Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2007 13:37:19 -0700 (PDT)
From: firehose Joe <firehosejoe@yahoo.com>
Subject: To Thine Own Self Be True: 12

"This above all: To thine own self be true, for it must follow as dost the
night the day, that canst not be false to any man." Shakespeare (Hamlet)

Each relationship, unique unto itself, must find its way and become what it
will. We all make the journey. Enjoy this story of Steve and Alejandro
(sounds like a-lah-handro -- Spanish). Though the theme of wrestling will
be a key component in the early chapters and a continuing theme, the story
is about relationships and being true to oneself. Thanks to Bill M and
TalonRider for assistance proofing the story.

Please do not distribute to other sites without permission of the
author. Comments can be sent to firehosejoe@yahoo.com

>From the previous chapter:

Charles kept up his ministrations and considered his friend and what he had
said. It was real for him, a burden. To put on the rose colored glasses and
wish for wealth, real wealth, he decided was not such a wise thing. Instead
he said, "You feeling any better? Want a glass of wine?"

Alejandro paused then looked up at Charles, reached for his hands and held
them. "No thanks to the wine. If you could keep doing the massage thing,
now that'd be great." Holding Charles gaze he waited.

Finally Charles replied quietly, "Here, or in my bedroom?"

Alejandro released Charles' hands and stood. "Lead the way." He said
smiling.

Chapter 12

Alejandro walked behind the sofa. Charles reached out and took Alejandro's
hand. When in the bedroom Alejandro began to undress and Charles stopped
him. "I've wanted to touch your body since the first day I saw you. Let me
do this."

Reaching over he kissed Alejandro gently, perhaps even tentatively and then
unbuttoned his shirt. He let his hungry eyes devour every contour, every
hair of Alejandro's tight muscled chest. Charles placed his hands on
Alejandro's lats and let his thumbs find the generous nipples and begin to
rub them. The nubs quickly responded to his actions. All the while he
rubbed them, Charles held Alejandro's eyes. The pleasure both were feeling
showed in their tenting pants.

Charles smiled and said, "let's get you out of those before you make too
much of a mess." Reaching down he loosened Alejandro's belt and snaps and
lowered both jeans and boxers. Alejandro balanced himself holding to
Charles' head as Charles finished stripping him free of his socks.

Charles began at Alejandro's knees and began to trace the inside of
Alejandro's legs with his tongue. First with broad wet swipes then with a
probing hard tip that signaled Alejandro's nerve endings casing his cock to
throb in response. Charles continued the exploration as Alejandro's head
lolled back. With his eyes closed he let the sensations wash over
him. Somewhere in his mind he realized that this was unlikely to be an
athletic session of shared passion. That was fine by him.

Charles took the base of Alejandro's thick muscle and began to blow and
lick the glans and piss slit. He smiled as Alejandro groaned. Working in
earnest on the shaft and head, Charles paced his progress letting the
sensations build in Alejandro. As he felt himself begin the unmistakable
signs of pre climax, Alejandro reached down and lifted Charles to his
feet. They kissed deeply and long.

Breaking the kiss, Alejandro began to unbutton Charles' shirt and found
Charles smiling his encouragement. Quickly Alejandro stripped him and
instead of exploring his body kneeling on the floor, Alejandro grabbed
Charles around the waist and lifted him gently to the bed. Charles wrapped
his arms and legs around Alejandro, scissoring him, pulling their bodies
close. Alejandro could smell the musk and sweat of the day emanating from
Charles pits. It wasn't an odor as much as it was the musky smell of a
man. Letting his body rest atop Charles, Alejandro let his tongue begin its
exploration.

Charles was soon writhing under the demanding tip of Alejandro's tongue as
he let his muscle probe all the curves and crannies of Charles'
chest. Lowering himself between Charles' legs Alejandro licked and bit all
the areas there ignoring Charles' leaking shaft. Finally he slid his body
higher until their cocks were laying side by side. Alejandro gently rocked
their bodies' together. Resting on his elbows, he looked down at Charles
and asked "Can you handle someone as big as me?"

Charles groaned, "You can only imagine how much I want you but it's just
too large. Besides I'm seldom on the bottom. How about you?"

Alejandro grinned, "I've never been on the receiving end but I'm willing to
try if you'll be gentle and go slow."

Charles' eyes lit up and said "let me get some lube."

