Date: Thu, 8 Aug 2013 03:46:43 -0700 (PDT) From: John Michaels Subject: Filipino Love - Chapter 53 FILIPINO LOVE BY JM email: mmanlookin@yahoo.com Disclaimers and other info: see chapter one This story is my personal intellectual property, and no copy or reproduction is allowed without my express written consent. This and all subsequent chapters are dedicated to my own Filipino Love. CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE The trip to the hospital with Lorenzo driving was no less of a white-knuckle experience than our ride with Josie had been, although those sphincter-tightening moments were fewer in number. We were headed in the opposite direction from the bank trip, and either due to that fact or that it was later in the day, traffic wasn't as congested, thereby reducing the number of my panic attacks. Somewhere along the way, before we left the city proper, Lorenzo took a left-hand turn that surely aged me considerably, as he cut his way through the traffic at the intersection. I finally had to just close my eyes and take deep breaths until I felt that we were once again past the danger point. None of this seemed to phase either he or Ronni, as they chatted amiably through it all and laughing at my apparent distress. I knew they weren't putting me down in any way. It was just funny to them to see my reaction to what was an every-day thing for them. Ronni took my hand and squeezed it reassuringly while kissing my cheek, and I felt some of the tension leave my body as I leaned into him. I still have some serious doubts as to whether or not I'll ever feel comfortable enough to drive in this motor madhouse, but maybe after living here for a while I'll get the confidence. OR NOT, as a tricycle cab zoomed out out of a side street directly in front of us, causing Lorenzo to have to brake hard, swerve and lay on the horn. Thank God there wasn't someone directly on our tail, or we would have surely been hit. I felt myself beginning to panic again, and even Ronni leaned into me with a slight gasp. Lorenzo did slow down momentarily, and I could hear him cursing the traffic culprit from the front seat. Things returned to normal, if there is such a thing while on the roadways here, and we soon turned onto the connector road at the edge of town, heading in a direction away from the airport and mall. The traffic was much lighter here, and we were able to make good time. Lorenzo pointed out the double-lot property we were buying as we went past, and he soon took another left turn onto a side road that had an international sign for hospital. We could see the building just ahead, and I was surprised at it's appearance. It was a 3-story affair and looked like a fairly new construction, which Lorenzo verified by saying it had only been open a little more than a year. While it wasn't overly large by US standards, it certainly looked more than adequate. After finding a parking spot not too far from the entrance, I gratefully got out of the car to stretch my tense muscles. I was soon joined by Lorenzo and Ronni, who took my hand, and together we walked inside. The lobby was smaller than what I was used to in hospitals in the US, but it was pleasantly decorated with the requisite seating arrangements and an information desk, behind which sat a rather severe-looking older woman. We walked up to her, and as Lorenzo told her why, in Filipino, we were there, pointing at me, her face was rearranged itself into a big smile that suddenly transformed her features into one that made her look like everyone's favorite grandma. She pointed us to the elevators, and as we were leaving, she turned to me, and very clearly said "Thank you" while still smiling broadly. I couldn't be sure, but there may have also been some moisture in her eyes. I was clearly surprised, and Lorenzo informed me that she was a good friend of Sanie's and was grateful for what I was doing for Ronald. I smiled back at her and said "You're welcome", hoping her English was good enough to understand. She obviously did, as she smiled and nodded at me. We got on the elevator and were quietly whisked to the third floor. Lorenzo apparently knew where we were going and headed off to the left as we got out. We walked the length of the hallway and stopped at the last door on the right, where there was a name tag with the name "Nunez" on it, so we were obviously at the right door. We pushed open the door, and both Ronni and I stopped as we witnessed the scene before us, a small gasp escaping his lips as he gripped my hand harder. Taking a quick look around the room, I wanted to make sure that it was what I had wanted, and I was pleasantly surprised. It looked like a large, well-appointed and comfortable hotel room with plenty of windows for light, and a seating area over by the windows with a small sofa and recliner, which I'm sure could be made into a bed. All in all, it was a pretty nice room for any hospital, and better than most. Ronald was half-reclined in his bed with wires running out of his body and attached to various machines which were quietly monitoring him, and an IV line attached from a bag of fluids to his right hand. He looked a hell of a lot better than the last time we'd seen him, now shaved, bathed and with a hair cut, but he was still skeletal in appearance, with dark circles under his eyes. But that wasn't what caused Ronni and me to pause in shock. It was the sight of Sanie, sitting in a chair by Ronald's bed, holding his hand and talking quietly to him that