A New Life for Jordan ch 38

A New Life for Jordan

By: Rob Warr

Chapter 38

The Will

"Boys!" Mrs. Kelly said from the kitchen as she peeked around the corner.

"Yes ma," Seth giggled, "What's cookin'?"

"Beans," she said in an even voice.

Something was up, Jordy thought. He knew his mother well, and she usually went right along with Seth's teasing.

The four boys entered the dining area then, and were surprised to see Mr. Kelly leaning against the counter, and only then did he speak, "Hi boys, have a seat please. Would you like something to drink?"

"Dad, what's up?" Jordy asked, both his parents were acting funny, and he was worried there was more bad news.

"We're good, Mr. K," Seth said for them all, "What's up. Did we do something wrong?"

"What? No, no, not at all," Mr. Kelly said frowning, "it's just, well...my wife and I received some more news today that we'd like to share with all of you."

"Good news I hope," Jordy muttered.

"Yes, well...at least it's not bad news," Mr. Kelly said, not explaining further.

"I'll have a glass of that wine, dear," Mrs. Kelly said then, and suddenly the boys found they were thirsty after all.

Though they weren't allowed to have wine, the four soon found something to drink and were seated at the table again, eager to hear what the adults had to say. Mrs. Kelly began, taking a sip of her wine, then sitting it down and looking directly at Lee.

"Lee, I don't know if you knew this or not, but your parents were quite well off." She waited a moment to let that sink in, then continued. Besides the house, the cars, and personal property, your parents owned several pieces of real estate in Chicago and the surrounding area, and had interests in two businesses."

"So...what does that mean?" Lee said looking confused, "am I rich now?"

Mr. Kelly laughed softly and came to sit beside his wife. He was sipping a bottle of beer, and he looked more relaxed now than at first, and the boys relaxed as well.

"I know we probably should of told you boys, and we thought about it a dozen times, but we just never got around to it. Lee, your parents were part owners in the campgrounds. They gave us the startup money, and kept us afloat till business picked up this spring. The good news is: we have already repaid most of the loan...but as it turned out, it really wasn't necessary."

What...what do you mean?" Lee asked looking confused, "you mean, my folks paid for part of the camp and stuff?'

"Yes, they offered their help when we first started thinking about the move, but at first we were reluctant to accept their help. We didn't want to risk our friendship by mixing business with pleasure, but...in the end, we sort of compromised, accepting a small, zero interest loan for 10% ownership in the business."

"So...what happens now?" Jordy said looking worried, "we're not gonna lose the campgrounds are we?"

Mr. Kelly laughed, "No, son...don't worry about that. No, no, in fact, we now own the campgrounds free and clear, and...the loan is taken care of as well."

"But how?" Jordy asked, looking confused.

"I bet I know," Seth said looking thoughtful, "I bet Lee's folks had a will or something, right?"

"Yes," it was Mrs. Kelly who spoke now, "and we've just learned of all the provisions of that will, and...well, we were a bit shocked at first."

"Your parents were very generous people," Mr. Kelly said looking sad, "good friends, loving, giving people, and I guess it should have been no surprise that in the end that generosity was well represented in their final wishes."

"Dad...can you just tell us what all this means," Jordy whined, "is Lee rich now, or what?"

"Well, I won't go into all the details, because I'm sure they'd bore you, but the Walkers made sure Lee would be well taken care of, now, and later in life. There is a trust fund set up to provide for your expenses now, though I don't see you needing to use that very often, as well as a college fund to pay your tuition to the school of your choice, and...upon turning 21, you will receive the bulk of your parents estate, which will actually grow as it sits there in the trust."

Jordy whistled, "So...how much are we talking about dad?"

"I don't have an exact figure, but let's just say, seven figures."

"Seven," Lee muttered, "that's millions, right?"

"Yes," Mr. Kelly nodded, "but in the meantime, you'll live with us, and we'll provide everything you need."

"Uh, dad, is there more?"

"Yes, as I said...Lee, your parents were very generous people, and perhaps the best friends my wife and I have ever had. It was hard for us to pick up and move so far away from them and the life we'd known, but instead of discouraging us, they were our biggest supporters. So much so that they even wanted to be a small part of our new life...and thus, the partnership. This next part is really hard for me to talk about, so...honey, could you tell them the rest?" Mr. Kelly said taking his wife's hand.

"Yes, I'll try to tell it without too many tears. Lee, your folks wanted to make sure we succeeded here at Bennett Falls. First: the loan and the partnership, but they went a step further. Almost as soon as we moved here, your parents drew up a new will, and...well, let's just say the money they left us will guarantee that Bennett Falls will continue to be a success for a long time to come."

