Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2018 21:09:28 +0000 (UTC)
From: Jay Carrington <jcee1113@yahoo.com>
Subject: Chapter 13 - My Sons and Their Friends

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This is a story, and it may contain some sexual references or detail some
sexual activities, but it is not totally about sex.  It is an expansion of
a previous story - My Son and His Friends which was written by this author.

This is a story of a man's relationship with his sons, their friends and a
variety of other characters. The writing is very detailed and is a written
representation of what the author saw as he was writing the story.  The
series of chapters are completely fictional and are the result of the
author's fertile imagination.  Any resemblance to any real person(s) is
purely coincidental.  The story contains consensual sexual behavior between
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NOTE: This is a story, and it may contain some sexual references or detail
some sexual activities, but it is not totally about sex.  It is an
expansion of a previous story - My Son and His Friends which was written by
this author. Chapter 55 of My Son and His Friends was posted on June 21,
2017 in the Adult/Youth section of Nifty.  You may use this link to access
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https://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/adult-youth/my-son-and-his-friends/

Chapter 13 - My Sons and Their Friends - The Freshman Year


As we were heading out of Mom and Dad's hometown, Michelle said "Doug, I
have really enjoyed getting to meet and know your family and home town
friends.  I can truly see that your Mom and Dad love and support you."  I
looked over at her with raised eyebrows, and she said "Doug, you just don't
realize what you have.  Sure, they may get on your nerves from time to
time, or do things that you don't agree with, but the love they have for
you is genuine and evidenced in so many ways.  The mere fact that they so
graciously welcomed me based on your comments, should show you that they
trust you, and then, to top it off, they went out of their way to make me
feel like a part of the family.  I will never forget this holiday, and I am
so glad that Myles is a part of your family."

What can you say to that?  I listened to what she said. and in my mind I
heard what she didn't say about her own family.  It is evident that she has
buried that part of her life, however as most memories do, they visit from
time to time, and this trip revived some of them.  I said "Michelle, Mom
and Dad are great with other people, and they are gracious and big hearted
most of the time, however Mom can be stubborn, opinionated, and rude at
times, but she is my Mom, and I have learned that I have to deal with it.
I have found that I have to stand up for my beliefs and my family without
fail, or she will run over me.  I am so happy that you were able to come
with us, and that you enjoyed your visit."

Myles spoke up and said "Dad, Grandma seemed much calmer this time than she
has in the past.  Do you know why?"  I said "Myles, maybe it had to do with
the fact that she had both of her grandsons at her house, and she wanted to
be with them."  I could tell from his reaction that while he was going to
let me say that, he wasn't totally buying it.  Ryan continued to play with
his electronic game, and did not participate in this conversation.  Myles,
Michelle and I continued to chat about a number of things as I drove home.
Myles asked "Dad, what are we going to do for Christmas?"  At that point,
Ryan raised his head and said "Frankly, I am all for staying home and being
there to enjoy the holidays with our neighborhood family."  Michelle said
"With Myles being cleared to return to school in January, I have notified
the hospital that I am ready to return to fulltime work, and they have
asked if I can start on December sixteenth.  I looked at the calendar and
told them that I could."  Myles said "But Mom, if you are going to work
during the holidays.  I might not get to see you."  I spoke up and said
"After hearing everyone's thoughts on this topic, I think we need to do
some more talking when we get home, because I have to consult Phil too."
After I had brought temporary closure to that topic for the day, Michelle
pulled out one of her books and began to read while the boys resumed
playing with their games.  I just used my driving time to begin to
strategize the next few weeks and to try to come up with options for the
Christmas Holidays.

We stopped at our little café on the way home and enjoyed a great meal
of fried chicken, fried okra, speckled butterbeans, stewed squash, turnips,
and cornbread.  As we went to checkout, Michelle stepped in front of me and
paid the bill.  I objected, but she said that she wanted to do it, so she
did, then she added, "Doug you do for everybody all the time, and you need
to give us the opportunity to do something for you from time to time."

We returned to the Denali, and resumed our trip home.  Ryan's phone rang
and it was Jay calling to find out when we would be home.  Ryan asked me
for a projected time, and I told him sometime around four thirty.  Ryan
told Jay, and then, they hung up.  Michelle looked at me, and said "I
wonder what plan is being hatched?"  I said "I have learned through
experience to never anticipate anything because you will not be right, so I
just tell myself to be calm, and go with the flow."  We made the trip home
without any issues.  I stopped at Michelle's so that we could unload her
luggage and purchases at her house.  Myles took his stuff in, but didn't
want me to leave because he was going to continue with me and Ryan.  Myles
made a quick dash in and returned ready to go on to the house.  As I pulled
into our driveway, Jay and Rob were sitting on the front porch waiting.  I
used the garage door opener and opened the garage door.  As soon as we
opened the car doors, Rob and Jay were there to talk and help.  I grabbed
my stuff and took it to my room while Ryan and the boys did the same with
his and our other stuff.  I told Ryan to bring all of his dirty clothes to
the laundry room before he left the house, and I would do our laundry.  He
asked if he could go down to Rob's, and I agreed.  They left, and I began
to do the laundry.  As I surveyed my bedroom, I noticed that Phil had made
an attempt to keep it clean and organized, but he hadn't washed the sheets
so I decided to wash them tomorrow morning and have them back on the bed
when he came home.

I finished our laundry and had all of our clothes either folded or hung by
seven o'clock.  Ryan called to see what was to eat, and I told him that I
was going to order a pizza.  He thought that was a good idea.  I asked what
they were going to do, and he said that Jay had already gone home, and that
Rob and his family were going out to eat, so he and Myles would be home in
about ten minutes.  I placed the pizza order and relaxed in the family
room.

Ryan and Myles walked in the front door, and I told them to fill three
glasses with ice and put the 2 liter of Coca Cola on the counter.  They had
finished placing the glasses on the counter when the front doorbell rang.
Myles opened the door, and it was the pizza delivery guy.  He told Myles
how much the bill was, and Myles came to me for money.  I stayed seated as
I had been on my feet for a long time.  Myles paid the delivery guy, and
placed the pizza box on the counter along with the glasses.  I asked Ryan
to place two pieces of pizza on a paper plate and bring them to me along
with a glass of Coke.  They brought their plates and drinks and joined me
in the family room.  As I listened, they told me everything that had
happened in the neighborhood while we were out of town.  As we were sitting
there talking, Michelle called Myles on his phone and asked him to come
home.  He wanted to argue, but chose not to do so.  He left leaving just me
and Ryan in the family room.  Ryan came over to sit by me, and I told him
that he needed a quick shower.  He looked at me, and then, smelled his
underarms.  He left and returned in about ten minutes wearing just boxers.
I, in the meantime had also chosen to shower, but I beat Ryan back to the
family room.  I was wearing a pair of bright blue boxer briefs.  Ryan piled
up on the sofa with me and we watched a movie that he chose.  After the
movie ended, we both went to our bedrooms.

