Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:59:06 -0800 (PST)
From: firehose Joe <firehosejoe@yahoo.com>
Subject: To Thine Own Self Be True: Chapter 15

"This above all: To thine own self be true, for it must follow as dost the
night the day, that canst not be false to any man." Shakespeare (Hamlet)

Thanks to Bill M and TalonRider for assistance proofing the story. For the
wrestling `fans' be patient. It will return soon. Enjoy the story.

Please do not distribute to other sites without permission of the
author. Comments can be sent to firehosejoe@yahoo.com

From the previous chapter:

When Alejandro arrived home, there was an ambulance in the driveway. He
rushed inside and was pointed toward his father's bedroom on the second
floor. The door was flung wide. People surrounded the bed monitoring vital
signs. Alejandro felt he was once again on the sidelines unable to help.

Finally a guy in scrubs approached him. "Can you tell me your relationship
with Mr. Algara?" Once satisfied that Alejandro was a relative he
continued, "It would appear, at this point, that Mr. Algara has had a
stroke. Until we can get him to the hospital for further examination, we
won't know for sure."

Alejandro watched the medics transfer his father's limp body to a stretcher
for transport to the hospital, as a sense of numbness crept over him. He
was still standing in the hall as the housekeeper came and put her arm
around him trying to assure him that all would be well.



Chapter 15

During the next hours, doctors ran tests and determined that Salvador had
suffered a severe ischemic stroke caused by a cranial thrombosis. Simply
put, the doctors explained, a blood clot in the brain had caused the
damage. He would be monitored in the hospital for several days to assure
that his condition was stable. He might regain consciousness at any time,
but perhaps never. The extent of the damage would likely determine that.

Finally the doctors left Alejandro alone with his father. Taking Salvador's
hand gently in his own Alejandro spoke quietly. "Please come back Father. I
love you and need you. What will I do without you, Grandmamma and Granddad?
Please, Father, please." He sat silently holding Salvador's hand. Mid
afternoon, the Emergency Room Charge Nurse came in and said they were ready
to move Mr. Algara to a room.

"You need nourishment. When was the last time you ate?" the nurse
asked. Alejandro looked up at her blankly. "Go get some food young
man. We'll take good care of him. After you've eaten, you can come back
here and the receptionist will tell you which room he is in."

Alejandro picked at a sandwich and fries. Forcing himself to eat a piece of
fruit, he left. On learning Salvador's room, he went to the nurse on the
floor and introduced himself. She confirmed what he'd already been
told. She said he was sleeping at the moment and probably needed his
rest. She encouraged Alejandro to go home and rest.

Needing to make some calls and inform the staff, he headed home. After
speaking to the small gathering at the house, he went to the study and
began to organize his thoughts. By late afternoon, Alejandro had
communicated with the President's office at the University and asked
someone to speak to his professors and tell them he'd be in contact. His
secretary had called a meeting of all the managers. While traveling to his
office he collected his thoughts and planned his brief speech.

When all were gathered, he explained the situation to them and told them
that business would be handled via the usual channels. After the meeting
the division managers remained behind.

Alejandro waited for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "Gentlemen, at this
point, we are all reeling at the losses we've sustained in the past ten
months. I had looked forward to spending years with my Grandfather and
Father assimilating the full scope of our businesses as well as the
personal histories that have formed and shaped this business.

"Each of you has been generous with your assistance during my last three
summers here. Because of that, I have a good working understanding of what
of you individually do and how your responsibilities fit within the
whole. Your thoughts and ideas are important. I'd like to meet with you all
again day after tomorrow. During that time please consider and be prepared
to participate in developing an ongoing plan that will enable our
enterprises to grow.

"I plan to continue my academic work at the University if at all
possible. It was an expressed wish of both my Father and Grandfather. Those
details will be forthcoming in the near future. Please continue the
reporting scheme we have used during my summer sessions. Thanks for your
support and expressions of concern. Now, I'll see you Thursday."

He returned to his office and sat at his desk, his head in his hands as he
leaned on his elbows. He'd held himself in check since the call came from
the housekeeper. He wanted to cry but knew he wouldn't. He wanted to talk
to someone but there was no one who'd understand. He looked up at the sound
of the latch of his office door. His secretary had stuck her head in to
tell him goodbye. Seeing him so drained she offered to stay and help him
with whatever needed to be done. He smiled his thanks and shook his head
and told her good night.

