Date: Thu, 03 Jan 2002 19:13:29 +0800
From: gspencer <gspencer@amitar.com.au>
Subject: Peter's Christmas Present
This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance of characters to any person,
whether living or dead, is purely accidental and unintended. Copyright is
retained by the Author and reproduction or distribution, in any form and
whether for profit or not, without the written permission of the Author, is
forbidden.
If reading this type of literature is forbidden in the area where you
live, you proceed at your own risk.
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All my stories are written for those who have a moderate grasp of English
and like a story in which there may be some sex. Any word you do not
understand can be found in the Pocket Oxford Dictionary. 1992 edition.
<gspencer@amitar.com.au>
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Dedicated to "Jiefu Dai" to thank him for his expert Editorial assistance.
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Peter's Christmas Present
Peter put the last of the Christmas presents under the tree, while
Anthony pinned the Christmas Angel to its top. Ten years ago yesterday,
Peter had combed the city to find just what he wanted to replace the star
at the peak of the Foy's Christmas tree. Anthony was very careful not to
bend its long trumpet. Dinner was with Poppa Alf and Momma Lola this year
and tea would be with Mum Myrna. Boxing Day everyone they loved would come
here. There was no set time for them to come or to leave they just did
whatever felt right for them. No one ever missed coming, even if it was
only for half an hour. They all knew that Christmas had a very special
meaning for the pair. Besides the children made sure their parents did not
miss visiting their favourite uncles, they always got nice presents.
Anthony climbed down from the ladder and looked at Peter, he was lost
in memories. "Can I share them with you Petey?" he whispered in his loves
ear.
"I was just remembering Angel. It's ten years this year and I think I
love you even more than I did then."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peter was wandering down the alleyways between the parked cars, idly
looking for lost change, that was the only way he ever got pocket money. It
was one of his favourite pastimes when he was at the Mall. He had done well
on many occasions, and had even found twenty dollars a few weeks ago. That
had given him hours of enjoyment for three days running. He had rationed it
and spent more time deciding what he would spend it on than he had in
enjoying the car racing game that first night. The next night he had
window-shopped and then bought a pizza and coffee. The third day, being
Saturday, he had enough to see the early session of the new Jet Li film. He
kept a wary eye out for trouble, since it had a habit of following
him. That was how it seemed to him. Wherever he went he had to avoid
Chopper and his gang or Savolo and his gang. He wished his brother had not
gone off to University; he had always been safe with Henry. There was only
one University that offered the sort of Marine Biology that interested
Henry, so there had been no option.
The Foy's were a fairly poor family in some ways. There was not the
money there had been in years gone by. Dad had been laid off in a corporate
reshuffle and had ended up working as a delivery driver. There were twenty
applicants for every job he applied for and he needed to keep food in his
children's bellies. He had taken whatever he could get. Alf Foy had been
laying aside funds for University for years, never dreaming that his secure
job would end so suddenly. There was enough to give Henry the course he
wanted but there would be very little for Peter and Tricia. They had all
agreed that Henry should definitely get his degree and who knows what the
future would bring. The trouble was that Peter had not realised how safe
his big brother had kept him. Once he was gone, and Chopper was sure he was
going to be away for a long time, he had started on Peter as an easy
target.
Peter knew you did not have to do anything to get on to Chopper's list
of targets. Chopper had been in his class for two years before he was
expelled for bad behaviour and fighting. Since he was over sixteen there
was no school willing to take him and now he spent all his time hanging out
with his mates and hassling any likely targets. Peter was at a loss to know
how he had got on the wrong side of Savolo and his gang. The only thing he
could think of was that Savolo had a thing about gays and thought he was
one. Well he was, but he kept it well hidden. He had nearly shit his pants
when Savolo had bailed him up one night about six months ago and asked him
if he was gay. He had strenuously denied it, but he was pretty sure they
did not believe him. Most of them were Year twelves and quite a few of them
went to Peter's school, he often saw them watching him at school and did
his best to avoid them.
Peter was his father's height, five foot seven. Where his father was
broad and solid, Peter was slim and agile. He had light brown hair with a
strong hint of red in it and piercing green eyes. Because his birthday was
one day before the cut off date, he was the youngest boy in Year eleven. He
was used to being picked on, but had been spared the beltings the bullies
handed out to some kids because of Henry being his brother. Henry was an
Iron Man contestant, and an addicted surfer. His reputation alone was
enough for bullies to think twice before they picked on his little
brother. Now he was in Queensland and his safety blanket had been taken
away.
The late night shopping crowd was beginning the trek back to their
cars with their booty and Peter had found nothing. Still it was a nice
evening and he had enjoyed the hunt, then he got a prickly feeling down his
back. He turned to find Chopper eyeing him off from only six cars away. He
was off like a shot. He ran for the entrance to the Mall. The safest thing
he could think of was to be surrounded by people who might object and call
security if Chopper started bashing him. He nearly ran into one of the
tinsel Christmas trees they were putting up in all the walkways, and raced
for the central hub. He thought he had shaken them, so the problem was now
how to get out without being spotted. What he did not know was that Savolo
and his gang were sitting there enjoying a drink.
Anthony Savolopoulos saw the flurry of activity and touched his
brother's arm, pointing out Peter as he slowed to a walk and began to get
his breath. Savolo smiled down at his younger brother.
"You really fancy him don't you! Don't worry I'll keep him safe for
you. Come on boys, Chopper has to be around for him to be running like
that. Anthony, you can stay here and see if you can meet him, we'll pick
you up when we've finished."
Peter was trying to work out a strategy for escape and almost
swallowed his tonsils as the vision from school drifted around the fountain
centrepiece in front of him. There was that tall Year ten that had occupied
his dreams for the whole year. Now he was so close he could see that the
dark curly hair framed a pair of beautiful brown eyes and the cute nose
perched above a breathtaking smile.
"Don't I know you from school? I'm Anthony." Anthony was taking the
direct approach. He had wanted to get to know this elusive Year eleven for
ages. There was something about him that was fascinating. He had seen him
in the Mall many times with his brother and had been to shy to try and
introduce himself. This year Peter had been there on his own but he had
moved off hurriedly whenever he saw Dimitri and his gang. Dimitri wasn't
here to frighten him off.
Peter managed to get his tongue untangled and stammered out "Hi, I'm
Peter." He was looking around nervously. Anthony smiled again.
"Don't go looking for trouble. My big brother is taking care of
Chopper. You're safe here with me."
Peter looked again more closely and came to a horrifying
conclusion. "You're Savolo's brother." he gasped.
Anthony laughed. "Of course I am. What's wrong with that?"
"Oh shit." Peter muttered, "I'm dead meat."
"What's the matter? What has Dimitri done to make you afraid of him?"
"Your brother doesn't like gays and he thinks I'm one. Now I'm talking
to his little brother and I'm going to get the shit knocked out of me."
"Why do you think he hates gays?"
"He bailed me up one day and asked me if I was gay. I don't think he
believed me when I said I wasn't, and I've been trying to avoid him ever
since."
"Well you can stop worrying about that too." Anthony's face was
getting angry. "I'll have something to say if he even thinks about doing
that. I'm not going to have my brother frightening people who I want to be
friends with."
Peter's eyes bugged out. "What do you mean? You want to be friends
with me?"
"Why not? I wouldn't mind if you don't mind."
"No worries. I wouldn't mind either, but Savolo scares me."
"Huh." Anthony snorted. "You leave that big gorilla to me. Besides
he's really rather nice when you get to know him. He's pretty good for a
big brother."
They were so busy talking they had not noticed the gang drift back and
stand around them until Savolo spoke. "Have you got him yet Pipsqueak?"
Peter shuddered and hunched into himself.
Anthony got a bit savage. "We were getting on well until you came
along." Dimitri grinned at him unfazed by his anger. "What ever made you
take it into your head to ask him if he was gay? You've frightened him so
much that he's been avoiding us for months. When I want your help I'll ask
for it."
"Well little brother, I know how long it takes you to get anywhere and
I just wanted to know if you were wasting your time on some straight
boy. To tell the truth I can't make up my mind whether he's gay or not, so
you'll just have to find out for yourself."
By now Peter's mouth was hanging open. Did this mean that Anthony was
gay and that Savolo didn't mind? It looked as if he was even looking for
gays for his brother. This put things in a whole different light. The habit
of caution was too well ingrained for him to hope for more than a stay of
execution.
Anthony seemed less belligerent after the explanation. "Well we're
getting on pretty well and I think we'll get to be friends if nothing
happens to frighten him off. Is it safe for Peter to go home?"
"Of course it is. When have I ever let my favourite little brother
down? Chopper and his boys are sitting in some sewer nursing their
bruises."
Anthony smirked at Peter. "Since I'm his only little brother I have to
be his favourite one. See? I told you he was pretty good for a big
brother. Please don't run away from us any more. I'd really like to get to
know you Peter."
"Sure! I'll see you at school." With that Peter was up and off like a
greyhound.
The next day Anthony smiled at him when he saw him before school and
Peter's heart did a flip-flop in his chest. Did he dare to hope that this
was for real and not just some cruel practical joke? Was it really safe to
tell someone his secret? He hadn't even told Henry let alone his mother and
father. As the day went on he began to hope that it was for real. It would
be such a relief to share the real Peter Foy with someone who might
possibly understand. At lunchtime he picked up his roll and chocolate milk
from the lunch shop and was heading for his usual secluded corner, he
suddenly found himself flanked by Savolo and one of his mates. There was no
preamble, Dimitri launched straight in.
"I look after my little brother and when I found he was interested in
you, I decided to see if you were likely to hurt him and stop it before he
got hurt. I'm sorry if you misunderstood, but maybe it was a good thing. I
still don't know if you're gay or not but it really doesn't matter. I've
watched you for long enough to know that you won't hurt him whether you're
straight or gay. If you want to be friends then I look after my brother's
friends as well as him. It's up to you two. If you like you can sit with us
down near the oval and we'll try not to interfere with you two. What do you
say?"
Peter was almost speechless for a minute. "I'd like to get to know
Anthony better. Where do you have lunch?"
Dimitri gestured vaguely and they continued walking. "I've always
looked after Anthony, but since dad died I take it more seriously. I didn't
even know he was gay until just after school started this year. It came as
a bit of a shock. I had to change my thinking pretty smartly, either that
or give up caring about my little brother, and I could never do that. He
had told dad that he was gay last year and had asked dad to tell me because
of my attitude towards gays. Dad died before he could tell me and I realise
now that he had put off telling me because of my attitude. It made me feel
really bad when I realised just what I had been doing to Anthony. I had
made him feel bad and unwanted all because I was too lazy to think about
what gays were and why they were gay. I just went along with what most
people said and never thought for myself. I don't blame you for being
frightened when I asked you if you were gay. There was no way that you
could have known I had changed my attitude. I hope you are gay because
Anthony really fancies you, but even if you aren't you'll make a good
friend for him because you seem to have the same attitude that he has. I
just want you to know that I'm not the way I used to be, and that I think
you and Anthony will make good friends."
Peter had always thought Savolo was a bit of a Neanderthal, who only
communicated in grunts and single words. This long explanation had shown
that to be a mistake. He was still thinking about how to reply when they
stopped beside two benches in the shade of the gym hall. The explanation
had touched a chord deep inside him, and then he took one look at the
expectant face that Anthony turned towards them, grabbed hold of his
courage before it slipped away, and suddenly stuck out his hand to
Dimitri. "What's gone can't be changed but we can change the future. Let's
start over again."
Dimitri looked at him in amazement and then took his hand. "I knew I
was right. Listen all of you; from now on Peter Foy is one of ours. I hope
he and Anthony will be good friends but he's still one of ours regardless."
