Date: Thu, 24 Sep 2015 20:45:39 -0400 From: Eff Del Subject: Green Grow the Rushes O- Chapter 22 Green Grow the Rushes O- Chapter 22 By Eff Del Nolitimere156@gmail.com We celebrate birthdays because they are regarded as milestones by which our lives can be reviewed. The truth is, if you really consider them for what they are, they are merely the first day of our next personal 365-day journey around the sun. The day you were born simply marks your entry into the great adventure that is life. It is those subsequent days; the ones when you strive, when you overcome adversity and anguish, when you are kind and when you love and are loved in return that really matter...the days when you display your credentials as a human being. Those are the days that should truly be celebrated. He was sitting on the edge of my bed smiling at me just as he'd done so many times since I was a little boy. He'd always been there for me especially those times when my complicated father confused me and I'd felt inadequate or unworthy. My father loved me deeply and I returned that love with a passion...but there were times when I just felt lacking and sensed that somehow I'd failed and hadn't lived up to one or more of his expectations. I never wanted my father to see me cry or feel that in some way he'd upset me. It was simply assumed that Eric Tucker's son was above such childish emotions even at the age of nine. I was after all, `Little E'...the child of such talent and promise. My solution on those occasions was to quietly retreat to some place quiet and private where I could weep over my shortcomings and yes, feel sorry for myself. He always knew when those instances had occurred though my father never did. It was he who always knew where to find me. He would approach quietly and without comment. Sitting down near me, he'd wordlessly take my hand. Sometimes we'd just silently sit that way until the comfort of his strength and love calmed me down. He would then gently guide me into articulating my hurt and sadness. Having done that, he would speak softly and non-judgmentally. I always listened when he spoke with me at those times and soon we were involved in a discussion that tenderly lifted me out of my sorrow and into understanding. He helped me realize that my father loved me unconditionally but that at times he demonstrated that love poorly. My father was an only child who had been forced to assume the mantel of responsibility for the family at a much younger age than he'd anticipated. He'd made an incredible success out of it but, in his succeeding, he'd become a very complex man; loving and exciting most of the time but on occasion cold and analytical. Nine-year-old boys don't understand analytical. Sometimes he would intellectualize over his emotions and he'd come across to me in a way that would surely have broken his heart had he known what he was doing to me. I remembered all those times that soft caring voice took the hurt away. I don't know if he ever spoke to my father after these incidents I only know that each time, my Dad seemed to go out of his way to demonstrate his love for me soon after. Things were always better after he'd found me and we had our little talks. When the talks were over, we never discussed them again. "You're frightened and a little unsure about the future Eric and that's to be expected. That's why I'm here tonight to try and help you understand." "Walter, so much has happened so quickly and I'm so confused. I'm so afraid I'm too young to be attempting everything. Sometimes I feel like I'm pissing in the wind." He smiled. "Oh no Eric, the thing about pissing in the wind is that you know almost at once that you've made a mistake. You can tell from your pants legs. These long-term plans of yours...well they'll take a lot more time to prove you right or wrong but Eric, you've given everything a great deal of thought. You've made no childish off the cuff decisions. As you get older, you'll gain experience but not wisdom. You were born with all the wisdom you'll ever need. You just have to learn to trust in that." "Walter, I'm not concerned for myself...it's the boys. Jack has almost been killed twice very recently. Despite that, he still seems to have his heart set on exploring the sea and saving the oceans. Poor little Sean isn't even thirteen yet and I'm already teaching him about the family empire...what you guys called the `Great Game'. I'm afraid it's going to break his spirit and his good nature. I don't want him to be a serious cynical old man by the time he's fifteen. Then there's sweet Brian. What business do I have interfering with that boy's life? I feel like I'm leading him on and that in the end, it's going to be sadness and disillusionment for him." His smile got bigger and more loving. "Eric, stop second guessing yourself. I can tell you that the best and smartest thing you've ever done in your life was bringing those boys into the embrace of your love and family. I'm not allowed to tell you the future Eric, but I am allowed to give you some strong hints. I can tell you that Jack's love for the ocean will be his life's work and he will excel at it. He'll become world famous for his contributions to the future of this old planet. I can also confirm what you already suspect, eventually he will lean more to the hetero side of his nature. I wouldn't be surprised if there were grandchildren in your future. Darling Sean is so much