Charles proved to be a skillful and gentle lover. His dick felt huge to
Alejandro but he quickly adjusted to it. Charles guided the head
continually to the pleasure spot. Alejandro was in constant motion from the
pleasure. Charles recognized the signs and began a hard rhythmic thrusting
as Alejandro reached his pinnacle. With a loud grunting both men came
within seconds of each other. The sensations were so intense for
Alejandro. Feeling his ass ring clamp on a hard moving muscle drew seed
from deep within. It kept pulsing through his shaft onto his chest and abs.

Charles finally spent, collapsed on top of Alejandro and signed
deeply. "Thank you. That was so good. I've jerked off for weeks thinking
about my dick pounding your ass. Listen to me! You seemed to have enjoyed
it.  Was it too painful?"

"I don't mean to say didn't like it when I say it was different. Simply it
was the first time and thanks for being thorough in getting me ready. I
haven't cum that hard in a long time."

Charles let his forehead rest on Alejandro's chest for a few moments then
suggested they get cleaned up. Alejandro smiled to himself at how different
folks were. Mike and Charles had in common their desire to get off and be
done with it. That was Ok but Alejandro realized that he much preferred to
take his time and let the tension build. Also, he didn't even have to ask,
he just knew that Charles, though fit, wouldn't be interested in the erotic
grappling that so turned Alejandro on.

Their sharing Charles' bed though not expected by either became a pleasure
they enjoyed numerous times as the spring semester progressed and moved to
a close. Alejandro had several extended hot sessions with Frederick and
even a combined romp with Mike and Frederick.

That had been fun. Frederick, ever the manipulator had arranged the two men
to wrestle the best three out of five with his ass as the prize. Looser
took seconds. What had spurred both men to the challenge was Alejandro's
progress with Joe. Mike was curious and competitive and was pretty sure he
could easily take his opponent. Alejandro brought more fight to the mat
than Mike had anticipated. It was hard fought and long but Mike finally
won. It suited Alejandro just as well. He and Frederick would enjoy an
extended session afterward and he'd get to watch Mike in action
again. Though he didn't know it at the time it would be the cap stone of
his shared sexual activity until the next September.

The end of classes and exams came sooner than Alejandro wanted. It had been
a great year and he would miss his friends. Mike was heading to San
Francisco, having lined up a job with the Emergency Technicians through a
local hospital as well as an apprenticeship with a reputable massage
therapy clinic.

 Alejandro and Frederick decided to throw a party for him and by the time
the guest list was finished Alejandro insisted that they rent a hall at his
expense. Frederick put up an argument for pride's sake but knew Alejandro
was right.

He sat Frederick down at lunch the next day and laid out his plan. "You'll
argue that I don't owe you and Mike anything and I'll agree." Frederick
started to talk but Alejandro shut him up and pressed on. "We've talked
about this before and unless it's really going to offend and hurt you I'd
like to suggest a division of labor for this thing.

Frederick nodded his agreement to hear Alejandro's plan. "Neither of us
have time, and in my case, the skill to prepare food for the number of
people we really want to have here. Agree?" Frederick nodded and Alejandro
went on. "Here's what I suggest. We both want to give Mike a big send
off. He's gonna get a kick out of all the stuff the club has planned. You
know him and most of his friends better than I so I'm gonna ask you to plan
the menu. Now hear me out."

Alejandro made his case convincingly and finally Frederick agreed to work
with the caterer that Isabella usually used and under duress agreed to let
Alejandro pay for all of it. As they finished the conversation Alejandro
added with a grin, "You know if I'd had to pay for all the physio and
psycho therapy you've given me, I'd be out a lot more than this party will
cost." He paused a moment pressing his leg against Frederick's and said,
"You can't begin to know how much I'm going to miss you this summer. Not
just as a fuck buddy," he whispered, "but as a friend, someone to talk to,
who understands."

Repeating the promise made in October, Frederick simply said, "I've still
got your back, Dude. You're gonna be Ok and if you need anything, and I do
mean anything, give me call."

It was only days later that they were slapping backs, saying goodbye and
promising to stay in touch. Alejandro saw both men off and as Mike's car
disappeared; Alejandro became pensive as he walked toward his car. It would
be a long and likely dry, summer.

Without breaking stride, Alejandro went to work the first Monday after
exams. Both Salvadors kept early morning hours and Alejandro joined
them. The work was interesting and demanding. Market analysis was constant
as the futures business was in a constant state of flux.

