Date: Mon, 21 Mar 2016 19:52:37 +1300 From: ben zeb Subject: Math class changes 2 Math Class Changes 2 Some time in the early hours of the morning we drifted back to sleep, waking to the sound of mum in the kitchen. The smell of bacon encouraged us to get up and head out for what was an early 9:30 brunch. Breakfast over, I made plans with mum to take us out to the farm when she left. I had decided it was D-day and try explaining why I was heading south. I felt it would be easier if Greg were there too. We spent the day tooling around the house, chatting about what to get Jess for his upcoming birthday, the last of us to turn 16. Keith helped me getting up the stairs, but I found I could mange them pretty much unaided. That set my resolve to return to my own room. I'd missed my privacy. Back in my room, we looked for my phone. Mum had obviously been up there cleaning and tidying. I called down to her did she find my phone, but answered no, and thought I'd lost it the day I went cliff diving. I searched around and under my bed, Keith helping and finally we found it under a bedside cabinet. Naturally it was flat as. Then I couldn't remember where I'd put my charger. But at least I had it back. We smelt, so had a shower, changed and lay on my bed, chatting away. Mum called out she needed to do some errands and did we want to go out now or later when she went to work. I thought about having another round of mad sex, but Keith said he had a few things to do for his dad. So that settled we left. On the way out the door I asked to borrow mum's charger, only to find it was mine and was conveniently using it to charge her phone. Sort that out I thought. So, leaving mine charging, we headed out. It felt great to be back at the farm. I'd missed the smells and the peace of it. It had been a long time, not since the night I'd legged it home that I'd been out. I was happy! First port of call was the shed and my bike. Just as Greg had said, it was fixed! I thought about taking it out but erred on the side of caution and would wait to check with Greg. But it was great to see it. Sarah and Debbie were still at school so we had the house to our selves. But, Keith had chores. Changed, we headed out to the implement shed. The quad bike was there, so with me clinging on, Keith took us out to where Greg was working. Though he was pleased to see us both, he wasn't pleased to see me on the quad. He gave me a serve, making me feel guilty as hell and that made me determined to show him I was well on the way to recovery. As best I could, I fanged about after them as they worked their way along a stretch of fencing. Wasn't much I could do, but it was nice being out there with them. A few hours later, we came in for afternoon tea. Greg insisted I get in the tractor tray, not on the quad. No point asking him if I could take the bike out then, I'm thinking. Back at the house, Sarah and Debbie were home. Sarah was all over me like a rash, Debbie gave me a huge hug and we sat down to cake and coffee. I was told to stay there when Greg and Keith went back out to finish off. Debbie was full of questions about how I was feeling and my recovery. Sarah still wanted to see my `hurts' as she called them, but of course that was never gunna happen. She and I sat around doing her homework, which I thought was a bit over the top seeing as she only had about 10 days left of school. Anyway, she read to me and I read to her, we did her maths together then headed out to help Debbie in the kitchen. I got to make the pudding, an apple pie. Sarah did the dishes. I thought that was great sharing and teamwork! I had a very domestic time! Wow! Not quite what I'd planned, but it filled in the time until the `men' arrived from their labours. By now it was about six. Greg and Keith went and showered. I took the opportunity to go with Keith on the pretext that I needed him to help me rub pain relief on my hip. Truth be told, I just wanted to ogle him in the shower and get all hot and bothered. I offered to wash his beautiful back, which Keith took me up on. And anything else he wanted washed. It was a risk, as we didn't want Sarah to get wind of what we were up to, but we got away with it. We sat down to dinner a little after the main news and when pudding was served, Greg and Keith took the piss when they knew I'd made it. Comments about my piny and you'd look good in a dress etc, etc. In the end I mouthed "Shut the fuck up!" and grinned at them. It was nice sitting around the table chatting and joking away. A part of me was lonely. Lonely for what might have been in different circumstances and lonely because, I wasn't sure what I was about to move into when I went south. My melancholy wasn't lost on Greg and he asked me, "You Ok Zebby? You look distant." "Yeah, just thinking." "Something I can help with?" he asks. I smiled and replied maybe. He looked at me kindly, but with a questioning expression. When dishes were done and family were sitting in the lounge, Greg as he does each night, went to his office. I waited an hour or so until I thought he'd finished and tentatively knocked on the wall asking him if I could talk to him and Keith. He looked up and nodded