Date: Fri, 07 Nov 2003 19:22:47 +0000
From: Reader View <readersview@hotmail.com>
Subject: Now and Then Chapter One

First I would like to apologize for any grammatical or spelling mistakesas,
English is not my first language. For the past three years I have been
reading the Nifty Archives, enjoying the stories published, appreciating the
efforts and mental strain to get each one of them written. The majority are
excellent but Unfortunately some of these excellent stories abruptly stopped
and left us readers on a Cliffhanger. I have come across a few that left me
uneasy, while fully respecting ones own personal point of view, we have to
be careful avoid giving or inducing wrong conceptions and ideas about
people, cultures and believes especially in places where we never have been
too or just information baesed on unconfirmed sources.

Disclaimer: If you are not yet 18 years of age or if it is illegal to read
materials of this kind where you live, then please stop now. This story
contains descriptions of sexual activity between male adults. The acts are
consensual and are the result of their love for one another.

All copy rights reserved.  The author retains all rights.  No reproductions
or links to other sites is alowed without the author's consent.  The author
gives Nifty Archives permission to add to their site.

This is my first attempt at writing. It's a story about love and
understanding, about wide possibilities of coming together or ripped apart
by political, social and cultural differences. Names and locations had to be
changed for obvious reasons. The story is narrated mainly by all characters
and traveling between the present and the past, hense the title NOW and THEN

*****************************************

My name is Ahmed; I live in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai. A wonderful
city. A robust city that today is the best example of how the desert and the
21st century can blend and form a prosperous and ethnically tolerant mixed
city. You might not agree but this is how I see it... so don't shoot me for
saying so.. I am 46 years old Iraqi, 5.8, hazel eyes, brown greying hair and
salt and pepper moustache and gay.

I stood enjoying the view from my living room window, waves crashing on the
beach. You only need to cross the Kornish Street and you will be on the
white sands. I live in a new residential area that is growing with each
passing day. I had slightly lowered the height of the fence to have a better
view of the sea from my living room. The fences here are high and they tend
to block the view. Due to cultural habits,it is not possible to have low
fences like the ones you can see in Europe or the states.

I couldn't stay still, impatiently waiting for my guests to arrive. My guest
of honor was Ali, a fine man, today he is somewhere around 44 years . I
haven't seen him for three years. Recently we have kept in touch through
e-mails and occasional phone calls. We were very close in earlier years but
grew apart during the last ten years perusing our own careers and goals
after being discharged from the army in which we were doing our compulsory
military service and then reserve service in both Gulf wars. We used to meet
occasionally whenever possible until 1996. It is the first time we meet in
seven years.

I kept on looking at my watch. He said that he will be coming around seven
and could he bring someone him that he wanted me to meet. His voice showed
traces of both eagerness and anxiety. It is twenty past seven. Ali is a very
meticulous person and always on time. He is the type of person that would
only wait for fifteen minutes and if you are late then hard luck you will
not find him. He always shows up on time, never leaves you waiting. This was
not him.

A taxi drew up and stopped at the gate. Two figures emerged. As the taxi
pulled away the two figures came forward. The first I would recognize and
point out in the middle of a crowded Mall, only today his dark hair is
traced with grey at the temples, slim and short compared to his companion.
The other in total contrast to the first in physical presence, tall, very
tall maybe 190?, bald top and slightly over weight, I would place him arounf
54 years old. I hastily went to the control and pressed the button to open
the gate and proceeded to meet them.

