Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2002 13:21:41 -0700 From: Steve Thomas Subject: Chris-crossed 32 I have been informed that it would be a good idea to state a few warning comments. There may be graphic sexual scenes between men in this story, so please, if this offends you, or it is illegal or you are undreamed to read such, stop here and hit your "back" button. If it is okay with you read on and enjoy. >From Chapter 31: I covered us with a sheet and as he was comfortable on his side, I very carefully spooned him, holding him while he fell into a deep sleep. I then sat up on the bed and cried very softly but very deeply. I thanked God for saving my Craig, and asked if it was okay, that he would please be completely healed. I then lay back down and cried myself to an exhausted sleep. Chapter 32 I woke up about 2:00 AM to hearing Craig moaning. He was awake, rocking back and forth beside me, crying, but trying not to wake me. "When was your last pain pill, Sweetheart?" "Before we went to bed." "How long have you been awake?" "`Bout an hour." "Why didn't you tell me?" "I didn't wanna wake you." "Idiot! I'll get you a pill and some water. Damn, Craig, you better wake me if you need me! Otherwise what good is it for me to be here?" "Uh - to suck my dick?" "You're incorrigible!" "I KNEW I shouldn't have woke you up!" "Shut up and take this!" He swallowed the pill and then tried to get up. "OH! GOD, that hurts!" He moaned, "Help me up - I have to take a pee." "I suppose you will want me to hold it for you?" "Would you? Seriously, it hurts my shoulder to reach down there." "You have two shoulders!" "I'm not used to using the other hand!" I was going to make another snide comment, but noticed he was panting and grimacing pretty hard, form the effort and pain, so I demurred. As I stood behind him, holding him up with one arm and aiming his pee with the other, he tried to turn and look at me. It hurt him to turn his neck. I shook him off and wrung him out, then he said, "Damn it, come around in front so I can kiss you!" I did as I was told and then helped him back to bed. He and I then both fell into a deep sleep, him on the bed and I on the couch. When I started awake at 9:00 AM, I ran to the room to see if he was all right. He heard my footsteps and woke up. I guess he forgot he was hurt. He tried to rise up and got a sharp reminder! I went to help him up. It hurt him too much. "Luke!" I said. "We were supposed to pick him up at 9:00!" I called Luke and told him. He said no problem. He had gotten the night off, so we could stay at the Polynesian Cultural Center for the evening show. He said it was better. He said to just call him as we left so he would be ready. I next called the Hospital. The doc came on the line. "How is our boy this morning?" He asked. "He can hardly move!" I said. "Are you sure it's all right to take him out today?" "Yes! This is normal. I didn't want to tell either of you it would be, so he would not pre-anticipate being so stiff, but I knew he would be. You take him out and even though he rides in the Wheel chair, make him get out and walk up or down into the seating areas. He needs to keep as limber as he can. Start him out with a hot bath hot as he can stand - not getting his dressings wet - how do they look? Is there much blood?" "No blood at all, that I can see." "Good! As soon as the itching goes away from his eye, take of the eye patch. No use straining the other eye too much right now as the rest of him is so sore." Then the doc lowered his voice to a whisper. "How was the sex? I mean, I assume you were asking for a reason." He couldn't see me blushing on the phone. "It was - (snicker) actually not bad at all - pretty good!" I thought that was a strange question for the doc to be asking. "Good! And he liked it too?" "A lot!" "Great - then he is getting along very well. You two were on your - uh - honeymoon, right?" "Yeah." "Damned shame for this to interrupt your special time together. Try to keep him interested in as many things as you can, while keeping an eye for too much fatigue. Pain is okay, but too much fatigue can be detrimental. Lot's of up and down from that chair to keep him limber and all, but take care not to get him too tired. And have fun!" "Thanks, Doc!" I hung up the phone. "You get to take another bath - as hot as you can stand." "Okay. Help me get down into the tub." "Nope! No can do! Doc's orders. You get to help yourself as much as possible." "But - it hurts!" "He said it would - said pain is all right and he said you will know if it's the wrong kind of pain. Can I trust you to not cry wolf?" "*SIGH!