I turned out the light and pulled the covers back.  I saw something on the
bottom sheet so I reached for it and it was a piece of paper.  It was a
handmade card from Phil telling me that he missed me and that he was
looking forward to our night together when he returned home.  I thought
that was cute, and placed the card on my nightstand.  I got in bed and
finally got comfortable.  As I was laying there trying to bring myself to
that point where I could just drop off to sleep, I heard Ryan call me.  I
answered and he said "Dad, can I spend the night with you?"  I felt myself
smile, and I said "Yes."  He was in my bedroom in a few seconds, lifted the
covers on the other side of the bed and got in.  He snuggled up against me
and started talking.  As I listened to him talk, I tried to answer as
needed, but eventually he just lulled me off to sleep.

I awoke Sunday morning somewhat refreshed, but desiring more time in bed,
so I lay there for a while and tried to go back to sleep, but it just
didn't happen.  I got up, did my normal morning routine, woke Ryan, sent
him to his bathroom and stripped the sheets and pillow cases from my bed.
I put them in the washing machine and let them wash while I fixed a
breakfast.  Ryan joined me in the kitchen.  While we ate, he outlined what
he would like to do, and I gave my approval, as most of it was getting with
a group of neighborhood boys and playing basketball down at the courts.  I
took the sheets to the bedroom after they had dried and made the bed.  I
tidied up a few things in the bedroom, and then I headed to the family room
to listen to several CDs and read my latest novel.

Around two o'clock, I thought that I should head to the grocery store and
pick up a few things for the evening's meal, so I dressed and headed there.
I shopped and planned the menu as I walked through the store.  I bought a
package of chicken breasts, three baking potatoes, some frozen corn on the
cob, some commercially prepared Cole slaw, sour cream, a container of
French Onion Dip, a loaf of fresh French bread, an assortment of spices, a
couple bottles of various BBQ sauces, and a chocolate chess pie.

I returned to the house, washed the potatoes, coated them with olive oil
and kosher salt, wrapped them in aluminum foil and placed them in the oven
to cook.  I prepared the chicken for the grill, placed it in the
refrigerator to marinate, mixed my special BBQ sauce, made a large pitcher
of tea, buttered and sprinkled the bread with garlic powder.  I looked at
the clock when I had finished and figured that it was about time for Phil
to be home.  I called him, and he said that he was about an hour away.  I
walked out and started the grill about thirty minutes later, called Ryan to
come home, and placed a pot of water with some butter and spices on the
stove to boil.  In a few minutes, Ryan came home, and I told him that I
needed his help after he showered.  He walked down to his bathroom and
began his shower.  He returned, and I asked him to monitor the grill while
I handled the rest of the stuff in the kitchen.  Ryan was stunned that I
let him handle the grill, but I figured that it was time for him to learn,
so I gave him a quick lesson on turning the chicken and smothering it with
the sauce.  I returned to the kitchen and was finishing things when Phil
walked into the kitchen.  He walked over and gave me a kiss at which time
we heard "Hey, Hey, Hey there is a young adult in the house!"  We chuckled,
and Phil grabbed me, bent me backwards and really gave me a kiss, then said
"Ryan, did you take note?"  Ryan yelled back "I think I may go blind, but
yeah I saw that."  Phil wanted to know what he could do to help and I asked
him to pull the slaw from the refrigerator, along with the sour cream,
butter and dip, and place them on the counter.  He did that, and also set
the plates and dinnerware out as well.  As he was moving around the
kitchen, he spotted the pie and told me that he couldn't wait for dessert.
I thought little do you know, but I have other plans for the evening that
will put a smile on your face.  Ryan called me to check the chicken, and I
sent Phil out to do it.  He decided that it was ready, plated it and
brought it to the counter.  I took the potatoes out of the oven, placed
them on each of our plates along with an ear of corn.  Phil placed spoons
in the slaw, sour cream and dip.  We sat down and enjoyed our meal.  Phil
brought us up to date on his family, and we did the same with Mom and Dad.
We finished, and I served everyone a slice of pie.  The meal was a hit and
then, I had to do clean-up as Ryan had to go study while I excused Phil for
a shower and to get ready for bed.

As I was clearing the counter, Mom called.  She wanted to tell me how much
she enjoyed Michelle and that she thought she was a classy lady.  I had to
smile because I knew this was a prelude to a push for matchmaking.  I told
her that she was a great lady and a fabulous Mom to Myles.  I decided that
I should go ahead and break the news that we would probably have to make
some changes to our usual Christmas plans.  I told her that as soon as I
knew the possibilities, I would let her know.  We finished talking after
she told me how much she appreciated and valued the portraits of Ryan,
Myles and me.  We hung up, and I finished cleaning the kitchen, turned out
the lights in the main part of the house and walked down to my bedroom.
Phil had showered and was lying on the bed so I took a quick shower, closed
the bedroom door, turned out the lights, and joined him.

As we lay there, we talked about things, and then, the talk turned to how
much we had missed each other.  I leaned over and kissed Phil letting my
chest rub his pecs.  I had to stabilize myself, so I placed my right hand
between his legs.  He moved away from my kiss and asked "Are you trying to
start something?"  I said "Hold on, let me check."  I grabbed his cock and
he was stiff, not hard, but stiff.  I said "Could you hold up your end of
the bargain, if I was?"  He snickered and said "I guess we will have to
find out."  With that, he pushed me onto my back on my side of the bed and
worked his way so that he was positioned between my legs.  He began to rub
his cock on mine and hid pre-cum helped fuel our excitement.  He kissed me
and then, moved to nipping along my neck on both sides.  As he did that, I
brought my legs up and wrapped them around his waist.  He stopped and said
"You really have missed me, huh?"  I said "Yes, what do I have to do to
make you understand."  He said "Fret not; Phil is here to take care of you
and your needs."  He resumed kissing me, nipping my neck, tonguing my ears,
and nipping my earlobes.  As he did that, I raised my midsection tight
against him and began to move against him and his cock.  I continued and
felt that he was rock hard and leaking large drops of pre- cum.  He backed
down me and began to nibble on my left nipple and then my right one.  As he
was attending to my nipples, he began to rub his pre-cum coated cock on my
taint and down to my hole.  I tried to clench it when he rubbed my hole,
but he would always pull back.  This continued for a while, but I was
feeling very wet between my legs and was eager for him to enter.  Finally,
he positioned his cock at my entrance, pushed and it popped into me.  At
first, I had to get him to let me accommodate him, and he did, then he
began to slide in until his balls were up against me.  He began to flex his
cock in me, and then, he began to pull out and push in all the while
looking me in the eyes.  I tried to keep my eyes open, but feeling him
inside me, made me so happy that I had to close them and enjoy the moment.
He would poke me roughly, when I closed my eyes, and then, he would lean
down and nip one of my nipples which caused me to jump, and him to react to
my movement.  It felt so good to have him in me.  I love for us to be
connected, as one.  I began to move, and that sent the message to him that
I was ready for a little more action.  He began to ease in and out at a
faster and harder pace.  I loved the feel of his balls pounding me, and I
couldn't help, but moan as he was touching that wonderful spot inside me.
He began to talk to me and asked me "was this what you wanted?"  I moaned
"yesssssssss" and he pounded me a little harder which made me moan more.  I
tightened my legs around him and tried to hold him, but he was stronger and
continued to thrust In and out. I could feel the sweat roll off of him and
onto me mixing with my own.  After a while, he really began to pound me,
and I knew it would not be long before we both climaxed.  I was the first
to spew, and as I was coming down, he pushed into me hard and I felt him
unloading in me.  After he had finished giving me his load, he collapsed on
top of me and rested for a few minutes.  After his rest, he rolled off of
me, walked to the bathroom, wiped himself off, and brought a damp cloth out
to clean my chest and taint areas.