I could not hide the happiness I felt at seeing Ali after all these years, I
just simply took him in my arms and squeezed the life out of him. I planted
a kiss on both cheeks as we in the Middle East greet our loved ones and
hugged him again. I looked right into his hazel eyes. I just stared and
stared. Ali then did something that would be last thing I would ever imagine
him doing. He simply cupped my face in both hands and pulled my face to
plant a kiss right on my lips? Wow that was a shocking thing. It left me
unbelieving open eyed. I guess that the look on my face was so comic that
both Ali and his friend burst out laughing. Then Ali took hold of my hand
and pulled me forward to meet his friend. He introduced him as Terry and the
next words as if the kiss was not enough nearly gave me a stroke. "Ahmed,
this is Terry and he is my Lover and partner".  Dumb struck and speechless
with a stupid expression on my face. I put out my hand I guess in slow
motion but instead of a handshake, not knowing how to react from shock, I
was pulled right into that bulk and given what you may call a bear hug. A
bear, injustice give me a break a giant hug more appropriate.

Still shaking from the experience and unable to utter a word, I pointed to
the direction of the house, indicating to them to enter... shit, this is going
to turn out into one hell of an evening. Ali pulled Terry and proceeded
ahead to enter with me following shaking my head unbelieving. Excuse me guys
it is not an every day occurrence that someone in an Arab country comes to
you and plants a kiss on your lips and introduces you so openly to his
lover, now do you? I guess those of you whom have lived/living there would
agree with me, or have I been missing something guys???? I followed trying
to control myself and prevent myself from bursting out laughing and
shouting; holy shit...

In the cool of the living room, I faced my guests. "Well, welcome guys,
please feel at home" the last I need not have said as Ali had already seated
himself on the sofa and was pulling Terry down with him. Poor Terry, he had
that apologetic look on his face. Cute.

The image displayed in front of me was something. Here was one guy sitting
there looking so small and fragile yet radiating total self confidence and
ready to tackle the world, with eyes shinning with love. The other is bulky,
round face slight double chin, a little over weight, maybe 7 foot tall and
hesitant. Wouldn't blame him, I guess I would feel the same in similar
circumstances.

Ali noticed me looking and said, do not worry Ahmed, he promised to shed
some of the extra baggage he is carrying. Not all mind you, I wouldn't want
him to be as skinny as I am. I want to feel some meat and flesh when I hold
him. Terry's face went crimson red. I liked him, he seemed so simple and
uncomplicated guy, no appearances.

"Well guys, welcome to my domain. First, what will you have, you must be
thirsty from the heat outside" We all settled with cold beers that I had a
friend purchase for me (these are bought under the counter). In Iraq it was
a different story. There anyone can buy alcohol, but drinking in public was
not allowed, perhaps now it will change after the ousting of that asshole
Saddam.

I pointed out to Terry not to feel uncomfortable with any actions he may
witness as we both go along way back. He confirmed that he already knew that
and knew that I was gay too. Another surprise, shit, can't Ali keep his
mouth shut. After we settled with our drinks, I looked at Ali and told him
"shoot and tell me about it all. I am dying to hear how you two got
together".

'Well, first Ahmed let me tell you that Terry is American and he is a
retired Communications Consultant. So we are both in the same field. We have
been lovers for the past two years, what is called Cyber lovers, We only met
in person three months ago. You know how it is also We could not meet until
we were both free to do so. We met in Amman and spent a week there together.
Once we realized that our love for each other was for real and not just a
cyber thing or based on fascination and both want to be together we had to
put our previous lives into a certain order and perspective. When the time
came we were ready to meet again and take it up from there. It hasn't been
easy on both of us .. " and looked at Terry, eyes communicating so much love
that made me feel a pang in my heart.

Silence prevailed but not an uneasy one, but filled with love. I coughed to
get the attention of both lovebirds. Damn, they just zoned out of this
world. It seemed both had drowned in each others eyes. Is it possible that
such love still exists? I only heard of in fairy tales or in the Nifty
stories, could this be one. Both looked at me, startled, emerging from a
reverie and realized they were not alone.'welocme to the real world guys" I
said with a smile. OK guys lets replenish our drinks and go out to the
terrace. I already had arranged that we would sit outside and enjoy the
setting sun and the cool breeze from the gulf. I had prepared the barbeque
and steaks as requested by Ali.

