Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2011 14:03:04 -0800 (PST)
From: Doug Smith <das11111@yahoo.com>
Subject: High School: The Move, Chapter 22

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
This story is a work of FICTION. The events described have only occurred
in my mind.  Any similarities to actual events or persons
are strictly coincidental.

THIS STORY CONTAINS GRAPHIC DEPICTIONS OF CONSENSUAL
SEXUAL ACTS BETWEEN HIGH SCHOOL AGE MALES. IT IS INTENDED
FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE ONLY! IF YOU FIND THIS TYPE OF MATERIAL OFFENSIVE,
OR IF YOU ARE UNDER 18, OR UNDER THE LEGAL AGE TO VIEW SUCH MATERIAL THEN
PLEASE READ NO FURTHER.


The author retains the copyright, and any other rights, to this
original story.  You may not publish it or any part of it without
explicit authorization from me.

This story is kind of a prequel/sequel to another story I wrote
called The Diary which appears in the college section.  That
story is not complete but work should resume soon.  I have
much more written for this story. I say 'kind of' because this
story is being written after that story but is earlier in time.
I took some liberties with 'history' and also any current day
events that might be referenced.

PLEASE NOTE: Feedback, both positive and negative, is welcomed
and greatly appreciated. Please understand this is just a hobby
so please don't flame me too bad.  Please email das11111@yahoo.com
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Chapter 22

Lunch was definitely strange.  On Monday, Josh and I ate with Chris and
Ryan to explain what happened over the weekend but today we were back at
our regular table.  In addition, Mike was there since he and Becky were now
friends.  What made it awkward was the seating arrangement.  Everyone
usually had their regular seats but with Josh and me wanting to sit with
each other and Mike wanting to sit with Becky nobody knew quite where to
sit.

It worked out that I sat with Becky on my right and Mike to her right.
Chris and Ryan were diagonal from me across the table from Mike and Becky.
This left Josh on my left across from Tim and Abby.  Randy wasn't there.  I
don't know if he was still pissed off or not.  He might just be hanging out
with his latest girlfriend and that could mean he's sitting at another
table.  I didn't see him around though.

I hadn't thought about it when we sat down but since Josh was on my left it
was difficult for him to be part of the conversation I was having with
everyone to my right.  He could have leaned closer, I wouldn't have minded,
but he didn't seem comfortable doing that.  Normally he would have talked
with Chris and Ryan and I would have talked more to Becky.  Instead he kept
to himself or occasionally talked to Tim and Abby although they were more
into talking to each other.

I decided it would be better if Josh and I changed places but it would look
funny if I just stood up and moved. I thought it would be easier if I got
something else to eat and then casually nudged Josh to move over and I
could sit on his left.

I grabbed my tray along with Josh's saying I was going to get some water.
He gave me a surprised look but I just smiled.  While I didn't really want
water I bought one and went back to sit down but instead of sitting where I
had been I went to Josh's left and nudged him over so he was sitting where
I was.  He gave me a questioning look but moved over.  Chris noticed and
gave me a smile. That arrangement worked out better.  Josh got more into
the conversation and I didn't have any problem leaning towards him to talk
as well.  He didn't seem to mind me being close either.

Chris nudged me in the side when we were walking out.  When we made eye
contact he smiled and I knew what he was thinking.  He leaned over and said
he saw what I did. I nodded and watched Josh who was still talking with
Becky and Mike.

What happened afterward was interesting as well.  We had a few minutes
before our next class so Josh and I went into a restroom on the way to
pre-Calc.  I know what you're thinking and it wasn't like that. While I
would have liked to grab him for a quick hug I didn't want to take chances.
That wasn't the case for the two guys we saw when we walked in.  While they
jumped back from each other it was obvious what they had been doing.  The
bulges in their pants kind of gave things away too.

I recognized them as the two guys from the cafeteria the day I was talking
with Chris before school.  They looked younger than us although they could
be in our clas.  They definitely weren't older.

They quickly became nervous when they realized we knew what they had been
doing.  I'm sure they were wondering what we were going to do.  One of them
moved in front of the other to block us in case there was going to be
trouble.  I thought that was cute knowing I would have done the same had it
been me and Josh.

What Josh did next was what surprised me. He just smiled, wrapped his arms
around me and gave me a passionate kiss.

"I've wanted to do that all day," he said.

I smiled and gave him another quick kiss before turning to the two guys.
"Regardless of my horny boyfriend you should be more careful," I smiled
with my arm around Josh.  "You never know who might walk in."

