Date: Tue, 20 May 2014 07:29:24 -0400
From: crazy4u <rnielsen47@gmail.com>
Subject: The Man From Swift Current Chapter 92, 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/

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similarities to persons living or dead are coincidental. If it is illegal
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This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between adult
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*** ***

Chapter Ninety Two – The Concert

I jumped when Rick put his hand on my shoulder.  I turned to look at him,
and exclaimed, "You scared me!"

"I know.  You nearly jumped through the ceiling," Rick said, laughing.
"You've been practicing the piano all day.  I know you're nervous about
your performance tomorrow, but you need to take a break, and get out of the
condo for a while."

I smiled at my beautiful lover boy.  "You're right, Rick.  I feel so
completely drained."

Rick took my hand, pulling me up from the piano bench, and into his warm
embrace.  I put my arms around his waist, and molded my body to his,
burying my face in his shirt.  I love Rick's masculine scent, mixed with
his signature cologne.  The smell of it instantly brought back to my mind
many memories of wildly wonderful, hot sex.  I knew that Rick was planning
a special evening for us, and the thought of it had things moving down
below, in anticipation.  I leaned back, and looked into Rick's eyes, and
asked, "What did you have in mind for this evening?"

Rick grinned, and replied, "I think we should go to McKinnon's for dinner."

I said, excitedly, "I love McKinnon's.  They have the best food in
Atlanta."

"That they do.  I have called ahead for reservations," Rick said.  "You
need to get dressed up, though."  I was wearing an old ripped up pair of
shorts, and a ragged t-shirt.  Rick squeezed my butt with both hands.  "I
like this pair of shorts, since it gives me easy access to your very fine
bubble butt; but you can't go out in public in them!"

I kissed Rick on the lips, and said, "Yes, dear!"

Rick laughed.  "Don't `Yes, Dear!' me!  Just go put on some slacks and a
golf shirt."

I stepped out of his embrace, and looked him over, appreciatively.  "I
guess I can find a pair of khaki pants and a navy blue shirt to match
yours."

Rick smiled, mischievously.  "I already laid out your clothes for you,
sweetheart."

I grabbed his hand, and said, "Then, come help me get dressed."

I led him into our bedroom, and he stripped me down, squeezing my package
in the process.  He kept stealing kisses, and was being pretty frisky.  I
laughed, "Someone is pretty hyper tonight."  I picked the mesh underwear he
had chosen for me, and pulled them on.

Rick leered at me, and said, "I am NOT hyper – I'm HORNY as hell, and
would jump your bones, right now, if we didn't have dinner reservations."
He massaged my cock through the mesh fabric.  He kissed me, as he slid his
hands inside my underwear, squeezing a cheek in each hand.

I looked up at him and said, "We can always reschedule dinner."

Rick said, "Not this time, Glenn.  I can wait.  Let me finish dressing
you."  He released me, and grabbed my shirt.  He helped pull it down over
my head, and straightened it.  Next, he picked up my khaki pants, and
helped me into them, making sure to caress my already leaking dick as he
zipped up my pants.  I protested, "Rick, you've got me so horny, now, you
can't leave me like this!"

He gave a wicked laugh, and took my hand in his.  "I most certainly can,
since I'm just as amped up as you are!"

He led me downstairs to Keith and Kerry's place, and knocked on their door.
Keith answered it, and let us in.  "It's about time you two showed up,"
Keith said.

Rick replied, "I had a difficult time prying Glenn's fingers from the piano
keyboard, but I managed it, somehow!"

Kerry joined us in the foyer.  I grinned at her, and said, "You look lovely
tonight."

Kerry blushed with pleasure.  "Thank you, Glenn, I needed to hear that.  I
feel like I am SO huge.  Even my maternity clothes don't fit me very well,
anymore."

"When are they going to induce labor," Rick asked.

"Next Monday, if Kerry doesn't have the baby before then," Keith responded.

Kerry said, "We finally agreed on a name – Egan Michael Turner"

"We both like Egan, but we had a hard time agreeing on a middle name,"
Keith said.

Rick said, "It's a great name.  I like it."

I nodded my agreement.  Kerry asked, "Glenn, are you ready for the concert
tomorrow?"

"Yes, I am, but I'm getting really anxious about it," I said.

Kerry embraced me, and gave me a kiss on the cheek. "You will be just
fine."  She turned to Keith and Rick.  "Let's go.  I am absolutely
starving."

Rick opened the door, and led the way to our car.  Keith opened the door
for Kerry, and helped her into the backseat.  Then, he went around to the
other side, and joined her.  Rick grinned at me and winked.  He imitated
Keith by opening the door for me, then jumped into the driver's seat.  Rick
leaned over and kissed me, before turning the key in the ignition.

Kerry said, "It is so wonderful to have you two back home.  We missed you
terribly."

Rick replied, "We missed you, as well, Kerry."

Keith protested, "What about me?  Didn't you miss me?"

"No, Keith, we didn't miss you at all!  We only missed Kerry!" I responded.

Keith pouted for a moment, then laughed.  "I missed you guys something
fierce.  I'm glad to see that you are just as much in love with each other
as you were, before Rick went on active duty.  I was afraid that Rick would
come back and tell us he had found a girlfriend, and that you guys were
history."

