**Special Note:**  PLEASE CONTRIBUTE TO NIFTY ARCHIEVES!  It costs money to operate this site, so if you can afford to do so, please donate so the site can keep operating.  Go to:

          http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html
**Additional Note:** There will be sexual scenes throughout this story, but it won't be predominately sex.  
If that's the type of story you are looking for then make another selection.  

  

            All the World's a Stage



by Erastes
Copyright 2017 by Erastes
Chapter 23 - Expanding Horizons. 



When I went to rehearse with the drama club on Thursday, Tucker and Jon both wanted to fill me in about what had happened over the past couple of days. 

"Braedon came to my house on Tuesday, and we didn't see his parents nowhere."

"And he came to my house yesterday, and we didn't see his parents then either," Jon added. 

"That's good.  Maybe they're starting to trust him then.  Did you ask him about joining the drama club?" 

"Yeah, I did," Tucker confirmed.  "He asked his parents and they told him they thought he should wait until next year, after he told them we'd already put on one play and were just about ready to put on another one." 

"At least they didn't say no, and they might be right.  Maybe it will be better if he waits until next year."

"Yeah, cuz it's too late for him to be in this play too," Jon agreed. 

"Is he in the chorus?" 

"I don't remember ever seeing him there, but I didn't really know him that well before, and there are a lot of kids in chorus," Jon answered. 

"I don't remember seeing him in the chorus either, but then again I was basically only looking to see who was in it from the drama club and who was singing the solos."  

Once that had been discussed, I started the rehearsal.  We'd be putting it on in three weeks, so there were only five practices left.  Next week we'd rehearse Act One on Monday and Act Two on Thursday again, but the final three rehearsal would be the entire play at one time.  We'd continue to make any additional adjustments so the performance would come off smoothly when we put it on in front of others. 

On his way out of class on Friday, Braedon stopped to chat with me again.  "I've been spendin' time with Tucker and Jon this week." 

"Yes, they've told me.  Are you boys having fun?" 

"Yeah.  I like bein' with them, 'stead of bein' alone." 

"Yes, I'm sure that must be much better." 

"And I can't wait until Sunday," he added with a grin before rushing out the door and heading to his next class. 

That night I started thinking ahead to the next day, wondering what Hunter and Devin might do next.  It had pretty much been the same thing for the past couple of weeks, in that they waited for me to arrive before changing, kept up with me while I was working out, and then they made sure I got to see all of them while we're showering.  Was I missing something?  Was there a reason why they were behaving this way?

I continued to think about this for the rest of the night, because I had yet to figure out what they were up to.  I know they'd told me it was so they could get in shape for lacrosse season, but I had a feeling there was something they weren't saying.  I just couldn't figure out what it was.  I still didn't have any answers to this dilemma by the time I went to bed, so I tried to push it from my mind so I could fall asleep. 

When I got to the Y the next morning, both boys were waiting for me in the locker room, still in their regular clothes.  As soon as they saw me, they said hi and then started to change.  Hunter waited until we were both completely naked before he asked a question.  "Mr. Roberson, is there anything you can do to make sure I'm in one of your classes next year?" 

He then continued to stand there naked, just looking at me, as he waited for my reply.  I didn't know if he thought giving me a good look at his package would help him get the answer he was looking for, but he didn't move until I responded. 

"Hunter, I don't even know what grade or grades I'll be teaching next year.  This year I was the last teacher hired in the English department and ended up with the classes that were left over, so I'm teaching at least one class in every grade.  I have no idea if it will be the same next year, or if I might be assigned to just one grade level." 

"Ok, but can you try, if you're able?" 

"Look, I know Devin is in my eighth grade class, so I thought you were in the eighth grade too.  If you are, then you'll be at the high school next year, unless you're held back." 

"Nah, I'm only in seventh grade this year.  Me and Devin have known each other for a couple of years now, and this year we hope to be on the lacrosse team together." 

"So you're trying out for the eighth grade lacrosse team?" 

"Nah, it's the modified team, which means both seventh and eighth graders are on it." 

"I didn't know that.  Look, I can't make any promises, but if I happen to be teaching any eighth grade classes next year, I'll talk to the head guidance counselor and see if there's any way to get you in one of them." 

"Thanks, I knew you were a nice guy," he said as he stepped toward me and threw his arms around my waist as he gave me a big hug.  I wasn't sure what Devin was thinking, because Hunter was doing this while we were both completely naked, but I certainly hoped no one else was around to see what was going on. 

When he eventually released me, I looked over at Devin and he had a huge grin on his face.  "He really likes you and wants to be in one of your classes.  I told him I've enjoyed English more this year than ever before, so I guess he just wants to make sure he can see that for himself." 

