Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2003 11:55:25 -0800
From: Steve Thomas <s4d@hotmail.com>
Subject: Rob, Chapter 18

This is a fictional story. It is based on the few experiences and many
fantasies of the author. If you are really into graphic sex, it may not
satisfy your purpose for coming here. If you like to hear of real love
and real teen angst, with a little sex thrown in, you are in the right
place. There may be some amount of graphic sex between males. If this is
objectionable to you, or you are legally too young to be here, you are
cordially invited to press your back button.

Characters:

Robert E. Lee Balser

Denny (Dennis Andrew Miggs), 20

Robert F. Balser, Rob's dad

Donna Balser, Rob's mom.

Roger, Rob's attorney

Nana, The Balser's housekeeper

Garth Roth, 22

Randy Small, 24

Bob, Denny's Brother 3 years older

Gail, Bob's wife

Jack, Denny's oldest brother, 9 years older

Emma, Rob's boss.

Jack's son's, Jacky, Bobby and DennyToo

James Miggs, Denny's dad

Carol Miggs, Denny's mom,

Ray, Denny's dad's Deputy D.A. friend

Tad Newliegh, the new roomie

Jacob Smith, Rob's former "Landlord"

Linda Smith, Jacob's wife

Chris & Craig, partners, Rob's roomies.

Seth, Chris's Brother

Luke, Seth's partner.

Etta, The Smith's housekeeper

Donny, Works with Rob

Timothy -- Donny's brother

Rod -- the flight attendant

James (Red) Rod's friend

Carrie Smith, Jake's sister

Dr. Kepanokoma -- in Hawaii

From chapter 17:

"Safe?" James said.

"You know what safe sex is." I said. "And it's just as important if it
involves a girl."

"Don't worry -- it won't!"

"Well, things sometimes change. Just be careful -- and be prepared.
Remember -- whoever you have sex with, you're having sex with every one
of their past partners!"

James yawned. "I know. I'll be careful."

"I know, it's been a long day. We'll talk more before you leave." He had
an "Oh goody" smile on his face. "I think I'm gonna like this big brother
thing!" I said, and I grinned at him. He grinned back.

Later on, in bed, Denny said, "Damn -- er -- Dang, Robby! And to think I
wanted to show James what we were doing with Seth and Luke!"

"Yeah. And if we had not found out, I might have given in. I have a very
difficult time saying no to you!"

"You mean like now, as I am peering into your eyes, and licking my lips?"

"Yeah, that. And also the fact that you are stroking something else down
below!" Our conversation took a predictable turn, and we made sweet love
-- quietly!

Chapter 18

After a quiet New Years, we headed up to Pasadena for the Rose Parade. It
is always so much more spectacular in person! Then we went directly to
the Rose Bowl for the game. They call it the "granddaddy of all the bowl
games" The University of Oklahoma Sooners played Washington State U. It
was a good game. Denny and James both were more focussed on the tight
asses than the tight ends. That irritated me, but only mildly. Both were
maroon and white, so the Sooners had to wear their whites. Do you know
how muddy it is in Pasadena in January first!!??

That was Thursday. I had to work on Friday, so Denny and James hung out
until I got home. The second of January is usually a sucky day, but since
it was Friday night, there were a few places open. We went to P.F. Changs
for dinner. It was noisy, but I think that was good. None of us really
wanted to chat much. Both Denny and James looked kind of glum. When we
got home, I said, "What's up guys?"

"Aw, this is James' last weekend with us." Denny said.

"Okay," I said, "So lets all cry and be bummed out all weekend!" That got
a smile. "Any ideas? Is there anything either of you would like to do?"

James looked uncomfortable. He stood and paced for a moment, then just
stood looking at his feet scuffing the floor -- like a little kid.

"Okay, Big Red! What'll it be?" I asked.

"Nothin'."

"C'mon, I know you better than that! What would you like to do? I don't
hear any other ideas."

"D'you think we could go down to that beach in San Diego -- Coronado
Beach?"

I looked at Denny. He nodded. "I don't know why not. Any special
reason?"

