Date: Mon, 20 Aug 2018 04:44:42 +0000 (UTC) From: D J Subject: Grassy Hill part 3 Author's note: This story is a work of fiction, and the characters in it are not real persons. This work is copyright of the author and all rights are reserved. I hope you like it, and I appreciate all comments, praise, complaints, death threats or flames. Send them to Sahypo at dj92570j@yahoo.com. Thanks to everyone who has written to me; if you wish, please let me know a bit about you. I would like to know who my readers are, and what touches you about the story. Please donate to Nifty if you like the stories; your contributions provide this place and keeps it going. http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html The Grassy Hill Part 3 Copyright 2018 By Sahypo Kevin and Robby decided to make chili for the evening meal, and Robby watched his friend lay out the spices required, while the ground beef browned. Robby rinsed the beans and dumped them into the large pot with the tomato sauce and spices. Kevin called over to his mother "Mom, I'm ready for you." Laura was watching TV, drinking a beer and got up and walked into the kitchen. She gave Kevin the beer, and he poured about a third of it into the pot and returned the can to his mother. He threw a spoonful of sugar into the pot and stirred the mixture with a ladle. He put the pot on medium heat and broke up the ground beef in the skillet. Several minutes later, Robby drained the grease out of the meat and rinsed it and added it to the pot. Robby had some skills as a cook also and enjoyed assisting Kevin with rinsing and draining. "That simmers for about 20 minutes and we eat." Kevin said. "That's really cool, Kevin." Robby said. "I never saw anyone cook with beer before." "Really? This chili is awesome. You're in for a treat, dude." "So does it taste like beer?" "Not really...I mean, its spicy, but not hot like that shitty canned crap at school." "Kevin, language...." Laura said from the couch. "Mom, come on, it should be illegal to serve that stuff in a public school...they should buy chili from me!" "Sell it, kid. You might get rich!" Laura replied, Robby giggled and Kevin did a chicken strut dance, looking ridiculous in last year's gym shorts which were getting tight on him. "Careful, dude. Your ass is about to bust out of those!" Robby observed. "When we get a little bit ahead, we have to do some clothes shopping, baby." Laura replied. She was right, Kevin was growing out of everything in his closet. Laura did most all of their shopping for clothes at Mission and thrift stores, finding incredible bargains on clothes that boys Kevin's age couldn't fit into long enough to wear them out. In turn, when Kevin couldn't wear something anymore, it would go back to the thrift shops where Laura would donate it for a store credit. They settled into the evening meal, and just as Kevin predicted, Robby loved the chili. After the meal, once the table was cleared it was time to relax and watch some TV. Laura settled in with her latest novel selection and a cup of coffee as the boys watched a cop show. After the program, the boys got bored and decided to play some chess. Robby had begun to play when Kevin offered to teach him the game. Kevin was a good player, and Robby had learned to be very cautious and consider the consequences of his moves, but Kevin almost always ambushed Robby in the end, but never the same way twice. Ten o'clock rolled around and Laura decided to call it a night. "Don't stay up too late, you two. Good night." She gave each boy a peck on the cheek and they each wished her a good night as well. Kevin looked at his friend. "Did you want to take a shower before bed or anything?" "Nah, I'll just brush my teeth. Go ahead if you want to." Robby replied. Kevin checked the doors to make sure they were locked and turned off the lights and the boys made their way back to Kevin's room where Robby found his bag on Kevin's bed and retrieved his toothbrush. Kevin's room shared a full bath with the third bedroom in the trailer, which served as storage. Laura occupied the master bedroom which had its own bath, so Kevin had complete privacy on his end of the trailer. Robby began brushing his teeth and was joined by Kevin. Shoulder to shoulder they stood looking at each other in the mirror as they sawed their toothbrushes in and out, then spat in the sink and giggled. They took turns sucking up handfuls of water to rinse their mouths, before returning to Kevin's room. Kevin peeled the tight shorts off with some effort, the waistband leaving red pressure marks on his torso which prompted a quick response from Robby. "Dude...you gotta let those shorts go, it's over with." Kevin giggled as he scratched and adjusted his briefs. "Yeah, mom's right. I got to get clothes that fit. You would be surprised at what they have at the church mission stores." "My dad takes me there, too, Kevin." "So, you guys shop where the po'folks go, too?" Kevin asked with a grin. Robby giggled as he pulled his shorts off. "Umm, what do you usually sleep in?" Kevin asked. Robby grinned and replied "My bed, usually. It's much more comfy than the wheelbarrow in the yard." Kevin rolled his eyes up and shook his head "Jerk-face! I meant what you normally wear TO bed! Robby was still giggling "Sorry...I couldn't resist that one....um, underwear usually, but nothing at all a lot too." "Whatever you like is cool. I hope my bed is big enough." "I thought I was sleeping on the floor or the couch, or wha..." "You're my best friend. You're not gonna sleep on my floor...and it's gonna be hard to talk if you're out on the couch." Kevin looked Robby in the eyes. Robby was