"We know but it's hard."

"I can see that," I smiled nodding towards their crotches.

They both turned red.  "He just can't keep his hands off me. Not that I'm
complaining," the taller of the two said.

Josh smiled.  "I know the feeling.  Don't worry, you're safe with us.  I'm
Josh and this is Dan."

"I'm Travis and this is Kyle.  Believe me, we usually are more careful and
you're right, anyone could have caught us. Some kids are real assholes,
especially Kyle's brother.  He'd kill us if he saw us.  He's a jerk.  Him
calling us names is bad enough."

"Step-brother," said Kyle firmly.  "That asshole is NOT related to me.  I
just wish whoever punched him out last week would have done more damage.
He can still talk."

Josh and I looked at each other.  "Who is your br.., ah, step-brother?"

"Phil Clayton, you probably know him: quarterback on the football team,
mouth that won't quit, general asshole."

"You're brother is Phil Clayton? Wow, you definitely don't look like him."
They really didn't look anything alike of course I guess they wouldn't.
Phil was big with a dark complexion.  A lot of his size was fat but he was
still a big guy.  Kyle was just the opposite.  I wouldn't call him small
but he definitely wasn't like Phil.  I'd definitely never describe Phil as
cute either and Kyle was definitely cute.  I know I'm biased since I have a
thing for leaner, smaller guys with nice eyes and Kyle certainly was that.

"I told you, step-brother, and that's stretching it.  That asshole and I
don't share any of the same genes.  My parents are divorced and my mother
married his father.  He's an asshole too.  I don't know what she sees in
him."

"I don't know about your father but you won't get any argument from us
regarding Phil.  A word of advice though, you probably don't want to tell
him you know us.  We're not exactly on his list of favorite people."

"Not many people are and don't call that man my father."

"Sorry, how's his jaw?" I smiled.  Part of me was sorry for what had
happened.  I really don't like to hurt people, even assholes.

"Unfortunately it isn't broken.  Like I said, he can still talk.  All he
does is walk around the house whining about being sucker punched.  Other
than that I don't know, I try to avoid him.  I do know he's really pissed.
He won't say who did it.  Just that the guy got in a lucky punch and he'd
take care of it.  If you know who did it you better tell him to watch
out. Phil can be mean and he doesn't fight fair."

"Do you know what he's planning?" asked Josh obviously nervous.

Kyle looked at him questioningly.  "No idea, I just know he's pissed.  Why?
Do you know who did it?"

Josh didn't answer but the look on his face gave it away when he looked at
me.

"You????" Kyle asked.

"Like I said he doesn't really like us much. Thanks for the warning.  I
assume he will try something sooner or later. He's been too quiet lately.
He can try what he wants with me, he doesn't worry me.  If he touches Josh
though he'll regret it.  His jaw will be the least of his problems.
...Lucky punch bullshit."  My whole body went tense.

Josh squeezed my arm.  "Calm down Dan."

"Wow, he is so full of shit.  He said the other guy got the worst of it.
You don't have a scratch on you.  Tell you what, I'll make a deal with
you," he smiled.

"What's that?"

"I'll tell you if I hear what he's planning."

"Why would you do that?  He may be an asshole but he is your brother."

"I told you, STEP-brother and I can't stand him.  I'll tell you if I hear
anything but you have to promise me something."

"What's that?"

"Promise me you'll break something.  Two things would be even better.  I
don't really care what. Just make it hurt," he said.

I couldn't tell if he was serious or not.

"Does he hurt you?"

He looked at me and started to say something but the bell rang before he
answered.

"We have to get to class.  It was... interesting meeting you.  I'll try to
find out what he's planning," Kyle said as we walked out the door.  When we
got into the hall Kyle lowered his voice.  "Maybe we can double date
sometime.  That would piss him off."  He just smiled and walked off with
Travis.

Josh and I just made it to class before the second bell rang.  I had never
thought about Phil having a brother even though Kyle made it abundantly
clear they were only step-brothers.  I guess everyone has some kind of
story.  I kind of felt bad for him.  He seemed like a good kid.  Plus the
way he looked at me when I asked if Phil hurt him gave me an eerie feeling.
I knew I shouldn't get involved but I also knew I couldn't stand by and do
nothing if Phil was hurting him.