After he cleaned me to his satisfaction, he threw the bath cloth back into
the bathroom and got into bed with me.  He leaned over, kissed me and told
me that I was an easy lay.  I punched him and said "Next time, I might not
be so easy."  He said "Doug, we both know that you can't resist my cock."
I snickered, and he punched me in the shoulder, rolled over on his side
with his back to me and stopped talking.  In a few minutes, I could tell by
his breathing that he was asleep, and I soon was there with him.

I awoke the next morning to Phil's sudden movement on the bed.  I looked
over at him and he was awake.  He said "I don't know what is happening to
me lately.  I am asleep and then, for some reason I jump and wake myself
up."  I said "Must have been some type of dream."  He said "I really don't
remember a dream when these things happen.  It is rather unnerving because
I feel so scared when it happens."  I said "Phil, maybe you need to talk to
a doctor about this."  He said "I will consider it, because it is occurring
more frequently."  I looked over at the clock and said "As much as I hate
to do this, I have to get up, shower, dress, cook breakfast, and go to
school."  He said "And some of that applies to me, so let's share some of
it."  We got out of bed and headed to the bathroom, shaved, showered, and
dressed for our work day.  I went to the kitchen and decided to prepare a
simple breakfast of grits, bacon and an omelet.  I laid out the ingredients
and began to pull the breakfast together.  I walked down to Ryan's room and
knocked on his door.  I told him to come to breakfast.  He sluggishly
opened the door and followed me back to the kitchen.  He sat on his
barstool while I dished each of our omelets on the plates.  Phil poured
each of us a large glass of orange juice and everybody dipped them out some
grits and picked up a couple pieces of bacon.  I asked Ryan how his
studying had gone last night and he said "Dad, I started studying and then,
you woke me up.  I must have fallen asleep before I could finish."  I said
"Ryan, you know your school work comes first around here, so I really must
insist that you come in and study this afternoon."  He said "I know, I
understand, and I will."  He finished eating, headed to take his shower and
dress for the day.  Phil left, and I cleaned the kitchen and loaded the
dishwasher.  Ryan returned to the kitchen dressed, and with his school
books.  We walked to the garage and were soon joined by Jay and Rob.  We
headed to the school.  On the way, they bemoaned the fact that their
vacation was over and that they had a lot to do before the Christmas Break.
I reminded them that I would review their science papers, but that I would
not do it at the last minute.  Ryan said "See guys, I told you that he was
going to crack the whip."  Jay said "I'm tough, I can handle it," and
laughed.  Rob punched him and said "Jay, this is serious.  You should be
serious.  You are the one that wants to be a doctor.  Man, you can't play
around anymore; your grades will be on the line."  Jay said "I know, you're
right.  I think that we should spend every afternoon this week working on
our report so that Pops can look them over this weekend.  Does that work
for you, Pops?"  I told him that it did and about that time we were pulling
into the faculty parking lot.  As I entered the school office, I was
greeted with a request from several of the department members to have a
departmental meeting this week to discuss the schedule of events leading up
to the Christmas Holidays.  I listened to their request and told them that
I would run an e-mail by the other members and would then, make a decision.
That seemed to satisfy them, but it heightened my awareness of how little
instructional time, I would have between today and the last day before
Christmas Break.

I walked down to my classroom and hurriedly arranged my materials for the
day's lesson.  The bell rang; I stepped into the hallway and greeted my
students as they entered the classroom.  I started each class with a
statement of how much we had to cover prior to the holidays because it
would be easier to test then, rather than after the holidays.  There were
some moans and groans and a few suggestions to just give them an A as a
Christmas present, but overall, they understood the issue.  I began by
introducing the new unit of study, referenced a few hand-on experiences,
and some of the group work that they would be doing in the next three
weeks.  After listening to the group work assignment, they seemed to
understand the time constraints, more than I had expected.  I continued
this same process with the rest of my classes.

During planning, I structured out an email to the department members
regarding a departmental meeting to be held on Wednesday after school,
along with an invitation to add any items that needed to be discussed and
stipulated that a response should be sent to me no later than ten o'clock
tomorrow morning.  I sent the email, and in a few minutes, I began
receiving responses.  I ended my day by clearing my desk, reading emails,
and was waiting for the boys when Ethel Bridgeman entered and asked if we
could talk.  Ethel is a member of the Language Arts Department, and she
wanted to discuss the joint research assignment for ninth and eleventh
graders.  She put some of her concerns on the table and I listened.  I
explained that I would be having a department meeting on Wednesday and
would take her issues and concerns to the meeting.  She said "Doug, I know
that you have been working with Myles, but I have to tell you that his work
is not meeting my standards.  I know he has been very sick, but I worry
that if and when he returns, will he be able to run with the rest of the
students?"  I said "Ethel, I will tackle that issue this afternoon and will
ask the other boys to make sure that they encourage and challenge him.  I
will pull him aside and begin to work with him during the evenings and on
the weekends.  I believe that he will be able to hold his own when he
returns in January."  She looked surprised and said "He is going to
return?"  I said "Yes, the doctor has given him clearance to begin after
the Christmas Holidays.  We are so thankful that his cancer was caught
early and that the chemotherapy was a success."  She smiled and said "Doug,
please give him my best, and I look forward to hearing your department's
comments on Thursday morning.

She opened the classroom door to leave, and there stood the three boys.
She spoke to each one of them, and they responded appropriately.  They
entered and began to hint as to what she wanted.  I decided that it was not
a confidential matter, and I told them that she was concerned with Myles'
ability to catch up when he returns to the school.  Ryan spoke up and said
"Dad, we will work with him starting tonight and really hold his nose to
the grindstone during the holidays."  Jay looked at Ryan and said "I was
hoping to do fun stuff, but since it is Myles, I agree.  Rob just nodded
his head.  I had my stuff together and was ready to leave.  We left the
room, and I locked the door.

We made it home and the boys, true to their word, called Myles down and
began their study session.  He wanted to complain, but Ryan told him that
one of the teachers had a bulls-eye on his back and he better get with the
plan.  He wanted to know who, but the boys would not tell him.  I thought
their plan was pretty well thought out.  They did not hesitate to put it in
place either.

I prepared the evening meal, Phil came home, Jay and Rob left, and we ate
our dinner.  Phil said "Doug, have you given any more thought to the
holidays?"  I said "I have, and I need to call Mom tonight and break the
news to her."  Ryan's head jerked up and he said "We're not going there?
Oh, this is big.  I am glad that I don't have to tell her.  She is going to
be hot."  I said "Ryan, there is a lot of things that I have thought about
that led me to this decision.  I will tell her, and she will have some
options.  I am praying that she is accepting of my reasons and will
cooperate."

