Date: Sat, 14 Aug 1999 09:24:23 +1200
From: nivision@manawatu.gen.nz
Subject: Gay Devotion Chapter 2

Gay Devotion

Chapter Two

Whenever there was a vacant seat in the dining room beside Mark, Aaron
would join him. He seemed to seek every opportunity to be with him although
he never visited Mark's room. Whenever he was at the Gay Student's Club
events, Aaron seemed to cling to Mark, much to his annoyance. He tried to
avoid him. Ralph had told him that Aaron was infatuated with him and that
he was constantly seeking information about him. He said he was sorry for
him, for Gordon only thought of him as a means of satisfying his frequent
need for sex.

"He really is a nice guy, so why don't you try to be more friendly. Your
coolness is hurting."

Mark was taken aback, he had not thought his discouragement had made such
an impact. It was not in his nature to be unfriendly. He kept thinking
about what Ralph had said.

At breakfast next morning, when Aaron joined him, he greeted him with
"Sleep well?"

"I always do. Jogging makes me sufficiently tired, and keeps me fit," he
added emphasising the additional benefit.

"I suppose I ought to seriously consider some fitness programme," said
Mark. "Studying is so sedentary and relentless. I have got to do something
more physical."

"Why don't you jog with me? Before bed each night I jog for a couple of
kilometres. There are many steep roads and flights of steps in this
district which are quite challenging and really make you fit.."

"I'm no athlete and not likely to be able to keep up with you."

"Oh we can take it easy on the less demanding routes until you can." Mark
did not reply. "I leave at 9 each night so will call then to see whether
you are interested."

"But I have no suitable clothes," said Mark.

"No sweat, you can borrow some of mine." He rose from the table. "See you,"
he added confident that Mark would accept his invitation.

>From time to time Mark thought about Aaron's invitation and by the end of
the day he had decided that he would accept it. Aaron arrived before 9 clad
in black running shorts and a white singlet on which had been sewn
reflecting tape. Mark's appreciative smile at his stunning appearance was
noticed by Aaron as he placed shorts, singlet and running shoes on the
table.

"Well are you coming?" he asked.

"You have persuaded me," Mark replied as he began to remove his clothes.

Aaron feasted his eyes on Mark's hairy torso as he pulled on the singlet
and shorts. His appreciative whistle followed the appearance of his bulging
briefs. The singlet and shorts were a good fit but the shoes were too
small. "Maybe Ralph's will fit I hope he wont mind if I borrow them," said
Mark. He decided to he would buy his own next day.

"You look great," said Aaron as he turned to the door.

"So do you," Mark replied as he admired the clean smooth firm body so well
proportioned. It was truly beautiful. Mark was unable to look away until
Aaron said

"Do you like what you see?"

"Do I!" Mark's low voice conveying some of the emotion he felt.

Aaron began to jog on the spot "Come on let torture begin." He laughed as
he opened the door.

Aaron had said it was an easy route they were taking but Mark definitely
could not agree as he panted and groaned as they kept a steady pace for the
two kilometres of steep gradients and several flights of steps between
roads that wound around the suburbs of Kelburn and Karori. They were both
sweating profusely when, after an hour, they returned to the House. Mark
ached all over, his legs felt that they would drop off and his heart was
racing. If it had not been for Aaron's constant encouragement, he was sure
that he would have given up and been home sooner.

"Now to recover", said Aaron as they entered Mark's room. "Take a towel, we
will soak away the pain in the spa."

Mark followed Aaron to the basement, into a room with several showers along
one wall, several washing machines and driers along the opposite wall and a
steaming spa at the end. They stripped and stepped under adjoining
showers. Again Mark could not keep his eyes off Aaron. He was
beautiful. Large balls hung low in a scrotum lightly covered with golden
fur. The same golden fur encircled an 8 inch cock that was slowly
thickening. It was lightly veined and capped by a foreskin. His body was
without hair except for his armpits. Mark's admiration of this magnificent
man was embarrassing for he seemed to be hypnotised. Aaron noticed and
began to gyrate lasciviously, as if teasing Mark, as his cock became fully
erect. He stepped into the spa. Mark snapped out of his trance and followed
him. He again became aware of his aching joints and welcomed, with an
appreciative sigh, the relief provided by the warm water.

