Date: Mon, 01 Nov 2004 04:48:46 -0500 From: Daven P Subject: strength-because-of-you-01 Disclaimer: This is a fiction story based on gay characters and contains sexual encounters between consenting males. If this kind of thing bothers you in any way, please depart. If you are under age or it is illegal to read such material where you're from, you are all right, this is not hard-core porn and I can't imagine a place that would make it law to not view. If you are not out, I'd advise you hide this really good, maybe save it on disk or change the name to something boring as to keep you safe. The males in here do not practice safe sex but I'd advise you to use your best judgment and be safe when engaging in sexual intercourse. You all know the drill so just enjoy the story. Copyright: The author retains all copyrights of this material. Any reproduction and distribution for money is strictly forbidden. The author give permission to post his story elsewhere on the web as long as the material stays completely intact and the author name appears on the material. If you are not sure if what you want to do is breaking copyright or not, please contact the author and ask for whatever it is. Thank you. Strength Because of You By Daven Chapter One -- If You Only Knew Damn! I was the new kid in school. My father had gotten transferred in his job and I found myself being packed up to be shipped off to a new city and home. My security that I prided myself in, knowing what was expected of me and where I stood in the social monopoly of my life was ripped right from under me. You don't know how hard it can be to be the "new kid". When I first showed up at William-Ferris High, I was just stared at. People whispered to kids next to them without and pretense of hiding who they were talking about--me! I heard some giggling from a girl that looked too primp to be anything but a member of the "in" crowd. Soon I saw noted being passed around, followed by more giggling, or the occasional chuckle from a guy. It seemed like everyone was in on it. God, where people actually so immature still in high school? I could only ignore them and find a seat. Lucky for me the teacher thought good enough to not make me go through any of that "new to the school" crap and there was no uncomfortable introductions and "where are you froms". At least I was spared that humiliation. Halfway through the class my tired brain registered there was no more chuckling or giggling; only occasional intrigued glances here and there. My mind hoped they were warming to me already, there idea of new kid in school wasn't that great and it was only a couple weeks into the school year anyway. The thought of three more classes and lunch to go through still, I knew there would be a repeat of earlier's performance. Global Studies was easy. They were covering a topic y old teacher had already went through, which was fortunate for me since the teach decided to call on me. "So new kid--", open laughter. "Do you know how Mesopotamia received it's name?" The class looked at me, watching, waiting for me to screw up. I silently thanked my blessed teacher from my old school and replied: "Mesopotamia. It means: The Fertile Crescent. Given that name from area of rich soil it's bordering rivers: the Tigris and Euphrates create around it, allowing for good, "fertile", land to plant in." I said with no hesitation; that was too easy. "Very good. Though I don't like the cockiness of your response. My question too easy for you? Maybe not challenging enough?" The sneer in his voice told me I better tread lightly with my response. "Not really, Sir. We just covered this stuff in my old school." Bad move. I seen by the way his face changed I was in for it. "I see... So you're an expert in this subject, then. Do enlighten the rest of the class with your profound knowledge." He proceeded to ask me all types of questions which became more and more difficult to answer. I couldn't believe it. Was this teacher mental, stopping everything to barrage me with questions? The fact that I answered everyone of them correctly only angered him further. The students were openly amused, some going as far as to let of chuckle escape. They were enjoying this distraction and it looked they were getting their rocks off seeing the teacher so angry. I felt good, maybe they were starting to like me. Then the bell rang and I was saved. "Hold up! Before you all rush out here like a stampeding herd, here is your assignment for tonight. You have a five page essay--due tomorrow--about all the places we've covered so far and how they relate to each other. And you can thank the new kid for "that". You all should have no problem with that if you know as much as our resident know-it-all. That's all." The students looked at me with open hostility. No trace of amusement remained from my earlier performance. "Nice going, kid," someone said, knocking into me with enough force to send me to the floor. I picked myself up and noticed the teacher glaring at me. I walked with trepidation to my next class. School couldn't possibly get any worse today. It took some time to find my next class, the result was me being late. I walked in bracing myself for more abuse from the kids and very