Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2017 15:38:48 -0500 From: JOHN C Subject: Pops & Josh 11: Conclusion This story contains sexually explicit scenes of a boy discovering his Sexuality with an adult male. If this sort of things offends you, you are under 18, or is illegal in your location, leave now. Be advised that this is a work of pure fiction. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is coincidental. Also all locations mentions herein are fictional. I love to hear from readers. Comments or criticisms may be sent to Jamcam@Gmail.com Please donate to Nifty.org at http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html. Your donation will allow stories such as this to be published. ************************** Installment XI ****************************** In the fall there was quite a contingent from Hopewell going to state college. Basketball scholarships went to Josh, Jesse, Bobby, Mutt and Jeff Stewart who joined the Hopewell team in his senior year. The boys decided they wanted to stay together so when all were offered scholarships the decision was easy. Jennie, Val and Becky of course wanted to be with their boyfriends and so did Billy. The boys brought the same winning attitude and chemistry to State that they had at Hopewell High. Jeff was made a small forward, Jesse was a little under sized as a power forward but always seemed to get the job done, Bobby was the point guard and Josh the shooting guard, Josh and Bobby played off each other quite often exchanging positions, the center was a big black kid from New York City who had grown to 6'9". Josh and Jesse were ecstatic that Derrick was now playing with them and not against them. Mutt was a very valuable backup at center and strong forward. They weren't the fastest team or the quickest but they were the best shooting and arguably the smartest team that state ever had. They were often challenged by other faster more athletic teams but with smarts and fundamentals they always won out. In the close games went the game hung in the balance it was always Josh that the team looked to score the winning basket. Some would think that it should have been split up, that they couldn't rely on one player to always make the winning basket. No one on the team ever questioned because Josh always got it done. He always scored with the game on the line. Every team knew he would get the ball. Through 3 seasons and 2 National NCAA titles it worked time and again. So in his Junior year in the NCAA final down by one point time running out, again he was given the ball by the State coach. He came off the curl play, past a screener, got the pass, 3 defenders rush him, one bumped him, through the waving arms, he turned, he jumped, he shot the ball. It was in the air, the horn sounded, end of game. Josh ran back on defense like he always did. He ball hit the rim, bounced back and forth was half way down, spun like that for what seemed like an eternity. It spun back up around the rim and bounced out. The unthinkable happened Josh had missed. State had lost. Josh was back at half court, he looked up saw he missed and fell to his knees. He was pounding his fists on the floor. He was there curled up like a ball still pounding the floor saying "no, no, I'm a loser. I let every one down. I'm a loser" Tears flooded his eyes. While others went about congratulating the winning team he was still there. Jesse, Bobby, Derrick and the whole team ran over to him. They couldn't get him up. He was hysterical and kept repeating "he was so sorry he let them down. I made us losers. I'm sorry, I should have passed, I'm so sorry." Coach came over, the other team came over and out of respect congratulated him on one hell of a game. It meant nothing to him. An old man came out of the stands, he walked with a limp now from his arthritis and shuffled his feet. He was plodding along as fast as he could. Pops got to Josh. Bobby and Jesse made the crowd around him separate. Pops leaned down and put his arm around Josh. He whispered "It's ok to be human, Josh. Come on now let me help you up." "But I lost us the championship, Pops. I am such a loser." Pops said "Josh since I got you out of that shelter; you have been nothing but the biggest winner I have ever know. It's just a game, son. In spite of our best efforts sometimes it's not enough. It's ok; don't tell me you didn't do your best. You did. I know and so does everyone else. Come on now, Josh Fitzgerald Calahan time for you to get up. You have more important things to do." Josh struggle to his feet Pops holding on to him so tight. Josh now taller than Pops with his arm on Pops' shoulders; leaning on Pops, holding on like he had done so many years ago when he those dam dreams. Pops said "now don't go running into that locker room; my old legs don't move too fast. The team kind of chuckled at that. Josh smiled at Pops and said "thank you, I love you." As Josh and the state team slowly walked off the court; the winning team stopped congratulating themselves and stood silently, kind