Date: Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:14:12 -0400
From: Barry Mattison <stories@barrymattison.com>
Subject: Friends or What-Chapter 9

Friends or What?-Chapter IX

AUTHOR: Barry Mattison

WEBSITE/EMAIL:	http://storiesbybm.webs.com     stories@barrymattison.com

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INTRODUCTION:

This is a fictional story about how two young guys grew up as friends since
3rd grade and are now in their Junior year ready to end the year, planning
summer vacation. One likes the other and has had a crush on him for some
time, but doesn't really know what that means, the other has a girlfriend
and doesn't really see anything beyond his childhood friend other than
their friendship.

The characters in "Friends or What?" are all fictional and any semblance to
real persons--living or deceased--is purely coincidental.

DISCLAIMER (VERY IMPORTANT-PLEASE READ):

This fictional story and others written and published by this author are
written for the gay reader in particular and describe scenes of male nudity
and sexual acts between two or more guys that some readers may find
inappropriate and/or unsuitable for their reading. Please do not read any
further if you find such reading offensive or if it may become property of
anyone under the age of 21. "Friends or What?" is copyrighted by Barry
Mattison under the Registered Trademark Foxstories® and published as
StoriesByBm© with exclusive permission to publish given to the Nifty
Alliance Archive only. Anyone wishing to use any stories published under
either copyright may go to the web site listed above and read the
information posted there for legal limitations. Copying, distribution or
re-publication of this writing in any other web site, private or otherwise,
without written permission of the author is a violation of local, national
and international copyright laws and will be pursued to the fullest extent
allowable by applicable laws governing that country.

-----------------------------------------

Chapter IX

Last chapter the guys had spent the nights at the end of the lake camping
out, enjoying an evening under the stars, and an early morning romp in the
sack. Nothing out of the ordinary. Now they are deciding what to do for the
rest of the day.


"How's 'bout we go for a swim and hang around here for a while, then saddle
up and take a ride the long way back to the ranch through the valley? Todd
asked."

"Is that the big flat area you can see from the secret spot that's over the
backside of this hill behind us?"

"Yeah. It's completely different territory from what we've been through so
far. Might catch us a rabbit for lunch or something; you never know, but
it's a nice ride."

"Okay, let's do it. Why don't we skip the swim, pack up and head
out...after rousting up some grub. I'm hungry enough to eat that pack
horse."

"Sounds good to me...I'll get the fire started if you get some mix out for
flapjacks. There's some wild blueberries growing over near where the horses
are hitched."

I gathered firewood while Jason went to fetch some of the blueberries. Now,
blueberries in these parts grow both on bushes and the smaller ones grow on
the ground. Bears also like blueberries for breakfast. I had the fire
going, a flat iron out and was walking out to meet Jason when I heard this
high pitched scream from Jason followed by a blur of a half-dressed
handsome guy go flying by me yelling something about
'bar...bear...behind....me....run! I looked all around and saw nothing
following him, but the horses were upset and making a lot of noise. I
slowly walked to my horse and pulled my rifle from it's case. Then I untied
the horses and walked them back to the camp and handed the reins to
Jason...after I had coaxed him to swim back from the float.

"Uh, Jason honey...you probably didn't have to swim out to the float. What
did you see?"

"A big, black, ten foot tall bear...maybe twenty foot tall. All I know is
that he wanted the blueberries more than I did and his open mouth was
bigger than my head. I wasn't goin'ta argue with him so I graciously left
him our blueberries too 'n run like hell.

"Oh, that must have been you that passed me then, not the lake
monster. Shucks, I thought I'd finally seen it with its arms a flappin' and
naked legs just a whirrin' an' a headed for the lake. Dang, I could've shot
the wrong thing."

"You wouldn't shoot me...would you?"

"No babe, but you are looking mighty like a lake monster right now all blue
colored and all. Why don't you get dressed and we'll eat later. That bear
will come into camp if we start cooking now. They have to eat as much as
they can now to pack on the pounds to make it through the winter
hibernation. I wouldn't have sent you back there if I thought there was one
there. I'm sorry babe," as I hugged him to warm him up and stop him from
shaking and shivering.

"Okay. Whatever you say. Let's get out of here. That's twice this spot has
been bad luck. Once for you and once for me."

"I wouldn't say it's bad luck, it's more like nature is working against us,
or maybe we aren't working with it. If I'd been thinking better I wouldn't
have sent you back there because of the reports that there was a bear in
the area. That's enough to make me know better. I'm sorry babe. You said it
was your job to watch my back in school, but it's my job to watch yours out
here. Seems as though if we work together, like the twins we are, we
complement each other pretty well. But to be safe while we're packing up,
keep an eye out for that bear case it decides to come to help us pack a
little faster."

"Don't worry, I'll be the first one out of here if it shows up."

"There's a mistake right there," I said as we continued packing. 'Never run
from a wild animal that's big enough to take you down, like a bear,
mountain lion, something that big because running stirs up their instinct
to chase. The best thing to do is lay down and roll up in a ball as tight
as you can to protect your face and stomach. Most times they'll eventually
leave you and walk away after a little mauling, but it's better than
getting killed. You can't outrun a bear. They can run as fast or faster
than a horse...at least much faster than you ever can, and forget climbing
a tree 'cause they'll be up there waiting for ya'."

"Who are you, that guy on TV from the zoo or something? How come you know
so much about all these things?"