With that he gave Peter's hand a slap and went to sit with his mates.
Peter and Anthony were a bit slow getting going, but their
conversation soon began to pick up. It was far too early in their
friendship for them to risk outing themselves to each other, but they found
they had plenty in common without that. They were both fairly good
academically, but who wants to talk about schoolwork. The biggest find for
both of them was that they were both interested in the sort of music that
the others all looked down on as highbrow. Anthony was learning piano and
trumpet, while Peter was into Drama and was acting in the next play the
school dramatic society was putting on. They both enjoyed opera but neither
of them was sure about ballet. They did not admit that it was because they
were afraid of other people's reactions if they learned they enjoyed
looking at men in tights. It was not as if they disliked pop music, and
they raved to each other over "Trio" and "After the Gold Rush". They both
found a lot of pop music to be so repetitive it was boring. Dimitri leaning
down from his six feet three inches and clapping them both on the back
suddenly interrupted them.
"Wake up you two! The bell has gone. You can get together later." He
had a rather pleased expression on his face and for the first time in the
four years since he had first learned who he was, Peter did not feel afraid
of Savolo. As they headed for class Dimitri dropped back to the rear of the
pack and murmured quietly to his best mate, "This looks like it could be a
goer for Pipsqueak. They have a lot in common by the sound of it. At least
it will stop him from moping around like a wet week. Even if this Foy kid
isn't gay he looks like he'll be a good friend."
"Yeah! But he's as nervous as an unbroken horse. We'll have to be
careful nothing spooks him." Geoff replied, and they separated to go to
their different classes.
Peter worked all Friday afternoon and night to get his homework out of
the way. He had no idea where Anthony lived or his phone number. They had
been so busy talking that they forgot to exchange vital information. The
only place he knew he could see Anthony, apart from school, was at
Mirrabella Shopping City. His parents were a bit bemused by his sudden
enthusiasm for homework, but they didn't complain. His father did ask him
if the boys he had seen him talking to after school were friends. His reply
was that he was not sure, he had only just met them but it was looking
good. That pleased his father who worried about his son's tendency to avoid
people unless he had someone else with him.
Saturday morning, Peter whizzed through the lawns as quickly as
possible and told his father he was off to the mall, his mum was working
her weekend job. He was wandering through the car-park with his eyes on the
ground; he had been lucky so far and had collected six dollars. He decided
that was enough to keep him from looking stupid in front of Anthony and
began to head for an entrance. He walked around a corner and wham, straight
into the fist of Woggo, Choppers right hand man. Woggo grabbed his shirt
and called over his shoulder. "Got him Chopper, where do we take him?"
Peter's head began to clear and he realised that he had no hope of getting
away; Woggo was holding him so that his feet barely touched the
ground. Chopper and the rest of the gang came out of hiding, making Peter
realise they had been deliberately stalking him. Chopper had a nasty grin
on his face. "Take him down by the disposal bins, no one goes there." His
arm was forced up behind his back and he was marched to the bins.
They took turns in demonstrating how hard they could punch and it was
not long before Peter was barely conscious. It felt as if he had broken
ribs and his face was swelling like a balloon. He was conscious enough to
know someone intervened, and that the punishment suddenly stopped, he had a
vague notion that there was an Angel kneeling over him at one stage, but he
was unconscious by the time the ambulance got there. He was barely
conscious when they unloaded him and wheeled him into emergency.
Dimitri took the car to the mall. His mother had given permission for
them to go to the late screening of the horror film, and did not want them
walking home so late at night. He had picked up three of his mates on the
way and promised to drop them home. He decided to park at the back entrance
to the mall since it was closest to the theatre complex. It would be fairly
empty now but it would fill up later in the evening. They were doodling
down the driveway trying to find the perfect spot. As they went past,
Anthony looked into the semi-enclosed courtyard that housed the garbage
skips. Chopper and his boys were punching and kicking someone. They were a
couple of rows further down before he realised that the persons hair had
looked just like Peter's. His scream of "STOP" caused everyone to bounce
against their seatbelts as Dimitri stood on the brakes.
"Chopper's got Peter in the disposal bay and they're bashing him."
Anthony gabbled it so fast that it took a moment for it to sink in, then
the back doors flew open and the three in the back seat were off and
running. Dimitri swung into the nearest vacant spot and sent Anthony for
the Mall security while he ran in the opposite direction
As Anthony rounded the curve and came in sight of the entry, he could
see a Police car and a Security man talking to the officers. "Help! They're
killing Peter!" he screamed at the top of his lungs. That got their
attention and, when he reached the car, the Security man asked where. "Down
by the bins." Anthony gasped out. The security man bundled him into the
back of the patrol car and followed him in. "God knows what state he's in,
they've been at it for ten minutes", he exclaimed. The car screeched into
the bay almost blocking the entrance and they could see a wild fight going
on. Savolo and his mates were outnumbered two to one, yet they were nearly
holding their own. Peter was lying curled up with his head in a pool of
blood. The driver leaped out with baton drawn but the offsider radioed in
for backup before joining him.
The presence of police caused a flurry of attempts to get out of the
bay, but the security man neatly tripped Woggo as he tried and then
handcuffed him. Chopper was trying to scale the wall around the bay, but
Geoff pulled him down and slung him towards the police. The security man
pointed out the faces he had seen on the surveillance video. It was only a
matter of minutes before a backup car came and they could see what
condition Peter was in. They had to get Dimitri to take Anthony away he was
kneeling over Peter and crying. The woman officer was very sympathetic but
efficient, as she did a preliminary examination.
Fortunately the hospital was not very busy when Peter was wheeled
in. He was cleaned up and put into a bed for observation. He slipped in and
out of consciousness for most of the afternoon, and it was not until almost
evening that they were able to get his address. The staff knew that his
friends were in the waiting room but none of them knew where he
lived. Chopper knew but he told the police he didn't. When Peter was able
to give them his address and phone number, they had suggested to Alf that
the friends, who were driving them mad by anxiously demanding information
whenever they saw a nurse, could come and get him. Dimitri leaped at the
chance to do something but Anthony would not leave the hospital. Geoff
stayed with Anthony and was not embarrassed when Anthony burst into tears
and needed to be held. He had younger sisters and was used to it.
"Why did they do it Geoff? What did Peter ever do to them? I couldn't
bear it if he dies. I've only just found him and he's just the sort of
friend I've always wanted. If something happens I'll be alone again."
"Don't get yourself all upset. Nothing is going to happen to him."
Geoff fervently hoped that was true. "I don't think Chopper needs a reason
for anything he does. He just likes belting people up for fun. I think it
makes him feel strong and in control. He's just a brainless dork."
Just then the senior doctor came out to see if they were back with
Mr Foy. He came over and asked Geoff if he needed anything for
Anthony. Geoff told him that Anthony was afraid Peter might die and none of
the nurses would say anything except he was doing as well as could be
expected. The doctor looked at Anthony and said, "Are you the Angel he
keeps asking for? Whenever he comes around he keeps asking why we took his
Angel away."
"That's what he called you down at the mall," Geoff said to Anthony.
"In that case I think we can make an exception," the doctor
said. "You're probably the best medicine he could have right now. If we
have to work on him you will have to come out here again, but we'll call
you back as soon as we're finished." He led Anthony into the ward,
explaining that Peter looked pretty bad but they thought he would make a
full recovery and he needed Anthony to be strong for him.
It was only a few minutes later that Peter surfaced again and
smiled. He whispered to the doctor, "You brought my Angel back," and then
slipped quietly into unconsciousness. That settled it for Dr Frost. He gave
instructions that Anthony was to be allowed to stay as long as he wanted.
When Dimitri came back with Mr Foy, Anthony was gently stroking Peter and
whispering in his ear.
Alf Foy had recognised Dimitri as soon as he had opened the door to
him. He asked if he was one of the boys Peter had said he was becoming
friends with. Dimitri assured him he was and that it was Peter who was
still unsure. All of them already thought of him as their friend,
especially Anthony. They had explained what had happened on the way to the
hospital, and Alf was not surprised to find Anthony sitting beside his
son. He gave all the details to the admissions clerk and then went to join
Anthony. He observed for a few minutes from outside the curtain, and
noticed that Peter smiled every time he looked at Anthony. He was not
speaking but Anthony was whispering to him. The sight re-ignited a spark
that was in the back of his mind. He had suspicions that his son might be
gay, it had something to do with the different ways he and Henry acted. He
had carefully avoided looking at it for the last few years but this pushed
it back into his mind. He decided that he would stop avoiding the issue,
but that it could wait until Peter was well. Until then he would just
observe. He slipped quietly in and drew up a chair beside Anthony.
The conversation between Alf and Anthony had been a little strained at
first, but Alf noticed that he was not touching Peter now and was just
sitting silent. He thought about it for a few minutes and then moved his
chair around the other side of Peter. He began by holding his son's hand
and murmuring quietly. "Dad's here now Peter and so is your Angel." He
gestured for Anthony to take his other hand. "Don't be afraid my boy child,
daddy will keep you safe. Come back to us Petey and stay here with us. Your
Angel is upset and frightened, so please come back and make him happy. Can
you do that for your old dad?"
Out in the waiting room the three who had gone for Alf were getting
Geoff's version of what happened, including the fact that the doctor had
said he expected Peter to make a full recovery. That produced a collective
sigh of relief. Dimitri wanted the boys to go to the film but had no
intention of going himself. He couldn't leave Anthony. Geoff told him that
he had better ring his mother in case the police went around there and she
got the wrong idea about what had happened.
Myrna Savolopoulos took the phone call without missing a beat. Tod
had married her because she was level headed and as good at business as he
was. They had made a good team. When the sudden heart attack had taken him
from them, there had been only minor ripples in their business and
manufacturing enterprises. She had appointed a General Manager and things
had continued much as before. She was glad it was not one of her sons in
the hospital, but she was not surprised that Dimitri had taken a hand to
help someone he knew, he had been doing it all his life. He was so much
like his father that sometimes it made her heart ache. She told him that he
should come and pick her up and she would talk to Mr Foy and the doctors
before she made a decision on anything. Two of the boys asked to be dropped
home and he did that on the way. When he got home his mother had changed
into something very businesslike and teased out every detail of what
Dimitri knew, on the trip to the hospital.
Peter woke and smiled at his Angel as he croaked, "I thought I heard
Dad here. Has anyone told him angel?"
"Yes they have Petey, and he's right here beside you. Don't be
worrying we'll get you well soon and your Angel can stay as long as he
wants to." Peter turned his head.
"Daddy, they cut all my good clothes up," and Peter began to cry. "What
will I wear now, I haven't got any clothes?"
"Don't worry about that now. I'll bring you some pyjamas and bring
some clothes when you're better." He was patting one hand and Anthony was
rubbing the other. " Hush, shush my brave boy. We can always buy new
clothes, but there aren't any shops that sell my Petey boy. I'll have to go
home and tell your mother and Tricia what has happened but the doctors say
your angel can stay as long as he wants." Alf looked across at Anthony. "Do
you want to stay with him?" Anthony nodded vigorously. "Well I had better
get in touch with your mother and see if I can get her to agree. If he's
forgotten your name it's probably because of the concussion, but he's made
it pretty plain that he enjoys you being here." The nurse came to check
Peter and they were both shooed out of the room.
The moment they stepped into the waiting room Alf did a double
take. "Myrna Lockwood! I had no idea it was you."
"Alfred Foy! She was equally as surprised. "I knew there was something
familiar about that name. Where have you been? I haven't seen you since
before I got married."
