DAVEY Previously titled REBIRTH
CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT
Written by Trevor Johnson
Editor Richie
This story is the copy write of the author and cannot be reproduced or copied without the express permission of the author.
This story also contains boy to boy sexual activity and if this is not to your liking read no further.
Gradually the noise softened and the boys prepared to leave for the hostel. It was then that a grim faced Keith Jamieson along with his partner Doctor Evans came up to Davey and took him and Johnny into a side room, "There's no other way to say this Davey but I have some bad news for you." Keith said, "It's regarding Jarod, I'm afraid he was found hanging in his cell just a few hours ago."
Keith looked at Davey who went very pale but didn't say a word as the news began to sink in. He was silent for what seemed a long time before he muttered almost to himself, "I killed him." Keith immediately defended him saying, "No you didn't Davey, you mustn't blame yourself for what happened."
This time Davey was more vocal as he turned to Keith with a look of almost hatred on his face, "What would you fucking know. You never knew him like I did, he was a kind loving gentle man who I loved dearly and because I took our love too far and made him have sex with me. Yes made him have sex and fall in love with me he is gone. I FUCKING KILLED HIM BECAUSE I LOVED HIM." He yelled at the top of his voice before collapsing in a heap on the floor, sobbing, crying and repeating over and over, "I killed him."
Keith went to pick him up but decided at the last minute not to. Johnny then went and lay down on the floor next to him putting his arms around him, pulling him close. He held his boyfriend in his arms, slowly rocking him back and forth like a baby as Davey cried and cried.
The crowds outside on the school grounds were slowly dispersing and the ground staff began cleaning up not aware of the drama that was taking place inside the school. Slowly Davey's sobs began to subside as he closed his eyes and fell asleep still in Johnny's arms. His newly adopted family were getting anxious and his older brother came to pick him up and take him home.
He gently put his arms around him lifting him up trying not to wake him. With Johnny Walker holding onto his hand they walked out to his truck where Davey was made comfortable in the back with Johnny holding onto him and they drove home. Not once did he stir and the family began to worry, should they call the doctor or not? But Keith assured them he was in a state of shock and was best left to sleep and get over it naturally.
Once in bed Johnny climbed in under the covers with him and remained with his arms around him until early morning when Davey finally began to stir and come round. The first thing he saw was Johnny looking at him with a scared look on his face, "I made a fool of myself didn't I?"
"No you reacted like anyone else would react when they heard bad news like that. How do you feel this morning?" Johnny asked.
"I feel that this is another episode behind me in my rebirth with my new family and everything. I must just keep focused on what lies ahead not what has gone in the past."
Johnny was amazed at his partner's reaction and words after his display yesterday but then realized that his training in meditation and self-discipline had kicked in, "I love you Davey and I'm so proud of you." Johnny told him as he kissed him and hugged him.
Looking at the clock Davey said, "Shouldn't we be at training by now? It's a wonder Jonathon hasn't been knocking at the door by now." Johnny started laughing and Davey wondered what he had said to cause this, "You silly thing, for a start we are at home not at the hostel and did you forget that Jonathon gave us the day off."
"Oh yes that's right, I remember now. Anyway we'd better get up and go down to breakfast because I'm starving." They quickly showered and dressed before heading for breakfast. The whole family was there and at first they treated Davey with caution after what happened when he got the news about Jarod, but this quickly turned to relief when they realized he was back to his normal self.
His older brother told him that he had arranged for the publicist from his company to contact him today with a view to putting some sort of order into the many requests for TV, radio and press interviews. No sooner had he finished saying this when the lady in question who was called Janet rang to ask if Davey and Johnny would be available to fly to Los Angeles today for an interview tonight on a new late night talk show with a guy called Jay Leno.
Davey looked at his brother with questioning eyes who said, "Why not, they are going to keep on and on until you agree and this is the top rating show on TV right now, but your mother will have to go along, Janet as well to make sure everything is above board. Plus you will have to stay overnight and come back in the morning so you'd better clear it with Jonathon as well."
As soon as they finished breakfast they called Jonathon who wasn't very happy but said that was all part of the business, "I had to go through all this before my accident and it's good that you have your brothers company to help you along the way. The next thing will be sponsorships and endorsements for companies which right now will be falling over themselves to give you money."
