Date: Tue, 7 Nov 2023 17:35:33 +0000 From: Steve Subject: Luke's Big Adventure - 11 DISCLAIMER: This is a story. None of the characters in the story exist and the events that take place are purely imaginary. WARNING: Do not read this story if you are in any way offended by acts of a homosexual nature. Do not read this if you are under the legal age for accessing adult sites. Always indulge in safe sex. Nifty relies on donations to keep the site going and free to users, please donate generously. Please donate at https://donate.nifty.org/ Luke's big adventure - 11 A story by Steve Rose After Luke had spoken to the swimming coach and explained the reason for his request, he was excited to let Jake know that he would be able to come to the Thanksgiving meal. He did not have to wait long because that evening was the re-launch of the cycling club that had been suspended since the fatal accident and the group was meeting in the same location as the swimming training. The teenagers met after their individual sessions had ended, Luke waiting for Jake to appear before they cycled back home together. The American was as pleased as his British lover at the news and, although they would have liked to celebrate in style, they both had assignments to finish and so, after a long hug, mutual touching and several enjoyable kisses, they parted. For the next few days swimming and school work took precedence over social activities as Luke sought to regain some of the reputation he had lost a few weeks earlier. The only annoying thing was that Cindi was still sniffing around although to be fair this was mainly in regard to Luke. The reporter had dropped all attempts to contact Jake but was still keen to talk to the British teen about a number of matters such as how the new swimming coach was settling in; the Chris Smart Cup and the imminent announcement of awards for local heroes, for which Luke had been nominated. Finally, she managed to get the teenager's agreement to a short interview in which he had stated quite honestly that the new coach Brian, although different in style from his predecessor, had settled in well and that the team was happy with their progress. On the question of the local hero awards, Luke remained as he had been from the beginning adamant that he did not deserve such an honour as he had only done what any reasonable person would have done in the circumstances. Finally, the youngster expressed the feeling of himself and his fellow teammates in regard to the proposed Chris Smart Cup stating that they all felt that it was a very fitting way to honour the memory of their friend and that he hoped very much that the team of which he had been a valued member would win the cup later in the year. When the interview was published, Brian took Luke to one side, thanked him for his comments and agreed that winning the cup was important. Luke's academic and swimming performances improved markedly and his teachers and coach told him that they were pleased that he was returning to the position he had been in before the accident. Jake had also done well now that the concern about the inquest was over but he still had moments when he was overcome by emotion when he remembered how lucky he had been. After several days of high anticipation, the day of the Thanksgiving meal finally arrived. Luke made his way over to Jake's house and realised that, although his lover had been a frequent visitor to his house, this would be the first time he had visited the Johnson home. He rang the bell nervously but was made very welcome by Jake and his mom, Kate, who directed him towards the main living room. Luke realised that the house was very small compared to his own and understood why, as they were now staying for much longer than they had anticipated, they wanted to move to somewhere bigger. Inside the living room, there were two other older couples, American friends of the Johnsons, talking to Jake's dad. Kate introduced Luke to the other guests, `This is Luke, a very good friend of Jake's and his special guest for today. He's been a great help and support in getting him integrated at school and after the recent accident he has really been Jake's rock.' Brett Johnson walked over and gripped Luke's hand firmly and also thanked the teenager who blushed because he hated being the centre of attention. The other two couples were introduced as Larry and Josephine and Paul and Charlotte and they too shook the teenager's hand before Brett said, `And there is one other member of the family for you to meet, although he's a bit shy. Over there is our surprise baby, Ethan, who is not yet two years old but wants to meet everybody. Isn't that right, little buddy?' A small boy turned and grinned at his father and brother before giving Luke a thorough appraisal. Once that was completed the toddler ran towards the two teenagers and gently collided with them. Ethan laughed uproariously as the two older boys fell backwards pretending to have been overwhelmed by this onslaught. Before any more damage could be done, Kate reappeared and presented a glass of