Alejandro called the hospital. The duty nurse said there had been no change
at all. Further she suggested that he needed to rest. His father was
getting the best of care. Alejandro needed to take care of himself. A call
to the house alerted the cook to prepare a plate for him to warm when he
got home. He extended his thanks to the staff then for their concern and
insisted that they leave for the day.

Sitting in his office as the twilight gathered, he let the mental images of
the day replay in his thoughts. What else did he need to do? While trying
to force himself to think through his numbness, an echo from the near past
swam to the surface of his consciousness. "I've got your back." Frederick
was the only person he could call on for help with all of it.

He reached for the phone and remembered that Frederick was working second
shift somewhere. His days were filled with classes and preparations, not to
mention lab work. Alejandro knew if he called, Frederick would come, but at
what cost to Frederick.

Alejandro grabbed his rolodex and found the name and number for one of the
attorneys who worked closely with his father to establish the latest gifts
to the University. Apologizing for a call at the dinner hour the man was
gracious and insisted that it was not a problem. Alejandro quickly
explained his idea.

Action and the beginnings of a plan was the tonic Alejandro needed. He told
the attorney he would call him later with a plan more completely fleshed
out, if that was convenient. He drove home and after he finished his
dinner, he sat and listened to the quiet in the house. He knew he needed to
keep moving forward.

With a plan outlined and questions framed, the attorney moved ahead. Within
two days a plan was in place, along with $100,000, that would assist in
funding students' living expenses.  Frederick and other qualifying students
would be contacted by the foundation that funded tuition grants and told a
pool of funds had become available.

Friday afternoon, Alejandro's secretary told him he had a call from
Frederick. He'd seen the headlines in the paper just that day. They
chatted, Alejandro giving all the details. Frederick kept probing, trying
to determine how his friend was fairing. Finally he told Alejandro that he
had the next two days off and he was coming to the house, office, hospital
or where ever Alejandro might be. They arranged to have dinner together at
the house.

Alejandro had stopped by the hospital on his way home. There had been no
change. Though he couldn't begin to be sure, he sensed that this didn't
bode well.

Frederick was waiting for him. Having arrived earlier, Frederick introduced
himself and offered his bona fides as a college friend and one who had
accompanied Mr. Algara and Alejandro to Europe. He charmed his way into the
house and kitchen. With a promise to the cook that he was going to see that
Alejandro ate and enjoyed time at the table, she agreed with his plan. A
wine had not been planned and Frederick corrected that.


When Alejandro arrived, Frederick met him with a gin and tonic in hand. He
made a quick estimation of Alejandro's condition. Drawn, somewhat
depressed, distracted, and tense, Alejandro, he saw, needed rest and mental
distraction.

Taking him in hand, Frederick helped him out of his coat and tie, and fixed
him a drink. "Doctor's orders, Dude. We are going to take it slow and easy
tonight. You're going to have a good meal, several glasses of wine and
we're going to talk. You know, I may have too much to drink and need to
stay the night." Frederick said with his crooked smile.

When dinner was announced, Frederick chose his seat so he could see the
door to the kitchen. The cook took signals from him and paced their meal so
that Alejandro would have to relax. Conversation was easy as they caught up
on all the happenings of the summer and the beginning of classes. Frederick
listened and skillfully probed with questions to measure how Alejandro had
handled the week of change. He could hear the pain and apprehension in his
friend's voice.

"Alex, does staff stay in the house overnight?" Alejandro looked up
curiously at the non sequitur.

"No, since it's just Father and me, we determined that there was no
need. They've enjoyed the extra time off."

Frederick thought for a minute then said, "Good, because I am spending the
night. We can talk, drink, fuck, whatever it is that will take your mind
off of your troubles for a little while. But the bottom line is that you're
stuck with me for the next 12 hours minimum."

Alejandro smiled and closed his eyes imagining relaxing with someone he
trusted. "Can we do all three?" he said with a chuckle.

"Damned right we can, and," Frederick added softly, "I'm not letting go of
your teeny weenie until you've cum twice."

Alejandro laughed loudly and felt himself truly begin to relax. "Frederick,
I just realized you've been directing the service at dinner, haven't you?"

"Right again, bright boy. You've got to get up to speed faster Alex. The
cook understood the situation at hand and has worked with me. Now let's eat
dessert so she can clean up and go home."

They sat on the rear patio and enjoyed a light port after dinner as they
continued their conversation. "Ok, bright boy, I've got some questions for
you. Don't blow `em off cause we're going to talk about it." Frederick said
with some authority.

"First what does it take for a growing boy like you to stay healthy?"
Frederick had anticipated the response and listened to Alex say that he
knew what he need to do and didn't need babysitting.

