Date: Sat, 17 Dec 2005 10:00:56 +0100
From: Peter C <Peter_Co@web.de>
Subject: A new beginning - part 3

The following story was originally written for a german website and
later printed in my first book "Der Neuanfang". After I translated my
story "Never saw a miracle" into english and getting lots of good
feedback, I decided to translate this story, too. Some readers wrote me
that I don't have to apologize for my English -- so I won't anymore *g*.

The story is set in Germany, so of course there are a few things
unfamiliar to people from other countries. As example temperatures are
given in degrees centigrade: 0 C are 32 F, minus 5 C are 23 F and
so on. If there are any things you don't understand, please feel free
to ask me about it. I love getting emails anyway, and I'd like to say
my thankyous to all of you who already wrote me.

There are two other stories of mine published here on niftys:

"Never saw a miracle" in the gay/highschool section

and

"Different" in the gay/no-sex section

If someone is interested in reading the original german story, it's
here:

http://www.nickstories.de

Look for "Peter's Stories". And if some is interested in buying my
books (in german language, of course): they can be bought directly from
me, even with my signature which will be worth millions when I'm a
Nobel prize winner someday -- lol...

But now let's the play begin...

*-*-*

A new beginning -- Part 3

Copyright 2001-2005 by Peter Conrad, Peter_Co@web.de


"Ich find' dich scheisse!" ((song from a german girl band, translated
something like "You're such an asshole!".))

Help! What a terrible noise to pull me out of my sleep. One moment I'm
deep in morpheus arms -- the next I'm awakened by this acoustic terror.
Hastily I looked around to find the source of my starting head aches,
and I discovered my radio alarm clock. I decided to kill the radio host
very slowly and painfully for the revival of this stupid and nerv
wrecking Tic-Tac-Toe song.

With a good aimed hit of my left hand I silenced the alarm clock. A
look at the other bed showed me, that Tim also sat upright in it,
trying to open his still sleepy eyes.

"Was this really necessary, Danny?"

"Sorry, next time I'll wear headphones so you're not disturbed by the
alarm clock."

"Come on, I didn't mean it that way."

"I know, it's okay. You want first dibs on the bathroom?"

"You only want me to be the first out of the warm bed and to close the
window!"

"Of course! And you can turn on the heating, too. That's what little
brothers are good for."

Tim gave in, pushed his blanket away, sat on the bed and slipped on his
slippers.

"Ugh, they are ice cold!"

"Now you know why I sleep with socks on."

"Thanks for not telling me before."

"Don't mention it..."

He pulled on his socks now, closed the window, turned on the heating,
grabbed his underwear and dissapeared into the bathroom -- happily
realising that the heating there was running already.

I let myself fall back into the warm bed and started to think over the
events of the last day. Surely it was one of the most interesting days
of my life so far. The most important of course was meeting Tim, but I
really had mixed emotions about it. I mean, I really started to like my
role as big brother and was sure, that we would become good friends
soon (if we weren't already). But on the other hand there was this side
of me which wanted more from him. My grandma once said, that there is a
cover for every pot, but as much as I searched for my "cover", it
didn't show up yet. And now fate itself threw my dreamboy infront of my
feet -- and in person of my future brother of all people! The mixed
signals I got from him didn't help me to get an order into my feelings.

Then there was the discovery of Ralph and Christoph. Of course I
already knew that I couldn't be the only gay boy around, that there
must be others who feel like me -- but I never thought that I would know
them already and find them out in such a way. The problem was, that I
became quit jealous of the younger boys and their love for each other.
I mean, I was 2 years older! Wasn't I the one to find love first?
Didn't I have the older rights to get happy?

Tim showed up again and brought me out of my musings. There he stood in
his blue therme underwear, looking as cute as ever. He held his cloths
from the party in his stretched out hand.

"The stuff still smells like an ash tray."

"Put it in the laundry basket, mom will wash it next time."

"You think so? I can take the clothes home with me."

"Then your bag will smell like an ash tray, too."

"Right. Thanks."

Tim added the smelly clothes to my dirty laundry in the basket.

"That's it, the bathroom is all yours."

The moment I dreaded had arrived. No excuses anymore, I had to get out
of my warm bed. Thankfully in the meantime the room had warmed up a
bit. I stood up and went to the bathroom, which I left some 15 minutes
later after I had done what I had to do and put on my underwear. When I
came back into the room Tim was sitting on his bed, reading on of my
books.

"I didn't put on the rest of my clothes, it's warm enough and we'll
have breakfast before we go out, won't we?"

"That's right, it would be much to warm completely dressed up. In the
winter I usually run around in my warm underwear in the house, I don't
like the constant changing in and out of it. Now let's see if we find
something for breakfast."

In the kitchen we decided on baked-up rolls. While I started the oven I
told Tim where to find everything we would need, than I inspected the
fridge.

"What do you want on your rolls? Strawberry marmalade, plum jam or
chocolate cream?"

"Chocolate cream."

"A chocolate baby, how sweet."

"There must be a second chocolate baby around, or you wouldn't have the
chocolate cream in your fridge, would you?"

Oops, I gave myself away. Time to change the topic!

"Coffee, tea or hot chocolate?"

"Hot chocolate, if it isn't to much trouble. I can't stand coffee."

One more thing we had in common. Usually I drank tea at breakfast, but
I didn't want to make two different things, so I decided on hot
chocolate, too.

"Hot chocolate it is, no problem."

A few minutes later we sat down eating, facing each other, and I
discovered that one of the worst fears of my mom would become reality.
She'd get a second eating machine like myself! I mean, I was almost
inhaling my food, but Tim was even worse. I started to worry if I'd
made enough rolls.

"Should I put a few more rolls in the oven?"

Tim stopped chewing for a moment, looking at the food on the table,
then he shook his head. Puh. I was relieved and made a mental note for
the future to ask him how much he wants before preparing the food.

I leaned back into my chair, watching Tim drowning the eaten rolls in
hot chocolate. When he put down the glass I had to grin.

"What?"

"There's a mirror, look for yourself."

He stood up, looked in the mirror, then his tounge took care of the hot
chocolate beard on his upper lip.

"Exactly those drops I already missed."

Now I couldn't hold back any longer, I broke out laughing. Thank god my
mouth was empty already! Still laughing we took care of the dishes,
then we went upstairs again to put on the next layer of clothes. The
temperature was 6 C below zero, and the sky showed big snow clouds. Tim
packed his bag to be ready for his dad picking us up later, then we
started our march to Katja. The way over there went uneventful except
for Tim finding a frozen puddle under a blanket of snow, losing his
balance, grabbing me for help and this way bringing both of us down on
our butts. Cursing we got up again, sorting our aching bones and and
brushing off the snow from our clothes.

