Chance Encounter

A Chance Encounter, Chapter 11

A Chance Encounter
By Jason Finigan

This story is completely fictional. Any similarities to any persons or events, past or present are purely coincidental. This story may contain scenes which involve sexual situations. If this type of material is offensive to you, or it is not legal for you to be reading this type of material, please do not read any further. This story is copyright © 2007 by Jason. Please do not copy this story for distribution or post on any online server without the author's permission. Please send all your comments to: jasonfinigan@yahoo.com You can also visit my site at: www.jasonfinigan.net. Thanks and enjoy the story.

From the last chapter:

"Hey, if we're going to have a party, lets have a party," my mother laughed.

"Don't forget Anna, Sam can't get too excited," Mrs. Mckendrick said.

"I haven't forgotten, Pam. I promise you Sam will have a good time, but we won't cause her any stress."

"That's all I can ask for. You are already doing so much for us by offering to help us with the meds," Mrs. Mckendrick said.

"Don't worry. I can think of an appropriate way for you to pay us back," my father said.

"Oh? And what did you have in mind Craig?"

"Well you've been bugging me for ages about our yard. So I'm going to ask you to do the landscaping for both the front and back yards."

"It will be a pleasure Craig. You'll have the best looking yards on the whole block. I promise you that."

"Knowing your work as I do, of that I have no doubt Mike," my father said, holding out his hand to Mr. Mckendrick. Mr. Mckendrick ignored my father's hand, and instead embraced him, hugging him appreciatively.

"Thank you so much," he said over my father's shoulder.

"Any time Mike," my father replied, hugging him back. "We'll work out the details later," he said, letting Mr. Mckendrick go.

"That we will indeed," my mother said. "But first, it's time for dinner!"

Chapter 11

Dinner turned out to be very pleasant for everyone. Emily and Sam sat together in the living room, eating their dinner on the couch while the rest of us ate at the dinner table. Several times I glanced over to see Sam passing a note over to Emily and Emily giggling in response. Girls. Who can figure them out?

My mother, by far is one of the best cooks I have ever seen. Had she not gone into business with my father, I was sure she would have made an excellent chef. Sometimes she likes to tease us with her knowledge of cooking and making us guess what she's going to make. At least when my father cooks, we know what he's making. There aren't too many ways to disguise burgers or steak.

Mr. and Mrs. McKendrick didn't want to stay much longer for Sam's sake, wanting to leave after dinner was over, and she and Emily had finished their dessert. I was tempted to have some too, since my mother was serving ice cream and cake, but my stomach was telling me it wouldn't be a good idea. Besides, I knew there would be some left over for the next day. Terry on the other hand was a different story. I guess he hadn't eaten as much dinner as I did because he asked for seconds for dessert. All I could do was stare at him in amazement as he packed it away.

"What?" he asked, noticing me looking at him.

"Babe, you keep that up and I'm going to have to roll you up the stairs," I said, teasing him.

"Not a chance," he said, smiling before putting another spoonful of ice cream into his mouth.

"Mom, may I be excused?" I asked her.

"Of course dear," my mother said. "Just put your dishes in the dishwasher."

"Thanks," I said, and got up from the table, grabbing my plate and glass.

"Mom, Sam asked if I would like to sleep over at her place tonight. Can I?" Emily asked, her eyes taking on the classic puppy-dog look which she knew her mother couldn't resist.

"It's okay with me honey, but don't you think you should ask Sam's parents?" Kathy replied.

Those same puppy-dog eyes looked over at Mr. and Mrs. McKendrick. I don't know how she does it, but I swear, every time she looks at someone like that they can't help but give in to her requests. Even me.

"Emily, Sam isn't very strong. She's already had a lot of excitement today, much more than she is used to. Do you promise to not do anything to excite her?" Mr. McKendrick asked.

"I promise. Sam would just like to have some company, and I like her."

"I think you and Sam are going to make very wonderful friends Emily," Mrs. McKendrick said.