"I'm glad," Lee said, wiping a tear from his eye, "mom and dad always talked about you guys. How much they missed you, and all the fun times we had together, and as a family. They really wanted to come here this summer, but they just couldn't pass up the trip to Europe," he sighed then, "if only they'd come here instead..."

"Your parents also left a great deal of money to the charities they supported, most helping families and at risk youth. They were generous, loving, and kind right to the end," Mrs. Kelly continued, wiping her eyes, "and though we will miss them every day of our lives, we can take some comfort in knowing that even in death they thought of others and made a difference."

Eventually, all questions were asked and answered, and the boys asked to be excused so they could be alone to digest this new turn of events. Lee seemed solemn, but pleased by his parents generosity, especially as it applied to his new family. He didn't want to sound greedy or happy about the sudden windfall, but after all, he was human, and a teenage boy, and his mind began to think up things he might want to buy with his inheritance.

"That part about mom and dad expanding the camp, that's way cool, Jordy said after they'd walked a bit.

"Yeah, that will be super cool," Lee said, "and a new house, wow...that's awesome. We can have our own bedrooms and stuff..."

"Yeah," Jordy said looking a bit down, "but I really like having you share my room..."

"Well, we can still do that, sometimes, but we'll have our own space, and you and Seth can have some privacy once in a while."

"Yeah, maybe we can help mom and dad pick out the house plans and make sure our rooms are side by side or something."

"Yeah, we could share a bath between them, then we could go from one room to the other through the bathroom."

"Hey, that sounds perfect," Jordy said enthusiastically, "How long does it take to build a house anyway?"

They talked and walked for over an hour, and finally wound up at Seth and Jerry's cabin. Mack and Mark were sitting on the back porch in matching lawn chairs, sipping beer and just relaxing after a hard day.

"Hey mugs, what's shakin'?" Mack said grinning.

"You won't believe what we just found out," Seth said excitedly as he began to fill the two in on their good news.

"Yeah, we know. Jordy, your folks told us all about it. I'm excited for you guys," Mack said, "maybe now I can ask for a raise...finally," he laughed.

"I bet you get it too," Jordy said smiling, "did you know mom and dad are going to build a new house?"

"Yeah, that will be good. We can do a little work on your old cabin and rent it out too."

"What about the office?" Seth wondered.

"We're going to build a new office right next to the new house. We can use the old one for storage or something. The new office won't be connected to the new house, but it will be close enough so your dad can still come home for lunch," Mack chuckled.

"Wow, I wonder what else they're gonna do to the campground," Jerry said then.

"All kinds of things," Jordy said, trying not to sound too excited. After all, it was only because of the death of Lee's folks that all this was possible. But, it was what the Walkers had wanted, for the Kellys to make Bennett Falls a huge success, and doing so would hopefully honor their memory.

***************************************************

July 4th was a big day in Salina, with all sorts of activities downtown and a spectacular fireworks show that night over the lake, and hundreds of people flocked to the small town to help celebrate the nation's birthday.

Numerous fireworks stands had sprung up along the highways and every one of them seemed to be doing a bang-up business. Needles to say, the boys from Bennett Falls were among their best customers and spent a good deal of money there.

Back in camp, the Kellys, Mark, and Mack prepared a midday cookout, consisting of steaks, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, and baked beans. For dessert: Mrs. Kelly had baked a huge sheet cake, decorated it in red, white, and blue, and written Happy 4th of July on it, then placed special sparkler candles on it to be lit before serving.

Meanwhile, the boys were popping firecrackers and shooting off bottle rockets across the lake, so as to minimize the fire risk. Though bottle rockets couldn't be sold legally in Oklahoma, after some prompting on the boys' parts, Mack had agree to drive them across the state line to Arkansas to purchase several dozen for each boy. Mack, just a big kid at heart himself, also purchased a couple dozen for him and Mark, earning him a smile from the boys.

Jordy suddenly felt his phone vibrate and he stopped what he was doing and pulled it from his pocket, "Hey guys, dinner is ready. Let's go, I'm starved," he said after reading the text.

"One more bottle rocket," Seth said, lighting the fuse, then stepping back, "thar she blows," he laughed as the missile screamed off across the lake."

As soon as the boys arrived back at Jordy's, Mack took up the steaks and added them to the plates and bowls of food on the table. A popup canopy shielded them from the direct sun, and a huge fan sat on the lawn nearby, blowing across the table, helping to cool the air a bit.

"I hope you guys like your steak medium-well," Mack said as he stabbed a fork in one of the steaks and plopped it onto his plate.

"I'd eat it raw, I'm that hungry," Seth teased.

"I know that's right," Mack laughed, "boy has an appetite like a lion."

Seth roared then and everyone laughed. Lee looked around at his new family and smiled. He missed his parents a lot, but he had to admit, if he had to lose them, these were the people he'd like to spend his life with. Jordy, his best and oldest friend, and now his brother, his new parents, and Mack and Mark, Seth and Jerry. He'd always wanted a brother, and now he had three. He smiled again, and suddenly Jordy noticed his mood and returned his smile.