Rick glanced in the mirror, and saw that Keith was totally serious about
his concern that he would have returned with a girlfriend.  Apparently, he
hadn't convinced Glenn's family that he was truly in love with him.  Not
only had Keith doubted him, but Glenn's dad had also hinted that he thought
Rick might find a girlfriend, while he was on active duty.  It made him
wonder what he had done that caused them to doubt him.  He glanced over at
Glenn, and said, "I told Glenn I would be faithful to him, and I kept my
word."

I said, "Yes, you did keep your word to me."  I leaned over and kissed Rick
on the lips.

"Okay, okay!  Enough kissing in the front seat!  I'm happy I was wrong
about you, Rick.  I am very, very glad for Glenn," Keith said.

Rick smiled, remembering how jealous Keith had been, when Glenn had agreed
to be his boyfriend.  When they had confronted Keith about it, he had
admitted that he had always wanted to have sex with Rick.  Glenn had agreed
to let Rick fuck his cousin, and that had seemed to satisfy Keith's need
for Rick's love and affection.  At least, it appeared to bring an end to
Keith's jealous behavior.  Shortly thereafter, Keith had married Kerry.
Since that time, Keith had seemed like the perfectly happy married man.

Rick glanced at Keith again in the rearview mirror.  Keith had turned to
Kerry, and was being very attentive to her needs.  He could see that
Keith's entire focus was on his very pregnant wife.  He gave a sigh of
relief, and put the car in gear.  He drove us McKinnon's, and parked in
front of the restaurant.  Again, the guys opened the doors for us!

I put my arm around Rick's waist, and said, "Thank you.  It really makes me
feel special."  I kissed him lightly on the lips, as we walked toward the
restaurant's entrance.  Rick pulled the door open, and we entered the
foyer.

We were greeted by the owner, Aziz.  He smiled and said, "How are you this
evening, Mr. Lernier?"

Rick replied, "I'm doing great!"

Aziz said, "Please, come this way."

We followed him into the main dining room.  As we entered, we were greeted
by a sudden shout of "Surprise!"

I looked around the room, and saw that my friends and family were all
there!  Mom, Dad, Grandpa and Grandma Scarborough, Uncle Stan and Aunt
Sharon, Roger, Ben, Janice, Greg, Cory, Jimmy, Donica, Dr. Nohr, Patty,
Irene, Zach, Todd, Robbie, Adam, Justin, Brian, Mark and Brandon.  I turned
to Rick, with a big grin, "Did you know about this?"

"Yes, I'm the one who organized it for you, with Grandpa's help," Rick
said, smiling.

Aziz smiled, and said, "Rick called me and arranged for this private party,
tonight.  I am very happy to host it for you."

"Thank you, Aziz," Rick said.

Aziz showed us to our seats.  He turned to address all of us, "We have a
very special appetizer prepared for all of you to enjoy.  Please have a
seat, and we will make this a very special occasion for you."

We settled into our seats, and the wait staff quickly served us our
beverages and the appetizers.  Kerry sat next to me.  "Rick did a good job
of keeping this a secret."

"He sure did!" I responded.  I turned to Rick.  "How did you manage it?"

Rick laughed.  "It was very easy, because you have been practicing for your
concert almost 24/7 the last few weeks."

"I guess I have been pretty oblivious of everything except the concert, the
last few days," I said, squeezing Rick's hand.

Kerry laughed.  "I think it is more like the last couple of weeks!"

Keith nodded his head.  "Yeah, it's like you never returned from your trip
to Canada, you have been so out of it."

"I'm sorry you guys.  I didn't realize I was shutting everyone out," I
said, apologetically.

Rick laughed.  "Well, it will be over tomorrow night, and we can begin to
live like a normal couple, instead of a frazzled concert pianist and his
housekeeper!"

"I feel so bad, Rick.  Why didn't you say something, sooner?" I asked,
feeling completely mortified.

Rick looked at me, and brought his hand to my face.  "It wouldn't have
changed anything, sweetheart.  I know how anxious you've been about this
performance, and I knew the best thing for me to do was to let you work
things out on your own."

Rick's love for me brought tears to my eyes.  Rick wiped a tear away that
managed to escape, as I blinked hard to keep from crying.  "It's okay,
Babe.  I love you."

I took his hand from my face, and kissed it.  "I don't deserve to have such
a wonderful life partner."

Keith said, "Rick is only doing for you what you do for him, because you
love each other very much.  Believe me, Kerry and I know.  We have watched
you grow closer together, ever since you first met."

Kerry tried some of the appetizers, and exclaimed, "Hmmm...these are good!
You should try some."

The conversation turned to other things, as we enjoyed the food and the
company.  As we finished, Aziz brought out a variety of desserts to go with
our coffee and other beverages.  After taking our orders, he said, "Please
feel free to mix and mingle, while we clear away the dishes."

Rick and I made our way over to Patty and Irene, who were seated with
Dr. Nohr.  Dr. Nohr greeted me, "Hello, Glenn.  Rick, thank you for
inviting us to dinner, tonight.  It has been wonderful to meet Glenn's
family and friends."

"You are most welcome, Dr. Nohr," Rick replied.

Patty asked, "Are you ready for tomorrow?"

"I guess I am," I said.

"Irene and I will be playing a double concerto tomorrow, as part of the
same program," Patty said.

"Which one will you be playing?" I asked.

"Bach's Double Concerto in D minor for two violins," Irene said.

"We're really excited to be playing at the music festival with you," Patty
said.

Dr. Nohr said, "I'm glad all three of you were able to participate, as
soloists.  Glenn, I have arranged for my dear friend, Dr. Maury Bigelow, to
join us after the performance.  He is the Chair of the School of Music at
Georgia Tech.  I thought it would be a good time to introduce you to him."

