Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2015 12:36:30 -0400 From: Eff Del Subject: Green Grow the Rushes O- Chapter 16 *Green Grow the Rushes O-Chapter 16* By Eff Del Nolitimere156@gmail.com *Joy is better than happiness. Happiness is like a way station where you wait until the brilliant light of joy fills your life* *Joy is something that happens when we finally slow down enough to recognize how good things actually are.* *Joy doesn't happen to us or come upon us.* *We must choose joy and then after experiencing it, we must choose it every day." * Sean, Jack and Brian were sitting around the table in the dining room of John and Jenny's apartment. She'd made gigantic lasagna and it was outrageously delicious. The boys were almost eerily silent as they devoured the food on their plates. Jenny grinned as she looked at me and said; "I don't think that there's a boy in the world who doesn't love lasagna. I think they could live on lasagna and pizza. I know my brother sure could have. He was about Sean and Brian's age when the accident happened" I reached over and grasped her arm and noticed that John had also quickly moved over to her. "Jenny I understand what you're remembering but to change the subject I need to tell you that this is outstandingly delicious." She smiled wistfully. "It's my mother's recipe. She taught it to me when I was sixteen. My Dad often secretly told me that I made it better than Mom. I don't know because they were all killed when I was eighteen." A soft look... less than a smile crossed her face and she sat up straight. "Well, it may not be a perfect fit with the entre' but desert is lemon merengue pie...anybody in?" She received an enthusiastic response from the boys and I leaned back and smiled. Jenny rose from the table and returned with a fat merengue topped pie that looked like it should be on a page in a foodie magazine The boys were literally hypnotized as she cut their pieces and placed one in front of each of them. After serving John and me, she sat down and smiled. "You CAN eat now boys." They grinned at her in perfect unison and dived into their pie and there was almost perfect silence as they devoured their desert. John Jenny and I ate more casually but I certainly appreciated the pie. We gathered in the living room and John had his flash drive in his lap top and the pictures were perfectly displayed on his fifty inch TV. Most of them were pretty, some were downright beautiful and a few were funny as they took turns being goofy in front of the camera but it was obvious that they'd had a wonderful time. Their shared commentary as the images were displayed were fun and entertaining. "Thanks you two. This was a pleasure but I've got to get these monsters to bed." Sean took the lead and hugged Jenny and then John. "G'night and thanks." Jack followed and then Brian who added; "Nice to meet you." I suddenly realized that John and Jenny were off on their honeymoon while Brian had become part of the crew. They'd accepted him but he was a surprise. ******* I was getting ready for bed when he entered and stood close to me. "You fucked Brian yesterday." I looked down into his deep turquoise eyes, and said; "Yes I did. He greatly wanted it and he wanted it from me. Does that bother you?" "Heck no Dad. You're the most loving man in the world and Spider needs a loving man in his life. Who could be better than you? Can we sleep with you tonight? I promise just sleep an' cuddle." "OK you conniver." He ran out of my room and returned shortly with Brian and both of them pulled off their underpants and jumped into bed with me. As I gathered them to me I said: "Goodnight boys." Almost in unison they responded; "Goodnight Dad." I sighed. I was obviously in a situation with Brian but I felt we'd work it out. ************** Jack joined us at breakfast. The little ones were chipper and giggling but he seemed pensive and concerned. I looked hard into his eyes. "Jack, do you need a day off from classes with Professor Swaim?" "Yes Dad, if that would be alright. I really need some time to talk with you if we could do that." "Why Jack, you know that I'll always have time to talk to you. Right after breakfast, I've got some important telephone calls to participate in that have to happen early because of the different time zones so, let's plan on meeting about ten thirty in my study. Is that OK?" He gave me a sad smile and said; "Yes Dad, that's perfect. Will you clear that with the Professor?" "Just as soon as I'm done with breakfast. It will be all right. "Thanks Dad." After breakfast was finished and Martha had been properly hugged, I walked them down as far as my study, hugged, and kissed them each including Brian and sent the little ones off to the north wing classroom. "You'll find something to do for a couple of hours Jack?" "'Course Dad, I've got a bunch of email to still go through." "All right then Son, I'll see you here at ten thirty." I was troubled by the sudden change in his demeanor I buzzed Doc Swaim, informed him that Jack wouldn't be in class, and explained briefly my concern over his need to talk. "Eric, remember that he's a young boy who has just been through a traumatic experience and that you are the person he loves and trusts the most in the entire world. For all I know he just may need for you to hold him while he cries out his fear and anguish. I certainly don't know how I'd be feeling after my ship was turned