Written by Charles Well <charles.well@yandex.com> and Sarge AKA Aldric <pietar_the_fearless@yahoo.com>
(C) 2019)
The original Kids of Indian Spring (KOIS) story by Jonas Henley can be found here: https://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/young-friends/kids-of-indian-spring/
and if you wish to read Jonas Henley's account of the 1968 Mackey Choosing Ceremony, look here: https://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/young-friends/mackey-tails/
Also see map.pdf and Springer Families.pdf in the Sandy Jacobs folder on Nifty. There is also an extensive family tree of the Mackey family available in this folder as well.
This story is about sex between boys and is therefore a total fantasy. It was written by an adult for the entertainment of other adults. No children or animals were either involved or harmed in the writing of this story. Please leave now if you are not supposed to be here.
Writing the continuing saga of the Kids of Indian Spring has become a real community effort. My co-author on this chapter was Sarge AKA Aldric. His ideas, drafting, hard work, and constant support in too many areas to mention made this chapter possible.
Comments or suggestions may be directed to either of the authors mentioned above. We welcome feedback from readers. It's the only payment we receive for many hours of hard work.
For anyone interested, I have also been working on another story away from the Indian Spring World with Sam the Ham. See Cow Pies and Country Cousins at https://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/young-friends/cow-pies-and-country-cousins/
Please consider a donation to Nifty for allowing us to have this resource to share our stories. To donate go here: http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html
Malcolm had refused to wear a tie, but he gave in on some of Kelley's older clothing, including a dress shirt and long pants. But the top button on the shirt was left open. He, Kelley, and Mr. Tucker were meeting with Ernest Morrison.
Indian Spring Investments had a total of $1,511,875. Many people who had not invested in Elijah's plan, and a few who had, plus some other Mackey who lived outside the Spring, had added money to the amount contributed by the second investment company.
"You did terrific," Mr. Morrison said to Malcolm. "I was hoping for at least 1.5 million, and you exceeded that, and met my deadline. With other input from other investors, all of the estimated construction costs are covered, which is a very good way to start. Because of this, the company that is building it has decided to also have a small indoor portion that can be used during the winter, and they plan to have this operational by October. Once the documents are all completed, construction should start within weeks."
"Cool," Malcolm said, which caused a chuckle from Mr. Morrison.
"That isn't how most of the people who work with me react. But I agree. It is cool."
With that, each party shook hands and Malcolm and Hal left and went to the realty office handling the sale of the three farms. By the time the day was done, they had made an offer on the properties in question, plus some additional vacant land where the owners were still paying taxes. The realtor was confident those people would be keen to get in on any offer made.
Halford Tucker stood and shook hands with the young man standing in front of him.
"We've never met, but I am familiar with you. You worked your butt off in school, and I hear those degrees are paying off well for you. Please, be seated."
"Thank you," Butch Mackey said. "Earning the money to go to college was harder than earning the degrees."
"What can I do for you?" Hal asked. "If I had to guess, it would be that you are representing your father?"
"I am. He thought that you would be more willing to listen to me than him. I hear that you are about to make a proposal to the Chief of the Ohio Department of Parks and Watercraft regarding some land that an anonymous party has recently purchased regarding turning it into a State Park."
"The Chief of ODPW is the one who makes recommendations to the Department of Natural Resources for purchasing land to become a State Park. You have very good ears," Hal said. "Very few people know about that. What interest does Elijah have in that?"
"My father has an agreement of sorts with someone who works for the Director. I don't wish to discuss the terms of that agreement, other than to say that with the demise of the waterpark that was to be built in Indian Spring, that agreement is, or will be, null and void."
"And I take it that Elijah might miss out on money he thought was coming to him from this agreement?"
"No. Not money. Land. Fifteen acres, south and west of where he currently lives."
"I don't see how I could help with that. The State has been very clear that no property in what they say they own was to be deeded to anyone. I have argued against that several times."
"And you have won more times than you lost, yes," Butch said. "But this is different. My father doesn't currently occupy the land in question. His brother, Jebediah, lives close to the middle of it."
"I appreciate you coming to me, but I am not willing to be involved in any effort to force Jebediah Mackey from his home and land." Hal rose, his anger rising, but he kept his face and voice neutral.
"He has something to offer in exchange," Butch began, but was cut off by Hal.
"No, thank you, but I thought I was quite clear on the matter. I will not be party to any attempt to evict Jebediah from land that originally belonged to Cleveland."
"My father no longer seeks that land, he knew you would never listen to any arguments for it. He knows the legal owner of land that is currently unoccupied and wishes for you to get the State to accept a sale of 15 acres of that land. I have seen the newspaper, and it is more than a coincidence that you represent the purchaser of a huge track of land you want to sell to the State at the same time that State ownership of Indian Spring is being questioned and legally challenged. You are going to propose a swap."
"First, the only way you could know that is because the person your father made a deal with is sharing information that has a degree of confidentiality to it. That person's job would be at risk if I were to tell Mr. Casey, the Chief of OP&W, that someone in his office is leaking information."
"That person knows the location and owner of an illegal still and threatens to have the owner arrested if he doesn't get something he wants," Butch added.
"Please leave," Hal said, this time letting his voice show his anger. "I am not going to be party to any deals of the sort you are proposing. In fact, the moment you leave my office I am going to notify the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. I thought better of you than to come here and ask me to be a party to a crime."
"You don't understand," Butch continued unperturbed. "You would not be party to anything criminal. To keep from being arrested and having his still destroyed, Elijah has to agree to sell the land he does occupy to that State Employee if the State withdraws its claim to the land. What he needs from you is to sell him land you own."
"I own nothing," Hal insisted. "If, and that is a very big if right now, the State does accept the swap, all I have is the house I live in and the one acre of land it sits on. I can't help you, and frankly, I'm not interested in helping your father."
"You might have claim to much more than you realize," Butch said. He pulled out a piece of paper that was pressed between two clear plastic covers. "An ancestor of yours purchased land from the original Thomas Mackey in 1833, what is now known as Tucker Wood, and it includes the land you currently live on. This is the proof of that." He handed over the paper.
"This is a copy of a land patent for 175 acres issued to Donal Tucker. Just because it has the same name as mine doesn't prove anything. My dad died suddenly when I was 17 and he left no record of any family history. All I know is that his father's name was Kelley Tucker. I never met my grandfather. I understand he died when my father was young."
"My father has the proof that Donal is your ancestor. He has your entire family history, back to the 1700's. It was kept inside my Aunt Esther's bible and was created by a distant relative of yours. He will exchange that for your promise to sell a little land that you can prove you own. Fifteen acres is a small part of what you could lay claim to."
"How do I know any of this is true?" Hal asked.
"First, my dad believes it to be. He has to. It would be worthless to him if it wasn't. Then, I've spoken to Aunt Esther. She said the bible was a gift to her from Seth's wife, Mira, when Dot was born. She said she never knew the document was sealed inside the binder until I opened it. It was given to Mira by Elizabeth Mackey when Aunt Esther was born. Elizabeth Mackey was Elizabeth Smith until she married Tommy Mackey, who was one of Thom's grandsons. And Kate Smith was the daughter of a Tucker."