soda to both teenagers and announced that they should all move into the dining room as dinner was ready. Everyone moved into a small but adequate room that had just enough room to accommodate all the guests and Ethan's high chair. Luke waited as nobody was sitting down and Jake whispered that his dad would say grace before the meal and probably say a few words before the food was served. As expected, Brett stood at the head of the table and started to speak, `I am going to invite someone from each family group to say a few words about the things for which they are thankful.' Someone from each of the other visitors responded to the invitation and then it was Jake's father's turn, `Normally at this time, I'm sure I would have spoken about the benefits of living in the United States and the advantages that our combined families have enjoyed over many years. I would also have talked about all the things for which we, as a family, are thankful, but this year I feel that is even more than ever true. We are thankful for Jake's lucky escape in the accident a while ago and the fact that having moved far away from our home and its familiarity we have met and made great and supportive friends and so has Jake. I haven't told him this but I wondered if he might also like to add a few words of his own before we say grace.' Jake squirmed with embarrassment but managed a few words, `Like Dad just said, I have a lot to be thankful for: a warm, loving, and supportive family and some really great friends. These new friends have all helped me settle into life in England, but I especially want to thank Luke, who is here tonight. Without his constant support and encouragement, I would have struggled for sure. I know I'm lucky to be alive and I want to make my family proud of me by being the best I can possibly be. Thank you.' When he finished speaking, a blushing Luke patted his boyfriend on the back and whispered his congratulations. A moment later grace was said and the party sat down to eat. As every parent knows teenagers are voracious eaters and that night was no exception and Luke and Jake munched their way through copious amounts of food. The British teenager made a mental note that he would need to do extra gym work to counteract the effects of eating such a big meal. Halfway through the celebration Ethan, despite his best efforts not to do so, fell asleep and Kate whisked him off to bed. When the meal was over, it was clear that the teenagers would not really be able to have time alone. Jake had said that he expected that his folks would want to have a video call with other members of the family back in America very soon after the meal finished. Looking at the clock, as it was, in any case, getting late, Luke decided, reluctantly, to go home. Before he left, the polite young man sought out Kate and Brett and thanked them for a wonderful meal, and said how honoured he felt to have been invited, receiving a kiss on the cheek for his troubles. Luke made his farewells with the other guests, got his coat and made his way to the front door. Jake followed his British friend out of the house and before they parted the pair hugged and exchanged kisses before Luke walked slowly home. When he got back, there was a text from Jake, 'So sorry we didn't have a chance to do much tonight, but I'll make it up to you over the weekend. Maybe I could have a sleepover? xxxx' Luke instantly replied with a thumbs-up emoji. The following day Luke was as good as his promise and spent extra time in the gym working off any excess calories from the day before. The second full team meeting had been scheduled for the following day and he was determined to not let his standards slip. The full team was due to gather at the practice pools early on the Saturday morning but it was soon obvious that Ahmad was missing. Looking tired and depressed, he appeared twenty minutes late and was greeted with a withering look from Brian, who ordered the latecomer to do extra work in the gym. Ahmad dragged himself off and only reappeared when it was time for him to swim some laps before taking part in the relay. Over the past few months the teenager had shown great improvement and, although not as good as Chris had been, was still a strong swimmer. On this occasion, however, Ahmad was nowhere near his best and he was almost caught by his younger opponent, hanging on by just a fingertip. Brian glared at the young swimmer who had almost managed to fritter away a lead that the other members of the team had built up. Realising that his friend was not in a good place, Luke recognised that he needed to step in and caught the coach's eye and shook his head. He indicated that he would prefer to find out from his friend what the problem was and then report back. To his credit, Brian took the hint and the groups broke up and started socialising with each other. Adam or Zac, Luke still couldn't tell them apart even when they were naked, was talking to a member of the girls' team and his brother was talking to one of the diving team. Taking his opportunity, Luke walked over and