Swimming with
the Dolphins

Section 7

May 12–15, 1943:  I woke having no idea what time it was. I pushed partially opened the bathroom door to find Bill standing before the mirror jacking off. He was startled and pretended to wash his hands. “Listen, man, finish what you started. Anyway, remember this isn’t the first time I saw you do it.” I plopped my butt down on the toilet. Sheepishly Bill resumed until he was successful with a big squirt. He looked my direction and smiled, “I worked up with such a hard on for Gretchen. I had to do something for fear I would be stiff all day.”

“What if it happens when we are swimming with the dolphins?”

“I think I can handle it.”

I trotted down to the kitchen to make coffee. I filled the percolator with water and reached for the coffee to fill the basket. I turned and found Peggy standing there unannounced. She snarled, “Have you guys had any clothes on since you got here?”

I turned and smiled, “Rarely.” She tossed me someone’s boxers that were hanging over the back of a chair. I seductively pulled them over my bare butt. She rolled her eyes and whined, “Please spare me the theatrics.” Bill walked in at that moment adjusting his crotch. He blushed, turned away but didn’t leave.

Peggy questioned, “Who was swimming last night?”

Bill puzzled, “No one.”

I corrected him, “We did.”

“Who’se we?”

“Peter, Todd and I.”

She continued, “I could see you guys by the fire but must have fallen asleep.”

I thought, “If you only knew!”

Peggy seemed tense and determined as we discussed plans for the day. She was concerned that we keep her mother and Nora from coming on the dolphin trip. I told her I would enlist Peter’s help. I wasn’t sure it would work but I was sure Peggy wanted to skinny dip with us. Todd came down in pajama bottoms which hung low on his boney hips clearly exposing the hairy trail leading to his basket. Peggy disgustedly leered.

He smiled, “Sis, what IS your problem? You’ve seen all I have before and you will see me in all its glory later. Cool down!”

“Be ready to leave at 2:00,” she abruptly turned and walked out the door.

Peter was able to convince Mrs. Hudson to stay behind. The seven of us plus Uncle Peter loaded into the long boat. Peter had his fishing gear and we brought a picnic dinner plus Todd slipped a bottle of rum into the basket. At Blind Pass Peter said to me in a serious tone, “I will come down the beach about dinnertime. I am counting on you and Todd to make sure no one drowns on my watch.”

The sky was intermittently dotted with billowy clouds. The air was warm and sultry. We walked past fishermen but when we arrived at our favorite spot we found a family camping. We realized they were packing up so we sauntered on down the beach intending to come back once they were gone. I looked back at Uncle Peter laid out on a blanket catching up on the sleep he lost last night. To kill time we gathered fire wood for a fire. We walked down the beach in our swimming suits and tennis shoes to a small inlet with water up to our ankles. We encountered trees that had fallen into the surf because the sand had washed away from their roots. The group got noticeably quiet until Todd suggested a swim to cool off. He pulled off his shoes but concluded there was a drop off so decided not to go in. The group returned to the original site that was empty.

The rain lightly fell at first and then it got harder. The sky became eerie with the tangerine glow of later afternoon. Gretchen looked toward the water and screamed, “A shark!” Todd and I laughed knowing that she spotted a dolphin circling around watching us. Moments later several other dolphins appeared casually gliding back and forth. We could see an occasional spout from their blow holes.

Person swimmin with dolphins

Rob Swimming with Dolphins

Todd said, “It’s time to ride a dolphin. Since Rob and I have experience we’ll show you how to do it.” He ran down to the water’s edge and shed his swimming suit.

Carlos gasped, “What’s he doing? Not me, my pants stay on.” There was nervous laughter. Bill went next. I said to Peggy, “Now it’s your turn. You’ve already seen all I have.” She smiled and slipped her one piece down exposing two full breasts and then wiggled the yellow suit over her hips. I stripped and dove into the water. She was close behind me as she ran her hand run over my butt. I didn’t act like I noticed.

The dolphin riding began in earnest. I waited patiently for the brush and the bump from the snout of one of the graceful creatures. Bill got the first ride. Peggy grabbed hold of a big male’s dorsal fin and was pulled along. Todd and I yelled for her to drop off. When she finally did she had a hundred yard swim back. She surprised us when she got a ride most of the way back.

