, and would
correct itself over time.  This last thought came to me; but, I rejected it
after thinking about it some more.  I knew that I had started to shut Rick
out, as part of my defense mechanism to keep from being hurt.  My therapy
sessions had taught me enough about myself that I could recognize what I
was doing.  It didn't make it any easier to change, or stop, but at least I
understood why it was happening.  I really needed to figure out if I truly
loved Rick enough to let him back inside my inner sanctum, as I had come to
think about that warm, safe place, where I kept my heart.

Rick shook me awake.  "Glenn, wake up.  Do you still want to go out?"

I rubbed my eyes, and stretched, "Yes, I do.  What time is it now?"

"It's just after six o'clock," Rick said.

I rolled over, and looked into Rick's eyes.  "The question is: do you want
to go?"

Rick held my gaze, "No, I don't, but I will go with you, if that will make
you happy."

"Staying here won't make me happy.  I think we need some time alone
together, Babe.  I have been doing a lot of thinking, today; and I would
like some time for us to talk," I said, as I ran my fingers through Rick's
hair.

"I agree," Rick responded.

I watched his expression, and noted a hint of sadness in it.  I knew I was
the cause of that sadness.  I kissed him tenderly on the lips.  "I love
you."

Rick smiled at me.  "I know you do."  Rick got up off of the bed, then
pulled me to my feet.  He pulled me into his arms, and held me tight.  "I
still haven't recovered from yesterday."

"Neither have I," I said.  "That is part of the reason I wanted some time
alone with you."

Rick released me, and took my hand.  He led me out of our bedroom and into
the kitchen, where our parents were just finishing dinner.  Aunt Hannah
smiled and said, "We have made reservations for you two at The Charles Inn
Restaurant.  We figured you two needed some time alone."

I glanced over at Rick, and smiled, "I think you're right."

Mom said, "It's good to see you holding hands."

Dad said, "I booked you guys a hotel room, as well.  Here is the hotel
information."  He handed Rick a piece of paper.  Dad continued, "You two
need to work out whatever has been bothering you for the last two days."

I looked Dad in surprise.  Dad saw my look, and responded tersely, "It's
not like we're blind around here.  There is something not right going on,
and I want you two to figure it out.  I am tired of watching you two
pretend that nothing is wrong."

I felt like a two year old being scolded for not playing nice with my
siblings.  I looked at Rick, who looked sheepish.  He said, "We will do our
best, Dad."

Dad looked pointedly at me.  "You will do more than your best.  I want
whatever it is solved, and put behind you; so we can enjoy the rest of our
time together."

Rick replied, "Yes, Dad."

Dad smiled.  "That is more like it!  Glenn you should learn to be more like
your boyfriend.  At least he knows when to follow orders, particularly when
it's in your best interest."

I didn't respond, but nodded my head in agreement.  When I didn't respond,
Dad said, "Now, go change into some nice clothes for your dinner date, and
pack a few things for an overnight stay."

Rick smiled.  "Thanks, Dad."

Dad responded, "Don't thank me, yet, Rick.  I think you two have some
pretty heavy duty things to discuss, and it may not be easy for either of
you to admit that you need to compromise."

Rick nodded, and said, "I appreciate the fact you are looking out for us."

"Go get your things," Mom said.  "We will see you two tomorrow."

Rick and I returned to our room, and changed into nice slacks and dress
shirts.  Rick pulled out a couple of matching bow ties, and handed one to
me.  "Let's wear these tonight."

I laughed.  "You know I can't tie a bow tie.  I have never been able to
figure them out."

Rick said, "I'll help you."

"I feel like I am going to the prom," I said, with a big grin.

"You are," Rick said, laughing.  "Only we don't have to worry about
chaperones trying to keep us apart."

We quickly packed a few things, and made our way back the kitchen.  We
kissed Mom and Dad good-bye, and jumped into our Land Rover.  I gave Rick
directions to the restaurant.  We parked, and walked into the lobby.  We
registered, and found that Dad had given us the Candlelight and Romance
package that included a 2-night stay plus dinner, breakfast and spa
treatments at the Shaw Spa.  We were shown to the Newark Room with its
canopy bed and fireplace.





The Charles Inn

As soon as we were alone, Rick pulled me into his arms, and kissed me
passionately.  He pulled back, and gave me a big grin.  "Dad really must
think we need this, or else he wouldn't have spent so much money."

I smiled up at my lover boy.  "I think you're right.  Let's go eat first,
so we can return and enjoy ourselves."

Rick and I entered the restaurant, and the hostess took us to our table.
Once we were seated, the waiter introduced himself, "My name is Conner and
I will be your waiter today.  Can I get you something to drink?"