"Ali" I said "get your ass around and start the preparations while I get the
steaks from the kitchen". Terry offered to help but I refused and told him
not tonight, maybe some other time but for tonight he was my guest of honor.
Ali protested but I just pointed my finger to the barbeque.

I already had the steaks properly marinated, hoping that Terry wouldn't mind
the spices, Ali always liked them real spiced up. One would think that he
was from the far east, I used to joke with him and tell him that one day his
ass will catch fire and his entrails would melt. It didn't take long and in
ten minutes we were all settled around the table and enjoying the steaks and
the wine was living to the occasion. We shared small light talk, I wanted to
hear both their versions of the story but left it to later. For the moment,
it was to enjoy the food and company. I saw Ali fidgeting in his place
knowing he was only waiting for an excuse to start spilling the beans. Terry
also noticed this as he gave me a discreet wink and light nod in the Ali's
direction. So his torment continued as small talk went on about Dubai and
the weather.

After removing the plates to the Kitchen, Ali insisted on doing the washing
leaving me and Terry alone on the terrace. We stretched there on the deck
chairs watching the moon, a mild breeze was coming in from the gulf still
traced with heat but very bearable and relaxing. Terry turned around and I
could see that finally he was feeling at ease, I guess the good food and
wine contributed to that.

"you know, Ahmed" Terry said "Ali spoke loads about you, actually he never
mentioned anyone but you. At times I just felt jealous and always wondered
if he wasn't practically in love with you" I detected some hesitation and
edginess in his tone. I smiled at him and placed my hand on top of his. .
"Terry, don't worry and relax. Ali was never to me more than a brother and
the same applies to him, I assure you there is no need to have your doubts
or feel jealous.. OK" I felt him take a deep breath and sighs.

"Look Terry, I have never seen Ali so happy and I will do my best to have
him continue doing so. This also goes for you, I saw how you looked at him
back there and I know that you love him. I hope that one day I find my
significant other and have him look at me the way you did there, but let me
tell you one thing from the start, no one hurts my brother and gets away
with it" I said the last words with a slight stress. I did not mean to show
any hostility but I wanted Terry to know two things, first there was nothing
between me and Ali and second I will not allow him to get hurt if I can help
it. "Don't get
worked up the same applies to you, I will do all I can tp protectr you too
and not have you get hurt. I like you and I hope we would be good friends
and as close as brothers could be and if there is anything that you might
need my help with, even with Ali I will be there for you too as much as I
will be for him, I hope this works out between you two. I have never seen
Ali so happy ".

Terry just looked, I guess he did not expect this to come from me just a few
hours after we had met, but damn, the man needed to be assured and to put
his ghosts at rest. His only worry is how they will pursue their love and
life together. They are both in a totally alien world even though Ali is an
Arab still he is Iraqi and UAE is a different story let alone Dubai,. I
leaned forward in my chair and pulled him to me in hug.

Ali returned with a pot of coffee "What the hell is going on? I leave you a
few minutes and find you in the arms of someone else" Ali said jokingly. He
settled himself next to Terry. I took my first sip and told both " Ok
gentlemen, would you like to put me out of my misery and tell me all about
it and stop fidgeting on your asses?" they both burst out laughing and
started to talk at the same time. "Stop, stop, one at a time please. I want
to hear both versions" I said.

"Ok, you go first.. Knowing you will not accept it in any other way!! and I
will fill in whenever you give me the chance" Terry said with a smile.

"Well, you can fill me anytime you like. You love doing that as much as I do
like filling you up ..." Ali retorted.

"I didn't mean that you ass"

"Look who's talking, Love your Ass" with that he planted a kiss on Terry's
cheek.

"Hooo..hooo you two, stop this, both can go and do each other but not until
you fill me up ..shit .." we all burst out laughting .. Damn, these two know
how to get to you, I thought.