"Everyone, I have something to say," Lee said, his voice choked with emotion, "I just want to say...thank you, all of you, for being there for me, and...I love you all."

"Oh honey, we love you too," Mrs. Kelly said getting up to hug the boy from behind, "I know the pain will never go away, but each day it will be a little less, until finally: what's left will be only happy memories. And meanwhile, you will make new memories, with us, your new family."

"Thanks, mom," Lee said, managing a sad smile, "we should eat," he said blushing, "food's getting cold."

Later that afternoon, the gang drove into town to enjoy some of the festivities there and to wait for the huge firework show, which would begin around 9 o'clock. All up and down main-street vendors were set up, selling everything from caramel apples to handmade dream catchers.

The nearest open parking was near the dike, and after unloading, the group walked the short distance to the street and made the rounds. Even though they'd just eaten, the boys were always good for some junk food and spent a good deal of time snarfing down the treats the vendors had to sell.

"Hey, you guys," A voice suddenly called out from the crowd as the boys walked up the sidewalk.

"Rusty, Nate..." Jordy said, rushing to meet the two older teens, "cool, are you guys here alone?"

"Yeah, my dad dropped us off. He and mom are going to come back later with Jesse, and we're all going to watch the fireworks show. Warren is coming too, but Jed is off on a run with Rusty's dad."

"Cool, hey, wanna hang with us?" Jordy suggested, "you guys know Lee, right?"

"Yeah, hey Lee," Nate said giving the boy a quick hug, "Sorry to hear about your folks and all."

"Yeah," Rusty added, giving Lee a pat on the shoulder.

"Thanks," Lee said blushing, "and thank your folks for the flowers and the cards."

"Yeah, I will. So...are you guys here alone too?"

"Nah, the parental units are here somewhere, but we told them we'd meet them later down by the bank," Jordy explained.

"Cool, hey...we were just about to go over to the park and use the bathroom, wanna come with us?" Nate asked.

"Well, sure," Jordy laughed, "I guess we could all use a whizz by now."

"A whizz and a grope," Seth laughed, "that place has history with us."

"Oh, tell us about it..." Nate suggested as the six boys started off toward the park.

By the time they'd reached the bathrooms, Seth had managed to tell the story of their encounter with Billy, and how they'd all taken turns getting off that day. Lee was a little embarrassed, not knowing the two other boys that well, but he supposed if Jordy and the others felt safe sharing their secrets then they were probably trustworthy.

"It was sooo cool," Jerry said sounding excited, "me and Billy did this thing called docking, and it was really cool."

"Man, I have a boner now," Nate laughed, "it may take me a minute to get it to go down."

"Why don't we go one at a time," Rusty suggested, "that way we won't have any distractions."

"Good idea," Nate agreed, "but I def got to go first, I'm about to burst."

Although Rusty and Nate did go separately, Jordy and Seth went together, standing side by side as they let lose their piss streams.

"Think they want to mess around?" Seth said, voicing what had been on Jordy's mind as well.

"Dunno, last I talked to them about it, they said they were exclusive now. I don't want to temp them into doing something they'd regret."

"Well, what if we just let them lead. If they're up for some fun, they'll probably let us know."

"Yeah, good idea. Come on, Lee and Jerry still need a turn."

Lee went next, Jerry last, and while they did their business, the others sat on a picnic table and got caught up on each other's lives. Jordy didn't want to brag about their sudden windfall or go into too many details, but he did tell the two older teens about the new house.

"Oh wow, is it going to be by the lake?" Nate wondered.

"Sort of, not right on the lake, but close. Actually, near the cabin we're living in now."

"That's awesome. Dad knows a really good contractor if your dad hasn't already found one. He built our house, and he does great work."

"Cool, I'll tell my dad. So...you two look really happy. Everything going okay with your dad, Rusty?"

"Yeah, it's crazy. Ever since he met Jed, he's been like a different person. My mom is happier too, and Warren, wow...he's really enjoying life now."

"Yeah, doesn't hurt that he and Jesse are really, really close," Nate chuckled.

"Yeah? Like sexy close?" Seth asked just as Lee joined them.

"Well, we've never actually witnessed it, but they say they are," Nate explained.

"Cool, whole town is gay," Seth chuckled.

"Not gay, just horny," Lee suggested, "bring some girls on, and we'll see how many of them turn that way."

"No thanks," Jordy said making a face, "girls are crazy, and they don't turn me on."

"I like boys for sure," Jerry added, "but I might try...um, you know...doing it with a girl just to see what it's like."

"Really?" Jordy said looking at Jerry inquisitively, "I thought you said you always knew you were gay?"