stronger than you think Eric. He's no longer the little eleven-year-old boy you brought home that day. He's been tested by fire and tempered by love. He has the wonderful capacity for learning and understanding the complicated and often unpleasant future that lies before him while retaining the innocent wonder and joy that is so much a part of being a boy. He's the right person for the job and he won't be alone as he works his way into it. You saw to that when you first brought Brian to the estate. Brian will be your son Eric. I think you know that. Brian will be brother, lover and total support for Sean. Don't be surprised when Chris comes to you and asks to start training Brian as his replacement just as Phil is training Chris today. It's a long road ahead of you all Eric, but not an unpleasant one. Oh, there will be lots of bumps and potholes and other scary stuff along the way. However, from what I've been allowed to see, it will be a fun, loving and interesting journey for you all." I looked up at him once again at peace in my heart just as I'd done so many times when I was a sad little boy. I noticed as he smiled down at me that I could see the moonlight shine through him and I remembered with a start that he was dead. "Walter, why did you leave us?" He chuckled. "Because silly boy, somebody was going to leave. You couldn't go yet and neither could either of the boys. What happened that night...I'd do it again and again a billion times over. It was just what had to happen. I'd say you cleaned up that mess damned well. Your Father and I were proud of you. You did a damned fine job with those terrorists as well. We always knew you had a head on your shoulders and lately, you're proving us right every day. You're making a strong reputation for yourself as a fair and valued friend but a fearful and formidable enemy. You've done that all on your own using your own instincts and judgement. You've got nothing to be second-guessing about Eric." "Walter, I love you. I always have." "I know that Eric, and your love was always returned. You have always been the son I never had. I loved you even during those horrible years after the accident. I had faith that you'd dig yourself out of that dark place and by god, you certainly did. I have to go now Eric. I've actually over-stayed my time. Lie down and go to sleep." I lay down with my head on my pillow and he pulled the covers up just as if I were a little boy. We smiled lovingly at each other and then, suddenly there was just the moonlight streaming through my large bedroom window. I closed my eyes and was asleep almost instantly. ****************************************** Three boys with the giggles cavorted under the hot spray of the multiple showerheads. I grinned at them and I smiled inwardly as I recalled my visit with Walter last night. My logical self acknowledged that it was certainly just a pleasant, hopeful dream but in my heart, I believed that it had been real. Whichever conclusion was correct, I'd risen from my bed with a new energy and a new calmness in my soul. I felt confident and at peace. I knew that things would unfold properly in the fullness of time. Sean was grinning up at me as he danced under the steaming water. I spread my arms with a smile and instantly he was upon me; arms wrapped around my neck and legs entwined around my waist. I rubbed noses with him. "Can you guys believe that in two days this little man is going to become a teenager?" Jack smiled. "Heck, I remember when he first became a tadpole! He was just eight years old then." Jack was rewarded with a large `Sean Smile' as he reminisced. Brian smiled as well although he was in many ways excluded from Jack's conversation. Sean, Jack and Bobby shared a mutual background that Brian could only guess at based upon conversations with the other boys. Brian had his own background story that in many ways was sadder than the others'. All of their pasts were assuaged by the recent happiness and love that was shared amongst us. "Boys, I'm happy to tell you that you all have the day off from class today. Jack and Brian, we're going to town because we have a few little purchases to make." I gave them all a very corny theatrically conspiratorial wink. "Sean, John is going to spend the morning with you in the game room working on your pool game. If later on you guys move into the swimming pool, remember that with John you wear a bathing suit." "Silly Dad! Course I remember. I love John but he's not a member of the NCJG." I looked at him with a baffled expression. "He's not a member of what?" The three of them laughed almost in unison and replied; "The NCJG...the `Nudie Club of Joyous Gaurde'." "It was Brian's idea Dad." Jack added. "Its how we keep track of who we need bathing suits with and who we skinny dip with. Most of the club members don't know that they're members they just swim naked with us." "I guess it's about time you knew about the NCJG Dad." Brian quipped with a devilish little grin. "After all, you're the President of the club." The three of them giggled in delighted glee and I smiled at them knowing that my heart couldn't be filled with more love than I held for those boys. I looked at them and remembered last night's conversation with the spirit of Walter. Is it possible that Jack will grow into a world-renowned scientist and make great strides towards saving the oceans? Would little Sean grow into a confident capable yet happy