possibly, the teacher, for being late. If my last class was total hell, then this one was the complete opposite. The teacher regarded me with open curiosity and slight smile. She was a young lady, looked to be mid twenties. She had raven black hair and blue eyes. She was beautiful; built like a model. "I hope you didn't have too much trouble finding my class, Julian." Wow! She even knew my name. Sound a lot better than "new kid". "No. Not too much, anyway." I smiled back. "Welcome to Humanities and Literature," she said. "Humanity and Lit for more simplicity. I'm Ms. Jones. Take a seat next to Terrin, if you will." I looked around and saw the empty seat, but there was a boy on either side. I wondered which was Terrin. I took the seat. It was situated kinda in the middle-front of the room. I took my stuff out and put in on the desk. "Hey. I'm Terrin." I looked up, surprised someone was actually talking to me already. "You look a little young to be in a Junior class. What... I'd say you look to be a Freshman." Terrin turned of to be a boy with black hair and the bluest eyes I had ever seen on someone. His hair was cut medium short and was styled in such a way that there were little locks of hair crowning his head; the kind you'd get from combing a wide-toothed brush through wet hair. His face was perfect; perfectly proportioned for his frame... It just looked right. And his body! What I could see from the clothes he had on, he was definitely an athlete--football player, probably. Not much else to comment on that I could see from the way he was sitting. His voice completely male, beyond boyish but at the same time not too deep. "Yea. I am," I said almost too quietly. I knew the drill. Nobody, especially no upperclassman, liked Freshmen. We were like the new litter to the school. Puppies who had to be taught the rules of the "house" early on, rather it be the easy way, or the make and example way. I didn't look at Terrin. "Cool." That was it. Being adept at reading people's tone--for my own protection--I didn't miss the reserved interest in his. Suppose it was the novelty of having a "Freshman" in a "Junior" class, as Terrin so aptly put. He didn't say anything else to me the rest of class. Class went by with no incidents, which I was grateful for after last block's disaster. The bell rang and I gathered my stuff. "Terrin. Julian. Don't leave just yet. I need to speak to you both." I walked over to the desk, Terrin close behind me. We waited while everyone made their way out, giving heartfelt "goodbyes" and "see you tomorrows" to Ms. Jones. "What's up?" Terrin asked. "Terrin, Julian is new here--" "Yeah, I know," he replied cutting her off. "Let me finish, will you, child." That sounded strange coming from a teacher. "I want you to show Julian around and make sure he knows where he has to go, and look out for him. Can you do that for me?" "Do I "have" to? He's a Freshman. What would it be like, me with a Freshman?" I felt my face heat up. I knew what he meant. It was basically taboo to even talk to the Freshmen. "Don't pull that popularity rule crap with me, Terrin. I know you're not like that. I'm asking you to do this for me, if not for the "Freshman". She threw the word back at him. "It's all right, Ms. Jones," I chimed in. "I can find my own way around." She continued as if she didn't even hear me. "Terrin..." she demanded. "All right, mom, I can't say no to you. Though don't be mad if I'm late for "my" classes," he joked. Mom! Ms. Jones was his mother. But she was too young! He was sixteen or seventeen, and she looked twenty-something! I walked out on them before they even finished. It was my lunch period. People milled about the hall, chatting and laughing with their friends. I seen Terrin come out the class and look around for me, but I chose that moment to disappear into the crowd. It wasn't hard to get lost in the crowd, most people were taller than my five feet six inches. I heard him call for me, but it got droned out pretty quick. I knew he wouldn't find me unless I wanted him too, even if I didn't know this school well. I decided to skip out on eating. No reason is ditching him if he ate lunch and spotted me in there. Besides I wasn't ready for more stares. I already got enough of that and maybe some enemies from Global Studies. I couldn't help if the teacher was an ass. After lunch was Phys Ed. Physical Education was all right in Junior High, but High School Physical Education was a lot different. The way they did it here was that you'd pick a schedule for what you would do in gym the rest of the year. Four "activities" went on at a certain time. It served to split the Phys. Ed populace into much more manageable numbers. Everyone else already did that on the first day of Phys. Ed. I went through the locker room into the coaches office to see what they were going to do with me. The coached were remarkably all in very good shape. Not all good-looking though. Not compared to Terrin's looks anyway. They had me pick my first activity for now so I could get started right away. I was told they would talk to me after Phys. Ed about figuring out the rest of my schedule. I decided on football, the other choices rather unappealing. Basic crap to start the