"Yeah, I guess so," I replied as I started putting on my swimsuit. 

I think I'd been too mortified to become aroused while Hunter was hugging me, but I wondered how either he or Devin would have responded if I'd sprouted an erection.  I'd been looking at Devin, so I didn't notice if Hunter might have been even slightly aroused by what he'd just done, but I hadn't felt anything like that bumping against me.  I only hoped what just happened was merely a spontaneous reaction to show how grateful he was that I had made a minor concession by agreeing to do this for him.  However, the more times things like this happened, the more it caused me to wonder about what the hell was going on.

We went to the pool and worked out like we normally did, and nothing more was said about what had just happened in the locker room.  We were all quite tired by the time we finished up, since I'd decided to double up on the middle set again, so I knew I was  too exhausted to get hard while we were in the shower. 

Once we were all standing under the spray, with those two across from me again, Hunter spoke up.  "I think I'm more tired today than I was last week." 

I wasn't sure if he was doing this so I'd looked up and notice his body, but I decided to answer.  "Yes, I pushed us all a little harder today, since you boys said it would help to get you in shape." 

"Yeah, it will, but that was really rough." 

"Well, the desired improvements won't happen unless you really push yourself." 

"Yeah, we know, that's why we're doin' this with you." 

I finished washing off by this point, so I left the other two still rinsing off and went out to change.  Before long they came out to join me, and Hunter quickly asked me another question while he was drying his hair with the towel.  "Are you in a hurry or somethin'?" 

"Yes, I have a lot to do when I get back to my apartment, so I felt I'd better get my butt in gear.  I enjoyed working out with you again, but I've got to get going." 

I finished dressing and started to leave.  "Bye, Mr. Roberson.  See you next Saturday," Hunter said as I was walking away. 

"Yeah, I'll see you then," I confirmed before opening the door. 

As I was driving home, all I could think about was Hunter.  He talked to me the most when he had nothing on, so I wasn't sure if that was just a coincidence, or if he did it so I'd notice his body.  If he wasn't gay, then why did he keep doing this?  Devin hadn't said much today, but he seemed to enjoy watching what Hunter was doing, so was it planned, or did he just get a kick out of his friend's antics?  I was sooo confused." 

I tried to stop thinking about it as I did the laundry, fixed something to eat, and then cleaned the apartment.  I was attempting to keep busy so I wouldn't dwell on those questions, because I wasn't finding any answers and it was driving me crazy.  After the workout and doing all of those chores, I sat down on the sofa to relax and dozed off within a few minutes. 

I slept for about an hour and then woke up feeling much better.  I'd also put those other questions out of my mind, at least temporarily, and went on with the rest of my day.  I was already thinking about the week ahead, while also looking forward to seeing the other boys the next day.  Those things kept my mind occupied until I went to bed later.

I woke up looking forward to getting my 'fix' and seeing the boys again.  It consumed my thoughts as I ate and did a few other things, and then I got ready to head over to the Y.  I got there ahead of the boys again, just like I normally did, and then I waited for them to arrive. Unlike previous weeks, Nigel and Rory showed up before the others did, so I wondered if there was a problem.  When the rest of the boys arrived, I got the answer to my question. 

"My mom's car wouldn't start, so she had to get my dad to jump it with his car," Nolan announced.  "I think we might be getting a new one now, since this wasn't the first time she's had problems with it, and we need more room to bring everyone here now." 

"Did your dad say you were getting a new vehicle?  From what you just told me, it sounds like her car only needs a new battery." 

"No, other things have been going wrong with it too.  It just happened to be the battery today." 

"Ah, I see."

We all got changed and went out to spend time in the pool.  We had just finished playing a game of tag when Nigel came over to say something to me.  This was highly unusual, because he and Rory generally spent their time with the other boys and didn't interact much with me, except for playing tag, so I wondered what was up. 

"Me and Rory started doing this so we could spend time with the other guys, cuz we hadn't seen them since we moved away, but it's been a lot of fun too.  We like having you do this with us too, and the other guys said that's why they started comin' here, so they could spend time with you." 

"Yes, we've become close since they joined the drama club, and we just happened to run into each other here one day, and then they decided to start coming when I was here." 

"I can understand why.  We don't got no teachers we feel as close to, as they do to you." 

"That's too bad, but I'm glad they enjoy doing these things with me." 

I thought it was nice of Nigel to tell me this, so now I knew they just weren't showing up because of the other boys.  It might have been their initial reasoning, but now they enjoyed interacting with me as well.  I felt honored. 

We continued to mess around in the pool for another hour before we got out to shower and change.  All of the boys were joking around with each other, and Nigel and Rory had become much friendlier to the other boys too, not just with Gary, Nolan, and Will.  I was glad to see that as well, even though the others were also younger than them. 