Alejandro's father, Salvador, asked to meet him for lunch early in his
third week. Curious, he met his father at his office and they walked to
lunch enjoying a surprisingly mild early summer day in Chicago. After
orders had been placed and beverages served, Salvador came right to his
point.

"Alejandro you have displayed a talent for investing and I believe you have
a keen eye for management. Your grandfather and I have talked at length
about your summer activities. We both agree it is time for you to become
involved in the overall scope of our businesses. Of course, we do not
presume to tell you what you must do with you life. Your interest and
involvement in the past years has lead us to believe you may well want to
take over the direction of the family enterprises in the future. Am I
correct in this?"

"Yes Father. With your's and grandfather's blessing, it is how I plan to
spend my life." replied Alejandro.

"You needn't be so formal, son. We are both proud of you and love
you. Actually a fear that has lurked in the back of our minds has been that
you would want to follow another dream. That contingency is in place. Do
not feel you are locking yourself into anything this day."

"Thank you Father. Now tell me about your plans."

During lunch and well past dessert the two men discussed the summer's
agenda. Salvador was impressed with the intuitive and probing questions
Alejandro asked. His suggestions were salient and Salvador promised to
discuss them with his father that day. They left the restaurant in good
spirits, both eager to set in place the plans discussed.

Alejandro's work level ramped up to a point that he was just able to stay
in front of the load with his ten hour days. In the past two years he'd
been introduced to the varied business issues that he now had to deal with
in depth. None of it was boring. To the contrary, he left work with energy
to spare, energy that needed an outlet.

Early in the second week, he had his assistant call the University and ask
if his student ID would give him access to the gym. He had not discussed
summer plans with Joe and on the off chance he might be in town, he made a
second call. A broad smile spread across his face when Joe answered.

They chatted briefly about Joe's classes and Alejandro's work, though he
was somewhat oblique in his answers, wanting to segment this part of his
life in effort to maintain some semblance of privacy. Joe was eager to
restart their wrestling training hinting that the money had come in
handy. Alejandro guessed it had been more than just `handy'. He asked if
Joe could spare a little more time, with of course increased pay. He jumped
at the chance. They agreed to meet that night.

Dinner's mid week were usually a bit earlier and offered lighter
fare. Dinner together as a family was nearly sacrosanct. Alejandro asked
his grandmother if it were possible to have the meal conclude by 7 p.m. to
allow him to get to the gym to work out. Finding that would hurry all
involved except him, Isabella agreed that he might be excused early after
the main course with no one taking offence. He kissed her on the cheek with
his thanks.

The senior Salvadors would have enjoyed picking Alejandro's brain after
dinner. They followed closely his projects and tasks, all designed to give
him a detailed understanding of the core elements of each business in
addition to a beginning understanding of the day to day operations. They
tacitly agreed that Alejandro's plan should be honored.

It was a multifaceted release for Alejandro to be able to return to the
gym, his wrestling training and to the general maleness of the place. He
harbored no hope of finding someone to help him with his continual
horniness. It was manageable and he was looking for exercise. Better his
fist than the attending unanticipated problems that an encounter might
bring.

Fortunately the summer crowd was just a bit lighter than that of the
regular academic year. He resumed his weight training begun with Frederick
and often wished for Frederick's acerbic corrections to form as he pressed,
curled and lifted. Wrestling training was usually the last hour before the
gym closed. It was good, very good.

After his Tuesday session with Joe the second week of July, they finished
and sat down to talk. "Alex, I'm barely able to stay ahead of you, man. If
we went head to head, I'm not sure I wouldn't put money on your pinning
me. I can't keep taking your money as a coach. Hate having to say that more
than you know but I've got to be fair. Our agreement last fall was for me
to coach you. You're ready for a level beyond my capability.

Alejandro thought for a moment and responded, "Joe, you can't cut and bail
on me. We've got an agreement for the summer. How am I going to find
someone to train with?" He let his voice blend a real sense of frustration
and disappointment without letting on that he was quickly developing a
plan. "I've been enjoying our sessions but have to agree with you that
there's not been much new in the mix for a while. No hard feelings, I hope.

"Tell you what. I can't find someone to replace you as coach. If you think
you can find someone who will work with me I'll keep our financial
arrangement and we can be sparing partners and the new coach can critique
giving me the advantage of another set of eyes more easily able to see
mistakes and correct them. Make sense?

