Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2004 14:06:57 -0800 (PST)
From: Fup Duck <fupduckmd@yahoo.com>
Subject: Life Goes On - David and Chad #18

STANDARD DISCLAIMER: This is the continuation of David's story.  One of two
boys loving each other.  So the same disclaimer applies.  If you can't
handle that, or it's illegal to read this in your area, or you're underage,
then now is the time to leave.  If you continue reading after that
admonishment, Nifty and I aren't responsible.

There could also be incidents of unprotected sex.  As always, I don't
condone this practice - especially in this day and age.

I hope everyone had/is having a good holiday season!  As I said earlier,
posting for the next few days will be somewhat sporadic...lol, we all have
our realities.

Fup

******************************************************************************
FROM CHAPTER 17

As Chad wound down, David stood up to leave.  He said his farewells to the
elder Murrays and walked to his car, accompanied by Chad.  Before getting
behind the wheel he hugged Chad briefly and whispered, "Love you."  Chad
returned the hug and sentiment, waving until David pulled out of the
driveway.

David had some serious thinking to do.  And only about four weeks in which
to do it.


LIFE GOES ON - DAVID AND CHAD #18 - Hazy, Hot, and Humid

"So what would you do?" David asked.

"Well, David, if this person is special enough, then you should try your
hardest to make it work," his grandmother answered across her usual cup of
tea.

"So I have to do what I have to do?"

"When haven't you done that?" the woman smiled.

"I guess you're right.  But them being younger is a problem."

"David, I was 16 and your grandfather was 25 when we got married.  We've
made it work.  You can too, if it's important."

David reached for another cookie.  He held it up in front of his face,
examining it as if it could give him the answer.  The cookie wasn't
talking.  He sighed softly and took a bite, washing it down with a swallow
of milk.  "I dunno Nanny, isn't it a little unfair?  I mean I'm gonna be
away at school, and they're still gonna be here.  They might want to find
someone else."

"You might too," his grandmother smiled.  "Remember, it's a two-way
street."

"Yeah, you're right," David admitted, then added, "As usual."

"I'm old and wise David," she laughed.

"And make excellent cookies."

David and his grandmother continued chatting about his 'secret'
relationship for the next thirty minutes.  It was Tuesday, and after the
talk he had with Chad on Sunday, he felt he needed to talk with someone.
His grandmother was the obvious choice.  As always, she had a calming
influence on David, allowing him to 'cut to the chase' and see things in a
different light.

"So when am I going to meet this special someone?" she asked.

David was a little startled at the question.  Now what?  "Ummm, dunno,
we're sort of wrapped up with each other right now.  Don't have a whole lot
of spare time, ya know?"

His grandmother nodded.  "I understand, David.  But you know you can bring
them here anytime."

"Yeah, I know.  Just that we're trying to enjoy ourselves while I'm home."
David looked into his grandmother's eyes.  He saw only concern - no
pressure to force a decision on David's part.

"Well, you two enjoy yourselves," she finally smiled.

David finished off his milk.  "We are, believe me."

"Just treat them right, David.  You can't go wrong."

David nodded and smiled warmly at her.  "I'm trying."

"Good," his grandmother answered, this part of the conversation over.
"Now, you want to take some cookies home?"

"You trying to fatten me up?"

"That's my job," she laughed.

"Well, since you put it that way, yeah, I'll take some home."

His grandmother bagged some cookies for him, then turned.  "David, remember
what I said earlier.  Sometimes things just are."

David kept his face emotionless.  Did she know it was a guy her grandson
was involved with?  Somehow he thought it wouldn't matter to her, but was
unwilling to admit it to her right now.  Maybe someday he would.  Maybe.
He smiled, "Yeah, I remember."

"Good."  She looked at the clock above the sink.  "Well, I'm going to kick
you out, it's time for these old bones to get some rest."

David laughed and shook his head.  "Whatever you say."  He gave her a kiss
on the cheek.  "Thanks, Nanny."

"You're welcome, David.  Now you drive safely."

David hugged her tightly, grabbed the bag of cookies off the counter and
headed for the front door.  "See you later."

