Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2000 14:05:04 -0500
From: WebWorm <webworm@nex.net>
Subject: Why Me? Chapter 8

Author's note: This is my first attempt so please be gentle with me.  The
story is part fact and part fiction.  There's not a lot of gratuitous sex
in it because it's a love story.  I'll suggest the sex and let your
imagination do the rest.  I would love to get comments, both pro and con.
Replies can be sent to: webworm@nex.net

Dedication: To the loving memory of Marcus Aaron, sweet little sixteen.  I
still miss you sweetie even after 4 hard years.  There's a hole in my heart
that will never be replaced but the fond memories of our time in the sun
and the love we showered each other with warm me continually.  I love you,
MAC.  Peace and love to your Mom and Aunt Wilma.

This story is protected by copyright.  And if you don't know what that
means go see your Lawyer `cause if you break the laws my Lawyer will be
wanting to meet with yours.

NOTE: SORRY ABOUT TAKING SO LONG ON THIS CHAPTER AND NOT MAILING
ADVANCE NOTICES ON THE LAST CHAPTER OR THIS ONE BUT I LOST OUTLOOK
EXPRESS WITH ALL MY ADDRESSES IN IT.  I'M NOT GONNA SCREW WITH ANYTHING
ELSE TILL MY NEW COMPUTER COMPLETE WITH DSL IS INSTALLED AT THE END OF
THE MONTH.   I'LL JUST PLUG ALONG ON THIS OLD DINOSAUR UNTIL THEN.  THANKS
GUYS,


Why Me?
Chapter 8


While Richard lay asleep in one part of town, Zack rolled over in the bed
and looked at Brent.  Here was the man that he had dreamed of the last 2
years of college in the same bed, naked beside him.  "Pinch me someone.
Wake me up.  Is it really a dream?" Zack thought to himself.  No, it wasn't
a dream.  He propped himself up on his elbow and bathed in the beauty of
this wonderful man sleeping at his side.  He looked at the alarm clock and
saw that is was thirty minutes till the alarm would go off and they would
have to get ready to go to work.  So, why not?  Why not tease him awake and
get a few soft caresses or even better yet, some loving.  Even if it had
only been about six hours Zack was literally up for another round of hot,
sensuous, passionate love making.  He put his face next to Brent's and
gently brushed his lips across the forehead, eyebrows and lips of his
bedmate.  He glanced down and from the vision he saw in the furry patch
where Brent's strong legs met his torso, Zack surmised that someone was
playing possum so he rolled over and started from the bed.

"Shit, looks like lover boy is too tired this morning." Zack said with a
sly grin on his mouth.

"Hey, what'd you stop for?" Brent asked.

"Well, looks like Brer Possum has finally come back from the dead." Zack
replied.

Zack crawled back beside Brent and Brent pulled him close and planted a
fiery kiss on his lips.  Mouths spread and tongues began to do battle.
Zack broke the kiss and looked deep into Brent's hazel eyes and said "A few
months back I only dreamed of waking up beside you looking at your
beautiful face.  Now, it still seems like a dream, a sweet dream.  Brent, I
have loved you for a long time now and sometimes I have to really slap
myself to realize that this dream has come true.".

"I know.  I can't imagine being so stupid as to not realize there was
something deeper than `best buds'.  Be quiet and let's make up for lost
time." Brent said as he pulled Zack's lip back to his.  They groped,
changed positioned, rimmed, performed orally and then Brent `assumed the
position' on his back with his heels pulled behind his head and Zack
mounted him.

"Who would have guessed that this big, macho, big dicked football player
would have helium heels?" Zack teased.  "Go figure." Brent replied and he
pulled Zack in for some more deep tonsil cleaning.

They finished making love and Zach reached for his cigarette pack on the
bedside table.  It was a new pack so he held it in one hand and slammed it,
butt end, on the palm of his other hand to tamp the tobacco down.

"Don't do that, please." Brent asked.

Zack looked at Brent and noticed tears streaming from his eyes.  He laid
the package on the table and said "I'm sorry.  I know smoking is bad but I
only smoke about5 a day, once in the morning, after meals and after ..."
and he grinned.

Brent smiled at Zach's comment and said "It's not your smoking.  It's
packing the cigarettes.  It brings up some really bad memories.".

"I'm sorry.  I didn't know.  You wanna tell me about it?" Zach said as he
put his arm around Brents shoulders and held him tightly.

"When I was in Junior High School I already had it figured out that I was
gay.  I begged Coach to let me be the towel boy for the Football team and
he did let me.  I would sneak around to get peeks at the players and one
afternoon I was there later than usual and Tyler Bland, the most gorgeous
man you have ever seen was still in the shower room.  He was 6'3"'s tall,
had blonde hair and blue eyes, a thick growth of blonde hair all over his
chest that trailed down to this gorgeous uncut cock, low hangers and nice
hairy legs.  He was SO MACHO looking.  I got in the towel cage and hid
watching him and got so horny that I puled my cock out and started
stroking.  I didn't hear Coach come up behind me and he tapped me on the
shoulder. I looked around and saw him and turned so white I blended in with
the towels.  He crooked his finger at me indicating I was to follow him.  I
admired this man so much and now he had caught me in the most embarrassing
act.  Anyway, I followed him and we went to his office.  He sat me down and
said to `Stay there.'.  He left the room and I heard him and Tyler joking
around.  I felt about 6 inches tall because I knew that he was out there
ratting on me to Tyler, my hero.  I was ready to run home and kill myself.
He stayed gone for about thirty minutes and I heard him bid Tyler say their
good byes and then he came back in the office." Brent related to Zach.

"And once he was back in the office he started chiding me about `hiding and
watching' the stud's get naked, called me a fag boy and threatened to
report me to the office and my parents.  I was so scared I was shaking.
Then he made an agreement with me to keep quiet if I would be his little
slut whore.  The price for his silence was to let him fuck me when he got
horny for a piece of fag boy ass.  Anything was better than being exposed
so I agreed.  He made me get naked and lean up against his desk.  He finger
fucked me with his rough hands until I could feel blood running down the
side of my legs.  Then he held my cheeks apart and put that ugly little
dick of his against me and he rammed it home without any lube.  I almost
passed out from the pain.  He had no sooner gotten in when he shot his
load.  He told me to get dressed and get my ass out of his office until he
needed me again.  He then opened the top drawer of his desk and pulled out
a new pack of cigarettes and began furiously packing them.  Hearing you
pack yours, or anyone else as a matter of fact, brings back terrible
memories." Brent relayed the story and then began weeping and drew in tight
to Zack's chest.

"Now, now.  You don't have to worry about that anymore.  No one is going to
rape you anymore."  Zack said, himself weeping now.  Zack didn't ask any
questions because it seemed like a tender subject.  They held each other
tightly for several minutes and Zack reminded Brent that they needed to get
ready for work and they got up and went in and showered each other with
warm soapy water and lots of loving caresses.

On the way to work Brent had composed himself enough to finish the story
about how he finally got tired of being abused by Coach and confided in a
rookie cop, Mac.  Brent told how Mac went to the school and reported the
abuse to the School authorities and told them if they didn't get rid of
Coach he would file a formal complaint.  Brent had only agreed to it when
Mac promised him that he would remain anonymous since he was a minor.  They
got rid of Coach and instructed him that he must find a new line of work
because if any other school ever asked for references for him that it would
go public.  Coach pulled up his family and moved and no on has ever heard
from him since then.

Back at the Dean household, Richard got up and checked his E-mail to see if
there were any messages from Tony or Dave.  No new mail showed which put
Richard on a downer.  He had such high hopes that his search was finally
over.  Then his thoughts turned to the cute boy of his dreams, Chad, and he
got on a natural high.  He floated down the stairs whistling the melody to
"Somewhere" from West Side Story.

"Morning parental units." Richard shouted.

"Good morning son." His Dad replied.

"My, but you're on cloud nine this morning." His Mom replied.

"Son, I have to go on a business trip this Thursday and your Mother would
like to go with me.  Do you think you can manage by yourself for four
days?" his Dad asked.

"No problemo, Dad.  Four days, huh?" Richard replied.

"Yeah, I have to be in Cleveland Friday morning and we're going to drive
out Thursday.  Then when the meeting is over we're going to spend the
entire weekend at the Ritz Hotel and do Cleveland Saturday and drive back
on Sunday.  I'll have the cell phone with me so if you need me for anything
you can reach me." his Dad answered.

"I'll be fine.  You know I can get up and get to work all by myself.  The
house may get a little lonesome.  Any problem if Chad stays over? " Richard
asked.

"None whatsoever.  No wild parties though." his Dad instructed him.

"I promise that won't happen.  At most a couple of the guys may come over
Saturday night but feel free to call and check up on us at any time."
Richard responded.

Richard was off to work on an even higher plane now.  He had felt
uncomfortable having Chad over ever since their relationship had changed
gears.  He wasn't sure if `sex' would occur but if it did, he would feel
more comfortable doing it at home instead of out in the woods or in the
back seat of a car.  He walked in Uncle Bob's and yelled a morning greeting
to his friend.

"Well, if you don't act like the cat that ate the canary this morning."
Uncle Bob said.

"It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood." Richard sang imitating
Mr. Rogers.

Bob just smiled.  He was so pleased that Richard seemed to be back on the
right track and seemed so much happier these days.  The change was
noticeable to everyone.  Richard had come out of his shell and was a true
joy to be around.  They spent the day soldering this, disassembling that,
doing all the things that made electronic gadgets well again and, as with
everyday, candid conversation aimed at building Richard's self esteem.

Richard returned home that afternoon and picked up the phone to tell Chad
the good news.  Not only was he going to get to spend the better part of
four days with him but the next weekend they had plans to go to Saugatuck,
Michigan and meet up with his `puter friend and his new buddy.  "The
computer!" he thought and ran to turn it on.  Allright, there's a new
E-mail message.  Richard pulled down the new message and it was from Tony.

It read: "Hey Richard- I got a message from Dave in Taos that someone was
trying to get in touch with me with a message.  From the information he
gave me it sounds like I am the Tony Jenkins that you are looking for.  I
hope it is not bad news.  I've had enough of that lately.  My E-mail
account is here at the Library in Denver - can't afford one of my own - you
know how starving artist's are. ;-) so it may take a day or two to respond.
I'll wait for your reply.  Tony"

Richard was ecstatic.  His mission of finding Tony was accomplished.  Now
how was he going to tell Tony all the news he had for him especially the
fact that his Mother had died.  He decided to skip that unless directly
asked.

He began: "Tony, I am pleased that I have finally found you.  I work for
your Father in his Electronics Repair Shop.  He is doing fine and is a
wonderful friend of mine.  I owe him a lot for what he has done for me and
feel that finding you may be a small repayment.  I have heard a lot about
you and the circumstances under which you left.  I will also tell you that
I am gay so you know where I am coming from and, yes, he knows that I am
gay and has no problem with it. He has no problem with your being gay
either, Tony.  He misses you so much and wants to see you again.  I know
that you may not have much money to travel here with so please do not let
that be a factor in your decision of to come or not to come.  I will see to
it that you will have a way back here from Denver.  If you want to talk,
please feel free to call me collect at my home.  The phone number is
xxx-xxx-xxxx.  If you have access to ICQ at the library my ICQ number is
16000587.Just E- mail me with the time and date you want to talk.
Sincerely, Richard"

and he hit the send button on the computer.

Now the decision of whether or not to tell Bob that he had located Tony.
He decided that it was pretty early and Tony might elect to not come at
all.

Richard picked up the phone and dialed Chad.  Chad answered the phone and
Richard shouted "I found him.  I found him." Into the mouthpiece.

"Easy there sport.  Would you like to talk to Chad?" Chad's Father asked.

"Ooops, sorry Mr. T." Richard replied apologetically.

"Hello Bud." Chad said when he came on the line.

Again Richard shouted "I found him.  I found him." ecstatically.

"All right.  Where was he?" Chad asked.

"In Denver.  We are having to communicate by E-mail so we've only just made
the first round of talks so it's too soon to see if he will come back to
visit his Dad." Richard said.

"Oh, before I forget it, what are you doing this Thursday?" Richard asked.

"Nothing important. Why?" Chad asked.

"How would you like to come stay with me from Thursday till Sunday?  The
parents are going away and leaving me alone till Sunday." Richard asked.

Wheels started turning in Chad's head and he said "Damn right.  That would
be awesome.  I'll have to clear it with the `rents but we've done it before
and they had no problems.  Err I mean we've done sleepovers, not `it'."
Chad said laughingly.

"I'll be over after dinner, if that's okay, and we can watch TV or play on
the `Station'." Chad said.

"Sounds like a plan, Stan." Richard replied and he went downstairs to help
his Mom with dinner.

"Mom, I need to ask something.  You guys seem to have more trust in me now
that I have my stuff together.  I want to do everything I can to keep that
trust.  I promise you that I will be okay and not do anything that is wrong
when you guys go off this Thursday.  I've got a favor to ask though,
actually I have two favors to ask now that I think of it." Richard said.

"Well, you've certainly turned things around 180 degrees since the first of
the summer and your Dad and I are real proud of that.  Yes, we do trust you
and you will have our trust until you do something to show us that we
shouldn't.  Just remember, Hon, your Father and I will always love you, no
matter what.  Never lie to us and always come to us if you have a problem.
That's all we ask.  And we are proud of you.  You can't imagine how proud."
His Mom said and she hugged him and gave him a peck on the forehead.

"Okay, the first thing is would it be okay if Chad and I went over to a
beach in Michigan Sunday after next with two of our friends?" Richard
asked.

"Well, it'll probably be okay.  How far away is it?" his Mom asked.

"Probably two to three hours away." Richard answered.

"I'll talk to your Dad. These are responsible kids, aren't they?" she
asked.

"Sure are.  The guy driving is Mr. McMillin that owns Sports Break's son,
Brent." He replied.

"Next favor?" she asked.

"Okay, this is a toughie.  Uncle Bob's son ran away from home 20 years ago
and it has really been tough on both of them.  Uncle Bob doesn't know where
he is but I have located him on the Internet.  He is in Denver and
destitute.  If it all works out could we somehow pay to bring him back here
and surprise Uncle Bob?  Sort of to show my appreciation for what he has
done for me.  I'll chip in what I can." Richard asked.

"If you feel that strongly Richard, you can tell him that his air fare will
be taken care of." his Mom said.

"All right!!!  Mom, that's great.  Thanks." Richard said.

Richard's Father arrived home and the family sat around the table
discussing their days, normal family meal talk.  Richard's Mom asked his
Dad about the trip and he agreed to let him go to Michigan with his
friends.  They finished up and Richard and his Dad did the dishes and then
went into the Den.  The doorbell rang shortly thereafter.

The two guys went to Richard's room and upon closing the door, you guessed
it.  They locked lips.  Richard led Chad over to his bed and they sat down
on the edge of it.  Chad started rubbing Richard's back in large circular
motions.  They sat and talked excitedly about the upcoming weekend together
and the trip to Michigan the following Sunday.  This had been a very busy
week and it was only Tuesday.  Richard started up his computer and they sat
on the bed leaning back against the headboard and watched TV for a while.
Holding hands and keeping a safe distance in case a parent might drop in.
Richard's parents always respected his privacy but they could take no
chances so any loving they did had to be superficial so that they could
recover quickly should the unexpected happen.  They heard the phone ring
and Richard's Mom announced that he had a call.  Richard went to the hall
and got the phone and brought it back in the bedroom.

"Hello" Richard answered.

"Hey Richard.  Eric here.  What are you up to?" Eric asked.

"Oh, Chad and I are just passing time watching TV and playing on the
computer." Richard answered.

"Oh, sorry.  I didn't mean to be disturbing you." Eric replied.

"You're not interrupting a thing.  In fact, if you're not busy and have
time, why don't you come on over." Richard said.

"You're sure I wouldn't be interrupting anything.  It would be nice to get
away from this madhouse." Eric replied.

"I wouldn't invite you if I wasn't serious so get your butt up and move
it." Richard jokingly replied.

"That's me you see running out the door." Eric replied and he hung up the
phone and in a short while Richard and Chad heard his noisy beater pull up
in the drive.  Richard went downstairs to greet Eric and then introduced
him to Richard's parents.  Then they retired to Richard's room.

"Man, it's good to get out of that house.  My older brother and a couple of
his friends are smoking and getting crazy.  When they get high something
disastrous usually happens like me and him getting in a fight, either
verbally or physically." Eric said.  Eric was sitting at Richard's desk and
he nonchalantly picked up Richard's History book.  Instantly Chad broke out
laughing followed by Richard.

"What's so funny, guys?  Did I fart or something?" Eric asked.  Richard got
up off the bed and took the book from Eric and peeled the tape of the
incised pocket he had made and pulled the picture out and handed it to
Eric.

"For your scrapbook.  Or the fireplace, whatever." Richard said.

Eric's face turned seven shades of crimson.  "Too bad that nice piece of
meat is already taken."  He joked.

"What do you mean?" Chad asked.

"I've figured it out.  You two guys are an `item' as they say." Eric stated
matter-of-factly.  "If you weren't already taken Richard I'd be chasing at
your heels."  And Eric pulled the trash can out from under the desk, picked
up a pair of scissors and began to began to make confetti of the
`evidence'.

Chad and Richard looked at each other and smiled.  Richard asked Eric "Are
you gay or bi, Eric?"

"I'd have to say that I am probably gay, maybe bi.  I've had sex with girls
before and I had no problems performing.  I have no problems getting dates
with girls but somehow the quest to make out with guys is much greater than
trying to get it on with some chick.  I don't know if it's the excitement
of the quest that makes it so much more appealing or if I truly am
attracted to guys that makes it more attractive.  The `forbidden fruit'
theory? Eric replied.

"Are there other gay's or bi's in school that you know about?" Chad asked.

"Only a couple that I am absolutely sure of, several I wonder about.  You
know Wade Carter?"  Eric replied.

"Wade Carter?  Wade Carter?  No way." Chad replied amazed.

"Way, buddy.  You know he's on the Football Team and the Basketball Team?
Well, from what he's told me he has had sex with just about every dude that
is on either team.  He has access to lot's of smoke so they get high and
the rest is history.  I think the guys do it just to grab a bag of weed
from him.  That's just the ones he brags about, who knows who else in the
school he's had.  He's blown me many times and I've fucked him on several
occasions. " Eric confessed.

"I always suspected that Jon Fox was.  Never had any reason to suspect him
other than just catching him watching me undress in gym.  He's a cutie and
he seems like a nice guy." Richard said.

"Yeah, I know him but have never heard of him being active or out.  Hmm,
you've given me an idea." Eric said as he sported an evil grin.

The three boys all talked about guys that they thought were good looking or
had knowledge of being out.  Richard looked at his watch and reminded
everyone that it was getting late and he had to work tomorrow.  Eric
excused himself while Chad held back to get one more kiss from his lover
boy.

The lips broke apart and Chad looked into Richard's eyes and said "Only two
more days, Sugar Booger.  Only two more days."

"I know.  Just promise me one thing Chad.  We have promised to go slow so
if either one of us feels uncomfortable, the other has to override their
hormones and stop with no hard feelings.  And I don't mean those kind of
hard feelings." Richard said as he reached down and tweaked Chad's stiff
pole.  "You get yourself adjusted since my folks may still be downstairs
and get out of here.  I have to get to bed."

Chad did as he was told and walked out to his car.  As he opened the door
he glanced up at Richard's window.  Their stood his lover boy waving at him
and as he closed the curtain he blew him a kiss.

Chad went over to the computer to turn it off just as he heard the glass
breaking sound that announced that someone had added him to their list.  He
clicked on it and added them to his list.  Who was this person?
`dali_yummi'?

Pretty soon the familiar `uh oh' announced a message from dali yummi.

"Hey Richard - Tony here.  R U still on line?" the screen announced.

"Hey Tony - yep, I am still up" Richard replied.

"If your offer to cover my airfare is still good, I'd like to take you up
on it.  I need to set things straight with Dad.  I'd been dreading it but
your last e-mail made my decision much easier." Tony messaged.

"My offer is still good.  Search around for a plane reservation and then
let me know what the flight number and departure and arrival cities are and
I will have the tickets waiting at the counter for you."  Richard messaged
back.

"I promise to repay you somehow.  I don't like accepting charity." Tony
messaged.

"Like I told you before, this is MY repayment to your Dad.  You owe me
nothing.  I might not be here today if it were not for him and some of the
people he has helped in the past and my parents." Richard messaged back to
Tony.

"He always was one of the good guys in my book.  I had to leave because I
could not stick around and tarnish his image or mar his perception of me in
any way." Tony messaged.

"I know.  I've had to face those same challenges.  I'm not out to many
people but from talking with my parents, I feel that they will still love
me, just like your Dad still loves you, even after I come out to them.  And
Tony, don't you ever doubt that your Dad doesn't love you still.  I can
attest to that." Richard typed and sent the message.

There was a little lapse of time before the screen `uh oh'ed' again.

"I still love them also.  Very much.  They are constantly in my thoughts
and prayers.  Well, I'd better let you get to sleep.  You're an hour later
than us here in Denver.  I'll e-mail you my itinerary and make it far
enough out to allow you time to react.  Goodnight, dear friend.  I look
forward to meeting you and thank you in person for what you are doing.
Love ya'" the screen replied.

"Good night Tony.  Oh, I'm keeping this a secret from your Dad.  I want it
to be a surprise."  Richard messaged.

"K.  I won't spill the beans.  G'night." Tony messaged back.

Richard went to bed and fell asleep right away.  This had been a busy day -
and a fruitful day.  He awoke the next morning and told his parents of
Tony's acceptance of their offer for free travel at the breakfast table.
His Dad, who traveled extensively, told Richard to go upstairs and e-mail
Tony and tell him to call his local travel agent on the 800 number and they
will take care of everything.  While Richard was upstairs, his Dad picked
up the kitchen phone and called the owner of the agency and authorized the
entire transaction.

Richard arrived at work even more enthusiastic than the last couple of days
when really good things had started to happen.  "Hello Bob." He shouted
when he came in the door.

"I'm in the kitchen.  Come on back and have some coffee before we start."
Bob called back.  They sat at the kitchen table drinking coffee and the
phone rang.  Bob picked up the receiver and said the normal "Bob's
Electronics Repair, Bob speaking....Oh, sure, he's right here...Here
Richard, it's your Mom.".

"Hey Moms.  What up?" Richard asked.

"I know that you want to keep this trip of Tony's a secret so be careful of
what you say if Bob is still around." His Mom said.

"K, I understand." Richard responded.

"Okay, the agency called and he is set to come in to O'hare at 3:40 P.M.
Can you beg off work to go and pick him up or should we get a car to pick
him up?  He's going to check his e-mail at 9 this morning for a reply so we
need to make a decision fairly soon." his Mom said.

"Go for the latter and I'll pay for it when it arrives." Richard replied.

"So have a car pick him up, right?" his Mom asked.

"That's right.  I'll take care of the e-mail from here and tell.. Uh, hold
on a minute." While he went out into the shop where he could talk a little
more freely.  He had almost let the cat out of the bag, possibly.  Tell the
agency that they will be the point man for any problems.  I'll tell the
interested party in the e-mail to keep in contact with agency.  And call me
if there are any complications." Richard responded.

And the plan was set.  Richard had already figured that if the plane came
in at 3:30 P.M. it would take at least 30 minutes to get his luggage and
then 30 to 45 minutes for them to drive here.  He might have to bullshit
with Bob to explain his staying past 5 but there was no way in Hell he
wasn't going to be here for this sweet homecoming.

Time seemed to drag on, as it always does, waiting on the appointed hour.
His Mom had called just before 4 P.M. to let him know that the plane had
arrived and that he was on the plane.  Five P.M. arrived and Bob announced
to Richard that it was time to call it a day.

"Hey Bob.  Can I borrow the power screw driver for a few minutes?  I've got
to replace the headlight in my car and there are a thousand screws holding
it in place. I've got the bulb in my car and will do it right here."
Richard asked.

 "You can take it home with you if you like." Bob responded.

"Nah.  I'd rather do it now and that way I won't have to remember to bring
it back.  I've been having `Senior Moments' these days."  Richard said as
he chuckled.

That gave him an excuse to be outside when Tony came up.  He took the power
driver out and acted as if he was working on the car when he heard the car
pull up.  Richard watched as an extremely handsome man in his late 30's
early 40's got out from behind the steering wheel of the car and went to
the rear door to open it.  The only picture he had seen of Tony was the one
taken when he was 15 that Bob had in the gold frame on his dresser.  But he
could see the resemblance.  Tony was a ruggedly handsome man.  About 6
inches taller than his Dad and with sandy colored hair that had silver
highlights, slender but not skinny and a smile from ear to ear.  Richard
went over to the driver, pulled out his wallet and asked "Sir, how much do
I owe you?"

"Son, I should pay you.  This ride is on the house.  Tony and I are old
friends and you don't know how happy I was to find out that he was my fare
this afternoon.  We're a few minutes late because I had to have just a
little more time with him.  Convince him to stay if you possible can."  The
driver said as he winked at Richard.  "You've got my number, Tony.  Please
call me when you have a free minute.  We've got a lot to catch up on." the
driver called to Tony.  Tony walked over to the driver and embraced him and
patted him on the back.

"So you're Richard?" Tony said.

"And I reckon you're Tony?" Richard said both men smiling at each other
with tears streaming from their eyes.  At that moment the door to the shop
opened and the screen door flew open.  Richard had never seen Bob run
before but at this moment in time, he sped like an Olympian toward Tony.
Tony dropped his bags and grabbed Bob in his outstretched arms and
literally swung him around.  By this time both men were audibly crying and
the tears were flowing like a river.  When the men regained their composure
the three walked toward the shop.

"This is some fine helper you have working for you Dad." Tony remarked.

"I wondered if he had some part in it when he pulled his wallet out to pay
for the car.  Was that Curly Brown's boy that drove you in?" Bob asked
Tony.

"Sure was.  He told me a little about the little `hospital for homo's that
you run here." Tony said.

Richard overheard this comment but thought noting of it at the time.  He
followed Bob and Tony carrying the luggage.  Once inside the house Tony
yelled "Mom, I'm home.".

Bob dropped his head and looked at Tony and the look in Bob's eyes told it
all.  "Oh, Dad.  I am so sorry." And they embraced each other and sobbed
silently on each others shoulder.

Richard left as quietly as he could allowing the two men to share their
grief in private and to begin catching up on events in their lives.  He
drove home and when he walked in the house he went to his Mother and
embraced her and said "I love you Mom.", the sweetest words any mother can
hear from her children.

"And I love you also Richard.  What brought this on?" his Mom asked.

"I guess it's better to tell you when you can appreciate the fact that I
love you and Dad than wait till I don't have the opportunity." Richard said
recalling the earlier incident when Tony found out that his Mother had died
while he was away.

"Oh, Son, that's nice of you to say.  Your Father and I both know that you
love us and you know that we love you also BUT it's extra special to hear
you express it." his Mom said teary eyed.  Her little boy was growing up,
she knew that, into a fine young man.

"Did Tony's arrival go OK?" she asked.

"Much better than expected.  The guy that picked Tony up at the airport was
an old friend of his that was as glad to see him as his Dad was, I think.
He wouldn't accept payment and `Thanked' me for finding Tony."  Richard had
a strong feeling that Tony's chauffeur was going to play a bigger roll in
this reunion than expected.  He just smiled and sat back in the chair.

That evening after dinner the phone rang and Richard answered it.

"Hello" Richard said.

"Richard, this is Bob.  Just wanted to let you know that the shop will be
closed the rest of the week but you'll get paid just like you were at work.
Tony and I have lot's of catching up to do.  I also want you to know that I
will be forever in your debt for bringing my Son back home to me.  I think
this is perhaps one of the best surprises I have ever had in my life.  Hold
on, Tony want's to talk to you." Bob said.

"Hey Pal" Tony said.

"Hello Tony." Richard responded.

"Richard, I don't think I could have said what Pop said to you any better
but I have to tell you how grateful that I am also.  You can never realize
how much your kindness means to us and if there's any way I can repay you,
you just say the word." Tony said tearfully.

"I understand Tony.  But, honestly, seeing the two of you reunited is all
the payment I could ever expect.  Like I said to you, your Dad, err Pop, is
like a second Father to me and seeing him happy and the two of you together
again means a lot to me." Richard said equally teary eyed.

"What do you say if we buy you and your friend dinner tomorrow night?" Tony
asked.

"Could we get a rain check on that until Thursday night?" Richard asked
remembering that tomorrow night was his parents last night at home before
they left for Cleveland.

"No problem, Buddy.  Oh, would it be okay if I brought my friend Kurt Brown
along also?  He's kinda thankful that you found me also.  He was the guy
that picked me up at the airport in the limo." Tony asked.

"The more the merrier.  I felt that he was as glad to see you as your Dad
was." Richard said.

"You're right about that last one.  But that's another story for another
time.  If you get lonesome for the shop feel free to drop by even if we're
closed and if not, we'll pick you up at 7 Thursday night. Bye" Tony said.

Richard said his goodbyes, hung up the phone and went back into the den
with his family.

"Dad, I know it's not macho to do this but." and Richard sat in his Fathers
lap just as he had done when he was a toddler.  He couldn't remember the
last time he had felt this close to his parents.  He put his arms around
his Dad and said "I love you and don't you ever stop loving me."

"Richard, I could never stop loving you.  You know that.  You are my child,
you and your Mother are my very reason for living.  And don't you ever stop
loving us either.  We wouldn't do anything to jeopardize that and nothing
you could do would ever stop us from loving you." his Dad said.

Richard got up and said "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure Son.  Anything." his Dad replied.

"What's the meaning of life and can I borrow the car tonight to go over to
Chad's? he said as he grinned.

They all chuckled and his Dad took a rain check on the `meaning of life'
question but gave permission for him to go over to Chad's.

Richard was walking on air when he got to Chad's.  He was greeted by
Mrs. Tomzak and she told him to go on up, that Chad was in his room
watching MTV.  Richard walked in, closed the door and sat on the bed next
to Chad.  He pulled Chad's face to his and they kissed.  It was soft,
tender, and passionate.  They lay side by side for the longest and then
Richard said "Chad, I think I am one of the luckiest people on earth."

"How's that Sugar Booger?" Chad asked.

"Well, to start with, Tony got in today and he and his Dad are back
together.  I wish you could have seen them, it was awesome.  It's a crying
shame that because of unseated fears they have been apart for as long as
they have.  Secondly, I think that I have the best parents in the world.  I
know beyond a shadow of a doubt that my sexual orientation will not affect
our relationship at all and thirdly, I am hopelessly, futilely,
foreverelastingly in love with the most wonderful man in the world."
Richard.

"I understand the first two but who is this Mr. Wonderful that you are in
love with?  I'll kick his butt because you are my man and I am in love with
you." Chad said with the dimples on his face outlining his broad smile."
Chad said.

"You goofball.  Come here to me." Richard said and he pulled Chad to him
and lips met and mouths opened and tongues started searching.  The two
lovers did some serious petting and Richard finally broke free.

"Hey, guess what?" Richard asked.

"What?" Chad asked.

"I've got the rest of the week off, with pay, no less.  AND Bob, Tony and
an old friend of his, Kurt Brown have asked us out to dinner Thursday
night.  I've got a few extra dollars in my pocket so what if we went into
Chicago in the morning and do some shopping?" Richard asked.

"Sounds good to me.  I'll see if my Mom will give me some money to shop for
clothes for school."  Chad answered.

"Be by and pick you up at 8 sharp?" Richard asked.

"Call me at 7 and wake me up and I'll be ready." Chad answered and he saw
Richard out to his car.

On his way home Richard saw Eric's car sitting in front of Wade Carter's
house.  He grinned to himself `cause he knew what those two horn dogs were
up to.  Wade will probably be walking bow legged tomorrow.  But with a
smile on his face.

Richard and Chad went on their shopping expedition into the City.  Chad's
Mom wouldn't give him any money for clothes, instead she gave him her
credit card for Marshall Field's.  Instant poor house she had thought when
she reminded him to be frugal and he asked what frugal meant with a smile
on his face.  Chad was careful with his purchases, though, and bought
mostly store brand clothes.  He did, however, buy one Tommy outfit and he
slipped off from Richard once and picked up a bottle of Obsession Cologne,
his favorite.  Richard, when Chad slipped off, took the opportunity to pick
up this pair of silk boxers that had `Absolutely' on one cheek side and
`Fabulous' on the other.  They spent most of the day down town having lunch
at Gino's East and window shopping at all the better stores along the plush
shopping district.  They drove home that evening exhausted.

Thursday morning came and Richard arose from his sound sleep to the sound
of a loud crashing noise.  He bolted from the bed and ran to the hall.  It
was only his Dad getting their suitcases from the hall closet and they had
tumbled out on top of him.  He doubled up in laughter at the sight of his
Dad clawing to get out from under the luggage and Richard went over and
helped his Dad up. By this time his Mom had come to see what the ruckus was
all about.  They had a group laugh at the expense of Mr. Dean.  Richard
helped his Dad carry the bags to his bedroom.  When they were alone his Dad
opened his wallet and took out one of his credit cards and a hundred dollar
bill and gave it to Richard.

"I don't think that you will need these but just in case something major
comes up.  Now, you have my cell phone number so don't hesitate to cal me
should you need something.  We'll check in on you every evening around 10
to 11.  If you're not going to be here just call us earlier and let us know
where you are going to be.  Even though we trust you, we do still worry
about you." his Dad said placing a firm hand on Richard's shoulder and
squeezing it.

"Not a problem, Dad.  And I won't spend the money unless it's a real
emergency.  I have enough of my own money to cover anything we have in
mind." Richard responded.

"Oh, you probably didn't notice but that credit card has your name on it so
no need to give it back to me." his Dad said.

Richard grinned and reassured his Dad that he would be responsible with
it's use.

His parents completed their packing and left shortly before noon.  He
called Chad and told him that he would be over in 30 minutes to pick him
up.  Richard arrived promptly at the time he had stated and was admitted to
the Tomzak house by Mrs. Tomzak who told him to go on up and that Chad was
in the shower and should be through any minute.  Richard went in Chad's
room and closed the door.  He had the silk boxers in the pocket of his
cargo shorts.  Chad walked in wearing a towel wrapped around his waist.  He
closed the door behind him and walked to Richard pulling his head to him
for a welcoming kiss.

"I'm so happy right now, Chad Tomzak.  Speaking of happy, why don't you
stick your hand in my pocket and see how happy I am." Richard said.

Chad furrowed his brow in a questioning look and reached his hand toward
the pocket.

"Not that pocket - the other one." Richard said.

Chad reached in and pulled out the silk boxers and smiled real big.  "Thank
you Richard.  Would it be okay for me to wear them today?" Chad asked.

"That's why I brought them over.  Put them on." Richard replied.

With that Chad dropped his towel right in front of Richard and stepped in
the boxers.  "Turn around and let me see the back side." Richard
instructed.  And as Chad rotated for Richard, he gave a loud Wolf whistle.

"Man, these feel sexy.  So soft, so clingy.  Thank you Baby." Chad said.
Chad finished dressing and they went to Mickey D's and ate.  After lunch
Richard drove out to Uncle Bob's for a visit.  Richard had a key but he
rang the bell anyway.

"Hey guys, come on in.  Chad you haven't met my son Tony.  Tony Jenkins,
this is Chad Tomzak." Bob said.

"Pleased to meet you Tony.  And welcome home.  We're all glad you're here."
Chad said.

"And I'm real happy to be here Chad.  And I'm pleased to meet you also.  Is
this..???" Tony asked in a way gesturing in a way at Richard.

"Yeah, this is the guy I'm in love with Tony." Richard responded and he
blushed as he said it.

"Chad, my man, let me tell you in case you aren't aware of it.  You have
one helluva fine man here.  Don't let him slip away from you." Tony said.