"Not really -- well, yeah. It was the first time I met both of you. It
wasn't too good of a night for me -- except that you saved my life --
well that was good. But - "

"You sure it won't upset you to remember that jerk?"

"No. NO! Not at all. I'm not pissed at him. He taught me a lot. I can
see he was a jerk, but I don't mind. He treated me better than any of my
step dad's did." That's sad, I thought. "And - " he stopped.

"What Bro! What is it?"

"Aw, I was just kind of disappointed that we never -- never - " He almost
choked. "We never had sex."

"We?" I asked, hoping he wasn't trying to get us to - -

"We! You, me and Denny!"

HE WAS!! "Listen, Big Red. We DID -- the night you slept with us. That as
close to sex as you and we will ever get."

"I know -- I KNOW!" He repeated, "I know. It's okay. I was only hoping
-- er wishing -- er -- something."

"Okay, we'll get some deli sandwiches on the way. Get your swim trunks
and lets get in to car!"

Both Denny and James brought towels. "I don't really think we are going
in the water. Too cold. But it will be nice enough to walk in the cool
sand." We were already to the truck, so we brought the towels.

The mood on the way down the San Diego Freeway was pretty good. We joked
about everything. I know that James didn't want to think about Sunday.
So we turned the stereo up high and forgot for the moment that we would
not all be living together after the next couple days. I thought about
it. It was hard not to. I was worried about James. I was worried about my
parents. But I was able -- in my compartmentalizing way -- to minimize
it.

When we got near Mission Bay, we had to take off our jackets. We cruised
over the Coronado Bridge and arrived at the beach on the other side. We
shed all our clothes except our swim trunks. Well, James had a Speedo. He
had the skinny build that most 16 year olds have. It was hard to keep
from staring. Denny and I each caught the other staring several times. We
finally laughed.

"What?" James said.

"That'th a very cute Thpeedo, James!" Denny said, lisping on purpose.

"Oh, you like it?" He giggled, and he wiggled his butt.

"Okay, that's not fair!" I said. "You're taking unfair advantage of an
old man, Big Red!"

All of a sudden James got serious. "You know what? It's great joking
about sex with my brother! I've never been able to joke about it before.
It was just not a joking matter. Even with Roddy, I could expect that he
was gonna fuck me if I even mentioned anything sexy."

"Yeah," Denny said, "And you hated that!" Denny guffawed.

James didn't laugh. "I mean it! This is the first time I have ever felt
safe with guys. You two are the best!"

I guess Denny finally got the gravity of where James was coming from. But
he didn't let it stay that way. He walked over to James and whispered
something in his ear. They giggled.

"What?" I said.

Denny looked over across at some other people walking on the beach and
beckoned for me to come closer.

As I warily neared them, they both grabbed me and dragged me the few
steps it took to the water. I tried to resist but I was laughing too hard
and they threw me into the cold water. But I had hold of both of their
arms, so they were dragged in with me. We quickly forgot how cold it was,
as we jumped around, pushing and splashing each other. Others who were on
the beach looked on with amusement. Finally when we stopped, James said,

"I love you guys so much! But now I'm freezing! Will you walk out in
front of me, please?"

We both looked down. He may have been freezing, but his erection was all
too obvious, as it snaked its way up to his left side in his Speedo.

We ran up to the car and got the towels we were not supposed to need. By
this time we were all three covered with sand and salt. Denny made us dry
off and put our clothes back on over the sand and the salt, so we would
not get his leather seats wet. I told him to drive to the nearest hotel.
I paid for a room, then we went back out to a nearby department store,
and I bought everyone new clothes.

When we got back to the hotel, we showered and got into our new duds then
went out for lunch. I gave our clothes to the housekeeper and told her we
needed them washed immediately. When we got back to the hotel, we decided
that we could go for a swim in their heated pool. The hot tub was also
very welcome.

By the time we were finished swimming, and eating dinner at the hotel
dining room, our clothes were washed and folded on our bed when we
returned. It wasn't our plan to stay the night, but as long as it was
this late, and tomorrow was Saturday, we decided to stay. As we showered,
Denny asked me if maybe we should let James participate in at least a
little fun stuff after the lights went out.

