Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2015 23:12:24 -0400 From: Eff Del Subject: Green Grow the Rushes-chapter 4 *Green Grow the Rushes O- Chapter 4* *By Eff Del* *To discover our potential, we need to celebrate those glorious strengths and heartbreaking weaknesses that are within all of us.* *This is what makes us human. Being human, we have the potential to be beautiful.* I was smiling as I woke up. Jack's precious young ass was nestled against my thigh and he snored softly sleeping the sleep of a happy teenaged boy. Glancing at the clock, I noticed that it was just a bit after 7 AM so; I decided to let him sleep as I slipped off the bed and headed into the shower. As I was rinsing the shampoo out of my hair, I felt two arms wrap themselves around my chest. "Mornin' Gonna do my hair next?" I turned around and smiled into the turquoise eyes of Sean as he beamed up at me. "I promised Jack that I'd leave you guys alone last night but I didn't promise nothin' about the mornin'." I ran my hand down the nubbins of his spine and onto the smooth richness of his ass cheeks and pulled him tightly against my body. He raised his face and I leaned in and engaged him in a hot sensuous kiss. "Good morning my wonderful boy. Move under the water flow and let me wet your hair." As he soaked under the spray I looked at him. He always amazed me he was so beautiful. He was certainly beginning the journey through puberty. His hands and feet were bigger than they were and his legs and arms were decidedly gangly. His collarbone still protruded below his shoulders but there was certainly muscle developing on his chest. Nothing was out of place and nothing was less than beautiful. He was a wonderful boy growing perfectly and I loved him with my heart and soul. "I'm gonna wash your hair little man and then I've got to dress and go wake up John and give him a shave. Your job, after you soap this stinky little body, is to somehow try and wake your brother and get him into the shower." He was giggling hysterically. "You called me a stinky little boy the first time I took a bath when you brought me home Dad." I was laughing too as I worked the shampoo into his hair. "That's always been my joke son although, after a few soccer games this season, you really did qualify." He giggled again. As I rinsed his dark mop, I kissed him one more time and then gave his little butt a soft spank. As I was exiting the shower, he called to me; "Dad, I love you so very much...don't never stop lovin' me please?" I was frozen in my tracks but I somehow came up with the right response. "Sean, my boy, my son...not loving you would be impossible." I was rewarded with a dazzling `Sean Smile' and then he turned and began working the body wash over his luscious torso. *************** "Oh crap its sooo early Eric!" John moaned as he opened the door. "I drank way too much last night didn't I?" "Yes, but not as much as you would have if I hadn't stepped in. I'll bet you're not too bad. ..now, jump in the shower, take three aspirin and, when you're through, I'll shave you slick as Nick and then we'll have breakfast with your parents." He reacted as if he'd received an electric shock. "My parents are here?" "Well certainly John, their son is getting married and you invited them..." It suddenly occurred to me, it had been Jenny who had talked to me about the arrangements for getting John's folks here. His look of bewilderment told the entire tale. "Jenny" We said in unison. "John, go shower. I suspect that your lovely lady has given you the greatest gift you'll ever receive and we should hasten to it." ******* John had long ago taken up the Tucker tradition of brush and mug shaving. I whisked the brush briskly around the mug whipping up a rich warm lather. John was leaned back in the chair and I worked the warm soap into his morning stubble. Slowly...meticulously I worked the razor along his face and neck feeling and judging as I progressed. When I was satisfied, I applied some soothing after-shave and said; "Well pal, you're smooth enough for your bride. Go get some clothes on ...I told everyone breakfast was at 8:30." As he ran into the bedroom, I caught a glimpse of his very muscular ass. I'd never thought about John sexually because he was so ragingly masculine, but he certainly had an attractive body that rippled with muscle...not my personal type but attractive none-the-less. He was my friend and, I didn't have that many friends. He was going to get reconciled with his father (hopefully) and later, he was going to be married to a wonderful young woman. ******* Martha had insisted we must uphold tradition and that the bride and groom should not see each other on their wedding day until the actual ceremony. Therefore, Jenny's breakfast with her party was in the solarium. Ours was in the little dining room. As John and I entered, Sean and Jack entered with John's parents. Apparently, they'd had a tour of Joyous Gaurde. John stopped and shook with emotion. "Mom...Dad..." His mother flew into his outstretched arms. Tears were perfuse as they clung to each other. Gently, John released his grip upon his mother and turned