She walked into waist deep water and called for Gretchen and Melody to get in the water. They squealed and giggled but stayed dressed. Firmly Peggy ordered Melody to undress. Melody squatted down and unhooked the top of her two pieces. Her ample breasts fell out with every male was watching. She finished by tossing the bottom of her suit at Gretchen.

Todd immediately became attentive to Melody. He slowly pulled her into deeper water while explaining how to catch hold of the fin. The first bump brought a squeal and giggle from her. She laid her hand on top of the water and moments later grabbed hold of a small dorsal fin. Her white butt bounced along the top of the waves. The dolphin seemed to love teaching Melody. Carlos came down to water’s edge. Bill walked out of the water and spoke quietly to him. Cautiously Carlos lowered his suit and walked right behind Bill attempting to hide his boner. I was surprised how big he was. Bill stayed close to Carlos. He was talking loudly in Spanish which was scaring the dolphins. Bill said softly, “He’s afraid he can’t swim well enough if he takes a ride.” Alerted to the issue I tried to get Todd’s attention to no avail. He was engrossed in Melody so I swam over to Peggy to alert her. Bill stayed close as Carlos tried unsuccessfully to grab the fin. He finally got a short ride and came up sputtering. He persisted and got several more rides. Unnoticed Gretchen slipped into the water. It was clear she was clothed. I said to Peggy, “It’s not worth the effort if she didn’t want to join us.

However, Bill left Carlos with us and decided to step in. He swam to where she was sitting in chest deep water. He floated a short distance from her with his hands on the sandy bottom and his butt pointed skyward. Remembering his statement in the bathroom I assumed his positioning showed discretion. With Bill’s attention on Gretchen I turned to watch Carlos’ dolphin pulling him far out. As if another dolphin had similar concern I felt the bump and was pulled out on what turned out to be a rescue mission. Carlos began to swim back but soon began thrashing from being too tired. My dolphin took me within ten yards. It was fairly easy to talk him back in. He put his hands on my shoulder occasionally to rest. Neither of us spoke of his situation. When we were close enough for him to stand up he stumbled onto the beach as stiff as he entered.

Peggy swam up and put her hand on my shoulder, “Thank God you’re a good Boy Scout.”

I smiled, “Have you been watching your little brother?”

Disgustedly she sniped, “That little creep is only after her boobs.”

I acknowledged with a nod, “And maybe something more?” Once again she ran her hand down my back to my butt and pinched as she turned to swim away.

Bill persuaded Gretchen to touch a dolphin even if she didn’t want to ride. Bill gently took her hand into chest high water where the swells were small and gentle. A big gray male came up and touched his hand. He took her hand and together they lay joined hands on the big fellow’s back. He hesitated underneath them as if trying to win a new friend. Gretchen relaxed but refused to attach herself. Bill asked if he could try as she held onto him. She gladly put her arms around his neck. I said out loud, “What a con?

They went slowly. Bill caught a ride for them which lasted almost five minutes. With Peggy at my side I whispered, “Bill is in heaven, a Catholic boy naked with a girl he only met yesterday.”

Peggy replied, “She is Catholic, too.” Peggy took my hand and walked me into deeper water. I could see Carlos watching us. “Now, it’s my turn.” She kissed me squarely on the lips more passionately than I had ever been kissed. I hesitated but returned her affectionate kiss with a full body hug until we were swept off our feet. She fell against my stiff dick which she briefly held.

Brushing the water from my face my mind was racing. I thought, “Peggy is a good friend. Does she want more?” She took my hand as we walked up to the blanket. We flopped down and were locked in a passionate embrace when Bill and Gretchen came strolling up. Gretchen gushed, “That’s the most fun I’ve ever had.”

“Me, too, maybe we can do it again,” Bill added. Todd and Melody came bouncing up out of the water. Pointing to our stiff penises Peggy said “Can’t you guys keep yourself under control?”

Todd responded with brotherly sarcasm, “Only if you stop messing with our heads. It was your idea to go swimming with the dolphins, anyway.”

She smiled, “And wasn’t it the most fun you have ever had?”

