Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2007 21:52:47 -0500
From: Sequoyah <sequoyah@charter.net>
Subject: Saga of the Elizabethton Tarheels 9

Warning!

The usual warning applies: This story contains erotic events involving
alternative sexualities. Do not read the contents if such will offend you.
If accessing this site causes you to break local laws (village, town, city,
county, province, state, or country, etc.), please leave now or accept the
consequences, should there be any.

By reading or downloading this file you implicitly declare that you accept
total responsibility for your actions in regard to material intended for
mature, responsible members of society capable of making decisions about
the content of documents they wish to read. You are accessing this site of
your own free volition. You have been warned!

Disclaimer

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either
are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and
any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments,
events or locales is entirely coincidental and/or used fictionally.

Copyright Notice Reminder

This story is copyright by the author and the author retains all rights.
Expressly prohibited is the posting of the story to any sites not approved
by the author or charging for the story in any manner. Single copies may be
downloaded and printed for personal use provided the story remains
unchanged.


Chapter Nine

Antwon took my bag as I shook hands with Mrs. Crandall. "Thank you very
much for the welcome," I said with a smile.

"Your flight?"

"It was great. I just wish I was headed for a holiday."

"Yes, I'm sure. I saw your mother last hour. She is, according to her
doctors, coming along and will probably be moved out of ICU today. That
will make visiting much easier. But come on, I'll show you to your room
and, after you freshen up, Antwon will run you over to the hospital. I'll
have lunch ready when you get back as I'm sure right now you just want to
see your mom."

"Yes, yes I do."

We walked up a magnificent winding staircase to a hallway at the end of
which I could see what must be a ballroom. About halfway down the hall,
Mrs. Crandall opened the door to my "room." It was a suite with a large
sitting room, a bedroom, and a huge bath. Later I would see there was a
second bedroom adjoining.

"When you get back you might like to crawl into the jacuzzi. It'll help
relieve some of the tension," Mrs. Crandall said as she pointed out the
huge whirlpool sunk in the middle of the bathroom. "But now, when you are
ready, come downstairs and Antwon will get you to your mom."

After the necessary time on the toilet, I washed my hands and splashed cool
water on my face and was ready to go.

The trip to the hospital didn't take long and as Antwon let me out at the
main entrance, he handed me a pager and said, "Page me when you are ready
to leave. Maybe your mother is out of ICU and you can stay a while. If not,
I suggest you go back to the house and come back later for another visit."

The pink lady at the information desk directed me to ICU on the fourth
floor. Since Mother was still in the computer in ICU, she had not been
moved.

When I reached the fourth floor, signs directed me to the ICU where, in a
waiting room, people were reading, sleeping or just gazing into space. Some
certainly looked as if they had been waiting a long time. There was a bell
button outside the ICU door with a sign which said, "Ring for nurse." I
pushed it and in a couple minutes, a nurse appeared at the door.

"I'm Marcus Porcher, Mrs. Porcher's son," I said.

"So glad you got here. She's actually conscious and quite lucid now and has
asked about you. It's a few minutes before the regular visiting period, but
since you have just arrived, come on in."

She led me into a room where eight beds in glassed-in areas encircled a
nurses' station where three nurses were working. Mother was in one of the
areas opposite the door with its curtains closed. When the nurse opened the
curtains, I saw a very pale mother propped up in bed. A young stud dressed
in a white coat was using a penlight checking her eyes. When he finished,
Mother saw me and said, "Don't look so good do I, Marcus?"

"Well, to be honest, I've seen you looking worse."

"I guess you have at that. Dr. McCanne, this is my son, Marcus. Marcus,
Dr. McCanne has been taking care of me."

Dr. McCanne extended his hand and his face lit up with a smile. "Marcus, I
just told your mother she can move out of ICU today and into a regular
room. If everything goes well the next forty-eight hours or so, she can go
home -- well, not home, but to Mrs. Crandall's where there will be a nurse
on duty as long as your mother needs one."

"Then you know what her problem is/was."

"Oh, sure. She had an allergic reaction to some fish, which was severe and
life-threatening in and of itself. Not sure whether she has just developed
the allergy -- that happens -- or if it was the result of scombroid
poisoning. That happens when fish has not been properly refrigerated for a
period. It's probably only one chance in a million -- or less -- but she
also had ciguatera poisoning -- it's caused by fish which have eaten
certain things. She was in really bad shape when she arrived, but responded
very well to treatment."