"No, Denny. My parents are going to have a hard enough time with this
issue."

"But if we give him an outlet, maybe he won't need it so much when he's
not with us."

"Denny, he's almost sixteen, remember?" I explained. "That means he's
still fifteen! It would be illegal, in the first place, and I don't want
to start any expectations."

"Yeah, You're right!" he said, dejectedly. Sometimes I forget how young
he is.

"I know you want to do something nice for him, Denny. What you have to
realize is that what we are DOING is enough for him. Remember -- he even
said, he feels safe with us." Then I added, "and I know also you are a
little disappointed for yourself!" he looked back at me sheepishly.
"Yeah, I can tell! But it will be soon enough that we will be with the
other guys in Santa Barbara. I'm sure they will accommodate you -- er --
us!" I grabbed his butt and hugged him close, as the warm shower water
cascaded down our bodies.

Saturday morning we decided to go the San Diego Zoo and wild animal park.
The zoo is one of the finest in the world -- in an urban location. We
walked around there for most of the morning and after lunch got in the
truck and drove to the wild animal park. It is a drive through
experience, where your windows have to be closed because the animals are
not caged there.

They handed us a CD guided tour as we entered and we drove at our
leisure, pausing the CD when we wanted to stop to look closer at
something. Once, we stopped long enough to study a family of cheetahs
that they got used to us being there, and one curious cat jumped up on
top of the cover that closed over the pickup bed.

"What do we do now?" Asked Denny, nervously.

"I guess start driving slowly. They can reach speeds of up to 70 mph, so
it should have no trouble jumping off." As soon as we started to roll, it
jumped off. James was getting pretty nervous, as the big cat sniffed at
his rear window.

We drove home in time for dinner. A quiet evening was punctuated by an
even quieter James. We were all in our pajamas, watching Americas
Funniest Home Videos, when Denny and I decided to go to bed, James asked,
"Uh -- could I -- uh - "

"You wanna sleep with us?" I said.

"Yeah -- could I?"

"What are brothers for, Big Red?" He grinned and followed us into the
bedroom.

I awoke Sunday morning about 10:00 AM, and James was attached to my side.
Denny was hugging the edge of the bed. "Hey, Big Red, you made yourself
comfortable didn't you?"

He hugged me closer and then moved away. "Thanks!" he said with a grin.
We all got up and got dressed, then went to a nice restaurant for a
Sunday Brunch, then came back to the condo and helped James pack. As we
drove to my parents house, it was pretty quiet in the cab of the truck.
Denny and I both tried to make small talk, but James was kind of morose.
I knew he was worried about losing the freedom he had come to expect. He
had to go back to the life of a sixteen year old. But I think he was
really worried more about living with adults. His only point of reference
was living with his whore of a mom, and a different "dad" with each
season.

We of course stayed for dinner, all of which my mom had very sneakily
gleaned from James were his favorite dishes. He seemed happy about that.
But when we left, he followed us out to the truck, and hugged us both,
clinging so hard, so long. He finally tilted his head back and looking
into my eyes, his own filled to the brim, He said. "Rob, I don't know
what I would have done -- where I would be -- if it wasn't for you."

My eyes were wet too. "Are you worried, Big Red?"

"I -- guess so. I don't know why. Never has anyone ever treated me so
nice as your family."

"It'll be okay, little brother. Just be a good boy and you'll be all
right."

"Yeah. That's the hard part. Can I come to see you on weekends --
sometimes?"

"Of course! What kind of brother would I be if I just abandoned you to
the evil adult world?"

He grinned. "I don't think you parents are evil." Just as fast, the
smile faded. "I just hope I can love them as much as they both seem to
love me already."

"Love takes time to develop." I said.

"It didn't take time for them!" He answered.

"I mean it takes time to be able to love someone -- anyone -- that you
just met. It is a learning process. You didn't grow up with it, as I
did, so I'm sure there will need to be some adjustments. I promise you
that if you do as your told, and stay out of trouble, you will learn from
my parents -- OUR parents. They are very reasonable."