Not much happened the rest of the day.  We had three periods left, two
together.  Mr Williams seemed pleased that I was paying attention more in
class.  He still seemed surprised when I answered a couple of questions
without being asked.

Josh and I didn't have the next class together.  I had study while he had a
business class.  I wished I could have gone with him but did use the time
to do some homework.  The more time I could spend with him at home the
better.

Ryan had the same study as me and we ended up talking towards the end of
the period.  Nobody cared as long as we kept it down which was fine since
we really didn't want people to hear what we were talking about anyway.  I
smiled when he said he was jealous that Josh was living with me and
sleeping across the hall.  He was really jealous when I told him Josh might
have his own room for appearances sake but he really wasn't using it.  Josh
had said he didn't care if they knew.

"Wow!!! Your parents are okay with that?"

"I'm lucky, they accept me being gay.  They've said Josh needs his own room
in case some social services inspector comes to check us out but they know
where he's sleeping."

"My parents would kill me if they knew.  Chris's too.  We sleep over at
each other's house but need to be pretty careful."

"My parents have known about me for over a year.  My mother walked in on
Aaron and me once but she told me this morning that she knew before that.
She said mothers know.  If she's right then maybe your parents already know
...or at least suspect.  No offense but it's not like you and Chris are
subtle."

Ryan frowned when I said that.

"I didn't mean that in a bad way.  It's not like you're flamers or
anything, not that there is anything wrong with that if it's your
thing. It's just kind of obvious you mean a lot to each other.  Maybe I
just know what to look for."

"If they suspect they haven't said anything and probably don't want
confirmation.  My father is always making derogatory comments about gays.
He claims he's got nothing against 'those people' but it's kind of obvious
what he really thinks."

"What would he say if he knew you had a couple of gay friends who live
together?" I asked smiling.

"I'm pretty sure I know but I don't really want to find out."

"Don't worry, Josh isn't ready to tell the world yet," I smiled.

- - -

Josh was waiting for me when I walked out the door with Ryan when the
period was over.  If I do say so myself he looked really good and I had
just seen him an hour ago.  I felt my cock stir when I saw him smile.  If
he does that every day then sooner or later I'm going to slip up and give
him a kiss right there in the hall in front of everyone.  I knew I wouldn't
but the thought of dragging him back to the restroom did cross my mind.
Ryan definitely noticed.  He just laughed and shook his head.

Our last class was Mr. Harrison's Philosophy class.  He looked surprised
when Josh and I walked in together.  I just nodded when he smiled.

"What's up with him?"

"I'll tell you later."

Class was pretty boring and I didn't really pay attention.  I was too busy
thinking about my appointment with Dr. Medford.  I wished I could stop
seeing him but that was probably too much to hope for.  Hopefully he'd at
least see I was doing a lot better and not want to see me as often.

After school, Josh and I drove to my appointment with Dr. Medford.  It was
about a forty-five minute ride since his office was near the hospital in
where my mother worked.  Sometimes I'd stop by and see her after my
appointment and if she wasn't busy we'd get something to eat at a nearby
coffee shop.  I think she enjoyed times when it was just the two of us.

Neither of us said much as we drove to my appointment.  I was lost in
thought thinking about what I was going to say.  I really felt I was doing
good.  I felt good and it was all because of the guy sitting in the
passenger seat.  Every once in a while I'd glance over and look at him.  He
seemed lost in thought too.

We drove about fifteen minutes when Josh asked if I was mad at him.

At first I didn't think I heard him right but when he asked again I knew
something was wrong.

"No, of course not.  Why would you think that?"

"You haven't said anything since we left school. I thought you might be mad
about what I did in the restroom.  I'm sorry if you are.  I had no right
kissing you like that in front of kids we don't know."

I smiled and reached over to take his hand.  "Josh, get that thought out of
your head.  You didn't do anything wrong.  Have you been worrying about
that all afternoon?  I've told you I don't care who knows I'm gay or that
we're together.  It wouldn't bother me if you kissed me in the middle of
the cafeteria.  Actually I'd kind of enjoy it but I know that would be
pretty stupid.  I'm proud of you for doing what you did.  Besides, I liked
it," I smiled squeezing his hand.

"I was just thinking what Dr. Medford is going to say.  Hopefully he will
see that I'm happy and have put what happened behind me.  You're the reason
for that.  I'm so lucky you gave me a chance after how I treated you.  You
have to promise me something though.  If something is bothering you then
tell me.  Don't keep it all inside."

