Gay Devotion

Gay Devotion Chapter eight

It was only a week to Christmas and Andy was very much looking forward to being with Mark's family. It was a new experience for him to be with other young people over the festive season and often he would ask Mark about past Christmases with his family. They were discussing suitable presents when Mark suggested that they make their's a joint gift. Andy was agreeable. They pondered on alternatives for some time and then Andy said,

"I would like us to give your parents a reminder of my parents and if you are agree, to give them something that they prized. Come with me into the study."

Mark followed him. He moved a large Van Gogh painting that was hinged, to reveal a wall safe and turned the dial back and forth to engage the secrete numbers to open it. He took out several jewellery cases and other boxes. He opened a black velvet case.

"This was mother's favourite necklace, it's diamonds and sapphires. Do you think your mother would like it?" He pressed button and the lid slowly opened. The necklace on it's black velvet base, sparkled in the sunlight. Mark gasped when he saw it's beauty.

"Surely you will want to keep that?"

"No, but I do want it to go to a special person and that person is your mother."

"Well I am sure she will be moved by your generosity and feelings about her."

"These are now ours, so it is as much your gift, remember."

He closed the case and put it aside. He then took a small box in which was a leather case. He opened the case, it contained a pair of gold cuff links with jet and diamond insets.

"These were Dad's, would your Dad like them?" They were expensive and impressive.

"I'm sure he would. I don't think he has any cufflinks. When he attends our concerts he should find them very useful."

Andy placed the leather case on top of the jewellery case.

"Now suggestions for Luke and Susan, what would they like?"

"Luke is into skiing and Susan is keen on tennis, how about skis and a tennis racket?"

"It might be better to let them choose them, so long as they get the best", said Andy. "Personal choice is critical for sports gear. I have a contact who knew my father and I will ask him to facilitate their purchase and we can give them gift vouchers. I have some miniatures somewhere which will add to the fun."

"Now we are sharing that cost", said Andy, I insist."

"Sure, in future we will do the same for other gifts."

"Like those for Peter and Paul, remember they are also my special people."

They spent the next couple of days shopping and decided it was one big hassle. But they were pleased with their choice in the end.

It was two days before Christmas when they were lying in bed when Andy said,

"I would like to give you your present tonight."

"No way, it goes under the tree on Christmas Eve, like everyone else's."

"Now that would be really difficult."

"Oh why?"

"Because it is attached to you. It will need preparation and is likely to shrink if it does not get constant attention."

"Bloody hell, you want my cock."

"That's right, so it has to be tonight. What's more, I want you to consummate our partnership, I want you to fuck me."

Mark was perplexed. "Look, that is rather special, it needs practise and experience and I have neither yet. I want to fuck you and I want you to fuck me as the ultimate expression of your love. Have you any experience?"

"No, it will be my first time too."

"Ok, ok, " said Mark all of a dither, " but first I want to share something with you. From time to time we have agreed that it would be ok to have sex with others so long as it did not threaten our relationship, right?"

"Right."

"Well when ever we fuck I would always like us to wear condoms, safe sex will avoid accidents and stds. No way do I want to lose you. Ok?"

Andy was silent for a while.

"It is obvious that you are perfectly right, safe sex has to be our priority, we both have too much to lose. There are condoms and KY in the bedside drawer. I put them there this morning."

Mark grinned. "So you have been planning this and also thought about it, but even so we should talk about it more. If our passion demands penetration, so be it, but be sure I am safe as I will make sure that you are, ok?"

"Ok, now come here you sexy bastard, I can never get enough of you."

Mark laughed as he snuggled into Andy who immediately began his foreplay. He slowly, very slowly stroked Mark's arms, his back, his buttocks, then lightly his thighs, caressing each surface. Mark sighed, contented. He could barely be heard as he said,

"I adore your hands on my body, your fingers dancing, exploring every curve, texture so smooth yet so rough. My flesh so vulnerable to your touch."

Andy revisited those places where he knew Mark was most sensitive. His arms encircled him stroking his chest, his stomach and fondling his cock and balls. Fingers stroked his inner thighs sending charges of exquisite sensations surging through his every nerve. Mark spread his legs as his erection grew. With a heave Mark took the initiative to similarly please Andy. Andy's erratic breathing, deep sighs and whimpers of contentment and pleasure encouraged Mark. Andy's voice reflected urgency.

"Finger fuck me Mark."

Mark spat on his index finger and wiped his spital over and around Andy's anus. He gently massaged it and it responded by puckering, encouraging penetration. He spat again and gently inserted his finger gently, slowly, partly withdrawing it, then again pushing it further in. Andy moaned with pleasure.

