Date: Fri, 4 Sep 2015 17:18:47 -0400 From: Eff Del Subject: Green Grow the Rushes O- Chapter 19 Green Grow the Rushes O- Chapter 19 By Eff Del Nolitimere156@gmail.com There is a great joy in celebrating the victories in our lives. Celebrating our successful journey is far more important and pleasurable than the time we've spent worrying about the potholes in the road we've traveled. The time we take to celebrate our little victories is far more valuable and uplifting than every moment we've spent worrying about the problems we've had to overcome to get there. Celebrate your every bit of happiness! Jack was completely confused. Of course, he had no memory of the explosion. We tried to gently explain what had happened to him. After listening to us, he finally looked at me with wide eyes. "Why Dad?" "I can't answer that son. Some things don't have answers." I held his hand as his grief overcame him and he wept. I stroked his hair as he cried out his confusion and his sadness and I just ached in my heart because I wished I could do more. Being rich didn't fix everything. Doctor Sam walked into the room and with a smile, sat down at Jack's bedside. "Well Jack, we met earlier but you were so groggy that I suspect you might not remember. I'm Doctor Sam and we've been watching over you for a few days. It seems like you are an indestructible young man but perhaps unlucky sometimes. Your Dad is here so I'll just tell you both what's going on. Because your car was armored, you've suffered very little shock trauma. You have no broken bones and no major organ damage. Your body was pretty perforated with bits of shrapnel in fact as I've told your father, you came pretty close to becoming a gelding but don't worry, you're totally intact in that area. There are still some implanted particles that we haven't removed. We'll want to do that in about six months. It will be a simple procedure so don't let that cause you any stress. So, now the bad news Jack, The explosion caused you to suffer a tympanic membrane perforation in your left ear. That's our fancy doctor words for a broken eardrum. In your case, it is so severe that you've lost the hearing in your left ear. This isn't usually a permanent thing. The membrane as a rule heals in about four to five months. Until then though, you have to be careful to protect your inner ear. There will be no swimming if your head will go into the water. If you shower, you must wear a shower cap I recommend a bath and that you have a hand over your ear when you shampoo. Though it might be embarrassing, it wouldn't be a bad idea if your Dad or your brother could shampoo you so that you can concentrate on protection your left ear. I privately cringed hoping he wouldn't say something like "Oh that's ok Doctor, the three of us shampoo each other all of the time when we shower together' but he was silent...he understood private family matters. The Doctor continued; "No soccer and nothing else that might cause trauma to the head." "So boxing is out then?" Doctor Sam was startled but quickly broke into a big grin. "Yes Jack, boxing is out. You can train like using bags and other apparatus, but no sparring and certainly no actual fights. You're quite the young man Jack and I'm so glad that you survived this thing in one piece. We're going to let you go home tomorrow especially since we know that you have a doctor on duty right in the house. I've seen pictures of your estate Eric. I can't imagine how wonderful it must be. I've heard all sorts of stories about it. It must be like living in a palace. " I smiled. "Well Sam, why don't you see for yourself? How about coming to dinner tomorrow? Bring your wife or a guest. "Thanks Eric. I accept and I will bring my wife." "That's great. I'll see you in the morning and we'll discuss the details when I pick up the red haired wonder here." I tickled Jack on his ribs and he giggled as I leaned in and kissed him on his forehead. "Sleep well Jacamo. Tomorrow you'll be in your own bed and home with us. I'm so grateful and I don't know how to thank John for armoring your car. The idea of losing you is something I can't handle and it's happened twice. Perhaps when I get you home tomorrow, I should just lock you in your room." He looked shocked but then, thought about it for a moment and then burst out laughing. By the time I'd gotten back to the house, the boys were in school with Doc Swaim. I decided to go up to the command room. Richard was operating the desk. I smiled at him and got myself a cup of coffee. "Barry has had a ball on the internet today it seems that the message was received loud and clear. Most of the mainline websites are saying this execution was righteous and just...something Allah would approve of Even the more wacko sites are