"Yeah, she's funny," Emily giggled.

"Okay, you can sleep over. But you two are going to go straight to bed, and no playing," Mrs. McKendrick said.

"We promise," Sam signed.

"Go get your shoes on Emily," Kathy said. As soon as her mother said that, Emily was at the front door in record time, Sam following behind her, but at a much slower pace.

"Well I guess we should be off then," Mr. McKendrick said.

"We'll see you tomorrow afternoon for the party then?" my father asked.

"Count on it. After the way you fed us tonight, there's no way I would turn down an invitation from you."

"Ah hah! So you do think Anna's cooking is better than mine," Mrs. McKendrick said accusingly.

"Never dear," Mr. McKendrick said. "But you do have to admit that it's a lot closer than the restaurant you wanted to go to."

"True," she replied.

"Okay, well we'll see the two of you tomorrow then," my mother said, laughing at their antics.

"I'll be by earlier to help you set up, Anna," Mrs. McKendrick said.

"That's not necessary, Pam," my mother replied.

"I insist. For what you're doing for my Sam, it's the least I can do."

"Pam, we're not looking for anything in return other than seeing the beautiful daughter of yours well again. But if you want to come over, you're more than welcome. I like the company."

"Yeah, us girls have to stick together. This place is looking more and more like a male club," Kathy joked.

"Hey, I resemble that comment," David said, causing all of us to laugh at his joke.

"Honey, you know darn well it only takes one of you to keep us guys in line," my father said.

"And don't you forget it mister," my mother said.

"All right, are we ready?" Mr. McKendrick asked his wife.

"Yes. Lets get home," Mrs. McKendrick replied.

"I'll walk you out," I said.

"Thank you Simon, that's very kind of you," Mrs. McKendrick said.

Together, everyone walked to the front door and waited while the McKendricks put on their shoes. Emily and Sam already had their shoes on and were waiting.

"Emily, you be good for Mr. and Mrs. McKendrick you hear?" Kathy said.

"I will Mom, I promise," Emily replied.

Everyone said their goodbye's after which I opened the door for everyone. I waited until Sam, Emily, Sam's parents, and Terry had left the house before following after them and closing the door. It was dark now, with only the street light providing any sort of light for us. But it was enough. Emily walked ahead with Sam, followed by Sam's parents, while Terry and I walked behind them. Both girls were giggling over something, though I didn't know what, or for that matter how they were talking seeing as how Sam couldn't talk.

"Hey babe," Terry said to me quietly. "Wouldn't it be interesting if Emily and Sam became a couple?"

"Oh man that would be too much!" I said, laughing lightly at the though.

"I know. But it would be kinda neat to have the gayest family on the block," Terry said.

"That it would. I wonder how many other people around here are gay. I grew up in this house, and I never really gave it much thought actually."

"I guess people never do until they're faced with it."

"Well I certainly didn't. I mean, until I met you, I didn't give it much thought really," I said.

"I already knew I was gay, Simon. I just tried everything I could to deny it, especially when my friends stopped wanting to hang with me."

"If you ask me Terry, they weren't real friends. Real friends don't do that. Real friends stick by one another despite their differences.

"I know. But I had never felt so alone as I did then. All I wanted them to do was to accept me. I mean, it didn't change anything between us. They were still my friends, but they couldn't see it that way.

"It's their loss babe," I told him. "But in a way I'm glad it happened. It gave us a chance to find one another and now I have the most wonderful boyfriend in the world."

"Thank you babe. Thank you for being my boyfriend. Thank you for being the best friend a guy could have."

"I wouldn't have it any other way babe. I love you with all my heart," I told him, grabbing a hold of his hand.

"I love you too babe," Terry replied, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. From the corner of my eye, I could see Sam's parents looking at Terry and me, and I saw them smiling. We finally reached their front porch, at which Mr. McKendrick took out his keys and unlocked the front door, opening it. Sam and Emily rushed inside while Sam's parents turned to Terry and me.