"Two fingers Mark, and deeper."

Mark increased the spital and added the middle finger pushing deeper as he increased the speed.

"That feels great, now plug me Mark with your magnificent cock."

Andy knelt, then leant forward on his hands. Mark rolled a condom onto his throbbing cock, liberally coated it and Andy's arse with KY. He positioned his cock at the entrance and slowly pushed. There was resistance at first but with his continued pressure, it opened and the head slowly entered. Andy gritted his teeth as he felt a sharp jab of pain. Slowly and persistently it continued to slide in.

"Push like you do when you shit," said Mark, "I am told it makes it easier. Now you take the pace."

Andy did so and Mark's cock more quickly disappeared. When it had fully entered, Mark said,

"Now rest and get used to the feel of my cock inside you, for it sure is swollen tonight."

After a few minutes, Andy felt more comfortable and relaxed.

"Now pump me Mark, enjoy my tightness."

Mark began to massage his back as he slowly moved his cock out and in.

"You feel huge. I am stretched to the limit, but it feels wonderful."

Mark could feel the grip of Andy's sphincter muscles and the pressure of his bowel, both generating more intense stimulation, it was almost too much to bear. He gasped and his body quivered. He began to slowly pump while at the same time searching Andy's body for his nipples which he gripped between the thumb and forefinger of each hand. Roughly he twisted and pulled them. Andy moaned and began to rock to the rhythm of the pumping. Then he pushed back against Mark, driving his cock deeper. Mark clung to him, more energetically ramming him. Mark's muscles tightened as he felt his orgasm rising. Like an unstoppable avalanche it enveloped him and then he erupted. He screamed at each ejaculation. Mark had been frantically masturbating, he quickly leant back as jets of cum flew into the air spattering the sheet and pillow. Mark continued to hold him tightly. He felt another orgasm developing and again he ejaculated several times. He felt exhilarated and continued to pump. Another orgasm followed. He shuddered as he hugged Andy even tighter. He collapsed on top of him causing Andy to fall onto the copious pools of his cum. Neither moved, both exhausted but neither wanting their pleasure to end. Mark continued to pant as he lay on Andy's back. Mark felt his cock shrinking but he did not withdraw as he slid onto the bed, pulling Andy against him so that he could keep it embedded in his arse. He pulled the covers over them and wrapped his arms around him and buried his face in his back.

Mark awoke to find that he was still up Andy.

"Didn't you want to release me?" he asked Andy.

"No I wanted that connection to be forever. That is real bonding."

Mark laughed, "no one can deny that, and I wanted more of you last night. I hope I was not too aggressive."

"Not at all, I wanted you as much as you wanted me. It was the best Christmas present I have ever been given."

"Well tonight it is your turn to give me yours, I can hardly wait."

"Well you will have to, for at present all I want to do is to have a shower and to change the sheets. You feel just as messy as me."

Mark withdrew his cock and carefully removed the condom, it was full of cum to the point of bursting.

They showered together taking longer than usual. Mark was preparing breakfast when from the speakers in the dining room he heard the familiar Cavatina, then Cleo Laine singing He was beautiful. Mark felt quite emotional as she exquisitely enunciated the lyrics conveying the love for a man. Andy appeared and wrapped his arms around him.

"Now that's how I feel about you."

Andy turned and kissed him. "So it wasn't only my Christmas present that was appreciated?"

"Even if you were impotent I would still feel the same about you. You really are beautiful."

"Now that s quite an admission, but I'm mighty glad I am not impotent for I enjoy sex a lot."

Sex had given them a hearty appetite and they were still eating when the phone rang. It was Chris Fenton.

"I know I haven't been in touch much lately, but I felt I had to give you both my seasonal greetings."

"It is great to hear from you," said Andy who had answered the phone. "It is warmly reciprocated by us both. "Where are you spending Christmas?"

"At home in Palmerston North, What about you?"

"Almost next door, with Mark's family in Feilding."

"Really?"

"So how are you travelling?"

"My friend and I are hitching a ride for we are short of cash right now."

"Well we are leaving tomorrow morning, Christmas Eve, and if you would like a ride you are welcome to come with us."

Andy heard a "yippee, would we, I'll check with Ralph."

It took very little time for Chris to confirm their acceptance. "Ralph knows you both, he used to share rooms with Mark at Weir House and he is looking forward to seeing him again."

It was agreed that they would call for them at 10 next morning.

When Mark heard that they would have Chris and Ralph travelling with them, he wondered whether his feelings for Ralph still existed. He also wondered whether Ralph was another of Gordon's rejects. It was during the evening when watching TV that Mark asked Andy,

"Do you think Chris has been avoiding us? When I first met you I got the impression that you were close friends."