The boys all said goodbye to me as we were getting ready to leave, but Braedon added a personal note to it.  "I'll see you in class tomorrow.  I'm really glad I got you for one of my teachers this year." 

"I'm glad too," I concurred.  "Nolan, do you want me to wait around until your mom shows up, just in case she has another problem?" 

"Nah, my dad's home, so he can help her if that happens.  I hope they decide to get another vehicle, though, cuz it's gettin' kind of cramped in this one.  Maybe they'll even let me help pick it out." 

"They might, but I think they'll have other considerations before selecting one, other than just which one you might like." 

"I know, but I'm gonna try."

This was one of the few times when I got home and wasn't totally consumed by thoughts of the boys.  Oh, I replayed seeing them naked again, and I was slightly disappointed that they wouldn't be showing up at the apartment in a little while, but that had been my choice.  I couldn't afford to keep taking so many chances that would allow others to figure out what we were up to, so I had to cut back.  I hadn't heard any more from Jennifer recently, so maybe I'd nipped that situation in the bud before a problem arose. 

The school week started off well, and I was pleased with how well my students had been doing.  After we first got back from Christmas break, I started off with a literary assignment and had the kids read different books at each grade level.  That went over fairly well, but now we were working on grammar and writing assignments, so I thought they'd lose their enthusiasm, but the change was so slight that it was barely noticeable.  I guess they didn't mind writing, as long as they liked the topic. 

The drama club held the final divided practices during the week, practicing Act One on Monday and Act Two on Thursday.  The kids were doing really well with their lines, but they also weren't being overly dramatic when acting out the parts, as often happened with novice actors.  I had to laugh the first time Nolan actually kissed the girl playing Becky Thatcher, though, because his facial expression afterward made it appear as if he'd just bitten into a lemon.  Up to this point, we'd just said, "Tom kisses Becky at this point", but they never actually did it, so I thought I'd better say something to him. 

"Nolan, you can't look quite so disgusted after kissing Julie." 

"I didn't," he replied, and then he looked at me as if I had two heads. 

"Yes, you did.  It almost appeared as if you had just swallowed some foul tasting medicine, because your face was all scrunched up as you pulled away." 

"Really?" 

"Yes, and the other kids might get the impression that you don't like kissing girls." 

"I guess I could just tell them she had bad breath or somethin like that', and it's why I reacted that way." 

"I'd rather you didn't make her sound bad to cover what you did." 

"Ummm, what if I just say I didn't like her deodorant then?" 

"That's better, because it's not really about her." 

"Ok, I'll do that then, if anyone asks." 

"Fine, but try not to act that way during the rest of our rehearsals, or when you do it in front of an audience.  Remember, Tom's supposed to have a crush on Becky." 

"Yeah, I know, so I'll remember that when I have to kiss her again, and I'll try to do better."

"I hope you do." 

I don't think anyone else heard us when I discussed the situation with him, because I'd pulled him aside after practice ended.  He seemed to take my comment seriously, so I didn't feel I'd have to mention it to him again, but I was looking forward to seeing how he did at our next rehearsal on Monday. 

By the time Friday rolled around, I was more than ready for the weekend.  I was slightly disappointed that I wouldn't be seeing the boys until Sunday, because they'd be coming over after we finished swimming this week, so I'd see them twice in one day.  That meant I'd have to get through Friday and Saturday before we got together, so I'd have to bite the bullet for a couple more days.  At least I'd be seeing Devin and Hunter in the morning at the Y, so at least I'd have a couple of naked boys to gawk at to tide me over. 

That thought proved to be both interesting and prophetic when I got to the locker room the next morning.  Not only were Devin and Hunter sitting and waiting for me where I usually changed, but there was another boy with them too. 

"Hi, Mr. Roberson," Devin greeted me.  "I hope you don't mind, but I invited another lacrosse player to join us while we're working out." 

"So I see." 

"His name's Gabe and he's an Indian," Devin added. 

"No, I'm not," Gabe vociferously objected.  "Indians are from India.  My family is Native American." 

"I'm glad to meet you, Gabe," I stated as I reached out to shake his hand.  "Is it just Gabe, or is that short for Gabriel?"

"It's short for Gabriel, but don't ask me to blow my horn," he replied.  "A lot of people do that when they first meet me, and it's why I just go by Gabe." 

"Don't worry.  The archangel analogy never crossed my mind," I assured him.  "The only thing I want to know is if Devin warned you about how hard I work out?" 

"Yeah, he did.  He said it was helping him get in shape for the team this year, so I wanted to do it too.  I hope you don't mind that he brought me with him." 

