by
Mark 'Ponyboy' Peters
Chapter Thirty-Three
The remainder of the weekend flew by far too quickly. On the Saturday night, at Raffa’s suggestion, we ended up going ten-pin bowling. He said he wanted to see how much style I had, which was going to be a challenge considering that I hadn't actually been bowling since I had won that last trophy.
I called Hoppy and asked if he and Nathan wanted to join us and they jumped at the chance, so we arranged to meet at the bowling alley that evening.
My parents had arranged for Robbie and Meaghan, along with Bryan, to come over for dinner, but just as Raffa and I were leaving they received a message saying that Bryan couldn't make it, as something had 'come up'.
Raffa and I smirked, both thinking we knew just what that something was, but we didn't elaborate when asked.
'I can explain later if you need me to,' I said to mum, as I kissed her on the cheek on our way out the door.
'I think you may need to do that,' she replied. 'Enjoy your night out, though.'
When we arrived at the bowling alley there were only a few cars in the car park, so thankfully it looked like it wasn't going to be a particularly busy night. Hoppy and Nathan arrived just as we were walking in the main doors, so we waited until they parked their car and joined us.
'Hey guys! Thanks for the call,' Hoppy said to us as we bumped fists. 'I haven't done this for ages.'
'Neither have I,' I replied. 'It's all Raffa's idea. Should be fun though.'
Once inside the first thing that hit us was the smell, that unique combination of sweaty bowling shoes coupled with that of popcorn and other cooking coming from the cafeteria, as well as the sounds of bowling balls rolling down timber lanes, pins being smashed, and more than just the occasional ball managing to be steered into the gutters.
We first headed for the cafeteria, finding a table and then ordering a round of drinks. We didn't see anyone else we knew, so were able to just sit and talk for a little while catching up on what we have all been up to, outside of work at least.
The cafeteria was well lit, bright and colourful, and the speakers were blasting out some music that seemed to be from past times – probably the nineteen-eighties I was thinking, as I recognised a few songs my parents liked – though at least it wasn't being played at a level that was deafening.
Hoppy and Nathan seemed to be getting on really well and I thought they made a cute couple. I, for one, was enjoying getting to know Nathan a little better, other than just as someone I would say hello to in the aisles of the store we both worked in.
Much of the rest of the building was relatively dark, other than for the well-lit lanes and some colourful neon signage in the areas for the general public. We watched a few groups going through the motions, slapping each other on the back, ribbing each other over their disasters, or moaning when their own disasters occurred. To be honest, I kind of missed coming here, along with the camaraderie that went with it. I was looking forward to this being a fun night for all of us.
'Oh, I hope you guys are ready to lose!' Hoppy remarked. 'Nathan and I are going to dominate tonight.'
'Don't get too confident,' replied Raffa. 'I've got a secret weapon,' he added, before placing a hand around my shoulder.
I just looked at him and shook my head. 'Your secret weapon is a bit rusty, babe, so don't go getting too cocky.'
'Yeah, you might want to save that weapon for later,' suggested Hoppy. 'I assume you'll be taking each other home? You'll be able to comfort each other after you get your asses whooped!'
'In your dreams, Hoppy-man, in your dreams!' declared Raffa.
Nathan and I looked at each other and we both rolled our eyes.
'This could be a long night,' said Nathan.
'I have a feeling you might be right there,' I replied, before downing the last of my Coca-Cola, then getting to my feet.
Nathan joined me and said, 'Okay, let's do this,' before we headed toward the customer counter.
'Hi guys,' the attendant greeted us. 'How many lanes do you need?'
'Two please,' I answered. 'And a pair of size tens.'
'And for the rest of you?' he asked.
The others gave their sizes and as Raffa paid for us all we swapped our own footwear for the bowling shoes and then handed them over to be checked in. A few minutes later we were all set and heading for lanes seven and eight, taking in the sights and sounds as we went.
'Alright, ladies and gentlemen, let the games begin! Losers pay for dinner afterwards,' declared Hoppy. I wasn't sure if it was all just bravado or if he actually knew what he was doing, but I guess we were about to find out.
'You're on,' Raffa replied.
Nathan was first up, selecting a red ball from the rack and then stepping up to the mark. We watched as he limbered up a little, then shaped up and sent the ball down. We all cheered as the ball crashed into the pins, knocking most of them down, leaving just a few stragglers teetering.
Hoppy and Nathan high fived each other as they waited for the ball to be returned, while Raffa prepared himself on the next lane.
'You've got this,' I said to him. He gave me a smile and a nod, then he turned to face the lane, took a few steps, swung his arm back and let the ball fly. I didn't realise it at the time, but I was holding my breath as I watched the ball spin its way toward the pins, only letting it out as some of them went flying.
Five down. Five still standing. Okay, not a bad start.
With his ball back in his hands, Nathan shaped up once more and sent the ball flying. Only one more ball fell, leaving two still standing.
Now it was up to Raffa again. He sends down his ball and knocks down another four pins, leaving just one standing.
'You're up, Hoppy. Show us how it's done,' I urged.
He flashed me a grin and set himself up. He was a picture of concentration as he did so, before swinging his arm back, stepping forward and then letting the ball go, with all our eyes upon it.
Too bad it ended up in the gutter, just before reaching the pins.
We all cheered and Hoppy took a bow. Thankfully I didn't hear what he was mumbling under his breath.
And now it was my turn.
'Please don't put it in the gutter . . . please don't put it in the gutter . . . please don't put it in the gutter . . .' I was praying as I psyched myself into it. As I looked down the lane I tried to remember my old actions, my old rythym and order of doing things, and it slowly started coming back to me.
'C'mon, Porter, we don't have all night,' urged Hoppy.
Smiling to myself, I then took a couple of steps, swinging the ball back, and then letting it fly. I felt my body swing, just like it used to, and after letting go of the ball I came to a stop with my right leg swinging in behind my left, just like it used to.
I watched as the ball spun its way down the lane, striking the pins dead centre – which wasn't actually where I had aimed – and sending eight of them flying. Just two were left standing; the far left pin and the far right pin in the back row.
I turned to see Raffa grinning at me, before he stepped forward and we high fived each other. When I glanced at Hoppy I could see him frowning, while Nathan was smiling.
'C'mon, Hoppy. You've got another one to bowl yet,' I urged.
'Yeah, yeah, yeah,' he replied, while picking up his ball once more and lining up for his next shot.
At least this one went straighter than the last, managing to knock down five pins, so that restored some self-respect for our friend.
With my next ball I managed to knock down one of my two pins, so at the conclusion of the first frame our scores were all reasonably close.
As the games progressed the atmosphere started to become more animated within our little group, with a lot of cheering each other on and friendly banter being shared. Our bowling skills didn't seem to be improving all that much as time went on, with Nathan and I pretty close with our scoring and the others not too far behind. Thankfully Raffa and I managed to win the first game, but not by much, then Hoppy and Nathan won the second game, by an equally unimpressive score.
It wasn't until the second game that the first strike was bowled, with Nathan taking the honours in the third frame. I managed one as well, late in the game, but Raffa and I still lost that game. So it all came down to the third game, and even though we were still sharing jokes and ribbing each other, we were all taking this seriously. There was more than just fun and games at stake here. There were far more important things to consider, such as pride and bragging rights.
On his next shot Nathan took an eight, while I got a strike. Raffa and I were in front, despite Nathan's spare on that frame.
We watched on nervously as Hoppy and Raffa bowled, then Nathan stepped up again, bowling an eight, but leaving the two outer back pins still standing, just as I had done earlier. It would be hard for him to get a spare on that one.
I picked up my ball and looked down the alley, but before I could ready myself Raffa came up behind me placing his hands on my shoulders, then wrapping his arms around me and resting his face beside mine.
'You've got this, babe,' he whispered into my ear. Turning my head I grinned at him, then kissed him on the cheek, before turning and hugging him, and not caring if anyone saw me.
'Thank you,' I said, ignoring the jeers from Hoppy and also those from the group in the next lane.
I don't know if it was Raffa's supportive words, some newfound bravado, or perhaps some old muscle memory kicking back in, but it suddenly felt as if everything had finally clicked into place. I was ready for this.
Facing the alley once more I knew exactly where I wanted this ball to go. I readied myself, rocked back on my feet, then swung into my bowling motion, sending the ball flying.
I held my breath as I watched it fly, seeing it land with a thud a few yards down the alley rather than being let go in a smooth motion. But that wasn't a concern to me, it was how I sometimes used to bowl; something I had copied from a guy that I used to watch back in the day.
Once on its way the ball travelled straight and true, striking exactly where I had aimed it; just to the right of the front pin and sending all ten pins flying.
Strike!
Punching the air I turned on my heels to face Raffa, who was beaming. Sadly for them, Nathan and Hoppy weren't.
Nathan stepped up once more to attempt his spare, but only managed to take out one pin.
Hoppy and Raffa were next up, with both doing okay. Then it was time for Nathan and me once again. Nathan took out seven pins. With my eye now in, I took another strike.
The last frame was a repeat of the previous. My third strike in a row. I was back, baby!
'Yes!' said Raffa excitedly, as he slapped me on the back then hugged me. 'You did it!'
'No, babe. We did it,' I countered, then hugged him once again.
Nathan was the first to step forward. 'Well played, guys. You deserved that win.'
'It was a close call for most of it,' Raffa replied. 'You guys did well, but I was glad that young Twinkle Toes Porter here finally found his groove.'
'Twinkle Toes?' I asked, while looking at him sideways.
'Yeah, don't you remember those old Fred Flintstone cartoons where Fred used to do this little twinkle toes thing before he would bowl?'
'So now you're calling me Fred Flintstone? Are you expecting anything to happen tonight, because it looks to me like you're standing on shaky ground!' I said, as I fronted up to him.
Hoppy and Nathan were both watching on in amusement, before Hoppy finally stepped in and pushed us apart. 'Orright you two love birds, you can squabble about who has the bigger dick later. Right now it's time to eat, and I guess it's my shout.'
I high fived him, then Nathan, before turning back to Raffa and holding my arms out for him. With a sheepish grin on his face he embraced me, with wolf-whistles soon coming from the adjoining lanes as we headed for the attendant to exchange our bowling shoes for our own footwear, then to the cafeteria once again.
* * * * *
After leaving the bowling alley, still pumped after finishing on such a high, we said goodnight to our friends in the car park before Raffa and I drove around the city for a little while. Somehow, without having made any real plans to do so, we found ourselves heading to the lookout. When we arrived there we could only see a couple of other cars. We parked and watched the twinkling lights of the city that were spread out below us.
It wasn't lost on me that this was where my father had recently spent a night while coming to terms with not just my recent revelations, but also his past. The only difference was, we didn't feel the need to visit the bottle shop first. It was a location where I am sure a lot of deep thinking has taken place over the years, and right now my thoughts were on how lucky I was to have connected with the man whose arms were wrapped around me as we leaned back against the bonnet of my old Toyota.
It's funny how things work out sometimes.
'I had fun tonight,' Raffa said softly into my ear.
'Yeah, so did I. I kind of missed going bowling . . . it had been so long.'
'Didn't take you long to warm up though. And when you blew Nathan away in that last game . . . oh man, that was so sweet.'
'Poor guy. He was gracious though.'
'Yeah, he was.'
'I like him, and I think he's good for Hoppy.'
'Agreed.'
We stayed there for half an hour or so, just talking about whatever seemed to pop into our heads and trying not to take things too seriously. We laughed at the thought of Bryan and Chase hooking up and wondered how we would explain that to my family if it in fact eventuated.
'So, what are we going to do now?' I asked, half-hopeful that I already knew the answer.
'You want me to drive?' he asked.
'The key is still in the ignition,' I replied, before kissing him and then heading for the passenger side door. I caught a glimpse of the smile on his face as he made for the driver’s door.
We made our way down off the mountain along the winding, narrow road that serviced the lookout and five minutes later we pulled into the driveway of the de Silva home. I could see that the lights were on in the house but we didn't go inside. Raffa took me straight to the door of his garage and unlocked it, then ushered me inside.
'Do you want a drink or anything?' he asked as we stood in the middle of the room.
'No, I'm good thanks.'
We faced each other and stepped in closer, before his hands reached out for my shirt. Each of us began to undress the other, slowly removing one piece of clothing at a time, while planting kisses all over each other's bodies. Once we were fully naked I felt him push me back towards his bed, holding my body as he laid me down on the bed, kissing my body as he did so, from face to neck to abdomen.
I felt his face nuzzle my cock, his tongue flicking over the sensitive head and down the shaft, before he sucked one of my balls into his mouth, then gently pulled back his head, while stretching my scrotum to its limits. After releasing that precious item he moved to the other, repeating the process, which was then followed by his tongue flicking below my balls and along the perineum, while at the same time he was gently pushing my legs upwards to allow better access to more intimate areas.
There was nothing frantic about our love making this night, with each of us satisfying the other in more ways than one as we stretched and explored our limits. It was a wonderful night, which left us both exhausted, yet satisfied and it wasn't until deep in the early hours that we finally succumbed to sleep, our bodies drenched in the outcome of our sexcapades, amidst twisted and cum splattered sheets.
* * * * *
Sunday morning went pretty much the same way as Saturday morning had, starting with a wake-up call from my uncle as Raffa and I lay in bed with our arms wrapped around each other.
‘What’s this I hear about you passing on the family dinner at home last night?’ I demanded.
‘What? Who told you that?’
‘Mum, just before Raffa and I went out bowling. Did you get a better offer or something?’
‘Ha. Yeah, or something . . .’
‘So how is Chase this morning?’
‘No comment,’ he replied. ‘So, will you be home at lunch time? I’ll call around before I head back to the city.’
‘Yeah. I have stuff to do this afternoon, and Raffa has something else on today, so I’ll be home.’
‘Good. I’ll see you there.’
After disconnecting I lay my head back sideways on the pillow and gazed into Raffa’s emerald-green eyes.
‘So, how is Chase this morning?’ he asked.
‘The response I got was a firm no comment.’
‘Of course it was. We’ll get the details out of Chase later.’
‘Shouldn’t be too difficult,’ I said with a chuckle.
‘Are you sure you don’t want to come with us for lunch with granny today? I’m sure she’ll be keen to meet you.’
‘We’ll have to save that for another day, babe. This afternoon is the only chance I’ll have to catch up on my chores at home. Don’t want to get on the wrong side of my folks now,’ I replied. ‘They might ground me and stop me from seeing my boyfriend.’
‘Well, we certainly wouldn’t want that,’ he said with a wicked grin, before quickly kissing my cheek.
‘C’mon, we better shower and get this day started,’ I said to him, before getting off the bed and holding out a hand for him.
To be continued . . .
Authors Note:
Hi there. It has been a while since I have posted anything new on Nifty. I guess life gets in the way sometimes.
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