Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2003 11:10:03 -0800 From: Steve Thomas Subject: Rob, Chapter 19 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 18: "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." Chapter 19 I had our stuff sent ahead to our stateroom as soon as we were up and packed. Then we decided to head out to the Asian Market, which was right next to the Royal Hawaiian. We had a bit of an argument about swimming. Denny wanted to swim at Waikiki, which is right outside the hotel. I vetoed that idea. "Dammit, Rob! You're NOT my father! I wanna go swimming!" "I KNOW I'm not your father! So stop making me act like one! I want you around for a long time! We AREN'T swimming -- except in the hotel pool!" "Well, FUCK YOU! I'll go if I want to!" "OH! The LITTLE boy is rebelling is he? Okay, then you do whatever you WANT, BABY! Only don't expect me to be there to rescue you if something goes wrong!" I said and I stormed out of the room. I bristled all the way down to the Lobby area, where there were luxurious seating -- couches and chairs -- in open air. There are no bugs in Hawaii -- at least not in Waikiki. I sat on a couch, stewing for a half-hour. Unwilling to go back, and fit to be tied. Finally I got up and went outside. The white sand of Waikiki beach was warm and clean. At least in front of the Royal Hawaiian, it was kept up perfectly. I took off my shoes and walked in the sand. As I watched the minimal surf roll up and down, my anger was turning to regret and remorse. What could be dangerous about letting my sweetheart get wet in the clear pacific waters here? "I'm sorry, Robby!" I turned and he was behind me, looking worried. "I know you're right. And I know you only are trying to protect me. I just lost it. I feel so bad. I wish I could take those words back." I knew exactly the words he was referring to. He knows how I hate foul language. "Well, rather than take them back -- when you're better, you can make good on them, eh?" I smiled. "And Babe, I'm sorry if I was being unreasonable." "No, you were not unreasonable. Robby, I was so afraid when you took off like that! I cried for most of 15 minutes. Then I started to look for you. I looked on the balcony up on our floor, and then in the pool area. I was frantic. I was afraid -- afraid - " tears sprang from his eyes. I gathered him up in my arms and whispered, "What were you afraid of, baby?" "Robby -- I don't want to ever lose you!" And he sobbed on my chest. "Lose me? What are you talking about?" "I didn't know what to think when you walked out. (sob) I didn't know if you'd be back!" "Oh, Denny! How could you even think I would leave you. I LOVE you!" "I know couples who have broken up because of less than that." "Denny -- Do you remember our wedding vows?" "I th -- I think s-so." "I pledged my life to you. I meant it. Did you?" "I did! But look what you got! How can you love me? I'm a wreck!" I held him close for a few moments. People were staring. I didn't care. "Denny, we're adults now. We're married but even adults have disagreements. Did your parents break up because of arguments?" "No." "Neither did mine. And neither will we. I'm yours forever -- if you will have me." "Have you? It's YOU who has to put up with me!" "Denny," "You have to put up with my frailties -- my weaknesses. You have to put up with my acting like a teenager! You have to - " "Wow! You're enumerating all the reasons I love you!" "You -- you -- love my weaknesses! Yeah, right!" "Denny -- Sweetie pie -- It's your very youth that draws me to you. I know lots of guys my own age. But YOU are the one I LOVE! Do you know that your `frailties' as you call them make me feel important? I NEED to care for someone! Don't make the mistake of thinking that I love you because I pity you, but it's -- like -- we each have incompletions in our lives -- that the other completes." "Naw! You are completely -- complete! How do I complete you?" "(sigh!) Denny do you realize that I live off my daddy's money - and in his shadow. I'm pretending that I make my own way in the world, because I have this little penny-ante job that I go to every day. But everything nice that I have has been bought with my daddy's money. And probably will be. It's all phony window dressing. You are the only real thing that I have in my life. I don't ever want to lose you! You give me the will to keep living each day -- to keep up the charade. You know MY weaknesses, and help me to keep them secret from the world. I love you so much. If you insisted, I would leave you. But it will never be of my own doing!" Denny pushed me away, and looked in my wet eyes. HE smiled. "Hey! Our first fight!" "I'm sure there will be many more. But we love each other -- we will survive them all." I sat him down, removed his sandals, and rolled his pant legs up. Without a word, I took his hand and led him to the water. He thought we were going to wade. I just kept walking into the water. He resisted, but I kept hold of his hand and pulled him out about 25 yards. Waikiki beach is very shallow. "Hey!" He finally said. "We already sent all our clothes to the boat! What're we gonna do?" "We'll just get some more -- with my daddy's money!" and I dragged him the rest of the way into the water. I was careful not to get his bandage wet. "Hee hee! Now who's being the teenager?" He said. I held him again. We both looked back at the beach at the same time. There was a crowd of people watching us! They probably thought we were doing a double suicide or something, after the emotional scene