of at attention and clapped. They respected the effort and heart of the state team and had to show it. They beat a team that was undefeated through 89 games and won by 1 point but win they did. The crowd in the stands did the same. The valiant state team with Josh walked off the court to a silent, respectful, crowd and a standing ovation. The state coach help his post game interview. "Hey 89 and 1 after 3 seasons I'll take that. This was a game that both teams deserved to win. We came up a little short today but I am immensely proud of my young men today especially Josh Calahan." The press could be a bunch of vultures on a losing coach. One reporter asked "Calahan missed the last shot how can you be proud of him" Coach looked at the reporter with eyes that could kill. It was his job to work with the press but this was a little bit much. He bit his tongue and explained why "Josh scored on 8 out of 12 shots today had 26 points and had 9 assists. He has taken the last shot for us in every tight game for the last 3 seasons and except for tonight he scored the winning basket every time. Tonight he got bumped and had 3 players rush him on his shot. I understand fouls are not called in the last seconds of a championship game like this. I'm not complaining but if it the same sequence happened 5 minutes earlier you'd have to be blind not to see the foul. Beyond all that he got a good shot off it went half way down and back up and out. He was hysterical afterwards saying he let his team down. Now if I had any player in the world to shoot that shot, Michael Jordan or Kolbe Bryant any NBA player I would still pick Josh. In all my years in this game I have never scene a player with more desire to win or more heart or more courage. I don't know how many organized games of basketball he has played. I know in high school his team never lost a game and he always made the last shot in tight games. I think over 4 seasons they have the longest unbeaten streak in the history of high school basket ball in the state. We had him do the same thing here. Think about the pressure of that!!! Think about that gentlemen in 7 years that young man has never lost and has always had the job of getting the winning basket in tight games. Now I'm gonna tell you guys something; whoever has a headline that says Josh missed State loses. They reporter will be banned from my locker room & I will never acknowledge them in an interview because that is not the story of this game. The story of the game is that the basketball gods did not smile on State today. The winning basket was halfway down when it rolled up and out, Josh scored 26 on 8 of 12 shooting, Hell people that's 75% that's superhuman. And I have to explain why I am proud of his game tonight. Jeeze some people just have no ..." Coach stopped there. The reporter had his head down then put his hand up. "Thanks coach, I'll write it just as you said and I agree you should be proud of him and all your team. I apologize the question was insensitive." With their streak broken Josh, Jesse, Bobby, Mutt and Jeff had extra motivation the following year. Having scene what the pressure of having to take the last shot in every tight game did to Josh coach decided to spilt up that role. Josh became a decoy and opened up other very easy to make shots for his team. But when they had a real tough opponent Josh got the ball. Their senior year season, they rolled into the finals of the NCAA on a 31 game winning streak. It was the last game they would play together. In the locker room Bobby got up and shook every one hand and thanked each player from Hopewell High. They all did the same. Jesse said "Let not let be close; I don't want any pressure on Josh tonight." Josh shoved his good friend a little bit. "I agree let's not make it close, I'm tried of having to shoot those end of game shots." Their barrage was endless as a team the Hopewell High guys shot 80% from the floor and 100% from the foul line. By the middle of the second half the game was decided and coach substituted for all the player at once. Arm in arm they came off the court smiling and waving to another much louder standing ovation. The game was delayed for almost 5 minutes as the State fans would not quite down. For sure they were one of the best college teams ever. After the game they all were together. "So who here wants to go pro", Jesse asked. Derrick said he was thinking of it if he got a good guarantee contract. Josh said "you know we were so good because we really knew each other and we played 100% as a team. Together we are good, really good for college but I don't know if any of us are good enough to turn pro. Yeah in college we would face a super athletic maybe 2 on a team but in the pros there are 10 of them on the team. I don't think I could compete at least not at the level we've been able to do." Bobby said "Yeah I know I don't have a shot. If I can't make lay ups, I kind of stink, nope no pros for me" Mutt said "all I do is take up space and push people out of the way. I doubt I'll