"You done yet, bright boy?" Alejandro nodded and Frederick continued, "So,
answer my question."

With no small amount of exasperation, Alejandro gave the short outline of
ingredients for a healthy life. He knew capitulation was the shortest and
easiest route when Frederick got on one of his soap boxes. Frederick nodded
and `umd' his responses. When Alex had finished, Frederick honed in on
nourishment, rest and exercise.

Alejandro agreed with each tenet of Frederick's argument for regular,
healthy meals and at least seven hours of sleep. He reluctantly promised to
track both meals and rest for a week to see how successful he was in taking
care of himself.

"If you can measure it, you can change and influence it." Frederick said
and seemed satisfied with their progress. "Now what are you going to do
about exercise, Dude?"

Alejandro began to describe his day with classes and work at the
office. Frederick cut him off short. He sat up straight in his chair, his
demeanor totally different.  "Look Alex, don't tell me. I'm going to
classes from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. I'm doing labs, my readings, lab
reports. I'm at work at 2:30 with a half hour break. Home at 11 p.m., I go
for a run to exercise and unwind and hit the sack. Meals I fit in at
appropriate intervals with healthy stuff. Now, I know you're under stress,
you're worried and trying to figure all this out. That's why I'm here.

"What do you want to do for exercise that's realistic for your current
load?" Frederick asked.

Again Alex began to hem and haw and sound like he was making excuses. "Just
answer the damn question, Ok Dude!" Frederick said loudly.

With a tone of surliness that he instantly regretted Alejandro answered,
"Running is the easiest thing to work in, I guess." After a few seconds he
said, "Ya know, what I really would enjoy is an opportunity to
wrestle. That offers a completely different set of challenges. It's
physical and it's mental. The costs or rewards are immediate."

"Ok, let's think about that." Frederick said, smiling, as he sat back in
his chair. This was finally heading in a good direction again. "What part
does strength training play in wrestling?"

Alejandro looked at him in frustration. He knew Frederick knew the
answer. What did he want? "They go hand in hand. You know that." he
responded with an edge to his voice.

"Yup, I do. Now how do you plan to work strength training into your day so
you are strong and ready to face a man on the mats? And don't start with
your excuses. Give me ideas." Alejandro's face conveyed his frustration and
resistance.

"Dude, we are going to walk through this whole thing. Get with it. I want
details and solutions not obstacles." Frederick said.

Alejandro began slowly but finally hit his stride. First he admitted that a
gym membership or use of the U would be impractical. He listed various
pieces of equipment he could buy. He described to Frederick where they
could be placed. Suddenly he was seeing possibilities. He looked over and
saw Frederick smiling.

"Is this what you mean when you say you've got my back? Damn, pushing me to
be healthy, get rest and exercise. Seems like I'm doing all the work!" They
both laughed. "I'm going to sound real selfish here; but, it would be so
great if we could run together. This is not a neighborhood for joggers but
I've been breaking trends for years and I'm going to do it again. Still, it
would give us a time to talk and just hang out."

"Dude, as long as you can meet my running schedule I'll come over here as
long as the car's working or you can meet me at my place. You commit to it
and I'm there. Deal?"

"Yeah, deal." Alejandro sighed deeply. "I feel like I'm turning a corner on
this week finally. Thanks Frederick. By the way, what's with your car?"

"It's old. You know what a piece of junk it is. As long as it starts I
nurse it along. I'm scared to fix anything. You know how it goes; fix one
thing and all the rest starts to fall apart." Frederick said.

He watched the light bulb go off for Alejandro. He'd seen it all too many
times not to recognize it instantly. "No, you are not going to pay to have
my car fixed."

"I wasn't going to suggest that. Look, there are four cars in the
garage. I'm driving mine and the others just sit. It'd be helpful if you
would just borrow one of them so it could stay in drivable shape. The way
I'm going, I could let them sit for months without starting any of
them. Doesn't that make sense?"

"Yes it does and if you're offering, I accept. I can't maintain or insure
the car so do you have suggestions?"

"The car is insured. I'll maintain it. Just drive the damn thing. Ok?"
Alejandro said smiling.

"You gotta deal. Now since you want to wrestle so much, what's your plan
there?"

Alejandro sat for a moment. "Let me make a phone call and I'll tell you how
it's going to work." Frederick followed him into the house. He smiled to
himself thinking that Alex just might have turned a corner and was making
progress.

Finding Jason's phone number, Alejandro called. Within a few minutes he'd
agreed on a plan of action and was all smiles.

