Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2004 14:06:57 -0800 (PST) From: Fup Duck Subject: Life Goes On - David and Chad #18 STANDARD DISCLAIMER: This is the continuation of David's story. One of two boys loving each other. So the same disclaimer applies. If you can't handle that, or it's illegal to read this in your area, or you're underage, then now is the time to leave. If you continue reading after that admonishment, Nifty and I aren't responsible. There could also be incidents of unprotected sex. As always, I don't condone this practice - especially in this day and age. I hope everyone had/is having a good holiday season! As I said earlier, posting for the next few days will be somewhat sporadic...lol, we all have our realities. Fup ****************************************************************************** FROM CHAPTER 17 As Chad wound down, David stood up to leave. He said his farewells to the elder Murrays and walked to his car, accompanied by Chad. Before getting behind the wheel he hugged Chad briefly and whispered, "Love you." Chad returned the hug and sentiment, waving until David pulled out of the driveway. David had some serious thinking to do. And only about four weeks in which to do it. LIFE GOES ON - DAVID AND CHAD #18 - Hazy, Hot, and Humid "So what would you do?" David asked. "Well, David, if this person is special enough, then you should try your hardest to make it work," his grandmother answered across her usual cup of tea. "So I have to do what I have to do?" "When haven't you done that?" the woman smiled. "I guess you're right. But them being younger is a problem." "David, I was 16 and your grandfather was 25 when we got married. We've made it work. You can too, if it's important." David reached for another cookie. He held it up in front of his face, examining it as if it could give him the answer. The cookie wasn't talking. He sighed softly and took a bite, washing it down with a swallow of milk. "I dunno Nanny, isn't it a little unfair? I mean I'm gonna be away at school, and they're still gonna be here. They might want to find someone else." "You might too," his grandmother smiled. "Remember, it's a two-way street." "Yeah, you're right," David admitted, then added, "As usual." "I'm old and wise David," she laughed. "And make excellent cookies." David and his grandmother continued chatting about his 'secret' relationship for the next thirty minutes. It was Tuesday, and after the talk he had with Chad on Sunday, he felt he needed to talk with someone. His grandmother was the obvious choice. As always, she had a calming influence on David, allowing him to 'cut to the chase' and see things in a different light. "So when am I going to meet this special someone?" she asked. David was a little startled at the question. Now what? "Ummm, dunno, we're sort of wrapped up with each other right now. Don't have a whole lot of spare time, ya know?" His grandmother nodded. "I understand, David. But you know you can bring them here anytime." "Yeah, I know. Just that we're trying to enjoy ourselves while I'm home." David looked into his grandmother's eyes. He saw only concern - no pressure to force a decision on David's part. "Well, you two enjoy yourselves," she finally smiled. David finished off his milk. "We are, believe me." "Just treat them right, David. You can't go wrong." David nodded and smiled warmly at her. "I'm trying." "Good," his grandmother answered, this part of the conversation over. "Now, you want to take some cookies home?" "You trying to fatten me up?" "That's my job," she laughed. "Well, since you put it that way, yeah, I'll take some home." His grandmother bagged some cookies for him, then turned. "David, remember what I said earlier. Sometimes things just are." David kept his face emotionless. Did she know it was a guy her grandson was involved with? Somehow he thought it wouldn't matter to her, but was unwilling to admit it to her right now. Maybe someday he would. Maybe. He smiled, "Yeah, I remember." "Good." She looked at the clock above the sink. "Well, I'm going to kick you out, it's time for these old bones to get some rest." David laughed and shook his head. "Whatever you say." He gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, Nanny." "You're welcome, David. Now you drive safely." David hugged her tightly, grabbed the bag of cookies off the counter and headed for the front door. "See you later." "You better," she grinned, closing the door behind him. He waved farewell to the silhouette standing in front of the picture window and drove home. David was somewhat distracted at work on Wednesday thinking about solutions to his and Chad's problem. He had a couple of ideas, none of which he favored, but at least they were ideas. "Ya gotta do what ya gotta do," he grinned to himself. He'd start making some phone calls this week. The telephone rang that night as he was looking through the college handbook at the kitchen table. "Hello," he answered, distracted. "That's a helluva way to answer the phone," Steve replied. "Okay, let's try again," he laughed, then hung up. "Barker's Mortuary, you stab 'em, we slab 'em," he answered when the phone rang again. "That's better," Steve laughed. "But you hung up on me." "Ahhh, you'll get over it. Anyway, what's up?" "I'll let you guess. See if you've recovered any of your brain." David furrowed his eyebrows and glanced around the kitchen. His eyes lit on the note fastened to the fridge door. "Card