year's schedule of Phys. Ed. I was told to find a locker and get changed. Most the people were already changed when I went into the locker room. I already had a combo lock and only needed to find an empty one to claim. Looking for one I noticed Terrin--and he was in a very appealing state of almost undress. I couldn't help myself and found myself staring as I walked by. Now I could see how well off he really was in the body department. He was built! Not overly muscular, but he was cut beautifully. His pecs were pumped and his waist tapered into his CKs. He was sporting a gorgeous six-pack. Another feature I saw myself looking at was his butt. It was an athletic bubble butt; no trace of fat--from what I could see, anyway--just two nice globes of muscle. His legs here defined and lightly dusted with hair, which I noticed, only touched his body in his pits and the thin treasure trail running into black CKs. The rest of him was hairless. I took his six foot image in in a matter of moments really, and passed by without him noticing me. I daringly chose a locker close to his--but not too close. I changed quickly, wanting to get out of the locker room. Terrin was already gone, no where to be seen. One of the coaches--football--waylaid me on my way out the locker room. He handed me a football and told me to bring it out to the field. I walked slowly out to the field. The school's grounds were very nice. First was the baseball fields, two of them adjacent to each other. Then came the outside basketball court, tennis court, and finally the track and field. There was another building I noticed, but had no idea what it was. The grounds were in perfect condition. I got to the football field and waited for the coach. I was looking around when I heard someone behind me. "You following me boy!" I spun around. Terrin was smiling at me, a little amused. He had shorts on now, and a football jersey he looked incredibly sexy in. He wasn't wearing a shirt under it so I could see his body under it. "You disappeared on me. I gotta say you lost me good. Couldn't find you for the life of me--even missed my lunch looking for you." He wasn't mad, but I still felt kinda guilty for ditching him. "It's all right, though. I just hope I don't starve to death from hunger while playing." "I'm sorry," I said. "I though I would be doing you a favor, lightening your load and all." "Already said 'it's all right'. It was my fault anyway. I was only joking with my mother, but you wouldn't have known. "Ms. Jones looks too young to have a kid your age." He laughed. "I know, that's what everyone thinks. I'm only sixteen. Will be seventeen in a couple weeks. How old do you think she is?" His eyes sparkled. He was enjoying this. "Um... twenty-five or six," I said, going all timid again. "Wow! She's gonna love you. I know women don't like giving out their age, but mom's cool. She shouldn't' mind since she looks so young. Dude, she's thirty-eight." "Yeah right! Get outta here!" I stated incredulously. "No kidding, man. That's why she's gonna love you." He had such a beautiful smile. I hope I wasn't staring too openly. "So, you play any sports, tough guy?" Hmm... Was that a nickname? It sounded nice coming from him. Straight guys can play with your head a lot, sometimes. Can't be mad since they're completely clueless about it. "I wrestled modified last year, did baseball too. Oh, and track and field--but didn't get a chance to join anything here. It's probably too late." "No kidding--you wrestle?" His interest was definitely piqued. "Your an amazing kid if I do say so. In classes ahead of your grade, and your sport interests are great." I blushed at his compliments. He seemed to bring a lot of those out of me. The coach up and saved me from having to respond. "All right. Everyone's had time to warm up, so we're going to start now. There seems to be enough for two nice sized teams against each other. You all know the rules." He was looking at me, and when there was no contradiction from me, he continued. "All right. I want my captains front and center. Let's pick team." To my surprise Terrin was one of the boys who walked out. When they started picking teams I was a little hurt than he didn't pick me right away. I knew, of course, why he hadn't, though I still had entertained the thought. I was the enigma--the unknown. Everyone else was basically already known, and he wanted to get his share of who was known to be good before picking someone he wasn't sure of. Not to mention I was only a Freshman. When it was down to a few of us and the time between picks stretched longer, it was the other guy's turn to pick. "Who to pick, who to pick. I know! We'll take the new kid," he said suddenly. "Come on kid, your with us." I was little dismayed that I wasn't able to get on Terrin's team. Terrin regarded me a moment with interest and made his pick. Soon all the players were picked. The captain gathered us all together and gave us the game plan. "ok, listen up everyone. The first play I'm gonna use our buddy..." It took me a few seconds to realize he was waiting for me to give my name. "Julian," I said. "Right--our buddy Julian here. they won't be expecting the first play for us to hand him the ball, since--well