Date: Mon, 4 Aug 2008 20:32:17 +0000 From: Steve Thomas Subject: Growing Up Joshua, Ch. 2 This is a work of pure fiction, but based on the author's feelings, beliefs, and in some cases, experience. Come to think of it -- it might not be all that pure! There may be graphic sexual encounters at times between males, 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 of story, shame on you for reading it - - please stop here. If not, - -ENJOY! Cast of characters: Joshua Alan Black II Barbie Warfield -- my mother Dennis Warfield -- my stepfather Wilma Warfield -- Dennis's mother ("Missy" to me) Francis Warfield -- Dennis's father -- ("Sir" to me.) Alva Benson -- my Gram (Grandma) Iver Benson -- my Pop (Grandpa) Richard -- My favorite Cousin Ray and Raul -- Richards' older brothers. Nate Willows -- My first roomie. Rudy Chanbers -- Friend across the hall. From Chapter 1: I stumbled out of bed, half awake, and over to my new mate -- apparently my new upper class mate's bed. I was too tired and groggy to notice that I was naked - - or that part of me was at attention. "WO!" Said the other boy. Does this mean I get to call you Josh?" In the dim light I focused on him. The first thing I saw was his naked upper torso. He had his boxers on and his tight six pack was clearly visible even in the dim yard light streaming in the window. I took in everything north of that from his defined pecs, his nicely formed biceps to his face. "Nate!" I cried. "Um -- why don't you kind of kneel here, so that thing is not in my face." I did as ordered. "Josh, I'm afraid I messed up royally. You aren't supposed to be in this room. I assumed you were at least 17. My fuckup. I'm afraid you're gonna have to call me Sir and Mr. Willows -- outside the room. And I'll have to call you Cadet or Mr. Black. But in here, I'm still Nate. Got that Cadet?" "Yes SIR! And -- um -- yes, you can call me Josh any time you want -- Nate!" Chapter 2 "Okay, I guess this is as good a time as any to have that talk I wanted to have. Go get something on, and pull your chair over here." He got up and sat at his desk. Noticing that he didn't pull anything more on than his tee, I dressed the same. I'm sure that having my clothing on was less distracting to Nate, but when he sat on the chair he seemed oblivious to his gaping fly which showed thick black, curly pubes. I couldn't sit in any way to prevent the same. He didn't seem to notice. I tried my best not to. "Josh, this afternoon, after we met, I learned a few things I didn't know when we first met. I can't tell you everything you'll want to ask because -- truthfully -- I don't know. All I do know is that you seem to have a secret benefactor. Your father has seen that all of your physical and financial needs have been met - " "Dennis Warfield NOT my father!" I reacted emotionally. At Nate's surprised look, I said, "Sorry Sir. I didn't mean to - " Nate looked tired and a little sad. "We're roomies, Josh. Try not to call me that in the room. I figured he was your step-father because of the name. But anyway, he -- or someone -- has seen to your needs." "Probably his father. Dennis isn't that clever." I remarked. Nate smiled sadly. "So you don't even call him Grampa, huh?" "I call him sir! And Dennis's mother I am allowed to call, Missy." "Is that her name?" "No, when I began to talk, it's as much as I could pronounce of Mrs. Warfield. It just stuck." "Great fuck, Josh! What were you -- the orphan?" Nate had fire in his eyes -- and I knew it wasn't for me -- because of the concerned, warm hand on my thigh. "I was the bastard." I said evenly. His head shook. "Well, it seems that there's someone -- important -- who wants you -- um -- lets say -- given special treatment. My placement of you in my room was an honest mistake. I actually thought you were older than I. I guessed seventeen. When the dean learned of my mistake, he called me in. He had someone else in mind to be your roomie, but -- decided in order to create as few waves as possible, to leave things the way they were -- with my agreement, of course." "Wow. How is it that you are -- um - " "I like to think of myself as a prefect." (Anyone my age would understand the Harry Potter reference.) I actually am a senior. Most of the seniors are 17 and -- many of them struggle a lot. They're here because they couldn't quite hack it in regular high school. Their parents pay through the nose for all of their tutoring and special treatment. "You -- on the other hand -- with your excellent grades -- would not normally