Hal was quiet for a minute while he thought this through. Then he realized something.
"You already know that the State is going to purchase the land to the south and give up their holdings in Indian Spring without a court battle. You wouldn't have told me about Elijah's deal otherwise."
"The man he made deals with is in a position to know the recommendation that was made to ODNR," Butch said. "The deal hasn't been approved, but the recommendation showed that it would be less costly to make the change and the State would end up with property that is better suited for a State Park and would have clear and unquestioned title to the land, all of which is soon to be unoccupied."
Suddenly Hal realized how important the arrangements he had made with Ernest Morrison had been. To protect Malcolm and because he was a minor, for a very small fee, Morrison had formed a shell company with a manager who worked for Morrison Industries and handled all of the dealings with the real estate companies for the purchase of the land and made the proposed offering price to the State. Therefore, the source of the money was hidden from public searches. Without that, Elijah would have learned that Malcolm McEwen had somehow come across enough money to purchase several hundred acres of land and sell it at a loss to the State. And Elijah was a shrewd man, one who would have quickly figured out that there was only one way the boy could have come up with that amount of money. But all of the legal paperwork was signed by the manager. Hal was now very glad that Malcolm's name wouldn't appear in any of the extensive documentation.
"I will consider it," Hal said. "First, the State must notify everyone who lives in the Spring that it is removing its claim on the land. Then, I'll need to see a copy of the information you claim to have, with a certified statement from your aunt as to its authenticity. And I would much rather you be the person I talk to. I have never enjoyed any of the time I have spent with your father."
"Thank you," Butch said. "I will be in touch."
Approximately 80% of all the residents of Indian Spring had gathered at the meeting to hear what officials from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Members of both Sweetwater and Coolspring Town Boards, and a lawyer who was experienced with the process of incorporation of land into a city had to say.
The briefing by the State did not take long. Basically, they announced that they were ready to issue titles to property owners of record within Indian Spring. There was a fee for that, but the shell company that offered other land to the State at an acceptable price had agreed to pay the fee for all people who currently occupied land in the Spring. The better news was there was no urgency. The State would hold title for up to one year and would not acquire any unoccupied land nor force anyone to move.
Both Coolspring and Sweetwater offered to incorporate the land into their towns at no expense to landowners; all the residents had to do was vote on which Town they wished to become annexed into.
But it was the lawyer who drew the most attention. Prior to this meeting, he had met privately with 8 individuals who were regarded as leaders for different parts of the Spring, including the Southern part where many non-Mackey families lived. It had been agreed that, if they were to seek tenure (the conditions under which land or buildings are held or occupied), they could subdivide the Spring into 3 sections. The north, where Deep Mackey lived, would have the strictest requirements for purchase. The middle, where lower Mackey lived would have fewer requirements, and the South, which would operate more like a traditional town, potentially even allowing some business opportunities such as stores and other small businesses to operate. All three areas, however, would exist under a common framework. And he assured them that any long-established community traditions, could be part of that arrangement and negotiated between the elected representatives of the three sections.
"Just like traditional tribal laws had sway on Indian lands in some states," the man had explained.
At the public meeting, the lawyer also outlined a plan for incorporating Indian Spring into its own town. And he explained a process called Land Tenure. He stated there were pros and cons to such a move. First, it offered some control over who could purchase land and move into the area.
"You cannot keep people out based on race or religion. However, many of your families have occupied the majority of the land for generations, and you have established customs unique to your culture that can, to some degree be preserved."
The lawyer let the mumblings settle down before continuing. "Land tenure is more than a distinction between public and private ownership. It incorporates relationships between people, and rights and responsibilities among those people. It uses a social history of individuals and groups joined through common goals."
That caused dozens of hands to go up, something the lawyer was well prepared for. The first question was one regarding what customs they would be able to keep. The Mackey Choosing Ceremony was one such tradition foremost in the minds of many, but that clearly couldn't be discussed openly at this meeting where people who didn't live in the Spring were present.
"The families who have lived there for generations have a cultural emphasis that provides social structures that keep out external pressures," the legal expert continued. "Your families have demonstrated their ability to manage expansion through kinship networks without the ability to purchase the land individually." He explained that cultural processes could be agreed upon by you all so that people wishing to move into Indian Spring would have to contractually except. He cited two communities in the State that had unique requirements for purchase of land or houses. "The size of the house, the building materials used, vehicle use, hunting, fishing, all sorts of things that are now understood by all the people living there can be part of the framework that outsiders wishing to move in would have to agree to."
The next question was one of assimilation. Many people, especially the Deep Mackey, did not want to see land occupied by outsiders.
"But that condition exists now, and the non-Mackey outsiders have managed to co-exist without the need for law enforcement agencies to maintain the peace. What could be considered outsiders have even managed to help protect the area. You have a system of self-government already that seems to work, even though I don't understand it," the lawyer suggested.
He answered other questions for nearly an hour before the show of hands ended. He finished by explaining a simple fact.
"What is needed are real property rights. Without a legal framework for members to access capital through secure property rights, you are trapped. Right now, you have homes, but can't sell them. That changes as soon as the State relinquishes control. Ownership would allow for a true free market. This is true whether you agree to have the land incorporated into either of the two towns or apply to the county for incorporation as its own village."
"I recommend you get more information from those you know and trust. To incorporate you will need a favorable vote of at least 75% of the land owners. Regardless of which path you choose, I have offered to do the legal work for a relatively small fee that is disclosed in the pamphlets that were handed out at the beginning of this meeting. Thank you for your time."
Two weeks later, an official vote was made at the county offices. By an overwhelming majority, nearly unanimous, it was recorded that Indian Spring would be incorporated as a tenured village with its own self-rule.
School had started two days ago, and Kelley and Nate had many of their classes together, along with Tyler Fisk and Blaine Hart, the two Sweetwater boys who had accepted them back when they first started school in town last spring. But there was one class that Nathan had without any of the other three, and following that class he had a scary meeting.
Eddie Bower and a boy named Benjamin Kohl cornered him in the hall shortly before lunch. Nate was petrified as they pushed him into a closet.
"This is the kid I told you about," Eddie said to his friend. "The one I got to fuck. And he's going to ask us to do it again, aren't you? Because if you don't, I'll let a bunch of kids see this."
He held up a picture taken from behind a Sweetwater Police car that clearly showed Nate and Kelley bent over the front of the car with Tucker's lips locked over the dick of Chris Bowers, his older brother.
"I took that just before he fucked your friend," he said. "And unless you want me to share it, you're going to ask me and Benjamin to fuck you."
Nate was trapped. The picture was clear enough that it left absolutely no doubt that Kelley was giving a blowjob to Eddie's brother. He gave in without a fight, but as soon as he did, he knew he was screwed. Eddie pulled a small device from his pocket and pressed two buttons. He fast forwarded it to where he asked the two boys to fuck him.