to his father. "D-dad...I was an eighteen year old asshole who took you for granted and had more snot-nosed pride than sense. I never could figure out how to tell you how sorry I was for the things I said to you so...I never tried. I hope you can forgive me." He wrapped his muscled arms around his father and sobbed. Tim finally pulled away, reached over and wiped his son's eyes. "I think we're supposed to have breakfast son and then, you're supposed to get married...at least that's the schedule in the memo I got." John escorted his parents to seats and continued sobbing for a few moments before he got control of himself. "You know Eric; this could possibly be tied with the greatest day in my life. Dad, try some of this hot sauce on your eggs." "If you say so Johnny, but if it burns my ass coming out, I'm gonna blame you." "You'll be fine Dad. Are you OK Mom?" Alice smiled obviously pleased at the reunion. "Couldn't be better Johnny." She leaned in and kissed him. As they scarfed down eggs, John grinned at his father. "You still 8-Ball King of the Hill at the Dew Drop Inn?" "Sure, you left before ever giving me a real challenge John." John grinned slyly at his father and said; "Well, there's a great table down the hall and there's plenty of time before the wedding. What do you say Pop?" "I've beat you before Johnny I reckon that I can do it again. Is this OK with you Erik?" "Tim, I've hardly ever seen John beaten so I'd love to watch the man who taught him play against the young Shark." "Do I get to play winner?" Jack enthusiastically interjected. John smiled over at the boy. "Shure Jack. Why not? Either my father or I will kick your smart young ass after we finish." We were all giggling as the staff removed our plates and we headed down to the game room. John assembled the wonderful cue I'd given him at Christmas. "Take your pick Dad, they're all perfect." He said as he indicated the cue racks on the wall of the game room. Tim smiled and selected three cues from the rack and after rolling them across the table, chose the second one. "They are all perfect. So choose for break. Bumpers or coin?" I knew that `bumpers meant they would each drive a ball the length of the table against the opposing rail and then back up the table. The player, whose ball stopped closest to the near rail, got the break. This was called a `lag shot' and was traditional though many more rough and tumble players (apparently like John and Tim) considered it a waste of time "Coin Dad...I think bumpers are bullshit." Tim pulled a coin out of his pocket and slapped it onto the back of his other hand. Tim smiled; "I do too Johnny. Call it." "Tails" said John. Tim opened his fist and the coin was `heads'. "Go on then Dad, break them up." They were playing `eight ball' and Tim took no time...he simply drove the cue into the rack and split them wildly apart. John was an artist on the pool table but his father was like Rembrandt. Slowly and meticulously, he potted ball after ball. I'd never seen anything like it as the man just ran the table with perfect precision. As the eight ball slowly rolled into the pocket, Tim smiled up at his son. "Another?" "Nope, not today old man. It's obvious that you haven't lost a thing...you're still the king Dad." John was obviously in love. I just beamed and was so happy this was taking place. "So little guy are you ready for me?" Tim was talking to Jack who'd called for the right to play the winner. "No John's Dad. I couldn't come close to giving you a game. I'm nowhere near your league." The older man pulled Jack into a hug and said in a half whisper; "Sometimes old coots can fool you Jack. Years of life add wisdom and cunning. Youthful enthusiasm and raw ability is often not enough." Jack smiled up at him "Yes Sir Mister Tim." Tim pulled him into a tighter hug and John smiled at the exchange. "Well guys, perhaps we could have a drink and then relax before the wedding." Alice rose from her seat and said; "Well, I'd like to meet my daughter-in-law. Could someone show me where they're having breakfast?" Sean was on his feet in a flash and took her hand. "I'll take you there John's Mom. I bet Jenny will be excited to meet you too." They left for the solarium and the rest of us headed down to the library. As I handed the men their drinks and Jack his beer, I noticed John and his father looking at each other misty eyed. Finally, the older man smiled and took a sip of his drink and leaned over patting his son's arm. "Johnny, remember that we're Italian and we're born with terrible tempers and horribly stupid pride. `Vendetta' is after all an Italian word. We've each let our pride take from us years we should have been enjoying and sharing. Let's agree to forgive each other and say not one more thing about the past. I regret what I said to you and I know now that you regret what you said to me. I truly regret that we were each too Italian stubborn to apologize and work it out. I love you son and I've thought about you every day since you left...but just like you, I was too stubborn to do the right thing." Tears were streaming down both of their cheeks as they rose from their seats