over by a huge wave, so many of my colleagues were drowned and I was forced to spend four days on a wild sea in a life raft I hadn't even been trained to use. The terror must have been astonishing and what sixteen-year-old is prepared for that much fear Eric?" "Doc, could you plan on having dinner with us tonight and then later we can talk in the library?" "Always a pleasure Eric. You know that." "Yeah, I know but it's polite to ask." I heard him chuckle into the phone. "I've always maintained that you were the most considerate boy I've ever known...until I met Sean of course." His laugh was wonderful. "Great Doc! See you this evening." Chris entered the room and said; "Mornin Eric. The big conference call is set up for fifteen minutes so we'd better head up to the command center." "Yes, let's go but I need you to know that my part in this must be over by ten twenty because I've got a serious appointment down here at ten thirty." He looked at me curiously but smiled and said; "Your participation shouldn't even be required for two hours. They just want to get a feel of your attitude and the extent of your personal participation. You're reputation has grown by leaps and bounds internationally and your word and opinion can largely be a dealmaker or breaker. We're hoping that this morning Eric Tucker will be the dealmaker. We'll make a fortune while at the same time saving thousands of acres of rainforest. That's a win, win situation if I ever heard of one. I smiled and we walked out past the wildflower garden. ********************************* The conference call had gone quite well and as I excused myself near the end pleading an important personal commitment, I sensed Phil and Chris would have the deal sewn up by lunchtime. It was ten thirty but I felt like I'd put in a full day's work so I poured myself a tumbler of Gen Fiddich and waited for my boy. He was about eight minutes late and he entered clinging to a sheave of papers. I smiled and indicated the more comfortable `conversation' corner of the room. "It's early Jack, but would you enjoy a beer?" He grinned and his grin made me feel better. "Well, if my father says it would be OK, I wouldn't say no." Returning his grin, I moved to the little fridge, popped the cap on a bottle of Stone IPA from Escondido, California, and poured it into a beer glass. "You've become a cheeky little bugger." He grinned as he accepted the glass and took a sip...smiling as he did so. I took a minute to freshen up my drink and then I sat across from him. After a moment of individually sipping our drinks, I locked eyes with him. "These are the emails I've received so far from the Marine Biology Department and the Oceanography department at the University as well as all of those who made it off the ship. It turns out that thanks to the fact that Doctor Chambers transmitted our data three times a day, at least ninety nine percent of our research is intact and being reviewed right now. I'm going to be a named member on the report so all that time wasn't wasted. All that research will go to helping save the oceans just like Doctor Chambers planned." He took a big boy gulp of his beer and his eyes were suddenly glassy. "It's just...It's just I learned from my email that Doctor Chambers didn't make it off the ship." His shoulders heaved and he squeaked as tears were suddenly pouring from his eyes. He gulped and breathed in deeply. "He spent all his time getting life rafts launched and getting us inside that he didn't even take time to think about himself. As we were floating away and the ship took another quarter roll, trapping everyone else below the water we thought they were gone but I've been hoping. Now I know he's gone. He was some man Dad and he was so kind to me. Now that I have time to think about it, if it wasn't for him, I'd be dead. I'd have just hung around on the lopsided bulkhead. I had no clue what to do. I would have been sucked under when the ship took its second turn. He lifted me into the raft and he pushed us off." He was sobbing now and I got up and pulled him onto my lap. Big as he was, he cuddled against me with his head on my shoulder and cried like a forlorn child. I pulled him tightly into me and rubbed his back and shoulder. I was silent while he wailed out his grief. I came close to losing it when he said through his tears; "It's almost like losing Walter all over again. Why do such great men have to die like that?" "Because jack, they were great men like that...they were great men and they put the safety of others before their own. That is the definition of a hero. You need to know that you are alive today because Doctor Chambers chose to use his final moments to make certain that you lived. You must live your life in such a way so that you never squander that wonderful gift that brave man gave you. Now sit back down and sip your beer while I tell you what I've been thinking. I've known for a couple of days that Doctor Chambers didn't make it off the ship. I didn't know if you were ready for that information yet but it seems you've found out on your own. I've been trying to come up with a way to memorialize him. Tell me what you think about this idea...we'll commission a brand new research ship, the University will be involved in its design...no expense will be spared it will be the best thing afloat and you Jack, will be integrally involved in designing a new type of life raft and they won't be