When final grades were posted, Zack had all A’s, except for an A- in organic chemistry. He excitedly shared the news with his parents by phone that night. I saw the smile on his face fade away. He listened quietly, but his expression told me all was not good. When he hung up, I said, “What’s wrong?”
“They’re getting a divorce. Mom’s moving to grandma’s in southern Illinois, with my sister and her bastard baby boy. Dad said he has a new job and is moving out-of-state. Where does that leave me? I can’t believe it. Things seemed OK when I was home at Christmas. Why couldn’t I see?”
I got out of my chair and pulled Zack down on the sofa with me. He sat beside me and didn’t speak. He laid his head back against my arm. I was determined to do what I could to ensure that his first semester sterling academic performance didn’t slip. I decided to talk to Doc and make sure he could tutor Zack, whether or not Zack wanted it. The next day, Zack said he didn’t feel like going to leaping practice. I insisted. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t soften the effects of the terrible news.
We drove to Glenview to clean out his room. His dad wasn’t there. When Zack asked his mom if he was going to continue to receive money for tuition and rent, his mother shrugged her shoulders and said, “Talk to your dad. Honey, I doubt it. It appears he spent all of our money.” His sister, holding the baby, was listening. The fatherless little boy, Stanley, was cute as could be. We helped Zack’s mom load clothes and toys into the car. There was weeping, as his mom hugged Zack. We waved as she, Marcy and little Stanley drove off to grandma’s.
The call Zack got from his dad the following week was not reassuring. While I didn’t hear the conversation, Zack told me that his dad admitted to having a bad habit of playing the horses, losing a lot of money and owing people plenty. Zack said that his dad was crying, when they hung up. We were in trouble. Even with Boris’ work, we didn’t have enough money to keep our apartment. The following week, Doc came over for tutoring. He listened to Zack describe our situation, and said he would think about it. He, like me, was worried that Zack’s grades were going to suffer, which would reduce his chances of getting into medical school.
Doc mentioned that he had been to the Armbusher farm, and talked to Ted about the colt and Regal. As our conversation continued, the issue of money to care for the horses came up. That led to the subject of going on the road as soon as the semester was over, which meant that we would have to do some intense practice with the horses. I called Stella to find out what she was doing. She confirmed that she would join us. I called Dennis Dilly to find out if he wanted us, even if we were going to be late starting. There was so much to do. I decided to drop my Western European history class, which required a massive amount of reading.
Boris, Zack and I knew that we would not have money for rent after March. We had two months to find a cheaper place. Ted talked to Violet and Ralph about him joining us. Violet wasn’t happy, since she felt that Ralph couldn’t handle things alone. Good fortune came our way, when Doc came by for Sunday lunch in February. He told us that he had sold his little farm near Champaign, and bought a house a mile outside of Normal. He told us the place, not only had a barn with four box stalls, but also had about four acres of pasture. He invited us out to see what he bought.
He showed us around a rambling, light brown brick ranch style house. It had four large bedrooms in the front of the house. The two full bathrooms were horrible, with aqua tile and badly stained bath tubs. The kitchen had not been remodeled and had its original cast iron sink. The eating area had a table and six chairs, which were located near a large window that looked out toward the barn and pasture. Doc told us that he had decided to redo one of the bathrooms and to put in a shower stall. He told us he was taking out the sink and cabinets in the kitchen. He had to paint and carpet, before moving in. He said he would buy the paint if we would help him paint and clean up the place. The house hadn’t been lived in since the previous owner, who recently passed away, had gone into a nursing home.
The next weekend, Zack and I met Doc at the paint store, and picked out colors for the various rooms. Boris was working, so didn’t join us until Sunday. Mike also volunteered to help. He and Boris spent time cleaning the barn, raking leaves and cutting the grass. Later that afternoon, a delivery guy arrived with three massive multi-topped pizzas. Doc opened his cooler, which was filled with Budweiser beer and Cokes. It was a lively feast. We talked about school, the upcoming gymnastic meets, getting the horses ready for the road, even though I hadn’t received a definite answer from Dennis Dilly.
Doc clicked his glass to quiet the group. Doc appeared stern, and didn’t speak for a few quiet moments. “Guys, I really appreciate all your work, getting your new home ready.”
