Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2016 07:58:16 +0000 From: Max Dowling Subject: Never Give Up- Codes you awake 15 15 Codes You Awake. By. Maxieplus The dads were at a meeting at the charity with Uncle Brent and Ted Richards. Connie will never get to go overseas if they don't find a stand in replacement. They are slowly sifting through the few applications they had received. Tom couldn't do it because he was more of a hand's on sort of guy and loved being in the gardens and playing with the kids who were staying there. Uncle Brent is Rick Conner's partner and Ted is their son, Rick retired from the stage a few years ago but still does very well out of writing songs, and of course, personal appearances. They are a very happy family but I don't think Ted will be taking on the family business; he is a champion defender for St Kilda football team. His footy is paramount and he's just here to talk to Dan, they are kindred spirits I think. "I hope Ben put his application in Mitch. The dads so want him to work at the Charity." "He won't do it Codes; his calling is the restaurant. It's really not about his secret charity hand outs." He smirked. Just about then or was it after a few kisses on the sofa I can't remember. Squirt and Dan came in, they looked really pissed off about something. Squirt pulled his phone out and paced the balcony. "Ben are you at home?" "Okay get your ass over here now." He hung up...he was pissed. "Cody calm down will ya, it's not his thing so don't push it." "Bubby, I won't calm down until I know that boy is going to be safe. It's not always about him Dan. He has a family to consider too now." I spied a pissed off Conner trudging up the beach with a red faced Ben in tow, we are all in for it now me thinks. "What the fucks going on dad?" "Conner don't say fuck." Dan tried to lighten the mood. Con gave him a sour look as Ben flopped into a chair where Mitch promptly sat with him. "Ben why didn't you apply for the job at the charity, there was no application from you?" Squirt started. "Because I don't want the job or need it." "The pays very generous the hours are light so what's the problem?" "I don't want the job." "Well your taking it anyway." "Dad?" Conner chirped up. "Well he is son. We need to know Ben's safe for our sakes as well as your's, my son. He can still feed his boys but from the back of the food van we have earmarked for that suburb. " "Mister Mitchell, I do what I do because the boys trust me, they don't trust the charity." "Why not, what has the charity ever done to them?" "With respect, Squirt and Dan, the charity is seen as a snobby government organization. The kids won't go there because they have the belief they would not be treated in confidence and on their own merits." Poor Ben I felt for him. "What a load of crap Ben, we treat everyone the same. When did we become snobby?" "Ummm your charity has lost track of its basic commitment Cody. The kids have tried relentlessly to get off the streets. But the forms and restrictions you put on them turns them away. Most of them can't even read let alone live by any rules. They want practical outcomes not paperwork. It's become nothing more than a Social services outlet." Now Ben was pissed off. Squirt looked at Dan, he was dumbfounded, but he also knew the charity had moved into a different direction over the years. He started to grin at Dan who got a puzzled look on his face. "Well isn't that a fine thing to know. We all bust our balls to help people and all along we are turning those who need us the most away. Ben take the job. You have a free hand to make the changes necessary for the future. Bring your boys along and make that happen. If not for us do it for them. Only you have your finger on the pulse, and only you can make that change, the charity so desperately needs." He begged then added. "Hire a teacher to teach reading and writing the fundamental right of any human being. Find jobs for them or apprenticeships, we can help with that, and accommodation where they will be safe from fools like the one who stabbed you." Ben stared at Cody and Dan for a long time he dropped his head. "I will think about it," Was his reply, then he added. "Oh and Dan don't leave any more money on my car, it might get stolen." He grinned. "We have a smart one here Dan, we had better keep him." Cody smiled again. He had calmed down because he had won Ben over and he knew it. "That we have Codes, and yes, we will keep him." "You won't interfere?" Ben got business like. "No Ben, its all yours. But you will have to start doing your social worker course ASAP." "Already have, did it part time before I met Conner." "Oh really and when were you going to tell us that piece of important information?" Cody was pissed again. Poor Ben just smiled at him then answered. "Still thinking, what's the pay like?" he grinned. Dan wrote down a figure showed Squirt who nodded. I couldn't quite see and handed it to Ben. "Fuck me." Ben cried and hit his forehead with the palm of his hand. "Ben don't say fuck me in front of the twins please, we are trying to teach them some manners." Poor Dan he got a joke in at last. Jamie and Lukey came up the stairs and sat with us. "What did we miss?" Jamie said. "Not much he's still thinking about it." And then Bobby and `what's for