Date: Wed, 29 Mar 2006 23:46:11 EST From: RitchChristopher@cs.com Subject: briarwood:i-will-lift-up-mine-eyes-78 All rights reserved. Copyright held by the author. If you are underage or are offended by gay fiction, containing graphic sex and explicit language, please exit now. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> "BRIARWOOD" Copyright Ritchris, 2005 aka "Whence Cometh My Help" Copyright Ritchris, 2003 Revised Version A dramatic saga by Ritch Christopher <><><><><> BOOK SEVEN "I WILL LIFT UP MINE EYES" Chapter-Seventy-eight <><><><><><><><><> "Kyle, it's okay to cry, you know. I did when I first heard the news," Ryan said, solemnly. That was all that Kyle needed to hear to collapse sorrowfully on the sofa. At first it was just a whimper, but as the idea of Ryan's impending death sank deeper into reality, Kyle's tears grew abundantly into a mournful wail. "Oh my God, Ryan! NO! NO! NO!...WHY? WHY NOW? WHY IS GOD PUNISHING US? WHAT DID WE DO?" Kyle screamed. Ryan went to Kyle and sat on the arm of the sofa and pulled Kyle's head into his chest, stroking the hair on the back of his head. "I wanted to tell you before I left last night, but I couldn't find the words. I drove all night...thinking...trying to find a way to tell you." "How long have you known?" "Dr. Whitman got the results of my tests last week and told me then." "And the trip to Europe...?" "I wanted us to have one last happy time together, just the four of us...you, me, Little Pete and Danny." "And I feel so guilty for making such a fuss about taking the kids out of school." "I don't want them to know just yet, babe." "Of course not." "I didn't even want to tell you..." "Why? We are like one person. I couldn't let you face this alone. It's as if I have the disease as well. If you leave, I'll be losing the better part of me as well." "That's why we both have to be strong...for the kids." "How long, Ryan?" "Maybe six months...maybe a little longer or maybe a little..." "Ryan, how can I...?" "You'll be fine. You and the kids will never have to worry about finances, thanks to Roger. Walter and David will be here to help...and of course, there's always Roger and Father Cliff." "But we had planned on so many years together..." "We'll just have a shorter time to do all the things we planned." "Do you feel up to going to Europe? I mean, how does Dr. Whitman feel about your going on a trip abroad." "He'll make sure that I'm well equipped with any kind of medicine that I might need." "But...?" "Sweetheart, we'll take it one day at a time, enjoying every sunrise, every sunset, and all the hours in between...and yes, we'll have our nights in bed together as usual. Hodgkin's doesn't affect our lovemaking." "Ryan, why did you wait a week before you told me?" "I had to take a crash course for myself in dealing with a terminal disease. Sometimes, it takes a person too long and he doesn't always make it through the five big steps." "What are they again?" "Depression, anger, denial, bargaining, and acceptance. I was depressed when I first left the doctor's office. By the time I got home, I was mad as hell that this could happen to me...to you...to us...to the kids. I mean, just when we have everything in the world going for us...this has to happen. I cursed God and everything religion stands for. I took some anti-depressants that hurried me into denial. I wanted to believe that the reports were wrong, but I knew this was silly. Denial is nothing more than a fantasy...a dream world to escape the inevitable reality. I bypassed 'bargaining'. I mean why should I promise something to God if he would cure me or make this go away? We've lived our lives religiously and have always been faithful to the Almighty ever since we adopted Little Pete and Danny. I had nothing more to bargain with. God had already given me everything in life I could ever hope for. How could I ask for more? Last night, as I drove, I found 'acceptance'. There's nothing I, nor anyone, can do to change the way things are. That's when I thought it best NOT to exclude you. It wouldn't be fair to you...to me...or to our family." "Kyle, how soon do you want to leave for Europe?" "I'd like to wait until after Jeff and Johnny's twins are christened. All the Briarwood boys will be there...everyone that we love will be together for one final time. We can leave Monday, the next day." "You...you want me to make the travel arrangements?" "I'd like us to make them together...and discuss what we'd like to see together with the kids...Buckingham Palace, the changing of the Royal Guard, the Eiffel Tower, the Coliseum, the canals of Venice, the Alps...who knows? Maybe if I'm still strong enough...the Taj Mahal, the Pyramids. Harvey said I might have three, possibly, four good months. There's so much we can see in that time...so many treasures to capture and wonderful things to share together with our boys." "Ryan, I'm sorry I cried. This will be the last time you'll ever see me do it...that's not to say I won't cry in my private moments, but neither you nor the kids will ever see." "Kyle, don't make a promise you can't keep. I'm sure there will be many nights when we're holding each other close in bed, when we'll both feel like crying together." "Ryan, you know I love you more than life..." "I've always known that because that's the way I've always loved you. We shared our love as one...and now we must share this...this...the rest of our lives together as one." Ryan put the knuckle of his forefinger under Kyle's chin to raise his head and look into his eyes. Gently, Ryan lowered his own head until his lips met Kyle's and they kissed. <><><><><><><><><><><> Before the fire brigade and the rushing volunteers reached the blazing Malone manse, Mike had grabbed the nearest blanket he could reach in the RV and had gone outside to wrap it around the naked, Jake. Jake was in a state of hysteria ranging from fear to shock, anger, and glee. Once the two of them were back inside the vehicle, Mike started up the Winnebago and drove it through the spaces between two adjoining neighbor's houses toward the back which faced the desert. Mike went about half a mile from the scene of the fire. He parked and went back to check on Jake to see if he had suffered any burns from dancing around the blazes. Jake's confused demeanor had turned into tears. He was sitting on the side of the bed that Mike had prepared for him, sobbing like a child. Mike sat beside him and put one arm around him. "Jake...Jake, it's okay." Mike comforted him, all the time, trying to look for patches of burnt skin. Jake had suffered no burns, but his entire body was red from staying too long near the flames. "I wanted it to burn!" Jake said. "I wanted to be rid of everything that reminded me of my dad!" "Jake, I want you to ask you one question and your answer will be known only to me. I swear I'll never tell...but did YOU set the house on fire?" "No...God did!" "What do you mean, Jake?" "I couldn't go to sleep. I kept lying in bed wishing I could see Lee and I looked out the window. I kept thinking about all the times Dad had whipped Lee and mistreated him in that house. I suddenly hated Dad and I hated the house where Lee had been so unhappy. I even said a prayer that