"Thank you, Dr. Nohr.  I appreciate your help," I said.

Rick smiled, and said, "What he really means to say, Dr. Nohr, is that he
has been worried sick about how he was going to fit in with the music
department at Georgia Tech."

Dr. Nohr smiled at me, and said, "I know how much you wanted to stay with
us, but I understand why Rick wants to return to Georgia Tech."

Rick looked surprised.  "I didn't know Glenn had shared our reasons for
returning to Atlanta."

Dr. Nohr replied, "Don't worry, Rick.  Glenn didn't give away any of your
personal secrets.  I counseled with him regarding his academic endeavors,
specifically regarding transferring to the School of Music at Georgia Tech.
I have spoken at length with Dr. Bigelow about Glenn."

This time, I was the one who was surprised.  I looked at Dr. Nohr, and
asked, "What does he think about gaining a new student?"

Dr. Nohr responded, "I think you will fit in nicely with Dr. Bigelow's
music program.  I have already laid the groundwork for a smooth transition
for you, Glenn."

Patty said, "I told you Dr. Nohr would take care of everything for you,
Glenn.  You worry too much."

I smiled at her. "You're right, Patty.  I do worry too much.  Thank you,
Dr. Nohr, for looking out for me.  I should have had more faith in you,
when you told me that you would make sure I had a good introduction to the
music program, here."

Dr. Nohr smiled.  "That is quite alright, Glenn.  Don't let us monopolize
your time.  The rest of your friends are anxious to speak with you."
Dr. Nohr nodded his head toward Robbie and Adam, who had come up behind me,
and were waiting for an opportunity to talk to us.

We turned, and greeted them.  "How are you two?" I asked.

For an answer, Robbie gave me a bear hug, as did Adam.  Robbie said, "We're
doing well.  We will be seniors this year, but we want to be married as
soon as we are both 18."

Rick laughed, and said, "You can't wait to get hitched, can you?"

"We plan to get married in January, just like Zach and Todd did.  We both
will be 18 by then, and we can cross over the border to get married in
Thunder Bay," Adam said.  "We talked it over with our parents, and they are
happy that we want to be married."

Rick looked at me, and said, "It looks like we will be flying to Thunder
Bay, right after New Year's Day for another wedding."

Greg and Cory came over to join our little group.  "What is this I hear
about weddings?"

Rick made the introductions, "Greg and Cory, this is Robbie and Adam.  They
are seniors in high school this year, but plan to get married in January.
They will both be 18, by then."

Cory smiled, and said, "Congratulations!  We're engaged to be married, as
well."

This time it was Rick, who said, "Congratulations!  When is the big day?"

Greg said, "We haven't picked a date yet.  For that matter, we still
haven't decided where to go to school."

Robbie asked, "Have you considered going to the University of Minnesota
Twin Cities?  That is where my brother, Zach, and his husband are going to
school."

"You should consider it," Adam said.  "You could live with us.  Since Glenn
left, we have an open room."

Robbie was practically bouncing with excitement.  "That would be really
cool, if you guys could live with us."

Greg looked at Robbie, and wondered to himself, "Is this guy for real?"
Out loud he said, "You hardly know us, Robbie."

Robbie replied, with a grin, "I don't need to know you, because you're
friends with Rick and Glenn.  I know that they have good friends, so I
trust that you will be the best roommates, ever!"

Cory laughed.  "I think we should consider it, Greg."

Robbie took Cory by the hand, and said, "Come meet all the guys.  They all
live with us.  I promise you will love them."  He led them over to the
table where his brother and his husband were sitting.  The rest of us
followed them.  Robbie's enthusiasm for the idea was very evident, as he
introduced Cory and Greg.  "Hey Guys!  I found us someone to replace Glenn
and Rick, as roommates.  This is Cory and his fiancé, Greg.  They just
graduated from high school, and are trying to decide where to go to
college.  I think they should come to Minneapolis, and go to the University
of Minnesota with you guys."

Zach smiled at his brother, and said, "Robbie, slow down a bit.  I think
Cory and Greg will want some time to figure out what they want to do.  They
are very welcome to become our roommates, and I'm sure they will like going
to school with us; but they have to decide for themselves what they want to
do."  He paused, and looked at Cory and Greg.  "You will have to forgive my
brother.  Robbie tends to get very excited about things."

"But they have already decided," Robbie said.  "Haven't you, Cory?"

Cory laughed, and said, "No, but I can see that we need to give it some
serious thought."

Greg said, "I'm game to give it try, Cory.  Maybe we should sit down with
these guys, and work out the details."

"Pull over a couple of chairs, guys," Todd said.  Once they were seated,
Todd introduced the rest of the guys, "Zach and I were married last
January, as were Mark and Brandon.  We had a double wedding in Thunder Bay,
Ontario."  He pointed to them, then went on with the introductions, "Justin
and Brian were married a few days before us."

Greg eyes grew large as saucers.  "Do you mean to tell me that you guys are
all married?"

"Yes," Todd answered, with a smile.  "You would be sharing a house with
three married couples, and with Robbie and Adam, who are also engaged to be
married."

Cory turned to Greg.  "Greg, I think we should move to Minneapolis.  Where
else will we find a situation, where we're welcome, and won't have to worry
about showing our affection for each other?"

Greg nodded, and said, "I agree.  It sounds almost too good to be true."

Brandon spoke up, "How are you paying for school?"