man who would take my place at the helm of `Magnus Venatas' and would Brian become his trusted aide...his `Uncle Phil'? Perhaps even more than that...would they be bound together for life tied by mutual love and respect? Somehow, I was convinced that would indeed be the case and my heart was filled with joy. "OK you `nudies of Joyous Gaurde' dry off and go get dressed. We've got stuff to do." With laughs and smart-assed comments, they were out of the shower and working the large bath sheets all over their bodies. As they headed for the door, I called Brian back. "Come here Brian, you didn't do a very good job on your hair." With a puzzled look, he turned and walked to me while the other two flew out the door giving me just one last fleeting look at their delightful young ass cheeks. Brian stood before me and I took the large towel from him and casually rubbed it through his thick brown hair. As I did this, he looked up at me curiously. "Tell Sean that you're sleeping in my room tonight Brian." His face lit up with a look of intense joy. "You mean we...?" I smiled warmly at him and ran my hand down along the wonderfully soft yet firm globes of his athletic young butt. "Yes Brian. I promised you that we'd find a time." He wrapped his arms around my neck and pulled his long naked body against me tightly. I ran my other hand through his thick dark hair and said softly; "Try not to drink too much wine with dinner tonight." His smile was dazzling as he laughed at my wry comment. I broke loose from his embrace, spun him around and slapped him smartly on his ass. "Now go get dressed you imp!" He practically danced out of the room. `What would you like for your Birthday Breakfast Sean?" Martha asked as she placed scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and toast in front of us. Sean never missed a beat. "Could we have `baseball waffles' Mrs. Edwards?" With a smile, she kissed the top of his head. "Of course we can Darling! I never dreamed that little invention of mine was going to become such a hit. `Baseball Waffles' it will be." Breakfast over and Martha properly hugged, the four of us walked across the carpark and into the garage. John was smiling as he walked over with car keys in his hand. "Richard requested that you take the Lexus into town today Eric." I scowled but only slightly. I'd filed a trip itinerary with Richard last evening because I wanted to demonstrate that I was co-operating enthusiastically with his `common-sense concessions' regarding my driving myself. He had obviously decided to test the waters by `suggesting' that rather than drive the sporty old XKE, I take the much safer Lexus SUV. I considered an act of rebellion but quickly decided to be a `good boy'. The Lexus was a very nice car and not unpleasant to drive. I decided to save my power plays for when they really mattered. I mused that the `Red Cat' would soon be back from the repair shop and that might constitute the first time Richard and I butted heads since I'd signed my agreement. "Well Seano, looks like it's you and me this morning. How about we go upstairs and say a quick hello to Jenny and then, we've got a date with a pool table." "Kay John! Bye you guys. Have a good time making your purchases!" He gave us an exact duplicate of my silly wink from earlier. It was so cute that I couldn't help but laugh. The three of us piled into the Lexus and headed down the driveway. It occurred to me that this was the first time I'd been alone with just Jack and Brian. This was going to be fun. I pulled onto the road and smiled as I glanced into the rear-view mirror and saw the Skuggor SUV pull out behind us. "So, have you guys got any idea what you'd like to get Sean for his birthday?" "It's hard Dad because we don't really need anything. You give us just about everything we need. We don't have to ask." Jack said. "However, the last time we were in the mall, Tadpole and I were looking around the big music store there and I noticed there were some tee shirts there that he seemed interested in. I thought a couple of them might make a thoughtful present." I nodded my head. "How about you Brian?" "Well Dad, at baseball practice, there's a couple of guys who play Paintball sometimes on the weekends. They talk about it a lot and Sean's told me that he'd like to try it.If we could drive out to the Paintball field on the other side of Deer Run, I thought he might like some passes to play and rent the equipment and all that." "Good idea Brian. So, it's the Paintball park first because it's furthest away, then to the music store in the mall and then, Cocina Alfredo's for lunch. Sound like a plan?" I received enthusiastic approval from them both. I placed a call to Richard and informed him of our modified itinerary. We drove down the dirt road that led into the paintball park that bore the awesome name; `The War Zone'. Since it was a weekday, there wasn't very much going on but there was one slightly overweight scruffy looking young man dressed in camos in the makeshift office. After explaining what we were looking for he told us that they sold individual packages or group packages. These included equipment rental and a full day out on the field. The young man who introduced himself as Rory explained that a day on the field included skirmishes of different time intervals which sounded to me like complicated and intense games of `capture the flag'. When I mentioned this, he grinned and