the house would just disappear. I wanted everything that reminded me of Dad...to just go away. I looked at the moon and the stars and made a wish...and all at once, God, or someone, heard me and this huge bolt of heat lightening came out of nowhere and struck the roof of the house. It wasn't ten seconds later when the whole house was on fire. My prayer had been answered. That's when I ran out of the trailer and started running around outside. I wanted to be sure all four sides were burning at the same time." "Then you DIDN'T start it?" "If wishing and praying could cause it to happen...then, I guess I DID start it!" "But you didn't start the fire with a match or a torch?" "No, God struck it down from heaven." Mike had read in Physics at Briarwood High about heat lightning coming out of nowhere...sometimes without a cloud in the sky. It was a weather phenomenon that was difficult to explain, but if the temperature and humidity were just right, it was definitely possible. Mike decided that's what had happened and vowed never to suggest Jake's starting the fire. "I guess, I'll have to go to Dallas and live with Lee, now," Jake said, as he began to settle down. There was a huge crashing sound outside. Mike looked out the window at the fire hose and people running with buckets of water, but it was too late. The support beams holding the roof had burned all the way through, causing the roof to collapse, which in essence destroyed everything below it. The house was a total loss in only a matter of minutes. "Jake, Lee doesn't have a place for you to stay with him in Dallas. He's in a hospital there," Mike explained. "Well, I'm sure as heck not going to an orphan's home here. I'll go to one in Dallas so I can be near Lee." "Jake, believe me, Tom and I won't let you go to an orphanage...here OR in Dallas." "Do you think God'll punish me for causing the fire?" "Jake, you didn't cause it. It was a freak of nature. God'll never punish you for something like that." "Dad would've blamed me for praying or wishing something like that would happen." "Well, your Dad can't blame you now." "Do you believe in ghosts?" Jake suddenly asked. "No, I don't, so don't go trying to convince me that you do." "You don't think Dad's ghost will come back to haunt me, do you?" "Definitely NOT!" "Are you sure?" "Positive!" An hour later, all the townspeople of Fort Stockton who had tried diligently but fruitlessly to put out the fire, left the scene of smoldering charred wood...all that remained of Jake's house. Mike took Jake by the hand and walked about a hundred yards from the diminished structure. The night air was still filled with smoke. A few embers were still glowing from the massive debris. The two of them stood there looking silently for nearly an half hour before returning to the Winnebago. "Would you like some soup or warm milk to help you sleep?" Mike asked Jake, once they were inside." "No, thanks," Jake replied. "I would like to ask you a favor, though." "What is it?" "Could I sleep with you in yours and Tom's bed?" "I suppose." "I think I'd like you to just hold me." "I can do that if it'll make you feel better." "I think it would." "I really need to put some kind of lotion on your body. You look like you've been sunburned after a day at the beach. Does it hurt?" "A little." "Go into the bathroom and look on the top shelf of the cabinet for a bottle of Benedryl lotion while I try to see if I can reach Tom on his cell phone." "Okay." Jake went into the larger of the two bathrooms while Mike dialed Tom. Tom answered on the second ring. "Hey, sweetheart," Tom said. "Who are you calling 'sweetheart'? How did you know it was me, or were you expecting some mysterious lover to call you?" Mike joked. "Oh, Mike!" Tom replied, playing along with Mike's joke. "I, uh, wasn't expecting you to call." "Oh? Then, who, might I ask?" "On my drive, I came across a Warner Brothers night crew filming a sequel to 'American Outlaws', starring that sexy Colin Farrell. It just so happened that Colin's horse had thrown a shoe and he needed a lift back to his trailer, so he hitched a ride with me...and well, one thing led to another and...I guess I'd better not tell you the rest." "I guess you'd better not! Was his co-star, that hunk, Gabriel Macht, with him? I hope you gave him my number to keep me busy!" "Well, actually no, but I did tell Scott Caan all about you." "That's super! You know I have a weakness for blondes. Scott will have to do, I guess. I feel a rising in my pajamas just thinking about him." "Your 'rising in your pajamas' better be there because you're talking to me and no one else!" Tom jested. "If I were thinking about you, I'd've already reached a climax!" "That's what I like to hear." "How's everything going with Lee?" Mike asked, turning the conversation into a serious matter." "He looks good, sweetheart. He seems to be responding quite well to his medication." "That's wonderful news," Mike said. "Did you tell him about his dad, and if so, how did he take the news?" "He didn't seem to be too upset. He took the news, surprisingly, quite well. How's Jake?" "That's why I'm calling, Tom. Just when you think nothing worse can happen, it does." "Try me! Tell me what happened." "Jake and Lee's house burned to the ground about an hour ago!" "Jesus! You or Jake weren't hurt, were you?" "Jake got a little bit too close to the flames and his entire body is as red as Maine lobster, although I've never really seen a Maine lobster." "Was any part of the house saved?" "Only the chimney, but I'm afraid the bricks are too charred to sell to a junk yard." "My God! It sounds like you've had quite a night! How upset did Jake get over losing his house?" "He's more concerned about his going to an orphanage than he is about the house." "I hope you relieved his mind by telling him that that would never happen." "I did the best I could, even though I didn't have an alternative plan to offer him. Jake's first idea was to go to Dallas and live with Lee until I told him that Lee was in the hospital and had no living quarters there for him to move to." "Damn!" Tom exclaimed. "Do you have any ideas of what to do?" "That's the main reason I called you. I was hoping you might offer some kind of solution." "The main thing is, honey, that I think Jake and Lee should be together, wherever!" "I agree." "I could suggest that Jake accompany us on our journey, but due to Lee's need for treatment and medication, that would be all but impossible." "You're right," Tom agreed, running through several thoughts in his mind. "Do you think we should try to find a place for Jake to live in Dallas?" "I thought of that, but Jake's being underage, I don't know if Texas social services would allow that, unless he had an adult to chaperone or look after him." "Jake and Lee had absolutely no living relatives, right?" "None whatsoever!" "Jesus!" "I DID think of one possible solution, but I didn't know how it would fly with you!" Mike said. "We could build or buy our dream house in Briarwood with enough bedrooms to accommodate two more in our family." "You mean, invite Lee and Jake to live with us?" "Can you think of anything better?" "But what about your dream trip across country you've planned?" "My plan