"My grandfather taught me most everything I know about the woods and the
animals, and the rest I learned from books and TV. I love learning abut
animals, their habits, where they live, how they survive, their
characteristics...just about everything I can learn about them. Good thing
I know as much as I do about nature. It makes me more comfortable being out
alone, and with you."

By now Jason had calmed down, dressed, and we had the camp pretty much
packed up and the horses loaded. All I needed to do was put out the fire
with some water and spread out the ashes. After that was done and the
ground cleaned up it looked like nobody had even been there.

"What'd you do all that for?"

"What?"

"Take what you need to survive when you're in the wild, but always leave
only footsteps is what grandpa used to tell me. I think he was part Indian
of some kind. I'd have to ask granny, but he did have real long hair he
tied with a band and boy could he ride a horse. He's the one that taught me
how to ride, talk to and train horses and riders. I sure do miss him. Well,
let's mount up and get going. That bear's probably left the country after
seeing you half naked and screaming, but just to be sure, those blueberry
bushes grow to the south, so we'll head north and circle around where he
might be so we don't scare him again. I wouldn't want all his hair to fall
out and be cold this winter seeing you again."

"Ha ha. You're a funny guy, but I'm glad you're my bro and know so much
about all this. I just never even knew."

"Wait 'till we get back to school, the rope 'll swing the other way because
you're the one that's the smartest when it comes to being street
savvy. I'll be depending on you to keep me out of my locker until I work
out enough to handle myself. I tried weight lifting one semester and lost
ten pounds. Go figure. Maybe swimming will get me in shape to handle
myself."

We headed north on the trail into the woods. Jason had his eyes roving all
over the place looking for his friend. I wasn't too worried because I knew
the horse would smell him long before we would know he was in the area. The
winds were fairly calm, but changing around slightly from different
directions. I tried to get Jason occupied with conversation but he was not
to be distracted from his watch duty. So for a while we sauntered along in
peace, checking out the natural beauty of the woods, the variety of animals
and the warmth of the sun peeking down through the canopy of Maples,
Conifers and other hard and soft woods.

"Hey, bro," Jason called. "Think we can take a rest stop for a few
minutes. Myegs could use some stretching."

"No problem. Let's stop up ahead just a bit. There's a little field where
we can let the horses rest and eat and there's also a small stream for them
to get some water from...us too. It comes from a spring so I know it's good
to drink from without boiling first."

"Great. My butt is a little sore from turning and checking on the pack
horse."

"I'll take the next shift with the pack horse when we start up. We'll be at
the stop off in just a few minutes...hang in there."

"I'm okay."

We made it to the rest spot in about fifteen minutes and dismounted. I
liked to always take the packs off the pack horse as well and give her a
break too. We took them all out into the edge of the small meadow and
hobble them where they could reach the stream and the grass while still
being able to rest in the shade. The temperature had been climbing
throughout the day and the sun was now right overhead, making it the
hottest part of the day.

"How about making a sandwich or something, maybe one of those apples," I
asked Jason.

"Sure. I'll whip us up something. Sure you don't want to whip us up some
bark soup or something like that?"

"Naw, no time. Maybe for dinner when we get home, if you want."

"You're a nut, you know that. But I love you for being just the way you
are."

"Let's put a blanket roll down near the horses, in the shade, and rest for
a while. We can eat with the horses. Up for that?"

"Sounds good to me. I'll fill the canteens from the spring. Be right
back. Where is the best place to get the water?"

"Just follow the stream up about a hundred feet and you'll find the
spring. Don't get too close though. Stand on the rocks at the edge and fill
the canteens from there. There may be some quicksand around there so stay
on the path. Want me to come with you?"

"Nope. I can get it. I'll be right back."

"Okay. I'll be right here, waiting for my babe to return with fresh water."

I lay back on the blanket and closed my eyes as the sun beat down on the
blanket and warmed up to a perfect temperature. As I was laying there I
noticed the horses smelling the air in the direction of the spring. They do
a funny whiff and snort with their noses when they sense something not
right, especially something dangerous. I slowly walked over to my horse and
grabbed my rifle and headed towards the trail where Jason had just
gone. Just as I stepped onto the trail the horses snorted fairly loud,
which let me know for sure that something was out there. I slowly started
down the trail, bending down to check tracks in the dirt as I went towards
the spring. As I got closer I suddenly noticed the splayed out tracks of a
fairly large mountain lion. The tracks occasionally covered Jason's in
places and I knew it was stalking him. They could kill a human in just a
few minutes and usually jumped from behind and grabbed their prey by the
neck, breaking the neck. I was within sight of the spring now and could see
Jason bent over the spring on the rock, filling each canteen, oblivious to
his surroundings and intent on getting the canteens filled. I looked around
the brush around and above him, knowing that the cats liked to take a high
road and jump down on their prey. Sure enough, crouched down on a rocky
ledge about ten feet above Jason was the lion, eyes fixed on Jason, ready
to spring. I brought my rifle up and fired just as the big cat sprung from
it's hidden perch. The force of the cat hitting Jason knocked both of them
into the deep pool of water. I ran as fast as I could, afraid I had missed
the cat. The pool was turning blood red and Jason was struggling to stay on
top. I jumped in, grabbed him and pulled him to the edge of the pool. He
was stunned, but unhurt from what I could see so far. I helped him out of
the water and turned to look at the cat. It was still moving slightly, the
signs of nerves dying.

"Are you okay bro? Where did he hit you when you went in?"

"All I felt was this truck land on me and we both went into the water. I'm
just sore everywhere."

