Date: Sat, 02 Aug 2003 16:45:07 -0400
From: Miguel Sanchez <miguel_sanchez55@hotmail.com>
Subject: Homeroom Bunch Ch 9

This is a story about gay youth. If this type of material offends you, stop
now and continue no further. Also, if you are not of legal age to read this,
stop also.

This story is protected by copy write and may not be downloaded or copied
for other than your private enjoyment.

You can write the author at miguel_sanchez55@hotmail.com I respond to all
letters, except flames.

I would like to thank my very good friend T B for his editing and input with
this story. Please check out his many works here in the Archive.

I hope you enjoy this story.

Miguel Sanchez


The Homeroom Bunch

Chapter 9

Shawn spoke for the group saying, "Mark you're right. We do need to be more
careful. This problem seems to have been resolved, but next time Mark may
not be here or we may not be as lucky."

The next day dragged by because they were all looking forward to their
vacation and camp out. When the bell finally rang, their books were in their
lockers and they were out the doors to enjoy their spring break and the camp
out that they had planed.

They all met outside the front door and started towards home for ten
wonderful days of no school. Shawn looked over to the other boys and asked,
"Hey guys how many nights can you spend over at my house? You did remember
to ask them didn't you?"

Lance spoke up saying, "Yeah Shawn we did. Ray and I can stay until next
Sunday. Mom said she wanted me back so I could be ready for school on
Monday? I told her she really didn't need to remind me of that."

The others broke out laughing when Lance said that. Ray looked over at Mark
and asked him the same thing. Mark replied saying, "At first Mom was only
going to let me stay one night. That got to me a little and I told her it
wasn't fair. She got mad when I said that. I thought I was going to get
slapped then Dad walked into the house from work. He asked what was going on
so I told him. He looked at Mom and said I could stay until next Sunday too.
He even called your mom Shawn just so he knew for himself there would be an
adult there."

Shawn said, "Why don't we all meet back at my house then we can help Mark
carry the tent and stuff then get it set up?"

Everyone agreed and soon the boys started arriving back at Shawn's. Colin
looked like something was bothering him and Shawn needed to know what it
was. He took his finger and gently lifted Colin's chin up so he could look
into his eyes. He said, "Babe what's wrong? We're going to have a great
time. It's going to be just the 5 of us."

Colin looked at Shawn as said, "I'm just worried that when we cuddle
together like we did in my bed that Mark is going to feel left out. He's our
friend to and I have to say he is cute. Also suppose things happen like what
happened at my house. I know that's going to bother Mark but I do want to
snuggle like we did there."

Lance looked at Colin and said, "Don't worry about it dude. I'm sure the
five of us can figure something out. You're right about one thing though
he's real cute. I wonder what's under those clothes?"

Ray playfully punched Lance in the shoulder saying, "Oh really? Do you think
you could find better else where?"

Lance wrapped his arms around Ray and said, "Hey, I never said that. I never
even thought I could do better than you." Lance turned Ray around so they
were facing each other. He leaned forward and gave Ray a very passionate
kiss. Lance held the kiss so long Ray started wiggling.

Ray had to pull away from Lance's kiss so he could say, "Man mate, you just
woke lil ray and now he wants attention."

Shawn said, "Guys we have a lot to do. You will just have to wait until
tonight if you want to anything about it. Now let's get over to Marks
house."

Ray had to shove his hand into his pants to fix his now very hard tool. Once
that was fixed the boys walked over to Marks. They were about to go the
front door when Shawn saw Mark in the garage. The boys headed towards the
back of the house when Lance saw that Mark was wearing a fairly tight pair
of cut off jeans and no shirt. He said, "Oh man he is one hot looking dude.
Do you see the ass on him?"

Ray and Lance kept talking and as they got closer to the garage their voices
started to carry. Mark heard what the boys had said when the gang reached
the door. When he stood up and turned to greet the gang he had a very
noticeable bulge in his tight shorts.

Mark led them to the upstairs area in the garage so they could get the tent
and supplies down. When they reached the top, Mark looked at the boys and
said, "Do you really think I'm that good looking because I don't."

Colin went over to Mark and motioned him to lean his head down. When he did,
Colin gave Mark a kiss that took his breathe away. He said, "Does that
answer your question?" Colin leaned up to Mark and whispered, "Dude your
hung."