accepted without your personal approval. After your terrible experience, who could know better how to make the life raft experience more easy to quickly understand? When everything is finished...probably a bit more than a year from now, we'll launch the SS George Chambers and you will personally present it to the University." There were still big puddles of tears in his eyes as he looked at me. "Yeah, that's a great idea that way all the research will still have his name attached to it. Thanks Dad...I really love you." I rubbed his arm and smiled. "I know silly boy. Remember though that I owe that wonderful man for the life of my son." After we'd cried and hugged a bit he said; "Would it be alright if I drove out to Deer Run and talked to Coach Sal? I'd really like to start boxing again." "Certainly Jack if that's what you want to do." "Yeah, it is. Besides soccer, it's the most fun thing ever. I suppose one day I'll get really beat up and then it won't be fun anymore but right now, I really like it." "Are you going to do that today?" "Yeah, this morning. I'll bring you back all the forms you have to sign then if it's alright, I'm going to visit Amanda and take her for a ride. I'll meet you guys to watch the baseball practice this afternoon." I smiled and wondered what `a ride with Amanda' meant but I trusted him to be careful. He'd been well trained in birth control and disease prevention so I was comfortable with his potential activities. I smiled as I thought about my little Jack fighting with his bi-sexuality. What a problem to have...we all should be so lucky. ************************************** "So, how's this for a solution; I'll drive everyone out to the ballfield and Arlen can concentrate on Sean and Brian? Jenny is spending the day with Martha basically planning how their new working relationship is going to go and I'm going nuts with nothing to do. If I was a body shop guy, I'd be working on the red cat but that's not one of my skills. By the way, they're coming to pick it up tomorrow. Did you want to see it Eric?" I shook my head. "No John, I'm mortified enough I don't need to see what I did to that magnificent automobile." He smiled. "Believe it or not, the damage isn't that bad. It's a sturdy little machine for something so little and sleek. She'll be good as new." "Ok then, you'll drive us out there...I think we'll `fly the flag' and take the limo. John, Arlen isn't a threat to you or your position. He's a new member of our staff and he's done yeoman's duty while you were gone. He has marvelous baseball knowledge and just as you've taught the boys about pool, he's helped the two young ones with baseball skills. That's why he's being with us today. He'll mostly be involved with Daniel and occasionally as your back-up but, nothing has changed as far as you are concerned." He gave me a large grin. "Thanks Eric. You know I love my job and you know I love you." We shoulder hugged and I walked down to my study. Uncle Phil was waiting for me with a large smile. He'd already made his own drink so I just quickly poured some scotch over two ice cubes and sat down. "Well son, you're reputation has gained great credence all over the world. Today's conference call resulted in a gigantic deal and it's mainly because of you. You are beginning to surpass your father in your worldly esteem and I have to tell you that it's difficult for me to say that because you know how much I loved your father." I smiled and raised my glass to this beloved man in my life. "Guess I'm not doing bad for a guy who was a constant drunk less than three years ago eh? It was you though that found me the angel who saved me from all of that Uncle Phil. I love Jack dearly but everything I am right now is all because of Sean." He nodded. "Yep, he's some kid. I suspect that you've decided that he'll be the future `Launcelot'. I don't think that it's in Jack's nature." "That's the way I see it Uncle Phil. I hate to dump the burden on his little shoulders but it has to be. When do you think I should start inserting him into his training?" "Well, he's turning thirteen in a few weeks. That is the traditional ritual into manhood. He won't be a man of course but he can begin to be introduced into his life's work. We should talk about this in detail and Doctor Swaim should be involved." "Thanks Uncle Phil. We'll do that in a couple of days." He finished his drink and I made another. Jenny was in the kitchen when I walked down looking for some lunch. "Hi Eric. This my first day as a full-time member of the staff. Martha took advantage of my being here and personally brought lunch up to the boys in the classroom." "Oh, that means Jack will be left out." Of course, I'd no sooner said that then the smiling red haired wonder walked into the kitchen. "I was kind of hoping for some lunch" He grinned. "Well, I was thinking cheeseburgers guys. Does that sound OK?" We responded positively and in unison. "Here's some chips and salsa. Go sit down and I'll bring you burgers when they're ready." We sat across from the each other at the table and casually dipped the taco chips into the salsa. "How did things go with coach Sal?" "Great. He wants me to start training right away. He says I've got a fight in ten days. Man that seems soon but I'm looking forward to it." I smiled and then asked; "How was your drive with Amanda?" He suddenly blushed. "It was alright. You know...it was more than all right. You