Date: Sat, 23 Jul 2011 08:51:25 -0700 (PDT)
From: Caleb Wilson <cable4uw@yahoo.com>
Subject: Two Boys on a Bike Part 2

As they made their way to the library James asked? "What's the book you
want to get?"

"I saw the first two parts of The Lord of The Rings at the movies, so I
thought I'd go to the library and see if they have the book so I can see
how it ends before the next part comes out later this year."

The boys made their way into the library and Patrick went straight to the
computers in the foyer to check if they had the book and if it wasn't out
on loan. Five minutes later he turned to James, "No luck it went out
yesterday I don't suppose it will be back for some time."

"Is there any other book you want to get?"

"No not really."

"Come on then let's go back to the park we can fool around in there."

Patrick jumped up from the computer, "Okay let's go."



The boys walked back to the park once inside James got astride the bike and
waited till Patrick had got himself seated on the saddle and like before he
took of with Patrick hanging on to him as he pedalled around the various
pathways. A few minutes later James stopped and turned to Patrick, "You
want to ride around on your own for a bit."

"Can I?"

"Yeah but you'll have to stand and pedal I think the saddle is a bit to
high for you."

"That's okay." And Patrick took over and off he went. He pedalled around
all the footpaths enjoying himself for the first time in many months. He
made his way back to James who was seated on the bench watching him.
jumping off the bike and walking over to the seated boy he said, "That was
brilliant James."

"Okay my turn now, you want to see me do wheelies?"

"Can you?"

"Yeah, just watch," and James cycled off, when he'd got to a reasonable
speed he lifted the front wheel of the path and was continuing just on the
rear wheel.

Patrick was yelling encouragement as James continued with his wheelie.
Suddenly a dog ran in front of James causing him to swerve, he lost his
balance and crashed to the ground. As he fell he thought, "Oh bollocks!
That's what comes from trying to show off," as he flung himself clear of
the bike and landed on his back getting the wind knocked out of him
momentarily and lying slightly dazed.

Suddenly he heard screams coming closer and realised his name was being
called over and over again then a body landing on top of him screaming,
"James, James."

He wrapped his arms around Patrick's waist holding him tight and trying to
calm him. "I'm okay Patrick just got a bit winded."

He looked into the boy's face and could see the tears rolling down the
smaller boy's cheeks. Moving his hands from Patrick's waist he used them to
wipe the tears from his friend's face, then smiling he said, "Can we get up
now,"

Patrick stared down into boy's face and sniffing enquired, "Are you really
okay?"

"Yeah, no bones broken, and to prove it watch this," again he wrapped his
arms around the smaller boy rolled over then stood up lifting Patrick with
him. Looking at the boy in his arms James smiled, "I told you I was okay,"
then placed him down on his feet.

"God, I got really scared when you fell. I was frightened that because I'd
got friendly with you you'd be taken away from me as well."

James looked at the small boy standing in front of him and saw the look of
concern on his face, "Its okay Patrick you don't have to be scared I'm
still here and I don't have any plans as you put it of being taken away
from you. Now let's go look at my bike and see if it's in one piece."

The boys moved over to the bike and found that other than a bit of a scrape
on the handlebars it was okay. Getting astride the bike James turned to
Patrick, "Ready to go again?"

"Yeah," and with a big grin Patrick clambered up onto the saddle and this
time his arm encircled James. As the smaller boy's arms came in contact
with his body James felt a tingling sensation run through him like an
electric shock. Looking over his shoulder at his small companion he said,
"Okay hold tight," and they were off again.



This time at the exit to the park James didn't stop he kept going along the
pavement then shouted to Patrick, "Guide me to your house." With Patrick's
instructions they were soon dismounting from the bike outside his house.

"You coming in James?"

"Yeah, could do with a cold drink seeing that I had to chauffeur you home."

"Put your bike inside the garage and come on in, what do you want Coke or
Tango."

James put the bike away and followed through the front door which had been
left open.

As he came inside the front door James noticed Patrick's trainers in the
hallway and smiled, it's exactly what he did as soon as he got home so
following suit he kicked off his own trainers and placed them beside
Patrick's.

"In here," he heard Patrick's voice, "In the kitchen, so what do you want?"

"I'll have a Tango."

With both of them holding drinks Patrick led the way into the living room.

"Take a seat James," Patrick said as he lowered himself onto the settee,
and James did precisely that alongside the smaller boy.