game." "Wooooow, you remembered. I'm honored." "See, I'm not as brain dead as people think." "Gonna be there?" "I wouldn't miss taking you all's money again," David laughed. "Fat chance, man. I've got a secret weapon." "Well, keep it in your pants. Don't wanna see that." Steve broke out into laughter at David's comment. "Yeah, I figure it'll scare everyone enough to distract their attention." "Oh, should I bring a magnifying glass then?" "In your dreams," Steve scoffed. "So you'll be there?" "Wouldn't miss it, seriously." "Cool, bring lots of money." "You know, Aerosmith said it best...dream on," David chuckled. "Yeah, yeah, just be prepared to lose your pants." "Oh Steve," David joked, "I didn't know you cared." "You know, if you weren't my friend, there would be some nasty stuff happening to you." "Ohhh," David continued, "losing my pants AND nasty stuff?" "Shut up, ya goof. Just be here," Steve said. "No sweat, Steve. Maybe I should wear two pairs of pants." "Might be a good idea," Steve laughed. "Okay, man, see ya Saturday." "You bet, see ya." David chuckled and hung up the phone, returning to his search. He finally found the Campus Employment phone number and jotted it down. He'd give them a call tomorrow and see what possibilities were out there for some extra money. Some sort of extra income was definitely going to be needed. And if there was nothing available on campus, he'd try some place in town. That completed, he turned on the TV to check the weather for the weekend. He and Chad had planned on doing some hiking in the park on Sunday, unless it was supposed to rain. Chad wanted to hike the trail David had blazed for his Eagle service project. Sunday was supposed to be hazy, hot, and humid, the typical weather for summer. They'd have to take plenty of water. David had originally planned to start from the 'high end' of the trail and hike down, but thought that the rock formations and vista at that end of the trail would make a good finale. His sister had agreed to follow him to that end of the trail in the family car so he could leave his vehicle at that end, then drive them down to the lower trail head and drop them off. He rummaged around the closet for his knapsack, no sense in carrying a full pack for a day hike. He packed what he could, but the water and food would have to wait until Sunday morning. Satisfied that he had everything he needed, including another pair of shorts for Chad and himself, he closed the knapsack and set it beside the bed. He grinned. Chad was in for another surprise on Sunday as well. When he arrived at Steve's on Saturday evening, he was a little surprised to see he was the only one there. Everyone else's cars were in the driveway, but no one was in the basement except Steve. "So where is everyone?" Steve answered, "Beer run." "Wonderful. That's your secret weapon?" laughed David. "Yup, sure is. Get you all drunk and take your money," Steve laughed. "Sure, sure," David answered, sitting down at the table and reaching for the cards. "They'll be back soon. And anyway, we haven't had much of a chance to talk, ya know?" "Yeah, been sorta busy." Steve snickered, "Who is she?" "Yeah, right," David scoffed. "Don't have a whole lot of time for stuff like that this summer." "I guess. So no one special at college?" Steve asked, sitting across the table. David dealt a hand of blackjack, then answered, "Nah, couple possibilities here and there, but I really need to get a job this year, so there probably won't be anything serious going on." Steve grinned and flipped up a blackjack. "Gonna be my night. So how come you're gettin' a job?" "Need some money this year. Books are going up and I have to save some so I'm not paying back all those loans and stuff until I'm in an old age home," David answered, dealing another hand. "Dave," Steve said seriously, "you need a social life too, man. You bury yourself in a lot." "Thanks mom," David joked. "Hit me. Just remember, these are supposed to be the best years of our life," Steve grinned, "Twenty." David sighed at his seventeen and collected the cards again. "I know, but there's a lot going on." "Yeah, like you're gonna lose big time tonight," Steve laughed. "So how's Rhonda?" It was Steve's turn to get serious. "She's good. This long distance stuff is rough man. I mean we hardly see each other during the school year, just on breaks and stuff. But it's worth it, ya know?" "Is it?" "Well, yeah," Steve smiled, "she's special man." "That's cool. So how do you all do it?" Steve started laughing. "Dave, man, you're something else. You DO have someone, don't you?" "Huh?" "All these questions. Must be someone here, is it?" David smiled a little. "Sorta, maybe, but like you said, long distance is rough. I don't want to start anything serious that won't last." "Well, my friend, ya never know until you try. As long as you both know what the situation is, it'll work." "My own Dear Abby," David laughed. "That's me, advice to the lovelorn," Steve joked in return. Further conversation was interrupted by the return of the beer run crew. "Hey, they started without us," Sean complained to Jim. "Well, you guys must have taken the scenic route," Steve shot back. "Just sit down and lose your money. I'm on a hot streak." "Hopefully just like last time," Mark laughed as the others sat down around the table. Sean passed the beer around the table, "Maybe this will cool ya down." "Not tonight, gonna take you guys to the cleaners," Steve grinned. David declined the