get drafted." Jesse said, "The reason, I asked is I kind of don't want to ruin it. Most of us have been together since freshman high school. I mean we lost 1 game in 8 years by 1 point. That is something special, really special. We have to be one of the best teams of all time if you count high school." Jeff said "I agree, I don't think I'm good enough for the pros. Derrick is the most athletic of all of us and he has his mom to think about. If any of us are good enough it's Derrick." Josh , Jesse and all of them agreed. "Derrick if you make it you got to get us tickets every time you're in town." "Deal, I hope I can do it without you guys. I mean this is the best team ever." Teams tried to draft Josh, Jesse and Jeff and were turned down. Bobby and Mutt didn't get offers from the NBA. Derrick got a guaranteed contract for several million dollars. Everyone was happy for him. They had a party and for dinner they all had chicken al a king. After graduation Bobby continued school to become a physical therapist and joined his dad's practice. Becky also helped in the practice. Jesse, Billy and Jeff joined his father's company. Val continued on for a nursing degree. Josh wanted to go back for his master's degree in sociology. He & Jennie worked part time at Luke's homeless shelter. The Green Party had requirt him and all the Hopewell graduates. Josh was their real target. They asked him to run for state assembly from Hopewell. He accepted And won. Two years later with his degree in hand he was convinced he could do more to help the homeless as a congressman. He took up the challenge and became the youngest congressman in history. A year after they graduated the Josh asked Jennie to marry him. Her reaction was "what took you so long." Josh told Bobby about the marriage and he said he and Becky had the same plans. "Did they want to do a double marriage together?" Josh and Jennie agreed. When Jesse heard of the plans he asked Val and they wanted in so a triple wedding. Billy and Jeff so wanted to be a part of the day with their best friends; if the church would let them could they get married with them. Josh & Jennie, Bobby & Becky, Jesse & Val all had the same reaction "Why do you ask like that, of course we want you to get married and celebrate our love and your love together." Father Rick had been asked to perform the ceremonies at the parish church in New Jersey, Our Lady of Good Council. It was a very liberal parish. Billy and Jeff went to see Father Rick at St Francis. Father asked "What can I do for you fellows." "Well Father you are going to think we are crazy." Billy said. "Hows that." "Well you are going to marry our friend in Jersey and we would like you to marry us too." "Wow are you guys for real. Why are you mad at me? You know if I do this they'll want to drum me out of the priest's union." The boys hung their heads. The idea that they could be treated just like any other couple who loved each other and wanted to get married was stupid. Jeff looked at Father Rick directly in his eyes, "Sorry father, we don't want to bring any trouble on you. We were just dreaming that it could happen, that you would look at us like any straight couple." Billy added , "We would do anything you asked of us, like with the New Canaan classes. Thinking about it I guess you wouldn't want us there. I gotta ask a question before we leave. Why is our love so wrong? I mean God made us too. We are the way he wanted us. He wouldn't make a sin would he?" Now it was Father Rick who hung his head. He looked up at the two young men who only wanted to declare their love and be blessed by God. He scratched his head as he thought of a response to Billy's question. "Billy I wish I had an answer to your question. Your love isn't wrong; it's just not understood. I see that you love each other deeply and nothing so beautiful could be a sin. God bless me I've been in trouble with the bishop before; why not one more time." "You mean it Father, really, is this happening." Both Billy and Jeff exclaimed. Father Rick saw the jubilation and joy in their faces. He knew he was doing right. "I don't know if you'll be married in the eyes of the church; but it'll be legal and I believe God will bless you, too." The young men couldn't contain themselves and jumped up and both hugged Father Rick. "Now listen, I am only one part you are going to have to get the pastor of Our Lady of Good Council to agree as well." "OK Father but we are half way there which is way better than we thought we would be. Maybe God does love us too. What about the classes?" "Oh I'm sure he loves you. I'll handle the classes myself. I guess I won't have to worry about the birth control issues." They all chuckled at that. "You go see the pastor and let me know how it goes." Billy and Jeff thanked Father Rick again and literally floated out of the rectory. The pastor at Our Lady of Good Council was a Father Bill. He was a very cheerful man and a bit of a comedian always finding the humor in life. Billy and Jeff went to see him. "What can