"This will help to reduce the pain in those muscles and to prevent
tomorrows stiffness in your joints," said Aaron.

Mark leant back, submerged more and stretched out his legs. His foot
touched Aaron's leg. It was Marks first physical contact with that
magnificent body and he had no desire to end it so left it there. Aaron
thought it was an invitation he had to accept, he lifted the leg and rested
it on his thigh. He began to massage the calf, his fingers pressing deep
into the muscle. For several minutes he worked on the lower leg and foot
before moving up to his thigh. With long strong strokes, he massaged the
length of the leg, spending increasing time on the inside thigh, frequently
touching his scrotum. The pain was rapidly fading, and once it was minimal,
Mark replaced that leg with the other. Aaron repeated the treatment while
Mark lay back with eyes shut, occasionally feeling sharp pain from the
aggressive pressure of Aaron's fingers. Then he felt the gentle stroking of
his thigh, causing delicious sensations to course through him. He wanted
more, but did not dare say so, for the sensuous feelings were stimulating
his sexual desires.

"That has made such a difference", said Mark as he lifted his leg off
Aaron. "Are you a masseur for you seem to have the skills?"

"I did get some training once. It is often needed and does give me
opportunities to enjoy physical contact with other men," he replied with a
grin. "Have you had enough, I am ready for bed."

Mark nodded, climbed out and dried himself. With towels wrapped about them
and carrying their clothes, they returned to Mark's room. Ralph was still
out.

"I'll wash these and return them to you tomorrow," said Mark as he folded
the singlet and shorts. He yawned.

"You will sleep well tonight," said Aaron. "Come on get into bed. I bet
Ralph is in Gordon's bed." He hesitated then asked, "do you think I could
use his?"

Mark was unsure. "Well we can't ask him so perhaps you should share mine."
He moved to the side of his bed to make room. Aaron quickly climbed in
beside him. Mark was very tired and was soon asleep. Aaron snuggled against
him, his arm across his chest, his face pressed into the hair on his
biceps. He too knew nothing more until morning.

Mark drifted in and out of consciousness for several minutes before he
became aware of the warm soft flesh pressing against him. He stroked it and
it's smoothness encouraged him to explore further. Then he felt the weight
of the arm on his chest. He looked down, then sideways and recognised
Aaron. Startled he remembered the previous evening, then looked over at
Ralph's bed to see that it had not been slept in. Aaron lay still, Mark did
not move. Mark's initial concern soon disappeared as he enjoyed the warmth
and aroma of Aaron. He very gently and slowly caressed his chest and
stomach and felt an intense pleasure which he had never experienced with
Ralph. He continued the gentle stroking admiring the beautiful unblemished
skin which seemed to glow. He leant over and kissed his breasts. A hand
pressed his head onto the chest. Mark did not resist but turned his head so
that his cheek lay below a nipple. Aaron eased his head until his lips were
on the nipple. Without hesitation, his tongue stroked it. For some time
they stayed like this. Mark lay back and sighed contented.

"God you are beautiful, too beautiful for a man. It would be so easy to be
infatuated by you"

It was a bitter and cynical response from Aaron. "Others have said the same
but physical beauty is not enough for real friendships. I hope we might
find more valuable attractions in each other. Appearances really can be
deceiving."

Mark's emphatic reply indicated his own similar experiences. "I am so
damned hairy that it either repels or attracts and it also dominates the
superficial impact that I seem to make. That not the real me. That's why I
hate it. If I was smooth like you, I feel other guys would pay more
attention to me as a person."

"Would you let me find the real you?" asked Aaron with a grin as he leant
on his elbow and looked into his eyes.

Mark's embarrassed short laugh indicated some uncertainty. He shrugged his
shoulders. "I know you have the hots for me, it's my pelt that you find so
sexy. Sex is not enough for me, so to find the real me will mean that I
will also have to know the real you. Sure I love your body but can I also
love you?"