replied; "You got that right Mr. Tucker...with the emphasis on `intense'!" The day usually ended with a couple of rounds of `power ball', which took place in a much smaller enclosed area filled with objects to hide behind and under. This sounded like a slightly organized free-for-all. Frankly, it sounded like a lot of energetic fun; just the thing a new thirteen-year-old would no doubt enjoy. I ordered five books of individual packages that were good for four days of games for each of the boys as well as Chris and me. As he prepared the packages, Rory told me; "The equipment you'll rent will include the guns and the ammo reservoir. You receive an initial supply of 100 rounds and you may purchase more all during the day. I'd plan to purchase a lot more especially since you'll all be `newbies'...you'll waste a lot of rounds til you get the hang of it. Your rental also includes a facemask and safety goggles. I strongly recommend that you all show up wearing cups...a paintball to your nards can ruin your whole day! Also Mr. Tucker, before driving out here you should call to see how crowded we're going to be and that way, we can be expecting you and get you all fitted into a team." "Thank you Rory. You've been very helpful." I shook his hand and handed the bag of passes to Brian. We hopped into the Lexus and headed off to the Mall. `The Music Center' is a very large store that carries mid to high-end instruments and supplies. Daniel purchased the Martin D-28 I'd given Sean last Christmas here. "They've got shirts and stuff all over the store but Sean was attracted to the ones hanging in the guitar section." Jack said as he led us to the far end of the store. I noticed several that I thought were clever. One simply read; `guitar player' and another said `six string magician'. Most of the illustrations and designs were attractive if not quite classy. I noticed a few that bore the C.F. Martin logo and I urged Jack to select a few of these. I particularly liked the one that read; `Real guitar players play Martins'. In the end he had (with my encouragement), selected about twelve shirts however, on the way to check out, I noticed another on a different rack that simply read; `I've got the music in me'. I tossed one of those onto Jack's pile as well. Later, we sat at one of the rough wooden tables at Alfredo's eating our burritos and laughing about just about everything. "Those are very thoughtful gifts guys. I know Sean is going to enjoy them." "You know though Dad, I'm actually looking forward to playing paintball too. I guess I have to thank Brian for his idea, Sean for having a birthday and of course, you for paying." I smiled. "Well Jack, this is the last year that happens. Remember that I'm putting you all on allowances so next year, all gifts are from your own money OK?" "That's way cool Dad." "Good. Now, please pass me that bowl of Pico de Gallo and some tortilla chips." As I turned my car into the drive, I noticed with amusement that the Skuggor vehicle that had been tailing us all morning drove past the gate `so that I wouldn't notice it had been following us'. I chuckled but not loud enough to draw the boys' attention. "Alright you two, why don't you go up into my room...or yours Jack and wrap your gifts? I have to check in with Richard and then Uncle Phil and Chris. If you finish before I do, wait for me in the library. We'll find Sean and John. If they're in the pool, remember that John is definitely not a member of the nudist club." "NUDIE club Dad!" "Sorry Brian." Richard and Barry were sitting at the big table half looking at the big computer screen and half munching on mighty tasty looking sandwiches. I stood there for a moment before they noticed me. Richard lay his sandwich down and smiled. "Hi Boss." "Hello Richard, hi Barry." "Good afternoon Eric." "How was your drive Eric?" Richard asked with the smile still on his face. "Are you always going to be so co-operative?" "That depends Richard. Are you always going to try and dictate what vehicle I get to drive?" He blushed a bright crimson. "N-no. I just thought that for your first time out since the accident... a safe modern car would be best." "I appreciate your motives Richard just don't push too hard OK?" He nodded his head. "OK." "Anything going on that I need to know about?" "Nothing really. We've developed a slight problem with one of our communication satellites. We're working on it though it's not a gigantic deal. We've got a lot of redundancy up there so even if this one fizzled out, we're covered." "I'll take you guys' word on that. Sorry if I disturbed your lunch." I stopped at the door and turned around. "Cheer the fuck up Richard. You're just doing your job and doing it quite well. Just because I can act truculent sometimes, doesn't mean that you're not right." I didn't give him a chance to reply. I turned and left. Uncle Phil and Chris were waiting for me in my study. "I walked past your office Chris. That diploma certainly looks great up on the wall." He smiled. "Anything going on that demands my personal attention for the next couple of days?" "No Eric. We'll have some interesting things to discuss next week but for right now, you're pretty much off the hook." Uncle Phil said with a smile. "Are you all enjoying the new swimming pool?" "We use it every day Eric. It's wonderful. Hell, we even enjoy it when Greg Louganis here is practicing for the Olympics on the high diving