said to Ahmad, `What's up with you, mate?' Ahmad sat down and let out a long sigh, `Yesterday, my parents and I had a great argument and I walked out. They told me that I needed to give up swimming because it was affecting my academic progress and also restricting their ability to arrange a suitable marriage for me. You have to understand that they want me to marry a good Muslim girl and get employed in a suitable profession like a lawyer or a doctor but I don't want to do anything like that. I shouted at them that I did not want to marry now or maybe even ever and certainly not someone they had chosen for me. If I married it would be to someone I had chosen. I said that I wanted to keep on swimming I enjoyed it and that I was getting better and better and now was not the time to stop doing something that I found relaxing and that I was good at. I finished by shouting that I was doing fine academically and that I hoped to go to University and study English Literature and Theatre. You can imagine their reaction. My dad did his "no son of mine ..." speech and told me of all the sacrifices the family had made to ensure my educational success. He demanded that I obey his wishes or leave. So I said I'd leave and support myself. I took some clothes from my room, packed a bag and took off. I hadn't thought it through because I was so angry and I had nowhere to go, so I spent last night in a doorway and it was cold and wet.' Luke was taken aback by what he had just heard and his face showed nothing but concern, `Fuck, that sounds terrible. You can't sleep outside at this time of year. Come and stay at mine. Assuming you didn't tell your parents that you prefer boys to girls, I'm sure they'll relent and you can go back home in a few days.' Ahmad shook his head as he replied, `I certainly didn't say anything about my sexual preferences but I'm not sure if they will have me back and, to be honest, I'm not sure whether I want to go back. Thanks for your offer to stay with you, but won't you have to ask your parents first?' `Nah, not really. You know my mum she is never happier than when there is a houseful. Jake's supposed to be coming for a sleepover tonight so an extra person will not be any bother, but I will text her and let he know and, when we get home, we can talk to my parents about your situation and see if they have any bright ideas.' `OK, but as Jake's coming tonight you won't want me cramping your style, and only if you're sure.' Luke put his arm around his friend's shoulder and said reassuringly, `I know Jake will be understanding and he, like me, would never want a friend to have to live rough. OK?' Ahmad nodded and hugged his friend tightly. Brian came over at that moment and Luke indicated that he wanted to talk in private. The coach took the teenager to one side and he related the main points of his conversation with Ahmad and the arrangement they had come to. Brian was as shocked as Luke had been after he heard the team member's problems and readily agreed that sleeping rough was neither desirable nor safe and was a reasonable excuse for the teenager's poor performance. The coach also agreed that there must be the hope that the family would become reconciled but that in the meantime Luke's offer should be taken up even though it was clearly only a temporary solution. The coach was reassured by Luke's assurance that they would both be present and on time the following day. Before he left the poolside, Luke texted his mum and Jake and explained that there would be an extra guest for the night. He received an `OK' from his mum and a `?' from Jake. Replying to his boyfriend, the teenager simply said that he would explain later. The two friends arrived back at the house some time before Jake was expected. While the teenagers sat in the kitchen eating some homemade cake and drinking a cup of tea Ahmad gave an edited explanation of what had happened. Although she had been taken aback by what she had heard, Luke's mum tried to stay calm and offer the youngster her support and reassured him that under no circumstances would she stand by and let Ahmad sleep outside again. At the same time, she indicated that she and her husband would do everything they could to enable the matter to be resolved. Jake arrived shortly after and the three teenagers prepared to adjourn upstairs to Luke's but before he left the teenager's mum said, `Before you join your friends I wanted to say something. You know that your dad and I love having your friends here but I am worried that you cannot go on all sleeping in the bed together. You're all big lads and there can't be enough room for you all to get comfortable. Have you given any thought to how they will all fit in together?' Luke smiled at his mum and replied, `Yes, mum, I agree. We can sort out who sleeps where but I know I can find a sleeping bag and one of us can sleep on the sofa. We've done that before, so there's no need to worry.' `OK, Luke but one more thing before you go. I assume Ahmad is Muslim. Do I need to do anything in terms of his eating?' `Nah, mum. He eats most