hoping the plan would work out this way, since he had things that he did want to talk about and questions he wanted to ask Kevin. Neither of them had ever slept with another person in their beds, but both of them had thought about it. There had been times when they fell asleep watching TV on the living room floor at Robby's house or sitting next to each other on the couch in the trailer, but tonight would be a new experience. "That's true." Robby admitted. "If the bed's going to be weird and stuff, it's cool, we can set up the couch." Kevin offered. He knew he had to give Robby a way out, but Robby simply pulled the sheet back and lay down on the bed and scooted over against the wall. "I'm good. Ready to turn the light off?" Robby asked. "Yeah" Kevin complied, and slipped into the bed next to Robby. They both scooted and moved around a bit to get comfortable, and finally they lay back, satisfied that there was enough room. "Shit!" Kevin swore. "What?" Robby wondered as Kevin got back out of bed. "Pillow, dude. I forgot to get another one out." Kevin padded out to the spare bedroom and opened the door and turned the light on. Reaching into the closet, he found what he was looking for on the shelf above the closet rod, turned the light off and came back the way he came, closing the door to his room and tossing the pillow onto Robby's head. "Mmmffff! Thanks, dork! Hey, that's fresh!" "Glad you like it...I can't stand nasty ass pillows." "You do the laundry, right?" Robby asked. "Uh-huh." Kevin replied. "Is it weird touching your moms' stuff...you know, like her bras and all that?" Robby wondered. "No...like, why would it be? You wash your dad's things, right?" "Yeah, but he's a guy." Robby reasoned. "Robby...it's just clothes. If it's in the hamper, I wash it and dry it. Just like you do it at your house." The boys lay back, side by side, silent in their thoughts for several minutes. Kevin knew that Robby was in a frame of mind to ask him things, and several minutes of silence after a question while Robby processed what Kevin said meant that there was no telling where the conversation might wind up. "Roll over, dude." Kevin instructed. "What for?" Robby wondered. "I want to give you something...you'll like it." Robby shrugged and rolled over onto his stomach and turned his head to face Kevin. Kevin rolled up on his side and reached over Robby and began scraping the taller boy's back with his nails. Robby moaned and smiled. "That feels awesome." Kevin smiled and continued to work Robby's skin for close to ten minutes before he patted Robby on the back and rolled back over, pulling the sheet up over them. "You're good at that, Kevin. Thanks." Robby said. "No problem" Kevin replied. "Umm....I want to ask you something, but if you don't....uh, if it's none of my business just tell me, okay?" Robby asked. "Oh, please! Like there is anything I wouldn't tell you, or haven't told you by now, dude." Kevin exclaimed, drumming his fingertips down Robby's side. Robby giggled and scooted around on the bed, reacting to the tickling like he was being shocked. "Stop! You're gonna make me piss your bed, dipshit!" Robby protested as he laughed and squealed. Kevin stopped the torture, and Robby lay there, catching his breath and calming down. Kevin lay next to him looking up at the ceiling in the low light. "So what did you want to ask me?" Robby rolled up on his right side to face Kevin "Well, you said you get boners a lot...Um, what uh, do you do with them, I guess." Robby stumbled. "You mean jack off and stuff?" Kevin asked. "Er, yeah...Dad said it was what guys do in puberty. That's why I'm asking you..." Robby admitted. There was a silence as Kevin thought about his answer. "When I'm in the bathtub or taking a shower...I rub it and it gets really hard." Inside his briefs, Kevin's organ reacted to the topic of the conversation, and quickly stiffened. "And then what?" "It feels really good for a while, then my arm and hand get tired and I have to quit...my boner goes away and that's it until the next time." There was a prolonged silence from Robby's side of the bed. The taller boy struggled with his next move. If he made his desire known to Kevin, it would be a line they had never crossed in their friendship. Kevin had been nothing but supportive when Robby had shared his secret with him, so he had no reason to question the trust he placed in his friend. His eyes floated over Kevin's midsection which was under the sheet, making it impossible to see Kevin's current state of arousal. "Um, remember when you asked me not to say anything if we stopped being friends and stuff?" "Yeah." "Same thing for now, too." Robby suggested, pointing his pinkie at Kevin. Kevin raised his hand to Robby's and looped his pinkie around his best friends' digit. It was now a binding oath of silence. Robby looked into Kevin's eyes and asked "Can I touch it?" Kevin hesitated a moment before pushing the sheet down his legs, revealing a three-inch high tent in his briefs. Robby gently laid his hand on Kevin's briefs, and felt the stiffness of the boy's rod against his palm. He moved the hand slowly up and down Kevin's erection, and Kevin moaned softly. "Oh, shit that feels better than it ever has." "Really?" "Uh-huh...I was three years old the last time anyone else touched it." Kevin admitted. "Same here. Mom would clean me until I learned to do it myself." Robby said, as he began to gently squeeze the thin erection between his fingers. "Is that too much?" "No, feels good. Keep doing it." Kevin whispered. Robby responded by tugging at the waistband of Kevin's briefs. Kevin raised his hips and slid his underwear down