"I'll delete the beginning of it," Eddie said with a smirk. "If you ever tell anyone, I'll make sure my dad hears you asking us to do it. Just try and get us into trouble and see how that plays out."
As a result of the encounter, Nate was late getting to lunch. When he did arrive the first thing Kelley noticed was his friend was walking, well, like he'd been fucked.
"Oh, shit," Kelley thought to himself. "Nate must have hooked up with someone at school." He had hoped his friend was smarter than that. But then he saw his eyes, and knew he had it wrong. It took the rest of the day to get the story from Nate. And when he did, he knew he had to do something.
"It was Eddie Bowers," Nate began. "Do you remember him?"
How could he ever forget that early June day when he and Nate had been bent over the two sides of a Sweetwater Police car and fucked by the officer's two sons, Chris and Eddie. Chris was in high school now, but Eddie was an eighth-grader at Joplin Middle School.
"He took a picture," Nate continued. "When he went back to the car to get the lotion, he had a camera there. He showed it to me. It was you and me, with our pants around our ankles, and you were sucking his brother's dick. He said he'd pass it around if I didn't cooperate. He and another boy took me to one of the janitor's closets and they fucked me and said if I told anyone he'd tell his dad that I asked them to do it."
"Did you?" Kelley asked, not sure he wanted to know. But the news that there was a picture of him was very disturbing. It was like with Ethan again, only this time the potentially damaging picture or pictures were of him. "Did you ask them to do it?"
It took a long time before Nathan answered. "Yeah," he finally said. "I had to. But I did it to protect you. I didn't know they had a tiny tape recorder. They have proof I asked them to do it. But not the threats they made if I didn't ask. Now I have to let them do it every day."
Kelley had no idea what to do, but he knew he had to help Nate. It was later that same day that he accidently bumped into Austin Koch who along with his cousins Alex and Stefan Mackey were starting in ninth grade. After some small talk, Austin guessed that something was wrong and asked how he could help. Kelley was reluctant to involve them, especially since Nate wasn't even a Mackey, but once he told the whole story, he got immediate support.
The next day, a very embarrassed Eddie Bower and Benjamin Kohl were caught outside the school totally naked, but not until after having been seen by a large number of kids. The principal didn't want to punish Eddie, after all, his father was a police officer known for being tough and vengeful, but the gym teacher had found a recorder, and on it were the voices of Eddie and Benjamin. And the recording clearly showed that the two boys had deliberately planned the escapade with the purpose of being seen, hoping to reestablish a thirty-year-old tradition of streaking. The principal had no choice but to suspend the two boys for two days.
How it happened was never disclosed, but Kelley knew the Koch brothers and cousins had done it. The picture appeared a few days later in an envelope in his locker. Austin denied having done anything, but he did smile when Kelley asked him if he knew what was in the envelope.
"How would I know?" the older boy said, which Kelley knew was a lie. "I've never seen that envelope before." That was another lie, and even though he continued to say he'd done nothing, Kelley thanked him.
Hal Tucker had met with Butch Mackey, Elijah's only surviving son, several more times and now had a copy of the original 1833 land patent and his family tree that showed his direct descent from Donal Tucker. And he had met with Esther Mackey, who confirmed what Elijah's son had told him. Later, he had contacted the state authorities and they also eventually agreed, after much back and forth, to accept the documentation as proof of legal ownership. Tucker Wood belonged to him. It always had, but he had never known it. He reviewed the survey map and selected a portion of land that was close to a small spring, but in a corner of the property and as far from his house as possible. He contacted Butch and they agreed upon a fair price. The area was just under 12 acres in size, and the necessary paperwork was filed. Soon, Elijah would have the land he wanted in exchange for the Tucker family history.
With the changes in Indian Spring, Hal now suddenly had all the legal work he could handle, and much of it was from people who could afford to pay him. With that, and the money from the land sale to Elijah, needed repairs to the house were finally able to be made, improving life for the entire family.
He'd even offered an allowance to Kelley, but to his pleasant surprise, his oldest son turned it down, stating he wanted to keep his job for as long as it lasted, even though it paid very little. Instead of an allowance, he offered to do certain chores beyond what he had always done for additional income, something he was happy to agree to.
As the year drew to its inevitable close, the Tucker family found themselves in improved financial circumstances. For the first time they owned their own house and land, they had extensive other property in Tucker Wood, and with Hal's now thriving legal practice, money in the bank. Hal and Silvie Tucker looked to a bright future for all their sons.
Ethan couldn't sleep. Christmas was less than two weeks away, and this year he was hoping would be the best. He loved his dad, and knew he took on work for no pay or for favors, but now he was having to turn down some jobs. The changes that had come to Indian Spring were confusing to him, but apparently made sense because his dad now was busy with work all day long.
Kelley had thankfully returned to normal and was spending more time with him and Ashton, so that was like an early Christmas present.
And the year was ending on a high note. He and Stevie had each been invited to Ben Brewer's Christmas pool party, and they made an agreement to meet with other boys. They were still a "couple" in all but name, and both knew they'd always be together, but for this party they wanted to see if they could spend some time with other guys.
For Ethan, it had been Dennis Brewer. He was one of Ben and Cal's cousins. And even though it was supposed to be just for ten and eleven-year-olds, he'd been allowed to come because he had just turned twelve. And it only took fifteen minutes for the two of them to realize they had something in common. In the privacy of Ben's room, they spent an hour having their own celebration. It was mutually enjoyed, sexy, and totally fun.
They had just finished and were getting dressed when in walked the biggest surprise of all: Ben and Oak Mackey! Dennis had been so ashamed it was almost funny. It was the realization that the other two boys were there to do what he and Ethan were doing that finally calmed him down, and they gathered up their clothes and decided to join the other guests and leave the room to its rightful owner.
But now Ethan had to look to the future. He and Stevie had both been asked (not warned, Ethan realized), to cool their love interests in school, and they both agreed that was probably a good thing. By virtue of their brothers, they were now included into the Mackey subculture, but there was no reason to test how far that would go in Sweetwater schools.
And what about next year? He would still be eleven next July 15th, and would therefore not be a possible candidate for the Mackey Choosing Ceremony under the current rules. However, Stevie would be twelve and very likely put on the stage. What if Sandy and Brad couldn't, or didn't, protect their brother? What if Stevie became a bottom, one that Mackey rules wouldn't allow him to use? It was his greatest fear. But Stevie had told him not to worry. His brothers would take care of him.
"Sandy and Brad have my ass covered," Stevie explained. "Remember Sandy still has 10 negative points of his own he can add to my back. And I have 3 of my own for attending the last Choosing and voting for Chris Corbin. That's minus 13 just there. And Brad has said I'll get a minus brother vote from him. Finally, Kevin has promised his if I need them. Nobody would waste their vote on a kid with – 24 even before the general voting started."
So he and Ethan ignored all the threats and "smack-talk" from the other guys and were happy to remind them of their own vulnerability.
