Date: Mon, 16 May 2005 20:23:54 +0000 From: Steve Thomas Subject: Cole's Dreams, Chapter 42 This is a work of pure fiction, based on the author's feelings, beliefs, and in some cases, experience. There may be graphic sexual encounters at times between men, so if this offends you, you are invited to retreat. If you are too young or it is otherwise illegal for you to be reading this kind if story, shame on you for reading it - - please stop here. If not, - - ENJOY! Cast of Characters: Cole Alexander Stephanson IV -- Our hero Jazz -- (Jack Zachary) Coles oldest brother Diane -- Jazz's wife Janie and Jesse -- Jazz's kids Rod -- Coles middle brother Suzanne -- Rod's wife Will and Cole V -- Rod's kids Igor (Iggy) -- Cole's Tutoring Pupil Cole Alexander Stephanson III -- Coles Dad Ethyl Stephanson -- Cole's mom Rex Remlin-- Rod's best friend Gus Hartwin -- Cole's Boyfriend Michelle -- Cole's old girlfriend. Dexter -- Iggy's boyfriend Ed -- Paramedic Manolo -- Paramedic Steve -- Manolo's boyfriend Randy -- Found Boy Curtis -- Found boy's brother Kian Willis-- Friend in Vancouver Nicolas Poole-- Friend in Vancouver Howard Poole -- Nicolas's Father Christian -- the pool guy Boyd -- the pilot Spike -- Cop and former classmate The twins: Marcus Aurelius Alexander The Great Jon -- Teacher's Aide Gary Rose -- Nurse Chapter 42 Since our day was gonna be longer anyway, we slept in late. We didn't get back down to Laguna until noon. Mom of course brought a lot more than we would have, but we loved having her with us! She took us out to lunch at Anastasia Restaurant, then we went and cruised until we found a parking place near the bowling greens. We got a nice large picnic spot near the stairs down to the beach, and shaded by large trees. This beach is attached to the longer public beach at the center of town on the south side, and then there are rocks that you have to climb over to get to a more secluded beach to the north. We took the boys down to the more secluded beach. We carried them out far enough to get them wet. They both cried when they tasted the salt water. We carried them to the beach where the surf was washing up on the sand and we sat with one on each of our laps. The waves lapped at our feet, and we made shrieks and laughed and the boys took to than very fast. They thought it was hilarious when the water would wet our feet or even come far enough to get our butts wet. Then one wave washed in far enough that both the boys got wet! They both looked worried, but Gus and I cackled and laughed, so they did too. The tide was coming in, so the waves got more and more of us wet. We would say, "Here it comes. HERE IT COMES!" and we all laughed and giggled. Lex would always watch Marc for his reaction and then react accordingly. Then when the boys were used to getting wet every time, one of the larger ones came in. I was sure they would scream, but we held them tight. Lex watched Marc and he started to giggle at first, but as the water kept rising up to his waist then to his tummy, he started to laugh hysterically. Of course Lex did too. Lexy looked up at me and grinned, and then Marky stopped laughing and his eyes rolled up and he started to convulse. "Oh no!" shouted Gus. "Get up!" I commanded. Lexy started to cry, because he could tell something wasn't right. I guess the getting up so fast ended the convulsion. Marc started to cry hard, once the convulsion stopped, and of course this got Lex going as well. We carried them up to Mom. The long walk -- first over the rocks and then up the stairs -- with Gus and I holding the boys close to our bodies and hugging them, calmed them down. We made goofy faces and they were both laughing by the time we got back to Mom. I called the hospital and told them what happened. They asked if I knew infant CPR. I said I did. They said that the likelihood of it happening again was small, but we should still bring him in for a checkup. Mom called Diane and then Dad to tell them what happened and to call off the picnic. Then we drove to the hospital. It wasn't an emergency, so we went to our own hospital close to home. Dad called Richard (Dr. Steere) and he was there waiting when we arrived. "Everything okay. Cole?" He said to me. "It's Marky!" I said. "He had a convulsion at the beach." He told the admissions clerk that he would be taking this case and we went in immediately. After checking Marc and asking how it happened, Dr. Steere said, "Ethyl, normally, I'd say just watch him closely the next week, but since there seems to be no outward trauma and taking in to considerations Cole's history, I'm thinking that a partial MRI -- just his head -- would be a good idea. Cole's first convulsion -- that we know of -- was