Date: Fri, 19 May 2017 19:58:08 +0000 (UTC) From: Jay Carrington Subject: My Son and His Friends - Chapter 53 This work is copyrighted by the author, J. Carrington and commercial use is prohibited without permission in writing from the author. Personal or private copies are permitted only if they are complete and include the copyright notice. Placing this story on a website or reproducing this story for distribution without the author's permission is a violation of that copyright. This is a story of a man's relationship with his son and his son's friends. The writing is very detailed and is a written representation of what the author saw as he was writing the story. It will contain some sexual scenes, but it is not totally about sex. The series of chapters are completely fictional and are the result of the author's fertile imagination. Any resemblance to any real person(s) is purely coincidental. The story contains consensual sexual behavior between young adult males and an older adult male. It depicts both unprotected sex and protected sex. Safe sex practices are the way to go if you plan to be around for years to come. If you are underage (below 18) or object to the subject matter, please leave now as the door that let you in will also let you leave. If you enjoy this site, you are encouraged to donate to Nifty.org so that it will continue to operate. You can buy a visa gift card and use it to donate to Nifty anonymously or you can use your credit card and you can see the transaction on your monthly bill. Anyways, this is a great site which serves the needs of our select population. Chapter 53 – My Son and His Friends Our trip was uneventful as we stopped at our usual places for restroom breaks and lunch. We pulled into Mom and Dad's driveway within my usual driving time. I honked the horn, and Dad came to the door and then, out to help us bring our stuff into the house. I met Mom in the foyer as she directed us to our rooms. I looked at her and said "Uhhhh Mom, this is not the first time we have been here; in fact, I was raised in this house." She looked at me and said "Doug, don't start with me, no one likes a jackass." I had never heard my mom use a word like that, so I was somewhat surprised. I walked into my bedroom, dropped my stuff, walked next door, and talked to Ryan and Myles. I said "Boys, I'm not sure what is going down, but be very careful around grandmother. She seems to be on the warpath." We walked to the kitchen and Mom was preparing the evening meal. I said "Mom, I thought we would go to The Oaks tonight like we usually do." She stopped, put her knife down and said "Doug, we are doing things different this time. We are having a baked ham, sweet potato casserole, green beans, rolls, and an apple pie. I am sorry if that does not meet your expectations, but I am the cook, and that, is the way it is tonight." I looked over at Dad, and he shrugged his shoulders. I said "Dad, have you added anything new to the backyard?" He said "I have, and I want to show you the pieces that you had shipped to me." I guided Myles and Ryan as Dad and I walked out of the kitchen. As I was walking through the doorway, Mom said "And what were you thinking when you sent your Dad that horrible fountain?" I looked at Dad, and then, I said to her "Mom, there is nothing wrong with that fountain, but for some reason there is something wrong with you." I turned back after telling Dad and the boys to go on outside. I walked back into the kitchen and confronted Mom about her attitude. I said "Okay, so what is the issue? You act as though you have a burr up your butt!" She moved toward me and said "Don't you ever talk to me like that!" I said "Mom, when you are out of control like you are right now, I will use whatever means I have to in an effort to try to work with you." "So you want to know what is wrong? I'll tell you what is wrong, for the last two summers, I have had to wait until you return from a vacation with strangers to see you, and you don't even have the decency to call and check in with me. I could be dead, and you wouldn't care or call. You celebrated your birthday with them and not with the one who actually pushed you out into the world on that date." I said "Mom, we go as a group, and it just so happened that my birthday was that week. Ryan let the cat out of the bag as I didn't want my birthday to be an event, but they made me feel appreciated and respected." "Doug, you are my only child, and I could throw a party here, and you would feel appreciated, respected and loved." I said "Mom, I am an adult, I have my own friends, and you need to back off. I am here, so if you want to celebrate my birthday, it can be done a week late, but I am not going to cancel a trip that all of us enjoy, just so you can have your way. I did that for far too long, and I have decided that I am in charge of my life. I expect that may come as a shock to you, but I can assure you that there are more shocks coming! You have embarrassed me and Ryan with your actions today." I turned, walked out, and joined Dad and the