Derek and I

DEREK AND I (School Bus Boy)

A Fantasy By Lee Mariner

FEBRUARY 2002

DISCLAIMER: This is a love story about two teenage boys. Homosexual acts will be depicted and if YOU ARE NOT OF LEGAL AGE TO BE READING THIS STORY OR YOU DO NOT APPROVE OF SUCH MATERIAL, PLEASE LEAVE.

All characters are fictional and no similarity with persons living or deceased is intended or should be construed.

INVOLVMENT IN UNPROTECTED SEX MAY LEAD TO LIFE THREATENING CONSEQUENCES AND SHOULD BE AVOIDED.

This work is copyrighted by the author and may not be reproduced in any form without the specific written authorization of the author. It is assigned to the Nifty Archives under the terms of their submission agreement but may not be copied or archived on any site without written permission from the author. Copyright: 2002 -- Author: Lee Mariner -- All Rights are reserved.

Mariner23502@hotmail.com

CHAPTER #3

The loud insistent ringing of the telephone woke us from a sound sleep. Glancing at the desk clock, it was after 9PM. Derek snuggled closer as I answered it.

"Hello."

"Larry, Eddie. It's after 9 if you're gonna get something to eat before the restaurant closes."

"Thanks for calling Eddie, I appreciate it."

Hanging up the telephone, Derek mumbled. "Who was that?"

"Eddie on the front desk. He thought we might want something to eat before the restaurant closes. Are you hungry?"

Derek snuggled closer his lips nibbling at my chest the tip of his tongue licking my breast nipples.

"You keep that up and we won't be going anywhere."

"What's wrong with that?"

Every touch of his lips sent shock waves through me as he slowly kissed his way down taking my cock in his mouth. I threw the blanket back as he swallowed me to the base and gripped my cock with his lips.

"Switch around Derek, I want you."

Derek moved without withdrawing from my cock and thrust his thick meat at my mouth. We both drove our cocks deep into hot smooth throats the passion increasing with each thrust. We ran our hands over each other feeling the hard muscles moving with every sucking thrust. Very quickly we reached our mutual climaxes and thick streams flowed in mind numbing volcanic explosions of hot molten sperm as we greedily consumed each other. I didn't think Derek would ever stop gushing his seed down my throat. I swallowed him and my cock jerked with each thrust of my hips, my seed flowing in a steady stream.

We slowly relaxed still holding each other draining the last drops from our softening cocks, two hearts beating as one in the passion of wanting each other. An utter and enveloping feeling of warmth covered me as he moved around, his lips meeting mine in a soft loving kiss.

We lay in a warm embrace without words, the feeling of togetherness surrounding us. My mind and body were telling me I was where I wanted to be, held in loving arms. The memory of Paul's words, "be happy," rushed into my mind. I felt complete happiness holding Derek.

"Derek, are you glad we met?" The question sounded silly as I asked it but I needed to hear him tell me he was. I needed to know if he was feeling the same as I was. I felt his chest expand as he took a deep breath.

"No, I'm not glad we met. I'm happy we did."

Derek propped himself up on his elbow hovering over me his hand stroking my chest. His eyes were soft and I could see deep feelings in their depths as he leaned down and kissed me.

"I'm as happy as I have ever been and it's all because of you." He inhaled deeply as he ran his hand over my chest and ribs. "I have had sex before but not in bed. I didn't want to go to bed with anyone until I met you. There was something about you that first time that told me this was what I wanted. You are what I have wanted Larry. I want someone that wants me but not because of my body."

I opened my mouth to say something when he shooshed me saying,

"Let me get this out before you say anything. We are both young, you're 19 and I'm 18. We don't know that much about each other yet but I know how you make me feel and I think you are feeling the same way. I don't know all the stuff about being in love but if the way I have felt since we met is love, I'm in love with you. I have not thought about anyone since that first time together. I jerked off thinking about you and wanting to be with you. I dreamed about you and all I want to do with you. Sex will be part of it but not all. I want to grow with you. I want to learn everything about you and your family. I want us to be together from now on."

Sucking my lungs full of air, I could see the tears welling up in his eyes as I exhaled. I was feeling the same way as I rubbed his cheek. All the time I was listening to what he was saying the memory of guys that had told me they loved me came to mind. I knew it was just part of the sex and no real feeling behind it. I had been in bed with a couple of guys but it was just for the sex. Eddie had been that way when we went to bed but afterwards he never called. Some guys are like that, they find someone, get what they want and that's it. With Derek, I could feel what he was saying radiating from him, his eyes shining with sincerity and love.