brought on at a time of great stress and emotion. "Cole said that the baby was laughing hysterically when this happened. If this turns out to be the same as Cole's tumor, it is probably congenital, and it may never show up again -- or it could grow along with the baby's head size, and not be noticed until he is older -- as it did in Cole's case. And if it is congenital, the chances of Alexander having the same thing is near 100%, being Mark's twin." "What if it is?" Mom said, looking terrified. "Let's assume it's not for now, until after the MRI. I have some ideas, but let's not look at them unless this looks like a congenital thing." Mom started to cry. "Ethyl, the best case would be that it is nothing -- a fluke -- and nothing will have to be done. The worst would be that we can save Marc -- and Alexander -- and all of you the heartache and trouble that Cole -- and all of you -- had to go through." "How?" Mom blubbered. "Let's get the MRI before worrying about that, okay?" Mom called Dad and he said by all means. He trusts Richard not only as a friend, but a competent doctor. Mom said to go ahead. "Okay! I'll schedule the MRI immediately." "You mean it can't be DONE immediately?" "Almost. But the MRI machine is in constant,. 24 hour use, and we will probably have to wait a few hours. Let me check and then if you have to come back later you can do that and bring Cole with you." I knew he meant my dad. He came back within moments. "There's an opening at 5:30." He said. "Cole will be picking a friend up at the airport at 4:30." Mom said. As much as I wanted to be there, I said, "Dad needs to be here. We'll go pick up Iggy. " We called Dad and we all went home to get changed out of our beach clothes and get the sand out of our crotches. Dad came home at the same time we left for the airport. We would be late, but Iggy would understand. We left a message on his cell phone. When we got there, he was asleep, cramped up in an airport chair, with his feet on his suitcase. I let Gus wake him. "Oh God! Gus, I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I know you talked to me and told me it was all right, but -- I don't know if even I could be as sweet as you are about it! I'm sorry!" "Iggy," Gus started, "we have discussed this a lot since last weekend. We have come to a decision -- for now. I'll let Cole tell you." "I wouldn't blame you if - " Iggy started. "Iggy -- Since I'm okay now -- cured from this stupid tumor -- we will be returning to the dorm at UCLA. I know you will be at USC, but, unless you have somewhere else to stay, we want you to stay with us." "What?" Iggy exclaimed, astounded. "No! That can't be! I -- I -- love you both too much! I would hate myself if I was the reason that you two broke up. And I can't be around you that much! It would hurt too much seeing you two together. No! It would never work." "Ig," Gus started, "we love you too! More than either of us realized. We have been thinking -- and talking -- a lot about what Boyd said. We are all so young. We don't want to split up, but - - we want you as part of our life." "What?" Iggy said. "Like it was before you moved out, Ig!" I said. "No, that can't work!" Iggy protested. "Maybe not forever, but while we're young, it can." "But, what if two of us decide that they want to be exclusive?" He asked. "I can't help but think that you would be the two. Do you know how sad I would be?" "I know there is that possibility. Also it could happen for you and me -- or you and Cole." Gus explained. "but the chances are that one of us will find someone else before that happens, leaving the two others together. Whattaya say? Just for the fun of it! We're too young to `settle down'! and - - You need to know that you weren't the first to come between us." "What?" "Yeah." I said. "We both `screwed up' before you came back. After talking to Boyd, and to each other, we kind of came to this realization: We don't want to leave each other, but we're not that ready for forever yet either." "And in the mean time -- we can have fun together -- SAFE fun. Do you love each of us enough that you would never expose us to anything dangerous?" "Of course. But - " "Just think about it." Gus said. "Okay -- I'll think. How -- how is your little brother?" "I think he's okay. We'll find out when we get back -- I hope. Or after Mom and Dad come home from the hospital with them." My cell phone rang. "Cole, we will be staying here for some time." Mom said. "Marc's MRI showed a tumor, so they did one on Alex too. They both have tumors in approximately the same place yours is -- er was!" "Oh no!" I exclaimed. "Oh my God, What - " "Don't worry too much, sweetheart. Richard says they can pretty easily remove