"I'm the lucky one, not just for you but for everything your family is
doing for me.  It's funny how life works out.  A week ago finding someone I
love who also loves me and being rid of my father was only a dream.  Now
we're sleeping together.  Last night was fantastic," he smiled.

I smiled and reached towards his crotch after parking the car.  "Wait until
tonight, I'll give you a repeat performance."

"Great," he laughed.  "Now I'll have to meet your shrink with a hardon.
Thanks a lot."

I smiled and leaned over to kiss him.  Nobody was around so I felt it was
safe.  "Don't worry, he won't notice.  It's too small," I laughed.

"Asshole," he laughed.  "You better be careful.  I'll tell him about all
your 'Aaron moments' even if I have to make them up.  Maybe I'll tell him
how you moan his name in your sleep when I rub your crotch."

I just looked at him.  "Tell me I didn't do that."

He just gave me a shit eating grin.

"Josh???  I didn't, did I?"

"No, if you did I would have woken you up ....abruptly," he smiled.

I sat back in my seat and sighed.  "That's not funny.  It wasn't very nice
either."

"Then don't make fun of my cock," he smiled.

I laughed.  "Alright, I won't.  There's not enough there to make fun of
anyway."

He laughed.  "You didn't seem to complain when it was down your throat last
night."

I gave him another kiss.  "And I won't tonight either but if I told you I
thought your cock is perfect it wouldn't be half as much fun."

He smiled.  "I didn't go too far joking about you moaning Aaron's name did
I?  I was just joking."

"Anyone else and I might be upset but I'm actually glad we can joke about
it. ...I think.  ...You ready? Dr. Medford awaits.  You do know I'll have
to tell him about us, right?"

"Duh!!"

- - -

Dr. Medford's office was in a medical building near the hospital.  Various
doctors had offices in the building.  Dr. Medford had a small office on the
third floor.  Walking in there was a small waiting room with a
receptionist.  I never saw anyone in the waiting room since Dr. Medford had
a private practice and didn't have any associates.  If someone was waiting
when I got there then they either had to be early for their appointment or
Dr. Medford was running really late, something he never did.

Today was no different.  Josh and I walked in about five minutes before my
scheduled appointment and the waiting room was empty.  I checked in with
the receptionist who is always cheerful.  Her name is Joyce and she takes
the time to talk to me about school or family when I check in.  She
actually has a daughter who goes to my school but told me not to worry.
She tole me she can't say anything to her about me being a patient.  She
likes to joke though and always says she's available.

Joyce looked at Josh when I checked in.

"Hi Dan, glad you could join us today.  We missed you on Friday."  I guess
that was her way of reminding me I had missed my appointment.

"Hi Joyce.  I'm sorry, something happened at school and I totally forgot.
Was he mad?"

She smiled.  "He was worried and will probably say something but I think he
liked the break.  Fridays are pretty hectic. ....Who is this?"

"Oh, this is Josh.  He's a friend of mine.  It's a long story, something
Dr. Medford will probably want to hear.  He'll probably want to meet him
too."

She looked at him but didn't say anything.  "He should be right out.  He's
with another patient right now.  Why don't you have a seat."

Another thing about Dr. Medford's office is that you never see other
patients.  Everyone left through another door.  Josh and I sat down and
talked softly.  I thanked him again for coming and didn't really know if
Dr. Medford would want to talk with him or not.  He wasn't really nervous
but he was a little ill at ease since he'd never talked to a 'shrink'
before.  I smiled and told him to relax.  I'd probably go in first and then
if Dr. Medford wanted to include him he could come in.  If not then he
could read a boring magazine and wait for me.

We had been there about five minutes when Dr. Medford came out.

"Good afternoon Dan.  I missed you last week."  He said giving Josh a
questioning look.

"I'm sorry Jim (he didn't want me to call him Dr. Medford), something
happened at school and I completely forgot.  I didn't remember until my
mother asked how my appointment went."

"Did it have something to do with this young man?"

"You might say that.  This is Josh.  I'll tell you all about it and him," I
smiled. "I thought you might want to meet him."

Dr. Medford knew I was gay although Joyce didn't.  She was watching
intently not that I was worried.  She wouldn't say anything to anyone.

"Why don't you come in and tell me what's going on.  I must say you seem in
a much better mood today."

"I am," I smiled.  "That's something else I want to talk to you about."

"Come on in then."