brought us up short. This vibrant, lively and lovely woman was reduced to a haggard shell, her face deeply lined with worry and dark circles under her eyes. It was clearly evident that unless we could get her away so she could rest that it wouldn't be long before she herself was a patient here. Ronald was the first to notice us, and he informed Sanie of our presence. She turned toward us and gave us a small smile as she stood. Ronni let go of my hand and was soon hugging his beloved lola fiercely but gently, recognizing her weakened condition, and crying quietly on her shoulder. They were talking quietly as I approached, Ronald watching me warily, while Lorenzo held back just inside the door, waiting and watching. Our faithful Lorenzo! He was a treasure. Sanie finally saw me, and with her smile still in place, pulled me into a three-way hug. I gently placed my hand on her cheek and leaned to kiss her forehead as I sadly smiled back, silent tears running down my cheeks as my heart broke for the love and determination this wonderful woman had for her long-lost and damaged son and for what she would willingly put herself through for him. We broke our hug, and Sanie reached up to pull my head down to place a kiss on my cheek before turning to Ronald and told him who I was - I think - because it was all in Filipino, but I heard my name as she pointed to me. She then told him who Ronni was, as I heard not only his name, but also those of Marcus and Venus. Sanie started to again take her seat, but Ronni talked to her and took her arm, pointing at the small sofa that was over near the window. She started to protest, but Ronald joined in, obviously agreeing with Ronni and then said something as he pointed at me. Sanie looked back and forth between Ronald and me before giving a small shrug, leaned down and kissed Ronald on the forehead before letting Ronni lead her over to the sofa, where they were soon in a quiet conversation. I looked lovingly at them as I relived in my mind the wonderful times we'd had together during my short stay, and the realiztion of the love and support Ronni and I had from my new family brought a smile to my face. I was brought back to the moment when I heard Ronald speak my name. In almost perfect English he asked me to sit down by his bed. "Thank you for coming when I asked, Mr. James," he said. "I needed to meet you and tell you some things. I was told you will be leaving in a few days and would be gone for some time, so I appreciate you coming when I'm sure you have other things you needed to do before you left." "One of the things that I've insisted on while here is that I prefer to be on a first-name basis with those I have dealings with," I said, "especially family. You are my husband's uncle, so I would like it if you would call me Phil." "Your....husband?" he asked, as his eyebrows raised almost to his hairline. "Mama has told me about your relationship with Ronni. I'm more than a bit surprised - shocked, even - that the family has actually blessed your relationship, although after the life I have led, I certainly have to cause to condemn. And I will be honest with you....Phil. I have been secretly watching you and Ronni together ever since that night you were at Venus' house with that horrible bitch, Sara. So I knew about you and Ronni before Mama told me yesterday. It bothered me that my 14-year old nephew was possibly following in my foot steps and was whoring himself, but it wasn't long before I realized that it was not what I thought. It soon became very clear that the two of you cared for each other - that you loved each other very much. That caused me to begin to accept the fact that you two were committed lovers, but husband? How can that be, when there are no such provisions for gay men to marry here, not to mention, someone Ronni's age?" "Your mother has probably already told you about the dreams Ronni had for years before I came along," I said. He nodded. "He evidently has inherited some of your mother's....umm...powers, I guess I'd have to call them. I have to admit that I was completely caught off balance when I realized that I had such deep feelings for someone so young. Ronni is the first, only and last of someone his age that I will ever fall in love with. I'm a school teacher back in the states, and I'm constantly surrounded by boys Ronni's age. And while I can freely admit that I find some of them very attractive, they in no way affect me either emotionally or physically. It's simply an observation. Up until I met Ronni, all of my sexual encounters had been with men around my age, some a bit younger and some older, but all of them definitely of the legal age of consent in the US and wherever I was at the time. When I first met Ronni, there was something about him that immediately drew me to him, and I now am firmly convinced that he was the one who was meant to be my soul mate. He completes me in every way. Just this week we were able to get a slight name change that ties our names together: Martinez-James. And while you're right in saying that gay marriage is not accepted her - YET - in our hearts, we both feel bound by all the things that make our relationship a true marriage." "I think I understand," he said, nodding his head. "If it were possible to have your union blessed here in the Philippines, would you do it, even if it would have to be a secret ceremony with no real legal standing?" "In a heartbeat," I quickly replied "I may know of a priest who would perform the ceremony," he