need a tutor, but -- you are being assigned to the junior class -- which puts you two years behind most of the others in that class." "No shit!" I said. "I don't know if I - " "Trust me -- with the tutor that the dean has in mind, you'll do fine. He'll be stoked that he has someone who actually WANTS to study!" "Whew. My parents were hoping to get rid of me for four years. I dunno what they will - " "I'd say fuck them and just don't worry about it. Do you think you can sleep now?" He said, laying his hand gently on my arm. "I doubt it! Too much to think about." "Take these. They'll help you sleep." He gave me two capsules. "I don't do drugs -- they don't like me." I said. "You're lucky. These aren't drugs. They are valerian root. They're not a drug and can be bought anywhere. Just take them and after a good wank -- you should be in dream land." "Wha -- at?" "Hey, I was 14 once! Of course I don't do that any more, but - " He laughed. "Now I KNOW you're full of shit!" I said. We both got up. "G'night!" he said and he gave me a hug. Nothing more was said, as he flipped off the light. I took the capsules, with a bottle of water he produced. I went to bed, and had no problem getting off quickly, thinking about the wood pressed against me when he hugged me. His took a little longer and he made more noise than I did. After he was finished, I asked, "Was that the Dean -- who welcomed us to dinner -- I mean mess this afternoon?" "No," he said breathlessly, "That was the General. I'll tell you about him later. Night." I had only barely started to wonder about all the people I had met today -- when my mind started to wander -- like it does when I can't stay awake. "What the Fuck is that?!!? Said my new roomie. I pawed around and found my blackberry and silenced it. "Sorry -- my alarm. It's 6:00 AM. Shouldn't we be up?" Then I heard about 5 other alarms go off, including one in our room. "NOW we should get up. I'm gonna hit the showers. I suggest that you go across and ask Chambers to take care of those shoes." "Um -- he did it yesterday." "Well, he missed 9/10ths of them. Tell him he'd better - " "He did it in short time, as he was trying to make me presentable for mess." I said. "He even made my bed for me!" "He's a good kid. He's like us, you know. But go! He will have to miss his shower, but I know he'll do it. He can show you how later." "Like us? Whattayou - " "Yeah -- like you think you could hide it from me! But we won't make it widely known. Anyway -- Chambers is gay too. And YOU, my friend, are wasting time. GO!" I opened the door and he pulled me back in. He reached into my closet and threw me a robe. "Either this or your uniform required in the halls." He already had his robe on and he ran out to the latrine. I knocked on Rudy's door. A disheveled looking guy peeked out. Before I could get a good look at him, I said, "Is -- Rudy - " "It's for you, fag!" "Shut up, Queer!" Said Rudy. The other guy was already out of sight. Rudy came to the door, in his robe. Oh -- hi, Josh!" He looked down at my shoes on my hand and said -- "Oh, crap! No it's fine. I had a shower last night. I just -- they'll be done by the time you're out of your shower. And besides -- you stink! You need it worse than I do." Rudy took the shoes and started to close the door, then added, "You'll have to take your own towel." I ran to my room and grabbed my towel. I was entering the shower as Nate was coming out, his robe on and his damp towel in hand. "Sorry -- hot water's all gone. You have to get there early to get anything close to warm." "Thanks!" I said, sarcastically. "Oh! How much should I give Chambers for the shine?" "Most give him five." "Thanks!" I gingerly turned the shower on me. It was very hot! "Ayeeee!" I yelled. "Gotcha!" He hollered and laughed. Turning and seeing me naked, he said, "Nice! Didn't notice that last night! Oh -- and -- I usually give him ten." I assumed he was talking about my uncut status. He walked out and I was left alone in the hot shower. I was tempted to luxuriate, but remembered the mess-march. I quickly soaped down, rinsed off and dried. The halls were empty. I heard the tone. I ran to the room. My stuff was all laid out. I was dressed in about 30 seconds and ran out to the yard in time to hear, "Ten-HUT!" There was no one waiting to escort me as there was yesterday. I didn't know where I fit into the unit marching. I just followed as in-step as I could. When we heard the "Fall OUT!" Call, I started to enter the hall. I was stopped one of the