boys. As I was going through the door, I heard her bellowing that I am never to walk out on her, that I owe her answers, that I owe her respect, and that there will be a day that I will regret having talked to her that way. I looked at Dad and said "I lit the fuse, she is still going off to an empty room. All of this is because we went to the lake last week, and while we were there, they celebrated my birthday. I told her that I was in charge of my life, and that might be a shock to her, but there were other shocks coming." Dad looked at me and said "Have you and Phil made a decision?" I said "No sir, we haven't, but I am about ready for it to become common knowledge. Why should I have to hide someone who loves me, and makes me happy?" Dad said "Doug, I understand, but don't jump out there just to spite your mom, think on this one son." I told him that I would, and he said "Let me show you what I did with the statuary." We walked around the yard, and he showed me how he had placed each piece. He had a very good eye for visual impact. We sat in the backyard swing and talked about happenings in town, some of the neighbors, and Ryan's upcoming year in high school. In about thirty minutes, Mom opened the kitchen door and said "Supper is on the table; you can come and fix you a plate." Dad stood up, and we joined him. We walked into the house, and as we entered the kitchen area, Mom said "I am going to my room. Enjoy the dinner." Dad looked at me, and I mouthed back "Drama, pure drama, ignore it." We did, as we fixed our plates and ate supper. Ryan and I cleaned the kitchen and stored the food while Dad and Myles watched a movie on TV. After we had finished in the kitchen, Ryan and I joined Dad and Myles in the family room. We enjoyed our time together as the movie was action-packed. After it had finished, we said our good nights to Dad. Before he left the family room, I told him that we would see him tomorrow morning, and that we would go with he and mom to church. Dad headed to his room, while I herded the boys to theirs, secured the doors, and turned out the lights in the rest of the house. I made it to my room, stripped to my boxer briefs and got in bed. I think that when my head hit the pillow, I must have fallen asleep, because I know that I didn't lay there and wait for sleep. Sunday morning arrived, and as I was waking up, I smelled the aroma of breakfast. I got up, showered, dressed for breakfast, checked on the boys, and headed to the kitchen. Mom was there by herself. She said "Good Morning, I thought I would go ahead and get breakfast started. Are the boys up?" I said "No ma'm, they are still asleep. I will wake them up when everything is ready to eat." She said "Sounds good to me," and she continued with her tasks just like yesterday didn't happen. I walked out to the front sidewalk, picked up the paper, and returned to the kitchen table. I began to read the paper while Mom continued cooking breakfast. Dad joined me in a few minutes, and he raised his eyebrows at me when he entered the room. I shook my head and returned to the paper. He grabbed a section, and we sat there reading in silence. Mom said "Doug, breakfast is about ready: so if you want to wake the boys up, I think now would be a good time. I got up, walked down to their room, woke them up and had them dress quickly for breakfast. We had a filling breakfast as mom had prepared fresh home-made biscuits, a slice of ham, hash browns, scrambled eggs, and grape jelly. We ate quickly, and compared to our normal tradition, very quietly. Ryan and Myles finished, and I told them to shower and get dressed for church. I saw a frown go across Ryan's face, so I gave him a look. He got the message. They left the room, and we could hear the opening and closing of doors, the water turn on, more closings of doors, more water being turned on, and finally a door closing. I left the kitchen and returned to my room to dress as well. Everybody finished getting ready, and we all met in the kitchen. We walked out to the driveway, Ryan opened the door for his grandmother and the rest of us got in and headed to church. Mom seemed to be in good spirits. We entered the church and proceeded to our "established seats." Several old friends stopped by to talk, shake my hand, or hug my neck, while others nodded, from their pews, in my direction. The organist began to play, and the church pews began to be filled. The choir entered, and the service began. I scanned the pulpit area and there was a different man sitting in the pastor's place. In a few minutes, he got up and introduced himself. He was Rick Johnson, from some small town in South Carolina, and he would be the visiting pastor for the church's revival. After the musical portion of the service had ended, it was time for the pastor to take over. I was waiting for the traditional hell fire and damnation presentation, but this man could be my pastor any day of the week. He spoke positively, could modulate his voice as necessary without yelling, and he never banged on the podium. He finished his sermon and the