"I want to thank you two for coming over and inviting us to dinner," Mrs. McKendrick said. "I haven't seen Sam smile like that in ages."

"It was our pleasure. I'm glad that my parents are going to help you with Sam's medication. She deserves to be happy and to do all the things every child should do," I replied.

"I'm also glad that my sister and Sam have become good friends," Terry said.

"Yes. That's something I think Sam missed the most. Having friends. Now that Sam is going to have the operation to repair her heart problem, I'm certain that when she gets better, she and Emily will be able to do the kinds of things Sam couldn't before."

"I'm just happy that she's going to be okay," I said.

"Well, we have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow, Simon. So we'll say goodnight here, and we'll see you both tomorrow," Mr. McKendrick said.

"Okay. Goodnight. See you later," I said, shaking his hand. Mrs. McKendrick wouldn't shake my hand however, but instead pulled me into a tight hug, releasing me after a short time. She did the same with Terry, then the two of them disappeared into the house, and closed the door, leaving Terry and me standing on their porch alone.

"Come on babe," I said, putting my arm around his shoulders. "Lets go home." Together Terry and I left the porch, heading back to my house.

"You know babe, I've been thinking about something," Terry said.

"What's that?"

"I was thinking about Uncle Darryl and Uncle Tim."

"What about them?" I asked, curious that he would be thinking about them.

"Well, they got married right?"

"Yes. I even went to their wedding. It was really nice."

"How did people react when they learned that they were going to be getting married?"

"Well some, like Uncle Darryl's parents refused to show up. But for the most part, everyone was happy for them and enjoyed the wedding a lot."

"Do you think that it would be like that for our wedding?" Terry asked.

"Terry, do you mean you've been thinking about getting married?"

"Well, yeah. I mean, we love each other don't we?"

"Of course we do. I already know I want to spend the rest of our lives together," I said.

"Which is the same way I feel. Simon, I do want to get married to you one day. It looks like we'll have a lot of people at our wedding too. So many are accepting us for who we are."

"Oh, you were worried that if you and I got married that some people wouldn't want to come?" I asked him.

"I guess so," he admitted.

"Terry, look. Sometimes when two people get married there are some people who cannot show up. We know that both of our families will be there. They all support us, and actually think we belong together. Even when my parents were busy working as they did, I knew we were a family, and that I was loved. Sure I was angry at them for not spending as much time with me as I wanted, but everything worked out in the end. Look at the two of us. We found each other, fell in love, and have two wonderful families who have shown us nothing but love and acceptance. What more could we hope for?"

"Yeah, I guess I was a little worried. I mean, especially after what happened with my so-called friends."

"Like I told you Terry, your real friends will stick with you always. Because of how they reacted when you came out to them, they showed you that you weren't really a friend to them."

"How did you get so smart Simon?" Terry asked, giving me a relieved smile.

"Good genes from my parents, and growing up with a determination to learn all I can," I told him.

"Well, however it happened, I'm glad I found you babe," he said.

"As I am you babe," I replied.

We reached the front door to my house and walked inside. Everyone was now in the living room, everyone with a cup of coffee either on a table or in their hands. Terry and I walked into the living room holding hands. Finding the love seat not occupied, we went over to it and sat down.

"Everything okay there?" my father asked me.

"Yep," I answered.

"Boys, it's getting late and it's time for bed," my mother announced.

"Parents," I sighed, shaking my head, but smiling over at Terry. Getting up we said good night to our parents and Uncle Tim and Uncle Darryl then made our way up the stairs. I almost led us into my former bedroom, but then remembered that we had already moved everything of mine up to my new bedroom. Opening the door in the hallway that led up to the attic bedrooms, Terry and I climbed up the last set of stairs and opened my bedroom door.

Turning on the light, I went over to the window and made sure the blinds were closed.. Terry began to get undressed, pulling off his shirt first, then his socks. I stood there staring at him, transfixed by the sight of him. All I could think of right then was how beautiful he was, and of how lucky I was to find him.

