This is a work of pure fiction, but based on the author's feelings, beliefs, and in some cases, experience. Come to think of it -- it might not be all that pure! There may be graphic sexual encounters at times between males, so if this offends you, you are invited to retreat. If you are too young or it is otherwise illegal for you to be reading this kind of story, shame on you for reading it - - please stop here. If not, - -ENJOY!
Cast of characters:
Michael Timothy Headly -- That's me! (Sometimes ... Ronny)
Spike -- (Diane, my big sister)
Mary -- My mom
Tom -- My father.
Gilbert Blank -- Friend from Woodland
Joey Gray -- Gilbert's "little brother"
Bobby Pepper -- New friend
Arlo Gates - Orienteer
Randy Samson -- Arlo's roomie
James Samson (Jay) -- Randy's adopted brother and ... My Twin! (Shawn)
Blair -- New Roomie (Todd is his friend from high school)
Jacky -- one of five brothers and a sister: Jared, Jed, Jimmy, Jock and Julie
Jody -- Dude from Hurricane Harbor
AJ Rippey -- Jay's team mate.
Epilogue
So many of you have asked ... so here it is:
"You boys know that it's never going to be easy for you, right?"
"Yeah Dad," Said Jay. "But it would be dishonest to not be who I am. And I could not be me without my brother ... I could not be whole, apart from Mikey. I tried it ... not for the two years I hoped -- but I gave it the best that I had. Contrary to what I told Mikey, I couldn't stand the thought of him ... with ... anyone else."
"Mr. and Mrs. S, I know that we have been lucky in many ways." I started. "I've heard some horror stories about the way some like us have been treated, but here in Chicago and ... really out in California where I am from ... it's easier than some other places. And I think most of that's in the past in most places. The youth today are not so freaked out by someone who is different than they are. We still expect some people to act rudely, but - "
"But -- Mom -- together we are stronger than apart." Said Jay. "We'll never ... at least in our lifetime ... expect to be accepted by The Church as normal. And ... well ... we AREN'T normal. We represent somewhere between 3 and 20% of the population ... and from what I have been able to research, it's probably closer to 6%. So if 94% are heterosexual, then yes ... we are different ... which means that we are not normal -- as some count it.
"I don't agree with those that said the Jesus might have been gay -- or those who claim that Joseph Smith performed gay marriages. Don't worry about us that way. As far as I can determine, most gays are more like us: they just want to live and be happy. Some are not as lucky as Mikey and me: they never find the second part. And I know that we are young ... twenty in December ... but I don't think we will ever desert one another. We DO have weaknesses and so we will have problems -- like anyone -- and maybe some serious problems, even. But I am confident we can and will be strong together.
"I'm sorry, Mom ... I have asked the Bishop to remove my name from the records of the church."
"You know, son, that in doing that The Church will leave you alone, but also prays that you will come back someday." Said Jay's dad. "I'm not sure that's possible, considering their strong present beliefs about homosexuality. You'll never be hated ... at least not officially. But there are always some , and they will be judged strongly for their own hypocrisy and being in judgment of others ... who will act hatefully ... in and out of The Church.
"But the most important people in your world -- besides each other -- are you family and I know I speak for us and well as your own parents, Mike. We love you and accept that you love each other in a way that we can only understand as how your mother and I love each other. The attraction to your own sex will never make sense to me." He said with a shrug. "I just have to accept what's before my eyes. And as you said, I can see how your brother ... and Mike's sister ... simply see you as their brothers, and think nothing about your private feelings -- other than they love you for loving them and ... each other. Diane and Randy are the example and the hope of the future."
"Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. S." I said.
"Yeah, thanks, Mom and Dad." Said Jay.
"And maybe ... you will someday feel comfortable calling us Mom and Dad, Mike." Said Jay's Mom.
"That may be sometime when you are comfortable calling him ... Mikey!" Said Jay, grinning
"Welcome to our family ... Mikey!" Said Mr. S.