Aaron did not say anything but sought his hand and entwined his fingers. "I
would like you to try, I really would."

They continued to cuddle, loath to leave their bed. It was the breakfast
bell that reminded them that it was time to move.

That evening Mark was working at an assignment at the table while Ralph
read the prescribed text for one of his courses. Ralph closed the book, lay
it on the table and stood up.

"I have an important question to ask you," he said. "As you know, I have
been spending a lot of time with Gordon and he has asked me to move in with
him. He was wondering whether you would be agreeable to Aaron moving in
with you."

Mark was surprised and then shattered. Feelings of disappointment, loss,
even betrayal followed each other in quick succession. He believed he and
Ralph had developed a special relationship during the six weeks they had
shared the rooms. Ralph was important to him, he liked him a lot and surely
their intimacy was something special. He was special. He had liberated and
supported him. He could not walk away just like that. At first he was angry
then devastated by the thought of his loss. He could not reply. In a
stifled voice he asked, "when do you want to move?"

Ralph could see he was upset. "Oh there is no hurry. As soon as Aaron can
find someone who is prepared to share with him. Of course we first have to
get the Warden's agreement and Gordon says that wont be difficult." Mark
did not say anything. Mark continued, "Perhaps you could let me know
tomorrow." He returned to his book.

Half an hour later Aaron arrived dressed for his jog. Mark quickly changed
and together they left. It was a warm night in spite of the light drizzle.

"You are very quiet tonight", said Aaron as they more slowly climbed a
steep flight of steps. It was several minutes before Mark blurted out,

"Will Ralph be sleeping with Gordon tonight?" There was anger in his
question.

"I expect so, they seem to be infatuated by each other. Why do you ask?"
Again silence. "So you do care? Why? Ralph and Gordon are driven by the
need for incessant sex. I doubt that there is any serious
affection.". Still no response from Mark.. "You really do care, is he
special? Do you love him?"

Words full of emotion rushed from him. "Yes I do care. He helped me to come
out of my closet, he showed me how enjoyable gay sex can be, made me feel
proud to be gay, so he is special." Again he was silent. "Do I love him? I
suppose I do, a little. He was the first gay guy to make me feel valued. I
loved being in his arms, not that we kissed much. It is too soon to lose
him."

Mark began to cry. His shoulders shook as he sobbed. Aaron did not hesitate
to put his arms around him and hold him close as his tears flowed
freely. It was several minutes before he recovered but Aaron still held him
tightly.

"Gordon means nothing to me. I don't mind moving in with someone else."

They were not concerned that the drizzle had now become steady rain, as
they held each other. After a few minutes, Mark said,

"You know how I feel about Ralph, but if you would like to, you could move
in with me."

Aaron hugged him then shouted for all to hear.

"Jesus I love you! Would I like to?! Man you can never know how much I
hoped you might ask me."

Mark grinned through his tears. "Maybe my grieving will soon pass."

The routine after each jog was to shower and for Aaron to sleep with Mark
whenever Ralph was with Gordon. This night it was the same except that
Aaron was on a high. He apologised for his exuberance, knowing that Mark
was still very upset by Ralph's departure. Aaron helped him to forget as
they found pleasure in cuddling, exploring each other's body and in
constant caresses Occasionally one of them would ejaculate with neither
needing more stimulation.

The following evening again found Mark and Ralph reading in the study. Mark
broke the silence.

"I have asked Aaron to share with me. When do you intend to move?"

Ralph looked up from his book, somewhat surprised by Mark's decisive
announcement."

"If it is alright with Aaron and you, tonight would be fine. I had better
clear it with Gordon." Ralph immediately left the room.

It was Aaron who burst through the door carrying a very heavy suitcase.

"It's arranged," he said excitedly. "Gordon says it suits him fine if we
shift right away."

He grabbed Mark around the waist and hugged him.

"And I wanted to carry you across the threshold," said Mark with a broad
grin.