I wasn’t sure I heard him correctly. “You said ‘our’ home?”
“You heard me. This is your new home. I know money is tight, and there is plenty of space for the three of you. And, Mike, you too, if you want to leave the frat house.”
“Thanks, Doc, but I am going to stay in the house, at least next year. But I would appreciate a quiet place to study, now and then.”
“What about you guys?”
Zack said with wet eyes, “God, Doc, that’s fantastic. I was ready to sell the Corvette, so I could finish the semester.”
“No need to do that. You’ll need the car to get to campus and to practice. Boris, I don’t know how you’re going to get to work.” Boris didn’t speak, but pointed to the city bus passing by, perfectly timed.
“Randy, you and your horses. I know you guys plan to go on the road this summer with that circus. I’m proposing that we bring the horses from the Armbusher. We can lay out a practice ring. Either Boris or I will handle the center ring, until Ted is available. I’d suggest inviting Stella to bring her trailer, and we can park it next to the barn. We’ll run water. Electric is already out there.”
“You’ve got this all figured out. Do you think we should sell Temp or the colt?”
“I think it’s probably a good idea to sell Temp. Bess’s baby still needs her, and you need Regal for the act.”
“How much do you think she will bring?”
“With her pedigree, probably $2000 or so, at the right sale.”
The discussion of details went on for what seemed like hours. I insisted that we work out a way to pay Doc something. He was adamant, that all he wanted was a contribution to a food fund. Boris said, “I cook, clean and wipe asses.” We laughed and Mike scrunched his face.
When Zack and I were snuggled in bed later that evening, he said, “Do you think Mike has figured any of this out?”
“He’s a smart boy, I bet he has. Did you see his face when Boris said ‘wipe asses’?”
“His look was priceless. Boris hasn’t wiped my ass. Has he yours?”
“No, maybe he will, but I suspect Doc’s will be first in line.” I pulled Zack to me and kissed his chiseled, cherubic face, which was relaxed for the first time in weeks. I rolled him over and slowly licked his perfect ass crack. He didn’t resist, as I loosened him up, and slid my lubed penis deep inside his cavity. His soft moans told me he was completely enjoying our union. Our lovemaking was slow and gentle. I turned him over, so I could gaze into his sky blue eyes. Tears were sliding down his cheeks. “God, Randy, I am so lucky to have you.”
“The pleasure is mine. And I am on the side of you I love – the inside.” I felt my balls pull up and fill his anal cavity. I touched his dick and he pumped his sperm over his stomach. Leisurely, we held each other and, finally, wiped the stickiness away with his boxers.
I stirred, when I heard Boris peeing and showering around 5am. He left the house at 5:30 am to get breakfast ready for the fraternity. He and Mike waited for a ride after practice. We dropped Mike at the fraternity house, before stopping at the grocery store. When we got home, Zack wasn’t around, but there was a note by the phone to call Dennis Dilly. I called person-to-person. He seemed happy to hear from me, but said he had his route worked out, and performances started earlier than we could accommodate. He suggested that I call a fellow who arranged acts for Shrine circuses.
Zack came in while I was reading. He was flushed and pale. He said he felt lousy during practice, but I couldn’t tell. I felt his forehead. He was burning up. I had to try bring his temperature down, I helped him out of his clothes and into the shower, which gave him a chill. He, literally, fell out of the shower into my arms. I dried him and got him into bed. I went to fix him some tea, but heard him calling. I ran back to the bedroom. He had fallen, trying to get to the toilet to puke. We made it, and he spilled his insides into the toilet bowl. I held his shoulders, and he heaved until he was too weak to get up. I gave up on making tea and thought of the club soda that we had in our party stash.
I heard the door open, and knew Boris was home. I got Zack back into bed, and called to Boris to get the club soda and a pan of cool water with some washcloths. Zack’s temperature was dangerously high. He was delirious, as I sat by the bed holding his hand. We had to get his temperature under control, before we moved him. Boris held Zack’s head and gave him tiny pieces of ice. I wiped Zack’s face, arms, torso, and mid-section over and over with the cool water. We talked to Zack, but didn’t get much more than moaning. We kept our vigil up past midnight. I called the emergency number for the student health service, and asked the nurse what we should do. She confirmed that we were doing the right things, but to monitor him closely. She said, if his temperature did not come down by morning, that we should take him to the emergency room at the hospital.