things, maybe not bacon and ham but most other things are OK. He loves pizza but he's on a diet like me with the swimming competition coming up so just do what you'd normally do for me. You know we'll eat it as it's always wonderful!' `Oh get on with you, flattery will get you everywhere. Now get on with you and entertain your guests. Food will be about an hour.' `Thanks, mum, you're the best.' When Jake arrived he had to try hard to avoid showing how disappointed he was that the sleepover was not just for himself and Luke. However, once he heard Ahmad's story, he was somewhat mollified and understood why his boyfriend had acted in the way he had. For once the teenagers were joined for a meal in the kitchen by Luke's parents. It was getting cold as autumn was turning towards winter and so a warming beef casserole was on the menu. Despite having produced an amount that she hoped would last for two meals, Luke's mum watched in amazement as the teenagers devoured every last bit of food and followed this up with large portions of apple pie and ice cream. During the meal, Mr Townsend had raised the subject of how they might help arrange a reconciliation between Ahmad and his family. The consensus was that it might be best if Luke's mum spoke to her opposite number in Ahmad's family to explore ways of resolving the matter. In the meantime, it was accepted that Ahmad should stay with Luke. After they had eaten, the three teenagers went off to the leisure centre gym and the two swimmers spent an hour on strength and stamina training while Jake went to find out when the cycling group was next scheduled to hold a meeting. When they returned -- hungry again -- the teenagers raided the fridge and went up to Luke's room with their booty. The trio sat around the room eating and chatting before they decided to fire up the games console and spent a short while competing against each other. As there was another swimming practice the following morning they did not play for long before it was agreed that it was time for bed. Luke produced a sleeping bag and laid it on the sofa explaining what his mother had said about the cramped nature of having three big teens in a bed. Jake gave Ahmad a look that communicated very clearly that he expected to be the one sharing the bed with Luke. The Pakistani teen fully understood the situation and was aware of the burgeoning relationship between his swimming team friend and the American teenager. In response to the look he received, Ahmad gave a slight nod and moved to organise the sleeping bag on the sofa so that he would be comfortable. Luke and Jake got into the bed in just their underwear and Ahmad followed suit. Once the lights were off there was a brief period of chatter before the room gradually became silent. Jake waited a few more minutes before he turned towards his boyfriend and worked his hand inside the waistband of Luke's shorts and reached inside to grasp the already-hard erection. The British teen gave an almost imperceptible sigh as he reached over to reciprocate. Ahmad, who was fully aware of what was happening a short distance across the room, pretended to be asleep and gently massaged his own rock-hard prick trying to make as little noise as possible as he started to wank. In the bed, Jake had burrowed under the sheets and was using his skilful lips and tongue to send waves of pleasure through Luke's body. Easing back the foreskin the American took the full length of his boyfriend's cock into his mouth and throat bringing a low moan of pleasure from Luke, who slowly began to thrust in and out between the welcoming lips. The British teen held Jake's head in place as he thrust faster and faster until he reached the point of no return and, struggling not altogether successfully to control his breathing, shot ropes of spunk down the American's throat. Hearing the unmistakable sound of Luke's orgasm, Ahmad stroked his rampant cock faster and worried that his own actions would be heard by the other two teens. As soon as he had recovered his breath, Luke turned over and pushed back against Jake's groin and the horny American quickly freed his prick from the confines of his shorts and ran the tip around the British teenager's hole, coating it with pre-cum. Smearing more lubricant onto his finger, Jake inserted a finger into the hole and made every effort to open it so that he could slide inside without much difficulty. Slowly but steadily the American teenager's dick slid inside his British lover's warm and welcoming hole. Luke pushed back to meet the invading shaft and the two began to develop a mutually compatible rhythm until Jake began to feel the build-up of his climax and he began to thrust harder into Luke who used his arse muscles to grip the shaft increasingly tighter until he felt the tell-tale throbbing that was the prelude to his bowels being sprayed with the American teenager's hot cum. Jake gave out a slight gasp of pleasure as he reached orgasm and this drowned out a similar moan from Ahmad whose own moment of supreme pleasure had been reached at almost the same time