"Not until we marry," Aaron replied pursing his lips and fluttering his
eyelids.

Ralph appeared followed by Gordon.

"There's no doubt about it, Aaron's got the hots for you," he said as he
began to empty his drawers and roughly pile his clothes into his suitcase,
followed by his books and other items. Once Ralph had checked that he had
not forgotten anything, Gordon left carrying the suitcase and Aaron went
into the bedroom with his. "I hope we can still be friends," said Ralph. "I
know you are disappointed by my decision."

"I was angry for I thought we were more than just friends. I guess I was
expecting too much. I blame an adolescent's naivety which follows his first
sexual encounters. I don't blame you, it's my innocence." He gave a bitter
laugh, then went over to Ralph and hugged him. Ralph's arms encircled him
tightly. Then he kissed him.

"Can we still be friends?"

"Sure," Mark replied returning the kiss, making sure that it lingered
longer than Ralph's.

"See you," Ralph shouted to Aaron in the bedroom as he broke away from
Mark. He looked back and with a gesture of encouragement, he left.

Mark took a deep breath and joined Aaron. "Need any help ? We are on our
own boyoh, but bear with me for I am going to miss Ralph for a while."

"I know, but I hope I will soon take his place."

"We will see," Mark replied nonchalantly.

Mark was pleasantly surprised that there were no difficulties sharing with
Aaron They quickly adjusted to each other, with Aaron anxious that they
would be compatible. Mark enjoyed his quirky sense of humour while Aaron
felt valued as Mark sought his guidance with his studies. Unlike Ralph,
Aaron preferred to cuddle whenever they shared beds and his need for sex
was less frequent. In addition to jogging together, they often went to
movies and social events so that their friendship grew. They were
acknowledged to be great mates. Aaron introduced Mark to many new things
including music and the arts. In spite of their lack of money, they saw
opera and ballet from the cheaper seats, and visited the galleries
specially when gay artists were exhibiting. Mark was becoming quite
enthusiastic, especially about opera.

They were viewing the controversial photographs of the Robert Mapplethorpe
exhibition when Mark saw Andy among the crowd. He stood behind him as Andy
gazed fixedly at one of the blatantly gay pictures.

"Careful now, I can see that excites you," he whispered in his ear.

Startled, Andy first looked down at his crotch then quickly turned to
identify the cause of his confusion. Recognising Mark, his nervous giggle
was quelled by Mark's hug.

"This is a pleasant surprise. Why have you not been in touch?" asked Mark.

"It's the pressure of work and I thought I might be intruding."

"I really did want to hear from you," said Mark. "I enjoyed our meeting at
the Club." He saw Aaron approaching. "Here comes my room mate. You may have
met him at the Club. Aaron this is Andy, we met the first time I went to
the Club."

Aaron's greeting and smile was returned. "I remember, you were that great
dancer," he said. "What a great show this is, I must find a seat for my
feet are really sore. Shall we have a coffee? How about you Mark?"

They found the cafeteria and over coffee, shared their views of the
exhibition.

"So what do you think of Mapplethorpe? Is it pornography or only erotic?"
asked Aaron.

"Definitely erotic," Andy replied, "and he also seems to convey some of
their feelings when there is a couple involved. That adds to their
appeal. I know the pictures do excite me as they would any gay guy."

"How are the music courses going? asked Mark. Andy's enthusiasm soon had
Aaron very interested. Andy suggested that they might like to come to one
of the student's concerts, which invitation they enthusiastically accepted.

"One of Aaron's great loves is music," said Mark, "you two should get
together."

"How about tomorrow, Sunday?" asked Aaron enthusiastically. "We are free in
the afternoon."

"Sure," Andy replied not expecting such a quick opportunity." Mark gave him
their room number in the House and as they parted, Mark told him he very
much looked forward to see him again next day.

As Andy disappeared, Aaron said to Mark, "did you see his chest, it was
covered with hair."

"Was it the music or the hair which is the attraction? I don't want to be
jealous but I am anxious."