since he the new guy. But I have faith that Julian can take advantage of that and score one for the team. And I will get to rub it in Tere's face," he joked. "Julian you stand by me. one the hike you run back and cut around me, and I'll hand you the ball. At the same time John is gonna cut behind the other way as a decoy. I'm gonna fake the ball to him first, then pass it to you. They'll most likely go after John since he's a veteran player--at least that's what I'm hoping. Then Julian is gonna take advantage of that and run like hell to the touchdown. Simple. Got it?" Everyone nodded. "On three." Everyone put their hands together in the middle and we counted to three. On three we all shouted 'break'. We lined up. he called out the start and said hike. John and I immediately cut back and around. Our quarterback faked a hand-off to John and passed me the ball. Just like planned, everyone started going after John. I ran up the side. When it became apparent that I was really the one with the ball, then change directions and came for me. I had a good head start on them. Terrin came after me, suddenly he was there speeding towards me fast! I didn't believe the speed on him. I ran faster. Terrin lunged to touch me, but I swerved out of reach and ran. Being small has it's advantages. I scored and my team started cheering. My team ran to the touchdown to congratulated me. Terrin came up slightly winded. "Gotta admit, Mike, hat was pure genius. Never expected that. Didn't know the tough guy had it in him to pull that off." He was shaking his head. "Was a dirty trick throwing John in it like that." "Hell yeah. You couldn't touch that, Terrin! We got skills." Mile yelled, beaming about his tactic victory. "Yeah, yeah. Before you're head gets too big, remember I'm starting quarterback." Terrin grinned. "Sir, yes Sir, Mr. Quarterback, Sir!" We all laughed. The rest of the game went by nicely. they didn't underestimate me anymore though, but I still scored two more touch downs before the end. In the end, Terrin's team won. No one was mad though, since it had been such good fun. "Hey, tough guy," Terrin called as we all filed off the field. "You were great out there today. I'm making sure you're with me next time. Me and Mike will probably fight for you. 'You get first ball, I will pick first. Nuh-uh. You get first ball, first pick is mine.'" He mimed. I laughed, my face warming a little at his compliment. Damn! Why was I blushing so much around him? *'Cause you like Terrin,* the voice in my head told me. This time changing wasn't as quiet as before. We showered first and Terrin talked to me the whole time. I was trying to concentrate, on what he was saying--really! But him standing their in just his Calvin's while he tried to make a point was too distracting. I think I didn't stare too much. "What's next?" He asked suddenly. "Huh?" I asked stupidly. "What class, tough guy." "Oh," I smiled. "Trig. With McLaughlin." "Another class with me? Yup, you're definitely stalking me," he said seriously. "What?! I didn't even know you," I countered defensively. He burst out laughing. "Just kidding with ya, tough guy--relax." He patted me on the shoulder. It felt tingly on that area. "Oh." I was feeling a little stupid. I walked quietly to class with him. Some people he knew stopped him and chatted quickly. One guy reminded him there was no practice today, in which he replied he knew. Math went by without incident. The teacher was all right though she liked to challenge her students to the "best of their abilities". How she knew what the best of my abilities was, I have no idea. She took a mild liking to me because math was one of my favorite subjects. I was reserved through class, not volunteering too much and being a know-it-all, but I certainly mad sure no one knew I was stupid. It was a game I played exceptionally well. I found Terrin was good in math and like it a lot too. That made me think different of him. Not many people liked math, especially jocks, but then his mother is was a teacher. I felt a warm glow inside myself about Terrin that made me forget about this morning's scene--which reminded me, I had a big essay to do tonight. There was a lot of homework from math. It was to be expected though, I mean, come on--it's math. We got a chance to start it before we left. Then the bell rang for last period to be over. I gathered my things, talked to the teacher for a minute and left. Terrin was waiting outside the door for me. "Did I mention how cool you are?" He said as we were walking. Another blush came to my face. "You said something like that I think--once or twice." I said playing it off. "Well, I'm not kidding. You like math as much as I do, huh? I could see you playing it down, though. Not wanting to seem like your brilliant--which if anyone with half a mind paying attention could tell was a bluff, or you wouldn't be in this class in the first place--and you made it known you weren't math illiterate either. Expertly composed and played out, tough guy." "You don't miss much, do you?" I asked, again amazed at how much he noticed. I mean come on, what wasn't there to be amazed about. Gorgeous, intellectual, athletic, and caring. What more could you ask for in a guy. "So... what