Davey was finding all this hard to comprehend but had to cut the conversation short and get ready for their flight to LA. Johnny was already throwing with the help of his mother clothes and toiletries into a bag and Davey's mom was following suit. The next thing they knew Janet the publicist was at the door telling them the car was waiting to take them to the airport.
At the airport the media was waiting and Davey marveled at how quickly news gets out. Davey, with Johnny hand in hand, along with Davey's mom and Janet were rushed through and into first class on the aircraft for the flight to Denver where they would have to change flights for LA. Davey couldn't get over the attention he received on board the aircraft plus when they landed in Denver they were rushed into the first class lounge to await their connection which was about an hour.
As they sat in luxurious armchairs sipping on sodas and eating snack food Davey whispered to Johnny, "I could get to like this lifestyle." Laughing Johnny nodded his head in agreement. It was not long before they were called to board their aircraft and of course being in first class they were seated first. As the other passengers boarded and walked past them it was obvious that Davey was recognized and one could hear the whispers going all the way down the aisle.
As soon as the doors were closed and the safety checks done the captain came on the speaker system welcoming them on board. He then announced that they were privileged to have on board Davey Hernandez, the first gymnast in America to achieve perfect ten scores at the All American Championship, "He is our World and Olympic hopeful even though he's only fourteen years old."
The whole aircraft erupted into cheers and applause as Davey sat there blushing, still not used to all this publicity. He and Johnny during the flight sat holding hands, not saying much and leaning over for a sneaky kiss when they thought no one was watching. Several people came up asking for autographs but when the line got a bit too long Janet stopped them saying that Davey needed to rest.
Once they landed at LA they were taken off the flight first with the captain and his co-pilot coming out to shake their hand and wish him all the best in Moscow and Madrid. They were rushed through the airport into a limousine that was waiting for them because time was tight. They pulled up at the NBC studios and were greeted by several people who appeared to be producers of the show.
The next stop was make-up where Davey and Johnny were fussed over by a couple of very nice ladies. Then they were ushered into what was referred to as the green room which neither of the boys could understand because there wasn't the color green to be seen anywhere. Janet joined them while Davey's mom was seated in the audience. Janet went through what they should say and what they should avoid talking about before saying, "I fully expect Jay to ask for a repeat of that kiss and I will leave it up to you two if you want to do that on television in front of about two million viewers.
Davey shrugged his shoulders saying, "So many people have seen it over and over again that it doesn't matter anymore." Just then the floor manager walked in saying that they were ready for them now. Both boys were shaking and held hands tightly as the announcer spoke their names. A spotlight came on them as they walked forward to be met by Jay Leno who after shaking their hands guided them over to a sofa while he went behind his desk.
The studio audience gave them a standing ovation which went on for several minutes. Then Jay went into the interview welcoming and congratulating Davey and so on. All the questions Davey was asked he answered calmly and politely. Even Johnny when asked about his relationship with Davey said that he was very proud of his boyfriend. That of course led to the KISS with the audience taking up the chant, encouraged by Jay and the studio crew. Davey made a big thing of looking at Johnny with a questioning look and he responded with a nod before leaning over to kiss his lover. Of course the audience went into raptures with a standing ovation and they kept the kiss maybe just a bit longer than they should have because both of the boys were enjoying it.
Then it was time to go to a commercial break and the boys got a big surprise when Jay Leno announced when they came back they would hear a song from the king of country music George Strait. This was the boy's favorite Texas singer, so they were looking forward to that. Once they went to a commercial Jay thanked them for coming, shaking both their hands before they were whisked away to have microphones removed and make up wiped off.
In the corridor they saw George Strait walking towards them and he stopped extending his hand saying, "I'm so glad to meet you guys and congratulations on your achievements Davey. Texas is proud of you and it's my privilege to have met you and to shake your hand."
All Davey could do was stutter a thank you before George was rushed off to perform his song. As he was walking away he turned and said, "I believe we're staying in the same hotel so would you two care to join me for supper?" Both boys and Davey's mom said they would be delighted.
One of the crew then took then quietly back into the studio so they could watch George perform before Janet collected them to take them to their hotel. On the way she explained that before they caught their flight back to EP they had two radio interviews to do and a short press conference at the airport.