"Strip down and let me check you over for any scratches. Their teeth and
claws have a lot of bacteria on them and if you got bitten or scratched
we'll need to clean those out real good."

"See anything?" Jason asked in a very scared voice. "

"No, not yet. you were very lucky. Wait a sec, he did get you with one claw
on your shoulder . Must be when it landed on you and vaulted the both of
you into the spring. It's not deep. I'll get the kit out, clean it out and
put a bandage on it until we get back home. It'll be alright."

"That was close. I could have been dead in an instant if you hadn't shown
up just at the right time. "

"Actually, you can thank your horses for picking up on him being in the
area, I just followed their directions. Dang good thing I brought this
rifle along this trip. Guess this will have to be a permanent piece of
hardware on future trips when you're around. Critter's seem to be attracted
to you for some reason. You feel okay to ride? I'm still shaking a little
myself actually. I didn't know if I had hit the lion, you or both when I
shot there was so much blood."

"Yeah, after a short time to get my nerves settled down. What about the
lion?"

"Well...I'm thinking. I can't leave it in the water and pollute the spring,
so we need to pull it out of there. You'll have to help me with that. Then
when we get back to the ranch we'll call the Fish and Game and report the
attack. They'll want to know about it because there may be something wrong
with the cat. I'd bring it back with us but I don't think the horses would
appreciate it. We'll be back later today and we'll call right away. So if
they want to come out to see it we'll have to lead them back here
tomorrow. You feel up to it?"

"We'll see later how I feel. This has been an educational summer, but a
dangerous one for me and I'm still shaken. That's twice today I've been too
close to being mistaken for some animal's dinner. Somehow that has an
effect on my nerves. And they say things come in three's."

"That's okay. I'll bring them out if you don't feel up to it. But I hope
you don't develop a feeling of being afraid of being in the woods from all
this. These animals are just doing what is instinctive to them. It's our
responsibility to learn their ways and how to live with them. They were
here long before we were. I know much more about that obviously than you
do, but you know a lot more about other things than I do. So we teach each
other about those things so that we can survive apart or together...after
all...we are twins!"

"That makes sense. I can't run the rest of my life being afraid just
because something like this happened today. Yes, it was dangerous, but you
were right there for me and I know I can depend on you when we're
together. So...I'll come back out tomorrow and face this thing again and do
it right. Actually I feel pretty good that I'm still standing and not
headed out 'a here already. One thing I need to do is learn to shoot."

"I'll teach you that and many more things as long as you help me finish
this last year of school in one piece and work out what we're going to do
about college. I don't have the resources to go to school, so I'll have to
get a job after graduation."

"Lot's of things to still talk about, but in the meantime, let's head on
back to the ranch and get in touch with Fish and Game about this
critter. What d'ya day?"

"Sounds like a plan bro. By the way, I love you."

"I love you too."

We got back to the house just as the sun was hitting the tops of the
tress. After taking cares of the horses and making sure they were bedded
down for the night we decided to leave the bulk of the overnight packs for
the morning as we would just have to reload again. Granny was on the porch,
as usual, rocking away in the old swinging rocker. I never could figure out
how that thing stayed up in the air let alone held anyone in it as it swung
back and forth on its creaky hinges and rusty chains. After we told her
about the day's adventure she was quite worried about the both of us being
out alone like we had been, but also proud of the way I had handled each
situation. When I told her how I knew how the horses alerted me to the bear
and the lion and that I'd followed my instincts just like grandpa had
taught me she felt much better about us being in the woods and told us that
we could continue to keep going out, but to be extra careful. I asked her
if she'd ever heard about anyone being attacked by a cougar around here.

"Not in all the years since I've been alive and living here have I heard of
such a thing. I suspect that there may be something wrong with it. What did
you do with it?"

"I also thought the same thing so we pulled it out of the spring where it
landed when I shot it and put it up a tree so if that bear was still around
it would have a hard time getting at it. I thought we should call the
Wildlife people and tell them about it and see if they wanted to bring it
in for testing since they're pretty rare around here and never attack
people. They probably want to talk to us about the whole incident too. What
do you think?"

"Why don't you let me make the call and let's see what they say."

"Jason got a couple 'o nicks on his shoulder by the claws when it knocked
him into the pool. I cleaned them out and out stuff on them from the first
aid kit and bandaged him up, but maybe you ought'a take a look at him and
fix him up right just in case."

"Jason honey, come sit on this stool and take your shirt off so I can see
your back and look at these scratches. We don't want to let those get
infected."

After granny re-cleaned Jason's wounds, as slight as they were, she
replaced the bandages with new ones after putting on some of her special
remedy that stunk to high heaven.

"Thanks granny,"Jason said. "We'll be upstairs in the bedroom. Neither of
us is hungry right now. I think the adrenaline is still coursing through my
veins from such an exciting day."

We were lying on the bed when granny called us to let us know that someone
would be here the next morning around nine and would like us to lead them
to the the spot. They want to bring the cat's body out and send it for an
autopsy and also talk to us about the incident.  "Wow," Jason said,"we
could be on the news or something about this. Especially you with your
expert shooting skills. I never thought about this but you shot and killed
that thing right in mid-air right as it hit my back. That's a pretty good
shot."

"I only did that because I didn't want a mountain lion for a twin
brother...just kidding"

"Thanks a bunch. Up for a shower together?"

"With who?" You?" Well...I don't know, you've been swimming with mountain
lions and playing with bears and swimming in the lake today and never
invited me. Now you're inviting me. Besides, you can't now that granny has
cleaned and dressed your wounds."