board." Phil chuckled and poked Chris in the arm. "So Chris, you've got an early flight tomorrow morning. I hope you'll be able to do a quick turn-around. It would be nice if your Mother and Aunt were here for dinner. It will be Sean's last meal as a twelve-year-old." "Oh. Don't worry Eric. Baring something unlooked for, we'll be here in lots of time." "Great. John or Arlen will meet you at the airport with the limousine. I'm looking forward to seeing your two ladies again." Jack and Brian were waiting in the library when I walked in. I smiled and strolled over to the wet bar. I pulled two bottles of beer from the little fridge, poured them into glasses, and offered them to the boys. I made a single malt and ice and sat down across from them. "So, we did very well today guys. I'm so proud that you put thought into your gifts. I'm certain Sean will recognize that and appreciate them even more." When we'd finished our beverages, we walked over to the pool and were not surprised to find Sean and John horsing around in the water. The three of us ducked into the pool house, got undressed and slipped on our swim trunks. Jack meticulously put on his special ear protection gear and soon we were all in the water having fun. ********************************* The door to my bedroom opened slowly and he walked in a bit timidly. "I-is it still OK?" I smiled and walked over to him drawing him into a tight hug. "OK? I've been thinking about this all day young man. Let's go over by the window. The moon is so bright that I don't need to turn the lights on." I slowly but silently urged him to raise his arms and I slipped his rust colored polo shirt up and off. I could see that his eyes were wide as saucers and he was shivering slightly. I assumed this was from anticipation, as it certainly wasn't cold in the room. I bent slightly and kissed him passionately on the lips as I pulled him into me in a tight embrace. After a long moment, I pulled back and lifted him up laying him on the bed. With deliberate movements, I unbuckled his belt and undid his trouser button. I leaned down and with slow purposefulness; I licked first his left then his right rock hard little nipple. I followed this by kissing him tenderly on the lips again while my right hand moved down and slowly pulled his fly zipper down. I was pleased to notice that he'd come into my room barefooted and so, I easily moved his trousers down below his hips. Without my needing to say a word, he raised his butt up off the mattress and soon I had the garment down and off him. He was wearing boxer briefs and I wondered again where they'd come from...Sean or Jack? Brian's original wardrobe from home included nothing but white briefs. I moved over him and plunged my tongue into his bellybutton. Under normal circumstances, this might have caused him to giggle but his passion was aroused and his entire body had become a hot desire-filled erogenous zone. I moved my hands behind him sliding them down the small of his back until my fingers grasped the waistband of his underwear. I pulled them down while I physically pulled his butt up from the mattress. They were soon bunched at his ankles and he worked them off with his feet. I raised myself up and gazed down at him while I removed my own shirt. His body, bathed in moonlight, seemed so white that he might have been a figure carved from alabaster. Except for his heavy breathing, he didn't move at all, as he stared up at me watching me shed my clothes. My cock was as hard as steel. Part of me knew how wrong this was...knew that I had no right to be doing this... however, the other; larger part of me knew how much he wanted it and I wanted it too. He sat up and slowly...almost hesitantly, he worked his hands along my chest, over my thighs and finally my scrotum and cock. Gently he spread my legs and knelt between them. As he began to lower his head, I reached out and held him back. "Brian...you don't know what..." "Shhh. I've practiced with Sean and Jack and a few of the other guys. You're bigger than they are but I can do it. I WANT to do it. I stared in wonder as the love starved brown haired boy engulfed me with his hot moist lips and began a slow sensuous gliding action down and then up. He was right; he COULD do it. In fact, he could do it very well. I wanted this night to be intense for him...almost overwhelming. After I'd had my blissful orgasm, I rolled him onto his back and returned the favor. It was only seconds before he was moaning in ecstasy and only minutes before he'd exploded. I didn't give him time to relax, I began a slow sensual cat-bath of his body starting with his outstretched throat and working my way down until I'd raised his legs over my shoulders and began slowly rimming his sassy exposed rosebud. He was thrashing on the bed moaning lowly; arms spread wide and eyes tightly shut. I sat up and reached for the lube. His eyes flew open as I applied the cool slickness to his now wet but still tight gateway. I smiled down at him and slowly moved my hard member into position. He gasped as I entered him with one slow steady stroke. *************************** I woke just as the golden morning light was flooding the room through the large window. I'd enjoyed the effect of the moonlight so much that I'd never closed the blinds. Brian was clinging to me with his head on my chest and his arms and legs wrapped around my body. He was snoring softly and as he slept, there