them. I guess they are hereditary or something. If either of us has one, it just never showed up. The boys will be fine. Of course we would want you to pray for us all." "We'll come down there!" I protested. "Please don't! It's not necessary. Richard's the doctor and he says it is not that serious. By removing them now, it will possibly prevent something later -- something like you had to go through. Did you pick up Iggy?" "Yes." "You boys just make him feel welcome. This is your last week home before going back to the dorm, so take advantage of it. If there is any problem, we will call you, but Richard assures us this is a pretty routine procedure, now. It didn't used to be. We'll probably be late. I may not come home. They'll let me sleep in his room." "His?" "They will only operate on Marc tonight. Your Dad will probably be home with Lexy later. Will you be a sweetheart and get up and make his breakfast in the morning. He really needs to go to work. And there's no reason he shouldn't." "Of course!" I said "I love you sweetie! Bye!" "Bye, Mom!" No way could any of us do anything -- with each other -- this night. But we did pray for Marky and Mom and Dad. Dad got home with Lexy about midnight. I heard him come in and went and got sleeping Lex and put him in our room. Then I rejoined Gus and Iggy in the bed. We pretty much cuddled and spooned the rest of the night, more for the comfort we felt than any erotic feeling. Well, okay, maybe there was a LITTLE erotic feeling. My cell phone woke me up, with Mom telling me that Marky is fine. IT must be so traumatic to Marky, not knowing what is happening. "I'm sure Mom being there to hold him when he comes out of it will be a big comfort." "I know!" Iggy said. "My mom was always there when I was in turmoil." "Yeah, Mine too." I said. "I envy you two." Said Gus. "My mom was never that nurturing -- even when I was little. Oh my God! I just remembered something! When I was little -- like maybe 3 years old -- I can't believe I can remember this! I had to get a shot for some reason -- in my arm -- at the doctor's office. When I came home, I was cranky and it hurt. I didn't want to move it, and when I complained my dad made as if it was nothing. It was the one time I can remember my mom wanting to comfort me. Guys, I have not even thought of this for years! "Dad wouldn't let her comfort me! He said it was stupid, and that I had to get over it! So I was left in my bedroom, all by myself, scared, lonely and crushed because my mommy could not hold me. Then - " Gus got choked up. "What happened Sweetheart? I asked. He could hardly talk. "It was like a dream, but it didn't seem like a dream. All of a sudden the room got really light and there was a pretty lady in my room. I seemed to know she was like another mother or something. She held me and comforted me! Cole! I'll bet it was an angel!" "Could have been." I said. "Oh, you guys are gonna start this `angel stuff' again?" Iggy said. "Anyway, in the morning, I guess my dad felt bad about the whole thing, and he told me he was sorry. I told them it was okay, my other mother was there." "Your `other mother'!?" "That's what my dad said! Yeah! And I haven't thought about that since -- a long time! I completely forgot -- even when you saw Rex, Cole, and I did too, I didn't think of it. Wow! My dad laughed and my mom told me it was a dream. Tell me -- why would a kid who is scared have a dream of comfort? You'd think it would be just the opposite. I think that it was real to me -- and when my parents -- who I trusted to always be right (boy I got THAT one wrong!) -- told me it was nothing, the conflict inside my little head made me forget it -- til just now! I really am wondering if she was really an angel." "Maybe she really WAS your other mother!" I said. "Huh?" Said both Gus and Iggy. "Maybe it takes two -- a man and a woman to create out spirits -- just as it takes two to create our bodies. Maybe it was Gods wife. Maybe she really WAS your other mother." "You're crazy, Man!" Said Iggy, chuckling. "Wait! In first Corinthians, chapter 11 it says that the man is not without the woman -- nor the woman without the man -- in the Lord." "I almost forgot that you were such a bible expert, Ig!" "A Heavenly Mother, huh. Well, why not?" Said Iggy. "Well, anyway, I wanna believe she was an angel." Said Gus. Knock knock. "Come in dad." Iggy quickly moved away. "Was that your mother?" "She didn't want to wake you." I told Dad. "Marky's fine. She's holding him -- or was." "Didn't want to wake me? As if I could really sleep! Well, maybe now I can. I have another 4 hours to try! "Night Dad." Gus, Iggy and I went to the hospital in the morning, after I fixed breakfast for us