"But I just don't know if I can give up - "

"You can, Big Red, you can!" I insisted. "It won't be easy, but -- well,
look at me. Do I seem unhappy because my parents made me be good?"

"No." He said, looking at the pavement.

"Well, they didn't actually make me, either. They made it so I wanted to
be good. Sometimes I didn't like doing things their way, but their way
was always better. You just have to learn to believe in someone else for
a change."

"I know." He answered, sounding every bit the 16-year-old. "Bye Rob. Bye
Denny." He hugged us each one more time, and turned quickly and ran back
into the house.

We hopped up into the truck, and Denny pulled away from the curb. "He's
gonna be okay, isn't he!" Denny said.

"Yeah. I know my parents. He'll have some struggles. So will they! But
they'll be okay!"

The next day was school for Denny and work for me. When I came home, he
had prepared some pork chops, with applesauce and there must have been 5
pounds of steamed broccoli! After dinner, we watched FOX news and farted.
By the time we went to bed, the air was almost blue. We closed the door
on the evil smell, and silently showered together.

In the shower, Denny said, "I miss him! He was only here a few weeks, but
I really got used to him being here."

I washed Denny's back and hugged him from the rear, my hardness pressing
on the small of his back. "I know, but it's better that he's with my
parents. He needs to experience something close to a normal childhood for
awhile. And," I continued as I reached around and fondled his nipples,
"We will appreciate the increased privacy!" I kissed his ear.

"I already am!" He said as he grabbed for my gold. I felt the first spurt
of precum push out of my urethra as he squeezed it. He turned around and
presented his own between my legs. We kissed long and deep, and then got
out and dried each other off, then for the first time in about three
weeks we went to our bed naked.

We each took a turn at making sweet love to each other, first with our
mouths in 69 position, then Denny mounted me. When it was my turn, he
came again just before I did. Youth!

We had James about two weekends a month at first. But as he started to
make friends at school, that dwindled to once a month. He always slept
with us, but we never did anything. Once, he asked if a friend could come
with him. I said yes, but after talking to my mom, I didn't let them
sleep together. That was against the rules, and I felt I needed to
support that. I knew that he would get what he needed somewhere, but it
wasn't here or at my parents.

Before we knew it, it was only three weeks until the first Saturday in
April -- the date we were to be "married". My mom had made all the
arrangements. (Does that make me the bride?) Anyway, we sent out
invitations to all our close friends. By this time I was completely out
at work, and so I put an invitation/notice up on the bulletin board. I
knew some would be dismayed and some would come only out of curiosity.
But a few would actually want to be there.

When the day came, I was surprised how nervous I was. I wanted everything
to be perfect. And it was. All the Smiths came, including of course all
the guys in the guest house. I asked Chris to be my best man. Denny asked
Seth to be his. Jake and Colin did a lot of coaching for Uri and Ursula
to act as our child attendants. We didn't really need a flower girl, but
of course we had one so Ursula had a job too.

My dad hired an orchestra for the reception. As we were getting set up
for the wedding, they were arriving and asking where to go. I was pretty
confused, but Chris seemed to know exactly what to tell everyone. He and
Craig had been married in this exact same spot, just a little later in
the year that we were doing.

We didn't have a processional, we just all walked out after all the
guests were seated. As the minister was greeting everyone, and reminding
them that this was not a legal proceeding, but that the participants were
under just as sacred an obligation to each other as if it were. I looked
out over the room and met so many eyes, full of love. When my eyes met
Carrie's, she smiled and looked lovingly at Al, who also gave me a
loving smile. My only two girlfriends, and they were girlfriends to each
other!

Then came the time for our vows.

"Dennis Andrew Miggs, I pledge to you my life, all I am and all I have.
Most of all I pledge my love, which will last forever."

"Robert E. Lee Balser, I accept your pledge with deep solemnity. And I in
turn pledge you my love and all that I am, forever. I have loved you for
this last year, and I do love you more than I thought possible. Death
shall not part us!"