benediction began. The service ended, and as, we exited the Church, I told the pastor that I had enjoyed his sermon and that it was delivered in a manner that attracted people. He smiled and said "I can see that you, and I share a common belief." We walked on out to the parking lot after Mom and Dad had visited with several people on the outside of the Church. I was rather glad that it was getting hot out there as if it wasn't, Mom and Dad would have visited longer. They walked over and joined the rest of us who were already ready to go. Once they were in, I backed up and headed out of the parking lot. I turned left and Mom said "You're going the wrong way." I bite my lip and did not respond. I could feel her eyes boring into the back of my head, but I am giving myself an award for not responding to her. I drove past the city limits and headed north. After driving for about thirty minutes, I pulled into the parking lot of a very busy restaurant. I parked, turned the ignition off, and said "Let's go in and give this place a try." Mom started "I had good food at the house; this is a waste of money." Now, I should receive two awards, as I continued to ignore her negativity. We entered and had to wait for a table. I glanced over the menu and was very impressed. We were seated and our drink order was taken. As we sat, we looked over the menu, and by the time the server returned with our drinks, we knew what we wanted for dinner. It was amazing as each one of us ordered the fried chicken with two sides and one dessert. The food was fabulous and everything was seasoned as it should be in the South. The dessert for the day was a choice of Pea Pickin' or Hummingbird Cake. We finished, and Dad and I argued about the bill. I won, so I paid it on the way out. We left the restaurant and headed back to Mom and Dad's house. We pulled into the driveway and I said "If you need to go shopping, I will be ready to go in fifteen minutes." We entered the house and changed clothes. I returned to the front porch. Everyone had changed clothes and they were waiting for me. We walked out to the front porch so that Dad could lock the front door. Everybody got in, and we headed to the shopping center. I had a few stores that I wanted to visit, so I set a time and a place for everyone to meet, and I went shopping by myself. I wandered through a number of the stores and picked up a few things for us to use in the butterfly garden at the house. I found a few tools that we didn't have that had a great price on them. I purchased some tools, and a few ornamental objects for the yard. I finished my shopping about fifteen minutes ahead of the established meeting time, but I decided to go ahead and wait for them. I was surprised to find all of them waiting for me. We loaded up and headed back to Mom and Dad's house. Dad and I walked into the backyard while Ryan and Myles walked down to the neighborhood park. Dad and I sat there and talked and then, I remembered that I needed to call Barbara. I made the call, and she was happy to hear that Ryan and Myles were in town. I made arrangements for them to visit with her on Tuesday because they were going with me and Dad on Monday to an outlet mall. Around five-thirty, Mom stuck her head out the backdoor and told us that we would be eating in about thirty minutes. I called Ryan and told him. He said they had met several guys, and they would be home by the thirty minute deadline. Time passed, and we entered the house. Mom had warmed up the left-overs from last night or in some cases jazzed them up a little. We sat down at the dining room table and passed the bowls or platters of food to each other until everything had made it around the table. Ryan and Myles talked about the boys that they had met at the park, and said that they had made plans to join them on Wednesday. Dad talked about how much he was looking forward to our trip to the outlet mall. Mom said that she really would have liked to go, but that she had a meeting at the church, and she knew that we were on a tight schedule. We finished our meal, and I cleared the table, washed the dishes, put away the food, and cleaned the kitchen. Ryan and Myles retired to their bedroom to play several games on their iPads while Mom and Dad watched a program on TV. I walked down to my bedroom and lay across the bed. I decided to call Phil, and we talked for about forty-five minutes. He told me that Jay had been over to keep him company and that they had swam in the pool. He said that Jay was in a great mood and had matured so much since he first met him last fall. We finished our conversation, and I put my phone down. I tried to read a novel that I had purchased at the bookstore, but I could not help but overhear some of the conversation that was between Myles and Ryan. It seems as though they were caught up in what happened during their physicals. I am not sure, but I really think they were going to do some experimenting. I really tried not to listen, but it seemed that the more I tried not to listen, I listened. Finally, I walked down to their