Neither Boris nor I slept much, continuing our care of Zack. In the morning, his temperature had receded some, but not enough. I dressed him in loose workout clothes and drove him to the emergency room. The doctor from the student health service met us, and proceeded to order an intravenous solution. The doctor said Zack’s temperature was over 101 degrees. The nurse asked if they should contact his parents, even though they had the appropriate permission slips. Since they had recently moved, I didn’t have their new phone numbers. The sterile waiting room, with plastic upholstered chairs, made waiting patiently too difficult, so I paced up and down the hall. I was painfully aware of the feeling that I had once before, as I paced before Mama died. When the nurse came out, she told me they were going to admit Zack, because he has more than the flu. I was relieved. She told me visiting hours were 4 to 8pm. I wanted to stay with Zack, but she told me I had to come back later.
I called Coach and ask him to post a notice that leaping practice was cancelled. Boris and I arrived at the hospital promptly at 4pm. We were allowed to see Zack, but he was asleep and wasn’t responsive. I wanted someone to tell us what was wrong with Zack. A nurse came in and told us it was time to leave. I asked her what was wrong and she said, “We’re not sure, but whatever it is, he is a sick boy. Can you get phone numbers for his parents? We need to contact them.”
“He isn’t going to die is he?”
“We are doing all kinds of tests and hope to know more tomorrow.”
“Can I stay with him?”
“No. Hospital policy allows only relatives to stay. I’m sorry. We will take good
care of him.”
I wasn’t convinced. I found his mother’s new phone number on a scrap of paper in his wallet. I called the number. A man answered. I introduced myself. He told me he was Zack’s grandmother’s husband. He said Zack’s mother, sister and the baby were in St. Louis, seeing a doctor. He didn’t know when they would return. I asked him to have Zack’s mother call the hospital in Normal, when she returned. I called the nurse at the hospital and gave her both the phone number and the information I discovered. I said, “How is Zack doing?
“He is very sick, and the doctors think he has meningitis. You and your friend need to get over to the student health center first thing in the morning. Don’t talk to anyone, and wear a handkerchief over your mouth. Meningitis is very contagious. You guys need to be vaccinated. I knew Boris shouldn’t be cooking, since he had been exposed to Zack. He was sleeping, and I went to tell him that he couldn’t go to work. He asked if I would call the fraternity housemother. I called Mrs. Mills. She understood, and said that they would get through breakfast, but to let her know the situation.
Moments after I hung up, the phone rang. I presumed it was Zack’s mother, but it turned out to be the fellow from the Shrine circuses, returning my call. After introductions, he said Dennis Dilly told him that we had a good solid bareback act. I thanked him, and he said he knew Violet’s family. He added that he had heard of the death of my mother, and offered condolences. He explained that he did not run a circus, but booked acts for Shrine circuses.
I told him, “We finish the semester on the first of May and would be available until late September.”
There was a long pause before he spoke. “I have only three shows during that time, but I know another agent who may have a couple of other dates. You know Shrine shows are different from what you are used to.”
“How? What do you mean?”
“They have longer runs, like two weeks, usually in a larger city and under the direction of the local Shrine organizing committee that decides on the program. I shouldn’t say this, but there are usually too many bosses and they don’t have the experience, like Dennis does.”
“I don’t know if it matters, but I am a pretty good leaper. I am teaching leaping at college.”
Again there was a long pause. “You mean you could join someone’s act, if they’re short a leaper?” We concluded the conversation with him telling me, he would get back to me in a week or so.
I called Doc, and told him about Zack. When he heard ‘meningitis’, he said he would call the hospital to see what he could find out. As directed, Boris and I went to the student health center. When the nurse inquired about Boris’ student identification card, he told her he didn’t have one. She said she couldn’t help him, and recommended he go to the hospital. She did give us each a surgical mask to cover our faces. She proceeded to lead me into the examining room. I exposed my left butt cheek for the injection.