his legs and tossed them to the floor. He lay back down and spread his thighs slightly to give Robby access to explore as he wished. Kevin was as tumescent as he could get as Robby touched and felt the corona and circumcision remnant on Kevin's shaft. He took extra interest in his friend's scrotum and testicles, gently teasing each one to watch it jerk upward into Kevin's groin. "Do your balls feel each other?" Robby whispered "No, not really. They tingle some times. I think it's when they're growing and stuff." "Oh." Robby continued in silence, exploring his friends' anatomy, while Kevin enjoyed the delicious sensations, some of which Robby was bringing him for the first time. "Did you ever touch your dad's?" Kevin wondered. Robby giggled, "NOT like this, definitely! Um, I touched it in the shower one time when I was real little, I think. I don't remember." "What does his look like?" "Like yours, I guess." Robby finished a few minutes later, his curiosity satisfied. He lay back, and felt Kevin touch him just below the navel. "Is it okay if I...?" Kevin began, and Robby raised his hips and slid his briefs down to his knees. "Sure....suppose its only fair." Robby whispered. Kevin's fingertips found Robby's thick phallus stiffening at his touch, his attention taken first by the rumple of loose foreskin on the upper side of the penis, covering half of Robby's glans. Kevin gently pulled and stretched the sensitive skin, causing Robby to purr and moan softly. By now, Robby's two inch erection was as big around as a half dollar coin and as stiff as Robby could ever remember. Kevin tented his fingers over Robby's cock and began sliding the fingertips up and down the shaft as Robby gasped. "Jeez, I didn't know it would feel this good...Shit!" Robby panted. Kevin felt a bit of wetness on the underside of the glans, in Robby's urethral orifice. Being hypospadic, Robby's mislocated orifice meant that his glans was not completely closed on the underside, and the mucous membrane tissue inside was always moist. Kevin ran a fingertip gently into the area, spreading the tiny bit of secretion, causing Robby to moan and shift his hips on the bed. "Oh, fuck...that tickles...oh shit!" Robby grunted and held his breath and grimaced, squeezing his eyes shut. "Should I stop?" "NO!!!!!" Robby exploded, releasing his held breath. " Kevin! Don't stop!" he gasped. "OK" Kevin replied, continuing the stimulation with the finger as his hand stroked up and down Robby's fireplug. For several minutes Kevin maintained Robby's state of bliss as he enjoyed feeling his friend twitch, gasp and grimace in ecstasy at his touch. Kevin felt a sense of power as he held Robby's undivided attention in his fingers. Finally, Robby had enough and pushed Kevin's hand away. "I didn't know it did that." Robby admitted. "You mean you don't....you know...mess with it?" Kevin wondered. Kevin shifted his attention back to Robby's abbreviated foreskin. Robby shook his head and smiled. "Not until now, I guess...Call me sheltered....I just never thought about this stuff until...ummm, that's nice" Robby purred as Kevin tugged on the short foreskin "It's my fault...I corrupted your innocent ass, didn't I?" Kevin asked, a huge grin on his face. "I'm gonna tell my dad you're a bad influence on his little boy." Robby joked, grinning at his friend. He had also come to a decision about being circumcised, based on this encounter. "Can't say I feel bad about it" Kevin replied, turning his attention to Robby's small scrotum. Robby moved his legs apart slightly, and Kevin stroked the sides of his friends' scrotum and felt gently for the solitary occupant. "Is that too rough?" Kevin whispered. "Nah, it's okay. I'll just deck you if you squeeze too hard." Robby joked. Kevin manipulated the cashew sized gland for a few moments, then squeezed Robby's penis gently and withdrew his hand. "Thanks for letting me do that." Kevin said. "Thanks for not making me feel weird for wanting to do that." Robby responded. The boys were laying on their sides facing each other, nude. They did not speak for quite a while, as they processed what had happened between them. Robby finally rolled over onto his back, and looked up at the ceiling. "Kevin...I been thinking about something for...well, probably a couple years now?" "Yes?" "I want to know what you think." "Sure. What is it?" Robby composed his thoughts for a moment before he began to speak. "You like my dad, right?" "Well, sure. He's awesome. I wish I had a dad like him." "What if you....did....have him as a dad....I mean." "Go on..." "Well....I don't want to sound weird and shit, but I feel the same way about your mom...I wish I had her for a mom, too." "So you want to trade?" Kevin asked Robby smacked Kevin on the tummy with the back of his hand and rolled onto his side to face him. "OW! What the fuck?" Kevin protested. "NO! I want to get your mom and my dad together, dipstick!" "Oh...uh, wow....um, that would mean that you and I..." Kevin fell silent as he realized what Robby meant. "I love you, Kevin. I wish we were brothers...I always have." Kevin reached out and pulled Robby into a hug. Robby embraced his small friend just as tightly, and they both fought back a tear or two "Me, too." Kevin croaked out in a whisper. "Why didn't you...?" Kevin began. "Never knew how to say it...but now that we have no secrets....it was time, I guess. What do you think?" "Wow, um yeah, I'm all for it...what do we do now?" "I'll work on dad, you handle your mom. We'll talk them into taking us out to Louie's." The boys relaxed their hold on each other. Kevin reached down and brought the sheet up, covering their