When they'd finished their drinks Patrick said, "You still have time to get
home and go to the match it's only twelve thirty and the match doesn't
start till three. You don't have to give it up to stay with me."

James started writhing around on the settee making sounds of pain, "Oh ah,
oh, ah, ahhhhhhhhh, ohhhhhh, stop it hurts."

Patrick was startled then grabbed hold of James to stop him writhing
around, "What's up with you making all that noise."

"It's you twisting my arm and stopping me from going to the match,"

Patrick laughed, "You're funny but thanks," he still held James in his arms
then suddenly realising their position he quickly released him and moved
back.

Sitting up James said, "I told you before I'd prefer to be here then going
to the match so don't mention it again okay."

Patrick was silent for a moment then leaned forward and took hold of
James's hand, "James why me?"

"What do you mean?"

"Umm why did you pick me for a friend, you can see I'm not like your other
friends and I'd better tell you now I like sports but I'm hopeless at them
and I'm considered a weed."

"Patrick, why did Jeremy pick you as a friend?"

"Uh I, umm I don't know I never asked him we just became friends."

"So can't we just become friends?"

"Yeah, that's great."

James looked at the smiling boy who was still holding onto his hand and he
was in no hurry to have it released. "So what do we do now that you've
stopped twisting my arm to keep me here?"

"I've got PS.2 you want to play Hit Man 2?"

"Umm, okay."

"Come on to my room," and with Patrick leading the way they went to his
bedroom. Beside the bed by the window the room was fitted out with a
built-in-wardrobe and a chest or drawers, a TV and a computer system with a
swivel chair. Hunkering under the bed Patrick pulled out his PS2 and began
to set it up. As soon as it was he asked James if he wanted to go first.

"No you go first I haven't played this game before so I'll watch you."



Patrick started the game and was soon busy going through the various levels
which James didn't even bother to watch, he was too busy doing what he
said, watching his new friend at the controls as he played the game. The
way his tongue came out at crucial parts and the way his body leaned over
trying to make his character on the TV escape the bullets flying his
way. He was totally engrossed in watching his small friend's whole body and
facial expressions contort as he played the game he couldn't take his eyes
off the boy, and didn't notice when Patrick was killed and the game came to
an end.

"You weren't watching were you Patrick enquired?"

"Yes I was I watched your every move."

"You were supposed to watch the game not me."

"I know but I preferred watching you, you were much more interesting than
the game. The way you stick your tongue out and move it around and the way
you move your body when you're in a tight spot is better than watching the
game."

"Okay if you're so cool then you have a go."

"No I'm not cool Patrick you are, that's why I like watching you."

"You having me on?"

"Why would I have you on, I just like watching you."

Patrick put the controls of the PS2 down and walked over to James who was
sitting on the bed. "Can we talk I don't want to play the games anymore."

"Yeah if you want to."

"Did you choose to be friendly with me because you felt sorry for me when
Bert was beating me up in the school?"

"No I wanted to be friendly long before that, actually when I saw you and
your dad come to the school on Thursday morning.

Patrick sat staring at James, "What made you want to be friendly with me?"

James shrugged his shoulders, "Don't know just wanted to, do I have to have
a reason."

"No," then Patrick smiled, "I'm glad you wanted to be friendly with me, if
you hadn't I'd still be alone most probably sitting in the library reading
some book or the other."

The urge just seemed to enter into him and James grabbed Patrick and
wrestled him onto his back on the bed, leaning over him he looked down on
the smaller boy,

"Patrick, tell me about you and Jeremy."

"Why?"

"Just, I don't know, maybe because he's dead and I want to know about him."

Patrick lay silent for a while looking up at James, "I don't know if I
should."

"Why? Don't you like talking about Jeremy."

"No, it's not that it's I umm, you might think we were weird or something."

"No I wouldn't I promise, please tell me will you."

"Alright but let me sit up," James got up and let Patrick get into a
sitting position on the bed.



"I remember the first time I saw Jeremy it was about four years ago when I
was nine, he was the biggest boy in the class."

Patrick paused thinking back to that day when he was literary shaking as he
entered the classroom on his first day at the new school.

"What happened?" Patrick's thoughts were broken by James's question."

"Huh, oh yeah, well I was a bit scared I didn't know anyone, and there were
all these other boys and girls talking and yelling in the classroom until I
walked in. They all seemed to stop and look at me, when that happened I
nearly wet myself. Then Jeremy came over to me took my hand and led me over
to an empty desk. "You can have this desk no one is using it," and then he
said, "My name is Jeremy."