Ashton had been to the Brewer party, one of just three nine-year-old boys invited, mostly because their birthdays put them close to turning ten. With his birthday last June, he had just made the cut by 8 days. None of his close friends were there, and he tried to stick close to Ethan. Right up to the moment Ethan met Dennis Brewer. Ashton smelled Dennis, who had the same distinctive smell as Ethan and Stevie Jacobs and one or two other boys. He didn't fully understand it, but he knew that Ethan and Stevie liked other boys, and suspected that this new kid did too. It was odd, because Kelley had two of the smells – one like kids who liked girls, but also some of the smell of the boys who like boys. He guessed he'd figure it out someday.
But when Ethan pointed out Chase Jacobs and said to go and say hi to him, he knew his brother and the older boy were going to leave and didn't want him to follow.
Chase was okay, sometimes cool, but not when Stevie was around. It seemed like all the two of them did was argue or pick on each other. Nothing like him and his brothers. But while Stevie was also here, he wasn't around at the moment so he went over to at least say hi. They were quickly surrounded by Bert Mackey's family – his brother Vince (10); and his 1st cousins Alex (11), Merrick (10), Gordon (11), and Sammy (10). Despite the prohibitions, this group was more than willing to talk about "their family's bottom."
Even when a distant cousin of Bert's, Sarah (10) came over, they continued to talk about their experiences and what they'd done. Ashton was confused, because none of the boys smelled like Ethan, yet they were all proud of doing stuff that Ashton had heard about from Mikey and Phillip Gaston. Stuff he thought those two boys had made up, but apparently, they knew more than he did.
He looked at Sarah and asked her, "Do you get invited over when they do stuff with Bert?" and she answered, "No, of course not! Besides, he's my cousin, so yuck!" She did mention that over the years she had seen every one of her cousins naked at one time or another. A whole new world was opening for Ashton. It was one he didn't understand, but knew he would need to talk to Kelley about.
He eventually ended up playing in the pool with a group of other kids, and had a wonderful time at the party.
The summer had been a confusing and scary time for him. He knew something was wrong in Indian Spring, but it was something he couldn't identify. It just smelled different. And that day when Ethan had come home from a sleepover at the Jacobs the smell of fear on him was so strong, he couldn't stand to be near his brother.
And that smell had returned the night their house had been set on fire. Yeah, the fire was scary, but Ashton quickly realized that Ethan was more scared of Kelley than the fire. It was the same fear he'd smelled on his brother earlier. He knew then that monsters were real. They existed, and he could smell them, or it. And he smelled it on his oldest brother that night. Not fear, it was a monster smell.
Kelley was the one he always turned to, even before he went to his mother. But that night, he couldn't talk to either of his brothers about it. None of them knew he could smell certain things, and until he understood it, he didn't want to bring it up.
And fortunately, just a short time passed before the evil smell left the Spring and more importantly, Kelley. All the smells returned to normal, even the fear that Ethan had carefully hidden from their older brother. Except that he could still smell something evil, trying to get out. It was faint, distant, but it was present and something for him to remain aware of as time passed.
As the year had progressed, his ability to smell things seemed to get stronger. He discovered a new smell that only a few people he knew had. Kelley had it, but not Ethan or his parents. It was very strong with most of the Cormacks and Lanhams.
And when he finally got to be with Jack and Ian, they now smelled different than they had before. Totally different, and not like James, Geoff, or Duncan. It was curious. Something he would explore.
When school started in September, Nathan Carlin was faced with a new problem. He was entering 7th grade, but was still mostly an unknown outsider since he and the other kids from Indian Spring had only been in the Sweetwater Schools for the last two months of the prior year. He and Kelley had many of their classes together, but unfortunately gym was not one of them. Nate had gym on Mondays and Wednesdays, and Kelley on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Nate's problem? He was suddenly faced with a locker room full of boys his age. Boys walking around bare-chested, in their underwear, in their jock straps, with towels around their waists, and... completely in the nude. Big penises hanging down, smaller penises pointing up, tiny pubic hairs, longer pubic hairs, testicles hanging loose, testicles hanging tight, ... he had never experienced anything like this, ever. He was like a kid going into a candy store for the very first time wanting to try out every morsel. He was unable to keep from getting hard, and much to his surprise, the same was true of a few other boys. He did all he could to keep from being seen, but those who were not erect enjoyed pointing out those who were. But other than being laughed at (and stared at by even the straight boys) nothing ever became of it.
Nathan also now had two boys he was pretty sure shared his sexual desires, and was planning on approaching them to try and find out, only to be surprised when the first one approached him. They talked about the locker room, and how both of them were erect, and the other boy, Jason McCoy, said, "Look, I'm gay, and I think you are too. If you aren't, please don't tell anyone, it's just that..."
He never had to finish. Nathan didn't have to say he was also gay; his actions were proof enough. For the first time in his life, he had a friend who enjoyed giving and getting, and life was suddenly better. True, Jason lived in Sweetwater, which made getting together a bit of a nuisance, but not one that would keep them apart.
And in some ways, it was better than the time he had spent with Zeke Prosper. Zeke had been demanding, physically and sexually, and that wasn't the type of relationship he really wanted. But after the lightning strike, Zeke had forgotten all that had happened between them and didn't even remember who he was anymore.
Jason and he were cut from the same cloth. They wanted similar things from each other. And this time, there would be no surprise meetings of parents – Jason's Mom and Dad already knew about their son's sexual orientation. They accepted Nathan with only one demand – that he be totally upfront with his own mother and father. But that was hardly a problem. They had always suspected Nathan was gay. And after the Zeke thing, they were confronted with it directly and both came away happy, after their son confessed his desires and direct involvement.
The best news was that he and Kelley had finally gotten back together. He'd only been partially honest with Tuck that day at the old Anderson house. He had thought several times about going over to Kelley's place, but never did because somehow that summer his best friend had changed. He wasn't sure how or why, but he sensed it.
But by fall, everything that had been different about Kelley was now back to normal. They could talk without arguing. Kelley never cared about him being gay, and never came seeking out sex in any form. Tuck came to play games, to ride bikes, to talk of things, not for sex, which was the way their friendship had always been. And it was that way again now.
And because of that, when he told him about Jason, Kelley immediately approved and seemed genuinely happy for him. And as far as he could tell, he and Tuck would remain close friends for life.
David Mackey had been devastated when he learned that it was him who had torched Old Knot. However, that was only a crime against property. And even now, as Christmas approached, a group of fathers were rebuilding the site and making it even better than before. David had volunteered to help whenever they let him. He was determined he would make restitution to the Mackey somehow and he planned helping in other ways in the future. But even worse than his nighttime activities at Old Knot was knowledge that he had planned to commit mass-murder at the Choosing Ceremony. When he and his brother made up, he learned that it had been Sandy Jacobs who had saved him from carrying out this heinous act. He would forever be grateful to the kid for that. He would certainly never contemplate doing that now. Indeed, since his first meeting with Ian and Jack, his mental state and his outlook on life had changed dramatically. How could it not? He was no longer isolated and he was never alone, even when he was. He now shared his brain with two others. That took a lot of getting used to at first. You certainly couldn't keep secrets from other guys that lived inside your head. The sexual and erotic fantasy stuff was the most difficult to share at first. But with only some mild concentration and mental probing, David not only learned about, but effectively experienced all the sexual play Ian and Jack had done with each other and with the dozens of others they had ever been involved with over their lives. For example, he knew, as if it had actually happened to him, what Ian felt as a top when he fucked Jack, and what Jack felt as a bottom as Ian's cock slid inside. And without ever being told, he could access Ian's memories of his sexual experiences with Brianna. In the end, David concluded he was the least sexually weird of the three. After about a month of sharing minds, David sensed the other two probing inside about his planned terrorist attack at Old Knot. And he let them in. His brain was now irrevocably rewired and he would never, ever think of doing that again. He had told all this to his mother. She had returned from California with his little sister and were back at home. She was desperate for him to return to the shrinks in L. A., but a few quick demonstrations one afternoon at the Lanham house and reassurances from the Cormack and Lanham adults was enough to convince her that David would never be alone again – at least in his mind.
David trusted Ian and Jack. None of them had any choice in the matter of course. And perhaps, or maybe even in spite of, they all became best friends – closer than any twins could ever imagine. They shared thoughts and ideas, even separated by a half a continent when David made a quick return to California to reassure his uncle, the child psychologist. They all developed a new perspective on life and a maturity beyond their years. Though Jack pointed out that their combined age put them firmly in their early 30s.
And as he grew to accept his new status, David quickly became aware of the advantages. If he felt down or depressed, Jack was always there telling him to snap out of it. Even better, Ian, always the extrovert, and even though he only had just turned 11, was still a wizard at talking to other people. When David became shy speaking with Angela Mitchell at school, the cutest girl in the seventh grade, Ian was there, in his head, telling him what to talk about and how to say it. David learned that confidence was infectious. And now, through that help, he and Angela were going on a date this coming Saturday.
David had moved to Coolspring with his uncle Ralph. His time with Jack Lanham and Ian Cormack had allowed him to remember various things that had happened. Some of it was buried too deep, and that was a relief. He understood the need to never tell anyone that it had been him who had torched Old Knot.
He could talk with the two boys he shared with whenever he wanted, and he allowed contact, but learned to shut them off when they jacked off. That was something that he enjoyed being connected to, yet the fact that he enjoyed sharing their thoughts was troubling to him. Because of them he learned that he had actually gotten a blow job from 13-year-old Belle Tilton (and how jealous Jack was regarding that!). He loved remembering that, even though it brought up the memory of where it had happened. He had built a blind with the intention of shooting as many of the boys at the Choosing Ceremony that he could. But his plan had been discovered and his parents had sent him off to California and put him in a psych-ward that treated kids with issues like him. Only it wasn't him, not really. But the thing that possessed his body helped him to escape and then brought him back to wreak as much havoc as possible.
The biggest surprise was when his other uncle, Simon, brought his sister and brother over. Denise wasn't as affected by their father as he and Darrell had been, but she still didn't have a normal life either.
Darrell had his motorcycle with him, and the two of them worked on it in Uncle Ralph's garage to repair the damage he'd done. He could sense the simmering anger of his brother just under the surface, but he managed to contain it and when they were done, his brother started the bike and took it out on the street for the first time. He was gone for nearly half an hour, but when he came back, he let him get on the back and the two of them traveled down nearly every street in Coolspring.
That night came the biggest news of all. Darrell and Denise were not staying at home anymore. They now lived with their grandmother, and his sister told him that their brother was trying his best to overcome years of mental and physical mistreatment from their dad. It would be a slow process, but David had high hopes that, someday, even Darrell would become more empathic towards other people.
It had been a terrible year for Cal Brewer. His life had changed so dramatically over the past 6 months, it was hard to know where to start. In June he'd been top dog, at the very pinnacle of the food chain. He had the White Party at his house and got to fuck several different boys, but most of all Kelley Tucker. He still felt guilty about that. After all, Tuck had never done anything to him. He now recognized that it was his need to prove he was superior, more virile, and more masculine that had led to his downfall. Kelley had always been a thorn in his side since their earliest days around Indian Spring. Tucker was always just that little bit better looking, faster, smarter, superior at sport, and more popular with the other kids, and even adults, than him. It was a challenge to the very core of his being, and when the chance arose for Cal to be on top (literally) for the first time, what option did he have than to seize it with open arms. But if his last 5 months as a Mackey community bottom had taught him nothing else, it was much more than that. He now knew that sex and power were inexorably linked. It was his father who explained it. And for Cal, it was now obvious. The ability to completely dominate, control and sexually shame another person, was what motivated many of the kids that knocked on his front door. Not all of them of course – there were always exceptions. But for many, the sex, although important, was secondary to the need to command and degrade someone better. And that had been his true motivation when he fucked Kelley Tucker all those months ago. He understood that and recognized it in others. Now he was at the bottom of the pecking order, with emphasis on the "bottom." He saw it in the eyes of some boys when he answered the door, or they dragged him off to the woods for a very public fucking and a series of blow-jobs. Yes, they wanted sex, but they also wanted to experience the feeling of having another human being under their power. According to his Dad, the Germans even had a name for it – schadenfreude.
Cal now felt he had paid for his crimes against Kelley Tucker many times over. He possessed the kid for a weekend, but the Mackey had him for two years, and maybe three. There was talk of that. He was constantly behind in his blow-job quota. After almost 6 months he had only had signatures for 64 of the 154 he was required to give. He had given more of course, but some guys refused to sign his card, claiming poor technique or something similar. It wasn't fair and he had complained to Sandy Jacobs, who took the matter up with Sheldon and later the full Council. With Raymond's intervention, the 6 boys who had tried that on lost all additional rights. However, in spite of that, he still had another 46 to go. And to make matters worse, from January 16, 1996 his ass would not only be available to any remaining 12-year-olds (the ones who had been through the Choosing), the 13-year-olds, but now any 14-year-old Mackey with a hankering for some boy butt. It was a dismal future, but his understanding of the dark side of human nature – the one that everyone hid (except from the bottoms) would help him get through it. He hoped so at least.
The good news was that not all the kids were like he used to be. He had followed Kevin's advice and tried to make friends with as many of the boys as he could. And the strategy had worked – at least to some extent. Brad, Malcolm and even Kelley Tucker had basically put the word out that any 12-year-old who treated Cal poorly would face consequences. That had improved everyone's behavior considerably. Sandy Jacobs, Kevin, and Tanner Mackey had done the same for the 13-year-olds. And Cal found that after Raymond's ban, the older guys who he owed blow-jobs were always polite and extremely thankful for their access to the physical release. And Sheldon had stepped in several times to lay down the law. Bennett Mackey had been banned from using any of the bottoms just a few weeks ago, after being extremely rough with Cal one afternoon. But the complaint did not originate from him. Rather Brad Jacobs, who had been in Ben's room next door that day waiting for his friend, heard the rough treatment and got so angry, he banged on the door. When Bennett said he would happily fuck Brad next if he wanted it, the boy got so angry, he marched straight out of the house and over to Sheldon's place. When the Mackey Council member raised Bennett's behavior at a meeting with all the bottoms, it was the chorus of similar complaints that led to the ban. Bennett was told he was lucky not to be made a bottom himself, and if he went near anyone again, he would suffer that fate. Hardly any of the Mackey had seen him since.
After that incident, and with considerable pressure from Sandy Jacobs and Kevin Mackey, Sheldon and the other Council members then put the word out that anyone who didn't demonstrate complete and proper respect for the bottoms, might face a similar fate. Since then, Cal's circumstances had improved substantially.
And now he really did have some genuine friends. Brad and Sean Mackey to start, but later Malcolm and David. The latter two never used his services, and Brad and Sean always made sure Cal got-off as well, so sex with them was always fun. The five of them had become inseparable at home and school and their constant support and encouragement had gotten him through his darkest days. There was also something about Malcolm and David he couldn't quite put his finger on. Cal knew that Malcolm was spending most of his time at the Tucker place these days. He had more or less moved into Kelley's bedroom, so the fact that he now looked well fed and had good clothes perhaps wasn't so surprising. But there was something else. The dark pall that had previously seemed to follow Malcolm everywhere was gone. Now he looked happy, he was doing much better at school and even talked about future careers. The old Malcolm always slunk around in the shadows and never talked with anyone unless it was someone he could bully. But the new Malcolm was a worthy friend - someone to count on. And David Mackey was an even stranger case. Cal had never had much to do with the kid in the past. He had always been a loner, and looked ready to shit his pants if anyone even looked at him. But the new David was an extrovert. Always ready with a joke, a smile, or some sincere praise. But most weird of all, he appeared to have an uncanny ability to understand the mood of others before they even opened their mouths. He hung around with the Cormacks, the Mackey, Near Springers, and even the most popular kids from Sweetwater. But best of all, he was Cal's friend.
Cal also included Sandy and Kevin in his list of buddies. Every two or three days, one or both of them would come around to check on how he was doing. They were never there for sex, but made him recount each encounter and made supportive comments like,
"We'll have a word with Todd," or whatever boy they were discussing. And sometimes they would call in the big guns.
"Okay, I'll speak to Sheldon about Austin Koch. I reckon it's part of the DNA of the Koch boys to make themselves a pain in the ass. Err... sorry Cal! But they've got Adan coming along next year, so they can't get too far out of line. A reminder from Sheldon that a possible 10 points from you and another from Kevin here would completely cook Adan's goose. That should remind them of their manners."
Sandy always followed through with his promises and kept Cal in the loop about what happened in each case. He had a ton of respect for these two. He knew Sandy and Kevin were doing this with all the bottoms chosen in 1995, but it was reassuring to have them doing it for him. They were friends, close to his age, and they understood Mackey politics, had influence in the community, and always had his back.
On the other hand, it could hardly be stated that a friendship had blossomed between him and Kelley Tucker. Cal didn't blame him. There was still that tinge of tension in the air when they spoke, but that they did at all, was a step in the right direction. By some unspoken agreement, neither ever mentioned the White Party, nor Cal's current status as a bottom, even in private. Painful memories best forgotten it appeared. Cal guessed they could never be friends after what he had done, but each boy showed an outward respect for the other and that was enough for now.
So as Christmas 1995 rolled around, Cal Brewer knew that things could be much worse. His father was planning another big party to bring in the New Year. Everyone in town – both Mackey and Near Springers were invited. These events always generated good-will which Cal hoped this time might rub off on him – at least to some extent. And there was all that news about land titles and the incorporation of the town of Indian Spring. The prospect of a better 1996 was something to contemplate.
It was hard to believe that it was nearly the end of the year already. Time had flown by, and he'd learned so much about himself and for the first time how others saw him. Sandy wanted him to run for Junior Council as soon as they were old enough, and he was pretty sure he'd take his friend up on that.
He'd reviewed the list of new rules for Selections that Ethan and Stevie Jacobs had written down and liked all of them. He wasn't sure how they would work now that people for the first time could come into Indian Spring and look for land to buy. Sure, they had to accept the traditions established in the Land Tenure agreement, and those were still being worked out by the adults, but over all, it preserved something that he wanted kept.
His friendship with Malcolm and Sandy had been tested and survived, and if anything, was even stronger now. With the beast that had infected the Spring gone, things were returning to normal. He heard stories nearly every day of ways that people found to make up for things they had done or said. Some things would never be resolved, but for over a century the Mackey had managed to live under a truce.
Ethan had gone to the party at the Brewers and came back with a smile that didn't go away for days. He was very tempted to ask what had happened, but decided his brother would tell him when he was ready.
He had met with Cal Brewer four times when Cal was performing his duties as a bottom, and Cal had told him that his presence cooled things appreciably. The boys still made use of his mouth and ass, but with him there, taunts and laughter were greatly reduced. He still hadn't made use of the boy himself, and was sure he probably never would, but they could at least talk to each other.
Casey had come around twice. He didn't offer or ask for anything sexual, which was fine. Kelley enjoyed just talking, shooting baskets, or playing games.
Even though it seemed like boys all around him were exploring sex, he just wasn't interested in that. He thought about all the boys who had used him that summer and couldn't make up his mind how he truly felt about it. Some of it was forced – Chris Bowers, the Sweetwater cop's oldest son, and Cal Brewer. He hadn't wanted it to happen. Yet with both of them he had cum himself, and he was forced to admit that there had been some sort of pleasure.
With others, it was an acceptance ... an obligation for sex, like with Casey, Mike Kim, and Geoff. And those had given him pleasure too. He just couldn't figure it out. He knew he like girls. He really had no interest in fucking boys. Yet he had so often allowed, on some occasions even encouraged, others to fuck him. He had thought about this once before. Now that he had money he had earned, he could finally at least pay for a simple date.
He decided to try to talk to the girl he thought about the most, Rachel Radcliff. He rode his bike to her house, nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room filled with rocking chairs, and forced himself to go to the door and knock. She had answered, and they sat on the porch as he tried to make small talk. Finally, she asked him why he was there.
"I, uh, was wondering, if you would ever go out with me sometime. Like for a movie, or a burger, or even ..."
"Kelley, you're a nice boy, and good looking," she said, interrupting him. "But I'm nearly 15. I'll be starting high school in the fall. And it just wouldn't look good for me to be going on dates with a middle schooler."
"But they don't have to be like dates, and maybe ..."
"Kelley, the answer is no. Try some girls your own age. You're handsome, and smart, and loads of girls will go out with you. But not me." She got up and went back inside without another word.
She'd been wrong. He'd tried the Stephanie's – Kerns and Callas, who like him were both 12. But they both said they already had friends. Katie Whitman said she was holding out for David to come over now that he was back. Carrie Gaston was more than willing, too willing. She was ready to play an advanced game of doctor the first day he was with her – with him as the patient and two other girls as nurses. He quickly said no, especially when she responded to his question about switching roles, saying, "That won't be happening. It's so much more fun with a boy, and besides, I'm not that kind of girl."