I sat up in the bed pulling him up with me. Holding him in a soft embrace, I looked into his eyes and nuzzled his nose with mine. "Derek, would you tell me your name, your last name?"

"Kingsley." He said it in almost a whisper.

"Derek Kingsley, I love you for all that you just said. We are young and we have a lot to learn. If you want to learn it together, we will, I don't want to lose you."

Derek dropped his head on my shoulder saying, "You don't know how much I wanted to hear you say that."

We sat in bed holding each other for what seemed like a long time. I had the feeling that my brother Paul was in the room with us. A feeling of happiness surrounded us and I said "Thanks Paulie."

"Paulie? Who's Paulie?" Derek said, leaning his head back slightly.

"My brother and I'll tell you all about him. Lets run over to the Burger King and get something to eat? I am a little hungry now."

We dressed quickly, shorts and t-shirts. Derek sat close as I drove the short distance to the Burger King. The way the girl in the pick-up window looked at us, I just knew what she was thinking but I didn't care.

Back in our room, we stripped again and pulled the table over close to the television so we could eat and watch at the same time. Derek liked one of my favorites, the History Channel but I wasn't watching the program. I watched him sit with one leg under him and the way he arranged his food on the wrapper of his burger. I saw the way he ate French fries one at a time and mixed his drink each time before taking a sip and the strength of his jaw as he ate. His muscled chest rising and falling as he breathed and the occasional glance my way with a smile. We ate in silence but the feelings flowed between us stronger then words.

Finished eating Derek turned the television off while I put the trash in the container beside the dresser. Again without saying anything he walked into the bathroom and turned the water on. We showered together washing each other exploring and learning. Half hard cocks but not thinking about sex and we enjoyed the feel of each other as we dried off.

Returning to the bed, Derek moved into my arms like he belonged there and I kissed the top of his head.

"Larry have you been on the Eastern Shore?"

"I've driven up route 13 but that's all. Why?"

"Let's drive over there tomorrow, I want to show you something."

"Sure, but what is it?"

"Wait until we get there. Okay?"

I didn't ask anything else. We lay there holding each other falling off to sleep again.

The following morning, we woke up to a loud knocking on the door. I jumped out of bed naked and half hard looked through the peep-hole in the door, it was Eddie.

"Just a minute Eddie, be right there."

I grabbed my shorts pulling them on as Derek sat up in the bed the sheets around his waist. I thought he might go into the bathroom or put his shorts on as I opened the door. He just sat there a vision of beauty in his sleepy condition, his hair mussed up.

I opened the door and Eddie came into the room without being invited. Closing the door, I turned and Eddie was standing there staring at Derek.

"Eddie this is..." He cut me off.

"Whoa Larry, where you been hiding this at."

Before I could say anything Derek answered Eddie.

"The name is Derek Kingsley, I'm not a "this". You must be Eddie that Larry has told me about." Derek sat in bed, his blue eyes flashing with his magnificent chest rising and falling rapidly. I could see he was irritated by Eddie's remark.

"I'm sorry Derek, nice meeting you. Eddie Carper and I didn't mean it the way it sounded. Larry hasn't told me a thing about you and it was just a bit of a shock seeing you when I came in. Sorry."

"You seem to have survived the shock, nice meeting you."

I went and sat of the bed beside Derek. It was obvious Eddie was impressed because of the bulge developing in his crotch. He stood there and we sat in silence for a second or so and I was even more impressed with Derek and the smooth way he put Eddie in his place.

"I thought maybe you guys would like to have breakfast with me is the reason I stopped. We have a damned good one if you want too."

I was enjoying his embarrassment and placed my hand on Derek's sheet covered knee and I didn't answer.

"I guess we could do that Eddie. Larry and I are going out afterwards but breakfast would be nice. How about we meet you in the restaurant, 15 minutes okay?"

"Sure thing, see you then. Nice meeting you Derek."

Eddie left the room and I was wondering how he was going to hide the hard-on in his jeans and I was grinning as I turned to Derek.

"Good morning sleepy head. How do you feel this morning? I should have known he was going to think of someway to get in here and see you."

"That's why I didn't hide in the bathroom. Did you see him getting hard? He is big isn't he? Did you go to bed with him?"

"He is big and I did go to bed with him. Good looking, great body, beautiful green eyes but he wants only one thing and he didn't get it from me."

"I can imagine what that is from what I could see, he would tear you apart."

"Not me. That is not my thing, at least not yet."

