Author: J. Gardham gardham1@yahoo.com
This story is fiction as are the characters, if you think you see yourself in this story that's cool as long as everyone remembers there's nothing in this story that isn't pure imagination.
"Benjamin and Me"
Chapter 16
Early the morning following the weekend of fun and games Bill was walking through the east wing of the house leading to the pool when he heard the most beautiful singing, it was nothing like he'd ever heard before. Stopping to listen he realized it was coming from Jonathan and Sparkle's apartment. Waiting until the singing stopped Bill Knocked on their door. Sparkle opened the door and invited Bill to come in, asking if there was something he and Jonathan could help him with.
Bill replied that he couldn't help but hear the singing as he walked by and wondered which of them it was. Sparkle gave a deep bow as he glanced toward Jonathan. Jonathan actually blushed a little as he smiled up at Bill. Sparkle had been playing a hand held harp accompanying Jonathan.
"What was it you were singing, the beauty of it touched my heart deeply".
"It was something David's companion Jonathan used to sing to him when they walked through the palace gardens as David played his harp".
"Palace gardens,...David and Jonathan,...surely you're not talking about King Solomon's son Jonathan and King David".
"That's exactly who I'm talking about Bill, Jonathan loved David with all his being, and that was the love song that he sang as they walked together through the beauty of King Solomon's palace gardens". "That song also touched David's heart deeply, there was a wonderful love between those two men that the world has managed to ignore or overlook for well over a thousand years".
"I know you two are old, but you're not that old, how does your Jonathan come by a song that King Solomon's son Jonathan sang to David so long ago?" Sparkle explained that Jonathan's great-grandfather was a member of King Solomon's court known for his angelic voice. "Each generation of Jonathan's family has what is known to us as, a singer of the Songs of Heaven". "Jonathan's great-grandfather heard King Solomon's son sing this love ballad to David many times and memorized it". "It has been passed down to Jonathan's grandfather, then to his father, and now to Jonathan".
Completely taken back by this information Bill said, "Jonathan surely is a singer of the Songs of Heaven, I've never heard anything so breathtakingly beautiful in all my life".
"Bill this is something that cannot go beyond the present company, I sang this to Sparkle it wasn't meant for anyone's ears but his". Bills eyes filled with tears as he said, "Jonathan if the world could hear you sing it's possible men's hearts would open to the love that flows from your heart healing much of the hatred in the world".
"Perhaps Bill but it is forbidden by the angels". "Sparkle, if the archangel Raphael gives his permission would it be okay for Jonathan to sing for the rest of our group who live here?" "Bill if Raphael gives permission I would be honored for all of those here to hear this ballad".
Wrapping his arms around Jonathan, Bill said, Jonathan your singing has touched me so deeply I don't believe I'll ever be the same". "I can't say I'm sorry I over heard it". I hope you'll forgive me for hearing something that wasn't meant for me to hear, I wasn`t eves-dropping, I was just walking down the hall when I heard it".
Replying Jonathan said, "Bill there is nothing to forgive, you were meant to be touched by this love ballad or you would not have heard it". "There is a reason for all things". "The fact that you were able to hear it is a mystery in itself". "We'll pass your request on to Goldermer and have him contact Raphael".
Bill thanked Jonathan and sparkle and told them he was just headed out to the pool for a swim and asked if they wanted to join him. They dropped their clothes and grabbed towels on their way out. Reaching the pool they found Thomas and Benjamin, along with Brad and Gavin already there. Thomas, Brad, and Gavin were in the pool, Benjamin was busy fixing crepes he was going to serve with ice wine. Benjamin was coating the crepes with a paste made from hazelnuts blended into a buttery cream, adding cocoa giving it a taste like milk chocolate before folding them in half and sprinkling powdered sugar over them.
Walking by Benjamin, Sparkle commented that he didn't know what Benjamin was making, but it smelled so delicious it made his mouth water. Benjamin smiled from ear to ear, he had learned to love cooking and hearing that kind of praise really tickled him.
The three of them dove into the water. Coming to the surface Bill swam over to Thomas and wrapped his legs around his waist and gave him a long and loving hug. Thomas said, "that was nice, any special reason for that hug?" Bill said, "no, I just felt like I needed a hug I guess". Laughing Thomas said he was happy to accommodate him anytime.
Watching Jonathan and Sparkle was always fascinating, they swam almost like they were born to live in the water. Their bodies moved willowy almost like a fish as they zipped through the water. They were such a joy to have living here, it seems they were always laughing and happy.