"I thanked him and told him my name. All through the lesson I kept looking
over at him and he would always seem to know and turn his head and
smile. After that we were just always together and he'd look out for me in
the gym and sports classes. We used to take turns sleeping at each other's
houses but we used to like it best at my place. I used to have my own
bedroom but Jeremy had to share his with his younger brother. So we could
mess around till late at my place and not have to worry about waking anyone
up. Sometimes my older brother or my dad would tell us to turn the noise
down but otherwise we were left alone. Then one night I think it was after
I had turned ten when we were lying in bed. We always slept together, and
Jeremy would always hold me in his arms I don't know why I just leaned over
and kissed him on the lips and told him I loved him." Patrick stopped
talking to look at James's reaction at what he'd just said. James looked
back.

"So then what happened?"

"Doesn't it worry you what I just said and did to Jeremy."

"If it did would I still be here, so carry on with the story."

"Uh, okay, well Jeremy lifted his head and kissed me back then squeezed me
in his arms. After that we used to kiss whenever we had a chance, we did
everything together until just before his twelfth birthday when he and all
his family were killed. I loved Jeremy so much and thought that God was
really a big shit for taking him away from me. After that I couldn't make
friends with anyone else until we moved here and I got friendly with
you. You look a little like Jeremy you have the same colour hair and if he
was still alive he'd most probably be the same size as you. That's why I
got so frightened and started crying when you fell off the bike, I thought
it was going to happen again."

"It's not going to happen again Patrick," James said, brushing his hand
through his friend's hair, "I'm here to stay."



They both heard the keys opening the front door, and then closing. "My mum
and dad are back, come on James they'll want to meet you."

Patrick leapt off the bed and headed out of the bedroom. Outside he leaned
over the banister rail and yelled, "Mum, Dad."

He heard his father yell back, "Patrick, were in the kitchen son, we're
putting the groceries away."

Patrick headed for the kitchen turning and yelling "Come on James let's see
what they've bought and if there's anything interesting to eat."

Patrick skidded into the kitchen with James on his heels said, "Hi mum, hi
dad, this is my friend James, he goes to the same school as me and were
hungry what's to eat?" all in one breath.

His parents stopped what they were doing and stared when James walked into
the kitchen. The months of concern for their youngest son seemed to drain
away with the appearance of James.

Mr Jensen was the first to react he held his hand out saying, "We are
certainly very glad to meet you James," they shook hands and then the same
ritual took place with Patrick's mother.

"So what's there to eat mum, I'm starving and I'm sure James must be as
well."

"There's a pizza I've just put in the fridge that the two of you can share,
put it in the microwave, but read the instructions first."

"Okay mum," he got the pizza out and started reading the instructions.



Half an hour later with their stomachs full they sat chatting in the
sitting room. After a while Patrick asked? "James, can you spend the night
here."

"Umm, I'll have to ask my parents if they say okay yes."

"Right then, give them a call and ask them."

"No, I'd better go home and ask them then if they say yes I can get a
change of clothes."

"Can I come with you?"

"Yeah, come on then."

The boys got up and made their way out yelling their goodbyes to Patrick's
parents on the way out."

"Patrick, get back here," his mother called, reluctantly he returned to
confront his mother.

"Where are you off to?"

"To ask James's parents if he can spend the night here."

"And when were you going to ask us if it was alright for him to stay here."

"Oh, I'm sorry mum, can James stay the night please mum, please."

"Alright," and as her son made to leave, "Don't I get a kiss before you
go."

After kissing his mother goodbye he joined James outside and immediately
jumped onto the saddle holding onto James as he pedalled off to his
house. Keeping to the pavements the two boys were as happy as boys can be
in the company of each other and doing what they felt was the best fun in
the world. As soon as they arrived at James's house they jumped off the
bike James letting it fall on the front lawn. He opened the front door with
his key stepped inside and yelled out.

"Mum I'm home,"

"You don't have to scream James," his mother responded, "I can hear you I'm
in the sitting room."

"Sorry mum, umm this is my new friend Patrick," he said walking into the
room followed by Patrick.

Mrs King turned to look at the small bespectacled boy that followed James
into the room. She was at once struck by the shyness of the boy as he tried
to hide behind her son. Trying to make him feel more comfortable she
said. "Come in Patrick I can't quite see you come on over here so I can get
a good look at you," timidly Patrick stepped forward into Mrs King's view.