"You better," she grinned, closing the door behind him.  He waved farewell
to the silhouette standing in front of the picture window and drove home.

David was somewhat distracted at work on Wednesday thinking about solutions
to his and Chad's problem.  He had a couple of ideas, none of which he
favored, but at least they were ideas.  "Ya gotta do what ya gotta do," he
grinned to himself.  He'd start making some phone calls this week.

The telephone rang that night as he was looking through the college
handbook at the kitchen table.  "Hello," he answered, distracted.

"That's a helluva way to answer the phone," Steve replied.

"Okay, let's try again," he laughed, then hung up.

"Barker's Mortuary, you stab 'em, we slab 'em," he answered when the phone
rang again.

"That's better," Steve laughed.  "But you hung up on me."

"Ahhh, you'll get over it.  Anyway, what's up?"

"I'll let you guess.  See if you've recovered any of your brain."

David furrowed his eyebrows and glanced around the kitchen.  His eyes lit
on the note fastened to the fridge door.  "Card game."

"Wooooow, you remembered.  I'm honored."

"See, I'm not as brain dead as people think."


"Gonna be there?"

"I wouldn't miss taking you all's money again," David laughed.

"Fat chance, man.  I've got a secret weapon."

"Well, keep it in your pants.  Don't wanna see that."

Steve broke out into laughter at David's comment.  "Yeah, I figure it'll
scare everyone enough to distract their attention."

"Oh, should I bring a magnifying glass then?"

"In your dreams," Steve scoffed.  "So you'll be there?"

"Wouldn't miss it, seriously."

"Cool, bring lots of money."

"You know, Aerosmith said it best...dream on," David chuckled.

"Yeah, yeah, just be prepared to lose your pants."

"Oh Steve," David joked, "I didn't know you cared."

"You know, if you weren't my friend, there would be some nasty stuff
happening to you."

"Ohhh," David continued, "losing my pants AND nasty stuff?"

"Shut up, ya goof.  Just be here," Steve said.

"No sweat, Steve.  Maybe I should wear two pairs of pants."

"Might be a good idea," Steve laughed.

"Okay, man, see ya Saturday."

"You bet, see ya."

David chuckled and hung up the phone, returning to his search.  He finally
found the Campus Employment phone number and jotted it down.  He'd give
them a call tomorrow and see what possibilities were out there for some
extra money.  Some sort of extra income was definitely going to be needed.
And if there was nothing available on campus, he'd try some place in town.
That completed, he turned on the TV to check the weather for the weekend.
He and Chad had planned on doing some hiking in the park on Sunday, unless
it was supposed to rain.  Chad wanted to hike the trail David had blazed
for his Eagle service project.  Sunday was supposed to be hazy, hot, and
humid, the typical weather for summer.  They'd have to take plenty of
water.  David had originally planned to start from the 'high end' of the
trail and hike down, but thought that the rock formations and vista at that
end of the trail would make a good finale.  His sister had agreed to follow
him to that end of the trail in the family car so he could leave his
vehicle at that end, then drive them down to the lower trail head and drop
them off.

He rummaged around the closet for his knapsack, no sense in carrying a full
pack for a day hike.  He packed what he could, but the water and food would
have to wait until Sunday morning.  Satisfied that he had everything he
needed, including another pair of shorts for Chad and himself, he closed
the knapsack and set it beside the bed.  He grinned.  Chad was in for
another surprise on Sunday as well.

When he arrived at Steve's on Saturday evening, he was a little surprised
to see he was the only one there.  Everyone else's cars were in the
driveway, but no one was in the basement except Steve.

"So where is everyone?"

Steve answered, "Beer run."

"Wonderful.  That's your secret weapon?"  laughed David.

"Yup, sure is.  Get you all drunk and take your money," Steve laughed.

"Sure, sure," David answered, sitting down at the table and reaching for
the cards.

"They'll be back soon.  And anyway, we haven't had much of a chance to
talk, ya know?"

"Yeah, been sorta busy."

Steve snickered, "Who is she?"

"Yeah, right," David scoffed.  "Don't have a whole lot of time for stuff
like that this summer."

"I guess.  So no one special at college?" Steve asked, sitting across the
table.

David dealt a hand of blackjack, then answered, "Nah, couple possibilities
here and there, but I really need to get a job this year, so there probably
won't be anything serious going on."

Steve grinned and flipped up a blackjack.  "Gonna be my night.  So how come
you're gettin' a job?"

"Need some money this year.  Books are going up and I have to save some so
I'm not paying back all those loans and stuff until I'm in an old age
home," David answered, dealing another hand.

"Dave," Steve said seriously, "you need a social life too, man.  You bury
yourself in a lot."

"Thanks mom," David joked.

"Hit me.  Just remember, these are supposed to be the best years of our
life," Steve grinned, "Twenty."

David sighed at his seventeen and collected the cards again.  "I know, but
there's a lot going on."

"Yeah, like you're gonna lose big time tonight," Steve laughed.

"So how's Rhonda?"

It was Steve's turn to get serious.  "She's good.  This long distance stuff
is rough man.  I mean we hardly see each other during the school year, just
on breaks and stuff.  But it's worth it, ya know?"

"Is it?"

"Well, yeah," Steve smiled, "she's special man."

"That's cool.  So how do you all do it?"

Steve started laughing.  "Dave, man, you're something else.  You DO have
someone, don't you?"

"Huh?"

"All these questions.  Must be someone here, is it?"

David smiled a little.  "Sorta, maybe, but like you said, long distance is
rough.  I don't want to start anything serious that won't last."

"Well, my friend, ya never know until you try.  As long as you both know
what the situation is, it'll work."

"My own Dear Abby," David laughed.

"That's me, advice to the lovelorn," Steve joked in return.  Further
conversation was interrupted by the return of the beer run crew.

"Hey, they started without us," Sean complained to Jim.

"Well, you guys must have taken the scenic route," Steve shot back.  "Just
sit down and lose your money.  I'm on a hot streak."

"Hopefully just like last time," Mark laughed as the others sat down around
the table.

Sean passed the beer around the table, "Maybe this will cool ya down."

"Not tonight, gonna take you guys to the cleaners," Steve grinned. David
declined the offered beer, settling for soda.  "Hey," Steve complained,
"you're ruining my plan."

"Sucks to be you, don't it?" David answered.

"You'll be singing a different tune before the night is over."

Over the next few hours, Steve managed to make good on his promise
somewhat, his pile of change increasing with some regularity.  About
eleven, David shook his head and raked his remaining change into his table
tray, reaching for his 'change bag.'

"Where you goin'?" asked Sean.

"Yeah, the night is young, and I haven't taken all your money," Steve
added.

"Ahh, goin' hiking tomorrow.  Need to get up early."

"Wuss."

"Wimp."

"Pussy."

"Well, it's nice to know you all care so much," David laughed.

"That's what friends are for, you know."

"Yeah, yeah, to give you a hard time and take your hard-earned money,"
David answered with a grin.

"He's finally got it!" Sean stated.

David shook his head and stood up from the table.  "Seriously, I've gotta
split.  Supposed to be hotter than hell tomorrow."

"Well, I guess if you have to go...," Steve frowned.

"Hey, you all know I enjoy this.  When's the next one?"

"I figured I'd have a party in a couple weeks," Sean said.  "You know, a
back-to-school thing."

"Sounds cool, let me know," David replied.

Steve followed him up the steps.  "Take care, man.  Have a good time
tomorrow and enjoy your nature walk."

"No sweat, I'm planning on it," David responded, gently punching Steve on
the shoulder.

"Well, I gotta get back down there before they steal my money.  You know
how they are," Steve laughed.

"Yeah, and hey, thanks for the advice."

"Next time, write a letter."

"Gettin' all professional now."

"Yup, don't forget it.  Talk to you later."

"Hope so," David laughed, walking to his car.  When he got home, he filled
the water bottles and put them in the fridge to chill, then undressed and
went to bed.  He was asleep within minutes.

The next morning, David made a couple of sandwiches, put a handful of
pretzels in a plastic bag, and he was ready.  His sister arrived about
eight, moaning about getting up so early on a Sunday.  "Poor baby," he
commiserated.

"You're lucky I'm your loving sister," she griped.  "Where's the kid?"

"Said he'd be here about eight-thirty.  Have a Pop-Tart," he offered.

"I can't stand those things.  You know that."

"Well, I'd offer you bacon and eggs, but we don't have time."

"You'd probably burn 'em anyway," Lynn complained with a small grin.

"No doubt," David nodded, then answered the door at Chad's knock.

"Well, I'm ready.  Got my lunch and all.  Am I dressed okay?  Hi Lynn.  I
wore shorts and stuff."

Lynn snorted and shook her head.  "Is he always like this?"

David chuckled and put his hand over Chad's mouth.  "Yeah, sorta reminds me
of you when you were younger.  Your mouth never stopped running.  Ow!
Didn't have to bite me."

"Well, c'mon you two, I need some more sleep."

Lynn followed David to the parking lot close to the trail head, then they
piled in with her as she drove back to the lower part of the trail.  After
thanking a still sleepy Lynn, who mumbled her reply and drove off, they
hefted their day packs and started walking.

"So how far is it?"

"About eight miles," David replied.  "Mostly uphill."

"How come we didn't go the other way?"

"I have my reasons.  Anyway, maybe it'll tire you out."

"Don't know why we have to hike uphill," Chad grumbled as they began the
steepest part of the climb.

"You'll see," David replied.

As they hiked, the temperature and humidity started to rise.  They paused
to strip off their shirts and after a brief rest continued to hike.  A few
hours later, they were approaching the summit and the trail started to
level off.

Chad paused, leaning against a tree and took a drink of water.  David
looked across at the sweaty teen and grinned.  "Only another couple of
miles."

"You're kidding, right?"

"Would I do that?"

"Yeah, dumb question, Dave.  Really, how much farther?"

"Got one more kind of steep part to climb, then it's all downhill."

"When we gonna eat lunch?"

"At the top.  I think you'll like it," David answered.

"Who's bright idea was this?"

"Yours, if I remember right."

"Oh yeah," Chad smiled.

"Let's hit it, kiddo.  The day is wasting away."

"What's your rush?"

"You'll see.  And I'm hungry."

"Okay, already, no need to be a slave driver," Chad laughed and started
walking again.  After a few hundred yards, the trail turned and started
sharply uphill.  A few minutes later it leveled off and they stopped once
again at a fork in the trail.  David grinned and crooked his finger at Chad
and started to walk along the right fork which had a slight rise.  "Hey,
thought you said no more uphill."

"C'mon, goof, quitcher bitchin'.  You'll love this."  Chad shook his head,
giving the downhill trail a last glance and followed.  He walked with his
head down, and ran into David, who was waiting a few hundred feet further.
"Whoa there, kiddo.  Look."

Chad raised his eyes and started to smile.  "Wow, where are we?"

Standing beside Chad, David was also looking out across the vista which had
appeared at the end of the trail.  "Cat Rock, man.  Isn't this cool?
Thought we could climb out there on some of those rocks and eat lunch."

"Cool, let's go," Chad enthused, his tiredness obviously gone as he made
his way carefully from rock to rock, David following.  David hefted himself
up on a ledge beside Chad, and they took a few minutes to look out over the
valley spread below them.  David pointed out different landmarks as they
ate their lunch.  Finished, Chad balled up his bag and shoved it back into
his pack.  "This is so cool."

"Sorta worth the climb, eh kiddo?"

"Yeah."

David leaned back against the rock behind them, swinging his dangling feet.
"Not scared are ya?  We're pretty high."

"No, this is too neat to be scared."

"Kel and I used to come up here once in a while.  Except we came from the
other end.  It's only about a mile down to the main road where we parked my
car."

Chad turned to grin at David.  "This is so cool."

"Glad ya like it.  I can't believe you've never been up here."

"Me neither, have to tell dad about this."  Then he was up and working his
way carefully across the rocks, jumping from one to another.  About 20 feet
away, he landed on a rock that tilted under his weight.  He sat down
heavily and David laughed at his chagrined look.

"That hurt you more than me," David laughed.

"Shut up."  Then Chad stood up and began rocking.  He had only rocked it
back and forth a few times before he stopped.  "Hey, listen."  He rocked
again and David heard what had gotten Chad's attention.

"Umm, Chad, you might want to get back up here," David warned.

Chad turned, his grin dropping as he saw David's serious expression.
"Why?"

"You're severely pissing off a snake, man."

"Huh?"

"Rock again and listen."  Chad rocked the flat boulder once more, and David
could clearly hear the rattle from under the lower portion of the rock.
"Now unless you really wanna make him mad, better get your cute butt back
here."

"Won't he get me?"

"Nah, just come back the same way you went down, he's below you and
probably more scared than you are."

"Sure?"

"Yeah."

"Okay," Chad answered, slowly working his way back toward the ledge, every
so often glancing back to see if the rattler was following him.  He was
soon once again sitting beside David.  "So that was a rattlesnake?"

"Yep," David laughed.  "You probably disturbed his nap."

"I don't like snakes," Chad informed him seriously.

"He didn't like you too much either, kiddo," David smiled.

"Maybe I'll just stay here."

"For once you have a good idea."

"Shut up," Chad grinned as David draped an arm over his shoulders.  "You're
all sweaty," he complained, moving slightly away and shrugging off David's
arm.

"So are you kiddo.  Real nasty," David teased, holding his nose.

Chad took a sniff of the air.  "No I'm not.  Just sweaty."

"Just messin' with ya, Chad."

"Whatever.  So what are we gonna do now?  I could use a shower."

"Well, let's head out then," David responded.  They gathered their gear and
began walking back toward David's car.  They passed a few people on their
way down and warned them of the presence of at least the one snake.  As
they continued down they overheard the couple they had just talked to
warning their two kids to stay close.  "Maybe that's what I should have
done," David teased.  "Told you that you'd get a spanking if you got too
far away."

"Yeah, would have liked to see that," Chad grinned back.  David quickly
smacked Chad's butt, eliciting a yelp.

"Just saw it," David laughed.

"Keep that up and I'll just take a shower by myself," Chad advised.

"Well, it would be a cold one," David retorted.

"Pay backs."

"Right, kiddo, just remember that."  After a few more minutes, they were
sliding into David's car and he was backing out of the parking area.  Chad
stayed on his side of the seat, but rubbed David's thigh slightly with a
grin.  David slipped his hand into Chad's and they held hands until David
pulled into another pull-off on the side of the road.  He released Chad's
hand and smiled.  "Ready to go?"

"What?"

"You heard me, let's go," David replied, getting out of the car and
snagging his pack off the back seat.

"I'm tired of walking," Chad complained, but followed David as he started
down another narrow trail through the woods.

"Trust me kiddo, you'll like this.  It's not that far."

"I dunno, that's what you said last time."

David looked around, then grabbed Chad's arm, giving him a brief kiss.
"Trust me, okay?"

Chad put his hands on his hips and smiled.  "Why?"

David ran his hand down Chad's slightly sweaty chest and tickled his
stomach, causing the teen to jerk back.  "Cos I said so."

Chad sighed dramatically.  "I guess."

David shot another grin at the blond teen then started walking again.  As
they neared their destination, they began to hear the sounds of splashing
water and fun-filled yells and splashing.  David slowed as they made the
last turn in the trail and stood aside for Chad to look at where they were.

"No way!"

"Yep," David laughed.  "Told ya to trust me."

"But I didn't bring extra clothes," Chad stated, looking out at the lake
and the people enjoying the cool water.

"Kids these days," David grinned.  "You oughta be glad you have me around.
I brought extra shorts and towels along in the car."

"Cool!  But don't we have to pay to get in?"

"Nope, the public entrance is on the other side.  We came in the back way.
A fair amount of people do that.  Guess they figure if you want to walk,
it's no big deal."

"This is excellent, Dave," Chad grinned, then hugged the older youth
tightly for a few moments.  He stepped back and they walked onto the grassy
area surrounding the lake.  They toed off their shoes and socks, and then
Chad was running toward the water, yelling over his shoulder, "Last one
in's a loser."

David dropped the pack and followed Chad into the water.

******************************************************************************

I loved living in the country... :-)

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email:  fupduckmd@yahoo.com
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Fup