Leisurely we dressed as the merriment continued. Uncle Peter returned thirty minutes later. He asked if everyone got a ride. He got plenty of affirmative nods. Todd could not keep his hands off of Melody. Her virginity, if she still had it, was in definite jeopardy. I had my own dilemma: “Did I want to do it with Peggy?” She seemed to want to. I always thought I would save myself for my wife on our wedding night. I may have to rethink that idea.

Our campfire was burning and the food was passed out. The rum bottle sat on the ground untouched except for Peter who generously helped himself. The rest of us were high enough without booze. As we walked back to the long boat I saw a skinny blonde girl maybe twelve or thirteen leaning against the trunk of a palm. She smiled and thought, “What a show she got?”

Todd fell asleep in the boat with his head in Melody’s lap. Back on Captiva the girls wanted to build another fire. I had been up almost all of the night before so I begged off. I needed sleep and left the others to do what they wanted to. I slept soundly until nine the next morning. I walked into the bathroom to find Bill enthroned. I turned to leave but he motioned me in. He whispered, “Do you have any rubbers?” I smiled and shook my head. He continued, “I don’t know what will happen. I just want to be prepared.

“Todd will definitely need them.”

Todd bounced in with “Need what?”

“Rubbers,” we responded in unison.

“I don’t need them…OK, maybe just in case. It would make her more relaxed.”

“We have to convince your mother that we need to make a trip to Ft. Myer for provisions. Should I get enough for all of us?” Our efforts to convince Mrs. Hudson failed. She said we had enough food but said that Uncle Peter was going tomorrow to pick up Mr. Hudson and CeCe if they were back. We were going to have to wait. It was gray and overcast in the morning but by afternoon the sun came off a little. The girls stuck together and we figured that they were conspiring against us.

Bill suggested hiking north to see how far the construction had progressed on South Seas Plantation. Peter told us that some developer bought the entire end of the island from the Swanson’s Offshore Sailing School. He presumed that the war had stopped construction. I reminded Bill, “No swimming in the channel.”

He laughed, “You remember that!”

“It seems like yesterday. I was scared shitless. I definitely remember.”

Todd jumped in, “You mean when you showed us how to jack off.” Bill blushed as Uncle Peter looked up from his book. “I want to invite Melody.” That was vetoed by the group.

What once seemed like a long way took Peter, Carlos, Todd, Bill and I less than an hour. There was a major building about two hundred feet in length with walls partially up. There were surveyor markers for two other buildings. Noise came from a pile driver working on what appeared to be an enlarged dock. “When the resort is finished the island will change.”

Todd said sadly, “Forever.”

Bill contributed, “It will be more crowded.

“At least it won’t happen until we the war is over.”

Todd insisted on a swim. As he stripped he said, “We certainly won’t be able to swim naked when the resort is finished. Too bad.” I grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the water. The others followed. Our bare butts rested at the edge of the surf and the subject of careers came up. The waves pushed sand and shells over our feet, up our legs and buried our dicks. Todd stated, “I am going to teach school after graduation either in a public or prep school. I am not sure which one.”

Bill followed Todd, “I plan to be an accountant and, hopefully, work for a large firm. I figure there is going be a business boom after the war is over. I want to keep track of the money.”

Carlos said, “My father wants me to come back to Costa Rica and go to the police academy. I would prefer to stay in the US.”

I said, “I just want the war to be over. I do not want to get shot and killed by some German or Jap bullet in some far off place.”

Todd pushed, “Surely you have some idea what you want to do.”

“Well, maybe, I’ll work with Uncle Peter and my father in the food business. There will be a need for regular food when the GI’s get back.” Peter was smiling ear to ear because I had not indicated any interest in the business before.

He said, “I’m really happy to know that Rob. Maybe we’ll put you to work this summer in the Camden warehouse.”

We talked on until the late afternoon when sun began to drop toward the sea. No one noticed the little Nora and her mother were coming our way. She jumped on Peter’s shoulder. He hoisted her on his shoulder and began walking toward Mrs. Hudson as the rest of us pulled on our suits. He didn’t bother and Nora didn’t seem to care. When we got close to the cabin we were greeted like returning heroes. Mrs. Hudson seemed surprised when Melody kissed Todd right on the mouth. After dinner at Myra’s we sat and stood around the fire until the girls went back to the Hudson’s cottage.