and embraced each other. "Do you guys need some time alone?" I asked. John gave me a teary smile. "Nope Eric, we couldn't be better. I've got my Dad back and that's all that matters." I put a box of tissues between them and they used several before they were back to normal. As we sipped our drinks, John began regaling his father with tales of his life here at Joyous Gaurde including the story of Sean's kidnapping from the swim meet and the horrible invasion of the property. Tim's face was fixed in fascination and when John came up for air, Tim muttered; "Jeeze! You guys play hard ball out here huh?" I smiled at him and said; "Not by choice Tim." I'd only just refilled glassed when Sean came back into the room. "John's mother says I should bring his father down to the solarium to meet Jenny. All the ladies said you're not allowed to come John...it's some kinda' tradition." The big man smiled. "Yep, I know all about that Seano'. You go Dad, I want you to meet my Jenny. Take your drink with you...I'll bet all the girls are drinking something down there and so is Mom." Tim stood up and nodded. "Then, Eric and Jack thank you for your company and I suppose we'll all get together in a few hours eh? Lead on young Sean." They'd no sooner left, than Doc Swaim entered accompanied by Gary. "Oh, we'd been told that John's parents were here and we were hoping to meet them." Doc moved over to the bar and made drinks for Gary and himself. "Well, they're both down in the solarium meeting their soon to be daughter-in –law." I replied. Doc smiled. "Well that's as it should be I suppose. I just checked the weather report and there's no surprise that it's going to be a glorious day...there's very little chance that rain or wind will spoil this outdoor event but, then, I suspect clever little Jenny had that all figured out. She's a sharp young lady and will make a wonderful addition to your full time staff." "Well Doc, she hasn't actually accepted the job offer yet." He smiled at me indulgently. "Eric, you pay so ridiculously well that she couldn't possibly turn you down." Gary grinned and sipped his drink. "Well guys, I've just got time for this one short drink and then I've got to take Bobby down to Struthers to pick up his new suit. The little stud wants to look sharp because; as he says; you never know who you'll bump into. So Jack, you're back to sea tomorrow is that right?" "Yes Gary, I'm off to Nova Scotia and we'll cruise the Maritimes for a month then, I'm done and I'll fly home and the scientists will work on the data we've collected. I'm a named participant in the study so I'll be featured in their report and I'll receive a full copy. I'm really sorry to be away from home but I'm so happy to be doing the work. This is a heck of a jump-start on what I hope will be my life's labor." Doc Swaim smiled warmly at the red head, reached over, and squeezed his arm. "We're proud of you Jack." The redhead flashed a bright smile and said; "To tell you the truth Doctor Swaim, I love you all and you're so supportive but y'know what? I'm proud of me too and THAT'S important isn't it?" I realized his beer was empty and he gave me his `Jack's best puppy eyes'. I grinned and said; "One more Jack and then nothing before the wedding." He grinned at me and said; " Dad... but, it's still early. The wedding isn't until 6 o'clock." I opened a bottle and handed it to him. "Don't push my limits Sinbad the Sailor." He grinned back as we all sat comfortably sipping our drinks. ******* Jack had been right though; there was still lots of time before we had to get all spiffed up for the ceremony. As we were sitting there sipping our drinks, Richard, Chris and Barry entered the library with big smiles. "We thought we might find some of you guys down here. John, where are your parents?" He smiled back at Chris; "Down in the solarium meeting Jenny." He said. Richard smiled at me and said; "Well Eric, Wolfman's got the COM today so if you don't mind, we'd like to toast the happy morning." I gestured him toward the bar. "Absolutely Richard, but you do the honors. I'm too comfortable to get up." He grinned and proceeded to fix three drinks and to freshen up John's. Mine was still OK. Barry smiled at John as he accepted his drink from Richard. "So John, you're really going to go through with this are you?" "Absolutely Barry. Best decision in my life since the evening I accepted this job from Eric's father." Chris interjected; "Well guys, us... we three are the official welcoming committee. See, the contractor Eric hired to put in the swimming pool at our condos said it will be ready the first week in June so, Phil, Barry, Richard and me would like to host you at a barbeque/swim party to christen the new pool. You'll be back from your honeymoon and Jack will be back from his ship. We all thought that a swim party at some other part of the estate would be fun." "Jenny and I will be proud to come guys." John was beaming. I added; "You certainly know you can count on the boys and me." "Great then! "Chris exclaimed and exchanged grins with his cohorts. "We already purchased a top of the line Weber gas grille and it's being