At the mention of money, the guys' faces fell.  Greg answered, "We don't
have any money, at all.  We will have to find jobs wherever we go, because
we don't have scholarships."

Cory said, "But we will make things work, Greg.  I know we will.  My
parents are willing to help us, but they don't have the money to pay for
school."

Hearing this, I turned to Rick who put a finger to my lips.  "I know what
you are thinking, and I agree.  Let's go over and talk to Grandpa."

We left the guys to talk things over, and walked over to the table where my
grandparents were sitting with Mom and Dad.  I greeted all of them with a
hug and kiss.  "I am so glad you came tonight," I said.

Grandma smiled.  "We wouldn't have missed it for the world."

"When Rick told us we were coming to McKinnon's, I made sure we could be
here.  This has been one of my favorite restaurants for years," Grandpa
said.  He stopped, and looked at us for a moment.  "What's on your mind,
Glenn?  I know that look."

I looked at Grandpa in surprise.  "Am I really that easy to read?"

"Yes, you are, Glenn.  Please take my advice, and never play poker.  You
would lose your shirt," Grandpa said, laughing.

I nodded my head.  "I will remember that, Grandpa.  I do have something I
wanted to ask you."

Grandpa nodded his head.  "Go ahead."

I pointed across the room, to where our friends were sitting, and said,
"Our friends, Greg and Cory, are trying to find a place to go to college,
but don't have the means to pay for it.  They are willing to work to save
money for it, but I was wondering if there is some way we could help them?"

Grandpa nodded his head.  "I am sure there is.  Bring them over, so we can
meet them."

I turned, and went over to the guys, and said, "I'm sorry for interrupting
you guys, but I want you to meet my parents and grandparents."

Greg and Cory stood up, and joined me, as I returned to where I left Rick
standing.  I said, "Greg and Cory, this is my Grandpa and Grandma
Scarborough, and this is my Mom and Dad."

Grandpa said, "Nice to meet you two.  Please have a seat.  Glenn tells me
that you two are planning to attend college.  I would like to know more
about you."

Cory looked at Greg, who nodded his agreement.  They sat down at the table,
while Rick and I grabbed two extra chairs, so we could join them.  Greg
asked, "Where do you want us to start?"

Rick interrupted, "Let me give Grandpa a brief history, then you can fill
in the details."

Cory smiled, and said, "Thank you, Rick.  I really don't want to talk about
what happened to bring us to this point.  It is still pretty painful to me,
and I know that Greg feels the same way."

Rick quickly related what had happened to the two of them, and why they
were looking to move to a gay friendly place.  When he had finished, he
looked over at Greg and Cory, and saw they had tears in their eyes.

"Rick was there for us the entire time," Greg said.

"But it was Glenn that had the biggest impact on them," Rick said.

Greg smiled at the memories he had of Glenn.  "Yes, Glenn had a huge impact
on us.  He wasn't with us very long, but Glenn helped me to decide life was
worth living.  I was in a pretty bad way, and was contemplating suicide,
when Glenn came to stay with Rick over spring break."

Mom said, "I'm glad that Glenn was able to help you, Greg."

Cory said, "I'm glad Glenn came, as well.  He is a fine son, and you should
be proud of him."

Dad smiled, and said, "We're very proud of him, Cory.  I can see that, as
usual, Rick and Glenn have chosen good friends."

Grandma said, "Yes, Rick and Glenn are very good at finding quality people.
Their friends are people you can rely on to be there, when they are
needed."

"Let's talk about your plans for college, and how you plan to finance it,"
Grandpa said.

Cory said, "My parents will help us, but they don't have the funds to pay
for our college education."

"My Mom doesn't have the money, either.  She has a part time job, right
now, and is looking for better employment.  My parents' divorce isn't final
yet, but Dad won't be able to pay her much alimony, since he's in jail,"
Greg said.

Grandpa said, "Let me check into a few things, and I will get back with you
two.  How long are you staying in Atlanta?"

Greg said, "That depends on how long Rick and Glenn can stand to have us
around.  We planned to be here for little over a week; then we planned to
drive north to Virginia, to see Cory's parents."

Grandpa looked at me and Rick.  "Why don't you bring them up to the house
for a few days, then you can all go to the beach afterward?"

"That sounds like a plan," I said.

"Good!  We will be expecting to see you in a couple of days, then," Grandpa
said, with a smile.

Rick looked at Greg and Cory.  "Are you guys cool with that?"

Greg nodded his head, and smiled, "Yeah, we're good."

Just then, Greg's cell phone rang.  He asked, "If you will excuse me?"

Grandpa said, "Of course."

Greg pulled his cell out of his pocket, and answered it.  "Hello," he said.

"Hey Greg, this is Michael.  I just got into town, and wanted to meet up
with you guys," Michael said.

"We're at McKinnon's, near Buckhead," Greg responded.  Greg covered the
phone, and turned to me and Rick, "Is it okay if I invite Michael over to
your place?"

Rick smiled, and said, "Of course, it's okay.  Let me talk to him for a
minute."

Greg handed Rick his cell phone.  Rick said, "Hello, Michael.  Where are
you right now?"

"I'm at my parents' house," Michael said, and gave their address.

"Why don't you stay overnight with us?" Rick asked.  "I know the guys would
love to see you."

"I would like that very much," Michael said.

Rick gave Michael our address and driving directions.  He ended the call,
and handed the cell phone back to Greg.  "Michael will meet us at our condo
in about an hour, or so," Rick said.

Greg grinned, "Thanks for inviting him over, Rick.  I felt funny inviting
him over to your house, without asking you, first."

"Not a problem," Rick said.

Mom asked, "Have you been practicing, Glenn?"

Before I could answer, Rick said, "Yes, Mom, Glenn has been practicing so
much he is driving me totally crazy!"

I laughed, and said, "Rick is correct.  I have been going over and over the
concerto, until I think I will never be able to forget it."

Mom smiled, "Good.  That means you will do just fine, tomorrow."

Dad asked, "What do you plan to major in, since Georgia Tech doesn't offer
a bachelor's degree in music?"

I looked at Rick, before answering.  We had argued about this very topic,
for quite a while.  I finally responded, "I think I will major in Spanish,
with a minor in music performance."

Dad looked at me in shock.  "What exactly do you plan to do with a Spanish
major?"

"I have thought of becoming an interpreter.  I certainly don't want to
teach Spanish in the public schools.  Teachers don't make very much money,
and I am not into babysitting a classroom full of students, who are taking
Spanish just to fill a graduation requirement," I said.

"Then, why are you majoring in Spanish?" Dad asked, earnestly.

I started to get defensive, as I replied, "I think it will be useful,
because there are so many Spanish speakers, here," I said.

Mom said, "Do you intend to stay here, Glenn?  We had hoped you would
return home, after graduation."

I looked at Rick, who didn't offer me any help.  "Rick has four more years,
before he can get out of the Marine Corps," I said.

"Do you plan to move home, to Canada, after that?  If so, it would make
more sense for you to major in French," Dad said.

Rick, finally, came to my rescue, "Dad, we haven't made any formal plans,
yet.  We want to wait and see what opportunities present themselves."

Dad looked Rick in the eye, and said, "Don't play games with me, son.  If
you don't plan to move to Canada, please say so, now; so we don't get our
hopes up.  Your mother and I will be disappointed, but at least we will
know what to expect."

I was surprised at Dad's attitude toward Rick.  It was almost like he
viewed Rick as an adversary.  Rick looked at me, then back to my parents.
"Honestly, we don't know where we will be in four years."

Mom put her hand on Dad's arm, and said, "It's okay, Don.  Let the boys
alone, for now.  When they are ready to tell us their plans, we will be
here to listen to them."

Grandpa said, "Whatever your plans are, we will be here to love and support
you in your decisions."

Not wanting to cause a fight between my Dad and my grandparents over
whether or not we should move home, I quickly changed the subject, "Where
are you staying?"

Mom said, "We are in the Marriott Marquis, as is the rest of the family."

Grandma said, "It is a very nice hotel."

Rick nodded his agreement.  "It is very nice.  Glenn, we need to be going,
or we will miss Michael.  We will see everyone tomorrow night at the
Woodruff Arts Center."



Woodruff Arts Center

We made our way around to all the tables, to talk with everyone, before we
paid our bill and left for home.  Kerry climbed into the backseat, and gave
a sigh, "I'm so tired Glenn."

"Are you going to be alright?" I asked, worriedly.

"I'll be fine.  I'm just tired, that's all," Kerry replied, with a wan
smile.

Keith got in beside her, and took her hand in his.  "Hang in there,
sweetheart.  We will be home in a jiffy."

Rick drove us home.  Greg and Cory followed us in their car.  We parked,
and Keith helped Kerry out of the car.  Keith said, "I'll put Kerry to bed,
then I'll come upstairs for a few minutes."

They got off on their floor, and we continued to ours.  Rick opened the
door, and said to Greg and Cory, "Welcome to our humble abode."

Greg and Cory entered the foyer, and put down their things.  "Let me take
you on a tour," I said.  I showed them around our cozy place, and pointed
out all of the major items of interest (e.g., Shawn's oil paintings).

Rick, meanwhile, took their things, and put them in the spare bedroom.  We
soon heard a knock on the door.  Rick opened it, to admit Keith.  He was
just about to close it, when Michael got off the elevator.  Rick grinned,
and said, "Michael, it is so good to see you."  Rick hugged Michael, then
took him by the hand, leading him inside.  They entered the family room,
where we had congregated.  "Michael, this is Glenn's cousin, Keith."

Keith stood up, and shook Michael's hand.  "It's nice to meet you,
Michael."

Michael stared at Keith for a moment, before he replied, "You look so much
like Glenn, you could be twins."

Keith laughed, and said, "We do look a lot alike.  In fact, we like to play
tricks on my wife.  She can't tell us apart, if we wear sun glasses to hide
the color of our eyes."

Michael looked closely at us, and said, "Okay, I can see the difference,
now."

I laughed.  "Kerry does now, as well.  I have learned to mimic Keith's
voice almost exactly, so she has to get me to look at her, so she can see
what color my eyes are, to see who I am."

Rick laughed, and said, "I have never been fooled by them; because Glenn
can't help drooling all over himself, when he sees me."

"I do NOT drool all over myself," I protested.  "Well, most of the time I
don't."

The guys laughed at me, and Rick said, "At least you admit you drool,
sometimes."  Rick put his arm around me.  He leaned over, and kissed me on
the lips.

Greg said, "I am glad to see that Rick still loves you Glenn."

"I am, too!" I exclaimed.

Cory laughed.  "I had forgotten how cute you are, Glenn."

I blushed at Cory's compliment.  I looked over at the younger guy, and
smiled, "I'm glad you and Greg came to visit us.  It makes me very happy to
see you two together."