breakfast' Rory arrived. "Did he take the job?" Rory announced. "Not yet but he will." Dan said. Bobby all of a sudden jumped up and hugged Ben. "You are doing the right thing Ben. You are going to make big changes and I'm so fucking proud of you." "Can I do it Bobby, can I make a difference?" "Ohh yessss, that's what your painting was all about, didn't you get the message?" He punched the air again. "Yes I did, but I didn't think a whole charity would be dumped on me." Ben was deep in thought for a long time. The dads got their answer after Conner and Ben talked for an hour or so on our log bench. He will take the job and he will make a difference. Dan spent the next half hour on the phone to Brent, filling him in on Ben, he was all smiles and puffed up when he got off the phone. My guess is Ted had a footy talk to him too. My dad's got such a big head, and Ted's got a bad case of footy legend crush. Jamie made the pizzas and reminded everyone they will have to trudge up the beach soon to get one. Rory said they would ride the beach buggy up, and they were picking up passengers on the way...for a small fee. They have replaced their buggy three times over the years; the sea air rusts everything on our beach. Many a night they would woop it up riding it back and forth on the sand. I envy their need to be alive and living the dream, I also felt a pang of sadness. "How's your dick, Rory?" I heard Mitch say. "What?" "Sorry, your pizza, I knew it was either one." Mitch added laughing his head off. "Okay, sonny, its time you had a haircut. I'm going to make you look so fucking gay." He patted his knapsack where he keeps all his hair stuff in. "Oh no, Cody help." "Not this time, sunshine, I would love to see the gay you." I smiled. Rory took to Mitch's now longish hair with his magic clippers and scissors. The style was like mine and it looked awesome when it was done. It sort of made him look more handsome. Boy am I going to have fun tonight. "Now we need a three day growth going and I recon you will be ready to star in a very raunchy porn movie." Rory giggled. "Fat chance of that mate unless Codes starred along with me of course." "I'll get the camera then." That one got Rory a smack on the head from Squirt. "Oww." "Rory shut it." Squirt told him off. "Where's Tim and Donny, Dan, I haven't seen them for a few days?" Con asked. "They are at the farm son, Tim needs a rest before his work starts again." He laughed. "Aww poor Tim, taking pictures is pretty tiring." Rory squealed. "Remember the farm siege?" Squirt mentioned dreamily. "How could I forget it?" Rory laughed. We spent the next hour laughing at the many photos Squirt had brought out. So many happy memories for them and a few for Mitch to add to his collection; Tim and Donny were adorable. Rory and Bobby on the other hand didn't look too happy. We went into town and hired a small camper for a week. It had everything we needed even a shower. Then Mitch rang Belinda to tell her we will be there Wednesday. We can park it in her drive for a few days before we head back. I also rang Uncle Mike to set up a meeting with Brian. He was so eager to meet him and we decided he would fly to Armidale while we were there. We can pick him up at the airport and Brian can drop him off if he stays a few days. He was good with that and excused himself to book a flight. I spoke to Nan for awhile until Squirt took the phone off me. He spoke for an hour or so then Dan got in on the act. They kept her on the phone for a few hours because Luke and Jamie had to say hello too. I heard a lot of laughing coming from the porch, she even spoke to Mitch. Poor Mitch, his ribs were aching when he hung up. Later on Conner and Ben had walked in; they had been to talk to Connie. Ben looked pleased with himself. I know he's going to smash this job. He asked Cody for Mary's phone number.He wants to fly to Melbourne to talk to her; she heads up the Brenten Walsh foundation. Dan said he would ring Brent and organize a place for him and Con to stay, maybe his amazing apartment near the city. As it turned out Rick Conner's plane would pick them up and they will stay with him and Brent. Ted did ask if Dan was coming with them but with the season starting soon he didn't think he could make it. "Well, Dan, starting Sunday we wont have any family in the house what do you want to do, we have a week?" Squirt played with Dan's curls. "You know exactly what we are going to do Codes, fuck our brains out." "DAAD! Don't say fuck." Both Con and I said in unison. "Sorry kids." Dan blushed. Poor Mitch his ribs were aching again. And they ached even more when I changed positions and sat in his lap that night, I rode that monster and he held my hips as he slipped in and out of me. "Codes you awake?" "Yes Mitch, what's up?" "Do your parents fuck a lot?" "Don't know Mitch but I think they do, they spend an awful lot of time in the bedroom." I giggled. "I wish we had their stamina Codes." "We do Mitch we are still young we have more stamina than them." "Okay want to go again?" "Mitch it will be all my pleasure." I smiled in the dark. "Oh no believe me the pleasures all mine Codes, I love you." "I love you too Mitch." I said as I slid down the bed nipping and licking his hard body. It wasn't long before we hit the road and I was excited to be totally alone