The hotel itself was luxury plus and the boys marveled at the treatment they received including a banner across the foyer welcoming them and George Strait. The hotel security was on hand to make sure they weren't pestered by well-wishers and a couple of anti-gay protesters who were outside waving banners. Their rooms were on the top floor with a sitting room and a bedroom that had a massive four poster bed. Davey's mother and Janet were sharing a similar room next door.
They had just settled down together when a knock on the door turned out to be one of the staff telling them that Mr. Strait would like them to join him in his suite for refreshments. Collecting his mother and Janet the two boys walked down the corridor to a suite similar to theirs to find George and his band about to tuck into a meal of steak, eggs and assorted vegetables.
George explained that he could never eat before a performance because of his nerves but always had a big meal after. Both Davey and Johnny then realized they too hadn't eaten since the meal on the plane and both were hungry. One of the hotel chefs was on hand to cook their steaks on a small grill exactly as they liked them.
As the ate they chatted with George about his career but he was more interested in Davey's achievements and marveled that one so young could achieve what he has already achieved. Finally Janet interrupted them reminding the boys that they had an early radio interview to do so they should head for bed.
After wishing everyone a good night and thanking George for his hospitality they headed for their own rooms. Both boys took a shower together but were far too tired to make love except for some hot kissing. Getting into bed they both cuddled for a while before drifting off to sleep. It seemed it was like just a few minutes before they were awakened by the phone ringing and Janet telling them if they wanted any breakfast they'd have to hurry because their first radio interview was in less than two hours.
They hurriedly dressed and raced down to the hotel dining room where Davey's mom and Janet were already seated and eating. Both boys ordered a big breakfast but had to rush it a bit while Janet went through the details of the radio interviews, "The first radio guy is anti-gay and if he tries to get you talking at length on that subject I will pull you out right away. The second guy is great and you shouldn't have too much trouble with him." She explained.
A limo was waiting for them for the short drive to the first radio station. Just as Janet predicted this guy was more interested in their sexuality than Davey's achievements so the interview was cut short and they went onto the next station where the guy was great and the whole interview went very well.
From there it was straight to the airport where a large contingent of media was assembled in a room set aside for that purpose. The same old questions were asked and Davey was becoming quite the expert in answering them. Of course the kiss was mentioned several times and they were asked to repeat it for the cameras assembled there and Johnny made every one laugh by declaring, "It's far too early in the day for that sort of thing." And Janet thought that was a good time to end the interview and retire to the VIP lounge to wait for their flight to be called.
Davey's mom was bursting with pride and as they sat waiting saying, "Oh Davey, you are getting so good at talking to people and you too Johnny, I'm so proud of you." Blushing the both of them gave her a big kiss and a hug before heading off to board their flight to Dallas and then onto El Paso.
Once again they were feted all the way home by the airline and crew. They were relieved when they arrived back in EP that no one was waiting for them and that they were able to go home and relax for what was left of the day. That was until Jonathon called to remind them they had to do some running and some gym work tonight.
While all this was going on with Davey the AIDS ward at the hospital was busy planning a surprise celebration for Edwin. It was now two years almost to the day when he was so viciously attacked plus it was exactly a year since he was first admitted to the ward with that terrible disease.
So far he was the longest survivor at the hospital because the new drugs he was testing were working quite well and were allowing him to have a normal life. The whole event was kept secret from both Edwin and Garrett. Edwin thought he was going in for his regular checkup while Garrett who had been given the day off to came in with his boyfriend.
When they walked into the ward they thought it was strange because it was in almost complete darkness. As they went through the door the lights came on and everyone began to clap and cheer. The first thing Edwin noticed was a banner strung across the ward saying `Well done Edwin, you're an AIDS survivor of twelve months'
All the staff came up to give him a kiss and hug, wishing him continued health with Drs. Jamieson and Evans being the last. With tears in his eyes Dr. Evan's hugged Edwin saying, "There were times when I thought we were going to lose you but you're here hopefully for many years to come." The biggest surprise of all was when rising country music superstar Josh Lopez arrived and with just his guitar sang a couple of songs to Edwin and Garett.
Finally as nighttime came Edwin was invited to look out of the window and a massive fireworks display started that was sponsored by Davey's family or at least the company they owned. The finale was a display which read congrats Edwin.