They got to nattering about old times and forgot the important matter
of Anthony staying. Dr Frost came out and told them they could go back
in. Alf immediately got a guilty look and turned a mute appeal to Myrna. Dr
Frost got in ahead of him.
"Mrs Savolopoulos, would you permit this young man to stay here and
keep Peter company? I know it's an unusual request and we don't usually
allow it in adult wards, but he has an incredibly calming effect on
Peter. When he's there Peter is so relaxed we can do anything to him, but
when he's out of sight Peter gets very agitated. I would rather have him
sleeping beside Peter than have to fill him full of sedatives. They have a
tendency to mask symptoms."
Myrna did not hesitate. "Of course he can stay. Dimitri will bring
some things back for him. Alf is an old friend from school, and it's not a
big thing he needs to help him. Besides, Dimitri tells me that they became
best friends after just one meeting and Anthony looks as if he can't wait
to get back in there. Go on then, get in there." Anthony ran off with a
huge grin on his face. He pushed the door so wide that they could see Peter
and both Alf and Myrna watched the smile come to his face and grow to a
grin, as Anthony got closer. Then the door cut off their view.
Myrna turned to Alf. "I know it's a pretty delicate subject, but have
you considered the possibility that your son is gay?"
"I've been trying to avoid considering it for the past several years,
but seeing those two together has made me think I have been hiding my head
in the sand."
"Well Anthony hit us over the head with it about a year and a half
ago. I've had a chance to get used to the idea. It came as a bigger shock
to Dimitri than it did to me, or his father, but he's OK with it now. How
do you feel about the idea? Would you be able to cope with it if he turns
out to be gay? Do you have any objections to him having a gay friend?"
Myrna had a slightly belligerent tinge to her voice as she prepared to
defend her offspring.
Alf just stood there for a moment, slowly shaking his head. "I worked
with several gays at 'FeldenProd'. I've got no problems with them. It's
just that I've been so busy closing my eyes that I haven't been able to see
what was in front of my nose. If I hadn't been so stupid I could have made
it easier for him to tell me, but I've been so worried about work since I
was laid off that I've just shoved everything else aside." He looked up at
Myrna. "I have no idea if his mother has guessed, or how she will take it
when I tell her. What effect will this have on Tricia and Henry? How will
they cope with work and things? The law says it's illegal to discriminate,
but there are all sorts of ways around the law. Guess who were the first to
be laid off when FeldenProd reorganised. It's not going to be easy for
them, I hope they will be able to cope." He looked at the floor again.
"Alfred Foy, it's not like you to get all pessimistic. Go and say
goodnight to your son and we'll drive you home. They have both our phone
numbers if they need us" Myrna's voice was gentle but stern. "Dimitri bring
the car to the front door. Geoff we'll drop you home first. Before you go
Geoff, I just want you to know how grateful I am for your support for
Dimitri and Anthony. You've been a very true friend tonight." Geoff blushed
and hurried off to catch up with Dimitri. Alf went in to his son.
Peter looked as if he was sleeping, and Anthony had his head on the
pillow whispering in his ear. He looked guilty when he saw Alf and lifted
his head. Alf walked up beside him and kissed him gently on the
cheek. "Look after him for me young Anthony. I know he couldn't be in
better hands. If he wakes up and worries about me seeing you together, tell
him I know what it's like to be in love." Alf leaned over and kissed
Peter. Peter's eyes opened slowly and he looked like a sleepy little
child. "Good night my darling son. I haven't kissed you goodnight since you
were nine or ten. Perhaps I've been too wrapped up in my own problems to
think to help you with yours. We'll sort it all out when you're well
again. I'm going home to your mother, but I'll be back tomorrow, and I'm
leaving your Angel here to look after you. Sleep tight sweet prince, and
know your father loves you no matter what happens."
"Good night Dad." Peter mumbled sleepily. "See you in the morning." He
closed his eyes and slipped off again. Alf didn't say any more but he
pulled Anthony up from the chair and hugged him. The tears were trickling
down his face, but he was smiling. He rubbed Anthony's hair and then left,
wiping his eyes.
They went to Myrna's house first and she sent Dimitri up to collect
the clothes she wanted. They talked about all the things that had happened
since they had last seen each other, and Alf was sympathetic about the
unexpected death of Tod. Then they drove to the Foy's. Lola had just
arrived home a few minutes before and read the note Alf had left; Tricia
was at a friends place. He had to give her a report on Peter before she was
willing to be introduced to Myrna and Dimitri. He was sent back to the
hospital with the clothes and the adults sat down to discuss things. Lola
was given the story of what had happened from the moment Anthony had seen
Peter until they had left the hospital. Myrna was as factual and complete
as if she had been delivering a business report. Lola sat for a few minutes
digesting what she had been told and then turned to Alf.
"Are you trying to tell me that our son is gay?"
"I really have no idea love. I think it may be a strong possibility
but this is hardly the time to bring it up with him."
"I think you're right. I've wondered about it for a couple of years,
but when I asked Henry what he thought, he just said that Peter was an
egghead and didn't fit in with other people."
Myrna came into the conversation. "Will you be able to cope with it if
he is gay? I've had some experience with having a gay son and I'm only too
willing to help if you need it."
Lola smiled at her. "I think I can cope but I know who to talk to now,
if I need any help. Does your son Anthony happen to be about three inches
taller than Peter with brown curly hair and a cute turned up nose?"
"Yes, why?"
"Well Peter took a photo from the local paper, which had a story about
the school band, and scanned it into his computer. Then he picked out one
particular boy and blew his image up to half screen size. When I asked him
why he was doing that he just said he was experimenting to see what the
programme could do. I think it may have been a photo of your son."
Myrna produced a photo from her handbag and Lola just nodded and
smiled when she saw it. Alf got up to let Dimitri in and they all turned
expectant eyes on him.
"What?" He asked, puzzled by their mute enquiries.
"How were they son? Were there any problems?"
"No problems. They've put a trolley thing on one side of the bed for
Pipsqueak to sleep on, and they're lying there making goo-goo eyes at each
other. I don't think Peter knows where he is but he looks as if he couldn't
care less."
Alf cleared his throat. "We were discussing the possibility that
Peter's gay. What's your opinion?"
"Well, yesterday I couldn't make up my mind one way or the other, but
seeing them just now has me convinced enough to put money on it. Do you
know what Anthony was telling him? How he had to change his embouchure to
play some trumpet voluntary. Peter looked as if he was hearing the most
wonderful secret in the world. I know he's not all there because of the
knock on the head, but I'm willing to put my money on him being gay."
Lola commented dryly. "I think you're right. I seem to remember some
girl getting all involved in despatch invoicing about twenty five years
ago."
Alf's voice held a note of worry. "I think it's too early to go
jumping to conclusions. We'll just wait and see."
Myrna smiled. "It took Tod and me a while to come to terms with
it. Don't be worried if it takes you a few months. We'll come and get you
tomorrow and take you to the hospital. They might have some idea by then of
when Peter can be released." With that they said their goodbyes and left.
On the trip home, Myrna noticed several houses that already had their
Christmas lights up.
In the hospital the doctor and nurses were commenting on the strange
orders left by Dr Frost. They had done as requested and set the extra bed
up so that they could observe and treat the patient with little
inconvenience. He seemed to be making a good recovery, but there had been
several severe blows to the face and head, so they were worried about
bleeding into the brain. The young fellow with him was very obliging and
little trouble, and he did have a good effect on the patient.
Peter was awake again and he asked the Angel if Daddy had gone
home. The Angel stroked his arm and told him that he would be back tomorrow
and that he had sent pyjamas for Peter if he would like to put them
on. Peter had been awake when Dimitri had come, but he didn't seem to
remember it. Peter said he would like his pyjamas, but he slipped off to
sleep before Anthony could get up, so Anthony just went to sleep
himself. He had some wonderful dreams, but they were all about kissing and
cuddling and not at all sexy. He woke whenever the nurses came to check
Peter and Peter often woke then too, but sometimes Peter woke when the
Angel was asleep, and he moved his bruised arm from under the blanket and
stroked the Angel. He felt just like a real person.
Sunday morning Dr Frost arrived while they were still eating
breakfast. Peter had no internal injuries that would prevent him from
eating. The doctor smiled at the tousled Angel and asked him if they had
had a good night and was told they had. Anthony asked him about putting
Peter's pyjamas on and Dr Frost got a nurse to help while he observed Peter
for any adverse reactions. Peter seemed to be much better than yesterday,
but the doctor thought he should have a precautionary brain scan.
Anthony made Peter promise to behave well for the doctor and assured
him that he would be right there when Peter got back. While they were away,
a nurse showed him where he could have a shower. He was just back in the
ward when a nurse came to find him. Peter was getting very agitated and
they wanted Anthony to calm him. Peter was lying on the table and refused
to lie still. He was accusing them of trying to take his Angel away. When
Anthony got there Peter burst into tears and held his arms out to the
Angel. Anthony leaned over the table and Peter hugged him. He smiled and
stroked Peter's hair on the side without the stitches.
"What's all this about Petey? You promised me you would be good for
the doctor."
"They're trying to take you away from me."
"No one is trying to do that. What makes you think they are?"
"They've got some machine here that makes funny noises and makes
everybody go away."
"Oh you big silly. That's just the way they take x-rays. They don't
want anyone else in the picture but you." Anthony knew this was wrong but
it seemed like the thing most likely to settle Peter.
"I tell you what," said the technician, "your Angel can stand at the
window where you can see him and you will know we aren't sending him away."
That was how they managed to get through the rest of the session. Peter was
wheeled through to the observation ward and Dr Frost was left with a
dilemma. There was no bleeding but the patient was irrational. Should he
send him home or keep him here? In the end, the hospital budget won and he
decided to discharge Peter as soon as his parents got there.
Lola had to go to work at the local Subway. Before she left she made
sure Alf had a dressing gown for Peter, he would need it when they allowed
him up. Myrna and Dimitri arrived about nine thirty and Alf told Tricia it
was better for her to stay home as Peter was still in a very unstable
condition. They were soon at the hospital in the lighter traffic. Dr Frost
took Alf into an office almost as soon as he got there. He was worried
about Peter but he told Alf he had no real medical reason to justify
keeping him in hospital.
Alf asked Myrna and Dimitri to join them. He briefly explained the
problem. Dr Frost thought Peter was irrational because of swelling of his
brain. The swelling would go down, probably by Wednesday, but how were they
going to cope with Peter until it did. Dr Frost related the incident in the
radiology department and asked them if they had any ideas as to how to keep
Peter calm. Dimitri shrugged his shoulders.
"That's obvious. Leave Anthony with him."
"It's not quite that simple young man." Myrna reminded him. "There is
the little matter of school. Then there are other practical matters like
Anthony needing somewhere to sleep and being another mouth for Alf to
feed."
"Don't worry about the food or a bed. We've got Henry's bed spare. He
can't afford the fare home for Christmas, so he has a holiday job in
Queensland and is staying with a mate. The school is the really important
matter. I think Peter is smart enough to pick up anything he misses. He
could be top of the class in every subject if he would only put his mind to
it, but I'd feel bad if Anthony was to fall behind because of Peter."
"Don't you worry about Pipsqueak, he's so smart it's revolting. He
gets straight 'A's in everything and the only thing he seems to put any
effort into is his music. It's so easy for him he makes me feel
sick. Besides, the Year ten exams are over and they won't do much between
now and the holidays."
"Dimitri!" Myrna said sternly. "Don't talk about your brother like
that." She turned to Alf. "Would it be possible for Anthony to study at
your place if we were to get the lesson notes from the school?"