***************************************

"Well, where am I to start from; OK, you know that I have always been gy,
right, big deal. After we were discharged from the army back in June 1991 I
joined a trading company that dealt with computers and Communication
Equipment. They were representatives of a famous international communication
giant, one thing led to another and I was sent for a couple of training
courses and by 1995 I had become a partner and heading the Technical
section, The company was doing very well, but as we grew, more pressure was
placed on us to have other partners join us, you know who, We all were non
political and with no alliance to Saddam's regime at least that's how it
seemed. One day I received a call to go and look into one of the government
offices, they were facing some technical problems with equipment they had
purchased from us two years ago. I went thinking this could be a
break-through and that maybe we could land up with a maintenance contract
after the warranty period
which was ending in a two months time. I solved the problem and the Director
praised our efforts and the way the company's reputation was growing. He
invited me to his office for a cup of tea. I went along with him thinking it
would be good PR for the company. How wrong was I?

"After settling in a chair opposite his desk and sipping tea answering
question about the company's capabilities. The Director moved from behind
his desk and came over, I thought the meeting was over, but as I started to
get up he pushed me back, not so gently. He brought his face close to mine,
I was actually breathing his breath. He told me that he had a proposal for
me to take back to my partners".

"Tell your partners that their thriving business can go further ahead and
reach higher levels if they do as they are told" I went white, I already was
holding my breath, the bastard had bad breath. He told me that there is
someone who will contact us in a few days time and that we are to take him
in as a partner with 50% of the company shares. If we do not agree we can
kiss our contracts and company goodbye. I knew from his tone that he meant
business and having the background on him, I knew he was very well
connected. Whoever was going to be the partner will only be the screen for
either one of the president' sons or in-laws or even aids, that's the way it
is in Iraq no one becomes sucessful,rich and famous without their
permission.

After that he put his hand out as if to shake mine and pulled me from the
chair, directing me to the door. I do not know how I got out of there; my
mind was already on overdrive. I went back to the company and told both
Salim and Mohammed my partners. Salim was a bastard of guy, he would not
hesitate to fuck his mother if there was any profit to make from it, so he
readily agreed. For some reason, I had a feeling that he had something to do
with that proposal, just a gut feeling. As for Mohammed, well, he was
Kurdish and no need to say what his reaction would be. He flatly refused to
comply. A strong argument broke and Mohammed threatened to leave the company
refusing to let the thungs in. I couldn't say anything at the time, being a
junior partner. I had no financial contribution but for my technical
knowledge as for the other two, the finances were theirs. The argument went
on and on and finally, late in the evening, we all went back home to think
about it and meet the next day.

I arrived the next day and found only Salim there. I asked him where is
Mohammed. He told me that he did not know, most probably on his way. We
waited for a few hours, during that time I called his home but no answer.
Very surprising, even though he was a bachelor still there always was
someone during the day to take care of his house. Not on that day. No one
answered the phone. We waited until late in the evening, still no sign of
Mohammed. By seven in the evening, Salim called me to his office informed me
that Mohammed had called him and that he had decided to leave the company.
It was left to us to decide. I knew something was very wrong, I asked him
where is he now, surely it can't be that simple. Salim said he was on his
way to Erbil in the Kurdish zone of Iraq. I shrugged and told him that as
long as he was the partner with the biggest share then it was for him to
decide on the issue. I did not go into details of shares. Salim smiled and
said he knew that I will see things this way.. It was the last time I saw
Mohammed.

A year before that I decided to comply to my families pressure and agree to
get married. It wasn't only that but the need to have a kid of my own, you
know how much I love kids and also one day I dfeel sick real bad flue and
stayed in bed, one night I it was so bad that I could barely open my eyes
and needed someone to help me, couldn't find any and just crawled to
bathroom and got sick and stayed there on the floor for hours. That made me
realize that I did not want to die alone with no one by myside so I got
married.