nakedness. "I was just talking to mom about dating the other day, actually." "You dating? Who?" Robby asked. "Not me, you ding dong! MOM!" "Oh, right...Well, that's good. At least you put a bug in her ear then." "Yeah...and you're not...a ding dong...sorry." Kevin said regretfully. "Huh?" "I felt bad when I said that." "It's no big deal, that was sorta dense of me." "When I call you names and stuff, I don't really mean it." "Same here...It's good." Robby replied. He rolled to his side, and faced his back to Kevin. "Scratch...please?" "Gonna put your underwear back on?" Kevin asked, as he began to work Robby with his nails again. "Nah. Just don't boink me in the butt and stuff." "It's too short for that" Kevin replied, an evil grin spreading over his face. "But I can try, right?" Kevin suggested as he rolled toward Robby and rubbed his semi-flaccid organ against Robby's buttocks. Robby squealed and giggled and squirmed to get away from Kevin, as Kevin pretended to poke his crotch at Robby. "But, Sir! I'm not that kind of boy!" Robby protested, laughing, as he reached back and pushed Kevin away with what little leverage he had in that position. Kevin rolled on top and began to tickle Robby in the ribs, causing Robby to squeal and cackle in laughter until a light knock on the door stopped them. "Is everything all right in there?" Laura called through the door. Kevin replied "It's all Robby's fault, Mom. He's ticklish and squeals like a pig, or...a little girl!" "Asshole!" Robby whispered so Laura wouldn't hear, and both of them snickered. "Just don't make me come in there and separate you two!" Laura joked. She could here gasps from inside as she said this. "Yes, Mother. We'll be good...Good night." "Good night, boys." Laura responded before she went back to her room. "We should get to sleep I guess. Are you tired?" Kevin suggested. Robby yawned. "Yeah. You're really warm, dude." "Feels nice" Kevin replied as he rolled off of Robby, then snuggled up next to him and rearranged the sheet. In moments, the boys were asleep. Laura was up early the next morning, just after sunrise began to light the trailer inside. She went to check on the boys and opened Kevin's door silently and looked in. Instantly she could see why the boys wouldn't have wanted her to walk in on them. Kevin had won possession of the sheet in the night, leaving Robby laying naked and uncovered. She was somewhat surprised to see Robby in such a state, and mindful of what Kevin had told her, took notice of his unusual anatomy on full display. The boys continued to snore, soundly asleep as Laura crept into the room and adjusted the sheet to cover Robby again. She left the room and went in the kitchen to get her coffee and watch some TV before she got dressed and went to the motel to give notice. It wasn't something she had looked forward to, as her employers were good to her over the years. She didn't make much money there, but from the looks of the way the owners lived, it was apparent that there had been times when they went without so Laura didn't have to. The other maid, Lupe was older than Laura, and the maintenance man was old enough to have been Laura's father. He helped Laura keep her ancient VW diesel running, doing her oil changes and routine maintenance. Kevin had expressed an interest in learning some of these skills, so Laura had brought Kevin to the motel on several Saturdays to spend time with Ed, to watch and learn. Ed was a bit of a free spirit, a long-haired biker in his late fifties with a ready smile and laugh. He told Kevin that his mind was a gift, and if he had been as smart as Kevin he wouldn't have had to work as hard at life. He begged Kevin to stay in school and made him pinky swear on a promise to do so. Ed was the only person beside Robby that Kevin had pinky sworn with. Laura had just poured a second cup of coffee when she heard activity in the back of the trailer and water running. A few moments later, an extremely disheveled looking Robby shambled down the hall in briefs, his hair a rat's nest, and bleary eyed. He waddled up to Laura and gave her a hug without a word. Laura looked down and chuckled. "You look like a child raised by wolves...or, you lost a fight with the Tasmanian devil, kiddo!" Robby held onto her and nodded. "Want something to eat?" Robby nodded again. "Why don't you go get Kevin up, and I'll make breakfast." Laura offered. "Mmmm, okay." Robby mumbled as he let go and turned to retrace his steps back down the hall. He shook Kevin until the noises indicated that his friend was becoming conscious, then tossed a pair discarded briefs off the floor onto Kevin's face. Kevin's eyes opened and focused. "Put your undies on, it's time for breakfast." Robby stated. "You already have my undies on, dude...These are yours." Kevin croaked, his mouth dry. "Oh, whatever. Put those on anyway...or not....I don't care." Kevin threw the sheet off and rolled out of the bed and stood up, his erection leading the way. "I gotta piss." He stepped into the passthrough bath and several minutes went by. He came back out visibly relieved. He opened a dresser drawer and took out a fresh pair of briefs and slipped them on. "Here" Kevin said, handing the other briefs back to Robby. "Don't stretch mine out, okay?" Robby sighed and took Kevin's underwear off and slid the other pair up his legs. "There...now it's all back where it was, okay?" Kevin gave Robby a stern look and said "I'm hungry, and you're holding up my breakfast, dammit!" "I got you up outta bed, so who is exactly holding what? "Robby challenged. "I got something you can hold, all right." Kevin teased, giggling. "You dork!" Robby cackled