I do for you fellows" Jeff answered "Well a bunch of our friend are getting married here in August in a group ceremony." "Oh yes very nice young people. They are asking a priest from the city to do it." Billy swallowed hard then did it again, "Father Rick said he would mmmarry uuus at the same tttime if it's ok to use your ccchurch. Billy stuttered" "Oh my. my, my, my, my, my why that New York rebel is trying to get me excommunicated. That's it. Isn't it?" "No Father I don't think so." "What is my bishop going to say; my gosh he'll probably tell the cardinal." Jeff reached out and held Blly's hand they were both on the edge of their seats." "He's going to marry you is he." "Yes sir, but he said we needed your permission as well." "This isn't a joke of some sort is it. Or a test; it's a test isn't it." "No Sir Father," Jeff the calmer one now said. "Father Rick said and I wrote down his exact words because I wanted to save them. Billy asked, "Why is our love so wrong? I mean God made us too. We are the way he wanted us to be. He wouldn't make a sin would he?" Father Rick answered, "Your love isn't wrong; it's just not understood. I see that you love each other deeply and nothing so beautiful could be a sin. God bless me, I've been in trouble with the bishop before; why not one more time." "That's what he said did he." "Yes Father." "Well by golly, I think he is right!!! and Billy you asked a most correct question. I hear there is a new saying now "LOVE IS LOVE". Seeing you two I believe it. And God does NOT MAKE ANY SINS!! Someone always has to be first to right a wrong so in this case it's going to be Our Lady of Good Counsel I guess me and Father Rick are going to be in trouble together." "Thank you, father, thank you so much; this is the best church in the whole world." "Well be prepared to find too old priests a job after this goes down. And don't forget your weekly offering. Go on now go tell Father Rick you sweet talked me with your handsome faces and beautiful love." Billy and Jeff were elated. They held hands a skipped down the parking lot to their car. They did it. They were going to get married in a Catholic Church. They would be the first to do it. Billy turned to Jeff and kissed him. They went home and told everyone. Pops said time for pizza and wine all come over to my house. Annie was beaming. She was so afraid that the church would not accept her sons. Nat was jumping for joy as well. Jack and Karen Harvey came to celebrate. Mr. & Mrs. Acker, Mr. Martin, Mrs. O'Mara, Jesse and Val, Bobby and Becky and Josh and Jennie. It was a fine group, wine was poured late into the night 3 pizza deliveries had to be made. The day dawned bright and warm. The sun shown though in it's glorious majesty. Eight people were declaring their love. Eight families and all there friends were thee the church was filled to over flowing. Father Bill had anticipated the many, many well wishers and had chairs and speakers placed outside the church. The 3 traditional grooms and best men were waiting up on the altar. The throng hush as the familiar stains of here come the bridge were hear and each bride in turn walked up the isle. Then Trumpet sounded like in Roman times followed so softly by guitar and piano. Billy and Josh hand in hand walked the walk to the altar. Then as if from the Almighty Himself an angel sang the chorus of God is Love. "Cause only love can end the madness, Only Love can heal the pain Only Love can light the darkness And Only Love can Free us from hate So fill my soul with the grace from above Cause GOD is LOVE Lord fill my soul with your grace from above Cause GOD IS LOVE, GOD IS LOVE" The chorus was on a song sheet in every pew. Billy and Jeff encouraged everyone to sing as they walked. The second time it was song it was as if the heavens opened up on all; the angel could no longer be heard above the throng. Father Rick started the ceremony with "WOW I do believe all of heaven embraced with that entrance song. I see we will have full participation at this wedding mass, Alleluia, Alleluia." The congregation answered "Alleluia, Alleluia. " He went on in the usual manner. However at end he said, "I know you all have been married according to the tenants of the State of New Jersey. I am confident you are ALL married in the eyes of God for I believe LOVE is LOVE and GOD is LOVE, I hope you all are married according to the church. It is my hope and I think of all here assembled that the love you displayed here today stays with you all the days of your lives. You may kiss your partners." With that church bells rang out and the 4 couples walked out to form the receiving line. When Pops went though the line; he of course kissed the girls but added Josh and Billy. Jeff kissed him as well so Bobby and Jesse did the same. As is the nature of things, babies shortly followed the weddings. Jeff and Billy found a wonderful surrogate for their baby makers. She was a lesbian lady who would become a visiting aunt for the children. The circle of life was turn and families were