Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2003 14:23:24 EDT
From: AmateurishWriter@aol.com
Subject: My Little Star Gazer - Part Four

Warning: The following story is a work of fiction.  It is a fantasy.  It
never happened, except in the author's imagination.  This story may contain
sex between a legal aged teenage boy and a man.  The author does not
encourage or condone sex between adults and little children. If you are
underage, or this is illegal where you are, you already know what you're
supposed to do.  Delete this file and find something else.  If this kind of
story turns you off, delete this file and find something else.  If you're
looking for a story that has someone having sex in every other sentence,
this one is not it.

The author retains the copyright for this story.  Placing this story on a
commercial web site or in print without the authors permission is a
violation of that copyright.

Comments to AmateurishWriter@aol.com, pro and con and of a constructive
nature, will be gratefully received and acknowledged, if possible.  Flamers
will be ignored.

**********
Website references -

The Circus:  http://www.ringling.com/
THE circus of all circuses, at least here in the USA, is Ringling Bros. and
Barnum & Bailey.  The web site has everything from history, to what life is
like behind the scenes, to what's coming in the 132nd edition. 

The Movie: http://charltonhestonworld.homestead.com/GreatestShowOnEarth.html
Charlton Heston, Betty Hutton, Cornel Wilde, Gloria Grahame, Dorothy Lamour
and Jimmy Stewart.  A love story, a circus documentary and one hell of a
train wreck.  A timeless 50 year old "Best Picture". 
**********

Near the end of Part Three -

When we returned from the car and presented our VIP passes we were ushered
into a special box across from the band and raised up above the ground just
enough to give the best view but not be too far away.  As Tosh put it,
"We're close enough to smell the elephant dung."

I near split my sides on that one.

Just then I saw Angel wave from the band and pointed her out to Tosh who
waved excitedly back.  Then the ring master came out in his top hat and
tails and announced the all too familiar; "Ladies and gentleman and
children of all ages! ..."  The show greatest show on Earth was about to
begin.


Part Four - The Circus, followed by another surprise
Chapter Ten - From three rings to a Solar system full of rings

(Author's note: For a better feel for our adventure, check out the two
websites noted above and rent the movie or watch for it on cable.)

The Circus band struck up its familiar circus tunes and the parade began.

Tosh was reduced to the age of 7 or 8 as his excitement grew.  The music,
the stars, the animals, the sounds, the smells and even the tastes, were
all circus.  Horses, dogs, doves, monkeys, lions, tigers, leopards, bears,
pandas, camels and of course, giraffes and elephants.  Music, a steam
colliapy, drums and drum rolls, flutes, bugles, fanfares, noise makers of
all sorts, including rude and funny ones.  The aroma of fresh popcorn,
roasted peanuts, hot dogs, cotton candy, hay and yes, animal dung.  Oh, and
tastes of all those.  Well, not the hay and dung, of course.

It was a delight to watch my boy take in all the glitz and glamour, all the
action and skill, all the excitement and adventure.  I remembered my Dad
taking me to see the circus in Madison Square Garden when I was maybe 7
years old.  And the Hunts Brothers Circus in a real bigtop like this one
only much smaller and with only one ring.  I was transported back too and
began to be as excited as Tosh.  We clapped and cheered and laughed and
exclaimed and held our breaths along with all the other kids and yes, the
adults too.  It was magical, wonderfully marvelous and magical.

When Anton brought his family troop out to the center ring right in front
of us, Sasha looked around, spotted Tosh and gave him a big wave.  Tosh was
thrilled but blushed as he noticed many in the crowd nearby looking at him
and clearly wondering just who he was.

The family was even more amazing with their tumbling.  It was as if, now a
part of the show, they had extra zip.  Sasha and his little sister were the
stars and seemed to revel in the limelight and many loud cheers.  It was
amazing to me to see their little bodies flipping through the air, bending
and twisting every which way.  Their smiles and the fact that they were
having such fun wasn't lost on the crowd who gave them a standing ovation
when they were finished and lined up for their formal bows.

Later on, Gunner and his Dad took the center ring as well.  Again Tosh
blushed when Gunner waved and pointed to him and a bright spot light lit us
up for a brief moment.  Their act was wonderfully scary.  More than once
Tosh grabbed my arm and held on tight.  Gunner's Dad was amazing,
especially with the leopard.  At one point he had it draped around his neck
and over his shoulders.

Gunner's favorite old lion, Major, made a short appearance.  He ambled into
the cage, gave a very ferocious roar, looking every bit like he was about
to charge and then sidled over to Gunner and rubbed against his leg nearly
knocking him over.  The lion rubbed his head against Gunner just like a
loving pussy cat and then sat on his haunches as he got an obviously much
appreciated scratching behind his left ear.  Tosh laughed and said he knew
that Major was purring right then because he'd heard him purr when he had
scratched him that way.

Finally, Gunner rode the big bear around the circular cage like a pony
while tigers went the opposite way while jumping from 5 foot high stands
placed every 6 or 8 feet around the edge of the cage.  It was really quite
impressive to see this man and his son control all these wild beasts
without one overly aggressive move from the animals or stern shout from the
two men.  It almost seemed as they all knew, liked and respected each
other.

They got the biggest ovation of the entire show.

Soon there was the finale with all 3 rings working and the air filled with
activity as well.  Then all the acts lined up for the final parade and many
thunderous rounds of applause.  There were some pyrotechnic displays as
well but the fire hazard required them to be modest.  Many years ago
Connecticut suffered one of the worst disasters in its history when a
circus tent caught fire and many died.

Tosh's face was alight with the lingering excitement as we gathered
ourselves together to leave.  "Oh John!  I don't know when I've had more
fun.  This was wonderful.  Thank you."  He slipped his arms around me and
squeezed.

The feeling was beyond words.  "You're welcome sweetie.  It made me happy
to see you have so much fun."

On the way out a nosy woman, with pink rollers in her hair that she was not
very successfully trying to hide under a powder blue chiffon scarf, grabbed
my arm wanting to know just who Tosh was.  "Who is that boy?  Is he
somebody?"

"Yes Ma'am."  I put on my best stone face.  Well, I thought, we are all
somebody ... aren't we?

"Who?"  She demanded rudely.

"Can't say Ma'am."  I coldly replied while slipping on my dark glasses and
pretending to speak into my "wristwatch", not too softly so she would be
sure to hear.  "He's coming through!"

"Oh, oh!"  She panted.  "You ... you're Secret Service!"

"If you say so Ma'am."  Just as I said that I spotted an opening to go
behind the stand and pushed Tosh through it.  "Excuse us Ma'am."

By the time we were a dozen yards down behind the stands we were both
giggling like a couple of 5 year olds.

We continued on to the end of the stands and into another exit way.  The
bustle of the crowd had subsided and I looked around to get my bearings.
Spotting the gate, we headed that way while I fished in my pocket and
pulled out a couple $20 bills.  Just as Angel had said, there was a slotted
metal box for contributions to the retired circus performers fund hanging
on the ticket booth by a locked chain.  I stuffed the bills in and felt
like a million bucks.  They had been so nice, it was the very least that I
could do, since Angel had declined a tip.

As we approached the car I tried to catch Tosh, exclaiming; "Look!
Someone's in our car!"

He just poked me in the ribs and laughed.  "That's our bear John.  You
can't frighten me that easily."

I giggled.  "Oh.  Well then, bears ride in the back."

Tosh chuckled back at me.  "Oh?  Then who's driving?  Not me, I don't have
a license."

"Huh?"  I bit.

"Well silly," he smirked.  "You ARE just a big bear."

I tousled his soft black hair and ran my hand down the back of his neck.
"You're fun to be with kiddo."  He slipped his arm around my waist and gave
me a little squeeze.

The bear sat in a most dignified pose in the back seat like he was a Lord
or something.  I chuckled and opened the back door.  "Somewhere ... " I
muttered.  "Ah!  Here we go."  I hauled out, from under the seat, an old
beach towel and draped it over the bear's lap.

Tosh looked at me as though I'd gone 'round the bend.  "What's that for?"

I stated, matter of factly; "Well, he is naked."  Then I got in behind the
wheel.

Tosh got in his side and looked at me with this funny little grin.  Kind of
like he ... well, like he didn't know if I was kidding but he hoped so.  I
just looked at him and winked.  Then he started breathing again.

"I like you ya' know."  He said softly.

I smiled.  "Oh?  And why on Earth would you?"  I teased.

"Because you aren't afraid to be silly."

"Silly?  Who's being silly?"

He laughed.  "See?  That's what I mean."

We pulled up onto the highway and headed back the way we had come.

After a few miles I took an exit and headed down towards The Sound.

Tosh looked over at me.  "Where we going now John?"

Straight faced, I replied mysteriously; "You'll see."

"Grrrr ... "  Tosh growled with good natured impatience.

"Is that you back there Mr. Bear?"

Just then we crested a high hill and, as I slowed Tosh exclaimed.  "There's
that ocean ahead!"

"Well, Long Island Sound actually."  I explained to him.

"Wait!"  His eyes went wide.  "Up ahead!  That's a ... that's an
observatory!"

"Yup!"  I broke into a satisfied smile.  "It's the Stern Memorial
Planetarium and Observatory."

"Oh!  Way cool!"

"Yup and we're just in time for the 5:00 p.m. show."

"Oh John!  What another nice surprise."  He leaned over and gave me a wet
kiss on my cheek.  I wanted to reach over and passionately kiss him back.
It was very erotic to see him so happy.  However, driving took precedence,
as did our lives.

Once we were in the parking lot and safely parked, I reached over and took
his soft chin in my hand.  I drew it up so I could look in his eyes.  "Do
you know how happy your happiness makes me?"

He blushed sweetly and smiled shyly.  I kissed him on the nose.  "Okay my
little star gazer, it's off to the far reaches of the galaxy we go."

With the reservations that I had made, we were able to sit in a prime
viewing area.  Tosh couldn't keep still, he was so excited.  The dome
showed a projection of the sky as it was now.  This provided enough light
for us to read the program while the last of the crowd found their seats.
Then the light began to dim as the celestial clock was speeded up and it
passed through dusk into night.

The narrator took us through the latest version of the history of the
beginnings of the universe and our Solar system.  It was better than any
sci-fi movie ... very exciting!  Then he began a tour and we were permitted
to suggest destinations and ask questions.  I asked about Vega because I
love Carl Sagan's movie "Contact".  But, Tosh was very shy and held back.
It was okay though because I had one more surprise.

After the show the narrator asked those with silver tickets to remain
behind.  Tosh looked at his ticket and then mine.  His was silver and mine
was blue.  He gave me a questioning look.  I just smiled and got to my
feet.

I looked around and saw that maybe 6 or 8 young people were nervously
waiting as the planetarium emptied.  Tosh grabbed my hand.  "John?"

"It's okay Tosh.  I'll be in the gift shop."

"But ..."

"It's another surprise.  Those are special tickets."  I tugged him up out
of his seat.  "C'mon down with the others.  See?  That man there was the
narrator.  He's going to take you on a tour that only a few can see at a
time.  That's why there are special tickets.  I've been before so this is
special for you."

"But ... I want you to go too."

"If I go, sweetie, then one of the other kids wont be able to."  I squeezed
his shoulder.  "You can tell me all about it at supper."

I was touched by his wanting me to share with him but I knew that the
minute he saw he would understand and get caught up in the surprise.

The narrator gathered up all the youngsters and herded them toward a side
door with a small sign on it.  Tosh was next to last and when he got close
enough to read the sign he turned to look back at me.  He was grinning from
ear to ear and gave me a double thumbs-up.  My heart swelled.

I spent the next 90 minutes browsing in the gift shop.  I noticed that they
carried the astronomy software that Tosh had suggested to me.  It's called
Starry Night and is quite impressive.  We have been able to see each
other's night skies and travel the universe together with it.

Soon I was met by a bouncing Tosh.  "Oh John.  That was so great!"

I smiled.  "Tell me what you saw."

He was so excited that he jabbered away about all the equipment and how it
was all explained.  The best he saved for last.  "There was an alignment of
the Moon and three planets!  Oh, and the rings, especially Saturn's ... and
their moons ... oh ... oh wow!  John, It was just so wonderful.  Thank you
... I love you."

I put my hands on his shoulders, kissed the top of his head with a very
satisfied chuckle and directed him towards the car and our waiting bare
bear friend.  "My stomach tells me we're late getting supper.  Let me get
us on the way and you can tell me about the alignment."

He reluctantly agreed, "Okay."