Greg said, "We couldn't wait to come.  Cory flew down to Texas to be with
me, right after high school graduation."

"How did your Mom's family handle seeing you with your boyfriend?" Rick
asked.

"They practically came unglued," Greg said.  "My grandparents remind me of
my father.  All they could say was that they would warn all the neighbors
to watch their children, so we wouldn't molest them.  It made me so angry."

"I thought you didn't have anything to do with them?" I asked.

"I don't but my Mom convinced me to at least try one more time to reach
them," Greg said.  "They are so brainwashed by their religion that they
can't see how hypocritical they are, when they profess to believe in the
teachings of Jesus; but, at the same time, disown their family, and treat
people so poorly.  How can that be `Christian' behavior?"

I said, "You're right, Greg.  Very few Christians actually practice what
they preach.  They pick and choose which doctrines they will claim as their
own, and they deny the fact that we are all brothers and sisters.  That
would mean they would have to admit that they failed to obey a basic tenant
of Christian belief – `Love One Another as I Have Loved You.'  They
can't fathom loving everyone, and treating everyone with dignity and
respect, at a minimum, if not outright love.  Some churches even say it's
okay to be gay, as long as you don't practice it; but they flag you as
being gay in their records, so you won't be allowed to get near their
precious children, since they believe all gays are predators and child
molesters.  They have even greater fears that we might recruit one their
little darlings, and turn them gay.  You might as well wear a scarlet
letter around your neck, and parade around for entire the congregation to
see.  It's like they are saying to themselves, `Don't let them near us, or
they might contaminate us.'  I have yet to meet an honest adherent of a
Christian church, who has accepted me for who I am, and hasn't tried to shy
away from me, or warn others to be careful around me."

Rick said, "But your parents haven't disowned you, Glenn, and they are
God-fearing people."

"No, they disowned my brother, Randy, first.  I love them very much, Rick,
but I haven't been blind to their hope that, someday, Randy and I will
outgrow our infatuation with men, and turn out to be `normal' guys, who
will get married to a woman, and have little grandchildren for them to
spoil.  Dad tries really hard to hide his disappointment, Rick, but his
religious beliefs haven't changed," I said.

Rick looked at me in shock.  It was like I had thrown a grenade in to the
middle of the room.  He couldn't believe what I had said about my parents.
Rick said, "Glenn, I think your parents have been very accepting of us, as
well as Randy and Shawn."

"They have accepted us, to a point.  You haven't been present for Dad's
lectures about our responsibility to have children, and build up the next
generation; or his comments that I haven't fulfilled my duty as a male
member of the family," I said.

 Rick's disbelief was reflected in his voice, as he said, "You have never
told me about this."

"No, I haven't told you before now; because I didn't want to upset you,
while you were on active duty," I said.  "That, in part, is why Dad wasn't
happy tonight to hear that I wasn't moving home after graduation.  He still
holds out hope that we will eventually break up, Rick."

"But they have told me that they will love me, even if we break up.  Dad
was very emphatic about it." Rick said.

"Exactly!  That is their point, Rick.  They love you as one of their own,
and they want what is best for you.  However, in their eyes, getting
married to a woman, and having a family, is the best thing for both of us.
Dad has been very candid about how he feels.  Mom, on the other hand, wants
us to be happy together, if that is what we determine makes us happy.  Most
of all, Rick, you need to understand that their love for you won't change,
if we aren't together," I said, looking Rick in the eyes.  I could tell he
was still reeling from the revelation that my father had tried to convince
me to leave him.

Michael could see how much Rick was upset by what I had just told him.  He
said, "I know how parents can be.  Mine still hold out hope that I will
find a nice young lady, and settle down with her."

Greg said, "I know my sister hates me, because I am gay.  She blames me for
what my father did.  She has told me, in no uncertain terms, that she hates
me.  She feels like I took her father away from her, and put him in jail.
She has been very hateful.  She won't even speak to Mom, because Mom has
taken my side and defended me."

Rick asked, "What is Joey doing now?"

"He has moved in with Tyler.  They have a nice little apartment near George
Mason University.  Tyler hasn't come out to his parents, yet," Greg said.

"I thought Joey was worried about losing custody of his children, if Kathy
found out he was gay," I said.

"He is; but, he decided to move in with Tyler, when Mom and I moved to
Texas," Greg said.

Cory said, "Joey came over to visit me, just before I left Quantico to join
Greg in Texas.  He was pretty optimistic that he would get joint custody of
the children.  His lawyers are doing a good job representing him."

Rick asked, "Do you and your parents still go to that church in
Fredericksburg?"

"No, we found that the congregation wasn't as open to having gays be a part
of their congregation.  They fired their pastor, and hired a new guy, who
is very homophobic and teaches extreme doctrines," Cory said.  "My parents
have given up on finding a church they can attend.  Most of them we have
visited have been so anti-gay, that we haven't even made it through the
first few minutes of an interview with their ministers; because Mom and Dad
made it very clear that I was gay, and that they couldn't attend a church
that couldn't welcome me into their congregation."

Greg put his arm around Cory's shoulders.  "At least your parents were
there to support you.  Mom has tried to be supportive, but I don't believe
there is a single Christian church in the entire state of Texas that would
welcome gays.  I know I may be exaggerating a bit; but, there didn't seem
to be any near us.  In fact, there were several ministers that were
lobbying the legislature to pass anti-gay laws, such as executing gays, or
forcing us to register as deviants, to be tracked, just like sex
offenders."