Mark immediately turned about three shades of red and said, "Ah thanks guys.
Colin, you sure know how to kiss dude. I know why Shawn loves you. But I
think I need to wait a minute so this thing can go down."

While they were waiting on Mark, the boys started tossing the things down
they would need for the camp out. Once everything was down, Mark included,
the boys lifted the tent and stuff on a cart so they could get it to Shawn's
easier.

It took the boys about 15 minutes to get the tent down to Shawn's house.
When they went into the kitchen Shawn said, "Hey guys how about a cold
drink?"

The boys accepted and took their drinks outside so they could begin setting
up the tent. The first thing they did was to strip their shirts off. Mark
explained the easiest way to erect the ten-man wall tent.

Thirty minutes five hot and sweaty boys had the tent up and secure. The boys
were all standing around talking about how easy it was when all of sudden
they were hit with water. Shawn hollered, "Hey what gives?"

When they turned around they were in for a huge surprise. Mrs. Maxwell had
slipped out into the back yard without any of them seeing her. Mrs. Maxwell
was laughing and she said, "I thought I would cool you guys off. You did say
you were hot, didn't you?"

This went on for about 10 minutes. Once the initial shock of getting hit
with the cool water, the boys played and had a good time. Mrs. Maxwell said,
"OK boys, let the sun dry your shorts some then you can each get a shower."

The boys lay on the grass in the sun for about an hour and their shorts were
almost dry. Shawn sat up and said, "You guys ready for a shower? Where are
your extra clothes?"

The boys went into the tent and started rooting for clean dry clothes. Ray
was about to drop his shorts when Lance stopped him. He said, "The least you
could do is close the flaps so everyone don't see your buns. Besides, those
are for my eyes only."

Mark closed the flaps and pulled the zipper down. By then Lance, Shawn and
Colin were totally nude. Mark dropped his damp shorts to join the other
naturists. Shawn couldn't help but check Mark out. He noticed for being a
year older, he wasn't much bigger that he or Lance. Mark noticed Shawn
looking at him. He started getting very hard very quickly.

Ray looked over and said, "Hey Mark, not bad dude."

Mark looked at him and said, "Not bad? God Ray, I'm a full year older that
you and look at me, I'm small. I'll never grow."

Mark was starting to lose it. Colin came over to him and put his arm around
Mark's shoulder and said, "Hey man you think you're small, look at me. At
least you got hair, I don't." Colin ran his fingers through Mark's pubes and
continued saying, "My Dad said I'm just a little slower than some other
guys, but I would catch up. He also said its not how big it is that counts
it's what you do with it that matters."

The boys talked for a few more minutes while they got dry clothes. They
threw their shorts on and carried their others things and went to take
showers. When they got to the bathrooms they saw the one problem again. Mark
didn't have a friend to shower with. Lance took him by the hand and led him
into the bathroom. Ray had his usual sly look on his face as he followed the
two boys. Shawn and Colin went into Shawn's parent's bathroom and took their
shower.

That night during dinner the Maxwell's told the boys that they could go see
Roger Tuesday afternoon if they still wanted to go. Needless to say everyone
answered in the affirmative.

The boys were happy that they could give Mark the support he needed but they
couldn't help but wonder what will happen when Mark sees his brother.

After dinner the boys went to Shawn's room so Mark could use his computer to
see if Roger had sent him an email. Sure enough Mark had one. Mark had
written to Roger telling him of their plan to come and visit. He was
apprehensive about opening the letter. Would he be receptive to the idea or
would he tell him not to come.

Shawn put his hand on Mark's shoulder. Colin was on his other side as Mark
slowly reached his trembling hand for the mouse so he could open the letter.
When he finally opened the letter it read.

Dear Mark,

I was glad as always to hear from you. I'm feeling pretty good all things
considering. I read that you and your friends have some hair-brained idea
about coming here to see me? My dear brother, there is nothing in this world
I wouldn't do to be able to see you. I just don't want Mom and Dad getting
all pissed off because you came here. Brother, I'm just not worth you
risking getting yelled at or grounded. I love you brother.

Roger

Mark was in tears when he read the letter. His brother was doing it again.
Roger was looking out for Mark just as he had done when they were younger.
He would put himself in front of Mark any time he was about to catch the
heat for something. Mark looked up at Shawn and said, "Don't he realize I
want to come see him? I could care less what my Mom and Dad will think if
they find out. I wish they would find out because I have something I have
been dying to tell them and I guarantee you it isn't going to be pretty."
Mark knew he had to let Roger know that he was getting company and there
wasn't anything he could do about it.