Next morning there were two state wardens at the house just before nine
with their own horses and a drag to bring the cat out on. We introduced
ourselves and briefly told them about the incident on the way to the
barn. After getting our horses ready we headed out the short way to the
spring. It was about a two hour ride, but we'd all brought some supplies
for snacks and water to drink. We arrived right on schedule and I showed
the wardens where the cat was in the tree. They got it down to look it over
while we took the horses out to the field and let the horses rest and
drink. After maybe fifteen or twenty minutes they came out to meet us,
dragging the cat behind them. They placed it on a tarp, wrapped it up and
tied it down on the drag.

"So what do you think about the cat sirs? Do you think there's anything
wrong with it?"

"It's hard to tell visually, but it is very unusual for them to attack a
human in these parts unless game is not plentiful. From the deer sign we
saw on the way out here I would say that their main food source, or lack of
it, is not the problem. What I think you both should do is go to your
doctor and start the rabies shorts until we get the report back one way or
the other whether it was infected or not. I know that the idea of rabies
shots is not too thrilling, but rabies is not anything to play around with
and it's better safe than sorry. That was quite a shot you took young
man. Went right through the heart. Killed him instantly and saved your
brother's life without a doubt. They can kill a full grown man in just a
few seconds if they really want to. Then they drag the carcass off and
cover it with leaves to come back to later. We've never had a report of an
attack anywhere in this area, so you guys are the first ones involved in an
attack of this nature. We have to report this to the state and of course
the news will want to know all about it, so expect a few reporters snooping
around. We can give them all the information if you want instead of letting
them nag you. It's up to you.

"What to you want to do bro," I asked Jason.

"I think I'd rather let the wardens here release whatever information they
need to and keep the people away from us. How about you?"

I looked at the wardens. "I agree with my brother. If you could just do
whatever you do in these circumstances we'd appreciate it. I think we're
going to be more than busy with those shots. I hear they're somewhat
painful. Do you have to advise our doctor about this to authorize him to
start the shots?"

"Yes. He will receive a call from the state later today when we get back to
the station. We'll get the information when we get back to your place. You
know, you guys are very lucky this didn't turn out to be much worse. If
Todd here wasn't such a good woodsman and good shot Jason might be dead, or
at least severely wounded now. You guys have much to be thankful for."

"We know. We remind ourselves of that everyday. We just barely found out
that we were even blood brothers by birth -- in fact we're twins. I don't
know how you guys feel about this subject, but we're also both gay and love
each other. It's a long story and it's gettin' on time-wise, but we spend a
lot of time exploring my family property and camping out and know this area
very well."

"I can't speak for my partner here, but I'm happy for both of you that you
know what you want at your age. You're lucky to have each other to depend
on and to have found each other while you're young. And as far as being
gay, there's no problem with that. My younger brother is gay, lives with
his partner and I love them both. By the way, my name is Jeff and this is
my working partner, John. You guys are lucky to have such a big playground
to spend time on. Too bad it couldn't be used for something constructive,
like a camp for disabled kids or something like that without ruining
it. I'd love to help out with something like that should the day ever
come."

"Funny you should mention that," I said. "I've talked to Jason about pretty
much the same thing near the house someday where kids could come that have
never been to a camp, or are disabled, or have other issues and give them a
chance to be themselves with no pressure from parents, doctors, and all
that. It's just a dream now. We're only seniors this year and still have
college to go, but it's a dream."

"You can count on me when that day comes boys. Until then, call me
anytime. I'd love to do some riding with you guys, see your property, maybe
do some fishing if your grandmother doesn't mind."

"Sounds fine with us I guess," as I looked at Jason shaking his head up and
down.

"Well, let's get loaded up and get back with this critter so we can get it
up to the office for an autopsy and get hold of your doctor about those
shots. We'll try and push this through so that if it tests negative you can
stop the shots."

"Thanks. We'll take the lead if you're ready to go."

"Mount up," Jeff said. With that we headed back home with a dead mountain
lion and a new friend.

On the way back we all talked about the ranch, what we'd been doing all
summer for fun, and Jeff and John commented on how well we rode. I told him
that I'd been riding since I was just a little kid and the horse I was
riding was my own. I also told them that Jason had only started riding this
summer and he and his horse were in love, that's why they rode so well.

"We are not," Jason said as he pulled up and knocked me on the shoulder.

"Are too."

"Are not."

"Then how come when you guys part at night you 'gotta gt a kiss from your
horse before you leave the barn?"

"Because if I don't he picks me up off the floor and drops me in the
sawdust or some horse shit."

Jeff and John were riding behind us laughing at the both of us.

Jeff said, "It's easy to tell you two are brothers, and that you also love
each other. My brother and I would have been at each other by now, or been
out in some pasture at a flat race to see who was better than the other."

Believe me," that's coming later," Jason said. "We're still competitive."

Everyone was laughing as we pulled our horses up beside the wardens
truck. "Let us put this thing in the back just in case you've been exposed
to something. We have gloves to put on to handle the cat. After putting the
canvas wrapped body in the back and closing the special made lid of the
pickup body and locking it Jeff asked if he could speak to granny for a
minute.

"I'll go fetch her if you want to come in the front room and wait," Jason
said.

Jeff and I sat and chatted while Jason went to get granny. In a few minutes
she and Jason came up the front steps and into the room. Granny sat down in
her usual rocking chair as Jeff stood up until she had sat down and Jason
sat down with me.

"Hi Emma, long time no see."

"Hi Jeff, how are you and the wife?"

"Doing fine. Love the job but don't ever get out this far to visit like I
used to. Sorry about Charles. He was quite a guy and a great teacher to
me."

All the while they talked and reminisced about the past Jason and I were
looking at each other in surprise and then back at them trying to catch
parts of their conversation. I was trying to remember if I had seen Jeff
around the farm before, but didn't. We didn't dare interrupt and spoil the
moment for them. Obviously they knew each other quite well. Finally Jeff
got around to the reason he needed to talk to granny.

"You've got a couple of great boys here Emma. Todd did a right good job of
dispatching that lion and saving Jason's life. Good thing they are so close
and watch over each other so well."

"That they do. I'm very proud of both of them. What seems to be the problem
though?"

"There is a slim chance that the lion might have rabies. The way that it
attacked Jason so close like that just out in the open, not stalking like
they usually do along with some other clues make me think that there's
something wrong with it. Coupled that with the fact that they never come
down this close to people with such a dense food source in their higher
habitat and also that this is the first attack we've ever had on a human
just don't add up. So I believe that it would be in the boys' best interest
to get to their doctor and not only get a tetanus shot but also start the
rabies series. I'll have to send over the proper papers from the office to
your doctor to start the process, but I would get them started today. I
know it's a painful series, but I promised them that I would get this
pushed along as fast as possible to shorten their pain."

"Well, okay Jeff. If you think that's what's best then I'll get the doctor
on the phone and you can brief him and we'll get over there while you get
back to the office and fax over the paperwork. This isn't anything to fool
around with as you know."

"Thanks Emma, I knew you'd understand right away and know what to do. I'll
talk to the doc now and then get going."

Granny looked at us and said,"Why don't you guys wait here for a few
minutes while Jeff and I go call the doctor and see about this."

We agreed to wait and moved over to the couch where we could sit
together. I was thinking about what had happened here. It was like a big,
dark cloud had moved into the room and was about to dump a few buckets of
water on just us.

Jason asked me if I knew anything about rabies shots.

"No. I mean, I know what rabies is and all that, but the shots are a new
thing to me. I'm not too afraid of a shot so it can't be that bad. Besides,
we both have to do them so we have each other to lean on. In and out, no
big thing."

Granny and Jeff came back and as Jeff left he shook our hands and thanked
us for our help in handling this case. He also gave granny a hug and a peck
on the cheek goodbye, piquing the interest of both of us.

"Okay boys, the doctor wants to see you right away. I'll have Jenkins pull
the car up and we'll go there right away. Although they have the animals
body you might not have to have the shots yet, but he wants to see you both
and talk to you...at least give both of you a tetanus shot."

"Oh great, a shot," Jason muttered.

"I hear that they give it to you in the bum too," I said. "Got clean boxers
on?"

The next thing I heard was footsteps running up to the room. I quickly
followed. I also knew that the shot was in the arm now and didn't even
hurt, but I couldn't resist having a little fun.

At the doctor's office we both got our tetanus shots, but the doctor
decided to hold off on the rabies shots until hearing back from the Fish &
Game Department. Apparently this was policy and was quite safe and in
compliance with state laws. Had we needed the shots it would be a painful
series of shots injected around the site of any wounds or open areas where
the infection might occur. When we got our tetanus shots they did ask us if
we wanted it in the arm or the butt. Jason decided he could take it in the
arm until I showed him the poster on the wall of the mad doctor holding a
syringe the size of a jack hammer...he changed his mind. Turns out that it
wasn't a case of "size matters" when it comes to tetanus shots because when
the shots arrived he quickly changed his mind, dropped his shorts and bent
over the table. The male nurse looked more like a movie star than a nurse,
and the needle he was holding was so small you could hardly see it. Now, I
may be small, but I have this teeny, tiny little jealous streak running
through me and no doctor was going to put his hands on my lover's butt,
shot or not.

"Uh, Jason dear...that shot goes in the right arm, or left, depending on
which one I decide I'm going to put it in. You might want to zip up that
butt and save it for later."

"Huh...oh...okay...got'cha. Sorry bro, ah, dear."

"Thank you babe. Let's get out of here and get back to having some
fun. There's only a few days left before school. We've got to pack and all
that stuff."

After we got home Jason and I wandered upstairs and lay down on the bed to
rest our sore arms for a while. Something had been bothering both of us --
a twin thing -- and we hadn't even spoken to each other about it yet. Jason
turned on his side, looked at me, reached out with his fingers and gently
brushed them through my hair.

"I hate the thought of going back to school for even one more year. It's
not the guy's making fun of us or anything, it's that I'm going to miss the
freedom of riding up in the mountains on our horses, camping out with you,
going swimming and lying out in the sun together. It's cuddling up in bed
together or lying out under the stars and listening to you tell me about
each of the constellations. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's
about us, together, that is going to change for the next year. Come to
think of it, where are we going to live anyway? We're both legally adopted
now by granny since your adoption went through as your father was never
found. That means the state is no longer responsible for you, which is good
in a lot of ways, but leaves us sort of hanging out there with no means to
take care of ourselves."

"I guess we had better sort that out with granny today before we make too
many plans for school. Let's go have a talk with her, what do 'ya think?"

"I think that would be wise."