"Hello! Earth to Simon," Terry said, snickering, now clad in only his boxer shorts.

"Sorry babe," I said, shaking myself out of the trance I was in. Trying not to look at Terry, I began to strip down. From the corner of my eye I could see Terry looking at every movement I made. I flushed slightly at the thought of my boyfriend standing there, watching me get undressed.

Putting my clothes on my chair with Terry's, and turning off the light, I went over to the bed and pulled down the covers. Like Terry I was dressed only in my underwear. Pulling down the covers, we climbed into bed, then pulled them back over top of us. Even with the light off, there was some light from the outside lights to allow me to see Terry lying there beside me, looking at me.

"God, I love you so much, Baby," he said softly.

"I love you just as much, Babe," I replied. We moved closer, our eyes not leaving the other's, until our lips came together. It was the most sensual kiss I had ever experienced. All I could feel was the love for Terry growing and expanding, the passion we expressed in that kiss increasing by the second. We never stopped, our hands, sliding over each other's bodies, touching and holding, as if we were afraid that if we let go, we would lose each other.

Eventually we separated and simply looked into each other's eyes. There was silence in the room, and yet the love I could feel from him was speaking to me loud and clear. He was my boyfriend, and one day I knew we would become much more than boyfriends. One day he would become my husband.

Slowly we drifted off to sleep, still holding each other. Both of us content in the other's arms. Tomorrow was another day, and so long as I could spend it with Terry, nothing could ruin it for us.

* * *

The smell of bacon and eggs coming up from downstairs woke me up. I found myself nestled behind Terry, his back turned towards me, and me spooned up behind him. He felt so warm in my arms and I never wanted to let him go. Unfortunately, another fact made itself known to me, a morning condition which needed attending to right away. Reluctantly, I separated from Terry so as to not wake him up, and got out of bed. Carefully opening the door, I went to the bathroom to take care of my morning ritual. I also brushed my teeth before leaving the bathroom, then returned to my bed, closed the door behind me.

Terry was still lying in bed, but now he was facing me. His eyes were open, and he was looking at me with the goofiest grin I had ever seen.

"What?" I said, unable to help myself, and smiled back at him.

"Just thinking how beautiful you look in the morning, Babe," he told me.

"You look just as beautiful to me, Baby," I said, climbing back into bed.

"What time is it?" he asked.

"I don't know. Breakfast time, I guess. I can smell the bacon cooking downstairs."

"Yeah, that's for sure," Terry said, which was punctuated by the sound of his stomach under the covers, causing me to laugh slightly.

"I guess we're both hungry then."

"Well we are growing boys after all," he said.

"You've got that right, and in more ways than one," I said mischievously as I reached down under the covers.

"Hey!" he protested. "Watch it buddy. I have to go to the bathroom badly."

"Well then, you'd better get your sexy butt to the bathroom. These are new sheets," I told him. He didn't hesitate in the least as he threw the covers off of him, and almost ran out of the bedroom and into the bathroom. Several minutes later he returned.

I made no move to get out of bed, and just looked at him. "Come here babe," I said. He walked over to the bed, and lay down beside me. "I love you," I said, reaching over to drawn him to me, letting our lips touch. We kissed for what seemed like forever, lying there as if nothing else in the world existed for us. It was just the two of us, alone in the bedroom.

"Are you two lovebirds planning on getting up this morning?" my father's voice sounded from the doorway. We separated from each other in shock and looked over at my father.

"Dad!" I exclaimed.

"Don't worry Son," he said, smiling at me. "You remind me a lot of what it was like for your mother and me when we fell in love."

"We'll be down in a bit, Dad," I said, recovering my composure.

"Take your time boys. I've already started breakfast. Everyone else is up, but breakfast won't be ready for a little while yet. The McKendricks' called. Emily, Sam, and Sam's mother will be over shortly."

"Okay Dad," I said.

