COMPASSION
Chapter 4
The next milestone in their relationship came before Jack expected. All prepared for anal sex the next day they arrived at Darren's house to find both parents already home.
"Mum, Dad, what are you doing home this early?"
Looking between the two boys and seeing disappointment it didn't take a genius to work out why.
"Hello Mum, Hi Dad this is my friend. Don't you think that would have been a better opening?"
Darren blushed.
"Sorry Dad. Mum, Dad, this is Jack Hancock. He's my science project partner."
"Hello Jack, we're pleased to meet you."
"Same here Mr. Michaels, Mrs. Michaels."
"So Jack, come in and tell us a little about yourself."
Jack was surprised at that approach, but followed Mr. Michaels through to a rumpus room with Darren dragging his heels behind. Mum appeared as they were getting comfortable, with milk and cookies for the boys.
"How long have you known my son, Jack?"
"About five years Sir, We've been in the same class through high school. We got together this term because of the sciences."
"I see, so what are you going to use yours for?"
"I want to be a vet so that I can save my dad bundles of money on the ranch."
"Ah, I see."
"So, Darren, is this young man the first of many or is he the one?"
Darren blushed so heavily it looked as though he was about to explode.
"Dad."
"Well, I presume this friendship is about more than science. You haven't been this eager and happy about school since you were little."
Darren looked as though he wanted to die of embarrassment as he looked at Jack and saw the same recognition of the innuendo.
"I'm so sorry Jack, my Dad hasn't heard of the word tact."
"That's ok Darren, perhaps I ought to go."
"That's not necessary Son. If you are responsible for making my son happy you are welcome in this house."
Jack's turn to blush.
"I'll try Sir, he is a pretty special friend."
"In that case I guess you had better call us Mum and Dad, get used to it if you are here for the long term."
Jack was still blushing as he replied.
"Thanks Dad. I am, if your son wants me to be."
"Good. Both of you stay safe, it can be a hard world out there for anyone who is different."
That was so unequivocal that Jack relaxed and grinned at his lover.
"Now son, the reason for our early appearance. I'm sorry to tell you Granddad died this afternoon. Your mother and I have to go for a week or so to sort everything out as I'm the eldest son. We don't want to leave you here by yourself so I guess you are going to have to come with us."
Darren looked shocked.
"Oh no, please Dad, I need to stay here, school is really important, and I don't want to leave Jack."
The last sentence was uttered with his jaw firming up and a no surrender look in his eyes.
"I'm sorry son, but there is no one here we can leave you with."
Jack jumped in then.
"Excuse me butting in Dad, but I'm sure my parents would let him stay with us if I explain who Darren is."
Darren's Dad looked hard at Jack for a minute, then at the pleading look in his son's eyes.
"Tell me a little more about your living arrangements, Jack."
"My Dad owns the Double M cattle ranch. It starts about ten miles out of town. I have my Jeep for transport to and from school and the house is very big. There are only Mum, Dad and I so there would be tons of room for Darren."
Mr. Michaels picked up on the `starts' and queried it.
"Well we enter the property about ten miles from town, but we have to drive another couple of miles to reach the house."
Mr. Michaels realised straight away that this meant a seriously large ranch.
"I'll need to talk to your parents Jack, and I don't want to sound untrusting, but you won't mind me checking the number, will you?"
Jack wasn't stupid, getting a friend to pretend he was a parent was an old scam.
"No Sir, my number is 555 5678, we are in the book under Hancock."
Call made, Jack spoke to his mother telling her the score before handing the telephone to Mr. Michaels. A short conversation ensued and it was agreed that Darren would stay with Jack until they returned from the funeral. Both boys had the broadest grins spread across their faces that either parent had ever seen.
"Ok, you'd better go and pack enough clothes for about ten days Son. You make sure you don't cause Jack's parents any trouble. I'll give you money for your keep."
"Oh, that won't be necessary Dad, my parents won't take anything."
"No argument Son, I'll give Darren money for his keep."
Jack was embarrassed, he knew his parents wouldn't take it. Hospitality came free at the Double M. Darren disappeared to pack and Jack got a grilling.
"How serious is your relationship with my son, Jack?"
"Very serious Sir, I realised it almost as soon as we got back to school this term."
"Why not before? I don't remember Darren ever mentioning your name as a friend."