"I thougt you don't jump into every puddle anymore?"

"Sorry, I guess it's in my blood. But at least the water was frozen, so
you weren't in danger of drowning. That's a progress, isn't it?"

Ah yes. Is there any law forbidding an older brother to put his pesty
little brother over the knee and give him a good spanking? On the other
hand I was glad that he lost a bit of his shyness.

Being more careful we reached our target without any more accidents. I
pushed the bell button, and shortly later the door was opened by a big
blonde woman.

"Danny, good to see you! We were hoping to see you today. And I guess
that's your brother, we already heard about him."

"Good morning, Mrs. Maurer. Yes, that's Tim. We came to pick up the
last bits of my technics, I couldn't do it last night."

"No problem, come in, you two."

We stepped in and put off our shoes.

"Are you in a hurry or do you have a few minutes? There's something
we'd like to talk with you about."

I looked at my watch, we had enough time.

"Now problem, if it doesn't take too long."

"No, no. Please come with me."

We followed her to the living room, where her husband was already
waiting for us. After greeting and introducing each other we were
"pushed" into a love seat. A short silence followed, than Mrs. Maurer
started to talk again.

"Danny, can you imagine what we found this night when we looked in
Ralphs room to see if everything is alright?"

OhOh. Yes, I had quite a good idea about what they found. The Maurers
noticed the shocked look on my face and started to smile.

"So you do know what I talk about. Listen, we only wanted to thank you.
The boys told us how you managed the situation yesterday -- and Katja
was indignant at how you took charge."

"You're okay with it?"

"Yes, we are!"

The laughter lines in Mr. Maurers face showed up.

"We had our suspicions for a few days already. Last week we were in our
car and passed the cinema center, and who do we see at the cashbox,
holding hands? But we wanted to give them the chance to tell us on
their own, when they were ready."

"So you didn't ask them about last nights sleeping arrangment?"

"No, we didn't. After we discovered how they clinged to each other in
bed we decided to not ask them about it. But at breakfast they started
to talk about it themselfs."

I was deeply relieved. It seemed like the boys love story was heading
for a happy end.

"By the way, they couldn't remember having put off their shoes or
taking the blanket. Do you know who did it?"

I smiled at Ralphs parents and asked myself, how a bitch like Katja
could grow up in such a loving family.

"When I came in to pick up the radio transmitter I found the same
picture you discovered later in the night. It looked so peaceful that I
just couldn't disturb them, so I only did what I thought had to be
done, then I left as quiet as possible."

"That was really great of you, we think you've helped the boys
extremely. Thank god you found them and not Katja! She sometimes is ...
well ... let's just say she isn't that sensible about other peoples
feelings."

Not that sensible! Now this phrasing had good chances to win the title
of understatement of the century. Using the words "Katja" and
"sensible" in one sentence was worth a big laughter alone.

"As I already said: we want to thank you. And ... well ... I hope I
don't overstep my bounds, but ... we'd like to know if you found a
boyfriend for yourself already? If so he could praise himself a really
lucky guy."

"No, I'm still single. You don't happen to have a son Katjas age but
with Ralphs looks and character?"

They both laughed, and Mrs. Maurer shook her head regretfully.

"We're really sorry, but no, we don't. But if we had you'd be a very
welcome son in law."

"That's too bad." I looked at my watch. "I'm sorry, but Tim and I have
to get busy now, our parents will pick us up at noon."

"Oh, of course, we don't want you to be late. But ... well ... better
knock at the door when you're upstairs."

That's a lesson I've learned already. We got up and moments later found
ourselfs infront of the famous door. I knocked and we were ordered to
come in. Ralph and Christoph sat on the bed, holding the controllers of
a playstation. They had stopped the game and watched us stepping in
with big eyes and again slightly reddening faces. Than roguish smiles
showed up on their faces.

"Slept well, you two?"

I just couldn't resist!

"Yes!"

They already answered in stereo! Must love be nice...

"Danny, we have to..."

"Hold it! I can't stand any more `thank yous.'"

"Who said that we wanted to thank you?"

That was Chris, alone this time. And Ralph continued:

"We wanted to complain about your switching of the music. Turning it a
little lower would have been enough."

"You ungrateful little kids! Now I won't ever do anything for you
again. Now, while I remove the transmitter you can show Tim your
playstation."

I didn't even know if my brother had any interest in it, but suddenly I
didn't have the power anymore to go on talking with the happy couple.
It reminded me too much about what I was missing for myself.

Five minutes later everything was in the bag and we said our goodbyes
to the young lovers and Ralphs parents. It didn't take us long to get
home again, and we still had time left to install the radio technics
back where it belonged. Just when we were ready a car honked, we locked
up the house and climed into the car.

Both Tim and his dad were very happy to see each other again. Now
that's what I call a father-son relationship. The two "old ones" wanted
to know everything about our evening together (of course we left out
the part about Ralph and Christoph) and seemed to be extremely relieved
and happy that we became friends so fast. You could almost hear a
switch turned over in their brains to start the next step of bringing
our little families together.

At the restaurant my mom started to explain the plans for the future.

"Boys, we thought it would be a nice idea to spend christmas and new
years together. We could go on a trip together, like a real family."

Tim jumped up happily.

"Yes! A skiing trip!"

I slumped down in my seat, making a tormented face. Wasn't it cold
enough here already? And I can't stand those malicious, slippery wooden
boards! I could already see myself spending the holidays with broken
bones in a hospital. Reinhardt seemed to notice my skepticism.

"We'll see. We'll find something all of us will enjoy. I already have
an idea..."

He smiled mysteriously, and that was the end of this topic. Our food
was brought and my mom for the first time had the pleasure to see Tim
eating. While Tim made short work of a pizza the size of a truck wheel
my moms face got longer and longer. She looked at Tims already almost
empty plate, then at her own salad bowl, then she resignedly shook her
head.

"Reinhardt, can you tell me how the boys can eat so much without
gaining weight? I count every single calorie and still I won't lose
weight! Tim, where do you put all that stuff?"

That was a question I've heard again and again -- and my future brother
gave an answer my mom also had heard again and again from me.

"Don't know. Hollow legs?"

If he really had hollow legs they now were filled up at top speed, and
before my mom even ate half of her salad, Tims plate was empty. And
mine too.

While we were eating we talked about what to do with the remainder of
the day, but all the plans from christmas fair to sauna were shattered
when I was hit by an attack of terrible headaches. It came totally
suprising, I didn't even have a drop of the wine our parents allowed
Tim and me to celebrate our new friendship. My mom noticed my painful
face.

"Danny? What's wrong, your so pale suddenly?"