I called Doc from the student health center and told him we were on our way to the hospital. He told me that he had talked to the doctor taking care of Zack, and said they still hadn’t confirmed that Zack had meningitis. I told him I had gotten a shot and I had to get Boris to the hospital for his, since the student health service couldn’t give him one. While Boris was waiting for his shot, I asked the nurse if I could see Zack. She hesitated, when she saw my mask. Since she knew I had been with Zack previously, she relented. I stepped quietly into his room. He barely opened his eyes and said “Hi.”
“Are you feeling any better?”
“A little. I’m so weak. Bring me that urinal can. I got to pee.” I handed it to him and he did what he needed to do. I emptied the contents into the toilet.
“Have they told you, what they think you have?”
“Yeah, that’s why I’m in this room by myself. I get no guests, except you and Boris. Have you reached my parents? The nurse told me that they haven’t heard from my mother or father.”
I called your mother and didn’t get her, but left a message. I don’t know how to reach your father.”
“I think his number is in the front cover of my organic chemistry notebook. I’m missing a mid-term today.” As I walked by the nurse’s station, the head nurse told me that they had confirmed that Zack had meningitis. But it was the fungal type, and not spread by breathing. I told her I had been vaccinated. She said the mask was not necessary.
My next objective was finding out about the organic chemistry mid-term. At the chemistry department office, I spoke to a lady who told me that it would be possible for Zack to make up the mid-term, when he was well. Half interested, I held the leaping class. I could see Boris working with Mike. When they were done, Mike joined us. Driving to the fraternity house, I told them how Zack was doing. We got out of the car and went into the fraternity house, so Boris could speak to Mrs. Mills. As she and Boris came out, I heard him tell her that the doctors told him that he should not cook for three more days.
Mike asked her if the pledge class could help. Mrs. Mills smiled and said everything was under control. I dropped Boris off at home, and went back to the hospital. The nurse told me that they had heard from Zack’s mother, who was ill, and couldn’t come to see him. She also told me Zack’s father called from California. He said he couldn’t come either. Their absence didn’t matter, because I was more his family than they were. Zack was eating, when I entered. He smiled, “Mother called and we talked. There’s apparently something wrong with Marcy’s baby. He’s in the children’s hospital in St. Louis. Mother’s not coming to see me. She said she has the flu. You’ll have to take care of me. I want to get out of here. They’re giving me fungicides, which seem to be working.”
“Can I do anything?”
“As a matter of fact you can and it is in your area of expertise?
“What are you talking about?”
“Well, the nurse’s greatest concern is my lack of a bowel movement.”
“And what am I supposed to about that?”
“The nurse wanted to give me an enema. I told her you would do it. See the two boxes on the bedside stand? Open them and spread Vaseline on the tips. I’ll lift my legs, and stick the tip in and squeeze.” I proceeded to do that twice. We waited, and he said, “I think it’s working. I don’t want a bed pan. Help me to the bathroom.” He reported his success to the nurse, when she came in. I gave him the first kiss on his lips in four days. I didn’t tell him how frightened I was.
After telling him about the organic chemistry mid-term, I left at about 8pm, promising to return tomorrow. He said he was hoping that he could leave. I found Doc’s truck parked in front of the house. I opened the front door and didn’t see Doc or Boris. After closing the door, I heard familiar sounds. Standing at Boris bedroom door, I watched Doc’s glorious butt cheeks go up and down, as he impaled Boris’ hairy butt crack. I smiled, as I watched the show. Boris gave me a little wave. Afterwards, completely naked, Doc stood with his dick dripping and smiled, “How’s the patient?”
“Better, hopes to come home soon.”
“Great, we waited for you for dinner.”
“We’ll shower, and Boris will grill the steaks I bought.” Doc asked if we had heard anything about going on the road. I told him about my conversation with the Shrine circuses guy. I said it was an inconclusive conversation.
Zack was released the next afternoon. He was pale and very weak, but happy to be home with us. Boris did get to ‘wipe Zack’s ass’ on one occasion, as Zack continued his recuperation. I gathered Zack’s assignments for him, so he could study some each day. A proctor from the chemistry department brought the mid-term over, and stayed for an hour as Zack took the test. He and Doc worked the evening before to refresh his memory. He didn’t do his best, but passed with a B+.