"Oh we were, with an on again off again kind of relationship. The need for physical relief more than real friendship brought us together from time to time."

"So when I became your friend, I wasn't a threat to Chris?"

"Not at all, but I think he stayed away so that you an I had no competition."

"I guess then that I have much to thank him for," said Mark.

"I never believed that Chris and I would ever become important to each other, but when I met you I knew this guy was special and I lost what little interest I had in Chris."

"It wasn't like that for me with Ralph. He had liberated my sexuality so I felt emotionally attached to him. He told me he did not love me and that was a blow to my adolescent infatuation. I swore I would never again become so easily involved with another guy."

"I noticed that at first you were decidedly cool towards me," said Andy. "It took some time before you found me sufficiently attractive and lovable." Andy laughed. "It was worth the wait, for now, oh boy, now your love is much more than I had hoped for."

"Is that the message that comes with your Christmas present?"

"Very much so and I can't wait any longer to deliver it. The TV programmes are the pits tonight so shall we improve the entertainment?"

When Andy entered the en suite, he found Mark applying Musk body spray to himself.

"Phew, you smell like a whore, but I love it and that will really turn me on."

"Perhaps I should get some help from a whore to become more authentic," Mark replied.

"Never, my men exude testosterone, not the perfume of violets."

Andy slapped Mark's bare bottom, grabbed his hands and pulled him towards the bed. He pushed Mark onto his back and lay on top of him. He kissed his chest, his shoulders and face, nibbled his ears and poked his tongue into both of them. Growling noises accompanied his bear hugs as he moved down Mark's torso. He blew bubbles into his navel, and fart like noises on his stomach. Mark's cock pointed to the ceiling as Andy's tongue washed it all over, delved through the foreskin searching for the head. His tongue pushed it back to reveal the purple head already oozing precum. This he licked with relish. Andy lifted his legs onto the bed and knelt between them. Mark fondled Andy's rigid cock and soft pliable balls. Andy continued his foreplay, for some time which was making Mark impatient for some relief.

"It's time," said Mark. He handed Andy a condom and the KY. With bent knees he lifted his legs and pelvis to present his arse to Andy. With KY coated fingers, Andy began to stimulate his anus while he caressed his inner thighs. Mark's arms reached above his head, his hands opened and closed as his body quivered, tense from the overpowering sensations that charged through him. Andy's fingers delved deeper searching for that special place. An electric shock seized Mark as he touched his prostate.

"Give me that wonderful wand, that powerful baton maestro and make glorious music with heavenly harmonies."

"Steady on dear boy, it is only my fuck stick," Andy replied with a grin.

Mark began to masturbate himself. Andy rolled on a condom onto his cock, lubricated it and positioned it against his anus. He leant forward gently forcing the head to open the aperture. Mark gasped then whimpered as he felt the sharp pain.

"Be brave love, it won't last long." Andy kept on the pressure and his cock slowly disappeared. When it reached it's full length, he rested and stroked Mark's cock which was now fully erect. He tweaked his nipples. His fingers combed his chest and stomach hair, and the thick pubic bush. With his eyes closed, Andy breathed deeply as he felt the soft silky hair between his fingers, the sensuous pleasure was making his cock throb with desire. He leant back partly withdrawing, then forward until he lay nearly on top of Mark. Marks hand stroked his body and his mouth sought Andy's as he leant forward.

"You feel wonderful within me, pump me full of your cream, feed me with your nectar, I am totally yours."

Andy began to slowly rock backwards and forwards, a serene smile on his face as if he was transported into another world. He quietly hummed a melody which Mark recognised as Greensleeves. Andy sighed deeply then began pumping more vigorously. At the fist signs of his orgasm, he rested, returning to caress Mark. Again he pumped then rested, repeating this several times. Mark pressed his buttocks against him and gripped his own cock more firmly while his arse continued to squeeze Andy's cock as he pumped. Now Andy became even more energetic, driving his cock incessantly. Deep breaths, moans and expletives accompanied his slapping Mark's buttocks until they were red. With a mighty roar he climaxed, ramming his rod as hard as possible. Mark was now flogging his cock, his fist flying like the wings of a humming bird. He yelled as he ejaculated, his cum hitting Andy's chest and face. He was still spraying him when Andy whipped out his own cock, stripped off the condom and let his cum flood over Mark. As he continued to spurt, he flopped over Mark and rapturously kissed his lips, his neck, shoulders and nipples, burrowing his face into his cum matted chest hair. He washed his face in the mixture of cream. He again kissed Mark, his tongue seeking his. Mark's legs folded around him as their embrace continued.