and grabbed Kevin and pushed him onto the bed and began attacking his ribs and neck with tickles. Kevin shrieked and struggled to get Robby to stop, but Robby took advantage of every opening to press the attack, reducing Kevin to a puddle of laughing exhaustion. "That's for humping me last night, nerd!" Robby crowed. "Best nerd humping you ever had!" Kevin retorted. "True...Bye!" Robby giggled as he slapped Kevin's butt and left the room. The boys sat down to the table, and Kevin looked over Robby's hair and cracked up laughing. "Dude, your hair is like all stupid crazy and stuff. Mom could cut it for you." Robby looked over to Laura, who was making breakfast. She nodded to Robby. "Jump in the shower and wash it and I'll trim it up for you." "I didn't know you cut hair." Robby replied. "Who do you think cuts my hair, dude? Nobody gives me sh...grief over it." "And just why would anyone give you grief over a haircut, mister?" Laura asked, enjoying putting Kevin on the defensive. "Uh, umm, I'm just saying..." "Yes, do go on..." "That your haircuts are as good, IF not better, than what I could get at the mall, okay?" Kevin stated. "You snatched that one back from disaster quite nicely." Laura teased, making Robby giggle. "I would like that, thanks." Robby said. "I'll cut it after you have breakfast, then I have to go quit my job at the motel...I'm not looking forward to that." "You're going to miss them, right?" Kevin asked. "Of course, I will, baby. What are you guys going to do today?" "Can we go to the movies, Mom? There's an eleven o'clock show. You could drop us off when you go." "What's playing?" Laura asked. "That western with the UFO's and aliens" "Finish breakfast and we'll get Robby looking human again first." Fifteen minutes later, the boys finished breakfast, and they left the table and went back to Kevin's room. "Leave the shower on when you get done washing your hair, okay?" Kevin said as he turned the water on and Robby slipped his briefs off and lay them on the vanity counter. "Where's the towels?" Robby asked. "I'll get you one, get in" Kevin said. Kevin left a fresh towel for Robby on the counter and waited for his friend to finish in the shower. When Robby got out to dry off, he stepped into Kevin's room with the towel as Kevin took his place in the shower. Robby put his briefs back on and went out to the living room where Laura was getting her shears and combs ready. She pulled a chair out from the table and Robby sat patiently as Laura began to comb out and divide his hair. "How did you sleep last night with Kevin moving all over?" "Great, I was totally out of it, I guess." "So how would you rate your first sleepover?" Laura asked as her scissors began to the slow, careful process of cutting the boy's hair. Swik ...Swik.... Swik "It was awesome...Thanks for letting me stay, Laura." Robby replied. His eyes were closed and he began to wrinkle his nose as small bits of hair fell onto his face, tickling him. "I'm glad you had a good time, and you can always stay over" Swik... Swik...Swik "Robby....Keep your eyes closed and look up a little." Robby complied, but was having a hard time dealing with the tickling sensation on his nose, and he was beginning to shift and squirm about. Laura dusted his face with a soft camel hair brush she kept in kitchen for dusting small objects. Robby grinned and giggled. "Better?" "Yes, that tickles!" Swik...Swik...Swik ... Kevin came into the room dressed in briefs and a tee-shirt, and sat down at the table to watch Robby's haircut. His hair was wet, and uncombed. He surveyed the pile of hair on the floor, chair and Robby's body. "Oh, no...Mom....Um, dude, I hope that grows out before too long..." Kevin teased. "What?" Robby asked in a worried voice. "Oh, Kevin, stop that! He's trying to bait you, Robby." "How does it look?" Robby asked. "We can still tell it's you, sorry." Kevin teased. "Should we hold him down and give him a buzz cut?" Laura said to Robby. "Can't catch me." Kevin retorted. "Gotta stop to eat, sleep and poop...and yes, I can catch you, dude!" Robby responded. "I got longer legs than you. You can sprint good, but when your motor blows, I'll getcha." "Bull!" Kevin snorted. "You and me, after the movie, at the high school track, and we'll see. Unless you're...." Robby proposed. "What?" "Chicken?" "I'm n-...You're on, let's do it!" So it was settled. Robby looked at himself in the mirror and was impressed with the job Laura did. After Robby rinsed the hair off and Kevin vacuumed up the mess, the boys dressed and prepared to go to the movie. Laura agreed to meet the boys at the high school track oval at quarter after two, which would give the boys plenty of time to walk from the theater to the high school and do their running. They locked the trailer and got into Laura's yellow Rabbit. It was old and vibrated at idle a lot, but it would run a whole week on a gallon of diesel fuel, and it suited their needs well. Laura dropped the boys at the theater, and they were glad to be in airconditioned comfort after the trip in the hot car. It was Robby's treat, and they stood in line at the concession stand to get a large bucket of popcorn and two small drinks. They would eat all the salty popcorn before they started on the drinks, to make sure they didn't run out of soda. Laura drove over to the motel and went in the office. The owner and his wife listened to Laura and asked her if the new job had benefits. "Well, that's great for you and Kevin, Laura. I'm glad you found something better. We were just about to tell you that we have just about decided to sell this place and retire.... We don't know if a new owner would