I went back home and told my wife all that had happened,she doid not comment
but tod me to go to bed and rest. we had been married for only four months
and already she was 6 weeks pregnant. I couldn't sleep that night, kept on
tossing and turnning with sleep evading me. In the morning I still had not
decided. I enjoyed working there but I knew that with Mohammed gone it would
never be the same again and you know how I hated the regime too but what was
I supposed to do? As we were having breakfast my wife looked at me and said
why don't you agree and see how things go, she was sure that the company
will even be more prosperous and become multi millionaires in no time. I was
stunned. How can she say so when she knew how I felt about them, after all
they killed my father? The next thing they will ask is to sharing our wives,
I have heard stories about that. Their wild parties!! From that day I knew
that life with her will be imposible, the greedy bitch, I wished that she
would
miscarriage.. Dreadful wish but you can understand how I felt then.

I went back to tell Salim that I am leaving too.When I entered his office I
found him with someone that I had seen several times on TV with Saddam,
shit, Salim introduced him as Karim our new partner. He was a tall thin man
with dark complication, piercing black eyes, straight teeth and the usual
mustache. The look he gave me froze my blood. He offered to shake my hand, I
just stood there unable to move then Salim laughed and nudged me. I came to
my senses and said welcome extending my hand. The hand I touched was as cold
as ice. He smiled a faint smile and said am I not welcome?. I immediately
answered no, but just surprised not expecting him to join us.

He laughed out loud and slapped me on my back. Salim then said" I told you
didn't I? Ali is a sensible guy and would not object" I knew then beyond any
doubt that Mohammed did not just leave the company but has disappeared with
no hope of returning. The two of them had everything to do with it. I also
knew that if I refused I will meet the same fate like him....

**********************************

I stopped Ali there and proposed another drink, I wanted to be alone for a
few minutes without drawing their attention, what Ali had recited about
Mohammed brought back memories that I have been trying to forget. I left
them there on the terrace to get us a round of beer and regain my composure.
Terry, followed me and asked me if all was well, i said sure but wasn't. He
looked at me and shrugged but not before he squeezed my shoulder. I went
back with the cold beer and we all had a few sips. I asked Ali to continue
...

He took a deep breath, a slight hestiation and then he took Terry's hand and
held it, I knew that something very disturbing was about to be revealed. I
braced myself.

'After that meeting I tried to keep a low profile and act as normal as
possible, I excused myself claiming there was something urgent to attend to.
Salim commented that nothing interests me but my communication toys. About
mid day Salim came to my office and I knew that Karim had left. He sat and
said that Karim now has 50% of the company and leave both us with only the
remaining half. As he was the financer it was decided between them that
Salim gets 35% and I get the remaining 15%.
The bastards even split our shares, I agreed without comment. But what about
Mohammed's share, he said that he had already split that between him and
Karim. I told hiom fine but deep inside I had already decided to leave the
company but not in the way Mohammed did, I wanted to leave in one piece.

A week passed and during that period I stayed at home after work. I knew I
was watched so I kept low profile. The next week I went to Mohammed's house
and saw that the lights were on. I rang the bell and a short stout guy came
to the gate. He was dressed in traditional Kurdish cloths. A head dress,
wide trousers and a shirt with matching wide waist band I asked about
Mohammed. His eyes watered and informed that Mohammed had died in a car
crash on the highway a few kilometers from Baghdad. I
felt the earth beneath me move. I felt faint. Without a word, I turned
around and drove back home. All my doubts were confirmed. My wife told me
that I looked very pale and tiered and suggested that we go on holiday.
Maybe to Jordan, she said that we can afford that especially with our new
partnership. With that comment I lost all the control I had and slapped her
hard and left her lying on the couch with her mouth wide open and eyes
looking at me with disbelieve. It was something I never dreamed I would do,
my father told me always to treat women in gentlemanly manner and never
raise your hand.

The next day I was in my office when Karim entered unannounced, locking the
door and turning to look at me with blazing eyes. He strode to the desk and
caught me from my necktie, pulling me from my chair 'Listen you little shit,
next time you try to contact any of your dead partners, you just have to
tell me and you can join them and your father too and keep each other
company,understood? Did you think that I do not know that you hate us and
that you do not want us with you, sorry, you will have to live with that if
you want your child to be born and see his father".