"I don't know, my head is aching suddenly."

Mom instantly switched into "my-poor-boy-mode", and ten minutes later
we sat in the car, heading home. On the way there I had the feeling of
a hundred dwarfs bowling in my head -- and they always hit a strike! I
was surprised, there was no reason for my headaches I knew about. I
wasn't hung over from the party. At home mom put me to bed, gave me a
few aspirin and started to send Reinhardt and Tim away.

"I'm really sorry, but as you can see I have to take care of Danny."

I couldn't let this happen, it was enough that I was out of business
for a while, the other three didn't need to suffer, too. It took a lot
of work,  but in the end I convinced mom that I wouldn't need her at my
side and that I was totally able to suffer alone. After asking me at
least a dozen times if she really could leave me alone, Reinhardt
pulled her out of my room. They all wished me to get well, then they
went for the christmas fair and I tried to find a position for my head
which gave me as little pain as possible.

I guess the aspirin did it's job, because at some point I fell asleep
and when I woke up again it was already dark outside. My headaches were
history, but I still had a dull feeling in my head. Carefully I sat up,
didn't feel any negative reactions from my body, so I decided to see if
I was still alone in the house.

I wasn't. It was almost 7pm, and mom was home for quite a while now and
was working in the kitchen, quietly to not disturb me. I stepped in and
sat down at the table with a sigh.

"There you are. How are you? The headaches gone?"

"I'm better, thanks. It doesn't hurt anymore, but I still feel kinda
blah..."

"Do you know what happend? You didn't drink to much yesterday, did you?"

"Mom, I only had two beer! If that was to much it would have hit me in
the morning, not at noon. Now, to change the topic, how was your
afternoon?"

"It was really nice. We went from booth to booth for hours, we had
waffles, roasted almonds, candied apples, cotton candy and mulled wine.
I don't even want to imagine my weight will be tomorrow morning."

"Did you bring me something nice?"

Mom smiled and got a big paper bag from the cupboard.

"I knew that you would ask this..."

She just knew me to well. Roasted almonds! My teeth were already
grinding in anticipation.

"Satisfied?"

"Yes, thanks."

"That reminds me... Reinhardt brought you something too!"

She disappeared for a moment, then she showed up again with something
big and fluffy. It took me a while to realise what it was, then I got
it. It was a giant plush dog with eyes as big 5-mark-coins!

"Oh my god, where did you get this beast?"

"Reinhardt won it at a lottery booth, in fact he won free choice not
once but twice, so he asked me what he could get you. I know how you
like dogs, so I told him to get this one. By the way, Tim got a bear at
least as big as your dog. You should have seen them, dragging the two
giant beasts over the whole christmas fair to our car!"

I was really said to have missed that picture. Of course, according to
the inofficial teenager handbook I was much to old for plush animals,
but what the hell, I was really happy with the present. And my room was
big enough anyway -- but I couldn't imagine where Tim would put his bear
in his small room. I decided to thank Reinhardt as soon as possible.

"You want something to eat, Danny?"

I listened into myself. I wasn't sure about eating something (that's a
first for me!), but before I wake up in the middle of the night with a
growling stomach I decided on a few toasts. Then I said my good nights
and went to bed at a time I would have fought even at the tender age of
ten -- if I was feeling well. The giant dog went on Thomas/Tims bed.

*.*.*

Monday. I HATE mondays! At least those which don't happen be a holiday.
But there was nothing I could do about it, we still had a few school
days left before the christmas break.

The pain dwarfes in my head hadn't shown up again, but still I felt
like my head was packed in cotton wool. I was running on auto pilot
doing all the morning things I had to do, ate a breakfast that normally
wouldn't be enough to fill a hollow tooth, then I left for school under
the worried looks of my mom.

As usual I met Thomas and a few others infront of the school -- and none
of them showed the same symptoms as I did, so I guess I could rule out
food poisoning. It soon showed that I wouldn't be a good companion
today and my friends were worried about me.

The first two lessons went bearable, they passed without me realising
much of them. Later the headaches showed up again and at the end of the
third lesson I felt so nauseaous that only a sprint to the bathroom
prevented me from vomiting all over the classroom. I threw up into the
toilet bowl violently and almost fell over in the cubicle, but
thankfully in my weakest moment Thomas showed up and held me upright.

"Shit, Danny, what are you doing?"

That was something I'd like to know for myself. After I recovered a bit
I managed to get back to the classroom with Thomas' help. Next lesson
was history, and thankfully the teacher was already there. After giving
me a short look he asked Thomas what was wrong, then he went to the
office, ordering Thomas to help me get there too, but slowly.

I can't really remember what happened next, but  I guess they called my
mother. I was in a daze, and when I really came to me I found myself at
our family doctor. There I had to survive the usual checks, amongst
others she found out that I had a high fever. The bowling pins in my
head were crashing around again and all in all I felt like the stuff I
puked out into the toilet bowl.

Mom of course insisted on being with me during the examination, and she
was extremely worried. I already mentioned that I once jumped Mr. Death
from the shovel a few years ago, and since this day we always were in
fear of the leukemia coming back. In sight of my history the good
doctor took all the time she needed for a thorough check-up. She
knocked here, listened there, and poked me at different places. Finally
she smiled at us.

"Young man, I think you don't need to worry to much. Because of your
history I'll take a little blood, but I'm already quite sure that you
only caught the flu, it's running around here at the moment. You aren't
vaccinated, are you?"

I?!? Letting me prick by a needle voluntary? Never! I violently shook
my head -- not a good idea. The pain dwarfs in my head stopped bowling,
starting to ring big church bells instead.

"What news do you want first, the good or the bad ones?"

"The bad ones."

"You'll feel like shit for a few more days."

How great.

"And what's the good news?"

"You won't need to go to school for the rest of the year."

Well, better than nothing. The doctor took my blood, wrote a few
prescriptions, then we went home with a little stop at the pharmacy. At
home I directly went to bed.

A few minutes later my mom showed up, bringing me lots of medicaments.
Now I'd really like to know who decided that a good medicament had to
taste to terrible! But this wasn't the worst yet. Against my headaches
the good doctor prescribed suppositories! Urgh! The concept of someone
playing with my butt wasn't a nice one, especially this someone being
my own mother. But heroically I survived even this humilation. When mom
left my room, she left the door a bit open, and after my headaches
decreased a bit I dozed away into a restless sleep.

When I woke up again my bedding was wet from my sweating, and watch
claimed that it was already 3pm. My head was aching only a little bit,
but my throat was so dry it was hurting. I collected all my strength
and called for my mom and I wasn't sure that she could even hear my
hoarse croak. But it didn't take long and she stepped into my room.

"Hello Danny, how are you feeling?"