yes, but could he have about 15 minutes and then he'd be finished. Half and hour later Greg came and sat next to me. "What's up son? What do you want to talk about?" "Can we use your office?" I ask. He gives me a questioning look, frowns and answers, "Yeah, of course." I can see he is puzzled. Keith notices this and is just as puzzled when I ask if he could come with his dad and me. Debbie had got Sarah off to bed and was pottering around doing some marking. In we go and before Greg can ask do we need to shut the door, I do. Keith and Greg sit down, but I'm too tense and can't sit, fidgeting around on my crutches. I don't know how to start. Finally, Greg gets up, takes me by the arm and makes me sit next to Keith. "What's going on Zeb? Why are you so edgy?" I put my head in my hands and mumble, "I'm going away next year." Keith interrupts and says, "Yeah, I know that. You'll be going to plains." Deep breath, slow exhale, "No Keith, I'm not." Before I can say another word, he exclaims, "What? Not the other one! How'll you get out there?" "Please Keith. Let me finish." I plead. "I really need you to listen and not get angry with me?" "What the..." Before he can finish I place my fingers on his mouth and hush him. "Please buddy, don't interrupt." Another deep breath and long exhale. I'm going to Wellington to do my year 13," and then hold my breath. As if they'd practiced it, in unison they both let out, "WHAT!" I figured they'd be upset, but I wasn't prepared for the look of utter shock on both their faces. Silence! The only noise from outside. Before I can begin to explain Keith explodes, "What the fuck? Wellington! Why? What about what you said to me? Was all that just bullshit? You are pissed off with me, aren't you! How bout a bit of honesty! So you reckon I'm your life, eh! Well that's a strange way of showing it!" The more he shouted, the more he got upset. I figured he'd be pissed off, but I never expected him to be this upset. Keith leapt up and headed towards the door. Greg got there first, stood in front of it and put his hands on his shoulders. "Listen to what Zeb has to say. The least you can do is hear why. He listened to you." "Why? What does it matter? He wants to go and that's that!" "Because you owe it to him, Keith! That's why! Now sit down and shut up!" He sat back down sulkily. "You need to explain Zeb!" Greg says to me. "I'm going to stay at my uncles place just to complete the year. I don't want to go, but I've got no choice. I'm not going forever. I'll be home every holiday. I could go to plains but there's a transport problem with that. I can't go back to our school cause I won't give in to the shits who bashed me. Why should I apologise to them! I'm going for us Keith, to give us a chance." I took a pause to sort my thoughts, giving Keith an opportunity to interject. "Us! How does you going a way give us a chance? A chance at what?" "A chance at being ourselves." "What the fuck are you talking about? That doesn't make sense!" I turn to Keith. "Look. Every thing I've said to you has come from my heart. It's the truth. I've never lied to you. I meant it the other day when I said you're my life. I'd die for you. I'd love to spend every day with you. I know what I want and I'm happy with that. I don't think you do yet. You need space and freedom to find out." I could see Greg nodding to that. "If I stay here, I'd get in the way. I don't want to put any pressure on you or make you feel guilty about who you're with. You said it yourself, the normal thing. Well, I want to feel that too. I need to have the chance to feel what you felt. After what happened at school, and that was only cause two shit heads thought I was gay, imagine what would happen if I did come out. You, Jess and Darryl would all be in the frame cause you're my mates! There's no way any time soon I'm coming out in this town. Would you?" I waited for Keith to answer. I think he thought it was a rhetorical question. "Well, would you?" "What?" "Prepared to come out." "What do you mean?" "Would you be prepared to admit you're having a gay relationship?" "What? Um...gay...what do you..." "Exactly the point I'm trying to make Keith. Would you admit you're gay?" What...I don't know. Don't know what I am." I'd stumped him. I knew he couldn't answer that. We both knew he wasn't sure. It was also something I felt he hadn't talked about with his dad. Keith was embarrassed and Greg knew it. "Keith, I love you unconditionally. You're my boy and that's all that matters. What ever you are, or think you are, is fine. I won't have a problem with it. Zeb is making a lot of sense and I think you do need to consider what he's telling you." I continued. "I didn't expect you to answer cause I know you can't. Why should you? You need to get out and have a crack at shagging your way through all the girls you can, I guess. That seems to be what we're supposed to do, isn't it? Not me. Don't get me wrong here Keith. There are shit-loads of hot guys I think about and imagine I'd like to hook up with, but I won't. I couldn't! What stops me is right next to me. That's what I mean about knowing what I want." "I'm not going away to slut myself about, only to get my level 3. I won't hide who or what I am, but I'm not gunna promote it either. It's not about looking for hook ups. If I needed that there are a couple of guys up here I know. You know that and you also know how I feel about that. This move is about us finding what it is we want. This is your chance to find out without feeling like I'm always looking' over your shoulder." "So you're prepared to risk our friendship by going away, are you?" Keith challenged. "I won't be risking our friendship. I expect we'll be mates for life. Why wouldn't we? What I'm risking is something else. And even then, I'll love you all my life. You know the old saying, if you love something set it free. Well that's the risk I'm taking. I think, I hope, you'll come back to me. If not, well, we'll still be mates. You can play in my sand box anytime!" I smiled and Greg pissed himself laughing. Even Keith couldn't stop a smile creeping across his face. At least things were settling and I began to think I was making myself understood. We sat in silence thinking about my bombshell decision. Greg broke it saying, "You've certainly got a way with words Zeb. Not gunna slut yourself eh? Glad to hear that," he laughed. "Fucken better not!" Quips Keith. He looked thoughtful then carries on, "None of this makes sense to me but if you feel you really have to go, then I guess I'll just have to accept it. I'll miss you Zebby. You know that eh? Who will I go to when I need to off-load shit?" "You're dad buddy. He's always been ready to listen to me. Anyway, we can Skype, text, email, Facebook, take your pick. I'll be home every holiday and every other chance I can, and maybe you can come down there." He thought about that for a while. "Yeah, well that's a positive I guess. What you reckon dad? I've never been to Wellington." Things began to settle down and I could sense both Greg and Keith, if not fully agreeing with my idea, at least were considering the merits of it. "When do you leave Zeb?" Asked Greg. "I've got to be there for the 26th to confirm courses. My Uncle Jim is coming up for a holiday early January and I'm going back with him about the 22nd." Keith did a bit of quick calculating and exclaimed, "Six weeks! Is that all?" Hearing it like that made it so much more real and it sank in what I was proposing to do. "All of us are going to miss you Zebby. You have to promise to keep in touch. I want to know everything you're getting up to. You hear me son?" "I hear you dad and of course I will. You're my family." "All right then." He lifted me up and gave me a big bear hug. "We better make those six weeks count then. It's late. I'd best be getting to bed. Don't stay up too late, I need you to help me tomorrow Keith." The two of us sat and talked it all over. I couldn't convince Keith it was a sensible idea. He had some very valid questions, which in truth, I really had no answers to. "Look Zebby, you say you're doing this so I can find out what I want. What if I want what I've got now? How can you be so sure I haven't?" What happens if you really like it down there and don't want to come back? What would you do if I find another guy I like? What's the difference between that and a chick? What if you find someone else? Will you ditch me for him? OK, I like chicks, I admit that and you know it. Are you really going to be happy if I end up in a serious relationship? Why is it OK for me and not for you?" Keith was showing some agitation and the last thing I wanted was to end up in an argument. I tried to take some of the heat out of the situation. "I don't have all the answers but I do know this. First, If you find a girl who loves you totally and you her, I'd be stoked. Truly happy for you. That's what I expect was always gunna happen anyway. I've seen how you look at Michelle, Charlotte, Stella to name a few, all who are fantastic chicks. I know them from primary and they are really ace people. And, I've seen the looks they give you. I don't have a problem about that at all. Ultimately, I think that's something you want anyway." "As to wanting to live down there, nope. I'm a country kid. I will live here sometime. I wanna do the overseas thing first though. Hopefully, we'll do that together. Me finding another guy, nope got one. In the future, who knows? Maybe if you're married or whatever. And you finding a new guy? Really? Would you do that? Not that you can't but, well only you know if you might. And I'm not sure you haven't made up your mind, but a bit of space will help both of us know. One thing you can absolutely stake your life on is, I'll always love you. Call and I'll be at your side, anytime, anywhere. I promise you that." "You've got it all sorted, eh? Except about how I might feel! You do what you think is right then. But don't expect me to like it or agree with it. If you have to go, then go!" With that Keith stoop up and walked of to his room the door shutting softly. I sat there alone, now concerned about the merits of my decision. The harshness of Keith's final comment echoed in my head. Standing up, I found a pen and some paper, wrote a quick note for Keith and switched off the study light. A soft glow coming from the hall