With tears in his eyes he thanked everyone concerned for the great surprise and can they do it all over again next year. On the way home he snuggled up to Garrett saying how much he loved him before falling asleep. Garrett carried him in and put him to bed kissing him lightly on the lips before showering and climbing in beside him.
The gang which had been responsible for the bashing and almost death of Jason's boyfriend Francis had been identified and were now in prison awaiting trial. While this pleased Jason, Keith and police Chief Falster, it wasn't without incident. The thugs who beat him up came from over the border in New Mexico and belonged to a radical neo-Nazi group. They went out of their way to cross the border and seek out Francis for no particular reason except for the fact that he was the partner of a serving EP police officer who came out to the city and the world that he was gay.
Chief Falster was happy that they had been caught and he went out of his way to thank the New Mexico police force and also the FBI who assisted in the arrest of these criminals. Several eye witnesses had been threatened by other gang members and they had to have police watching them and their property twenty four seven. This was proving to be a burden on the police department's budget but Falster was determined not to give in to these thugs and criminals.
The district attorney had opposed bail and luckily the bail judge was on his side and the four who committed the crime were remanded into custody. Now the police were after the other gang members who kept coming over the border from New Mexico into Texas causing problems in the city. It was proving difficult to get the New Mexico police to cooperate further without definite proof and while the FBI was doing all it could the only answer was for the gang to be shut down completely once and for all.
Meanwhile Luke and Pru's wedding was looming closer and closer and plans were well advanced for the big event. Invitations had been sent out. Pru had several fittings for her wedding dress and suits had been ordered for Luke, Jason and Francis. Pru was having trouble deciding on bridesmaids and Luke opted to stay right out of it. For the time being because of Francis's bashing and other events the school visits were put on hold for a month or so.
The honeymoon wouldn't happen until later in the year when they traveled to Madrid Spain for the Olympics. Pru's mother had been very quiet and subdued since her run in with Luke when she tried to take over the wedding arrangements. Of course with a church wedding now happening she is happier. She is yet to be told that the best man and the groomsman are both gay and that Luke's Lesbian mother will also have a part in the ceremony with Beth being asked to be matron of honor.
Several of the boys from the hostel had also been invited along with Davey, Johnny and members of their family, so all in all it will be a gay wedding. Chief Falster was also arranging unbeknown to Luke and Pru an honor guard as they leave the church. It will have a police motorcade from the church to the reception which was going to be held at the hostel. The staff and boys from the hostel will be doing the catering and waiting on the tables.
It was about four days later after the news of Jarod's suicide that Keith Jamieson called the boys into his office after school and just before they started training. He asked the boys to sit down and when they had made themselves comfortable he began to speak, "I wasn't sure if I was going to let you see this letter which arrived earlier today but decided that you are sensible enough to handle anything put before you. So here is a letter addressed to you left by Jarod when he took his own life. He left a brief note for the prison authorities saying that he couldn't cope with life anymore and asked them to make sure you got this letter.
I must apologize Davey that I did open it and read it to make sure that it wouldn't upset you too much, but as I mentioned before I don't think it will unduly effect you. Wait let me correct that of course it will affect you but not enough to put you off your training or ruin your life's ambitions." With that he handed over a white envelope with the words To Davey written in big letters across it. Trembling slightly and taking deep breaths Davey took the letter from Keith, turning it over in his hands. Keith continued, "I would like you to read it in my presence if you don't mind Davey, just in case you need me. Is that ok?" Davey nodded as he finally opened the envelope taking out two pieces of notepaper.
The letter read,
My Dear Davey,
You know just how much I love you and always have. By the time you read this I will no longer be on this earth but will always be looking down on you from heaven, willing you on to do great things as you go on to become the greatest athlete this country as ever known.
I hold no grudges or malice against your current coaches but will remind you that I started you on this journey. I was the one who pushed you and pushed you to begin winning medals and trophies. Sadly due to a family who didn't understand your sexuality and the fact that we fell in love, a love which I knew was wrong but still allowed it to happen. You are the only one I ever loved with no one else coming close to the feelings I have or had for you.
I hope as you continue on your winning way that you keep a little piece of me in your heart. Tell young Johnny Walker that he is lucky to have someone like you to love and to hold and he should treasure your love for ever.