Aaron laughed. "Never fear, it's you that captures my heart."

"Really, or are you only kidding again?"

Mark could only just hear "really" and felt relieved.

Andy arrived soon after lunch, his shorts and unbuttoned shirt revealing
his hairiness. Aaron's warm welcome Mark felt was engendered by his
admiration He invited him to take the easy chair in the sunlight streaming
through the open window.

"Have you recovered from Mapplethorpe?" asked Mark.

"Completely. Am I glad I was there, it was my lucky day to see you again."

"And mine to meet you", interrupted Aaron.

"I have missed you at the Club and hoped you would get in touch," said
Mark.

"I am so much involved in the Music Department's activities that I have had
no free time to socialise at all."

"How is it you are so involved? You are a freshman, recently arrived?"
asked Aaron.

"Someone told the Dean about me and he introduced me to the Prof. producing
the next Faculty concert. It includes a number of opera arias.

"No kidding?" was Aaron's doubting response.

"No kidding. I've been taught singing and often take tenor leads. There are
so few tenors that they are in great demand. When Prof auditioned me, he
became quite excited, dragged in a couple of staff to listen, who
immediately began planning how I could be included. They seem to have
forgotten to ask me whether I wanted to." He laughed, "actually I don't
mind, I like performing. So will you come to the concert in the campus
theatre next Saturday evening?"

"No one will keep me away", said Aaron emphatically. "So what else is so
important in your life?"

"Guys."

"Not girls?" asked Mark with a grin.

"No doubt, like you, I am looking for that special guy to be my life long
partner."

"That's me", said Aaron, "a bear to cuddle who has no inhibitions and is
great sex."

"Like Mark?" asked Andy.

Mark spluttered

"Could be, we are discovering whether we are compatible and developing a
repertoire of great sex that we both enjoy."

Mark looked embarrassed. "Lucky you," Andy said to Mark, "I would die for a
friend like Aaron, would you share?"

"Here we go again", said Aaron displaying his `I told you so`
expression. "Mark seems to think sex between two guys is not to be shared,
don't you Mark?" Not waiting for an answer, he continued. "Sex is only a
human need that must be met, it may or may not involve love. No big
deal. No doubt you have that need as we do. Friends should provide
opportunities to help each other."

"Once we know each other better, I might be more agreeable", said Mark.

Aaron laughed, "Mark can't get enough of my smooth body just as I can't get
enough of his silky fur. I bet you too would also be a great teddy in bed."

Andy grinned, "do you want to find out?"

"May be, some day maybe", Aaron replied.

Mark changed the subject. "Where is your home town, are you a country boy
like us?"

"No way, born and bred a city slicker, an only child, living nearby in
Karori with my parents. My dad is the Managing Director of a large Company
who travels a lot so I have been sent to boarding schools. I often went
overseas with my parents during holidays so have seen many countries."

"How did you find time to learn singing?" asked Mark.

"I was taught the piano from an early age and, when my mother realised I
had a good voice, she decided it should be trained. This I loved and was
enthusiastic for I hoped to be an opera singer. When overseas I was often
taken to operas, the spectacle, drama and magnificent voices completely
enthralled me. I have to be part of that scene. Recently I attended master
classes taken by Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo and these have helped a
lot. I live alone when my parents are away, but we do have a housekeeper
who looks after me."

"Are you out?" asked Aaron.

"Only to those who ask. I told my parents I was gay when I was 14 and it
did not seem to bother them. They encourage my music and are interested in
the arts and seem to know a lot of gay artists.

"Who do others say you sound like?" asked Mark.

"Andrea Bocelli, but that maybe because I sing many of the same
songs. Anyway they are already giving me leading roles in productions of
the Music Department even though I am still learning. That's enough about
me, tell me more about yourselves."

Mark already knows that I am persona non grata at home because I am gay,"
said Aaron. "I kept it a secret until my last year at High School. We lived
in a small country town where conformity is expected. I have told my
younger brother and sister. My father told me very clearly that 'I was no
son of his', so I stay well away. I miss them and I know that mom and the
others still love me. I was always a pretty boy so was teased a lot and had
few friends. It was a great feeling of escape when I came to Wellington and
the University. At last I did not need to hide my sexuality and could find
gay friends".