essentially saying that the executions were just, but not performed per sharia law. Sounds like Allah is our kind of guy eh?" I smiled as I sipped my coffee. "From now on Richard, no vehicle leaves this property unless you know about it. You are in total control. That's on every level even the work trucks and no vehicle enters without an inspection. This estate is now a fortress and will remain so." "Yes, Boss." "We did good work out there Richard. It isn't always pleasant but sometimes we've got to be brutal to stop attacks. You're very efficient. I appreciate you and Barry." "Thanks Eric I'm just sorry that we didn't see the installation of that IED. There was no hint of that in any information we had. Like the attack on the estate last year, it was completely bizarre. There will always be stuff like this and we have to do our best against it. We'll extend our constant surveillance around the property extensively and we're going to work with John to make certain that every vehicle is armored. Actually, there are some Skuggor gadgets that we're going to add to each car. These are just some of the things we should have done but didn't since the last bad time. We've got to stop being placid and sadly assume every day can be a bad time." I shook my head. "What a terrible heritage to leave for my boys Richard." "It's the world we're living in boss. Your father knew that many years ago when he let Walter form the Skuggor, otherwise I'd have a very different job." Diner was wonderful. Martha had made a roasted chicken with broiled vegetables that just melted in the mouth. I walked down the hall and said; "I'm going to want you in my bed tonight Sean because I need to be close to you. I'll bring you into my bed tomorrow Brian but tonight, you stay in your room." "Yes Dad." I was getting used to him calling me `Dad' and wasn't certain what I was going to do about it. He shed his clothes slowly and as he dropped his underwear, they slid down his smooth legs like silk instead of the cotton that they were. He turned and smiled. I didn't know how there could be a more beautiful boy in the entire world. "Come and let me hold you Sean." He quickly was in my arms and we collapsed onto the bed. We kissed as no one had ever kissed before...or at least, so it seemed to me. Finally, I moved my lips down his wonderful torso and eventually, my lips wrapped around his hard young cock and I began the rite that every male enjoys receiving and many enjoy giving. He was young and therefore his climax came quickly. I leaned over him and kissed his lips. He knew what came next and he raised his knees up to his shoulders. I grabbed the tube of lube and inserted my finger into his tight little hole. Without speaking a word, I lubed my very erect cock and pressed it against his little rosebud. "OK sweetie, I'm going into you." "Kay Dad." I pushed against his little wall and it gave in. He grimaced as I first penetrated but his expression soon turned to pleasure. I began to take long slow strokes into his little bottom and the delight grew within me. Much too soon, I erupted into him and clenched his little body tightly against me and we lay tight and warm against each other. He sighed deeply. "What is it son?" "About what happened Dad. That was horrible but it didn't bother me like it prolyl should of." "Sean, those men were the most evil of all creatures...far worse than the men that attacked us that terrible night that Walter was killed. Those men at least were trying to gain something material through their evil. The men from the other day just wanted to hurt and kill and they didn't even care who they hurt just so long as they hurt or killed someone." "Yeah, I know, when they thought they'd killed Jack they were all happy and actin like they'd done some good thing. "They tried to pretend that they were doing this for some religion but believe me little man, no religion teaches that actions like that are acceptable." "When I heard them laughing and saying that it was a good thing that they'd killed Jack, I wanted them dead Dad. I've never had a bad thought for anybody in the world before but, I wanted them dead." "Sean, it is your destiny to someday become the head of the Tucker Empire...don't worry, not for a long time yet remember that I'm a rather young man but, as I've already told you, I've begun to begin your education earlier than I'd hoped I needed to because the attack on Jack was a wake-up call. Remember this; The Tucker family are by nature the warmest most cordial people on earth. We are great and loyal friends. Devoted to those we know and kind to well-meaning strangers. We are also the most horrible and frightening enemies any man or group can possibly have if they attack us or ours. To our enemies, we show