"I've said this before, and I'll say it again. You two look like you belong with each other. Your mother and I are very proud of you, Simon, as are your parents with you, Terry."

"Thanks," Terry said, blushing slightly.

"You know, you look so cute when you blush babe," I said, smiling at him.

"You look cute all the time babe," Terry said, causing my father to laugh.

"Okay, I'll leave you boys to get dressed," he said, and left to go downstairs.

"Want to take a shower together first, Babe?" I asked him, getting out of bed.

"I think I would like that a lot, Babe," he replied. Together the two of us left the bedroom and went back into the bathroom, closing the door behind us. I went over to the tub, and closed the curtain. Turning on the two taps, I tested the water temperature until it was just right, then turned on the shower head.

Looking over at Terry, I could see that he had removed his boxer shorts, leaving him naked before me for the first time. I couldn't help myself as I looked at him, taking in every wonderful detail. Of course my eyes strayed over certain portions of his anatomy more than others, which I could see was having an effect on him.

"You going to get your underwear off babe, or stand there enjoying the view?" he asked me, a wry smile on his face. Forcing myself to stop looking at him, I removed my underwear, kicking it off to the side and standing before him as naked as the day I was born. I couldn't help but smile knowingly at him as his eyes began to take in my nakedness. He looked like a kid who had just walked into the largest candy store he'd ever seen. And like him, my body reacted to his gaze.

"Like what you see, Babe?" I asked him.

"I don't deserve you babe. You are so beautiful!" he said. His eyes were becoming moist, and I got a little concerned.

"Babe, what's wrong?" I asked him.

"Nothing babe," he replied, a tear falling from his eye. "I am so happy to have found you babe. I never dreamed in a million years that I could be lucky enough to find someone like you."

"Hey, we found each other, Babe," I said, coming closer to him, and putting a hand on his shoulder. "I consider myself just as lucky to have found you."

"Well, one thing's for sure," he said, wiping the tear away from his eye. "Our bodies know that we like what we see."

"Yeah, tell me about it," I said, looking down. "Come on. Let's get this shower over with so we can get something to eat. I get the feeling it's going to be a very long day."

"Why do you say that?" he asked.

"Because I'm going to be spending it with the most beautiful man in the world, and I'm going to make every moment with you the best that I possibly can," I told him.

"You already do, Babe," he said.

"Just get in the shower babe," I said, laughing.

"Yes sir," he said, then walked past me, wiggling his naked bubble-butt at me, looking back at me with a wicked grin on his face, before getting into the shower.

"Oh you just had to do that!" I complained.

"Too right," he said, laughing from behind the curtain.

"Don't worry, I'll get you back for that," I told him, climbing into the shower.

"I can't wait," he said mischievously.

"You are such a tease!" I said.

"Thank you."

The shower took longer than I wanted, but I wasn't really complaining in the least. We washed each other, lathering up our bodies alternatively with the bar of soap. I felt so free, so alive having him wash me as he was doing at that moment. I couldn't help but moan in pleasure, as his hands rubbed over every inch of me. When it was my turn, I did much more than just wash him. I allowed my hands to touch every part of him, lovingly, and sensually. I could tell my touch had the same affect as his did on me. He was moaning just as I had earlier, and he had to steady himself with his hand.

"God babe, this feels so wonderful!" he moaned.

"I know, Babe."

"I wish we had more time," he said, looking at me as I finished washing him.

"Me too babe. Maybe later."

"Maybe," he replied, and smiled at me.

"Wash your hair babe, and let's get something to eat," I told him, then started to wash my own.

Shortly afterwards, we finished and climbed out of the tub. I turned off the shower head, and then the water itself. There were two towels hanging on the rack in front of us, and I grabbed both, handing one of them to Terry. We quickly dried each other off then, after putting the towels in the hamper along with our underwear, we walked naked back to the bedroom.