offered beer, settling for soda. "Hey," Steve complained, "you're ruining my plan." "Sucks to be you, don't it?" David answered. "You'll be singing a different tune before the night is over." Over the next few hours, Steve managed to make good on his promise somewhat, his pile of change increasing with some regularity. About eleven, David shook his head and raked his remaining change into his table tray, reaching for his 'change bag.' "Where you goin'?" asked Sean. "Yeah, the night is young, and I haven't taken all your money," Steve added. "Ahh, goin' hiking tomorrow. Need to get up early." "Wuss." "Wimp." "Pussy." "Well, it's nice to know you all care so much," David laughed. "That's what friends are for, you know." "Yeah, yeah, to give you a hard time and take your hard-earned money," David answered with a grin. "He's finally got it!" Sean stated. David shook his head and stood up from the table. "Seriously, I've gotta split. Supposed to be hotter than hell tomorrow." "Well, I guess if you have to go...," Steve frowned. "Hey, you all know I enjoy this. When's the next one?" "I figured I'd have a party in a couple weeks," Sean said. "You know, a back-to-school thing." "Sounds cool, let me know," David replied. Steve followed him up the steps. "Take care, man. Have a good time tomorrow and enjoy your nature walk." "No sweat, I'm planning on it," David responded, gently punching Steve on the shoulder. "Well, I gotta get back down there before they steal my money. You know how they are," Steve laughed. "Yeah, and hey, thanks for the advice." "Next time, write a letter." "Gettin' all professional now." "Yup, don't forget it. Talk to you later." "Hope so," David laughed, walking to his car. When he got home, he filled the water bottles and put them in the fridge to chill, then undressed and went to bed. He was asleep within minutes. The next morning, David made a couple of sandwiches, put a handful of pretzels in a plastic bag, and he was ready. His sister arrived about eight, moaning about getting up so early on a Sunday. "Poor baby," he commiserated. "You're lucky I'm your loving sister," she griped. "Where's the kid?" "Said he'd be here about eight-thirty. Have a Pop-Tart," he offered. "I can't stand those things. You know that." "Well, I'd offer you bacon and eggs, but we don't have time." "You'd probably burn 'em anyway," Lynn complained with a small grin. "No doubt," David nodded, then answered the door at Chad's knock. "Well, I'm ready. Got my lunch and all. Am I dressed okay? Hi Lynn. I wore shorts and stuff." Lynn snorted and shook her head. "Is he always like this?" David chuckled and put his hand over Chad's mouth. "Yeah, sorta reminds me of you when you were younger. Your mouth never stopped running. Ow! Didn't have to bite me." "Well, c'mon you two, I need some more sleep." Lynn followed David to the parking lot close to the trail head, then they piled in with her as she drove back to the lower part of the trail. After thanking a still sleepy Lynn, who mumbled her reply and drove off, they hefted their day packs and started walking. "So how far is it?" "About eight miles," David replied. "Mostly uphill." "How come we didn't go the other way?" "I have my reasons. Anyway, maybe it'll tire you out." "Don't know why we have to hike uphill," Chad grumbled as they began the steepest part of the climb. "You'll see," David replied. As they hiked, the temperature and humidity started to rise. They paused to strip off their shirts and after a brief rest continued to hike. A few hours later, they were approaching the summit and the trail started to level off. Chad paused, leaning against a tree and took a drink of water. David looked across at the sweaty teen and grinned. "Only another couple of miles." "You're kidding, right?" "Would I do that?" "Yeah, dumb question, Dave. Really, how much farther?" "Got one more kind of steep part to climb, then it's all downhill." "When we gonna eat lunch?" "At the top. I think you'll like it," David answered. "Who's bright idea was this?" "Yours, if I remember right." "Oh yeah," Chad smiled. "Let's hit it, kiddo. The day is wasting away." "What's your rush?" "You'll see. And I'm hungry." "Okay, already, no need to be a slave driver," Chad laughed and started walking again. After a few hundred yards, the trail turned and started sharply uphill. A few minutes later it leveled off and they stopped once again at a fork in the trail. David grinned and crooked his finger at Chad and started to walk along the right fork which had a slight rise. "Hey, thought you said no more uphill." "C'mon, goof, quitcher bitchin'. You'll love this." Chad shook his head, giving the downhill trail a last glance and followed. He walked with his head down, and ran into David, who was waiting a few hundred feet further. "Whoa there, kiddo. Look." Chad raised his eyes and started to smile. "Wow, where are we?" Standing beside Chad, David was also looking out across the vista which had appeared at the end of the trail. "Cat Rock, man. Isn't this cool? Thought we could climb out there on some of those rocks and eat lunch." "Cool, let's go," Chad enthused, his tiredness obviously gone as he made his way carefully from rock to rock, David following. David hefted himself up on a ledge beside Chad, and they took a few minutes to look out over the valley spread below them. David pointed out different landmarks as they ate their lunch. Finished, Chad balled up his bag and shoved it back into his