We finished eating and afterwards, Phil pulled a set of blueprints and
began to study them in the family room while Ryan worked on his assignments
at the dining room table.  After they were busy, I picked up my phone and
walked into the formal living room and called Mom.  She answered on the
third ring.  I asked how she and Dad were doing and she told me that they
were doing good, but they had a busy few days ahead of them with doctor
appointments, and their community work.  I asked about the doctor
appointments and she said "Nothing to worry about, just old people going to
the doctor."  I said "Mom, I have given a lot of thought to our Christmas
this year, and I wanted to let you know that we will not be able to go to
your house."  There was a long pause and then, she said "And why not?"  I
cleared my throat and said "There is not just a single reason, there are
several.  1. Myles will return to school in January, and he has a lot to do
to be caught up with the other students and he has to work on his term
paper; 2.  With Myles' illness, Michelle wants him to be at home, and I
really can't blame her; 3.  I am thinking that me and the neighbors might
do something different for Christmas and/or New Years and if so, then I
will have a lot to do here."  She was silent for a few minutes and then,
she said "Doug, I can truly understand how Michelle feels, and she has
every right to feel that way.  I think that it is time for me and your Dad
to come there to visit.  When are you out of school and how soon would you
be open to having us arrive?"  I pulled the calendar down and we talked
dates and settled on a date for their arrival.  We finished the call with
some other chitchat and questions about the boys.  I hung up and could not
believe that I had had a good quality conversation with my Mom.

As I walked back to the kitchen area, I stopped in with Ryan.  He asked if
I had talked to Grandmother, and I told him that I had.  He looked at me,
and I said "She understands, and we have set a date for her and Dad to come
here."  Ryan popped his head up and looked at me "They are coming here?
What about Phil?"  I said "Ryan, I can only deal with one issue at a time.
I accomplished a lot with the phone call tonight, but I know that I will
have to work on that, but not tonight.  Now, why don't you finish and head
to bed.  I am going to check on Phil and head to bed myself.  I am tired
and ready to relax my brain."  He told me that he would and bid me a good
night.

I checked on Phil and found him rolling the blueprints up.  I asked about
what he was doing, and he said "I have been trying to decide how to lay out
the shrub display area and how to maintain a clean and tidy mulch and
compost area.  I think I have found an answer, but I need to do some more
research."  I said "I am on my way to bed."  He said "So, am I, if you will
wait a minute, I will walk with you."  He stored the blueprints, and we
walked down to our bedroom.  He closed the door, and we stripped down to
our boxers, got in bed and lay on our backs.  He said "Doug, I really
wanted to have some intimate contact tonight, but my mind won't let me
relax enough to enjoy it."  I said "I totally understand, I just had a
phone conversation with Mom, and I just need to hash some things out in my
head."  He said "Like what?"  I said "Mom and Dad are coming here for
Christmas and that presents a number of issues which I have to address."
He said "And I am one, right?"  I said "You are, but sleeping arrangements,
dinners, gifts, Michelle and Myles, Myles' schoolwork, and trying to pull
off an event with the neighbors are just some of the things that are
floating in the top of my head."  He said "Doug, you work on those and let
me know what you need me to do, but right now I am ready for a night's
rest, so I am turning the lamp off and hopefully, I will be in dreamland
shortly."  He turned his bedside lamp off and settled on his side.  I
thought, I really need to sleep, so I cut my light off, and turned on my
side with my back to him.  After a while, I felt myself drifting off to
sleep.

I awoke Tuesday morning realizing that the next two and a half weeks would
be pressure filled at school, and that, I had a ton of things to do before
Mom and Dad arrived to include cleaning the house, decorating, shopping for
presents, wrapping gifts, and planning the holiday meals.  As I lay there
thinking of all of this, I really wanted to go back to sleep and forget
these tasks, but I didn't.  I got up, got ready for work, and fixed
breakfast.  After eating, we headed on our different ways.  I arrived at
school, took care of my usual routines and headed to my classroom so that I
could do a quick review of my plans for the time between now and the
holidays.  As I looked over them, I noted some areas and topics which I
felt I could condense which would allow me to have more time to spend on
several very difficult topics.  I noted those, so that I could work on them
during planning or at home.  The bell sounded and the students began to
enter the room.

My week at school was tough and the students complained that I was
shoveling information down their throats, but I explained that it was this
way so that I could test before the holidays or they could spend their
holidays reading, studying and practicing for a test after the holidays.
They reluctantly agreed that my plan made sense, but they still complained.

Each day after school, I took the boys home so that they could study while
I ran errands and did some Christmas shopping.  As I shopped, I found that
I really needed to go to Atlanta to do some shopping, but I needed to do
some of that by myself, but I realized that the boys and Phil needed to do
some too.  I finally decided to bring the topic up at tonight's dinner.

I finished cooking dinner after Phil had taken his afternoon shower, and
Ryan and Myles had finished their homework.  As we sat around the island
eating, I mentioned that a lot had to be done before Mom and Dad's visit.
Phil said that he would handle the outside decorations with help from Myles
and Ryan.  I decided to place the needed happenings on the calendar so I
began to record the anticipated dates for things to happen, but I first
made sure that everyone understood that we would need to take a trip to
Atlanta this upcoming weekend.  Phil tried to delay it a week until he
studied the calendar and then, he agreed with me.  After we agreed to go, I
made the reservations and was lucky to get two adjoining rooms.  Having the
room situation behind me, we began to set the dates for cleaning the house,
putting up the tree, decorating the inside of the house, decorating the
outside areas, and talking ideas for holiday meals.

After we had finished that discussion, I took the meal suggestions and
began to develop a list of items that I would need to pick up at the
grocery store by anticipated dates.  After I had those lists underway, I
began to browse through my recipe books and marked the recipes that I would
use with post it notes.  I felt that I had made progress by the end of the
evening.  We called it a night and headed to bed.