no mercy because we can't afford to. This bad stuff will only happen once and a while, and when it does, we have to take care of it swiftly and decisively. I hope I didn't scare you too much to go to sleep." He scooted up a little higher and kissed me and in the dim light, I could see him smile. "Dad, I'm not scared of nothing and pretty soon, anybody that tries to hurt us will find out there's two Tucker men they have to deal with." I pulled him tightly against me and ran my hand down his back I bit my lip so that the red hot tears fell silently down my cheeks. I thought bitterly to myself; `my poor sweet little boy...what have I done to you?' And then, he farted and began giggling just like a twelve year old boy. I reached down and smacked his ass and he giggled even more as he squirmed in the bed trying to escape my tickling fingers. Eventually, we settled down and cuddled until I could tell from his regular breathing and not quite snoring noises, that he was asleep. I remember thinking just before sleep over-took me, that perhaps what I was expecting from Sean was not so terrible and not so youth destroying after all...perhaps this was truly human nature played out upon an exceptionally grand stage. Brian joined us in the shower and it was a sensuous soaping time. Many body parts were touched and washed carefully. "It's me tonight right?" Brian asked trying to appear nonchalant. "Yes, Brian it's you tonight." He smiled and his water slick ass wiggled in delight. ***************** I arrived at the hospital in the van with John Driving and none of the boys in tow. After discussing Jack's recovery with Doctor Sam, I re-confirmed our appointment for dinner and suggested that he and his wife arrive around seven o'clock. "We'll have a few drinks, give you a quick tour of the place and plan on eating at around eight. Is that too late for you?" He shook his head negatively. "No, actually, I've cleared my entire schedule for tomorrow anticipating that there might be some drinking involved tonight." "Great Sam! I'm looking forward to it and I'm looking forward to meeting your wife." We brought Jack home and carefully placed him into his room. He was very fragile and he looked very weak. I'd had his regular bed moved out of his room and a hospital bed had replaced it. He needed to be on pain pills because of the numerous mini-surgeries that he'd undergone removing his shrapnel wounds. His entire body was traumatized due to the force of the explosion. Everything would heal with time and rest and he would receive both. Beyond that, he seemed in great shape and I was glad as we welcomed him home. "I haven't finished this yet Jack so I want it back when you're done." I handed him my new Nate Mentor novel. He grinned widely. "Don't worry I'll give it back to you Dad...I'll even tell you how it ends." "You do that and you won't get a new car." I tickled his ribs. Through his giggles he managed to gasp; "Stop Dad! I'm sore all over." He lay still for a moment obviously playing something over in his mind and finally he spoke; "So, Bonny Blue is really gone?" "Is that what you called it? I never knew Jack." "Yeah, mostly to myself...John knew. I don't think even Sean knew. It was just a silly thing; I wanted my car to have a special name because most yours do...like `the Red Cat'... you know. It was the greatest most special thing I've ever owned in my life and now it's gone." "Yeah, but thanks to John it was armored so that it saved your life. John does these things and never thinks to mention them what a great guy." I couldn't help it, I just started to cry and he reached up and pulled me into a hug. "Jack, Jack...I was so afraid I'd lost you. What would I have done if that had happened?" I looked down into his emerald green eyes. "I'll bet that you wouldn't turn down a beer eh?' "I...I don't think I'm supposed to drink alcohol when I'm taking these pain pills." "I'm not offering to split a bottle of scotch with you Jack. I'm offering one nice cold beer and if anything, I'll bet it will help you to sleep." His grin was explosive. "I'll be right back." I walked down to the elevator and then to my study. I grabbed a bottle of `Sam Adams'. Since Gary and Bobby's last visit, I'd made it a point to keep some in the fridge there. I snatched up a beer glass and headed back upstairs. I dramatically produced the beer bottle and poured it carefully into the glass so that the head barely broke the edge of the glass. "The perfect pour for the perfect boy." "Thanks Dad. I really love you." I patted his shoulder. "When you're stronger, we'll go out with John and get a replacement for `Bony Blue' but I don't want that to seem like it's happening the same time as Sean's birthday because I want each of you guy's birthdays