We found her down in the kitchen getting some dinner ready, but unwilling
to discuss anything until after dinner was over. We decided that we'd help
with the dinner so Jason and I set the table and peeled potatoes while
granny prepared the rest of the meal. Granny had invited Mr. Jenkins to
dinner as we would be leaving soon and she knew that the three of us had
become good friends through the summer. Jason set another place setting for
him just in time. Mr. Jenkins knocked at the door and walked in. He was all
dressed up in his Sunday's finest as folks used to be for dinner. Jason and
I looked at each other and decided to do the same. Excusing ourselves, we
ran upstairs and pulled out some fancy clothes, khaki pants, polo shirts
with collars, and even put socks and shoes on. a final spit 'n shine in the
bathroom and we marched back down just in time to help granny set the food
on the table. Seems that she had dolled herself up as well.

"My goodness, where'd the boys go Mr. Jenkins? Somebody replaced my boys
with clean, good-looking young men...with shoes on...and socks! I can't
keep adopting every good looking young man that walks in and sits down at
the dinner table. You and I Mr. Jenkins are just getting too old for this
kind of Tom foolery."

"Well Emma, I think that you've done a right good job of making good,
strong young men out of those two boys that arrived at the beginning of the
summer. I 'spect that you are right proud of both of 'em. I know I am."

"You're right George, they have come a long way, maybe I did make the right
decision after all."

"What are you two talking about," I asked. I never knew your first name was
George. And I'd forgotten that granny's name was Emma until Jeff was here
today. Took me a while to get used to that. Speaking of which, I have a few
questions later to ask you about him."

"I thought you would." granny said. "I'll tell you later. First though,
would you like to say grace George?"

"It'd be my pleasure ma'am."

After grace we all sat around the table enjoying the finest meal I think
I've ever had. I think Jason was feeling the same way. For some reason,
lately we had begun to communicate on a different level, one that required
less talking and just came to us as thoughts or feelings. We could complete
each others' sentences, feel funny things when something wasn't right with
the other one, things like that. I don't know if that was from being twins,
from being so close as lovers, or even a combination of both...but it felt
natural and good. At the dinner table Jason and I were passing around food
to the ones that wanted it without even thinking or being asked, a feat
that didn't go unnoticed by both Mr. Jenkins and granny as they slowly
watched us move about in unison without speaking a word.

"Will you look at these two," George said. No wonder they act as one. I
even notice when they ride. Their horses act the same way, like they all
belong as a complete set. Most amazing thing I ever seen."

"I noticed it a long time ago and have watched them bloom all
summer. That's why I invited you to dinner this evening so we could all
talk together about the future. I have a lot of things to talk about. In
the meantime, let's continue to enjoy this fine meal together as these two
stare at each other again like they came from mars or some nearby planet."

It was a fine meal with such good company. We talked about all that had
happened that summer, laughing at the way Jason's horse liked to lift him
up in the air and gently drop him in the sawdust, or the horse poop...the
not so elegant way we had sent Linda spinning out of the yard once and for
all with her ego between her legs and not Jason's...uh hummmmm, you know
what. What a summer it had been. But the best part was that Jason and I had
become fully aware of ourselves, who we were, what we wanted, and had ended
up in a very close and personal relationship as brothers, twins and
lovers. Nobody could break any one of those bonds forevermore. That's what
made us committed to return to finish school unafraid of the bullies, the
slurs and the harassment. They were only words. We'd find out who our
friends were in a hurry and with them we'd finish our last year with our
heads held high, standing up for ourselves as one.

Both granny and Mr. Jenkins were staring at us when we looked
up. Apparently our thoughts had turned into words somewhere along the way
and they had heard a lot of what we had been thinking about. I expected one
of them to make a comment, but after a moment, dinner finished and granny's
famous apple pies came out of the oven. Smothered in homemade vanilla ice
cream, nothing beat granny's homemade apple pie.

After dinner was over we all helped clean up the table, cleaned the dishes
and retired to the sitting room to listen to what granny had to say.

"To start off with boys, I just want you to know how proud I am of the both
of you for the way you've handled yourselves this summer, how helpful
you've both been 'round the ranch with the renters, the horses, and
especially the way you've represented the ranch to the outside
community. Your grandfather would be very proud of both of you, as I
am. What I really want to talk about is the last of your high school year's
starting next week. I understand that you want to finish school in your own
school with all your friends, but since this is actually your permanent
residence as of the adoption, it creates a problem. Technically you should
be finishing here where you reside; however, I've made arrangements for you
both to finish at your own school.  "Granny," Jason interrupted, "excuse me
but where are we going to live? That's a long way from here."

"I've made arrangements with someone to have your own apartment close to
school. You'll both be responsible for keeping it in good order; that
includes keeping up with the house work, doing your own laundry, dishes and
all the regular chores you would as if your were living together on your
own, because that's what you'll be doing for the first time in your
lives. In this case you won't be living entirely alone. Jeff, is a
long-time friend of the family and has agreed to live in the apartment, in
his own room, and oversee how you guys handle things. He'll do his share of
the work, but you two will be responsible for the bulk of the place. I've
set up one bank account in which I'll place $2000.00 a month for food and
essentials which you'll need to do a budget for. All you need to do is stop
by the bank and sign the signature cards. If you need any extra money you
need for other items you will have to figure out how to earn on it your
own. This will help teach you how to live on your own and spend money
wisely, or not. I have made arrangements with the school principal only so
that nobody else will know. As far as I'm concerned it's none of their
business. Now I want you boys to make me proud this last year. Honor Roll
would be nice...both of you.