"Come closer Patrick," and she stretched a hand out to encourage him to
approach her. James took him by the shoulder and propelled him towards his
mother. As the boy neared taking Patrick's hand she drew him towards her.

"Now let's look at this fine specimen of a man that James has brought
home," as she studied Patrick she realised that he was completely different
to all the friends that James had brought home in the past. The boy was so
much smaller than her sons other friends and even with the spectacles which
seem to add to his looks the boy was extremely good looking. To make the
boy more at ease she pulled him into her lap and wrapped her arms around
him saying, "I've got me a handsome young man and I'm not letting him go."

"Mum leave off will you you're embarrassing Patrick."

She unwrapped her arms from around the boy, "I'm not embarrassing you am
I?"

"Patrick not moving from her lap now that he was free to do so said, "No."

"Alright mum, but can I spend the night at Patrick's house please?"

"Yes by all means are you going to eat first and then go over?"

"No mum I can eat at Patrick's house I only came to get a change of clothes
if you said yes."

"Alright, but what time can I expect you back tomorrow."

"After lunch is that okay."

"Alright then off you go," she said giving Patrick a gentle push from off
her lap.

James dashed out of the room calling to Patrick as he went, "Wait up
outside by the bike I'll only be a moment," and he was gone his footsteps
could be heard pounding up the stairs as he took them two at a
time. Patrick said goodbye to James's mother and went outside to the bike
lifting it off the lawn to an upright position and waiting.

James yelled, "Bye mum," and slammed the front door walking over to Patrick
carrying a bag with his change of clothing.

"All set Patrick?"

"Yeah."

"You want to pedal while I sit on the saddle."

"No I don't think I can do it, you're a bit too heavy."

"Come on have a go, I can keep the bike steady with my feet."

"Okay," and while James sat on the saddle with his feet firmly planted on
the ground, Patrick stood up on the pedals with his hands applying the
brakes as tightly as he could. Once he was balanced on the pedals he
swivelled his head around to look at James, "Are you ready."

Yeah."

"Okay when I say go take your feet off the ground." James waited for the
command and when it came he gave the bike a little push forward with his
feet and they took off. After releasing the brakes Patrick was straining
every sinew in his frame to get the momentum going so that the bike would
keep straight, but it wobbled precariously and they would have crashed to
the ground if James hadn't stabilised them with his feet. Luckily there was
a bit of a downward slope when leaving the house so they were able to
gather speed and the bike kept a reasonable stable path. They shot through
into the park yelling their heads off in excitement and out the other side
making for Patrick's house. Patrick was now finding the going a bit hard
they were on a slight incline and gradually the bike started to wobble
again as it slowed. "James I'll have to stop I'm getting pooped going up
this slope."

"Okay, stop the bike and I'll take over."

They swapped places with Patrick hanging onto James with one hand and
carrying his bag in the other.



When they reached the house they put the bike in the garage and entered the
house together.

"Mum, Dad, we're back we're going to my room to put James's bag away," as
they kicked their trainers off in the hall.

"Alright when you're done come back down again so we can decide what you're
going to eat tonight."

A couple of minutes later they were both downstairs in the sitting room.

"So have you anything in mind?" Mrs Jensen enquired of the two boys in
front of her.

"Pizza mum."

"Patrick you've already had pizza and it really isn't considered a meal in
itself. Actually seeing that I haven't even started cooking, what about
going out for a meal."

"McDonalds the boy's chorused in unison."

"No, as a matter of fact at Luigi's we can have some Italian food how's
that."

"Mum, pizza is Italian."

"Yes but I think we'll give that a skip and I'm not going to argue the pro,
and cons, about a proper meal and pizza,"

"I've been to Luigi's," James said, "It's really very good I enjoyed the
food when we went."

"Well that's settled Luigi's it is at seven this evening, and I expect you
boys to be showered and dressed without me having to shout at you to get
ready."

"Yes mum. Mrs Jensen," the boys voiced and left the room to make their way
to Patrick's bedroom.

"Oh man," James wailed, "I didn't bring anything decent to wear I only
brought a pair of jeans and a t-shirt."

"Okay James we still have time we can nip back to your house and pick up
something."

"Okay give it about another half hour then we can go home my dad will be
back from the match and you can meet him."





Half an hour later and James was getting ready to pedal off with Patrick in
usual place on the saddle when they were stopped by Mr Jensen.