was to meet and help people along the way...and I doubt we're not going to find any more needier people than these two." "And you're willing to sacrifice seeing all the sights you've always wanted to see?" "Tom, my love, the sights I've always wanted to see will ALWAYS be there. There's still plenty of time in our lives together to see them. The Grand Canyon and the Golden Gate Bridge aren't going anywhere!" "My little love, you seem to grow up more every day. I'm the older of us two, but your youthful wisdom constantly surprises me. My only thoughts are that I don't want you to be disappointed by making such a drastic change in your plans. I know how much you had looked forward to our trip." "Remember, Tom, it was my goal and intention to go out and help others. Right now, who needs mine or our help more than a couple of guys who just lost their dad, their house, one has AIDS, and the other is worried about having nowhere to live and no one to love him." "I wish I had a recording of what you just said. If anyone ever wondered why I love you, your remarks just now would convince the world. God, I'm so lucky to have you in my life and by God, Jake and Lee had better be just as glad." "I haven't asked, but is Lee 'up' to coming home for his dad's funeral?" "Lee and I are leaving Dallas around noon tomorrow and should be in Fort Stockton later in the afternoon. By the way, when the fire hit, where did you move the RV?" "Back behind the house in the wide open spaces with lots of those 'prickly plants' I'm so fond of." "I'm sure I'll find you. Be sweet, my little one, and dream of me. I can't wait to put my arms around you...I miss you so much." "Oh, Jake asked if he could share my bed tonight. I wanted you to know." "Mike, you know I trust you. Jake needs you tonight. If he wants you to hold him, do it...but just don't forget that it's Jake and not me, you little sex maniac." "That means I'll have to make love to you twice as much tomorrow night to make up for what I'm gonna miss tonight." "Don't worry, little man, you'll be tired and smiling by the time I'm through with you." "I love you." "I love you back." "Good night, Tom." "Good night, sweetheart." Mike clicked the off button on the cell phone and his thoughts began to race a mile a minute! He and Tom were going to build their dream home, complete with two new kids, Jake and Lee. There was no doubt in Mike's mind that Roger would allow Lee's treatment to continue at Cole. He felt confident that Jake and Lee would fit right in with the rest of the Briarwood boys. The brotherhood just kept growing and growing. Mike returned to his bedroom area and found Jake waiting, sitting on the side of the bed; his skin red as a bing cherry, holding the bottle of Benadryl. He was naked except for the sheet he was using to cover his private parts. "Did you talk to Tom?" Jake asked. "Yes, I wanted to tell him about the fire." "Did you ask about Lee?" "Yes, he's doing well. The two of them should be here tomorrow afternoon." "I can't wait to see Lee." "And I can't wait to see Tom." "You love him a lot, don't you?" "More than anyone that's ever been in my life." "I hope to find someone to love like that some day." "You will, Jake. You're a good boy and you have a lot of love to give. It's just a shame you've never had anyone to share it with." "I love Lee." "I know, but that's different. Some day you'll meet a nice girl..." "Or a nice boy." "Do you think you're gay, Jake?" "Lee is." "That's Lee, but what about you?" "I like being around guys more than girls. I like 'em because you can play sports with 'em." "Playing sports is not the same as having sex or making love." "I've had sex before...well, sorta..." "With a guy or a girl?" "Two guys...guys that play on my team at school." "What kind of sex did you have with them?" "Nothing much, but we DID jerk each other off." "All boys do that when they're growing up...but most of them grow out of it the first time they get a whiff of a girl's perfume." "Heck! I'd rather smell a guy's sweat than a girl's perfume. Sweat! That's what really turns me on! I always get hard...down there...after we've had a good workout after school. You know how sweaty everyone smells just before we get into the shower? I sometimes have to wait until I go soft, before I can get into the shower with the rest of the team. Is that a sign of being gay?" "Not really, but..." "When did you know that you were gay? How old were you, Mike?" "Oh, I don't know...thirteen or fourteen maybe." "I'm already older than you were...so why should my feelings be any different than yours?" "They don't have to be, I guess." "Then I guess I know I'm already gay...like you." "Hey, let's change the topic and let me put some of that lotion on you." "Okay, but go easy, I'm sore as heck!" "Turn your back toward me." Jake pivoted in bed and Mike pour a healthy handful of the lotion in his hand and began to apply it to Jake's shoulders and back. "Mike?" "Yes?" "Do you think Lee's gonna get well?" "I have no doubt," Mike replied with assurance. "What's gonna happen to us? I mean, after the funeral? Is Lee going back to Dallas? Then what's gonna happen to me." "I think Tom and I have that all figured out, if you and Lee are agreeable." "Can we go with you and Tom on the rest of your trip?" "I don't think that's possible. You see, Lee still needs treatment and medication. He's not ready to travel until he's well enough or, at least until he's released by his doctor." "Then what's yours and Tom's plan?" "How would you feel about moving away from Texas?" "I wouldn't mind if Lee could move too." "I meant the both of you." "That'd be swell! Where to?" "A town that Tom and I call home...Briarwood." "You mean, Lee and I could go to your hometown?" "Well, it's not really my hometown. It's a town I want to be Tom's and my hometown." "Is there room enough for Lee and me?" "Tom and I would make room...for both of you." "You mean it?" "Honest Injun! Now turn around and let me put some of this lotion on your chest." "Wow! If you've got room for both of us, I don't care if I never see Texas again." "I was hoping that's what you'd say, Jake." "You mean that you and Tom would become like daddies to Lee and me?" "Well, neither of us are old enough to be your daddy, but we could be like big brothers." "Gosh! That's even better! How big is your house?" "I don't know. It's not built yet. It's all in my head, but there's lots and lots of rooms with a big yard and a swimming pool." "If it's not built, where are we gonna live in the meantime?" "We have many guys that we call our brothers we can stay with until the house is complete. Tom and I were living with a priest, or rather, a minister before we took off on our journey." "This minister knew that you and Tom were gay?...and he didn't say you were going to hell for being that way?" Mike laughed. "No, Jake, this minister---we call him, 'Father Cliff'--- approved of Tom's and my relationship. He...I guess you could say, he married us." "Whoa! This 'Father Cliff'! He's not a devil worshipper, is he?" "No, Jake, far from it! Father Cliff is like my real father. He has lots of adopted gay sons, just like Tom and me." "Then, if I'm gay, it would be all right with him?" "Yes, IF