* I guess! Well at least you can help me over to the bath so I don't break my neck on the way there!" "Well, okay! What a freakin' baby you are becoming!" I said as I kissed him on his nose. "And what was it you were whispering about?" he said. "The doc wants to come over after you are asleep tonight and make love to me!" I answered. "You wish! Well, we will just have to make sure you have nothing left for him, huh?" "Man! You are one horny invalid!" ________________________________________________ We called Luke about 10:00 and asked if he had breakfast yet. "Don't usually eat breakfast. But if you're buying -" "Very funny! Be there in ten!" We picked Luke up. He was very impressed with our car! The wheelchair easily fit in the trunk. Luke and I sat up front, leaving the whole limousine-like back seat for Craig. We went back to Laei, to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Luke had made reservations for us. This was for dinner and for the evening show. As soon as we entered the gates, we walked and pushed Craig to one of the pavilions. Each Island or group of South Sea Islands had its own pavilion, highlighting the cultural differences in these beautiful people. There was one covered grandstand for seating, where there was a pageant of all the cultures on a canal, which was built for that purpose. Each culture had a barge, with singers and dancers dressed in their native garb. Spectacular! They were, in reality, mostly college students from the area they represented. BYU Hawaii was built by the Mormon Church to serve the South Sea Island community, which covers many thousands of square miles. Then they built the Polynesian Cultural center to give these young men and young women a way to support themselves through college - instead of just "giving" it to them. It was impossible to choose a favorite island pavilion for me. They were so diverse. Some had in former years been cannibals, while others were peaceful. Some were patriarchal, while others, like Hawaii, were matriarchal in their society. Patriarchal means men dominated, whereas matriarchal means women dominated, were head of the house, so to speak, and the queen was supreme over the king. Well, this is what I understood anyway. We found out later it was not always that way. This attraction, in my estimation was a major reason to come Hawaii. And it should not be passed over. Our dinner was a luau, complete with roast pork, poi, the many native fruits and a wonderful show, put on by the families who lived nearby. Sitting for long periods was hard on Craig, but we made him get up and sit with us at the various pavilions and also for dinner. The wheelchair got us front row seats at every event! After dinner, we went up to the main arena. It had a stage which was on many levels, and they were all used. As the show got started we could see why the night show was better. There were many spectacular aerial fire displays, and the lights highlighted the costuming. All of the participants from the pavilions were present and danced and sang in the main show. It was the most spectacular show I ever saw then or now. Luke was right. This excursion deserved the whole day! It was the single most costly thing we did on our honeymoon, if you didn't count the accident as a cost! We wheeled Craig back to the car, and Luke volunteered to drive the two hours back, so I could sit in the back seat with my sweetie, if he was up to it. He was! I felt like a teenager again. Well, after all, I was still not quite twenty! But we sat back there and made out like a couple of teeny-boppers! Luke was happy driving that big barge of a car. It was quite special to him! We arrived back at Luke's place after 1:00 AM, and he invited us in for a drink. We felt bad declining, but we were very tired. And not a little anxious to get back into the privacy of our room! All that making out got us both horny! He asked us again where we wanted to go tomorrow. "Are you sure, Luke? You have given up a lot of days for us!" "I'm sure. I wouldn't ask if I didn't enjoy it so much. And don't think I didn't spy what you guys were doing back there! Heh! I will have to have a good session with my best friend, my right hand when I get in tonight! Well if you don't have anything planned, and you still want me to "guide" you, I have a few places I would like you to see." "Tomorrow Craig has a check up with the doc, and to change his dressings.' I said. "But it is early - 9:00 I think." Craig nodded. "Maybe we can give you a call when that's over." "Sounds good. I could use a sleep in!" Luke said. "Hey, ask the doc about Diamondhead." "Ask him what?" "Just ask him. He'll know!" "Okay. See yah!" We drove home and I made Craig walk to the elevator. He was ready after all the sitting he had done all day. As soon as we got in the door, he headed for the bath. I didn't need to help him. I could see it was hurting him, but he wanted to do it by himself. At least get himself undressed. I don't think I will ever get tired of seeing him undress. He has the most gorgeous body I know of. His muscles are not bulgy, with veins all