know it was more than a ride. Dad like you told me I enjoy both kinds of sex and I don't know what to do about it." I smiled at him and said; "All you need to do about it is to enjoy it Jacamo. Don't be cruel and don't be mean. Try to give pleasure to your partner just like you take pleasure from them...in your case, whatever sex they are. It seems that you are blessed with the best of all worlds. You should enjoy it. Whenever you have sex with girls or strange boys, make certain that you use a condom. Beyond that Jack, enjoy yourself. Mutually agreed upon sex is so much better than what you were made to endure when you were a NEST boy. You may never decide what direction you prefer. You just need to enjoy your life Son." "Thanks Dad though it's still a mystery sometimes." "Actually Jack, it would be sad if it wasn't a mystery." Jenny brought in our burgers and we dug in with smiles. ************************** Arlen was grinning. "I've never ridden in the back of a limousine before believe it or not." I smiled. "I think that's true of most people Arlen." "Now Brian, you've got your slider and we've been working on your two seam fast ball just remember and maintain your mechanics. You too Sean, when you're at bat remember to open your hips and stand into the box. I'll watch you and we'll work on what you need after this practice." "OK Arlen. Thanks." Sean said. John, Arlen and I sat on the bleachers and watched the practice while Jack was in the compound talking to Sal about returning to boxing. I was so impressed with how Sean fielded balls hit in his direction and even more so when he was at bat. Brian's pitching seemed to baffle his teammates. What two wonderful athletes these boys were. Jack eventually joined us with a grin. "I start training tomorrow and I've got a fight next Wednesday. Think you might want to come?" I grinned and punched his arm before I pulled him into a hug. At just that moment, Sean tagged a pitched ball and sent it over the fence. "How can such a little boy hit so hard?" I asked no one in particular. "Dad, Tadpole can do anything you know that." "Well I guess we're all going to Mirreli's for ice cream," I said with a smile. ********** That night after dinner I was sitting in the library, Nate Mentor had finally come out with a new novel and true fan that I was; I'd arranged to get a copy as soon as it was released. I sat with a glass of scotch at my side and my feet propped up and opened my new book in joyful anticipation. After a drink, I thought that Jack would be hounding for me to finish so that he could read it. I marked my place and headed upstairs. Doc Swaim and I had moved our discussion to tomorrow because he had a sudden conference call with his publisher regarding his new book. The full moon was amazingly bright and I undressed without turning the lights on. I walked into the bathroom to piss and when I returned to the bedroom, he was standing there. He was by the window bathed in the pale white light of the moon. He looked like a statue made out of alabaster or pure white marble. Only his jet-black hair betrayed that illusion. The perfect round melons of his wonderful boy ass moved subtly as he turned slowly and faced me. "Spider's asleep but I couldn't `cause I just want you to hold me. You've got so much love but sometimes I think about when it was just you an' me and I wish it was still that way. I'm so bad...I'm so selfish." I breathed deeply and took him in my arms. He was a much bigger boy than the little tyke I'd first brought home from the NEST but every bit as beautiful and even more loving. I dropped down onto the bed and he sat with his face on my shoulder while his legs wrapped around my waist. "So, why are you feeling sorry for yourself little man?" I kissed him after asking that question. He wrinkled up his cute little nose and after thinking for a moment, he nailed me with his incredible eyes; "I think it's `cause things are changin' an I'm afraid I'll lose you. I'm afraid I'll grow too big for you to love any more. I want to always be your `little man' Dad." I gently moved him onto the bed and I rested alongside of him and I stroked his body lovingly. "Sean, we've kind of had this conversation before. You'll never grow too big for me to love because I love you and I love the future you...the you that you will grow up to be. For me Sean, not loving you is impossible. Now as for being my `little man', I certainly hope that you're going to grow up into a big man...just not too fast. Take your time and enjoy the pleasure of being young. Just know that you are in a place with a man who loves you so intensely that it almost brings me to tears. Only your mother and father had they lived, could have loved you more. You are the center of my universe Sean. While life brings change, my love for you will never change." From the squeaking noises he was making into my shoulder I knew that he was crying so I pulled the covers up over us and pulled him tightly against me. "What would I have become if I didn't have you to love me Dad?" I sighed deeply and kissed him. "What would I have become if I didn't have you to love me Sean?" (To be continued) Your comments and feedback are all that keeps this story going. When the feedback dries up, so will the story it's that simple. If you don't express your interest then as a writer, I'll assume that interest doesn't exist and you know what happens when you assume right?