At the edge of town, Orie and his gang came racing toward us again. This time they slowed down and started shouting, "Faggots and fag hags" as they started throwing bottles. One cracked Eugene's windshield, luckily it did not hit him or Larry, but Eugene was rattled enough to slow down. Bill did likewise as I started to roll up the window. Before I had time to close the window, a bottle came whistling in, tipped the edge of the window and hit me in the head before it bounced into Linda's lap. I was dazed, so Linda grabbed the phone and dialed

911 again.

"We are fucking under attack by Orie Greenley and his jock jerks.  Damn it, get the cops out here!" She had barely finished the call when Orie turned around again and was racing up behind us, bumping Bill's car.

"I'll never tell Dad not to worry again," I said. "Frankly, I'm scared shitless."  Orie dropped back once more then started full speed toward us again.  

"Hold on," Bill said. "Here they come!" Just before Orie's car reached Bill's, Bill jammed on the brakes. The impact was hard, but this time Orie's crew, none in seat belts, got tossed around. As soon as that happened, Orie stopped, jammed his car in reverse, pulling back away from us and stopped.

Soon it was clear he had done so only to get a running go at us. Bill laid down on his horn to warn Eugene and headed for the shoulder of the road. Eugene did some quick thinking

and did the same. Instead of hitting us, Orie raced into nothing. He floored the car, threw it into a spin and headed back toward us. It looked as if he would hit Eugene head on because Eugene was having a hard time regaining control of his car. He just missed being hit, but Bill had enough time to dodge Orie who went roaring past. A few yards past us, Orie threw his car into another spin to come back when the blue lights appeared. Two sheriff's cars raced down the road. One turned sideways between us and Orie and the other drove past, turned and blocked the road on the other side. Four officers, two from each car, got out with guns drawn and walked over to Orie's car. Within seconds, six guys were standing, legs spread, leaning against their car. All six were cuffed and marched into the two patrol cars. One officer drove Orie's car onto the shoulder, off the road. An officer came to Bill's car and another went to Eugene's.

"Everyone ok in here?" the officer asked.

"I think so," I said.

"You better check him out, Officer. One of the bottles those jerks threw hit him in the head," Linda said.

"Let's get you out and have a look," he said. He shined his flashlight on my head. "No skin broken and you seem to be doing ok, but you sure have a nice bump there, a real goose egg. Put some ice on it as soon as you can. Hate to ask you this since it's pretty clear what happened, but would you object to a breathalyzer test? You don't have to and I have no reason to believe you've been drinking, but there's a beer bottle in the car, the one that clobbered you, and this way no-one can claim you were drunk."

"No problem, Officer," Bill said. "I hope those six agree as well."

"In their case, they can agree or disagree. If they disagree, it will be an admission of guilt in court. There's empty bottles in their car, a couple more six packs unopened, and several bottles with some beer in them and two open bottles of vodka. No, I'm afraid they won't have a real choice. But let's get yours over with so you can get on with your night. You're sure dressed for something.  Good looking bunch," he said as he smiled.

The breathalyzer tests took only seconds and, of course, we all blew a zero. When that was over, the six were hauled out for theirs. A couple times the officers whistled when they read the results. "Who was driving?" Fingers were pointing in all directions.

"Orion Greenley was driving," Linda said. We all nodded.

"Which one of you is Orion Greenley?" None of them answered. "Doesn't matter. If your parents will claim you, maybe they will know."

"Officer, all six were arrested today and are out on bond," Linda said. Not dumb and sure not one to get pissed off.  "Makes our job easier," the officer smiled at Linda. "Now let's check these cars and see if they are safe to drive."

Bill's car was damaged where it had been rammed, but that didn't keep it from being safe. Eugene's was another matter.  The shattered windshield was definitely a safety hazard. "Son, your car really isn't safe to drive. Where are you headed?"

"Home. My mom and I are having an after-prom supper and dance for friends."

"And who's mom?"

"Millie Willingham."

"Holy shit! Excuse me miss, I heard Millie had adopted a son, but I expected... I don't know what I expected, and you have a smashed windshield on Millie Willingham's brand new car."

Eugene laughed. "Well, it's actually mine. The Easter bunny brought it."

"Must have been one helluva big ass rabbit," he joked, then blushed when he remembered Linda was there. "I know you want to get home and don't want to leave your car. Why don't you follow us into town if you can see enough to drive."  "The break is on the passenger's side, so I can see. I just don't want the rest of it to come flying back in my face."

"It won't and we'll drive slowly. And I think you kids have had enough to deal with tonight and you've got a supper dance yet to go. It's 1:30 already.  Come down to the sheriff's office sometime tomorrow and we'll take care of the paperwork. No rush; those six young men have nowhere to go and when they get there, it'll not be a party." We drove into town slowly and it was almost 2:00 when we got to Millie's.

When we drove up, Millie rushed out of the house, grabbed Eugene, then all of us and hugged us. She was crying! "I was so afraid my babies were hurt," she said. "The sheriff called and told me what had happened and that you were all right, but I was afraid he wasn't telling me the whole story. Come on in. We're waiting for you!"

When we got inside, Luke grabbed me, hugging me close and crying. "I'm ok, Yonghon Tongmu, I just took a beer bottle to the head."  

He looked at my goose egg, kissed it, then gave me a gentle, soft, tender kiss. "Sarang Hanun Pomul, I was worried sick," he said and kissed me again.

"I wasn't. I was scared shitless!" I laughed and the gang joined in, releasing our tension.

"Well, Matt and I have a surprise if the rest of you are up to it," Luke said as he walked across the room and opened a door. All eyes were on the door as Sheldon walked through, dressed as all the men, in a classic tux. He smiled a funny smile as he was attacked by Paula.

While there had been munchies at the prom, we had all spent our time dancing, so teenage food consumption was at its usual level as we attacked a delicious supper at Millie's some time around 2:30. She had obviously set the table again and it gleamed with silver, crystal and elegant china. There was wine, of course, and therefore real toasts to the newly-elected student body president. Michael toasted his Secretary of State. Bill toasted the prom king and queen and Millie toasted young love. Everyone had a second glass of wine with dinner and I

was not happy when I noticed Sheldon had a third, fourth and fifth. Paula didn't seem to notice. She had eyes only for Sheldon, not his drinking.

After dinner, we went to the living room which had been prepared for dancing. Larry had taped the music which began, need you ask?, with "More".  We danced until 4:30 and I was ready for my Luke and the falls, but not before Millie had another surprise or two. "Before the crew goes running off to the falls to make out..."

"Mama! How could you think such of these pure, innocent, lovely grandchildren," Eugene said in mock horror.

"Because, Son, I can remember, even in my aged condition and senility, being young. Besides, I know that there have been two head prints on a certain young man's pillows! Anyway, got a surprise or two. First of all, Matt, I know you looked for a sub for tomorrow and didn't find one. Well, its been ages since I have played in public, but I still play some, so you can sleep in, when you finally go to bed and go to sleep." Luke grabbed me, his eyes sparkling, and gave me a long, tongue-in-the-mouth, passionate kiss.

"Well, if we can get on with the program. I have a poster for you to see." She reached behind a wall table and pulled out a poster announcing the concert and exhibition.

"Luke, this should definitely be included in your AP art portfolio," she said as she held up the poster. Luke had done sketches of Eugene, Paula, himself and me in a kind of fantasy,

ethereal manner in a slightly darker blue than the pale blue poster background.  The lettering was in a type face most people could associate with fantasy, but was clear, sharp and very readable. It was done in a still darker blue.

"Great job, Luke," Michael said. "Bet you four will have autograph hounds all over you, clutching posters.  "Here are the invitations. I thought maybe we'd have a hundred for the

Saturday night concert, but if all invited come, St. Mary's will be packed."

The invitations had a reproduction of the poster on the front with the invitation inside.

"Tickets for the Saturday night concert are enclosed in the invitation with a note that they may be given to someone else if the invited person cannot attend. The regular tickets will be mailed out when people call in for them."

"I forgot to add Uncle Michael to be invited," Luke groaned.

"Not to worry, Luke. As soon as you get over the prom, he has offered to help you get the catalog together and arrange the exhibition. Some very expensive talent you are getting for free, let me tell you. It costs money to breathe the air as you walk by Sanders and Sanders Gallery in Charleston! Ok, what next? The Saturday before the night concert, Luke, Eugene, Larry, Paula and Matt, you are having an early dinner here with the Oberlin admissions

committee and the heads of the organ, music, art and mass communications departments. Dress accordingly, blazers and ties guys. Larry has talked with the audio and video engineers of the public radio and TV stations. The TV station will do a documentary on the art exhibition to be broadcast if they consider it good enough. It will be. The radio station will do the same with the concert. They are working on a nationwide broadcast on the PBS "Performance Today" program.  The admissions committee will hold individual interviews with you at school

Monday after the concert. Don't know whether that kills your evening or not, but I just got word today and wanted you to know what you have ahead of you. Right now, I suggest you change and get out of here. Oh, David and Margaret got back late today and you are all having lunch at Michael's tomorrow afternoon. I think that covers it." We all gave Millie a hug and went to Eugene's suite and changed into shorts and shirts.

When we started down the path to the falls, Luke said, "Matt, we forgot blankets, towels, all that stuff." Before he finished, we emerged from the path.  The moon had been waning for a week so it was not bright, but surrounding the beach area of the basin were torches, casting shadows about. In a neat stack on the beach were blankets, towels and a basket of munchies and drinks.

"Sure hope there's some beer in there," Sheldon said as he spied the tub of ice and drinks.  

"Bet you are out of luck on that one," Mary Kathryn said. She was right of course.

Within five minutes, five couples had taken blankets and found their own place for some serious making out. Well, to tell the truth, I guess others were into serious making out. Luke and I just held each other, our eyes smiling at our love and exchanging soft, tender kisses occasionally.

"Matt, you know what I wanted more than anything tonight? I wanted to dance the night away with you. I wanted to walk to the center of the dance floor and take you in my arms and dance. I wanted to have you on my arm instead of Paula when the king and queen were announced."

Luke was being very serious as he talked softly, but his last statement sent me into gales of laughter. "Hey, everyone, Luke just called me a queen!" I shouted as soon as I could stop laughing loudly enough.

"I did not," Luke shouted and started tickling me. Soon we were wrestling around on the blanket, tickling each other and trying to not laugh as we kissed each other. It was fun! We finally calmed down and Luke held me tightly and kissed me. As our tongues did battle, our breathing became one and, I'm sure, our hearts beat together. As our kisses became more passionate, I felt Luke's hardness against my thigh as I'm sure he felt mine.

Just as things were getting really hot, Michael yelled, "Ok, everyone, in the water!" I looked up and saw he was naked as a jaybird and Mary Kathryn standing beside him getting naked.

"Hell, why not?" Luke laughed. "Babe, I want to see your naked body."

He pulled me upright and started undressing me. I did the same and soon we, along with Michael and Mary Kathryn were standing in the dim moonlight, wearing what we had worn the day we were born. Larry and Eugene were soon as naked as we while Paula and Sheldon, Bill and Linda looked up in amazement from where they were lying.

Linda said to Bill, "Ok, I haven't tried to get into your pants yet and I can't if you don't have any on!" She stood up, grabbed Bill's hand and yanked him to his feet. As soon as she was standing, Linda started shedding clothes, Bill right behind her. Michael and Mary Kathryn raced to the top of the falls and dived in.  Luke and I dived in as soon as the way was clear.

By the time we had surfaced, Linda and Bill were standing at the top of the falls. "Are you sure this is safe?" Linda asked.

"Of course," Michael answered. "Just be sure you come out to the edge of the rock where you are standing and dive. You can swim can't you?"

As if in answer, Linda dived with Bill right behind her. Paula and Sheldon still had not joined us, but when we yelled to them, Paula got up and started undressing. She walked to the top of the falls alone and dived in. A few minutes later, Sheldon finally got up, undressed slowly and dived in from the beach. He just didn't seem with it.  

We swam for, I guess, for an hour and even I had blue lips, I suspect, when Luke said, "Enough already!" and climbed out of the water, grabbed a towel and started drying himself. I climbed out and finished that job and then he dried me, stopping for a couple of kisses. Soon everyone was out.

Mary Kathryn

When Michael whispered in my ear, "Mary Kathryn, I feel like skinnydipping," I looked into his face and asked, "What's stopping you, Mr. Presidentelect?" "You. I want you to go with me."

I kissed him, God I loved this man, hard, strong, handsome, caring, and said, as we had as kids, "Last one in�s, a rotten egg." Before the words were out of my mouth, he was standing and stripping off his clothes. "Man," I thought to myself, "all that personality and a bod to die for!" as I joined him in getting undressed.

Before I was completely nude, Michael shouted, "Ok, everyone, in the water!" Matt and Luke couldn't get undressed quickly enough and Bill and Linda were not far behind. Sheldon seemed reluctant to join the party, but Paula finally dived in and Sheldon kinda slunk in. There was something going on here and I didn't like it.

After we had been in the water at least an hour, we were all half frozen.  We all crawled out of the water, dried ourselves, or dried each other. As Michael dried me, he got that wicked grin on his face, kissed first one nipple, then the other and said, "Remember the first time we were nude together, I mean after we were grown?"

"Was that you? I couldn't remember who it was. I seem to remember something a bit larger," I said, pointing to his joy stick which was hiding from the cold water.

"Sorry, I meant to tell you. It got hit by a shrinking ray," he joked, as he pulled me to his hard, naked body for a special Michael kiss.  

"Bet I could hit it with an unshrinking ray big time," I laughed, kissing him back. We lay on the blanket and, even though it was warm for a predawn April morning, it wasn't warm enough after the cold water. Five guys got up and grabbed another blanket and five couples covered up their bare bodies.

As Michael and I lay side by side, he looked at me with a very serious expression on

his face and said, "Mary Kathryn, we'll be sixteen soon, sweet sixteen, getting our driver's licenses and just know we are all grown up. But deep down inside, we both are smart enough to know we're not. We've got a long way to go before we're really grown." I looked into the face of the man I loved and nodded. "We're young and what the future holds, well, we don't know. But I want you to promise me you will remember that you were loved as fully and deeply as a nearlysixteen-year-old can love. I know that if there is never anyone else, our love will grow, it will change, but tonight with every fiber of my being, I love you my wild woman."

"Michael, I'll promise to remember if you promise you will also remember that on this night you were loved as fully and as deeply as this woman can love a man, my shining knight." We sealed our promises with a long, passionate kiss, then I lay my head on Michael's chest, listening to his heartbeat, warm and comfortable in his arms. And I slept.

I awoke slowly and when I opened my eyes, I was staring into Michael's smiling face. "You are so beautiful when you sleep, Wild Woman. I have been awake just watching you sleeping and wondering how I could ever love you more." With those words, he bent his face to mine, placed his arms around me and kissed me softly, gently, lovingly. His tongue entered my mouth and brought me a warm feeling of being loved and I returned his love in my kiss.

As he leaned over me, I felt his hard manhood against my leg.

Breaking our kiss, I smiled and said, "It seems a night's rest has overcome the effects of

the shrinking ray."

"Actually," he laughed, "I think it was cured by my aching need to pee!" He jumped up and went to the edge of the river below the falls and let loose a golden stream into the clear water.

As if on cue, he was joined by the other males in the crowd. The women were a little more modest and went behind a clump of cane.  When we came back, we were all, males and females, shivering in the predawn air, so we got dressed. When we were dressed, I noticed the first faint glimmer heralding the sunrise. Without a word, I pointed to the eastern sky and picked up a blanket, put my arm around Michael's waist and he mine. We started walking to

the top of the falls and were soon followed by the others couples, all arm in arm except for Paula and Sheldon who were walking side by side, but not too closely.

Just above the lip of the falls there was a huge boulder with a flat top.  Many times members of the family had sat there, in silence, facing east watching the sunrise or facing west to watch it set. Four couples sat, one between the legs of their beloved, leaning heads against manly chests. Paula and Sheldon sat side by side. Clearly something was going on. As the sun crested the horizon, I leaned back with my head on Michael's shoulder and he leaned forward to kiss me good morning.

In spite of the fact that we had done nothing we had not done before except sleep side by side, I sensed that the sun as dawning on a new relationship for me and Michael and not just on a new day. From the time we had started the walk to Lookout Rock, not a word had been spoken. As soon as the sun was fully up and no longer colored the sky, we all got up and walked back down to the fall's basin. With few words being spoken, we folded the blankets,

picked up the towels and food and drinks. We left the torches in place.

After everything was loaded into the cars, we drove to Matt's place. When we arrived, Matt suggested we make as little noise as possible since his parents were still asleep. Before we entered, Sheldon said, "Matt, could you run me into town to the bus station in a few minutes?"

"Sure," Matt responded, "but I thought your bus left at 2:00."

"I changed my plans. It leaves at 8:00. Give me fifteen minutes with Paula and come on down."

Matt

When the Fellowship of the Rings got upstairs, I grabbed sleeping bags out of the hall closet and tossed them on the floor of my room. We may have been awake for the sunrise, but we hadn't slept more than an hour or two and Linda and Bill, Michael and Mary Kathryn immediately flopped down on the sleeping bags and were asleep in seconds. I had told Larry and Eugene to use the bed in the guest room. Luke and I sat in the middle of my bed, Indian style, or maybe it was Korean style, our knees together, holding hands and worshiping

each other with our eyes.

After a few minutes, Luke said very softly, "Matt, something's going on with Sheldon and Paula."  