have kept you all on, and we would have asked that that be a condition of the sale, of course..." "I know there have been times when we got paid and the money wasn't there that week...Thanks for that." "That's what being in business is sometimes...it's not all glitter and limousines like some people think." They talked for some time, until Laura felt like it was time to move on. She expressed her thanks for the thirteen years of steady employment and turned to leave the office. "Laura?" the owners wife stopped her. "This new job.... God's hand worked through that man you talked to...Keep your eyes open and trust in him...He is looking out for you and Kevin." Laura had known the lady to be religious, but never in a proselytizing or patronizing way that some wear their faith like a suit. She had heard rumors that Fay had visions and "saw" things. She remembered seeing cops show up at the office a few times, once or twice with a small box or parcel. Laura could see evidence tape on the packages when the cops went in the office. They would spend about 20 minutes, then leave with the items they brought. If anyone ever asked her why the detectives had visited, she would only tell them "They're just old friends who drop by for coffee now and then." Rumor also had it that Fay had given the cops clues on several missing persons cases that turned out to be accurate and crucial in locating the individuals. Younger detectives would sometimes scoff, but the older ones were believers. Laura left the office to find Lupe and Ed and deliver the news. They were surprised at first, then happy to hear that Laura would be able to provide a better life for Kevin. She felt some guilt and expressed worry about what would happen if the motel was sold, and Ed and Lupe weren't able to stay on. "My husband has a good job, Laura" Lupe told her. "We would be fine even if I didn't work...no worries" "Ed, what happens to you?" "Probably die of boredom...until I decided to look for a new gig...Ah, I'd be fine, Laura. I ain't got bills. My land and my trailer's paid for...bike and truck's paid for...I gotta a buddy who's trying to get me on with the school district.... I imagine I would take him up on that." The boys got out of the movie and walked the short distance across town to the high school. Robby and Kevin found the high school athletic field deserted, except for a security guard on a golf cart who watched them briefly as they took their shirts off and walked out on the oval. "So, what's the bet?" Kevin wondered. "You said I couldn't catch you...So it's simple. You take off, and I catch you. Every time I catch you, I get a point. If you beat me, you get two points. First one to get four points up on the loser wins the bet." "OK, that's cool. What do you call a catch?" Kevin asked. "If I put a hand on your shoulder, you're caught. If I can't catch you in half a lap of the track, you win." "Deal." "Gimme your shirt." Robby said. "Huh?" "We need a half lap marker" "Oh" Kevin said, handing his shirt over to Robby. Robby trotted across the infield of the track and threw the shirt on the ground opposite the starting line of the inside lane. "If you can run to your shirt before I catch you, you win the round." "Deal" "Ok. On your mark....Set!" Robby barked "Wait a minute...you're not on your mark!" "I'll be there in a second....Set!" Kevin took his set, and concentrated on the lane ahead. "GO!" Robby bellowed, and Kevin pushed off hard on his left foot, his right flew forward to take the first step in the sprint. He only got four paces into his run when he felt a slap on his shoulder. "Ding! You're done!" Robby crowed. "Point goes to the crowd favorite." "Shit!" Kevin spat. "Give up?" Robby asked. "Hell no, let's go again!" Kevin demanded. "Okay...you call it this time." Kevin got back in position on the starting line, Robby standing behind and beside him in the next lane. "Ready!....Set!....Go!" Kevin roared as he took off as hard as he could, his body exploding into motion like a watch spring coming loose. He made it all of thirty feet this time, before Robby tagged him again. "Two to zip, nyuk! nyuk! nyuk!" Robby teased. "What the flippin'...How do you do that?" Kevin spluttered, frustrated. "Told you dude, I'm faster than you." Robby replied. "Look. Let's do this..." Robby said, as he walked to the edge of the track and picked up his shirt. He dropped the shirt at the edge of the inside lane about 20 feet from the start line. "I'm gonna spot you that much head start." "You're crazy!" "You're slow." "Screw you!" "Not if I win this thing." Robby replied, and the boys giggled and snickered. The security guard watched as the boys lined up again, and Kevin called the start. Once again, he took off like a shot, confident that Robby had given away any chance of catching him. Robby waited until Kevin was abreast of the shirt, then took off like a boy fleeing the hounds of hell. Concentrating on nothing but catching Kevin, he gained ground on the smaller boy steadily, until they reached the curve at the end of the oval. Robby pulled up beside Kevin, and matched his pace as they went around the curve. Robby teased Kevin, drifting over into his lane ahead of him, and as soon as the track straightened into the back stretch, Robby reached out and tagged Kevin. "Dammit! I was sure you couldn't make up that much head start!" Kevin protested. They kept walking until they got to Kevin's shirt. "Give up?" "Yeah, yeah...I admit you can catch me...how you do that, I'll never know." Robby pulled his shirt back on as Kevin panted and wiped his face before putting his own shirt on. Laura had just arrived, and the boys