"Better. But I need something to drink."

"I'll bring you tea in a minute, you have to take your medicaments
anyway. Let me feel your forehead. Hm. Not that hot anymore, but you
still got a fever. I'll bring the thermometer when I get you the tea.
Oh my, you're totally wet! And your bed is, too! I'll get you a fresh
pyjama, you put it on, and then you switch into the other bed."

That's exactly what we did, and five minutes later I felt a lot better
in dry clothes and a dry bed. With a heroic face I took the terrible
medicine, and the tea did my throat very good. Then mom came with the
thermometer, and I gave in to my fate. She didn't like taking the
temperature in the armpit, no, she insisted on the more "traditional"
way, if you get my drift. Anyway, the thermometer had just invaded my
butt and I was waiting for the result, when the door bell rang.

"Don't run away, I'll be back in a moment."

As if I was able to run away!

A minute or two later she stepped into the room again, but she wasn't
alone. Following her were Reinhardt and Tim, staring in my direction.
It took me a moment to realise why they were staring -- then I
panic-stricken pulled the blanket over my naked butt with the sticking
out thermometer sticking out. Thanks a lot, mom! She really had a
talent to put me in embarrassing situations. At this point she realised
what she had done.

"Oh my god, Danny, I'm so sorry! I totally forgot it!"

Reinhardt smiled softly, then he grabbed his son.

"Come on, Tim, we'll give Danny his privacy."

They left my room, and my mother took care of what she totally forgot,
starting to apologize again and again. Well, I was never able to stay
mad at her for a long time.

"It's okay. Now, how does it look like? Can you fry eggs on my butt?"

"Not anymore, only 38.9 C -- much better than this morning, you were at
40 C! Now pull your pants up again and cover yourself, I'll bring the
guest back in."

I was just done when Tim and his dad came in again. How did they even
know about me being sick? Reinhardt answered my unasked question.

"Hi Danny, sorry to surprise you, but when Maria called and told us
about you whe thought, that maybe you'd like a short visit. Now, what
are you doing, worrying us so much?"

That's a sentence I've heard before. From Thomas, I think. I guess this
question for a sick person is in some way imprinted in our genetic
code. Cut yourself in the finger - "What are you doing?". Break your
leg - "What are you doing?". Get the flue - "What are you doing?". Make
the neighbours daughter pregnant - "What are you doing?". Well, at
least the latter would never be something my mom would have to worry
about.

Thankfully mom took over to explain my visitors what happened since
they left us the day before. I enjoyed the attention from the three
people, and when mom was done with her explanation I got more looks of
sympathy.

"I feel with you, Danny, and I hope you'll get well soon. Thank god
it's still a little time til christmas, if not I'd have to..."

Reinhardt stopped in mid-sentence. Now that's something I really can't
stand! First waking my curiosity and then letting me in the dark. I
guess the other two felt the same way, so mom took the role of
inquisitor. By the way a role she is really perfect in!

"What would you have to do?"

Reinhardt hesitated for a moment, then he gave in.

"Okay, it might be not the best moment, but what the hell. Maybe it
will make Danny get well sooner. This morning I booked a trip for all
of us over christmas. We'll go to Florida. I hope you're not mad at me,
but I wanted it to be a surprise."

And what a suprise it was! I decided to take all the most terrible
medicaments of the world and to stand the most embarassing treatments
just to be healthy again in time! And I just had to look at the faces
of mom and Tim to realise, that they were as surprised and happy as I
was. It didn't seemed like anyone was mad on Reinhardt.

The next minutes we talked animated about the upcoming trip. Well, the
other three talked, I only listened. Tims eyes were sparkling with
happiness. But suddenly mom startled.

"Oh my! I totally forgot that I have to go to Paris tomorrow. For five
days!"

Oops. She wasn't the only one to have totally forgotten this trip. She
was invited to congress about architecture, for the first time she even
should give a lecture -- a really big honor. We talked about her being
away for five days before and decided, that it wouldn't be a problem
leaving me alone for this time. But my being sick changed everything.

"I'll call them and cancel my attendance."

Great, now I was feeling guilty for her not being able to go,
especially since I knew how happy she was about being invited. Sadness
was showing on her face, and she grabbed the phone -- but Reinhardt
stopped her.

"Wait a minute. Let's see if there really isn't another solution. I
know, it's quite suddenly, and it would have been nicer to talk it over
without the rush, but we have to do it now. How about Danny coming over
and staying with us while you're in France? He would be alone for only
an hour or two, most times either Tim or I would be with him."

Reinhardt was a freelance translater, working from an office in his
appartment. Hope showed in moms eyes, but still she had her doubts.

"I don't know. I mean, it's quite a lot I'd ask from you. And he'll
have to see his doctor again on thursday."

"No problem, you know that I can manage my work the way I like it. We
don't have a guest room, but I'm sure that Tim will give his room to
Danny for a few days, he can sleep on the couch in the living room."

Even though Tim instantly nodded his head I decided to not push him out
of his own room. But that's something we could sort out later, nothing
my mom must know about.

"I still don't know. I mean, my son is sick and suffering, and I enjoy
myself in Paris?"

"Spit from the Eiffel Tower for me once and you're forgiven."

Everyone laughed.

"He's already making jokes again, Maria. You'll see, when you get back
from France he'll be on his feet again. And you can phone him everyday."

"Well, if you say so. I don't know how I can ever thank you for it, but
if all three of you are for it, we'll make it so."

Yes! He did it! He convinced mom!

"Fine. Now when do you have to leave tomorrow?"

"The plane starts at 7.55am."

"Hm. I guess Danny should move today, it would be much too early
tomorrow morning."

Of course he was right. The idea of getting out of bed at 5am or even
earlier wasn't a nice one. So we decided, that Reinhardt and Tim would
drive home and prepare everything, while mom would pack everything I'd
need and I'll put on my clothes. Later Reinhardt would come back to
pick me up.

During our preparations the doctor called with the results of my blood
sample. Everything was okay, no signs of the leukemia returning. After
hearing this we both had to sit down for a few minutes in relief, and I
felt on top of the world again. If you happen to know a hospitals
cancer station from the inside you'll understand my reaction.

While we were waiting for Reinhardt to return and pick me up, also
Thomas called to here the last news about me. My throat was in working
order again, so I told him about everything what happened and what
would happen, and I gave him the Bergners phone number. He promised to
keep me informed about the school things, and I'd take my Powerbook to
keep contact via email. If I'd be allowed to use the Bergners internet
connection.

Around 6pm I was picked up by Reinhardt. For the few steps from our
house to the car I was even more packed in thick clothing than usually
-- and knowing my relation to the cold that's really remarkable. I guess
even a sumo wrestler could now hide behind me. With both arms stretched
out and Prince Charles with his glider ears on his shoulders.