all. We sent Mom home with Lex while we sat with Marky. He was asleep. When he woke up He immediately cried and reached out to Gus. Gus picked him up and held him close. There was a bandage coving the top of his head. He looked both sad and pathetic and cute at the same time. He laid his head on Gus's chest and closed his eyes again. "Why don't you guys go for a walk, so we don't disturb him?" Gus whispered. I felt such a surge of love for Gus! Iggy and I left the room and walked out to explore the hospital. Almost the first person we saw was -- well he saw us -- was Manolo! "Cole!" He hollered. He ran and gave me a hug. "What happened to your eye? Burn it?" "Actually I lost it." I said. "OHhhh! I'm so sorry!" I wished there was a way to tell people that without that same reaction every time! "I'm used to it." I said. "What's going on? Ever see Steve?" "No. I thought I could live taking his leftovers after his family -- but I can't." "Got anyone else?" I asked. "Nope! I'm happy to wait for the right one." "How old are you now, Manolo?" "Me? I'm 33." He still looked no more than 23! "You're so cute!" I said, but not in any flirty way. "You shouldn't have any trouble finding guys." "Gracias, but that's not the problem. I get a lot of guys who want sex. I'm looking for more. Not many want more. I just go the gay bar and dance. Once in awhile a guy will flirt with me and if he looks interesting I will talk to him. But no one wants anything serious. Someday I will find one. No hurry!" he smiled his very cute smile. "Are you interested in meeting someone?" "You know someone?" "Actually I know two! "I only want one." "I know!" I said. "Who are they?" He asked. I looked at Iggy. You thought any about our proposition?" I asked him. "Yeah, less than a day!" Iggy shot back. "Would you mind letting Manolo meet Gary or Jon?" "They were your friends first!" "What's going on?" Manolo asked. "It's a long story." I said. "I don't mind." Said Iggy. "Take your pick. They're both good. But I think Gary is more of a sure thing!" He chuckled a little. "Good!" I said. "I'll call Jon!" Iggy gave me a look. "Hello?" Jon sounded sleepy. "Jon? This is Cole." "Oh, hi, Cole!" He perked up. "How was the trip to Canada?" "You knew about it?" "Yeah, your friend Iggy told me. Haven't heard from him since you left." I winked at Iggy. "He's got some things to deal with, Jon." Iggy gave me "the look" again. "I see." He said. He really didn't see. "Jon, I wanted you to meet another friend of ours." "He gay, too?" "Heh. Yeah. He's really a sweet guy." This time I winked at Manolo and HE made "the look" -- and turned a little red. "Does he want an RFA?" "I don't know about that. I just thought you two might get along. I know you are kinda new to this, and probably shy about meeting other - - guys." "Man! You got THAT right! I've never been shy in my life -- before this! Where did you want us to meet?" He said eagerly. "Boy, you ARE ready, aren't you?" "Well, I'd like to explore this side of me. It's all so new." I covered the phone. "Are you interested in meeting a guy who just admitted to himself he `might' be gay? He's definitely attracted to guys." I said to Manolo. "Maybe that's just what I need. I need to go slow." "I dunno how slow Jon wants to go." I uncovered the phone. "Hey, Jon, can I call you back in a few minutes?" "You know you can!" "Bye!" "Manolo, this Jon is a really nice guy. He is older than we are, but not as old as you. But you look and act so young, I think you'd get along. Jon is a psychology major and, like I said, he just recently admitted he was gay -- to himself. He says he has always felt something, but until recently pushed it away from himself." "What happened recently -- to change his mind?" "Cole and Gus." I quipped. "Oh!" "He was the T.A. in my psych class last year. I trusted him to conduct an RFA -- a kind of hypnotism thing -- on me. I told him I was gay at that time. He decided he trusted too, and one thing led to another - " "You had sex with him?" "No. But he confided in us -- me and Gus -- and that's kind of where we are now. Manolo, he may want sex -- sooner than you do." "I think I can handle it. I won't have sex until I'm ready. I'd like to meet him. Please don't tell him about my wealth." "Wealth?" Said Iggy?" "No problem." I said. "You wanna meet him today? Can you?" "I can take lunch. There are no emergency calls right now." "I'll call him." "Jon -- can we come over right now?" "Oh! Well, things are kinda messy. Never mind -- yeah, c'mon over." "I'll have to let Gus know. He's watching my brother in the hospital." "Hospital? What happened?" "I'll explain later. See you in a bit. You probably have at least 30 minutes to get ready." "Bye!" We