Zack, while still weak and shaky, started attending classes after another week. He definitely was not ready for leaping. The Shrine guy called and offered us an opportunity to work the Shrine show in Kansas City. I spoke to Stella. She wasn’t really interested in going on the road. She had a job as a waitress, and had recently moved in with a woman in Sarasota. She told me that she would join us, if we really needed her. Zack hadn’t been on top of a horse since fall. I wasn’t sure when he would be steady enough to start practice. I called the Shrine guy back, and told him we couldn’t take his offer.
If we didn’t work, I didn’t know how we were going to be able to stay in school. Sensing my dilemma, Doc called and invited me to come over. He wanted me to see ‘our’ house, since the renovation was complete. He used the three bedrooms to make two big bedrooms, joined by a giant bathroom with a walk-in shower, double sinks, and toilet, and two large walk-in closets. The second bathroom had been retiled and painted. That bathroom would be for the other bedroom and the living room that could be used as a bedroom, if needed.
Jokingly, I said to Doc, not looking at his face for fear I would smile, “Where is Boris going to sleep?”
Without cracking a smile, he said, “I hope he picks my bed.”
“I’m sure he’ll make the right decision.”
Doc added seriously, “Randy, let’s go over to Road House and have a beer and a burger. I want to talk about your plans for the summer. I am concerned that Zack is not ready to ride. One of the after effects of meningitis is lingering shakiness or less than perfect equilibrium. Is Ted ready to handle the horses in the ring?”
“Doc, I haven’t called him. But I have already decided, we aren’t going out with the bareback act. I don’t know how we are going to have enough money to stay in school.”
After we ordered our food, Doc said, “Even with the move into my house?” I shook my head “I think you should consider selling Regal. I know I suggested Temp earlier, but I think you will get more for Regal. ” He paused, because he could see the tears forming in the corners of my eyes. “Randy, I know he was your mother’s pride and joy, except for you. But Regal hasn’t been ridden for six months. Why don’t we bring the three horses and Bess’s colt up here from the farm? You can decide. What about you and Zack running a summer camp for the little leapers? Maybe the YMCA would sponsor such a program. I know one of the guys on the board. Boris could continue cooking. What do you think?”
“How much do you think we will get for Regal?”
“I’ve checked and the riding horse market is not too good. Regal is a majestic animal but I suspect he would only bring $800-$1000.”
“But you said Temp might bring $2000.
“A mare is worth more than a gelding. If you need more money, we can consider selling the colt. I visited him and his mother last week. He is a beautiful animal. I wouldn’t be surprised if he could bring $2000 in a year to two. Are you getting paid by the University for teaching the leaping class?”
“Yes, but not enough to live on, and pay tuition and books for Zack and me.”
“So, Zack is completely on his own, as well?”
“He hasn’t received a dime from either parent, since they separated.”
“Too bad. All the more reason to sell Regal.”
“Let me think about it, and talk it over with Zack. If we run the leaping camp, I will have time to teach Boris to be a catcher. That’s something, he says he wants to learn.”
“What about that short Italian kid, Mike, who’s always hanging around?” I detected jealously or something in Doc’s question.
“He’s not into Boris, and I don’t think Boris has any interest. Boris seems to be into big guys. Anyway, Mike is constantly talking about bedding this girl or that. Mike and Boris are getting really good with the Risley. Have you seen them? You should come by practice someday.”
When I got back to the apartment that night, I found Zack asleep, and Boris wasn’t around. I crawled into bed, and Zack rolled onto me. I could feel his hardness push against my leg. “Where’ve you been? I’ve missed you.”
“Had dinner with Doc. He made some good suggestions about this summer. I’ll tell you in the morning.”
“Tell me now,” Zack persisted. I told him about the leaper camp idea. He seemed relieved that we weren’t going on the road. He said he would like to go to summer school, and get some required courses out of the way. I hadn’t thought about that, but I could do the same thing. That would catch me up, making me a full-fledged sophomore ready for my junior year. He seemed excited about my teaching Boris to catch. He thought I should talk to Coach about getting more money for myself and a stipend for Boris. After a few minutes, I rolled onto Zack and pushed my body into his. We kissed, and things seemed to be getting back to normal. The sex was loving and gentle. We both needed it.