on the beach! "So, have you had enough swimming at Waikiki Beach?" I asked him. "Yeah -- more than enough!" I picked him up, cradling him like a baby, and carried him out of the water. I set him down and put his sandals back on. And we walked up toward Diamondhead, past the aquarium, and then turned up and walked around the park that was across the street from the beach, until we were nearly dry. Then we headed for our original destination -- the Asian Market. We got some new clothes, and since we didn't want to carry the others around, we just left them where we were sure someone would pick them up. As we passed a certain store, which seemed to specialize in pearls, I admired a very masculine pendant -- a dolphin set with a black pearl and a small diamond. We walked around some more, then ate lunch at one of the many Asian take out/fast food places. One order was more than enough for both of us. When we were finished eating, I had to pee. I asked him if he needed to. And he said, no, he would wait for me. I came back and it was time to get to our boat. We hailed a taxi, and within minutes we were at the harbor, on the gangway of "The Island Dream" cruise boat. A beautiful Hawaiian teen boy and girl put colorful fresh flower leis around our necks. When we were on board, our steward personally showed us to our stateroom. It was in the upper passenger deck, and had it's own balcony, complete with chaises for sunning. There was Champaign, cheese and crackers on the dresser and of course mints on the pillows. This was not new to me, but I delighted in seeing the surprise and wonder as Denny discovered each new wonderful perk. Sailing first class has its advantages! We each lay down on a chaise and promptly fell asleep.   "Sir? Sir! Are you dining this evening with the captain?" Our steward gently awakened us. "Huh? OH! Is this our night?" "Yes sir. Will you need any assistance?" I was tempted, just to impress Denny, to take him up on it, but decided not to. "No, Paul, that'll be all for now." "If you need anything, just ring!" and he was out the door. "Okay, sleepy head, up and at `em! Tonight we dine with the captain." "Really? Wow I thought that was only in the movies and the Love Boat!" "Nope! It really happens. But only in first class!" "Oh." Heh! He didn't sound too impressed. The captain's table was set up the same as all the rest, except it was the head table in the room. There were three other couples at the table with us. Everyone was dressed in shirts and ties, and dresses. This was required in the Grand Dining Room. The captain was a portly, jovial man. "So, Mr. Miggs, did you step on that going up the stairs?" He joked with Denny about his bandaged nose. "Nope, my partner here slammed it in the shower door! You can't see the damage I did to him!" "Oh -- OH! Hohohoho! I can tell I've met my match!" Polite laughter around the table. And so it went as the captain made a point of conversing with each person there. "I saw we're to deliver your things to the Royal Hawaiian when you de-board. Were you married there?" This guy does his homework! "No sir," I responded. "In Palos Verdes, California." "Oh yes, wonderful place! Dennis and Rob here," he announced to the rest of the table, "are on their honeymoon!" Polite applause. Among the people that are privileged to dine with the captain, are very few who would be outright rude. I was happy when it was over. After dinner we walked out on the deck for awhile. It was cool, but comfortable. We stopped to look at the moon, mirrored on the glassy sea. I unconsciously reached for Denny's hand. He took mine and pulled me to him. I didn't resist. We were on a lower deck, hidden behind a dinghy. I wrapped him up in my arms and we kissed for an eternity, beneath a perfectly round moon. He broke away for a moment and reached into his pocket, producing a small box. He opened it and showed me what was inside. A very masculine pendant -- a dolphin set with a black pearl and a small diamond. He took it out and placed it around my neck, along with the lei that we received earlier. Then he kissed me. "When did you get this?" I asked. "When you went to the bathroom. I was sure you saw me coming back from that kiosk!" "No. I didn't! Pretty sneaky, you! I love it!" "Now it's my turn." "To what?" "Go to the rest -- er -- it's called a head on a boat, right?" "Heh! Well, maybe a navy boat. I think it's still a restroom here. Do you want me to go with you?" "No, I'll be okay. Be right back." Famous last words. I was standing next to the railing, wondering how I could have lucked into this relationship. I saw the drunk out of the corner of my eye, but paid little attention. He seemed to be just walking past, albeit, struggling to keep his balance. When he got to me, he lurched in my direction. With my high center of gravity, he had no problem and pushing me over the side. He grabbed for me and caught my arm. I was at his mercy. He struggled to hold on to me, but my arm was slipping through his sweaty hand. He was bent over too far and I could see that if I didn't slip away soon, he was going to follow me over the side. I jerked my body, and fell about 30 feet into the water. I watched as the drunk just stared back at me. I tried to holler, but the engine noise drowned out any noise I could make. The drunk seemed to disappear behind the railing. I watched as the boat slipped past me and got smaller and smaller. I looked around and saw a small atoll some ways off toward the nearest island, where there were lights. Thank god for the bright moonlight! The