"I did, I am, but...you gotta try new things...once in a while."

"Wow, kid might be right," Seth agreed, "maybe a big old orgy, boys and girls, hands everywhere, mouths..."

Everyone laughed, "Yeah, good luck finding girls in this town who'd play," Seth said at last.

"Maybe some of those Kenwood girls," Nate suggested, "I hear they're pretty wild."

"Yeah, I wonder if any of those stories are true, about guys driving along the road up by Kenwood and picking up girls?" Jordy wondered.

"Who knows? Could just be an Urban Legend, " Nate said, "Hey, Jerry, where's Carl?"

"He's coming to the fireworks show later, but he had to go to a family thing today."

"Cool, well, we'll all hang out then. Maybe we'll run into some of the other guys from school," Nate suggested.

"Or...some of the girls from school," Seth laughed, "and Jerry can finally scratch that itch."

"So, this kid Billy?" Rusty said after a few minutes, "you said he has an older brother that rides a Yamaha, right?"

"Yeah, you know him?" Seth said, suddenly realizing that the two were about the same age.

"Yeah, I know him, so does Nate," Rusty said looking at his boyfriend, who seemed confused, "Billy is BJ Marshal, he's in our History class. I think he flunked a year or something cause he's older than we are."

"BJ...yeah," Nate chuckled, "I never would have thought he'd go in for that kind of stuff."

"Carl and me..." Jerry said suddenly, then blushed, "I mean, Carl knows him, and he knew he liked to mess around, and well...one time he came over and we did some stuff."

"Cool, maybe the whole town is gay after all," Nate laughed, "or...like Lee said, just horny."

"So...you and Rusty getting along okay now that all the parental pressure is off?" Seth ventured.

"Yeah, great. We're out to my folks, but Rusty's not quite ready to come clean with his dad yet, but we're pretty sure he knows. His mom is cool though, and of course Warren is super cool with it."

"So...you guys are exclusive, right?" Seth asked, studying the two for their reaction.

"So far," Nate said, "and we're pretty happy with things the way they are, right Rusty?"

"Yeah, I never thought I'd ever find anyone who liked the same stuff I do, then I met you two," he said looking at Seth and Jordy fondly, "but that stuff was just messing around till I finally found Nate and found out how much better sex is with love. But I don't have to tell you two that, you two are obviously in love, and it shows."

"Yeah, we are, but we've found that we can...have fun with other guys too, as long as we're both involved. We'd never cheat on each other, but as long as we both agree, then we can do stuff with another boy, or boys, and it's cool," Seth explained.

"Wow, that's very open-minded. I'm not sure I could ever think that way," Nate said frowning, "maybe I'm just too jealous or something."

"I think most guys are that way," Jordy said quickly, "I guess Seth and I are exceptions to the rule, but it works for us."

"That's cool, I'm not dissing you for it," Nate said, "if it works, then I'm sure it's sweet. I'm assuming the boys you're talking about are these two," he chuckled, shoving Lee, then Jerry playfully."

"Yeah, they're family," Jordy laughed, "but even with Billy we weren't worried, "we knew it was just fun and nothing serious."

"But what if the other person doesn't see it that way?" Nate wondered, willing to pursue this subject till he was satisfied that he understood it all, "What if they get attached, then what?"

"Well, it's never happened," Jordy said frowning, "but I guess if that did happen it would complicate things. I know it's cool with Lee and Jerry though. Jerry has Carl, and well...Lee is my brother now. As for Billy, it was a one time only thing, so far, and he seemed cool with it. In fact, I think Billy is straight. I think he was just horny."

"Yeah, he talks about girls a lot at school," Rusty agreed, "I think he's interested in this girl that lives near him."

"Well, just be careful," Nate said then, "not only could you risk breaking some boy's heart, he could turn on you and spread it all over town, and that wouldn't be good. It's one thing to be in a relationship with someone, but to have it known that you'll mess with anyone can be toxic."

"We're not whores," Seth said, sounding angry now.

"No, I didn't mean that," Nate said softening, "I just meant: rep is everything in a town like this, and you need to be careful."

"He's right Seth," Jordy said jumping in, "but it's not like we go around hitting up boys everywhere we go. Billy just happened to be in the right place at the right time, and...well...I guess we sort of sensed that he was interested."

"I'm sorry," I didn't mean to sound judgemental," Nate said sincerely, "hey, I have an idea, why don't we go get some ice cream? My treat."

If anything could get the boys' minds off sex and their present conversation, it was food, and soon they were crossing the little bridge on their way to the Dairy Stop and ice cream. As they sat around on a picnic table behind the small drive-in, the boys ate their ice cream and talked about their summer so far. Everyone tactfully skirted around the subject of Lee's folks' death, and Nate and Rusty's adventures dominated the conversation. They'd made several trips with Nate's family to Tulsa, visiting the parks and museums there, dining out, and staying over in a hotel on a couple occasions.

"So...did you guys have your own room?"

"Well, sorta, we had to share with Jesse, but once he was asleep, it was anything goes," Nate chuckled.

"So, he had his own bed?" Seth said grinning.

"Yeah, the room had two queen-size beds. Mom and dad were next door, but they didn't bother us once after we got back from dinner and said goodnight."

"I'd like for me and Jordo to spend a night in a motel room," Seth said raising his eyebrows comically, "Maybe we could talk your folks into taking us to Tulsa some weekend. My dad and Mark could take care of things while we were gone."

"Hey, what about us?" Lee laughed.

"Oh, yeah, we could all four share a room. You and Jerry could share a bed."

"I dunno, maybe we could ask them about it, but we need to have a better reason than the motel, maybe we could say we wanted to visit the museums or something," Jordy suggested.

Nate laughed, "Hey, looks like everyone is done with their ice cream, so...let's go check out the booths and stuff. Who knows? We might run into someone else from school."

They walked and talked, and indeed did see several of their classmates including Tony, who was manning a booth selling Native American art work and handmade items, including dream-catchers. He was in Native American garb, a leather loincloth, and a fringed vest, open down the center revealing his toned chest and flat stomach. His face was painted and he wore an Indian headdress with feathers in it, and looked very much the part. In addition, all six boys thought he looked sexy, especially Seth, who had known him the longest.

"How!" Tony giggled as the six approached.

"How yourself, sexy," Seth giggled, "man, if this is how Native Americans dressed back then, they must've been ready for action at any minute. Anything under that loin cloth, chief?"

"Yeah, underwear. I wanted to go commando, but my folks insisted I wear underwear, just in case my loin cloth fell down."

"Really?" Seth said reaching over to lift the skimpy garment to reveal a pair of tan bikini briefs, "Wow, those are pretty sexy though," he chuckled as he let the loin cloth fall back into place."

"So, are you stuck here all day?" Jordy asked, changing the subject, for he too was getting excited by Tony's lack of clothing.

"Nah, just till five, then my brother is taking over. The booth is only open till 7, so they'll have time to pack up before the fireworks show."

"Cool, wanna hang with us then?" Seth suggested.

"Sure, if it's okay that Tina comes too." Tina was Tony's new girlfriend, and though Jordy and Seth knew her from school, they weren't in any of the same classes.

"Sure, bring her along. Hey, does she have a friend? Jerry says he wants to try girls," Seth teased.

"Seth...shut up," Jordy said slapping at his boyfriend playfully, "he was kidding, right Jerry?"

Jerry shrugged, not sure how much he wanted to admit to Tony, "I just said you need to try new things, that's all."

Tony laughed, "Yeah, well...girls are different, but they can be fun too. Not that I've gotten that far, but I hear the sex is pretty terrific."

Customers began to show up then, and the boys said their goodbyes and wandered off, promising to come back at 7 when Tony got off work.

"I wonder if he's gonna wear that outfit to the fireworks show?" Seth mused once they were out of earshot.

"Surely not," Jordy said, "he probably brought a change of clothes, but...I wouldn't mind if he wore just that."

"Me either," Jerry said, then blushed, "I mean, I never knew he looked so...so buff and stuff."

"He's more buff than he used to be," Seth said, "I guess he's been working out or something."

"He is a good looking guy," Nate said, "I know his older brother...by rep only. My dad was his attorney when he got that DUI case last year."

"Oh, yeah, I remember that. Tony took it hard. He was afraid his bro was going to jail," Seth said.

"Yeah, he almost did, but my dad is good at what he does. He got him off with a fine and community service."

It was hot and the afternoon sun beat down on them unmercifully, and finally Jordy suggested they find some shade and rest a while. They were at the opposite end of town then, near the lake, and Seth led the way to one of the trees near the base of the dike and the little trading post, and the plaques erected to tell of the history of the town.

There was barely enough shade for all six of the boys, so they were sitting rather closely now, their sweaty teen bodies practically steaming as they cooled off.

"We should go swimming," Nate said then."

"Sure, where? The lake?" Seth scoffed.

"No, at my house...in the pool."

"You have a pool?" Lee said with interest. He didn't know all that much about Nate, though he'd heard he lived in a rather nice house, but the pool was news to him.

"Yeah, we probably don't have time today...but if you could get your folks to bring you tomorrow we could have a pool party."

"That's a great idea," Rusty said enthusiastically, "I bet your folks would let us cook some hot dogs or something too."

"Yeah, what do you guys say? Are you up for that?" Nate asked excitedly.

"Well, sure," Jordy said, "right guys?"

Everyone agreed, but Seth was the most vocal of the group, pumping his arm in the air and yelling, "Hell Yeah!"

"Okay, I'll talk to mom and dad later, but I'm sure it won't be a problem."

"Should we bring anything?" Jordy wondered.

"A swimsuit, unless you want to skinny dip," Nate joked, "a towel, a change of clothes maybe. We have sunscreen and pool toys and stuff."

"Do you ever do that, skinny dip?" Seth asked looking interested.

"Only at night when my folks are asleep, and then just Rusty and me," Nate said grinning, "once or twice Jesse and Warren joined us, but they never take off their trunks till they're in the pool. They're afraid my folks will catch them naked."

"Too bad your folks will be home. It would be cool to swim starkers," Seth said grinning.

"Forget it," Jordy said poking Seth in the ribs, "we're not swimming naked."

"It would be fun though," Seth said, unable to let it go.

"My dad will be gone, and who knows, maybe my mom will have to show a house or something," Nate suggested. If we find ourselves alone, then we can do it."

"Cool, very cool," Seth said, but Jordy, Jerry, and Lee weren't quite as anxious to bare it all as Seth was.

They moved on to other subjects then, and soon they were cooled off enough to return to main street. They bumped into several of their friends from school, including a few girls, who seemed to take a marked interest in Lee, causing him to blush.

When they were alone again, Seth punched Lee in the arm and smiled, "That one girl, Patsy, was undressing you with her eyes."

"Aww...no...she wasn't," Lee said staring after the cute blond girl, "was she?"

Jordy smiled and placed an arm around his best pal/brother, "She's a nice girl, and if you have to get hooked up with a female, she'd be a good choice."

"I dunno," Lee said, still staring after the girl, "She is pretty, and I liked how she smelled."

Seth cracked up with laughter then, "You sniffed her?" he guffawed.

"Nooo, I just mean...I could smell her perfume, or whatever...it was nice," Lee said blushing.

"I think the boy has it bad," Seth said seriously, "maybe you should invite Patsy and her friends to your pool party, Nate."

"I don't know her, but feel free...if you think she'd like to come," Nate said easily, "if it's okay with the rest of you guys..."

"I wouldn't mind seeing her in a bikini," Jerry said blushing.

"Or naked," Seth added.

"Nooo, that would be too much," Jerry said shaking his head, "I'd have a boner the whole time if I was around a naked girl, I just know it."

"Wow, is our little Jerry turning into a pussy hound?" Seth joked.

"No, I just...you know?" Jerry said, then grew quiet.

"I think we're all young enough to be curious about girls, but for my part, I'm pretty happy with my boyfriend, and I don't have a need to explore with a female," Nate said looking serious.

"Yeah, I agree," Rusty said, "I've known all my life that I liked boys, and now I have the best boy anyone could ever find," he added, giving Nate a loving look.

"I don't mind looking," Seth said looking at Jordy for his reaction, "but I like what me and Jordy got going on, and I'm not looking to change to the other team."

Lee laughed, "The other team? Oh, you mean...team hetero?"

"Yeah, but hey...I'm all for it if you and Jerry want to give it a try. It might be interesting to have a girl or two in our group."

"Complicated is more like it, but I'm cool with it too," Jordy agreed.

****************************

Eventually, the boys met up with Jordy's folks at the bank, and Mark and Mack were there as well. After checking in, the boys agreed to meet the adults again later at the base of the dike, and from there they would walk up to find a good place to watch the fireworks show. Jordy explained about meeting up with Tony and about Nate's folks, who were bringing Jesse and Warren.

"Oh, how wonderful. It will be nice to see your folks again," Mrs. Kelly said, perhaps we can all watch the show together and visit some."

"Yes, ma'am," Nate said smiling, "Jordy told me you guys are going to build a new house and I told him my dad knows this really good contractor. Maybe you could ask my dad about him."

"Oh, I will," Mr. Kelly said, "I was just about to start searching for one, but if your dad says this guy is good, then maybe I won't have to do any looking after all."

"He built our house, sir, maybe you and Mrs. Kelly would like to come look at it sometime."

"Oh, I've seen parts of it," Mrs. Kelly said, jumping in excitedly, "it's lovely. Perhaps we can talk your parents into a full tour."

"Yeah, I'm sure they'd go for that."

They talked a bit longer, and Jordy finally brought up the idea of the swim party that Nate had suggested. As expected, his folks didn't seem to have any problems with it, but of course they wanted to clear it with Nate's folks first.

"I'm sure they won't care," Nate said, "and maybe you guys can come and look at the house when you bring Jordy and the guys."

"That might work. I'll talk to your folks about it later when we meet up," Mrs. Kelly said.

Eventually, the boys wandered off, and at five o'clock they walked over to the booth where they'd seen Tony earlier. To their disappointment Tony was now dressed in shorts, a tank top, and sporting a ball cap, looking like your typical teenage boy.

"Ah, too bad you didn't wear your loin cloth," Seth joked, "I bet you would have got some attention from both the boys and the girls."

"Yeah, too much attention. Besides, Tina might not like me running around half naked."

"Yeah, well...we sure don't mind," Jerry said, then blushed bright red, causing everyone to laugh.

By then the boys were hungry, and after meeting up with Tina, they looked around for somewhere to eat. Besides the Dairy Stop, there were several food vendors selling everything from foot long hot dogs to pizza, and all of them managed to find something that appealed to them.

About halfway through their meal, which they were eating at a picnic table set up near the food stands, Nate's folks showed up with Jesse and Warren.

After saying hello to the boys, the Taylors decided to walk around and check out the booths and other attractions. The boys had already filled them in on the conversation they'd had with Jordy's folks, as well as bringing up the pool party, which the Taylors had whole-heartedly approved.

"Can I go too, or is it just for you big guys?" Warren asked shyly.

"Of course you can come," Nate enthused. Jess will be there, and he'll need a partner," he chuckled.

"And there might be girls," Jerry said blushing, "I mean...maybe...if we can find some who want to come."

"I know a few," Nate assured them, "it will spice up the party and give our folks something to hope for, that we'll turn straight," he laughed.

"Hey, I am straight," Tony fussed, "after all, I got a girlfriend," he said putting an arm around Tina who just smiled.

Tina was dark complected, with long black hair, and deep brooding brown eyes. She was very pretty, and it was easy to see that beneath her shorts and pullover she had a nice body, with long smooth legs, small breasts, and a flat tummy.

Once they'd finished eating, the group walked around for awhile, then hit the park bathroom again, this time with Tina using the ladies room, and by then it was time to head toward the lake to join up with the adults.

"How come your mom didn't come?" Jordy asked Warren.

"She was going to, but she said she had a headache, and anyway, she said she could see them from the house. That's true, cause last year we stood out back and watched them. Dad said if we'd climbed on the roof it would have been perfect."

"She must miss your dad a lot when he's gone," Jordy observed.

"Yeah, especially lately," Warren said smiling, "her and dad are really getting along now. They never fight anymore and they go on dates and stuff," the younger boy said blushing.

"That's great," Jordy said, taking Warren's red face to mean that stuff meant sex.

"Yeah, it's great. Dad doesn't give Rusty any trouble anymore...about him being gay, and that's good cause...I think I might be gay too."

"I kinda figured, but you shouldn't worry too much about it. I know I sound like an adult when I say this, but...you might wind up liking girls too. I mean, anything is possible."

"Do you think you might...like girls someday, I mean?" Warren wondered.

"I'm not ruling out anything, but right now I'm pretty happy liking one boy in particular," Jordy said grinning.

"Yeah, me too," Warren said, then blushed.

"Oh," Jordy chuckled, "I'm guessing that boy is Jesse. Well, he's cute, sweet boy all right and you're lucky to have him as a friend."

"Boyfriend," Warren said grinning, though still red-faced.

Jordy laughed, "Well, then welcome to the Salina Gay Boys Club," he joked.

"Hey, what are you two talking about?" Seth said scooting up to place an arm around both boys, "are you two running off together?" he joked.

"Nope, just comparing notes," Jordy said, "I'm not running anywhere with anyone but you," he added leaning in to bump heads with his BF.

"Aww...that sweet. Hey, there's our folks. Come on guys, lets go find a good place to watch the show.

"Wait up you guys!" someone cried out, and turning, they saw Carl running their way, now the group was definitely all together.

***********************************

The fireworks show began around nine o'clock, and hundreds lined the bridge overlooking the lake waiting for the show. Dozens of others parked illegally along the shoulder, but tonight the police were letting it slide. Shot off from an old truck which had been cemented in with long metal tubes placed in it to hold the aerial bombs, the fireworks were shot off from the east bank across the lake.

The fireworks exploding across the night sky and reflected off the water were spectacular, and the crowd oohed and ahed as each new burst of color appeared. The adults stood talking softly as they watched the show, their eyes glued to the night sky, while the younger members of the group gathered a short distance away, enjoying the fireworks, but clowning around with each other as young boys often do.

By 9:30 the last of the fireworks were shot off, then it was time for the locals to begin their own show. The boys had purposely left their own fireworks at home, so they could enjoy them the following night safely and legally at the camp, but there was no lack of individuals setting of their own fireworks that night.

As fun and exciting as the night had been, by ten o'clock the boys were beginning to drag a bit and when their parents suggested they head home, the boys didn't protest. Tony and Tina had left already, headed to Tina's house for some late night TV and necking, but not before confirming that they would both love to come to Nate's pool party.

As luck would have it, the Taylors were parked in the bank parking lot where The Kelly's and Mark and Mack had also parked. As the group walked along, they reaffirmed their earlier plans and said their goodnights before heading off to their vehicles.

Jesse and Warren were both spending the night at Nate's, and Jordy and company walked them to the Taylor's SUV to say goodbye and to discuss the pool party one last time.

"I'll get back to you on the time and day, but probably next Saturday or Sunday. Is that cool?"

"Any day is fine," Jordy assured him, "just let us know."

As they waved goodbye, Mack and Mark headed out, with Jerry and Carl in back. Carl was spending the night, an unexpected treat for both boys, and since Seth was spending the night at Jordy's the two would have plenty of privacy.

Back at the camp, safely inside the Kelly's cabin, Lee suddenly felt very tired, and a bit let down. Sure, the day had been great, but he couldn't help but think how much better it would have been had his parents been there to share the day with him. The Kellys were great, and Jordy, Seth and the gang helped him to forget, but times like this when he was alone, his loss washed over him like a tidal wave in danger of drowning him.

Jordy was first to notice Lee's changed mood, and he was pretty sure he knew what had caused it. He missed Lee's folks too. They'd been like a second set of parents to him, but he could only imagine how hard this was for Lee. He wasn't sure he could have been as brave as Lee had been upon learning the news, that is if he'd lost his own folks. He shuddered to think about that, and like most kids that was one of his top ten fears. But he tried to push his own fears and feelings from his mind as he contemplated ways to help Lee.

"Hey, you okay?" Jordy said gently, wrapping his new brother in a warm hug.

"Yeah, just tired," Lee muttered.

"Yeah, I guess we all are. Long day, but fun, right?"

"Yeah, it really was. Thanks for...making me feel so welcome and like I belong."

"You do belong, brother," Jordy said bumping heads with Lee, "I know it's tough sometimes," Jordy added, daring to bring up what he knew was a sensitive subject, "but we'll get through it, together, all of us. We're here for you anytime you need us."

"I know that's right," Seth said, joining the two in a three-way hug, "great day, huh? What say we end it with a bang of our own," he said lewdly.

"What did you have in mind?" Jordy giggled.

"Well, there's plenty of room in that big old bed of yours. What say we make a sandwich out of Lee, and have some sexy fun?'

"Lee?"

"I think that might be the best thing right now," Lee said sighing, "I sure can't think sad thoughts when I got two sexy boys all over me," he added grinning.

"Then, let's do this," Seth enthused.

"First...showers all around," Jordy said making a face, "we all stink."

"Okay. Hey, wonder if all three of us will fit in the shower at once?" Seth said raising his eyebrows comically.

"I sure hope so," Lee laughed, "cause that sounds like some slippery fun for sure."

Seth and Jordy spent a lot of time pleasing Lee that night, planting kisses from head to toe, and finally tag-teaming him for a spectacular blow job. They didn't even ask for reciprocation, nor did they expect it, and while Lee rested, the two came together in a sexual frenzy, pleasing one another as no one else could.

After a vigorous sixty nine for a warm up, the two made love, first Seth penetrating Jordy, then Jordy returning the favor. Lee watched with interest, but he was still spent, though he did reach out to touch the two soothingly, adding to their pleasure.

Afterwards, Seth and Jordy insisted they needed another shower and went off to the bathroom, leaving Lee to ponder what had just happened. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy boy sex, he just felt like something was missing. Was it a girl? he wondered. Did he need to try that before he decided who or what he was? He knew it wasn't quite as easy with girls, especially since most wanted to keep their virginity for marriage, unlike most boys who were quick to give it up. He supposed it had something to do with boys feeling they needed to be experienced when they did find a girl they wanted to be with, but he wondered if there wasn't more to it. Were boys just naturally more horny than girls, or was it just something society had thrust upon them?

One thing was sure though, he finally decided, if and when the opportunity came up to get to know a girl better, and perhaps do some experimenting, he was willing and eager to do so. Maybe that girl Patty would be a good person to start with, he thought. She sure did smell nice, and she was pretty, and if he really thought about it, quite sexy. In her short and clingy top, he could see she had a nice body, even if what lay beneath those clothes was a mystery to him, a mystery he hoped to soon solve.

At some point Lee drifted off to sleep thinking his thoughts, and only roused for a few seconds when Jordy and Seth slipped back into bed, fresh from their shower. A warm body on either side of him however, lulled him back to sleep, and he didn't wake again till morning.

End Chapter 38

Next: The Pool party

Pray for the people of Ukraine and an end to this senseless WAR

Rob Warr

1-15-2023

Many thanks to my buddy Michael in NY for his invaluable help with editing, story ideas, and pics. But most of all: for his friendship and support.