room, knocked on their door, opened it and said "Boys, you seem to forget that my room and your room adjoin, and your voices are carrying through the wall. Now, as far as your conversation was going, however, I want to say that if you decide to experiment the Vaseline is in the medicine cabinet in the bathroom. If you decide to do other things, do it quietly. Now, I am closing the door and returning to my room, please remember that Mom and Dad wander this house so you definitely don't want them to overhear what you were talking about a few minutes ago." I closed the door and returned to my room, pulled the covers back, adjusted the speed of the fan, turned off the lights, stripped down to my boxers, and lay down. The boys were quieter, and it seemed like they were now mumbling. I lay there for a few minutes and I started thinking that if the boys could take care of things, so could I. I slipped my boxer briefs off, found some lotion, began to imagine some quality time with Phil while jacking off. After reaching success, I cleaned up by wiping my chest and pubes with my boxers. I threw them in the corner, settled back in the bed relaxed, and drifted off to sleep, as I was worn out from the stress of dealing with Mom and her unpredictable behaviors. I woke up early Monday morning, and finally, got my bearings. I was at Mom and Dad's, how could I have forgotten? I got up, took care of my morning rituals and dressed. I knocked on the boys' door and encouraged them to get up, shower and dress for our road trip. I heard feet on the floor and soon, the door opened and Myles headed to the bathroom. I left them to take care of their morning needs as I headed to the kitchen to either start or help prepare breakfast. I arrived in the kitchen, and I had it by myself. I opened the refrigerator and looked over what was in there. I decided to make scrambled eggs, fried link sausages, breakfast potatoes, grits, and toast. I began to lay out the items that I would need in the order that I would prepare the dishes. I had just started the link sausages in the oven when Mom arrived. I told her what I had decided to cook, and I could tell that it was not what she wanted cooked, but amazingly she didn't say anything, but jumped in and helped me prepare the meal. We finished breakfast just as Dad, Myles and Ryan entered the kitchen. Everybody took a seat at the kitchen table and we began to pass the food around the table. We ate and talked about our plans for the day. Mom seemed to be okay that the men would be going to the Outlet Center while she attended a meeting at the Church. We told her that we would probably be late getting home; and not to fix us a meal, as we would pick something up on the way home. She smiled, and said "Well, I might call Clara Sue and see if she wants to go out to eat." Dad said "That would be a great idea since she has tried to get you to go with her on several occasions, and you have always had a conflict." Mom looked daggers at Dad, but didn't say anything. We finished breakfast, and Mom encouraged us to get on our way. We began to walk out to the driveway, and Dad yelled "Co-Pilot!" I had to chuckle as Ryan and Myles did not know how to respond, but eventually, they found it funny. Everybody got in, and we began our trip. I headed west and then north. Eventually, we arrived in Commerce, Georgia. We passed a Wal-Mart that sits up on a hill, but I continued and passed over the interstate and then, turned left onto the roadway leading to the Outlet Stores. We parked and set a time to meet back at the Direct Tools store for twelve o'clock. I told Ryan and Myles to stay together, while Dad and I separated, and went on our own. Each of us made some purchases as we toured through the various stores. We met back at the appointed time, loaded up and then, after grabbing a quick lunch at Hardees, I headed north to Helen, Georgia. We arrived on the outskirts of Helen and stopped at the Nora Mill Granary. It is a functioning grist mill. This is where corn and wheat is ground; made into cornmeal, grits, flours and few other things. We bought several bags to carry home, and also, to give some to Mom. I looked across the street, and there was Habersham's Winery. We rode over, parked, went in, and browsed. They had a number of local wines, imported cheeses, gourmet foods and some specialty items for wine lovers. After looking over a wine tasting list, I decided to do some taste testing. I talked with the ladies at the tasting booth and learned that they have three labels. I tried several different wines and bought several bottles to take home to give as gifts and probably a bottle or two for me to drink. I tend to favor the sweeter wines. Dad looked at me and said "I hope your mother doesn't see that." I said "I have already told her that I am a big boy." Dad grinned when he said "Yeah, I guess you are." We left, and I drove into Helen and parked. We wandered around town, browsed in the stores, and watched people tubing on the stream that runs through the town. The boys made a few purchases, and I splurged