installed at the condos next week; tied into the gas line. We've decided we'll do ribs using my Aunt Rita's sauce..., which may give Jenny's Grandma's sauce a run for its money and my Mother's outragious teriyaki London Broil recipe. Barry claims he does great stuffed baked potatoes and Richard boasts he does wonderful salad and corn on the cob. Phil has told us that he is a wicked cool bartender and will keep the glasses filled. I've promised to stay sober enough to act as informal lifeguard though, I do plan to enlist Sean and Jack in that regard as well." Jack grinned at Chris; "Lifeguards still get beer right?" Chris punched him lightly on the shoulder. "Lifeguards get what their father says they get sailor." "Well, in the same spirit guys, I plan to open my outdoor pool on Memorial Day and consider yourselves all invited to that celebration. We had a tough year men, let's try to make this one a lot more fun." All glasses were raised in a toast to that idea. ******* The boys and I had decided to go down to the indoor pool and enjoy about an hour of swimming before we needed to shower and get `tuxed'. A quick check with Daniel had assured me he was working closely with the caterer and everything was on schedule and under control. Martha was in charge of the Bride and her bridesmaids, and John was back with his parents as they became reacquainted. We were quietly swimming slow laps alongside each other. It's funny how we'd gotten into the habit of doing this. It had begun with Sean but Jack had just fallen into the pattern. We did slow (mostly back stokes) the length of the pool and just chatted casually. "Dad, why ain't Jack me and Bobby doin' the music for this weddin'?" "Sean, it's because John as done you the honor of asking you to be standing up beside him as his groomsmen. No man can ever pay another that big a compliment. You both should be very proud. Remember though, that in the middle of the ceremony, you'll be singing Paul Stookey's `Wedding song' so make certain that your guitar is tuned before the ceremony. Jack smiled over at me and said; "Dad, I forgot to tell you that I have to leave about an hour before the ceremony because I've invited Amanda to be my guest." I almost sank as I turned and looked at him but before I could speak he said; "Everyone attending is invited to bring a guest. Daniel promised me he'd have a room ready for her and he'd clear it all with her parents and when I leave tomorrow, Daniel said he'd have Arlen drive her home...by the way Dad, Arlen is so much better than Terry was." I was surprised to discover that I was angry. "Jack, I wonder why you didn't bother to tell me about this earlier? I think this is something I needed to know about. We both know that your plan is to share a room with that young lady and while I have no personal objection to that, I certainly am not pleased that you arranged this behind my back. Besides the fact that I suddenly have lost trust in you Jack, You've also compromised my trust and my relationship with Daniel. That is something that may jeopardize his career. Get out of the pool now and go shower. Get dressed and pick up the young lady but, I must tell you that she will not be spending the night here. I'll make certain that Arlen drives her home at a respectable hour this evening. I'm disappointed in you Jack and I'm disappointed in Daniel" Jack's whole upper body blushed as red as a person could turn. The first look I saw on his face was anger but it was quickly followed by submission and finally shame. As he slowly climbed the ladder out of the pool, I said; "I'm disappointed in you Jack, I thought we had a stronger relationship than that." He turned on the deck. "D-Dad, I was stupid I just assumed you'd be alright with it an..." "Jack, you crossed a line of trust and it may cost a man his job I hope you're not proud of that. I hope you're not proud of the fact that I don't completely trust you anymore. I hope that you're not proud that you've betrayed a lot of people's trust in what was assumed to be your honesty. Tears were streaming down his eyes and I realized that this was my first confrontation with teen-aged rebellion and I realized that I was in for a ride. As he climbed out of the pool, tears were streaming from his eyes. "D-dad, I just t-thought that after..." "You thought to do something behind my back without asking me if it was alright. You thought that having sex with a girl...someone's daughter under my roof would be OK...you thought that doing anything like that with an under aged girl would be alright with me. It's NOT OK Jack and your actions are not OK. I've got to make some inquiries and then, after the ceremony, we'll talk about your future. Go shower Jack; you've made a commitment to that girl. He was shaking with sobs as he walked to the shower and I realized that I was so angry I couldn't think straight. My first thought was that I had to get dressed and fire Daniel. ******************** Thanks for your wonderful feedback! It's the reason for writing. Contact me at nolitimere156@gmail.com I answer all responses. Remember to send bucks to NIFTY...we don't want this forum to dry up.