Ted and Robert delivered the horses to Doc’s right after Easter. Ted said that he had seen Violet ride Regal bareback on her knees. He told us that she cried, when the truck pulled out. The colt loved all the new grass in Doc’s field. We advertised locally, that Regal was for sale. There were enough inquires, that Doc decided to have an auction. On a bright sunny Saturday morning, about twenty people appeared by the fence of the paddock. The auction was lively with eight or nine bids for Regal. I was pleased that a man, who Doc knew, bid $1200 and got Regal. He asked Doc, if he could board Regal with us until his new fencing was completed. That delayed Regal’s departure, which pleased me.
Unfortunately, when Ted was ready to leave, Robert announced that he was staying for a couple of more days. Our apartment’s tight with the three of us, but with Robert, I knew it would be too crowded. I wondered if Boris would stay in the apartment if Robert was there. Robert had dark circles under his eyes, and he was shaky. Doc pulled me aside. “Randy, it’s none of my business, but I suggest that you tell Robert he can only stay for a few days, but must be on his way by the end of the week.”
“What’s wrong with him? He seems spaced out. He’s lost a lot of weight.”
“When I was out at the farm, Ted told me that Robert is using heroine. If you have a chance, ask him to pull up his sleeves.”
“What do you think I should do?”
“Before you let him stay at the apartment, give him the rules, especially setting his departure date.”
While we were outside of Doc’s house, I pulled Robert into the barn. I guess he thought I wanted to have sex. I pushed him away. I said, “Robert, Zack, Boris and I are really busy. You can stay until next Saturday, but then you have to go.”
He exploded, “What the fuck? Aren’t we friends anymore? I will stay just as long as I want to. I won’t disturb your fuckin’ studyin’.”
“No, only until Saturday. That is final.” As I suspected, things didn’t go well. He stayed out late and wanted to sleep all day in our bed. I didn’t mention the drugs, but was frightened that the cops would be looking for drugs in our place. I confronted him on Friday, “Robert, remember, you have to be gone tomorrow.”
“You inconsiderate fucker! Where am I supposed to go?”
“How about to the friends you’ve been out with every night this week? You and your drugs are too much of a liability for us.”
“What drugs? I don’t do drugs.”
“Roll up your sleeves.”
“I don’t have to. What do you want to see?”
“Needle marks in your arm.”
He pulled away, and without another word, gathered his clothes and slammed the front door, as he left. I was relieved, but sad. Momentarily, I thought about seeing his beautiful bare butt at the quarry, but shook it off. I opened my textbook to study for my psychology exam.
I called Coach, and asked to see him on a business matter. “Is there something wrong?” he inquired.
“No, I want to discuss an idea I have. Also, I want to know, if you have plans for me and Boris for the fall semester.” I showed up at his office before practice the following day.
He grasped my extended hand, and pulled me in. He was excited about the summer leaper camp idea, and told me we didn’t need the YMCA. He suggested a simple ad in the student newspaper would suffice. He saw a chance for some additional income into the Department. Gymnastics coaching doesn’t pay well, like coaching basketball, baseball or football. He assumed that I was coaching gymnastics and leaping in the fall. I told him I needed a bigger stipend or a scholarship for Zack. “We have never given a scholarship for gymnastics, but let me talk to the athletic director. What about Boris? He is really good with the boys and girls. Does he need money, too?”
“He doesn’t make much cooking for the fraternity. He doesn’t know I am asking. If you’d bring it up to the athletic director, I would appreciate it.”
“What do you call what he and Mike Zavros are doing?”
“That is a performance skill called Risley. Mike is really getting into it. Coach, I’ve been wondering if we could include leaping in the Gamma Phi circus.”
“Interesting idea. I’ll mention that to Bert, I mean Mr. Brown. That would mean bringing the trapeze apparatus into the gym, right?”
“That’s right. Realistically, I don’t think we could pull it off until the class is more experienced. Perhaps next spring, but more likely the following year. ”
“Let’s talk more about that later. I’ve got work to do.” At practice, I mentioned to my leapers about the idea of a summer clinic. There was universal excitement about the possibility. I suggested that they talk to their parents about staying on campus for June and July, and taking the clinic and academic courses.