"His wife is working her second shift plus overtime. They're saving for a
baby. He can meet me this weekend at the gym at the U. We're gonna work
out, then come here so he can pick a place for a wrestling room. This is
just so cool!" Alejandro said.

He and Frederick talked about work. Frederick listened mostly, prompting
occasionally with questions, trying to draw out all the myriad of things
that were competing for attention in Alejandro's mind. Finally their
conversation became sporadic and a comfortable silence ensued.

Frederick stood and reached down for Alejandro's hand. They stood and
embraced for a moment, Frederick letting Alejandro enjoy the feeling of not
being alone. Frederick began to lick Alejandro's ear and gently bite on his
neck. Alejandro groaned and pulled Frederick closer to him. Their mouth's
reached for a kiss. Their tongues began to gently explore each other's
mouth.

They both grew hard quickly. Frederick reached and grabbed Alejandro's ass
and pulled them closer still, letting their trapped muscles begin to grind
with building desire. "We need to take this upstairs, Alex." Frederick
gasped as he released his friend. "Tell me what to do and I'll help you
lock up. Then we're going upstairs to your room and fuck."

Quickly they checked all the doors and adjusted lights. Meeting at the
bottom of the stairs, Alejandro looked deep into Frederick's eyes and said,
"Thank you. I knew I could count on you." Frederick kissed him, letting his
tongue linger for a moment then pinched his left nipple roughly and ran up
the stairs, Alejandro in hot pursuit.

Once inside Alejandro's room, Frederick pushed the door closed as Alejandro
turned on a small bed side lamp. Their eyes locked. Frederick held out his
hand and Alejandro took it. Frederic licked, and kissed Alex' neck, chin,
and lips. Slowly Frederick stripped his friend from his clothes, leaving no
part of his body unexplored by fingers, teeth and tongue.

Alejandro was painfully erect, leaking precum and quietly groaning his
desire. Frederick pulled the covers back and pushed Alejandro to the
bed. As Alejandro watched, Frederick quickly stripped. "You have any lube
for that monster?" Frederick asked. Alejandro motioned toward some lotion
that would have to suffice.

Frederick quickly lubed himself and Alejandro. Straddling his sides,
Frederick reached back and positioned the leaking head against his ring and
began to press down. As the swollen head penetrated the ring, Alejandro
groaned with pleasure. Frederick watched, smiled and concentrated on their
mutual gratification. He would have liked nothing more than for Alejandro
to pin him to the mattress and fuck him raw. This wasn't about Frederick
though.

With exquisite leisure he, bit by bit, impaled himself on the familiar
shaft until he felt Alejandro's pubes. Resting there, Frederick began to
flex his internal muscles giving Alejandro's muscle gentle
stimulation. Beginning his ascent, Frederick clinched his ring, tugging
slightly on the turgid flesh within him.

He continued the stimulation of the cock in his control. His quads burned
after several minutes of the action. He smiled thinking that it was one of
the most pleasant isometric exercises he'd enjoyed. After nearly ten
minutes, when his quads began to burn, Frederick leaned forward placing the
flat of his hands on Alejandro's shoulders. Their eyes were as intimately
locked as their bodies. Not a word was necessary, nor was one spoken.

Without intending to, Frederick had placed his prostate in a direct path of
Alejandro's invader. With each slow thrust, he felt his own cum begin a
slow boil. He hadn't planned to cum but the outcome seemed inevitable. As
Frederick's own need increased he accelerated his movements. Suddenly
Alejandro's occasional groans became gut clinching grunts as he spilled
himself into Frederick. Frederick's volleys shot up and landed on
Alejandro's chest, chin and abs.

Alejandro's breath shuddered at his release. Frederick continued to milk
Alejandro's muscle with his ring and the muscles just inside. Alejandro's
breath became more regular but his dick stayed hard.

"Turn over Frederick, I'm not done yet." Alejandro ordered in a lust fogged
voice. Without any difficulty, the men shifted positions. Alejandro grabbed
Frederick's legs behind his knees and lifted his chute. Resting his heels
on his shoulders, Alejandro began a vigorous assault on the upturned
ass. Balancing on alternate hands, he began to work Frederick's nips,
occasionally moving in for a biting, tongue thrusting kiss. But mainly, he
just fucked Frederick hard and fast.

Sweat poured from his face. Beneath the pelt on his pecs, sweat collected
and ran down the treasure trail. His breathing was coming in gasps yet he
continued to pound. Frederick was bathed in a primal pleasure being taken
so forcefully. Their bodies were slick with sweat. The room reeking of musk
and cum. Frederick felt his balls stir with another load. Damn, this was so
fucking hot, he thought.

Alejandro gave no indication of his closeness. He just kept grunting loudly
with each thrust while pounding Frederick's ass. His ball sac slapped
against Frederick's glutes. The only change Frederick noticed was an
increase in the speed as the grunts of effort grew more intense. When
Alejandro came, he was yelling out his grunting release as he lifted
Frederic's ass higher with the violent thrusting.

Frederick grabbed Alejandro's sweaty back with his legs and pumped out his
own load. Once sated, Alejandro let his body fall atop Frederick as he kept
up a gentle thrusting until his flaccid cock slipped from Frederick's
chute.

They lay, both panting, slick with sweat and cum. Alejandro reached under
Frederick's muscled shoulders and pulled him into a strong hug. Frederick
responded and wrapped his legs around Alejandro's thighs. Together they lay
there, continuing to thrust gently against each other, content in the
moment.

"Gee, you sure made a mess!" Alejandro laughed as he lifted himself by his
elbows leaning in for a searching kiss. Rolling on to his side, he reached
a finger and drug it through the mingled cum and tasted it, repeated the
motion and fed a finger to Frederick. "Gonna have to sleep with the windows
open to air out this room, you know."

"Don't blame me, Dude. I had lots of help here." Frederick laughed. "Come
on, let's get cleaned up."

After their shower, covered only by a sheet they lay on their backs,
talking. Frederick continued to probe subtly for areas Alejandro needed to
explore. They reminisced about their trip over Christmas and finally
drifted off to sleep. In the early hours of morning, Alejandro woke,
needing to use the bathroom. Frederick had spooned against his back and his
arm what hugging him close. A weather front had moved through and the room
was cool. It was nice.

After breakfast, Frederick and Alejandro agreed to catch up with each other
after Alejandro's work out with Jase. All three of the unused cars were
Mercedes sedans. Frederick, sighing said, "Drive the oldest one to campus
this afternoon and I'll give you a lift home so you can feed me again."

"Anything particular you'd like to be fed?" Alejandro asked with a twinkle
in his eye. Frederick caught the implied meaning and just grinned.

"Think you can do that again, stud?" Frederick asked, grinning his
challenge.

The workout with Jason was draining. Jase had warned Alejandro and was true
to his word. They stretched and went through numerous sets of basic
takedown and reversal maneuvers. Combinations were drilled and after an
hour and a half, Alejandro was wringing wet and exhausted. He felt great!

As they showered Jase asked what Alejandro wanted to accomplish. Before he
could begin, Jase turned to him and asked with concern, "Didn't I read
something about someone having a stroke. The name kinda rang a bell but I
didn't connect it till just now. Was that a relation of yours?"

Alejandro confirmed the information. With minimal background he explained
his desire for maintaining an exercise program. Jase said he had
information with him about mats and would make a recommendation once he saw
the space. They made a plan to meet the next day.

Alejandro picked up Frederick. They went for a run, had a leisurely dinner
and continued to work out details of how Alejandro was going to manage the
months ahead. Afterward, they went to Alejandro's bed and enjoyed unhurried
sex that left them both drained. Alejandro felt he was getting his life
back together slowly.

It was mid week when he got a call from Frederick who shared his excitement
at the additional grant money. "You know," he told Alejandro, "I've got my
schedule manageable now. Thanks to not having to worry about transportation
and repairs, I've decided I can keep things as they are and sock the money
away for a new car in the future." Alejandro listened and felt his heart
sink a little.

"You know, Alex, this deal with coming to your place to go for a run at the
end of work is great. It keeps me disciplined. You have time to get in your
workout with Jase and by the time we finish our run, you've gotta sleep
like a baby. Like they say, if it's not broken don't fix it." Frederick
said. "Now I've got to get back to lab. See ya tonight!"

Alejandro sat somewhat stunned. Slowly he realized that what he had needed
from Frederick was exactly what Frederick had given him; resolve to
succeed, a structure within which to balance work and school, and a
workable plan to make sure he took care of himself. He sat smiling. This
was going to work and he didn't need Frederick to lean on for it to
succeed.



To those of you for whom WRESTLING is of primary interest, thank you for
your patience while the story developed. It will return soon and with
greater frequency. Things are going to heat up for Alex.


A writer's peculiar food and drink are the comments of his reader. Feel
free to share your thoughts with me.  firehosejoe@yahoo.com