and bought a cuckoo clock. Dad just rolled his eyes and said "I am so glad that you will be taking that home so that I don't have to hear it." I said "And what makes you think that I won't give it to Mother as a gift?" He looked at me seriously, and said, "Douglas, you better take that thing home. It is enough that I have to listen to your mom, and I am not going to listen to that thing." I chuckled, and we walked to the ice cream shoppe. We each ordered a double dip of our favorites, walked outside, sat at one of the tables and watched the people as they walked around the town. We finished our ice creams, and I suggested that we head back to the parking lot. We loaded our purchases into the back of the Denali, and I pulled out into the traffic and headed north. I had read something about a waterfall nearby, so I was looking for directions to Anna Ruby Falls. I followed the posted signs and parked in the parking lot. We got out, headed into the station, read some of the informational displays, and then, headed out to see the Falls. We walked on a paved path for about a million miles, but they say only a half mile, but the elevation and the twisting make it seem longer. We finally arrived at the Falls and enjoyed seeing and hearing the falling water. After taking pictures of the falls and of us on the deck, we headed back to the parking lot. We headed back south which took us through Helen once again. I had read a review of Mully's Nacoochee Grill and decided that I wanted to eat there before we headed back to Mom's. I pulled into the parking lot and parked. We got out and walked to the front, entered, and since it was early evening, we were seated. The menus were brought to our table, and I have to tell you the offerings were not what you would expect in a small Georgia town. I looked at the boys and said "I would like for you two to let me order appetizers for all of us to try, is that okay?" They both said "Yes" and Dad said "Sounds good to me." I reviewed the menu and settled on: duck tacos, chicken satay, crab cakes and grit fritters. I placed the order and told the others to look over the entrees while we waited for our appetizers and drinks. We talked about some of the items and their uniqueness. Ryan decided to stay within the safety range and ordered grilled shrimp with mango salsa, Myles settled on grilled chicken marsala, Dad wanted the fried rainbow trout, while I figured I would try the shrimp and grits. We each ordered a garden salad and then, Dad decided he wanted to try the slow simmered collard greens, and I settled on the sautéed spinach. The boys wrinkled their noses when Dad and I announced our choices. Our appetizers were delivered, and we passed them around so that everyone could try something different. The appetizers were delicious and set high expectations for our entrees. As we finished our appetizers and tea, our entrees were served. They were artistically plated which seemed to focus our senses on a great meal. I spooned out some of my spinach on my plate and offered to share it with the others. Dad did the same with his collards, but there were no takers. Oh well, that meant more for me. The food was scrumptious, and I would go back in a heartbeat. We passed on dessert since we had ice cream earlier and time was passing quickly. I paid the bill, and we walked out to the parking lot with everyone taking their assigned seats. I pulled out of the parking lot, and we began to retrace our route back to Mom and Dad's. Ryan and Myles talked among themselves about some of the things that they had seen on the trip. They really enjoyed the Anna Ruby Falls, and I have to admit, so did I. I love waterfalls. Dad and I talked about a few things family-related and dealing with his backyard. I told Dad that the boys would spend the day with Barbara tomorrow while I spent some time with Mom around town. He said "Doug, I think that will satisfy her because she wants more time with you. I realize that you have a number of obligations pulling on you, but your Mom still sees you as her little boy." I said "I know Dad; I think that is why we argue so much." We arrived at the house, took our purchases except the majority of the wine into the house and talked with Mom. I had decided to get her going, so I pulled out a bottle of peach wine for her. She looked at the bottle, and then, straight at me. She opened her mouth to say something, but I stopped her by saying "Judge not what you know nothing about my good woman." She had a bewildered look on her face, and Dad was chuckling. I opened the bottle, and we sampled. Mom said "Well, that does have a nice peach taste, and it is nothing compared to what I had imagined. I might, yes, I just might like to sample a few more of these." Dad's eyes flew open, and I smiled. We finished the night by sharing some of what we had seen and did on our trip, then, we went to bed. On Tuesday morning, Mom woke up first and had breakfast almost prepared by the time I made it to the kitchen. I turned around and called the boys. Dad joined us, and we had grits