being made. The lifelong friends often gathered with their little ones for picnics and birthdays and holidays. As their children grew they were involved in little league and biddy basketball and soccer. The players from years ago became coaches. Luke and the family gathered at Pops' house. Pops had a bad fall on the stairs. They felt it was time for him to give up the house. Josh asked could a full time nurse be gotten. Luke said, "I wish it was so but I don't want his final years to be in pain because we didn't protect him from the accident we all know will happen." Josh asked who wanted the house. It was a small place and needed modernizing no one spoke up. "Could I buy it from the bank" Luke said "I see no reason why not. But why Josh." "I just want it. It's a special place to me. Pops would be able to come home to visit from the assisted living place. It'll be familiar to him. I feel I owe it to him." It was decided; at 87 years old Pops was placed in an assisted living place. There wasn't much room but he was able to have a good bit of his pictures up on shelves and the walls. He was not completely forgotten; his family came every weekend at first then a little less and a little less. It was the way of life the young were busy, the old not so much. Pops understood and did his best to stay cheerful, especially when he had visitors. Josh was busy going back and forth from Washington. He visited as often as he could and often brought his two sons along to visit. Pops did enjoy that. The best part was talking about their accomplishments at school and in sports. He asked them who was the best basketball player ever. They said they didn't know. Pops told them to look up the best 4 year record of any NCAA state college and also look up the best 4 year record of Hopewell High School. He told them their dad was the best he ever saw. They were amazed and looked on their dad with a special new pride and hero worship. Always humble, Josh complained and told them there were a lot of great players on his teams. Every once in a while Josh brought Pops home to his old house. The boys doubled up and Pops took one of their beds when he would sleep over. Pops enjoyed going home. When he was 89 he knew he was growing weaker and weaker. He asked Josh to get Luke for him. Luke came by and he and Josh went in to Pops. "I want you to do me a favor." Luke said, "Sure dad" "I've thought about it quite a bit and after I'm gone; I still want to be a part of life. Even the earth feels the wind and the rain and the sun. But you can't feel anything if you are in a box. Maybe I can help a tree or a flower grow, or even just a weed grow. It wouldn't matter much. I can't do that if I'm stuck in a box. Could you put some of me on your mother's grave. I would like that. Maybe every one can have a little bit of me and put me some place they feel is nice. I would like it if some of me went up on a mountain and helped some of nature to grow there. You can't feel life if you are buried in a box. We all have our time to live and our time to dye. I hate asking anyone to take care of such a request; it's such a gruesome task. But Luke you are strong; I'm sure Eddie and Ed ; Josh and Billy will help. Will you see to it, Luke." Josh was tearing up but finally said, "I would really like that, Pops, knowing that you are always here. I could plant a tree and always be able to talk to you." That brought a smile to the old man. "I think it's a good idea too dad." Luke added. Luke explained his Dad's last wishes to the family. Everyone liked having a little bit of him with them. Eddie rarely showed his sensitive side. But he suggested they could all get lockets and a bit of Dad in each one so he could always be with them. All agreed it was a special idea. Liz on one of her visits told her dad of Eddie's idea. Pops said "That would be very nice. Your brother is a very good man. Isn't he Liz." Liz said "Yes Dad, You and Mom raised us all to be good people." Pops turned to his daughter "For sure I think we did good with all of you. You Liz are very special, too. You have your mother's heart and energy an outstanding combination" Josh asked Doc Brown to check in on Pops and had told doc & the assisted living people if they thought the time was near to call him so he could bring Pops home. The call came about 6 months later. Pops had a couple days, a week at the most. Josh asked Doc Brown "Is there any medication that he could give, to make Pops' last days more enjoyable." Doc said a morphine drip would work best. For the first day or so it would perk Pops up but after he would just go to sleep. Josh set Pops up on a hospitable bed in his living room and put the word out. Doc Brown administered the drip. Pops was in good spirits seeing all his family and friends gathered for him. He found the nerve to keep up a good jovial banter. He knew his time was close. He and doc had talked. Upon leaving people like Bobby and Jesse said he looks so good. Josh whispered it was the drugs. Josh served pizza and red wine for