popping out, just smooth and sleek, - like a swimmer. And his skin tone is perfect. He loses color in the winter, but as soon as he starts getting some sun, he turns a beautiful light bronze. I cried a little inside that his perfect face would be marred by the scar, but I could see already that it would not be a bad one. And besides, I was not in love with his face. Or his body or looks. I was in love with Craig. And I was pretty sure he felt the same way about me, by now. I washed him all over as I had done last night, and with similar result. Our love making was again gentle and sweet. He was able to finish me off with his hand and catch the spunk as he likes to do. He still could not move his shoulders and head enough to do what he WANTED to do. I gave him my own brand of special service, as well. ----____________________________________________ We met with the doc the next morning. He removed the dressing himself, to see how it was looking. He was very pleased. He cleaned up the wound with soap and water, then alcohol, and then put a smaller bandage on to cover it. I asked him about Diamondhead. "Oh! Heh! Well that would be pretty strenuous! If you do it early, before he gets too exhausted, maybe. Wheel him up to the steps and then - is your other friend going to accompany you?' "Yes" "Then both of you help him up the steps, and rest at every landing." We had no idea what he was talking about, but we took note, so we could tell Luke. We called luke and we took him to Denney's for breakfast. Yes! There IS a Denney's at Waikiki! It is just across the canal from The Hard Rock Café. Luke drove and went up to Diamond Head. When we got there, it was a bit of a shock. Waikiki is in it's shadow. Diamond Head was a volcano with it's head blown off. The caldera is large and compared to the rest of what we had seen of Hawaii, it was like a desert inside. Desert plants, and hot like the desert, as well. There was a paved path to push the wheelchair up to the outer sea wall, which was quite steep. Then we saw "the steps" the doc was talking about. As we were coming back down we were accosted by a young man to buy a tee shirt in memoriam to doing this great feat of climbing Diamond Head. We bought one. The tee shirt said on it: "THE DIAMONDHEAD DEATH MARCH" After climbing nearly a mile of rough winding trial hewn from the side of a 250,000 year old ANCIENT HAWAIIAN VOLCANO, feeling my way through a DARK 70 YARD TUNNEL CARVED THROUGH SOLID ROCK, trudging up one of the STEEPEST AND HIGHEST FLIGHTS OF STAIRS IN HAWAII (a total of 275 stairsteps!), groping my way up the PITCH-BLACK WORLD FAMOUS "SPIRAL STAIRCASE FROM HELL," scrambling through WWI and WWII concrete defense and gun-emplacement bunkers, with no lighting, no water fountains, I FINALLY made it to the top of Diamondhead Crater, 761 feet above sea level and was rewarded with a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifeltime panoramis view of Paradise. AFTER SURVIVING "THE DIAMONDHEAD DEATH MARCH," you better believe . . . I EARNED THIS T-SHIRT! Pushing and helping an invalid made it just that more poignant! After Diamondhead, we went to nearby Hanama Bay. We drove down and again, as Craig was feeling pretty good, with our help, he walked down the beach and even waded in the water. The slope of the beach was very little, so we could wade out quite far. There were hundreds of fish swimming all around our legs. Other people were feeding the fish bread and other delicacies which they brought. We got Craig situated on the beach, on a towel, and Luke said, "Craig, would you mind if I took Chris away for a few?" Well what could he say? "We are going to walk out to Toilet Bowl! It's just a little too much for you to do, as we have to walk on a narrow strand on top of a berm and - well, trust me, you don't want to go there." "Go on! I'll be fine!" We walked out on to a natural breakwater to where there was a bowl formed by the volcanic rocks on the sea side, out near the outer limit of the bay. It had a hole at the bottom and when the wave came in, it filled up - like a toilet, and when the water went back down it was like a huge toilet flushing, as the water drained out. Luke actually got down into the bowl as the water was coming in, and then stayed there as it emptied out. I told him I was afraid he was going to get sucked down the bottom, when it drained. He laughed and said he rather liked the thought of getting sucked, but not in that way! He invited me to get down into it, taunting me with, "You KNOW Craig would do it!" "Yeah, and with Craig's recent luck he would probably get sucked!" "And with mine, I'll probably be 30 before it happens to me!" "You mean you have never - - ?" "Oops! I guess I let THAT slip!" "I - I wish my brother were here! You would probably like him!" "What?! Your brother is gay, too?" "Well - yeah, why?" "Well, that must