When school started and he saw Selene Patros for the first time since summer began, he remembered how infatuated he'd been with her. She had spent the summer in Greece, and now was even more beautiful than before. He was about to walk up to her when a boy in her grade, Michael Camden, came up, put his arm around her, and they kissed, right there in the hall. Kelley quickly made an exit.
He confided his frustration with Malcolm, who at least only laughed a little. "Go see Cal," was his friend's advice. "He told me you've been there to keep boys from taking too much advantage, and that you have a boner each time, and he wonders why you haven't used him."
Kelley just couldn't convince his friend that he had no sexual interest in boys, especially when Malcolm reminded him of that first night he'd spent at the Tucker house and the blow job he'd given him.
He and Nate got together as often as they used to, and he did accept a blowjob offered by his friend, but it still wasn't enough. Then one day, without a plan, he found himself at the Brewer house.
It seemed like from the moment of his first sexual experience, Kelley had been trying to understand why he got pleasure from sex with boys. He had never even really thought about doing anything with another guy. He had always thought it to be a little gross. He understood the difference between what he'd done and felt and how Nate felt. But he wasn't homosexual. He clearly liked girls. However, he had a need, an itch that needed scratching.
Cal didn't say anything except to invite Kelley to his room. He got out the kit Sandy had given him, and shushed the boy he had abused when he tried to explain why he was there. Cal already knew. He'd been expecting him for months now.
Kelley was surprised that Cal got him hard by just applying the lubrication. And with his first push, he ignored the grunt as the head of his dick slid past the tight opening. And then, for the first time, he was inside another boy, and it wasn't gross. He pumped in and out, slowly at first, and then building up steam until finally he felt ready to explode. Then he froze, buried deep inside the boy on the bottom, until he shot burst after burst of his cum.
Kelley slowly decoupled from Cal, who hadn't made a sound, or at least not one that registered on Kelley's mind. He couldn't believe he could hit that strong an orgasm with another boy, and now he was struggling to come back to his senses.
As they both gathered their clothing, each glancing at the other's naked forms as they dressed, Kelley realized that there was no way he could ever again deny the appeal for boy-on-boy sex.
He met with Nathan shortly after that, and told him of his frustration with getting a girlfriend, and more important, that he had actually enjoyed what he'd done with Cal. And that he was beginning to question his own feelings.
Nathan put it all in perspective.
"Look, stop doubting yourself. I can see the real you, and lots of boys enjoy being on top of another boy once in a while and never once does it mean they are gay. You are not gay. You never have been, and never will be. You like girls. I think it's your approach. Maybe you were too desperate. Maybe you needed a girlfriend to prove to yourself that you are not gay. Whatever, it doesn't matter. You are strong-willed and sure of yourself. But were you like that when you asked those girls out?"
Kelley had thought it over and realized that he'd been scared shitless, and admitted as much.
"You were the victim of bad timing with Selene, but that doesn't say anything about you. Don't give up. There are lots of girls at school. Speak to them with confidence. Be who you are – the handsome and cool Kelley Tucker. You'll find someone special, I just know it. Only don't expect her to want to do more than maybe kiss. If you're looking for sex, there are other girls you can find, but I don't think that is what you really want."
With that, Kelley decided that Nate knew a lot more about relationships than he did, and decided when school resumed after the winter break, he would take Nathan's advice. Cal had been a good release for him and he and the other bottoms were there if he needed more. But a girl he could be with for movies and burgers was what he really wanted right now, and he was more determined than ever to get that.
Malcolm had come to terms with the death of his mother. In some ways, it was better. Now he didn't have to wonder why she had left him and never returned. His father tried twice to quit drinking, and during some of his sober moments they had talked about what led him to drink. As he had expected, a bit of it was his fault. Because he missed his mother, he'd rejected his father's attention after she was gone, and that added to the pain of losing his wife. But the main cause was knowing his son was waiting for her to return when he knew she never would. He defended not telling him because he had been told that if Elijah ever found out it could lead to serious problems.
One life lesson he couldn't adjust to was that he had money. And he found that it was harder to get rid of than he could have ever imagined. He now had more income from the Waterpark that he had helped fund than his father ever earned even when the man had a job. And there were occasions when he indulged in some of those little luxuries that made life fun. Still, he knew he had to hide the fact that he was wealthy. People wouldn't understand, and he lived with the fear that those that liked him as Malcolm would feel differently if they knew. That, of course, didn't apply to Kelley or Sandy; they never once changed how they talked to him, looked at him, or interacted with him. On Tuck's advice, he had met up with Kevin, but just couldn't get up for it. It wasn't like it had been with Kelley. However, he ran across Judge Mackey and Tommy Haynes and found that he enjoyed playing various stripping games with them in the tree house. And he no longer got caught up thinking about how his mother would view it if she were to know.
The summer of `95 had easily been the strangest in his young life. He'd lost his mother back when he was four years old, and had been told that she had left him and his father. By age six, he put himself on a path of self-destruction by being mouthy and mean, especially to younger kids who couldn't defend themselves. But this summer, without apparent reason, Kelley Tucker had befriended him. And that had changed everything. He knew now that it was Ethan Tucker who had insisted his brother try, but it had been Tuck who hadn't given up; who hadn't taken his insults and left (as his mother had, or so he had believed at the time).
Kelley Tucker stood by him. More than that, he had defended him from others and he became one of the very few kids he could label as `Friend.' It was through Kelley that he found his mother's diary and through that he learned what had really happened. And now he had many kids who he considered friends. Then, in one of those weird twists of fate, the two boys found themselves as the scions predicted years before they were born. Tucker had broken the Mackey, but now it was him who was repairing it, using the gold his mother had left him to restore and rejuvenate the community.
He knew the one thing he still needed to accomplish was to somehow fix the wrongs he had done over the last eight years. One kid at a time, he knew he had to meet with all those he had harmed and find something in their life he could improve. After all, he was the second scion of the squaw of the Brave who had not returned. He was the one who healed. That was to be his goal going forward.
Malcolm McEwan now had friends, a purpose in life, and best of all - a family. Hal and Silvie Tucker had become his "unofficial" Mom and Dad and Kelley, Ethan, and Ashton his "unofficial" brothers. He spent much more of his time at their house than his own. And they had all welcomed him into the Tucker tribe and now included him in everything they did. Thus, for the first time, for as long as he could remember, he was happy – truly happy. Sure, there were still problems – not the least of which were his father's occasional bouts of drinking and all the issues that entailed. But his life had never been better, his grades at school were improving, his social life in the Spring was full, and the long-term dream of a career in architecture was no longer some pathetic little kid's fantasy. Through the water park connection, he been taken under the wing of Mr. Ernest Morrison who encouraged Malcolm's interest in a professional career and allowed him to spend occasional Saturdays and other free time in the Morrison architect's office. No, the Malcolm McEwan that looked forward to the upcoming Christmas of 1995, bore little resemblance to the boy he had been last June.