monitors. "Please report to your room, sir! Until you are called -- Sir!" Confused, I walked back to my room, considering seriously the reasons it may be called a cell. When I neared the room, I heard muffled yelling coming from it. "He didn't have a clue! It wasn't HIS fault, Dammit! If anything it was mine! I'm the one that didn't fully orient him! That's fucked! SIR!" I put my key in the lock and turned it. "He's back." Said Nate and then I heard a slam. "Yeah -- and then I'll come and fuck YOU up!" I entered the room. Nate took a deep breath. "Sorry you had to hear that." He said. "That last part, I mean -- he'd already hung up before I said it." "Who was it?" "The General." "You -- can -- talk that way to - " "You better believe that I'll hear about it!" "Were you talking about -- me?" I asked, suddenly cowed. He took another deep breath.. "Look! I -- I'm sorry -- I have been under -- oh crap! This isn't your concern! What sucks is that I fucked up and now you're paying the price! That's what's fucked! I should have told you -- a lot of things -- last night, but -- I -- I - " He lowered his voice. "Josh -- I'm so sorry. I had to -- orient several guys yesterday. That's why I was home so late -- well -- part of the reason. "The other part was that I took time out to call - - my boyfriend. He's been having a load a crap thrown in his direction lately and he needed me to listen. I thought I could handle it all, but obviously all I did was fuck it up. And now both of us is going hungry. I just hated to wake you last night-- knowing you had a long day yesterday and all." "That seems unfair. You got home so late because - " "BECAUSE -- I spent two hours on the phone with Ryan! I didn't count on you having to shower, and getting your shoes shined, and -- and -- that's my deal. I don't plan for the unexpected. And I hope you can live with that. Even though he's my dad, he can't give me special favors." "Who's your dad?" I asked. " The General." "The general is your dad?" I repeated and then wished I didn't. "Everyone GIVES me special favors and -- I don't - discourage it. Why should I? But he has nothing to do with it. It's just not fair -- in some ways. I like it here. I'm not here -- as some are -- because I don't fit in anywhere else -- or even like you - because someone wanted to get rid of you. Oh, Josh, I'm sorry! I hope you didn't take that wrong!" "I took it exactly as you said it. I WAS cast off here! I'm not pissed because you said it. Matter of fact -- I love you -- er -- that is I love IT -- that you seem to recognize how I feel. Ryan is a lucky guy. "Wait a minute! You just said -- that you -- love me." "But I - " "No -- don't you fucking tell me you didn't mean it! I know you did. And more than that, I know what you meant. I have felt it too. Somehow, it's like I've known you forever -- like there's some -- um -- some -- something that links us -- or that -- has brought us together -- somehow. What? You look like -- -- what's wrong?" "I -- um -- I dunno, what you said, It went through me like -- like -- something -- almost piercing -- right through me! It's like that's what I've been trying to -- to -- figure out ever since we met. What is it that I feel -- or rather -- that we feel? I mean -- I still love Richard -- and that's probably just silly and stupid after all this time -- but you love Ryan, and - " "Wo wo WO! I never said I love him. I said he's my boyfriend, but -- -- but -- oh! Well, maybe I DO love him, but -- it's different!" "I KNOW!!" I exclaimed. "You -- you -- I mean -- I just -- it's just weird. I feel a connection -- or something! To you!" I felt the hair on my neck stand up when I said that. Suddenly he ran to me and grabbed me and pulled me into a passionate kiss. I was so taken by surprise, I barely had time to respond, when he jumped away and said, "No! NO! This doesn't feel right. What the HELL's going on?" Nate looked panicky, then added, "Oh Gosh, Josh! I'm so sorry! Please -- I completely don't know what -- what -- made me do that!" He plopped down on his bed. He put his hands on his face. "I think I'm going crazy or something! I guess -- I mean -- You -- probably ought to -- I mean -- I'll request new a different room for you. That was completely uncalled for and -- I should just report myself and get it over with! I'm sorry, Josh, you don't deserve this. You have enough crap going on in your life. You don't need - " About that time, I finally was coming to my senses. "Wait! Just WAIT!" I demanded. "Don't I get