pack. "This is so cool." "Sorta worth the climb, eh kiddo?" "Yeah." David leaned back against the rock behind them, swinging his dangling feet. "Not scared are ya? We're pretty high." "No, this is too neat to be scared." "Kel and I used to come up here once in a while. Except we came from the other end. It's only about a mile down to the main road where we parked my car." Chad turned to grin at David. "This is so cool." "Glad ya like it. I can't believe you've never been up here." "Me neither, have to tell dad about this." Then he was up and working his way carefully across the rocks, jumping from one to another. About 20 feet away, he landed on a rock that tilted under his weight. He sat down heavily and David laughed at his chagrined look. "That hurt you more than me," David laughed. "Shut up." Then Chad stood up and began rocking. He had only rocked it back and forth a few times before he stopped. "Hey, listen." He rocked again and David heard what had gotten Chad's attention. "Umm, Chad, you might want to get back up here," David warned. Chad turned, his grin dropping as he saw David's serious expression. "Why?" "You're severely pissing off a snake, man." "Huh?" "Rock again and listen." Chad rocked the flat boulder once more, and David could clearly hear the rattle from under the lower portion of the rock. "Now unless you really wanna make him mad, better get your cute butt back here." "Won't he get me?" "Nah, just come back the same way you went down, he's below you and probably more scared than you are." "Sure?" "Yeah." "Okay," Chad answered, slowly working his way back toward the ledge, every so often glancing back to see if the rattler was following him. He was soon once again sitting beside David. "So that was a rattlesnake?" "Yep," David laughed. "You probably disturbed his nap." "I don't like snakes," Chad informed him seriously. "He didn't like you too much either, kiddo," David smiled. "Maybe I'll just stay here." "For once you have a good idea." "Shut up," Chad grinned as David draped an arm over his shoulders. "You're all sweaty," he complained, moving slightly away and shrugging off David's arm. "So are you kiddo. Real nasty," David teased, holding his nose. Chad took a sniff of the air. "No I'm not. Just sweaty." "Just messin' with ya, Chad." "Whatever. So what are we gonna do now? I could use a shower." "Well, let's head out then," David responded. They gathered their gear and began walking back toward David's car. They passed a few people on their way down and warned them of the presence of at least the one snake. As they continued down they overheard the couple they had just talked to warning their two kids to stay close. "Maybe that's what I should have done," David teased. "Told you that you'd get a spanking if you got too far away." "Yeah, would have liked to see that," Chad grinned back. David quickly smacked Chad's butt, eliciting a yelp. "Just saw it," David laughed. "Keep that up and I'll just take a shower by myself," Chad advised. "Well, it would be a cold one," David retorted. "Pay backs." "Right, kiddo, just remember that." After a few more minutes, they were sliding into David's car and he was backing out of the parking area. Chad stayed on his side of the seat, but rubbed David's thigh slightly with a grin. David slipped his hand into Chad's and they held hands until David pulled into another pull-off on the side of the road. He released Chad's hand and smiled. "Ready to go?" "What?" "You heard me, let's go," David replied, getting out of the car and snagging his pack off the back seat. "I'm tired of walking," Chad complained, but followed David as he started down another narrow trail through the woods. "Trust me kiddo, you'll like this. It's not that far." "I dunno, that's what you said last time." David looked around, then grabbed Chad's arm, giving him a brief kiss. "Trust me, okay?" Chad put his hands on his hips and smiled. "Why?" David ran his hand down Chad's slightly sweaty chest and tickled his stomach, causing the teen to jerk back. "Cos I said so." Chad sighed dramatically. "I guess." David shot another grin at the blond teen then started walking again. As they neared their destination, they began to hear the sounds of splashing water and fun-filled yells and splashing. David slowed as they made the last turn in the trail and stood aside for Chad to look at where they were. "No way!" "Yep," David laughed. "Told ya to trust me." "But I didn't bring extra clothes," Chad stated, looking out at the lake and the people enjoying the cool water. "Kids these days," David grinned. "You oughta be glad you have me around. I brought extra shorts and towels along in the car." "Cool! But don't we have to pay to get in?" "Nope, the public entrance is on the other side. We came in the back way. A fair amount of people do that. Guess they figure if you want to walk, it's no big deal." "This is excellent, Dave," Chad grinned, then hugged the older youth tightly for a few moments. He stepped back and they walked onto the grassy area surrounding the lake. They toed off their shoes and socks, and then Chad was running toward the water, yelling over his shoulder, "Last one in's a loser." David dropped the pack and followed Chad into the water. ****************************************************************************** I loved living in the country... :-) Please feel free to contact me with any questions or feedback. Thanks! email: fupduckmd@yahoo.com AIM and Yahoo: fupduckmd Fup