water was not the least cold. The lei had gotten ripped off somewhere in the struggle. I felt for the pendant. It was intact! Some how this comforted me. I thought about how Denny had given it to me. OH MY GOD! DENNY! What must he be thinking! I wasn't worried about myself. I wondered what Denny would do. I thought it out as I swam toward the atoll. Often they were encrusted with sharp coral. These clothes could save a lot of misery. I took my time swimming. I was a strong swimmer, but knew my limits. I just stopped and floated when I got tired. I started thinking about what Denny would do without me. I guessed he would be all right. I hoped that he would hurt as much as I would be if I lost him. Then I snapped out of it, realizing again that it was only a matter of time and we would be reunited. As I was floating once, I bumped into something. I felt carefully, and it was sand. I climbed up a steep embankment. I got to the top and looked around. It was about fifty yards across the atoll. I waded all the way across. I rested a few moments -- not much more, and taking one last look out to sea, I saw a twinkle in the distance, where the boat had sailed. I watched mesmerized, as the launch came closer, searchlights a-blazing. What? Did they expect me to just stay there? I didn't try to wave or holler. Even with the bright moon, I was way too small to be seen flailing around. All I could think of now was my sweet boy, worrying. What would he do? I started to swim toward the island. I was getting pretty drowsy. My arms and legs were feeling like pieces of lead. I decided to turn back to the atoll, and sleep there overnight. I swam back and then I heard it. "Mr. Balser -- sir -- wake up!" "What? Was I dreaming?" "I'm afraid you and your partner will have to hurry to be able to make the Captain's table in time, sir!" "Thanks -- er -- Paul, is it?" "No sir -- I'm Sing -- your steward." "Thanks Sing." It was ALL a dream! Except that we WERE dining with the Captain -- in ten minutes! "Wake up sweetie! We've gotta jam!" The captain was tall and slim. We didn't walk out to the lifeboats. (No WAY!) There was no pendant. And I was one happy guy! In the morning, we de-boarded on to Maui. We were in Maui 2 days. There was too much to see. Mostly we got ideas of where and what we want to do when we come back! And make no mistake -- we ARE coming back! We hiked up the Haleakala Crater. That was almost too much for Denny. So in the afternoon, we boarded a whale watching boat and just relaxed -- and watched. We were back in time for dinner. If the captain knew of our orientation, I guess it was no secret to the rest of the staff. I figured out that my dad must have clued them in. I'll explain. It didn't take us long to notice that all the people at our table were men! And our waiter and busboy were very kittenish with each other, as well as with their table guests. We had so much fun! The only other table that looked as fun as ours was a table of teenagers. We learned that these teens' parents were on a 25th high school reunion. One night -- when everyone else was having escargot and poached mahi-mahi, there were an assortment of pizzas delivered to the kids' table. Their waiter and busboy constantly entertained them with magic tricks, origami, and jokes. We made quick friends with the two guys that sat to our right. Gene and Dave were their names. They were both in their early forties, were from Queensland, Australia, and were celebrating 15 years together. This was the kind of people I wanted to stay friends with! You better believe that both Denny and I gave them grief over being from QUEENS-land! Dave and Gene were quartered four levels below us. Normally that would not even be allowed. People of the same station were normally tabled together. But -- station was not the common denominator here. Their room was barely able to turn around in -- more like a closet. We spent several nights during the cruise in their company. Up late playing cards one night. I'll let you guess what the card game was! Hint: Denny was forced to wrap up in a blanket to watch us finish the game. Our second day in Maui, we took a helicopter ride over the island. Very cool! Denny thought he was well enough to go snorkeling. I had to pop his balloon one more time. This time was not as bad. He had a way of forgetting that his face was bandaged! I promised we would come back and do it later. We went everywhere with Gene and Dave for the rest of the cruise. They liked us and both Denny and I were attracted to both of them. Not sexually -- but they had a certain charisma. We next visited Kauai, the garden Island. Since I was here last there was a major hurricane. I heard that Kauai was devastated, but you would never know it today. It seems lusher and greener than before. Next was the Big Island -- Hawaii. We were three days here. There was so much to do. We passed up several events because Denny was not up to it -- or I determined he shouldn't. Gene and Dave preferred to stay with us anyway. The 7th day was a day of minimal duty for the crew. They were there if we needed them. It was a day of rest for the boat too. If we wanted, we could take a launch to Molokai. We wanted. Molokai used to be totally off limits to tourists. It used to be a leper colony. We were taught its history as we sailed to it on the launch. Even the lepers could find ways to be happy in this island paradise. The last three days were back to Oahu -- and Honolulu. I had spent many idle days there as a teenager. Even at that, Luke told us of some