"Do you think it ever will be? I've never done it but I have thought about it."

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there. Let's get dressed or he'll be knocking on the door again and I don't think he could stand another shock so soon."

Derek grabbed me and we wrestled on the bed breathing heavily. I didn't want breakfast right then but we got up.

We both dressed in cutoffs with Polo T-shirts. I loved the way Derek's fit him skin tight showing the definition of his chest and narrow waist. He brushed his hair but did not use any hair stuff to hold it in place and only a small amount of men's cologne. I found out later he preferred Aspen. Derek may have been 18 but he carried himself like a man and walking with him made me proud of the both of us.

Eddie had a table set up and the restaurant was really not that full. His eyes were riveted on both of us as we walked towards him and sat down.

"You have a choice of buffet or ordering from the menu. Buffet is $6.95 all you can eat. Do you want coffee? I've ordered orange juice."

"Milk for me Eddie with the juice. What do you want Larry?"

"The same but I think I'll order. Buffet's blow my mind and I try and eat every thing on it. Besides, if we are going to drive to the Eastern Shore we might want to stop for a bite over there."

"I'm going to order myself Eddie."

"That makes three of us. Where are you going over there? I haven't been that way in ages. There used to be a gay campground over there on the ocean side called Capeville I think. I'm not sure if it is still there though."

We placed our orders with the waiter. He was a cute kid and you could see Eddie checking him out.

"You know him Eddie, pretty cute kid." I said.

"Nah, he's only been here a few day's. I don't have anything to do with the restaurant help. They handle their own people, not connected with the motel."

Derek shrugged his shoulders and I asked, "It's not connected with the motel?"

"No, they lease the space from the motel owner. Didn't you notice the name outside the door? "The Hickock Room". I don't know the connection by its some chain corporation."

The young waiter brought our food and as he was placing it on the table Eddie said, "Thanks Ryan. Bring me some more coffee when you get a chance will you?"

"Yes sir, Mr. Carper."

I noticed Eddie's eyes following the kid as he walked away. I was pretty sure he would get to know him better. After I first met Eddie, we went out together a couple of times. He liked young, good looking kids around his own age. I had just turned 18 when I met him at the beach and he moves pretty fast once he spots someone.

Breakfast was quiet for the most part with a few questions about the Eastern Shore. Eddie mentioned the gay campground again but didn't know much about it other then it used to be there. Derek sat and listened with only a comment now and then. I learned later that was the way he learned things and that usually his comments had a reason behind them. He asked about the campgrounds location and when Eddie had been there last and it seemed like just casual conversation.

Breakfast over, Ryan brought the check and Eddie signed it with a generous tip. "Put it on my account Ryan."

"Yes sir Mr. Carper, thanks a lot."

"Breakfast is on me fellas. What time do you think you'll be back?"

I looked at Derek before saying, "Not really sure Eddie, probably late."

"Have a safe trip then. Your room will be taken care of while you're out. If you get back in time maybe we could have dinner together."

"Thanks for breakfast, we'll see you later."

"Eddie, could we use one of the blankets in our room?" Derek asked surprise me a little.

"I don't see why not. I'll let the maid know if she says anything about it missing."

We walked out of the restaurant and Eddie returned to the front lobby. I unlocked the truck while Derek got the blanket. Sliding in next to me we kissed briefly and I could taste the milk he had for breakfast. I started to ask what he wanted the blanket for but he spoke first and I forgot about it.

"Did you see the way he was looking at that kid back there Larry? It was like he was undressing him."

"He was and probably will before very long if I know him."

"How well do you know him?"

"We went to bed once like I told you. He has a room next to the front office he uses when he works the weekend. I'm not really sure just where he lives in the city. Eddie's nice but he is not my type for a relationship. I don't think he wants a relationship with anyone. He likes chicken. Are you a little jealous of him?"

"Noooooooo, not really or at least I'm not worried. I know you have had others before me."

I turned and holding his hand I looked into his eyes. "Looking and admiring someone does not hurt Derek. I would think something was wrong with you if you didn't and I know you don't expect me to stop looking. That's as far as it goes baby. You are all I want. If you need for me to sign a paper or get on my knees I will but believe me when I tell you I love you and only you."

Derek laid his head on my shoulder with a deep sigh. "Forgive me Larry, I'm sorry. It's because I love you and I don't want to lose you."

"Fat chance of that happening, not the way I feel about you."

It was a beautiful sunny cool day as we drove. The Bay Bridge Tunnel was not heavy with traffic and we stopped at the first island for a couple of drinks. There were a few people fishing on the pier and we walked to the end looking out over the water. There was one pretty big container ship in the channel and we watched as it got closer and bigger. She was flying a Canadian flag from her stern. "Wonder where she is going Derek? Maybe she is going home to Canada or some country on the other side of the ocean."

"I wish we were on her going wherever she is. Maybe Italy or France. Someday we will travel and see some of the places that are in the books at school. I love traveling and now I have you to travel with."

"Someday we will, I promise. Wanna get going? You still haven't told me where we are going."

"You'll see, I just wish it was a little warmer but it'll be okay."

I love a good mystery but he was only dropping vague hints. As we drove, he would snuggle closer and every now and then push his hand between my legs squeezing my inner thigh. My cock would start stirring and he would stop. The pressure he was causing only made me breath heavier and I dropped my right hand feeling for him. His cock started swelling as I returned his squeezing and he would nibble on my ear lobe.

"Derek baby, we better stop this or we both will have explosive accidents and we used all of the tissues the other day."

"I brought something else from the room. You're right though but sex with you in the truck is exciting and I love feeling your thighs squeezing my hand."

"So do I but not at 65 MPH, that can be more dangerous then exciting."

Fisherman's Island slipped by and we could see a couple of deer jumping in and out of the scrub brush. Derek still had his hand on my leg and it felt good but the excitement we felt had subsided a little. My cock was still half hard.

There were several fishing boats on either side of the causeway and some of them waved as we drove by. From what I knew about the Eastern Shore, it was mostly farms and a very laid back slow lifestyle. The only campground I remembered was Cherrystone of the highway around Cheriton, a small town. A gay campground was new to me but Eddie seemed to know about it.

About 5 miles off the bridge on Rt.13 a sign reading Capeville was on the shoulder and beneath it a small green sign that read "camping" with an arrow pointing to the right.

"Turn at the next roadway Larry and follow the signs."

"You want to go to the campground Eddie was telling us about? I never knew it was over here."

"The last time my family went to Wilmington to visit my grandparents, I saw the sign. The one on the other side had a gay emblem on it but I don't see one on this side."

"Okay, but that does not really mean it is gay."

"I think it is. I checked campgrounds on my computer and it was listed under the gay places for visiting. It's supposed to be rustic tent and mobile home camping. It even told you the miles from the bridge tunnel going north and from the different cities south from New York and east from Washington D.C."

We turned at the next crossover and a sign said 3 miles. At the next road another sign pointed to the left and we turned again. The fields all around were full of corn and you could see where they had started harvesting. Turning left, we saw several houses and then a small sign "camping" at the entrance onto a dirt road on the right. I looked at Derek before turning. His eyes were looking everywhere taking it all in like a little kid.

The road was bumpy and led into thick trees and then a large open grassy field on our right with a small house just off the road. The building was painted red with a flat white roof. Tacked on the outside was another sign that said "Office, blow horn if no one around." Stopping, I started to blow the horn when a lady came out of the office building. She was wearing a pair of bib overalls with what looked like a long sleeve flannel shirt. She was heavy set with stringy gray hair but a smile on her face as she walked towards the truck. When she was just a few feet away, I opened the window as Derek slid back on his side of the seat.

"Hi, can I help you?"

Derek and I looked at each other and he said, "Is this the Capeville Ground?"

"Sure is, my name is Ruth. I live here and sort of run the place for the people that own it. You haven't been here before, I can tell. I know most of the people that come here. Looking for someplace to do some camping?"

"We heard about it from a friend of ours. My name is Derek and this is Larry."

She looked at us for a minute. "Gay" is all she said.

I looked back and said "Would that make a difference if we are?"

"Nope. You got a gay emblem on your windshield and I just wanted too hear it from you. Don't make a bit of difference here."

"Then this is a gay campground?" Derek said, "We heard it was."

"Some of both. Derek was it? How old are you?"

"Larry is 19 and I'm 18 and yes we are gay. Is it okay if we look around?"

"No camping stuff with you? We don't have trailers or tents for people that don't have their own stuff."

"No, Ruth. We just wanted to look around a little. You wouldn't mind would you?"

"Got a couple of rules. Larry was it? Looking is okay but we don't bother anybody and no picture taking. If seeing someone naked bothers you then you might not want to come back, that's up to you. Most straight folks I put up here at the front so we don't have no trouble. Some do get involved but that is their business as long as its mutual. I don't put my nose in peoples business. We only have outhouses and back there you see the cold water showers."

We looked to where she was waving and saw more red buildings that sort of blended in.

"It did say rustic and I guess it is Larry."

"You bring your own comforts. We have 12 hookups and a dump station back by the showers for waste. It's all cold water unless you have a trailer that has a hot water heater. Most of what we have do. There are 6 trailers now but I bet you will be either tenting it or maybe one of the pop-top trailers."

"Tent probably but Larry and I just want to look around a little."

"Go right ahead, follow the road. It makes a loop and leads right back up here. There's 4 guys down there now but they got camper trailers. Stop on your way out if you want."

We drove on following the road into thick woods. There was a large house on the opposite side but it looked empty. As the trees thinned, we could see some trailers and then as it curved the ocean was almost in front of us. Thick reeds and some islands off shore made a beautiful view. The campers that Ruth had mentioned were spaced fairly well apart and all had wooden decks attached. On one deck we saw 4 guys sitting and they waved as we passed slowly. Following the road we came to another curve and I angled the truck out so we were facing the water. I could see in the mirror that they four on the deck were watching us and talking.

Derek slid back beside me and we sat there looking out over the water and every now and then I glanced in the rear view mirror.

"Do you like it here Larry? I think it is beautiful, so quiet and peaceful. That Ruth is a character but I like her."

"It's nice Derek, you want to come back and camp here? We need to get some gear if we do."

"I'd love it. We could get a double sleeping bag with a small tent. My dad's got an old Army propane cook stove we could use and other stuff we might need."

"Have you ever camped out before? I did when I was a boy scout but that is a long time ago."

"Me too. I slept with another boy in something like a pup tent. I knew I was gay but I didn't know about him. We had our own sleeping bags though."

"Didn't try nothing then?"

"No I didn't. He was nice and I liked him but I wasn't about to try anything. Did you?"

"Nope, didn't get the chance. Paul and I slept in the same tent. I was 13 and he was 18 and I wanted to but he was my brother. I kind of knew I liked boys and I loved Paul but like I said he was my brother."

"You called his name out last night Larry, it sort of surprised me when you did. Are you going to tell me about him? You said you would."

"It is a bit of a long story Derek. Let's wait until later and I will but not right now."

"Whenever you want Larry."

Derek and I sat there awhile longer holding each other. I hadn't looked in the mirror and a rapping on my window startled me. Two of the guys had walked up behind the truck and I didn't see them. I rolled the window down.

"Hi there. Didn't mean to startle you. First time here? My names Hector, everybody calls me Hec and this is Charlie. We thought you might like a beer."

"Thanks but we were just about to leave. I'm Larry and this is Derek. We only drove in for a look see, nice place."

"We like it, nice and quiet. Sure you don't want a beer, we got plenty."

"No thanks Hector, maybe the next time we come over."

"Okay Larry. We are here almost every weekend. Don't do much just hang and enjoy doing nothing. We come down from Salisbury, you from the Va. Beach side? You said you come over and that usually means from the south."

"Yeah, we just drove over for the day. A friend of ours told Derek and I about the place. Maybe we will see you next time. Derek wants to try some camping."

"I think you'll like it. Come on back there are a couple of good spots that need someone in them."

I started the truck and they stepped back. Pulling away the stood watching as we drove on out following the road.

"Did you notice that the guy called Charlie didn't say anything? He just stood there while the Hector guy did the talking."

Derek snuggled a little closer. "I noticed and he made me uncomfortable. I bet they had more on their minds then offering us a beer. I don't like beer that much anyway."

"You could be right, I had the same feeling. I looked in the mirror and the other two on the deck were standing and just watching. Maybe we better think some more about coming back here. Where too now, back to the motel?"

"No not just yet. There's a small beach I wanted you to see. We found it once when my Dad wanted to check out an old radar station that was over here during World War II. Take the last left just before you get to the bridge entrance."

As we got to where the office was, Ruth came out waving. I didn't really want to stop but she was darn near in the road.

"Well what do you think? I was beginning to think you had gotten lost or ran off in the water. Think you might like to come back?

"We were sitting looking out over the water. It is beautiful and I think we will be back. A couple of the guys introduced themselves too us. Sort of surprised us, we didn't see them come up to the truck."

"Hector and Charlie I'll bet. They seemed to have appointed themselves an unofficial welcoming committee when they see any new people come in. I don't put my nose in where it's not wanted but take some advice if you come back. Don't get that friendly with those two. Ben and Todd are alright, sort of keep to themselves, they are a long time couple."

"I told you Larry, didn't I? Thanks Ruth we will be careful."

"You spotted it did you? Smart boy. If you decide to come back, the fee is $6.00 a night for tent, $8.00 for a pop-top unless you hook up to water. It's $12.00 then and $20.00 for a camper trailer. I can put you up here in the front if you want or you can find a spot down there with the others, that's up to you. I kind of like a little company up here, don't get that many ladies here. My old lady is roaming the countryside somewhere. There aren't that many here on most weekends except for a holiday."

"What do you think Derek? You want to try it out? I would kinda like to give it a try, might be fun just the two of us."

Ruth chuckled a little and then asked. "You kids just getting started ain't you? Lordy do I remember when I was your ages. How long you been together if you don't mind my asking?"

We looked at each other a little sheepishly. "Just a week yesterday." Derek said grinning at me.

"And full of love for each other. Shows all over you both. Got time for a cup of tea or coffee? Don't get much chance to just talk and especially with young people."

"We were going to stop at a beach on the way back. Derek knows where it is."

"You mean that stretch of sand by the old radar station? You can't get to it if that's it. The state has bought all of that land and blocked it off. There's talk they want to make it a wildlife preserve and renovate some of the buildings for research and exhibits for the public. The federal gov't owned it but they sold it back to the state."

"I'd like a cup of tea and some water Larry. We don't need to rush back. I wish we could stay here but we don't have any camping gear with us."

"No rush now is there since that beach is closed off. Some water and tea sounds good."

"Good, pull your truck over by my old wreck and I'll get the water on. Don't have any ice but the well water is pretty cold."

We parked beside what had to be an antique Chevrolet pickup. I wasn't even sure of the year it was made. Ruth's "office" turned out to be a fairly comfortable living space. Small with a wood stove that she used in the winter. A bed was against one wall with a small wooden table and two chairs of some description. A large wash tub hung on one wall behind a partition that sort of divided the space. She had a hot plate, coffee pot and different pots, pans and dishes. A pay telephone hung on the wall by the doorway. Three windows, one at each end of the building and one over a sink that didn't have running water but a dishpan where you normally would wash dishes. She didn't have much but it was clean and organized.

She fixed the water for tea and drew a bucket of water from an outside pump. Derek and I sat on the bed at her invitation. She kept up a running commentary on the campground, how long she had been on the "Shore", her absent lady friend who was a full blooded Cherokee Indian who was called Moonglow. Ruth said she had been raped twice hitch hiking around the country but still kept it up. Ruth had a daughter and a son but hadn't seen them in years. They knew she was a lesbian and didn't want anything to do with her. Two lesbians owned the campground but rarely visited. What money she took in was mostly for maintenance needed to keep the grass cut the tractor with bush hog upkeep and paper for the outhouses. She didn't need much money since she didn't pay rent to the owners and only what food she needed. I thought it was a pretty rough way for someone to live but she seemed happy.

We told her Derek was still in school and where I worked and how we met. She got a kick out of that saying that some things don't change. She had picked up Moonglow on one of her trips when she was traveling and they had been with each other off and on for several years. I don't remember how long we sat talking but it was getting darker outside.

"Derek, it's getting late. We better get going."

"I guess so. It has been great talking with you Ruth. Maybe we can come back over in a couple of weeks and talk again, I'd like that."

We started to get up when Ruth said...

"If you kids want to stay over here tonight, I have a friend that runs the Executive Motel on the highway. She has plenty of empty rooms this time of the year and I could give her a call. You can even eat in the restaurant and we could have breakfast in the morning before you go back. I haven't seen Helen lately but I know she would like some company."

We looked at each other and I could see a little gleam in Derek's eyes. "I guess we can Ruth and it's no trouble."

Derek threw his arms around me knocking me back on the bed kissing me.

"Well, I guess that settles that." Ruth said grinning at the two of us entangled on her bed.

Ruth called her friend and after a few words she told her our names telling her we would be along shortly.

"Helen is delighted to have you. The motel has 80 rooms and only two are rented. Cost you $6.00 for the night and she asked if she could have dinner with you."

"$6.00, you got to be kidding Ruth. Just $6.00?" I said in amazement.

"Yep, that's the tax and she said there's no sense in them sitting there empty and she would like someone to have dinner with. After 10PM the restaurant closes, her help goes home and she closes down just leaving a vacancy sign on in case someone stops."

After she gave us directions, I remembered seeing the place. We both gave her a big hug and she said she'd see us in the morning about 9 o'clock.

It was pitch black when we left the campground and I was just as glad we weren't driving back.

To be continued...