passage let me see the mantle clock showing 10:15 pm. Mum's shift finished at 11. I text mum could she pick me up, that I would be waiting at the end of the drive. Then laying Keith's loan phone and the note on the kitchen table, I quietly shut the back door behind me and made my way out and down the drive. Though there was no moon, the stars bright enough to give me enough light to navigate the ruts and bumps of the driveway. At the gate, I lay in the soft grass staring up at the masses of stars that always fascinated me, waiting for mum to come. Shortly after 11, mum turned into the road and I slowly made my way to the roadside. "Christ", I muttered under my breath. The look on mum's face told me everything; she was not pleased and had a bazillion questions she was about to ask. I headed her off. "Not now, please mum. Can we just go home?" The drive home seemed to take forever. I guess it was the uncomfortable silence in the car. Once home, I stomped in, grabbed my now fully charged phone, said goodnight and headed up to my room. Stripping off, I fell into bed. Sleep was impossible. My mind was busy running and rerunning the events of the night around and around. I was really upset about how the night had ended and deeply regretted not staying. It was not the pleasant outcome I'd been hoping for all day. Keith was obviously upset. Mum was obviously pissed off at having to come and get me. Greg was disappointed. And I hadn't even got to tell Jess and Darryl my decision. I was second-guessing every decision I'd made recently and getting angrier and angrier at the unfairness of the situation I believed I'd been forced into. I sat up. I lay down. I couldn't find rest. Not even my go-to music worked. Finally I got up. The evening air nipped at my exposed parts and began to chill me. Picking up my phone I thought to check, as Keith had suggested, his texts to me. I wasn't prepared for what I found. Seventy-three texts were waiting for me! He said there was one I should see! Unlocking the phone I began to scroll through the waiting texts. The first few drove the night chills away, replacing them with another sort. They ranged from the inane to the utterly vicious and disgustingly filthy! Most were about what I should do to my self. There were some inventive ways I could top myself but usually it was the standard form, drown, hang, cut my throat, jump off a cliff, or jump in front of a logging truck. There were the texts telling me what was going to be cut off and shoved up my arse! By my estimate, I would be like the disappearing cat except I'd disappear up me own arse! I was variously a pervert, a faggot, a cunt and a sick fucken pervy paedophile arse-fucking slut. I was an AIDs carrier. I laughed at one comment. I was a cock sucking arse shagger! Yep, I thought, got that right! I was told everybody hated me, I had no friends and queers aren't wanted here. That one rang a memory bell. Id heard that before! The most dumb-arse comment was how one or more of them were gunna shove their cock down my throat and drown me in their cum. Hmmm, I thought. Just who is the faggot here? Then there were the physical threats. Look out arsehole, you're gunna get worse yet. You think you had it bad, well guess what. We're gunna fuck you up real good, and so it went on and on for 68 texts. But the worst of them; the ones that really made my blood go cold, were aimed at my mum and my friends. I was advised my Mum was a slut and a whore who should've been aborted. Shame that her kid didn't die at birth. That one really hit home. My friends were gunna get bashed over and their faggoty arses fucked. Abusing me was bad, but abusing my mum and my friends incensed me! How fucking could they, I thought. What the fuck had I done to deserve this shit? All of the texts began the weekend of my rock-drop and lasted about a month, ending shortly after I came home. No names of course and only two numbers, one I recognised. But from the tone and mainly spelling, even though it was txt, it looked like four texters. I had no idea what to do about this and just how serious to take some of the comments. The physical harm to mum and my friends was what concerned me the most. The more I read, the more impotently angry and disturbed I became. Had I been wiser, I should have just deleted them all, or found Keith's account and just read the five he sent. Even his txt, `Miss u Zeb. Gotta see u' and a sad face emoticon, didn't register after the shit I'd waded through. I had no idea what to do about them. I couldn't let Keith know given his reaction to me getting bashed and abused at school. This was 100 times worse! I didn't want mum to ever see the shit said about her. My friends couldn't know that someone, or others, wanted to bash them because of me. I doubted I could talk to my uncle. He didn't know I was gay. That might be an issue down the line. Could I talk to Greg about it? I didn't think I could, as I didn't want him to read the callous, vitriolic hatred in the texts. I could try the cops. That sent me into a frenzy of `what if's'. Would there be retaliation? Who'd be in the frame? Especially if I wasn't here. What about Darryl? Of all my three besties, he was the most innocent and sensitive and should never be exposed to this level of violent hate! That left only one option as far as I could see. Say nothing and hope! There'd been no more for over a month so if I shut up about it, maybe it will all blow over. That decision did nothing for my current mood. Throwing on trackies and hoody, I went downstairs as quietly as I could, thinking to make a Milo. Instead, given the clarity of the night sky, I opted to go and lie in the back yard, staring up at the stars. Didn't change anything, but at least it was pleasant. The night, clear and crisp, seemed to heighten the sharpness of the starlight, making them seem closer. Occasionally, the hoot of a morepork would echo across the valley. The stream behind the back fence, burbled and murmured, whispering its secretive soothing message into my head, momentarily smoothing away some of the outrageous hurts caused by the texts. I don't know how long I lay there; long enough for the night dew to seep into my bones, chilling me. A movement in the corner of my eye broke my revere. Mum came and sat beside me. "What are you doing out here Zeb? What's going on?" There was genuine concern in mum's voice, not just the edgy annoyance when you know you've stuffed up. What could I say? "I don't know mum? Nothing seems to be going right at the moment. I'm just pissing people off and hurting them it seems. I tried to tell Keith and Greg tonight and that's gone pear shaped. I don't know what to do anymore." "Well, you can come inside first. You're shivering and wet and I really don't want to sit out here in the cold. Let me help you love." Mum helped me up and noticed I didn't have the crutches. She was not pleased and let me know it. Inside, at the table with hot milos, I tried to explain what had gone down at Keith's. Mum's response was to say that I didn't have to go away. Given what I'd read earlier, I was even more convinced I had to, but I wouldn't, couldn't tell mum why. In the end, we just went round in circles discussing the pros and cons of my decision without coming to a decision! About 2 am we went back to bed, but not to sleep. I couldn't. What I needed was about 40 kms away. I wondered if he was asleep. Picking up my phone I txt `U awke'. Nothing back! I guess he wasn't. If I'd stayed I thought, I wouldn't have found the texts. But of course, now or later, they'd still have been waiting for me. I tossed around in bed, trying to get comfy and finally, as dawn was breaking, dropped into a fitful, disturbed sleep. When I woke, my eyes felt full of sand and red-hot. I was extremely restless and couldn't sit still, something mum commented on. I had to sort my self out! Stumping out to the back yard, I went and sat under the plum tree, sulking. I felt as if I was drowning in a vat of self-pity. Anger, frustration, loneliness, fury, sadness, and impotent rage swarmed over me as I cursed everyone and everything! Why me? What had I done? It wasn't fair. And so on, it went thundering through my fucked up head! Finally, in a fit of senseless utter, utter frustration, I hurled my sticks away. One spun over the back fence, the other slammed into it. Storming up the yard, I called out to mum, "I'm going for a ride up the bush!" Before she could come out and stop me, I was on my old bike and gone, peddling away, somewhere, anywhere. I didn't care where. But part of me knew exactly where I was headed. My safe place. The one place I always found peace. Almost on auto, I found myself stumbling through the trees, heading towards the water hole. The gap was tricky as I had to be careful not to trip and cause further damage. But, there it was, quiet and private! Climbing with some difficulty, I reached the ledge we warmed ourselves on. The distinctive smell of the bush, damp undergrowth and tangy summer-scent of manuka (tea-tree) filled the air. Sun-warmed rocks released their stored energy into me, rejuvenating my soul as I lay face down on them. Looking down into the slow moving, deep-green water, the surface broken haphazardly by unseen water insects transmitting ripples outwards, brought back happy memories of times past. Dry kauri leaves raced each other, propelled by the gentle current, often knocked of course by random light gusts of wind. Occasionally, the warbling bells, whistles and clatter of tuis in the treetops broke the quiet of the surrounding bush. Rolling on my back, I was mesmerised by the moirŽ effect created by slowly waving fern fronds dancing with each other, filtering and shattering the sunlight into sparkling diamond shards. The peacefulness of this special place, the warmth seeping into me from above and below, combined with my tiredness, sent me off to sleep. I woke as I began to cool, the sun having moved behind the valley rim. Yawning, I realised I'd been asleep for a fair while. I was stiff and had a dead arm, the one I had rested my head on. Stretching helped, but it was some time before I had full use of it, the tingling pins and needle effect taking a while to go. I thought I heard voices but convinced myself that it was only burbling water flowing over the rocks. Paying no heed, I lay back down, staring into the water. It wasn't until the first person squeezed through the gap that I realised I had visitors. First Keith followed by Jess and Greg! Fuck! How did they know I was here? Sitting up, dangling my legs over the edge, I watched them climb up to me, wondering what this was about. "What the fuck you doing here?" Was the first thing Keith demanded. "What do you think I'm doing here? This is my place. I come here when I need to. What are you all doing here?" "Your mum is really worried Zeb. You need to come home." Greg says quietly. I turned my head and looked into the water. Before I could find something sensible to say, Keith leaps in. "You did it again! Why didn't you answer my texts? What's with the note anyway? Why'd you piss off home last night? What the fuck is going on Zeb?" "Jesus Keith! Can you just slow down. Not here! Don't be going on at me here! Not in this place!" He understood what I was getting at and calmed a little. "Well, why didn't you stay last night? I waited and then went looking for you. When I txt, I found the phone and note on the table. Why Zeb?" The concern in his voice was obvious. "You weren't happy and when you went to bed and closed the door, I thought you wanted me to go. I left the note to tell you that so you wouldn't worry. I haven't answered you texts cause I don't have my phone on me and when I left, none had come. I came up here cause this is where I come when I need some peace and quiet and sort shit out. Any other questions?" Jess came and sat beside me. "Keith rang and when I shot round to check, your mum told me you'd shot off again. I think after the last bike ride, she's a bit worried what could happen to you. Keith and Greg came up when I told them you'd bolted." "I guess she's pretty pissed off then." "You could say that and some. More about you throwing your sticks away though," and he laughed making me smile. "Yeah, that was a bit dramatic. Did she find them?" "No I did. Good shot with one though. It ended up stuck in the bank of the creek. Guess you're pretty over them eh?" "Yep!" "Well, what now? You coming home or what?" "Home I guess." And with that, I pushed my self off the ledge into the water. I've no idea why, but it seemed a logical thing to do. It was hard enough climbing up so jumping in made sense to me. It was on the way down that a thought flashed through my head, `hope I miss the rocks'! I did and swam underwater towards the waterfall. I felt the shockwave thud as someone else leapt in. Surfacing at the falls, I hugged a moss-covered rock, resting my forehead on it. The water was cold and I was shivering. I felt someone brush up against me and Keith surfaced. We just looked at each other. "You are such a cot case, ain't ya Zeb. What the fuck am I gunna do with you. I hope you pick your swim times a bit better than this. It's fucken freezing!" And with that, put his arm around me, hugging me to him. "C'mon, lets go home." The walk back to my bike was made in silence. I rode slowly as Keith and Jess walked beside me. We chatted about stuff, nothing too controversial. They never asked me about my current brain-fart driven activity. Greg's Ute was waiting at the end of the bush track and so, with the three of us, and my bike on the back, we went home. The bike parked, I stripped to the buff in the laundry and nonchalantly went up to the shower. Leaning against the wall, the steaming water as hot as I could stand, I let it flow over and sooth my hip, as it warmed me through. The trip back had chilled me to the bone. The door opened and Keith walked in, stripped off and joined me. He pressed against me wrapped me in his arms. I felt his face press into my neck, and little nips as he bit his way up and down and nibbled at my ear. Pressing his lips against my ear, he whispered, "I was waiting for you to do this to me last night. I wasn't pissed off with you or wanted you to go. I was confused. I don't understand why you think you have to go and I'm worried about you going." One hand slid down and grasped my dick. "Mmm, you're boned." "Of course I am fool. You know dam well just a whisper from you will do that," and pushing against him I wriggling my bum, clamping his chubbing dong between my slippery cheeks. "You know where this is gunna go, don't ya Gayboy! And I'm gunna love it! Ooo, you're such a sexy little Gayboy and a cot case, ain't ya. But I love ya." He whispered. "You nasty man. Taking advantage of the infirm now, are we." And as we giggled like little kids, more than the water began to steam up. Just as we were getting into some deep and meaningful shower play, Greg knocks and pushed the door partly open. Fuck! Nearly caught! "Don't be too long boys, I need to get back and I'd like to talk to you Zeb. Ok?" Once dressed, I waited in my room for Greg's talk. He came and Keith left, shutting the door as he did. Ominous! "Zeb, enough is enough!" Starts off Greg. "You have to explain yourself. Your mum is really worried about you and your actions today are just foolish! She thinks you might need professional counseling. What's going on?" So I told him the whole stinking truth about the texts and showed them to him. He was shocked and, like