Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2008 20:07:58 +0000 From: Steve Thomas Subject: Growing Up Joshua, Ch. 23 Growing up Joshua 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 mightnot be all that pure! There may be graphic sexual encounters at timesbetween males, so if this offends you, you are invited to retreat. If youare too young or it is otherwise illegal for you to be reading this kindif 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 Alva Benson -- my Gram (Grandma) Iver Benson -- my Pop (Grandpa) Richard -- My favorite Cousin Ray and Raul -- Richards' younger brothers. Nate Willows -- My first roomie. Rudy Chanbers -- Friend across the hall. James Meriwether -- Mid-year Transfer Morty Rankowiscz -- college friend Zach Taylor -- new friend Tom Clancy -- Zack's dad. Jane Clancy -- Zach'z mom. Dania, Darcy, Deanna, Danny and David -- Zach's Sibs Seth Gary -- My therapist. Luke -- Seth's partner. (Lukamaiola Makamakahaiiolioli) >From Chapter 22: "Where are you traveling to -- in the morning?" "Well, unless I can get hold of my dads -- I will be driving straight through to Vermont!" "Vermont??!! That's where I'm heading!" Really? Where in Vermont?" He asked. "Well -- I've never been there, but I guess it's near Williamstown." "Nuh-uh! That's where I live! Oh acreage outside town!" "You -- you don't happen to know a Seth Gary, do you?" Chapter 23 He got a huge smile on his face. "Know him? Do I KNOW Seth? We're like BEST friends -- well except for Luke, his partner. He lives on a compound next door to our place!" I flipped out my blackberry. "Seth? Yeah, this is -- okay you know. Hey -- I met a friend of yours here in Chicago." "Really? I don't know anyone in Chicago." "No -- he is staying here at the same motel as I am. He says he lives next door to you. We're both on our way back there." "Well -- who is it?" I grinned and looked a Ryan as I said, "Ryan Crayson?" "Really? But I thought -- he was in Europe! He and his partner - " "No, this is Ryan Junior!" "What? Rye Guy is there with you? Put him on!" I passed the phone to Ryan. They spoke quickly, Ryan all smiles and animated. He gave the phone back to me. "I told Rye to grab a ride back with you. He's straight, you know!" "I know. He told me. He also has evidence that says he's 22." "He is. He dates one of the housekeepers in our compound." "Damn! 22, extremely cute and -- and he had to be straight!" I winked at Ryan, who grinned back deliciously. "Well, if anyone could change his mind on that account, you could, Josh! HAHA! But no chance of that. And be careful -- Rye's got more TKD experience than you do!" "Haha! He told me he's 3rd degree!" I said, smiling. "But I still think I can take him. Weight advantage, you know." I grinned at Ryan again. We ended our call and I turned to Ryan. "Let's go Rye!" I said. He looked at me strangely. "It's okay! You can call me Josh!" He grinned. "Let's return your car. I could use some help driving! Especially since you know the way! Okay now -- in the interest of full disclosure - " "Um -- look!" He said. "I really am not gay! I don't need to know anything more about - " "I don't know what Seth told you, but this isn't about that. And Seth and I were just joking a moment ago. But you couldn't hear what he said anyway." I said. "So -- as I said, in the first place -- I'm nineteen." "Nuh-uh!" "Yep. And I'm also 3rd degree TKD." "Nuh-uh!" he said again. "And -- I'm kind of -- um -- well -- self sufficient." "Huh?" "You know -- independent." "You mean -- wealthy?" "Kind of. So don't worry about me treating you to dinner once in awhile!" "I -- well -- my dad -- is the same. He and Jack are retired." "Why are you driving a rental?" "My dad was uncomfortable with me driving my Ferrari this far." "Oh ... I see!" I said. "Do you think you can drive anything as klutzy as an Xterra?" "I drive my pop's Escalade all the time!" "Sorry, Rye. I was being sarcastic." "Why would you be that way?" He asked, but not in any cruel way. "I'm just not used to hob-knobbing with wealthy people -- even though my uncle is." "You won't notice anyone who acts like they're better than anyone else at our place -- or the Smith Compound." "That's what Seth called it! The Smith compound." "That's because Jake Smith is the one who originally bought the property. Don't assume anything more, though. There's plenty of old money there." "Old money?" "Jacob Smith, Jake's father -- and where Jake's money comes from is considered old money -- as is Rob Balser's and Luke - - whatever his name is -- it's about 26 letters and 6 syllables! He's Hawaiian." "What does that make me?" "You and I would be nouveau riche. My father made his way from nothing and ... how did you get yours?" "Inherited it!" "Yeah. Me too. So we're kind of in the same boat." "Maybe that's why I get along with Seth so well." I said. "And -- you too!" "Why's that?" He asked. "I dunno -- I heard someone say once that `po' people gots po' ways.' That would be Seth and me." "Well that could be, but then I grew up knowing nothing but what I have now. But Seth and I are best friends! So -- that kind of blows that out of the water ... " "Oh - - yeah." I said, pushing down a jealous feeling that I immediately regretted and hoped he'd never see. Ryan remarked about several cute girls that we came across on the way home. Our last night, we drove too long, and had to take a small motel with only one double bed. He slept like a log ... When we got to his "property" as he described it, I saw what he hinted at with his "knowing nothing but what I grew up with" remark. I called the Warfield house a manor. If they had a manor, this was a palace. It was on wooded acreage, with high walls, a security gate and there was a girl -- I assumed his sister -- riding a horse way in the back of the house. I assumed it was a girl because of the flowing hair, as the horse galloped swiftly out of view behind the house. "Is that your sister?" "Haha! That's not Ranee. She's petite, with short hair. That's the boy who comes here to exercise and care for the horses. He's from Puerto Rico. Very good with the horses. Heh! I said the boy -- well, he's at least 30, I think, but he seems very young. He's very humble and a nice guy." About that time the horse and rider came around the other side of the house, and approached the passenger side of our car, warily. "May I help you, seņor,?" He said. Ryan opened the driver's door and stood on the running board, grinning. "Hi Carlos!" "Joven! You're back! Deed jew feel up many sexy mans? Jajajaja!" Jovan I soon learned meant youngster and was pronounced "hoe-ven". Jajajaja? That's Spanish for hahahaha! "Carlos, this is my new friend, Joshua. He's staying with Seth and Luke, next door." "Mocho Gusto, Joven! Como estas?"" I immediately knew that one. "Muy bien, , seņor." I responded. "Mucho gusto! Y tu?" "Ah! Comprendes te espaņol"? (He was asking if I know Spanish) I laughed. "Muy Poquito!" I said. (Very little!) He turned his attention back to Ryan. "Joven, this filly, she is almost -- how you say it - casi todo es fijado." "She's nearly fixed! Excellent. Is that what Dr. Jarrold said?" "No!" He frowned. "Thees eez watt Carlos says!" "You're probably itching to get over to Luke and Seth!" Said Ryan to me. "Do you want to surprise them?" "Surprise? How?" I said. "Our stables are near their house on the Smith Compound. There is a gate. We can go through there and walk up instead of driving. They won't realize your there until one of them opens the door." "I'd like that!" "I'll bring your car over later." He restarted the car and drove to the stables behind the house. We walked through the gate and I heard something behind us. I looked and somehow, Carlos had divined which luggage was mine and followed us about 10 paces behind. We walked up to the back door and knocked. A very sweet and cute blond girl came to the door. "Ryan!" She said, smiling coyly. Now I knew the real reason that Ryan wanted to come here this way! "Trudy, this is Joshua, my new friend. Josh, this is my girlfriend, Trudy." Trudy curtsied, blushed and said, "Hello!" "Joshua's here to see Seth. Is he around?" "I think he was in the study with a patient. I couldn't clean up in there. Luke's upstairs, though." "Who is it, Trudy? Oh, Rye! When did you get back?" said Seth quickly closing the distance between him and his friend, giving him a hug that looked like they were more than friends! Then he spied me. "Josh! Omygod! You look -- terrific!" he jumped from Ryan to me, hugging me more fiercely than he probably meant. I liked this "element of surprise." Then he saw Carlos, standing nearly at attention, still holding my baggage. "Oh for crap sakes, put those things down, Carlos! Come in guys, the study is free now, Trude. Actually you can put those up in the guest room, Carlos." Carlos started toward the stairs, but Seth stopped him. "After coffee break! Come sit with us in the kitchen." "I've been weeth dee caballos, Seņor Gary. I smell foofy! Another time, maybe?" "You small fine, Carlos! Come sit!" Carlos looked at Ryan. Ryan nodded. Trudy set out some coffee and tea and some sweets. "Luka! Come see who's here!" A small. very dark guy with blue hair and (I swear it!) purple eyes -- came intro the kitchen. He kissed Seth on the mouth and said a reserved hi to both Ryan and Carlos. "And this must be Joshua?" He said. It was obvious that he was uncomfortable meeting new people. He smiled shyly and offered his fist. I bussed it and we all sat down. Everyone poured a cup of coffee or tea, except Luke and me. He again smiled shyly and said, "Help yourself, Joshua. I don't care for hot drinks." "Me neither." I said Somehow that pleased Luke. He hopped up and went to the refrigerator and got out two bottles of Fiji water and threw me one -- unexpectedly - across the table. Surprised, I caught it with my left hand. "Aha!" Grinned Luke! "Another lefty!" "Actually I'm not!" I said. Again Luke grinned, but said no more. After a spirited conversation, we all got up. Ryan said, "Well, Compadre, you and I better get back to work. See you later then, Josh?" I went to shake hands and he pulled me into a quick hug. Then after hugging Seth again, and a "See you later, Dude!" They walked toward the door. Seth brought out a bill of some sort and placed it in Carlos's hand. "Hey!" Said Ryan. "He brought over Josh's stuff!" Said Seth. "And maybe I'd like to steal him from you!" "I pay him enough!" "He doss pay me enoff! But I can always use more!" Said Carlos and he grabbed the bill from Seth, laughing and stuffed it in his pocket. They left, talking animated, as Carlos's silky shoulder length hair bobbed back and forth as they walked. I tried to surreptitiously swallow the extra saliva accumulating in my mouth. After they left, I asked, "Should I have tipped him? I'm so `nouveau riche' I am afraid I don't have a clue!" "No -- it's okay. We tease all the time about Carlos. He's fiercely true to the Craysons. We don't have anything for him to do anyway. He's a horseman. Come into the study, we'll talk about the trip out. You wanna come, Luka?" "Naw -- I'll do some reading in the other room, Haoli." As he closed the door to the study, I noticed that there was a window between the study and the living room, where Luke sat with a surfing magazine. "I always invite him. But he knows that when I go to the study with a client -- he stays out." "You called him Luka?" "That's kind of my pet name for him. his real first name is Lukamaiola. In Hawaiian, Maiola means Luke! So his name is -- kind of -- `Lukaluka. He's always called me Haoli -- which in Hawaiian is foreigner, but translated loosely means, `whitey'. Seth's back was to Luke, and he was situated to be able to see us talk, but Seth said the room was sound proof. I told Seth what happened the last few days -- in detail -- is Milwaukee. "He'll be okay." He said about James. "How do you feel by now? Sounds like you stuffed your feelings a bit for Zach." "I think it hurt my pride more than anything." I said. "I think you're right. You're coming along very well. You may not need to spend a whole year here." "Oh -- but I WANT to!" I thought. As if he were reading my mind, he grinned and said, "51 weeks may do it!" He laughed and I smiled, and looked beyond him at Luke, who was looking directly into my eyes. He smiled shyly and winked. In this light, I could see that his hair was actually black, but so shiny black that it reflected blue -- like Superman in the comics. But his eyes were definitely purple! " ... and how did you deal with that?" "Huh?" I said. I turned red. I had completely lost what we were talking about. "You said that you and Rye shared a double bed! I am jealous! How did you deal with that?" "I -- watched him sleep most of the night. Those golden curls make him seem rather angelic." "So you didn't sleep?" He laughed. "I couldn't have either! Good thing he's all straight! I'd be more tempted than I -- or Luke would want! As it is, I can tease with him and he teases back -- but it is completely safe. We love each other like -- like -- well, I guess best friends. What's kind of nice is I can let myself love him without the usual restraint -- because He provides the restraint." I thought about Luke's reaction when he saw Ryan -- then looked again out to the living room. Again, Luke was looking directly into my eyes. I looked down. "I -- think that maybe Luke -- um -- never mind." "Nope -- you can't start anything on that couch, and end it with `never mind'. What was it you were going to say." "It's none of my business." "Well, I'm making it mine. How you feel about my partner could be important to your therapy." "I just seemed to notice that Luke was less than excited when he saw Ryan." "Yeah -- well -- to tell you the truth -- I have hurt him more than once. He has reason. That's why I designed this room with the glass. He can see that we are being good -- but not hear what we say." "Cool." I said, and again my eyes drifted to the other room. He was gone. "He's gone!" "Huh?" "Luke -- he's no longer in the other room." "That means he trusts you. He has a good sense of who he can trust." "You mean he trusts us?" "I've been weak too many times." He said, with a faraway look in his eyes. They actually glassed over. "I've never known -- or seen -- such love." The next moment, the door opened. "Time's up! " said Luke. "You're 5:30 is here Haoli." "Oh good grief! Is it that time already? Well, you must be exhausted, anyway, Josh, after last night. I'll go to the entry. Why don't you take our new house guest to his quarters, Luka?" Seth went to the entry, and came back with a youngish looking boy who had a constant look of fear on his face. They disappeared to the study and Luke grabbed all my bags in one hand. "I can take those!" I said. "Already have them! C'mon!" He grinned and grabbed my hand , pulling me up the stairs. He was much stronger than I'd imagined. Upstairs was a large family room affair, with several doors off it, plus a kitchenette. "It was designed after a flat above a carport that Colin and Jake used to stay in back on Santa Barbara." Said Luke. "I liked it so much, I decided to make ours like it." "You designed this?" "Haha! Designed and built most of it!" He said proudly. "I don't really mean to brag, but it's just that I've never done any building before." "Didn't Seth Help?" "Seth's talents and strengths are in a different area. I'm a very physical type. Seth's more anal and ... of course ... emotional. We complement each other." "Then it was you that ... I mean ... " I stopped embarrassed. "What? You can say anything. We have no secrets." "Seth said the window in his studio was there to - " Again I was stumped how to say what I should not have said in the first place. "Seth will be the first to admit that he is weak when it comes to saying no to some people -- er -- guys. It may have come from his overall weak constitution -- from the accident." "Seth DID tell me about that." "What?' "The `accident'. That is was not really - " Cutting me off, he said, "Well, we still refer to it as the accident -- to spare his feelings. He often will tell the rest of the story to clients when he is trying to get them to open up -- be more vulnerable. He has a unique perspective that many analysts don't have. But anyway, that may have led to his weakness in ... that ... area. Don't get me wrong, Josh! I've been no spotless angel in our relationship. We just have different strengths. We have learned to forgive each other." As he said this, I was studying him intently, trying not to be too obvious. About this time he almost looked apologetic, as he explained, "I get turned on by lots of bugs ... guys more like myself. Buff, strong types, you know?" I wouldn't have noticed that he was any buff, strong type, except for the way he lifted my heavy totes as if they were nothing. "But I don't seem to have a problem leaving them alone either. It may come from a history of denying my sexuality for so long, I dunno. Seth says I just chose the easiest path." "Easiest path?" I queried. Well, you know -- I didn't have to work to get Seth. That's where we're pretty similar. We just sort of met and accepted each other. Do you believe in `love at first sight'? Well, that's kinda what happened to us. When Chris and Craig brought me home to Seth, (they didn't inform either Seth or me that they were doing that!) we saw each other at the airport and both of us melted. That was before Brian -- or the rest of the stuff that happened to my Haole. "Now Seth works too hard ... and I probably don't work enough." At my look, he added, "Well -- okay -- I don't work. And -- it doesn't bother me. I -- um -- well -- play a lot, I guess." "I thought you were a professional surfer." I interjected. "That's Seth's way of justifying what I do. I`ve won a lot of surf competitions, and made back more than I ever spent on entering them. But I woulda done that anyway." "Must be nice." I said, without thinking. "Heh. It is. But I understand you're in the same position." "Huh?" "Seth tells me you wouldn't have to work -- unless you wanted to." "I guess that's true. But I want to do something -- something to contribute to society." "And I honor you for that. That's how the Haole feels too. He doesn't have to work!" "But if he didn't -- then he'd be totally supported by you." I said. I worried a little that maybe I was getting too personal. "He is anyway." He shrugged "He mostly works for nothing. But he helps a lot of people. Heh! I guess I justify myself for helping them too!" "You should! Would he be able to do any of it if you didn't support him in it?" "Welllll -- he'd get by." "I think you're dissing yourself -- and for no reason." "Well, for what it's worth -- thanks!" "It's worth a lot -- to me! And thanks for letting me come stay with you too. I fully intend on paying my own way." "If you can go surfing with me sometimes -- that'll be enough pay. I'll let you settle in - Oh! You take the room in the middle. Come look!" He grabbed my hand rather excitedly pulled me into the room. It has a commode in the corner almost like a motel room, and a door leading to -- I guess a toilet -- and two more doors. He opened the door by the commode and it was a toilet, then he showed me the large walk-in closet. Much more space than I'd ever be needing. When he opened the last door, I was surprised. It was in the back of the house and it led to a long shower, with multiple shower stations -- like a men's locker room, and had doors leading to all the other rooms. "Sorry, Josh, but if anyone else is here -- you don't get much privacy in the shower. Somehow that never bothers anyone here!" He giggled. I noticed his easy way of calling me by my nickname -- which I usually correct people that I don't know well, but -- under the circumstances, I didn't say anything and -- somehow -- I kind of liked it! "I'll leave you to organize your room. Call me -- or Seth -- if you need anything -- anything at all!" "I couldn't help but notice that the shower looks over the Crayson's stables -- clear glass?" I said. "It's an LCD." "A what?" I said. I knew that LCD meant liquid crystal display, but it didn't compute in my brain that there could be one so large "Really! In Santa Barbara they had real glass, but it shown over a steep cliff -- no one close could see in. There it was exposed to islands that were miles away. You may not have noticed that it is broken up into 3 different panels. Haha! You didn't see any windows upstairs when you came over with Ryan, did you?" Said Luke. "Everything was so new to me, I wouldn't have noticed that. "Yeah, it's aged bricks like the rest of the house. We'll show you how to change the display." "What does it change to?" "It can show any side of the house or any number of scenes from around the world. All but the Oahu north shore are only pictures. But there are webcams set up on the north shore. So whatever is there will be what shows. They're 6 hours earlier than we are, so it isn't light until around lunch time here! And of course that is my old stomping grounds. You'll be going there with me -- er -- us!" The thought of jetting around the world -- with Seth and Luke -- started to give me some swelling I didn't expect. I crossed my legs and said, "That sounds like a deal!" Wow! How my life is changing! He quickly left me alone, day dreaming about what he meant by "anything at all". Probably just being a good host. Seth had already told me that Luke owns an airline. His sister actually runs it and would rather keep it that way. It doesn't bother Luke, because he never got into the operation anyway, because his father -- a Hawaiian in the line of the kings -- which also put Luke in that direct line -- disowned him most of his adult life -- for being gay, then on his death bed, repented of that evil and made him equal owner of the business with his sister. I settled into the room upstairs and took a nap. I was awakened for dinner by -- Luke again! I wondered if Seth was avoiding me. "Hey Stud! We're going to Jake and Colin's for dinner -- if it's okay with you. They want to meet you as do Denny and Rob and Craig and Seth's brother, Chris. Denny and Rob and Chris and Craig are going out of town tomorrow and want to see you before you go to Pennsylvania. That'll be next weekend, right?" "Oh Gosh! Yeah. Sorry, I guess I was trying to forget about that." "What -- Pennsylvania? You don't want to go? It's a nice drive. I'd even go with you, but I'll be down in Nicaragua for a surfing contest." "I wish I was going there!" I said. "Hah! Me too! What's wrong? Is this a family obligation?" "N-not exactly." I said. I only had to think about how much I love Richard, and it took me by surprise. I let go a huge sob, rolled over on the bed and turned my back on Luke. He was by my side instantly. "Aww -- dude! What's the matter? You don't have to come to dinner! You'll be here a whole year or so! It's just - " "No!" I turned suddenly, wiped my tears, and said. "This is ridiculous! He's married -- to a woman! I just have to suck it up and get over it!" I pounded my pillow. "Oh -- wow! So you're -- in love with your cousin? That's heavy, Kid!" I sat up in the bed. "I'll be there for dinner. How much time do I have to get ready? I slept in these clothes. I'd like to change." "Enough. Seth has a client until 6:30, and we're due there at eight. So you have a good 45 minutes. There's an ironing board in the little kitchenette closet -- if you need it. It's casual -- everything is around here. Don't stress over it!" He stood for a moment looking awkward, then turned and ambled out. "See you in a bit!" I managed to say as I stood up. He turned and came back. "You're gonna be okay, Kid!" He hugged me close this time -- then left. I packed so quickly that everything was pretty stuffed in my bags. I took it all out and hung it up. The only thing not too wrinkled was my new designer jeans and the black ribbed tee. I was glad to know about the iron, because I was easily able to get the wrinkles out of a rayon shirt I put over the tee. I left it out and open. I know that Seth belongs to Luke but I just wanted to look my best. Besides, who knows who else might be there! I stepped out of my room after spiking my shag a little on top, and Seth was coming out of one of the other rooms. "Oh! Is your room up here?" I said He walked to me and hugged me close and long. "Yeah. Luke said you're feeling kinda low about going to that wedding reception. You want me to go with you? I can cancel some appointments and - " I quickly thought about how I'd feel if he cancelled on me. "Naw. I'll get through it." "Okay. Luke really wished he could go, but - " "He told me. Sounds like fun!" I tried to be upbeat. "I can't wait for you to go surfing with him. My surfing is crap. It'll be nice to see him out there with someone who knows what they're doing." "Me? Hah! I've never surfed!" "Yeah but if Luke says you'll be good, I trust his judgment. Can you skateboard?" "Duh! Yeah!" I said. "Well, I could never do that! If you can skate, you can surf ... skating's harder!" "What's that?" Said Luke, coming from their bedroom. "I was just telling Josh that skating's harder than surfing." "It is for me." Said Luke. "I never skated. I mean -- not seriously. I can do it, but - " "I can't even stay up on a skateboard. At least I can on a wave!" Said Seth. "Are we ready?" Said Luke. "I see you are, Joshy! You look awesome! Man -- you're B-U-F-F!" He squeezed one if my biceps. I was embarrassed. I glanced over at Seth and he was beaming -- almost as if he were proud of me. Seth and Luke's house sits kind of behind a much more impressive mansion, which I was informed was owned by Rob Balser and his partner, Denny. Seth's brother, Chris, and his partner, Craig, live in a similar house behind Jake and Colin. Smith. Colin took on Jake's name when they were married. Jake is Seth's and Chris's cousin. There is one other mansion in the circle, where Jake's parents live, with their aging housekeeper, Etta -- who chose to stay with them. Even though they provided well enough for her to live on her own in California, she felt -- and was treated like -- one of the family. I was instructed to call them Uncle Jake and Aunt Lindy. When we got to the front door, it was answered by a very bubbly, blond preteen. "Hi Uncle Seth! Hi Uncle Luke!" She said, her eyes seemed to be laughing. "And you're Josh, I'll bet!" She held out her hand, but not as if to shake mine. She held it as if I should kiss it -- which I did, and bowed deeply! She was delighted! She had a slight accent of some kind. "I'm Ursula! Papas are in the parlor with Gramps and Nana." I fell into step behind Seth and Luke. Ursula fell into step beside me, holding my hand, and grinning up at me. As we entered the parlor, all the men arose. I was introduced to Uncle Jake, Aunt lindy, Jake and Colin in turn. I couldn't help but notice that Jake was the image of his father. Both men posed very striking images. Colin was a little quieter from the beginning. And maybe a bit shy. All of them were very attractive people. Standing slightly behind Jake was a youth, maybe 12 or so. He had a head full of curly blond locks. Ursula pulled me over to him. "And this is my brother, Uri!" Uri slowly offered his hand. "Pleased to meet you sir." He said carefully. His accent was stronger than Ursula's. He smiled shyly. I took it and squeezed it firmly, smiling into his big blue eyes. This boy looked like an angel ... well both he and his sister did! "Uri and Ursula are Jake and Colin's children." Said Seth. About this time there was a clamor from the front door. I looked and somehow Ursula had gotten away from us and was again at the front door, running out to greet someone. She came running back with four other blond kids, all as angelic as Ursula and Uri. The next two in the door looked like they were both movie stars, followed by another looker and then a god that would have ducked under any normal door. But these were 9 foot high doors. Seth first introduced me to his brother, Chris. They didn't even look related. Seth is smallish and dark complected, with brown eyes and a shock of rather unruly dark hair. Chris was light complected with thinner, but equally dark hair, deep blue eyes, and easily four inches taller. His partner Craig looked exactly his size and shape, but with blond hair, and sky blue eyes. They seriously looked like they had stepped out of a Hollywood set. Then Seth went to the tall guy, who towered over him. He actually jumped into his arms and the tall guy held him there for an embarrassing long time -- for me! Then he put Seth down and Seth said, with love and affection, "This is Rob. Rob, this is my -- new friend, Josh." Rob looked deeply into my eyes, and I felt like only he and I were in the room for an instant. "So nice to finally meet you, Josh!" He almost sang in a meluptuous baritone voice. (Don't bother looking that word up. I just coined it! But it describes Rob's voice to a tee.) He introduced his partner, Denny to me. "That rabble that preceded us are our children!" Said Rob. "Oh, don't call them that!" Said Denny, reprovingly. "They know I love them!" Replied Rob, grinning. "They're my cousins!" Said Ursula, proudly. I watched the four new kids go hug the elder Smiths, who seemed to accept them as warmly as they did their own grandchildren. "Dad -- will you say a blessing on the food?" Said Jake. Uncle Jake said a simple blessing, and I was touched that he thanked God that Ryan and their "new friend" had made the trip safely home, then asked a blessing on the food. One of Ursula's small cousins walked shyly up to me and extended her arms. Of course I picked her up. She looked like a wee version of Ursula herself, complete with angelic face and curly blond hair. She nestled her face into my neck and sighed. Denny, one of her dads, remarked, "Wow! I don't think Greta's ever gone to a stranger like that before! Her other Dad, Rob, intoned, "You must be very special, Josh!" I did feel special with this little cherub warming my heart. I was at first a little disconcerted by everyone calling me Josh, but I guess that was how Seth had prepared them for me. And -- it felt kinda good. But when Luke called me Joshy, it was like a bolt of lightening going straight though me and culminating in my groin! Later that night, I got a call from Richard. "Hello?" I said, recognizing the number, but really surprised. "Hi Cuz!" He said -- a little too fast and a little too lightly. "Wassup!" I asked. "Um -- well, as you know -- the uhm -- you know the reception -- is uhm supposed to be -- uhm -- next weekend." "What? Did they change the date?' "No, but - " "Cancel?" I asked. "Joshy -- I don't know how to say this -- but -- Bunny -- uhhhhm -- doesn't uuhhhm -- (Shit!) She would rather you not be there." I was struck speechless. "Josh -- you still there." "Ye -- um -- yeah -- I'm -- uh -- here." I stammered. "Joshy, you know this is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But she -- she -- she's jealous -- extremely jealous -- of you." "What -- you TOLD her?" "NOOO! No way1 but she just -- seemed to -- um -- figure it out -- or SOMETHING -- on her own. I -- I -- I don't know what else to say -- except -- (Dammit!)" the I heard him sob. "I gotta go, Babe! She's coming!" Then he ended the call. I sat on the couch upstairs, stunned to almost a catatonic state. In walked Seth and Luke, both laughing about something. They stopped immediately when they saw me. "What's wrong, Josh?" Asked Luke. "Do you need to talk?" asked Seth. I couldn't answer. I looked straight ahead as if through them both. "Oh crap, Luka!" Said Seth as he squatted in front of me. Luke sat beside me. "I thought you said he wouldn't do this any more." Said Luke, putting his arm around my shoulders. Seth grabbed my arms and said, "Josh -- are you -- I mean -- can you talk?" Notes: Just when things seem to be sailing along, we get knocked over by a blow we couldn't anticipate! Comments are always welcome ... to Steve at stevethomas535@hotmail.com Thnaks and ... Love, Steve