Fortunately Reinhardts car was much more spacious than the Mercedes SLK
my mom gave herself for her last birthday -- and it was nicely heated,
too. This way I even survived the little traffic jam on the way to his
home, so a few minutes before 7pm we reached our destination. Minutes
later I stepped into the room which would be my home for the next few
days. Reinhardt pointed out the couch, which was already turned into a
bed.

"Make yourself at home, Danny. We'll give you a few minutes, so you can
change into your pyjamas undisturbed. If you need something, just
holler."

Before I could start with these things, mom bid her good byes, almost
being in tears. She now was in a hurry, no wonder, she still had a lot
of things to do at home. She promised to call me everyday, told me to
get well soon and to behave! As if I ever didn't... After I promised
her to do so, she left the room with a final sad look at me.

Now I was alone, finally. I took my pyjama from the bag, and five
minutes later my body was only half as voluminous as before with all
the winter clothes, looking almost normal now. I checked the couch, it
was quite comfy, so I layed down and sank back into the soft pillows.
Shortly later it was knocking at the door, and after my permission Tim
came in.

"Is the bed okay?"

"Yes, thanks. But we have to talk a few things over. First: it's YOUR
room, you don't need to knock before coming in. After you catching me
buck naked this afternoon there isn't much you haven't see of me,
anyway."

Tim giggled.

"Second: I don't like the idea of me pushing you out of your own room.
I think it would be better if I slept on the couch in the living room.
You still have to go to school and need a good nights rest. And your
whole stuff is in this room."

"No way! You'll sleep here, you need a quite place, and the living room
is facing the main street. When I need something from the room I'll get
it. If I don't get on your nerves I'll keep you company from time to
time anyway."

"Tim, you won't get on my nerves. I just feel bad about the whole
situation. First you have to take care of sick old me, and now I even
ban you from your own room."

"Sorry, I don't have two beds in my room. Only if..."

"Only what?"

"Well, we have a folding bed I always sleep on when my cousin is
visiting."

"Why didn't you say so before? I'll sleep on it, and you can keep your
bed."

"I thought you'd like your privacy."

"No, I don't like to be alone, I'll only start musing and pitying
myself. I'll die of boredom!"

"You're feeling well enough to stand my company?"

I listened into my body. The medicine seemed to work, I still felt a
little dizzy, but all in all I felt a lot better than this morning. My
head felt like it was padded with cushions from the inside, so mad
dwarfy bowlers and bell ringers didn't stand a chance.

"Yes, don't worry. If at some time I feel like being alone for a while,
I'll tell you so."

"Okay, I'll tell dad that we'll share the room. But I have one
condition: you take the real bed, I'll take the folding one. And that's
not to discuss!"

Oh my, the little one became authoritarian! But okay, better half a
victory than none at all. Half an hour later most of the empty space in
the room was taken up by the folding bed -- fortunately (as the name
already said) it could be folded up during the day.

Reinhardt asked us if we really wanted to share the room, and after we
told him so he seemed to be quite happy. By the way, both the Bergners
were vaccinated, so they weren't in danger to catch the flu from me.

Time went fast, and soon it was 9pm. At some point in the evening Tim
had brought me a light supper and I took my various medicaments. I was
a little shocked when Reinhardt said that it was time to take my
temperature, but he only grinned when he saw me making a face and
showed me the digital ear thermometer he'd use on me. Relieved I
allowed him to do so, it showed 38.5 C. He asked me if I need anything
else, I said no, so he wished me a good night and left the room. Tim
followed him, telling me that he'll stay out a little longer, and I
tried to fall asleep. I guess it worked, because I didn't noticed Tim
coming back into the room and laying down in the folding bed. I guess I
was to busy with my confusing fever dreams...

*.*.*

I woke up at 5am because the pain medicine didn't work anymore. Once
again I felt as if my head would shatter, and I didn't know what to do
about it. I even wished for my mom to give me a suppository again, but
as promising the idea was, I just couldn't for Tims or Reinhardts help
to do so. I guess I just had to stand the pain for the time being.

The next one and half hours I suffered real agony, and when Tim got up
I needed all my acting abilities to not show him my condition. I did as
if I was still asleep, watching him through only slits of my eyes when
he grabbed his clothes and left the room. Now I couldn't stand it any
longer, I decided to give me the suppository myself! With nervous
fingers I opened the package and grabbed the slippery thing to put it
where it belonged. That wasn't as easy as it sounds, that place is
known for not being in the sight of its owner. After two or three
unsuccessful tries I finally landed on target. Now I only could hope
that it would work as good and as fast as the day before.

I was lucky, the pain killers did work fast, and relieved I sank back
into the pillows just when Tim stepped back into the room. Today his
long underwear was fire red, and when he noticed that I was awake he
gave me big happy smile.

"You're awake! How are you? Slept well?"

"Yeah, thanks, I'm feeling well enough. And you? Ready to face the
cruel reality of another school day?"

Tim laughed.

"For me school isn't that a cruel reality."

"It isn't? How are you in school, anyway?"

"You don't really want to know."

"Oh yes, I do want to know it!"

"You won't make fun of me?"

"Never. I promised you to never make fun of you when we met for the
first time, you remember?"

"Yes. Okay, if you really want to know: 1.0." ((German school grades
range from 1 to 6, 1 being the best like straight A's in the US.))

Oh. My. GOD! Now there was something really bad in store for me. If my
mom heard this she'll tell me over and over again how good my little
brother is at school, and that I should try to take him as example. No!
I was quite happy with my average grade of 1.8-2.2.

"That's not good, that's really not good. You'll ruin the standards,
and I'll have to suffer from it."

"I'm so sorry, but I won't deteriorate my grades because of you."

"Shit. I guess I'll have to live with a genius in the family?"

"Yup."

Tim passed my bed on his way to the desk, where he packed a few things
for school. Doing so he noticed the package of suppositories.
Couriously he took it.

"Cool, I know these, my doctor gave them to me a few months ago. They
are so strong, I was almost high from them. But they do wonders against
the pain."

He was right, my headaches had lost the battle against them, at least
for now.

"You gave them to yourself alone?"

I nodded.

"And you waited for me to leave the room?"

I nodded again.

"How long were you in pain?"

"For one or two ours."

"You're stupid. You only had to wake me up and I would have helped you."

"Maybe I'm a little shy around you about such things?"

"I don't believe this. I'm your brother, there is no reason to be shy
around me. And I've already seen this side of you yesterday, if you
remember. And even if you didn't want or need my help, you at least
didn't have to wait for me to get out of the room."

