Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:20:30 -0700 (PDT)
From: firehose Joe <firehosejoe@yahoo.com>
Subject: Chapter 38 TTOSBT

This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Shakespeare (Hamlet)

Thanks to Chael for assistance in editing and proofing the story. This
is wholly fictional with no reference intended to persons alive or dead.

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

From the previous chapter:

"Damn, Alex, damn. That was wonderful," Charles muttered. "Oh shit," he
whispered as he began to quieten.

Alejandro slid from the bed with whispered instructions, "You lie still.
I'll take care of the mess. Just rest."

He was back seconds later with a warm wash cloth and a towel. Cleaning up
the residue of saliva and cum he soon returned to bed to spoon against
Charles who had dozed off. Tucking in the covers, he soon slept.


Chapter 38

Alex woke with the pink skies of very early morning. Charles had been
restless most of the night and Alejandro needed coffee. After finishing
with the bathroom he pulled on his boxers and headed for the stairs. The
hall phone rang once before he picked it up, hoping it hadn't disturbed
Charles. "Thibodaux residence."

Helena Cabannoche said, "Charles?"

Alejandro corrected her and introduced himself.

"I'm sorry for calling so early. Helena Cabannoche here and I'm so glad you
arrived safely. Charles was counting on it so. I insisted Olivia get some
rest today. She's having a real hard time with this as we all are. She gave
me a list of what she was working on and I promised to come over to give
her a rest. If you men want to go to church, I'll be in the house. I just
got back from an early Eucharist, so don't worry about me," Helena said.

She and Alejandro agreed that 9:30 would be good. That would give him time
to get Charles up and get them both showered and dressed before she
arrived.

Mimicking the I Love Lucy reruns they both enjoyed, Alejandro returned to
the bedroom. Shaking Charles' foot he said, "Rickee, es time to geet
up. Wake up, Rickee. Wake up."

Charles laughed then groaned. "Jeest a leetle more sleep. Pleeze Lucy!"

In his normal voice Alejandro replied, "Fine, Big Boy, I'll let Helena
what-ever-her-name-is come and get you out of bed."

"I'm up. I'm up," Charles said throwing back the covers.

"Come on, we need to shower and get dressed in 45 minutes. Hustle!"
Alejandro said as he stepped into the bathroom, dropped his shorts and
turned on the water.

Charles' heavy stream splashed in the bowl. He flushed then stepped into
the shower. "Thanks for last night.  I know I was restless. Did you get any
sleep at all?"

"I'm great. Don't worry about me." he asked, "You want me to take care of
this now or did you have plans for later?" Alejandro asked with a wicked
grin while gently massaging Charles' still heavy prick.

Charles declined with regret and they were soon dressed and in the kitchen
drinking coffee and munching on cinnamon-pecan-caramel coffeecake.

"I keep eating like this and I'm going to have to get myself in gear and
run," Alejandro said as he gobbled up his last bite.

"You and me both," said Charles as they both saw the kitchen door open.

They both stood and Helena held out her arms and Charles quickly and warmly
embraced her. He'd known all these women all his life. They were the Aunts
he'd never had. They muttered words of comfort to each other before turning
to Alejandro for Charles to make formal introductions.

Helena took a seat at the table with a cup of coffee. With confidence born
of making decisions for others most of her life, she outlined her intended
tasks for the day. She informed them that Olivia and Claudia would be
joining them for lunch after Mass.

"You are going to Mass, aren't you?" It was more a comment than a question.

Hearing an affirmative she said, "Y'all go get dressed. I'll clean up
here. We'll plan to sit down at 1:30. That should give you time to greet
all those who will want to share condolences with you, Charles."

The Mass at St. Anne's was comforting to both men. During the recessional,
the Monsignor who'd celebrated paused ever so briefly, gripped Charles' arm
and mouthed, "Wait a moment."

The parishioners who recognized Charles and knew Charlotte were kind with
their words of sympathy. Soon thereafter an altar boy approached them and
asked them to follow him to the rectory.