"You boys know that it's against the law to cycle two on a bike?"

"Yes dad but we don't go on the main road and we only stay on the
pavement."

"Okay but it's still against the law, I'll have to see about getting you
your own bike Patrick."

"I don't want a bike dad just leave it will you. Come on James let's go,
bye dad." and James pedalled off yelling, "Bye Mr Jensen be back soon."

When they were well on their way, James shouted over his shoulder, "Patrick
why don't you want your own bike?"

"You won't think I'm stupid if I tell you."

"If I thought you were stupid I wouldn't have asked you."

"Uh okay, umm I umm."

"Come on Patrick I'm not going to think bad of you tell me."

"If I had my own bike I couldn't sit on the saddle of your bike and hold on
to you like we're doing at the moment."

There was silence for a while then, "That's the best reason of all for not
having your own bike and if you did I'd miss having you behind me hanging
on to me."

James suddenly felt Patrick's arms go right around his waist and hug
him. The emotions that travelled through his body when that happened were
like nothing else he had ever experienced he looked over his shoulder at
his small companion and smiled.



When they reached James's house they jumped off the bike and entered the
house, "Mummm, where are you?" he shouted.

"In the kitchen, what did you want?"

Walking into the kitchen the two boys saw Mrs King preparing the food, "Mum
we're going to eat out tonight at Luigi's so I came to get something to
wear."

"Alright you're father has just gone to pick up your sister from her
friend's house he shouldn't be too long."

"Okay mum I'll just go and get my clothes, come on Patrick."

Inside James's room there were posters on the wall of the United team and
stars of various other sports dotted all around the room. Opening the
cupboard he took out a jacket and trouser then stopped. "Shit I left my bag
at your house now what do I carry it in."

"No problem, leave them on the hanger and I can carry it on the bike and
hold on to you with the other hand."

"Good idea at least someone here has some brains."

The two boys went downstairs to say goodbye to James's mother when the
front door opened and in walked James's father and elder sister.

"Hi dad, hi sis, how did the match go haven't had time to hear the
results."

"Hi son, we won 3-0," his father responded, "who's your friend?"

"Oh dad, meet Patrick Jensen he started at our school on Friday."

"Mr King holding his hand out approached Patrick, "Nice to meet you
Patrick," shaking the boy by the hand.

James's sister called out "Hi I'm Nicola," and waked over to look at
Patrick.

"So how long have you known wonder boy over there."

"Uh, who what?"

"James, wonder boy don't you know he has all the girls swooning around him
he's there fav...

"Shut up sis, what's got into you been stood up again."

"James enough or you'll be stopped from going out."

"Dad you heard she started it."

"And you Nicola I think you'd better keep your opinions of your brother to
yourself. Mind you it wouldn't hurt if you acquired some of your brothers
attributes yourself."

Nicole flounced out of the kitchen mumbling, "You always take his side."

"So dad how was the match."

"It was good, your cousin George was over the moon I think he must be still
bending his parents ears about the match."

"Alright dad we'd better be going we have to get back and changed to go
out."

"Well leave the bike behind and I'll give you a lift in the car."

"No," both boys chorused together.

"Umm, it's okay dad," James said, "we rather go on the bike we have a more
fun on it."

"Okay but be careful and don't go on the road."

"Yes dad," and the boy's chorused their goodbyes and left the house.

Mr King watched from the front window as his son straddled the bike then
wait for the smaller boy to climb on to the saddle hang on to his son with
one hand and hold the clothes with the other. His son looked over his
shoulder said something and they were off wobbling at first then steadying
and disappearing out of the drive. Wistfully he turned away from the window
the sight had brought back sweet memories of his own youth.



That night at about 10.30pm the boys said good night to Patrick's parents
and headed for bed. Inside the bathroom they took it in turns to quickly
rinse their mouths and faces, and change into their nightwear. Patrick
having placed his spectacles on the bedside table was the first into bed,
taking the side closest to the window he was quickly followed by James. Now
as it was approaching the end of April and the nights could still get quite
cold Patrick rolled himself into a ball and stuck his head under the covers
facing the window. He felt James get into the bed behind him and then felt
James's arm snake under his own and pull him into his body. The feelings
that surged through him as James hugged him were the same he felt when
Jeremy and he had been together.

Slowly Patrick turned stretching out from his curled up position, he hauled
himself up till their faces were level then slowly leant forward and
brought their lips together