"That sounds like what the Nazis did during World War II," I said.  "Didn't
they force all gays and Jews to wear special badges for a while, then, they
finally rounded them up and shipped them to extermination camps?"

Rick nodded, "Yes that is what they did.  It is pretty scary to hear the
same thing being proposed by supposedly righteous and pious people, who
condemned Nazi practices as being wicked, and against God's laws.  I guess
that it's okay to do evil and vile things to people, if you can justify it
as being God's will, or at least that is what these ministers are
purporting to be God's will."

I said, "There is so much evil committed in the name of religion.
Religionists are attacking us as infringing on their religious freedoms, by
demanding that we be treated with dignity and respect!  My question back to
them is: since when do their religious views get to take away my rights as
a human being?  Where is it written, that because I am gay, they can deny
me the right to be married, to have a family, to adopt children, to have
the same benefits as straight people?  How can they claim to believe in a
God who created all of us; and, yet they denigrate and demoralize those who
don't agree with their religious views?"

Rick put his arm around my waist, "It's okay, Glenn."

I looked at Rick for a moment.  "I'm sorry.  I get carried away, sometimes,
when it comes to the injustices being imposed on gays, by those who pretend
to be religious leaders."

Michael said, "Maybe it is better not to be beholden to a particular
religion."

Greg nodded.  "After my experience with my Dad and his church, I don't want
anything to do with any of the churches.  It is because of a `Christian'
pastor and congregation, that my father assaulted me.  Yes, my Dad is
responsible for his own actions; but, I put the blame for demented behavior
squarely on the shoulders of the crazed pastor, who kept preaching hatred
and violence from his pulpit."

Cory nodded his agreement, "I share Greg's sentiments."

We continued to talk with the guys until late.  When we finally went to
bed, Rick pulled me close, and whispered, "Thank you for not listening to
your father.  I would have been totally devastated if you had left me."

I looked into his eyes and said, "I love you, Rick.  I will never abandon
you.  You are an important part of my life, and I can't let you go."  I
moved closer to him, and kissed him tenderly.  Of course, kissing Rick in
bed, always leads to our favorite activity!

*** ***

The next day went quickly for me.  When evening finally arrived, I was so
hyped up, that Rick took me into our room, and stripped me down.  He picked
me up and put me on the bed.  He put my legs over his shoulders, and
positioned himself to make me his.  I moaned in pure pleasure, as his lips
met mine.

Afterward, we lay with our limbs intertwined, as we enjoyed the afterglow
of making love.  I looked at Rick, and said, "Thank you, Babe.  I needed
that."

Rick laughed.  "I know you did, sweetheart.  Now, we need to get a shower,
and get ready for the concert."

Rick stood up, then helped me up.  We quickly showered and dressed.  We
left our room, and found Greg, Cory and Michael in the front room.  They
grinned at us, as we entered.  Greg said, "I am glad to see that the lover
boys have enjoyed themselves."

I grinned, in response to his comment.  "We did, thank you very much.  Rick
always knows what to do to calm me down."

Rick pulled me close, and stole another kiss.  "I love you, Babe."

Michael smiled at our show of affection.  "Are we ready?"

"Yes, we are ready," Rick said.

We stopped on the floor below us, to pick up Keith and Kerry.  I said,
"Kerry, you look wonderful!"

Kerry beamed at me.  "Thank you, Glenn.  I don't feel it, but thank you."

Keith put his hand on her belly.  "This little guy is trying to get out,
and is causing Kerry some discomfort."

Rick asked, "Are you going to be okay, Kerry?"

"Yes.  I will be fine," Kerry replied.  "I am ready to go."

We made our way to our cars, and drove to the Woodruff Arts Center.  Once
inside the building, Rick kissed me, and I made my way back stage.  I had
rehearsed with the orchestra earlier in the day, so I felt comfortable that
things were going to be okay.  However, I still felt nervous.  The moment
arrived, I accompanied Dr. Nohr onstage.  The audience applauded and we
both took a bow.  We took our places, and I watched Dr. Nohr as we began
the concerto.  Once the first note was struck, I relaxed, and let the music
flow through me.  At the end, the audience gave us a standing ovation.
After the third curtain call, we played an encore for the audience.

I found my way into the audience, where Rick had saved me a seat for Patty
and Irene's performance.  Afterward, we joined our family and friends on
the main floor.  Mom and Dad found us, first.

Mom said, "It was wonderful."  She hugged me, and gave me a kiss.

Dad smiled, and pulled me into an embrace, "You made me proud, son."

Grandma and Grandpa came up behind us, and Grandpa hugged me, "A very fine
performance, Glenn.  I love that concerto, and you played it, perfectly."

That was high praise coming from my Grandpa!  Grandma congratulated me, as
well.  "Well, done, Glenn."

Dr. Nohr found us, and turned to introduce his friend, "Glenn, this is
Dr. Bigelow.  He is the music chair at Georgia Tech."

I took Dr. Bigelow's hand, as I looked him over.  He was my same height
with blue eyes, dark brown hair, and a goatee.  He wore wire-rimmed glasses
that made his eyes seem ten times their normal size.  He was thin and wiry.
His hand felt very fragile in mine.

"It's nice to meet you.  I hear you are planning to attend Georgia Tech,"
Dr. Bigelow said.

"That is correct.  I attended Georgia Tech during my freshman year, then
transferred to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities last year.  Now, I
am returning to finish my degree, here," I said.