great, out of the way places to go -- that only the natives know about. Gene and Dave accompanied us everywhere. Our last night on the boat, we celebrated a good time and finding a lasting friendship. They didn't go back to their cabin until well after 3:00 AM. None of us wanted to say good bye. We walked them back and stood in the hallway outside their room for at least 15 minutes, just hugging goodbye, vowing to stay in contact. When Denny and I got back to our stateroom we collapsed on the bed fully clothed. I woke up about an hour later and covered my boy up. When I heard a tapping on the door, I looked at the clock. It was 9:00 AM! We had to be out of there by 10.00! "Hello!" I hollered. "Come in!" Sing thrust his head in. "Time-ee get up sir!" "Thanks, Sing." He closed the door. "Sweetie Pie, wake up." "OHHhhh!" "I know. But we've had six hours sleep." "No, it's my bladder! I don't know if I can make it to the bathroom." "You can. Here, let me give you a hand." I gently pulled him up and pointed him to the bathroom door. He hobbled in there and relieved himself, with loud groans. I hollered, "If I knew it was going to feel that good, I would have come with you!" When he was finished, he asked me what I meant. "Chris told me that peeing while kissing and hugging is great!" I answered. "Uh huh! And how do you accomplish that without a diaper?" "In the shower!" "You mean -- ewww!" Denny recoiled. "Hey -- to each his own." I was surprised at my answer. I used to be such a prude! On our way to de-boarding, there were many pictures of us, our dinner table group, and of course us and Gene and Dave. Denny didn't like most of them, because of his bandaged face, but I had to purchase some of them. We went back to Dr. Kepanokoma for a last check before boarding our plane for the mainland. He asked us to say hello to Luke, and to tell him that he (Dr. Kepanokoma) was still working on Luke's dad. Luke's dad had disowned him, and apparently Dr. Kepanokoma was trying to get Luke's father to relent. He also told us that Denny would have to be careful about shock trauma to his brain for an extended time. "I don't want to scare you, but to make you aware, and careful. You may have to live with this all your life. No sky diving!" He said with a friendly but concerned smile. "How about deep sea diving?" Denny asked. "Nothing that would shake or jar your head -- at least for the near future." The airliner captain promised clear skies all the way. I was still a little nervous. Denny didn't seem to be phased. I asked him later why he was so calm. "Hey, I didn't remember it at all." "Ok. So ignorance really IS bliss!" When Denny saw his Truck, he seemed relieved -- as if here was something familiar. He started to get into the driver's seat. "Uh," I said, "Maybe I should drive?" He looked hurt. I wished I had kept my mouth shut. He offered me his keys. "No -- you have to start driving to school again tomorrow anyway. You may as well drive." He brightened up immediately. After the short drive home from the airport, we were surprised how tired we both were. But I needed to talk a bit before bed. "Denny, before we go to bed, I want to discuss a thing or two with you." He got an uh-oh look on his face. "No, its nothing like you may think. Well, first of all, I know you know this, but I love you so much I can't even begin to express it in words." He smiled and said, "Somehow you seem to find ways to let me know." "Anyway, As far as I'm concerned my sun rises and sets on you. I find myself worrying -- maybe -- or probably -- more than I should. I AM worried about you. Dr. K indicated that you may be at least somewhat delicate for a long time. Of COURSE I worry about that." Denny looked really concerned about what I would say next. "Denny, I don't want to be your father." I got a frown for that remark. "No, I mean that! The fight we had last week shouldn't have happened. I know that this puts a lot of responsibility on you, but From now on, I am not going to bug you. If you decide you want to go sky diving -- it's your decision. I would hope you won't do anything like that, but I can't be your nursemaid or your conscious. And I'm sure you don't WANT me to be either." He just looked at me as if to say, "Yeah? So drop the other shoe." "I have told you how much I love you -- or tried to. All I'd like from you is -- I guess -- a reassurance form you that you love me enough to take care of yourself -- preserve yourself -- for me." Tears immediately filled my eyes, as the implied alternative presented itself. "I don't want to lose you -- ever." "I'm sorry if I worry you. And I know you don't want to be my dad. I'll try to take more responsibility for myself. I really will. And I'm sorry that I gave you such a hard time last week. My dad had the same problem with me. Always called me immature. I guess since I will be 21 in 3 weeks, I better start acting like a man, huh?" "One more request though?" "Anything!" He said unequivocally. "Don't lose your little boy quality. It's one of the things I love the most!" He grinned and said, "Oh, sure! You want your cake and to eat it too!" "I guess." I said grinning back. "Well, you can eat me any time you want!" "You mean like - - - now?" That's exactly what he meant!! Notes: I'm so sorry to pull the old dream thing on you -- once again! Haha! Well, I bet it got you! Guess what? It got me too! Send your complaints -- or love -- to Steve at s4d@hotmail.com, being sure to say "Rob" in the subject somewhere. Thanks and love, Steve Bottom line: Love will Rule in the end.