"Merry Christmas," whispered Andy.

"Happy New Year," whispered Mark.

They took the MBW as it had a larger boot and was the more comfortable car. Ralph and Chris were waiting for them to arrive and they were soon on their way.

"On the way we need to call on friends in Raumati", said Andy. "It wont take long."

They had lots to talk about, and in what seemed to be a very short time, they were stopping at the home of Peter and Paul. Andy and Mark were welcomed as usual with hugs and kisses while the others stayed in the car.

"Surely you have time to stop for a coffee and a slice of Christmas cake," said Peter. It took little persuasion for them to agree. Paul opened the car door and introduced himself to Chris and Ralph also inviting them to coffee. As they entered the lounge, Mark introduced Chris and Ralph who were also welcomed with a warm hug.

"Ralph was my room mate at Weir House," said Mark.

"Was he into hanky-panky in those days?" Peter asked Ralph.

Ralph roared with laughter, "he taught me a thing or two."

"Liar, it was you who did the teaching," protested Mark.

"He was a very good tutor, my sex techniques improved after I met Mark," said Andy.

"They needed to," said Chris with a meaningful emphasis.

"Well, well, now we know some of the secrets of their bedrooms," said Peter, "I love the confessions of youth."

"Bloody hell, I bet you would like to know a lot more my old darling," said Andy kissing him, "but we are not telling."

Paul entered with a tray on which were steaming mugs of coffee and a plate of Christmas cake. Peter disappeared and returned with parcels wrapped in colourful Christmas paper. He gave each one to Mark and Andy.

"A happy Christmas to you both, we will be thinking of you both tomorrow. Andy checked the labels on the gifts he has brought and gave one to Peter and one to Paul.

"With all our love. I will miss you tomorrow, but promise me that you will be with us at New Year."

Mark noticed that Chris was anxiously listening.

"I hope we can," said Paul.

Chris interrupted. "Could that be in Feilding? Although Andy is unaware of it yet, I would like him to consider a commitment for New Year's Eve."

"Oh really? Should you tell me now if it will affect Paul and Peter so that they can plan accordingly."

Chris took a deep breath.

"I phoned home to tell my parents that you were giving us a lift, Mum is one of your fans, she is also one of the City's Millennium Celebration organisation on the Regent on Broadway theatre functions planning committee." He took another deep breath. "I know you don't give concerts but she still insists that I persuade you to make an exception and agree to sing at the Regent's New Years Eve Variety Concert."

There was a deadly silence as everyone waited for Andy's response.

"I have read that the City of Palmerston North is making this New Year's Eve a very special event in the Square, a party in the park with lots of well known contributors. I think my family would like to be there. It would be great if Peter and Paul were with us," said Mark.

"We would be there for certain if you are contributing," said Paul.

"Are you performing?" Andy asked Chris.

"Mother is certain her darling has a great future and has made sure that he has been asked to sing, so I had to agree."

"Good, if you will sing a duet with me, I will sing a solo."

"She wants you to sing Everlasting Love. She has even made sure that Freyberg High School orchestra knows it so that it can accompany you."

"What a woman," said Peter, "I like her spirit, a determined woman confident that her Chris can persuade Andy, and he has."

Andy laughed. "So you will be there Paul? Chris's mum little knows what she has begun." He looked at Chris. "Will it be a duet?" Chris nodded. "So we have work to do Mark, how do you feel about that?"

"It could be fun, a return to the Rigolleto pressures."

"No way, we know our songs."

"We will make bookings today," said Paul. What is your phone number Mark so that we can keep in touch." Mark gave it to him. "This could be a very exciting New Year's Eve for us all."

They left soon after to continue the journey to Palmerston North. Mark took the wheel while Andy sat on the back seat with Chris. He questioned Chris about all he knew about the Variety Concert.

"The artists are mainly local, a combined schools choir and orchestra, and a few well known national artists such as Dame Malvina Major and the pop star Dave Dobyn. You are considered to be one of the up and coming top artists. Let's face it Andy, you are good looking, have charm, young and appeal to all generations. Everlasting Love made you famous and your jealous privacy has made you mysterious and what's more, reclusive. Your public appearance will really attract the crowds."

"It means it will also blow my privacy."

"Not necessarily, If you insist your studies are more important to you."

Andy was not convinced but reluctantly admitted that this once only public performance need not destroy his priorities.

While Chris was trying to reassure Andy, Ralph was pleased he had an opportunity to talk to Mark.

"Do you miss me?" he asked.