a say in this? I wanna stay! I mean, did I do something to -- to -- make you do that? NO! but -- I kind of -- um -- GOT it!" "But -- Huh?" He said, almost hiding his face behind his hands. "There seems to be -- something -- strange going on here. I don't know what, but -- I felt like -- what you did was right -- until it was happening. Then it felt wrong." "EXACTLY! Then you felt it too! Spooky!" "Yeah -- that's what it is -- it's spooky." I agreed. "Please don't send me somewhere else." I pleaded. "I feel - " KNOCK KNOCK! "Permission to enter -- SIR!" Nate jumped off his bed and ran to the door, stopped suddenly and ran his hands down his body -- as if to -- smooth everything out. He opened the door. A cadet stood at attention and said, "Sorry to bother you SIR! The General wishes to see you at once -- in his office -- SIR!" "Thank you Cadet. Tell him I'll be right there." "He wished you to report, double time -- SIR!" "Good then. You've carried out your task, Cadet. You're excused." "Pardon SIR! But the General asked me to accompany you. -- SIR!" "Fine -- I'll be right out." "SIR! I - " SLAM! Went to door in the cadet's face. Nate ran to a drawer. "As long as you're my roomie -- you may as well know -- I have emergency provisions. He got out three packages of cheese crackers with peanut butter. "There's bottled water on the vacant side of my closet floor." He opened the door and the cadet was still standing at attention and flinched when the door opened. "Let's go, Cadet!" They both took off running. I walked over to his closet, and opened the door. I stooped down to get a bottle of water. I smelled something. Oh my gosh! His dirty clothes hamper. I leaned over and smelled deeply. A shirt was thrown on the top. I picked it up and smelled it. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. His body odor on the shirt made my body quiver and before I knew it I was rubbing a very quickly hardening piece of meat. I closed the door and held the shirt over my face and quickly brought myself to a satisfying conclusion. I pawed around until I found some of his boxers at the bottom of the hamper. I wiped my self dry with them, noticing that they were crusted from an earlier session he must have had. I put those up to my nose and just breathed in the smell for about three minutes. I grabbed the water and came out of the closet. I felt -- guilty and -- dirty. "Oh my gosh," I thought, "What if he feels that his underwear are wet!" I panicked momentarily -- then told myself that was silly. I ate the crackers and peanut butter with the water, and sat down and tried to read some out of the civics book that was issued to me. Knock knock. I opened the door. "Are you Joshua Black?" I was immediately mesmerized by this kid's eyes. They were the roundest eyes I ever saw. His face was flawless -- not one blemish -- and his cheeks were pink. He had dark brown hair, and his round eyes were brown. "Sir?" He said, bringing me out of my stupor. "Oh -- yes! I'm Joshua." "I'm supposed to tutor you -- or something." Said the boy. He looked about twelve. "Sorry, sir." He seemed to be reading my mind. "I get that a lot. I look young for my age. I really am fourteen." "You're fourteen -- and you're going to be my tutor?" "I know it seems strange, but -- you see -- I'm a senior, and in reality -- I have finished all my requirements to enter Yale next semester. I just have to hang out here until then. Welcome to the prodigy club. And you sir? Are you eighteen yet, sir?" "No -- um -- what's your name?" "I'm Cadet Ringstrom, sir." "Okay, stop with the sir crap! You're fourteen - I'm fourteen! My name's Joshua. What's yours?" "I'm Randy, but everyone calls me Rascal." He said, extending his hand. I held out my fist and he buffed it and grinned. "So did anyone tell you why I get tutoring -- at your level?" "Sometimes it's better not to ask questions." Said Rascal. "I sure don't know! My family sure didn't ask for it. My grades are good enough. They sent me here to get rid of me." I said. "Your grades are pristine! I'm supposed to bring you at least up to the level of a junior. That's like skipping two grades. I was shown your manuscripts. You should have come in at least as a soph! Unless there's something we don't see, you shouldn't have too much trouble catching on. Do you know what your schedule is like yet?" "No. Later this afternoon I am supposed to go to some kind of orientation class." "You can skip that. I mean, I've already made your excuses for that. And how about