Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2005 19:03:40 -0800 (PST)
From: Fup Duck <fupduckmd@yahoo.com>
Subject: Life Goes On - David and Chad #21

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.

This should be the next to last chapter I post before I leave.  I'm hoping
to post another one early Saturday morning before I go.  If not...I'll hit
y'all with it when I get back.  It's NOT the end of the story...lol

This chapter skips ahead about two weeks to the Thursday before David's
last weekend at home.  The subject of David's departure wasn't brought up
the previous weekend with Chad, and his friends' "going back to college"
party/barbeque had been that past Sunday afternoon.  David has spent the
last few days wrapping up some loose ends - making sure the apartment was
available for him the next summer, setting up the 'work-study' opportunity
with his boss, and generally getting ready.  He would be leaving the
following Tuesday.

Fup

******************************************************************************
FROM CHAPTER 20

Chad followed David to the front door.  "See ya, thanks," he said quietly.

"Love ya, kiddo.  See you on Friday."

Chad nodded and closed the door behind him as he walked to the car.


LIFE GOES ON - DAVID AND CHAD #21 - Dinner At The Barker's

"Are you sure, Dave?" Lynn asked.

David sighed again, "Yeah, Lynn, I'm sure.  I mean I've got to get some
sort of answer, ya know?"

"Maybe I should go somewhere."

"That's up to you, but I'd like it if you were there."

"You're gonna upset them, you know that?"

"Hey, earlier in the summer, you WANTED me to do this," David argued.

"That was then."

David was getting frustrated, and it was obvious in his voice.  "Okay,
Lynn, whatever.  I'm just tired of tiptoeing around things.  I accepted the
invitation and I'll be nice, but I'm not gonna put up with any shit."

"Yeah, but you're leaving Tuesday, and I'd have to put up with the crap."

"Fine Lynn," David answered, then calmed himself down a little.  "Listen,
you do what you need to do, I'm going to be there in like 30 minutes."

"I think you're screwing up."

"Well, what else is new, then?"

"I didn't mean it that way, Dave.  Quit being so hard-headed."

"Whatever, Lynn, I need to get ready.  I'll talk to you sometime."

"Still need some help Monday?"

"I'd appreciate it, if I'm still alive, that is."

"Well, okay.  Listen, I don't know if I'm going to stick around or not, but
good luck, okay?"

"Thanks Lynn, really.  If I don't see you before, I'll see ya Monday
morning."

"Okay, Dave.  Bye."

"Bye," David hung up the phone and leaned against the wall.  "This is NOT
going to be a good night," he moaned to himself quietly.

His mother had invited him to supper that night, sort of as a goodbye meal
before he went back to school.  He was going to say no, but his conscience
had answered for him.  They WERE his family after all.  His father had even
decided to get a substitute for bowling that night, according to Lynn.  He
walked into the bathroom, looking in the mirror to be sure he was somewhat
presentable.  He closed his eyes tightly, maybe he was worried about this
thing for nothing.  But it just felt like it was going to turn into a
free-for-all.  Opening his eyes, he whispered to his reflection, "Maybe
not."  He shrugged, ran his fingers through his hair, turned off the
bathroom light and walked to his car.

He pulled up behind Lynn's car in the driveway.  Guess she had decided to
stick around after all.  He was halfway to the door when it opened.  "Hello
David," his mother smiled, ushering him inside.  "I'm glad you decided to
come."

"Yeah, me too," David smiled back, warily looking over his mother's
shoulder as he hugged her.

"Your father's happy, too," she said quietly.

"Well, that's good, I guess," he replied, releasing the hug.  "What are we
having?"

"Roast beef, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, and cherry cheesecake for
desert."

"Cool," David smiled.  Not bad for the condemned man's last meal.

He walked into the living room until dinner was ready.  Lynn and his father
were watching TV and looked up as he entered the room.

"Hi, Dave," Lynn greeted him with a small smile.

"Hey sis, hi Dad."

"Hello David, glad to see you," his dad offered.

"Yeah," David answered, sitting on the loveseat.

"So you all ready to go back?" his father asked.

"Just about.  Have a few other things to pack and all.  But basically ready
to roll."