"Jay, as your bishop, I could never marry you to your Mikey. But I can pray for you. I can pray that the Lord will watch over and protect you, and that others -- in and out of the church - will be charitable. But I can't make them be. I have watched you through the young men's program and am sad that you are forced to take this step -- because like your family -- I love you. But I agree with your father. If you choose this, then you're better off without the responsibility of church membership.
You won't have home teachers, Jay, but I'm sure that your dad will look out for you. He's an honorable man ... as I believe you are. I can only pray that all this gets worked out in heaven."
"Thanks Bishop. I love you too." Said Jay.
The bishop looked at me and said, "Mike -- just looking at you ... I'm damned if I can't help but love you too!"
We all laughed, and I said "Thanks!"
"Where do we go from here, Shawnie?" I said.
"Well, I screwed up any chance of university this semester, but hopefully I can get in, in January."
"Are you sure? With AJ out of commission, maybe the coach can work a deal for you. At least get you in -- even if not on a scholarship yet."
"Don't count AJ out yet, but I guess I could talk to coach Bill. I had a good rapport with him last spring, when he came to the high school."
Jay got on at the university. No one complained about him staying in our dorm, since he wouldn't be occupying another bed. A few people just had to look the other way. I mean ... there has to be SOME benefits to living in Chicago. Then we went to the Samson home every weekend ... and slept in separate rooms ... a small sacrifice for the love and support they gave to us.
AJ commuted from his new home ... on Lakeshore Avenue. He and Charlie and Jay and I were constant companions. Charlie easily reverted back to "acting" the teen part while he was with us. He was also the resident "sports doctor" for our whole dorm. All the guys loved to have him "adjust" them. Don't think he did anything more than adjust -- but hey -- we're all gay and to have a hot older guy touching us ... was better than a poke in the eye!
Mid semester, Arlo found his guy! We all were happy for that. It's not that Arlo is a dog by any measure, but he is VERY choosey! We got a transfer from another campus and the counselor felt like he might fit in with our little group. She was right. Amir is from Iran, very dark and very handsome. He's about Charlie's age, and immediately he and Arlo seemed to be drawn together. Arlo the creamy white, (Albeit with dark curly hair!) Texan was quite a contrast to the Persian. They were inseparable from day one.
For Thanksgiving, Jay and I managed to fly to California after Thanksgiving at the Samsons. We spent the weekend there, getting one day with Diane and Randy, before they flew to Chicago to be with his family.
We got back late Sunday night and when we came into the dorm, AJ was there waiting for us.
"We have a big favor of the two of you." AJ said. "We want both of you to be our best men! We're flying to Vermont just after Christmas -- to be married! And ... we want ALL of the flat to be in attendance."
"Ah couldn't afford that. Ah'll be in Texas for the Holidays." Said Arlo.
"It'd mean an awfully lot to us ... whoever can make it. It's only for that weekend after Christmas and ... oh! Charlie is springing for all the flights and we will be staying at his friend's compound there, so that will be gratis as well."
"Good to have friends like that!"
"Charlie met him when he attended a massage therapy seminar here in Chicago."
"Wow! Did they - " started Arlo ... never one to be subtle!
"Ryan's Straight!" Said AJ. "Too bad too, cuz he'd make any gay guy drool. His dad's place is where we'll be staying. The Crayson Manor isn't actually part of the compound, but Rye says it may as well be. His dad was widowed for a number of years before he met his soul mate. Rye's dad is gay. But he and his sister consider both of them their dads. They pretty much grew up with them together."
"The Crayson Manor." I said. "Sounds ominous!"
"I guess it is. The Craysons and those in the compound next door are very well off. Anyway ... whattaya think?"
"Ah'd feel funny taking charity." Said Arlo.
"Aw get over yourself, Arls!" Said Jody, having grown a huge set of balls since coming into our house! "Our friend is asking us to support him!"
Arlo looked at Jody, shocked at first but then pensively. "Ah'll talk to mah parents. Ah think they can stand me away for a weekend!"