"That's no problem. Henry's desk just needs tidying up to give him
room to work. We don't have a piano for him to practise on, will that make
him fall behind?"
Dimitri laughed. "No problem, we'll just put the electric keyboard in
for him. He plays it as much as the piano anyway. You're going to regret it
when he starts on the trumpet though."
"What do you think Alf? Would you like Anthony to stay for the week?
It might take that long for Peter to stabilise."
"If you don't mind, I'd be very grateful. It will keep Peter from
getting excited and maybe causing more damage in his head."
Myrna was business like again. "That's settled then. I'll ring the
school in the morning and arrange it."
Dr Frost had slipped out and he came back with the discharge
papers. He gave strict instructions that Peter was to have someone with him
whenever he was out of bed, since there was a real danger of him falling,
and making things worse. He was to spend the next week in bed except when
he came back for his outpatients' appointments. He had put a soft neck
collar on Peter and suggested Alf should buy one and return the one he was
wearing when he came in again. It would be a good idea if he were to wear
it for several weeks to remind him to be careful of his head. They could
also borrow the wheelchair for a few days.
They wheeled Peter out to the car and put him in the driver's side,
where he would have a lap sash seatbelt. Dimitri managed to fit the
wheelchair into the boot, but his mother decided she would drive, telling
him he was too rough for Peter's health, even if he was quite good. Peter
was almost oblivious to what was going on around him. He had his Angel
beside him and nothing bad could happen while he was there.
They settled Peter into bed and removed his collar. He was asleep in
just a few minutes and they took Anthony to the lounge room to explain what
the arrangements were. Henry and Peter shared the largest bedroom because
they needed room for their desks. Anthony was delighted to be spending the
week with his Peter, but he was worried about the fact that Peter was still
calling him Angel and could not accept that he was just his friend
Anthony. They played down the seriousness of it and told him Peter would
recover his memory when the brain swelling went down. They were worried
that it would be too big a strain on Anthony, but he told them that he
would practise his music while Peter was asleep and that would keep him
from getting bored. They had lunch and Myrna and Dimitri left to get his
clothes and instruments.
Myrna came back with the things and Dimitri unloaded them, then he
went off to get Chinese for everyone. He was back just after Lola got
home. They brought Peter down to the table, complete with collar, and he
enjoyed the company but he was a bit vague, so the conversation was kept to
things he could remember. They talked about school and what he liked doing
at the Mall. He didn't seem able to remember anything of Friday of
Saturday. He told them about finding the twenty dollars and then looked at
his mother and father with a guilty expression. "Did I do wrong to spend
all that money on myself? Should I have brought it home for you Daddy? I
know you have to work very hard and you don't make much money."
Alf looked like he would cry. "No Petey you didn't do anything
wrong. We're happy that you managed to get some money to spend on
yourself. It's hard for me to find money for things like films."
Peter looked at Anthony. "I met you at the Mall at the fountain didn't
I Angel? Are you going to stay with me now I'm home or are you going to go
away?"
Anthony cleared his throat, but his voice was still a bit
quavery. "I'm going to stay with you for a while Peter, to help you get
well. I will have to leave some time but it's a long way away yet, so
please don't worry."
"He's going to sleep in Henry's bed so he can be near you." Lola
added. "Would you like that?"
"Yes please Mummy. I get frightened that bad things are going to
happen to me but I know they won't if my Angel is there beside me, because
angels only bring good things."
There was a chorus of throat clearing around the table and then Alf
asked. "Will it be alright if he plays some music? It might be a bit noisy
and hurt your ears. We could ask him to practise on the back verandah if
you like."
Peter looked excited. "Will you play your trumpet for me? You said you
were learning one of our pieces of music. The Purcell Trumpet Voluntary by
Mr Jeremiah Clark."
"If your parents can stand the noise, I'll play it for you
tomorrow. I think it might be a good idea if I went out on the verandah to
play it because it would hurt your ears if I played it in the bedroom."
"Please Angel, please." Peter looked and sounded so wistful. "Couldn't
you play it for me now?"
Alf interrupted. "Petey, you're looking tired. I think it would be
better if he played it for you tomorrow." Peter pouted, but he did as he
was asked and went to bed. As soon as he was out of the room Tricia burst
into tears. They had a hard time convincing her that the real Peter would
return once the swelling in his brain went down.
Lola and Anthony assisted Peter to bed and he whispered to his Angel
that he really would like to hear him play. Anthony looked at Lola and
asked if she thought he might play a little bit of it for him. She smiled
and nodded. Anthony told him he had to be patient because he needed to
clean his teeth before playing the trumpet. He put the trumpet on Henry's
bed and went to the bathroom. When he came back Peter was looking sleepy
and Lola was still sitting beside him. He took the trumpet and walked out
to the verandah. Soon the notes of the trumpet were heard in every house on
the block. Anthony concentrated on making each note as perfect as he was
able, and it almost sounded like a love song. He only played the opening
and closing passages and then went inside. Lola was still on the bed,
dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief. Peter was sound asleep with a
beautiful smile on his face. Anthony picked up a piece of rag and a pull
through and they tiptoed back to the lounge room.
"I don't think there's any doubt about Peter, Alf." Lola said as soon
as they walked in. "Just before he fell asleep Peter said that his Angel
was telling him how much he loved him and he loved his Angel back just as
much." Anthony went bright red and Dimitri smirked at his
discomfort. Dimitri looked as if he was going to say something, but he
glanced at his mother and changed his mind.
"What do you mean? What's wrong with Peter?" Tricia was on the verge
of panic.
Alf wrapped his arms around her. "There's nothing to worry about
princess. But it's just possible that Peter is gay. It's not something to
worry about and it won't make much difference to you, but we're trying to
decide if he is so that we can find ways to help him."
"OH DAD! You frightened me. I thought it was something wrong with
him. You're so slow sometimes. Of course Peter's gay. I've known that for
ages. Henry knows too, but he'll never admit it, and Peter tries to hide it
because he doesn't want to be beaten up, but they beat him up anyway." She
burst into tears and Alf held her and rubbed her back.
"Well I'm sorry we're a bit slow, but your father and I have only just
realised it." Lola was smiling at her. "I hope you smart youngsters will
make some allowances if it takes us a little while to get used to the
idea."
Myrna stood up and took Lola's hand. "If you need anything just let me
know. I think we would have become friends long before this, but we didn't
happen to meet until now. Now we need to be friends for the sake of our
sons. I made a note of the time of the outpatients' appointment. Don't go
getting a taxi, I'll come and get you. Goodnight." She gave Lola a kiss on
the cheek. She shook Alf's hand at the door.
Anthony wanted to help with the washing up but Lola told him his job
was to keep Peter calm and he could best do that by going to bed, in case
he woke. Anthony turned the volume of the keyboard down to its lowest
setting and sat and played for an hour before he felt ready to sleep. As he
was changing, he saw Peter was watching him.
"I like your music Angel. It makes me feel all warm inside. Will you
kiss me goodnight?" Anthony did and Peter had that beautiful smile again as
he slipped off to sleep.
Anthony gave Peter a bath the next morning. He told Peter it was safer
than him standing in the shower and Peter went serenely along with anything
his Angel said. Lola made no move to interfere, except to get out towels
and a clean pair of pyjamas. She wanted to baby her son, but realised that
this was what he needed at the moment. Anthony was pretty embarrassed about
his reaction to the sight of Peter naked. He was trying to be as detached
as if he was a nurse, but it wasn't working. Peter had no shame at his
erection and pointed it at his Angel.
"See? He likes you too. We both like you Angel. Thank you for helping
me."
The bath was as quick as Anthony could make it. Peter wanted to play
in the water but Anthony thought that was too dangerous and got him out. He
persuaded Peter to dry himself but he was making such a bad job of it that
Anthony had to take over and finish it. That made both of them hard again.
Anthony led him slowly back to bed, hoping his mother would not come to
help and see their arousal. Lola was just finishing changing the sheets on
Peter's bed, but she made no comment as Peter got in and his erection
became very obvious. Myrna rang and told her of the police request to
interview Peter and Anthony in addition to the other four boys. She had
told them they were wasting their time. The victim had no memory of events
after Thursday evening and Anthony was helping look after him and was far
too busy to take time for an interview. Things might have changed in a
week's time and they should enquire again then. They had wanted to see for
themselves if Peter had no memory and she had told them that if Dr Frost
would give them permission, in writing, to interview Peter then she would
arrange it with his mother.
On Wednesday he was given an MRI scan and it showed that his brain was
almost back to its normal size. The doctor said that it could take another
week before it began to function normally again. Peter had been no
trouble. The technician had been warned and simply put a chair beside the
tunnel and told Peter that his angel could sit there and hold his hand but
if he misbehaved they would make his Angel go outside and wait. They
checked Peter's eyesight and hearing and found no deterioration. They took
out his stiches and retaped his ribs.
Saturday came and they were beginning to get worried. There was no
sign of improvement in Peter. Myrna was as worried as Lola. Dimitri had
told her that Anthony had been trying to get to know Peter all year and
only one day after they had met properly this had happened. If Peter turned
out to be permanently brain damaged, what effect would it have on Anthony?
Anthony had other problems to worry about.
Peter's inhibitions had vanished with his memory and he would take
great pleasure in showing Anthony how hard he was for him. By Wednesday
night Anthony was so nervous he had almost dragged Alf into the bedroom
where Peter was exposing himself. He cheerfully told his dad that he was
showing his angel how much he liked him. Alf sat on the bed and pulled
Anthony down beside him.
"I can see how much you like your Angel and I'm sure your Angel likes
you just as much. I think it would be a good idea if I set some rules for
you." He looked at Anthony. "I think you should only show your Angel how
much you like him when you're alone here in the bedroom. I think it would
be alright for your Angel to show you how much he likes you if he feels
like it. There's no problem if you want to touch each other, but mutual
masturbation is as far as I 'm prepared to let you go at this stage. Keep
the door shut and I'll make sure there's a supply of rag for you to use, if
you need it." He gave Anthony a squeeze. "It's something to do with the
blow to the head. He was never like this before. I think the best idea is
to keep him happy and to just try and keep it as private as
possible. There's no need to be embarrassed, I was your age myself and I
can still remember the problems. It's doubly hard for you and you have
indeed been an Angel for all of us. I'll tell Lola never to come in without
knocking and waiting for permission. Don't be afraid of either of us
getting angry with you, we know you're doing the best you can and you're
making a very good job of it." With that Alf gave Anthony another squeeze
and left the room. He was back again in less than a minute with several
pieces of rag. He kissed Anthony's cheek.
"Just enjoy it Angel. I know Peter will." He left closing the door
firmly behind him.
The first time had been later that night. Anthony needed to digest
what Alf had said. He sat at the keyboard and worked his way through loads
of Bach and Beethoven pieces. Peter had fallen asleep with a smile of pure
contentment. Peter woke when Anthony stopped playing and was watching with
sleepy eyes as he changed for bed.
Anthony was startled by the voice behind him. "Can I see your one
Angel? Is yours like mine or do angels lose it when they go to heaven?"
Anthony turned slowly. "Petey, I'm not from heaven. I live right here
on this earth like you do. I'm Anthony, your friend from school. I'm
Savolo's brother and I have one just like you do. I've dreamed all year
about getting to see you and you seeing me, but it feel a bit funny now
that your dad has said we can. I don't know what I expected but it wasn't
anything like this."
"Please Angel let me see."
Anthony turned and dropped his pyjama pants. He stepped out of them
and slowly walked over to Peter's bed. Peter put out his hand and lifted
the hem of Anthony's jacket.
"It's beautiful Angel just like you are. Look! It must like me too,
it's starting to smile for me."
"Smile" was not the word Anthony would have used it was now so hard it
was almost painful. Peter put out his other hand and began to stroke it
like you would a cat. Anthony had to make a grab for the rag because it
suddenly unloaded. Peter laughed delightedly.
"See! I told you it liked me as much as you do. Look! Mine did the
same for you." Peter lifted the bedclothes away and there was a huge pool
on the sheet. Peter's now flaccid dick was still dribbling a bit. Anthony
cleaned up the mess as well as he could and tucked Peter's dick back into
his pyjamas. Despite what Alf had said he was a bit apprehensive about
Lola's reaction when she realised what had happened.
Thursday came and Lola showed no reaction at all. She treated Anthony
no differently to what she had any other day. She had simply changed the
sheets while they were in the bathroom, and added some clean pieces of rag
to the pile. Anthony let Peter look but not touch on Thursday and
Friday. The enforced bed rest was over on Saturday and Alf helped Anthony
dress Peter. They took him out on the front lawn, complete with the collar,
to get some early morning sun and Peter talked Anthony into playing the
trumpet for him. Alf asked him if he knew a piece that he used to like, but
it was out of fashion now. It had been based on 'Taps'.
Anthony immediately dashed inside and returned with a piece of sheet
music. "It's a Herb Alpert arrangement," he said, "and my teacher says it's
a good piece for any trumpeter to learn because of the phrasing." Anthony
stood facing the house so that there was good light on the score. Then he
launched into the piece. He poured into it all the emotion that had built
up over the last week. When he finished there was a smattering of applause
from behind him and several "Bravo's" and "Beautiful's". The neighbours had
come to visit and had stood there entranced. Anthony blushed but he was not
so embarrassed he forgot to take a bow and say thank you. Peter was sitting
there beside his father and tears were gently rolling down his
cheeks. Anthony immediately asked what was wrong. Alf cleared his throat.
"Anthony my boy, I don't think you have any idea what you do to people
when you play like that."
Peter managed to speak. "Angel, that was so beautiful it made my heart
cry from happiness." He held out his arms to Anthony. "Can I have a hug
Angel?"
Anthony forgot about their audience. He knelt in front of Peter and
they threw their arms around each other in a long and loving hug. Alf
explained to the neighbours that Peter had recovered reasonably well, his
broken ribs were strapped and the swelling in his brain and on his face was
almost gone, but that he had no memories of things that were happening
around him. They were not to be upset if Peter did not remember their
visit. He proudly explained Anthony's role in Peter's speedy recovery and
this made people even more congratulatory when they spoke to Anthony.
Mr Marks, the Drama teacher came by. He just wanted to see how Peter
was. He had already started intensive coaching of the understudy for Ned
Kelly in the play they were doing. He was bitterly disappointed that Peter
would not be able to take the role. He had a wonderful feel for the
dialogue Douglas Stewart had written. He just wanted to be sure there was
no hope of Peter being able to perform. After a few minutes of
conversation, he knew it was hopeless. They went indoors after that, as the
sun was getting hot.
Dimitri and Geoff came over after lunch to see if Peter and Anthony
wanted to go to the Mall. Alf thought it was a good idea but the three of
them had to look after Peter, since he was inclined to wander if he was not
watched. There was a possibility that the Mall would jog his memory back to
normal. They took him all around but he was so interested in the Christmas
decorations that, despite the collar, Anthony had to keep telling him not
to put his head back and try to look at things overhead. They had no
problem with Peter wandering; he didn't let go of Anthony's hand the whole
time they were there. They walked around to the bin area, but it had no
effect on Peter. He just looked disinterestedly at the sparse remains of
his own blood on the asphalt. The access door opened and the security
officer who had been on duty the previous Saturday came out. He wanted to
know how Peter was and looked sad when they told him. They were all a bit
depressed and went home soon after that.
Soon after they came in, Alf took Anthony aside. "Lola is finding it
tiring having to clean the bath every day. I think Peter is well enough now
for you to put him in the shower." Anthony almost panicked.
"What if he slips and knocks his head?"
"You could always have yours with him. He'd love that. The shower is
big enough for two to fit. I had it made larger than usual because I always
used to take the boys in with me when they were little." Anthony looked
embarrassed again. "Anthony! Stop worrying! We know you two are just
friends. If you go on to become lovers then I, for one, will be very
happy. You've shown yourself to be a very wonderful, caring person. If you
boys play around a little then you're not doing anything different to what
I did when I was your age. The only difference is that you know that I know
about it. Back when I was doing it I tried to hide it from my
parents. Looking back I'm pretty sure my dad knew, but it was not something
you talked about back then. Anthony, Lola and I love you. We will never
criticize you or claim you're taking advantage of Peter. Just relax and let
things happen however they will."
"OK Mr Foy."
"Don't you dare call me Mr Foy. Call me Alf or anything else you
feel comfortable with, but not Mr Foy."
Anthony grinned at him. "What about Poppa Alf."
"You rotten little bugger!" Alf replied with a futile attempt to keep a
straight face. "I suppose I left myself open for that. If it makes you
happy then I'll be proud to be your Poppa Alf, even if it makes me feel a
hundred years old, but you'd better not call Lola, Nana, or she'll probably
give you a thick ear."
Around the dinner table that night they were surprised to hear Peter
describing all the decorations in the Mall. This was the first sign that
his memory was returning. They watched the box for a while but Peter was
restless and Anthony took him to bed. Peter asked him to play some more
angel music for him, so Anthony got out some Mozart pieces he had been
avoiding because he thought they sounded better on the piano. When he
reached the end he found a piece his mother loved was sticking to the back
of the score. She used to play it and sing it to his father. He opened it
and in memory of his father he began to play. The second time through he
began to sing in a light tenor. "The first time ever I saw your face. I
thought the sun moved in the sky." He finished the third verse with tears
running down his face at the memory of his father and the love between his
parents. As the last note died away there was a sighing release of breath
from the doorway. Lola, Alf and Tricia were there. As he turned his head, a
pair of arms wrapped themselves around him from behind.
"Please don't cry my Angel. That was that most beautiful thing I've
ever heard. It was even more beautiful than the other music." Anthony
buried his face in Peter's chest and cried out his sorrow.
"Mum used to sing it to Dad all the time. Now my dad is gone and she's
stopped singing."
Suddenly he was at the centre of four pairs of arms. "My Angel has a
pain in his heart but he still comes to make me feel happy and safe. Daddy?
Is there anything we can do to take away my Angel's pain?"
"No darling." Lola replied. "The only cure for his sadness is time. It
heals as time goes by. If there was any other cure then I'd move heaven and
earth to get it for him."
"Isn't there anything we can do mummy? It makes me sad when my Angel
cries."
"There's one thing that will make him feel better. We'll put him into
your bed so you can cuddle him until he gets over his sadness." Alf looked
pointedly at Tricia and Lola. They got the message and left. Alf and Peter
put Anthony's pyjamas on him and Peter lay on his good side while Alf
helped Anthony in beside him and tucked them in. Fortunately the bed was a
large single, not the usual narrow one. Peter wrapped his arm over Anthony
and Alf left the room, closing the door very firmly behind him. Anthony
fell asleep with Peter whispering in his ear and rubbing his back. Peter
followed a few minutes later. They were exhausted and hardly moved all
night. Alf peeked in when he got up to get Lola off to work. They were so
beautiful that he was tempted to take a photograph. He might have, only he
had sold the camera to get Henry's fare to Queensland. He took Lola to peek
and they tiptoed back to the kitchen.
Anthony woke to the smell of frying bacon being wafted under his
nose. "Time to eat you pair of sleepyheads." Alf said fondly as he took the
pan away. "Get Petey up, and eat before you have your shower. " Then he
went back to enjoy his own breakfast. Peter stirred and turned on his side
again, grinding himself gently into Anthony. Anthony rubbed his back as
their erections twitched and jiggled together. "Wake up Petey, breakfast's
ready." Peter opened sleepy eyes and murmured back "This feel nice Angel."
"I know it does, but your father has breakfast ready so we can't play
around now." Anthony backed out of bed and put on his robe, more to hide
his arousal than any need for warmth. He pulled the bedclothes off Peter
and put his robe on, and they made the trek to the table. They woke up
pretty quickly when Alf put bacon, eggs and toast on the table. Peter might
be having trouble with his head but it wasn't affecting his appetite. They
did not sit around long once they were finished eating. Now their erections
had gone down their bladders were bursting. Anthony decided that they could
just wear their robes back to the bedroom, after all Alf had not just given
him permission to be naked with his son, he had encouraged him, so there
was no need to hide.
Their shower was much longer than Anthony planned, but Alf sat in the
dining room, listening to the shower run, with a smile on his face. In his
more financially comfortable period he had put in a solar hot water heater
so they had plenty of water and it would get cold gradually, not
suddenly. He went back to reading the paper.
He was startled out of his reading by a shout of "OH, oh, oh, ANGEL."
He settled his jangled nerves and grinned to himself. Peter was obviously
enjoying his shower. It might be wise to tell him to be a bit quieter so as
not to startle Lola too much.
Not long after they were dressed Dimitri and Geoff drove up. They
offered to shout them lunch at the mall since the whole gang was going to
be there. Anthony looked to Alf for permission. Alf nodded and then added a
cryptic comment that had Anthony puzzling for an hour before he got
it. "Keep him a bit quieter while you're out." He blushed when he realized
what Alf meant. His brother was watching and wanted to know what was
wrong. Anthony did not want to tell him. Dimitri refused to be put off with
it being personal and none of his business and enlisted Geoff's help. Peter
was no help; he just had a silly smile on his face and wouldn't let go of
Anthony's hand. Finally they broke him down and he admitted that they had
"relieved" each other in the shower. Dimitri broke into raucous
laughter. "It must have been a noisy session for Alf to chip you for it."
Anthony was going to storm off in a bad temper, but was stopped by
Geoff. He stepped in front of the pair and put an arm around each of them.
"Congratulations! You're now an official couple. This calls for a
celebration." He called all their gang around and they pooled their
money. They had enough for burgers and an ice cream cake. They bought their
burgers first and then went to the Gelati shop. Geoff bought an ice-cream
cake and they piped "Congratulations" on top for him and decorated it with
cherries. They pulled two tables together and all sat down. Geoff placed
the cake and a knife in front of Anthony and demanded a speech. Anthony was
on the point of refusing when Peter put out his hand and took the knife. He
had lost the vague look he had had since he had regained consciousness. He
placed the knife in Anthony's right hand and looked him in the eye. "For my
Angel, my Anthony, forever together." Then he began to get the vague look
back again. Geoff had held up a hand for silence as soon as Peter had
looked like speaking, now he put his fingers to his lips and complete
silence reigned at their table. Anthony had tears in his eyes and he looked
lovingly at Peter. "Forever together, yes Petey. Forever together." He
plunged the knife into the cake and then dissolved into tears on Peter's
shoulder. Peter didn't seem at all upset this time he wrapped his arms
around Anthony and smiled as if he was in heaven. Dimitri had to clear his
throat and that set everyone else off. Geoff cut the cake into pieces,
giving the largest ones to Peter and Anthony. They managed to pull
themselves together enough to eat it, and the chatter resumed its usual
high volume. They wandered around for a couple of hours more before they
all went home. As they were leaving a carol came on the mall muzak. Peter
could not quite remember it because it was in Latin, but he knew it said
something about angels.
As they were getting into the car Dimitri caught the eye of the woman
loading the car next to theirs. It was the woman constable that had
attended the fight. She walked over and looked in the back at Anthony and
Peter and couldn't miss his unconnected look. "Your mother said that he had
no memory for things which happened that afternoon. Has he improved any?"
"It would be best to ask Anthony, but from what I can see there isn't
much difference at all. He comes around for two or three minutes and then
slips back."
"I'll tell them at the station they'll just have to wait for their
statements. Not that it should make much difference. We have five
statements from witnesses and a video of the incident. I think it should be
enough to get a conviction, but you have to be ever so careful that they
don't manage to wriggle out of it on some technicality. Let us know if he
gets his memory back."
They took him to outpatients again on Wednesday and the doctors were
satisfied he was back to normal, except for his ribs. They could offer no
explanation for the continued loss of memory except that it took some
people longer than others to recover normal functioning after such a
trauma.
Lola was getting used to wild noises from the bathroom. Attempts to
get Peter to tone down his noise were only partly successful. At least she
knew her son was not doing anything he wasn't quite willing to do. He would
beg his Angel to hurry up, if he was slow about taking him to the shower,
which made it very plain. Peter also made it plain that he had acquired a
taste for sleeping with his Angel. If Anthony went to his own bed when
Peter was asleep then Peter would wake up during the night and get into bed
with him.
The breakthrough came on the Sunday morning eight days before
Christmas. Peter had climbed into bed with Anthony and Anthony must have
been having a restless night because he accidentally hit Peter in the head
when he was tossing and turning. It was hard enough to wake Anthony, but
Peter seemed to be having a dream, which fitted in with what happened,
because he suddenly called out. "Don't hit me Chopper. No more Woggo," and
then a meaningless mumble. There were tears streaming down his face and he
began to curl into a ball. Anthony threw his arms around him and tried to
wake him by rubbing his back and telling him things were alright, he was
safe now. Alf came in and turned on the light. He knelt beside the bed and
began to rub his son's back so Anthony began to stroke his hair. "We're
here now son. No one can hurt you now. Dad's here and so is your Angel,
you're safe now." Alf's voice was slow and reassuring. Lola came in and
watched for a minute or two, then went off to the kitchen to put the kettle
on.
Tricia staggered into the kitchen and asked what was going on. "He's
having a nightmare about what happened to him." Lola informed her. Tricia
looked glum and sat there waiting for the kettle to boil and listening to
he brother's loud cries of anguish. Lola made them all Milo and put extra
sugar in Peter's mug. When she went in with them Peter was awake and
looking at Anthony but talking to his father.
"They were waiting for me Dad. There was no way I could get away. They
ambushed me. It was horrible. They just took turns at seeing how hard they
could hit me. I never did anything to them it was just Chopper being
nasty. He's mad Dad. He doesn't need a reason for belting people up. If
Henry had been here he wouldn't have been game."
"Shush now my brave one. Daddy knows you didn't do anything
wrong. Here's Mum with a drink for you. Sit up and drink it and you'll feel
better." Lola put a bed tray over their legs and put the three mugs on
it. Then she brought in a couple of stools and she and Alf sat there
quietly waiting for Peter. Peter was squashing Anthony against the wall
and they were in very close contact but Peter seemed not to notice. He
sipped his Milo and looked lost in thought. Suddenly he looked at Anthony,
his voice quavered a bit but he managed to keep it steady.
"Anthony Savolopoulos you're the most wonderful person I've ever
met. We expect our parents to make sacrifices for us, that's what parents
do. We're grateful but it's what we expect. No one could have expected you
to do what you have done for me. I can't remember it all but I know you
have been there since I was lying on the ground in the disposal bay, and
now I'm in Henry's bed with you. It's incredible that you should be willing
to do this for me. We've only really known each other for one day and you
must have helped nurse me for weeks. I can't remember everything but I know
you've been there whenever I needed someone. I don't know how I'm ever
going to repay you."
"Petey, you don't have to repay me. I did it because I like you and
you needed me." Anthony's voice was quavering too, but he looked straight
ahead not trusting himself to look at Peter.
Lola took the empty mug from Peter's hand. "Do you think you'll be
able to sleep now darling, or do you want to talk some more?"
Peter looked around at them all, even including Tricia who was half
visible in the doorway. "Thank you for everything. It was pretty horrible,
but I feel as if I've been wrapped in a big cotton ball of love so that I
could get over it. You've all been so wonderful." Tears were streaming down
his face.
Alf took one of the pieces of rag and mopped his face. "We love you
Petey. What else would we do? Do you want to stay here with your Angel or
would you rather sleep in your own bed?"
Peter looked shyly at Anthony. "Would you mind if I slept here with
you?"
"Of course not Peter. It's not the first time you've needed
it. Besides, it's kind of nice." It was Anthony's turn to look shy.
Lola collected the mugs and the tray and handed them to Tricia. She
kissed both boys and left, taking the stools with her. Alf straightened the
rumpled bedclothes and tucked them in. Before he left he leaned over
Peter. "Don't let anything upset you Petey. You can trust your Angel to
always lead you the right way, and everything he tells you has our
blessing. We could never have managed without him and we trust him
completely. You can trust him too because he has done wonders just to keep
you here with us. Sleep tight my beautiful boys." He turned out the light
and closed the door behind him.
Peter turned on his good side and Anthony spooned in behind him and
put his arm over Peter's chest. Peter was aghast. He was as rigid as a tent
pole and Anthony only had to move his arm a little to feel
it. "UM......Anthony? I think I've got a problem."
Anthony smiled and pulled him in tighter and ground his own erection
into Peter's bum. "We both have that problem every night. Don't worry about
it. If they go off we'll just clean up the mess. If they both manage to
last until morning then we'll fix them in the shower. Your dad knows and he
won't get angry. He told me it was normal and just to let it happen however
it wanted to. Go to sleep." So they did.
Peter was having an incredibly erotic dream. It involved himself, all
sorts of impossible objects and positions and Anthony and orifices that
don't actually exist. He woke and he was shouting, "Yes angel, yes, yes,
yes," as he orgasmed and he was grinding himself against Anthony's erection
which was unloading just as vigorously as his own. He was horrified and
looked to see if Anthony was awake. He was startled by a grin as big as a
Cheshire cat's.
"That's the first time you've taken charge since we started doing it."
Anthony greeted him. "I think I like it." There was a knock on the door and
Anthony called out "come in." Alf poked his head around the door and Peter
was amazed because he had a huge grin on his face. "Would you pass me a
piece of rag please poppa?" Alf handed Anthony two pieces.
"I'll hold breakfast for a while. It sounded as if you'll need a
shower before breakfast." Anthony was unashamedly holding the blanket up
and vigorously wiping up the mess. Peter was so astonished he couldn't say
a word, just look from one to the other. He flinched when Anthony began to
wipe his dick and Anthony blushed.
"Sorry Peter. You're well now and you can do that for yourself."
Something clicked in Peter's memory. He pulled Anthony into a hug.
"My Angel, my Anthony, forever together."
Alf could see the tears slowly gather in Anthony's eyes and trickle
down his cheeks.
"Forever together, yes Petey. Forever together."
The words did not make good sense to Alf but there was no mistaking
their intent. They were pledging themselves to each other with all the
emotional intensity that only teenagers can muster.
Peter turned and looked at his father over his shoulder. "Ah! Dad! I
think there's something you should know."
Alf leaned over and kissed his son's cheek. "If you're going to tell
me you're in love with Anthony, I already know."
"Ah! You know what that means dad?"
"Yes son. It means that you're gay. Or as that rock group calls
itself, AC-DC. We know that you're DC but only you know if you're AC."
"Sorry dad. I'm afraid I'm all DC. I tried the AC bit but it just
won't work for me. Are you angry at me dad?"
"Peter, your mother and I are just happy that you're alive and finally
getting well. If you're going to fall in love with a boy, then it would be
nearly impossible to find a better one than the one beside you, because
he's worth his weight in gold. Now stop worrying about unimportant details
and get your shower. I don't want to be washing breakfast dishes and trying
to get lunch at the same time."
While they were in the shower together, Alf rang Myrna to update his
early morning phone call. He was worried that Peter appeared to be very
fragile and he thought he might need help in adjusting to what had happened
over the past few weeks. Myrna suggested that they come over there for
lunch and she would see if she could help. She told Alf to get their
breakfast and she would ring Lola and tell her. Dimitri drove up at eleven
and knocked on the door. Anthony had been explaining to Peter that there
was nothing to worry about. His mother knew he was gay and she liked
Peter. He might not be able to remember it but he had seen her lots of
times. When Alf opened the door, all Peter's old fears of Savolo began to
surface again. Before Anthony could do anything Dimitri saw the look on
Peter's face and threw his arms around him in a huge hug.
"Welcome to the family Petey. Now I've got two little brothers to
look after." He couldn't have chosen a better way of expressing it if he
tried for a year. It hit Peter where he was feeling most vulnerable, with a
giant blob of pure acceptance. Peter's mouth fell open and then the
realisation of what Dimitri had said hit him. He tried to blush and cry at
the same time and threw his own arms around Dimitri. He couldn't find any
words but then they weren't really needed.
Myrna had organised a very informal setting on the back patio, with
chairs and tables and banana lounges. Geoff was helping her to set things
on the tables when they arrived. He put down the jug he was carrying and
came over as soon as he saw Peter. He put one arm around Peter and the
other around Anthony.
"Welcome back Peter. All the gang will be delighted to know you're
finally getting well. You had us all worried but Alf and Anthony wouldn't
give up. They kept telling us to have faith and just give it time. Dimitri
and I are going down to the mall to give them all the good news."
While Dimitri kissed his mother goodbye, which was an unusual event,
he whispered in her ear. "He's so nervous he makes a racehorse look
calm. Good luck with him." Then they left.
The four of them went to sit down, but Myrna pulled two banana lounges
side by side and made the boys take them. She and Alf sat facing them on
chairs, one on either side of them. She looked at Anthony and started by
asking him.
"Well son, it looks like your job is over. Are you happy or sad about
it?"
"Happy mum, really, really happy. You're seeing the real Peter now."
She smiled at Peter. "You're father told me you've remembered them
taking you to the garbage bay. How much do you remember of what happened
after the fight?"
"Not very much Mrs Savolopoulos. All I have is vague memories of
finding Anthony beside me every time I needed someone. Everything's pretty
blurry until this morning."
"While you've been sick, you've made it pretty plain that you think
the world of Anthony. Alf told me that you still feel the same way now
you're getting well. Would you like Anthony to be your boyfriend?"
Peter didn't say anything. He looked at Anthony and put out his hand
to take Anthony's. He looked at Myrna and nodded.
Myrna smiled again. "You're a very lucky boy to be alive, and Anthony
is very lucky to have you for a boyfriend. While you were sick we all got
to see the Peter that you keep hidden away inside, in case he gets hurt. I
want you to know that the Peter I saw is every bit as lovely as my own
son. Don't be ashamed of who you really are. You're a very lovely person."
Myrna poured them all a glass of cordial while she let that sink
in. She handed them around and then looked at Peter again. "I don't want
you to call me Mrs Savolopoulos any more. Anthony calls your mother and
father momma and poppa. What would you like to call me?" Peter was
dumbfounded and just shook his head. Myrna smiled at him again. "Well you
have to call me something if you're becoming part of the family, and Mrs
Savolopoulos won't do at all."
"Call her 'Oma'. " Anthony giggled.
"Don't you dare," Myrna scolded with a smile on her face. "I refuse to
be called Grandma even if it is in Dutch."
Anthony giggled wildly. "What about 'Schoonmoeder' then. "
"Well Mother-in-law is better but we'll let Peter decide for himself
you little imp."
Peter suddenly burst into tears and Anthony leaped up and hugged
him. "What's wrong Petey? What've we done to upset you?"