to be special." "I understand Dad. If we can, I'd like to find one exactly like her. For me, she was the perfect car." "Are you certain you don't want to shop around and look at other makes and models now that you are an experienced driver Jack?" "Nope, Bony Blue was perfect." "OK Jack, in that case things are much simpler. We can certainly replace your little Beemer. I'll get John on it at once." "Really? Thanks Dad." "Really Jack. Now, finish your beer and try to get some sleep. Dr. Sam and his wife are coming over for dinner and if you were feeling up to it, it would be nice if you joined us even for a little bit. ************************** John was in the garage and I told him about my conversation with Jack. "Smart kid that Jack." He smiled. "Those are the last of the true BMWs I told you that when we chose the first one. So, I'll get the dealer working on finding us a Le Mans Blue X1 36i and like I did last time, I'll have it armored before it's brought to the estate...only this time you'll know about it." He grinned sheepishly. "You'll never know how grateful I am that you did it last time without telling me. If we can get this done fast enough, I'll give it to him before Sean's birthday. I would certainly cheer him up." "I'll get right on it Eric." "Thanks John. How is Jenny enjoying working as Martha's Assistant?" "She's loving it. Those two get along so well." "Great! Let me know how you make out on the car." I'd spoken with Martha and Daniel about the dinner for Doctor Raymond and his wife yesterday and I'd explained that I wanted it to be spectacular because that's what the Doctor's imagination would lead him to expect. Joyous Gaurde was the subject of fairy tale and folk lore to most people and really, only a relatively few people had passed through its gates. I knew that my staff that lived off property liked to encourage the speculation about what it was like beyond the wall. I smiled as I wondered what those rumors and guesses would be like a few years from now when I achieved my goal of having my entire staff living in housing on the property which I had plans of extending significantly. Daniel suggested we dress the servers in formal attire and perhaps bring in a string quartet to play soft music while we ate. I giggled and told him those were great ideas. Martha with a twinkle in her eye suggested elaborate hors d' Oeuvres, a four course meal beginning with a salad followed by a soup, then a main course...she suggested chateaubriand, and then a glorious desert. I clapped my hand laughing because we all knew we never ate like this. "Martha, whatever you prepare it has to be something that Jenny can finish up in the kitchen because you must be dressed and ready to be presented as the lady of the estate. She blushed. Daniel, you should also join as a guest as the estate manager. Arlen can supervise the staff." He scowled; "Nonsense Eric. Arlen is coming along quite well and I'm well pleased with him but he's not yet ready to supervise something like this. No, I'll be the butler thank you." I nodded. I'd learned not to argue. In matters such as this Daniel almost constantly was correct. I considered who else to invite and as I extended the invitation I explained the little ruse that would take place and told them I expected them in jacket and tie. The guest list consisted of Doc Swaim and I wondered how many times Doc Swaim would answer to questions posed to Doctor Sam and vice versa. Also invited were Gary and Bobby, Uncle Phil and Richard. I'd invited Barry but he begged off with a giggle saying he could never pull it off. Late the next morning, I'd gathered all of the boys together including Bobby and explained what was going to happen tonight. Sean crinkled up his nose in curiosity and asked; "Ain't it kinda mean to be playing a joke on the Doctor that saved Jack's life?" "No, no Sean, it's just the opposite. There are many people who wonder what life is like here at Joyous Gaurde and they've rather made up little stories about what it must be like so just for tonight, that's how it's going to be so that Doctor Raymond can tell all of his friends. After all those years of imagining, it would be disappointing to find out that basically, we live just like everyone else." He thought for a minute and then smiled. "I unnerstand Dad. It's like we're putting on a play." "Well yes; kind of." John took Sean and Brian to baseball practice. Arlen was needed at the estate to help Daniel with preparations. The dining room was being prepared to be dazzling. Daniel had one more leaf added to the table than would be required just to make things imposing. Already wonderful smells were coming from the kitchen and I knew that the women were actually just beginning in there. Daniel pulled me