from the Nora Mill Grannary, hash browns, bacon, link sausage, scrambled eggs, toast, and cinnamon rolls. The food was great, and as we finished, we placed our dishes in the sink. I hurried the boys back to their room to shower and dress for their visit with Barbara. I rinsed the dishes and loaded the dishwasher while Mom dressed for our day of shopping and rambling. I asked Dad if he wanted to join us, but he declined saying that he had a couple of things outside that he wanted to do. Everybody dressed for the day, and we started our way to Barbara's. We drove into her driveway, got out, and knocked on her front door. She answered, hugged and kissed the boys and then hugged me and Mom. She invited us in, so we followed her to the kitchen where she had just pulled some pecan and chocolate chip cookies out of the oven. She must have remembered that those were my favorites. We caught up with her updates and stories of the other members of the family and then, I noticed the time. I stood up and Mom joined me. Barbara walked us to the door and asked us to come for dinner tonight. Mom said "Barbara, Doug and I are going to run errands, and I won't have time to fix anything to bring." Barbara looked Mom in the eye and said "Ginnie, I don't remember saying let's have a pot-luck tonight. I will fix a complete meal, and I will invite Anthony, Amy and their families to join us so that we can all sit and catch-up." I could see where this was going, so I said "That would be extremely nice, what time would you like us to come?" Barbara said "How about six o'clock? Don't worry about the boys, they will be fine." Mom and I walked on out and headed off to do our errands. I had driven about two miles from Barbara's before Mom said anything, but she did. She said "Doug, why on earth did you accept that invitation knowing that I have a lot to do?" I looked at her and said "Mom, Barbara is Ryan's Grandmother too, and it is way past time for us to start sharing Ryan with her." "I am well aware that she is his Grandmother, but I do not like the fact that she has the upper hand in this event." "Upper hand?" I asked. "You heard me, I will be beholding to her because of all of the food that she will prepare, and she will tell everyone about how she cooked for all of us." "Mom, it is way past time for you to get over this competition. Barbara enjoys cooking and entertaining. I think it will be great to have another opportunity to catch up with Anthony and Amy." "Whatever! I can always count on you being on the other side." I pulled over to the side of the road and said "This is just you and me, but I am going to tell you that I am sick and tired of you trying to use that line against me. I have been on your side when you are right, and on Dad's side when he was right, but let me tell you that you are not to say that in my presence again because it is a lie." My Mom's eyes flew open and she started to say something, but I beat her to it. "A lie, I said it, and I meant it. Now, do you have anything else to add?" I asked. Hearing nothing, I pulled back onto the road and we continued on our way to do our errands. Mom was quiet until we arrived at the shopping center, then she began to name off the stores that she wanted to visit, and some of the items that she needed to purchase. She wanted me to go with her so that she could buy Ryan some back to school clothes. I started to object, but decided that she needed to play the Grandmother card. We went to Berman's Department Store, and she allowed me to help pick out five shirts and three pairs of shorts. We walked and shopped until my arms were overflowing with bags. I took Mom to a small restaurant and told her to wait until I returned. I walked out and put the bags in the vehicle and returned to the restaurant. I told Mom that we would have a light lunch and encouraged her to look at the menu. We settled on a trio of salads (chicken, pasta, and potato), fresh baked bread, and iced tea. We talked about the remaining things on her list, and she told me that there were a few things that she needed me to do while I was visiting this time. I listened and thought that it was a good idea to be involved in those legal issues. I was finishing my lunch when my phone rang. I looked at it and it was Michelle. I answered, and I could tell that she was still at the hospital. She said "Doug, they have just called me and told me that we have to do additional testing on Myles. I am scared now. I really did think it was an insect bite, and then, a cyst, but now, I don't know what to think." I asked her "When do they want him?" She said "I have put them off until Thursday, because I know you have to wrap things up there, and then, drive home." I said "Michelle, if there is the need, I can leave this afternoon, and we will be home tonight." She said "No, Doug, it has gone this long without a diagnosis, therefore, Thursday will be fine." I said "You do remember that Dr. Mikel Bennett has looked at Myles and wants to be involved, right?" She said "Yes, I do. I haven't met him, but based on what you