"So she's ok, or will be when she has recovered from the aftereffects?"

"Oh, sure. It will just take time. Well, I've got to give the orders to get
her moved. Good to meet you, Marcus."

I extended my hand and said, "Thanks for taking care of Mother, Doctor."

"My pleasure. See you later, Mrs. Porcher."

When the doctor had gone, I hugged Mother and said, "I guess you were lucky
to get prompt treatment."

"Very. While Dr. McCanne didn't mention it to you, the fact that my body
hasn't recovered completely from my years in the bottle didn't help
matters. Anyway, I'm sorry you're missing school, but glad you're
here. Betsy told me your father had you shipped down on a private jet. One
of his business supporters, I suppose."

"Bank CEO, I think. I could get used to traveling that way."

"Like your father, only you couldn't call on one of the good old boys for
the jet as he does. Anyway, I'm glad you're here."

A couple orderlies arrived and one said, "Ok, Mrs. Porcher" -- he said
"porcher."

Mother and I said together, "Por-shay."

"Mrs. Porcher, ready for a ride?"

"Sure," Mother replied and started moving as if she were getting out of
bed.

"No way, Ma'am. We'll be moving you. She'll be settled in her new room in
half an hour, son, if you want to come back.

"Mrs. Crandall's waiting lunch," I told Mother, "so I'll run along and be
back later." I kissed her on the cheek and paged Antwon. He was waiting at
the hospital entrance when I stepped outside.

When we arrived at the house, Mrs. Crandall immediately took me under her
wing, "How's your mother doing?" she asked.

I told her she was being moved from ICU and would likely be released
soon. "Depending on arrangements for aftercare." As we were talking,
Mrs. Crandall led me to a lovely terrace room. It overlooked a beautiful
lawn, which ended at the edge of the beach. "Beautiful view," I said as I
seated Mrs. Crandall.

"Thank you. Yes, this is one of my favorite spots. I like to move out onto
the terrace when it's not so hot, but today it would be a little warm. As
you can see, there is a lake to your left and I need to warn you to be
careful around the edge of the lake. There are some monstrous 'gators in it
and they are prone to leap out of the water and snag small animals --
including those little yappers some people call dogs. People are not their
most favorite meat, but a hungry or wounded one will take second best. You
don't want to be a 'gators arm or leg snack. To the right are the
gardens. They were my husband's pride and joy and fortunately I still have
the same gardener he trained. Unfortunately, I know nothing of
gardening. This room faces west so you can see some gorgeous sunsets over
the gulf. The gardens are so arranged you can watch the sunrise -- at least
I have been told that, I'm not an early riser. It is a lovely place to
stroll when the moon is right. Anyway, your mother doesn't have to worry
about aftercare. I have engaged three nurses who will live in and provide
care twenty-four/seven. I hadn't seen Ann Curtis... you're smiling," she
said abruptly.

"It's the 'Ann Curtis'. I always know when someone I am meeting knew Mother
in college. They always call her both names."

Mrs. Crandall laughed. "We sure do! We'd been in college for most of
freshman orientation before I learned her last name wasn't Curtis because
she always introduced herself as Ann Curtis. The name stuck. Anyway, I am
providing around-the-clock care for as long as she needs it. We lost touch
for three or four years and need to catch up. I was traveling most of the
past three years and I guess Ann Curtis was occupied as well."

"If you don't know, you should," I said. "She was in a bottle and just got
out in November."

"Oh, I knew that. She also knew I had spent some years in a bottle as
well. I got my fifteenth year AA chip last month. That's one reason I want
her here when she gets out of the hospital. Well, that's also one reason I
invited her down. Of course, I also invited her because we used to be very
close, but I know what a struggle staying dry can be, especially at first."

Mother was released two days after I arrived, but wanted me to stay on a
couple days which I did, leaving Sunday afternoon -- traveling by
commercial aircraft, cattle class. Justin met me at the airport. I was,
again, standing at the baggage claim area when he walked up behind me, put
his arms around me and whispered in my ear, "Damn, I've missed you." I
could have sworn his lips brushed the back of my neck, but I was also sure
that was wishful thinking.