When they arrived, there was fresh coffee waiting and one of the priests
greeted them and informed them the Monsignor wanted to see them as soon as
he could. With that the door between the church and rectory opened and the
Monsignor came in.

After introductions and condolences the Monsignor warmed to his
topic. "Charles, I hope you will allow me to celebrate at Charlotte's
Mass. She's been a close friend and confidant for years. We will all miss
her.

"My problem is that I've got meetings in the Diocesan Offices with the
Bishop Tuesday and until late Wednesday. Will Thursday suit your plans? If
Friday is preferable I need to know so I can reschedule some appointments."

Charles understood and appreciated the Monsignor's desire to
celebrate. "Thursday should be good, Father. I'll confirm that with the
ladies..."

The Monsignor chuckled spontaneously, catching both men off guard. "Olivia,
Helena, and Claudia, am I right?"

Charles nodded. The Monsignor added, "You're in good and capable
hands. Tell them to contact me if they have concerns or questions. I'll be
here until tomorrow and will look forward to your confirmation of time and
day for the service.

Something else I should like to mention is that Charlotte commented on
several occasions that a simple spray on the casket would be better than an
odd collection of other flowers. May I suggest that the gift of a live
rosebush or a contribution for maintenance of the beds be given in her
memory? Everyone knew how much she loved these old roses.

"We've discussed it numerous times as we've gone on walks to admire her
handiwork here at the parish. What are your thoughts, Charles?" the
Monsignor asked.

"I can't think of anything more appropriate, frankly," the Charles said.

Soon Charles and Alejandro were home to the noise of conversation and the
smell of food.

"Come in, come in. How was church? Did you see many people? I hope you had
a chance to talk to Monsignor LeFevre. He's been so busy these last few
days and was terribly sorry he couldn't be here for you Charles." Olivia
was back to her old self. Both men smiled at the stream of comments,
seasoned with love and southern gentility.

Helena called to them from the living room. "Come in here for a moment
before lunch."

A bottle of dry sherry was opened, glasses to the ready. Some crackers and
a bowl of spread were on the table. "I made some of your favorite crab dip,
Charles," Claudia beamed.

A big smile spread across Charles face. "Just wait `til you've tried
this. We'll be fighting to lick the bowl."

Claudia smiled and explained to Alejandro, "He's cleaned out more crab dip
bowls with his finger than anyone can imagine. Charlotte gave up years ago
trying to stop him."

"Like I said, wait `til you taste it," Charles said as he offered a smeared
cracker to Alejandro.

All watched as his eyes widened with a smile. "Delicious," he managed to
say before swallowing. They all laughed. Soon all were sipping sherry and
nibbling as they discussed the ongoing topic of things that must be
done. Somehow each had managed to delay their grief until a later, more
private time. Now it was time to make sure all honor and respect due their
friend was paid in a manner consonant with her wishes.

As they chatted, each of the women reviewed what she had
accomplished. Helena seemed to naturally take charge with no ruffled
feathers. After the major topics had been covered, they went in to lunch.

The table was set with china, silver and crystal. The foods were artfully
arranged on platters and in bowls. Wine was opened to breathe.

Helena asked Charles to return thanks then they took their
places. Conversations started earlier continued, each person touching on
subjects randomly as they came to mind.

Finally when dessert dishes were removed and coffee refreshed, Helena said,
"Okay, let's get this organized so we all know what's going to happen
when."

Passing out small note pads and pens to each person the ladies reviewed the
tasks they'd assumed. Thank-you notes had been written and addressed and
were up-to-date for food and flowers that had been brought or sent.

Olivia directed her comment to Charles, "I've left them unsealed so if you
want to write a note you can. Of course, if you want to make it personal,
just remove my note and write another. There's plenty of stationery. Stamps
are in a box ready for you to use once you are ready to mail them. Now,
what else was there," she asked aloud, interrupting her own stream of
comments.

"Sounds like you have that well in hand, Olivia," Helena interjected gently
wresting of their meeting from Olivia.