School, swimming, football season, wrestling ... all seemed to settle somewhere into the back of our priorities -- though we all did our best -- as we planned this group trip to Vermont. Ryan Crayson came out for a visit and we all met him at a party at Charlie and AJ's place. Ryan was straight ... they SAID -- but if so, he was the quintessential metro-sexual! He fit right in!
"Of course both of my dad's will be excited to host your marriage, Charlie. And the Smith clan will be cordial as well." At several querulous looks, he explained, "The Smith clan live next door. Thiers is a compound of several homes built around a central court. There are actually several families there, but the mainstays are the Smiths, a well-to-do former Santa Barbara, California family. I think you'll all love my closest friend, Seth Gary and ... well we call his partner, Luke, though his real name is Lukamaiola Makamakahaiiolioli."
"Show off!" Said Charlie. "What you may like to understand about this Smith Clan is ... other than the elder Jacob Smith and his wife ... the patriarch and matriarch of the compound, all the rest are gay ... including the Smith's daughter and her partner.
"The point is," continued Ryan, "Our place is probably not big enough for all of your wedding party ... but the Seth and Luke ... and all the Smith Clan ... will take in and treat you all like royalty."
"Where does all their money come from?" Asked AJ.
"They are from different backgrounds. Seth, the Smith's actual nephew (they encourage everyone to call then Aunt Lindy and Uncle Jake) is a well known psychologist in the area and Luke owns a small airline in Hawaii with his sister."
"If he owns a Hawaiian airline, why - " Started AJ.
"That's kind of their business, Aije." Said Charlie.
"Sorry ... I just have an inquiring mind." Laughed AJ.
"I'm sure Luke wouldn't mind if I tell you this much: His sister likes controlling the business ... he likes to surf!"
"Wow! Me too!" Said AJ.
"Um -- how long do you think that they want us to stay ... if we just go up for the wedding?" Asked Jay.
"Everyone has their own timetable." Said Charlie. "But we'll me married the Saturday after Christmas and we hope that everyone can stay until after New Years."
"The Smiths do the holidays up in grand style. They have an open party for every occasion. It is well monitored by the local authorities ... they are invited too. Of course that time of year we're covered in snow, but the Smiths have covered porticos going from manor to manor, with heaters overhead, so that it's perfectly comfortable to walk in your swim suits from one pool to another."
"Wow! Walking out in the snow with only a Speedo on! That's pretty rich!" Said AJ.
"I think you'll like it. And ... since it's a private party ... it's pretty much clothing optional!" Smiled Ryan. "Of course only the really radical gays care to expose themselves like that. But the show can be entertaining sometimes."
I looked at Jay. He grinned, and blushed, as ... I know ... he had a swelling in his own shorts (We tend to mirror those manifestations!) The difference in us is ... he still blushes! I love that boy so much!
Later that evening, as he dropped me off at my dorm, "Mikey ... I miss you!"
"I know. But we do need to finish our education. It's probably best that you live at home -- at least for now. Next semester may be different. Then maybe we can think of another arrangement. We see each other three or four times a week, and - "
"I know. I guess I'm just being selfish ... but I want you to myself and ... every night!"
"Heh", I chuckled, "You just have too much free time with all those cushy classes. I'm pretty busy with my studying now. And ... um ... I've been meaning to tell you something ... "
"What, babe?" He asked.
"I've been thinking about changing my major."
"Wow! Well, I know you've been mostly getting the basics out of the way anyway."
"Yeah, that was at my pop's advice. He knows more about me that I do sometimes. But -- it may mean more time in school."
"What are you -- thinking about?"
"Psychology."
"Really?!!" He said, more enthusiastically that I expected. "Ronny! That's what I want to be! We can go into practice together!"
I grabbed him in a close embrace and we kissed as only two excited boys can, when they are happy ... and sexed up! Then I said, "It's pretty late, Dude! I better get in there."
"Were you gonna have a wank before going to sleep?"
"You know I always do."
"Then you may as well let me come in and fix that for you!" He said grabbing my crotch, which was well on its way to my belly button!
We went through the living room quietly. If anyone was still awake, they were in their rooms studying or ... taking care of their own concerns.