My life is coming to an end because I can't see any future in my remaining on this earth which is why I have taken the drastic action I did. I love you Davey, always did and always will, take care and good luck.
I want to look down and see gold medals around your neck and the American National Anthem being played as you proudly stand on that dais.
I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU DAVEY.
Love for ever
Jarod.
There were tears rolling down Davey's cheeks as he read through the letter several times before folding it up, putting it back in the envelope and kissing it before whispering, "I will always love you too Jarod.
He then put his head on Johnny's chest, gentle sobs coming from deep within. As he closed his eyes he clung to the young man who was the true love of his life. Johnny too was crying softly as he hugged his partner while Keith quietly rose and left the room, leaving the two boys to mourn on their own for a while.
Just as he left his office Jonathon came along looking for them and Keith explained what was happening suggesting that he delay training for another thirty minutes or so. Jonathon agreed and went on his way while Keith headed for the restaurant and a cup of coffee.
The two boys remained in each other's arms like that for a good twenty to thirty minutes before Davey softly said, "You realize I will always have a place in my heart for Jarod who I did love dearly until you came into my life. I love you Johnny and want to spend the rest of my life with you but Jarod will always be there as a man I loved and have now lost, you do understand don't you?"
Johnny replied, "Of course I do Davey and I will always be here by your side, at your beck and call, helping you all I can." They kissed gently and then looking at his watch Davey said they had better get to training because they were very late already.
From then on training took over their lives as they prepared Davey for the World Championships in Moscow. Two weeks before leaving Davey had to attend a training camp with the rest of the American team and no mention was made of Johnny being allowed to go. Jonathon asked about this and was told that there was no provision for Johnny to attend. Several telephone conferences were made before the officials gave in, naming Johnny as an assistant coach but the family had to pay for his accommodation at the camp and for his food and so on, which was no problem. Jonathon was named as one of the official team coaches so he was automatically going.
At the camp they were told they would get to meet and bond with their fellow team mates and undergo accreditations. Making sure their visas were in order and all that sort of thing as well as training day and night under strict security. It was a nervous Davey, Johnny and to some extent Jonathon who said goodbye to their parents and families for the trip to the camp. The next time they would see them would be in Moscow at the World Games.
The family's security team traveled with them but then they came under the American team security and Davey's security returned home. As soon as they arrived they received their official uniforms, training gear and other items which went towards making them a team. It was then that Davey and Johnny learnt Davey would be lodged in the athlete's quarters while Johnny was in with the coaches. This was to allow the athletes to bond with each other.
Johnny was lucky because he was sharing a room with Jonathon, while Davey was in with Brent Underwood a twenty six year old who was attending the World Games and the Olympics for the third time. Six foot four with dark curly hair Brent was married with two children and he explained to Davey that the worse part of being away in competition was not having your family around you, "You're lucky because you have your boyfriend with you even though you won't be able to sleep together. At least you will see him every day and eat meals and things with him, while us married guys or ones with girlfriends will have to be content with a daily phone call."
Davey was worried and eventually plucked up courage to ask him the all-important question, "Tell me Brent are you worried at all about sleeping in the same room and being around a gay person like myself?" Without hesitation Brent replied, "Certainly not, I count it a privilege to be bunking with a young guy who has achieved the great things you have already done.
We all dream of getting a perfect score like you did and I'm sure like me the whole country is proud to have you representing America. I have heard rumors that some of the team members aren't too happy about your sexuality but it certainly doesn't bother me. I'm just happy to be here for a third time. Over the past eight years I have won several bronze and a couple of silver medals but haven't come close to what you have earned."
Davey thanked him saying, "At least you have some medals to show for your hard work and I'm sure you have always done your best and that is all your country can ask of you. I'm confident that you will do well at these games and in Madrid. My Karate discipline as always helped me and I find about twenty to thirty minutes quiet meditation before I compete is a great help for me. If you like I can help you and teach you that over the next two weeks."
Brent was astonished at the young guy's wisdom and was surprised that he was willing to pass on some of the secrets of his success to him, "You realize if you pass on your secrets to me I might well beat you in competition." He said with a laugh.