as that of the American. Finally satisfied, all three teenagers relaxed into sleep. Luke was always an early riser and he was already in the shower before either of the other two teenagers had even stirred. After some time, Ahmad made his way towards the en-suite and found his host stepping out of the shower. Luke smiled at his friend and said, `All yours. Enjoy!' A moment later, Jake appeared and, encouraged by his boyfriend, went into the shower to join the young teen who was already in there. Ahmad grinned at the newcomer and each admired the morning hard-on that the other was displaying. In an effort to be supportive of his fellow teen's plight, the young American dropped to his knees and took Ahmad's dick between his lips. Jake proceeded to lick, suck and tease until his partner began to thrust urgently into his throat and moaned with pleasure as he shot a load into the gobbling throat. Ahmad leaned back against the shower wall but was anxious to offer something in return and so he slowly used the shower gel to was all over Jake's body. When he reached the rampant prick the horny teen proceeded to wank the American in a slow and sensual way ensuring that the pleasure he was giving was as prolonged as possible. Despite his partner's best efforts, it soon became clear that Jake was not going to last long, and within a few minutes his piss slit opened and ropes of spunk splattered into the air and landed on Ahmad and on the sides of the shower before the water washed them away. The two teenagers hugged and then finished showering and reappeared in Luke's room looking more than happy. The host was equally pleased that the slight tension he had discerned that had existed between Ahmad and Jake the night before had dissipated. Luke sat quietly at his desk as he watched his two guests dress and then led them downstairs to the kitchen for breakfast. The two swimmers were expected for an early start at the practice pool and so, after they had had a light breakfast, the teenagers got ready to leave, with Jake heading home and Luke and Ahmad heading towards the leisure centre. During Sunday afternoon the two teenagers and Luke's parents discussed the next steps and decided that the following day, Mrs Townsend would contact Ahmad's school and explain the situation. Everyone hoped that with their help and the contacts the education service had with other agencies, a resolution of the family dispute could be found. For his part, Ahmad was not very confident but agreed that everything should be tried that could lead to a reconciliation with his family which he was missing. However, he also made it clear that if his parents were agreeable he would prefer with Luke at least until after the swimming contest. This was agreed, although Mrs Townsend also volunteered to keep Ahmad's family informed and act as a go-between in the hope that he could soon return home. With the swimming competition scheduled for the end of the week, the strength and fitness training and practice in the pool increased in intensity to ensure that the team would be in peak condition. When the demands of swimming were added to the pressures of the end of the Christmas term activities and the need to complete assignments for submission before the holidays began, there was little extra time for other activities. On the Sunday night, even though Luke offered a share of his bed, Ahmad declined and chose to remain on the sofa, sensitive to the relationship that had developed between his host and Jake. The pressing needs of the teenagers did not stop them getting together, however. When Luke realised that he, Ahmad and Jake were all studying `Richard III' and `The Tempest', they spent an evening comparing notes and opinions on the plays. Ahmad with his keen interest in theatre proved to be very useful and helpful in the preparation of the assignments they each had to complete before the end of term. Finally, the day of the competition arrived. The county swimming association had involved itself in the organisation and, with the agreement of all concerned, decided to use the occasion to raise funds for local charities. Family and friends of the participants, along with members of Chris Smart's family were invited to attend and make a donation and other members of the public were asked to pay a small fee for a ticket. As a consequence, the spectator galleries were packed some time before the scheduled start of the event. Brian had been nominated by his fellow coaches to act as head coach for the day and he gathered the complete squad together before they went off to get ready for the contest. The coach gave a short speech of encouragement, told his team that they had prepared well, that they had the right capabilities and determination to win, and that however well they performed they should be proud to be involved in the event honouring Chris Smart. He handed over to Luke who had been similarly selected as captain for the day and the teenager reiterated that they were good enough to win the cup and that they weren't doing it for themselves but for their