freak your dad - you parents - out!" "It freaked them out when I told them about me. But they got used to it, and even studied about it on their own. They believe sort of like I - we - do. That it is not something we choose. So when it finally came out that my little brother was gay, they did not freak. They were disappointed, but - well we are the only boys, and the Gary family name may be lost - at least this line of it." "My parents live on the big island." "You mean Hawaii?" "Yes. They are very ingrained Christians. They are not - accepting - at all. That's why I am here, living in a room. My dad is very influential over there, and is pretty wealthy. He has disowned me." "Criag's dad felt that way, too. It took his mom dying to get his dad to thinking how important family really is. He has accepted him - us - now, as members of the family again. He calls me, "son". "My parents are willing to take me back if I "repent." "And what does that entail?" "Admitting that I am not gay, but have only chosen to be this way - somehow - as if anyone would choose this!" "I have heard about that. My parents - and Craig's - were not so religious. But it was an embarrassment to them - especially our dads. Both of them took it personally. My dad told me he figured it was some deficiency of his that must have led to my `craving' men! Like as if he had loved me more - or something - I would be straight." "My parents believe that too, but they still think that either way - even if I can't change, it is a sin and I should deny this - these feelings and emotions." "You mean pretend?" "Yeah. That may work for some. For all I have heard and read about, it was the norm years ago. Only a few went against the grain and actually came out or even ever had a lover. I have an uncle who is like that." "How is he? How old is he?" "He is in his late 50's. He has children, grandchildren and a wife." "How do you know about him?" "Common family knowledge. My parents asked him to talk to me. They just did not understand. He told me he is pretty happy, but he regrets not exploring his gay side more." "So he's bi?" "He says no. Gay, all the way. But it was not really an option to be anything but what he was- and is - so it's just easier to remain like this." "Wow. To each his own, huh?" "I guess. I wish my parents saw it that way. I think Kalikimaka is the hardest." "Kakili - what?" "Kalikimaka - Christmas. Everyone is so - with their families - and I have none any more. Well I have my sister, but I want to be with my parents. That's what is so hard. I love them. I KNOW they love me - and - " He started to cry. "I have an idea!" "What?" "Why don't you come have Kalik - Christmas - with us this year." "I - I could not afford it." "How much is it to fly to Los Angeles?" "I don't know, but more than I can afford." We were back to back to Craig by this time. "Getting burned enough?" "You were gone a long time!" Craig said. "Sorry! We got to talking, and -" "Yeah, I should know by now! That's okay, I went back in the water and played with some kids!" "You what?!" I cried. "You're some kind of idiot!" "I'll be right back - gotta pee!" Luke said. "Craig, I -" "What?" "We have not even come close to spending the money we received for this trip." "Yeah! My accident put a damper on a lot of things, huh? Rub it in!" "No! That's not what - I was wondering - I don't think Luke would take any money for showing us around, but -" "Yes - go on." "How about we give him a round trip airline ticket - to come see us at Christmas time." "Doesn't he want to be with his family?" "Yeah, but - they don't want him!" "Oh God! I guess I know what that's like!" "What do you say?" "Are you sure? After all that -" "That was just me being an ass! And I'm sorry for that! But -" "So you admit it?" "Shut the fuck up!" I said, laughing, "and - shit, here he comes! We'll finish this later!" "So, Luke, can you go to dinner with us?" I said. "Or do you have to -" ". . go to work! Yeah, sorry! I really wish I could. And tomorrow I have to go to the university and register for next semester. Damn! I wish I could get out of it, but I don't want to screw up my schedule for the fall semester." "What do you think of those whole island bus tours, Luke?" "Actually it's not a bad idea. Those tour guides, mostly Hawaiian by descent, are very knowledgeable about island history. Actually, maybe the next day we can go to Waimea Falls park. It was able to stay open after the Polynesian Cultural center was opened. It is the most beautiful park on Oahu, but it is mostly a walk around and see. Not as many planned activities as PCC." "Sounds good! See ya day after tomorrow!" "Call me tomorrow night?" As soon as we drove away, Craig said, "Now, what is this you want to do? Bring him over for Christmas?" "Yeah - how does that sound to you?" "I - I like it! I was just - well, actually, I was almost shocked that you would want to - er - after your reaction to -" "Can we just leave that behind us?" I said, once again chagrinned. "His family - mostly his dad I think - has all but disowned him. I want to thank him for all he has done for us. I KNOW a private tour guide would cost more than the air fare -" "Really, Chris, you don't have to sell me on the idea. I think it is perfect - if it's what he would like." "I know he would. That is one of the things we were talking about when we walked out to "The Toilet bowl". I invited him to visit, and he said he would really like to, but in no way could afford it. He's never been anywhere except the islands here." "Good! Then it's settled. Will he accept it?" "I think if we give it to him, pre-paid, he will not have a choice." "I don't want to hurt his feelings, Chris." "I don't think he is that proud - does he seem so to you?" "No! He seems just the opposite - very humble." When we got back to the hotel, we found an on-line station, and went to the Hawaiian Airlines site. It gave us a phone number to call. "Hawaiian Airlines, how may I help you?" "What? A real, warm voice!!??" "He he!" the female voice laughed. "We get that a lot! No, we have a recorded message, but we try to not use it if possible." "We have a friend who we want to surprise with a round trip fare from Honolulu to LAX." "Resident or haoli?" "Huh?" "Oh, sorry. Is he or she a Hawaiian resident or a haoli - someone who is not a resident?" "Why? Does it make a difference" "A BIG difference! Residents get a big break on fares between the islands and also to the USA mainland." "He is a resident - naïve Hawaiian - originally from the big island. What is the fare?" "That would be $186.02, all taxes, etc. included." "Are you kidding me! Do you understand this is from Honolulu to LAX?" "Hah! Yes, I understand. I told you that residents got a break! What is the name?" "Omigod! It's longer than I can pronounce or spell - or even remember! I guess you need that!" "Well yeah. What name is it that you call him?" "Luke." "Oh. By any chance would you recongnize this name: `Lukamaiola Makamakahaiiolioli'." "Omigosh! That sounds like it - maybe?" I exclaimed! "Is he rather small, about 21, black hair with purple eyes?" "Yes!" "Do you know where he lives?" "In Manoa, in a room behind someone's house." "Luke is my brother!" "You're kidding!" "Why are you doing this for Luke? (If I may ask!)" "We met him in the Asian Market. He has been our guide while we have been here. he won't let us pay him, except to pay for his way wherever we go." "Sounds like my Luka." "Then those are your pictures - and your beautiful little boy - that are all over Luke's walls?" "Yes!" it was evident she was choked up. "I am not allowed to contact him. My father is - well - . You said - you mentioned - "we" when talking. Who are you?" "My - partner - and I - we - uh are here for our *ahem* honeymoon." "May I ask - is your partner a - guy?" "Yes." "Luke is a very nice boy - well - man now! He was kind of a surprise for my parents. I am 15 years older, and my other sisters are even older. Mother and Father were so happy when Luke turned out to be a boy! When he - came out - to them, they - mostly my father - were very disappointed. My father is in the line of the kings! This will end his line." "Omigod!" "I can even make you a better deal, since he is my brother. But my father must not know!" "How would he know?" "He s a major stock holder for the airline. I really should not say any more. . ." "so - what will the new price be?" "Uh - how can I say this - nothing?" "Uh - Wow! You - uh - said it just fine!" "If you have to tell Luke, at least don't tell him until he gets there. Are you sure you want to wait `til Christmas? I could easily arrange it for then and now - or whenever would be good for you. As long as it is this one transaction. Two would look suspicious." "Okay, uh, don't do it right now. We will need to talk to him. How can we get back to you?" "You can't. It has to be now. We have a policy that you can't call us. There would be suspicion if you contacted me directly. Go ahead and make the arrangements - maybe for him to go back with you - and if that does not work, using the reservation number, you can call any agent and change it." "Wow!" I was completely blown away! "Well, what can I say? Okay!" We made all the flight arrangements. We were both crying. Craig was almost bursting, wondering what was happening. When I hung up, "What the HELL was all that about?" "I don't know if I should tell you! I am sworn to secrecy!" "Married people don't keep secrets!" "That was Luke's sister!" "No shit!" Notes: Okay, a new character for us to know and love. As usual, this was a surprise to me this morning, as I was writing! I was so excited as this was revealed to me! Comments can be sent to Steve, s4d@hotmail.com. Love, Steve