His father nodded.  "Sure the Ford's going to make it that far?"

"I hope," David grinned.  "Otherwise it's gonna be a long walk.  But I took
it to the garage earlier this week to get it checked out.  It's burning a
little oil, but the guy said it should be fine."

"Well, that's good.  Glad you had it checked out."

David grinned to himself watching Lynn's head move from one of them to the
other as they talked.  She looked like she was ready to pounce in between
them if it started getting ugly.  But so far, so good.  This might work out
after all.  "So how's work?"  David sat back and listened as his dad
complained about the new management at the plant, nodding in commiseration
every so often.  David slowly began to let his guard drop.  They had a few
more minutes of conversation before his mother called them to the table.
Lynn shot him an appreciative smile as she passed, which he returned.

Over the meal, his family listened as he related his pleasure at being able
to work at the same place again next summer - this time for college credit.
They asked about his courses for the year coming up, and seemed genuinely
interested in what he had to say.  By the end of the meal, any tension
seemed to have evaporated.  He was forking a piece of cheesecake in his
mouth when his mom asked, "So will you be coming home for Christmas?"

David nodded, swallowing the mouthful of desert, and answered, "I think so.
We've got like almost two weeks this year.  But the only problem is that
classes last a couple days longer in the summer.  They've changed the
schedule around a little."

"Well, that's not going to affect your job is it?" his father asked.

"No, I got the schedule before I talked to them about the work-study
thing."

"Good, don't want anything to mess that up."

"Well, even if it did, education is more important than some job.  I would
have found something else for the summer, maybe down there."

"You mean you wouldn't have come home?" his mom asked.

"Not if I would have found a job down there.  It would have been an awful
long commute," David laughed.

Lynn, sensing the conversation deteriorating, interrupted.  "So how come
you're going back Tuesday?  Thought classes didn't start until like the
next Monday."

"They don't, but I've got a couple job opportunities to check out for some
extra money this year."

"You're going to work while you're going to school?" his mother asked,
concerned.

"Yeah, I think so, if I can find something.  Be nice to have some extra
money."

"Well, it better not hurt your studying," his father said.

Still involved in his dessert, David answered nonchalantly, "Oh, it won't.
Just need some extra bucks this year."

"Why?"

David shrugged, "Well, I'll have to put gas in the car, pay my insurance,
stuff like that.  It was a little tight last year, and I didn't have the
car down there."

"Well, maybe you shouldn't take it then," his dad suggested a little
sharply.

David glanced up into his father's expressionless face.  "Well, I hate
relying on other people to give me a ride if I want to go somewhere."

"And where do you plan on going?"

"Places," David answered, his defenses coming up.

"Well, David, I'm sure you'll be responsible about the whole thing," his
mother said.

David nodded at her, then snapped his head around when his father said,
"It'll be about time.  I just don't like the idea of him having any
distraction down there."

"Don't worry, I'll be fine," David said evenly.

"Well, if you flunk out, it's your fault."

"I'm not going to flunk, dad.  I had an A minus average last year.  And I
had a LOT of distractions."

"And what distractions did you have last year?  Nothing like being able to
pick up and go somewhere if you don't feel like studying."

David pushed his plate away, his cheesecake half-eaten.  "Dad, in case you
forgot, my best friend died in January.  Remember?"

"Jesus, David, you act like you two were married or something.  No sense in
that.  You've got other friends.  Move on."

David was aware that the table had fallen silent.  He glanced at his mother
and sister, who were stunned at the direction the conversation had taken.
He pushed his chair back from the table.  "I think I need to leave, now.
Thanks for supper."

"Sure, David, just run away," his father was now in attack mode.  "Just
like you did earlier in the summer."

"I don't want to argue, that's all," David replied, angry tears beginning
to form in his eyes.

"That's because you're wrong, David."  Then he noticed David's face.
"What?  You going to bawl like a baby now?  Be a man, David, not some sort
of faggot."

David was trembling.  He stood up from the table, looked at his mother and
sister sadly, and said, "Sorry, I have to go."

"Sure, David, just leave.  But if you walk out that door, don't plan on
staying here when you come home.  IF you come home," his father continued.