Talk about changed roles. Three days ago I was the one trying to get it
into his cute head that we're brothers now, and that we could tell each
other everything. Okay, I plea for extenuating circumstances, my mind
was still foggy from my sickness.

"Okay, okay, I get it. No more stupid sense of shame around you,
especially not in case of an emergency."

"I hope so! Now I have to get ready, I have to leave for school in 10
minutes. Dad and I had breakfast already, should I tell him to bring
you something when I go?"

"No thanks, I'm not hungry."

For this statement my mom would put a red dot on the calendar.

"Okay. But I'll leave the door a little open, just holler for him if
you need something."

While we talked he put on his shirt and jeans, then he grabbed his
school bag and went to the door.

"Now try to sleep a little longer, and get better! See you after
school."

"Have fun."

He left me alone, leaving the door a crack wide open as he promised. I
had to admit that I liked to be pampered a bit -- but I'd rather be not
sick anymore.

I really fell asleep again and was wakened by a hand softly stroking my
hair. With a bit of effort I opened my eyes and looked into the smiling
face of Tims dad.

"Good morning. How do you feel today?"

"Good morning to you, too. I'm better now, but earlier this morning the
headaches hit me again."

"Did you take something against it?"

"Yes, and it did work, the pains are gone for now."

"Good. Let me check your temperature."

Again he used the digital thermometer on me -- 37.9 C. Could have been
better.

"You're hungry?"

Interesting question. I guess I was, at least a little bit.

"Yes."

"How about a warm pudding and a glass of tea? And you have to take your
medicine."

"Okay."

"Good. I'll be back in a few minutes. By the way, your mom called from
the airport and told me to give you her best wishes."

I looked at my watch, half past nine, I guess she now already was in
Paris. Good. I was really happy for her, she had worked quite hard to
get where she was now.

Reinhardt left the room and I tried to decide where to eat. I guess
I'll join him in the kitchen, so I sat up put my feet on the floor. No
negative reactions from my body, so I put on my slippers and got up
slowly and carefully. I was still in a little daze, but not bad enough
to stop me from my plans. First I needed to see the bathroom -- but I
didn't have a clue where to find it, so I shuffled to the kitchen, were
my host was suprised to see me in the door.

"Could you tell me where the bathroom is?"

"The last door on the left. Are you sure you can make it alone?"

"I guess. But if you hear a loud thud please come looking for me."

"Don't make jokes about this, young man! I promised Maria to take good
care of you -- and I plan on keeping this promise."

"Okay, okay. But don't worry, I can make it."

"If you say so..."

Slowly I turned my feet in the mentioned direction, and really, there I
found a nice big bathroom. I did what I came for, washed my hands and
got the shock of my young life when I looked into the mirror! What a
frightening beast was looking back at me! My eyes were sunken into dark
holes, and to call the color of my face pale would have been a big
understatement. And all of this after only one and half days! I shook
my head and started my way back to the kitchen. There Reinhardt was
just putting my breakfast on a tray to bring it to Tims room, but I was
able to convince him that I'd rather eat in the kitchen.

"Okay, if you want. Sit down."

I sat down and looked with mixed emotions at the pudding infront of me.
I was quite hungry, but on the other hand seeing the food already made
me feel a little sick again. But what the hell, starving wasn't my
favourite kind of death, so I grabbed the spoon and started to shovel
the chocolate pudding into my mouth, followed by sips of hot tea. It
didn't take long and the plate was empty and even my morning medicine
ration had found it's way into my stomach. I leaned back in my seat and
noticed Reinhardt watching me with a satisfied smile on his face.

"You feel better now?"

"Yes, thanks, I guess I needed it. By the way, could you do me a little
favour?"

"Sure, what can I do for you?"

"Could you cover all the mirrors in the house? Seeing my face almost
made me fall out of my slippers."

Reinhardt laughed.

"At least you still have your humour."

"That's no humour, that's simple self defense. Without it I couldn't
stand this situation."

"I guess you'll go to bed again now?"

"Later, for now I'd like to sit for a while."

"Yes, I can understand this. But this seats are not really comfortable.
Want to come to the living room? We have a nice cosy couch there, and
if you don't want to sit anymore you can lay down on it. If it doesn't
take much from you I'd like to talk with you about something."

Now my couriosity was wakened. I felt quite well at the moment and
didn't like the idea of being alone in Tims room, so I nodded.

"Fine. You know where the living room is, I'll just take care of the
dishes, then I'll follow you."

So I went to the living room and sat down on the mentioned couch.
Looking around I noticed that this was the home of a technic freak. A
large flat screen tv, accomponied by a hi-fi set of which the label
alone was worth a three digit number. It looked like Tims dad was doing
really well in his business, no wonder he was able to afford going to
America with for persons just for a little christmas trip.

I was still thinking about this when Reinhardt came into the room,
bringing me a woolen blanket and spreading it over me.

"Here you are, it isn't as warm as in the kitchen here. We don't want
to take a risk with you to get cold."

Whoever brings me a warm blanket was already in my good book. I pulled
the blanket around me and snuggled up in it. Reinhardt sat down in a
chair facing me. After a while he started talking.

"Okay, Danny, first things first. If it gets to much for you, just say
it, and we talk later."

"No problem, I tell you soon enough for you to catch me from falling
off the couch."

He laughed.

"Good. But to get serious now: Danny, I love your mother."

I noticed this before.

"And I really like you, too. Very much."

Now that was nice to hear.

"And I know that Tim feels the same way about you."

It became better and better.

"Danny, Maria and I, we want our two families moving in together,
becoming a real family. But that's nothing we two old folks can decide
alone, you two boys have a word in it, too. And now ... well ... I'd
like to know what you think about it, if you could live with the idea.
And I want you to be honest. I guess it isn't a really big surprise, is
it?"

He was right. I was waiting for such a suggestion for a while now.
Okay. He wants the merciless truth? He'll get it.

"Reinhardt, the most important thing for me is my mom being happy. She
had to take a lot in the last years, first my leukemia, then the death
of my dead. If it makes her happy, I would even stand a monster of step
father and a nerv wrecking little brother."

Reinhardts face fell apart, an unbelieving, shocked expression showing
up. He started to say something, but I stopped him.

"Wait, I'm not done. I said I WOULD stand that. But I'm really glad
that I don't HAVE to stand it, that I get someone like you and Tim
instead."

Relief showed up on his face.

"Shit, Danny, your sense of humour is something I still have to get
used to."

"You'll get it sometime."

"So you're okay with our planes?"

"You have my blessings. But what about Tim?"

"Oh, you don't have to worry about him. He already loves your mother, I
guess she gives him something he has missed sinces his real mom left
us. I think I'm a acceptable father, but I couldn't replace his mom.
And about you..."