went back in to the hospital and to Marc's room. It was pretty dark, and I just opened it enough to poke my head in. Gus was sitting in a chair beside Marky's crib. He raised his finger to his mouth. I opened the door enough for him to see Manolo. He got a big grin, then pointed out the door as he got up. He came out. "Manolo!" he said and they hugged. After their reunion chatter, I said, "We're going to see Jon. Manolo wants to meet him." "You finally lost that loser, Steve huh?" Gus said. Manolo almost looked like he wanted to cry. "Oh! Sorry, Manolo. What happened, then?" "Oh, I lost him all right. I mean I left him. I just couldn't deal with his family any more. I was so sure I could! I feel bad, because we both are hurting from it. I still love him so much. It just will never work. It'll never be like I thought." "I understand. Sorry I was so insensitive. So why are you going to -- OH! You're gonna introduce Manolo to Jon? You know he's not even sure he's gay. I mean -- he's not sure he wants to live as gay." "I -- we will just be friends then." Said Manolo. It was easy to see he was lonely. "Have fun! When will you be back?" Gus asked me. "We won't be long." "I think I'll stay here." Iggy said. "I `got some things to deal with'!" he chided. "Good idea." I said. I pecked both of them on the cheek and left with Manolo. He followed me to Jon's. It still feels so strange driving with only one eye! I have to be so careful! I drive like an old man! Knock knock knock! The door opened slowly. Jon saw me and opened it more. He then saw Manolo and his eyes widened. "Hi." He said evenly. I thought he was unusually quiet. "Hi, Jon. This is our friend Manolo." Jon extended his hand. Manolo reddened and took his hand. He held Jon's hand so warmly and smiled. "So nice to make your acquaintance!" Manolo said with easy sincerity. Both guys surprised me. Jon was quieter when we came in and now he seemed shy -- never a quality I observed before. "Hi Manolo. The pleasure is all mine, I'm sure." Normally I would make some smart-ass remark, but the moment seemed almost - - reverent. I stammered, "Umm -- I better -- umm - " "Jes." Manolo said. "You should get back to your brother -- and Gus." "Oh, can't you sit and talk a bit?" Jon said. "His baby brother just had an operation -- brain tumor. He should be with him. Thanks for showing me the way, and introducing us, Cole." Manolo said. He gave me a warm hug, and I went toward the door. "Usted habla español?" I heard Jon say. I turned. "Si! Y usted?" Said Manolo. "Poquito!" "¡Maravilloso!" Manolo exuded happiness. "¡Yo lo ayudaré a aprender más!" He turned to me "¡Creo que nosotros nos llevarseemos gran!" "Huh?" I answered, "I think we will get along great! ¡Adiós, mi amigo bueno!" Manolo said with a big smile. I knew what Adiós meant. "¡Adiós, amigos!" I said awkwardly, and left. When I got back to the hospital, Gus was holding Marky again. He was awake again and was not very happy. When he saw me, he tried to smile, but when Gus held him out to me, Marc wailed and clung to Gus. "The doctor saw him earlier." Gus said. "Richard?" I asked. "No. It was the doctor that was making rounds of everyone. He said to give Marky children's Tylenol, and if that didn't work, to let the nurse know and something stronger would be given." "What do you think?" I said. "You know how precarious babies are with medications. If I have to hold him for a week, I'll do it! I'd rather him be a little cranky than get him on anything stronger than Tylenol." "I totally agree. You know that Mom will insist on trading with you. She still has some milk too -- that always helps." Mom appeared at the door. "MOM!" I said. You were supposed to get some rest!" "I couldn't rest with my baby here!" Marky heard his mommy's voice and cried for her. She handed Lex to me and carefully took Marc. Lex looked at Marc and started to cry. I guess he missed him! "Give him back to me." She said and she sat down. I placed Lex in her other arm and both boys gazed into each other's eyes. Lex reached out to touch Marc's bandage. Mom said, "Uh-uh," Gently. He withdrew his hand then put it out slowly. He touched Marky's bandaged head so gently. Marky sighed and half smiled. Lex's hand dropped to Marc's arm, and he petted it. Both of them were lost in each other's eyes the whole time. Tears were pouring form mom's eyes. I was barely able to see them through my own. I looked around and everyone was in about the same shape. "Oh my God!" Said Iggy. "O my God!" Marky reached out to touch Lex's face, and Marky grimaced, and then leaned in to Lex. He put his face softly against Lex's and sighed loudly. I felt Gus's arms go around me from the back, and his face