I took out some new clothes from my dresser, putting on my socks and a clean pair of underwear. Since we were going to be having a party, I didn't want to put on the clothes I normally wear and opted instead for some of my good clothes. Actually, they were the same clothes I wore on the first day of classes last year. My mother had picked them out last summer. I always thought she had good taste in clothes and I rarely ever had to fight her on a particular style. It didn't matter much to me what other people thought of the clothes I wore, as I wasn't the kind of person to try and fit into the 'in' crowd, but I did want to appear presentable during special occasions, and this party was one of these times.

Slipping my Polo shirt on over my head, and tucking it into my slacks, I heard Terry whistle behind me.

"Damn babe, you look awesome!" he said.

"Thanks babe," I said. "You look really good yourself!" Terry had chosen to wear a tan coloured golf shirt, along with a black pair of pants.

"What, this?" he said, looking down at himself. "I just figured that since we are going to have a party today, and we will be having guests, I should wear something other than my normal clothes."

"You read my mind babe," I laughed. "Hey! There's going to be another guest coming over today," I said, suddenly remembering.

"What? Who?" Terry asked.

"Don't you remember your father saying something about your Uncle coming over?"

"Damn, yeah, you're right!" he said. "I completely forgot babe."

"Well, with everything that's been going on, it's a wonder I was able to remember it myself."

"I hope he likes me," Terry said.

"Of course he will like you babe," I told him. "Sounds to me like your Uncle already does, from what your father has said."

"I guess so, but damn I'm going to be so nervous," he told me.

"I don't blame you babe, but don't worry. I'll be right there with you."

"Thanks, Babe. That means a lot to me."

"Come on, I'm starving. Let's go eat!" I said, and made as to leave the bedroom, looking over my shoulder to Terry, who was still standing there. Breaking out of his thoughts, Terry followed me out of the room and down both flights of stairs.

"Well there the two of you are!" my mother said, noticing Terry and me, walking into the kitchen.

"Sorry we took so long," I said apologetically. "We took a shower before we came down."

"Together?" David asked from his seat at the kitchen table, an eyebrow raised. Both Terry and I blushed at his question, neither of us able to say anything.

"Oh leave them alone, Dear," Kathy said. "Or do I have to tell them about the time we got caught in the shower together by your parents?"

"You wouldn't dare," David replied, his eyes wide.

"Try me," Kathy said, which caused everyone to laugh. Poor David could only sit there and stutter, trying to find something to say, and finally giving up.

"You boys take a seat at the table in the dining room. Breakfast is almost ready," my mother said, taking some toast from the toaster and putting it on a plate which contained quite a number of slices.

"What about Emily, Sam, and Sam's parents?" I asked.

"They should be here any minute now," my mother replied.

As if right on cue, the doorbell rang, and my father went to get the front door. In almost no time, two young girls ran into the kitchen, the youngest running up to Kathy and giving her a hug.

"I missed you Mom," she said.

"I missed you too Emily," Kathy replied, hugging her daughter back. "Were you good for the McKendricks?" she asked.

"Uh huh!" Emily replied, letting go of her mother. "And guess what? Sam even taught me some sign language?"

"That's excellent dear," Kathy said, smiling down at her daughter. "You go wash your hands, and come back. We'll be having breakfast in a few minutes."

"Okay Mom," Emily said, then looked over at Sam, who was standing in the kitchen with her mother. "Follow me Sam," Emily said, motioning with her hands for Sam to go with her. After Emily and Sam had left, Mrs. McKendrick joinded my mother and Kathy by the stove.

"Anything I can do to help out?" she asked.

"Sure, can you get the eggs and milk from the fridge?" my mother asked.

"Of course," Mrs. McKendrick said, and opened the fridge door, taking out a carton of eggs and the milk jug.

"See the bowl there?" my mother asked, pointing to the large bowl on the counter. "Would you mind pouring some milk in there, cracking the eggs into the bowl and mixing it together?"

"Ah, you're going to make some french toast," Mrs. McKendrick said.

"You've got it," my mother replied.

"Not a problem. Where's the whisk?" Mrs. McKendrick asked.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Here," my mother said, taking the whisk out of the drawer and handing it to her.