"Nothing."
Myrna knelt on the other side and began to stroke his face. "What's
the matter darling. Why are you feeling sad?"
"It's all so sudden and I'm frightened. Why is everyone being so nice
to me?"
Alf knelt beside Myrna and began to massage his hand. "Petey my boy
it's over four weeks since they put you in hospital. It isn't sudden at
all. It only feels that way to you because you can't remember."
Myrna held his face in her hands and looked deep into his eyes. Even
with the tears in his own he could see the tears in hers. She bent and
kissed him gently on the forehead.
"Darling these have been the most stressful four weeks I have lived
through except for when Tod died. You see Anthony has been in love with you
since he first met you. We were afraid that those idiots had damaged your
brain so badly that you would never recover. I worried that Anthony would
be left with only a shell of the boy he had fallen in love with. To see you
recover and begin to live your life again has been such a joy that I would
have thrown a party if I thought you were well enough to stand it. In those
four weeks I have seen what a lovely person you are and how much you love
Anthony. He has nursed you and done things for you that are usually only
done by mothers for their babies or by trained nurses. You have given him
back so much love that he never felt it was a burden or wanted to give it
up to someone else. You called him "Angel" and told him you always felt
safe when he was there. I can see that you still feel the same way about
him and I'm very happy. I just want you to feel as safe and comfortable
with me as you do with your Angel."
Myrna went to the table and came back with a glass of cordial. She put
it in Peter's hand with a beautiful motherly smile. "Have a drink darling
and see if you feel better. I know how hard it is to adjust to things when
they happen so suddenly. You're just going to have to accept that things
are quite different to what they were before all this happened. Don't be
worried. I'll tell you what has happened and why we all love you so much."
Then she sat down and gave Peter a short but precise description of
everything that happened from when Anthony had seen him being bashed until
this morning. When she had finished she added. "Your parents and I have
become good friends because of this, and Dimitri feels he has gained a
second little brother. I have no idea whether you and Anthony will go on to
have a permanent relationship, or if you will just end up best friends, but
I know you will be part of our family for as long as you want it."
Peter looked at her shyly. "Would it be alright to call you 'Mumma
Myrna'?"
"It would be wonderful Peter. I'll be very happy to be your Mumma
Myrna." She took the empty glass from his hand. "I think I like that. It
flows off the tongue. What do you think Alf?"
"I think were going to starve to death. I've never seen these two go
so long without eating before. Let's feed them before they become savage."
Myrna laughed and took him into the kitchen to begin carrying out dishes.
The table was groaning by the time they had finished. There were
party pies and cocktail frankfurts. Sandwiches, fruit salad, potato chips,
three different sorts of fruit pies, a chocolate cake and a big container
of ice-cream. "That should hold them for a couple of hours." Myrna
commented. Alf nodded sagely and added "It will take them that long to eat
it and then they'll be hungry again." They hoed in willingly but they were
unable to clean the table, despite heroic efforts. Myrna was saved from
having leftovers by the timely arrival of Dimitri, Geoff and six other
boys. They demolished everything that was left.
Myrna smiled wryly at Dimitri. "To what do I owe this visitation of
locusts?"
"Albrecht and the boys just wanted to see for themselves that Peter is
getting better. Albrecht has his father's car today, so they all came
over. You don't mind do you?"
While they were busy, Peter looked at his Angel and saw he was looking
sad. "You're missing your dad aren't you? Come here and I'll try and make
you feel better."
"It's alright Petey. I'll get over it."
"It's not alright Angel. I can't remember much but I can remember that
whenever I was frightened or sad you were there for me. Mum and dad were
there too but you were always there. Let me be there for you Angel." Peter
sat beside him and wrapped his arms around Anthony, who began to cry into
his shoulder.
"I miss him so much and it always feels worse when there's some
special occasion. I want to tell him about it, but he's not here to tell
anymore. I'm so happy that you're getting well and I wish he was here to
share it with us." That set Peter off and the pair of them sat weeping
gently on each other's shoulders.
Dimitri saw it and moved over to them, but Alf and Myrna shook their
heads at the other boys and told them to keep eating.
Dimitri put an arm around Anthony. "I know how it feels brother. You
want to share your happiness with him and he isn't here and suddenly you
feel sad. I wish I knew how to stop it hurting, but I don't."
Alf pulled a chair beside Peter and put an arm around each of
them. "Let it out my beautiful boys. Don't try to stop the tears. Tears
wash away some of the hurts and help things to heal. Just let things work
out however they want to, don't try to hurry things."
The tears eventually dwindled to nothing and Anthony looked at Peter
and giggled. "You're all red- eyed and snotty." Peter looked at him and
joined in the giggle. "So are you. I never knew angels got snotty noses."
Myrna took them to the bathroom to wash their faces and Alf looked
at the rather tense and uncomfortable faces of Dimitri's
gang. "Relax. There's nothing wrong. They're just getting rid of all the
tension of the last four weeks. It's been a pretty big strain on everyone,
but especially on Anthony. I'm just glad they can get rid of their tension
in a less violent manner than some people we know" Everyone looked more
comfortable and nodded their heads sagely. The gang left soon after that
to go back to the mall.
Myrna came back without the boys and said. "Do you have any time when
you can go for a job interview? There's a position coming up in the
manufacturing section and I think you're more than well enough qualified to
do it. It's not as good as the job you had, but it's a lot better paid than
the one you have now. "
"That's very kind of you Myrna but I don't want to get a job just
because I know the boss."
Myrna laughed. "No fear of that. I'll line it up with the
applications clerk and then you're on your own. If I tried to interfere I
think Joe Frigula would find some fault in you just to prove he wasn't
biased. We haven't advertised it because we get hundreds of applicants for
every position and Joe doesn't have time to process that many between
Christmas and New Year. Our manager decided to retire after he had a nasty
fall. We weren't expecting him to go until the end of the financial
year. We want someone to start as soon as the factory resumes after the
Christmas break"
"Well I'm having the Thursday off in lieu of Boxing Day, would that be
satisfactory?"
"I'll organise it and let you know the time. No need to say anything
to the boys until you get the job."
"Myrna you sound awfully certain. Are you sure you're not going to
interfere?"
"You're the best qualified person on the list. That wouldn't guarantee
you job, but the fact that you're not too proud to take whatever work you
can get, instead of big-noting yourself, should just about do the
trick. Joe hates people who put tickets on themselves and warms to people
who are willing to work for their money. That's why I put him in as
manager." The boys came out onto the patio holding hands and the
conversation was terminated.
"That looks much better." Alf said. "The gang have gone back to the
mall. Would you like something to drink?" Myrna got a coke for Anthony and
coffee for Peter, Alf and herself. Myrna invited them all for dinner. She
insisted that she had a roast she wanted to cook and they would be more
than welcome. Alf rang Lola and then Tricia at her girlfriend's to tell
them to wait at home for Dimitri to pick them up.
They sat in the kitchen and Myrna had the boys peeling potatoes and
carrots while she and Alf talked about old times and other things. The boys
didn't say much but they kept finding reasons to touch and look at each
other. When the vegetables were finished Myrna sent them up to Anthony's
room so that he could show Peter. The room was larger than the one he
shared with Henry and had all sorts of good stuff. They put a stack of CDs
on and sat listening to music Peter hardly ever got to listen to. The first
CD had the full orchestral version of Purcell's Trumpet Voluntary, and
Peter was rapt. He had no idea how lush and beautiful it sounded with an
orchestra. They were still there when Lola came. Myrna led her upstairs and
there they were. Heads together arm around each other, eyes closed and
beautiful smiles on their faces. Peter opened his eyes and saw his mother
watching him. He started guiltily, but before he could withdraw his arm his
mother smiled and shook her finger. He was even more startled. Anthony
realised someone was there and opened his eyes.
"Hello Momma. I hope you had a good day. Petey's been having trouble
getting used to all the changes, but I think he's alright now."
"Would you like to come down and tell me about it while your mother
finishes dinner? She and Alf won't let me in the kitchen." Anthony pushed
the pause button and they went down. Peter looked guilty again.
"Mum, you are OK about this aren't you?"
Lola walked over to him and hugged him. "I think your father said it
perfectly. If you're going to fall in love with a boy then the one you're
in love with is worth his weight in gold. I'm having no problems with it
darling except trying to work out what to advise you. How should you behave
when you're not here or at home where you're safe? I still need to work out
some details with Myrna. While you're at home you and Anthony can hug and
kiss whenever you like, but I think I agree with your father. Do it in
private. That way there won't be any problems. If you slip up then I don't
think Tricia or Dimitri will get upset, but their friends might. That's why
I think you should confine it to the bedroom. When we're just family I
don't see any problems with you cuddling and holding hands."
"Mum, this still feels weird, but I think I'm getting used to it, but
I'm still a bit worried. I do want to be with Angel as much as I can."
"I'll see if Myrna will let Anthony stay another couple of days to
help you get over it."
Over dinner it was agreed that Anthony would stay for two days, then
Peter would come and stay with Myrna for the next three days. Myrna thought
it would help them get to know each other. Lola insisted that Christmas
dinner would be at their house, since they had no other presents to give
the Savolopoulos family for all they had done. Dimitri and Tricia rinsed
the dishes and put them in the dishwasher. The other two had already done
their share. Peter lay propped up on the lounge, since he was feeling
tired, and Anthony climbed up and plonked himself between his legs, lying
back against him with a look of contentment. Peter was a little
uncomfortable at first, but when he saw no one was taking any notice, he
put his arms around him and smiled blissfully.
Myrna took Lola off to tell her what she had told Alf. Alf asked the
other two questions about their day, and the boys dozed contentedly until
it was time to go home. That night was strange for Peter. He got into his
own bed alone and found he was having trouble sleeping. It felt lonely
without Anthony. He knew he had to get used to it, because Anthony would be
living at home soon and they wouldn't be able to share beds any
more. Finally he fell asleep. In the early hours of the morning the feeling
of loneliness suddenly went away and Peter snuggled down to sleep
peacefully. Lola knocking on the door woke him, and the first thing he saw
was Anthony's thoughtful face on the pillow, next to his own. Anthony
called out to tell Lola they were awake and the door opened.
"I'm sorry Momma. I just couldn't sleep on my own. It's going to be
hard to get used to living apart again."
"It's alright Anthony. I understand. It's going to be hard for both of
you so if you slip up occasionally I won't get mad. Get your showers and
come to breakfast."
Their shower was less noisy than usual, because Peter was less
inclined to scream out his pleasure than he had been. He made sure that
Anthony had as much difficulty as he did at keeping the noise down. Anthony
looked at him with adoration when they had finished. His lover had never
been so masterful and thorough in pleasuring him before. It was just what
he wanted in his man. After breakfast they just cuddled for a while, then
Anthony did his music practice. Peter could not remember how he had reacted
to it while he was ill, but he loved it now, and had no trouble in sitting
through an hour and a half of scales and practice pieces on the two
instruments.
After lunch they began to talk about school and the problems they
would face. They were on holidays now, but there would be a backlog for
Peter to pick up when he went back. Anthony was concerned that Peter's
friends would have trouble accepting him, and Peter thought the same about
Anthony's friends. They were surprised to find that neither of them had any
close friends. There were plenty of classmates that they got on with quite
well, but no close friends.
They were surprised when some of their classmates dropped around to
see how they were. Dimitri had told everyone who asked that Peter had been
beaten up and Anthony was helping take care of him. Apparently the whole
school knew. Dimitri and the gang had been telling everyone that Peter was
well enough for visitors now. They had no idea that so many of their
classmates thought of them as friends. It was strange that they ended up
with several close friends from the incident, including several girls who
knew Anthony was gay and had no difficulty in working out that Peter was in
love with him, just from the way he treated his Angel. If any of the boys
worked it out they didn't mention it, but they always treated them as a
couple.