aside and asked; "Eric, would you like to go down into the cellar and select the wines, or shall I?" "By all means you do it Daniel, if that doesn't place an extra burden on you. I think you'd make more appropriate selections than I would. As you've learned, I tend to drink what I like rather than what is considered proper." "Eric, drinking wine that is to your liking is always proper. It's just that there are some customary pairings that have become socially recognized and I just felt that since we are putting on this grand charade for the Doctor's benefit, we should do it with-in norms recognized by the established standards." Putting on my best Captain Picard, I said; "Make it so Daniel." He completely understood the reference and grinned broadly, as he walked off to attend to something. I smiled to myself thinking that `by god, I do a pretty good Patrick Stewart imitation'." About five o'clock, the string quartet showed up and for some reason the lead violinist tried to present me with a long list of musical selections for my approval. I waved him off. "No, no! Take that list to Daniel over there. He'll review it for you." I watched as the timid little man approached my huge Butler who quickly took the list and began to review it. I began to walk down the hall to the elevator so that I could get showered and dressed but, as I was doing so I heard Daniels voice bellowing; "No...we'll have no Eichner! That poor man should have stuck with the flute quartets he was at least almost competent at..." I didn't wait to hear any more. I just smiled. Daniel was a treasure. *********************** Sean and Brian were sitting on my bed as naked as the day they were born. Their faces were smudged and dusty and their right hands...their throwing hands were dirty. They had obviously returned from baseball practice, stripped down and decided to wait for me. `That's the damnedest thing!' I thought to myself though I don't know why I was surprised. "We decided that we might as well shower together to save water Dad." Sean smiled at me. "Hope you didn't get my bed all messy with your dirty sweaty little baseball boy bodies." I tried to affect a scowl but they weren't buying it. "No problem Dad. We're sitting on towels...see?" Brian hopped down from the bed to reveal a once white towel now covered with what appeared to be at least a third of an infield. I had stopped cringing even slightly when Brian called me `Dad' and I didn't know what I was going to do about it. I just knew that right now, he was a happy young boy and I wanted that for him because he had so much sadness ahead of him. I sighed in resignation, admitted it was happy resignation, and quickly stripped down. I threw my clothes into my hamper and indicated the two dirty towels. "Place those carefully into the hamper guys. I don't want a pitcher's mound on the floor of my bedroom." For that comment, I received a genuine `Sean smile' and he giggled. "Silly Dad." I followed two of the most gorgeous young butts in the world into the bathroom and we were soon lathered up and chatting under the hot water from the multi-heads shooting in all directions. Actually, if the truth were told, THEY were doing the chatting and I was doing the listening. The talk was mostly about the baseball team and the upcoming game in two days. They talked a bit about tonight's dinner and how much fun it was going to be. Sean talked briefly about his upcoming birthday. I squeezed in a word and asked him if he'd changed him mind about who he wanted to invite. He said he was thinking about it. "It's still almost a month away Dad." I smiled to myself. Like a little kid, I just couldn't wait to give him his present. He mentioned his excitement about his flying lessons and I told him that I'd taken the liberty of inviting his flying instructor to his birthday party so that they could meet before his first lesson. "What's his name Dad?" "His name is Will Fletcher. Captain Lucas thinks very highly of him and so do all of the other people I talked to about him. He's young...about my age but he has tons of experience. Just as you're going to be doing, he started flying at a very young age...long before he could legally solo in fact, before he could take his first solo flight, he had his instrument rating as well as his multi-engine rating. I think you two should hit it off well Little Man." Sean was obviously impressed. He'd been hitting the books and had gone through the small mountain of books and manuals I had given him in preparation for this experience so he knew how extraordinary Will Fletcher's credentials were. I turned the shower off and told them after they'd dried, to run off and get dressed. Brian lingered for a moment twisting the towel nervously. "I-I'm still coming into