me, very disturbed by the worst of them. I told him why Keith could never know about them and he agreed. If the shit at school had caused him such grief, what would these do? We discussed whether mum needed to know about them. I said no, he suggested she should know about some. In the end I agreed with him if it meant mum understood why I was so upset. He asked me about the senders. I told him I knew one and suspected another but didn't know how many were involved. Then we wondered about the time period. Why only the month or so when I was in hospital? That didn't make any sense. Why stop when I came home? Finally we talked about what to do about them. My decision to just leave it as they'd stopped wasn't what Greg thought. He was for going to the police and the Telco. I wasn't happy about possibly stirring things up again. In the end he agreed to go with my plan, provided nothing else happened. It helped hugely to talk it through with Greg and I wondered why I'd originally thought I couldn't discuss this with him. Mum came up and explaining what was going on to here with Greg there helped. Naturally she was shocked and dismayed and generally pissed off with various unknown persons. In the end, we all agreed perhaps my plan was best. Best not stir the hornet's nest. At least I'd headed off mum's idea about the head shrink. That just left the sticks problem. Mum laid down the law in no uncertain terms. Use them or else. I didn't dare ask what the or else was, just nodded and smiled! I've learnt that's generally the best thing to do when mum gets wound up! Greg left shortly after, leaving Keith with me. Yum! Jess surprised both Keith and I when I told him my decision to head to Wellington. He was real keen for it and wished he could do the same. I guess he saw major opportunities for his rugby and getting into some awesome teams down there. But it made Keith think perhaps there might be a bit more merit to the idea than he'd given it credit for. That night, Keith and I spent a delicious time connecting with each other. The horniness I'd felt the day before and being thwarted; the beginning in the shower earlier, all culminated in a tremendous outpouring of sexual energy and cum! Oh my God! What a mess we made in and on each other. There wasn't a hole on our bodies we didn't fill with something. At times powerful thrusting tempered by gentle lovemaking. All of it a determined effort to display our love and desire for each other. Thankfully mum had left for work before we really got into it, as the banging and thumping of the bed, combined with the gasps, moans and sexually driven cries of utter pleasure, must've been heard down on the park! We'd had some awesome sex, (actually all of it has been awesome) but that session seemed even more stupendously sensational. By the time we had satisfied each other's and needs, we were a gasping, sweaty, exhausted and trembling heap, clinging to each other, smeared in mixed cum and other substances. We stank! But we were happy. We could have stayed in bed, but we both wanted to pick up where we left off in the shower. It wasn't long before Keith indicated he wanted to do as promised earlier, though how he found the energy was beyond me. But, with the remnants of the lube from earlier, and a little remaining Keith-cum, he managed to impale me as I supported myself against the wall. The water helped as he plunged in and out of my still tingling and burning bum. His fervent thrusts were tempered by passion and tenderness, knowing that I might be feeling a little sore from his earlier shagging. But this was mutual. I wanted it as much as Keith wanted to do me. I'd let the guy of my dreams fuck me whenever he needed to. Keith spurted about the same time as the water began to cool and the warmth of him kept me from getting cold. We were both well ready for sleep. Things settled after that with Keith and I. That just left Darryl to tell. I attended the end of year assembly, not as a student but with Keith and family as he was receiving two awards, one for sport achievement and the other excellence in maths. I felt great sitting there in shorts and tee while everyone else was in uniform! Once school was out, Keith went back working at his part time job so I didn't get to see him much through the week. I caught up with Darryl and asked him if he'd like to come up. I wasn't ready for the reaction I got when I told him I was going. Darryl was gutted and all but cried. That stunned me! I'd known him for years and in all that time never ever seen him as upset as he was then. Nothing I said seemed to console him. I the end he just got up and went home. I never heard from or saw him until the night of Jess's birthday party. Jess's party was on a Saturday night, two days before his actual sixteenth. It was invite only and Jess had warned me he had invited Emma. I didn't really have a problem about that and let him know, as it was his party, he could invite who he liked. It wouldn't be me causing problems. Keith stayed the weekend. Once mum and Greg knew Jess's dad and some of his mates were policing the party, they let us both take a six-pack of RTD's each, Vodka and Bourbon. It probably was a bit too much. The party was great with pretty much all the usual suspects and sports mates. I caught up with Darryl and asked why he was avoiding me. We talked it through and I could visibly see him relax more as I explained why I'd made my decision. I guess he was like Keith; didn't like it but would accept it. For now anyway. I avoided Emma and she avoided me. Good, no probs with that. The party was no place for getting into it with her. Everyone was enjoying themselves, happily getting a bit pissed, when four dudes rocked up the drive. I recognised two from school, both I'd had close contact of the fist kind. My heart sank and wondered why Jess had invited them. Turns out they weren't. They gate crashed instead. At first there was no problem, everyone just there to celebrate with Jess. But as the shitheads became more and more pissed, the comments began. "Didn't know this was a faggot party" and "Must be queer country" began it. One of them called out "Someone can't read. Doesn't read their texts." Then the gestures began, fingers etc, grabbing their junk calling out to me "Suck this cunt!" Nothing shouted too loudly, just enough for me and those immediately around me to hear. Mostly they had no idea what was going on. It got to the stage I couldn't ignore it anymore. Either I went home, or I faced up to the fucktards! I considered leaving, but fuckit, why should I! Leaving my crutches, I walked over to them. This could only end one way, and badly for me. But it had to end! As I walked towards them, they began sniggering and laughing. "What you gunna do cunt? Spank us or suck us?" "If you've got a problem with me, fine, leave it with me, don't bring it here. You wanna bash me, fine. I don't give a shit. But get this. I'll fuck at least one of you up. I told you that before. One of you will be hurt real fucken bad." The tone and hatred in my voice must've surprised and convinced them of my sincerity. It made them think about it for a microsecond. One of them returned, "We're gunna rape the fuck outa your fucken arse and shove our dicks down your throat till you stop breathing, faggot. You'll like that eh, you sick fuck!" "Really!" I laughed. Who's the faggot now? What, you all tired of sucking each other's slimy, diseased cocks are you? Sick of your mates loose arses are we? Problem is, you fucks must be fucken frustrated seeing as you're dickless wonders. Why don't you fuck off and find a dog to fuck, or better, get it to fuck your useless arses, you stupid arsed shit heads." If we ever got to it, I know I'd be fubar, fucked up beyond all recognition. But, their comments had drawn attention to themselves and my calling them out had drawn a larger crowd. Just as one went to make a start, one of the minders came over and stopped it. "You can stop that shit right now! No fighting here. You can all leave please. Take your piss and go!" Jess, his dad and his mates had all come over, so there was no way they were going to argue or stay. They left and after waiting a few moments I was surprised by being told I had to leave too. I was going to argue, but decided, WTF, just go home. Heading back to get my sticks, Keith comes over and says, "I'll come with you." I told him no, stay and party hard and I'd see him back home. Jess was really apologetic but his dad and mates wouldn't change their minds. So I hobbled off down the drive, shamefaced and embarrassed. Somehow I had to get from Jess's place, back home without meeting up with the fucktards. I managed that by hopping in and out of peoples front gardens every time I heard a car coming. I don't mind admitting I was shit scared that I'd get pounced on. Needless to say, I was furious. Once again I'm getting penalised for something someone else had started. I went to bed. Keith came in sometime around 12:30 smelling of bourbon. He was quite shited. Though he was keen to initiate some sex, I doubted he'd be very capable and only managed to fall asleep on my tum. Wow! That was romantic! I laughed in the morning. He was ill. Hung-over and a crook tum. I really did feel sorry for him, but laughed at him anyway. When he was able, about midday, we talked about the party. He wanted to know what had gone down. I explained that it was a continuation of the school shit and that I'd tried to end it one way or the other. That troubled him. First, knowing I'd have been smashed over, and second, that it had escalated so much. I told him I refused to back down though I agreed with him that trying to smash them might not be the most effective way to solve it. Jess came round with his dad in the arbo. His dad apologised telling me many of the others at the party had got into his ear explaining who had started it. I was happy he understood that, but it didn't fix my disappointment at not being able to celebrate my oldest friends birthday. I told him that too and enjoyed making him feel bad. At least I could help Jess celebrate on his actual birthday, which we did. I got pissed! That gave me a fresh perspective on how Keith felt after the party. Needless to say Keith was unsympathetic. Mum was very displeased with me! That just left Christmas and I was really looking forward to that.