Helena refocused their attention. "Charles, if we didn't love you as our
own son and hadn't known you forever I'd never say this."

Suddenly Charles and Alejandro were staring at here wondering what was
next.

"We've all agreed," she said as a preamble, looking at the other two women.
"Now, I don't know, or want to know for that matter, what your immediate
cash situation is. There are going to be several obligations that will need
to be paid for on receipt, as it were. If you need to write a check, just
make it payable to one of us and we'll pay the vendor or supplier. That
will avoid any uncomfortable situations that might arise."

It then dawned on Charles that he actually had less than a hundred dollars
with him. He'd left town as soon as possible and maxed his credit card for
the charter. Out-of-town checks could be a problem he thought. Alejandro
looked at him silently offering help. Charles slightly shook his head and
Alejandro remained quiet.

"Mother likely had some cash in her purse and I know she kept some around
the house. I'll let you know what I find and please understand how much I
appreciate all of this," Charles offered to each woman in turn. They all
smiled and nodded affirming their affection for this child of their friend.

With that issue settled, Charles agreed to let the ladies determine the
`who and what' regarding the wake. "I want to make sure Mother would be
proud, just as each of you does. For the bar, have top-shelf liquor. Get
good wine and plenty of it. Determine the menu and don't be hesitant. Let's
send Mother off with a bang, no disrespect intended."

He was met with smiles and nods all round.

Helena let a silence grow as she looked a bit uncertain. "Charles, I've
perhaps overstepped my bounds with this and please, Honey, don't be angry
if I have. The obit needs to be in the paper tomorrow. I've did some work
on it yesterday just so. . . . Well, Charles, are you upset with me?" For
the first time since he'd laid eyes on her, Alejandro saw she could be
vulnerable and hesitant.

Charles stood and walked to her chair. Saying nothing, he bent down and
hugged her. He then went to the other two and hugged them. There were tears
on his cheeks when he spoke.

"I've known you and loved you, each of you, all my life - even when you
called and let Mother know of something naughty I'd done. You've paddled
me, held me as I cried, fed me and cheered me on when some in my own family
would not. Don't hesitate for a moment. If a decision needs to be made, an
action taken, I trust each of you. Thank you, thank you for what you are
doing for me and for Mother."

There was a moment when tears were wiped away with dinner napkins and
throats were cleared. Helena pulled out her notes and with Charles'
permission read the proposed obit to the group. Helena looked up
questioningly at Charles for his reaction. He smiled and all agreed that it
covered everything beautifully.

From there they continued until honorary pallbearers had been decided and
program notes sketched out for the service bulletin. Charles learned the
cleaning person would be in on her regular schedule on Monday but had
agreed to come back and touch up on Thursday during the service so all
would look nice for those who visited after.

Helena added, "We'll be here too. This house is too big for one person to
thoroughly clean in a day. We'll all work `til all the silver and brass
shine and there's not a speck of dust to be found."

Charles gave the collected ladies his list of things he was planning. As
they were finishing Claudia said, "Charles, one more thing. I don't know
what your responsibilities are at home. But before you leave there needs to
be an inventory taken of the valuables in the house and additional security
arranged. It really would be best for the silver and art work to be placed
in secure storage. I have some thoughts on that which we can discuss
later." When their informal meeting was finished, all agreed that nothing
had been overlooked.

Helena said, "It's going to be a tiring week. You boys get out of here. Get
some exercise, some fresh air. We'll continue here, clean up and lock up
when we leave. Remember to take your keys, Charles."

"Yes Ma'am!" he said with a mock salute. With a smile and exasperated shake
of her head she flicked her napkin in dismissal.

Alejandro and Charles went upstairs to get their gym clothes having agreed
to hit the gym for some racquetball and tub time.

Charles signed them in. Soon they were stripping in the locker
room. Comfortable with each other in their natural state, they didn't rush
as they changed. Alejandro noticed out of the corner of his eye some
appreciative glances coming from a man one aisle of lockers away. Deciding
to have some fun, he scratched his hairy pecs and let his hand slide down
his abs to his balls to give them some attention too.