David turned around, angry tears tracking down his cheeks.  "You know, I
honestly thought that it was going to be okay."  Then his shoulders
slumped.  "Guess I was wrong.  Mom thanks for dinner, really.  Lynn, I
guess I'll see you Monday."  He started to turn back tot he door then
stopped.  "Dad, don't worry.  I'm leaving."  Then he was out the door and
getting into his car, hearing the angry voices still coming from inside.

He backed out of the driveway, and mindlessly started toward the apartment.
His stomach lurched and he hurriedly pulled to the side of the road, barely
getting the driver's door open before he was depositing his meal on the
gravel shoulder.  He angrily wiped his mouth on his sleeve and got back
behind the wheel.  He was still shaking.  "You should have known," he
chastised himself.  "You should have fucking known," he yelled, slamming
his fist onto the steering wheel.  He closed the door, and punched the gas,
spraying gravel from the rear tires as he squealed onto the blacktop.  He
eased off the gas after a few seconds, his mind blank.  No sense in being
stupid.  He drove randomly for almost two hours, slowly getting his act
together.  It was dark by the time he pulled into his parking space and
shut off the car.

As he walked to the apartment door, he noticed two pieces of paper taped to
the glass.  Ripping them down, he opened the door and walked inside,
flipping on the kitchen light.  He threw the notes down on the table and
went into the bathroom to brush his teeth.  The phone rang while he was
rinsing and he ignored it.  After almost two dozen rings it stopped.  "Fuck
'em all," he said to his reflection.  He returned to the kitchen, ignoring
the notes on the table, shut off the light and locked the door.  He went
into the bedroom, stripping off his clothes and pulling on his gym shorts,
then slipped under the covers.

Almost half an hour later, he heard a knock on the door.  He covered his
head with the pillow and ignored it.  He jerked when he felt the side of
the bed sink as someone sat on it.  He clutched the pillow tighter as it
was being pulled away from his head.  Angrily, he rolled onto his back and
spat, "Just leave me the fuck alone."

He opened his eyes to see four concerned faces looking at him.  "Sorry," he
mumbled to the four Murrays.

"Your sister called looking for you," Matt stated.  "We've been trying to
get a hold of you for the past couple of hours."

"Are you okay?" Cindy asked.

"I'm fine, just another wonderful evening at the Barker home," David
answered derisively.

His breathing hitched as Chad squeezed his shoulder.  "We were worried,
Dave."

"Yeah, you guys are more worried than the rest of them."

"David," Karen said a little crossly, "we're here because your family
didn't think it was a good idea to come themselves."

David snorted, "That's just it, they don't think."

"David, stop it," Matt warned, then instructed Karen to take Cindy into the
living room.  "Look David, Lynn told us what went on tonight.  Your family
IS worried, young man."

"So now you know the rest of the story, huh?"

Chad's hand was still gripping his shoulder.  "We were worried, Dave," he
said again.

David sighed, some of the tension draining out of his body.  "I know," he
admitted.  "Sorry for acting like an asshole."

"It's understood, David," Mr. Murray said.  "We need to call some people,
can we use your phone?"  At David's nod, he left the room, pulling a piece
of paper out of his pocket.

David looked up at the blond teen sitting on the bed, becoming fully aware
of the worry on the boy's face.  "We were worried," Chad said once again.

"I know kiddo," David sighed.  Then he reached out and squeezed his
boyfriend's knee.  "I'm sorry for being a dick."

"I'm used to it," Chad smiled slightly.

"Yeah, I guess you are," David admitted.  "How come you put up with it?"

"You know why.  Dumb question."

"Yeah, guess I do.  Do me a favor, get me a pair of shorts and a t-shirt,
would ya?"

Chad nodded, and did as requested, closing the bedroom door so David could
change into more appropriate clothing.  Chad sat on the bed as he changed,
then stood as David started toward the door.  "Wait."

David turned and was immediately wrapped in a tight hug from the younger
boy.  David ran his hands up and down Chad's back a few times before gently
pushing the teen away.  He smiled at Chad's questioning look and gave him a
brief kiss on the forehead.  "Thanks."  Chad nodded, then stepped away as
David opened the door and walked into the living room, joining the rest of
Chad's family.