As you can imagine the next few days were busy, and on Thursday night I had
everyone pack their luggage for the trip to Atlanta and place it by the
utility room door so that it could loaded after work and school on Friday.
Michelle sent Myles with his medications and directions which I placed with
my stuff.  Phil said "Doug, I know that this trip has to occur, but I had
really wanted some quality time with you in Atlanta, and in some ways, I
understand, but I really need some time with you."  I looked at him and
said "Phil, I totally understand, and if things were not in such a rush, I
think that we could have worked something out, but the boys have to shop,
and I can't have them off by themselves.  We will have to find time in the
open to be together and enjoy the holidays.  I am hoping to see a lot of
decorations and performances as we shop."  He said "That would be nice, but
that's not what I want."  I smiled and said "I'm not going to say yes, and
I'm not going to say no, but we will have to see how things go once we are
in Atlanta."  That finished our conversation and Phil took our luggage to
the utility room and placed it there while I readied our bed.  He returned,
turned out the lights, joined me in bed, and pulled me close to him.  Once
he had me tightly against him, he began to kiss my neck and nibble on my
ears, once he does that I am putty in his hands.  He then pushed himself
over me and began to plant little kisses around my face and finished by
giving me a long passionate kiss.  As he kissed me, he pushed his crotch
into mine and I could feel his solid rock hardness.  He reached down and
lowered his waistband below his balls so that his cock was free and he was
able to rub it against my abs and chest.  As he did this, my boxer briefs
were catching his and my pre-cum so I reached down and pushed them
completely off.  He said "Now, that is what I was hoping for."  He began to
rub his cock against mine and then he pushed my legs over his shoulders.
He rubbed his dripping cock against my taint and hole.  After a while he
had me wet and he began to apply pressure to my hole with his cock.  He
entered me and I realized just how much I had needed him.  He took small
jabs and entered and exited me with smooth moves.  Finally, he was in all
the way and I felt his balls against my taint.  I reached up and ran my
hands through his hair and pulled his head down near mine.  He bit my ear
and began to glide in and out a little more aggressively.  I enjoyed his
inward motion and dreaded it when he popped out.  I love to be connected to
him whether I am the bottom or the top.  He rolled over and that put me on
top so I sat up and began to glide up and down his cock while tightening my
hole on the downstroke.  He started an upward movement as I moved down and
that felt so great.  I began to feel my cum rising, and I reached down and
grabbed his nips and pinched them.  That gave him a clue and he rolled me
back onto my back and then, he really started his in and out movements.  I
felt my balls draw up and then, I noticed that his were moving up too.  I
shot my load first and then, he pushed in and unloaded in me.  He collapsed
on top of me for a few minutes and when his cock softened, it slid out and
he moved back to his side of the bed.  I lay there for a few minutes and
then I walked to the bathroom and cleaned up.  I returned to the bed,
adjusted my pillow and hoped for a good night's sleep.

I awoke Friday morning, did my morning rituals, walked to the kitchen,
pulled the cereal boxes down along with the bowls, and placed the milk on
the counter.  I called Ryan and Myles to breakfast after Phil joined me in
the kitchen.  Phil was a little frisky as he entered the kitchen, slapped
my butt, and said "fine piece of ass right there!"  I turned quickly and
let him know that I did not appreciate his comment and especially out in
the open.  He told me that I was too up-tight and that, I needed to relax.
I turned back and finished what I was doing.  He grabbed a bowl and his
favorite type of serial, poured it in the bowl and added milk.  He began to
eat.  Shortly thereafter, the boys arrived and did the same thing.  I
reminded everyone that we had a busy afternoon and that we had to have
showers and be ready to leave no later than five thirty this afternoon.
They promised to be ready.  Phil left for work, and we finished eating and
then, we too, left for school.

After school, the boys met in my room, and we headed to the parking lot.
Jay and Rob headed to their homes after we arrived at the house.  Ryan and
Myles headed in for their showers and to change clothes while I loaded the
luggage in the vehicle.  After I finished, I took my shower and dressed for
the drive up.  We waited for Phil.  He arrived around four forty-five.  He
pulled his truck into the garage because he had some equipment on it that
he needed to secure, and then, he headed in for his shower.  He dressed
similarly to the rest of us, and we were soon on the road to Atlanta.  We
stopped in College Park at Longhorn's for dinner.  We did not order
appetizers, but chose to order a salad, a rib- eye and a loaded baked
potato.  That made it easy on the waiter and soon we had our food and were
eating.  After we finished, we passed on dessert, as I wanted to get into
Atlanta and get settled in our rooms.

We arrived at our hotel, and I took the boys with me to check-in, while
Phil attended to our bags with the bellman.  We finished and headed to our
rooms.  I assigned the boys to one room, and Phil and I took the other one.
I went in with the boys so that I could make sure that the door between the
rooms was unlocked.  Ryan was not happy, that I insisted that the door
remain unlocked, but I did concede to it being closed for some privacy.
Phil was on Ryan's side on that argument.  As soon as I made sure that Ryan
and Myles understood about the door and that the food and drinks in the
little cabinet were off limits, I walked through to mine and Phil's room.

Phil had placed our luggage on the rack in the closet and our toiletries on
the counter in the bathroom.  I thanked him for taking care of those
issues, and he asked about the final outcome regarding the door.  I
explained that the door could be closed, but not locked.  He said "Doug, I
am a little concerned that they might walk in on us."  I said "Phil, I
really don't see us doing much tonight.  That is why we were together
Thursday night.  You are going to have to control yourself while we are
with the boys."  Then he asked, "So how are we sleeping tonight?"  I said
"With our eyes closed, do you know of another way?"  He glared at me and
said "You know what I mean.  Are we sleeping in boxer briefs or are we
sleeping naked?"  I looked at him and said "What do you want?"  He smiled
and said "Naked."  I agreed and he began to strip.  I placed my stuff on
the dresser and stripped while Phil pulled the comforter and sheet back and
got into bed.  I had just stepped out of my clothes when the door opened
and there stood Ryan.  He looked at me, then at Phil, and said "Oh, my bad.
I should have knocked, but it's nothing I haven't seen before.  I just
stood there waiting for him to explain why he was in our room and finally
he said "Dad, what time are we getting up and where are we eating in the
morning?"  I said "We will leave the rooms at 7:30 and eat downstairs,
then, we will ask the valet to bring the Denali around and we will head out
shopping."  That seemed to please him, so he turned and went back to his
room.  I turned off the lights and got into bed with Phil.

Phil leaned over and said, "I know that you will not consent to some good
sex tonight, but I think we can manage a little playing around," and he
nipped my right nipple with his teeth and my cock jumped.  He reached down
and grabbed it, and began to jack it slowly.  As he jacked me, I began to
leak pre- cum which he used to help him jack me with more gusto.  He raised
the cover and moved down so that he was able to take my cock in his mouth
and began to pleasure me with small kisses to my cock head and then slid
his tongue up and down the shaft.  He let his right hand massage my balls
and my taint.  He knew what was required to get me heated, and he did that.
I felt him go all the way down on my cock, and I felt his lips at my pubes.
He applied suction and began to slide up and off with his tongue playing in
my slit.  As I have said many times before, Phil knows my body and what it
likes.  He enjoyed himself, and I enjoyed what he was doing.  After a
while, I began to feel my balls tighten and my juices began to rise up my
shaft.  I grabbed his head, but he would not pull off.  I had no
alternative, but to cum in his mouth.  He seemed to enjoy it and began to
lick and suck on my cock's head.  I finally had to grab his head and
forcibly remove him as my cock was becoming ultra sensitive.  I pushed him
over to his side of the bed, and we lay together on the bed regaining our
normal breathing patterns.  I had to tell Phil that I really enjoyed that
experience, and he said "Glad that I could perform it for you, now you know
there is an opportunity for you to do the same."  I said "I know that, but
I am thinking that you think you are due that right now and well, you know
me, I like things to just happen and be somewhat of a surprise."  Phil sat
up in the bed and looked at me.  I looked back at him, and said "Oh, you
will be taken care of, but not right now."  I turned my back to him, turned
out the lamp, and said to Phil "I would advise you to get some rest as we
have a busy and long day ahead of us tomorrow."  He threw a little fit by
bouncing on the bed and turning his back to me while making a sound of
exasperation.  I just lay there, and then, he said "Doug, you know I need
some attention, and I need it now. "  I said "Phil, I hate to tell you, but
if you need some attention now, you might have to resort to Rosie and her
five sisters, goodnight and I trust you will be in a great mood tomorrow
morning."