The time at mumma Myrna's was an eye opener for Peter. The first thing
they discovered was that she had put a double bed in Anthony's room. She
told them that there was no sense in pretending they would not be sleeping
together whenever they were in the same room, so they might as well be
comfortable. The next thing was that the stream of visitors was ever
greater. The older boys were very careful not to play rough with Peter,
especially as he no longer wore the neck brace. The Police rang and
enquired if Myrna thought Anthony and Peter could be interviewed. She told
them that they could interview Peter first, but if he got upset they had to
be prepared to leave immediately. Lola came over for their visit.
The interview went quite well. Peter got upset telling them about how
he had been ambushed and of the cruelly calculated way they had used him as
a punching bag. His angel was beside him and kept making him stop and take
deep breaths and some water, so he managed to get through it. The two
officers were as gentle and sympathetic as was possible considering the
questions they had to ask. They made no comment at all about Anthony's
attentions or on the need for Peter to stop so frequently. When Peter was
finished they told Anthony they would get his statement later, if they
needed it. They thanked Peter for his bravery in giving such a clear
picture of what had happened, since it was obvious that it still caused him
great distress. His statement completely contradicted what Chopper and his
gang claimed had happened. Peter had to go to lie down after the ordeal and
Anthony went with him.
Lola and Alf had given him twenty dollars for pocket money when he had
gone to Myrna's, so that he would not be embarrassed. He wanted to get
something special for Anthony so they went down to the mall. He searched
everywhere but he could not find anything that he could afford. If he could
afford it then it just didn't suit what he wanted it to say. Anthony was
trying to talk him out of buying anything. He kept telling him he had the
Christmas present he wanted. He had Peter back just as he had been. Peter
saw just what he wanted to say. It was a huge cardboard cut out suspended
over the big Christmas tree in the central court, a giant angel with a long
trumpet. As he saw it that carol came on the muzak
"Angels from the realms of Glory,
Wing your flight o'er all the earth;"
Peter said nothing to Anthony. There was a vision forming in his
mind. As the strains of "Gloria in Excelsis Deo." died away he knew there
was only one tribute worthy of an Angel, to be up high so people could see
him pointing the way to God. Every year from now on he would pay tribute to
the angel God had sent him by lifting him up for everyone to see, he would
put him at the top of the tree. The problem was, where could he buy one? He
scoured the mall but no one had what he wanted. They went home and Peter
wasn't upset, he was determined. There were still four more shopping days
for him to find what he wanted.
Peter found that he and Myrna were becoming friends. It was not like
it was with his own mother, there was just enough distance between them
that he talked about things with her that he would never have talked about
with his mother, yet he felt the same sort of trust in her. Myrna was
delighted with this and loved to give him the same sort of hug she gave
Anthony. He tended to shrug his mother off, but Peter found it reassuring.
He confided in Myrna that he did not have much money to spend but he wanted
to do something special to tell Anthony what he meant to him. He would not
tell her what; just that he could not find it locally. Myrna suggested that
they accompany her into town in the morning. She would drop them in the
city and go on to the office Christmas party. She would pick them up at 4
pm. She gave Anthony more than enough for their lunch and a film if they
got finished early enough.
They had a lovely time in the crowded shops, but Peter was getting
worried that he could not find what he wanted. They went to a Subway for
lunch and right next door was a souvenir and trinket shop. While they were
eating at the tables on the footpath, Peter thought he saw what he
wanted. He left his lunch and told Anthony to watch it while he bought
something. Sure enough there it was in all the brass decorations for
Christmas trees. The only one they had was perfect. He asked them to wrap
it so that you could not see what it was and the little Vietnamese lady was
kind enough to put a piece of cardboard behind it. He refused to tell
Anthony what he had bought, saying he had to wait until everyone could see
it together. When Myrna picked them up they climbed in the back and Peter
leaned over and gave her a hug and a kiss before Anthony was properly in
the car.
"I take it that you found the special something you were searching
for?"
"Yes Mumma. But no one can see it until I put it up."
"This is all very mysterious but I'm sure we will love it when you
show us."
Peter looked shyly at Anthony. "I hope so Mumma. It says the way I
feel about someone special."
The day Peter went home, the two boys sat with their arms around each
other for about an hour. Their faces looked as if they were to be
executed. Myrna was sympathetic but unyielding. They would have to get used
to being apart. They would not be able to spend every minute together while
they had studies to do and even if they could it would be a very unhealthy
and obsessive situation. It was not as if they would never see each other
again.
Dimitri drove Peter home after lunch and was upset by the tears that
trickled down Peter's face for the whole journey. When they pulled into the
Foy's driveway he was looking very uncomfortable. He could not let him
leave without trying to soften the blow.
"Petey you have to stop this. You'll make everyone upset. No one is
taking Anthony away from you. It's not like you're losing him the way we
lost dad. Please little brother! Try not to get so upset. You'll see him
every day at school and you can spend time together at the weekends. Geoff
has promised to see no one gives you a hard time at school and we'll all be
together whenever we can."
"Savolo you just don't understand. I'm happy and sad all at the same
time. I want to be with him every moment of the day, but I know I
can't. I'm happy that I can make him happy by getting better, because
making him happy is the most important thing there is. I want to do things
for him like he did for me, but I know I can't. I want everyone to know
what a wonderful person he is, but that would mean telling them all we're
gay. It's only with the family that we can be ourselves and that makes me
sad. You've all been so wonderful to me and there's so little I can do to
tell you all how much it means to me. I'm still having trouble adjusting to
it all. It's only a few weeks since I was so scared I nearly shit my pants
when I thought you were going to corner me, and now you're Dimitri and
you're as much of a big brother to me as Henry is. I'm so mixed up I'm not
sure what I feel"
Dimitri got out of the car and walked around to the open passenger
door. He pulled Peter out of his seat and into a huge hug. There were tears
in his eyes. "You're a wonderful brother and I'm glad we've found you. To
think that for years I frightened people like you and Anthony away. I had
no idea of the wonderful friends I could have had if only I hadn't been so
stupid. Both of you have forgiven me without holding any grudges and I only
hope I can be worthy of the trust you've put in me. Promise me this. If
ever there's anything I can help you with you'll come and tell me. If I'm
to be your big brother then I can't help you if you don't tell me what's
going on. Mum's right, you're every bit as lovable as Pipsqueak is. What a
waste that it took all this to wake me up."
"I'm still scared Dimitri. I have all these dreams where I'm doing all
these strange and horrible things to Angel and I'm loving it. I love him
Dimitri and I don't want to do things to hurt him. I'm frightened of what I
might do."
"Calm down Petey. There's nothing to be frightened of. Dad explained
it all to me and it made good sense. It took all the fear away from it. The
way dad explained it is, you've got love and lust mixed up together. You
love Anthony. I can see that you do because you're both trying to do things
to make each other happy every chance you get. But you also have all these
hormones running around in your body and you haven't learned how to control
them yet. That's lust. You have to learn how to control all the weird
things that your mind tells you to do to satisfy your lust. There's no need
to panic about all these dreams you're having. There's no chance of you
ever trying to turn them into reality."
Lola looked out the window to see what was taking them so long and
decided that they were so wrapped up in their conversation it was probably
best not to interfere. Dimitri sat on the bonnet of the car and pulled
Peter up beside him.
"I used to have this incredible dream where I chained Samantha
Bosnich to the roof and ate out her snatch, then I fucked her for hours. I
got off every night I had that dream, but it was only a dream. I never even
got to first base with her. I still have some pretty wild dreams but that's
all they are, dreams. I know I'm never going to try and turn them into
reality so I just go along and enjoy them. You're in love with your Angel
and it's natural that he would be the one in your dreams, but it doesn't
mean you really want to do all these things to him. It's just your hormones
making you dream. Trust me Petey. You'll see that things will improve in a
year or two and you'll never do anything to hurt your Angel. I'm absolutely
certain of that, because you love him and he loves you. Besides, do you
really think you could force Anthony to do anything he didn't want to do?"
Peter giggled. "Not unless I hit him over the head first and chained
him up like you did Samantha."
"That's right! It's all an illusion Petey. There's nothing to be
afraid of."
They slid off the bonnet and Peter gave Dimitri a hug. "Thanks for
that. I feel a lot better now."
"Any time little brother. Any time." Dimitri felt six inches
taller. They went into the house with smiles on their faces and Lola
decided not to enquire about it. Peter looked more relaxed than he had
since he had recovered his memory.
The next two days were flat out for everyone. Lola had to work but she
organised the jobs for everyone before she left and inspected after she got
home. The Savolopoulos family were going to have the best Christmas dinner
it was possible to have. Peter had real difficulty in persuading his mother
and father not to put the star on top of the Christmas tree. He didn't want
to tell them what he had or why he wanted to put it there, but eventually
he got his way.
Christmas day was fine and hot. The fans were going flat out to shift
the heat from the overworked stove out the windows on the cool side of the
house. There was a flurry of activity at around ten thirty, as everyone got
ready for the arrival of their guests. As Anthony got out of the back of
the car Peter stood as entranced as if he were seeing him for the first
time. Tricia jabbed him in the ribs to get his attention to open the door
for them. Because the Foy's could not afford it, Myrna and Lola had decided
there would be no exchange of presents. They sat in the lounge room with
nibbles and drinks while they waited for the dinner to finish cooking and
Peter made his move.
Peter came back with his parcel in one hand and the stepladder in the
other. He set up the ladder and stood facing them. "There was no present I
could buy for Anthony that was good enough. So I thought that I would tell
him how I felt. There is only one place good enough for my Angel, right at
the top of the tree." He unwrapped the angel and held it up by its wings
and long trumpet. "Every year from now on I want to put this up to tell
everyone how grateful I am to God for sending me my Angel. I don't think I
would be here to enjoy this Christmas if Anthony hadn't been the angel he
is." He climbed up and tied it in place. Behind him there was a chorus of
sniffles and nose blowing. As he put his foot on the floor again, he was
wrapped in the arms of his Angel and they shed gentle, joyful tears on each
other's shoulders.
They were not left alone for long. First Myrna and then the Foy's and
even Dimitri had to come and give them a hug. Now Tricia understood why
Peter had set the Christmas CD where he had, and refused to let her change
it. She pushed the button and the strains of "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" came
quietly from the four speakers. Lola took Alf and Tricia off to help her in
the kitchen. The boys sat together on the lounge just listening to the
music and holding each other.
The dinner seemed unending. They started at twelve thirty and managed
to get the main part over by two, and then they kept picking and nibbling
all afternoon. The four children went for a walk about five o'clock to
shake it all down so they would have room for tea. While they were out
Geoff drove up in his mother's car. "What did you get?" it was the question
they were to hear a lot between Christmas and New Year. While Dimitri and
Anthony were telling Geoff what their take was, Peter seemed lost in
thought. When Geoff asked him what he had got he gave the answer he was to
give every time anyone asked.
"I got a chance to live my life and some of the most wonderful friends
anyone could ever have." More than one of those who asked had to hide their
face in case anyone saw the tears in their eyes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Every Christmas, without fail, he placed the angel at the top of the
tree. This year was the first time he had let Anthony do it and he would
not have let him if Angel had not insisted that it was too dangerous for
him to be climbing a ladder with a sprained ankle.
As the memories of their first meeting and their wonderful years
together flooded into his mind, Peter turned his face to his Angel and they
exchanged a long, loving, gentle kiss.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~