"Dittoes from me also." Bob chimed in.

Chad reached for Richards hand and drew him in closer to him saying "Guys,
you may just now be realizing it but I've know that for years.  Once I
admitted my true orientation to myself I set my sights on this dude.  AND I
don't plan on letting him out of my sights." .  Chad leaned into Richard
and pecked him on his cheek.  "Right, Sugar Booger?"

"You're not so bad yourself." Richard said imitating Mae West line from
that old black and white movie with W. C. Fields.

"Come on in the living room and have a seat." Bob said.

The four guys walked into the living room.  They visited for about an hour
and Tony told them all about his adventures and trials and tribulations of
the past 20 years, condensed version.  When he left home he worked as a
street hooker in Chicago for several years just to survive.  While hooking
he met an older gentleman who was an artist and he had taken Tony under his
wing and into his home.  He tutored Tony in his art studies and prepared
him for an alternate profession.  After several years the old artists'
health began to fail and they moved out west.  This old gentleman passed
away and his brother, who was the administrator of his estate, broke the
will which had left everything to Tony leaving Tony broke and homeless.  He
took his personal belongings from the house and lived back on the streets
again or in rooming houses, wherever he could find a place to rest his
head. Since charcoal and pastels were cheap, he began to do charcoal and
pastel sketches in the major tourist areas.  He had eked out a meager
living to say the least.

"And that's my brief history, in a nutshell, as they say.  But I think that
my future history is going to be a lot brighter and I owe most of it to you
Richard." Chad said.

"You owe it to that man you call Pop, Tony.  If he hadn't come into my life
and literally saved me, showed me that people like Chad and I, and you
also, can live useful lives, can be happy, and last but not least, we are
not nearly as alone as I once thought we were." Richard said.  He announced
that they should be leaving but that they would be ready for pick up at 7
P.M. and marched to the door.  Just before they put there hand on the door
knob the bell rang and Tony answered the door.  It was Kurt and Tony
motioned him inside and after kissing him on the cheek, made the proper
introductions and Chad and Richard left for the Dean home.

Once inside Richard asked "Want something to drink, Sug?".

"Yeah, YOU." Chad said as he grinned showing off those cute dimples again.

"Not quite so fast, Dale Earnhart.  A soft drink is what I was offering."
Richard retorted.

"Okay, then I'll take a Dr. Pepper." Chad answered.

"I knew that, why did I even bother asking?" Richard said.

They took their drinks and went to the living room and sat on the sofa.
And as usual with horny teens, soon they were jousting with their tongues.
Richard kissed Chad on the forehead and then on the eyebrows then the cheek
and then went for the ear.  He knew how this turned Chad on and he tongued
it and sucked on it.  All the time Chad was massaging Richard's chest
through his shirt, then he took Richard's shirt off and fondled his
nipples.  He couldn't get his head away from Richard to nibble on his nips
but he was enjoying the action he was getting in his earlobe.  With his
other hand he was massaging Richard's crotch through his cargo shorts.
Then he would run his hand gently up the leg of Richard's shorts stopping
just short of the promised land.  All the time Richard could not pull
himself away from Chad's ears.  He was amazed a the way it turned this boy
on.  Chad opened his mouth and very gutturally announced "I'm cumming." And
this brought a sympathetic reaction from Richard and he unloaded also,
almost simultaneously.  The boys laid back on the sofa holding each other
close.

"Jeez, that was fantastic." Richard said.

"Hell yes, man.  If that was that good just imaging what it's going to be
like when we get around to the real stuff.  Anyway, I can't stand staying
in these stick clothes, let's go get cleaned up."  Chad said and he reached
for Richard's hand and pulled him up and they ascended the stairs to the
bathroom.

"I know what.  Let's use the master bathroom.  The walk in shower is big
enough for both of us."  Richard suggested.

"Okay, you twisted my arm." Chad replied.

They went into the master bedroom and disrobed and Richard went in the
bathroom and got the water warming up.  Chad walked in and joined Richard.
You know the old rule about one hand washing the other?  Well, it was very
apropos this afternoon.  Richard and Chad washed and kissed and caressed
and kissed.  Finally their energy was sapped from the heat in the shower
and they got out and dried off, walked into the bedroom and collapsed on
the master bedrooms king size bed.

"Can we sleep in here?" Chad asked.

"I see no reason why not.  What time is it?  4 P.M., huh.  Let's set the
alarm and take a nap.  I'm beat." Richard replied and he set the alarm for
5:30.  That would give them ample time to get ready for their dinner
appointment.  The curled up beside each other, both naked as the day they
were born.

"Richard, I love you." Chad whispered to Richard.

"Love you more." Richard said back to Chad.

Richard lay with Chad at his back.  Chad kissed the back of Richard's neck
and then wrapped his arms around his lover and they both drifted off to
sleep.

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WOW!!!! That's all for now folks. One comment I received was that the
chapters were too short so I stretched this one out.  Please comment as to
whether or not it was too long.  Next Chapter - the dinner date, the
Saugatuck trip, Eric's got a boyfriend, and more.  Got a direction you'd
like to see the story take? I greatly appreciate all the positive comments
I have gotten.  Haven't gotten a negative one yet.  BUT all are welcome and
you can E-mail me at webworm@nex.net