Brad and Gavin were doing their best to keep up with Jonathan and Sparkle as they glided beneath the water managing to stay well out of Brad and Gavin's reach. Bill challenged all of them to a diving competition just as Dave came strolling into the pool area. Brad and Bill were excellent divers but Jonathan and Sparkle were showing off with some spectacular maneuvers that made the guys look like amateurs. Dave's dad Darin came running in and dove into the pool. Dave yelled at his dad to show Jonathan and Sparkle some of his fancy diving skills. "Come on dad Sparkle and Jonathan are making us look bad, you have to help us out".
Laughing Darin climbed the high dive as he looked down at Jonathan and Sparkle standing and watching him with big smiles on their handsome faces. Looking over at his son Darin said, "Dave these guys have a couple of hundred years practice on me". "Dad we've all seen you do some great dives just show them your stuff". Standing on the diving board, Darin wiggled his cock at them. Laughing Dave said, "Dad, not that stuff, I mean your diving skills".
Taking three long steps back, Darin took two steps forward before jumping onto the end of the board and springing high into the air doing a triple summersault, a complete body twist, and another summersault before slipping into the water barely braking a wave. When he came to the surface at the other end of the pool Jonathan and Sparkle were the first to yell congratulations. Dave and Bill just stood with their mouths open in amazement at what Dave's dad had just accomplished. Brad and Gavin both said, "that's impossible Darin, how'd you manage that?"
"That was for my kids, had to make them proud". Bill and Dave both yelled, "you're amazing dad, you really are the best". Turning to look at Jonathan and Sparkle, Dave said, "let's see you guys beat that".
Jonathan and Sparkle said, "individually we can't beat that dive, but do you mind if we do a double dive for you just for fun". Everyone got out of the pool and sat along the edge as Jonathan and Sparkle climbed to the high dive and jumping high into the air as Jonathan did a half summersault Sparkle grabbed his ankles as Jonathan grabbed his and they did a continuous cartwheel before breaking apart and entering the water barely breaking the surface.
Benjamin came in and was watching this incredible feat before applauding with the others and telling them breakfast was served, "come and get it while it's hot". Thomas grabbed his ass and yelled, "I got it Ben". Benjamin slapped his hand as he said, "get the food while it's hot Thomas, "not my ass". "But Benjamin your ass is always hot and such a temptation, I can't help it".
Laughing all the guys sat down for a wonderful breakfast of crepes. Glen, Larry, and Robin came staggering out of the house blurry eyed as Robin said, "something smells good enough to eat".
Benjamin said, "there's plenty so take a plate and help yourselves, there`s also eggs scrambled with cheddar and heavy cream".
Jonathan and Sparkle were watching Dave and Bill quietly, they could see they were deep in discussion and figured they knew what they were talking about. Sparkle said, "guys don't even think about trying that two man cartwheel, it would be impossible for you". "Jonathan and I are double jointed, that's the only way we can manage doing a two man cartwheel, if you two try it you could be hurt".
Laughing Bill said, "how'd you know that's what Dave and I were talking about?" Sparkle said, "it was written all over your handsome faces and we know what daring characters you are".
Suddenly a shimmering door opened in mid-air and Goldermer stepped through. Everyone stood and greeted Goldermer affectionately. Goldermer said, "I didn't have to come personally but decided it was a good excuse to visit, so here I am". Benjamin handed Goldermer a plate with crepes and some ice wine as Thomas asked, "what brings you for this most welcome visit Goldermer?"
"Jonathan and Sparkle send a message concerning a request Bill had made and I thought I'd bring his answer personally, especially since this type of request is rarely if ever given".
Everyone turned and looked at Bill, who just shrugged his shoulders and waited for Goldermer to continue speaking. Goldermer went on to explain that Bill had overheard Jonathan singing early that morning and made a request to Raphael to give Jonathan permission to sing a special love ballad for all of you.
Thomas said, "why would Jonathan need permission from the archangel Raphael to sing a song for us?" Putting his finger on his chin Goldermer said, "there's a bit more to this song than meets the eye Thomas". The last mortal to hear this particular love ballad was David, as sang to him by King Solomon's son Jonathan". "That is until Bill heard it this morning".
Again everyone looked at Bill.
Thomas said, "that's more than a little confusing Goldermer, please elaborate on that".
"What you don't understand Thomas, and something that Bill isn't aware of yet, is that mortals haven't heard this love Ballad because it's sang in a range heard only by angels, and a few of us wizards since it is sang by wizards who have the ability to sing the Songs of Heaven".
This time Bill spoke up, "I don't understand Goldermer, I'm not part of either group who's been privileged to hear this, so why was I able to hear Jonathan sing it to Sparkle?"
"Raphael believes it is because of the love that flows through your heart to the hearts of all the men who have gathered together in this home". "Therefore Raphael has given his permission for Jonathan to sing this evening". "It's far more special than any of your realize, Raphael and the Archangel Michael along with other angels will gather here to listen to Jonathan as he sings this precious Song of Love".
Thomas looked over at Bill and saw tears running down his face, just as David pulled him into a loving hug. "Bill why didn't you mention that you heard Jonathan singing this morning?"
"Sparkle and Jonathan asked me not to mention it since I apparently shouldn't have been able to hear it in the first place". "I was touched so deeply by the beauty of this song that I asked Sparkle if Jonathan could sing it for all of you and he said he would see if the angels would give them permission". "That's all I've heard about it until right now when Goldermer showed up".
Benjamin asked Goldermer what they needed to do to get ready for the angels arrivals. Goldermer asked Benjamin what they had done for his arrival and Benjamin replied, "nothing, we didn't know you were coming". "What would you have done if you had known I was coming?" Looking kind of silly, Benjamin said, "nothing much I guess, we would have just waited for you".
Smiling Goldermer said, "than just prepare to hear Jonathan sing with Sparkles accompaniment, the angels well arrive right on time, this is something they also want to hear, nothing else needs to be done".
Sparkle began to play his harp as Jonathan bows his head before looking up into the heavens, he begins with a sound so soft it was barely heard, almost like water running over pebbles.
Golden notes leave my heart, ....Carried on feathers from an angels wing. ........Love pure as a breath of air, ............Flows from my soul with each word I sing.........
The words flowed from Jonathan like living waters, everyone was touched to the core of their being by the depth of love emanating from verse after verse as he sang.
As Jonathan finished his love ballad there was no applause, only silence and tear streaked faces.
Suddenly the heavens were aglow with a multitude of colors streaking through the sky, everyone stood in awe. The archangels Michael and Raphael descended into the courtyard, one on each side with wings extended to encompass all those within. A golden glow flowed from the angels until there was nothing but the golden light flowing and swirling through each person there.
Glen was one of the first to awaken just as the others were beginning to stir. Glen helped Bill and Dave up, and then they helped the others as they regained consciousness. When everyone had been roused Thomas looked for Benjamin who wasn't there. "What happened to us, where's Benjamin"?
A feeling of panic came over Thomas as he called for his beloved ghost without getting a response. Looking at the others Thomas said, "I can't feel him, I've always been able to sense Benjamin even when he wasn't near".
Goldermer spoke up as he put his arm around Thomas's shoulders, "Thomas, Benjamin was here with us when the archangels Michael and Raphael enclosed us within their wings before the golden light began to glow, I'm sure nothing bad has happened".
Thomas dropped to his knees, "I don't want to live without him Goldermer, why would the angels have taken him?"
"I haven't any idea Thomas this is as much as mystery to me as the rest of you, but I do know that if Benjamin's with Michael and Raphael he's safe and there is a good reason for it".
Bill pointed to the sky as he said, "Thomas look up, there's a tiny bright light that seems to be descending as it grows larger". Everyone look up as they picked out the light that appeared in the evening sky. Thomas remained kneeling at he stared into the sky watching the light slowly grow brighter.
Within moments the light was large enough to distinguish that it was actually an angel descending carrying something in his arms. Coming to rest before Thomas the angel laid Benjamin at his feet. Thomas looked into the angels eyes with tear stained face as he said, "he doesn't appear to be breathing". Smiling the angel said, "perhaps he needs a little encouragement Thomas". As if understanding Thomas pulled Benjamin into his arms and gently kissed him. Benjamin's eyes fluttered open as he smiled and said, "hi Thomas, I'm back".
Crying Thomas pulled Benjamin into a tight hug, laughing Benjamin said, "Thomas, stop squeezing me so hard I might break something". Smiling back Thomas said, Benjamin you know I can't break anaything, you're a ghost".
Taking Thomas's face between his hands Benjamin looked intently into his lovers eyes as he said, "not anymore Thomas, I'm just like you and the others, we'll grow old together as life is meant to be".
"What". "How?" Gabriel took each man's hand as they stood together. "Thomas this Benjamin of yours has had but one wish since meeting and falling in love with you". "That wish was to be able to grow old together never leaving your side". Thomas turned to Benjamin taking him into his arms, "Benjamin you did this for us, I love you so much my heartaches".
"Thomas to watch you grow old and die was too much for me to bare, Michael restored me to physical form so we could continue our journey together until we return to spirit". "It wasn't done just for me it was something that was done because of the unconditional love all of us have not only for one another but for all of mankind".
Thomas tuned back to the angel and apologized for not asking his name. "I am Garbriel, I asked for the honor of returning this loving man you know as Benjamin to you, the others are watching as they join in singing the songs of the angels". "You all are much beloved in the heavenly realms".
With that Gabriel shot into the sky and was gone, leaving the others to gather around Benjamin, it seems everyone wanted to touch him.
"To be Continued:
Jason Gardham