"My summer job is taking 10 hours a day and I don't have time or access to
anyone to help me find someone to coach. Tell you what. You find someone
that fits the bill, and I'll interview them as we did you. Find the right
man and I'll have a bonus for you at the end of the summer. You keep coming
as my sparing partner. Does that sound like something you can work with?"

"Damn right! I've been thinking about this since we started back, knowing
I'd have to say something before you did -- if only to save face." Joe
Replied. "I've got some guys that might be interested. A couple have been
ragging on me that they could run rings around my coaching when I told them
I was getting paid."

Alejandro responded, "I'm looking for someone who is a teacher/coach, like
you are. You have the right word at the right time. I will not put up with
someone who wants to talk their way through a session. Nor do I want
someone trying, pardon the expression, to blow smoke up my ass telling me
how great I am. I'm depending on you to help me find the right guy. How
fast do you can find someone?"

"I'll start on it tonight. Same time schedule, or could you work on
wresting before weights?" Joe asked.

"I can start warming up and stretching by 7:30. 8 p.m. is the earliest I'd
want to start. See what you can find that fits in that time frame. Anytime
you can bring someone to work out with us, just schedule it. We'll keep
looking `till we find the right guy." Alejandro said.

Joe headed home with a mission. He'd been sure he was cutting off his
cushion of emergency money. It had been hand to mouth before he started
with Alejandro. He whistled all the way as he made his list of possible
candidates.

Joe was successful beyond both their expectations. Jason, Jase to nearly
everyone who knew him, had wrestled in high school. In college, he had
coached at an inner city Y program as well as wrestling on his college
team. Recently married, his wife worked second shift at a local hospital
and he had evenings free. He was a no nonsense guy who was used to making
wrestlers do their best.

When he offered to come early to supervise Alejandro's weight training, the
deal, in Alejandro's mind was done. Alejandro told him it was for summer
only. Things would be reevaluated in September based on scheduling and how
they'd progressed. Jase spent the first half hour with them asking
questions, making Alejandro as well as Joe go through some weight routines,
and watching them wrestle.

"You guys will be ok. You're far from where you've told me you want to be
Alex and I'm not going to get you close to that in six weeks. Just wanted
to let you know. Another thing, you talk a good game. I'm not very patient
with talkers. The guys I've coached know I'll go to the moon for them if
they put out and don't beat my ears up with excuses. The money will come in
handy but it's not worth my being frustrated. So there's my deal."
Alejandro offered his hand and smiled.

Weekend trips to the lake house with the attending social activity made
Alejandro anxious to be back at work on Mondays. The workouts had kept him
balanced, and to a degree sane. Work enabled him to quickly put the
foolishness of the weekend behind him. As he worked through his weight
routine it cleared his mind and helped him sort through the things he was
learning with greater efficiency.

All too soon the end of August arrived. He had grown fond of the intense
pace of work and working out every day. His sessions with Jase had been a
tonic for him. Jase demanded a level of concentration that stretched even
Alejandro's disciplined mind. Adjustments would be made for classes and he
knew his continued involvement in family business would be greater than the
year before. Other things would fall in place around that.

Frederick looked him up as soon as he returned to campus. Their reunion was
easy and warm as if they'd seen each other the week before. Frederick had
invited Alejandro to be his apartment mate but Alejandro declined enjoying
the mix and variety dorm life offered. Privately he thought the intensity
of their shared sex would be affected by living together.

As a sophomore, Alejandro hit his stride almost immediately. Studying the
syllabi for his econ classes he determined that his summer work would fit
well with required papers and accounting projects. With names changed it
would enable him to continue what he had started. The elder Algaras
completely agreed asking only that they be given an opportunity to read
anything prior to it being submitted for evaluation by faculty.

The hint of fall was a welcome sign of change for Alejandro. By October
leaves were majestically colored, the football season appeared promising
and all seemed well in Alejandro's world. Isabella and Salvador had flown
to New York to take a brief vacation and planned to extend it with a
driving tour through New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine to enjoy the color
and sea shore on the east cost.

Two days before their anticipated return, Salvador received a call in the
early hours of morning from the New York State Patrol. His parents had been
killed in a single car accident. Wet leaves on the road had caused the car
to lose traction and spin stopping only when it hit a rock face on the
mountain road. They were killed instantly.