In the run-up to Christmas the local television stations ran the usual fare of old Christmas re-runs. "It's a Wonderful Life," was on one evening, and as it was his mother's favorite movie, they had watched it together as a family. But it was only later, when Sandy and Brad were in their separate beds that the younger brother said,
"Thanks, bro."
"What?" responded Sandy trying to get to sleep.
"I mean, like in the film, if you'd never been born, I'd be a Mackey bottom by now. Pretty sure about that!"
"Yeah well, you're talking crazy," Sandy responded. "Go to sleep Brad. I was born and you're not a bottom, so don't worry about it. It's just a stupid movie."
"Well, I'm just sayin' thanks for being my brother."
"No prob," Sandy shot back. "But get some sleep."
Brad was quiet after that, but sleep didn't come easy for Sandy. Thoughts kept flashing through his brain. His kid-brother didn't know the half of it, Sandy thought to himself. How many kids were alive today because he sensed the pain David Mackey was experiencing those many months ago, and he had the balls to speak out about his concerns? Kevin was as much responsible for that as him, but like in the movie, people were alive today that might not have been. And amazingly, that was one secret in this town that hadn't got out, as far as he could tell. Sandy was glad. David was back as a full member of the community. He was totally changed and now had friends. He even hung out with Brad, Sean and Cal Brewer from time to time, but Sandy knew he never used any of the bottoms.
Yes, it had been an eventful 6 months since the family moved back to the old Jacobs house in Indian Spring. And a lot of changes had occurred. Sandy knew it was probably teenage arrogance, but he had felt for ages that a lot of the things that happened in Indian Spring seemed to swirl around him and his friends. He guessed every kid put themselves at the center of their universe, but it seemed more real to him than that.
He had started the summer way back in June as an innocent. He knew that now. He vividly remembered his overwhelming desire for sex that came to dominate his every waking thought. Nevertheless, like the old saying, "Be careful what you wish for. You might get it." Well Sandy certainly did. But there were strings attached – he guessed there always were. Now he was getting more sex than he ever wanted – literally. Kevin was still fucking him every chance he got. That was always reciprocal of course. The Mackey community bottom liked both ends of gay sex and was as happy to give as to receive. Unfortunately, less and less, that was what Sandy wanted. He understood that sex with boys had been a phase that he had more or less passed through. He still mostly achieved orgasm when he fucked Kevin. However, these days his cock tended to remain as hard as over cooked spaghetti when his friend took the top spot. But he still had another 229 days (yes, he kept a calendar and marked off the time) to serve as the Mackey bottom's bottom. The good news was that apart from Kevin, the other bottoms more or less left him alone. They all clearly had enough issues of their own to deal with. He and Kevin had an occasional three-some with Judge, but the others rarely demanded his services. Maybe that was partly from gratitude or guilt. He wasn't sure. But Sandy had gone out of his way to help the others. He had intervened several times to rescue Chris Corbin from the full wrath of the Council. He had provided comfort and support to Cal Brewer when he needed it, had occasional fun with Judge, ensured an easy transition for Bert from "limited" to full community bottom, and helped restore Tanner Mackey to full public acceptance after what many saw as his devious actions at the last Choosing when he protected Kelley Tucker.
All in all, Sandy Jacobs felt his life was finally coming together.
His grades at school continued to be good. His favorite subjects were still English and History, but he had also done well in Algebra 1 and Spanish, the latter two courses were something new for him in 8th grade.
He'd got his brother Bradley through a Mackey Choosing Ceremony with almost no wear and tear. Only Stevie and Chass to go. And now Brad was comfortably exploring his own sexuality. Like himself, he suspected Brad's boy on boy sex would be a passing phase, but for now he and Cal Brewer were definitely hitting it off. He had got Chass through his debt to Tolley and all was square there. His best buddy, Toby Sanders (13) had done the same with his brothers Shawn (11) and Joey (10). But Trevor Havers (11) and Carl Mackey (11) were the two members of the Famous Five who had blown off their chances of a reconciliation with cousin Tolley. The rumor was that "the smart money" was already going down on them and Harry Corbin, Chris's brother, as the three most likely bottoms next year. It was still too early to know how many would be chosen in 1996, but 3 was a definite possibility. A pity really. Of all his brothers, Stevie would actually have been a good choice for that esteemed position, and he probably wouldn't mind terribly if chosen. But Sandy was determined to let his second youngest brother determine his own sexual path. With his minus 10 points, and potentially Kevin's if needed, (Kevin had no more brothers to protect), Stevie was safe from anything the Mackey could throw at him. And he was pretty sure, any checkmarks he got would be the icing on the cake as far as Stevie was concerned.
Sandy Jacobs also had his commitment to sport and wished he had more time to pursue that side of his life. Whenever he got the chance he could be found in a pool doing laps. He had already been made Captain of the school's junior varsity swim team and was pretty sure of a place on the basketball team as well.
And now he had a girl-friend. He had been dating Marlene Anderson for the past 3 months. She was a Sweetwater girl in his class at school. Her family had a huge house and clearly loads of money. Her parents seemed to tolerate Sandy for the time being, and he was always on his best behavior when he went to their place. They had been to the usual movies and burger joints together and a few "Pashing parties" that were popular at the time. However, Sandy had never got further than some serious "Frenching" and a few quick feels of her newly budding breasts. After several hours of intense petting with his girlfriend, Sandy always paid a visit to Kevin's place for some real relief. He would be forever grateful for that, although it usually meant bending over himself afterwards.
Even if it hadn't been part of his plan, Sandy was finding himself more and more being sucked into Mackey politics. His association with Sheldon had gone from strength to strength. They still had sex from time to time, but a mentor-younger colleague relationship had evolved in the last few months based more on mutual respect. And he had impressed others as well. After successfully sorting out the issues with Chris Corbin and his previous warning to the Council about David Mackey, his reputation was established. Even members like Paul Hardin (16) who had previously opposed everything he stood for, were now coming around to accepting the inevitability of Sandy Jacobs having an important place in the Mackey youth community. It didn't hurt that both Sheldon Redd and Raymond were promoting him for a position on the Council next year. The soon to be 18-year-olds were "retiring" in April 1996 when the next elections were held. Sandy would be a month away from his 14th birthday even then. Still, neither Sheldon nor Raymond had any objection to the fact that, if elected, Sandy would be the youngest Council member in recorded history. Those two still had tremendous sway with potential voters. And Sandy was pretty certain of getting many of the triple-votes available to current and former bottoms. After all, he had been cultivating those relationships since the last Choosing Ceremony.
So as Christmas and the New Year approached, and Sandy Jacobs only slowly drifted off to sleep, he contemplated his life. The past 6 months, he decided, was the period of the good, the bad, and the ugly. And like the lead character in "It's a Wonderful Life," he had been born and his existence had change things. Was Indian Spring so different to Bedford Falls? Probably not! He was only a kid, but like the young George Bailey, he had an impact on the course of events in his little community. And what of next year? Would that be better, or worse? As his life stretched out ahead of him, who knew what the future held? That story hadn't been written yet.