"Well, David, I've called to tell your family that you're okay.  A little
upset," he grinned a little, "but okay."  He chuckled.  "Your grandmother
was ready to rake someone over the coals, but she calmed down."

"Sounds like her," David admitted.  "I sorta messed things up I guess."

"Sounds like things have been messed up for a while, David."

"Yeah, I guess," David started, then the phone interrupted them.  Waving
Matt back down onto the sofa, David walked to the kitchen and answered the
phone.

"David?  It's Len Sites."

"Oh hi, how are you?"

"We're fine, David.  Glad to hear you're okay."

"You mean you know about this rigamorole too?"

"Lynn called us a few hours ago.  Anything we can do?"

"You all have done plenty, Mr. Sites.  Seriously, no need to worry."

"Well, if you say so.  Make sure you stop by before you head back, okay?"

David smiled.  "Sure, no problem."

"Very good, we'll see you then.  Bye, David."

"Bye Mr. Sites, thanks."  He was still smiling when he walked back into the
living room.  He looked at the clock, noticing the time.  "Hey, it's late
you guys, and Chad needs his beauty sleep."

They chuckled at Chad's snort, then Mrs. Murray said, "David, we know
Chad's looking forward to coming over this weekend again, but if it's not a
good time, he'll understand."  She shushed Chad, who had stood up to open
his mouth.

"I appreciate that," David answered.  "But it's my last weekend, and I'd
sorta like to have him, if you don't mind."

"As long as you're okay with it David."

"Oh, definitely.  If anyone can put me in a good mood, he can."

"Well then, it's all set.  Are you going to be okay?"

"Yeah, I am.  I really appreciate you all coming over.  Hope I wasn't too
much of an idiot."

Matt chuckled as the four stood to leave.  "David, remember, we have two
teenaged kids.  We're used to idiots."

"Daad," Cindy and Chad complained at the same moment, making David laugh.

"Seriously though, thanks.  Sorta glad you all came by."

"We were a little concerned that you gave Chad a key, but it came in
handy," Mr. Murray stated.

"Well, ummm, I thought it might be a good idea.  In case I lost mine or
something.  At least I knew where one was at."

Karen smiled.  "Most people leave a spare key under the doormat.  Not trust
it to someone who would forget his head if it wasn't attached."

David laughed as Chad rolled his eyes.  "Listen, again thanks.  I feel a
lot better."

"Good," Chad said.  "See you tomorrow?"

"Sure thing kiddo.  Whenever is fine."

As the Murrays were walking to the kitchen, Chad gave David another hug.
Looking over his shoulder, David saw the elder Murrays smile and shake
their heads.  "You need to tell us your secret, David," Matt laughed.

"Bribery," David laughed, squeezing Chad a little tighter, then letting go.

"Bribery, huh?  Might have to try that sometime," Matt said thoughtfully,
then grinned.  "Come on Chad, let the poor guy get some sleep before you
keep him awake all weekend."

David said his goodbyes as they walked onto the porch and watched as they
pulled out of the parking lot.  He returned their wave and went back
inside.  He picked up the two notes and read them.  The first was from his
sister apologizing for the evening and asking him to call her the next
evening.  No sweat.  The second was in Chad's handwriting saying basically
the same thing.  The "L, Chad" at the end made him smile again.  He tossed
his sister's note back onto the table and refolded Chad's, carrying it into
the bedroom after re- locking the door and turning off the lights.

Once again, he got ready for bed, this time in a better frame of mind, and
slipped Chad's note into his footlocker with the other two.  He turned off
the bedside lamp and slipped under the blankets again.  Mentally exhausted,
he was soon asleep.

******************************************************************************
Yep, sometimes reality bites.  LOL, don't hate David's father too bad.
There's a lot more going on than meets the eye.

Oh yeah, to those wondering if David and Chad's relationship will EVER move
on to the 'next step,' just have a little patience... :-)

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or feedback.  Thanks!

email:  fupduckmd@yahoo.com
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Fup