Phil lay there for a few minutes, and I felt the bed begin to move, so I
figured that he was jerking-off.  I don't exactly remember how that turned
out as I was tired and I dropped off to sleep very fast.  Sometime later
during the night, I became aware that he had turned and was spooning me
with his hard cock between my legs.

I was too tired to wake up completely, but evidently he did not do anything
major, just let his cock lay between my legs.  I awoke before Phil did the
next morning.  I turned and looked at him as he slept.  He looked so
innocent, and I lay there thinking about how much I loved and trusted him.
He was still on his side like he was spooning me, but sometime during the
night I had moved away from him.  I raised the sheet and blanket and looked
at his magnificent cock and balls.  Phil has continued to manscape his
pubes, balls and taint.  I enjoy seeing my man naked, and I really enjoy
watching his cock come to life.  I decided that in order to have a peaceful
day, and to show him that I truly did love him, I would give him a wake-up
blowjob.  I slid under the sheet and moved so that my mouth was right at
his cock.  I stuck my tongue out and licked his slit and traced the ridge
of his cock head.  His cock twitched, but I continued to use my tongue on
him.  His cock began to wake up, and as it did, he began to emit some
pre-cum which was extremely tasty.  He rolled over onto his back and I
moved over him so that I could take his entire cock into my mouth.  I slide
down his shaft, taking him into my throat and massaging his cock with my
throat.  I tightened my lips around him and began to slide up his cock,
tracing my tongue around his ridge and checking his slit for some juice.  I
continued to do this and after while, I felt a hand on my head pushing me
down on his cock.  I reached below his cock and began to play with his
balls, and then I let my hand lift his balls and explore his taint.  As I
did that, he grabbed my hand and said "No."  I removed my hand and
continued to pleasure my man.  After I had moved up and down his cock for a
while, I began to feel his balls move, and I knew that he was about to
blow.  I moved my right hand up to his chest and as he began to shoot, I
pinched his right nipple.  He screamed and jumped.  I took everything that
he had to offer and swallowed.  I cleaned him up, and like I did him last
night, he pulled me up, and away from his cock as it was very sensitive.
He pulled me up and kissed me deeply with his tongue exploring my mouth for
a taste of his cum.  We lay there with him on his left side facing me which
allowed him to play with my chest hair.  I glanced over at the clock and
noticed that it was now 6:10 a.m.  I told Phil that we needed to get up,
shower, and dress for the day as we really had a very packed day.  I got
up, pulled on my boxer briefs and headed to the adjoining door.  I knocked,
but didn't get a response, so I opened the door.  Ryan and Myles were
trying to wake up, but the funny thing was that after I had insisted with
reservations that I had to have two beds for one room, they were in one bed
with Ryan spooning Myles.  I had to smile as it was good to see that their
relationship that had developed from an early age was still there.  I
called their names as I approached the bed, and Ryan jumped when he
realized that I was so close to him.  He opened his eyes and said "What do
you want?"  I said "Ryan, it is time for the two of you to get up, shower,
get dressed and be ready to go to breakfast, and then, shopping. Now, let's
get a move on."  He looked at me and said "Okay, but you need to leave."  I
said "What?"  He said "We would like a little privacy."  I said "Ryan, you
don't have anything that I haven't seen over the years."  He said "Dad,
privacy please."  I turned and as I did, I noticed what looked like a used
condom in the trashcan.  I paused, but quickly decided to leave the room.
As I was going through the doorway, I heard Myles say "I told you to flush
it, now we will have hell to pay."

I returned to our room and turned on the TV.  Phil looked over at me and
said "What's wrong?  Your whole mood has changed."  I said "I need to do
some thinking.  I will talk to you about it tonight."  In about twenty
minutes Ryan stuck his head through the door and told us that they were
ready to go.  Phil and I got up and exited through our doorway and met them
in the hallway.  I looked at both of the boys and Myles would not make
direct eye contact with me while Ryan made an effort, he did so with a red
face.  We headed to the elevator and made our way to the hotel's
restaurant.

We were seated and reviewed the menus.  Everybody ordered a large glass of
orange juice, along with scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast.  It
felt rather awkward at first, but I made an effort to start the
conversation by focusing everyone on the shopping areas that I had hoped we
would be able to visit provided we had time, if not we would try again
tomorrow before we left for home.  Ryan wanted to know if we had to stay
together, and I said "No, as long as you have your phones and honor our
agreed upon directions."  I asked if they had their shopping lists, and
they said that they had them on their phones.  We talked for a few more
minutes about ideas for Mother and Dad, and in a few minutes our food
arrived, and our conversations ceased for a while.

We ate our breakfast, and afterwards I paid the bill while Phil had the
valet bring the Denali around.  We got in, and I began to drive toward our
first destination, Lenox Square.  Upon our arrival, I found that the first
challenge was going to be, finding a parking place.  I finally found one
although it was a good distance to walk, but beggars cannot be choosy so, I
parked, and we walked into the mall.  I told the guys that we should meet
back at this location in four hours, and that if they needed something to
eat to visit the food court, as we would leave this mall and go to another
one in four hours.  The boys left together, and Phil and I separated to do
our own shopping.

After working our way through the various stores, we met at the designated
location within a minute or two of the predetermined time.  Each of us had
several bags of purchases.  We walked out to the vehicle and placed them in
the back.  We got in and headed to the Mall of Georgia.  On the way, I
found out that nobody had taken the time to eat, so since we had miles to
go, I stopped at a Chick Fil A and ordered each of us a sandwich, a fry,
and a large drink.  As the boys ate, they talked to me and Phil about some
of the things that they saw and wanted.  Phil mentioned a few things that
caught his eye, but I had shopped for everyone else and did not take the
time to look at things that might be of interest to me.  I decided that I
would do that at the Mall Of Georgia.

We arrived at the mall of Georgia and the parking areas were full.  I had
to drive around several times until I found a space.  We got out, and I had
everyone look at our location and compare it to one of the building in the
Mall.  We walked toward the buildings and as we approached, Myles saw that
there was a Cheesecake Factory on site, so he named that as the place for
our evening meal.  I had to agree, and as I looked at the others, I did not
see any type of disagreement.  I looked at the time and asked everyone to
meet at the entrance to the Cheesecake Factory around 6:30, and then, we
split up.  I wandered through the various shops and tried to find something
unique for both Ryan and Myles since this was the first Christmas that he
was officially a member of our family.  I looked in a number of jewelry
stores and jewelry counters and finally settled on a chain and a unique
pendant.  I had both wrapped, and then, on my way out, I spotted another
chain that I thought would be a great gift for Phil.  I purchased it, but
decided against a pendant.  I headed out of the store and began to look for
traditional gifts for those on my list.  The afternoon passed quickly, and
I was amazed when I heard a lady say that it was now 6:15.  I glanced
around and realized that I had to make my way to the Cheesecake Factory by
6:30.  I moved as fast as I could through the crowds with my arms loaded
with purchases.  I made it, and was surprised to see that the others were
already there.