As Rick gave him our order, I studied the finely chiseled features of our
waiter's face.  Dark brown hair framed his face, and his dark eyes seemed
to dance with mischief.  His dark mustache and goatee only served to
accentuate his generous lips and perfect smile.  I barely heard Rick give
him our order, as I was so taken with this handsome man.

Rick reviewed the wine list, and chose one and pointed it out to the
waiter, who nodded, and said with a smile, "That is a fine wine, sir.
Shall I bring a bottle?"

"Yes and two glasses of water," Rick replied.

Conner turned away to fill our order.  My eyes lingered on the fine young
man's retreating figure.

Rick laughed.  "You will never change, Glenn."  He paused, and grew somber.
His eyes held mine, as he said, "I guess I am the one who needs to
apologize tonight for asking you to change who you are.  I know you have
been stewing about it for nearly two days now.  I know it was what caused
your seizure.  You have shut me out, Glenn.  It really hurts that you won't
even talk to me about what is bothering you.  I have never felt as alone as
I have the last two days.  You have been with me, but you have put so much
distance between us that I don't how to bridge it, or what I can do to
close it.  I know you are still angry with me about what I asked you to do.
Can you forgive me for being so selfish?"

I listened to him, and felt the ice around my heart melt.  The barrier I
had put up to keep him out crumbed to dust, and I found myself crying.  As
he finished speaking, Conner returned.  He saw the tears on my cheeks and
asked, "Sir, is everything okay?"

I nodded my head in the affirmative, not trusting my voice to answer him.
He turned to Rick.  "Are you ready to order?"

Rick responded, "Yes."  He ordered for both of us.  Rick knows what I like,
so I listened, as he spoke to Conner.

Conner left us, and Rick looked across the table and said, "Glenn..."

 I interrupted him, "Rick, I am the one who needs to apologize.  I should
have talked to you, instead of shutting you out.  I am sorry I made you
feel like I had rejected you.  It was wrong for me to hurt you.  Can you
forgive me?"

It was Rick's turn to get emotional.  He reached across the table to take
my hand in his.  "Yes, as long as you forgive me for asking you to change
who you are."

I nodded my head, and smiled at him, "Yes, I forgive you, sweetheart.
However, we still need to talk about how are going to handle things, when
we return to Atlanta."

Rick sighed, "Yes, we do.  I have already made a mess of that discussion."

I responded, "Yes, we both have, Rick.  There has to be a compromise we can
both live with for the next few years.  How many more years do we have to
suffer with this situation?"

Rick winced, as he replied, "Four more years."

I made a face, and said, "That seems like such a long time to have to
pretend that we aren't lovers, and to have to always be on our guard to
prevent anyone from guessing that we're gay."

"I'm the only one who has to be careful that I'm not identified as being
gay, Glenn.  You don't have to pretend to be straight.  I doubt that you
could pull that off in any case," Rick said, laughing.

I grinned, and said, "Well, that is probably true.  You are very fortunate
that I'm not flamboyant, or effeminate."

Rick nodded his head.  "I wouldn't have given you a second look, if you
were anything like that.  When we first met, I knew you were gay and were
attracted to me, but it was obvious that there wasn't anything effeminate
about you.  The way you held yourself and your mannerisms told me that you
worked out pretty regularly, and played sports.  Not only that, you look
just like your cousin, Keith, and he is very athletic."

"You have to admit that I am the better looking one of the two of us," I
said, laughing.

Rick said, "Yes, because you have such remarkable grey-blue eyes that seem
to be able to see deep into my soul every time you look into my eyes."

"Do I really have that ability?" I asked, as I squeezed his hand.

I could see the sincerity on his face, and heard it in his voice, as he
responded to my question, "Yes, Glenn, it's true."

I nodded my head.  "I know that you read me pretty well most of the time,
too."

"All the more reason for us to be completely open and honest with each
other," Rick said.

"I agree.  However, I think we have been apart for so long that we have
both changed in ways we didn't expect.  You have become more serious and
reserved, as a result of the experiences you had overseas.  You used to
have such a devil-may care attitude towards life, and that changed after
Sam's death," I said.

"Yes, it did.  Seeing death face to face does that to a person," Rick said.
"You, on the other hand, became much more confident in yourself, as a
result of your therapy sessions and living on your own."

"Yes, I did become more independent in some ways, but more dependent in
others, Rick.  I have come to depend on my friends.  I'm scared to return
to Atlanta, Rick.  In Minneapolis, I had a houseful of gay friends, and
many others who spent nearly every day at our house.  I never lacked for
company, or friendship.  I am going to miss that a lot," I said.