said, "but you will soon be leaving. That may give me the time to see what can be done, so that when you return, you could have such a ceremony. But please don't get your hopes up too high! The church is very strict here, and any priest found to have blessed a gay union faces excommunication. But there are a few clergy who are sympathetic to the gay cause, and I may know one or two. I'll see what I can do, once I'm able to get out of here." "If you could arrange something like that, Ronni and I would be forever in your debt!" I exclaimed. "It is I who am in your debt," he said forcefully. "What you are doing for me, a total stranger, and for my family is beyond price or measure. I will do what little I can for you and my nephew, but for now, let's just call the perceived debts as a standoff." He started to chuckle, which caused a coughing fit, bringing Sanie out of her seat. Ronald waved her off as the coughing subsided, and I handed him a glass of water from the stand beside his bed. He accepted it gratefully and after handing back the glass, settled back on his pillow. I decided that now was the time to try and help get his support in trying to get Sanie away for a while so she could rest up and try to regain her health. "Ronald," I began, "I think you have made your mother the happiest woman on the planet by coming back into her life, even in the condition you were in. After so many years of not knowing where you were or how you were doing, she now is trying to make up for lost time and refuses to leave your side. She has been by your side every hour of every day since you've been here, refusing food at times and more importantly, sleep. She's driving herself beyond her limits, and if she doesn't get some proper rest and nourishment, it won't be long before she won't be in any condition to take care of anyone, including herself, and will be a patient here herself. Would you please try and get her to allow one of the other family members - most likely Venus - to take over for a while?" "She is my mother," he said, "and she feels it is her duty to be the family member to take care of me. I cannot and will not ask her to do otherwise. It would be disrespectful!" "You selfish prick!" Lorenzo exploded, as he pushed himself off the wall he'd been leaning against. I had even forgotten for a moment that he was there, standing as a silent sentinel just inside the door. Now, he was stalking toward Ronald, anger flashing from his eyes. Sanie had started to get up, but Ronni put his hand on her arm and made her sit down again. Ronald was completely caught off guard by the intrusion of this stranger, but I also noticed him scanning Lorenzo from top to bottom as he approached, and he unconsciously licked his lips, clearly liking what he saw, even though he wasn't sure of what was happening. Lorenzo is a very attractive young man, and if I hadn't met Ronni and was still on the prowl, I would definitely consider him mattress material. So Ronald's unthinking reaction as a gay man wasn't all that surprising. I sat back to see what would transpire, not totally disagreeing with Lorenzo's character assessment of Ronald. "Your mother is driving herself beyond exhaustion and will soon be too sick to even take care of herself," he fumed, "and you lie there and accept this as your due. You disgust me!! Your mother is one of the most caring and loving people I have ever known, and you also know this and are taking advantage of her for your own selfish needs! Yes, I know you haven't seen her for many years, but who's fault is that? YOU are the one to disappear from her life, taking a good deal of her heart with you. All these years she has loved you and missed you, always hoping that someday, you would come back to her. But she also never stopped loving and caring for those who were still in her life. Her heart is simply too big to do otherwise. And you know this and are taking advantage of her, selfishly keeping her to yourself because you feel the need to have her take care of you to make up for those lost years. You talk of disrespecting her by not allowing her to care of you day in and day out. Her own health is being destroyed while you lie there, soaking up all her love, trying to make up for those lost years while ignoring her own needs. THAT is the ultimate disrespect!" For a moment, there was a total silence in the room, and I swear, I could hear the drip of the IV bag as it fed into the line attached to his arm. "Oh, dear God!" Ronald finally whispered in a voice filled with anguish as the realization of the truth to what Lorenzo said hit him hard. 'What have I done? Oh, God! Mama! I'm so sorry!" Tears started pouring out of his eyes as great heaving sobs wracked his frail body, the flood of reality taking it's toll. The white-hot anger on Lorenzo's face quickly fled to be replaced with one of deep compassion as he rushed to Ronald's side and cradled the wailing man's head against his chest while gently stroking his hair. Ronald threw his unencumbered arm around Lorenzo and held on for dear life as his body heaved with his grief and remorse. Sanie was quickly by their side, one hand on Lorenzo's shoulder in compassionate contact while her other hand soothingly stroked the back of her distraught son's neck. She didn't try to intrude beyond those gentle touches, instinctively knowing, as only a mother can, that this was something that was between the two men, even though she was the catalyst. Ronni was quickly by my side and very soon in my lap as we held each other in love and silent witness to the tableau before us. Even given the circumstances, it was a beautiful scene, worthy of a master artist's brush - grieving son, loving mother and caring friend. Emotions finally returned to some semblance of normal as Ronald eased himself back on his pillow with Lorenzo's help and gave a wan smile to his two emotional supporters. He said something to Sanie in their native tongue, and I guess it had something to do with me, as they both looked at me. Ronni confirmed this when he said that Ronald had told his lola that he wanted to talk to me some more, then he needed to talk to her. She nodded, smiled, kissed him and turned to go back toward the sofa. Ronni kissed me and said he was going to try some more to convince her to get some rest. I reached my pocket and handed him 1000 pesos and told him to try to get her to go to the cafeteria and get something to eat and drink, and to assure her that Ronald would be OK with Lorenzo and myself there. He clearly liked that idea, and with another kiss, went to where Sanie was seated and started telling her my idea. She gave a worried look in our direction, and I smiled reassuringly at her and pointed at the door. With a big sigh and a shrug, she got up, and the two of them headed for the door, a big smile of satisfaction threatening to split Ronni's face. It was a small victory for us, but a definite step in the right direction for Sanie. Lorenzo started to follow them but was stopped by Ronald's hand on his arm, which slid down until he was holding his hand. Lorenzo gulped audibly as he looked at their joined hands. "Please stay," Ronald said to him with a smile. "I want you here. You made me realize just how selfish I was being, and then, when I broke down like that, you comforted me. Even though we just met, I feel that only a true friend would do for me what you did, both the lecture and the comfort. You are my friend, are you not?" Lorenzo gulped again, and any remaining resentment he may have harbored toward Ronald, left at that moment, as a smile crept onto is face quickly follow by a deep blush. He nodded, clearly not trusting his voice at this point. It was very obvious that now that he had calmed down, Lorenzo was quickly becoming enamored of Ronald. Even in his present condition he was an attractive man, and once fully recovered, would most likely be stunningly handsome. And for his part, it looked like Ronald was just as infatuated with Lorenzo, if the growing lump in his groin area under the light and revealing sheet was any indication. Thankfully, Lorenzo didn't notice this, but it also looked as though his pants were a bit tighter around the zipper than they were before. Ronald DID notice this and gave me a wink before realizing that he was in the same condition, whereupon he had the decency to blush. He quickly recovered and patted the side of the bed that was fairly devoid of wires and tubes and indicated Lorenzo was to sit there, clearly wanting the physical contact as much as was possible under the circumstances. Obviously, so did our Lorenzo, as he carefully sat as close to Ronald as possible, trying as surreptitiously as possible to rearrange his swollen cock, and without disturbing the array of tubes and wires, their hands still linked together. A small shudder rippled through Ronald before he turned to me. "This has never happened to me before," he said, quietly. "What is that?" asked Lorenzo with more than hint of hopefulness in his voice. I had a very good idea of what Ronald meant. In all his years as a gay man, he had never felt the immediate and total connection that he did with Lorenzo. Poor Lorenzo was clueless as to what was going on, and I resolved to get a moment alone with Ronald before leaving to ask if I might say something to Lorenzo about what I saw transpiring between them. Ronald and I both had histories of past encounters, while Lorenzo was still virginally waiting for his first. The vibes between one gay man and another were something that us two older guys could recognize, but Lorenzo was basically clueless when it came to getting together with someone he's attracted to. I have come to look on Lorenzo as a younger brother, and I felt a sense of willing obligation to help him work his way through what could be the mine field of the gay world. But at the moment, I was waiting to see how Ronald was going to cover his tracks. "Ummm..." he hesitated, but only briefly. "This is the first time since I was a child that I've had people who truly care about me - some, who are even willing to shout a lecture at me to get me to wake up to what's really important." He emphasized this by giving Lorenzo's hand a squeeze, which caused our boy to blush furiously as he ducked his head in embarrassment but plainly very pleased by the compliment, if the smile he had on his face was any indication. "I feel badly about that," he said, lifting his head to look at Ronald, "but I don't feel sorry. You needed to realize that the demands you were putting on your mother were actually making her very sick. I think it's because you have been away so long, and because she is your mother, she is the one you turned to, like you did when you were little. But this is different. You are going to be here for several weeks, not just a case of the sniffles or a scraped knee that are all better in a day or two and don't require round-the-clock care. Plus, your mother is older now, as you are too, and she isn't the young mother who was able to take care of you around the clock back then. And let's be honest here. The reason you are in this hospital is because you are in far worse condition than a childhood illness, and it is extremely more stressful for both of you. You have only been here a few days, and she is already at the point of collapse. Because you have come back into her life, she also wants to make up for lost time and be with you, taking care of you every hour of every day until you are well again, just like she did when you were a child. But this is totally different. No one, no matter how young or strong they are can be on call 24 hours a day, every day for the weeks you will be needing care. Your mother doesn't see it that way, though. All she sees is her much-loved son home again, and she wants to take care of you again like she used to. And you also need to realize that you have other family who love you just as much, especially your sister. She would be very happy to be here with you, as would others in the family. Friends, too." He added that last very quietly, as he again ducked his head and blushed, having looking straight into Ronald's eyes all throughout his speech. Ronald's eyes were more than a bit moist, and he had to clear his throat before being able to respond. I think that at this moment, neither of them was aware that I was even in the room. It was just the two of them, the bond between them deepening by the moment. I'm DEFINITELY gonna have to talk with Ronald - the sooner the better! "Thank you again for waking me up," he responded. "It sometimes takes the eyes of a stranger to see what those who are closest cannot." He cleared his throat before continuing. "It won't be easy, but I am quite certain I can convince Mama to start letting others share the burden. It would be good to be able to get to know my sister again. I've missed her as much as I've missed Mama. And you also mentioned friends who would help. Would you be one of them? Please?" he added in a hopeful whisper. "Yes!" Lorenzo all but shouted, grinning from ear to ear. Suddenly aware of the exuberance of his response, his face became an alarming shade of red, as he tried to do his best imitation of an ostrich by practically tucking his head under his arm. He looked so vulnerable and adorable that neither Ronald nor I could help chuckling. I stood, leaned over the bed and rubbed his back reassuringly. "It's OK, Lorenzo," I said in the most soothing voice I could muster. "You're among family and friends here. There's nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about." "But I've made such an ass out of myself," he said, miserably "And a very fine-looking ass too, if I may say so," Ronald responded with a chuckle while blushing furiously himself. As pale as he had been, the effect was quite startling. "You...really think so?" Lorenzo asked shyly, lifting his head slightly to look at Ronald. "Yes, I do," he said, with a serious expression on his face and an unmistakeable sparkle in his eyes. "I would like to see you as often as possible, if you want. I feel something for you already that I have never felt for anyone before. I think you are someone I really want and need in my life. I would really like to find out for sure." What the hell is it about romance in the Philippines? It just seems to explode on the scene in the blink of an eye! First, Ronni and me, now Lorenzo and Ronald. Then there was Dhomz and Jareth, although that one evolved through a life-long friendship, but it still just kind of popped up suddenly. It reminded me of that saying: "Life is too short. Eat dessert first." Here, it seems, love crops up before really getting to know the other one first. And, in retrospect, it also seems that here, long and loving relationships were successfully developed from first, love, THEN friendship, like Ronni and myself, whereas in the culture I grew up in, it was just the opposite: friends first, then lovers. I still feel, though, that I need to talk with both Ronald and Lorenzo separately and together - sort of like a marriage counselor. Both were going into this with their own set of baggage - Lorenzo, with his youthful inexperience and naivete, and Ronald with his long history of drug use, prostitution and, probably, failed relationships. I just hope I get a chance before I leave. I don't want to see either them get hurt, especially Lorenzo. Just then. we heard laughter just as the door opened, and Sanie and Ronni walked in, Sanie still chuckling over whatever it was Ronni had said to set her off. A look of pure love and joy descended on Ronald's face, as he looked at his mother, and a small tear escaped the corner of his eye. In a seeming unconscious move, Lorenzo reached out and gently wiped away the tear as he gazed upon his new....what? Friend, boyfriend, future lover? It was hard to tell, for the look on his face could convey any or all of those. Ronald grasped his hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it softly, as Lorenzo shuddered, and soft sound somewhere between a sigh and a moan escaping his lips. This boy had it REAL bad!!! If he wasn't already head over heels in love with Ronald, he was damn close, and from the look in Ronald's eyes as he gazed at Lorenzo, it was a very mutual feeling. Ronni and Sanie had by now joined us, and it was evident that Sanie saw the looks that were being passed between her son and Lorenzo. A slow smile crept upon her face, as she looked lovingly at her son while placing her hand gently on Lorenzo's shoulder, almost like a benediction or blessing. She obviously saw and approved what had transpired between the two, and she seemed very happy about it. My Ronni was no slouch, either. He came to sit on my my lap, settling his back against my chest and kissed my cheek. "Looks like Lorenzo's search is over," he said, quietly in my ear. "It certainly looks that way," I replied, just as quietly. Just then, Ronald turned his head to look at Ronni and me and smiled. "That is the first time I have heard my mama laugh since before I left home all those years ago," he said to Ronni, another tear escaping his eyes. "It is such a beautiful sound, and I would hear it sometimes in my dreams. I have missed that sound so much." Lorenzo was either having a hard time keeping his hands to himself, or he simply didn't care who knew how he was feeling, as he reached out and once again wiped the tear from Ronald's cheek, then placed the palm of his hand there. "You have lived for so many years with such great pain in your heart," he said, as he gently rubbed his thumb on Ronald's cheek, causing him to lean into the caress. "Let me...let US help you get rid of it." "The healing is already well under way," Ronald replied, placing his hand on top of Lorenzo's. "Just being here with Mama, my family and my new friend is the best medicine I've had since I got here. And I most definitely include you in the list of family, Phil. Mama already thinks of you as another son, so I guess that makes us brothers of the heart. If you will have me." He added that last in a very soft voice, seemingly afraid of what my reaction would be. Leaning forward as best as I could with Ronni on my lap, I reached out and place my hand on his arm. "I would be honored to call you brother," I affirmed. "I have considered you as part of my new family, even before you showed up the other day. And don't ever think that I would judge you for what you did or what you were while you were away. The past belongs in the past. Today is a new beginning for all of us." I said this last looking directly at Lorenzo, giving him a wink and a smile. He once again blushed but managed to smile at me before turning his attention back to Ronald. Ronni had been translating our exchange for Sanie, and when he was done, she looked at me with a broad smile and nodded her approval. Sanie and Ronald got into a conversation that obviously included Lorenzo as the main topic. Although I couldn't fully understand the language, I got my clues from watching Lornzo's expressions. It was almost comical to watch, and it was evident that everyone was pleased with this latest development. While they were talking, Ronni was telling me about lunch with his lola. While she didn't eat a whole lot, she did manage to eat most of the small meal she ordered. But what I really wanted to know was whether or not he was able to convince her to share the burden of care with others. "I think she is almost ready to agree," he said. "She knows that she will be no good to anyone if she gets too sick, but she has wanted to have Uncle Ronald back for so long, that she can't seem to give up any time she can be with him. I even tried a...what is this?...umm..guilt trip. Is that correct?" I nodded and kissed his forehead. "I told her she was being selfish by not letting anyone else help, because we all want to get to know him, too." "Good going, Love," I said, as I kissed him again and gave him a light squeeze. "Family is very important to her, and I think you said the one thing that will really make her think." "Actually," he said, " I think it is what's happened here between Lorenzo and him that may make the big difference. That is part of what they are talking about. Uncle Ronald is telling her that there are people like Lorenzo who are more than willing to help, and Lorenzo said he would be very happy to. Big surprise there, huh!" he added, cheekily. " I have something I'd like to do," I said, once I had stopped laughing. "I'd like to be able to talk to your uncle alone for a little bit. Do you think you could get Lola back to the sofa so you can continue to try and talk sense to her? You can even tell her that I'd like some time alone with Ronald, especially since he asked to see me." He nodded. "Good. I'm going to see if I can Lorenzo to agree to go out and get some non-hospital food for Ronald. I think that will be fairly easy, since right now, I'm sure he would do almost anything for him. Ready to try it?" "Yup! Let's go for it!" he agreed. When there was a slight lull in the conversation, I stepped in while Ronni went around the bed to his grandmother. While told her that he needed to talk to her some more, I asked Ronald about the food he'd been served here. "Last night was the first solid food I've had since being here," he said. "While it was sort of filling, it had no taste. I'd give just about anything for some General Tso's chicken and some pork-fried rice!" "Well," I said, looking significantly at Lorenzo. "Maybe we can remedy that. Lorenzo, you know this town well. Do you know of someplace where we could get Ronald the food he'd like?" "Yes, " he eagerly said, willing, as I thought, to do anything for his new love interest. "There is a place not too far from here. I can call the order in so it will be ready when I get there. It will take about 20 minutes or so. Will that be OK?" I swear Ronald started drooling at the thought of his favorite food. He licked his lips, and I heard an appreciative rumble from his stomach, as he looked hopefully and hungrily between Lorenzo and I, his eyes lit up like a kid's at Christmas. "Great," I said reaching for my wallet and handing him 5000. "Why don't you order something for yourself, and you two can eat together." His face positively glowed at the prospect, then fell. "But I have to get you and Ronni home," he said, dejectedly. "Don't worry about that," I said. "I saw a taxi stand out front as we came in. Ronni can be the interpreter and make sure we're taking the correct route home, so we don't get ripped off. I'm also hoping by the time we're ready to go, Sanie will have been convinced to at least go as far as Marcus' house and get some rest, and we can hopefully have Venus come and stay with Ronald tonight. That's the plan for now, anyway. I'm guessing you wouldn't have any trouble staying with Ronald until Venus can make the arrangements to get here? It may take a few hours getting the family organized and making arrangements about her work schedule. I hope if it comes to that, that you won't have too much of a problem." "No! Yes!! I mean, I have no problem with that!" He was almost bouncing with excitement, a huge and happy grin across his face. Ronald also looked exceedingly pleased at these developments, and his smile mirrored Lorenzo's. "OK. Make your call and place the order," I said, trying to suppress a chuckle at the antics of these two. "I think there should be a phone book near the phone here so you can look up the number." "No need," he said, pulling out his phone and flashing it at us. "They're my favorite restaurant. I have them on speed dial!" He proceeded to call the restaurant and was soon talking to someone on the other end, placing his order. He confirmed with Ronald what he wanted and asked if he'd like something to drink with it. Ronald said he'd be fine with just the water available here. Lorenzo completed his order, disconnected, then looked uncertainly at us and also looking very nervous. "OK, then," he finally said, moving closer to Ronald. "I'll be back soon with your food." He then bent down and kissed Ronald quickly on the lips before fleeing the room. Ronald had a stunned expression on his face as he turned toward me, then we both started laughing. "I think someone really likes you," I said to him. "The feeling is very mutual," he said, grinning. With that, I sat down to finally have my one-on-one with Ronald. The first topic of discussion was Lorenzo and the apparent relationship that seemed to be developing between the two. I expressed my concerns for Lorenzo's well-being after giving him a synopsis of what I knew about him. Ronald told me that, while he was definitely very attracted to Lorenzo, he was also scared shitless by the enormity of his feelings. He admitted to several relatively long-term relationships, one of which - his last - enabled him to get a college degree in business (Hmm!) through the generosity of his much-older paramour at the time, but that relationship ended after about 5 years when the guy died of a heart attack, leaving no provisions for Ronald in his will and essentially leaving his destitute. This was the last in a short line of attempts at settling down, and he admitted, that while he felt he had loved the man-of-the-moment, especially the one he was with for 5 years, that he was never IN love with any of them. It was after this last relationship that he started selling himself to survive, and it was from that experience that he got hooked on drugs. His drug dependency got so bad that he literally slid into the gutter, ending up in the condition we found him, making what money for drugs he could by giving hand and blow jobs to anyone who could buy him his next fix. Only a few desperate ones would pay to screw his scrawny dirty ass, which had been his big money maker in the past. He was certain that it was from one or more of these johns that he picked up the diseases that were ravaging his body when we found him. He told me all this in a flat, emotionless monotone, as though he had detached himself emotionally in order to be able to get it all out. When he finished, it was as if a light coming on as life returned to his features, and tears began to pour down his cheeks. There were none of the body-heaving sobs that accompanied this. It was simply a cathartic release of more of the pain he had been carrying. This time, it was I who held and comforted him as he worked though his emotions. When he let out a deep sigh, I knew the moment was over and handed him the box of tissues from the night stand. Once he had wiped his eyes and face and blown his nose, he settled back and suddenly smiled at me. That smile showed what a truly handsome man he was, even given his present health problems. "You know," he said, still with the smile on his face, "your hug felt just as good as Lorenzo's, but I like him better. Besides, you're already taken." At this, he started to laugh, and I soon joined him, as the tense emotions of just a few minutes ago dissipated. Sanie had looked our way from time to time, clearly worried about her son. But Ronni, bless him, was able to keep her calm while Ronald and I began to forge the family bond which I hope would last a lifetime. I was beginning to really like this man and felt a deep respect for him for being able to survive. We then spent time as I told him about myself, my background, my life with Ronni and our personal plans for the future and about the hotels I was planning to build, and that I hoped he could become a part of that enterprise, especially given the fact that he had that degree in business just sitting around. I didn't, however, tell him about the extent of my finances. I was still feeling my way with him and just getting to know him. I hoped that eventually that I could trust him enough to make a full disclosure to him once we were on firmer personal ground, but for now, I left things as they were. We were just talking about things in general, mostly personal anecdotes, getting to know one another better, when Lorenzo returned with the food. Ronald's eyes lit up and he fairly glowed as Lorenzo came toward us. I'm not quite sure if it was the prospect of his favorite meal or Lorenzo's presence, although his eyes DID linger on Lorenzo a bit longer than on the bags of food! As he set the bags on the stand, we were suddenly surrounded by the delicious aromas wafting out of them, and Ronald's stomach went into serious grumbling mode. Mine wasn't all too quiet either! Lorenzo bent over to playfully poke at Ronald's stomach, and when he did, Ronald grabbed his arm and pulled him down, placing a soft, quick kiss on a startled Lorenzo's lips. "Thank you," Ronald told him sincerely. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate this." It was hard to tell if he meant the food or the kiss. Probably both. Lorenzo quickly recovered, and even though he was still blushing, he leaned down and returned the kiss to a very happy Ronald. "You're welcome, " he said, as he started getting the food out onto the side table. "Now, let's get this grumbling beast fed," he joked, poking again at Ronald's stomach. I left the two of them, talking and laughing, and made my way over to where Ronni and Sanie were sitting, and he had a huge grin on his face. "Lola has agreed to let Mama come and stay tonight with Uncle Ronald," he said, excitedly, as he leaped off the seat and into my arms. "We have already called her, and she will be here as soon as she can contact the people she was supposed to work for in the morning and get Sara and Christian to bed. She said she will be here in about 2 hours, and she and Papa are so happy that Lola will take a rest." I looked at Sanie, and the poor woman looked totally worn out. She had a worried but hopeful look on her face as she looked toward the bed where her son and Lorenzo were now obviously enjoying their meal, as all chatter had stopped. "Tell her it will be OK, and that we should be going soon. Ronald will be in good care with Lorenzo until your mother can get here. He's already agreed to stay as long as necessary. Actually, they will probably have to kick him out eventually, because I know he won't want to leave." "That's pretty neat - the two of them coming together like that," he said. "No more amazing than the two of us," I replied, kissing the top of his head. "Yeah, but look at how they started out," he rebutted. "I thought for a minute that Lorenzo was going to rip his head off, he was so mad." "But just look at them now," I said, pointing at the two. Lorenzo was just about to feed Ronald a bite of his dinner, having just eaten the forkful that Ronald had just fed him. Yep! They BOTH have it bad!! With a sigh, I turned back to see Sanie watching the interplay, smiling as tears rolled down her cheeks. Ronni and I went to her and both wrapped her in a cocoon of love. Ronni told her what I had said about being able to leave now with Lorenzo here, and I guess what we'd been witnessing was enough to convince her to go with us. We walked over to the two, where Sanie hugged and kissed them both, followed by Ronni then myself. As I straightened up, ready to leave, Ronald grabbed my hand. "Thank you, Phil," he said, with tears in his eyes. "You have given me life." I was surprised when Lorenzo stood and wrapped his arms around me and kissed my cheek. "Yes. Thank you, Phil," he said. "I love you!" "Ronni and I love you, too," I replied, kissing the top of his head. "Take good care of our Ronald." "I will," he said. Then, he whispered in my ear. "I think I love him." "I know," I whispered back. "Just take it slowly - both of you. You each have a lot to learn and know about the other. But we'll be here for you, whenever you need us." We finally managed to make our exit and had no trouble getting a cab. The cabbie was pleasant enough, and he and Sanie chatted back and forth. He evidently knew the woman who was the receptionist at the hospital and who was also a friend and neighbor of Sanie's, so they had an animated conversation, while Ronni and I snuggled together quietly. We dropped Sanie off at the Martinez', as it was the first on our route. I had thought about going in to visit for a bit but realized that their household would be in a minor upheaval, not only with Sanie's arrival, but also with Venus' preparations for an overnight stay with Ronald. I had Ronni tell her to tell the family that we would see them tomorrow. We watched from the cab to make sure she made it to the house OK and took off once she waved from the door. We were soon home, and after a much-needed cr break for both of us and some serious making out, we got down to getting things ready for our expected guests. I hope you're enjoying the story so far. If so, let me know at the email address at the top. And if you like to read the stories on Nifty, how about helping them out by making a donation in whatever amount you can at http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html Thanks!! Next chapter coming along soon.