A call had been placed to the Department Chair, the Dean and the
President. Alejandro would make up his work but would be away from classes
for an undetermined time. Salvador met his son as he arrived for his first
class. Seeing his father's haggard features, he ran to him. Holding the man
by the shoulders he guided him to a bench near the building's door.

Alejandro knelt in front of his father. His face seemed gaunt. With an
almost cold recitation, Salvador informed Alejandro of the
events. Realizing that his father might be in shock Alejandro covered him
with his coat. Calling security he gave them the pertinent details and told
them to inform the President's office and to send medical assistance. Help
arrived in minutes and he was transported to the infirmary until an
ambulance arrived.

The President was in the infirmary when Salvador and Alejandro arrived. He
offered any assistance Alejandro and the family might need. The only thing
Alejandro could think of immediately was that he wanted to tell
Frederick. Giving the President the name and phone number he requested that
he alert Frederick. Alejandro climbed into the ambulance that had just
arrived, and with his father, left for the hospital.

On arrival, Alejandro made sure his father was processed and asked for a
supervisor. The attitude of the administrator was at best disinterested
when Alejandro asked that he be provided a place with some privacy to call
the Mayor and the Archbishop. Sensing the hesitation, he grabbed an
information sheet and went to the nearest pay phone.

When the executive secretary to the hospital president answered he said
"Good morning, my name is Alejandro Algara, son and grandson of Salvador
Algara. If you will check you will find that either my father, grandfather
or perhaps my grandmother sit on your Board, or have in the past year given
substantial sums to this hospital. I am in the emergency room, having just
arrived with my father whom I believe is in shock. I have requested a quiet
place and a phone so that I may inform the Mayor and the Archbishop of my
grandparent's death yesterday and my father's illness. Can you please
assist me in this, yes I'll hold." The emergency administrator, who was
within earshot, looked first confused then alarmed.

"Mr. Algara, this is Dr. McCarthy. How may I help you?"

"Simply sir, I need a place to make some phone calls. My father seems to be
in shock and I need to notify the Mayor and Archbishop of my grandparents'
death yesterday. Is there anyway you can help me?" Alejandro's voice broke
once toward the end and he could feel himself trembling.

"Where are you now, Mr. Algara?" McCarthy asked.

"I'm in your emergency waiting room at a pay phone." He replied.

"Do you see a security guard with a hospital logo on his uniform?"
Alejandro said yes. "Ask for the senior guard. If he is unavailable tell
any of them that Dr. McCarthy requests that you be brought to my office
immediately. I will have a doctor on staff come to the emergency room now
to monitor your father's condition and report back to me as information is
available. You are under stress yourself young man. Now repeat to me my
instructions."

A few seconds later as Alejandro headed for the desk; a guard approached
him and said he had been told to escort Mr. Algara to the Administrator's
office. Entering a nearby staff elevator the guard inserted a key and they
rode to the top floor without interruption.  Dr. McCarthy was waiting for
him and after briefly expressing his condolences, saying that he knew both
father and grandparents; he escorted Alejandro to a recently vacated
office.

After calling City Hall and the Cathedral he sat and began to organize his
thoughts. On a piece of paper he began to list all the people who must be
called, both business and personal acquaintances. Within a few moments he
had organized several lists and prioritized them. He needed Frederick.

Picking up the phone he dialed the President's office at the University and
was put through immediately. Yes, he was informed that Frederick had been
located and was heading to the President's office. Alejandro gave them
Dr. McCarthy's number and the number on the phone he was using and asked
them to have Frederick call as soon as possible.

He resumed working on his lists when suddenly the phone rang. It was
Frederick. "I've got your back, Alex. Where are you right now?" Confirming
the location, he said, "The U has a car ready to take me so sit tight. I'm
on the way." Without another word Frederick hung up.

Alejandro smiled at the receiver he held in his hand. Help was on the
way. He felt his tension ease a little.

Dr. McCarthy came in moments later and reported that Mr. Algara's vital
signs did not indicate shock but the doctor had given him a mild sedative
and strongly suggested bed rest for be balance of the day. They offered to
keep him at the hospital for observation but Alejandro thought it best for
him to rest at home.

Alejandro called the house and asked that a car be sent to the hospital to
pick them up. He went down to the Emergency Room to see his
father. Frederick had just arrived and they quickly embraced. Alejandro
filled him in on all the details. He went to check on his dad and began to
check him out.  Frederick waited for the car.

Soon they were on their way home. Alejandro gently took charge. After
introducing Frederick as his best friend from college, he outlined his plan
for his dad. With a loving but firm voice he told his father that today was
going to be for rest. Alejandro reasoned that the days ahead were going to
be taxing and that he would run every thing past his father. Salvador
finally agreed.

After Salvador had been seen to his suite, the staff gathered around
Alejandro and offered condolences and shared their shock at the
news. Alejandro introduced Frederick and told them that they would be in
his grandfather's study most of the day. Coffee and a light breakfast was
ordered. Alejandro then showed Frederick to the study.

Frederick shut the door and took Alejandro in his arms holding him and
reassuring him that they'd get through this together. Alejandro welcomed
the embrace and rested his chin on Frederick's shoulder murmuring that
there was so much to do. Finally, Alejandro began to process his own loss
of Isabella and Salvador and his voice caught in a brief sob. Frederick
held him tighter and said nothing. They stood quietly until Alejandro began
to pull away. As he did he kissed Frederick lightly on the cheek and
looking in his eyes said simply, "Thank you."

Together they outlined the tasks to be accomplished and each began to make
phone calls. Frederick carried off his assigned role as `Mr. Algara's
personal assistant' flawlessly. With each call, he seemed to adapt his tone
and implied authority with ease and was soon able to accomplish all he'd
been give to do.

The house keeper appeared at the door and Frederick asked her to remove the
breakfast dishes and bring them a pitcher of orange juice. Alejandro was
preoccupied with his phone calls and didn't even notice as Frederick
approached, gave him a glass of juice and began to massage his shoulders.

Finishing the call, he lowered his neck and let Frederick dig his thumbs
into the muscles deeply. He groaned with the relief it gave him as
Frederick continued for a moment more. Finally, he gently slapped
Alejandro's shoulder and said "Ok, let's compare notes and see what we need
to do next."

Frederick had, through appropriate channels, obtained release of the
bodies. The airline had been contacted and was awaiting shipment and was
ready to transport to Chicago. He had established contact points all along
the way to track successful completion. The family funeral home had been
alerted and was going to handle all details in Chicago. Once Alejandro and
the family lawyer had spoken and agreed on a press release, Frederick had
begun calling various publications.

Frederick listened to Alejandro's recitation of his calls and began to
probe with detailed questions concerning elements that might still need to
be addressed. Alejandro agreed and soon was back on the phone. In the mean
time, Frederick began to deal with the continual stream of incoming calls.

Salvador hearing a report at lunch, rested. Alejandro was more than capable
and with his friend's help he was doing all that could be done at the
moment. The following day, Salvador was recovered. Most of his day was
spent in his office preparing for the transitions within the businesses. He
and Alejandro were at the funeral home to receive the bodies and together
they selected caskets.

When Salvador returned to the office, Alejandro and Frederick went to the U
to gather some clothes, and go to a couple of classes. They returned to the
Algara estate in late afternoon. It was a brief but welcome change of pace
for both of them. The remaining days of the week became a blur. Frederick
was nearby the entire time. Salvador seemed to accept the arrangement as
that of a close college friend whom Alejandro trusted.

At the wake and following the reception after Requiem Mass at the Cathedral
there had been more than a few questioning looks at the dark haired,
attractive young man at Alejandro's side. Both men were aware of the
sidelong glances and had discussed how things might appear. Though he knew
he was beginning to break stride with the social expectations that
surrounded him, Alejandro was ready to let people think what they would.

The next week both men returned to their regular schedules. Neither
encountered difficulties with their professors and both were glad to be in
the academic harness again.

The weeks offered a comfortable pattern of repetition for Alejandro. He
spent several hours in long conversations with Frederick dealing with his
grief, his guilt at not being able to provide an heir and his growing
concern about his father.

Salvador had immersed himself in work. Admittedly, there was much to be
done with changes in corporate structure and consolidating the various
elements of the businesses. Alejandro knew that there were others who could
easily deal with the details but he guessed that it was part of Salvador's
grief. Whatever the reason, he was growing more concerned each weekend that
passed.

In late November, the weekend after Thanksgiving both men sat in
comfortable silence in the drawing room before a quiet fire, each with
their reading and thoughts as they approached their first Christmas without
Isabella and Salvador. They had regretfully declined the numerous
invitations that indicated the start of the season and were enjoying the
quiet. Alejandro closed his book and began to bid his father goodnight when
Salvador asked him to wait.

Reclaiming his seat he waited, his concern rising, wondering at the subtle
agitation he saw in his father's face. Salvador seemed to relax and warm to
his task as he recounted how proud his grandparents had always been of
Alejandro. As his father's face relaxed, Alejandro's concerns began to
evaporate. Eventually Salvador began to discuss the transitions in the
business and indicated his need for Alejandro to be, if not more involved,
at least to remain active in his understanding so that if something were to
happen to Salvador, that Alejandro wouldn't be caught off guard.

With the typical protestations, Alejandro promised to stay in close contact
with all the elements. Further he suggested that he would begin to maintain
a journal and discuss events with his father each weekend to assure him
that he was current in all the various aspects. Salvador seemed satisfied
with this and then turned the discussion to the will. Alejandro was
prepared not to be surprised, having been a part of numerous discussions of
transitions regarding property and assets over the years.

"Son, you know how proud both your grandfather and I have been of your work
the past few summers. We debated at length about the assignment this summer
just past, wondering between us if it were too much for you to grasp at
this point in your life. You excelled and demonstrated acuity for your
tasks that surprised us both. Needless to say, my father missed few
opportunities to ask me if I would have done as well at your age,
particularly when you demonstrated not only understanding but mastery of a
given task.

"You are well aware of his belief that a person's approach to any task is
altered when there is an opportunity for personal loss or gain. After this
past summer father altered his will with respect to your trust
fund. Instead of waiting until you are 25 to receive a portion with the
balance being fully entrusted to you at 30, he determined that you were
quite capable of managing your own fund." Salvador said.

It was a compliment and Alejandro smiled and nodded his thanks thinking
that it would be a welcome challenge. The total represented a million
dollars and was a sizable responsibility but he had dealt with things like
this many times in his management oversight during the summer past. This
time it would be his money at risk. It made a big difference.

Salvador let him absorb the information before continuing. "There was
another change, son. Father knew that eventually you would solely be
responsibility for everything and satisfied in your diligence, academic
discipline and maturity he increased the fund so that there would be real
risk, therefore greater motivation." Quietly he finished, "Alejandro the
amount of the fund released to you will be ten million, not one."

Alejandro sat motionless for a few seconds then exhaled as if releasing all
his breath. Slumping back against the chair he looked at his father
somewhat dumbstruck. Softly he repeated the amount.

Salvador had guessed this, along with several other pieces of his news,
would not be greeted with enthusiasm. "Alejandro, I know it is an enormous
responsibility. It is one for which I would have not been ready at your
age. Remember, though, it is simply a transfer of title of funds from your
grandfather's estate to you. The funds are already invested and are
growing. Only when you feel comfortable and have had time to formulate your
own strategies will you need to consider making any changes."

"There some other pieces of information I need to share. Your grandparents
have been pleased with your work at the University. The three of us have
watched as you have flourished in the environment. You, of course, know of
our involvement with the Board and the Foundation Board. Though we've never
asked, out of respect for your privacy, occasionally an administrator or
faculty member, making a report, will pull us aside and share their
congratulations on your success.

"The next bequest was planned to honor you. Of course the thought was that
it would be accomplished years after you finished your academic work."
Salvador waited until Alejandro's eyes met his again. "Your grandparents
will endow a chair in the economics department. The professor selected will
be a person well versed in market dynamics and in particular commodities
trade.

"A second bequest establishes an endowment that will fund scholarships for
undergraduate students majoring in economics. The details of both of these
bequests have yet to be worked out but I wanted to let you know that they
will be given in your name."

"There won't be any fuss made will there father. No one needs to know do
they?" Alejandro almost pleaded.

"Unfortunately, yes. The press releases will go out in early January and
the gift will be awarded later the same month. It is the way these things
work. Universities try to leverage each notable gift to encourage other
gifts. These, under normal circumstances would be high profile
announcements. With your grandparents' death it will be exponentially more
newsworthy. I'm sorry son.

"At times, I've envied your ability to carve out a bit of privacy for
yourself at school. The name Algara is just one of many unusual names at
the University I would imagine. With the announcement, you will have some
passing notoriety among faculty and staff. The student body, in general, I
imagine will pay little attention.

"Now, there are two more things we need to discuss. These are bequests that
came at Isabella's request. Let me lay some groundwork so you can better
understand the nature of the bequest.

"When I was in Germany during the war I saw literally countless pieces of
property offered for sale. Often German nobility were even willing to
liquidate some of their ancillary properties in effort to regain some
liquidity. After doing extensive research on title and validity of contract
I realized the great opportunity available.

"After discussing this with my father and with my commanders' permission I
began to quietly acquire exceptional properties throughout Germany and
Austria. These originally included hotels, resorts and several castles that
were of no use to their owners save for generation of capital. We paid a
fair price, often above that which was asked. News of this nature travels
fast and soon I was spending every free hour considering properties being
offered for sale.

"You've seen them in the inventory of holdings in our real estate division
I'm sure, haven't you."

Alejandro replied, "Yes, and I often wondered about them. I figured there
would be enough time to research that later."

Salvador continued, "I have to agree. Castles along side business parks had
to be a curiosity to anyone first looking at the portfolio. It has just
become a part of the group and a profitable niche though odd.

"You're no doubt wondering what this has to do with you and your
grandmother. She always wanted to take me to visit Europe to see the areas
she knew as a child. The war, followed by a marriage and a child made that
impossible. The dream never died for her. As she told you tales of Austria
and palaces, of Spain and riding horseback and roping cattle, she was
sharing her childhood and seeking to build an appetite within you for
travel.

"It was her fond hope to spend the summer after you graduated traveling
around Europe. She reminded both your grandfather and me that if you had a
vested interest in something you'd be far more likely to care for and have
interest in it. Sound familiar? We agreed and lumped the European
properties division together just to keep the transition clean.

"Her plan was to have a graduation party as a sort of bon voyage. She was
going to tell you just before the two of you left. It was sort of her gift
to you -- something you could share. The long and short is that you will
receive title to all of those properties when the probate is complete." He
paused watching his son. Alejandro's face was a mask of memories.

Alejandro leaned forward elbows on knees. "You said two father. What is
left?"

Salvador said, "Do you remember the pearls mother used to wear?"

"Of course. They became a type of trademark, a symbol of Isabella. Everyone
knew of her pearls."

Salvador asked, "Do you remember any stories about them?"

Alejandro leaned back into his chair and shut his eyes. Letting his mind
wander down the halls of his childhood the stories returned to him. For a
time he said nothing, just remembered the tales of a fairy princess in
dressing gowns with a wonderful grandmamma playing with her grand
daughter. Finally he looked at his father. "This is about the pearls and
the tiara. Am I right?" he asked with a voice tinged with sadness.

Salvador waited a moment and finally said, "Yes son. These are probably her
most treasured things. I had thought to give them to you at Christmas but
realized how inappropriate that might be. They are in my study on the shelf
behind my desk. Would you go and get them for me?" Alejandro left the room
and Salvador , sighed deeply, rubbed the bridge of his nose and his eyes in
effort to relieve the strain.

Alejandro returned with a velvet purse and a small finely crafted wooden
box with the crest of the Hapsburgs on the top. He offered them to Salvador
who with a simple gesture indicated that Alejandro should keep
them. Alejandro reached in the purse and removed the baroque pearls. Double
strung and just over three feet in length they were luminous in the light
of the room. He let them spill across his fingers watching their luster
catch the light.

"Beautiful aren't they. They were to be a gift to your mother on our tenth
anniversary." Salvador said simply.

Replacing the pearls into their velvet purse and laying them aside on a
nearby table, Alejandro examined the crest on the box. "I barely remember
the tiara and can't recall ever noticing the box and certainly not the
crest." Lifting the lid carefully, his eyes were immediately captured by
the brilliance and colors of the diamond tiara. The Old European cuts on
the diamonds refracted much more color than the current day round brilliant
cuts.

Lifting it carefully from the form that held it, he held the tiara and
turned it to catch the light. It was truly spectacular. In a soft voice
Alejandro spoke as to himself, "I remember her wearing it several times as
she told me of the Emperor and the fairy tale princes that used to play
with a beautiful lady in the palace. Wearing it she would rock me and tell
me wonderful stories of the snow and ice, of horse drawn sleighs with
harnesses decorated with silver bells. What wonderful pictures she painted
for me." He held the tiara and let the light play remembering days long
gone. Quietly, perhaps reverently, he replaced the tiara and secured the
lid.

"Father, thank you. This has been difficult for both of us. I do not mean,
in any way, to appear unappreciative. It is just too much to deal with
right now. Please forgive me for saying goodnight"

"Goodnight son. I understand more fully than you know. Sleep well. I'll see
you in the morning.


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