I was listening carefully.

"... he almost worships you. I don't know what you did in the short
time you know each other, but when he speaks about you his eyes are
sparkling. He admires you, and if you don't do some totally stupid,
you'll get not only a little brother but your biggest fan, too."

My god, he didn't need to put me on such a high pedestal. On the other
hand: I was really glad to hear that Tim thought so much of me.

"I hope that takes care of your last doubts. We'd like to move in
together at the beginning of next year."

"I'm okay with it, just tell me soon enough so I can break a leg or
something, so I don't have to help with all the hard work."

"Oh no, you won't get out of it so easily!"

Now we both laughed, and the tense air which hovered in the room at the
start of our talk was gone completely. But there was one more very
important question.

"Where will we life? Here or at our house?"

"Even though I really like this appartment, it wouldn't be big enough
for four people. We need a living room, a bed room for your mother and
me, an office and one or two children's rooms for you and Tim. Sorry
about the term childrens's room."

"So you and Tim will move in with us."

It sounded logical, we had more than enough space available. When my
parents designed the house they planned on more children -- it wasn't
meant for me to be a single child. And both my parents believed in the
idea of a generations house, so there was enough space not only for me
and my (never coming siblings) but also for our own future children.
Well, at this time nobody thought that little Danny who had to stand in
the corner in kindergarten because he looked a girl under her skirt
would later switch over to the other side. Now, what was this about
children's rooms?

"I guess Tim wants a room for himself?"

"Actually, he doesn't. He said he'd love to share a room with you. But
only if you're okay with it."

Now that's what I call a loaded question. Was I okay with it? I mean I
really liked the idea of having Tim in my room, but on the other hand I
didn't know how this would effect my further feelings for him. Well, I
guess I'd have to pull myself together.

"I'd have no problem with it. And if it doesn't work out we still can
go separate ways."

But there was one more thing, and I guess it was the right time to put
it on the table. The last important test for Tims dad. This test could
destroy everything, but better now than later.

"Reinhardt, there is something you have to know about me. There is one
thing which could change your opinion about me dramatically."

"What? You have a dead body in your cellar?"

Unlike my usual happy self this time I wasn't in the mood for joking
around.

"I'm serious here, Reinhardt. I guess there is only one way to do this.
I'm gay."

To say he was surprised, even shocked would have been a big
understatement. Well, at least he didn't jump at my throat.

"You are gay? You?"

"Yep."

"I never would have thought, I need to digest this information."

"Does this change anything between us?"

"Oh yes, it changes very much!"

Reinhardt got up and came over to me, and now I started to worry. But
he only sat down beside me and pulled me in his arms.

"You little fool. The only thing changing is that at some point I'll
not have two daughters in law but only one and one son in law."

Puh, now I was the one to look reliefed out of my pyjama. But at his
place I wouldn't be THAT sure about getting a daughter in law anyway.
But that's something I wouldn't tell him. Reinhardt grinned at me.

"Sorry, but this was my revenge for the `monster of stepfather.'"

Okay, I guess I deserved this.

"Danny, your still the same nice boy I'd like to have as my second son.
What I don't know is how Tim will react. I mean, I hope I raised him up
as a tolerant human, but we never talked about this particulary topic."

"Tim knows about me since saturday afternoon."

Now it was again Reinhardts turn to look at me surprised, his eyes wide
open.

"And, how did he react?"

"You really have to ask this question? I mean, you were the one who
told me that he admires me."

"Oops, you're right. Sorry, but I wasn't prepared for that. It was
quite brave of you to tell him on the first day you knew each other."

"No, it wasn't. In fact it was quite stupid."

"Why?"

So I told him how his son found out my darkest secret. When I was done
he laughed at me.

"Now that went well! And do you regret it?"

"No, how could I after Tim reacted so well. And you too, now. Thanks."

I didn't tell him that his son wasn't that sure about his own sexuality
yet -- that was something Tim had to tell him alone when he was ready.
If he ever as.

"No need for thanking me, this should be the normal reaction anyway.
Okay, we've talked for quite a while now, how do you feel, are you
tired?"

Now that he asked... I really felt a little weak -- on the other hand
our talk distracted me a bit from my problems. But still...

"Yes, I guess I'll lay down again for a while."

"Good. It's almost time for your next medicine, I'll bring it to your
room."

A few minutes later I found myself again in Tims bed, still sitting
upright and waiting for Reinhardt. Moments later he showed up with the
medicine and I heroically gulped down everything.

"Good little boy."

Thank you very much!

"Try to sleep a bit. Tim will be back from school around 2pm, and I'll
prepare a little dinner. You want to join us then?"

"I don't know yet. If I'm asleep please don't wake me up."

"Okay. I'll leave the door open a bit."

He left the room and I was alone again. I decided to follow his
suggestion, and a little later I was asleep.


*.*.*

Panic. Crying people. The forced calm voice of a stewardess. Screeching
metal. Fire. Flashing lights. Then darkness. And a voice from far away.

"Danny ... Danny, wake up! It's only a dream ... come on ... wake up
... please!"

The voice slowly dragged my mind out of the terrible, burning dungeon
it was locked in. I opened my eyes and looked in the worried but oh so
cute face of Tim.

"Everything is okay, Danny. It only was a bad nightmare."

That it was. I knew this nightmare just too well. After the death of my
dad I had it almost every night for months. Later it came only once
every few weeks, and for a year now it left me alone. But why did it
torture me again now? Was it because my mind was still weak because of
my sickness?

Tim was half sitting on my bed and held me in his strong swimmers arms.

"It was only a dream, you're safe, everything is okay."

At this moment Reinhardt stormed into the room.

"What happened? Tim, what's wrong?"

"Danny had a nightmare, it took me a while to wake him out of it."

"I see. Danny, everything okay with you now?"

I tried to pull myself together, but I was still trembling
uncontrolled. My pyjama was wet from my sweat again, and my view was
blurry. But I had to give an answer, so I put all my self-control into
my voice.

"I'm fine. It just was so ... so real. So intensive."

I looked into my brothers eyes.

"Thanks for bringing me out of it."

"Don't mention it. You want to lay down again?"

"Please keep holding me for a moment, til I'm calmed down completely."

Tim did exactly what I asked him, while his dad brought me a fresh
pyjama. I took a look at my watch -- almost 6pm, I had slept the whole
afternoon. Or almost the whole afternoon, I remembered slightly that at
one time Reinhardt woke me up to give me my medicine.

Slowly I calmed down and told Tim that he could release me, thanking
him again. Reinhardt gave me the new pyjama.

"You should put this one on, you're totally wet. And I'll bring you
fresh bedding, too."