I turned -- he still had his arms around me, looked into those black, black
eyes and said, "Missed you too." There was definitely something happening
between us, but I reminded myself that 1) Justin was a straight arrow and
arrow straight, 2) he was my best friend and I wanted him to remain so, 3)
that meant I better not mistake friendship for something more or I would
lose the friendship.

I had lost a week of school while I was in Florida, as well as study time
with the Clan. Of course, I did what I could to keep up, but you really
can't keep up with AP and not be in class. At least I can't. So when I
returned home, I was pretty far behind and the Clan was working overtime to
get me caught up. Math was not my strongest suit to start with and during
the week I was gone, a couple of new concepts had been introduced which, to
me, might as well have come from an alien universe.

John, Justin, and Susan were math whizzes and were determined to get me
back on track. To do that they decided we'd work on math after the Clan had
finished the regular assignments. Since I was simply behind in everything
else, and not lost in the woods as I was with math, I needed little help
beyond clarifying notes I was copying from the top student in each subject.

After the regular assignments were done, we took a break and Bobbie and
Adam left, since she gave me her notes from AP history in which she
excelled. I'd copy those later. Meanwhile, Justin, John, Susan, and I took
a break and Clarisa came up with hot chocolate. Susan invited her to join
us and she did.

Clarisa had become Clan mother and, not infrequently, joined us for our
after-study chocolate or juice. She always wanted to know what was going on
at school and if we were having any problems, etc. Yeah, she was Clan
mother, but there was more. When she had gotten pregnant, she dropped out
of school -- was forced out was more like it -- and she especially enjoyed
getting in our discussions of what we were reading. She got in and
contributed to the discussions because she kept up with and did a real
careful reading of each text we worked on.

Anyway, after we finished the chocolate. Susan said, "I gotta run, else Dad
will be calling and asking about me. See you three tomorrow."

After Susan and Clarisa left, John said, "Justin, how about we sack out
here tonight after we work some more with the Not-Math-Whiz-Kid? I wouldn't
think you'd like to go home to an empty house and I know I don't want to
disturb the 'rents' after they have gone to bed."

"Sounds like a winner," I said. "How about it, Justin?"

"Sure. Now let's get on the math."

We worked until midnight and when we finally stopped, I felt as though I
had made progress in grasping the new concepts. John and Justin agreed.

"John, guess we need to flip a coin to see who gets the pull-out and who
shares Marc's bed," Justin grinned.

John took a coin out of his pocket, looked at Justin and said, "For the
pull-out. Heads I win and tails you lose." He flipped the coin and said,
"Tails it is, you lose, I get the pull-out," he said with a wicked
grin. Justin also had a grin plastered on his face. I was
bewildered. Something was going on here and I had missed it.

"John, I'll round up some PJs for you," I offered.

He laughed and said, "I suspect I am used to wearing the same thing to bed
you and Justin do -- nothing."

Justin laughed and said, "You got that right." I blushed.

"John, you can have dibs on the bathroom," I said.

When John came out, he was wearing boxers, which he removed after he had
crawled in bed. He said, "Goodnight, Guys. Oh, call me in the morning and
make sure I get up. Sometimes I dream I am up and getting dressed and,
well, I'm still asleep."

"Will do," Justin said as John snapped out the lamp over the pull-out.

Justin went to the bathroom and he was wearing his briefs when he slid into
bed and, like John, as soon as he was covered, he took them off and tossed
them on the floor.

I took my time in the bathroom, hoping Justin would be asleep when I
crawled into bed, but he was not. I lay on the edge of the bed, afraid I
would touch Justin and he'd get the wrong idea. I felt like I was walking
on eggs, afraid I'd do something that would let him know how I felt about
him and run him off as a friend.

"I don't bite, Marc," Justin said, and I did move over toward the center of
the bed a bit, but there was still a lot of space between us. It was, after
all, a king-size bed.

"Goodnight, Justin," I said softly.

"Goodnight, Marc," he replied.

I was all tense and expected to lay awake for fear of touching and
upsetting Justin, but I was soon asleep. In the middle of the night, I woke
up confused. It took me a while to figure out why. Justin had spooned his
body against mine and he had an arm wrapped around me, holding me close. It
felt so right and so wonderful. I wanted to stay forever just as I was,
being held by Justin. Yet, I was afraid he'd wake up and ... I wasn't sure
what I feared. Plus, there was a more immediate problem. I needed to piss
in the worse possible way.

As carefully as possible, I slid out from under Justin's arm and off the
bed. I practically ran to the bathroom where I released a powerful stream
which just kept on and on and on. Before I finished, Justin was standing
beside me.

He aimed a stream into the toilet as well and said, "A good piss is so
underrated!" When I finished, Justin was still going and said, "If you'll
wait until I'm finished, I'll shake it off for you," and grinned. I didn't
know what to make of that.

Back in bed, I was about half-asleep when Justin crawled in, threw his arm
across me and pulled me to himself without saying a word. Minutes later I
knew he was asleep, but I wasn't. I was just confused.

The next couple nights, John, Justin, and Susan helped me with my math
until I was pretty sure I knew what I was doing. John and Justin stayed
over as they had done the first night. I was completely comfortable having
Justin in bed with me and was used to having his body against mine and his
arm around me or with my body against him holding him to myself -- getting
used to it? I was loving it. I didn't even panic the first time I woke up
and had a morning woody poking his body. I was shocked when he reached
behind himself and grasped it with, "Not bad, not bad at all." In fact, the
next morning when I woke up, it was his woody in my back -- in my crack to
be exact and I followed his example. I had seen him hard the morning before
-- as he had me -- so there was no surprise except for the fact he just
laughed when I grasped him.

Thursday night we decided I was good to go, so we just had a regular
session. Shortly before we broke up and everyone went home for the night,
the phone rang. It was Mother. She called to let me know she had seen the
doctor who had said she was doing very, very well, but he'd like to see her
again in a week. "I guess I should worry about you -- at least a bit --
but, God knows, Clarisa has taken care of you since you were a baby and you
do a good job of taking care of yourself, so that's not a worry. I do plan
to get back home before too long. Of course, Betsy is treating me like
royalty, but I need to get back." She then asked about school, about how
far behind I was, etc. She wasn't surprised that the Clan had me back on
track. We talked for a while longer and then she said, "Marc, I am
definitely planning on being back after my next doctor's appointment."

I made a report to the Clan and then they all got their things ready to go,
all except Justin. "Drop you by your place, Justin?" John asked.

"Nah, I was planning on staying over... if Marc permits."

"Marc permits," I replied and couldn't keep a sappy grin off my face.

**

Comments to Sequoyah at sequoyahs-place@ charter.net.


Chapter Nine

Warning!

The usual warning applies: This story contains erotic events involving
alternative sexualities. Do not read the contents if such will offend you.
If accessing this site causes you to break local laws (village, town, city,
county, province, state, or country, etc.), please leave now or accept the
consequences, should there be any.

By reading or downloading this file you implicitly declare that you accept
total responsibility for your actions in regard to material intended for
mature, responsible members of society capable of making decisions about
the content of documents they wish to read. You are accessing this site of
your own free volition. You have been warned!

Disclaimer

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either
are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and
any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments,
events or locales is entirely coincidental and/or used fictionally.

Copyright Notice Reminder

This story is copyright by the author and the author retains all rights.
Expressly prohibited is the posting of the story to any sites not approved
by the author or charging for the story in any manner. Single copies may be
downloaded and printed for personal use provided the story remains
unchanged.


Chapter Nine

Antwon took my bag as I shook hands with Mrs. Crandall. "Thank you very
much for the welcome," I said with a smile.

"Your flight?"

"It was great. I just wish I was headed for a holiday."

"Yes, I'm sure. I saw your mother last hour. She is, according to her
doctors, coming along and will probably be moved out of ICU today. That
will make visiting much easier. But come on, I'll show you to your room
and, after you freshen up, Antwon will run you over to the hospital. I'll
have lunch ready when you get back as I'm sure right now you just want to
see your mom."

"Yes, yes I do."

We walked up a magnificent winding staircase to a hallway at the end of
which I could see what must be a ballroom. About halfway down the hall,
Mrs. Crandall opened the door to my "room." It was a suite with a large
sitting room, a bedroom, and a huge bath. Later I would see there was a
second bedroom adjoining.

"When you get back you might like to crawl into the jacuzzi. It'll help
relieve some of the tension," Mrs. Crandall said as she pointed out the
huge whirlpool sunk in the middle of the bathroom. "But now, when you are
ready, come downstairs and Antwon will get you to your mom."

After the necessary time on the toilet, I washed my hands and splashed cool
water on my face and was ready to go.

The trip to the hospital didn't take long and as Antwon let me out at the
main entrance, he handed me a pager and said, "Page me when you are ready
to leave. Maybe your mother is out of ICU and you can stay a while. If not,
I suggest you go back to the house and come back later for another visit."

The pink lady at the information desk directed me to ICU on the fourth
floor. Since Mother was still in the computer in ICU, she had not been
moved.

When I reached the fourth floor, signs directed me to the ICU where, in a
waiting room, people were reading, sleeping or just gazing into space. Some
certainly looked as if they had been waiting a long time. There was a bell
button outside the ICU door with a sign which said, "Ring for nurse." I
pushed it and in a couple minutes, a nurse appeared at the door.

"I'm Marcus Porcher, Mrs. Porcher's son," I said.

"So glad you got here. She's actually conscious and quite lucid now and has
asked about you. It's a few minutes before the regular visiting period, but
since you have just arrived, come on in."

She led me into a room where eight beds in glassed-in areas encircled a
nurses' station where three nurses were working. Mother was in one of the
areas opposite the door with its curtains closed. When the nurse opened the
curtains, I saw a very pale mother propped up in bed. A young stud dressed
in a white coat was using a penlight checking her eyes. When he finished,
Mother saw me and said, "Don't look so good do I, Marcus?"

"Well, to be honest, I've seen you looking worse."

"I guess you have at that. Dr. McCanne, this is my son, Marcus. Marcus,
Dr. McCanne has been taking care of me."

Dr. McCanne extended his hand and his face lit up with a smile. "Marcus, I
just told your mother she can move out of ICU today and into a regular
room. If everything goes well the next forty-eight hours or so, she can go
home -- well, not home, but to Mrs. Crandall's where there will be a nurse
on duty as long as your mother needs one."

"Then you know what her problem is/was."

"Oh, sure. She had an allergic reaction to some fish, which was severe and
life-threatening in and of itself. Not sure whether she has just developed
the allergy -- that happens -- or if it was the result of scombroid
poisoning. That happens when fish has not been properly refrigerated for a
period. It's probably only one chance in a million -- or less -- but she
also had ciguatera poisoning -- it's caused by fish which have eaten
certain things. She was in really bad shape when she arrived, but responded
very well to treatment."

"So she's ok, or will be when she has recovered from the aftereffects?"

"Oh, sure. It will just take time. Well, I've got to give the orders to get
her moved. Good to meet you, Marcus."

I extended my hand and said, "Thanks for taking care of Mother, Doctor."

"My pleasure. See you later, Mrs. Porcher."

When the doctor had gone, I hugged Mother and said, "I guess you were lucky
to get prompt treatment."

"Very. While Dr. McCanne didn't mention it to you, the fact that my body
hasn't recovered completely from my years in the bottle didn't help
matters. Anyway, I'm sorry you're missing school, but glad you're
here. Betsy told me your father had you shipped down on a private jet. One
of his business supporters, I suppose."

"Bank CEO, I think. I could get used to traveling that way."

"Like your father, only you couldn't call on one of the good old boys for
the jet as he does. Anyway, I'm glad you're here."

A couple orderlies arrived and one said, "Ok, Mrs. Porcher" -- he said
"porcher."

Mother and I said together, "Por-shay."

"Mrs. Porcher, ready for a ride?"

"Sure," Mother replied and started moving as if she were getting out of
bed.

"No way, Ma'am. We'll be moving you. She'll be settled in her new room in
half an hour, son, if you want to come back.

"Mrs. Crandall's waiting lunch," I told Mother, "so I'll run along and be
back later." I kissed her on the cheek and paged Antwon. He was waiting at
the hospital entrance when I stepped outside.

When we arrived at the house, Mrs. Crandall immediately took me under her
wing, "How's your mother doing?" she asked.

I told her she was being moved from ICU and would likely be released
soon. "Depending on arrangements for aftercare." As we were talking,
Mrs. Crandall led me to a lovely terrace room. It overlooked a beautiful
lawn, which ended at the edge of the beach. "Beautiful view," I said as I
seated Mrs. Crandall.

"Thank you. Yes, this is one of my favorite spots. I like to move out onto
the terrace when it's not so hot, but today it would be a little warm. As
you can see, there is a lake to your left and I need to warn you to be
careful around the edge of the lake. There are some monstrous 'gators in it
and they are prone to leap out of the water and snag small animals --
including those little yappers some people call dogs. People are not their
most favorite meat, but a hungry or wounded one will take second best. You
don't want to be a 'gators arm or leg snack. To the right are the
gardens. They were my husband's pride and joy and fortunately I still have
the same gardener he trained. Unfortunately, I know nothing of
gardening. This room faces west so you can see some gorgeous sunsets over
the gulf. The gardens are so arranged you can watch the sunrise -- at least
I have been told that, I'm not an early riser. It is a lovely place to
stroll when the moon is right. Anyway, your mother doesn't have to worry
about aftercare. I have engaged three nurses who will live in and provide
care twenty-four/seven. I hadn't seen Ann Curtis... you're smiling," she
said abruptly.

"It's the 'Ann Curtis'. I always know when someone I am meeting knew Mother
in college. They always call her both names."

Mrs. Crandall laughed. "We sure do! We'd been in college for most of
freshman orientation before I learned her last name wasn't Curtis because
she always introduced herself as Ann Curtis. The name stuck. Anyway, I am
providing around-the-clock care for as long as she needs it. We lost touch
for three or four years and need to catch up. I was traveling most of the
past three years and I guess Ann Curtis was occupied as well."

"If you don't know, you should," I said. "She was in a bottle and just got
out in November."

"Oh, I knew that. She also knew I had spent some years in a bottle as
well. I got my fifteenth year AA chip last month. That's one reason I want
her here when she gets out of the hospital. Well, that's also one reason I
invited her down. Of course, I also invited her because we used to be very
close, but I know what a struggle staying dry can be, especially at first."

Mother was released two days after I arrived, but wanted me to stay on a
couple days which I did, leaving Sunday afternoon -- traveling by
commercial aircraft, cattle class. Justin met me at the airport. I was,
again, standing at the baggage claim area when he walked up behind me, put
his arms around me and whispered in my ear, "Damn, I've missed you." I
could have sworn his lips brushed the back of my neck, but I was also sure
that was wishful thinking.

I turned -- he still had his arms around me, looked into those black, black
eyes and said, "Missed you too." There was definitely something happening
between us, but I reminded myself that 1) Justin was a straight arrow and
arrow straight, 2) he was my best friend and I wanted him to remain so, 3)
that meant I better not mistake friendship for something more or I would
lose the friendship.

I had lost a week of school while I was in Florida, as well as study time
with the Clan. Of course, I did what I could to keep up, but you really
can't keep up with AP and not be in class. At least I can't. So when I
returned home, I was pretty far behind and the Clan was working overtime to
get me caught up. Math was not my strongest suit to start with and during
the week I was gone, a couple of new concepts had been introduced which, to
me, might as well have come from an alien universe.

John, Justin, and Susan were math whizzes and were determined to get me
back on track. To do that they decided we'd work on math after the Clan had
finished the regular assignments. Since I was simply behind in everything
else, and not lost in the woods as I was with math, I needed little help
beyond clarifying notes I was copying from the top student in each subject.

After the regular assignments were done, we took a break and Bobbie and
Adam left, since she gave me her notes from AP history in which she
excelled. I'd copy those later. Meanwhile, Justin, John, Susan, and I took
a break and Clarisa came up with hot chocolate. Susan invited her to join
us and she did.

Clarisa had become Clan mother and, not infrequently, joined us for our
after-study chocolate or juice. She always wanted to know what was going on
at school and if we were having any problems, etc. Yeah, she was Clan
mother, but there was more. When she had gotten pregnant, she dropped out
of school -- was forced out was more like it -- and she especially enjoyed
getting in our discussions of what we were reading. She got in and
contributed to the discussions because she kept up with and did a real
careful reading of each text we worked on.

Anyway, after we finished the chocolate. Susan said, "I gotta run, else Dad
will be calling and asking about me. See you three tomorrow."

After Susan and Clarisa left, John said, "Justin, how about we sack out
here tonight after we work some more with the Not-Math-Whiz-Kid? I wouldn't
think you'd like to go home to an empty house and I know I don't want to
disturb the 'rents' after they have gone to bed."

"Sounds like a winner," I said. "How about it, Justin?"

"Sure. Now let's get on the math."

We worked until midnight and when we finally stopped, I felt as though I
had made progress in grasping the new concepts. John and Justin agreed.

"John, guess we need to flip a coin to see who gets the pull-out and who
shares Marc's bed," Justin grinned.

John took a coin out of his pocket, looked at Justin and said, "For the
pull-out. Heads I win and tails you lose." He flipped the coin and said,
"Tails it is, you lose, I get the pull-out," he said with a wicked
grin. Justin also had a grin plastered on his face. I was
bewildered. Something was going on here and I had missed it.

"John, I'll round up some PJs for you," I offered.

He laughed and said, "I suspect I am used to wearing the same thing to bed
you and Justin do -- nothing."

Justin laughed and said, "You got that right." I blushed.

"John, you can have dibs on the bathroom," I said.

When John came out, he was wearing boxers, which he removed after he had
crawled in bed. He said, "Goodnight, Guys. Oh, call me in the morning and
make sure I get up. Sometimes I dream I am up and getting dressed and,
well, I'm still asleep."

"Will do," Justin said as John snapped out the lamp over the pull-out.

Justin went to the bathroom and he was wearing his briefs when he slid into
bed and, like John, as soon as he was covered, he took them off and tossed
them on the floor.

I took my time in the bathroom, hoping Justin would be asleep when I
crawled into bed, but he was not. I lay on the edge of the bed, afraid I
would touch Justin and he'd get the wrong idea. I felt like I was walking
on eggs, afraid I'd do something that would let him know how I felt about
him and run him off as a friend.

"I don't bite, Marc," Justin said, and I did move over toward the center of
the bed a bit, but there was still a lot of space between us. It was, after
all, a king-size bed.

"Goodnight, Justin," I said softly.

"Goodnight, Marc," he replied.

I was all tense and expected to lay awake for fear of touching and
upsetting Justin, but I was soon asleep. In the middle of the night, I woke
up confused. It took me a while to figure out why. Justin had spooned his
body against mine and he had an arm wrapped around me, holding me close. It
felt so right and so wonderful. I wanted to stay forever just as I was,
being held by Justin. Yet, I was afraid he'd wake up and ... I wasn't sure
what I feared. Plus, there was a more immediate problem. I needed to piss
in the worse possible way.

As carefully as possible, I slid out from under Justin's arm and off the
bed. I practically ran to the bathroom where I released a powerful stream
which just kept on and on and on. Before I finished, Justin was standing
beside me.

He aimed a stream into the toilet as well and said, "A good piss is so
underrated!" When I finished, Justin was still going and said, "If you'll
wait until I'm finished, I'll shake it off for you," and grinned. I didn't
know what to make of that.

Back in bed, I was about half-asleep when Justin crawled in, threw his arm
across me and pulled me to himself without saying a word. Minutes later I
knew he was asleep, but I wasn't. I was just confused.

The next couple nights, John, Justin, and Susan helped me with my math
until I was pretty sure I knew what I was doing. John and Justin stayed
over as they had done the first night. I was completely comfortable having
Justin in bed with me and was used to having his body against mine and his
arm around me or with my body against him holding him to myself -- getting
used to it? I was loving it. I didn't even panic the first time I woke up
and had a morning woody poking his body. I was shocked when he reached
behind himself and grasped it with, "Not bad, not bad at all." In fact, the
next morning when I woke up, it was his woody in my back -- in my crack to
be exact and I followed his example. I had seen him hard the morning before
-- as he had me -- so there was no surprise except for the fact he just
laughed when I grasped him.

Thursday night we decided I was good to go, so we just had a regular
session. Shortly before we broke up and everyone went home for the night,
the phone rang. It was Mother. She called to let me know she had seen the
doctor who had said she was doing very, very well, but he'd like to see her
again in a week. "I guess I should worry about you -- at least a bit --
but, God knows, Clarisa has taken care of you since you were a baby and you
do a good job of taking care of yourself, so that's not a worry. I do plan
to get back home before too long. Of course, Betsy is treating me like
royalty, but I need to get back." She then asked about school, about how
far behind I was, etc. She wasn't surprised that the Clan had me back on
track. We talked for a while longer and then she said, "Marc, I am
definitely planning on being back after my next doctor's appointment."

I made a report to the Clan and then they all got their things ready to go,
all except Justin. "Drop you by your place, Justin?" John asked.

"Nah, I was planning on staying over... if Marc permits."

"Marc permits," I replied and couldn't keep a sappy grin off my face.

**

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