extracurricular stuff? You like -- um -- well -- do you date or -- do any sports?" "Does that matter?" "It matters to me. I can help you not only handle your schedule, but I like to know what I'm dealing with. Okay first -- A girlfriend? Or is she back home?" "No -- no girlfriend." At that he stepped in to the room and walked around me, looking me up and down. "Okay -- so you look pretty excellent too. I could fix you up with maybe a nice -- girl. Maybe you'd - " I made a calculated decision to tell him. "Look -- I don't want to make a big deal about it but -- it looks like we'll be working closely. I'm not interested in seeing any girl. I'm gay." I may as well have told him the sun is shining outside. I expected some reaction. He said, "Oh, and how about sports?" "I did a little wrestling in school back home and one thing my mother was able to get me were private Taekwondo lessons." "Really? I'm a 2nd degree junior Black Belt. International -- Olympic variety." He said proudly. "You do the Teaguek forms?" I asked. "I had to learn all those to just pass my first practice black belt test." "I KNOW! Antonio -- he's my instructor -- wouldn't let me even test until I could do all of them flawlessly -- on command." "Hm. Is he gay too?" "Who?" "Antonio -- your instructor." "Oh -- no! But he's okay with it. Are you?" "Are you asking if I am gay?" He asked, again, it as if he were telling me the time of day. "No! I was asking if it's okay with you?" I said, maybe a little defensive. "I don't care who you do -- as long as it doesn't interfere with our studies. I just like to know what I'm dealing with." He paused as if he was going to say more then changed the subject. I was told you might need some help in advanced Calc. Maybe tomorrow morning, we can bone up a little on that, and -- what? Tomorrow is too soon?" "NO!!" I exclaimed. I mean -- no -- tomorrow will be fine. Oh -- wait!" he looked at his schedule. Tomorrow morning is the start of wrestling practice. You probably won't want to miss that!" "Oh!" I said. Do you wrestle, too?" "No.", said Rascal. "But c'mon, I'll introduce you to my -- friend -- who is on the team. He's just a cross the hall." We went across the hall and I was suspicious who his friend was. After knocking, Rudy came to the door. "Hey, Chambers." Rascal said. Rudy craned his head out and looked both ways. "Hey, Ringstrom! I see you've met my neighbor! Hi Josh! Rudy looked Rascal up and down. "Nothing looks out of place!" The both giggled. "So, I guess I don't have anything to be jealous about?" "Josh -- Apparently you've already met my boyfriend." Said Rascal. "Did he tell you he's on the wrestling team?" Rudy looked panicky for a moment. Then he looked at me and said -- Oh! You mean you're - " He left the rest hanging, but I affirmed his question with a half smile. "Fly weight." Said Rudy, grinning. "That's my wrestling category. Rascal laughed and said, "It's his peepee size too!" "At least mine's still growing!" taunted Rudy. They again checked out the hall and came together in a hug and kiss. "Get a room, Queers!" Said Rudy's room mate. "Shut up, Fag!" Said Rudy and Rascal together. "You're not always gonna have Willows to protect you, Ringstrom." Said the roommate. I can't rat on Chambers! But I ain't bound by no room code with you! And there ARE ways to rat your roomie too!" "Only you're not clever enough to figure one out, are you, oh bulging one?" Said Rascal, then he said -- to me, There is a rule of confidentiality in our rooms." "Who else is out there?" demanded the room mate. Rudy opened the door wide. "Bulge, this is Josh-ua Black." "Dammit! Don't call me that! SIR! I'm Wayne Andrews, SIR!" He addressed me. "Don't call me sir -- Sir!" I said, noting the obvious reason he was called bulge. No, get your mind out of the gutter! He eyes bulged out. I felt bad for him. "Aw -- don't look at me like that! I got great pre-referral vision." He said. Rascal and Rudy looked at each other and laughed. I suddenly felt sorry for Wayne, guessing he had been teased all his life about his bulging eyes. Everything else looked okay -- including his seemingly larger than usually bulge down below - - that I just told you not to think about! Notes: Well, that gives us lots to think about. Everyone seems to be hooked up except our boy! But then -- there IS that convenient room confidentiality rule, isn't there? What happens in Josh and Nate's room stays in Josh and Nate's room? Comments are welcome to stevethomas535@hotmail.com. Thanks and love, Steve