While they were busy in the kitchen, Terry and I went into the dining room where Uncle Darryl and Uncle Tim were already sitting at the table.

"Good morning Simon, Terry," Tim said, greeting us.

"Good morning Uncle Tim, Uncle Darryl," I replied.

"Good morning," Terry said, nodding his head to them.

"So you boys ready for this party?" Tim asked.

"Yep. Can't you tell?" I asked him, turning around with my arms out to show off my clothes.

"Damn, you do look good in those Simon," Darryl said.

"Thanks.

"And so do you Terry," Tim told him.

"Thanks Uncle Tim," Terry replied.

"Boys, I need to get some things after breakfast for the party. Do you two want to come with me?" my father asked.

I looked over at Terry who nodded his head. "Yeah Dad, we'll go with you."

My mother then walked into the dining room with a large plate and bowl in her hands. On the one plate was the pile of toast that she had made, and in the other crispy strips of bacon. She placed both bowls on the table then went back into the kitchen. Kathy soon came into the Dining room, and in her hands was another large bowl. This one was filled with scrambled eggs. My favorite. When Mrs. Mckendrick came into the dining room, she had a large plate full of freshly made French toast and a bottle of syrup.

"Alright everyone, lets eat," my mother said, walking back into the dining room with a pot of coffee and a jug of orange juice.

Terry and I took our seats, the same ones we had during dinner the night before. Emily and Sam were in the living room, and brought their plates into the dining room. They both wanted the French toast and syrup. They practically ignored the eggs, bacon and toast that our parents had made.

Terry and I helped ourselves. I took a generous helping of scrambled eggs, but I didn't touch the bacon. It isn't something I like very much. I did pick up a couple slices of toast and put them on a smaller plate in front of me, and also a few slices of the French toast. Terry took a bit of everything. Especially the bacon. It was practically the first thing that disappeared from his plate when he had finished serving himself.

The talk around the table was very relaxed. My father and Mrs. McKendrick were discussing the landscaping ideas she had for our front yard. My father was taken aback by her suggestions, until she told him that she regularly helped her husband with some of his designs. It was something that she enjoyed doing, and she was even a part time employee with his company.

Once breakfast was done, Terry and I helped my mother take the dishes to the kitchen. We put the leftovers into Tupperware containers which went into the fridge, then put the dishes into the dishwasher.

"You boys ready?" my father asked.

"Yep. I just want to brush my teeth," I told him.

"Good idea. I'll meet the two of you outside when you're done," he said. Terry and I rushed up the stairs and into our bathroom where we shared the sink, brushing our teeth. We didn't waste any time, and were soon done, racing back down the stairs, and putting our shoes on. Opening the front door, we went over to the car where we saw my father standing beside it. He wasn't looking at us however, instead, he was looking at a small group of people carrying signs across the street.

"Dad, what's going on?" I asked him, confused.

"Get back inside Son," my Dad said, looking at us.

"What's wrong, Dad?"

"The man from the other day is back, and he brought some of his friends. Go back inside and tell your mother to call the police."

Editor's Notes:
This is a great chapter and the love shown between Simon and Terry is absolutely beautiful. Now on to my rant; Why am I not surprised that the bigot came back? It always has bothered me that someone who is supposed to be religious does the very thing that the bible says you shouldn't do, namely judge other people. I always considered myself a Christian, but to be honest about it, I am almost ashamed to think of or call myself that. Don't get me wrong, I still believe in the real teachings of Jesus. Unfortunately, the mainstream or maybe not so mainstream Church seems to ignore that completely. I no longer find it comfortable at all to walk into most Churches, these days. The way I understand things, God's word is that we should love one another. I have not found anything in the teachings of Jesus that said that we are supposed to hate someone for what they are. I had better stop this rant or I will fill up another page or ten. But let me just say that the love of two people for each other is the most beautiful thing in the world, and people should just lighten up and let people be themselves.

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher