Date: Sat, 14 Feb 2015 20:57:26 -0500 From: Lyle Hastings Subject: Ben's Gift Ben's Gift Chapter Nine By Lyle Benton The trip to the hospital was uneventful and traffic was light, so Ben made good time. He parked the car and made his way to the ICU. He got Berto's room number at the nurse's station and walked down the long hall. He was impressed, again, by the high quality of the facilities and the professionalism of the entire staff. Ricky had, indeed, provided for the best of care. What a great friend! Miguel was with Berto as Ben paused at the door. Berto saw him and his face lit up. God how he loved him! It was such a relief to see him recovering so well, so soon. He gave him a gentle hug and kissed him. "How are you doing?" he asked. I am feeling pretty sore, but better than I have in a while. Miguel even tells me that my kidneys are working already. Pretty soon they can take this tube out of my pinga and I can pee like a normal man. Miguel laughed and said, "He is doing remarkably well. He's a strong young man. He has no signs of infection and as long as he continues to improve and shows no sign of rejection, he will be up and around in no time." "Does that mean I can have a steak to eat for dinner? I am muy hungry!" Berto looked hopeful. "No, I am afraid not; At least not yet. Your body had been through a lot and it can't handle food like that yet. Soon though." Miguel turned to Ben. "But you can have anything you want. There is a menu at the nurse's station and they will bring your meal up along with Berto's." "Maybe I should order something awful, so I don't make Berto envious." offered Ben. "No, Ben. Have whatever you want. I want you to be happy." "I am happy that you are doing so well and when we get you home, I will get you a whole cow to eat if you want it." I am going to be going, now." Said Miguel. "Time to have dinner with Carla. The babies should be sleeping now." "I want to see them!" said Berto. "Can you bring them here?" "Afraid no, mi amigo. No newborns in the ICU. Tell you what: Do you have you phone with you?" "I have it right here." said Ben. "Is it alright for him to have it now?" "I don't see why not." Miguel answered. "I will call you when they are awake and we can skype for a while. That way you can talk to Carla as well." This brought on another amazing Berto smile. Ben handed him the phone. Miguel hugged them both and made his way out of the door. Ben pulled the big chair closer to the bed where Berto lay. He sat and took Berto's hand in his own the kissed it gently. He was feeling relieved and hopeful about Bert's future and his own. They had both been through so much. After such a long, event-filled time, which included the death of Berto's mother and many of their friends, Ben and Berto finally acknowledged the love they had both felt for some time. Then followed many beautiful days and nights at the bright and sunny bed and breakfast in Santa Rosalia. The new business had started off slowly, but with the expertise of Wade and Randy, and everybody's hard work, it had become quite a popular destination for gay men from the United States and other countries. The location was responsible for this as well as the relaxed attitude of Casa del la Rosa. The beach, garden and sunroom were all "clothing optional". It was always great to see hot, naked men soaking in the hot tub or sunning themselves. Wade would occasionally give everybody a look at his horse cock, usually on a warm evening after he finished his work. It was not encouraged, but sometimes impromptu sex happened. Couples or even small groups would take advantage of the beautiful surroundings and enjoy one another. Nobody minded unless it got out of hand. Then we nicely suggested that they should take it to their room or the big, upstairs shower room. For a long time after Ben and Berto finally got together, their love-making was exclusively with one another. Eventually they included others starting with Ricky and Jose. They played with others separately as well, but always with each other's knowledge and okay. Berto enjoyed playing with Randy and Wade, which made perfect sense. The three of them were close in age. Ben loved to watch the young men enjoying each other's bodies, and he was secure in Berto's love; knowing that they would share the same ben at the end of the night. Their sanctum sanctorum was the studio/bedroom they shared. Rarely was anybody invited to have sex with them there. It was the site of their first love-making and they were fiercely protective of it. Separate but close to the casa, it overlooked the huge rose garden they both loved, but it was of particular value to Berto. He had tended it since he was a small boy when he and his mother had first moved there. Ben loved to watch Berto in the garden. Painstakingly weeding, pruning and gathering the colorful blooms which were used to decorate and sweeten all the rooms in the casa. As Ben gazed at his lover and best friend and longed to see him lovingly tending the beautiful plants. "Ben...,Ben!" Berto interrupted his thoughts. Ben looked up into Berto's eyes. "I'm sorry, Berto I was thinking about having you back at home." Berto nodded and said, "I was asking you what the Padre told you." It's been soooo long since I have written anything for this series. I will try to keep it going. I always enjoy hearing from my readers. My new email is hastingslyle@gmail.com