your bed tonight after everything is over r-right?" I pulled him to me and hugged him against my chest. He'd dropped the towel as his naked body almost melted against mine. He nuzzled his face against my chest and said in an almost whisper; "I k-know I'm not your son, but while I'm here, I like to pretend I am. You t-treat me like a son...like I think a real father would treat a son...like I think MY real father would treat me if he hadn't d-died. I see that quick look in your face sometimes when I call you `Dad' b-but don't worry Eric. I know what's true and what's pretend. While I'm here, please l-let me pretend." I rubbed my hand lovingly down his back and across his two luscious globes as I leaned down and kissed him. "We'll talk about all this in bed tonight Brian. I've already promised you that your life will be OK and I never break my promises. Go get dressed now. If you need help with your tie come see me...Sean still hasn't gotten the hang of it." He scurried off with a smile on his face. ************************** They were gorgeous in their blue blazers and tan twill trousers. This party had been so spontaneous, that there hadn't been time to take Brian to Strothers fortunately, my instincts had been correct and Jack's outfit from last year (which he'd completely outgrown) fit young Spider almost perfectly. His body-type was very similar to Jack's and it took very minor alterations by my staff seamstress and he looked great. They'd both come to me with their red ties in hand. They were so cute I broke into a wide smile. I took Brian first and stood him in front of the full-length mirror. I stood behind him. "Now Brian, there are many ways to tie a necktie but right now, we're going to do a half-Windsor because it's easy and it looks very sharp." I adjusted the length of the tie around his neck and then slowly explained what I was doing as I fashioned the knot. I finished by pinching and adjusting it. I remembered the first time I'd done this for Sean the night of the Deer Run Swimming Team banquet. I'd been a bit surprised he didn't know how to do this for himself and then realized that he'd grown up in a completely different environment. I'd been tying my own necktie since I was eight years old. For Sean, that had been the second occasion in his entire life that he'd had reason to wear a tie...the first being the day that I'd picked him up from the NEST. By god, that seemed like a lifetime ago! I realized that this was one of the few occasions Brian had ever had to wear a tie and his mother had most likely tied it for him. "Step back Brian and look at yourself. You look wonderful." He grinned unabashedly at his reflection and grinned spectacularly. I motioned Sean over to the mirror. "You're not kidding me one bit Little Man. You just don't want to learn how to do this. One of these days I'm going to make you stand in front of the mirror until you do it right yourself. All day if it takes that long." He could see my smiling reflection in the mirror so he knew I was kidding. "Aw Dad...I was readin in a magazine that neckties are goin out of fashion. Well-dressed men are wearing beaded necklaces. You keep this stuff up and people are gonna think that you're a geek an you're gonna drag us down with you." "Where did you read something as ridiculous as that?" He couldn't hold it anymore and he broke out giggling. "Stand still you little devil so I can adjust your knot." There we stood in our blue blazers, red ties with blue stripes, white linen shirts and tan twill trousers. I wore brown Italian loafers and the boys wore their clean white sneakers...we were a sight to behold. "Arlen is going to check with Jack later, If he feels like it, Arlen will bring him down. Jack's in on the `fairy tale' plot he just doesn't know if he feels strong enough. So my fine young gentlemen, let's go down and wait for our guests. Shall we?" "We shall Father." Sean quipped. Three fine looking dudes headed toward the elevator hand in hand. (to be continued) Gang, I'm sorry this chapter is a bit late. I've just spent four days in the hospital over some chemo related bullshit. I don't have a laptop because I don't like them but if this kind of crap keeps up I may have to get one because I couldn't type a story like this on my ipad. Anyway, Thank you all so much for the wonderful feedback it is such a pleasure to hear from readers and it inspires me to want to keep this story going. I was shocked yesterday when I realized that in about two weeks, this story will have been going on for two years!!! I'm stunned because in many ways it seems like I only started it a few months ago. I guess I'm going to have to plan on a special `birthday chapter' to celebrate. Thanks again and please continue to drop me a line