you're gay, you'd have Father Cliff's blessing." "Boy! I sure do have a lot to learn." "Yes, and Tom and I want to teach you how to live your life and be happy. That seems to be something that's been missing in yours and Lee's lives." "You can say that again!" "Now, can you do the fronts of your legs and your private parts? I don't think I should go there. I WILL do the backs of your legs, though." "Sure, give me that stuff!" Mike handed the bottle of lotion to Jake. Mike could see that by touching Jake's upper body, Jake had sprung an erection that Mike tried not to notice. Jake had bunched the sheet up in his lap trying to conceal his 'turn on'. Soon, Jake was covered with Benadryl from his head to his toes. "There! That should do it!" Jake said. "We'll do this again in the morning, but I imagine you're going to be pretty sore." "I am already!" "Ready for me to turn out the lights and go to sleep?" "Yep!" "Do you want to put on some boxers or briefs before we go to bed?" "No, the waistband would hurt too much." "Okay. You want to sleep next to the wall or do you want the outer side of the bed?" "Where do you normally sleep when Tom's here?" "Next to the wall," Mike replied. "Then I'll sleep on Tom's side of the bed." Mike took off all his clothes except for his boxers, turned out the lights, and took his side of the bed. Jake eased himself down on the satin sheets very gingerly until they lay side by side. Both their minds were racing with different thoughts in the darkness. Both were dreaming of their new home-to-be in Briarwood. Mike was unaware that Jake was lifting himself up on one elbow. He was even more astonished when Jake kissed him lightly on the lips. "I'm sorry," Jake whispered, "but I had to do that." "That's OK, Jake," Mike whispered back. "I didn't think it was possible for me to ever love someone, but in just a day or two, I've learned to love you and Tom." Mike understood why Jake had kissed him and knew how Jake felt. Mike had spent thousands of lonely nights in Dothan wishing there was someone beside him...someone to love...someone to kiss...someone to care...someone to hold. "Jake?" "Yes?" "If I'm gentle, would you like me to hold you?" "Yes. I don't care how much it hurts...please hold me." Mike carefully slid his arm under Jake's pillow and the two of them rolled toward one another. Mike could feel the heat exuding from Jake's inflamed skin as their chests met. Then Mike placed his other arm around Jake and drew their bodies closer together. Both of them had erections as their pelvic regions touched. Neither of them were embarrassed, for this wasn't an act of sex, but more like a shared bonding between the two of them, to indemnify the loneliness they both had known most of their lives. They soon fell asleep in each other's arms. <><><><><><><> Tom Potter, chief of police in Briarwood met Cliff and Walter at the front door at headquarters. "Nice to see you, Tom," Cliff said. "Father, Mr. Clayton, I'm glad you both came," Tom replied. "Where's the boy?" Walter asked. "He's in one of our interrogation rooms, alone." "How is he, Tom?" Cliff asked. "He's in pretty bad shape...physically and emotionally. Come on and I'll take you to him." Tom escorted Cliff and Walter behind the sergeant's desk, down a hallway to the third door on the right. Tom opened the door for them and said he would give them privacy to be alone with Billy Leighton. Billy was sitting at a long table. Cliff was all but horrified when he caught this first glimpse of the battered boy. Billy had a taped bandage stretching across the back of his head. His right eye had already turned a dark shade of purple from the swelling surrounding it. Billy's right arm was in a hospital sling. His shirttail was hanging out of his trousers to alleviate the pressure he had from his taped ribs just above his nipples down to his waist. There were cuts on Billy's face, neck, arms, and hands. His upper lip was swollen but Billy did manage a small smile when he saw Cliff. "Hi, Billy," Cliff said, warmly. "Father," Billy acknowledged, just above a whisper. "Billy, this is one of my closest friends, Walter Clayton. He's my attorney and I brought him to represent you." "Hello, Billy," Walter said. "Mr. Clayton," Billy replied, softly and mannerly. "How do you feel, Billy?" Cliff asked. "I know that's a rather naive question, considering your bruises and cuts...But are you in much pain?" "No more than I deserve," Billy replied. "Billy, I know you probably don't feel like talking just now," Walter said, "but it would help me if you could give as many details about the events tonight with your parents while it's still fresh on your mind." "I killed them, Mr. Clayton, both of them," Billy said, almost flatly. "I know, but what led up to your killing them?" "I just felt it was the only thing I could do to save my life." "Who beat you, Billy? Your father or your mother?" "Both of them." "At the same time?" "Yes." "Can you tell me what caused the initial confrontation?" "Yes. I went to see Father Cliff earlier this afternoon and had a nice talk with him. When I left him, I was happier than I had been in a long, long time. Father Cliff didn't lecture me or give me a sermon about the way that I feel...about love, relationships, and such." "Did your parents know that you met with Father Cliff?" "Gosh, no! Mother would have been there with the cops to try to arrest Father Cliff. I'm sorry, Father, but she hated you...after only meeting you that one time." "She was rather vocal and strong-willed about protecting you from a deviant lifestyle," Cliff added. "But it wasn't deviant, Father! You told me so!" "Billy, it wasn't just about being gay that your mother found deviant. I felt, after my meeting with her, that anything contrary to her beliefs and those of her church would be considered deviant by her." "I know. She was constantly writing letters or making phone calls to the television network executives about corrupting America's youth for presenting so much sex and violence. I remember when I was just a little kid, she would tape my favorite cartoon shows and watch them to make sure they were suitable for me to watch. One day, Mr. Rogers was singing a song about 'being special' and he talked about how special people were different. Mother took it the wrong way and never allowed me to watch 'Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood' again." "Good Lord, son!" Cliff exclaimed under his breath. "So, Billy, tell me what happened after you left Father Cliff." "I felt so free, so happy. I thought everything was going to be all right; that my gay feelings weren't wrong. I guess I became overconfident...and a bit daring too, because I went up to my room and turned on my Justin Timberlake CD and played it loudly. Months ago, I began to collect rock star magazines and one day when I was at the used book store, I found a whole stack of gay sex magazines and I bought them and slipped them into my house. I didn't know where to hide them, but I noticed that one strip of molding which held down the carpet in my room was loose. I removed it and pulled back the carpet as far as I could and then I tore up the carpet padding and replaced it with a whole layer of my men's