could see her car parked outside the perimeter fence, under a grove of trees. She was standing at the fence, watching the boys. "How long have you been there, Mom?" Kevin asked. "Well, long enough to think Robby should go out for track and field next year." Robby's expression turned down cast and he looked at his feet and kicked at stones "Meh, I don't know about that." The sudden change in Robby's disposition was a bit baffling to Laura, and she looked into his face, which remained averted. "So how did things at the motel go?" Kevin wondered "It was.... okay. I did feel bad, but they're happy for us. Fay did say that she was thinking of retiring and selling out." "How's Lupe and Ed?" "The same as always, honey. They're good." Kevin began to pick on Robby a bit, and Robby brightened again. "I don't get how you can be that quick, you're not even skinny and stuff." "It's my excellent physical conditioning, unmatched strength and stamina, and rigorous training schedule." Robby replied, flexing his pectorals and posing. "God, make it stop...shut it off!" Kevin protested, rolling his eyes as Robby and Laura shook with laughter. "All right, I have no clue, either. I'm just good at winning foot races." "Come on, let's get an ice cream" Laura suggested. This met with approval and the boys climbed into the car. When they arrived at the dairy store, Kevin left for the boy's room. Laura and Robby sat down in a booth to wait for him. "Robby, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you." "Oh, that...er, it's okay." Robby looked down at his hands. He clearly had things on his mind. Laura could read that on his face, but this wasn't the place or time to pursue things. Kevin came back out and they stood up and went to the counter together to order their favorites. There wasn't much talking as they lapped at their treats and wiped their fingers before getting up to leave. On the way out the door, Robby squeezed Laura's hand. "Thanks for the ice cream, mom." He said. Laura put her arm around Robby and pulled him close as they walked to the car. Kevin noticed, but didn't say anything. He called me mom, I wonder what that is all about? Laura thought to herself. They got into the car and drove back to the trailer. Laura pulled into her spot at the front of the trailer and shut the car off. They went into the trailer and Laura called Robby into the dining area while Kevin turned the TV on. "Sit with me. I want to talk to you." She said, as Robby took a seat next to her. "When I mentioned track the light left your eyes, and you totally changed...Did something happen? What's going on?" Laura asked. "It's nothing...really." Robby mumbled. "Nothing sure depressed your mood suddenly...I'm not buying it...What's going on?" Laura pressed. Robby hung his head and looked down at his hands. "They.....um, they all want me to....do it." "They?....do what, Robby?" "P.E. teacher....track coach....they keep trying to get me to go out for track too." Robby whispered. "Honey, that's awesome! You're obviously good enough to catch their attention....why is this upsetting you so much?" "I...I can't. That's all. Don't ask me why, but I can't." Robby looked up at Laura, with a pleading expression on his face. "Robby....I know why." Laura replied. Robby's face lost a bit of color, but he sat there and stared ahead. "How?" was all he wanted to know. Laura put her hand on Robby's shoulder and began to speak. "I got up early this morning...needed my coffee. I always get up before Kevin does because we start early at work. Anyway, I always go in a check on Kevin and give him a kiss before I leave....like this." She kissed Robby on the top of the head, and Robby smiled. "When I checked on you two....well, you were laying there with nothing on, and I saw...everything... before I covered you up again." "Oh..." Robby whispered. "You have a gift on the track. You should use it...but that's just my opinion." Robby looked down. "People would... find out." "Kevin found out, didn't he?" Laura asked. Robby nodded. "Did he abandon you and make fun of you when he found out?" "No." "Your friends won't either, Robby. There are going to be jerks in this world, but there are a lot more who won't care what you look like." Robby was silent for a few minutes. "What....what about girls and stuff....you know..." Robby stammered. Laura drew in a large breath and began to speak. "Kevin? Come here a minute, I want you both to hear this." She waited until Kevin got up and turned the TV off. "I don't know what it's like to be a boy, but I was eleven once too. I know things are changing, or are going to start changing, and life can be confusing at this age." Laura paused and made eye contact with each boy. "It's time to start talking to you both about sex...Robby, this whole issue about what it looks like is mainly a guy thing. I can tell you both that women typically don't care one way or the other. Most girls are never taught anything about boys and wouldn't know what one is supposed to look like anyway. Same thing goes for size. Most of us could care less what size it is if it's attached to a good person. There is such a thing as too big, too". "Really? Cause we..." Kevin began. "Always thought a really big one was better?" Laura finished. "Well...uh, yeah." Kevin came over to the table and sat down. "It's not true for the most part, okay? What boys do and think in the locker room doesn't have much to do with actual sex...don't let other boys at school bullshit you, okay?" Robby and Kevin nodded. She let that settle and went on. "They will brag and lie and tell stories that never happened to impress their friends. Just take what