"If you do that would be wonderful and you could retire in glory, "Davey replied. Brent was so surprised at the humbleness of this young fourteen almost fifteen year old, who wasn't the least egotistical regarding his excellence as a gymnast, "Davey I think you and I going to get on great and I will do my utmost to make the other team members see what a great guy you are."
All Davey could do was blush and mumble a thank you in gratitude. Their daily routine began at five am each morning with a run before a workout in the gym. Usually with Davey on the weights because some parts of his body were still a bit weak following all the injuries he had received. Then came breakfast followed by general meetings discussing what to do and what not to do in Moscow, which was still to some extent involved in a cold war with the United States.
They were also given some training on how to talk to the international press and how to handle themselves during interviews. A member of the CIA spoke to them about security and to be careful who they talk with, to never go out alone but always in a group of six or more with a security chaperone.
Both Davey's and Johnny's biggest problem was not seeing enough of each other and not being able to kiss, cuddle and make love. It was driving them both crazy and no matter how much they tried they were never alone during the day for more than a couple of minutes. Both of them were sure this was being done deliberately and Davey's training was suffering because of his lack of being with Johnny Walker.
The team coaches noticed this and approached Jonathon asking them what was wrong. Jonathon said, "He is missing some quiet time with his partner Johnny Walker. Don't forget he is only fourteen years old, away from his home environment and friendly faces around him. He is a brilliant gymnast, one of the best in the world right now. Part of his training schedule night and day is having Johnny around him and unless you allow him more time alone with his partner then I know he will not be performing at his peak in Moscow or Madrid."
"That's all well and good." The team coach said, "But it wouldn't be fair if we allowed these two young guys to live together when other team members can't have their wives and girlfriends around them."
"I agree." Jonathon replied, "But I think a blind eye turned away on the odd night now and then wouldn't do much harm and needn't be broadcast for all and sundry to know about. I have spoken to Brent, Davey's roommate and he is quite happy and willing to spend a couple of nights in my room on the quiet if it means Davey will be performing at his peak in Moscow."
Much heated discussion followed which went on for some time until the head coach announced that this was getting them nowhere and that he would make the final decision and let them all know what that was in the morning.
To be continued
Writer's corner:
Welcome back. Well this chapter was a lot of little bits and pieces keeping us up to date on a few things such as the wedding between Luke and Pru and the arrest of Francis's attackers.
The rest was taken up with Davey and his appearance on the Jay Leno show his training and finally the camp before they leave for Moscow.
Then of course there was the letter from Jarod which while it upset Davey at first also made him realize that it was time to move on and live his life with Johnny.
We then came to the camp and the problems of the two boys being separated and how this was effecting Davey's training. Because of his Karate discipline this shouldn't really effect the young athlete and I wonder if this is a bit of a scheme to get them together. Will the chief coach realize this or give in to Davey and allow some leeway? What do you think he should do, allow Davey to have some time with Johnny or make him toe the line the rest of the team has to?
Please let me know what you think. Once again I love to hear from you and will endeavor to answer all your e mails.
Hugs Trevor
Supertev699@hotmail.com
Editors corner:
Well I can finally write this after I finished crying. As most of you know I strongly supported Jarod and felt that Davey owed him a lot. Yes he did something he should not have done but he was more than punished for that. I wasn't surprised that he took his life. I agree with his letter that he was the one who gave Davey his start in gymnastics. I know some of you think of him as a child molester but I never did. I looked at him as someone who was in love with a beautiful young man. Unfortunately that man was too young according to the law. He never meant nor caused any harm. Remember it was Davey who pushed Jarod to make love to him. Anyway I am sure he will be watching Davey from above.
Now I am scared for what might happen at the wedding with members of the gang that hurt Francis still at large. Will they use the wedding to try and hurt these guys? Guess we will have to wait and see. Remember, Trevor tells me nothing about the future of his stories. I only get to see a chapter a day or two before you do so I can edit it.
I was happy to see the celebration for Edwin. God bless him.
I don't think Davey should be given the privilege of getting with Johnny for some "quiet" time if the other athletes don't get the same treatment. If he falters because of that then so be it. He is no better than any of the other athletes. Sorry but for my take, no special privileges. Gays deserve equal rights not special rights.
Well for now have a great day and do not forget to let Trevor your thoughts about this amazing story.
Your editor
Richie