magazines. She, nor Dad, never knew." "And?" Walter pressed onward. "I told you I was happy, but I was also brave. Suddenly I didn't care if my parents knew about me. I WASN'T going to hell like they said in church. So I pulled out ALL my magazines and strewed them all over my bedroom...the floor, my bed, the chairs...EVERYWHERE! I defied both my parents by finding the dirtiest picture I could in each of the magazines and opened each to that particular page." "You knew that you were asking for trouble, didn't you, Billy?" "Yes...I just didn't know how MUCH trouble." "So what happened next?" "My dad came home from work. It was nearly suppertime and mother came up to tell me it was time to eat. She knocked on my door. I held my breath because I knew how she would look when she saw my magazines. I didn't answer the first time she knocked. The second time...well, she came in and looked horrified. You see, I really wanted her to get a good shock, so I had taken off all my clothes and sat in my big chair playing with my erection." "My God, Billy, why did you go to so much length?" "SHE HAD TO KNOW I WAS GAY and that there was nothing wrong with it. I almost laughed when I saw her expression." "Did she try to hit you then?" "No, she went downstairs and got my dad and the two of them came back mad as heck! My dad came toward me and grabbed my arm and pulled me onto the floor. All the while, my mother was slapping me all over with her open hands and fists. She was screaming, shouting, and flailing her arms at me, coming from every direction. Then, I felt a kick in my rib cage...right here," Billy pointed to an area above his left kidney. "That was my dad. He kicked me while mother was beating me. The next thing I knew...or rather felt, my mother went over to one of my bedside tables and picked up a ceramic lamp. She was so mad, she yanked the cord out of the receptacle and somehow, she slung it toward me and it hit the back of my head. I literally saw stars for a few minutes. I could feel the blood spurting on my neck and back. A few seconds later, I discovered my dad had left the room while my mother continued to hit and kick me." "What was she saying, Billy?" "Things like, she'd see me dead before I became a queer. Then I couldn't believe my ears because every time she landed a punch, she would scream, 'That's a blow from the Lord. Take that! Take one from God and His angels'. She sounded like the Baptist preacher!" "You said your dad left your bedroom?" "Only for a couple of minutes. The next time I saw him was when I raised my head and saw Dad standing in the doorway. He had gone into the kitchen to get a butcher knife. He had it in his hand." "Good God, Billy," Cliff sighed. "That's when I heard him shout, 'If you want to be a queer...if you want to be a girl...I'll cut you a new hole!" "What?" "Yes sir. He ran toward me with the knife in his hand and kicked me in the side, turning me over on my back. I couldn't believe it when he reached down and grabbed my penis. He stretched it like he was gonna pull it off! Then I saw him raise the knife. I knew he wasn't kidding. He was going to cut my penis off." "What did you do?" "I was scared, Mr. Clayton, I hadn't hit my parents back one time all the time they were hitting and kicking me. I just couldn't! But when I saw the knife, I somehow raised my right leg and kicked my dad in the balls as hard as I could. He bent forward to grab himself...that's when I got to my feet and ran out of my bedroom, down the hall, into mother's and dad's bedroom and locked the door." "Did they come after you?" "Madder than before. Dad was saying, 'I'll kill you, you little faggot!" "Did you believe him?" "Heck, yes! If he cut off my penis, I knew I'd bleed to death." "So you're locked in their bedroom...what did you do next?" "I picked up the phone in their bedroom and dialed, '911'. Some policeman answered and I screamed at him that my parents were going to kill me." "Did you give the policeman your address?" "Sure! He could hardly hear me, though, because my dad was shouting so loud...and he was on the other side of the locked door." "And then...?" "Dad started kicking the door, trying to break the lock. The molding around the door was getting weaker with each kick. I was scared. I didn't know how long it would take for the police to get to my house. I knew I would probably be dead by then." "So...?" "So...that's when I remembered that my dad kept a Colt .45 in his nightstand. I opened the drawer and there it was! I didn't even know if it was loaded, but I thought he might not know either and I would point it at him and maybe that would stop him until the police arrived. I'd no sooner gotten the gun out when the whole door fell down. There was Dad and my mother standing there, mad as heck, wanting to kill me." "How did you know, Billy?" "Because he said 'I'd rather kill you right now and send you to hell than see you suffer with AIDS and cost me a fortune...not to mention the shame and disgrace of your mother and me!'" "Dear God!" "They both ran at me at the same time. I had no choice. I had no other way to defend myself. I pointed the gun; really at neither of them, but I DID pull the trigger...and again...and again, not knowing where the bullets were headed or who or what they were hitting. I kept pulling the trigger until the gun clicked and I knew I was out of bullets. Somehow, I kept my eyes closed while I was shooting. When the last bullet fired, I opened my eyes and saw my dad lying on the floor. My mother was lying on top of him. They were both bleeding and making groaning noises. That's when I knew I had really shot them." "Did you try to help them, Billy?" "No, I was too scared." "What did you do?" "I knew the police would be there shortly and I didn't want them to catch me naked, so I ran back to my bedroom and put on the clothes I had taken off earlier. I bunched up all my magazines and threw them in my closet and ran downstairs, the best I could, I mean, my sides and my head were hurting bad. I sat on the bottom step until I heard the police ring the doorbell. I...I opened the door and one of the policemen asked me if I was hurt. I was bleeding from my arms, my face, the back of my head...all kinds of places! I sorta collapsed in his arms and I heard him calling for an ambulance. I DID tell the other policeman that my mother and dad were in their bedroom, shot, and that I had done it!" "The ambulance came and took you to the hospital?" "Yeah...to the emergency room. A policeman, there at the hospital, asked me who my next of kin was...Well, I couldn't say Dad and Mother if they were dead, so I told them, 'Father Cliff'." "I suppose that's when Tom Potter called me at home." "Father Cliff, I'm sorry that I got you involved, but you were the only person I knew to call." "Billy, you did the right thing. I'm glad that you called me." "Mr. Clayton?" "Yes, Billy?" "I know that I'm guilty. I told the police what I did. Does...does this mean I'm likely to get the electric chair?" For the first time, Billy faced the reality of his actions and began to cry. "No, Billy, you aren't guilty of killing anyone if it was in self-defense. What else could you do?" "I don't know, but I'm scared...REAL scared." "You