Phil suggested that I make the reservations while he and the boys took the
packages to the car.  I agreed, and I entered the lobby area while they
made their way to the vehicle.  They returned, and we had to wait for about
45 minutes, before we could be seated.  Finally, our table was ready, and
our pager buzzed.  I carried it to the podium, and we were led to our
table, given menus and the name of our server.  I glanced through the
appetizers and made three different choices.  Our waiter arrived at the
table and introduced himself as Nathan, and asked for our drink orders.
Everybody ordered sweet teas while I ordered the three appetizers.  I told
him that we need to study the menu a bit, and we would do that until the
appetizers were delivered.  He said that sounded like a plan, and he was
off to attend to our drinks and place our appetizer order.

Nathan returned with our drinks, and we asked a few questions about several
items on the menu.  He answered each question and steered us away from a
couple of dishes.  I appreciate the honesty of a waiter, and I made sure
that I told him so.  He left us to finalize our choices, and he was back in
a few minutes with additional plates and the three appetizers.  We passed
them around and everyone took a sample.  Nathan returned, and we placed our
orders.

After eating and paying the bill, we walked outside, and I asked them what
they wanted to do.  Phil looked at me and said "I have walked and looked
enough today, I am ready to go back to the hotel, shower, and get in bed."
Ryan and Myles agreed, but as we were heading out to the parking lot, a
choir began to sing Christmas Carols so we listened to them and then we
walked out to the Denali.  As I drove back to the hotel, I hummed several
of the songs that the choir had sung.  I was beginning to get the Christmas
Spirit.  After reaching the hotel, I turned the vehicle over to the valet,
who took it and parked it, while we rode the elevator to our rooms.

As we walked down the hallway, I noticed that Myles and Ryan were not side
by side as usual, but Ryan was with Phil, and Myles was with me.  Ryan
stopped and opened their room door while Phil opened ours.  Myles hesitated
going in, but when he saw me watching him, he scooted inside, and I joined
Phil in our room.  Phil and I lay down and watched some TV.  I told Phil
about what I had witnessed and seen in the boys' room earlier that morning.
I said that I was not going to jump to conclusions and give them a lecture,
but I was concerned about what was going on between them.  Phil told me to
let it be as they both had level heads and used them effectively.  I
decided to try that approach, but I know it is not going to be easy.

As we were doing our nightly rituals, I heard raised voices.  I waited a
few minutes and Ryan knocked on the door.  I opened it and he said "Dad,
you need to talk to your son!"  I said "Which one?"  He said "Oh be a
comedian, I am talking about that one" and he pointed at Myles.  I told
Ryan to come in and sit with Phil while I talked to Myles.  I closed the
door and moved to sit by Myles on his bed.  I noted that they had both
opted to sleep in separate beds.  I asked Myles what was the issue and he
said "Dad, I don't want to talk about it."  I said "Myles, I will listen
and then, if necessary will give you my thoughts."  He looked at me and
said "Dad, it's very complicated and I don't even understand it so how can
I talk to you about it if I don't know what is going on."  I said "Myles, I
can appreciate that, but maybe if you start, we can sort it out."  He shook
his head no, and I hugged him to me.  He started crying and hugged me
tighter.  Having known him since he was about six or seven, I knew that
this was not something to be glazed over.  I sat there and held him as if I
had the entire night to do so.  After a while, he pulled himself together
and said "Dad, I am fighting a battle on the inside.  Ryan is my brother,
and I have always felt that way, but lately, and maybe even before, I have
always had a special feeling for him.  I think I am in love with my
brother.  I allow him to get by with stuff that I wouldn't let anybody else
do.  I know that you saw what was in the trashcan this morning.  It is not
what you think.  He didn't go all the way.  He just used a condom, and
poked me between the legs until he came.  I am so ashamed that you saw
that, but you have had to know that we have been playing around and you
said that it was to be expected.  I can't sort my feelings out for Ryan,
and I am so angry with myself because, I can't.

Well, that was more than I figured and in some ways, more than I wanted to
know.  I kissed him on the top of his head and talked to him about his
relationship with Ryan.  I made sure that he knew that I loved him
unconditionally, and that I was not judging him.  I asked if he was going
to be okay to spend the night with Ryan, and he said that he would be, so I
excused myself and made my way back to my room.  As I entered, I made eye
contact with Ryan, and he got up and returned to his room after asking me
if things were okay.  I said "Ryan, you guys need to talk, you've always
been able to do that, and you need to allow him some time to sort things
out by himself, but let him know that you are there for him."  He said
"Dad, this sounds deep."  I said "Ryan, he has had a lot happen to him this
year, and he needs time to sort things out.  He is still the brother that
you love, and I expect you to be the big brother and support him."

Ryan walked through the door and closed it while I walked over and sat on
the bed with Phil.  Phil said "Do you want to talk?"  I said "I do, but I
need time to process some things.  I was not prepared for this, and I don't
know how to proceed, but I am glad that I have you to help me think this
through."  Phil said "Doug, I am here for you, and when you are ready to
talk, we will, but right now, you need to get in bed and rest.  We have a
busy day tomorrow, as well as, a busy week next week.  I got in bed after
giving Phil a kiss.  We turned out the lights and he spooned me with his
arm over me holding me tight to his chest.  I fell asleep listening to his
patterned breathing.

We awoke the next morning and began to gather our belongings for our trip
home.  I knocked on the boys' door and called to them.  I did not get an
answer, so I opened the door and called their names.  Myles lifted his head
from his bed and asked me what I wanted.  I told him that it was time to
get up, pack their stuff, shower, dress and be ready to finish our day in
Atlanta.  As I was talking to Myles, Ryan woke up and said "Would you two
shut up?  I'm trying to sleep."  I said "Ryan, get out of bed.  You can
talk to your brother, and he will tell you what I have just said."  I
closed the door and joined Phil in the shower.

Phil and I showered, dressed and finalized our packing, placing our luggage
by the door.  I opened the connecting door to find two boys still in bed.
I walked in and called their names.  Ryan said "What part of I am trying to
sleep did you not understand?"  I lowered my voice and said "Ryan, get out
of that bed before I drag you out.  This is not, the morning to push me."
He sat up and said "Dad, it is too early to get up."  I said "Ryan, we have
things to do, and if you are so sleepy, then you can sleep on the ride
home."  Both of them got out of bed and headed to the bathroom.  I heard
the shower come on and then, Myles came back into the room and sat on his
bed.  I said "Myles gather you stuff and have it ready to pack as soon as
you have showered and are dressed.  I am going back to my room.  I will
check on you two in about ten minutes."