"I don't want to be a bother."

"Nonsense. I've already prepared the bedding, I knew that something
like that could happen. When Tim once had the flu he was sweating like
mad, too. When everything is done I'll bring you a small super and your
medicine."

I wasn't strong enough to resist. With Tims help I got up to give
Reinhardt the possibility to change the wet bedding. While he did this
I sat down on the folding bed, and a few minutes later Reinhardt left
me alone with Tim.

"I'll bring you your supper in ten minutes -- and I want you in your
fresh pyjamas then!"

Aye aye, Sir! I started to pull of my pyjama shirt, usually not a task
I'd have problems with. But this time it felt like shoveling snow for
an hour or more. Finally I made it, and it became clear that only
changing pyjamas wouldn't be enough. I felt sweaty and dirty, I had to
clean up a bit.

"Tim, could you get Reinhardt, please?"

"Is something wrong?"

"No, but we need to change plans. Get him here, okay?"

"Okay, be back in a minute."

He really was back in a minute, followed by his dad, both with worried
looks on their faces.

"What's wrong? Do you need something?"

"Reinhardt, I need to shower. I smell like a whole locker room, and I
feel dirty."

"I know, but I don't think it's a good idea for you to shower. You
can't hold yourself on your feet!"

Sadly he was right. But Tim had a solution.

"He could take a hot bath. We'll help him into and out of the tub, and
while he's in one of us will watch him so he won't drown."

His dad looked at me questioning.

"What do you think, Danny? Either that or we'll wash you by hand here
in the bed."

Oh no, I wasn't THAT frail yet!

"I'll take the hot tub."

"Good, I start the water running."

"Should I bring towels?"

"No, Tim, you stay here with Danny and won't let him out of your eyes."

Ha, if I would run away!

Some 15 minutes later Reinhardt joined us again, handing me a robe.

"Put off your pyjama pants."

Easier said than done, in the end Tim had to help me to get rid of my
socks and pants. I was still a little shy around him, so my head
reddened like a ripe cherry. Thankfully some special part of my body
was much to weak to rise.

We were just done with stripping me out of my pyjama when Reinhardt
showed up again to bring me to the bathroom. Guided by father and son
from both sides I made it there without an accident. Funny, only hours
ago I was able to make this way all alone.

In the bathroom the hot tub was already waiting for me. Reinhardt took
my robe, then we looked at the tub undecided.

"Hm. How do we get you into the tub, without you hurting yourself?"

Reinhardt looked at me, estimating my weight.

"When were you picked up by someone for the last time? Literally, I
mean?"

Oh no, not that! That was just too embarra... Oh. Before I even could
start to protest he used his big body and strong arms to pick me up
from the floor, taking me in his arms like a baby, and slowly letting
me slide into the hot water.

"Is the water okay? Too hot or too cold?"

"No, it's great."

"Fine. Stay this way for a few minutes. Shall I help you with washing
yourself later or do you want Tim to do it?"

Please not Tim! It was bad enough that he had to see my degradation.
His strong, big brother -- helpless like a toddler.

"You."

"Okay. Tim, you'll stay with Danny for now and watch out that nothing
happens."

"Yes, dad."

I leaned back and tried to put as much of my body as possible under the
nice warm water. At the end only my head and my knees were still
showing above it, and I felt much a little better.

"Everything okay, Danny?"

I took a look at Tim, who sat on a stool, watching me with worried eyes.

"Yes, thanks, it's great in the water. Im sorry to be such a bother."

"Somebody not too long ago told me to stop apologizing..."

Okay, okay, he gave me a bit of my own medicine, maybe he was right.
Shortly after that Reinhardt came back, sending Tim to the kitchen to
take care of the tea water.

"Okay, Danny, let's go. How do you want my help?"

"I guess I can take care of everything myself, except my back."

"If you say so. But don't be shy to ask if you need more help. Rest
assured, there is nothing I didn't see on Tim before and nothing I
didn't do to him before."

Very assuring, but I was glad that I only needed help with my back. The
nice warm water had reawakened my mind and body a bit, so a few minutes
later I was done with everything. I got up and wanted to grab the big
towel, but Reinhardt stopped me. He rinsed me off, then he took the
towel, wrapped me up in it, picked me up again and seconds later I was
out of the tub. He did so with an easienes as if I was weithing nothing!

"Dry up."

I did so, and when I was dry and dressed again, Reinhardt brought me
back to Tims room. I layed down on the bed and shortly later was served
a light supper of toast and tea, accomponied by the unavoidable
medicine. When everything was where it belonged the phone rang. Tims
dad ran out, just to come back with the cordless phone a minute later.
I just knew who was on the line!

"Danny, it's your mother."

I took the cordless and greeted her.

"Danny, how are you? Your voice sounds better!"

Thank god she didn't call an hour earlier!

"I'm fine, thanks. Reinhardt and Tim take good care of me. How is
Paris?"

"Still standing. It's a great city, the city of love. Maybe I should
send you here when you're healthy again. You just might find a cute
french boy for you. Oops ... I hope we're not on speaker phone! I
didn't want to out you!"

I laughed hoarsely.

"Don't worry, we're not on speaker phone. And even if we were: they
both know about me."

"What? You told them? And, how did they react? Come one, speak!"

"It went great, don't worry. We'll talk about it when you're back, I
don't want to put us poverty because of the long distance call. Here is
your loved one again."

Reinhardt took the phone and left the room. Ohoh. Secrets!

While Reinhardt now took care of the profits of the phone company, Tim
freed my of the dishes. Five minutes later all three of us were
together again, and Reinhardt looked at me a little reprimanding.

"That wasn't exactly the truth what you told Maria. You're not feeling
that well yet."

"I hope you didn't tell her that. I want her to enjoy Paris. If I had
told her about what happened today, she would have jumped the next
plane."

"I know what you mean. I didn't tell her, and I wont do it for now. But
if you get worse, I have to tell her."

"I can live with that."

"Good. How do you feel now, the bath wasn't to strenuous, was it?"

"No, it was great, and I feel really good. What I need now is a good
nights rest without headaches and other problems."

"Then try to sleep now. Better take a suppository now, just
prophylactic. They are so strong, they should keep you painless till
tomorrow."

"Okay, I'll take one."

"Shall I help you?"

I thought about for a minute. What the heck, why not.

"Okay."

"Good. Tim, could you bring the thermometer, pleaste?"

Tim left the room, and while he was out his dad took care of the
suppository business. The thermometer showed 38.8 C, the two Bergners
wished me a good night and left me to my own devices. Thankfully I
hadn't much time to muse around and found myself in morpheus arms only
a few minutes later.

*.*.*

To be continued in part 4