Todd was up bright and early for his trip into Ft. Myers. He shook me and my hazy brain told me it wasn’t time to get up. “Todd, Peter never leaves before ten.” He stalked off and I heard the screen door squeak as he went out. I trotted to the window to see where he was going. As he walked toward Hudson’s I saw Melody come out and grabbed his hand. I went out the back door so they wouldn’t see me. They walked past an old man who was surf fishing and kept going. I was having trouble getting through the vegetation and almost turned around when they stopped, shed their clothes and dove into the water. The older couple that lived near the Hudson’s came onto the beach. The beach seemed really crowded. Todd and Melody didn’t see me coming because they were all over each other. I stroked toward them in the chest deep water. Melody surprised me when she let go of Todd and kissed me right on the lips pressing her beautiful teats to my chest.

“So there you are you sneaky asshole!” Todd kiddingly tried to pull Melody away from me. “She’s mine.”

Glaring at Todd she snapped, “Buster, I’m no one’s.”

“Touché.” He drew back. We goofed around while we waited for the couple to stroll by before running for our clothes. Things were quiet in the house so we sat at the picnic table and drank coffee. Uncle Peter came out for his swim. When he saw Melody he turned but Melody called, “Don’t let me interrupt you swim. We’ve already had our swim.” He strolled down to the water. As soon as he plunged in she got up and ran down to the water, disrobed and followed him. Todd snapped, “What a flirt!” She caught up to Peter and floated around with her voluptuous teats exposed. I was smiling as Todd discretely tried to make himself more comfortable in his pants. He looked directly at me and said without a smile, “I don’t care whether I have rubbers or not I am going to have that girl.” I laughed knowing he meant what he said.

Peter walked up wrapped in a towel as Melody ran toward the Hudson’s. He said, “Todd, I want to leave in thirty minutes or so. Will you be ready?”

“Yeah, we’ll be ready, Todd said.”

“I’m not going. I will give you money but I don’t want to go.” Todd seemed disappointed. As we walked by the Hudson’s on the way to the dock Mrs. Hudson told Peter the arrival time of the Limited and handed him a long grocery list. It was a quiet beach day and by mid-afternoon we were sitting around the picnic table drinking rum and Coke. Melody said, “Wonder when they will be back?” when Todd burst open the door unaware of his audience and shouted, “I got ‘em.” Melody looked at him as he blushed three shades of rose. He stammered, “Groceries,” and turned away as Peter and CeCe joined us.

Dinner that night seemed interminable. Mr. Hudson talked about the war and how things were going in New York. Finally, it was appropriate to excuse ourselves. Carlos stayed behind speaking to CeCe. Todd told us that he and Melody were going to skip the bonfire and walk down beach in the bright moonlight. Before they started I motioned, “What’d you do with them?”

He handed me two silver packets, “One’s for Bill but I don’t think he will need it. The other is for my horny sister.” Todd grabbed Melody’s hand. They walked away. Peggy, Bill, Gretchen and I walked back to our cottage to get blankets. Bill and Gretchen sat down on the sofa so I presumed that they were going to stay there until the others came home from Myra’s. Peggy and I walked to the fire site. She wanted a fire so I scrounged around to find enough wood. I got a small fire started and sat beside her. She said in a matter of fact way, “Rob, don’t you like me.”

“Of course I do. I am concerned if we get too involved it will spoil our friendship. I’m not ready to settle down in any one relationship. I guess I am old fashioned. And besides…” She put her index finger over my lips. She unbuttoned my shirt and I didn’t stop her. We continued to disrobe each other as the fire flickered creating weird shadows dance over our naked bodies. She pulled her body tightly against mine. I fumbled around to get the rubber on. Our passion was quick as the fire warmed our bodies. In the heat of passion she said, “God, I hope Todd has two or three of these.” I smiled to myself completely agreeing with her.

Our lovemaking was inexperienced since it was the first time for either of us. As we finished I drew the blanket around us just as Todd and Melody came walking up. It was obvious what we had been doing so we didn’t move or say anything. They were dressed and neither looked happy. I needed the bathroom in a pressing way. I slipped on my shorts and said, “Peggy stay here. I’ll be right back.”