I returned to our room and joined Phil who was watching the morning news.
I asked him if he had any special places that he wanted to go, and he said
"Not that I can think of, but that could change as I make my way through my
list."  I said "I just want to get on with the day," so I walked back to
the connecting door to find Ryan getting dressed and Myles in the shower.
Ryan acted like he was still peeved at me, but I felt that he would be over
that as soon as he ate breakfast.  Myles stepped out of the bathroom with a
towel wrapped around his waist and began to get dressed.  They both
finished dressing, and packing their belongings.  I told them to join us in
the hallway and then, I told Phil that the boys were ready.  We grabbed our
luggage and made our way to the elevator and eventually the lobby.  I
checked out while Phil and the boys loaded our luggage after the valet
brought the car around to the loading area.

We headed out to find a restaurant so that we could have breakfast.  I
pulled into a small mom and pop restaurant.  We went in and were seated.
The smells from the kitchen were heavenly and as we were looking over the
menu, Lulu, who is one of the owners, came over to talk to us.  She gave us
a run down on the menu, and Ryan asked what smelled so good.  She laughed
and said "That would be my morning special."  He said "I want it," and as
it turned out that is what the rest of us ordered.  She brought our drinks
while we talked about our shopping needs.  As I expected, Ryan's attitude
improved once he had something to drink, and I figured that it would get
even better when he started eating.  Lulu and Herman, the other owner,
brought our food out, and I could not believe my eyes.  We had a feast:
Belgian Waffles, hash-browns, scrambled eggs. Link sausage, grits, fresh
biscuits, various jellies, butter, syrup, fresh strawberries, whipped
cream, and bacon.  Lulu said that she added the bacon because she figured
the boys would like it over the link sausage.  That was fine by me, as I
love link sausage and so does Phil, but she was wrong, both boys ate the
link sausage and the bacon.  We finished our breakfast and everybody was
full.  So full in fact, that we could have taken a morning nap.  Lulu came
over to our table and thanked us for stopping by their restaurant.  We
thanked her for a wonderful meal; I paid the bill and left a hefty tip.

As I predicted, Ryan was his jolly self after eating, and he and Myles
seemed to be getting along much better than last night.  I gave a run-down
of the various anchor stores at several of the other malls and we decided
to go to the Perimeter Mall.  Since we arrived early, we were able to find
a parking space within a reasonable distance from the Mall.  We entered and
found that some shops would not open until later in the morning.  I headed
to Nordstrom's and then, to Macy's.  I found several items that I wanted
for the boys, Phil and Dad at Macy's and I made my purchases as quickly as
I could.  As I was walking around I found a Swarovski store, so I went in
and bought Mom a couple of crystal bears and a necklace.  As I continued to
wander around the mall, I remembered that I had to buy Phil's Mom a gift so
I headed back to the Swarovski store and bought her a crystal necklace and
a crystal figurine of a gardener.  I walked out to the car, placed my
purchases in the car and headed back in to do some more shopping.  I
located several gift collections and purchased one for Colt and Christina,
and one for Justin and Meredith.  I walked into Dillards' and looked at
some shirts in the young men's section.  I bought four shirts of the same
style, but in different colors for Rob, Jay, Myles and Ryan.  As I finished
that purchase, I was beginning to feel like I was making progress.  I
walked back out to where we had entered and found the boys waiting for me.
They needed to place their purchases in the car, so I walked out with them
and then, we found an empty table in the food court and sat down.  I texted
Phil and told him that we were finished and were in the food court.  He
texted back and asked "Are you guys hungry already?"  I responded "No", but
there are tables and chairs here, so we are seated and talking.  He said
that he would join us in about thirty minutes.

As we sat and people watched in the food court, Myles asked if I would help
him finalize a purchase for his Mom.  I agreed, and we walked to
Nordstrom's.  He had three blouses picked out, and I must admit that he has
great taste.  We narrowed it down to two and he was really having a
difficult time in making a final decision.  I finally said "Myles, I
haven't bought her a present, so what do you think if you give her one, and
I give her the other?"  His face lit up, and he relaxed.  We took both
blouses to the register and paid for them.  As the cashier was ringing up
the purchase, he leaned into me and gave me a hard and heartfelt hug.  We
returned to the food court to find that Phil had joined Ryan.  I asked if
anybody was hungry, and they all stated that they were not.

I asked if there was anything else that they needed to do and the answer
was no, so we headed to the parking lot, got in and headed home.  As I
drove through Atlanta traffic, the boys discussed several displays that
they saw and talked with Phil about doing something similar at the house.
It was good to hear the three of them plot and plan.  Finally I was out of
the Atlanta traffic and headed south on I-75.  As we neared home, Ryan
asked "Dad, are you cooking tonight?"  I said "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, no!"  He
said "Well then, you might want to find something along the way, because my
stomach is telling me that it is feeding time."  Phil laughed and said
"Feeding time for the zoo?"  Ryan said "Phil, I haven't seen you refuse
food, so I am speaking for all of us."  Myles began to announce the names
of upcoming restaurants as we passed their billboards.  Finally, a Cracker
Barrel sign appeared and everybody directed me to go there.

End of Chapter 13 - My Sons and Their Friends

Thank you for taking the time to catch up with Doug, Ryan, Myles, Phil and
friends.  I have worked on this story in and amongst many different events.
Thank you to those who have written to find out what was going on with me.
The latest is that my community has been devastated by Hurricane Michael.
I got hurt on the Monday night before the storm and had to go to the ER.  I
was trying to put up a sheet of plywood when it got away from me and
started to fall back on me.  Since my neck surgery, I am very protective of
my neck, so I was more concerned about protecting it, than having the
plywood fall on me.  I went down to the ground and the plywood went down
the shin of my right leg.  I looked at my leg, and I had a scratch and some
blood on it, but it didn't look like an issue.  Twenty minutes later, my
calf had almost doubled in size.  I went to the ER, and they saw me
immediately.  I was x-rayed and there were no broken bones, but they
attributed the swelling to me being on blood thinners.  I was released and
went home.  The following morning, I tried to push myself to secure things
at my house, but I had to give up as my leg kept slowing me down.  Finally,
I realized that the storm that was coming was nothing to play with, so I
grabbed some of my stuff, loaded the dog and cat in the truck and headed
south.

I have been back to my house twice and all I can say is that compared to
many others in my community, I am lucky.  I had roof damage, water damage,
and have lost most of my trees.  The devastation shown on TV and in the
news can in no way portray the loss that we have experienced, because in a
picture you are focused on one view.  In person, you are able to scan the
horizon and all you see is devastation, destruction, and broken lives.
Please keep the panhandle of Florida in your thoughts and prayers.  We are
so thankful for the responders (linemen, law enforcement, medical
personnel, tree cutters, roofers, and volunteers) for their help and
support.  This area of Florida is fiercely independent and strong.  Efforts
by the locals and volunteers have already started to make a change in our
part of Florida.  We will recover, but it will take time, effort, faith,
money, and patience.  My plans are to continue the story, as hopefully, it
will help me cope with everything that I will be dealing with in the
future.

Please feel free to contact me as your email provides encouragement.


Jay