you hear with a grain of salt and have fun with the stories, but in the end, you have to do what is right for you, not something to impress others or because you feel like you're missing out. Trying to keep up with other people is a real stupid reason to do things you'll regret for a long time, like having sex before you're ready." She reached out and took each boy's hand across the table. "Robby...you have to be your own person and make your own decision, but if you decide not to go out for track....I think you'll look back on that in your middle age and regret that you didn't do it. I think that you could be good enough, and that there are doors that would open for you if you do give it all you got." "Really?" Robby asked. "I do...I believe both of you can do anything you want if you try." She squeezed each hand lightly. "I also know you guys have started exploring new things together since last week or so." Neither boy knew what to say, and the trailer got extremely quiet for a moment. "I'll just ask that you respect each other, and don't do things that you both aren't okay with....I'm sure you two are old enough to understand what I mean." The boys nodded their heads, and Kevin whispered "Yes, mom." "As you know, I met your father the other day, Robby. I mainly went to see him for you, Kevin. He's offered to be there to talk to you and answer the questions I can't. You probably knew this already, but I had to make sure." Kevin nodded. "I know...Thanks." The conversation ended on that note, and Robby went home later that afternoon. He thanked Kevin and Laura for the wonderful time he had, and especially for the "family" talk. Later that evening, Robby ate dinner across the table from his father, and once again, Robert could tell that his son had things on his mind. He looked at Robby and raised an eyebrow. Robby smiled and nodded. He had been "made"; it wasn't easy to keep things from his dad, after all. "Dad...You know Kevin's mom...Laura?" "Uh-huh." "I....um, I think that...I think you should ask her out." Robby stated. "Oh, do you now?" Robert asked with a big smile. "Are you trying to play match-maker?" "Er, yeah...I guess." Robby replied, with a giggle. "I see...so...what, or should I ask who is behind this idea?" Robby put his fork down and finished his mouthful of food. "Uh, mom's gone...and Kevin doesn't have a dad....so..." "You and Kevin have a plan, it seems." "Yeah." Robby admitted. "Come on, Dad.... you can't tell me you never thought about it maybe just once." "Ah.... yeah, I have...maybe once." Robert said, mainly to make Robby happy. "So, you'll do it? You'll ask her?" Robby was practically vibrating in his chair with excitement. "I will...but only if you promise not to explode!" Robert teased. Robby was already out of his seat and rushing to hug his dad. Later that evening, Robby finished loading the dishwasher and asked his father "Do you care if I try out for track for next years' team?" "You know you would have to go to practices and give up some of your free time with Kevin." "Yes, I thought about that." "And you have to keep your grades up to stay on the team if you make the cut." "Uh-huh." "I think it would be a great experience for you if you accept the responsibilities that playing sports brings." Robby stood behind the couch and leaned over, until his feet came off the floor and he balanced on his belly on the back of the couch. He was getting to the point where he would be too big to do his "flying game" much longer. "Laura said that if I don't try out for track, when I get ancient like you, I will wish I had." Robby said with a grin, knowing this would provoke his father into a wrestling match. Robert reached over from where he sat and pulled Robby face first down into the couch next to him, and began to tickle the boy's ribs without mercy. Robby's face flushed red as he began to scream and shriek and laugh hysterically from the tickling Robert dished out. Robby tucked into a fetal position to ride it out for several long minutes as Robert worked the ears, back of the neck, armpits and back of Robby's knees, and his sides and ribs. Several minutes later, Robby was exhausted, flushed and lay panting on the couch catching his breath. "You got a haircut." Robert observed. Robby nodded. "Laura......cut it." The boy gasped. "I didn't know she could shear sheep." "Screw you! My hair's not that bad." "You mean "Baaaa aaaaa d." "Dad...really." Over at the trailer, Kevin was working on his mother... "Um, remember you said you wouldn't date a guy that I didn't like or get along with?" "Yes, I remember that, baby." "Well, um, what about Robby's dad?" "I don't know...what about him?" "Uh, if, um, he asked you out, would you go?" "He hasn't asked me, Kevin....Does Robby know you're asking me this?" Kevin nodded. "It's kinda his idea...well, it's both of ours...but, yeah." "What idea, honey? What's going on?" "I...I can't tell you now...it might mess things up..." "Mess up what?" "I'll tell you when the time comes...I promise, Mom." Kevin went to bed later that evening, and Laura stayed up to read a while. Suddenly, she looked up from her romance paperback as she realized what was going on. Fay told me to trust in God and keep my eyes open Robby called me mom today Kevin is pushing me hard to date Robert She put the book down and went back to Kevin's room and looked inside. Kevin lay in the bed, and Laura sat down next to him, and leaned over to kiss him on the forehead. Kevin's eyes opened in the darkness and Laura whispered. "I can't make any promises, baby. You have to understand things aren't up to just me." Kevin nodded. "I know. I love you, Mom."