"Good!  I am glad to see such a talented musician join our ranks.  I would
love to sit down with you, to find out what your plans are for the future,"
Dr. Bigelow said.  He pulled out his card, and handed it to me.  "Please
call me, and we can set up an appointment to get together."

"Thank you, Dr. Bigelow.  I will call you early next week," I said.  Rick
took my hand in his.  I looked at Rick, in surprise.  I had purposely not
taken his hand, when we came out of the auditorium, even though I wanted
to, very much.  I was having a difficult time remembering to be careful not
to show Rick too much affection in public.  Rick eyes met mine, and he
smiled, "It's okay, Babe."

I watched as Dr. Bigelow's eyes grew wide with surprise, then he smiled,
"Who is your handsome escort for this evening?" he asked.

"This is my life partner, Rick Lernier," I said.

Rick shook Dr. Bigelow's hand.  "I am very happy to meet you.  Do you also
attend Georgia Tech?"

Rick answered, "Yes, I am majoring in engineering."

"I am glad to hear it.  We have a great engineering program, here," he
replied.  Next, Dr. Bigelow turned toward my parents.  "Am I to assume that
these are your parents?"

"I'm sorry, I should have introduced you," I said.  "Yes, this is my Mom
and Dad, and these are my grandparents."

Dr. Bigelow said, "It's a pleasure to meet you.  I think I know your
grandfather, Glenn."

Grandpa smiled, "Yes, we have met before.  I seem to remember that we met
at a fundraising event for Georgia Tech's music program, a few years ago."

Dr. Bigelow nodded his head.  "Yes that must be where we met.  It is nice
to see you again.  I am sorry to have to run, but I have to get home.
Please excuse me."

We bid him good-bye, and Dr. Nohr smiled, and said, "Be sure to take
advantage of his offer to discuss your future at Georgia Tech."

"I will do just that, Dr. Nohr.  Thank you for introducing him to me," I
said.

"You are most welcome," Dr. Nohr said.  "And, if you ever decide to come
back to Minneapolis, you are always welcome at the university."  He turned
to my parents and grandparents, "You have a very wonderful boy.  You are to
be congratulated on his accomplishments."

Mom beamed at him, and my Dad looked so proud I thought he would pop his
buttons.  Dad said, "Thank you, sir.  I have no doubt that you had a hand
in helping him become the fine musician he is today."

Dr. Nohr smiled.  "Only a small part.  Thank you for coming to support him.
I will be in touch."

Dr. Nohr took his leave of us.  Keith and Kerry joined us.  Kerry looked
like she was in severe pain.  Mom took one look at her, and asked, "How far
apart are they dear?"

"About every 15 minutes," Kerry gasped, as the pain subsided.  "They just
started, as we started looking for you after the concert, Aunt Eva."

Mom looked at Keith, and said, "Get her to the hospital, now.  Do you want
me to come with you?"

"No, I think we will be able to manage," Keith said, and he took Kerry's
hand, leading her toward the exit.

Mom turned to Dad, "Honey, Keith may not want us to be there, but until her
parents can arrive on the scene, I want to be there for Kerry."

Dad nodded, "Okay, let's go, so we can follow them over to the hospital."

Rick said, "I hope they make it to the hospital, before she has the baby."

Mom said, "They will, but they had better not dawdle, or they will have the
baby in the car."  Mom put her arm through Dad's, and they followed Keith
and Kerry toward the parking garage.

Meanwhile, we waited for our friends to gather.  Once we were all together,
we decided that we would head over to the Mellow Mushroom for pizza.  We
gave everyone directions, then we headed to the parking garage, to retrieve
our car.

On the way over, I turned, and asked Rick, "Why did you decide to out
yourself to Dr. Bigelow just now?"

Rick gave me a quick glance.  "I did it because he is gay, and I wanted to
him to know you are already in a relationship."

I was completely taken aback by Rick's statement. "How do you know that?"

"Because he gave me the once over, just like you do, when you meet someone
you are very interested in, and who really turns you on," Rick responded.

"Oh," I said.  "Am I that obvious about it?"

"Yes, you are, Babe.  Otherwise, I wouldn't have had a clue that
Dr. Bigelow was gay," Rick said.

"I'm glad you let me introduce you as my life partner," I said, smiling at
him.  "If you weren't driving, I would kiss you, because I love you so
much."

"You can give me my reward, when we get to the restaurant," Rick said.  We
pulled into the parking lot of the Mellow Mushroom, and Rick found a place
to park.

We got out of the car, and I grabbed my normal clothes from the back of the
car.  I didn't want to wear my tuxedo in the restaurant.  I turned around,
as Rick came around the back of the car.  He took me in his arms and kissed
me.  Again, I was caught completely off guard.  This was a very public
place, and here he was kissing me for all to see!  So much for being
discreet about being gay!

As Rick released me, two guys shouted obscenities at us.  It was obvious
they were what people in Atlanta call "rednecks."  Rick ignored them, and
took me by the hand, leading me into the restaurant.  I left him with the
hostess, to be seated, and went into the restroom to change into some
regular clothes.  When I came out, I found Rick and the rest of the guys,
seated at several tables that had been pulled together to accommodate our
large party.  I saw that Rick had ordered a soda for me.  I gave him the
thumbs up sign, and smiled at him.  Rick tossed me the keys so I could put
my tuxedo in the car.  I had just locked the car when I was punched in the
face and in the stomach, doubling me over.

*** ***

Author's Note –

McKinnon's - http://www.mckinnons.com/

Bach's Double Concerto for two violins -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vesrqFeq9rU