It didn't seem like it was possible, but a week later we were standing in
the school hallway wondering what to do. Both of us were shell-shocked. A
sea of people were moving around us in both directions, parting on one side
and joining on the other side as if we weren't even there. In past years I
would have been hanging with my favorite teacher being punished for doing
nothing and Jason would be off with one of the teams for first
practice. Instead, here we were looking for direction to the pool for
swimming lessons to qualify for the team. I was going to have to work
harder than Jason because of my size, but I was willing to do the work just
to be able to prove to myself that I wasn't the loser that others thought I
was. We didn't say anything to anyone about being brothers mostly because
we were so busy with class schedules, swimming practice--I made the team by
the way--and Jason's other extra curricular activities. He had decided to
stay on the basketball team in case some scouts dropped by sometime and
watched him play or coach recommended him in another sport.

Nobody seemed to notice that we left most of the time in the same car to go
home, nor did they ask where we lived. In fact, no one seemed much interest
in anything until one day Linda let it slide to one of her fellow tramps
that it was pretty funny that Todd wasn't living in the foster home
anymore, Jason didn't get picked up anymore and occasionally some cute
older guy would drop them at school in a state vehicle and pick them up
after school. It was an underhanded attempt on her part to start some
rumors about us but we just ignored her, the rumors and continued on. It
wasn't until one day during swim practice that we heard a voice from the
bleachers calling out "fag boys in the pool" that we noticed her in the top
row, alone, all dressed weird in black and white like a skeleton. Jason and
I glanced at each other, shrugged our shoulders and went back to
swimming. The pool was full of swimmers and the coach was there as well. As
her incessant comments reached feverish pitch and became more directed at
us in particular, coach finally went to his office and called security. In
a few minutes they came and removed her from the swimming hall, kicking and
fighting as if she was in another world. While everyone knew that she was
pretty much on her way out and probably would never graduate, enough
suspicion had been cast on us between her ranting and raving and the
observations of others people to give them cause to look at me...ME. I knew
this was going to happen again. Of course the team star couldn't be gay,
but the little guy always was, it's just a given. Coach called me out of
the pool and to his office.

"Coach," said Jason, "If you're going to talk to Todd, you're going to have
to talk to me too since he's my twin brother. Nobody does anything to my
bro without me knowing." He looked around the pool at the rest of the guys,
"understand?"

The coach looked a little surprised that anyone would dare to talk back
back to him. Even the rest of the swimmers were as still as could be, not a
ripple in the pool as everyone waited for a response from the coach.

"Then Jason, drag your ass in here, the rest of you continue doing laps
starting now until I come back."

We both got out of the pool and walked into the coach's office, closing the
door behind us.

Todd asked, "What is it coach?"

Looking at Jason, coach said, "I really wanted to talk to Todd alone, but
since you insist on being here then let's get some things out in the open
here. First of all, what's this twin brother shit all about?"

"Our grandmother found out that we are legally twin brothers. We were
separated at birth and raised without knowing that by two sets of parents
who didn't care about either of us. Fortunately our grandmother did care
enough to straighten it all out this summer, legally, get my last name
changed back so we have the same last name and has adopted us both. That's
the story about that. Anything else or can we get back to practice.?"

"Some of the guys have noticed you two seem a little close, even for
brothers, which I'm having a hard time believing anyway. Is there anything
else going on between you two that's going to interrupt practice, meets or
the team?"

Jason and I looked at each other before I spoke.

"As a matter of fact there is something else. Although we feel that it is
nobody's business, including yours, Jason and I are not only legally twins,
but we are both gay and live together as partners in our own apartment with
an adult friend of the family. We have nothing to defend, prove, or be
afraid of except for the bigotry and unfairness that runs throughout this
school. I've spent a lot of years being shoved into lockers because of my
size by bullies and jocks while teachers and people like you turned your
head and said it was just a natural thing that kids do. I'm telling you
here and now, we both are, that neither of us will tolerate any harassment
from anybody concerning gay people, us, or anybody else for that matter. We
left this spring as a couple of Juniors for a simple summer vacation and
came back a lot stronger, a lot surer of who we are, where we're going in
life, how we're getting there, and the values and morals we're prepared to
stand up and defend than most of these idiots have even considered. Look at
that idiot that just got dragged out kicking and screaming. That happened
because nobody cared to show her the right direction, assumed she was one
way, and treated her that way. I'm not prepared to take any more of the
crap I've taken for so many years, and Jason will stand by my side to help
make sure of that. But I don't really need him to defend me because I'm not
afraid of anyone anymore. So, if you or anyone else has a problem with me,
us being who we are, then you need to get over it because neither of us
will tolerate any harassment from students or faculty any more. Should you
have a need to further discuss this issue talk to the principal; our
grandmother has had a conversation with him before school started, along
with our civil rights attorney."

"Hmmmm...that just about covers it coach," added Jason. "All we want to do
is be left alone to participate in school activities just like anyone else
would, swim on the team...we've already proven we can be a strong part of
the team, and be left alone to prepare academically for college next
year. We don't intend to wave anything in anybody's face or make a big deal
of anything. In fact, our intention is to get through this last year as
quietly as possible with good grades and move on with our lives. But make
no mistake. As Todd said, if this gets blown out of proportion, there will
be consequences for all involved. You don't know our grandmother. So, do we
understand each other all around?"