former teammate, Chris. To say that things did not go as well as they had hoped would be a good summary of Luke's team's performance. The group had been taken aback when they first met their opponents, who all seemed to be bigger in size and stronger than they were. The competition began badly with both Zac and his twin, Adam, losing their races to the opposition. On the other hand, members of the girls' team fared rather better and ensured that both groups were more or less level. The divers also seemed to be having an off day and trailed behind their rivals but managed to gradually claw themselves back into contention with honours finally being even. Luke was amazed that he was the smallest of the competitors in his event and felt that he was lucky to win the race by just a touch. The younger members of the team shared the victories in their races with Sam and David being triumphant and Andy losing in a tight breaststroke race. The girls produced similarly mixed results. As the event moved towards its climax, the teams were level-pegging. This meant that the outcome of the freestyle and relay medley races would be crucial. After an agonising loss for Nick by a touch, Luke's team had fallen behind on wins and the stage was set for Ahmad, who put his troubles aside, to swim faster than he had ever done before and won the race to bring the teams level. After that, only the relays remained and the girl's teams shared success, meaning that everything hung on the outcome of the junior and senior men's races. Despite their relatively disappointing individual performances, Sam, Andy, David and Nick just edged the race and Luke's team needed to win to ensure that they would be awarded the cup. Zac started well in the backstroke lap and kept the team in touch but not ahead. Usually, he was not affected by nerves, but on this occasion, Luke started badly and, despite his best efforts, only partially made up the lost ground and, at handover, there was still a small deficit between themselves and their opponents. Andy was determined to make up for his loss in the individual race and produced an amazing performance that meant that when he handed over to Ahmad the teams were neck-and-neck. Ahmad powered up the lane and turned with a slight lead as he headed for the finish. Cheered on by his teammates, the teenager put in a final spurt and won by the narrowest of margins. Once the result was confirmed and he had climbed out of the pool, Ahmad was swamped by his cheering team. The spectators in the galleries were also cheering loudly showing their appreciation for having enjoyed a really competitive and evenly balanced competition. Luke turned to the opposing captain and thanked her for a really enjoyable and tense contest. He received a reply that was not just one of congratulations but also a promise that they would be back the following year to win the trophy. While the officials prepared for the presentation of the cup, the two teams mingled together chatting and exchanging comments and congratulations. Once everything was in place, Oliver Brown, the chair of the county swimming association, stepped forward and spoke, `Ladies and Gentlemen, I am sure you will agree with me that we have had a very entertaining and hard-fought afternoon of swimming. The result was in doubt until the final race. I believe I can say that the purpose of this competition which was to honour the memory of Chris Smart has been more than adequately met. In a moment I will ask Luke Townsend to step forward to receive the Chris Smart Cup but before that, I would like to invite Luke's former team coach, Paul Smart to step forward and make the presentation. Before I do so, however, I wish to announce that we have raised more than £1500 for local charities and, on their behalf, I wish to thank you most sincerely. Now, over to Paul to make the presentation.' The audience applauded loudly not only in response to the amount raised but also to the appearance of the popular former coach. Nobody had noticed Paul and his sudden appearance came as a great surprise. The former coach stepped forward and, after the applause and cheering subsided, he spoke quietly, `The last few months have been very hard for my brother and the whole of Chris' family along with myself, but today we have seen everyone here taking part in a celebration of his life and for that, we, as a family, will never forget. I want to thank you all for your participation in today's event and congratulate every swimmer here, whether they won or lost, on making this day the success it has been. Luke, it gives me enormous pleasure to present to you the first award of the Chris Smart Cup.' Luke walked slowly forward, shook hands with Paul and received the Cup. Had people got close enough they would have seen that both the former coach and the teenager were close to tears as the exchange took place. Luke composed himself and lifted the Cup above his head in the time-honoured manner. Paul paused for a moment for the applause and cheering to die down before deciding that he would say a few words, `I