are we going to do at your house? Don't got practice today so I'm free. Only have to do my homework first, then we can hang out." He said it as if their was no question of him 'not' coming over. My jaw must have hit the ground because he laughed. "You're being awfully nice to me--not that I'm ungrateful, but why?" I asked. "I'm just a freshman." "You sound as if it's a sin. I'm not even two years older than you. You're cool and it's a nice change of pace to hang around you." As we passed Terrin's mom's class, she called him in. I told him I'd be at my locker. --Ms. Jones' POV-- "What's up, mom?" Terrin asked, coming in. He had that happy grin of his on his face. "How had the day gone," I asked, getting right to the point. "How's Julian doing?" "He's great. I can't believe him sometimes." Terrin started excitedly. "You already know he ditched me earlier. I wasn't able to catch up with him. I guess I deserve that for my "Freshman" joke. I missed lunch because of that! I met him back up in Phys. Ed. He was in football with me. Mike used him in the first play and the tough guy pulled it off brilliantly. He scored the first touchdown. Almost got him but couldn't catch him. He's fast as hell. And he didn't even get winded running from me. Even I was breathing a little heavily after chasing him. Oh, he wrestles! You know I have a soft spot for that particular sport. If he's good maybe he'll make varsity. And he's smart... damn he's smart--but you already know that. He doesn't like to make a show of it, either. You should've seen it in math. He played the perfect 'average' intellect. Get this; he thought you were only twenty-six--wondering how you could be my mother." "Twenty-six, huh? Oh, I like this boy already. Speaking of which, sounds like someone else has taken an interest in him. You finally going to get rid of your other friends and keep one that's a good influence?" "Hey! They guys are cool. You wouldn't want me to be a social outcast, do you?" Terrin ran his hand through his hair. "Thought those things didn't matter to you," I laughed. "You know it doesn't. But if someone has to lead these guy, why not someone responsible. Besides, they 'are' my friends still." Terrin added as an afterthought, "I'm going over to Julian's house--there's no practice today." "Fine, but you had better get your homework finished, or you won't be going to practice tomorrow either--you won't be in no condition to play." "Of course. I don't want to lose any limbs. Well gotta run, he's waiting for me." Terrin ran out the door. With all of his good friends Terrin has, it's great to see him making friends outside his usual clique. He's happy too. I suppose he's finally found a kindred spirit. His other friends weren't beneath him. They just weren't on the same level all 'round. He is such an amazing boy, that son of mine. He would befriend anyone who showed the slightest interest. That's how caring he is. It will be interesting to see the way Julian fits in with his current friends. --Julian's POV-- I waited at my locker for him. I wonder what taking him so long. Must be some important conversation with his mom. Probably about his school work or something. Mother's are always like that--teacher or no. Probably more so because his is a teacher. Terrin came out the room and jogged over to me. We made a short walk to the adjoining hall and stopped at his locker. After he was through we left. I followed him outside to the bike rack. I grabbed my bike as he grabbed his and unlocked it from the rack. "Nice bike," I commented. It was a mountain bike, not much different than my own green one. "Yea, I like to bike. Mom wants to get me a car next year for my Senior year. Guess she figures I will be extra busy. Usually I ride with her to school and with one of the gang home. If I really need to, she let's me take the truck." He pointed over to a nice black truck in the parking lot. Who would've thought Ms. Jones drove that. "That's a hot truck," I said. We started riding away from the school. It was quiet at first, neither of us saying anything; just enjoying the companionship. We rode past an ice cream parlor and we turned to stop. "Come on, let's get a shake." I got vanilla and he got a chocolate. At first I tried declining. I didn't have any money on me. He said he would buy-his treat. I told him I'd pay him back, and he just looked at me and said don't worry about it, it was only a shake. That stopped my arguments. We sat there to drink them, talking. He was interested in 'getting to know more about me'. It was so easy to talk to him--I never ran out of things to say After that we continued to my house. My mom was home. She was delighted when we came in and she saw I already had a friend. She feared that my day would be rough--which it started out to be. Then I told her about first block's incident. I realized by Terrin's piqued interest that he hadn't heard the story yet. "Seems like you day didn't start off too well. I hope I didn't add to your troubles earlier," he said, plopping down in my bean bag chair. "It's all cool--you didn't know. Besides, I've been having fun with you today." He smiled. The first thing we did, by mutual agreement, was our homework. I typed the essay up