Before leaving I looked at Josh.  "Don't look so serious," I smiled.
"Maybe this will loosen you up," I said as I leaned down and gave him a
kiss.  He was a little surprised but didn't seem to mind.  I noticed Joyce
smiling.  I guess she did know.  "Relax," I said.  "I'll see you in a few
minutes."

Dr. Medford just watched before shutting the door behind us.  I kept my
eyes locked on Josh's for as long as possible.  After he shut the door I
took a seat in the chair I always used.  Dr. Medford sat in another chair
nearby.  Contrary to popular belief he didn't have a couch in his office.
Maybe that was just him or that was just on TV.

"I take it Josh is a good friend," he smiled.

"He's my boyfriend."

"Oh?  Is that what happened Friday?"

"It's a long story.  It's really been going on since I moved here.  I know
I should have told you before but I didn't know how to deal with it.  I
just wanted to avoid it."

"Well, I can't help you unless you're open with me.  I do think we've made
progress but you obviously still felt the need to keep things inside.  Are
you ready to talk about it now?"

I nodded and for the next twenty minutes told him about what had been going
on since I moved here. I also told him how I realize I was just feeling
sorry for myself and being selfish.

"So let me get this straight.  You're telling me that the boy in my waiting
room looks exactly like the boy you lost and now he's your boyfriend?
That's something we're going to have to talk about.  I won't go into the
psycho-speak about that, I'm just concerned you're transferring your
feelings for Aaron onto Josh.  You're sure you've told him everything?"

"He knows more than anyone else and yes, he does look like Aaron but I know
he's not.  Have I ever shown you a picture of Aaron?  You can see for
yourself."

I realized I still had the pictures of us together in my wallet and handed
them to Dr. Medford.

"I have to put those away.  I said good-bye to Aaron the other night and
put his pictures away.  I even took off the necklace that he gave me.  I
forgot these."

"When I first saw him I really had trouble dealing with it but things are
good now.  I haven't felt like this since before Aaron died.  I won't
forget him, I can't but Josh has made me feel whole again.  He has some
things going on in his life as well.  I can't say anything about that
unless he is here.  It wouldn't be right."

"Why don't you get him.  I know your appointment is almost over but I don't
have anyone scheduled to come in for the next half hour.  Why don't the
three of us talk and then decide how we go from here. I'll be honest Dan, I
do see a lot of improvement in your attitude but I'm worried too.  I know
you said you know Josh isn't Aaron but I'm sure you can understand why I'm
concerned.  If something should happen then you might end up worse off than
before.  You both need to be aware of that.  That said I think we should
take things one step at a time.  Why don't you get him and the three of us
can talk."

I smiled.  "That's what we've said too, one step at a time.  I admit we've
been taking some big steps but I really do feel good.  I've also thought
about what would happen if it didn't work out between us.  I really don't
think it would be the same as with Aaron.  Josh has made me see how I've
been the last year and I don't think it will happen again. I'll be right
back."

I opened the door and immediately saw Josh's eyes looking at me.  He really
did have a cute smile.

"Can you come in?"

Josh came in and took a seat next to me.  Dr. Medford looked at him and
then at the picture of Aaron.

"Amazing," he said.  "You know you should have told me Dan.  How do you
expect me to help you if you keep things this important to yourself.  We
were working on one set of problems and you were dealing with another."

I felt bad.  Dr. Medford was actually a nice guy.  He wanted to help me and
he was right.  He couldn't help me if he didn't know all the facts.

"I'm sorry.  I don't know why I didn't tell you.  At first it was because I
didn't know you and my parents were forcing me to come.  I just wanted to
be left alone.  Everything just snowballed."

"Alright, but from now on I need you to tell me the truth.  I really do
just want what is best for you. ...Josh, Dan says he's told you about your
resemblance to his life long friend.  How much has he told you?"

Josh looked at me not knowing quite what to say.  I think he wanted to make
sure it was okay with me.

"It's okay," I smiled.  "He needs to know."

"I don't know if he's told me everything.  I think he has. He's told me
quite a bit.  He told me how he and Aaron were born a day apart in the same
hospital, how they grew up together, how much they meant to each other, how
he died as well as what it has been like for him coming here and meeting
me.  I know that was hard for him but it was hard for me too.  We've talked
about that.  I had this major crush on him pretty much from the first day I
saw him but he didn't seem to want anything to do with me.  He'd talk with
everyone else but when it came to me there was nothing, almost no emotion
at all.  I understand why now but it hurt, it really hurt.  He knows that."