am proud to have been the leader of the team that won the Chris Smart Cup and I want to thank all members of my team for their great contribution to this victory. I would also like to congratulate and thank our opponents, who made this a very close contest. The spirit of sportsmanship and good relationships today are a fitting tribute to our friend, Chris. I hope and believe that he would have been proud of everyone participating in this event here today. Thank you.' As Luke stepped away, the audience burst into applause and he was swamped by members of both teams. As it was mid-December, nobody had a great desire to linger and the teams broke up to return to the changing rooms. Once they were dressed and had gathered in the foyer, parents and friends joined them and offered congratulations or commiserations to individual members of the teams. Jake gave Luke a great big hug when he finally got close enough to his boyfriend. Ahmad gave a shy smile when he saw that his assumption of their closeness was confirmed. Another of Luke's friends who was also grinning broadly was Mike, who had returned from boarding school and he and Jake had been given a lift to the venue by his best friend's parents. Luke broke away from the hug to embrace Mike who whispered his congratulations not only on the swimming but also on the relationship with Jake. Gradually the hubbub died down and parents gained access to their children and arrangements for final collection were settled. Luke was especially pleased that he managed to get the opportunity to speak briefly with Paul before he left. The coach and his protégé embraced warmly and the older man said quietly that he hoped to see the teenager at the next national training sessions. After that, Paul made his excuses and left having found the whole afternoon emotionally draining. As it was Saturday evening the county association had hired a nearby school hall where there was to be a buffet supper and disco for team members and their guests. The teenagers quickly devoured the food before drifting off into various groups which were mixed both in terms of the sexes but also in terms of the teams they were members of. Everyone had a very enjoyable time but the effects of the efforts during the swimming contest began to take their toll and things began to wind down after a couple of hours. Luke's dad arrived to take him home, along with Mike, Jake and Ahmad. The group decided that they would have a `proper catch-up' the following morning as Luke and Ahmad were both quite tired. When they got home, Luke's mum said that she had some good news. All through the week there had been discussions involving various parties and it seemed likely that Ahmad would be able to return home in a couple of days. There had been an agreement that the teenager's parents would accept their son's choice of study at University but that Ahmad would in other matters have to be respectful of his parents' rules and wishes. Molly Townsend said that she hoped that what had been agreed in principle would be acceptable to Ahmad, who indicated that he felt it was likely to be the best settlement he could have hoped for. When the teenagers retired to Luke's room they had a brief discussion of the proposed `settlement' and agreed that Ahmad, who was minded to agree, should sleep on it but, on the whole, it was probably the best outcome. As on the previous nights, Ahmad slept on the sofa and Luke in his bed alone and within minutes of them settling down they fell asleep. The following morning over breakfast, Ahmad announced that he had decided he was willing to accept the proposed settlement. Luke's father, Robert, said that he thought the youngster was making the right decision but added that it would be a couple of days before all the `i's and `t's had been dotted but by mid-week Ahmad should be back home. Ahmad thanked both Luke's parents for all their support and hospitality and added he especially wanted to thank his friend for making sure he did not `rough' sleep for more than a day. All the Townsends accepted the thanks but added that they were only too pleased to help. Pleased with the outcome, Molly Townsend said, `That's a good outcome. I expect you'll be having a few visitors today? Didn't I see Mike was back?' `Yes, mum. He said that he and Jake would be over sometime this morning so we can catch up.' `And will they want lunch?' Molly Townsend did not need to wait for a verbal response as the look on her son's face told her the answer. She would be in for a busy morning! To be continued? I hope you liked this part of the story. If you would like to hear about the continuing adventures of Luke, Mike and Jake and their growing band of friends, let me know. Feedback, good and bad, is always welcome and helpful to authors. Thank you to those who have written, your comments were much appreciated. If you liked this story, search for my other stories on Nifty under Steve Rose but, if you want to send comments only use the current email address cutrose406@gmail.com Remember to donate to Nifty: https://donate.nifty.org/