Dear Roger,

It was great to hear from you again. I'm glad you are feeling better and
stronger. Now, as for my hair-brained idea here it is. We're coming to see
you and I don't want to hear another word about it. You don't have to
protect me Roger; I am a big boy now. I want to see you and I'm going to so
get dolled up bro, you're getting visitors.

Love, Mark

Mark was still shaking when he pushed the send button. He knew he would
probably catch it from Roger when he got there but he would gladly take a
tongue-lashing just to see him. Mark shut down the computer and then the
five boys went downstairs to watch a little television before going to bed.
They all said goodnight to Shawn's parents and went out to the tent. They
talked and laughed for about an hour before falling into a peaceful slumber.

The boys were having a great time sleeping in the tent. During the day they
would meet Billy and Maggie and just hang out or use the Boyles' pool.

Before the kids realized it it was Monday evening. Three days had past yet
it seemed it had only been one. Tomorrow was going to be the big day. Shawn
called Billy to see if his parents would let him go with the rest of the
gang. Billy said he could go and was reminded to behave.

That night the boys were so excited and nervous about how Roger would look.
Mark was the worst of the bunch. He would be happy one moment then sad the
next. He said, "I can't wait to see him guys. I know I'll probably start
crying when I see him but the hardest thing is when it's time to leave.
Saying good-bye is going to be the hardest part of the whole visit." Mark
started tearing up and Shawn saw this. He scooted over to him and put his
arm around Mark's shoulder.

Shawn looked at him and said, "It's going to be all right. If it works out
maybe we can see him on Saturdays until school lets out. There are so many
possibilities I'm sure something will get worked out.

The boys did their best to keep Mark's mind occupied. They talked, played
cards, told stories until Mark finally fell asleep. Shawn went to say good
night to the others but they to were sound asleep as well.

The boys didn't wake up until almost 10. Mark was even more nervous now than
he was last night. Shawn decided to take Mark with him when he got his
shower so they could talk. Shawn said, "Hey dude, calm down. You are
becoming a nervous wreck." Shawn gave Mark a quick hug then they took a
quick shower and got dressed.

Mrs.	Maxwell thought it would be nice if she took the kids out for lunch so
they could keep Mark's mind occupied. They all ate quickly so they could get
on the road. The kids piled in and they were off. Traffic wasn't bad this
time of day so it only took about 30 minutes to reach County Hospital.

County Hospital is one of the hospitals for treating people with AIDS. They
use all the latest medications and treatment techniques. Mrs. Maxwell pulled
her van into the parking lot and quickly found a place to park. They had a
short walk to the front of the hospital. When they entered Mark started
getting nervous again. Shawn and Collin each took one of Mark's hands as
they went up to the information desk.

Mrs. Maxwell asked the volunteer behind the desk for the room. She said,
"Could you tell me what room Roger Kelly is in." She entered the name into
the computer and it read 2 west, room 256. Mrs. Maxwell thanked her and the
group headed for the elevator. It seemed to take an eternity for it to
arrive. Everyone was quiet on the short ride to the second floor. When the
elevator doors opened, they stepped out and tried to see which direction
they needed to go. Finally they saw an arrow pointing to the direction of 2
west.

Slowly they walked past each room. The numbers were going up so they knew
they were headed in the right direction. Finally they came to room 256.

Mark knocked on the door. He waited for someone to say come in and when he
didn't hear anything he quietly went inside. The lights were off and the
curtains were almost closed tight. Mark walked over to the bed and saw a boy
about as tall as he is. He quietly pulled up a chair and sat beside him. His
hand was out from under the covers so Mark gently slipped his hand into it.
Suddenly he felt the hand gently close around his own. It didn't clamp down
tight but just enough to hold it.

As Mark was holding his brother's hand he began to weep softly. He said, "Oh
Roger, I have missed you so much and all the things we used to do together.
I even miss our talks. I have made friends now and they are here with me. I
know you will like them." Just as he stopped speaking he looked at his
brother and his eyes were open and tears were streaming down his cheeks.

Roger sat up in bed and Mark stood he fell into Roger's waiting arms. He
said, "Mark, its all right babe. I have missed you too. How have you been
doing? Did I hear you correct, you have friends here with you? Mark that's
great. Always knew you were a good kid at heart. Any girls on the horizon?"