"I am going to miss it, as well," Rick said.

"Why don't we just stay in Minneapolis?  You could transfer your credits
from Georgia Tech," I said, hopefully.  We had already discussed this, but
I had a small hope that Rick had changed his mind about returning to
Atlanta.

Rick shook his head.  "Glenn, I know how you feel, but I'm still convinced
that we need to return to Atlanta."  As I started to protest, Rick held up
his hand, "Please, Glenn, we have already gone over the pros and cons.
After we graduate, we can move somewhere else, if you still want to leave
Atlanta."  Seeing my expression, Rick laughed, and said, "You are so cute
when you pout."

"I am not!" I protested.

"You are so.  You can't see yourself, so you aren't a good one to judge
whether you look cute, or not," Rick said, smiling at me.

Our waiter arrived with our meal, which we ate with gusto!  We chatted
about our friends, and our plans for the next two days.  When we finished,
Rick said, "Let's go get comfortable."

We bid our waiter good night, and returned to our room.  Rick closed and
locked the door.  He pinned me against the door, and started kissing me,
while his hands roamed my body.  It wasn't long before we were both naked.
I knelt down to worship his prize possession, until he was on the edge.  I
pulled off of it, and Rick pulled me to my feet.  He kissed me, as he
guided me over to the bed.

Rick said, in a husky voice, "I love you so much."  I looked into his eyes,
and saw his burning desire to make me his.  Rick took his time, as he
brought me close to the edge and pulled back.

I started to beg, "Please, Rick, let me cum."

Rick kissed me, and replied, "Patience, sweetheart, patience."  He returned
to pleasuring me, until he began his final assault; and we climaxed
together, leaving us both totally exhausted and completely satisfied.

*** ***

The next morning, Rick looked into his sleeping lover's face.  He loved
watching Glenn sleep.  He still had a boyish look to his face, which made
him look nearly angelic in his sleep.  He thought back over the past 24
hours, and marveled at how different things were between them, now, than
they had been two days ago.  He knew he had made a mistake to confront
Glenn the way he did, and he had paid dearly for that error in judgment.
Not only had he blamed himself for Glenn's seizure, but he had suffered the
bruising aftermath, as Glenn had shut him out.

Glenn had apologized to Rick for hurting him several more times through the
course of the evening, until Rick had exclaimed, "Stop!  You have
apologized enough!"

Rick knew that Glenn genuinely felt sorry for closing himself off from him.
Glenn had promised never to do that ever again.  They had both learned to
be more sensitive to each other's needs and wants, and to be more tolerant
of each other.  They both agreed they needed to work extra hard at getting
to know each other over again, now that their 12-month separation was over.

As he continued to look into Glenn's face, he went over in his mind the
things that attracted him to Glenn.  He loved the feel of Glenn's well
muscled body next to his.  Glenn would never be Mr. Universe, or a champion
weightlifter, but he had filled out nicely during the last year, as a
result of working out with Ben and his teammates.  His muscles were well
defined, and rippled under his skin.  Recently, Glenn had adopted the habit
of shaving off all of his body hair, leaving his skin smooth and silky to
the touch.  Rick hadn't been too thrilled at first, but had changed his
mind after discovering how much it turned him on, as he ran his hands over
Glenn's now hairless body.  Rick was addicted to having sex with his lover.
He had always had a very strong libido, and was grateful to have a partner
whose libido matched his!

Rick had been drawn to Glenn, at first, by his desire for a good fuck;
however, that desire had been superseded by an overwhelming desire to
protect Glenn, as he realized how emotionally sensitive and fragile Glenn
was.  In the end, it was Glenn's quirky personality, combined with Glenn's
obvious need to be protected and cared for, that had attracted him to
Glenn.  Thinking back on the early days of their relationship, Rick
realized how quickly his heart had been captured by this wonderful man.

It still amazed him that he had fallen in love with this man-boy who was
sleeping so peacefully in his arms.  He knew that they had reached a
crossroads in their relationship, and had managed to navigate their way
through that dangerous intersection, with their love for each other still
intact.  His heart was full of gratitude for Glenn's parents, and their
wisdom in setting up this much needed safe haven, where they could work out
their differences, and repair their relationship.

Rick knew that they loved each other very much, but he also knew how
fragile their relationship was, at the moment.  He resolved, at that
moment, to do whatever was necessary to strengthen their love for each
other.  As this thought crossed his mind, Glenn's eyes fluttered open, and
he smiled at his lover boy.

*** ***

Author's Note:

The Charles Inn and Restaurant -
http://www.niagarasfinest.com/properties/charlesinn/