was a smile on his face. We'd had quite a workout last night. He had been eager and to a certain degree insatiable for a young boy so new to these experiences. I'd responded in kind and had wound up being far more aggressive than I'd initially intended. Despite the underlying guilt over my actions, I had to admit it had been a wonderful encounter. I gazed lovingly down at my brown haired Ganymede and realized that despite the lingering after-lust, I really needed to pee. I extracted myself from his embrace as gently as I could and quietly made my way into the bathroom. I finished my morning piss and was working my shaving brush made of silver tipped badger hair over the disk of soap in my shaving mug. Suddenly, I felt a hand against my ass. I'd been concentrating on whisking up lather and hadn't seen him in the mirror as he'd walked up behind me. His hazel eyes glistened as if tears could fall at the slightest provocation but the smile on his face was radiant. I turned and he moved his little hand from my ass and began sketching along my chest with his index finger. "You're the most wonderful man that I know. No one has ever treated me with such kindness and love. To me, you'll always be my Dad no matter what you or anybody else says about it. Y-you called me `Son' all night and I didn't even have to ask you to. Whatever happens, I'll always love you and I'll always try to make you proud of me." I choked back the sob that was forming in my throat and managed whisper; "Whatever happens, I'll always love you Son and I'll be proud of everything you do." I pulled him into a tight embrace. I didn't dare tell him about the plans that I'd already put in place because so much could still go wrong. As I held him tight, I remembered what Walter had said two nights ago; `Brian will be your son Eric' While the practical side of me knew it was foolish to place too much faith in a dream, the other side of me knew that Walter would never lie to me and that his visit had been real. After I'd shaved, I led him into the steaming shower and we washed and fondled each other for a loving twenty minutes. After breakfast, the boys were back in class with Doc Swaim. I met briefly with Martha and Daniel to discuss final details about Sean's Birthday party on Saturday. Naturally, those two very capable people had everything under control. Uncle Phil was sitting with me in my study and we were casually enjoying our late morning drinks. Chris had flown off at six thirty this morning and Captain Lucas had informed us that if Chris' Mother and Aunt didn't dawdle, they should be back here at the estate by five o'clock this afternoon leaving them lots of time the freshen up and rest a bit before dinner. "Well Eric, tomorrow certainly marks a milestone for you and Sean. He'll officially become a teenager and you and he will have been legal father and son for a full year. I don't mind telling you that the arrival of that little boy is one of the most import things that has ever happened to this old place...but you know that better than I do." I smiled. "Just a year before that Uncle Phil, what were the odds I'd even be alive today let alone as happy and content with two wonderful sons and perhaps a third son soon?" He nodded his head. "Brian's Grandmother's condition seems to be a slow but very steady decline. It may be a month or more before the inevitable. I have all of the paperwork ready. Our lawyers have triple checked to ensure every `i' has been dotted and our good friend Judge Gardner is fully appraised of the situation and ready to act at once if and when the time comes." "Oh, I'm rather certain the time will come Uncle Phil. I talk to his Mother almost every night. I'm convinced that if it were just between her and me, she'd sign over her parental rights at once but as much as I want that wonderful boy here as part of the family, I won't let anything happen until he's met with his mother and they've both talked it over. This will be a life changing decision for a lot of people but mostly for the two of them." We enjoyed another drink together and I reminded him that he was expected at dinner tonight. He left for his office and I strolled up to the command center. "Hey Boss, I thought you were taking the next few days off." Richard said as he rose from his chair. "I am. I just came up to make certain you two would be at dinner tonight. It's the last meal Sean will eat before he's a teenager." "We wouldn't miss it. Wolfman and Brutus will take over the Com about 5 this evening so we'll meet you in the library for cocktail hour." They both grinned widely. "I'll see you then." I walked out of the Com Center and headed over to the garage. John had his head stuck under the hood of a classy old silver roadster that I realized with a start was our 1959 Morgan Plus 4. I'd forgotten that we stilled owned it. It was one of the two cars my grandfather loved to drive and I remembered many times when he and later my father took me out for wonderful wind in the hair rides in the fine old thing. It was only 95 horse power, but it certainly was fun. I'd only personally ever driven it once and then somehow, it was moved to the back of our `stable'. By then, my father's XKE was the queen of the garage. >From an appearance perspective, it seemed to be in remarkable shape. John heard me coming and rose up with a big grin on his face. "I'd forgotten all about this sweet old Morg John." "Not me, I've