Mark looked at his brother and told him the truth. He knew he would be the
only person outside the gang that would understand. "Roger, I don't think
there will be girls in my life. Roger, I'm gay like you. Four of my friends
are also gay and then there is Billy and Maggie. Their boyfriend and
girlfriend but they think we are still cool too. Roger, I wish you could
come home and stay with us."

Mark fell into his brother's arms and cried. He cried for about ten minutes.
When he calmed down, Roger asked him, "So when do I get to meet your
friends?"

Mark walked over to the door and waved for the gang to come in. Mark said,
"Come on Mrs. Maxwell you're my friend too." The group came inside and Mark
quickly closed the door. He knew visitors were allowed but 8 might be
pushing it a bit. Mark made the introductions, "Roger I'd like you to meet
my friends. This is Mrs. Maxwell. She is Shawn's mother. The cute guy with
him is his boyfriend Colin Ferguson. This is Maggie Roberts. Her boyfriend
is Billy Boyles. And these last two are Lance Roberts and his boyfriend Ray
Matthews."

Roger stood up and shook each person's hand and said, "It's real nice to
meet all of you. Mrs. Maxwell, I can't thank you enough for bringing Mark to
see me. We write each other emails but it's just not the same as seeing him
in person. Mark, I am so glad someone finally got you to open your eyes and
listen to the truth about this disease. You can't catch it from visiting me
or even hugging and kissing me. And to Ray, Lance, Shawn and Colin, you four
boys are so very lucky. You have found partners that you love more than
yourself. I wish I had been able to know what you 4 do now; and that's the
love of another man."

Mark looked at his brother and said, "Roger you don't look sick. I mean I
know you are but isn't there a way you could live outside this hospital? You
will have to take what ever it is you do take but that should be easy."

Roger looked at his brother and said, "Mark I would like nothing better that
to be able to live closer to you so I could see you more often. The doctors
have tried to find a place like that for me for almost a year and no one
would take me in."

Mark was about to say something when there was a knock on the door. Roger
said for who ever it was to some in. Mark's eyes like to have flown out of
his head. He said, "Oh my god. Andy is that you? Andy Cowan as I live and
breath."

Roger motioned for Andy and Mark to come over to his bed. He said, "Mark, I
see you know Andy. We have had a lot of time to talk and he confided on me
that he, like you is gay. He is a volunteer with the junior AIDS program."

Mark looked up at his friend and said, "Andy why didn't you talk with me.
Don't you remember the times I told you how good-looking you were? Well,
that was then dude. Now, you're a down right hunk. When do you get off work?
Mrs. Maxwell I hope I'm not being rude but do you think that Andy could join
us on our little back yard camp out? Well as long as it is all right with
his parents?

Mrs. Maxwell looked at Mark and said, "I don't see a problem with that. You
boys have been fun to have around and you have behaved too."

Andy looked at Mark and said, "Man, if I had known I sure would have said
something. I get off at 4 and then I'm taking the rest of spring break off
so I can have some fun. I don't see a problem camping out with you guys. My
mom would just want to talk with Mrs. Maxwell. I'll ask her when I get home.
Well Roger I will leave you to your company."

Roger went back to visiting with his guests. Everyone was having a wonderful
time.

Mark suddenly remembered Andy didn't have Shawn's phone number. He said, "Oh
darn. I have to go find Andy and give him the Maxwell's phone number so his
mom can talk with Mrs. Maxwell. Roger do you know where he might be?"

Roger thought for a minute and said, "Well I think he should still be on the
floor. If you can't find him here on this floor the secretary at the nurses
station can page him for you."

Mark said, "Thanks Roger. I'm going to go and try to find him. I'll be
right."

Mark gave his brother a hug and went over to the door. Shawn handed him a
piece of paper with his phone number on it. Mark opened the door and was
just about to step out when he came face to face with his parents. Mark
stopped dead in his tracks and with wide eyes promptly fainted.

To be continued

While this story is a work of fiction, there are life stories out there that
are indeed very real. If you are a gay or bi teen and are facing some of
life's crueler times, there is help for you. There is a support group
designed for the sole intent to help with the problems facing today's gay
youth and teens. If you are having problems, check out this group.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thegayyouthgroup

There are both teens and adults there who will talk with you either one on
one or in a group, depending on your wishes. They are here to help.