I was frozen and couldn't move, I was shivering all over. Now don't think of
me as a coward but I knew what those people are capable off. He released me
and I dropped down into my chair. He kept on looking at me not saying a
word. A faint mischievous smile forming on his lips. He sat on the edge of
my desk and leaned closer. I saw his hand move towards me and felt his
fingers on my cheek tracing a line down my lips. Suddenly he leaned in and
his mouth was on mine, kissing me hard and with his fingers pressed my jaw
so hard that I gasseped with pain. My mouth opened and his tongue snaked in.
Out of reflex I bit his tongue. This infuriated him so much that he pulled
me from the chair and threw me on the floor.

He pinned my arms with his knees, the pain was so execurating that I thought
they had snapped. Just as fast as he threw me on the floor he started to
unbuckled his belt and I thought that he was going to strangler me with it,
but what came next was worse than that, he opened his fly and got his cock
out. It was huge and fully erect, I guess he got off on humiliating people.
His fingers pried my mouth open and he shoved his cock in my mouth, "If you
try anything funny I will kill you, understand you little cunt! Now suck my
cock." I was totally frozen and a mixture of fright and humiliation was
ripping me apart. Tears started to flow, I had no control, he smiled and
said " OK, then I will fuck your mouth" with that he started to shove and
pull his cock in my mouth and in a short while he came in my mouth, before
he was finished he pulled out and the rest of his come was splattered all
over my face. I gagged and coughed. I wished that I was dead. Then he
cleaned himself with my jacket. He stood up and said from now on you do as I
tell you, understand" ... and he left me there on the floor drowned in his
cum and the feeling totally degraded.

With that Ali started to cry, he covered his face in his hands and sobs
raked his body, Terry whispered in a choked voice "You never told me of
this" he was plae and tears were streaming dowm his cheeks. He jumped from
his chair and took him in his arms, rocking him and whispering soothing
words, I got up from where I was sitting my eyes were also filled with tears
and feeling as if my life was crushed out from me. I went over and held both
in my arms... God how had he kept all this and never shared it with anyone.
How can anyone do this to such a harmless kind man.

I looked at Terry and saw the same look of wonderment on his face. Terry
then kissed Ali fully on his mouth and Ali just melted in his arms like a
child, sobs subsiding and finding comfort in the arms of his lover. I stood
up and left them alone for a while wondering how come a simple question of
how did they meet brought all this out, I guess somehow Ali wanted us to
know and this was his chance.

I went inside and got us a pitcher of cold water with ice, Ali would
defiantly need it. I went over to him and offered him a glass. He looked at
me with his puffed hazel eyes that reflected pain and love at the same time.
I tried to smile but only managed a weak one. Ali finished his glass and
then put his arms around my shoulder and hugged me close to him whispering "
I love you my brother and wanted you to know. I hope that you both not feel
less of me" I held him close and Terry put his hand on my shoulder and I
knew that after tonight nothing will come between us, I hoped it will be the
four of us in the near future.

He wiped eyes and blew his nose, then surprised us all by smiling and saying
now Ahmed do you want to know how I met Terry. I was stunned. How can he
smile but then this is the Ali I have always known. I said no let it rest
until another time, he said that as long as it was a night of confessions he
was going to continue.

Ali sat back in his chair but Terry remained seated on the floor next to him
leaning against his legs. Ali smiled and said "Look, who said that Iraqis
and Americans can't fall in love with each other" and a beautiful smile
formed on his face. We all laughed.

Ali cleared his throat and said that after that he stood up and cleaned his
face with the water on his desk and left the office. He went straight to his
house and called his uncle. His uncle was the closest relative and most
loved by Ali, there was some unspoken bond between them. Ali always used to
say he thought his uncle must have been suspicions about his being gay but
never was sure of that. They arranged to meet at his mothers place that
night.

Ali and his wife arrived early and as soon as his uncle arrived he asked to
talk to him in private. They left his wife with his mother and went out to
sit in the garden. Ali told his uncle about the events of the last few weeks
but skipped the last part. He only told him that Karim had beaten and
threatened him. His uncle was deep in thought and then asked Ali what he
wanted to do. Ali answered "Leave, ESCAPE... Run for my life" I thought so
said his uncle.

"Look, you know that you are my favorite nephew and that I love you more
than my children. I don't think that leaving the country will be possible
now as you are being closely watched. I can arrange for you to go to a safe
place where there is no way that this Karim can harm you, at least until we
can arrange something to get you out of the country. How about going and
living in the North, in Kurdistan, there you will be safe?"

"How can I do that uncle, you know that I am an Arab and Saddam's regime
doesn't permit Arabs to move or even visit there?"

"Have you forgotten that in Iraq money can buy you anything these days"

"No I haven't"

"Then prepare yourself I will arrange everything and my wife will accompany
you, you know she is Kurdish.. say in two days

time?. .. How is that?"

"What about the house? And money? What about Salim and Karim?"

"Yeah ... Ok, I will pick you up tomorrow say arounf nine? you and me will
go to your bank and withdraw what you need and also go to the public notary
and you give me the legal power and authorization to sell your house? `

"That is more than I expected but uncle please when you sell the house do
not let anyone know even my wife .. Please? what about Salim and Karim?" I
asked.

"You can call in sick or say that your wife is having complications with her
pregnancy".  With that we returned and informed our wives of our plans to go
to Erbil for a vacation. My wife was happy to go for a few days but she
wanted to postpone the trip for a week so that she can do some shopping
before going. My uncle interjected and said why wait and all the shopping
she wants to make she can make there" not that it was a shopping heaven.

So it was agreed and the next day by 9:00 o'clock we were on our way. I had
called Salim and told him that I needed to stay at home as my wife wasn't
feeling well, he bought it and said i could stay away as long as
necessary.(out of his way he meant the bastard). I never saw Baghdad again
until two weeks ago.

****************************************

I looked at my watch, it was already past midnight. Ali had been pacing the
terrace during the last part and now was sitting on the arm of Terry's
chair. He looked tiered. Terry's hand was on his back and from the slight
movement of his arm it was evident the he was rubbing his back, trying to
relax him. The effect of that was evident in Ali's trousers. I needed to
make a call.

"It's past mid-night guys, time for bed" I said

"Yes, God time flew without realizing. Can you call a taxi for us Ahmed?"
Ali said.

"Taxi, in heaven's name why?"

"To the hotel. Don't tell me you expect us to walk back? We don't even know
our way. Yet?"

"Don't be an ass Ali both are spending the night here. And tomorrow we go
and pick up your things from the hotel and you guys move in"

"we can't do that " Interjected Terry

"Maybe in the states? I do not know your customs. Here when you are in a
city where your brother lives then that is where you stay. End of
discussion. .. OK.. Now come along Kids, bedtime"

The house had three bedrooms on the first floor, all over looking the gulf,
two with double beds and one with single bed. My bedroom was at the end of
the corridor and the second at the other end. The last two had a shared
bathroom through connecting doors. The room was spacious, even though I had
not anticipated their stay, still it was customary that bed sheets were
changed every Thursday and the rooms properly aired every day by my
Philippino house keeper (a handsome intelligent young man and as straight as
an arrow, married with five kids to feed back in Manila, so don't get any
ideas). He looks after the house and prepares meals from Saturday through
Thursday. Fridays are his dayoff and mine too; it is my chance to spend the
full day on my own.

I told both can do what ever they wanted and no one will be the wiser as my
room was at the far end of the corridor. Both laughed and assured me they
will take that into serious consideration. I pointed out the bathroom and
where the fresh towels are kept with spare shaving kits, tooth brushes and
bid them both goodnight. Hugged and kissed both good night and left. As soon
as I reached my room and closed the door, I took out my mobile phone and
dialed the number.....

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