been slowly rebuilding her for about three years. I've just re-done those monster H.6 carburetors and I'm putting them back on now. Should be ready to fire up by Friday. Want to join me for here re-inaugural drive?" "Hell John, I wouldn't miss it for the world. Say eleven o'clock Friday morning?" "It's a date Eric." "I'll see you and Jenny tonight?" "Absolutely. Jenny's going to be helping Martha in the kitchen and they'll join us at the table for the actual meal." "See you later then." "Wait Eric, I almost forgot to tell you; the `Red Cat' will be ready to pick up tomorrow. Maybe you'd like me to drive you down there to get it. Since it's his birthday maybe you'd like to take Sean." I smiled and said; "Boy, that would drive poor Richard crazy...'Launcelot' and the future `Launcelot' together in a little sports car. Let's plan on it John!" ******************************* There was a lot of good-natured kidding going on in the library mostly a Sean's expense. Doc Swaim, John, Richard, Barry, Tim (John's father), Uncle Phil and Gary were kidding him unmercifully about the fact that he was going to wake up tomorrow as a teenager and how he was going to become insufferable, boorish and disobedient overnight. The consensus was that this was most certainly the last day that he would be loveable little Sean. In mock frustration, he took a sip from the beer I was allowing him to have and turned to Jack and Bobby. "You see guys? All this time they've just been pretendin' to like you. They hate teenagers. After tomorrow they'll only have sweet little Brian an that will only last for three months cause he's gonna turn thirteen in September. After that, they'll probably ship us all off to some factory an bring in a whole new bunch of kids. It's a plot guys just mark my words!" His antics were so funny that he had us laughing so hard there were tears rolling down most of our cheeks. If I didn't have bigger plans for him, I would have encouraged him to study acting. In the midst of this hilarity, Chris was suddenly standing at the doorway with his Mother on one arm and Aunt Rita on the other. We were all on our feet, hugs, and kisses exchanged while Tim was introduced. "What can I get you ladies to drink?" "Nothing Eric. We're going down to the kitchen to help Martha. We just wanted to see the almost `Birthday Boy' before dinner. Sean you've grown so big!" The befuddled little boy was subjected to hugs, kisses and cheek pinching (a new experience for him). I thought that the kitchen was certainly going to be well staffed with Martha, Jenny, Alice (John's mother) and now these two. I smiled as I considered that more than one bottle of wine would be consumed in there before dinner was being finalized. "Chris, escort these lovely ladies down to the kitchen and then come back. Happy hour has barely begun." Later, as we were walking down to the dining room, Sean took my hand and held me back. In a low voice he said; "Spider an me want to sleep with you tonight...just cuddlin is all but, tomorrow, I want to sleep with you all by myself an I want to do stuff OK?" I squeezed his hand and smiled down at him. "I can't say no to my little man...especially on his birthday." I was rewarded with a `Sean smile'. "Thanks Dad." ********************************** Dinner had been wonderful and for Sean and me very nostalgic. Martha had prepared a duplicate of the very first meal she had served us the day that I'd brought Sean home. It was her famous buttermilk fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob and homemade biscuits. Desert was several apple pies. Sean was beaming and he ran around the table and threw his arms around Martha smothering her with kisses. He remembered just as she had and he appreciated the gesture. I smiled and addressed everyone at the table; "Thank you all for coming. Let's do this again tomorrow night except then...there will be an extra teenager at the table." Everyone laughed. Doc Swaim, Richard, Barry and Garry joined us in the library. Chris took his mother and aunt back to his condo to get them settled and to visit and John and Jenny took his parents up to their apartment to do the same thing. I casually mentioned to Richard about my plans to drive the Jaguar back from the shop and to take Sean with me. He blanched momentarily, but quickly recovered. "Thank you for giving me this advanced notice Eric. I'll make plans accordingly." Later that night, I enjoyed the sensual pleasure of two naked boys cuddled closely against me. We'd all had busy days and soon, the three of us were fast in blissful sleep a happy tangle of arms and legs. ******************************************** Jack joined us in the shower and I'd set the sound system so that the strains of "Happy Birthday" played repeatedly while we hugged and washed the smiling birthday boy. True to her word, Martha had `baseball waffles' prepared for Sean's birthday breakfast and we all ate with smiles on our faces. As we were finishing up, a smiling Doc Swaim walked in and accepted a cup of coffee from Martha. "I thought that I'd head you all off at the pass and let you know that I've declared a `school holiday' in light of this auspicious occasion. Let me begin by wishing you a very happy thirteenth birthday Sean and to let you know that at nine thirty this morning, Andy and I would like to invite you all to the gun shed for a few rounds of clay busting." Sean was beaming. "Thanks