We kissed sweetly and then there was applause. I looked and saw Donny
from work. He had declined to come at first, but came with his brother,
Timothy, who we asked to take some pictures for us. Donny actually winked
at me and then smiled. I was surprised and happy about that.

There was a sit-down dinner with prime rib, chicken and salmon, as well
as fresh hot pasta made as we were sitting there. Of course my mom would
only hire the best caterer.

After we were all sat down in the dining hall, Chris arose and spoke.

"Friends, we are here to experience as well as witness this momentous
occasion. I want to tell you that Rob Balser is the most honorable man
that I know, save my own Craig."

"No, he's more honorable than I am!" Craig cracked.

"Anyway, please raise your glasses in honor of Rob and Denny, and their
happiness together."

After clinks and drinks, Seth stood.

"I have been honored that Denny asked me to be his best man. I have not
known him as long as Rob has, but in the short time I have known him, he
has been a great friend and confidant. Rob of course is like another BIG
brother to me. I love them both so much! Please drink one more with me,
as I honor their union!"

Next was Denny's dad. I looked at Denny and he looked a little worried
about what his dad might say. He only said that he fully supported our
dedication and devotion to each other. When my dad got up, it was my turn
to be nervous.

"On behalf of my son and his partner, I want to welcome you all to this
wonderful celebration, and thank you for coming. Rob was our only son
before he brought our new son, James to us. I know there are a lot of
questions that many of you have regarding how parents can accept what Rob
and Denny are doing. Well, I'm not here to answer all your questions,
but to put your mind at ease, we support what he is doing.

"As you may well imagine, it was with some amount of initial
disappointment that our only son was gay. Knowing what I now know, and
knowing Denny well by now, I am well satisfied that they are doing the
right thing. I invite each and all of you to join with me in not only
honoring their love for each other, but their courage in doing what is
considered by many to be against society's morays. Along with my wife,
we give them our full blessing and wish them a long and happy life
together."

With that he raised his glass, and all clinked their glasses together and
drank, after which someone started an applause that lasted about two
minutes.

As we ate the orchestra played Victorian music, then after dinner was
over they switched to dance music. Of course everyone wanted to see us
dance. We anticipated this and practiced what we would do at home for
about a week before.

We grabbed each other's upper arms and danced close, neither one leading
the other. Of course both of us were taking turns leading, but it wasn't
obvious to the group. And I asked Chris and Craig, and Seth and Luke to
quickly join us, which they did. By the end of the song, most of my
friends were on the floor dancing, including Al and Carrie. James was
allowed to bring a friend, whom we had not yet met, but even in this
group, both were obviously too shy to dance.

After a few dance numbers were played, most people had tried out the
dance floor. I whispered to Denny and we went to James. He saw us coming
and walked out to meet us. "Uh -- what?" James said.

"I was going to get you two out on the dance floor by asking you to
dance! Denny was going to ask your friend." I said as Denny walked past
me.

"NO!" James said hastily, grabbing Denny with more power than he looked
capable of. "Derrick isn't gay! He's just a friend." He whispered.

"Oh!" I said. "So -- what's up?" wondering about the secrecy.

"It's okay, James, I'll be cool!" Denny said as he went to Derrick and
introduced himself. I was still facing Derrick. He looked nervous.

James said, "Derrick doesn't know I'm -- I mean that -- um - "

"That your gay? C'mon you never had any trouble saying it before." I
kidded him.

James looked like he wanted to cry -- or run! "Rob, I don't wanna hurt
your feelings, but - - "

"What is it Big red?"

"I've been -- er -- seeing a girl at school. Mom and Dad don't even
know about her." That was the first time I heard him call my parents
that. It almost made me cry on the spot. "She really likes me! I hope
you're not disappointed in me."

"Disappointed? Heck no! I'll only be disappointed if you are not true to
yourself. I just thought you were not interested in - "

"I wasn't -- until Janice! She's so nice! And she's really cute!"