He grinned as he watched the man turn away but continue to sneak
glances. "What the hell," thought Alejandro! He twisted his torso and put
his hands behind his back and leaned stretching himself, giving the guy a
full frontal show. Charles looked curious. With his eyes and a slight nod
of his head Alejandro gestured to the man who was being quite obvious in
packing up his gear. Charles smiled in acknowledgement.

They were soon dressed in their shorts and T's. With racquets and a tube of
balls they headed for the court. They had intended a slower paced game so
soon after lunch but their natural aggressive competitiveness won out and
the pace increased.

Soon Alejandro was drenched and after a point, stripped off his T and
tossed it just outside the door. His body glistened. Covered with a sheen
of sweat, the contours of his muscles took on a deeper definition as the
lights played off the wet skin. As often as Charles had seen him like this,
it was still distracting. He felt his muscle stir.

Alejandro had improved greatly since Charles had introduced him to the
game. Charles was patient and thorough. Alejandro's natural athleticism and
grace made him a natural on the court. Each overhand return exposed
Alejandro's hairy, wet pits and the water running down his lats. His quads
bunched in anticipation as each ball was served. Reaching for impossible
shots, Alejandro launched himself, springing from knotted calf muscles.

Charles watched in mute admiration at the muscled beauty of his friend. He
refocused as he realized that Alejandro was within two points of
winning. `This is my game,' Charles thought and he'd not give it away to
Alejandro willingly. Savagely driving a ball to the front corner he served
an impossible return.

"Almost had you, Charlie, didn't I?" Alejandro asked with a grin on his
face. "You lusting after my body again?" he laughed.

"I'll take your body after I take this game. Ready to lose again, Big Boy,"
he retorted?

"Gimme your best shot!" Alejandro challenged.

One more serve was all it took. Charles was a master at the game and
Alejandro didn't have a chance. It was all in good fun and they laughed as
they slapped each other's back with "congratulations" and "good game".

"Let's grab a shower and get some pool time. You up for some laps?" Charles
asked.

"After all I've been eating, I need to swim `til this time tomorrow,"
Alejandro responded.

There were numerous appraising and appreciative glances in the shower room
as they walked in, Speedos in hand. Hanging their suits on the water
control knob, they thoroughly rinsed off then slipped into their
Speedos. That got a raised eyebrow and wink from one of the guys. Alejandro
returned the wink and followed Charles to the pool.

After thirty minutes of laps they rested at the end of the pool, catching
their breath. "Time for the steam room and whirlpool," Alejandro said.

By that time everyone who had come for a Sunday workout was in the process
of finishing up. Both the pool and steam room were busy. Wrapped with
towels around their waists, both men found a seat in the steam room. There
was little conversation. The whirlpool was less crowded. As they finished
their showers and started to dress, the PA sounded a 15 minute warning.

When they returned to Charles' they were relaxed, pleasantly fatigued and
hungry. The house was quiet. They went in the kitchen. There on the fridge
was a note with instructions regarding location of food and preparation
suggestions.

"They can't do enough. I can't imagine life without them." Charles sighed.

Together they made plates of various and sundry, heated them and opened a
bottle of wine as they sat at the table and enjoyed the view of the setting
sun through the bay window in the kitchen.

"As much as I hate to, I've got to start on Mother's desk," Charles said
with resignation. With Alejandro's help they went through each drawer and
cubbyhole and made stacks on the dining table. Stack by stack they went
through the papers separating the personal from the business stuff.

There were few surprises there. Bills to pay, birthday cards with dates
noted for mailing, bulging piles of receipts not filed all cluttered the
table by the time the desk was emptied. Charles was stopped in his tracks
with a folder with his name neatly printed on the tab. It contained all the
letters he'd written to his Mother from his days in college to the present.

Alejandro sensed his silence. He waited and watched, letting Charles have
his moment. After thumbing through the papers Charles said simply, "I'll go
through this later." Alejandro wondered but held his peace.