He voice faltered and his moist eyes indicated his strong emotions. Mark
could see his grief was torturing him and to relieve the pressure of
silence, he said to Andy "I still have to experience parental disapproval
and distress. I have no idea how my parents and my brother and sister will
receive the news that I am gay. I am too scared to come out to them. I have
made sure that I am seen to be a typical acceptable, boy, youth, man, so I
play sport, talk dirty with an active interest in girls, even if of a short
duration. I have hated it and myself for living a lie. I was taught the
piano for my parents knew I was very fond of music. Like Aaron, coming to
varsity was liberating, for at last I can both talk about and experience
gay sex. At last I have met guys with interests like mine who have an
empathy for and understanding of my situation."

They spent the afternoon talking about their experiences of home, family,
friends and their adjustment to their sexual feelings. They felt so
comfortable with each other that they did not hesitate to share intimate
details and never before acknowledged feelings. There were moments when
they wept, others when they laughed at the absurd attitudes and beliefs,
and often how they made others sound and look foolish by their
prejudice. They shared the ridicule and sometimes hatred that was
experienced.

"No wonder we hid out true selves," said Andy. The boys in the dorm at
boarding school would play around, some mutual masturbating, but no one
admitted it was happening. It was dismissed as 'part of the maturing
process'. They loved it and the gay boys knew who wanted it and were
willing partners." Andy chuckled as he remembered.

It was after 7 when Mark groaned, "we have missed dinner and we have kept
you far too long Andy."

"Would you care to have dinner with me?" he asked. "A friend of my father
manages Le Bistro Restaurant, I am sure he would find us a table."

"We are hardly dressed for formal dining," said Aaron.

"It's got a bohemian atmosphere so clean slacks, shirts and some coloured
accessories will make us acceptable."

"I love dressing up", said Aaron all of a flutter. "Now what have I got?"

He placed black velvet slacks, a pink shirt and a red scarf on the bed
followed by more of the same colourful items. "Try them on", he said.

There was a lot of teasing and ribald opinions of suitability before each
of them was dressed in a neat if somewhat eye-catching style. Andy led the
way to where he had parked his red Fiat sports car. Mark's admiration of
this snazzy up-market model caused Andy to hurry him up and get aboard. He
squeezed into the narrow back seat and to the roar of a powerful engine
they took off.

Le Bistro was an Italian restaurant in Lambton Quay. It was already full
when they arrived and Andy asked Reception for a table for 3. A haughty
Maitre d' was telling him there were no vacancies when a loud voice with a
foreign accent interrupted him.

"Andy, my darling boy how good it is to see you. How is your mama and
papa?" A short swarthy man hugged him before kissing both his cheeks. "It
is so good to see you. Of course we can find a table for you and your
friends, but on one condition," he smiled., "that you will sing for us,
yes?"

Andy hugged him, "of course I will sing for you Leonardo, if we could first
eat." He winked at Mark. "Here we sing for our supper. Can you sight read
and play for me?"

Mark gulped. "Sure, I hope we can choose well known ones that I have
accompanied before."

"Good, good, come with me," said Leonardo. He crossed the dining room floor
followed by the boys to an empty table in an alcove up two steps. "It is on
the house if you make my guests happy. I know you will," he added as he
clasped Andy's shoulder.

"What have you let yourself in for?" asked Aaron.

"Don't worry, I have often sung here for Leo, so it is no big deal."

"Well you are certainly dressed appropriately," said Mark. Andy wore royal
blue cotton slacks, an orange shirt with a page boy collar and ruffled
sleeves and a sky blue cummerbund His brown shoulder length hair with it's
deep waves, broad shoulders and fine figure drew many eyes. A silver
bracelet, discrete gold earing and thin gold chains around his neck made
him look very impressive.