"I think Denny's having trouble keeping things going behind you there.
You'll have to tell me more later, huh? And why you've been keeping
this a secret from us! He turned around and we walked toward his friend.
I added, "You haven't had sex with her have you?"

"Hell no!" Then he said, "Derrick, this is my brother, Rob."

"Hey!" Derrick said.

"Nice to meet you, Derrick. Thanks for coming."

Derrick turned red and said, "Oh, I was just -- I mean I thought -- that
is - "

"You were curious!" I said. He nodded, embarrassed. "It's okay. I've
only seen one other like this, myself. Pretty interesting huh?"

"Uh -- yeah, I guess."

"So, you guys didn't want to dance?"

"No way!" James said, admonishing me with his tone of voice.

"I mean," I continued, "There are those two hot girls over there -- looks
to me like they wish you guys would ask them to dance!"

"I'll probably pass!" Derrick said, smiling shyly.

I motioned to James. "Go for it, Big Red!"

He hesitated a moment and walked over toward them like a dog tracks it's
prey -- in an arc -- to maybe throw them off his intentions. He said
something and they both followed him back. "Derrick, this is Andrea. She
wants to dance with you." Both Andrea and Derrick were red as beets. "And
this is Michelle. I want to dance with her!" He was pretty smooth! He
pulled her out to the dance floor and danced like I never knew he could.

Derrick just stood there grinning at Andrea - and glowing -- red! Finally
she pulled him out to the dance floor, and they assumed the normal
position of teens dancing. I chuckled as his hands went immediately
around her and landed on her butt cheeks! Then she put her hands on his!
They never lost their grins.

Denny and I left during that song. We slipped out and my dad drove us to
the airport, where we boarded a plane for Hawaii. First class was
deserted, thankfully. The flight attendant, assigned to first class was a
guy, Ryan, probably about Seth's age. He could see that we wanted our
privacy. We fell almost immediately asleep in each other's arms. Ryan
brought us a blanket then left to help out in the rear of the plane. He
turned the lights out as he left.

We woke up to the captain's voice, warning everyone to buckle up if they
were sitting. They expected some rough weather ahead. We did as we were
told, and not a second later, the plane lurched sharply to the right, and
it seemed like it should have been ripped apart. Then it evened out some
and it seemed to be climbing steeply. We must have lost a lot of
altitude. The captain came back on and apologized for the rough ride, and
again asked that all seat belts be connected.

Denny looked at me, his face drained of color. "Have you ever had a plane
do this?" He asked shakily.

"Well, not like that. Usually it doesn't pitch to the side like that.
Just then the plane dropped suddenly, and the lights blinked and went out
for a moment, and I saw something coming down on us. We were strapped in
and couldn't move, so the food cart that Ryan had readied to take to the
back fell right on top of Denny. He screamed out in pain.

Ryan staggered in, and helped me get it off Denny. The cart had gone
airborne when the plane went suddenly down, and then it landed on Denny.
The lights came back on and Denny's face was a mass of blood. His nose
had been broken again. I felt so helpless. Ryan stood there holding the
cart. It was in a position that could not be righted and was too heavy to
move. I unstrapped Denny and moved him to the other side of the plane.
Ryan let the cart go. Food and drinks tumbled out all over that side of
the aisle.

Ryan called for a doctor, and all there was, was a veterinarian. But he
came up (and believe me, we were again climbing so fast, that he had to
climb up to first class!) and reset Denny's nose -- yet one more time --
then we made him as comfortable as we could. He was of course in a lot of
pain. I had not yet been able to really talk to him. Finally after the
"doctor" and Ryan left -- to attend to others who were hurt -- Denny
looked up to me and smiled.

"Hi Rob. Ow! What - ? Have I been dreaming? I though my bandages were
taken off. I feel sick. Where are we?"

Oh no! My heart sank. "Denny, we are on an airplane."

"Oh! And what about Garth -- oh! He died, didn't he? Yeah, now I
remember. Why are we on a plane?"

"I'll be right back sweetheart!"

I ran for the bathroom. As I closed the door I heard him say, "What?
Sweetheart? What - -?"

I cried as softly as I could. This was more than I could take. I quickly
washed my face, put some "happy" on it, and went back out. Ryan was
leaning over Denny, looking into one eye and then the other, spreading it
open with his fingers.

"Sir? SIR! Can you hear me?"

"Oh my God!" I cried.

"It's okay." Ryan said. "He's breathing."

I ran to him and threw Ryan out of my way. "Okay? OKAY!!?? He's NOT
`OKAY'!" I put my face next to Denny's and held him gingerly. I
whispered, "Please be okay, my sweetheart!"

He opened his eyes again. Ryan stood there, his mouth open. When Denny's
eyes opened and he again recognized me, looking from one eye to the
other, Ryan let out a huge sigh of relief.

"I'm sorry, Ryan. We've been through so much. I'll stay with him,
now." Ryan still stood there, gaping at us. "You can go now!" I said. He
snapped to and went back to the other passengers.

"This is your Captain." Squawked the speaker above. "We are deeply sorry
for any inconvenience that was caused by the inclement weather we ran
into. We will be landing in Honolulu Airport in ten minutes. There will
be ambulances waiting for those who require emergency assistance. Please
fasten your seatbelts for our descent. Thank you."

Denny spoke. "What -- are we -- are we on an airplane?" He continued to
search my eyes for some kind of explanation of what was happening.
"Honolulu? Are we in Hawaii? That's weird."

"Sweetheart,"

"Sweetheart? You called me sweetheart?"

"Denny," I started. What could I tell him. He doesn't seem to remember
we were even --

"Denny? That's my name, isn't it. Yeah, now I remember! And you -- you
-- you're Rob -- right?"

"Yes. You're Denny -- and I'm Rob." I tried to explain everything that
had happened since before his first accident. He nodded and "um-hum-ed "
as I explained it all to him one more time. He just looked at me with
such wonder in his eyes.

"You're Garth's cousin, aren't you?" He put that much together. "And
-- why are we here -- in Hawaii?"

I gently took his left hand and held it up to his face. "See the ring?"

"Yeah. Nice ring. Red's my favorite color."

I pointed to my earring. "Oh!" He said. You have an earring."

"Yes, and I also have a ring like yours -- except my stone is blue. I
then put his hand to his ear so he could feel his own earring. Your ear
stud matches my ring, too." I let him think about that for a moment.
"Denny, we're married. We are here in Hawaii -- on our honeymoon."

His eyes grew very large. "Really? Oh, I bet my dad is pissed!" He said
matter-of-factly.

I explained everything to him again, hoping that it might sink in.

"Well, if I'm -- I mean if we're -- um -- married -- wow! You are one
hot guy! I think it's more than I can quite understand - - isn't it?"

"We have all the time in the world, Baby." I said, wanting to cry like a
baby myself, but not letting myself it go.

The Captain welcomed us to Honolulu, and the first wheel chair was rolled
up to the door. Ryan tried to help, but I kindly asked him to just move.
I picked Denny up and carried him out to the wheelchair. His eyes showed
wonder. He looked disappointed when I put him in the chair. "We have to
get you to a hospital, Sweetie." I wheeled him, following an attendant to
one of the waiting ambulances.

In the emergency room, a big burly doctor walked in. "Hello. I'm Dr.
Kepanokoma." Why did that name sound familiar?

"Well, looks like your friend got beat up a bit. What did the other guy
look like?"

"Doctor, I'm afraid I'm not much in a mood for the fun stuff." I
explained what happened and some of the history.

"I'm sorry to make light of you trouble. It's one of my worst traits. I
try to lighten the situation and - "

"I have the phone number of his doctor in L.A. here if that will help." I
said, handing a card to him.

"Excellent! I'll be back in a few!"

"Is he a doctor?" Denny asked. "He's a big one! Let's see -- you're
Rob, right? Yeah. And we are in Hawaii? But why are we here in - " He
reached up to scratch his nose. "Ouch! Must have something to do with
this, huh?"

I was just finished explaining Denny History 1.1 again when Dr.
Kepanokoma came back. "We got lucky. Apparently your friend -- Dennis? --
is still recovering from another recent trauma to his brain. I observed
he seems confused. That may remain for awhile -- or it may stop suddenly.
I have a medication that may help that. There's not much more we can do
for him. The doctor on the plane seems to have done a fine job resetting
the nose,"

"Veterinarian!" I said.

"Even better!" Dr. Kepanokoma said.

"What?"

"Veterinarians! Geniuses! All of them! They routinely have to work on
patients that can't tell them what's wrong. Anyway, the nurse will
re-bandage the nose and you can take him -- er -- where were you planning
to go?"

"We have reservations for a ten day Island cruise, starting tomorrow
morning."

"Oh. Excellent. There are always staff doctors on board those cruise
boats. Maybe not as talented as a vet, but they are qualified. I'll
write a note in case there is any problem. And I'll give you
prescriptions for both that new med and one for pain if he needs it.
Where are you staying tonight?"

"The Royal Hawaiian."

"Hmm. First class all the way, huh?" Well, Bon voyage, and take good care
of your guy!"

My guy? Well, I guess it's pretty obvious. "Don't be too surprised, he
added. It takes one to know one!"

"What? You mean - -" Then it hit me! "Dr. Kepanokoma, did you know a Dr.
Michaels in L.A.?"

He looked surprised, then sad. "Yes. He was a great friend of mine. He
died a little over a year ago."

"I know. He was my brother's partner."

"What!?? Are you Robert's brother -- no, I heard Dennis call you Rob!
What's going on."

"My `brother' is Seth Gary."

"Oh! SETH! That's right! I forgot! He was with Brian when they crashed!
Is he still together with Luke?"

"Yeah! Do you know Luke?"

"Yes. Of course I knew the name. His father is in the line of the kings.
But we met when Seth's brother's -- well your brother's partner, came
in to here a couple years ago."

"Seth is not my real brother. Kind of adopted."

"Wow! Small world! Well, tell them hello for me. How is Seth's
brother's partner doing?"

"Craig? He's as much of a smart ass as always!"

"Good! I love it when a plan comes together!"

"Hawaii Five-0?" I said.

"Mission Impossible!" He corrected.

I said. "I watched all the reruns! But I get `em mixed up."

"Haha! Well, take good care of your boy there!" and he handed me two
prescriptions.

"Bye doc."

The hospital had a pharmacy. I got Denny on both meds as soon as we got
them. We ate dinner in the Royal Hawaiian, and went to bed early. Denny
was quiet the whole evening. I slept in another bed.

I woke up smelling Denny's breath. I opened my eyes, and he was kneeling
beside my bed, his head on my pillow, beside my own. "Why did you sleep
in another bed, Robby?"

I almost cried. "I -- I didn't want to confuse you, Sweetie."

"Well, I'm not confused."

"Do you remember what happened?"

"N-n-not exactly. Some kind of accident on the plane?"

"Yeah."

"Was anyone else hurt?"

"There were others, but I don't now any details."

"And Ryan -- is he okay?"

"You remember Ryan?" I was amazed.

"Hey! He was cute!" Said Denny, as he winked at me.

"So he was! You banged up your brain some more, Sweetie. We have to go
pretty slow for awhile."

"Boy, I'm just one liability after another for you! Can I even drive my
new car?"

"Okay, so you remember that! That's good. Do you remember why we're
here?"

"Uh -- because you love me?"

"Well, I do love you! But what else?"

"Be -- cause -- you're parents love us and wanted to make sure we had a
proper honeymoon?" He said very seriously until the end when he cracked a
smile.

"Denny! I've been through too much for you to play with me like that!
This has been very scary for me."

"I'm sorry Robby." He sounded sorry. "Really, except for what happened
in the airplane, I can remember everything. What time do we have to board
the boat?"

"Early afternoon. We get settled and then go for dinner in the grand
dining room."

Notes: I'm drained! Any comments will be ignored. Just kidding! Any
comments will be responded to! Please write them to Steve at
s4d@hotmail.com. Please put "Rob" on the subject line. Thanks and love!
Steve