With the desk empty, Charles said, "Let's get to the safes and see what's
there."

Leading the way upstairs, Charles went into the master bedroom and removed
a ventilation grate near the floor. It revealed a pullout safe. Charles
punched in a sequence of numbers and the lock clicked and the door sprang
open slightly. Charles lifted out numerous hard and soft cases and laid
them on a nearby table. A sheaf of bills was secured with a rubber band.

"I knew she had to have some cash in the house," Charles said with a sigh
of relief. "Count this, will you?" he said as he handed Alejandro the wad
of bills.

Finally the safe was empty. The cases had all been opened. Alejandro
remembered the night his father had given him the pearls and tiara. The
abundance of jewelry, much of it older styles than were worn currently,
covered half the bed.

"What am I going to do with all of this?" Charles said, as if to himself.

"Give it to a reputable jeweler to have each piece appraised. It takes care
of two problems. Security is one; the other is that you need to have a
total value determined," answered Alejandro.

"Good advice. How much cash is there," Charles asked?

"Just under a thousand - nine hundred thirty five to be exact," Alejandro
answered.

"That will help but I may have to take the ladies up on their offer."
Charles sighed.

"Be patient," counseled Alejandro. "You've still got to call her lawyer. He
may have some answers for you."

"You're right. Let's put all this away except for the money," Charles
suggested. "We've got two more safes to go."

Alejandro looked at him puzzled.

"My Father had a safe installed in the kitchen. It's ingenious in its
design, I have to admit. The other he installed when he determined that we
needed better storage for some of the family silver. Come on."

Down in the kitchen, Charles opened a base cabinet door. After taking out
several bulky appliances he removed the intermediate shelf and reached
under the lip of the cabinet. Alejandro couldn't see what he was doing but
was soon aware of a hydraulic hiss. A platform with another safe filled the
space.

Again Charles punched in a sequence of numbers and pulled on the door. It
swung open revealing a neatly arranged set of hanging files, brimming
full. Charles took them out one by one and handed them to Alejandro.

They headed to the dining room to sort the collected paper. As Charles
sorted through the various folders he handed paper to Alejandro with
instructions on how to organize it. There were Bearer Bonds, Stock
Certificates, Certificates of Deposit, thick envelopes with tied flaps that
were labeled with curious names. Family documents, birth certificates for
his immediate family and for his grandparents and their parents.

Handwritten deeds, documents and receipts filled another folder. It was a
trove of family history that needed time and attention given to it. From
the evidence he saw as he pursued the various documents, it appeared that
Charles was going to be a very wealthy man.

"We can leave this out for the time being. I want to make a list of what's
here so I can speak with some modicum of information when I meet with
Mother's lawyer tomorrow. Let's go downstairs."

When they opened a cupboard door that revealed a walk-in safe, Charles
discovered it had both a combination and key lock. He looked at Alejandro
and shook his head.

"I guess he had this added later as a convenience. Sure hope we can find
the keys. I'm beginning to get tired, let's take a break. Let's go
upstairs, clean up and have a drink. You okay with that?" Charles asked.

Soon they were settled on the couch. The drapes were drawn against the
night and the end table lamps were on. Chatting about Alejandro's visit to
San Francisco, Alejandro told Charles about his encounter with
Zach. Warming to his story he related all of the wrestling events and the
hot times they had in bed.

"So you didn't even miss me, did you?" Charles asked with an affected
petulant voice.

Alejandro was caught off guard for a moment then smiled, recognizing
Charles' teasing. "Of course I missed you; nobody can suck cock like you,
Charles." Grinning, he added, "You want to remind me just how good you
are?"

Meeting Alejandro's friendly challenge, Charles moved to his knees between
Alejandro's legs and began a slow, waist down seduction that soon had
Alejandro bucking as his cock unloaded in Charles' hungry mouth.

Alejandro's face was flushed. His brow was beaded in sweat. "Damn, you're
good! Wanna' trade places?"

"No, I've got other plans for you later," Charles said enigmatically.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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