don't have to be, Billy. Father Cliff and I are here to take care of you." "Will they lock me up in jail tonight?" "I don't know, Billy. You stay here and talk with Father Cliff while I go make a phone call or two, O.K.?" "Jerry Norton, one of my elders?" Cliff asked Walter. "That's exactly whom I had in mind, Cliff...Judge Norton," Walter said. "Tell Jerry about Billy's injuries and ask him if there's anyway he can post a bail against Billy's confinement. Let him know that I'll take Billy home with me and assume full responsibility for him and his appearance for arraignment." "Isn't it strange, Cliff? You're a priest and I'm a lawyer and we both think alike." "We just have a lot more in common than meets the eye, especially being friends all these years." "Billy, before I leave, I've got to know. Did you tell anyone here at the police station or at the hospital about your being naked and about the magazines?" "Gosh, no!" "Then that remains a secret among the three of us. Understand?" "Attorney-client privilege?" Billy asked. "You got it! The same privilege applies to your priest, as well." "Father Cliff is not my priest, though." "You mean, he wasn't before tonight, don't you?" Billy looked into Cliff's eyes and turned back to Walter. "Yeah, that's what I meant to say...not before tonight! If that's alright with you, Father?" Cliff smiled gently and nodded. Walter left the interrogation room to make his phone call to Judge (and elder of St. Genesius Church) Jerry Norton. When Walter was gone, Billy looked at Cliff again. "Father Cliff, you've GOT to believe me. I didn't know I was going to kill them. HONEST!" "I know, Billy, but as Walter said, you really had no choice." "Father, I've been to your church, as you know, and I don't know any part of the mass. I don't know any prayers that you pray, but I DO wish you'd recite the 23rd Psalm for me. Would you?" "Billy, I can't think of anything I'd rather say," Cliff said, smiling warmly. "Would you hold my hand?" "Sure." Cliff stretched his hand across the table to reach Billy's. As soon as Billy felt Cliff's touch, it was as if all his pain suddenly went away. Some strange feeling transcended Billy--- passed from Cliff's hand into Billy's body and Billy was no longer afraid. Somehow, he knew, everything was going to be all right. Cliff grasped Billy's hand tighter and began to say, "The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want..." <><><><><><><><><><> Seeing Noah with Wade enraged Steve as he jumped into his car and sped away, leaving heavy tread marks from his tires. "GOD DAMN! What a fucking fool I made of myself!" Steve thought as he pounded both fists on the steering wheel. "That goddamned little fucking faggot! The little son-of-a-bitch! HE PUT THESE QUEER THOUGHTS INTO MY HEAD! I OUGHTA GO BACK THERE AND BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF HIM AND WADE, BOTH!" Steve could not remember ever being this angry before...especially since Noah had gotten the best of him. No one had ever done that...NOT TO STEVE JARVIS AND LIVED TO GET AWAY WITH IT! His anger turned to tears. He was not only furious with Noah, he was hurt, emotionally, for the first time in his life. No girl, no time, for any reason had ever brought tears to Steve's eyes. Sure, he'd hurt many girls and caused them to weep almost to this side of suicide after he had jilted them from a one-night-stand, but this time the tables had been turned. Noah had spurned his advances. There was no one that Steve could ever tell this to, not even Hal...ESPECIALLY not Hal! Steve would be the laughing stock of Hawthorne...for what? Not being able to have sex with a guy? God, this was just too humiliating for anyone! Steve looked at his speedometer and he was going over 100 mph. He realized he was in danger of hurting himself or some on-coming vehicle, so he slowed down to 55 mph and decided to go home and open that full bottle of Jack Daniels he was planning to give his dad for his birthday and get drunk. That was his safest solution, Steve thought. Steve went home, opened the whiskey, and drowned his sorrow and anger until he passed out. He slept the next day until noon, the sun hurting his eyes. When he awoke, his anger had been replaced by the worst headache of his life and the taste in his mouth resembled a pigsty at worming time. His tongue felt as if it had replaced by a Kotex pad. It was too soon to decide if his humiliation with Noah was worse than this morning's after-effect. He stumbled when he got out of bed and staggered to his door to make his way down the hall to the bathroom. His bladder was about to burst and he felt an onslaught of diarrhea coming. He was almost to the bathroom when he heard his mother, "Steve, is that you?" "Yes, Mom," he managed to say. "I didn't hear you come home. What time did you get in, dear?" 'What day is it?', Hal thought. 'Had his mother known he was home sleeping all day the day before? Or WAS it the day before or was it only last night when had gone to Noah's house?' His drunken stupor had disoriented him as to time, place, date...EVERYTHING. "I'm going to the bathroom, Mom." "Well, when you get finished, Wade is here to see you." 'Wade? What was that fucking little traitor doing here to see me?' Steve thought, making him angry again, momentarily. 'Oh fuck, am I sick!' Steve shut the bathroom door and just made it to the commode before his loose bowels exploded. Usually a person can't pee and shit at the same time, but Steve's was an unusual circumstance. He must've sat on the toilet fifteen minutes emptying every toxin in his system. He decided that a shower would help ease his temporary dilemma. He turned on the cold tap, but that was too brutal, quickly hitting the hot water faucet, letting the rush of the water pound the top of his head and trickle down his body. He wasn't sure how long he stayed under the shower, but it was long enough to empty the hot water tank for soon the water became ice cold once again. He got out of the shower, dried off, and looked at his bedraggled face in the mirror. His twenty-year-old face made him appear to be thirty-five or forty. He decided to shave, brush his teeth, and comb his hair, hoping against hope that the time he consumed in the bathroom would discourage Wade and Wade would leave before he came out of the bathroom. The shower and grooming did make Steve feel a bit more human. He wrapped a towel around his waist and went back to his bedroom to get dressed. When he entered his bedroom, he was very surprised to see Wade sitting on his bed. "Hi, Steve," Wade said, "your mom said it would be okay if I waited for you in here." "I'm just a little surprised to see you, considering where and how I saw you the last time." "That's why I'm here, Steve. I want to explain..." "Can it! You don't owe me any explanations. What you and Noah do is YOUR business! It doesn't concern me!" "But it does, Steve. I mean, you and I have been friends forever...or at least, I thought we were friends." "Friends don't do what you and Noah did to me!" "Steve, I didn't know...honestly. I was so embarrassed when you saw us...it was as if my own mom had caught me doing the worst thing possible." "Was that what you were doing with