"Not now. At first Aaron was no substitute for you and I took some time to fall in love with Andy. I am still grateful to you for making feel so good about being gay."

"I soon found that Gordon was no friend, he only wanted someone for sex. Then I missed you too."

"Unlike your experience, my family accepted my gayness when I came out to them. I suppose it is because of your family's negative attitudes that you are not going home to them this Christmas."

Ralph took some time before replying.

"Partly, I did not want more of Dad's aggro, and the 'poor Ralph' attitudes of the others, but I am in love with Chris, so was on top of the world when he asked me to stay. His family knows and accepts his sexuality. Like Andy, he is an only child with a mother who dotes on him. They shared more about changes in their lives and their hopes for the future. There were many similarities for Chris too wanted a musical career.

Again time and distance seemed to pass quickly. As they were passing the beautiful park like campus of Massey University on the outskirts of the city, Andy asked Chris why he had not attended Massey University.

"Music was not being offered there and I knew that at Victoria it was very good. Anyway I wanted to escape my ever demanding mother and enjoy some independence."

"You seemed to have achieved that and found a special friend."

"Ralph is more than a friend, he is my lover. He is wonderful, and we are enjoying a great friendship."

"I'm glad. Now you will appreciate what Mark and I enjoy. You have no idea how much he helped me when my parents were killed. He has also contributed a lot to my success as a performer. No doubt he will also be making you work hard at rehearsals."

"I noted Mark's phone number when he gave it to Paul, so I will call you once Christmas is over." Said Chris. "We need to plan for the show is only a week later."

Chris leant over the front seat to speak to Mark.

"My home is in Ihaka Street, you turn right at the lights once you have crossed the bridge over the Manawatu river."

Almost immediately they were crossing the bridge and within minutes approaching the lights. Chris continued giving directions until they reached Ihaka Street. "Number 143 is on the left," he said. Mark pulled into the drive of a two storeyed house.

As the car stopped the front door opened and a middle aged couple emerged. Chris left the car followed by Ralph. After kissing his parents, Chris introduced Ralph then turned to do the same for Andy and Mark. Their welcomes were warm and friendly. When Andy was introduced to Mrs. Fenton, she became the gushing hero worshipper.

"Has Christopher told you about the variety concert and our invitation to you to participate? We do hope you will accept."

Andy smiled. "I have agreed and have told Chris, on the one condition that he sings a duet with me. It was a great success the last time we did so."

"Really, Christopher never told us."

Mark wondered how good communication really was between the family.

"I'll phone you Andy," said Chris as the car pulled away.

As before, they got a warm welcome from Mark's family. Everyone gave Andy a hug and also a kiss from Ruth. She took him aside.

"Are you at peace?" she asked anxiously.

"Most of the time. There are times when I break up, but Mark soon comforts me. He has helped me so much, as have you." He gave Ruth a kiss.

They entered the house where every room was decorated for Christmas.

"Very nice," said Andy. I can see Susan and Luke have been very busy."

"Come into the lounge, the tree looks wonderful," said Ruth as they followed her.

"There are no fairies on this tree," said Susan grinning, "only angels. We thought of replicas of you two for the top but decided against it, for we knew that you could never stay separated long enough to survive that honoured position."

"They would more likely be found within the thickest branches," said Luke with a smirk.

The tree had been beautifully decorated and with lights twinkling through the branches. Some presents were already around the base of the tree. Mark disappeared and return with their presents which he placed among them.

"This is wonderful," said Andy, "you are very artistic Susan and have done a great job."

"What about me, don't I get any recognition?" asked Luke.

"Yes brother," said Mark, "for I know who carried out her orders to fix decorations in the most awkward places, right?"

"How right you are, Susan kept changing her mind."

Everyone laughed.

"Dinner wont be long," said Ruth as she returned to the kitchen. John brought in cans of beer with "I bet you could enjoy one of these after your long drive."

They were thirsty but drank slowly, savouring every mouthful. At dinner everyone had so much to talk about that it was a very noisy meal.

"Would you believe it, Luke is playing the trumpet in the college orchestra just because his girlfriend Janet plays the flute." Said Susan.

"We are a musical family," Luke replied to justify his decision.

"That wasn't the reason. It provided more opportunities to see her, admit it."

Luke shrugged his shoulders. "So why are you in the college choir? So that you can see your handsome Craig. We all know you have the hots for him Susan, in fact the whole school knows it."

Susan blushed but did not deny it.

"Oh the pains of calf love," said Ruth.

"You have to admit it that it is more than that for Luke," said John. "He and Janet are very serious."

"Janet will be with us for Christmas tea," said Ruth, "she is a very girl, I'm sure you will like her."

"We haven't told you that Andy has been asked to sing in the variety concert at the Regent on Broadway on New Year's Eve," said Mark.

"What screamed Susan, Andy singing at the Regent? That really will turn things around. He has a fan club at school and the girls go gaga when he sings."

"I hear ticket sales have not been good," said Luke, "too many people want to party even though Dame Malvina Major is one of the stars."

Andy's appearance could make a difference and attract a younger audience," said John.

"The combined college orchestra and choirs are contributing and there is a practise on Monday, what a bummer," said Luke.

"Does the orchestra play any of my songs?" asked Andy

"Sure," said Susan. " and a lot of the latest pops."

"It keeps the members interested, so we play Everlasting Love," said Luke.

"The choir also sings it," added Susan.

Mark looked at Andy. "Now there is an opportunity, what do you think?"

"It's worth considering." Andy then asked Luke if they had practised any opera and was told that they were accompanying Malvina Major's items including The Merry Widow waltz song.

They were finishing tea when the phone rang. It was Mrs Fenton wanting to speak to Andy. She told him she had been speaking to the producer of the variety concert and he was delighted to hear that Andy would contribute. She had invited him to afternoon tea on Boxing Day, so could he with Mark and his family join them. Andy checked with the others. Susan and Luke decided that they had better things to do but Mark and his parents agreed to accept the invitation. Mrs. Fenton was very pleased. Before she ended her call, she also told Andy that the musical director would also be with them.

"Well, well, that lady does not waste any time," said Andy. He said to Mark, "I'm sure I am going to need your help, did you bring any music?"

Mark grinned, "when do I ever travel without your music?" He left and returned with a decrepit looking briefcase. He took out a number of songs including Time to say goodbye, and some opera arias along with Everlasting Love. "When I knew Chris was coming, I included In the depths of the temple and Largo al factotum."

"Oh boy, what a treasure, you think of every eventuality."

"I also brought Jerry's new number the millennium song."

"Now that one is sensational. If it was only possible to sing it on the eve of 2000."

"Anyway I brought it with Malcolm's orchestration. Really a ridiculous decision as there is no time to learn it."

Mark began to chuckle, then went over to the piano stool and took a pile of music from beneath it. He quickly searched through it.

"Ah I thought we had it, do you think Chris would like to sing this number?" He handed it to Andy.

"A Bachelor Gay." Andy spluttered. Then roared with laughter. "Now that would let the cat out of the bag."

"Why should it, that is a well known and once a popular song from light operetta. It would be thoroughly enjoyed by senior citizens."

"And confirm what his friends, relations and his peers already suspect," said Andy.

Ruth walked in and noticed the title. "Oh that is a beautiful song, will you sing it Andy?"

"Not me, it is for a baritone, we wonder whether Chris might like it. We will take it with us on Boxing Day."

After lunch Ruth asked Mark, "are you coming with us to the midnight service?" Mark looked at Andy.

"I always went with my parents on Christmas Eve to St. Andrews on the Terrace. It was special." Tears appeared in Andy's eyes.

"So it would be stressful?"

"Oh no, it would be a memory of a very precious family event."

Ruth hugged him. "How about Susan and Luke." She asked. They looked less enthusiastic. "I get the message. It's your decision, Christmas means different things to different people. Be sure to have a hot drink waiting for us when we return. We need to be early, for although it is a large church it is always filled to capacity."

When they arrived at the church it was already half full and very quickly filled. The service opened with the hymn Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love Divine. The church was in darkness with a single light over the lectern where extracts telling of the birth of Christ were read between carols. Just prior to midnight the church was in complete darkness when a large candle on the pulpit was lit. The Elders lit their candles from it and then lit those of the first person in each pew who, in turn, then lit each others. The church bell announced midnight when the church lights were lit and the triumphant carol Adestes fideles - O come all ye faithful, was sung. Andy's strong voice encouraged those near him to give it their full voice. At the end everyone was invited to greet their neighbours in the usual manner. Husbands and wives, friends and lovers embraced and kissed as did Mark and Andy, Ruth and John, and then each other.

"That was a very moving service," said Andy as they were driving home. "I appreciate your invitation to come with you as a member of the family.

"Of course you are family, haven't you noticed mother's persuasion?" said Ruth.

Mark laughed. "You soon will, she can be very insistent."

As promised, Luke had supper ready when they arrived home, but they soon went to bed. The single beds had been placed next to each other and made up as a double bed. Mark and Andy were quickly in each other's arms and soon fast asleep.

Sunlight filled their bedroom when they awoke on Christmas Day and discouraged their stay in bed. Even so, only Ruth and John were at breakfast when Mark and Andy appeared.

"We wont wait for the others, they are always the last to leave their beds," said John. "Anyway Ruth still has some preparation of Christmas dinner.

"Can I help?" asked Andy.

Ruth seemed surprised at his offer. "Thank you Andy, if I need help I will let you know," she said. There will only be family for dinner but Luke's Janet and Susan's Craig will be with us for tea. I hope you will like them, we think they are both really nice."

Andy had brought a crate of Chardonnay wine with them and he put several bottles in the refrigerator. As Ruth prepared the meal, Andy and Mark helped where possible while answering Ruth's many questions. At mid morning they stopped for coffee and hot fruit mince pies which Luke very much relished.

"Have you heard Andy's new album, Forever Yours?" asked Mark. No one had even though Susan said one of her friends thought she had been told about it. "Here is yours, autographed by Andy," said Mark as he handed the disc to Susan.

Susan shrieked with delight. "Thank you Andy, you a darling." She kissed his cheek and hugged him. "Shall we play it?" She did not wait for a reply but immediately loaded it onto the CD player. After opening with Everlasting Love, Could that be me followed, as did many more of Jerry's songs. Susan was entranced and John stopped setting the table to listen. Ruth opened the servery slide and kitchen door to hear it better. No one said a word when it ended.

"It is terrific, really cool," said Luke. "The lyrics are great and the melodies are beautiful really beautiful. Jerry is composing some wonderful songs."

"How are sales?" asked John.

"It is selling really well," Andy replied. "Jerry's songs are becoming very popular. Including Everlasting Love has no doubt helped, but the other songs are just as good."

"I am sure your performance has also been another reason for their popularity. You sing them beautifully, as if each was a personal message to the listener. The women love it. No wonder they want more of you."

Andy laughed. "A futile desire wouldn't you say?"

John also laughed. "While Mark is your only love, no woman has a hope."

"Mark is always in my thoughts as I sing. He is truly my inspiration."

Luke had been listening intently. "He is terribly important to you, isn't he?"

"The most important person in my life. I couldn't live without him."

Christmas dinner was a great success with all the trimmings like crackers and paper hats. The Chardonnay was perfectly cooled and Ruth's meal everyone declared could not be bettered. It was a merry meal with Luke teasing Mark and Andy with frequent references to their love life.

"You know that he is only jealous," said Ruth. "Wait until you see him with Janet, then he becomes the love sick swain. You will soon see who is the more infatuated when she comes this afternoon.. You must agree John that they are lovely young people and I do hope their friendships develop."

"You are such a romantic Ruth," said John, "don't expect too much."

They insisted that Ruth rest while the others cleared the table and loaded the dishwasher. As soon as they returned to the lounge, Luke said,

"When can we open our presents?"

His mother sighed. "It's the same question every year, he just can't wait."

"Neither can I," said John. "You can be Father Christmas Luke."

There was an air of suppressed excitement as Luke took each present from under the tree and handed it to the person named on it. Susan got a cosmetic compact and Luke a briefcase from their parents, and a joint family present for Ruth of a crystal vase. These were all much appreciated. John received a new garden hose with a sigh, "practical and much needed", he said. Mark and Andy were given leather music cases embossed with their initials in gold. They were delighted. When Ruth opened her gift from Andy and Mark and saw the diamond and sapphire necklace she was speechless. She unfolded the enclosed handwritten note which told her why they wanted her to have Andy's mother's necklace. There were tears in her eyes and she had difficulty thanking them. It was the same for John. He also very much appreciated his special gift as he read his note. Luke's and Susan's admiration of the gifts distracted them from their own. Their two small packages left them with a mixture of amusement and puzzlement until they read the accompanying notes.

"These miniatures are only telling you what you might like to choose when we go shopping on Monday," said Andy.

"It's all about choices," added Mark. "If there is something else you would prefer, that's fine."

"I really do want a good tennis racket," said Susan, "but they are so expensive."

"That's not a problem," said Andy.

"Well I was into skiing, but I am really keen on learning to play the trumpet, so is that a possible alternative?" asked Luke.

"Sure, have you identified which model?" asked Andy.

"Has he," said his father, "he talks about little else."

"So we are going on a shopping spree, this will be fun," said Mark.

Everyone kept returning to their presents, and admiring what others had received, as they continued to thank them.

The phone rang and was answered by Mark. It was Paul wishing them all a Merry Christmas. He also asked Mark if he and Peter could provide New Year's dinner as they would be attending the variety show the night before. Mark was thrilled that they would be with them and accepted their generous offer. They told him that they had booked rooms at the Quality Inn and would also be bringing Jerry and Aaron to the concert. Mark told him to bring them also to dinner.

When Mark told his mother what he had done, his mother became more than a little annoyed. "But I have already prepared for New Year's day," she said.

"That's fine for we will need your food as well, for there will be quite a crowd here," said Andy.

Ruth was still not pleased but with John's encouragement, accepted Mark's impetuous arrangements.

There was a knock on the front door and Susan rushed to open it. She returned with a tall muscular young man with closely cropped hair. He was nervous and his deep brown eyes kept glancing from one to another. Mark welcomed him with a warm handshake.

"Hello Craig, I remember you from college, we were both in the swimming team."

Craig's face lit up. "Of course, you won the butterfly one year. So you are Susan's brother."

He seemed to relax as he got to know Andy and was soon talking to everyone. Janet arrived about an hour later, just as they were going to have afternoon tea. She was short, fair and with a beautiful complexion. It was obvious she and Luke doted on each other. She kept looking at Andy, and then suddenly she said,

"I love your disc, my friends and I are among your fans. I wish you were singing at the variety concert."

"He is singing," said Luke.

She jumped up and down clapping her hands with delight. "Will it be Eternal Love?"

"Yes," said Andy, "It's my favourite song too. Mark wrote the words after we had a bit of a tiff.

"The words tell me what that was" she quietly said, "it is a wonderful declaration of total affection. Do you know it Craig?"

Craig admitted that he did not. "Oh sing it to us Andy, please."

Mark looked at Andy and could see that he was uncertain, then he said he would. Mark sat at the piano and began to play the introduction. The beautiful melody and Andy's rapturous singing soon had everyone entranced. Susan came to the piano and stood behind her brother, tears in her eyes. When Andy quietly ended the song, there was silence. Susan expressed the thoughts of many of them when she said,

"You guys love each other so much, I hope that will my experience too some day."

Andy asked her if she would sing along with him. He took Mark's place at the piano and put the sheet music of "He was beautiful" on the rack. "Do you know it?" he asked her. She blushed as she glanced at Craig. "Shall we sing it?" She nodded. As they sang it Andy kept looking at Mark and Susan glanced nervously at Craig. He was beautiful, beautiful to my eyes, on the moment I saw him sun fills the skies. In my dreams he was springtime, winter was cold. How could I tell him what I so clearly could see. Though I longed for him, I another trusted me more completely so I never could be free. Ah but he was beautiful knowing now that he cares, I will always remember time that we shared. Now it's all over still the feeling lingers on. All my dreams keep returning now that he's gone. For it was beautiful, beautiful, beautiful to be loved.

As the final words lingered in the slow ending, Susan was looking at Craig. He was deeply moved, came over to her and kissed her. He took a packet from his pocket. "Happy Christmas darling," he whispered. Susan's delight filled her face as she took a gold chain from it's box. Craig placed it around her neck. There was a further exchange of presents between the couples. Then Luke found two small boxes that he had missed, tied to a branch of the tree, they were for Andy and Mark. There were ring cases inside. Each took out a signet ring with their initials entwined . Mark took Andy's right hand and placed the ring on the third finger of his right hand then kissed him. Andy did the same with Mark's ring.

"The best alternative to engagement rings, I guess," said Luke.

"Of course," said Mark. "When you have got some spare cash, you might have similar ideas."

Janet burst out laughing as she held up her right hand on which was a silver ring. Luke blushed.

"Never mind lad, these two are a way ahead of you. No doubt your time will come," said his father.

Ruth entered with plates of warm fruit mince pies and Christmas cake, followed by John with a tea trolley. There was lots of talk about the variety concert and Andy's involvement. They also learnt that both the combined choirs and orchestras from the colleges were taking a major part, accompanying most of the artists. There was to be practises most days during the following week which they thought would now include Andy. Mark wanted to know a lot about changes at his college since he left and soon Andy learnt that during his years there, Mark had been very involved. Janet and Craig both said he had been a great organiser and 'made things happen'. Andy was not surprised.

There followed more songs from everyone until announced tea was ready. It was a scrumptious meal with pavlovas, trifle, and fruit salad. The wine flowed freely and everyone was full of fun. Susan and Craig became quite amorous as did Luke and Janet. Andy began to sing the love songs of Robert Burns, joined by the others from time to time. Mark knew the tunes to most of them. No one seemed to want the evening to end. It was late when Luke said he should take Janet home. Susan and Craig went with them some of the way until Luke and Janet left them to their own fond farewells.

To be continued.

The author Stewart Ransom invites comments. E-mail address: nivision@manawatu.gen.nz