dinner. Pops ate a bit and took a sip and said, "Gosh that is good." He put his head back and said he was going to doze a bit. Only family was left now and that included Billy. They chatted on about this story or that about Pops. Doc Brown came by and checked him, he looked up at all gathered with tears in his eyes; shook his head and disconnected the drip, pulled the sheet over Pops' head. The mortuary was called and Pops was carried out. All the family could do was give each others hugs; little talk was exchanged. Everyone felt empty inside; like part of them was missing, they wanted to get it back. But it was not to be. Pops passed on a Tuesday, the family planed a one day wake on Friday afternoon and night. Saturday morning was to be the funeral mass; after just the family would go to the crematory other friends would gather at a restaurant nearby. The day was cold and rainy, more of a drizzle. The weather suited for the somber feelings of the mourners. The funeral procession from the mortuary was over a mile long. The director called the police for an escort to keep the caravan together. Our Lady of Good Council Church was filled to over flowing. Jon Calahan was rolled into the church with the accompaniment of a sole bag pier playing amazing grace. Josh and Jennie held their son hands as they walked up the isle behind the casket. Josh had told his boys the lesson he had learned those many years ago. It's ok to cry; it just shows how much you loved Pops. Father Bill and Father Rick had not been ex-communicated for marrying Billy and Jeff. It was a simple mass without a lot of religious trappings. Both Father Bill and Father Rick spoke eloquently about Pops' giving nature. Luke was appointed to give a short eulogy. "Dad was a humble man. He had neither money nor fame. Yet this church is over flowing and the family thanks you all for coming. What was it about this simple man that has drawn you all here? Beneath his sometimes gruff exterior there was a man of immense compassion, who always lent a hand where ever it was needed. He had a knack of showing up when you needed him most and in some simple way solved whatever your problem was. He taught all of us the same wonderful way of living our lives. All he touched were better off for knowing him. Dad would not like me saying he was in any way great or unusual; because he thought he was only doing what anyone would do in the same situation. The truth is very few have helped so many with such little notoriety. He was a simple man who knew so much about life and made us all better by sharing all that he knew. With your time here Jon Calahan, you made the chain of life stronger and better. Your link shines bright, Thank you dad, we love you. The procession out of the building was to a single trumpet playing taps. Except for the trumpet you could hear a pin drop though the silence. There was not a dry eye in the congregation. As tears ran down his face again those words of Pops came back to Josh. "Tears are Gods way of washing sadness away. They show how much you loved your grandma." Josh thought and you Pops. All knew the way to the restaurant. The family with the police escort went to the crematory. Pops was transferred to a plain pine box. The bag piper again played Amazing Grace the family waited outside. Shortly an urn for each family was brought out and a gold locket for each family member was provided. Eddie always thought ahead and had the lockets sent to the crematory. As Josh put the locket around the necks of his young boys he said, "This is very, very special, inside is a piece of Pops so that he will always be with you. Keep it safe; when playing sports, take it off. Don't ever lose it." His boys looked up at him, still there were tears. They said in unison just like Josh and Billy used to do years before. "We will dad, thanks for giving us a bit of Pops. We'll always be able to talk to him this way." The scene was repeated with Billy and his little boy and girl and Liz and Maureen and Joe and Eddie. The family went to the luncheon wearing the lockets. More stories were told of Pops, some wine was had along with the pizza. On a bright sun shinny spring day the family got together. First there was a visit to Mom's grave. Luke gently mixed Pops ashes into the soil around the grave stone. Luke lead a pray for both his Mom and Dad. Next there was a caravan out to high point state park. At the top of the mountain they came across a little patch of wild flowers and it was there that they decided to spread some more of Pops' ashes. They each took a turn in spreading a bit of ashes some said a silent prayer others said they missed him. Some said they wished he was here so they could talk with him. They had brought a little bronze plaque. It said -- From dust thou art to dust thou shalt return. For everything there is a season A time for living and a time for dying A time for growing and a time for harvest. Jon "Pops" Calahan May you feel the sun, the wind and the rain From you, life will be born again Rest in Peace