Noah...the worst thing possible?" "I guess you could say that." "You and Noah were having queer sex, weren't you?" "Well...yes," Wade replied, dropping his head, embarrassed. "How long you been queer, Wade?" "That was my first time...ever." "Well, I'm sure it won't be your last!" "It might be." "GO ON! Go ahead! You and Noah can suck and fuck each other from now on...it won't bother me!" "Noah's gone, Steve..." "What?" "Yeah, he left this morning to get back to school early. He wanted to get a head start on some English term paper or something he had to write." "Well, why didn't you go with him and ride off into the sunset together and live happily ever after?" "Steve, you know how strict my mother is with me. I...I could never leave home. She'd hire a detective or something and find me. She's never gonna let me leave Hawthorne...not as long as she's alive. I'm stuck here the rest of my life, I guess." "So you were 'queen for a day', huh?" "I suppose." "Well, GOOD FOR YOU!" Steve snarled. "Steve..." "WHAT?" "Noah told me about your going to the Motel 6 to meet him." "Oh? What else did he tell you?" "He...he said he kissed you and you held him in bed." "Aw fuck! You're gonna believe what that faggot said?" "Maybe. I also wondered about the two of you going out alone last weekend...and then, when you showed up at his house all spruced up...I wasn't sure if you were there for the same reason I was." "Wade, you're talking nonsense! I didn't go over to Noah's to get him to have sex. I'm straight and you damned well know it." "I thought I was too...until I went for a walk with Noah and later went to his house before you showed up." "DID THE TWO OF YOU HAVE SEX?" "Yes. I already said that we did." "WELL? HOW WAS IT?" "I liked it, Steve." "It wasn't really sex...it was more like making love." "Oh, bullshit! How could you make love your first time?" "I don't know, but we did. We held each other and we kissed like a boy and girl...and Steve, it was wonderful." "Well, bully for you!" "When you drove off so mad, Noah said that you left in a jealous fit." "JEALOUS? ME? Don't kid yourself." "Steve...?" "What?" "Were you a bit jealous?" "I...I don't know!" "You love Noah, don't you?" "WADE! NO!" "I think you do." "I...I like him a lot." "Then, you're mad because I went to bed with him...and you didn't?" "Wade, I've got a headache! I'm sick at my stomach and I don't feel like playing word games with you. So why don't you get up and go the fuck home?" "Okay..." Wade stood up to leave. "But first, I want to find out something." "What now?" "This!" Wade put his arms around Steve's neck and kissed him hard. Steve was shocked and angered as he tried to pull Wade's arms loose, but Steve wouldn't budge, neither would he unlock his lips from Steve's. Steve's pent up frustration got the best of him. If Wade wanted to kiss him, he'd give Wade a response he would never forget. Steve suddenly put his arms around Wade's back and pulled him close to his body. He returned Wade's kiss by trying to pry Wade's lips open with his tongue. Wade received Steve's tongue and Steve's anger turn to passion. Steve began kissing him as if Wade was one of his many girl whores and slowly the two of them sank down to lay on the bed. The towel around Steve opened to reveal his huge erection. Wade lowered his hand to grip it. They were breathing heavily when the kiss finally ended. "Let me suck it, Steve, please." "I don't know about that, Wade." "Please...this one time." "Oh, goddammit! Go ahead!" Steve said, putting one arm across his eyes to cover them as he rested his head on the bed. Nervously, Wade sank to his knees on the floor and positioned himself between Steve's legs. He lowered his head and Steve could feel Wade's warm breath on his penis before Wade took it into his mouth. Steve had made or allowed hundreds of girls do this to him, but whether it was his first time with a guy...or whether it was Wade, for some reason, as soon as Wade closed his lips, Steve felt a chill throughout his body. "Oh, God, do it, Wade, please, do it." This was all the encouragement Wade needed. He proceeded to do everything to Steve's organ that Noah had done to his last night. Wade had both of his hands resting on Steve's muscular thighs and felt the muscles tighten with each downward movement Wade's head made. With a girl, Steve could hold his orgasm for a half hour or more, sometimes until the girl felt her jaw was locking...but the newness of a guy sucking his cock...Wade...stimulating his organ brought him to a climax in only a matter of a few minutes. Steve didn't warn Wade of his oncoming ejaculation because Steve felt he could fight off the feeling and make it last longer...but THIS TIME, he couldn't. He had no control over his member. This premature action was almost cause for embarrassment for the manly Steve, who had bragged so often of his masculine staying power to Randy, Tyler, and also Wade. Wade didn't remove his mouth until he drank the last drop of Steve's offering. He was almost afraid to stop, not knowing what mood Steve would be in after climaxing. So he just stayed on his knees before Steve, waiting for the response...a hit? A pat on the head? A kick? What? Wade was a bit worried until Steve finally spoke. Steve removed his arm from his face, raised his head, and looked down at the kneeling Wade. "Hey, buddy," Steve, said. "Come up here." Wade rose to his feet and lay across the bed next to Steve. Steve reached for the back of Wade's neck and drew his head forward to meet his. This time, it was Steve who kissed Wade, who inwardly sighed a huge relief...but at the same time, Steve's kiss puzzled Wade, even more. Steve removed his lips from Wade's to say, "That was great, buddy." "You're not mad?" "Hell, no! It was wonderful. How long have you been doing this?" "I told you Noah was my first, day before yesterday." "You suck better than any girl in Hawthorne." "Thanks....I think..." "Aw, naw! I didn't mean it that way. I just never found anyone that could get me off that quick before." "I wondered if I did it wrong." "Will you stop it? You were fantastic!" "Was I your first guy?" "You're the first guy who's ever sucked me off before, yes." "I'm glad." "You wanna know something else, little buddy?" "What?" "You're about to be the first guy I ever sucked off, too." "What?" "Shut up and take of your jeans before I change my mind." "But why?" "Shit, if you're brave enough to do that to me, I can't let you show me up by being too chickenshit to try it. So take off your pants and lie down!" "Yes sir!" Steve knelt and reciprocated Wade's oral action; only he wanted to show Wade how proficient he was at oral sex when he went down on his women. Steve engulfed Wade's scrotum and licked it for all it was worth, he continued with Wade's inner thighs, his sphincter area, and finally, the crack of Wade's ass before he focused on Wade's penis that caused Wade to experience the biggest orgasm of his life. After Wade was completely drained, Steve returned to lie beside Wade. "This isn't so bad!" Steve said. "I don't know what the fuck I was so afraid of. Hell, we could've been doing this for a long time. I have to admit, I kinda enjoyed it! It was different...only better." "You mean you