"First of all, I don't like being threatened by either of you for any
reason, however, I can understand your reasoning and desire to go through
this year without complications and move onto college. You both are good
members of the swim team and academically at the tops of your classes, so I
have no problem there. In fact the more I think about it, it takes a lot of
balls, especially for you Todd, to come in here and say to me what you
did. At first I was ready to rip your head off and stuff it up your ass,
but the more I listened the more I realized that you're right, both of
you. There has to be a line drawn in the sand about the hazing, bullying
and the way that the older, bigger guys treat the younger, smaller ones
around here. I'd like you two to come up with a plan to start a new program
here that will continue as part of the curriculum about bullying and how to
stop it. I have some resources and there are some funds available from a
few national TV shows that will help get it off the ground with guest
speakers and everything. Will you guys do it?"

"Ummmm.....what do you think Jason?"

"Well, I think we need to 'put our money where our mouth is' as they
say. If it'll save one kid from being hurt or even killed someday, then I
think it's up to us to do our best to see what we can do."

Jason looked at me for a few seconds and then we both looked at the coach.

"Jason say's he'll do it too. You can count on us."

"I didn't even hear him say a word. How did..."

"We told you we are Fraternal twins. Although it's unusual, we have an
ability to almost think each others' thoughts and communicate without
speaking. It'll be a great advantage in competition. Shall we shake on all
this then?"

Shake we did as our lives changed once again for at least this school
year. But for now we were back in the pool, ready to finish up practice
with the rest of the puzzled team. Just before coach re-started us he
thanked us for our great idea and said he'd get us the information we
needed before the day's end so we could get started.

In one voice Jason and I said, "Thanks for the help, we'll stop by later."

The whole team looked at us like someone had pulled strings in our back or
something. In one afternoon we had turned a potential bad year into a
positive one and also given us a reason to work with the other guys to
bring down the hazing in the school. Ever since we had made the commitment
to each other our life together had taken on more purpose and direction
than it might had we gone our separate ways. I was proud of myself for
standing up to coach and proud of Jason for standing beside me, with his
foot on top of mine, giving me the nudge to do it.

After practice the guys gathered around us full of questions about the
'brother thing.' We explained together in our own communication style that
we found ourselves using more and more...finishing each others' sentences,
talking together at the same time, or reading each others thoughts
almost...about granny and how she had found out that we were twins, born
minutes apart on different days and raised by separate parents. That's why
we were so different. To us, we were still different, but to the guys, who
hadn't seen us all summer, they could see that there was a big change in
both of us and we did look, sound and act like brothers in the way we
talked, walked and thought. They especially noticed that in the pool we
swam the same, looked the same, except I was a little smaller, and could do
the same diving moves, everything.

"Listen guys," Jason said. "We both want to tell you something up front so
that are no rumors or problems down the road. Yes, it's been the best thing
that ever happened to me, to the both of us that we found out that we're
fraternal twins brothers. I always wanted a brothers and so didn't
Todd. Many changes have taken place this summer and both of us have grown
up and matured fast."

"Most of you have already suspected that I'm gay and have taken it out on
me by stuffing me in my locker, picking on me, tripping me with my books in
hand and all that, but that isn't going to happen any longer. I am gay and
if anyone has a problem with it too bad, take it to the principal, but I
will no longer sit by and take it."

"And neither will I, not just because I'm his brother, but I finally
figured out who I really was inside this summer. I have no problem in
saying that I too am finally out and gay, and proud to say it. Furthermore,
Todd and I are in a relationship, have been for a good part of the summer,
and will be forever. Neither of us are ashamed of being who we are, we're
not going to hide behind any doors or walk around with our heads down. If
any of you have a problem with any of this then you need to speak up now
and let's settle it because we need a strong team this year, the last for
many of us here. We're all adults now, it's time to quit the bullying,
start acting like young adults and work together as a team. I'd like to
take home the state trophy for the first time in the school's history of
having a swimming team."

Nobody answered Jason's question.

"Are we going to have to put up with crap from anyone or are we going to be
a team and win like a team?"

Dave, the captain of the team, and one of my former worst enemies came
through the small crowd, the others stepping aside their formidable
teammate as he headed straight for me. I saw him coming, but looked him
right in the eye and stood my ground, ready for anything he might throw my
way. I felt Jason right there as well.

When he reached me he walked right up to me, towering over my much smaller
frame, looked slightly down at me and said he had a comment to make about
all this.

"When in the hell did you grow balls big enough to come out and tell us all
this stuff without running in the other direction?"

"When I realized that I was just as much of a worthwhile person as you or
anyone else here. I don't need anyone to fight my fights and I am no longer
afraid of people pushing me around. Jason and I faced Rabid mountain lions,
black bears and all sorts of dangers this summer and we survive all of
them. Do you think I'm going to worry about people like you after facing
down things like that?" I don't think so. So what'll it be Dave, friend or
foe? I'm ready for either one...your choice."

He thought for a minute, looked around, especially at Jason, then back at
the determination in my face. Slowly he extended his hand and said
"friend."

Jason stepped forward and we both shook his hand. "Friends."

The rest of the guys always took their cue from Dave, as they did this
time. The whole stress-filled room relaxed as Jason and I gave Dave a hug.

"Hey, not too close now guys, you may like it, but I'm just learning to
accept all this," he said with a laugh.

At least we would be okay here with the swim team, but there would be other
places, other battles to stand up against before too long. But for now we
had won over the first group and that felt pretty good. Even though we
didn't know it yet, we were about to make a few new friends from the swim
team that totally changed Jason.

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See 'ya next chapter