“Rob, bring me a rum and Coke.” As I approached the cabin I could hear voices speaking Spanish. CeCe and Carlos acknowledged me but kept their animated conversation going. The cottage was dark except for the light over the kitchen sink. I expected to find Bill and Gretchen necking on the couch but they weren’t there. Uncle Peter’s door was closed and I could hear his soft snoring. I took the steps to the bathroom two at a time. I dropped my pants and plopped myself down on the toilet. Relieved I realized there were voices coming from the bedroom. The flush caused a stir. I saw two faces rise as light from the bathroom fell onto Bill’s bed. I whispered not knowing what else to do, “We’re down at the beach when you get done.”

I went outside with two rum and Cokes. Carlos and CeCe had disappeared. I wondered what they might be doing but decided that was between the two of them. Back at the fire the embers were fading. I managed to find a couple of pieces of drift wood to throw on the fire before returning to Peggy’s blanket. I tried to keep my shorts on but she unsnapped the top and unzipped the fly so I got the message. We snuggled up realizing that Todd and Melody were intertwined across the fire. Their cooing and moaning were audible. The culmination was Todd’s loud grunt and a sigh signaling proof of his success.

Todd propped himself up on one elbow and looked across the fire at Peggy and me. With a toothy grin said, “Sorry about that, it went so fast the first time I had to do it again. Peggy groaned and kept her hand discretely around my hardened cock. She had me exactly where she wanted me and guided me back into her. This time it was without sheath. I was not going to let her trap me so I pulled out before the sperm started to shoot out of me. She grimaced but didn’t say anything as she wiped the liquid onto the blanket.

Moments later Gretchen and Bill came down with their blanket. While making room for them Gretchen noticed the bare buns and breasts and looked away. Bill spread out one blanket and put the other one around her shoulders. They sat with us quietly as we watched embers of the fire die. One by one we got partially or fully dressed. Someone observed, “Oh my God, it’s dawn!” A communal, “It can’t be” came out.

Peggy said, “We are going to be in big trouble if you don’t think of something fast.”

Todd said, “Why?”

“Our father is going to have a fit when he realizes the girls have been out all night,”

“You are absolutely right. What do we do?”

“What do you think of this? We’ll build a big fire. Girls will go get eggs and bacon. Todd get the big iron skillet from our place. I’ll make coffee, get plates and silverware. We’ll tell your dad we planned a sunrise breakfast for our last day.”

Peggy said to Gretchen and Melody, “We’ve got to go now.”

The fire was roaring by the time they came back. “Guys, we opened the door and it was not a minute before my father appeared demanding an explanation. I pointed to the fire, told him about breakfast and he seemed satisfied.” We found two smooth stones for the skillet to sit on as we cooked the eggs and bacon. Bill and Carlos came back with coffee and cups. The smells and memories were perfect for the cloudless sunrise creeping over the mangoes. After wolfing down the food we decided to culminate our breakfast with a swim. The girls stripped to their underwear and we followed their lead.

We were all exhausted but we had pulled off the charade. “Anyone have an alarm?” Melody said.

“I’ll set it for noon and come over and get you up,” I said. “We can’t sleep all day or they will know.” We raced for the shower to rinse off what the night had left behind. Three of us were in the bathroom trying to be quiet and not waking Peter and CeCe. Everyone was ready to talk but knew sleep had to be our top priority. At one o’clock Peggy burst into our room, “Get up you jerks. Why didn’t you wake us up?”

“Sorry, I forgot to set the alarm. How’d you wake up then?”

“Luckily, Nora came in about 12:30. Gretchen heard her and looked at her watch.”

Todd said, “I bet Bernice sent her in. Do you think your father suspects?”

Peggy smiled. “If he does he isn’t acting like it. I did tell him we were going to Blind Pass to ride the dolphins.”

“He said he wanted to take Nora along.” Todd and I groaned audibly. She reached over and kissed my bearded cheek and slapped her brother’s butt. Sarcastically, she added, “Nice night,” and stepped out. By the time 3:00pm arrived the Blind Pass expedition had shrunk to six. Bill, Carlos, Gretchen, CeCe and Uncle Peter were deeply engrossed in a conversation about the role of the Roman Catholic Church in the politics of Central America. They decided to take a pass on the swim. Mrs. Hudson had decided to make dinner so wanted us back by 6:30. Mr. Hudson promised he would have us back. The clouds were so threatening that we almost didn’t go.