and Myles have said, I definitely want him on the case. Would you call him and see what he thinks? Tell him that Myles' doctor is Dr. Chesterfield, and I will tell Dr. Chesterfield to expect a call from Dr. Bennett." I said "Now, if anything changes, let me know." I finished the phone call, and I looked at Mom. She had a scared look on her face. She said "I take it from what I overheard that Myles needs more medical attention." I said "Yes, he does, but first I need to make a phone call." I located Mikel's office phone number and called it. The receptionist answered, and I asked to speak to Dr. Bennett. She informed me that Dr. Bennett does not take phone calls, and that I was not one of his patients. As you can imagine, this lit my jets. I told her that I had just spent several days with Dr. Bennett at his lake house, and that I am following up with a phone call that he requested. I could tell that when I mentioned his days off and his lake house that she figured I must be legitimate. She placed me on hold, and then, a nurse answered. She wanted to know what she could do for me, and I told her that I needed to speak to Dr. Bennett. She said "Dr. Bennett does not take phone calls at this time." I said "Go tell him that Doug Brunson is on the phone and needs to speak to him N O W!!! She started to lecture me on my manners, but I said "I have his cell phone number, and I don't think you want me to use it." She placed me on hold, and in a few minutes Mikel picked up. I explained about the phone call from Michelle and told him that she definitely wanted him to consult on this case and that his hometown doctor was Dr. Chesterfield. He said "I bet that is Pete Chesterfield, we went to medical school together, Myles is in good hands, and I will be more than happy to consult with him. Have them send me all of the test results as soon as possible." I thanked him and hung up after getting his email address and fax number. I called Michelle back and gave her the information to give to Dr. Chesterfield and asked her if his first name was Peter. She said that it was, and then, I told her that he and Dr. Bennett had gone to medical school together. That seemed to calm her somewhat. I hung up and looked over at Mom. I said "We are going to continue this day and evening as planned. I will talk to the boys when we get home tonight, and then, we will see what happens. We will get up in the morning, pack, and head home." She said "Doug, I understand, but I am worried as this sounds serious." I said "Mom, I don't know what to think, but Michelle has taken him to the doctor, and they have run tests. We will just have to trust that they can diagnose this issue and get it under control." Mom looked over at me and said "I know that you like to leave our house with clean sheets, towels, and everything back in place, but I want you guys to pack and get on the road as soon as you can tomorrow morning. I will take care of cleaning. I did that behind you for many years." I paid for our lunch, and then, we did a few more errands. Mom borrowed my phone and called Dad. She told him that we were going to Barbara's for dinner and that he should be ready by five thirty. I drove back to Mom and Dad's, unloaded Mom's purchases and rearranged mine. I walked into the house and down to our bedrooms. I looked in the boy's room, and it was relatively neat, so I surmised that it would not be a major undertaking to pack in the morning. I walked to my room and began to pull stuff together. I had my stuff organized so that I could quickly put it in my luggage or garment bag. I looked at the clock and it was getting close to five-thirty, so I walked into the kitchen and waited for Mom and Dad. We arrived at Barbara's, rang the doorbell and entered when Ryan opened the front door. The aromas were mouth-watering. I walked into the kitchen, and she had the stove-top full of pots, and there was something in the oven. She turned around, and said "I am so glad that y'all are having dinner with me tonight. I called Anthony and Amy after you left this morning. They said that they would definitely be here tonight for dinner and to tell you that they were certainly looking forward to spending some time with you and Ryan. Ryan and Myles took me outside and showed me Barbara's fish pool and fountain. Mom tried to help Barbara, but she told Mom that she had everything under control. In a few minutes, the front door opened and Anthony and his family and Amy and her family entered. The noise level in the house was ratcheted up several notches, but Barbara didn't mind. She loved having her family together. Mom finally perched herself on a barstool and talked to Barbara as she finished the meal. Finally, Barbara asked Mom if she would have everyone assemble in the dining room, and Mom did. Everyone gathered around the table, and Dad asked the Blessing. Barbara had fixed fried chicken, chunky potato salad, fried okra, fresh cream style corn, field peas, speckled butterbeans, corn muffins, and a peach cobbler. Ryan was in heaven when he saw the peach cobbler. We