"I didn't know before. I read a lot about minority's persecution and that got me thinking about gays. When our class bully started on Darren first Phys. Ed. Lesson I stepped in to protect him and from there it snowballed and I realised I love your son very much."
Jack stuck his jaw out at that comment, ready to do battle if necessary.
"Then you will look after him if, as I suspect, you can't hide your relationship for two years until you leave for college."
"Yes Sir, with my life. Bullies don't make much headway with me and I have good friends that I am sure will support me if it gets heavy."
"Good, how about your parents?"
"My Dad made it clear when I questioned him about gay men that he would support me if that was the way I went. I know he'll be sad but I won't have any problems."
"Alright, we'll leave it at that for now. We can talk again when we get back from Darren's grandfather's."
Leave taking was completed, communications sorted and the boys piled into Jack's Jeep, almost bubbling over with enthusiasm at the thought of a week, at least, living together.
The ranch house was huge. The size took Darren's breath away. He had no idea Jack was from such a wealthy family. There was even a large swimming pool at the back of the house.
"Gosh Jack, I didn't know you were rich."
Jack laughed.
"I don't know that we are. We just have a big house and a lot of land."
Introductions made and Sheila spoke to Darren.
"I've put you in the room next to Jack, Darren, he'll show you where to put your luggage."
"Mum, please, can he stay in my room?
"Don't be silly Son. There's only one bed, and we have so much space."
"I know, but we want to sleep together."
John stepped in then.
"Is this young man the reason for your interest in the gay minority Son?"
"Yes Dad, I realised I was in that minority and was lucky enough to find Darren there as well."
Sheila looked at her husband with a look that said, `what the hell is going on?'
"I'll explain later Honey. Let the boys share Jack's room."
A quick, "Thanks Dad," and both boys scooted out to the sleep wing of the house to get settled into Jack's room.
"Oh, wow, Jack, your bedroom is nearly as big as my whole house."
Jack laughed, "Yeah, won't it be fun when I start chasing you round the room to have my wicked way with you."
"You won't need any space at all for that, you don't think I'm going to be doing any running do you?"
Serious now Jack grabbed Darren and engulfed him in his powerful arms.
"I sure hope not Little Man. I love you so much and can hardly wait for us to cuddle in bed tonight."
Darren looked up into the loving eyes of his mate and gasped at the depth of emotion he saw in them.
"Me too," he whispered as he snuggled in as close as it was possible to do. "I'm so lucky to have you as my lover. I know I'll never need another one."
The cuddle lasted a long time before practicality took over and Jack made space for Darren's clothes. They then returned to the saloon room where John and Sheila had just about finished their talk. Sheila took her son in her arms and spoke loud enough for Darren to hear as well.
"Your Dad has told me. I'm disappointed. I would have liked grandchildren."
Jack teared up.
"I'm sorry Mum, I can't help it. I realised I loved the idea of guys rather than girls and then as if it was ordained, I found the need to protect Darren from bullies and it snowballed from there. I do love him, and I know it isn't a fad, or a phase I'm going through."
Sheila pushed her son gently away from her so that he could see the smile.
"As long as I am not going to see a stream of cute young men passing through my house I think I can live with that."
"Oh thanks Mum. You won't. I know I am never going to love another boy, it will always be Darren."
`I hope' was Sheila's thought as she looked at the boy that she would readily accept as another son if he really was the one. "Alright, now, homework and we'll have dinner late."
That was it for the boys. Relaxed and happy they got on with their assignments, and even found time to do some more work on the science project. Dinner was a relaxed and jolly meal. Sheila and John making sure that Darren was relaxed and knew he was accepted. They were even more accepting when it came to discussing Darren's aspirations.
"I'm not sure yet whether I want to study medicine or do scientific research. I won't have to make the final decision until it is time to apply to colleges. My grades are good enough for either, and now that I am working with another science buff they will get even better."
The loving look he passed to Jack wasn't missed by either parent and their thoughts, discussed in bed that night, were that this new son was a very cute addition to their family and one that they thought they could grow to love.
Meanwhile, in bed together, snuggled naked, sex was not on the minds of either boy. Just being able to hold each other and know this was for all night, and all week, and maybe forever if they were lucky was enough. ******************************************************************************* The boys find that happiness doesn't come cheap in the next part.