"Yea. I know he had until 2:00 when we planned to get him here so why the change in plans? And he has been acting strange ever since he got here."

"Did you notice how much he drank at Millie's and expected beer at the falls?"

"Sure did. Well, I've got to go take him to the bus."

"As sleepy as we all are, I'm going along to make sure you don't fall asleep coming back." Luke and I left the room quietly and walked downstairs.

        
Part Twenty-eight

Luke

        When Matt and I walked outside, Paula and Sheldon were standing on the front porch; Paula was leaning against a porch column while Sheldon faced her. It was obvious Paula had been crying and Sheldon looked mostly indifferent. "I'm ready to go," he said, "Paula, you want to go with us?" Paula started shaking her head then said, "No".
        "Well, bye then," Sheldon said, as he turned and walked off the porch.
        The ride to town was done in complete silence. Sheldon sat in the back seat, not speaking. When we arrived at the bus station, Sheldon got out and said, "Thanks for the weekend, guys. See ya," turned, walked into the bus station and didn't look back.
        Matt turned the car around and we started back home. "I don't know what in the hell is going on, Matt, but Sheldon is a son of a bitch. He was a complete asshole the whole time he was here. Sure wish we hadn't spent the money to get his shitty ass here, get him dressed up for the prom queen and give him every opportunity to have a spectacular weekend."
        "I don't know what is going on, Luke, but I can tell you one thing: we've got a hurting woman on our hands."
        "That's for damn sure. Why did that jerk have to mess up a whole weekend?"
        "Maybe for Paula, Luke, Babe, but my weekend wasn't messed up in the least." Matt turned to smile at me and I grabbed a quick kiss. "Hey, I'm driving," Matt said in mock horror.
        "I know. You're driving me nuts. God, I love you, Matthew Sarang Hanun Pomul Greywolf."
        "About half as much as I love you, Luke Hans Yonghon Tongmu Larsen!"
        "Don't think so. Infinity doesn't have a half. You know that!" I looked at the light of my days and laughed. "You know, this damn Jeep was not made for lovers," I said as I tried to reach over to kiss Matt again.
        "Doesn't matter, we're home and my bed is."
        At the foot of the stairs, Matt suddenly swept me off my feet and into his arms. I put my arms around his neck and kissed him again and again as he carried me to his room. When we got there, Paula was lying in the middle of the huge bed, curled in a fetal position, crying. Matt stopped, put me down, and we walked to the bed. Everyone else was sound asleep as Matt asked in a soft, tender voice, "Want to talk about it, Paula?"
        "No, not now. Later. Right now I would like for you guys to lie down with me. I hurt."
        Matt walked to the far side of the bed, lay down beside Paula and put his arms around her. I lay on the other side and Paula put her arms around me and said, "Thanks guys." I started stroking her hair and saw her gradually relax. In only a few minutes she was asleep.
        Matt raised his head slightly, looked into my eyes and mouthed, "I love you."
        I smiled and mouthed "I love you too."
        The next thing I knew, Greywolf was at the door taking pictures. The flash eventually got everyone awake--not without a lot of groaning, I might add. Greywolf said, "I thought we really needed some after pictures to go with last night's before ones. That was last night wasn't it? It's 3:00 in the afternoon and David and Margaret will have lunch ready at 4:00. The downstairs bathroom is free."
        "Paula, after everyone has had a chance to pee, you, Eugene and Larry take the downstairs. Luke and I and Mary Kathryn and Michael will take the upstairs since my stuff is up here. Linda and Bill, you can split or if not, use the upstairs," Matt said.
        "What do you mean, split?" Bill asked.
        "Yea," Linda said.
        "It's the slow and easy menu," Michael said. "Where is it, Matt?"
        "In the drawer of the night stand," Matt answered, grabbed my hand and said, "Michael, give it to Bill."
        When Luke and I finished with the ritualistic morning bladder emptying and returned to the room, Bill was looking at the menu. "Finish it later," Michael said, headed across the hall, "unless you can hold it." Bill put the menu on the bed and rushed across the hall behind Michael. By the time they had finished, Linda and Mary Kathryn were back from doing their ritual downstairs.
        "Dibs on the bathroom," Michael said, grabbed Mary Kathryn by the hand and rushed across the hall.
        "Remember there are other people waiting!" Matt said.
        "And only so much hot water, sister mine," I added.
        "We'll heat it up for you, brother mine," Mary Kathryn responded.
        "You mean to tell me Mary Kathryn and Michael shower together and are still virgins?" Bill asked with a puzzled look on his face. "And you and Matt do this stuff and are too?"
        "Unless something happened at the falls last night with Michael and Mary Kathryn--and I suspect it didn't or we would have heard about it from both of them by now--the answer to your questions is 'yes'."
        "Man, I find that hard to believe. Well, maybe I don't. To tell you the truth, since I became THE basketball player, I have had so many girls throw themselves at me and I was so horny that I could get a fuck just about every night I wanted one. Quickies in the back seat of the car, in the bushes. Just wham, bam, thank you ma'am. And you know something, I usually felt shitty afterward because I know I was just using a warm, moist hole for my cock. Just fucking. I got my rocks off and I won't say I didn't like that but, to tell the truth, it was just that--getting my rocks off. It just wasn't fun. Some of this stuff sounds like fun!"
        Matt laughed, "You want to get Michael going? When he comes back, ask him if he fucks, but be prepared to run."
        "Why?"
        "Because the first night we all used the Slow and Easy Menu, Michael said he'd like to go down the hall and fuck Mary Kathryn. Matt and I had been told by Greywolf that lovemaking was what it was about and that covered a lot of things--expressing love--but that fucking was what you just described."
        "So we both got on Michael's case big time, but he got even. I said something about his not wanting to sleep with a faggot and he almost busted me one," Matt laughed. "We are very careful about two things around here. One, using the word fuck to describe something you do with someone you love and two, using lovemaking to mean ONLY intercourse--thus the Slow and Easy Menu."
        "Where did you get this?"
        "Dr. Bailey--Margaret Andrews now, I guess--gave it to Matt and me along with some shampoo, soap and massage oil. See, when we told the family we were in love, Greywolf asked that we put off having intercourse until we are eighteen. He didn't tell us or beg us not to. He just asked us if we would. Given all the family--that's the big family--was doing for us, we agreed. One day I saw this medallion in Mr. Swartz' shop and got one for each of us as a reminder of our promise--not really to the family so much as to each other. Mr. Swartz did all the beautiful engraving on them. They have long chains which means..."
        "Don't they get in the way when you're... ah... playing around?"
        "Making love? That was the idea and the answer is 'Yes!'."
        "Man, you're going to think I'm a fool, but I think I have missed out on something."
        "Interesting thought coming from a non-virgin," I said as Michael came out of the shower, whistling.
        "Man, I love kissing perky nipples," he said as he went to the closet for a shirt and to the chest for boxers and shorts.
        "Nothing like it," Matt laughed as Mary Kathryn came in, a towel wrapped around herself.
        "Would you guys mind giving me some time to talk to Linda?" Bill asked, still holding the menu.
        "Not at all. I'll roust Larry and Eugene out of the guest room and send them downstairs. You and Linda can talk in there while Matt and I have our shower playtime and Paula and Mary Kathryn can get dressed. Michael, I guess you'll just have to wait downstairs.
        "Be there in a minute," man of mine," Mary Kathryn said, grabbing a bag she had left yesterday.
        Bill went to the guest room, knocked and, when he was told to come in, asked Larry and Eugene if they would go downstairs for their shower so he could talk to Linda in the guest room. Soon two sleepy eyed studs came out, grabbed towels and went downstairs. Bill and Linda went to the guest room and Matt and I went to the shower.
        There really was going to be a problem with hot water unless we were careful, so we wet ourselves down good and soaped each other well, kissing and rubbing against each other all the time. We rinsed off, dried each other and left the shower. "Would have liked a bit more playtime," Matt said, holding me tightly and giving me a real good morning kiss.
        "Do you think I don't agree?" I asked as I returned his kiss.
        When we got back to my room, Paula and Mary Kathryn were gone, I assume downstairs. Larry and Eugene hadn't started getting dressed and were making out big time. "Ok, studs, break it up and get dressed, food's waiting."
        "Who needs food," Eugene laughed, "when I have Larry to eat on."
        "Don't go there, Lover," Larry replied, giving Eugene the evil eye.
        The four of us were getting dressed when we heard Linda giggling and saw her and Bill walking toward the bathroom, holding hands. "More perky nipples are going to get kissed, I bet," Matt laughed.
        "Bill better be careful or he'll get the Orie treatment," Luke laughed. "I think Linda meant it when she said she'd sideline him if he got out of line."
        Finally all four of us were dressed. I brushed Matt's hair and he braided it, then he worked on mine. When we were finished, Bill and Linda came out of the bathroom, each wrapped in a towel. "No-one told me to bring clothes for today," Bill said, "so I guess I'll just have to wear what I wore last night."
        "I bet you could wear Michael's clothes."
        "Not a big help since I'm not at Michael's."
        "Michael and Luke both have clothes here. In fact, we all three have clothes at all three places. Look in the closet and find a shirt. Michael's shorts, socks and boxers are in the second drawer of the chest."
        "Boxers? I feel like I'm hanging out."
        "Look in the first drawer. Maybe you can wear my size. I have both," Matt said.
        "Silk bikini briefs?" Bill exclaimed as he held up a pair of bright red ones.
        "Looks like something for the cheerleaders' stud to me," I laughed.
        "Ok, I know I can't go back, but can I have a new start?" Bill asked, very seriously.
        "Sure you can. I'm sorry. That was a poor joke. No offense intended."
        Bill put on the red briefs which were a bit small, but sure gave him a super stud front, walked over to me and, awkwardly, hugged me and said, "I know that, but I really do want to turn over a new leaf. Man, Michael is right, playtime is fun time and I have missed out by just fucking. And I think I have missed out by being standoffish about hugging. Being a shithead macho-man sure carries a big price tag, I'm thinking."
        Bill finished dressing and when he had finished, Linda came out of the guest room dressed to kill and had a smile on her face I hadn't seen before. She walked up to Bill, stood on tiptoes and gave him a light kiss. Bill blushed!!!
        When the Fellowship of the Rings arrived at Michael's, everyone greeted the newlyweds. Lunch at 4:00 in the afternoon revealed again the amazing capacity for food of teenagers, except for Paula who didn't eat enough to keep a bird alive. She tried hard not to be a wet blanket and would have done a good job except she had eight people who were sharing her pain without saying so. When lunch was over, Bill offered to take Paula home, but Matt said we would so he could have time with Linda. "You two may want to talk some more," he said. Michael was walking Mary Kathryn home and Larry and Eugene were going to home or homes in the newly christened Bunnymobile. I had called the sheriff's department and made arrangements for us to meet there at 8:00. When I asked if that was too late, the officer said there was no rush because the alleged perpetrators weren't going anywhere. I wondered what would have been necessary for him just to say criminals.
        As Matt and I walked with Paula to the Jeep, Matt asked, "Paula, do you want to talk about it?"
        "I think I need to," she replied.
        "With me or Matt or me and Matt?"
        "I'd like to talk to you both. On the drive home?"
        "If you like, you know where we all go, but maybe that's not the place for you."
        "I think it is. I really do."
        "Ride or walk?"
        "Do you mind walking?"
        "Not at all," I said. "Until last week, we always walked. The gate was put in for David's and Margaret's wedding." Matt snagged a blanket out of the Jeep as we walked past, and he and I took Paula's hands and walked with her to the falls in silence.
        When we reached there, Matt spread the blanket on the ground and the three of us sat down; still no-one spoke. Paula sighed several times and said, "First of all, I want to thank you two for bringing Sheldon here. I was so surprised and happy when he walked out. You two are so kind and loving and thoughtful and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the love you showed me by getting him here on prom night. And while I'm at it, Luke, you gave me a prom I'll always remember. I was so proud to be on your arm when the king and queen were announced. And in spite of the fact that I knew well I was not who you wanted there, you still treated me like a queen. You are a beautiful man with a beautiful spirit. And so are you, Matt."
        "Well, I believe I was promised a good night kiss, which I didn't get," I said. Paula reached over and kissed me lightly on the lips and smiled, but it was a sad smile. "I really want you two to remember that I really appreciate what you did in spite of how it turned out."
        "Ok, it was obvious Sheldon wasn't with the program from the time he walked out of the room at Millie's. I know his ticket was for 2:00 because Luke and I purchased it and sent it to him. He had to exchange it for an 8:00 one," Matt said.
        "Ok, the whole story. You are right. When I kissed Sheldon at Millie's he didn't pull away, but he wasn't very interested either. When I kissed him, I knew he had been drinking..."
        "Thank goodness he didn't go with us to take the girls home," Matt commented. "We took a breathalizer test as evidence that none of us had been drinking when Orie and his crew tried to... well, I was going to say kill us and I thought they were."
        "You saw how he drank at Millie's and she certainly did. I was embarrassed. When we came to the falls and there was no beer, he pouted about that. Then he started complaining because we were with a bunch of fags. I was ready to strangle him at that point and told him so, but he started pouting more. The final straw was when he insisted on having sex. When I told him no, he said, 'Look, Paula, I don't know what your problem is. I came all this way to be with you tonight because I thought it would be fun. Then I find out there's no beer, you're with a bunch of fags and you won't fuck. What the shit is going on?' I was so angry I didn't know what to do. Then when everyone decided to go skinny dipping, I thought he'd come around. Instead he said, 'You expect me to get naked among a bunch of faggots or you to get naked and us not fuck? What kind of goody-two-shoes are you?' I told him I'm the kind that doesn't fuck and doesn't plan on fucking. With the right person with whom I am in love, I expect to make love big time, but just fucking is out. 'Well, shit,' he said, 'I could have saved myself a trip and been screwing Saturday night as I usually do. I have no trouble getting a piece of ass when I want it from a girl who enjoys my big cock in her pussy.' I was sick to my stomach, but decided I wasn't going to ruin a beautiful night for people who knew what love meant so I joined in the swim. I guess Sheldon decided he may as well pretend he was a part of the party so he finally crawled into the water like the snake he is. When we finished swimming, he started the 'I wanta fuck' bit again and I told him if he didn't forget that, he wouldn't have anything to fuck with when I finished. 'You can bet on one thing,' he said, 'I'll be out of this shit hole as soon as I can. There's a bus at 8:00 and I'll be on it.' I told him I hoped so and that he'd never show his face in Concord again. 'You can bet on that, goody-two-shoes,' he said. This morning he told me he had a high school crush on me, but he was seeing and fucking--he got right in my face to say that--an older woman--the assistant manager of the store where he works--'and she's not interested in all that silly love talk and hand holding, she just likes for me to fuck the hell out of her and I like it!' So that's the story."
        Matt and I were silent as Paula fell silent. Finally she said, "Guys, I was in love with Sheldon. You knew him. He was kind, loving, gentle. We had fun together and talked about our future together. I don't know who this creature is that showed up in Sheldon's skin. I don't feel like we have broken up--I've been through that a couple times-- instead I feel like someone I loved has died. That's it. I feel as though Sheldon is dead. I feel as much that way as I did when my dad died. But he wasn't around after he died. Sheldon's body was still there after I realized the Sheldon I knew was dead."
        Paula started weeping softly and Matt pulled her to himself and said, "Cry it out, Lady. Cry it out." When Matt said that, the dam broke and Paula was crying her eyes out. I moved closer to her and Matt and I both had her wrapped in our arms. I started stroking her hair and Matt was singing some tune softly, and Paula cried great cries and Matt and I were both weeping softly with her.
        It was minutes before Paula's tears stopped, and Matt and I still held her as we watched the river in silence. She finally said, "I'm ok now. I know I have some grieving to do. I've been there, but Sheldon is dead, dead, dead. And I'll tell you one thing: if the choice is between friends and fuck partners, friends win hands down," she smiled.
        "Even if they're faggots?" I smiled back.
        "Even if they are men and lovers. We've about had enough with the 'f' word this week," she said, slapping me gently on the cheek, then kissed me again, then Matt. "I think it's time we got downtown to deal with another bunch of jerks," she said and added, "Thanks guys, you are true friends."
        "We try to be," Matt said. When we stood up, I grabbed the blanket and Matt and I put our arms around Paula's waist and we walked to Matt's place. When we got there, Paula said she was ready to go home and asked both me and Matt to go with her. When we reached her place, she walked in, grabbed her mother and started crying again. Ms. Wright motioned Matt and me to chairs while she held her daughter close, looked at Matt and me and raised an eyebrow.
        "I'm afraid Matt and I are to blame," I said. "As you know, we got Sheldon here for the after the prom party and that was a mistake."
        Paula looked up and said, "No, it was not a mistake. Had you not done so, I might have gone on thinking there was a Sheldon I loved. Mom, he is a complete jerk asshole." Matt and I looked at each other; we had never heard Paula use such language. "He is no more the man I knew before he moved than is the man in the moon. I told Matt and Luke it was as if the Sheldon I knew was dead--he is dead--and I'll have to get over his death. I don't know, and don't want to know, the Sheldon who was here this weekend."
        We talked with Paula and Ms. Wright about what had happened to Sheldon for a few minutes and then she asked about the prom. Even Paula's face lit up when she started talking about the prom. "Mom, Luke and I were the prom king and queen!" We talked about supper at Millie's and what we faced in a few weeks with Oberlin and about the night at the falls. I was afraid Paula would be upset again, but she wasn't.
        When she mentioned our swimming, Ms. Wright said, "where did you get something to wear in the middle of the night?"
        "We were born wearing it," Paula laughed, a real Paula, charming laugh.
        "Paula!"
        "And I'll do it again if I have the chance. It was wonderful." Her mom was obviously pleased that the whole weekend had not been ruined for Paula.
        "Luke, I've got to go. I have to be at the sheriff's office shortly," Matt said. "See you Monday--ugh, tomorrow," he said to Paula. Ms. Wright had a strange look on her face and Matt said, "We're clear. Paula can tell you all about it."
        Even though I wasn't involved in the Saturday night mess, I was with Matt so I went to the sheriff's office with him.
                                
Matt

        When we arrived at the sheriff's office, we were met by four deputies who took Linda and Bill, Larry and Eugene to separate rooms. Luke and I sat waiting for a few minutes when the sheriff came in. "Sorry I'm late, we've got something else going on," he said. "Were both of you involved in Saturday night's adventure? I thought there were only five."
        "You're right, Sir. I'm Matt Greywolf. My friend is Luke Larsen," I motioned to Luke.
        "Nice to met you, Son," the sheriff said, extending a huge hand to Luke. "You must be Jens and Gabrielle Larsen's son."
        "Yes, Sir," Luke answered, shaking hands with the big man.
        "And there can be little doubt you're Greywolf's and Yong Jin's son," he smiled, again extending a hand.
        "Yes, sir," I answered. "I think I'd have a hard time denying that," I laughed as I shook his hand. "I'm Matt, Matthew Greywolf."
        "One of the bad things about my job is that I seldom get to meet decent kids. If I'm not careful, I begin to think all are like that bunch locked up upstairs. Again, I'm sorry I'm late, but we have had a crew of lawyers here all day trying to get those six out of jail and then something else broke. Not free to talk about it, but it would be worth your while to see the eleven o'clock news. Well, Matthew..."
        "Matt, if you would, Sir."
        "Ok, Matt, if you'll come into my office. The four rooms we usually use for getting information are in use." When we got inside, the sheriff asked if I wanted a lawyer and if I objected to having the conversation recorded. I told him no to both questions and he asked me to identify myself with my full name and then to tell him what happened. From time to time he stopped me and asked a question, so it was half an hour before he was satisfied. "Thanks for coming in," he said. "I am extremely pleased no-one was hurt. Few people realize that when a bottle is thrown out of a car, it is traveling at the speed of the car plus any extra speed the thrower gives it. It could have done major damage as is evidenced by the windshield of Mr. Willingham's car. You're lucky--since this happened--that it hit the edge of the window first. By the way, do you mean to tell me Millie Willingham gave that new son of hers that car?"
        "I'm not sure, Sir. She says the Easter bunny brought it."
        "Damn! I sure would hate to run into that rabbit in the dark. Must be one helluva rabbit," he laughed.
        "'Bout Millie's size," I grinned, and the sheriff let loose a huge belly laugh.
        "Then I know I wouldn't want to meet him in the dark if he's like Millie! Sure wish there were some way I could spend more time with good kids. I'm sure missing a lot. Thanks again for coming in and I don't think you will have to worry about those six for a while." He rose, extended his hand and, after we shook hands, he led me out of his office.
        The others had finished as well and were standing waiting for me when two officers came in with Rev. Jonathan McBride of the Temple of Praise. The Reverend was in handcuffs and shouting, "I demand a lawyer."
        "Take him in the back, fingerprint him and put him in a cell after he has called his lawyer," the sheriff said. "Remember, Matt, watch the eleven o'clock news. Bye, kids, and thanks again," the sheriff said, holding the door for us.
        As we passed David's, I noticed his van was not outside or in the garage. When we got to our place, the whole family was there. "What's going on? Luke asked as we walked in the door.
        "I'm not sure," David answered. "A former member of the Temple of Praise who left before I did, called and said I should watch the eleven o'clock news. Also, we all wanted to hear a report from your visit to the sheriff's office, so we just sorta met half way--at the Greywolf's. How did it go?"
        "Fine, I guess, all we did was give statements. By the way, the sheriff also said to be sure to watch the eleven o'clock news and while we were leaving, the Rev. Jonathan McBride was brought in--in handcuffs, screaming for a lawyer." Mom, Margaret and Gabrielle brought sandwiches and drinks into the den and we all settled down to eat and wait for the news.
        "I told David and Michael I was glad to arrive when there was some activity going on," Uncle Michael laughed, "but I had no idea just how much was going on. Who is this Jonathan McBride?" David explained who he was and that he had stayed in the Temple of Praise until he couldn't stand the blasts against gays any longer. By the time Uncle Michael had been filled in on the situation, it was time for the eleven o'clock news.
        The anchor opened by saying, "Good evening. We have late-breaking news from Concord. As we reported last Friday, six Independence High School students and the head football coach were arrested on charges related to a break-in at the school and vandalism. The six students, who were out on bond, were re-arrested Saturday night on charges related to an attempt to drive two cars, driven by Independence students, off the road and to attacking the five students in the cars by throwing beer bottles at them. Three of the six had been given a suspended sentence by the juvenile court earlier in regard to the rape and abuse of Gregory Burnette. Gregory has since committed suicide and WLEX broadcast a penitential service for Independence High School students combined with a memorial service for him. Michael Andrews, who initiated service, was running for student body president when the break-in occurred and his campaign posters defaced with derogatory words. Matthew Greywolf, organist for that service was injured slightly on Saturday night by one of the thrown beer bottles."
        "This afternoon, a judge revoked the bond of the six students and started the process to revoke the suspension of the three's sentences. All are now eighteen and subject to regular courts. Standing by at the Concord sheriff's office is LaTasha Jackson, WLEX reporter, with the latest developments in this case... LaTasha."
        "Stu, this case becomes more bizarre by the moment. After the judge had revoked the bonds of the six students, parents and lawyers filled the sheriff's department demanding their release. When Judge Harriett Snow announced she would be attempting to revoke the suspension of the earlier sentences of three of the students, she was asked what that would mean. Here's her response."
        "It's very simple, if the suspension is revoked, the three will serve their sentence. Originally it would have been served in a juvenile facility, but they are now eighteen and will serve it with the big boys, as they will any other sentence which might come as a result of these latest charges."
        "Stu, shortly after Judge Snow made her statement, it is this reporter's understanding that the three who had been involved in the rape of Gregory asked to see the sheriff and a lawyer. At this time what connection that might have with the events of Saturday night is not known. Shortly after eight this evening, sheriff's deputies arrived here with the Rev. Jonathan McBride, pastor of Concord's Temple of Praise, in handcuffs. Other deputies were carting boxes of what appeared to be video tapes, two computers, several video cameras and stacks of computer backup tapes. The sheriff has promised a news conference in a few minutes which we will carry live. Meanwhile, after the arrest of Rev. McBride, I was able to interview the senior elder of the Temple of Praise, Elder Eugene Joyce, who had been waiting outside the sheriff's office. Here is my interview with him."
        "Elder Joyce, WLEX has learned that the Rev. Jonathan McBride was arrested this evening. Can you tell us anything about that?"
        "I most certainly can. Rev. McBride was charged with possession and distribution of homosexual child pornography. Nothing could be more absurd! Rev. McBride has preached and worked against the spreading disease of homosexuality among the young men in this town. He has encouraged parents to be on guard against their young males being seduced into choosing that devil-serving perversion. I am sure, when this is all cleared up, Rev. McBride will be shown to be a shining Christian knight fighting this creeping evil and that his arrest is the result of a conspiracy by homosexual perverts and faggots."
        "Stu, the sheriff has just stepped outside and is standing there for a news conference. Here's the sheriff."
        "Ladies and Gentlemen, I have a statement which I will read. Afterwards there will be no questions. And I would remind you that, while arrests have been made, all persons arrested are innocent until proven guilty. Here's my statement."
        "Saturday night, six teenagers were arrested on a number of charges growing out of an attack on two cars carrying Independence High School students from the school's prom. The six, who had been suspended from school as a result of a break-in and vandalizing at the school earlier were, of course, not allowed at the prom and, in fact, were only out of jail because they had posted bond. This afternoon, when Judge Harriet Snow announced she was seeking to revoke the suspended sentences three of the six had received earlier in juvenile court the for rape and abuse of Gregory Burnette, the three asked to see a lawyer and me. While I cannot and will not go into the details of our conversation, the three implicated the Rev. Jonathan McBride of the Temple of Praise in pedophilia and child pornography. Accordingly, Judge Snow granted a search warrant and deputies searched the reverend's house and removed from it several hundred video tapes, video cameras, computers and many computer backup tapes. At this point all I have to say concerning this is that the reverend is in jail under $150,000 bond and the FBI has been called in." Reporters started shouting questions and poking their microphones in the sheriff's face, but it was soon clear his only addition statements would be "I won't comment on that."
        "Holy shit!," Michael exclaimed. "Sorry ladies--but Dad we listened to that son of a bitch--sorry ladies--for years while he ranted and raved against homo-sex-uals going to hell, seducing young boys, corrupting the youth of the land and all the time he was running a porno business, kiddie porn business for God's sake. Hanging's too good for him. And just what do you think those three in jail had to do with it? What about them?"
        "I worry about that", Margaret said. "It certainly seems they were involved in some way and they could be in trouble in more than one way."
        "Yes. If they became involved when they were younger... well, I must confess that if they have been involved for some time, I feel sorry for them," Greywolf said, very quietly.
        There was a stunned silence in the room then David said, "I'm sorry, Greywolf, it never occurred to me you would see another side to this. Not very sensitive of us."
        "Didn't expect you to make a connection. Didn't myself at first, then I had another flashback."
        "Flashback? What are you talking about, Greywolf, I don't understand," Gabrielle looked puzzled as did Jens.
        "When Matt told us he was in love with Luke, I reacted very badly, not because I felt there was anything wrong with their love..." Matt had walked over to his dad, sat on the arm of his chair and placed his arm around Greywolf's shoulders. I did the same. "I had a flashback to my youth, something which hadn't occurred in a long time. Everyone here knows the story except you and Jens since you had been sent off to the lake," Dad smiled weakly, then told Jens and Gabrielle what had happened to him as a youth.
        "That sure puts a new perspective on this situation, Greywolf." Dad said.
        Needless to say, school Monday was abuzz, not with the prom, but with the events of Saturday and Sunday. Well, that wasn't quite true; Luke got a lot of attention from the girls. Paula was not lacking in attention either. Guys who I dare say never knew she existed, were trying to get her attention. Obviously she was not on the top of the world, but definitely not crushed for having lost Sheldon with his new personality. Of course, she was grieving for the old Sheldon who, she said, was dead. Because of Paula and Luke, our table at lunch was a focus for students, but there was also speculating about what was going on in Concord. Aside from all the gossip and speculation, school settled down to a routine.
        Monday through Wednesday, Luke took the Jeep and went to his studio. I stayed, to work with the brass and percussion ensemble. About the only real change to be noticed was that Bill and Linda were definitely becoming a couple. Linda had dropped the dumb bond cheerleader act, but that didn't mean she had stopped talking. She, obviously, was right: some things were just natural for her and talking was definitely one of them.
        Not only was Luke leaving school to work in his studio, but also he was working late every night--often, I'm sure, well into the morning. About the only time I saw him was the morning run and our trip to school. After all the excitement, and some pretty exciting times together, our lovemaking was a few kisses in the morning. Not that there was anything wrong with those kisses, it was just that they were too few, and there was nothing else to go along with them.
        While school may have settled in a routine, things had not settled down in Concord. Everyday lunch involved a discussion of the news from the night before. Monday night covered a protest by members of the Temple of Praise led by Mr. Joyce. They, of course, maintained that the Rev. Jonathan McBride was innocent and the victim of a plot by faggots, homosexuals and their supporters. Mr. Joyce was extremely vocal in condemning the police, the school board, administrators of Independence High School and devil-worshiping so-called Christians. There were two or three hundred protesters demanding the release of Rev. McBride and the resignation of the sheriff. The protesters were carrying signs, singing hymns, kneeling in the streets praying and trying to prevent anyone going into the sheriff's office. Finally, the sheriff had to call in help from Lexington to control the mob.
        Needless to say, Eugene was livid. "How can that man carry on like that," he asked. "He has to have seen the boxes of tapes, the cameras and all the other stuff."
        "You know as well as I do," Larry replied, "he sees and hears only what he wants to see and hear. Look what he did to you," Larry continued, "not because you were gay, he didn't know that, but because... well, because."
        Tuesday's lunch discussion revolved around the report that Jake and the other two who had raped Gregory had been sent to the psychiatric wing of the hospital in Lexington for observation and protection. In a news conference, the sheriff said Jake, Danny and Buddy has tried to hang themselves in their cell and, had Orie and the others not called out, they would been successful.
        "I guess that's what Greywolf and Margaret were talking about," Luke said.
        "What?" Linda asked.
        I then told the Fellowship of the Rings about my dad being sexually abused as a child and how difficult it had been for him to overcome it. "I guess most people never really recover fully. In fact, Dad had a flashback when I told him about my love for Luke and I thought he was going to... well, I don't know what I thought he was going to do, but I was scared."
        "It's terrible, being sexually abused. And it's also terrible being the abuser." Larry said as huge tears started running down his face.
        I could see Eugene extend his hand under the table and take Larry's. "It's over, Larry," he said softly, quietly, tenderly.
        Bill and Linda were looking very, very confused. "I sometimes wonder if it will ever be over. I was trying to cover up something as I'm sure those three guys were. I know what it's like to think suicide is a grand solution," Larry said in a whisper.
        Bill said, "Look, this may not be any of my business and if so, say so, but I don't know what's going on." Linda nodded agreement.
        "I'm sorry," Eugene said, "but I guess it's not something to talk about. Sorry."
        "Yes it is," said Larry. "Linda and Bill are a part of us and they need to know the whole rotten, shitty story," and very quietly told Linda and Bill what was wrong. "Eugene and I have been getting professional help and the Gang of Four, especially Michael and his dad, have been a tremendous help but, at times, I still just can't handle it."
        Man, I didn't know how Linda or Bill would handle this latest revelation. They sure as hell had been bombarded with one thing after another in the past week. Well, I guess I should have known what Linda would do now that I know who she really is. She reached over and pulled Larry's head to her shoulder and said, "Larry, I know you hurt; you hurt because you love. You just have to let the love you give and the love you receive wash off the shit."
        Bill reached across the table and took Larry's hand and said, "Larry, I'm here for you. I'll do anything I can to help you overcome this. I know it can't compare to how you feel because you really hurt someone you love but, man, I must confess I have really been feeling like dog shit since I realized that even though the girls asked for it, I was an asshole when I just fucked 'wham, bam, thank you ma'am'. When I see one of them in the hall and they give me that smile, I want to say, 'Lady, don't you have any love for yourself? Larry, in spite of what you did, you are still loved and I know--I know--lovemaking for you and Eugene means more than sex. But I want to ask you the same question: don't you have any love for yourself? How can you really love Eugene if you don't love the man he loves enough to die for? You need to think about that."
        I thought to myself, "YES!" The Fellowship of the Rings would be in good hands next year!
        Not at all surprisingly, Wednesday night's news carried more of the saga. Orie, Marshall and Mickey had been indicted on a whole string of charges--both minor and major. Orie really got it socked to him because he was driving. His lawyer was screaming and carrying on in a video clip because Orie had been charged with assault with a deadly weapon, an automobile, with the intent to kill. Judge Snow was ready to throw the man out of court, and after she looked at some papers she said, "That's four counts for each time he threatened those in the other cars. I'll make that eight if you like since there were two cars he attacked--according to these statements." Orie had additional charges of driving under the influence, possession of open container in a moving vehicle--the list went on. The other five were charged with assault with a deadly weapon--beer bottles. Apparently all five had left nice, clear fingerprints on the bottles. Another video clip showed Mr. McBrayer, lawyer for all three of Orie's gang, asking that the three be released on bond so they could attend school. Judge Snow looked like a patient mom who had just had her last nerve stepped on. "Mr. McBrayer, I am a firm believer in education. I certainly am." McBrayer's face lit up. "In fact I spent many years in high school, college and law school. Now in spite of that, I may look like a fool, but I have degrees, if you wish to see them, which suggest otherwise. The last time these three were released on bond, they allegedly committed enough crimes to spend the rest of their natural born lives watching the sun rise over razor wire. I may be a fool, but I'm not a damn fool. Bond denied. However, I have just about wrapped up this term of court and I have time for their trial next week beginning... " She stopped, looked at a book on her desk, and said, "Beginning Tuesday morning at nine."
        "Your honor, that hardly gives me time to prepare the defense."
        "Suit yourself. I could use a few days off and I was only making an offer. If you can't be prepared by Tuesday, you will have plenty of time to prepare because the next session of this court will be in September."
        "I think I can be prepared Tuesday, your honor."
        "For your clients' sake, I hope so. Next case."
        Next day at lunch we were talking about the nightly news and Linda said, "Man, that Judge Snow... I like that's woman's style!" and Mary Kathryn gave her a high five.
        "Michael, don't you think we might give association with these two women some more thought," Bill laughed.
        "Don't think I haven't," Michael grinned, looked around checking for teachers, and kissed Mary Kathryn on the cheek. Bill started to do likewise to Linda, just as Miss Glaze walked into the cafeteria, saw him, and her "dental drill in the ear" voice shouted, "Young man!". Rather than a kiss on the cheek, Bill laid one on Linda's lips, grinned and said, "I'm a basketball hero. Everyone knows Glazie has the hots for anyone who can handle more than two balls." Sure enough, she just turned and pretended she had not seen him.
        Thursday, after the morning run, Luke and I showered together and he had breakfast with my family. When we came down, Greywolf looked at Luke and said, "Son, you look like death warmed over. You have black circles around your eyes which would meet in the middle except your nose is in the way. What's wrong?" I had commented on how Luke looked earlier and he dismissed it, but he wasn't going to dismiss Dad and, if he did, he'd still have to deal with Mom.
        "Nothing's wrong. I'm fine."
        "And I'm the Queen of England," Dad said. "What's going on?"
        "Everything's just fine. Well, actually, everything is great. Things are going so well that I forget to go to bed. I know I look like... I look pretty bad. I noticed that when I was shaving, but I just can't seem to find a stopping place. I am almost finished with my exhibition and a major piece involves techniques I have never tried before and I have finally got the knack and I just can't stop."
        Luke had pushed Yong Jin's mama button hard! "Luke, you have recovered from what some of us thought was... well, we didn't think you would make it. I'm sure, since you are young, you think you are invincible. You're not. You are allowing yourself to get so run down, you could easily end up sick--very sick. Just exactly how much do you have to do?"
        "I know I can finish tonight and tomorrow night."
        "Well, that's not going to happen. You are obligated, I believe, to an hour of playtime this afternoon?" Yong Jin was not above hitting below the belt.
        "I was hoping I might skip that today," Luke said, looking at me for support.
        "No way, Jose. You owe that to Mr. Mitchell and I have been starving for your bod, Luke, my man," I replied.
        "The old guilt trip," Luke said.
        "Whatever it takes," Mom and I said together.
        Luke actually looked relieved. "Well, I'll take that and take tonight off, but Uncle Michael and I were planning on starting the photographs for the AP portfolio and the catalog Saturday and there's no way I'll be ready. Maybe I can...."
        "Luke, could I be of help?" Greywolf asked.
        "Well, since I am not including photography in my portfolio, I guess you could help Uncle Michael, and I could work Saturday morning, but isn't this a physics makeup Saturday?"
        "Would be if it was needed, but it's not. Uncle Michael and I will handle the photography."
        "Well, I'll have to set us a screen of some sort because I'm working on one of my secret projects. But I can do that. So today will be free. Luke looked at me and gave me his evil grin with full dimples.
        Thursday afternoon, when Luke and I came out of school for Mr. Mitchell class, it was raining. "Well I guess that rules out the falls," Luke said.
        "Sure looks like it, I guess we just have to spend the time in my room," I said as I looked at Luke and smiled.
        When we reached the house we both went upstairs to my room. "I have to use the bathroom, Luke," I said and went across the hall when Luke went to my room. When I finished and walked back across the hall to my room, Luke had undressed and was lying, spreadeagle on his back, sound asleep. I wanted to lie down beside him, but knew if I went to sleep I would not make it to rehearsal at St. Mary's which Paula, Eugene and I decided we needed. I moved my desk chair over to the bed and sat watching Luke sleep. He looked so peaceful, relaxed and beautiful. I thought to myself, "I am enjoying being alive and so is Luke. The difference is he doesn't know it. God knows, he sure looks like he needs the rest. When the time came for me to go to St. Mary's, I bent over Luke and kissed him on the forehead ever so lightly so as not to wake him.
        I knew it would take the buses a while to get to St. Mary's, so I sat watching Luke for several minutes after the end of school. When I went downstairs, Mom was coming in the door. "Mom, when we got home I went to the bathroom and when I got back to my room Luke was already sound asleep. He is still asleep; should I just leave him sleeping?"
        "Of course. He said he would take the night off. I'll call Gabrielle and tell her he's here. If he wakes up for supper, fine; if not, we will just let him sleep. That's what he needs."
        I got to St. Mary's just as Paula and Eugene were warming up their groups. "Sorry I'm late," I said.
        "We just started warming up," Eugene said, "and need a few more minutes." Paula's group was doing vocal exercises and Eugene's were practicing scales. Over all the noise, Paula shouted, "Matt, if you want to do some exercises, go ahead." I went to the organ, changed my shoes and started playing a Bach piece. Pandemonium reigned! After a couple more minutes, Paula shouted, "Enough already!!!" In a minute silence descended. "Ok, Matt, what do we need to do?"
        "Paula, Eugene, I see no reason for everyone to be here for the parts which are all organ. Also, I think we need to look at the parts which are all organ and ensemble or organ and chorus and divide practice accordingly. AP exams are coming up shortly, and I know we all have a lot of work at the end of school. If we divide practice, there are times when I can practice alone, other times, chorus and organ, sometimes organ and ensemble. That way we can get maximum practice, with minimal time for everyone except me. And after all, this is a class for me, so I should spend more time here. How about if we have chorus and organ on Monday, ensemble and organ on Tuesday and everyone on Wednesday?"
        "Sounds good to me," said Eugene.
        "Excellent idea, I think," Paula agreed.
        "How does that sound to all of you?" I asked the groups. Heads were nodding everywhere. "I guess it's agreed then," I said. "I'll see Paula and chorus Monday, Eugene in the ensemble on Tuesday, everybody on Wednesday and no more Thursdays unless we really need them." I think that was a wise decision, because everyone worked harder than they had before. It put no less work on me, but I was off a period a day, every day, to work on the organ. The chorus and ensemble were doing this out of their love of music.
        We all worked very hard--very, very hard. Greywolf and Mr. Allen came in to remind us that the time for practice was over--fifteen minutes ago. I was very, very tired and wondered if Luke was still asleep as I drove home. When I walked in, Yong Jin said, "I haven't heard a peep out of Luke. I'm sure he's still sound asleep. I talked to Gabrielle and she said Luke needed sleep more than food and if he was asleep at supper, let him sleep. You might want to go up and check, but I suspect you'll find him asleep." I walked up the stairs very quietly, looked into my room and saw Luke, now on his stomach, still spreadeagle, sleeping soundly. My handsome, beautiful man had utterly exhausted himself with his art. I really wondered what his secret project was which was taking so much time and energy. I guess I would just have to wait for the unveiling. Luke not only had agreed with Millie, but also was delighted with the idea that his exhibition would be shown twice: at the Saturday night for parents and friends and at the open exhibition on Sunday. I stood at the door and watched him for several minutes, then turned and went downstairs quietly. After supper, I went to my room, sat at my desk and did the little bit of homework I had, looked over the notes Paula, Eugene and I had made today and found I was very tired and very sleepy. It wasn't really late but I undressed as quietly as possible and lay down beside Luke. I was afraid I would wake him, but I didn't. Without waking, he put his arm around me and smiled in his sleep. Drinking in his beauty, feeling his love, I went to sleep, happy.
        
Part Twenty-nine

Matt

        The sun shining in the window waked me and when I opened my eyes, I was looking into Luke's face. The sun had turned his hair into a golden halo and his blue, blue eyes were smiling into mine. Truly he was my beloved Luke. As I smiled he brought his lips to mine and gave me a tender, loving, gentle kiss as he said, "Good morning, Dark Angel."
        "Good morning Bright Angel," I replied as he broke our kiss. "You want to run or play around?"
        "Foolish question. You know I want to play around."
        "How about running and then playing?"
        "Sounds good, but first, I gotta piss." Luke hopped out of bed and dashed across the hall with me right behind. When we had finished that task, we brushed our teeth and Luke took me into his arms and gave me a real Luke, tongue in the mouth kiss. "That's a much nicer good morning kiss now that we have gotten rid of morning dragon mouth," he laughed.
        "Sure you want to run?" I asked as I returned his kiss.
        "Well, I guess so. There's something sexy about your sweaty body that really turns me on."
        He was still holding me close and I couldn't help but observe, "Seems to me you are already pretty turned on or is that something else hard against my leg?"
        Luke laughed and said, "Yea, but let's run." We threw on shorts--it was no longer cold enough to need sweats--and a T-shirt and went down the trellis.
        As we got to the front, Michael and Mary Kathryn came running up. "Don't tell me you slept at my place last night," Luke said to Michael.
        "Don't I wish! No, when I was ready, I decided to go meet Wild Woman. We're ready to run. How about you two?"
        "Matt's been trying to seduce me and make me stay and play around, but I have resisted."
        "He just wants to get you sweaty and hot," Mary Kathryn laughed and, damn, I blushed. I thought I had gotten over that.
        When we had finished our run, Michael turned into his place after kissing Mary Kathryn and we slowed down to a fast walk. "Luke, you sure look a lot better today than you did yesterday," Mary Kathryn observed. "I guess Matt didn't keep you up too late playing around."
        "Actually, sister mine, I fell asleep in Matt's bed while he was in the bathroom yesterday and I didn't wake up until just before we came out for the run."
        "Likely story," Mary Kathryn laughed as she started running toward home.
        "Tell Mom I'm having breakfast with Matt," Luke yelled after her.
        "Tell her you're having Matt for breakfast?" she tossed over her shoulder.
        "Yea, I'm having Matt for breakfast," he yelled. When he turned around he said, "Matt, I thought you had given up blushing," which, of course, brought on a new and improved blush.
        "I owe you one, Luke Hans Yonghon Tongmu Larsen!" I said as I punched him on the arm.
        He immediately went into the "I'm a wounded bird with a broken wing" routine. "I'm so wounded, I can't climb," he pouted, and went into the house through the front door. When he saw Mom in the kitchen, he whined, "Mom Greywolf, your beloved treasure has wounded me!"
        Mom said, "If you two don't behave, I'll wound both of you!" and laughed. "I think we've been through this whole routine a million times." Mom was right. Luke and I had been playing as we did when we were just kids. "Breakfast will be in fifteen minutes."
        Luke and I went upstairs, stripped off our sweat-soaked shirt and shorts, and I scooped Luke into my arms and carried him to the shower. As I bent to turn on the shower and adjust the temperature, Luke was kissing my back, sticking his tongue in my ear and reaching around me to pinch my nipples. I turned to Luke, grabbed his head and crushed my lips against his. We both pushed our hips forward, pressing our hard man's tools together.
        "Babe, we barely have time for even a quick quickie," Luke said. "Wanna wait?"
        "You know I don't want to wait, but I hate quickies. Let's wait," I said, as I kissed my man. We really didn't have much play time in the shower, but even less time for serious love making. We quickly washed the other's hair then soaped each other's body. We were both still hard and I yelled when Luke reached down and turned the hot water off. The sudden shower of icy water almost did the trick. We got out of the shower, dried each other, and I dressed while Luke shaved. He then dressed quickly and we went down to breakfast--late.
        "What was the yelling about cold water I heard," Dad asked.
        "Matt had a little problem--actually it was a pretty big problem--I had to help him take care of," Luke said in mock seriousness. I blushed while Mom and Dad laughed.
        "He certainly did," I laughed, pulling Luke to myself for a kiss. And, damn, I blushed again! "I don't know what's gone wrong with me," I said. "I had just about quit blushing and now I've started over again."
        "Could it be you have something to blush about?" Yong Jin said with a laugh.
        "Mom!" I exclaimed, and blushed again. Luke, Greywolf and Yong Jin all were about to split laughing.
        "Luke, you sure look a lot better this morning than you did yesterday," Greywolf said. "I'm glad Matt didn't keep you awake all night."
        " You know, yesterday I had two feelings when I got here. On the one hand, I felt I definitely should go to the studio, but on the other, I realized I was exhausted and that I did owe Mr. Mitchell his hour for me to enjoy being alive. I walked up the stairs with Matt and, when he went to the bathroom, I went to his room, undressed and lay down. Actually, I barely remember collapsing on his bed. And I had the strangest... well, I guess it was a dream. I don't know what else to call it. I didn't know where I was because suddenly there was a gray fog all around me. I was frightened. I felt I had been there before and I didn't like it. I started to cry out for Matt when, suddenly, the fog began to lift and I was in a very pleasant place with sunshine and blue skies. I couldn't see Matt, but I knew he was near. No longer frightened, I relaxed and soon felt myself drifting high above a beautiful landscape. I felt as light as a cloud, just drifting and experiencing a great feeling of peace and comfort flow through me. I wasn't sure why I could drift in the sky, but it felt wonderful. There was a delightful scent in the air which I recognized as the fragrance of Sarang Hanun Pomul. As I continued to drift, I felt closer and closer to Matt, then I knew he touched my forehead with his lips as he had done when I was in a coma. I could feel him moving away from me, but he had given me his strength. As I felt him leave, I slowly drifted to the ground. I was under a huge tree and I lay down on a bed of soft moss under it. As soon as I lay down, I fell into a deep, peaceful, refreshing sleep. Then it all started fading away and I opened my eyes and saw the sun streaming through the window and my Sarang Hanun Pomul lying beside me. You know, Mom Greywolf, I think you were right. I was close to getting sick or something. I think it was the same place I was when I had those awful nightmares in the hospital only, this time, I wasn't near death, just near being exhausted."
        "Sounds very reasonable to me," Mom said. "You need to remember that and keep it as a warning."
        "I also had that sense of Matt's presence as I did in the hospital. I feel him near sometimes now, but I had forgotten just how powerful his presence can be." There were several minutes of silence and the mood had become very serious compared to our conversation before Luke talked about his dream. I'm sure we were all thinking about how near we had come to not having Luke. I know I was, and felt a single tear run down my cheek. Luke leaned over and kissed it away and said, "There, now it's all better," with exactly the intonation Mom had used as long as I could remember when she kissed a bruise or boo-boo one of the kids had gotten. I smiled and Luke and I ate breakfast.
        When we got to school, Bill pulled into the parking lot right behind us, with Paula and Linda with him. Linda bounced out of the car and said, excitedly, "Paula has good news!"
        "Well, is she going to get to tell us or is Linda the mouth going to?" Luke laughed. Linda put on her pout face which Bill quickly kissed away.
        Paula said, "When I got home yesterday, Mom was home. Generally I don't see her until later because she works until time to go to school and doesn't get out of school until 9:30. I asked her what was wrong and she said, 'Nothing's wrong, things are ok. One of Millie's lawyers, a Mr. Henshaw, asked me to come to his office as soon as possible and I left work immediately. When I got to the office, he had a man from the insurance company there. The long and the short of the story is Mr. Henshaw told Mom that the insurance company had essentially stalled, believing that she would take a lower settlement, until he had contacted the state insurance commission. He told Mom now the company was willing to settle for a little over twice what she would have received had they paid off immediately. Mom could take $500,000 and settle or he would be happy to sue for more. The insurance representative was looking very nervous when Mom said she would have to think about it and asked to talk with Mr. Henshaw alone. Essentially she was told if the case went to court, she might get more or just the original amount after it had been in court for years. 'Millie had me look over your financial situation. With $500,000, you can be debt free. The farm, which is prime property, could be leased. The income from that and the interest on the settlement--even after you pay everything you owe--will get you a very nice house in town and take care of your living expenses.' Mom told him she would take the settlement. She came home, called and resigned her job, called the college to switch to day classes and enrolled as a full-time student beginning in the summer. The farm is up for lease and Mom is looking for a house. So..."
        There were high fives all over the place.
        The rest of the school day was an ordinary school day for a change--at least the school day itself was.

Luke        

        Lunch was normal, if the way it used to be was normal. We were all talking about Paula's mom's settlement and how if there was one thing people better remember it was don't piss off Millie. "I knew Millie packed a lot of clout around here," Bill said, "but, man, she sent her lawyers to the state and got action." Just before the end of lunch, I told Matt I would be around after school. "Uncle Michael and I are meeting with Mr. Stephenson last period so I'll be here to drive you to St. Mary's--that is, if you can stand spending a few minutes with me this afternoon."
        "I've told you I want to spend every minute with you! But I'm not sure I can take just a few minutes. Besides, it's Friday. I'm not going to St. Mary's." Matt had that look in his eye and his smile made the scar on his face stand out. Margaret had been right; it was damn sexy and was a constant reminder of his love for me.
        "Well, that's all you get!"
        "Then I guess I better get more now," Matt's smile took on a mischievous look as he started rising from his chair and leaning across the table. I couldn't believe it! Matt was sure as hell about to kiss me in the middle of the cafeteria. Holy shit! "Matt! Cool it stud!" I said in a whisper. The whole table cracked up as Matt, laughing, settled back into his chair just as the bell rang.
        At the beginning of last period, I went to the commons area to meet Uncle Michael, who was waiting for me. We walked down the hall toward the band and art rooms at the back of the school. As we neared the band room, we could hear the ensemble practicing. "Luke, the ensemble sure sounds good. I'm surprised that such a small high school--any high school for that matter--has such an excellent group. And this is all their idea?"
        "Yes. I guess they are good because Eugene is excellent and they are doing it out of their love of music. Besides, it is a real challenge, not just a "please the parents" little concert."
        When we reached the art room, Mr. Stephenson was in his office talking to a student. While we waited, Uncle Michael wandered around, looking at the art on display and watching students work. He spied a pot, picked it up and walked toward the window to see it in natural light. When he turned it up, he looked at me and asked, "This is yours, right?"
        "Yes, I took a ceramics class last year. I must have thrown a ton of clay before I produced that. It was about the only decent thing I produced, but I like it very much."
        "It's very good. Are you including it in the portfolio?"
        "I hadn't planned to. Ceramics is not a medium I feel comfortable with."
        "I think you should include it. It's a good piece and it would be another demonstration of your versatility. That's important for the portfolio even if you don't want to include it as a part of the exhibition." He turned again to the window and continued to look at the pot closely.
        He was still facing the window as Mr. Stephenson walked up beside me and spoke. When Uncle Michael turned from the window, Mr. Stephenson practically shouted, "Michael Sanders! I'll be damned!" Realizing what he said, he turned to the class and said, "Excuse me, class, but this is a real surprise! I have known Mr. Sanders for years. Michael, it never occurred to me that 'Uncle Michael' was Michael Sanders and not Michael Andrews. Michael Andrews is a student here and I assumed you were Michael Andrews and he was named for you."
        "Actually, you are right on both counts," Uncle Michael laughed. "It's kinda a long story."
        "Come on in the office where we can talk. Luke, will you excuse us for a few minutes?"
        "Sure."
        "There's really no need to exclude Luke unless you particularly want to. He knows the whole story, don't you Luke?" I nodded and Mr. Stephenson still seemed unsure, but Uncle Michael took me by the arm and the three of us went into the office. Since it had a glass wall and Mr. Stephenson could keep an eye on the class, he closed the door and motioned to two chairs for me and Uncle Michael. "I haven't seen you for--what--two years now?" Uncle Michael said.
        "Two years ago spring break was the last time I was in Charleston. That, too, is a long story. But what's this Sanders/Andrews confusion?" Uncle Michael told Mr. Stephenson a short version of the story he had told us at the falls.
        "Of course I knew you and James were a couple and I always wondered why you had the same last name, but never asked. Sorry about James, he was a delightful and really talented man. You have my sympathy. Luke, how did you take the news that Michael was gay?"
        "I knew part of the story, that is I knew David had a brother who had left years ago. I learned the whole of David's part of the story when Matt and I..." Damn! I had just let something slip and immediately looked at Mr. Stephenson and felt myself turn snow white as hot tears started running down my cheeks.
        Uncle Michael reached out, took my hand and said, "It's ok, Luke, what you said or will say is safe with John. Trust me."
        "Luke, I didn't know. But you are two beautiful men inside and outside and if you love each other, I am happy for you. I only hope you will have the kind of relationship Michael and James had.
        "Well, I don't know how it will play out in the long run, but I can tell you, they have no trouble expressing their love for each other and can make out big time," Uncle Michael laughed.
        Suddenly Mr. Stephenson got very quiet. He looked up and I saw his eyes were moist. "That's why you tried to kill yourself." Not a question, but a statement. I nodded. "Why not tell him everything?" I asked myself, took a deep breath and did. When I finished, Mr. Stephenson was weeping silently.
        "Know kinda how you felt, Luke, except in my case..." I looked up quickly and he nodded, "Yes, I tried that way out once. That's why you haven't seen me in Charleston, Michael. Luke, you and Michael have been lucky in love. I think I can say that although you and Matt have been together for only a couple of months. I know you very, very well and I know Matt--not as well as you, but well enough to know that both of you are honest and devoted to everything you do and I have no doubt you will be devoted to each other. I met Michael when my lover and I--yes, I'm gay--went to Charleston on what I guess was our honeymoon. We both loved the place, and on that first trip I met Michael while I was in Sanders and Sanders, admiring stuff I couldn't afford..." Mr. Stephenson looked at Uncle Michael and smiled and Uncle Michael shrugged." Bruce and I talked about moving to Charleston, but I couldn't find a teaching job and, had I done so, the pay would have been really rotten. Bruce was a contractor who designed and installed very expensive kitchens. I realize now we could have lived well on his salary, but he didn't suggest it. So we became part-time lovers. I spent holidays and summers in Charleston and he occasionally came to Lexington and we spent a weekend together. Now it wouldn't have mattered if he came here, but had he done so several years ago, I would have been fired for sure. So we spent precious months, hours, days together. For five years we were lovers. Then, spring break two years ago, I went down and he had a sixteen year-old living with him. I didn't think anything about it when I arrived, but when it came time for bed, he came into the bedroom with us and Bruce said, 'It's three way time! John, you're going to love what a young cock can do for you!' I couldn't believe what I had just heard. I told Bruce there was no way I was going to get involved with someone who could land me in jail and we had agreed we were a monogamous couple. He asked me how I expected him to go without sex while I was here and that Chase, that was the boy's name, was no more illegal than what we would have done by ourselves. 'Besides, you'll like what he can do.' I felt as though my whole world had just disappeared. I just turned, walked out without looking back and walked the streets of Charleston all night, crying until I had no more tears. At sunrise, I was somewhere on a waterfront and as the sun came up, I thought, 'It's a new day for someone, but it's the end of the day for me' and jumped off the dock into the water."
        "When I woke up, I was in a hospital. I was told that an old black fisherman had seen me 'fall' into the water and pulled me out. I had stopped breathing and he got the water out of my lungs and me to breathing again, but I was still unconscious. He literally carried me to a phone at the end of the dock and called the police who sent an ambulance. He didn't tell the police his name, just that he had seen me trip and fall into the water. I guess they believed him because I was released from the hospital two days later and came back to school. I grieved for a long time and finally realized I wasn't making any progress so, when the summer break came, I knew I had to get over Bruce and decided I needed time alone and a change of scenery. I spent the summer hiking the Appalachian trail, taking pictures and coming to grips with myself. In language I sometimes hear around here, 'I got my shit together.' I still missed Bruce--the Bruce I thought I had known and knew I loved--but I realized I had a life to live and, there among the mountains, I decided it was worth living." When Mr. Stephenson stopped talking, there was a long silence as he sat with his head down. He finally looked up and said, "Michael, as painful as James death had to be for you, be thankful because he loved you to the end. 'Till death do us part,' that's what I had said to Bruce, but... Luke, you are a very lucky man if Matt Greywolf loves you as you deserve to be loved.... Now, we have an exhibition to talk about."
        He and Uncle Michael spent so much time catching up, there was very little time left--so Mr. Stephenson suggested he come out to the studio tomorrow and work with Uncle Michael and Greywolf. "Do you need me to bring my large format camera?" he asked. Before Uncle Michael could answer, the bell ending school sounded and students rushed out of the room, headed for the weekend.
        When they had gone, Uncle Michael said, "That would be great." About that time, Matt walked into the office. When Mr. Stephenson saw him he said, "Hi, Matt, I hope you know you are a very lucky man. Michael, Luke, I'll see you two in the morning around nine. Right now I've got to rush. I have a dental appointment."
        Uncle Michael, Matt and I walked out of the building together and when we reached the parking lot, Uncle Michael said, "Matt, I can take Luke to the studio and you can keep your Jeep."
        Matt didn't seem right and I was sure I knew what was gnawing him. "Matt doesn't go to St. Mary's today," I said. "I'll go with him." And to myself I said, "I damn well better go with Matt; we've got a problem."
        "See you later," Uncle Michael said and walked to his car.
        "You need to get to your studio," Matt answered. "You have to get ready for the photographs tomorrow." His voice was calm, cool--no, cold.
        "Matt, I need to be with you and if I'm not ready tomorrow, too bad. We're more important than any damn exhibition!"
        "Ok," was all he said. I don't mean just then, I mean all the way home. When we reached his place I said, "Just stop here." He pulled into the drive, I got out of the Jeep, grabbed the blanket and said, "Let's go." Matt made no response, but followed me as we walked toward the falls. For the first time in two months, we walked side-by-side without holding hands. I crossed the canes across the path, spread the blanket and we sat down. Silence. Just when I had decided I was going to have to break the silence, Matt--his head hanging down--said, "You told Mr. Stephenson about us, didn't you? Why, Luke, why?" He looked up at me with tears in his eyes.
        My first impulse was to say, "Look, Matt, you told half the damn hospital without my knowledge," and caught myself. I remember how I had reacted then and knew that I was about to do something we had promised each other we would never do. I was about to intentionally hurt Matt. I bit my lip and said, "Matt, it just slipped out. Please, let me tell you what happened and then we will talk about it, please." His head still hanging down, Matt nodded--thank God--and I told him the whole story.
        When I finished, he said nothing for what seemed hours, but couldn't be more than a couple minutes. Then he looked up at me, started to say something, but stopped, put his arms around me and gave me a long, brutal kiss. "Luke, I am so sorry! While you were talking, I remembered what happened in the hospital when you found out I had told people and I remembered our promises that we would never hurt each other intentionally. Yonghon Tongmu, I am so very, very sorry. Please forgive me."
        "If you forgive me." His answer was another passion-filled kiss as he started undressing me, almost ripping my shirt off. As he undressed me, he started kissing my body all over as I undressed him. As soon as we were both naked, he climbed atop my body and went wild, kissing me, licking my chest, and giving me deep french kisses. He was a Korean Lakota wild man. Damn, I was enjoying my Matt but, when he went for my manhood, I knew that promises were about to broken and underneath his fun-loving, seemingly seldom-serious exterior, Matt was a super-sensitive person and would hate himself so I reached down and pulled him up my body and brought my lips to his. Matt kissed me passionately, almost brutally, his tongue exploring all of my mouth. He kept his lips to mine until I realized we were breathing together. His body was moving all over mine, his arrow rubbing against my stomach, as mine was his. He grabbed a handful of hair on either side of my head and pulled my lips to his even harder. I released his hair and it covered us. I rolled over until I was on top of him, his hair like a black cloud surrounding his head on the blanket. Both of us were streaming precum. I started kissing his neck and ears, his chest. Matt was groaning, tossing his head from side to side. I began sliding up and down on his now sweaty and precum-slick body. My man's tool was becoming very sensitive. Suddenly I knew I was beyond the point of no return and, just as my manhood pulsed for the first time, Matt started shooting like crazy. He screamed, "Yonghon Tongmu, Yonghon Tongmu" loudly. As I climaxed, I bit Matt's neck just below his ear where I had been sucking, hard. Spasm after spasm shook my body with the intensity of my eruption. It was so intense that my head was filled with shooting stars and I finally collapsed, completely drained, on Matt's body. I lay still, not moving, my eyes closed.
        I felt Matt's fingers in my hair and then he began to stroke it slowly. When I opened my eyes, he was staring into them, a sweet, gentle smile on his face. "Yonghon Tongmu," he asked, "how can you be both so controlled and yet passionate in utter abandon?"
        I smiled at my Dark Angel and said, "I think the answer to your question is that I am hopelessly in love with Sarang Hanun Pomul and, more than anything in the world, I want to make him happy."
        "Then you need to know you do a perfect job of that!" Matt said, his eyes smiling as he pulled me in for a long, gentle kiss. "Yonghon Tongmu, day after day you make me the happiest man in the world--even when I make it hard for you..."
        "No, you don't make it hard for me. You make it hard for you," I responded with a smile. We just lay, holding each other, looking into the windows of our souls for a long time. Finally I said, "Sarang Hanun Pomul, I need to get to the studio and if we don't do a little cleaning up, we'll both have to go, stuck together!"
        Matt laughed, stood up, swung his black mane around, grabbed my hand and started running toward the top of the falls. When we reached the top, he took me into his arms, kissed me deeply, held my hand and we dived. After such hot lovemaking the cool water was refreshing, so we swam for a short time, got out and used our shirts for towels. This time we did walk across the meadow hand-in-hand. We were about half-way to his house when he turned and said, "Luke, I really am sorry for what I did to you this afternoon. It must have made me seem ashamed of our love. I'm not. I guess..."
        "Matt, I know you are not ashamed of our love and even I can understand, given what we have been through recently, how telling anyone is frightening. I know that, had you been there, you would not have been frightened at all, but you weren't. You're sorry for your reaction, I'm sorry for causing it. It's just one of those bumps in our road together. Let's hope there are none bigger." I took Matt into my arms and drew his naked chest to mine. I placed my lips against his in a kiss I hoped would convey the depth of my love for him, and Matt returned it with equal passion. As we broke our kiss, I realized that there had been some marks from our lovemaking before, but this time Matt was going to have a lot of explaining to do. "Babe, no-one is going to believe we had even the smallest bump in our road when they see your neck!"
        "You don't think I could claim a bug bite?"
        "Not unless you say it's a flea from Eugene's Easter bunny!" When we reached Matt's place, he drove me to the studio. "Babe, I won't see you again until late tomorrow afternoon. I have got to work as long as I can. Dream of me," I said as I kissed him goodbye.
        When I got to studio, the first thing I did was throw up a temporary screen so I could work on my project. I looked at the one which was completed and was really pleased with it. I would let the men photograph it tomorrow. I was not sure when the other--much more complex and difficult--would be completed, but I was sure of one thing: no project was important enough to take me back to that place where I had been fighting exhaustion, as I had been the night before, or to drive a wedge between me and Matt. Sure he had over-reacted, but that didn't matter. Regardless of the reason, when a wedge came between us it had to be removed. That was for damn sure.
        All the parts for the big piece were complete and I started assembling it. The work went quickly, much faster than I expected. Then came a moment of truth. I had a 3 by 5 foot sheet of glass which was about two inches thick. It had to be lifted and mounted in framework prepared for it. I struggled with it, trying first one thing and then another, but there was no way I was going to get the piece in place. I could manage to wrestle it around, but even if I could get the piece up, I'd need two more hands to mount it. Damn, why hadn't I seen this was going to be a problem? Because I was pig-headed and was all-sufficient. Well, there was only one thing to do. Tomorrow when Greywolf, Uncle Michael and Mr. Stephenson came over, I would swallow my foolish pride and ask for help. After all, Mr. Washington and Herr Dietrich had helped. But of course, they were outside the family and the piece was a surprise for the family. "You fool!" I thought to myself, "You can't do it alone. You are going to have to accept help. You can stay here all night, frustrated, or you can accept that you are human, one human being, and you can't do everything!" Suddenly I realized I was smiling. I mean I was smiling before I realized it. There was nothing more I could do--or needed to do for that matter.
        I closed the studio, looked at my watch and saw it was just past one. When I looked up, Matt's room was dark. My smile got larger. I walked down the road in the dark of the moon. It had taken my eyes a while to adjust, but there was enough starlight for me to manage after I had stood outside the studio for a few minutes, thinking about how things had changed in the past two months.
        I walked slowly toward Matt's place, climbed the trellis and went to Matt's room. Because the moon was dark, I could barely make out the body of my dark beauty lying on the white sheet, but I didn't have to see clearly to again realize how handsome he was, his long braid lying across his chest. I undressed and climbed in bed beside him without waking him. He turned in his sleep and spooned himself against me, his arm reaching over me.

Matt

        Luke was working in his studio and I decided I would finish Monday's homework Friday night to be free should he have time for us to spend together. Having finished my homework, I looked over the notes I had made for myself concerning organ parts of the recital/concert. There were some pieces that needed work--not that I wasn't doing them well, I just knew I could improve. I wasn't devoting a great deal of time to practice for Sunday, but I knew St. Mary's wasn't being short-changed. I had been playing so long that hymns were familiar and the other music was music I had known for years. I had finished with music by 9:30, and I suppose the emotional drain of the afternoon was taking a toll on me. I was pretty tired, but decided I would read awhile before going to bed. After Bill had created the Fellowship of the Rings, I decided to re-read Tolkein. I had read the trilogy when I was in junior high and found, as I read the books again, I was reading a very different story. No wonder Mom's students got excited when she assigned the Brothers Grimm to senior high school students. Since I read and re-read those stories, I guess I wasn't conscious of how what I know and understand, how my feelings and emotions determine much of what I see when I read. It was an amazing revelation to me. After reading for about an hour, I undressed, went to bed and almost immediately I was dreaming of Luke.
        Sometime during the night, I sensed Luke's presence coming closer and closer. Without waking up, I realized he was beside me and I was happy. I had mentioned to Mom that Luke and I could feel the other approaching--sometimes the feeling was much stronger or clearer than others--and that I found this very strange. She said, "Well, I am a modern Korean--at least a modern half-Korean--and a college graduate, so I found the whole idea of shaman old-fashioned and superstitious, but when I said so to my grandmother just after I had finished high school, she said, 'You don't know what you are talking about. Our family has always had members who were shaman and, unlike most, they have all been males. Not only that, through the many, many years of our family history, some have passed the shamanistic power to someone to whom they were close. You'll be convinced one of these days.' I guess, Matt, I am convinced!" She laughed, but I knew there was a seriousness beneath her laugh. Me, a shaman? It was certainly a weird idea.
        When Saturday morning came, the sun woke me and I saw Luke's golden hair before my face. I raised up on one elbow slowly and looked at my sleeping beauty. How could anyone--even an angel--be more handsome than Luke Hans Yonghon Tongmu Larsen? The answer was pure and simple--it was not possible! Even seeing only his back, I had been sure of that and now that I was looking down on his profile, my heart skipped a beat at his beauty and, without thinking I said, "YES!" pulling my fist through the air. "And he's MINE! YES!" As Luke stirred, turned on his back and smiled up at me, I attacked, planting the day's first kiss passionately, hard on his lips.
        "Dark Angel, what's going on here? Not that I don't like it!" He pulled me atop his body and placed his lips against mine, gently.
        "Bright Angel, I felt you come to me last night even though I didn't wake up, and when I woke up this morning and saw you... Babe, I was just celebrating the fact that you are the most handsome man in the world and you're MINE!"
        "I think I disagree with the first part of that, but you are absolutely, positively correct about the second. I am yours and you are MINE!" Luke kissed me quickly and said, "But that doesn't change the fact that morning wood is related more to the need to piss than to make love!" We both jumped out of bed and ran across the hall. That ritual finished, we did the "prevent cavities" routine. "Shower?" Luke asked, a wicked grin on his face as he turned on the water.
        "I don't feel like I need one. You just go ahead," I said, trying to sound serious. The words were hardly out before I felt myself being lifted into the air and placed squarely in the shower.
        "Luke, the water's cold!" I yelled.
        "Not if you help me heat it up," he said, then adjusted the temperature. Unlike our recent shower sessions, we played like two little boys, grabbing and tickling each other, wrestling in the shower and squirting body wash on each other until the shower was filling up with suds. We finally got calmed down enough to exchange a few really great kisses, washed each other's hair and rinsed the suds off. "I've got to get out of here and to the studio soon," Luke said.
        "You know you'll not escape without breakfast."
        "Then I guess I need this," he said as he reached out and turned all the hot water off--again!
        "Luke!!! Look what you have done." The water was COLD and it had done what cold showers are supposed to do. "You killed Chili Pepper."
        "Yea, looks like Little Luke is almost hiding or something." We both hopped out of the shower and dried each other.
        "We keep doing this and I guess I'll have to get my hair cut. It keeps getting wet."
        "You dare! You just dare! I'll shave my head if you cut the tiniest bit off. That hair is MINE because it's on MY MAN. I think we made that clear awhile ago."
        "Then you're going to have to dry it for me."
        "Terrible job. It could take me all day," Luke laughed.
        "I thought you were in a great rush to get to your studio."
        "That was before you aroused my hair fetish," Luke said, as he picked up the drier and my brush. It does take a long time to get my hair completely dry, but I never do that. When Luke finished, I dried his. It really takes as long to do Luke's because, while it doesn't look long, it is. His curls hold it close to his head--well, they used to do that, now there was so much it was obviously long. When I had finished, he went back to the bathroom and shaved. Every time I see him do that I give thanks for my hairless genes! We finally got dressed and went downstairs where Greywolf was fixing breakfast--his Saturday chore.
        "Sounded like rough-housing going on upstairs," he said in a mock stern voice.
        "Luke tried to freeze me--again," I pouted.
        "I guess he has finally found a way to get you under control so he can get to work at a reasonable time," Dad laughed.        

Uncle Michael    
   
        I saw Luke walking out to his studio and went out to join him. He told me the problem he was having with his piece and showed me the unassembled work. It was going to be something special and that was certain! "I think you, John and I can handle the assembly," I said. After all, John and I aren't a part of this." Luke laughed and pointed to two spots on the glass. "Damn, Luke, you have flat covered everything," I laughed. "Well, we'll just have to wait until Greywolf and John get here," I said.
        "I guess you were really surprised to see Mr. Stephenson yesterday?" Luke asked. "He said you two had met in Charleston some years ago."
        "'Really surprised' doesn't begin to cover it. As John had said, I met him when he came into the gallery one day and just wandered around looking at pieces. I don't mean to sound snooty, but it was obvious he was not the kind who were patrons of Sanders and Sanders. It was equally obvious, as he walked around the gallery, he knew good art and had excellent taste. Nonetheless, it was clear he lacked one thing that all Sanders and Sanders patrons had--money, lots of money. I walked over to where he was looking at a small Japanese porcelain bowl--exquisite in every way. 'Beautiful, isn't it?'"
        "'Absolutely beautiful. In fact, I have seen little here I wouldn't consider beautiful. Well, that's not quite true. I have seen nothing that isn't excellent, but not all to my taste and I guess beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.'"
        "'Would you like that piece?' I had asked him and he laughed."
        "'I'm John Stephenson, a public school art teacher. Does that answer your question? Yes, I would like it. Could you sell it to me? No--since it would cost a couple month's salary--at least.' I took an immediate liking to John. He was open, friendly, cheerful, and had a grand sense of humor."
        "'I'm Michael Sanders,' I said, extending my hand. 'Do you have time for coffee? Tea?' I asked as he continued turning the bowl over in his hands."
        "'Sure. I'm here on spring break and my friend is out looking into jobs. We would like to move here, but it looks as though I'm pretty much stuck where I am and so I'm alone while he looks around.' We went into a sitting room where we often relaxed with many of our customers. John and I were talking about art, about my studying at Chicago and all sorts of things. While we were having coffee, James came in and I guess didn't see John in the high back chair so he walked in, came over and gave me a kiss. When I said,'James, meet John Stephenson,' James actually turned red. It was one of the few times I saw something get away with him. 'John, since all art dealers are supposed to be gay, James and I put on a good act,' I said to see James' response."
        "He was still a light pink, but was not about to let me get away with that. 'The problem is, he keeps up the act twenty-four hours a day. John Stephenson, I'm James Sanders and Michael here is my partner for life. That is a beautiful bowl you have chosen. I know you will enjoy it.'"
        "'Maybe for a few more minutes, but I have told Mr.Sanders...'"
        "'Michael.'"
        "'Michael--I am a public school art teacher and this would cost a couple month's salary. But it is a wonderful, beautiful piece.'"
        "We sat and talked for a couple hours. He felt safe, I guess, in telling us about his relationship with Bruce and how they wanted to move to Charleston, but he couldn't find a teaching job and that, even if he could, the salaries were really poor. All the time we were talking, he was holding and stroking the Japanese bowl. When it was time for him to go, James said, 'John, the bowl obviously belongs to you. It is a gift to you with only one condition. Should you ever wish to part with it, Sanders and Sanders gets first chance at bidding on it.' Only yesterday did I realize what James meant by what he said next. When John said, 'I guess I can consider it a kind of honeymoon gift,' James said, 'No, it is Michael's and my gift to you in appreciation of the sacrifice you are making on behalf of your students and of your appreciation of the piece. It is yours.' Yesterday I thought of that. There was nothing Bruce bound up in the gift so it is not a reminder of a failed relationship, but of a long friendship which is still ongoing." Just as I finished, Greywolf and John drove up. Luke had pulled the screen across and hidden the piece to be assembled.
        "Greywolf, if you'll wait outside, Luke, John and I need to try something before you come in," I said. Greywolf nodded and the three of us went inside. With the three, positioning the glass in its frame was going to be, not easy, but possible. "Do you want to finish the assembly now or wait?" I asked Luke.
        "Let's leave it for last," he said. "There's still a bit of work I can do on it."
        John, Greywolf and I set up the camera and lights and started photographing the pieces. John's art was photography and generally he knew far better than I how to show a piece to its best advantage. However there were times, knowing the printing process as I do, I had suggestions to make so the picture in the catalog would show best. With two people to move lights and set up pieces, the process was going very rapidly. Just after midmorning, Luke came from behind the screen and started helping as well. About noon, all was finished except for the two pieces Luke was keeping secret.
        "Thanks a mint, Greywolf," Luke said, "that's it except for the two pieces I'm keeping secret. Mr. Stephenson and Uncle Michael will help with those. Tell Matt I'll see him about 1:30 or 2:00 if he's free. And, again, thanks."
        "Glad to help. See you for lunch?"
        "No, I think I better let Mom and Dad see me so they will recognize me the next time they see me," Luke laughed.
        Luke had the major piece all assembled except for mounting the glass sheet. It was very heavy but, by using a hoist and with me and John to guide it, Luke was able to swing it into place. It slipped once and I thought I would have a heart attack and Luke looked as if he had. We all three sat down and tried to relax. When we had regained some composure, the glass was hoisted again and Luke guided it into its mounts and it slipped right in. He then attached hold-down brackets and the piece was complete. He had created a beautiful piece of work and, just as I started to tell him that, he flipped a switch. I had not noticed the piece was plugged into the wall. Ordinarily, pieces which require power to move do not move me, but this one did. As I looked at it, I felt a lump in my throat and a tear ran down my cheek. It was magnificent! John was staring at the finished piece, obviously awe-struck at what his student had accomplished.
        "Luke, it is incredible," John said and I agreed.
        "Well, let's see the other one," John said.
        Luke had moved the screen back and there was a rather large canvas on an easel covered with a white cloth. When Luke, dramatically, unveiled the painting on the easel, both John and I gasped in awe. Neither of us spoke for several minutes until Luke, who was standing frozen, still grasping the cloth which had covered the painting, said, "Well?"
        "Luke, I never expected to see something this good from a student, ever. It literally took my breath away and I can see why you wanted to keep it secret."
        "Luke, I don't think I even need to ask but, should that piece ever be for sale, Sanders and... No, Michael Andrews--this one--gets first crack at it." Luke's face was quickly covered with a grin from ear to ear. "John, I think this calls for a major celebration. How about I take Luke and his favorite art teacher to Lexington for dinner and maybe a movie or something?"
        "I would be delighted, but I suspect Luke would not be too happy with two old men. Maybe if we could find him a date..."
        I was watching Luke's face. I would have placed money on his not being able to broaden his smile, but I would have lost. "Luke, see if you can find a date. I'll make reservations for dinner at 8:00 and we'll think about what to do after. John, do you know any places good enough for a fine young artist and his teacher?"
        "Yea, a couple. Luke, tell your date as well, dress will be not as casual as school clothes, but not as formal as ties."
        "John, come in and we'll take care of reservations. Luke, see you about 6:30?"
        Luke said, "Yea. Laters," and went running toward Greywolf's.
        
Matt

        I must admit that I had a pretty lazy Saturday morning after Luke left. For the first time in weeks, I did my Saturday chores including mowing the grass. When I finished I took a shower--this time by myself so it didn't take long--threw on fresh shorts and shirt and went downstairs. Dad had lunch ready--Mom had a ton of papers to grade and, since I did my chores and Dad got back from Luke's place before she or I were finished, Dad did lunch. We sat down and started talking about all that had happened the last week or so. I could hardly believe all that had gone on. "And that doesn't count Yong Jin's baby getting a hickey the size of a silver dollar," Dad said. I blushed.
        "I first thought it might have been a mere bug bite, but then I saw it was a common hickey, although I believe poetically they are often called love bites," Mom said in her best classroom voice. I was blushing like mad and Mom and Dad were laughing at me and the more they laughed, the more I blushed and it went on and on.
        I heard Luke yell, "Anybody home," as he came in the front door.
        "Luke, come rescue me," I yelled in response.
        When Luke reached the kitchen, he took one look at me and said, in pouty baby talk, "Is your mean old mommy and mean old daddy making poor little Matt blush? Naughty mommy. Naughty daddy."
        I was ready to strangle him! I got up and made a dive for him, and he caught me and laughed as he pressed his lips to mine. When he broke the kiss, he still held me as he said, "Mr. and Mrs. Greywolf, I would like permission to date your baby boy tonight. We need to do something datey. We never have."
        "I don't know, Mr. Larsen," Mom said. "He was out somewhere with someone and came back all hickeyed."
        "Yes, we're not sure whether he will be safe or not. Besides, you never know what can happen to a young innocent--but hot to trot--young man," Dad said.
        "Dad!!"
        "Ok, so he's not innocent," Dad said.
        Luke looked at me, kissed me and said to Mom and Dad, "I'm glad he's blushing again. I was afraid he was becoming so corrupt that nothing would make him blush."
        "Ok, what's with this datey stuff?" I asked.
        "Mom, Dad Greywolf, I wanted Matt and me to have a date like a normal couple would but, when I suggested it, he pointed out that we had too much to do. I don't know about Matt, but I'm ready for my exhibition. Of course, it will have to be set up, but that has to wait until the week before it opens. I'll need to review for AP exams and when the pictures are developed, I'll have to get the catalog ready for Millie's printer, but now there's a kind of slack period and Uncle Michael wanted to take me and my art teacher to Lexington for dinner at a fancy place and maybe a movie or something afterward. Mr. Stephenson pointed out that I probably wouldn't be happy with just two old men and suggested I might want to see if I could find a date."
        "He knows..."
        "Yes, he does, Mom. I was a jerk when I found out Luke had told him," I said right away.
        "Drop it," Luke said, "Just drop it! So if it's all right with his mom and dad, I'd like a date with Matthew Sarang Hanun Pomul Greywolf tonight. I promise to have him home before his carriage turns to a pumpkin."
        "Just bring him back relatively unsoiled," Dad said in his "stern father" voice.
        "Matt, not as casual as school, not as formal as a tie. Uncle Michael and Mr. Stephenson will pick us up at 6:30-6:45. Now I'm going home and eat lunch and see if my family still recognizes me. See you about 6:15" and with that, Luke kissed me goodbye and went rushing out the door.
        
Part Thirty

Luke          
     
        I left Matt's place and walked home slowly, thinking about all that had happened since that day I had dived off the falls, only half conscious because of the sleeping pills. So very much had been packed into a little over two months and there was so much to be crammed in the coming months. When I got home, Mom, Dad and Mary Kathryn were about half-finished with lunch. Mom quickly prepared a place for me and all three bombarded me with questions as I tried to eat. I finally was able to tell them all my pieces for the exhibition were complete and the photography done. "Mr. Stephenson is developing the negatives and making the prints himself so they will be exactly right. I still have to complete writing the catalog and getting Yong Jin to check it. Millie wants it as soon as possible since it will be in full color, on special paper and custom bound. I thought I might work on it tonight, but Uncle Michael is taking Mr.  Stephenson, Matt and me to Lexington for dinner tonight and a movie or something afterward.  That is ok, isn't it?"
        "Not only is it ok, but I'm glad you are doing it," Mom said. "I have been worried about you lately because I know you are not getting enough rest or eating right."
        "I agree with your mom," Dad said. "But I do wish we saw more of you. I know you have been working late a lot, but we seldom see you."
        "I'm not going to be so busy the next couple weeks. Of course, there is only a week before AP exams and they take a good part of two weeks. When they are over, I'll have to set right to work getting the exhibition set up. Uncle Michael is going to help with that and any other willing hands will be welcome. I just don't have a lot of time these days and when I do..." I started to say I spend it with Matt, but decided not to.
        "You spend it with Matt," Dad finished for me.
        "Yes, I do."
        "Luke, I have really been giving a lot of thought to your relationship with Matt."
        "Uh oh," I thought, "I have barely seen my family in a couple weeks and now I'm going to get the lecture."
        "I still don't understand it. I know the Church's position and that still doesn't make sense to me, but I do know Matt Greywolf and Luke Larsen. I know that if they say they love each other, they do. If it was just a fad or phase, there has been enough happen to made a half-wit rethink such a choice, if it were a choice. I have come to the point where I wish it wasn't the way it is and, as I said, I don't understand it but, to tell the truth, I don't understand my relationship with your mother either. I mean I can't explain it and would be a fool to try. I guess... Hell, Luke, what I am trying to say is that I'd like to see you around more and I know that if Matt were your mom, I'd be in his bed every night--well, that's not what I mean..."
        Dad was clearly struggling to say something and was having a hard time. I wanted to say, "Spit it out, Dad," but just waited.
        "Damn it, Luke, if you love Matt Greywolf and he loves you, you are both welcome in this house."
        "I know that, Dad." It began to dawn on me where Dad was headed, but I wanted to hear him say the words.
        "Well, that's not what I mean. You and Matt still not...?" Dad stammered to a stop and blushed as big as Matt would have.
        "Having sex?" I finally said after it was obvious Dad wasn't going to get it out. Dad nodded.  "I guess I'd have to know what you mean by having sex. We are not having intercourse, if that's what you mean. Other than that, do you want details?" I glanced at Mary Kathryn who was about to pop laughing and when I looked at Mom, she was certainly enjoying Dad's discomfort.
        "No! No, no details. You told me what I wanted to know. And you're holding to your eighteenth birthday promise?"
        "With great difficulty. It is very hard." I gave a sideways glance at Dad to see his reaction.
        Dad burst out laughing and said, "I certainly imagine it is! Both of them!"
        "Dad, what do you think we are?"
        "Two horny almost-eighteen-year-old males. I have been there. Ok, Luke, what I have been trying to say is that Matt is welcome in this house and so long as it is ok with you, he is welcome to share your bed. Damn, that was hard to get out."
        I grabbed Dad and hugged him tightly and said, "Dad, sex aside--as much as a horny almost-eighteen-year-old can put sex aside, thanks for accepting what I know is hard for you. I know that you wish things were different, but thanks for accepting me and my love and the man I love more than anything else in this world."
        "Does the same rule apply to me and Mich..."
        "Only if you want him hanged, drawn and quartered, young lady," Dad said and I knew he was only half-joking!
        With the question of my sleeping with Matt in my house out of the way, the four of us sat around the lunch table for another hour talking about all that had gone on and what was ahead of us. "I guess next week's big news will be the trial of Orie and his gang," Mary Kathryn said.
        "I understand that the other three are unlikely to go to trial for a while. They are in the state hospital for ninety days observation and evaluation, and will probably be sent to a treatment center rather than prison. Rumors around town are that the real bombshell will hit when the facts come out about Rev. McBride," Mom said.
        We talked a while longer, then I helped Mary Kathryn clear the table and put the dishes in the dishwasher. That done, I joined Dad and we did a few odd jobs around the farm--something I hadn't done for awhile. As we worked, we talked and joked around, more than we had ever done before he had found out I was gay. But the matter of my sleeping with Matt and my relationship with Matt had been settled--for him and, I thought, for me--the "books balanced and closed" and was, therefore, not mentioned. I had always known Dad loved me, but now he made efforts to show it and I appreciated it and let him know that. While the jobs we were doing weren't hard work, the day was pretty warm and the jobs messy so, about 5:00, Dad said, "Luke, if you are going to be presentable for a dinner date, you had better knock off and take a shower. I'm sure you stink!"
        I went to the house, showered, shaved again--the whole nine yards--and then came the problem of what to wear. Two months ago the answer would have been easy: the first shirt and pants I found, but now... less casual than school, more casual than a tie. I looked in my closet and found a green--Mom called it teal--silk shirt which did strange things to my eyes--they looked a very different color blue--and a pair of slacks the same color, but much darker. When I put them on and looked in the mirror, I was pleased. I also loved my hair. I was surprised Dad hadn't said something about its length--it was no longer fashionable to have long hair and he was happy "long hair is finally out," but I liked it. It looked almost like a 60s Afro except it was pale, pale blond. As I was buttoning my shirt, my medallion fell out and I thought, "Tonight I don't have to hide anything!" and left it out. It went well with the color of my shirt. I looked in the mirror again and thought, "Damn, man, Matt has a hunk on his hands!  YES!"
        When I got downstairs, Dad had come in and Mom, Dad and Mary Kathryn all gave me a once over.  Dad said, "Son, you are a handsome young man. I am proud of you."
        Mom gave me a kiss and said, "Luke, you are just plain beautiful".
        Mary Kathryn stuck a finger to my butt, made a sizzling noise and said, "Damn, what a hot stud! My how the women will weep."
        I guess I had been hanging around Matt too long. Old cool and collected Luke blushed big time! I gave all three a kiss on the cheek and said, "Don't wait up for me."
        "Remember, you and Matt are welcome here," Dad said and Mom nodded agreement.
        I kissed both again and said, "Thanks from the bottom of my heart for me and Matt. Laters."
        I walked down the road to Matt's and found myself whistling "More." I was one happy camper!
        
Matt
 
        After Luke left, Dad and I did work around the house that had been neglected since we had both been busy. As we worked, I told him the story of Mr. Stephenson and Uncle Michael. We also talked about the upcoming trial of Orie and his crew, speculated about what would happen to Jake and the two others who were still undergoing observation and evaluation at the state mental hospital. "I suspect there is going to be a real rotten mess revealed when Rev. McBride comes to trial," Dad observed. "Wonder how Joyce will handle that?"
        We also talked about the upcoming AP exams. I told Dad I felt I was pretty well prepared, but knew it was going to be a hard two weeks. "You do recall you are excused from school after you finish a day's exam? I urge you to take full advantage of that. Just relax and enjoy yourself or, at least, don't start trying to cram for the next exam. That just defeats your purpose."
        We had finished several small tasks and tackled the big one--cleaning a stable. When we finished Dad said, "Matt, it's five. I think you better get ready for your big date." I hugged Dad and when I did he said, "And be sure to shower twice! You're sweaty as a mule and smell worse!"
        I had a leisurely shower, enjoying the warm water on muscles which had not been used for some time until today. I went to my room wishing Luke was there to brush and dry my hair, but I had to manage. Then I had to decide what to wear. I started looking at shirts, trying to find a turtleneck to cover the mark left by one Mr. Luke Larsen, but wasn't satisfied with any. As I bent over, looking in a chest drawer, my hair kept falling in my face and that gave me an inspiration! I opened a small box which Mom had brought from Korea, in which I kept very special things, and found what I was looking for. I put them on the bed, then got dressed--off-white, actually light buckskin-colored, slacks and a very special shirt I had worn very few times. When I looked in the mirror, I liked what I saw and when I noticed my medallion--the shirt didn't button, but slipped over my head and had a pretty low cut neckline--I pulled it outside. Tonight I was not going to hide.
        When Luke arrived, I met him downstairs. He was absolutely gorgeous! I wanted to climb his bod right there in the living room, but satisfied myself with just drinking in his beauty and kissing him passionately. As I finished the kiss, Mom and Dad came in to greet Luke, and both stopped and looked at me. "Thank you," Dad said.
        "You are a beautiful Lakota Korean, my man child," Mom said. "And Luke, he had to go all out to come close to being as handsome--and beautiful--as you are."
        "You certainly are a handsome young man, Luke. And, I would add, just as handsome on the inside," Dad said.
                                
Luke      
 
        When I arrived at Matt's, I was thunderstruck. Matt was dressed in buckskin-colored slacks and was wearing a ribbon shirt. His dad had bought it for him when they had gone to a pow wow last year. Cherokee, the shirt was a pull-over with a low cut front opening which gave an inviting glimpse of Matt's hard upper chest. The sleeves, collar and back and front shoulders were decorated with bands of ribbon. Streamers of ribbon hung from the tops of the sleeves and the front and back shoulder yokes. In spite of Matt being dark, Greywolf had chosen a black shirt with blood red ribbons. He told Matt red and black were the colors of a warrior and said, "Matt, I expect you to wear it with honor and remember, whether you are wearing it or not, you are to be a true warrior--one who fights against injustice and for the right regardless where you are or what you are wearing." Matt had a beadwork head band of red and black holding his hair in place. The hickey I had given him was covered by a wide choker of white bone, red and black beads on black leather thongs, with a wolf's head carved from bone at the front. It, also, was a gift from his dad. The medicine man who had prepared Greywolf for his vision quest had given it to him and Greywolf gave it to Matt on his sixteenth birthday. Standing before me was a noble Lakota warrior as I had imagined him to be--well, except for the Cherokee shirt.
        "Do you think this is not as casual as school..."
        "There's certainly no question about that, Dark Angel," I said, still in awe of my Matt.  "Maybe less casual than a tie, but that choker--I don't know. Damn you are beautiful and handsome and powerful and awesome and I love you madly, Matthew Sarang Hanun Pomul Greywolf."  Matt just gave me a wide grin, grabbed me and gave me a full, open mouth, tongue-sucking kiss. Before things could get completely out of hand, the doorbell rang.
        Greywolf opened the door and Uncle Michael and Mr. Stephenson came in. Greywolf said, "I don't know whether you dare be seen with these two tonight or not," as they came into the living room. When Uncle Michael and Mr. Stephenson saw Matt and me, both whistled. Then Mr.  Stephenson said, "Matt, I can see how you ins... might inspire someone dressed as you are. Sorry you never come to school showing your--What, Greywolf?--heritage."
        "Lakota on my side. But he's wearing a Cherokee shirt. I guess that's ok," Greywolf laughed.  "And he'll have to be Korean next time or Yong Jin will have both our heads!"
        "You both are wearing exquisite medallions. They look identical," Uncle Michael said.
        "Thanks. They are slightly different and have a story behind them," I said. "I'll tell you about them on the way to Lexington."
        We said goodbye to the Greywolfs and left for Lexington. Uncle Michael drove a Lexus which was loaded. As soon as we were on our way, I told the story of the medallions. "And you promised to wait until you're eighteen before you--we used to call it--go all the way?"
        "It's really a promise to ourselves. No-one else has asked us to promise. Greywolf just said he wished we would. "Damn, Matt, in all the excitement of being attacked by a Lakota warrior, I forgot a very important bit of news. Dad told me this afternoon that you were welcome in our house..."
        "Aside from one night, when was that not true?"
        "Let me finish. And in my bed." Matt once again became an attacking Lakota warrior, kissing me like mad. "But, well, it was hard for him to get it out. But he did say it."
        "You mean it's ok for you two to sleep together? What about this no sex promise?" Mr.  Stephenson asked.
        "Both are true, not that it's easy, in fact it's very hard..."
        "I bet!" he laughed.
        We chatted a while longer then Uncle Michael said, "Michael gave me a tape and said I should play it on the way over to get you two in the mood for a great evening." He slipped a cassette into his tape player and--you know--"More than the greatest love the world has known..." poured from a fantastic sound system.
        When we arrived in Lexington, Mr. Stephenson directed Uncle Michael to THE hotel in town where the valet parking attendants just about broke their necks trying to be the one to park the Lexus. Once inside, Mr. Stephenson directed us to one of the several restaurants there.  When he gave his name, we were immediately shown to a great table. When Nelson, our waiter, came for orders, Uncle Michael ordered two Bloody Marys and two Virgin Marys. "Will bring you back for a serious drink in a little over three years," he smiled. When Nelson came with the drinks he said, "I hope you won't think I am being too forward, but aren't you two guys from Independence High School in Concord?"
        "Yes, we are. I'm Luke Larsen and this warrior is Matthew Greywolf. Mr. Stephenson is my art teacher and this is Michael Sanders, our uncle."
        "I am pleased to you meet all of you. I'm obviously Nelson, Nelson Barber. I'm a student at the community college here. I thought I recognized you two guys from the TV broadcast of the service. Matthew, I hope you don't mind, but you are going to be mobbed when you leave. There's a girl's sorority having a banquet upstairs and the word is out that a movie star is having dinner here and they are all atwitter."
        "I guess it's just the price you have to pay for being sexy, Matt," I laughed.
        "I guess I need to take your order if you are ready," Nelson said.
        "I'll do the ordering," Uncle Michael said and started giving the order to Nelson. He ordered a five-course dinner and I hoped I would like it because most of what he said was in French.  "I'm sure some of the food will be new to you, but I believe people should explore food the way they explore other things."
        Much of the food was new, but all was delicious. I'm sure I might not have eaten some of it had I known what it was, but it was food and it was good! When Nelson came back with coffee and dessert, Uncle Michael asked him for a suggestion for the rest of the evening. He hesitated for a moment, then suggested a couple of movies. "Of course, there are clubs, but I'm not sure two of you would enjoy what the other two would enjoy... I mean, I'm sure the music Matthew and Luke would enjoy would be noise to you, Mr. Stephenson and Mr. Sanders."
        "Isn't there some place where these two old men could be sure these two young men enjoy their first real date?" Uncle Michael smiled. Matt, of course, blushed big time and I'll admit I did a pretty good job blushing myself. When I looked at Nelson, I noticed he was also blushing!
        "What is this? A blushing contest?" Uncle Michael laughed.
        "Actually, I was going to suggest a place, but wasn't sure I should. After the service was broadcast, several of us at the college investigated the events which brought it about and decided we didn't want anything like that to happen here so we organized a group against intolerance--gay and straight, young and old--and started a place for young couples--as young as 14 with permission or accompanied by an adult--to 20. Actually, that's the age group the club serves. It welcomes older people who are interested in seeing that kids have a safe place to enjoy themselves so long as they are accompanied by kids. No unescorted adults hanging around. Police patrol the club and adults make sure there is no chicken hawking going on. What has surprised me is the number of straight couples who show up. It's a fun, safe place. In fact, I'm meeting my girl there after work. I helped get it started because my gay brother was harassed in high school, and so badly beaten by some classmates in his senior year that he had to spend time in the hospital."
        "Then you're not gay?" Matt asked.
        "No, afraid not, but if I were, Luke would have a run for his money!"
        "Does this sound like some place you'd like to go?" Uncle Michael asked.
        "Yes. It would be great to be with Matt without worrying about what people will think or do.  But what about you and Mr. Stephenson?"
        "I'm sure we'll enjoy watching kids have fun and we have a lot of catching up to do," Uncle Michael answered. "Can you give us directions?" he asked Nelson. Nelson drew a map for Uncle Michael, picked up the credit card slip Uncle Michael signed, thanked us and walked away. I saw him look at the credit card slip and whistle. I guess Uncle Michael had been very generous.
        When we reached the lobby of the hotel, Matt was attacked by screaming girls--it seemed like hundreds. All were trying to shove something in his face for his autograph. Matt looked bewildered. "Mr. Greywolf will sign autographs if you will get control of yourselves, ladies," I said, turned to Matt and said, "Mr. Greywolf, you are willing to sign some autographs aren't you?" Matt nodded, still somewhat bewildered. "Ladies, if you will just form a queue--a line--so Mr. Greywolf can get to as many of you as he can. Otherwise I'm afraid we'll have to go. And stop the screaming. Mr. Greywolf finds it unladylike." I was having a blast. The girls got relatively quiet and I took what they offered and Matt signed "Always, Greywolf" on each.  Soon he was having a blast as well. Mr. Stephenson and Uncle Michael had just given up, found a seat to the side and were laughing up a storm.
        After Matt had given at least fifty autographs, Uncle Michael walked over and said, " Mr.  Greywolf, I have just been informed the car is waiting."
        "Thank you, Michael," Matt said very seriously. "I am very sorry ladies, but I have a car waiting for me so I have to run. It was good seeing all of you." The girls started rushing forward and Mr. Stephenson, Uncle Michael and I formed a shield around Matt until the hotel security finally was able to give us a clear path to the car. Once we were inside the car, all four of us started laughing so hard we were crying.
        With Mr. Stephenson navigating and Uncle Michael driving, we had no difficulty finding the strip shopping center which had, obviously, seen better days but which was now a place for youth. A skating rink was at one end and a dance floor at the other. A snack bar, bistro and game room occupied the space between the two. A single entrance led to a hall running the length of the connected buildings. There was no way in except through the single entrance where two security guards were posted. While they waved me and Matt through, they stopped Mr.  Stephenson and Uncle Michael until Matt and I vouched for them. The guards were very polite, but made it very clear that "unescorted adults" were not allowed. When we got inside, Matt said, "Luke, I want to dance and dance and dance with you. I want to make up for the prom." We walked to the dance floor and Uncle Michael and Mr. Stephenson found seats at a table overlooking it and Matt and I started dancing. The music was wild and we danced with abandon.  After a couple of wild dances, a slow dance came up and I took Matt in my arms, held him close and looked into his wonderful dark eyes as we slow danced together in a public place for the first time.
        About 10:30 the jukebox was turned off and a young guy took over as DJ. He opened by saying, "If you can dance to it, I have it. If I don't, free burger, fries and drink for you and your date!"
        Matt got a huge smile on his face and asked, "Which would you like better, the song or the burger?"
        "I'll take the song." Matt walked over to the DJ and said something to him. Then I saw him put a bill in the tip jar. He came back, put his arms around me and kissed me--in public!!--and no-one seemed to notice or care.
        "For the Lakota warrior and his date--here's 'More!' and I'm asked to say, 'Luke, this is the way the king should have danced'!" The song started and we danced, holding each other tight, lips pressed together. I could feel Matt's hard body against mine, the muscles in his back moving under my hands and his hands on my butt as we danced. When the song ended, we went over to the table where Uncle Michael and Mr. Stephenson were seated. "You are a beautiful couple," Mr. Stephenson said, "and you dance well together."
        Just as we started to sit down, I heard someone say, "Well, if it isn't the teen idol, Greywolf!" I looked over and saw Nelson walking in with a gorgeous young woman. They came over to us and he introduced us to his girlfriend, Holly. He told her how Matt had been mobbed and then how we had played it off in all seriousness. We were all laughing. "Care to join us?" Uncle Michael asked. Nelson nodded and soon all six were enjoying ourselves just talking and joking around.
        Suddenly there was a squeal and a flock of girls descended upon our table followed by a guy with a mike and a TV cameraman. Matt actually looked terrified--I mean I can't blame him, he was under attack by fifteen or twenty screaming teenaged girls. Uncle Michael, Mr. Stephenson and I stood up, placing ourselves between Matt and the girls. "Ladies, ladies," Uncle Michael shouted over the noise. "Mr. Greywolf is here for a pleasant evening. You are being very unladylike and Mr. Greywolf does not like aggressive women! Now please calm down."
        One of the guards walked up and said, "Young ladies, unless you can calm yourselves and stop annoying these people, I will have to ask you to leave. And you, young man with the camera, are to leave at once. We do not permit cameras of any kind here." The cameraman turned on the camera's lights and the guard placed his hand over the lens and said, "I TOLD you that was not permitted," as he took the cameraman by the arm. "If you insist, I will arrest you. Believe me, I have that authority. Now leave!" The TV people left and the guard said, "I'm sorry, Mr.  Greywolf. I apologize. I don't know how the TV people got in, but I will call the chief and see that no pictures of you will be broadcast. That would severely damage what we are trying to do here."
        "Thank you very much. It would not be good for either your place or my group were pictures broadcast. Now if you could get the young ladies under control, I'll be happy to sign autographs," Matt said, sounding very serious. Nelson, Holly and the Concord bunch were having a hard time not laughing. I got up and, again, started taking whatever the girls handed me and passing them to Matt. He signed away and generally managed to keep a straight face, but when I handed him a bra and then a pair of panties, he just about lost it, turning aside to get control of a laugh.
        When Matt finished, he turned to me and said, "Last dance?" I felt a grin spread across my face. This was bound to cause an uproar among Greywolf's fan club. When we walked out on the floor, the DJ looked over, gave us a big wink and a wicked smile. As we reached the middle of the floor, people who had been around all evening saw what was coming and moved to the sides of the floor. "More" started and Matt wrapped his arms around me and as we started dancing, as he raised his lips to mine, he had to stop until he could control his laughter. When he had regained control, he gave me an all out, no holds barred, open mouth, tongue-sucking kiss. And held it as we danced. I cannot imagine a more erotic dance--hard bodies pressed close together, lips locked, tongues awhirl and sloooow dancing. It was hot! When "More" ended, I looked into Matt's eyes and said, "Matt, that's the way it should have been at the prom. My arms were absolutely aching to hold you close to me, to feel your hard body next to mine, to kiss you while we danced. Matt, I wanted to be dancing with my king, not the prom queen. I love you, man, and..."
        The DJ started another slow song and I looked at Matt. He smiled, pulled me to himself and said, "This is way it should have been, but wasn't. But then was then and now is now. He kissed me again as our bodies moved together. It was erotic as hell and Matt's hard chest rubbing against mine was making me super hot. "Sarang Hanun Pomul, I love you more than anything in this world," I whispered in his ear. His chest was not the only hardness I felt pressed against mine! Matt looked into my eyes again and smiled just as Holly cut in.
        When I turned to walk off the floor, Nelson grabbed me and we started dancing. He was dying laughing and when he swung me around, I could see why. Holly was kissing Matt! "Now watch what happens," he laughed. I was soon aware of what was up. Girls lined up and were taking turns dancing with Matt. He was handling it well, except he had a hard time not getting kissed on the mouth.
        Finally, Nelson said, "You need to rescue your boyfriend. Think he is up to one more dance?"  I nodded and walked over and cut in just as "More" started for the third time.
        Matt wrapped himself around me and again, kissed me, but this time it was an easy, soft, tender, loving Matt kiss. When we broke our kiss, Matt looked over my shoulder and said, "This is definitely the last dance, Yonghon Tongmu, it's after midnight. I'm afraid I have to be at St. Mary's in the morning."
        I looked into his eyes, smiled and said, "And tonight you sleep in my bed, Sarang Hanun Pomul!" The song ended and we walked off the floor. All the way home we all four kept laughing about Matt being a teen idol. "I just hope that TV guy didn't get any tape. I would never live down the 'teen idol' bit."
        When we reached our place, Matt and I got out. It was almost 2 in the morning as we climbed the stairs to my room. We undressed, Matt carefully putting his head band and choker in the drawer of my chest which was his. We brushed our teeth, took a piss and climbed into bed.  "Luke, the door is closed," Matt said.
        "Well?"
        "I believe we agreed the same rules here as at my place."
        " Guess you're right," I said, reluctantly.
        "You know I'm right," Matt said, and smiled at me, "but we didn't say how wide open." I opened the door a crack and climbed back into bed. I wrapped my arms around Matt and he his around me and we started kissing each other deeply, but something was wrong. It just didn't feel right. I didn't feel right. Before I could say anything, Matt said, "Luke, I know Jens said it was all right for me to sleep with you. At least my head knows that, but I don't think it has told the rest of me. I don't feel right. I feel like I'm doing something I shouldn't be doing, something wrong. Luke," Matt stopped and I could feel hot tears falling from his face, "Luke, I feel like what we are doing is dirty". By this time he was crying in great sobs. I held Matt tightly and started rocking him in my arms as he buried his head in the crook of my neck.
        "Matt, I don't feel right either. I guess we just assumed that Dad could say, 'It's now ok, boys,' and we could be as much at ease here as in your bed, but it's not working that way.  You're right; my mind knows that Dad has said it's ok and means it, but my emotions are stronger and I keep seeing him hit you. I know he has been forgiven by both of us. I know he has changed, but my emotions haven't caught up with my thoughts."
        "Yea. So you do understand?"
        "Perfectly, Sarang Hanun Pomul, we'll just hold each other as we have for years and know that our emotions have gotten the better of us tonight--but it was a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful night even if we had gone to separate beds!" Matt kissed me gently and we held each other, legs entwined, and were soon asleep.
        "Ok, Mr. Teen Idol, get your butt out of bed. We have two hundred screaming girls in the front yard wanting your bod," Mary Kathryn announced at the top of her lungs as she pushed open the door.
        "What the hell? What's that all about, sister mine?"
        "You don't recall having a night on the town in Lexington with the latest teen idol Greywolf?  Boy, you guys must have really gotten it on last night."
        "Actually, we didn't. To be honest, Mary Kathryn we did the same thing in this bed we have done for years--well, except for a couple of very innocent kisses and we certainly got home early." Matt said.
        Mary Kathryn started laughing then I guess she saw the look on our faces and stopped and said, "Yea, well it was early--early in the morning. But tell me about this teen idol bit."
        "We don't know what you are talking about," I said.
        "You know that Curtis jerk who does the 'Teen Beat' thing on the Sunday morning news? Well, this morning he had this great story which was uncovered by 'this reporter' about a visit to Lexington by the latest teen idol Greywolf and his entourage. 'This idol was seen at an expensive restaurant with a huge entourage and later, I have learned, was seen dancing with a Lexington beauty queen, who it is rumored will co-star in his next picture.' Mary Kathryn then continued in a Curtis the Jerk self-important voice, 'This reporter was prevented from getting tape of Greywolf, but is here to report that Lexington was probably successful in its drive to have Greywolf's next smash movie made here.'" Then she asked, "Just what went on last night?"
        Matt and I were both laughing so hard tears were running down our faces and something else was going to be running if we didn't get out of bed in a hurry. Since Mary Kathryn made no move to leave, we just rushed past her to the bathroom. "After we brush our teeth, we'll come down and tell the whole story," I called from the bathroom.
        When we got downstairs, Mom had breakfast ready and we sat down and, before we could eat, had to tell the tale of last night. Before we finished, Mom, Dad and Mary Kathryn were all laughing so hard they were crying. "Now if you would be so kind," I said in my Greywolf entourage voice, "Mr. Greywolf would like breakfast".
        When we finished breakfast, Matt said, "I guess I better get home before Mom and Dad start wondering about this teen idol bit. Why don't you come with me, Luke, since I've got to get a rush on or I'll be late for choir warmup."
        "Is it that late?" I asked, then realized what Matt was up to. "Man, I guess it is. Want to get your things and we'll run?"
        We went upstairs and Matt got what he had worn last night--we had just tossed on shorts and T-shirts when we got up--and we said goodbye to Mom and Dad and left.
        
Matt

        Sure enough, when we reached my place, Dad called from the kitchen, "Is that the newest teen idol I see coming in our house, Yong Jin?" Luke and I sat down in the kitchen and told the story over again. "You know every single student at Independence will know about this tomorrow morning, don't you?" Dad laughed.
        "Yes and I think I'll start taking names of those who want to be in Mr. Greywolf's next smash hit," Luke laughed.
        "People, it's not funny," I said.
        "May as well find it funny," Mom said, "there will be no escaping it".
        "Well, right now we need to get a shower and get dressed," I said.
        "Getting a real early start aren't you?" Mom asked.
        "Kinda," I looked at Luke and said, "Dad, I think maybe Luke and I need to talk with you".
        "Let's go to the library," Dad said, being very serious. I was afraid he might not be and I was really needing to talk with him.
        "Ok, Luke?" I looked at my love and saw pain in his eyes as I knew there was in mine. He nodded.
        When we got to the library, Luke and I both spilled out what had happened last night when we started to make love--no, NOT have sex, make love. When we had finished Dad asked, "What do you think was going on?" Luke answered as he had last night about our emotions not having gotten the word from our brain. "Well put, Luke. Don't think anyone could explain it better. I'm sure there was some hesitation when you first started expressing your love here..." We both nodded.  "And here there was little question you and your love were accepted and you were expected to express it." Again we nodded. "Luke, I need not remind you that was not true at your place. It has taken this long for the two of you to even feel free to share Luke's bed, so there is a great deal of emotional baggage to overcome."
        "There is nothing wrong with you; there is nothing to be ashamed or afraid of. As a matter of fact, I can identify with your situation completely. After Yong Jin and I were married we were never able to have sex at her Mom's. There was such a prejudice against Americans, and especially American soldiers, that it was made very clear that I better not touch Yong Jin before we were married. And after we were married, when we were there, that was still very much present in my mind and I simply couldn't--well, maybe you know, maybe you don't, but a limp noodle is not an effective tool," Dad said and blushed.
        "Dad blushed! It's catching!"
        "Well, Matt, I know you think you are special, and you are, but you got here just like the rest of us mortals. Sons, I'd worry very much about you thinking what you were doing was wrong and especially dirty, it's not. In fact, I think you have maintained a level of purity which, frankly, I would have never thought possible. But since you are very clear on why you had those feelings, you can work on them together. And maybe you'll never be able to do more in showing your love in bed at Luke's place than you did last night, but you needn't worry about that. I'm sure you'll find other places--you have found other places--as Yong Jin and I did, obviously--since you're here, Matthew Sarang Hanun Pomul Greywolf! You'll just have to take it..."
        "I know, slow and easy," Luke and I said together, then laughed. "Thanks, Dad," we both said.  We then went upstairs, had a great time in the shower, got dressed and left for St. Mary's--not early. I said we had a great time in the shower!
        After church, Sunday dinner was at David's and Margaret's. Uncle Michael had invited Mr.  Stephenson and when Michael started to pull the teen idol bit, the two of them took over and told the story. I'll admit, it was a howl hearing the two of them talk about the screaming females and how Luke had pulled off "Mr. Greywolf's personal manager" role. Michael said at one point, "Matt, you autographed a bra?"
        "Yea, and a pair of panties and both were still hot when I handed them to him," Luke laughed.
        After dinner, Uncle Michael, Mr. Stephenson and Luke were to meet with Millie and work on the exhibition catalog. Eugene, Paula and I had planned to get together at Eugene's to make final decisions about the program and program notes for the concert so Luke rode with me.
        The three of us worked for about three hours and finally Paula said, "That's it. Let's get it typed. Who's fastest?" Eugene reluctantly took on the task since he knew he was by far the fastest on the keyboard. As each page was printed, first Paula and then I gave it a careful reading. Eugene made any corrections and it was ready for Millie. "Think we should have Yong Jin check it before Millie sees it?" Paula asked.
        "How about if we give copies to Millie and Mom then Mom can give Millie a call with any corrections? I know Millie wants to get it in the works. It's supposed to be super special."
        "Sounds good. Have you seen the posters all over town?" Eugene asked.
        "Haven't noticed," I said.
        "I haven't been in until you came for me and we were so busy talking I guess I missed them," Paula said.
        "Millie and I took them around yesterday and plenty places displayed them immediately. People have already started calling for tickets. Millie has an automatic phone thingie handling that.  Well, if we're through, I think I might head over to Larry's. By the way, Matt, how are you going to handle this concert and do another smash movie, teen idol?" Eugene laughed. Paula looked puzzled so I had to tell the story again.
        "By the way," I said when I had finished, and Eugene and Paula were again in control, "the club they have for kids--actually 14- to 20-year-olds--is great. Maybe we can all go some Friday or Saturday night when all this is over."
        "Maybe we can go before it is over. We're going to need a break, Matt," Paula said.
        "That's more like it," Eugene agreed.
        Luke and the rest were still in deep discussion when I came down and Uncle Michael said, "Matt, I'll bring Luke home when we finish. It may be a while." I walked over to Luke and, when he looked up, kissed him and said, "How does it feel to be kissed by the latest teen idol?" Mr.  Stephenson and Uncle Michael started laughing and Millie looked puzzled. "Laters," I said and left as I knew the story would be told again, becoming more elaborate with each telling.
        When I got home, I was very pleased that Monday's school work was done because my late Saturday night caught up with me and I undressed and piled into my bed and was asleep in no time.
        Mom was right, everyone at school had heard the "Teen Beat" junk or been told about it. About half the girls seemed to believe it and I spent a lot of time signing autographs. But fame gets old quickly and, by afternoon, it was forgotten and everyone was talking about the upcoming trial. Ms. Jones had announced that Tuesday's social studies classes were expected to watch the trial during class and other teachers had permission to turn it on if they wished. When school was out, I drove to St. Mary's because Luke was meeting with Millie, Mr. Stephenson and Uncle Michael again so we rode together.
        As soon as we were out of the parking lot and unlikely to be seen, Luke leaned over and kissed me. "Matt, I think it's time you got a different car before I kill myself trying to kiss you in this damn Jeep."
        "Hey, watch your mouth. This damn Jeep has served us both well. Just that it's not made for kissing."
        "Guess I'll have to think of something new," Luke said, as he got an evil grin on his face and placed his hand on my thigh, gradually rubbing it and moving his hand higher. He finally grabbed what had been a limp tool, but was now a Lakota arrow.
        "Luke, I'm driving!"
        "So am I," Luke laughed, "I'm driving the love of my life wild!"
        "You are. Luke, I can't drive and..." I knew if Luke didn't stop I was going to have a mess in my pants and a lot of explaining to do. "Luke..."
        Luke laughed, moved his hand away and risked his own family jewels to lean over and kiss me.  "Later, and that's a promise, Babe."
        When I got to Millie's, Luke said he would be finished about five if I wanted to pick him up.  "I'll think about it. Ok, I have thought about it. I'll be there." He leaned into the Jeep and gave me a really soft, gentle kiss. "I promise," I said and he smiled. It was all I could do to go on to St. Mary's.
        Paula and I thought the practice went extremely well, but Eugene was not happy with the ensemble. After practice, I suggested we meet in the parish library to discuss the problem.  Eugene had some complaints which, I knew, were legitimate, but would be worked out long before the concert. "Eugene, I suspect it is not the practice that is the problem," Paula said.
        "Well, I wasn't happy with the practice, that's for sure, because I know the group can and has done better, but you're also right. I've got something on my mind and I know I let it color how I looked at the practice. I'll do better tomorrow."
        "Any way we can help?" I asked.
        "No, not right now. Thanks anyway." We both gave Eugene a hug and he left to take Paula home.  I still had almost half an hour before I was due at Millie's and I decided to go into the church. I sat in the dim light coming through the stained glass windows, my eyes focused on the altar cross which was reflecting the light from the sanctuary candle. I didn't know why I went into the church. I seldom did that, I mean just to sit. I wasn't praying, at least I didn't think I was. I wasn't even thinking, I just sat. At least that's what I believed I was doing.  After I had sat quietly for several minutes, I felt very ashamed and very sad. I started weeping hot tears. I still wasn't sure why. I sat a while longer then wiped my eyes and drove to Millie's. The group had finished their work and Luke was ready to go home. Uncle Michael asked Millie and Mr. Stephenson to show him around town since he didn't have to take Luke home.
        As soon as we got in the Jeep Luke said, "I started something after school that I bet you want me to finish," and gave me an evil leer. I just looked at him and smiled, weakly. When we reached the gate to the falls, Luke hopped out and opened it.
        At the falls, Luke spread the blanket and we sat down. I had been silent the whole trip from town. Luke obviously sensed something was wrong and had been silent as well. After we had been sitting without speaking for several minutes, Luke looked at me with questions in his eyes. All I could do was wrap my arms around him and start crying my eyes out. Luke held me tightly and I know he was completely bewildered. Well, so was I--well, actually I wasn't. When I was finally able to stop crying, I lifted Luke's face to mine and kissed him ever so softly. I took a deep breath and said, "Luke, Yonghon Tongmu, when Eugene and Paula left St. Mary's today for some reason I went into the church and just sat. I wasn't praying or even thinking, at least I wasn't conscious of doing either, but something has been bothering me since last night and I didn't know what it was."
        Luke started to say something, but I put my finger to his lips. "No, don't say anything until I finish. When I left, I had some idea what was troubling me and as soon as I saw you it became very clear. Luke, you know I love you with every fiber of my being. You are my very life and I haven't been treating you right." Once again Luke started to speak and again I put my finger to his lips. "Love of my life, I have taken and taken from you without giving much thought to the price you were paying for giving to me. You have had to be the strong one. Time and again I was ready to just forget everything in order to make love to you completely. But that's not all. I realized today that in a very real way you have given up your family for me. Sure you have been working all hours on your project, but every minute you have free, you have spent with me. And I selfishly not only accepted it, but expected it. I have my family. I spend time at home with them and you, well, you haven't because of me. Luke, I have been very selfish of your love and your presence and your care. I'm sorry Luke. I am very sorry."
        When I finished, we were both silent again. Luke finally said, "Matt, Sarang Hanun Pomul, I haven't given you a moment I regret. I know my family misses me. Dad even said so. That's why he decided we could share my bed. I haven't regretted it in the least. Yes, I have had to call a halt sometimes, not because I wanted to or even because I was afraid I would regret it. I did it because I knew you would hate yourself and I was afraid you would hate me. We're put together differently Matt. You are spontaneous, living fully in the present. I love that about you. Sometimes I wish I was that way, but I am not. I tend to think too much at times. I want to know the future. But have I sacrificed too much for you? Never. Matthew Sarang Hanun Pomul Greywolf, I would cheerfully give my life for you. Selfish? I don't think so. Foolish? At times I think you are, but I love it. Your foolishness is also the reason you are playful and, if I remember correctly, being playful was something we were going to work on."
        "Last night was hard on both of us. You said that what we would have done in my bed felt dirty to you. Well, it didn't feel dirty to me, it felt... Matt, it felt as though I was a stranger to myself and to you. I was frightened. I was frightened that you would see it as somehow or other a rejection of you. Don't get me wrong, I can understand what you are saying and why you feel that way. I could say you shouldn't, but feelings don't come in shoulds and should nots. They just are. Last night made it very clear to me that we are not independent of the rest of the world. You know what I feel when your hair covers us? I feel that you have created a world of our own and I love it, but it's temporary. We very much live in a very large world in which my dad's feelings have a direct effect on how we express our love. We very much live in a world where there are people who would hurt us because we love each other. I guess I have been made more conscious of that world than you have until, for whatever reason, you realized it with a bang today. I hope it doesn't take away your playfulness and your spontaneity, but..."
        "But, Luke, help me to realize that I don't own you and that others love you and have a right to be with you and love you."
        Again we were silent then Luke said, "Another bump in the road behind us?" I answered with a tender kiss. "But since we are here and no-one's expecting us..." Luke started undressing me, making love to my body with his amazing lips. When I was undressed, I undressed my love and, as I lay on his body, he undid my hair and we did have our private world, even if it was temporary.
        It took a dive from the top of the falls and a longish swim to wash away the evidence of our having left another bump in our road behind.