on my own, adding to the wetness already there. I turned and we smiled into each others faces. I wished that we had a camera! Mom asked Gus and Iggy to leave the room. She loves Gus as her own, but still is not that comfortable baring her breast to him. They left. "Sit here next to me sweetie pie and if he will let you, take Lex from me. I just fed him, so he shouldn't get jealous. I gently pried Lex away. He started to complain and I said, "Shhh, sweetie pie. Marky needs Mommy for a little while." I guess that he understood at least my tone of voice. I stayed next to Mom as she put Marky to her breast. He made sigh after sigh, as he closed his eyes and sucked on her breasts. It was about the most beautiful thing I ever witnessed. Lex put his face on mine and opened his mouth. I think it was his attempt to kiss me. I hugged him, and then it was he that sighed. It was obvious that even at his young age, he was worried about his brother. It was Thursday, and we had to move in to the dorm on Saturday. We didn't get much done between taking shifts watching, sitting and holding Marc. Saturday we packed up our stuff -- at least the first load -- and headed to the dorm. Iggy decided that for the present, he would not join us. After all the stuff with Marc's operation, it was a relief to be just the two of us again. By Sunday afternoon, Marc was good enough that Richard said he could come home. "We can still commute for a time until things are settled down here." Gus offered. "I think we'll be fine, I think, at least until Lex has his operation." Mom said. "How soon will that be?" I asked, a little worried. "As soon as Marc gets the bandages off." Said Dad. I felt a cold wave come over me. And then felt like a cold knife was thrust into my heart. I shuddered. "It has to be, Cole." Dad said. "I know. No way I want him to ever experience what I have! But it just hurts so much to see them like this. I may never have my own, but this may be the closest I come! You sure you don't want us to stay here longer?" "Honey, they have to get weaned from you sometime." Mom said. "You'll be home weekends -- right?" "Of course!" Both Gus and I rejoined. We hugged the boys for a long time before we left for the dorm. When we arrived at our dorm room, we brought in our next load and then sat on the beds. Twin beds again! Gus came over to me and sat down. He looked at me deeply, no smile on either face. We both broke out crying at once. Our sex started gentle and soothing, but as we progressed, we got wilder and wilder, as we tried to forget our pain. When we were finished, our whole bodies throbbing, hot and sweaty, we held on to each other until we were calm again. "God, I love you, Cole Alexander Stephanson IV!" He said. "I haven't ever felt what I feel in your family. I can't imagine ever feeling any more than I feel in your arms!" "I know. I feel more complete now than I could ever have imagined feeling." I answered. "I love you too, Dude -- Sweetheart!" As if it were planned that way, as soon as I said that, my cell phone rang. "Hello?" "Hey, Amigo!" "Manolo?" It didn't sound like him. His phone was on hands free operation. "NO! It's Jon! Dude, I have never had such a great weekend! We have been almost inseparable since Thursday night! Thank you so much!" "Oh my gosh!" I said. "I'm glad it worked out well! Where is Manolo, now?" "¡Estoy aquí! I am here, Cole! I want to say gracias tambien!" He said softly "Well, I'm sure happy that you guys hit it off." "(Giggle) I didn't know, Dude!" said Jon. "How could I?" "Didn't know what?" I said, putting my phone on hands free too. "I didn't know how sweet, sweet could be! This has to be the sweetest weekend of my life." "Wow! What can I say?" I said. "Congratulations!" said Gus, laughing. Both the other guys giggled. "I -- er -- we -- just wanted you to know how happy you made us both. Cole, I had no idea that I was MADE for this! I just didn't know!" He giggled again. "Well, unless you have anything to say to us, we'll let you get back to whatever you were doing. It sounds so quiet! Is everyone asleep over there already?" "We're in our dorm room. We were just relaxing." "Yeah, us too!" Said Jon, then he giggled again. Bye!" "Bye!" I put my phone under the bed and backed up into my guy's arms and body. I felt his lingering wetness and sighed. We fell asleep quite early, and I slept a dreamless night away in the arms of my lover. Notes: New love -- older love. Ain't love grand! The "Other mother" sequence really happened to my youngest daughter -- and I was the hard-assed dad in that case! Please feel free to comment. I love getting your letters. Steve at stevethomas535@hotmail.com. Thanks for reading and love, Steve