It was a delicious meal with each course a credit to the chef. Leonardo
sent them a complementary bottle of Chardonnay which Andy said he would
prefer to drink after he sang. As they were drinking coffee, Leonardo
approached with a pile of sheet music and gave it to Andy. He moved closer
to Mark and together and together they selected four songs that they both
knew. They made their way to the dais where a classical guitarist had been
playing. Mark sat at the piano and Andy stood at the microphone on a stand.

"It is my pleasure to introduce Andrew Wilson who often entertains my
guests with his delightful voice. He has chosen four songs from his
extensive repertoire. He is accompanied on the piano by Mark
Turner. Leonardo silently clapped as he turned to Andy, then left the
dais. Mark's began with Torna a Surriento. The diners quietened and they
turned their chairs to listen.

Aaron was stunned as the strong clear voice gave new meaning to the
familiar ballad. The longing for a return to a beautiful experience with
someone special could be felt as Andy's rendition was filled with
emotion. He captured his audience as his eyes found those of an earnest
listener and it became a personal message. Enthusiastic applause followed
the brief silence as the song ended. This was followed by the more robust
Granada, the crescendo of the high notes were firm and displayed first
class training. He sang with joy as if inviting others to share it. Again
it was enthusiastically received. With the same sincerity, O Sole Mio
followed and again was well received. He had chosen the current popular hit
of Andrea Bocelli Con Te Partiro ( Time to say goodbye ) for the final
number. The quiet introduction on the piano was recognised with delight for
a few clapped. This time Andy made the words personal for many. His eyes
found many others particularly among the women, and he sang as if to her or
him alone. The women held his gaze but many of the men turned away
embarrassed. Then he noticed Julia Weston, one of his class mates sitting
with a middle aged couple and a youth about 17. The handsome youth was
spellbound. Andy smiled recognition to Julia and emphasised the sadness of
parting as he held her gaze. She was enthralled. He looked at the lad and
felt the return longing of suppressed emotion. Tears were in his
eyes. Several times his eyes lingered on a few, especially the youth. As
the song ended on the high sustained note, the audience exploded. The
applause was deafening and encores were demanded from every direction. Andy
looked at Mark, he smiled and again began the introduction. Andy could not
repeat the intense emotion of his first rendition but it was also
enthusiastically appreciated. As they left the dais to weave their way
between the tables, many thanked Andy, the more profuse stopped him and he
would take the hand of the lady and kiss it. When he reached Julia she
stood and hugged him, then introduced him to her parents and brother Jerry,
who he noticed was in a wheelchair. He introduced Mark.

"You are terrific," said Jerry. "Julia has told us that you have a great
voice, we are fortunate to be here tonight to hear it. I do hope we meet
again." There was a longing in his voice.

As they returned to Aaron, Andy said to Mark, "I feel terrible landing that
on you without any preparation. You are a really good accompanist. Would
you do it again for me?"

"I enjoyed it, you are easy to follow, not like some I have played for. It
would have been better after rehearsals."

"So this is not the first time?"

"No, I have often been asked to accompany vocalists when the usual ones
were not available."

"Andy you have made quite an impression tonight and you two are likely to
be very much in demand," said Aaron. "Oh, oh, here comes another bottle of
vino.

Leonardo appeared, highly delighted. "You are marvellous, oh boy what a
voice. It is a night many here will never forget. Thank you, thank you
Andy. The dinner is on he house and here is another bottle of Chardonnay."
He kissed his cheek and ruffled his hair. "Your Papa will be proud of you."

As Andy pulled up at the entrance to the House Aaron asked him if he would
care to stay the night as it was very late. "You can have my bed and I can
sleep with Mark."

"He might prefer to sleep with you," said Mark.

"Thanks guys, but this time I must go home. There will be another time. It
has been a great day and I will be in touch." They hugged Andy before he
drove away.

"It's just you and I lover boy", said Aaron.

"The way I like it", Mark replied.

To be continued.

The author Stewart Ransom invites comments.
E-mail address:  nivision@manawatu.gen.nz