might want to do this again...some other time?" "Oh, every weekend, for starters. Then we'll see where that leads." "Steve, I can't believe this is happening!" "How would you like to go out on a date with me? Maybe Friday... AND Saturday?" "I'd love it...but won't Randy and Wade get suspicious?" "You mean, our two queer buddies?" "What do you mean?" "Shit, Wade, they've been doin' each other for years. Now the four of us can double date!" "I don't understand." "You WILL. Say, are you in a hurry to get home?" "No." "Wanna go for a second round?" "Sure, Steve." "There's a few more things I might want to try with you." "I'm willing if you are." "Wade, you've got yourself a new best friend! Now, why don't you do me first and I'll be thinking about what I want to do to you." Wade smiled big and got back on his knees.... <><><><><><> The front three rows of pews at St. Genesius were filled with smiling faces... Troy and Jay, Kyle and Ryan, Little Pete and Danny, Walter and David, Doug and Charles, Tom and Mike, Rob and Timmy, and Ian from New York, Scott and Alan from Mackintosh, and the newest Briarwood boys, Billy Leighton, and Jake and Lee Malone from Fort Stockton. In front of the altar, stood Jeff and Johnny, the adoptive fathers, with Alex and Ted, the godfathers, holding the twins. Cliff stood by the baptismal font, dressed in his white robes trimmed with gold filigree. The biggest surprise was Roger, who had donned a set of Cliff's vestments and was acting as Cliff's assistant. Roger felt as if he were dressed up for Halloween or a costume party since he hadn't worn a priest's robe in two decades. He felt a bit silly, a bit hypocritical, but for the occasion, he was proud. All those attending were sitting anxiously, smiling from ear to ear as Cliff began the sacrament. "The Lord be with you," Cliff began. Everyone responded, "And with thy spirit." "Draw near now, those who wish to have these children baptized." Alex and Ted stepped forward, each holding one of the babies. "Dost thou, in the name of these children, renounce the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same, and the carnal desires of the flesh, so that they wilt not follow, nor be led by them?" Alex and Ted answered, "We renounce them all." "Dost thou believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth? And in Jesus Christ his only-begotten Son our Lord? And that he was conceived by the Holy Ghost; born of the Virgin Mary; that he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; that he went down into hell, and also did rise again the third day; that he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; and from thence shall come again at the end of the world, to judge the quick and the dead? "And dost thou believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Catholic Church; the Communion of Saints; the Remission of sins; the Resurrection of the flesh; and everlasting life after death?" Alex and Ted replied, "All this we steadfastly believe." "Wilt thou have these children baptized in this faith?" "That is our desire." "Wilt thou see then that they will obediently keep God's holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of their lives?" "We will." Cliff raised his arms and hands and prayed. "Merciful God, grant that the old Adam in these children may be so buried, that the new man may be raised up in them. Amen. "Grant that all carnal affections may die in them, and that all things belonging to the Spirit may live and grow in them. Amen. "Grant that they may have power and strength to have victory, and to triumph, against the devil, the world, and the flesh. Amen. "Grant that whosoever is here dedicated to thee by our office and ministry may also be endowed with heavenly virtues, and everlastingly rewarded, through thy mercy, 0 blessed Lord God, who dost live, and govern all things, world without end. Amen. "Almighty, everliving God, whose most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of our sins, did shed out of his most precious side both water and blood; and gave commandment to his disciples, that they should go teach all nations, and baptize them In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Regard, we beseech thee, the supplications of thy congregation; sanctify this Water to the mystical washing away of sin; and grant that these children, now to be baptized therein, may receive the fullness of thy grace, and ever remain in the number of thy faithful and elect children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Then Cliff took the first boy from Alex and said, "Name this child." Alex said, "Roger Walter Kane-Clayton". Roger was beyond being shocked and surprise, as his eyes filled with buckets of tears instantly. Cliff realized he dared not look at Roger or both would have burst with joy. Cliff at the font and Walter sitting in the second pew got lumps in their throats when the child was named. Cliff fought off a tear and gently placed Little Roger in front of the font and sprinkled water on his head three times, saying, "I baptize thee, Roger Walter Kane-Clayton in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." Cliff handed Little Roger back to Alex and took the second baby from Ted. Cliff said to Ted, "Name this child." Ted almost choked as he revealed a secret that he had kept hidden from everyone. "Father, his name is...Clifford Alexander Kane-Clayton." Now it was Alex's turn to look surprised and Cliff...Cliff could not hold back his tears this time. Roger turned to look the other way as he had just lost control over his emotions. Cliff's voice broke as he sprinkled Little Cliff's head, saying, "I baptize thee, Clifford Alexander Kane-Clayton in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." Cliff composed himself to conclude the christening. Roger was still facing the opposite direction. "We receive these children into the congregation of Christ's flock, and do sign them with the sign of the Cross, in token that hereafter they shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, and manfully to fight under his banner, against sin, the world, and the devil; and to continue to be Christ's faithful soldiers and servants unto their life's end. Amen." Cliff traced the sign of the cross on each of the twin's foreheads with oil. The ceremony was over and there was not a dry eye in the church. Never had so much love been felt in St. Genesius, but then, never had so many Briarwood boys been assembled together at one time. Each was filled with love for the others. Each in his own special way had been blessed. Each had a life of his own to lead together with a lifetime companion and/or family. So many things had happened since Cliff had first entered this sanctuary. Many lives were changed, mostly for the good. There had been times of sorrow but these times had been outweighed by the joy and blessing everyone had received from Father Cliff. Roger finally turned around and Jeff and Tom handed the namesakes to Roger and Cliff. To use an old theatrical expression, 'there wasn't a dry eye in the house!'. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * HERE ENDETH BOOK SEVEN! (To be continued in "Briarwood"---BOOK EIGHT--"Unto The Hills"--- chapter--seventy-nine.)