fixed our plates and found somewhere to sit and eat. The food was typical of Barbara, it was delicious and spectacular. Mom finally convinced Barbara to let her help with clean-up while the rest of the adults sat in the living room and reminisced. It felt like a step back in time for me, with this group, but I just didn't have Allison now. We talked until around ten o'clock, and then, Amy said that she had to work tomorrow, so she and her family left. In about ten minutes, Anthony gathered his family and herded them to their mini-van. I laughed at Anthony and his mini-van, because he kept saying in his younger day that he would never ever own a mini-van. He said "Doug, that just goes to prove that you can never say never!" and laughed. After everyone had left, I moved some furniture back in place while Mom helped Barbara store the food, now that it had cooled. I finished my tasks, and told the boys to get ready to go. I think they were ready to go home as they looked extremely tired. We gathered our stuff and made our way outside with Barbara walking out to the Denali with us. She thanked Mom and Dad for coming to dinner, and then, she hugged Ryan and Myles and told them how much she had enjoyed their visit. She walked over to me, hugged me, gave me a peck on the neck, and said so low that I barely heard her "You are my favorite. I miss you, and I love you!" I teared up, and I couldn't say anything for a little while. She looked at me, and she said "You are fine, just take care of my grandson." Everybody got in, and we headed back to Mom and Dad's. We drove into the driveway, and I backed up to the garage. This did not go unnoticed by the boys as they began to ask "Why are you backing up in the driveway?". I told them that we would talk about it in a few minutes. Everybody went into the house, and Mom and Dad headed to their bedroom while the boys and I headed to ours. I let the boys get their showers and take care of nightly duties, and then, I walked into their bedroom. They froze, and said "What's wrong?" I walked over and sat on the side of the bed. I had prayed a little silent prayer as I walked down to their room, that the Lord would give me the words to say to Myles. I said "I have a few things to say, and I need for you to listen firs,t and when I am finished, I will take questions or comments." They nodded their heads, but looked at each other with question marks in their eyes. I said "We are going to cut this trip short as we have to go home, because Michelle called this afternoon and said that the doctor wanted to see Myles on Thursday." I looked over at Myles, and his eyes had gotten wider. I continued "Now this does not mean that there is anything wrong, he just wants to do a further examination, and he will be consulting with Matt's Dad. They are great doctors and have known each other since they were training to be doctors." I could see that Myles was not taking this so good, so I reached over, grabbed his hand, and held it while I finished. "Myles, we are going to face this with courage and determination. We don't know, yet what the problem is, or even if there is a problem, but we have to have the examinations to be sure." Myles looked over at me, and said, "Pops, I am scared" with tears in his eyes. I pulled him to me, hugged him tightly, and he started crying. Myles' crying upset Ryan, and he too, started shedding tears. I held Myles, talked soothingly to him, and rocked him until he calmed down. I assured him that Mikel would work hard to find out what was happening and would work equally hard to find a solution, if there was a problem. Myles seemed to settle down, but when I started to pull away, he said "Pops, can I sleep with you tonight? I just want to be held by you." How could I say no? I said "Sure, but give me a few minutes to get ready for bed." I left them sitting in their bed trying to sort things out, and went back to my room, picked up my toiletries and went to the bathroom. I took a hot shower and tried to relax. I cut the shower off, dried off, dressed in my boxer briefs and a t-shirt, walked down to the boy's room and told Myles to come on. Ryan looked at me, and I shook my head no. He seemed to understand. Myles and I went to my room, pulled back the spread and sheet. He got in and claimed his side of the bed, and then, I got in the bed. As soon as I was settled, he rolled over to me and pulled my arm around him. He didn't say anything. He just lay there, and in a few minutes he drifted off to sleep. I lay there and began to conjure up a myriad of possibilities, but then, I decided to put the issue in the hands of the Lord, so I silently prayed a prayer for Myles, for the doctors, for Michelle, Ryan and me. I lay there and listened to Myles' breathing and soon I too, fell asleep. END of Chapter 53 I am sorry to leave you with such an ending, but the chapter was getting too long. I know that many of you have semi-adopted Myles and that is a good thing. He is a loveable kid. Hopefully in the next chapter we will hear more from the examinations and doctor visits.