Professor Swaim! What a great way to start my birthday!" It turned out that Doc Swaim had already invited Gary and Bobby to join us at the range. We broke into two groups of four and shot four complete cycles before I called a halt. "Sean and I have to meet John at the car park because we're going to bring the `Red Cat' home. We'll see you all for dinner tonight. While we're gone, Gary why don't you and Bobby join the boys at the pool?" As we pulled out of the property in the Lexus, John glanced into the rearview mirror. "Eric, I'm pretty sure that one of your Skuggor SUVs just pulled onto the road right behind us." I turned around an looked out the back window and smiled. "Yep, it seems that Richard has decided that I'm to be followed anytime I'm going to drive any place." "Well, that's better than him not letting you drive yourself anymore." I decided not to go into any details. "Yes, you're certainly right about that." ************* John and I walked slowly and critically around the sleek little red sports car. She had been repaired immaculately and John nodded his head approvingly. "You'd never know anything had happened would you? I smiled and said to John; "See you back at Joyous Gaurde. Come on Birthday Boy...don't forget your cap." With an exchange of smiles, Sean and I donned our tweed flat caps and climbed into the sexy red Jaguar. "Man, it seems like a long time since we've been in the `Red Cat' Dad!" "If you think about it Sean, it actually has been but we've got a nice long ride of a little more than an hour to get used to her again. We'll stop for lunch someplace along the way." We were both howling with laughter as we sped down the highway. **************** Martha had prepared Sean's all-time favorite meal...spaghetti carbonara and everyone including Sean enjoyed a couple of glasses of robust chianti with the meal. Brian had never had this gooey delicious dish before and Sean, knowing that tiramisu must surely be forthcoming for desert, poked him in the arm and whispered; "Just you wait Spider." By the time after dinner coffee and cordials were served, everyone was smiling. A rousing chorus of `Happy Birthday' was sung and we all chose to retire because for most of those around the table, tomorrow was a work day. As everyone was leaving, I pulled Jack and Doc Swaim aside. "At ten o'clock tomorrow morning, a team of nautical and technical designers are coming here to meet with Jack." The red headed boy gave me a quizzical look. "Jack these guys are the team assigned to redesign the life rafts that will eventually be on the research vessel that we're building to honor Doctor Chambers. Tomorrow they want all of your ideas about the shortcomings on the current life rafts and what needs to be done to improve them. I promise you this is not some bunch of guys paying `lip service'. They fully understand that you have the final sign-off on this project so believe me they'll be listening closely to everything you have to say. After tomorrow, you'll be meeting with them regularly for the duration of this project. I've set aside the medium conference room off the Command Center for your use. Doc, Jack will probably be away from the classroom most of the day." "That's hardly a problem Eric. This will certainly be a good educational experience for you Jack." My red headed wonder smiled and said; "I just hope they know what they're getting into. I sure have definite ideas on this subject." I laughed and bid them both `goodnight'. I led Sean down the hall to my study and indicated that he should sit in one of the comfortable chairs while I walked over to the wet bar and made two tumblers of single malt. Handing one to my little man I raise mine in salute. "Here's to you my newly teenaged son. I toast your happiness and I toast your future and I thank you for the incredible joy that you've brought into my life. I can never show you how much I love you, I can only tell you and those are only words." He smiled and took a sip of his scotch. "Thanks Dad but you're very wrong. You show me every day how much you love me and I'm so grateful for the day you picked me as the boy you were gonna take home." I reached over and sort of stroked his arm. We sat in smiling silence as we sipped our drinks. After we'd finished, I took my little thirteen-year-old by the hand and led him to the elevator. In my room, I slowly undressed him and then did the same to myself. I kissed him passionately for a very long time as I sensuously ran my hands all over his perfect young body and then, with his arms wrapped around my neck and his legs wrapped around my middle, I made slow but very passionate love to him well into the early hours of the next day. (to be continued) Well, it happened again. These characters had too much to say and too much to do so as you can see...we've got to wait until the next chapter to attend Sean's actual party. Be patient, I promise you'll have a good time. Once again, `Thank you' for all of your all-important and much appreciated feedback. This chapter, a special thank you to loyal and longtime reader Bernie W who wrote with the suggestion that Walter might put in an appearance. After thinking about it that sounded like a great idea to me so, I re-worked the beginning of this chapter. Thanks Bernie I hope you liked it. As always, please consider making a donation to NIFTY in order to keep this site running so that there is a place for these stories. Eff