"No, not at all, as long as you keep up and don't slow me down." 

"I'll try not to, but I haven't done this before like Devin and Hunter, so I might be more outta shape." 

"Tell you what then.  I was planning to do four sets today, with the middle two being the hardest, so if you want to, or you need to, you can just sit out the third set.  We take a short break between each set to catch our breath, so I'll just remind you when we get to that point." 

"Ok, and thanks.  I'm glad you don't mind me doin' this with ya." 

"Not at all." 

As soon as we finished that discussion, we started getting undressed.  Just like the other two, Gabe didn't try to cover himself or hide his goodies from me, so I take it this was due to changing in the locker room with the rest of the team.  Gabe had black hair and brown eyes, and I soon discovered that he had a three inch (7.5 cm) flaccid, uncircumcised penis, with a black, curly, triangular bush above it.  Since the other two had glanced over at him while he was changing and didn't comment on his penis, I assumed that discussion had probably already occurred when they were on the team the previous year. 

Once we'd put our swimsuits on, we went out and jumped in the pool, ready to begin.  "Gabe, the first couple of laps are fairly easy, but then we start to pick up the pace.  It's the second and third set where we go all out, and then the fourth set is our warm down." 

"Ok, I understand." 

We then started swimming laps.  I was glad the pool was still fairly empty of other people, because we took up more room now, since we'd added another boy.  Gabe did fairly well on the first set, which I expected he would, but by the time we finished the second set, he was about a half a lap behind us. 

"He's a long-sticker on defense, so he doesn't run as much," Devin offered to explain why Gabe was lagging behind. 

He didn't give up, though, and finished the set, and then I gave him a reminder, once he'd had a chance to catch his breath.  "You can sit out the next set if you want, because it will be a repeat of what we just did." 

"Ok, I think I'll do that this time, but next week I want to try doing all of it with you guys." 

"Maybe jogging around your neighborhood in between will help to prepare you to do that," I offered, although I wasn't sure if he'd actually heed my suggestion. 

The rest of us finished the next set without him, took another short break, and then we all started the final set together.  We swam the next two laps at about three-quarters speed, before finishing up the last two laps at about half-speed, as we brought our heart rates back down.  After we finished, we stopped long enough to catch our breath, and then we headed back to the locker room to shower and change. 

Once we'd all stripped down and were in the shower room, I noticed that Gabe took the shower next to mine, while the other two were across from us.  "That was harder than I thought it was gonna be," Gabe said as he looked at me, "but I think it will do me a lot of good." 

"I'm sure it will, if you keep at it," I agreed. 

"It gets easier for me every time," Hunter quickly chimed in.  I had a feeling he was trying to draw my attention away from looking at Gabe so I'd focus on him. 

It wasn't that I'd been staring at Gabe's family jewels, because I'd been looking at his face while we spoke, but since Hunter was farther away, so I got a glimpse of all of him when I turned in his direction. 

"Yes, I told you that would happen, so keep at it." 

"Oh, we plan to," he and Devin agreed. 

We finished up in there, dried off, and changed.  Then I said goodbye to the boys and said I'd see them again the following week before I took off.  On the drive back to my apartment, my thoughts were filled with several different issues.  First, was about Gabe and the fact that Devin had invited him to join us without checking with me first.  He could have done that, because Devin's in one of my classes.  I wasn't upset, though, just mildly surprised he'd done it on his own, but after seeing how out of shape Gabe was, I understood why Devin had invited him.  I just hoped he didn't invite too many more of his teammates, or we'd have to start doing our workout in shifts, because there wouldn't be room for all of us to go at the same time. 

The other issue was that I wondered if Hunter was intentionally vying for my attention when I was chatting with Gabe.  Did he speak to me because he was jealous that I wasn't focusing on him at the time, or was it just a coincidence?  I had a feeling there was more to it than just my imagination, so those situations filled my thoughts for the rest of the day. 





                                                *    *     *     *     *     *     *     *

I wish to extend my thanks to Donny for editing these chapters for me and offering their suggestions. 

 

E-mail responses to the stories, story suggestions, or other 'constructive' comments or advice may be sent to:  ErastesTouch@aol.com  - but please put the story title in the subject line, so it doesn't get deleted as junk mail. 

 

My other stories:

http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/adult-youth/different-points-of-view/

http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/adult-youth/a-throw-away-kid/

http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/adult-youth/the-guardian/

http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/adult-youth/chance-of-a-lifetime/

                                                *    *     *     *     *     *     *     *

Although the boys in these stories sometimes have unprotected sex, I strongly urge all of you out there to be smart and protect yourselves from various sexually transmitted diseases by using taking appropriate precautions before engaging in sex.