Baby Nora squealed as we rounded the end of the peninsula because she saw the dolphin fins and snouts. We walked on as Mr. Hudson looked over his shoulder and said to Nora, “Take off your swimming suit. That’s the way we swim with the dolphins.” Peggy and Todd stood there as their father dropped his suit beside Nora’s. He trooped into the water holding her hand. We didn’t know what to do which I am sure was his intention.

Melody naively said, “Let’s go,” as she unbuttoned her top and slipped her suit off before anyone could stop her. “Come on you guys!” The three of us followed suit or more precisely - no suit.

As we got into the water Mr. Hudson said to Todd, “I see Melody has been here before.”

“Yeah, we rode before.”

I struggled to stay awake during dinner. Peggy wanted a bonfire but I couldn’t. I may have missed a great time but I had to get some sleep. The next day was the last for the Hudson’s and the girls. They had to catch a train in the afternoon. The guys were traveling, Sunday, in order to get back to school or work. The time had passed so fast.

I woke up about 8am and the cottage was quiet except for bathroom noise. I waited for the splashing to stop and tripped in. It was Uncle Peter and he was going back to bed. I didn’t speak as we passed. I wasn’t ready for a swim but was ready for a walk. The boxers I had on seemed sufficient so I strolled out onto the beach. I paused before deciding to walk north away from the cottage. I was deep in thought when I vaguely caught site of someone watching me from the underbrush.

As I crouched down to pick up a shell two Negro boys, one about nine and the other a couple of years older, came out. The older boy was wearing shorts and a Brooklyn Dodgers baseball cap and his young companion was wearing a white undershirt over his shorts. They boldly came toward me. I was surprised because Negroes in the south, in my experience, were usually shy.

The older boy said, “Mister, will you teach us to ride dolphins?”

I was startled and sputtered, “I don’t know. It is pretty hard to do.” I looked toward the water hoping an excuse would come to me.

The younger boy continued, “Our pappy thought you might do it. We watched you the other day.” He smiled.

I was getting pulled in by these persuasive youngsters who seemed to know me better than I knew them. I decided to get control of the situation. “Show me how well you can swim. Get in the water right here.” Just that quickly as they had appeared they had their clothes piled and their cute brown butts were splashing and stroking in the gulf.

They came back uninhibited and the younger one said, “Now can we learn?” I didn’t know how to say ‘No’ but didn’t want to say ‘Yes’.

The older boy politely gave me an out, “Mister, we are camped at Blind Pass if you can teach us.” He looked down the beach and saw someone approaching. He and his brother grabbed their clothes and scampered into the mangroves. I turned and could see Peggy approaching.

When she reached me she said, “Who were you talking to?” I recounted the encounter. She said, “What’a going do? After no response she continued, “We’re going to be gone by noon. Why don’t you and Todd do it?”

Without answering her question I said, “I’m out for a walk, do you want to walk with me?

“Sure.” As we walked along we talked about going back to school and the usual springtime activities. Peggy’s steps paused, “Rob…I want to ask you a favor. I want you to agree.” I didn’t say anything. “I want you to come to our house formal next month, just say Yes!” I shook my head. She slapped my left arm and continued, “I like you as a best friend and pretty good as a lover but this is a best friend asking a best friend for a favor.”

I turned her direction, “Peggy what we did the other night is not what good friends usually do.”

She smiled and wiggled her butt, “I am ready again any time.” I continued walking. “There are two guys at Haverford I like but I don’t want to upset either by inviting the other. So I want you to be my guest.”

“No, you want me to be your shill.”

“Yes,” she said as she pulled my boxers down to my knees.

“An unusual way to treat a friend.” I stepped out of my boxers. “I’m going for a swim, would you like to join me?” In single motion her clothes were beside my boxers and we waded into the surf. I was sure the boys were watching. The water was glassy. I grabbed her hand and pulled her toward me as I fell into the water. I took a stroke or two with her on top of me. I was stiff and within seconds we were lips-to-lips as we rolled and sputtered. She somehow guided me into position which was awkward. I joked, “Now I see how dolphins do it.” She smiled and we continued our passion among friends.

As we got out of the water I shivered and Peggy said, “What’s wrong?”

“I hope you don’t get pregnant.”

She squeezed my hand, “Don’t worry my period is due any day.” I was relieved.

I felt happy as we walked up to the picnic table where Bill was reading a book. He looked up and gave us a knowing “Having a good morning?” We nodded our heads affirmatively. “You two want some coffee?” Without waiting for a response he got up. Todd stumbled over the threshold as he came out. Peggy’s automatic response, “Klutz!”

“You guys had a long walk this morning,” he said devilishly smiling at us. “Want to talk about it?”

“I bet you don’t know how dolphins do it?”

He meowed, “No, but I think I wish I did. I’ll ask Melody if she knows.” He continued, “You know Melody is a wonderful girl. I don’t know how I can be three hundred miles away from her starting Monday.”

His sister snipped, “Your right hand will really get a workout.”

He continued, “Maybe I can convince her to transfer from Vassar to Bryn Mawr?” I felt he really liked her. She was a couple of years older but that didn’t seem to bother Todd. Bill returned with coffee for everyone. I said, “Bill, I had the most unusual thing happen this morning. Two cute Negro boys asked me to teach them to swim with the dolphins.”

In unison Todd and Bill said, “Let’s do it this afternoon after the girls leave.” I could tell both wanted another ride for themselves. We decided to go to Blind Pass after lunch. The Hudson’s long boat pulled away from the dock at Myra’s promptly at noon. There were lots of hugs and admonitions about coming again to Captiva.

By the time we were ready to go to Blind Pass Bill told us he had to stay behind and finish a book report that was due on Tuesday. Todd and I walked over to Roddy’s to rent a boat. When we got to Blind Pass we found the boys tent but walked down the beach to our regular spot. We didn’t see dolphins or the boys and acknowledged that maybe this was a waste of time.

We walked to the fallen branches further south on the beach. Todd said, “Let’s climb through and see what is on the other side.” I scraped my leg as we squeezed through the final fallen tree. “Are you hurt badly?”

“Nothing a quart of blood won’t fix. Where are we going? The words hadn’t cleared my lips when a young couple with three little kids jumped down from the embankment. They were completely naked and totally tanned. Todd said, “I was right. The other day when we walked to the fallen trees I thought I saw naked people on the other side. The man looked annoyed as if we were spying. We smiled, stripped off our suits and continued walking. We stopped a couple of middle aged nudists and asked how they got to the beach. They described a long trip across the ferry at MacGregor Road and their long hike to what they referred to as Bowman’s Beach. The woman said, “It is not easy finding paradise.”

We saw about twenty people before turning back thinking we would take the boat back to Roddy’s since we hadn’t found the kids. The sun was going in and out of the clouds as we made our way through the fallen trees. Todd asked, “Do you think you will work for your uncle this summer?”

“We’ll see. What about you?

“I think I’m going to work at a camp in the Adirondacks if they can get enough reservations. There is some question if they can have the sessions with the war going on and the rationing. I hope they do.”

“I hope we can get together before school starts.” I wasn’t sure it would be the same since Captiva was our place to be together. As we came out of the tangled branches the boys were standing waiting for us. They introduced themselves to Todd as Charlie and Robert. The older one, Charlie, said, “Where do we go in?”

Robert squealed, “Look there’s one!”

Todd said, “Let’s try here.” He started toward the water.

As he did Robert firmly said, “Mister, you can’t wear clothes to ride dolphins. I heard you tell that to the others.”

Todd sheepishly said, “Oh, I forgot.” He dropped his trunks and the boys followed him. They were speaking too loudly so Todd put his finger to his lips. The boys quieted down. They each grabbed one of Todd’s hands. He looked at me and smiled. I thought, “He will make a good teacher.” I noticed a Negro man standing up at the tree line. I retrieved my suit was which was halfway over my butt. He motioned to me the way my father does with his hand turned over and flipping his fingers outward. Thinking of my father I did as directed and dropped my suit.

The boys got a couple of good dolphin rides before we indicated it was time to for us to go. As we approached the shore we could see two men standing near water edge. Todd and I tried to be modest. Todd explained, “We are teaching the boys how to ride the dolphins.”

“We know and we really appreciate it.” The older man’s southern accented English was without too many flaws which was unusual. He continued, “I know your fathers.” Todd and I looked at each other. “Let me introduce myself. I am Marcus Jones and this is my son Ted and you have met his brothers.

Todd asked, “How do you know our fathers?”

I jumped in, “I know, you were their fishing guide when they first came to Captiva a long time ago.”

“That is true.” Looking at me he said, “Robert correct? Your father helped me get started. Is he here?”

“No, he is too busy with the war business but Mr. Hudson was here.”

Mr. Jones said “Good” in an uninterested way.” We are standing naked when Robert chided his older brother to try to ride. Ted shook his head but he wasn’t too convincing. Todd said, “If you want to we’ll show you if the dolphins cooperate.”

I guessed Ted to be sixteen or seventeen and at least three inches taller than Todd or I. I wasn’t pushing because I wasn’t sure we could save him if he wasn’t a strong swimmer. Robert continued to pester. Ted slowly inched toward the water in his shorts when Charlie called, “Stupid, you can’t touch them if you’re dressed.”

“Dressed is the only way I’ll try.” The little boys were back in the water when Mr. Jones dropped his trunks and came toward us. He said, “Don’t worry, you don’t have to teach me. I couldn’t swim when I met your fathers and I still can’t swim.” Out of the corner of my eye I saw Ted walk up the beach and drop both his shorts and his underwear by ours. He walked out to us defiantly, “OK, let’s get this behind us.” Todd and I with Ted walked into chest deep water when suddenly a big wave rolled in sweeping the three of us off of our feet. Ted came up sputtering but smiling. Todd explained the procedure. Ted bent down and yelped when he felt the gray mammal brush against his body. He grabbed hold. I yelled, “Don’t let him take too far. It is a long swim back.” Todd was a good teacher. The young boys got a couple of rides before we walked out of the water.

I notice that Robert’s little pecker was stiff as a board. I said smiling, “Exciting wasn’t it?” My eyes must have bugged as Ted flopped down in the sand. He said, “I got excited, too,” as he tried to hide his full black dick. He tried to pull on his underwear over his wet body but fell back to the sand laughing. Seeing him made me stiffen up.

Mr. Jones seeing the situation said, “Boys come over here and sit down.” Looking at me and Todd he said, ‘Do you boys know that I am an English and biology teacher? We both shook our heads. “Well, I am going to give you a little lecture on anatomy. There is too much misunderstanding between the Negro man and the white man. We are all men as you can see. We have exactly the same parts inside and outside. Bucky, you notice that Ted has a longer penis than you do when relaxed.’ I couldn’t help but look at Todd who was examining his flaccid penis. I am sure I was blushing.

Ted said, “Father, for Christ’s sake why do you embarrass me all the time.” Mr. Jones continued, “A lot of racial trouble has a sexual base and you can see among yourselves the reason. Some white men are jealous of what they see as the Negroes sexual apparatus when the penis is soft. When not excited the white man is small but grows when he is excited. His manhood serves mankind fine. When Ted’s penis fills it doesn’t grow much.

“Too many Negro men resent the white man for his power and influence. The white man wants to keep Negroes in their place for fear they will take white women with their sexual power. Both groups are wrong but the perception exists.

Todd said, “You are right about the Negro pecker. Whoa, I should be so lucky!” Mr. Jones rose and told Robert and Charlie to get their swimming suits on and follow him. The boys fussed about wanting to keep swimming but followed his orders. He said nothing to Ted. Todd broke the awkward silence, “I guess we should get going.”

Both Todd and I were stiffening when I said, “Todd, I want one more ride before we leave.”

“Let’s go.”

“I’ll join you if you don’t mind,” Ted added.

I said laughingly, “Do you think after what we just heard I could say ‘No?’” We all laughed and raced into the water. We pushed and played like little kids. We each got a short ride but it was getting quite dark.

Todd raced to his shorts but Ted tackled him. Ted said, “I want to see if it is true.” Todd was stiff as he rolled over revealing his manhood. “I am still bigger around but your father is right you are long.” We laughed as we dressed and Todd and I wished Ted well. As we passed Mr. Jones said, “Boys, please remember me to our fathers.” We smiled and nodded.

The following day Todd, Carlos, Bill and I left from Ft. Myers leaving Uncle Peter and CeCe to close up. We left Captiva renewed and happy but the world war was still going on.

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