I knew I had hurt him but until that moment I didn't really understand just
how much.  Sometimes no matter how much you hear something things just
don't click. When they do it's like a light bulb goes on and you feel like
such an idiot.  Looking at him I could see tears in his eyes.  Hearing him
tell someone else was like being punched in the stomach.  All I could think
about was how much I loved him and how much I had hurt him.  I had told him
I'd never hurt him.  Hearing him made me realize how much I meant that.  I
didn't ever want having to ask him to forgive me again.  I reached over and
held his hand.  When we made eye contact he smiled.

"I'm okay," he said wiping his eyes.

"And now?  Dan told me you're his boyfriend.  I'm sure he has feelings for
you but I need to be convinced those feelings are for you and not for Aaron
through you."

"I've thought about that a lot.  It was one of the first things we talked
about once he finally told me. He said he wanted to make sure that wasn't
the case too.  So far I believe him.  Sure, I see him looking at me
sometimes and I know he's thinking about him.  I can understand that.  We
even joke about it calling it an 'Aaron moment' when he does it.  They're
becoming less and less though.  I think he's seeing enough differences
between us that he doesn't really see me as Aaron so much.  His parents
have told me how he's acting more and more like his old self now."

"How do you feel about all this?"

"I'm still a little over-whelmed.  I've never had a boyfriend and kind have
had a shitty life.  Sometimes I worry if he'll feel the same after he gets
to know me better."

"Josh ... I thought we talked about that."

"We did and I want to believe you, I really do.  It's just everything
that's going on with my father, everything you're dealing with, my life in
general, like I said I'm just overwhelmed."

"Dan said you had some things going on in your life.  He wouldn't say what
unless you said it was okay.  Will you tell me what's going on?  I'm not
your doctor but since this is said in the confines of Dan's treatment then
the same doctor patient confidentiality applies.  Anything you say won't
leave this room."

He looked at me and then back at Dr. Medford.  Then he summarized his life
since his mother died including the fact he was now living with us until
his aunt got home, how my father was helping him and how he felt like he
was part of a family again.  All the time Josh was talking Dr. Medford
looked back and forth between us.  I could see him out of the corner of my
eye even though my eyes never left Josh's.  When he stopped I realized I
had been holding his hand the entire time.

"Okay Josh, I think I get the picture.  I wish there was more I could do to
help you.  You're not my patient and my main concern is Dan's well-being.
It might be good if you considered getting some counseling yourself.  I
don't think I could do it because it could present me with a conflict of
interest at some point.  I can recommend someone if you're interested.
Give it some thought.  Counseling can help IF you confide in your
counselor," he said looking at me.

"As far as your relationship with Dan I'd like to make a couple of points.
First, I don't think you have to worry that Dan's feelings will change as
he gets to know you better.  I was watching him when you were talking and I
think I understand the type of person he is.  It's obvious he cares about
you.  I can see it in his eyes."

I smiled and squeezed his hand again.

"Second, I know you have a lot going on but I really think that could
actually help when it comes to Dan not thinking about you as Aaron.  What
you're dealing with is tragic but it gives you both something to focus on
that will let you get to know each other in your own ways."

"That said, I do recommend you take things slow.  You're living together
for the foreseeable future.  I don't know about your sleeping arrangements
but understand you're both healthy sixteen year old boys.  I'm not going to
ask about sex but if it hasn't happened I'm sure it will at some point.
Just go slow.  Be there for each other but remember what each other is
dealing with."

Josh turned five shades of red when Dr. Medford mentioned sex.  I just
smiled.  "He called me a slut," I smiled squeezing his hand to make sure he
knew I was joking.

Dr. Medford laughed.  "I'm sure there is a story there.  It's nice to see
you laughing Dan, and Josh, don't be embarrassed.  There is nothing wrong
with showing your love for someone.  I think it's obvious Dan has more
experience than you."

 I laughed. "Are you calling me a slut too?"

He just laughed.  "Like I was saying, Dan probably has had more experience.
Just go slow.  Don't do anything you're not comfortable with.  Talk to each
other and remember how each other is feeling."

"We are Dr. ... ah, Jim.  We've agreed to wait on certain things and we're
taking everything else one step at a time."

"That's good.  I really think you've turned a corner Dan.  I can't really
take much credit for it but I'm glad.  Why don't we see how things go?
Let's keep your scheduled appointment on Friday and if things keep going
well we should be able to cut back on how often we get together.  Maybe go
to weekly for a couple weeks, then every other week.  We'll play it by
ear."

Before we left Dr. Medford wanted to talk to Josh alone.  He said he just
wanted to go over a couple of things and if Josh wanted to tell me later he
could.  In the meantime he wanted me to wait outside the door.  I was
definitely curious but waited in the hall for Josh to come out.  It was
probably only five minutes but it seemed longer since I hated to wait.

"You want to get something to eat?" I asked as we were walking back to the
parking garage.  "My head is spinning.  There's a coffee shop I sometimes
go to with my mother after my appointments.  Want to go there?"

"Can we just pick something up?  I'd like to go by my house.  Your father
was asking about my birth certificate.  It must be there someplace.  My
father has a box where he keeps papers."

"Okay, but first I want to tell you something.  Let's get in the jeep."

Josh looked puzzled as he got in the passenger side.  I looked at him and
smiled.

"Don't worry, it's not bad.  I just wanted to thank you for coming.  I know
you would have rather done something ...anything else.  It's not easy to
open up to a stranger, especially when he mentioned sex.  You should have
seen your face," I smiled.  "I do think it was important for him to see us
together though.  He got to see how we relate to each other."

"I wanted to come."

"And I appreciate it but there is something else I want to tell you too."

"I think I know what you're going to say.  I know you get upset when I say
some of the stuff I did.  I'm sorry."

"I'm not upset," I said taking his hands in mine.  "Please look at me.. I
promise you I'll do whatever I can to help you get rid of any doubts you
have about why I feel like I do or that it won't last.  You can't think
like that.  Right now when I'm with you, when I think of you, my heart
pounds and my stomach does flip flops.  I hope you feel the same way and
that we always feel like this, it's a great feeling."

"I know we can't predict the future.  That's one thing I've learned the
last year.  There is so much we don't have control over but I promise you I
won't hurt you and I'll always be there for you unless I'm dead.  We can't
worry about what might happen.  We have to enjoy what we have now."

I was holding both his hands and looking into his eyes.  We both had tears
in our eyes.

"That's what Dr. Medford said when he talked to me alone.  He said from the
short time he spent with us he could tell I'm a 'good kid' and that's what
you see too and if you don't then it's your problem," he laughed.  "I know
I'm a good person.  It's just I've been on my own for so long.  I don't
know what it's like to have someone love me, let alone why they would want
to."

"Josh, stop that.  You're going to have to learn what it's like to have
someone love you because I do.  As to why I can't really tell you.  I can
say how you're a good person, cute, lovable, and fun to be with.  It's all
of that but mostly it's how you make me feel.  I know you're not going to
stop worrying about it but will you try?  Don't just not talk about it
either.  I don't want you to worry about it and just not say anything.  If
you keep feeling like that then tell me, we'll deal with it. ...Okay?"

He seemed to be thinking about what I said but then just smiled and nodded.
"I'll be okay," he smiled.  "I just need to believe that you really can
love me like you say.  I know you do but there is still that little voice
in my head that says it can't be real or that it can go away as fast as it
came."

"What's the absolute worse that can happen?  We could love each other and
then lose each other either through an accident like Aaron or me or we
could end up hating each other.  We can't worry about that.  Even if the
worst does happen, and I really hope it doesn't, life will go on.  That's
one thing I've learned the last year as well.  I'm so happy I met you but
if for some reason things don't work out for us it's a big world out there.
There will be someone else who feels the same way I do about you right now.
Just don't be looking for him yet. I smiled.

He laughed.  "You should have Dr. Medford's job.  You sound just like him."

"I guess that's what happens going to counseling for the last year.  Are
you ready to get something to drink and swing by your house.  I think I'll
call my father first just to make sure your father won't be there."

My father said we should just go home.  He was bringing the lawyer who is
helping on Josh's case by the house and he wants Josh to meet him.  He also
told us the guy's friend from social services was coming as well.  They
both needed to talk with Josh and the person from social services wanted to
check out where Josh was living.

Josh wasn't too happy when I told him someone from social services was
coming to the house.  I'm sure he wished all this could go away and he
could just be a teenager. He was nervous that he'd have to go somewhere
else, even back to his father, no matter how much I tried to tell him not
to worry.  It's tough to tell someone not to worry when you're worried
yourself.  We ended up just buying a couple of Dr. Peppers at a nearby
convenience store and going home.

To Be Continued