**********
Another website reference -

Starry Night software: http://www.starrynight.com/
A surprisingly complete observatory for both PC and Mac.  If you are at all
interested in astronomy, both my 'real' little star gazer, who put me on to
this software, and I, enthusiastically recommend your checking out this
website. 
**********

Once I was back on the highway I suggested that Tosh continue and he
picked-up right where he left off.  "Well, in the western sky ... that's
why we were so long, we had to wait for the sun to set.  Anyhow, in the
western sky, Jupiter, then the Moon, then Venus and finally Saturn, were
all lined up just a few degrees apart and right above the horizon.  It was
so beautiful it's hard to put into words ... Oh, even better, I can show
you on your iMac when we get home with your Starry Night program."

Tosh rambled on with more details and descriptions as I drove.  Eventually
he slowed to an occasional additional thought and then grew quiet.  I
glanced over and he was just looking at me with a slight smile.  I patted
his knee as I spoke.  "It makes me so happy to see you happy."

I looked back at the road just as his smile lit up.  Then he giggled.  "My
stomach just growled."

I laughed.  "Mine too.  We're here," I said as I turned into the Outback
Steakhouse.  I'd phoned from the gift shop for their new 'Call Ahead
Seating' and we were just on time.

We took our time, first ordering an appetizer to share and then some
grilled shrimp and, of course, steak.  We both declined the Bloomin' Onion
as we both admitted, with giggles, to getting gas from onions.  By the time
we were declining desert as we both were stuffed, Tosh was beginning to
yawn.

"Oooohhhhooooowoooooaaahhhhhooooo ..."

"Busy day, huh kiddo?"

He giggled through a shy smile.  "Yes but it has been wonderful."

As I signed the credit card slip and while we were heading out to the car,
Tosh yawned a couple of times.  So, I suggested that he nap as we drove the
45 minutes to home.  I put on some soft music and my drowsy little star
gazer yawned once more and slipped off to sleep.  He looked so sweet
sitting there breathing softly.  My heart ached that he would have to leave
for Fiji tomorrow.  I wished that it was autumn and his classes were
starting.


Chapter Eleven - Romance, balconies and love

The garage door coming back down awakened my sleeping angel and he
stretched and yawned like a puppy.  "We home?"  He mumbled through the
yawn.

"Yup," I mumbled back through my own yawn induced by his.  Isn't it amazing
how that happens.  I've always wondered why ... or how?

I got out and went around to Tosh's side to prod him along.  "C'mom me
bucko.  It's late, how 'bout we go upstairs and look at the stars from the
balcony?"

He was cute when he was sleepy and it made me want to cuddle him.  We
slowly made the rounds, putting out lights and closing up.  Finally, Tosh
was awake enough to head into the bathroom and announce, "Let's shower and
wake up a little."

"Oh?" I perked up a bit. "Wanna get in the hot tub?"

"Well, that will make me too sleepy."  He gave me a suggestive look with a
little leer.  "It would be nice to cuddle for a while on the balcony before
going to bed."

I chuckled.  "A shower it is."

He was so beautiful as he slipped out of his clothes.  He saw me watching
and gave me a shy smile again.  We showered together washing each other,
tweaking and caressing but just enough to make it fun.  As we rinsed we
came together in a wet embrace, a long loving kiss and a soft chorus of 'I
love yous' . . .

******************************              ******************************
Author's Note -

I know I haven't written for a long time.  There are a lot of changes going
on in my life; retiring and moving being the most disrupting.

However, what has transpired with the individual who was the inspiration
for Tosh and this love story, "My Little Star Gazer", has caused me to end
it here.  A few months ago the daily e-mail from my (supposedly) young
friend ceased.  Now, e-mail is bounced back as an unknown address.

Shortly before this happened I suggested that, since he was now 17, he tell
his mother that he has an older e-mail friend half a world away and that
maybe she would give him permission to send a picture or two.  There were
other things (again supposedly) going on in his life so, I don't know if
this triggered the end to his communication or not but it is the most
likely reason.

I look at it this way; Either his Mum cut him off to "protect" him or, he
was a "poser", a fraud.

Sepher (his supposed name), if you are real and reading this, please, just
let me know that you are okay and forgive me for doubting you.

If you are a "poser", I forgive you for you need it.  If you are indeed a
fraud you are also a poor misguided soul who must go to incredibly great
lengths to get whatever you got out of this and whatever other frauds that
you have perpetrated on others without the slightest care or concern for
anyones feelings except your own ... this, even to include my readers who
have been duped as well.

Fear not my faithful readers, I will write again ... and soon, I hope.  In
the mean time, bless you all and may you all enjoy the blessings of
freedom.  - Amateurish