with my Mitch. He drove for hours until we found a camping spot to spend our first night. I took the opportunity to ring Brian. He was chuffed we were on our way and we would be at his place the day after tomorrow. I didn't tell him Uncle Mike would be coming with us; that will be his surprise. We got the barbeque going and I unpacked the meat in the fridge. I made hamburgers and Mitch cooked them. We weren't alone, there were at least another twenty vans parked in the area. There were heaps of backpackers and old folks who mostly looked weather beaten from following the sun all year round. But some very pleasant company was had around the big fire someone had lit. I could get used to this life. The van rocked gently as Mitch held my legs and went for it. Of course it didn't take long; we are still in the total attraction stage. I loved looking into his eyes and I could tell when he was about to cum. He took me in his arms and we had the best sleep, I could see the stars through the small air vent in the roof, awesome. In the morning we had our sort of breakfast, eggs on toast. And after showering and waving to some of our new friends we headed down the freeway. We made good time today we only stopped twice, once for gas and the next for a coffee and a phone call to dad. Mitch rang his parents and I talked to Ros for a few minutes. That night was a camping spot fifty klicks from Armidale. Uncle Mike's flight would get in early. After we had set up camp I noticed quite a few travellers from last night were arriving also. We did the same thing just sitting around the campfire sharing jokes and listening to stories. "I know you." Some bloke said to Mitch. "Mitchell Dyson, I play for the Brisbane Bombers." Mitch held his hand out. "I thought it was you and this must be Conner Lawrence." "No Cody's his twin brother." I shook the guys hand and we had a pleasant catch up, the conversation had turned to football. After an hour of listening to everybody's opinions I bid them all good night, I went to ring Uncle Mike. He was on track and we will pick him up around ten am. Mitch finally arrived and was very animated. He kept on going about his new mates. He had collected email addresses and when he jumped into bed I turned the TV off and we cuddled. Nothing happened that night because travelling is exhausting, but I had the best sleep ever. We arrived at the airport a bit late but Uncle Mike was having coffee in the small café there, he was gorgeous, that uncle of mine. We caught up on family business and Nan and pop's health. He said he couldn't wait to meet Brian so we finished up and I gave Mitch the instructions to the farm. Mike laughed when he saw the little cottage standing there looking like it shouldn't belong. I had told him the story Brian told me so that made it even funnier. As we alighted the van Brian came running from the barn. I introduced him to Mike and Mitch, then we sat on his porch and had a beer. "Sorry Mike I don't have a spare bed for you, you will have to camp in with me. It's okay, I swing your way, just don't throw a boner because I won't get any sleep." He roared with laughter. "You won't shock me mate, I have this lot to put up with if I throw a boner. I will make sure its firmly planted in your crack." He laughed alongside Brian. "Its okay, Brian, Mitch and I kinda like camping out. We will stay in the van and Mike can have the spare room." "Okay." "How was your week with Michelle?" I asked. "Awesome, she's the one Cody, but she doesn't know it yet, I told her I had plans for the farm. She doesn't know they include a lady of the house." He sniggered. "Congratulations, mate, that's great news." "Well, I will pop the question on her next visit, which will be in three weeks time. Now, Mike, I have read Cody's prospectus and I'm in. What do we need to do?" Still smiling that awesome smile. Mike produced some paperwork. "We have to go through all this, but before we do, I want you to show me around." "Cool jump in the Ute and we can get started, guys do you want to come?" "Sure." Mitch jumped on the offer. We bounced around in the back of the Ute while Brian carefully drove all over the property. Mike was impressed and told Brian he already had clients lined up, he had better think about hiring someone to help and to get himself either horses or dune buggies. He would help map out the farm tracks and camping areas. We didn't tell him about the surprise we had for him. I had listed Brian's farm on the Wikicamps App, fifteen dollars a night self contained units only, water available. We had also told a few of our fellow campers so I expect some of them to turn up later on. Mike and Brian were deep in paperwork by the time we settled in. I cooked a nice lunch and we had to call time out while they ate. The first of the traveller's turned up at three, Brian was gobsmacked, I showed them where to park and handed Brian ninety dollars; they wanted to stay a week. Mike pulled me aside and reminded me Brian needed permits, but he could always say they were friends. Mike will go into town and see Brian through the council permit process tomorrow. Three more motorhomes turned up.They were all impressed with the farm and wanted to see more. Mike printed off a rough map for them.They would have to take their own cars at this point. With a load of cash in his pocket Brian was speechless, I showed him through the app and he would add to it as he put more facilities in. He lit a campfire and Mitch and I helped him milk the girls;we had an audience watching us. And the girls looked very pleased to see me. He did something I didn't peg him for.He brought out his guitar and started singing some favorite oldie songs, like really old. We had some very nostalgic happy campers that night... this guy is going to smash this farm stay thing. We left them talking and climbed into our snuggly bed, once again it was just kissing and groping but. "Codes you awake?" "Yes Mitch I was only asleep for a minute." "Codes we are getting old we never make love anymore." "Oh don't we?" I had a little giggle. "Can you turn on your side Codes?" I obliged and he slipped silently into me letting out a long sigh. We had to leave today and I thought it best if Mike and Brian did their business in private. But we assured Brian we would be back in a couple of days. By this time Brian's kitchen table was covered in paperwork. They followed us up to the freeway turnoff as they were headed for the council chambers. Mike didn't see a problem, and Brian already knew most of the councilors; some were his dad's mates. I was a little sad when we waved them goodbye but we will see Brian and the girls soon, we have an important delivery ourselves. I hope Belinda isn't too upset, it can't be good for the baby. After a couple of hours I gave Mitch the instructions from my maps app and we were safely parked outside her place. We had coffee and talked a bit then Mitch went out to the van and plugged us in. I handed Belinda the folder and the box her mum had left at the charity. "Bel, the news isn't good, so if you want to do this in private I can go outside and help Mitch." "No Codes, I think I knew all along, mum wasn't alive and thank you for following it up for me. I just didn't know where to start." I spied a tear coming from her eye and put my arm around her shoulder as she read what dad had printed out. "At least I know where she's buried; I will visit before I go overseas." She looked at the box and slowly opened it untying the string that held the lid on. She pulled out photographs, her mum was a forward thinker and had written on the back of them, she passed them to me as she held a bunny rug that was hers and a teddy bear. All the items in the box had a note on them. There was also a rather long letter. It was at this stage I left her to it and joined Mitch out at the van. "How is she Codes?" "Coping, but upset, I will leave her for awhile to get her head around it." "We can go out for dinner Codes I don't think I feel like cooking tonight." "Sure thing, Mitch, maybe we can pick a nice restaurant up the shops." "Yeah,there's a few up there; thank god her parents aren't here." "Well it will be a sad but a more relaxed visit this time baby. We can spend our time making her feel good and loved." I replied. I had to eventually use the toilet so I went inside and could hear sobbing coming from her bedroom. I got Mitch and we both crawled onto the bed with her. Just holding her was a great comfort and after she had settled down we had her smiling. She wanted us to read the letter so we both did, and it was full of heartfelt love and longing for a better life for Belinda. We stayed like that for a couple of hours We drove down the road towards the house and I counted seven motorhomes of various shapes and sizes. My god I hope Brian was able to get a permit. As we pulled up outside the home he ran out with Uncle Mike in tow. "I'm glad your back Cody we are run off our feet, is there anyway you can suspend that add in Wikicamps." "Yes, of course, I will do it straight away. I should have given you the password when I told you." "I have an interim permit and the full one will be here Friday but in the meantime I have to get plumbers in to install taps, tanks and a dump point. These poor folks have to use my garden tap at the moment but they don't seem too upset about it. I just don't want anyone being uncomfortable, that's all." "Its really okay Codes, he's just been a bit concerned another seven homes will turn up and he's not prepared for them." Uncle Mike offered. I laughed at Brian's need to make everyone comfortable. "They are on the roads all year round Brian. This place is a safe haven for them, don't stress." Now I'm an expert on Grey nomads. We sat on his small porch and Mike handed out the beers. He said the council was very obliging and even suggested they donate the dump point because this will bring business into the town. A representative is calling in tomorrow to look the place over then he will do the permit. "Michelle is on her way to help me out and there's two Italian backpackers, in that small van, that are helping me mark out the walking trails down to the lake. I've organized a landing to be built for diving off and tying up fishing boats. Shit, Cody, there's so much to do I'm chasing my ass all the time, but the money's good too." He laughed. "Welcome to my world Brian, and there's plenty more of that money to come." Mike smiled. "Will Michelle be able to stay for long?" I inquired hoping she will stay permanently. "Yes she's finished University now and loves it here. She will come in very handy, she studied Tourism and Home economics. She has always wanted to open a Bed and Breakfast, which this will basically be eventually." "Awesome, so why the big panic then?" Mitch said. "I am just worried the farm isn't good enough for the guests that's all." Poor Brian he doesn't see what we are seeing. "Brian look over there, those two guys, they have a tinnie and it looks like they are prepared to walk it down to the waters edge to go fishing. They don't need any help, they are used to it." He looked at the two old guys that were unloading their tin boat from its housing. I could see rods and an esky at the ready. "That's what it's all about, the men go fishing, the ladies meet for coffee and cake, what more do you want in this life?" I laughed. "Well I feel like I should be helping them." He wasn't laughing. "Brian, let them do it, they are used to it. But maybe when you get some money together you can buy a light trailer so they can transport it to the lakes edge. We saw plenty of small boats on busses and such, the bigger ones are already on a trailer so don't stress." I offered. "In two weeks when Michelle is comfortable running the show you come to see my layout. In the mean time Debs is going to shoot some photos of what we did. I didn't think to bring any. They will be emailed this afternoon." Mike was on top of it. Mitch and I settled in and plugged into his power. We also put some rent money into an envelope to leave when we leave. We strolled around the many different vans and visualized a trip in one of the big ones. We were even invited to have a look inside a couple of them, they were small but comfortable. Fuck me drunk, a small Combivan was parked over by the barn and two of the dreamiest Italian boys were sitting outside it. We introduced ourselves and with broken English asked about their holiday and how they liked Australia. They have eight months to go and were heading north in four weeks I invited them to our beach and gave them our address and directions. I could have melted in those eyes, Mitch nudged me, I jumped. "You weren't thinking what I think you were thinking, Codes?" "Umm no Mitch, well yes but that depends what you were thinking that is." "I wasn't thinking anything, you were the one that moaned." "I don't moan Mitch." "Come into the barn and I'll show you moaning." He gave me such a grin. We didn't go into the barn we went back to our van and Mitch showed me how to moan. "His fathers are the same, Brian, they moan all the time." Mike said. "What?" I was shocked. "Cody we could hear your moaning from the kitchen." He laughed. "I don't moan." "Oh yes you do." Mitch showed me his white teeth. "For gods sake isn't anything private in this family?" "Not really." Mike smirked. We helped to change the single tap to a double and installed two hoses. Water isn't a problem; the lake's fed by a freshwater river that never dries up. Michelle arrived just on sunset, she was a magnificent specimen and soo bloody Brian they could have been siblings by the way they spoke to each other. She was so pleased to meet us and went out of her way to cook dinner, which was delicious. Mike, Brian and her sat at the table discussing the plans and silly bloody Brian finished up saying. "Well if your gonna help me out princess you had better marry me because I don't want people think we are living in sin." He grinned at her. "Well that, you had better do anyway, my love. I don't want our kid growing up thinking you're his mum's favorite root." She grinned. Brian took a little while but he got it in the end. We partied that night; he was so happy and so drunk. Poor Michelle what has she let herself in for. Mike and us stayed on for another two days and we left to drop him off at the airport. He had stayed longer than he intended but I don't think he missed home, because Brian's was pretty much the same mad house. I had shown him on the map where our house was then went to say goodbye to my Italians, my god, they both hugged me. They only had their bathers on, I think they were going for a swim. I blushed as Mitch pulled me away then waved to them. They smelled so fucking good too. The trip home was faster than the one coming up, because Mitch had to get to training ASAP or dad will bust his balls. It was all good though, both dads looked a little tired when we got in. I wonder what they were getting up to when we were away. Coffee never tasted so good on the porch. We filled dads in on what was going on and they said they did absolutely nothing. Squirt gave Dan a sly look, Dan blushed. "Brian will be here in two weeks dad, do you think you will cope?" I looked at Cody. "I'm sure he's not as bad as you say he is son, but sure I can cope." He smirked. "I will get Rory to film your meeting. I'm sure it will be entered into Australia's funniest home movies." I smirked back. Mitch said he was tired, I said I will see him later. Mitch pulled me up and dragged me to our bedroom then began his well rehearsed body worship on me. Later on I felt the need to go up to the bluff so we walked up the beach, just as the sun was going down. We sat on Jimmy's chair not saying much just holding each other with an occasional kiss thrown in. "Are you happy Codes?" "Yes Mitch, more than you will ever know." I answered. "Good." He pulled me in closer.