on my computer so it would get done faster. Lucky I learned enough in my old school to make five pages of essay. I got stuck in math though--there were some things my last school didn't cover and which I missed here. Terrin helped me out, teaching me the stuff I didn't know and getting me to understand it just as good as any teacher could have. After that we played my PS2 and then watched a movie. My mom of course insisted Terrin stay for dinner. He played the good guest and kindly agreed. During dinner we talked. Terrin told her about himself, how he was doing in school, what sports he played. Which lead into the football game today. "Julian is into wrestling. He was undefeated and MVP of his team. He also won first place for his school over their rivals that had a long winning streak over them." My mom loved to talk about my and sports. "Why didn't you tell me you were MVP! I bet you'll make varsity for sure. I'm the captain of the team you know. It will be great to have you on it." We talked the rest of dinner. When we finished I offered to wash the dishes. "Oh, no. Get out of here--shoo. Don't you give me that polite 'let me clean the dishes, mom'. You have company--get right on outta here." I laughed and followed Terrin back to my room. "You're mom is really cool. I see where you get it," he said closing the door. Popping a CD into my stereo he turned to me. "All right. Let's see what you got." He was all seriousness now. "What?" I said look around the room. "Here?" "Why not? Look at all this room." He indicated with a sweep of his hand. "I want to see your moves." Then it was settled. It wasn't too much different than what I was used to. Except for some rule changes and differences in moves, it was the same. I was doing pretty good for my being smaller than him and he wrestling varsity. After a while he got more serious. He caught me with a move I never seen and got me to the floor. Just as quickly he had me tied up with the grape-vine. I was very aware of him being on top of me. As hard as I tried not to think about it, I could feel his package grinding into me. It was a very noticeable distraction. I fought to hide the growing state of excitement he was causing me. Just like that I was pinned. I was angry with myself that I lost control. Couldn't seem to work properly around Terrin. He pulled himself up. "Not bad there until I got the grape-vine on you. You did good." He reach down and pulled me up. He so strong. "Let me show you some moves." We spent the better part of an hour with the moves. My mind was half on what he was showing me and half on the close proximity of his body on mine. After a while we sat down and cooled down in front of the fan. Then he said he had to go. I walked him to the door and watched as he rode away, yelling he'd see me tomorrow. Then I said good night to my mother and went upstairs. I took a shower and went to my room. I stood naked in front of my full length mirror and compared myself to Terrin. My hair was dirty blond, cut short and styled with a wild look. It was hanging limp on my head at the moment, the water making it darker than it usual dry state. My eyes are what I considered the best assets on me. Emerald green beauties that my grandmother always said had wisdom beyond my years--um ok--also pain. I was half a foot smaller than Terrin, and more slim compared to him. My muscles were nowhere near as big as his. There were defined--just not that big. My flaccid dick was four inches, hanging between my legs. it grew to be about six and a half inches hard. Then I wondered what Terrin looked like naked. I already seen him in just his underwear. Even though we showered after gym, the fear of what might happen if I looked at him naked overrode my desire to see what he looked like fully naked. I didn't see a thing. Terrin was so beautiful, I was instantly hard thinking about him. It was an incredible thing that he wanted to be friends with me. I pulled on some clean boxers despite my obvious state of excitement and sat at my computer. I decided to write a poem. IF YOU ONLY KNEW** I fell asleep thinking about my old life, hoping that everything would be different here. Nobody would know I'm gay here. I would never make that mistake again. Never. I fell into a fitful sleep. --That is the end of Chapter One. This story is actually a revision of story I written about three years ago, titled the same, just unfinished. For the longest time people ask for me to finish--write more. I never got the chance. Then some things seemed to make I wouldn't write for a while. But getting re-interested in reading some nifty stories, and reading all the great stories from everyone else, it reminded me of the story I started so long ago and was praised for. Anyone who read the original version and still remembers it vaguely may notice many differences. While the concept and most the plot is till there same, the context has be greatly re-edited, many things added or removed, hopefully for the better. ** In there original version of Strength Because of You, the poems Julian wrote were actually a part of the story. I've decided to leave them out of the revamped version. Questions, comments, criticism... even flames. Send to davenp@hotmail.com