He quickly got me off ... though it wasn't with his hand ... and he kissed me deeply and sweetly as I drifted off to sleep, letting me taste my own honey, mixed with the sweet taste of his kiss. He let himself out.
We did the cross country shuffle again as Diane and Randy and I did our best to see all those who love us. Jay and I made sure that we could be back in Vermont by the 27th ... when Charlie and AJ were to be married. We decided to drive, and we weren't disappointed. The winter weather was beautiful; everything shrouded in a blanket of white, but all the roads clear and kept free of ice and snow.
Ryan Crayson arranged for us to stay with his best friend, Seth and his Hawaiian partner, Luke. The elder Smith's were gone on a holiday of their own. But all their Christmas decorations were still up and the whole compound looked like a fairy land. Well ... okay it WAS kind of a fairy land, but I meant the other kind!
AJ and Charlie stayed with Ryan and his sister and Dads. The wedding was the night we arrived, at the Crayson Manor. It was a beautiful ceremony, in which they each composed their own vows. The Crayson home is very masculine in its furnishings. Not much lace and gingerbread!
When it was over, there was a horse drawn sleigh at the front entry which took them away and to a place that they kept secret.
We went back to Seth's place afterward. Seth was not exactly small ... maybe 5'-10" tall, but he was slight and looked older than the mid twenties I was told he was. He had dark hair and deep set eyes. He looked nothing like his brother, Chris, who, with his partner, both could have passed as Hollywood celebrities. Seth was handsome, but reserved in contrast.
Luke had a very dark complexion, with purple eyes and either his hair was blue or just so black that it looked like it. His purple eyes intensified that look. Luke was more reserved than Seth. I wondered what it was that made them so. I figured that was the psychologist in me.
I had learned before we came that Seth is a psychologist ... a reality therapist he called himself. I spent more hours with him than I realized either of us would be comfortable with. He seemed to be interviewing me. I seemed to be interviewing him. We laughed when we realized what we were doing, pointed out to us by both Luke and Jay.
The night of the wedding, Jay and I were uncharacteristically quiet after we went to bed. Finally I said, "Do you know what I've been thinking?"
"Duh!" He laughed.
"I want to do it some day." I said, of course talking about the marriage ceremony.
"Duh!" He repeated. We had finished with our own celebrating and were both lying in the huge king-sized bed with our hands behind our heads. "But -- why someday?" He added
"Huh?"
He turned on to his side, his arm holding his head up, and said, "Why don't we do it while we're here?"
I turned to face him -- to verify that he was as serious as I already knew he was. "I -- I -- I mean ... when?" I hadn't thought about doing it so soon.
The next morning Seth and Luke's house keeper made eggs, bacon and whole wheat pancakes with fresh butter and home made fresh maple syrup. There was a bowl of fruit left over from the wedding party last night.
"Luke tells me that you two might want to tie the knot before you leave." Said Seth.
I looked at Jay. He turned red. "I -- I -- um -- I might have mentioned to Luke that I was thinking about it ... at the reception last night." Said Jay.
"How long have you two been married?" I asked Seth.
"We're ... not."
"Oh!" Jay and I said in unison.
"There's nothing wrong with getting married." Said Seth. "We just have been together a long time and see no reason for it. My Brother and Craig are married. Both Chris and Craig and my cousin, Jake and Colin said their vows long ago. Then Jake and Colin went through a civil union ceremony. Rob and Denny got married when it was made legal last year, along with my brother and my cousin ... all together. But ... they all have kids. We don't plan to have any kids."
When Seth said that, Jay and I looked at each other wide-eyed. "How -- how is it - " I started.
" -- what's involved to adopt children here -- if that's what they did?" Said my brother.
"They did, but they adopted them from the Ukraine. The three couples adopted all of the children of two widowed sisters. Colin and Jake adopted the first two, and then brought their mother to come care for them. Upon learning that there was a sister and several more children, they adopted all of them, and brought both mothers here to raise the kids in the compound. In reality, we all raise them, but their legally adopted parents are my cousin and Colin, my brother and Craig and Rob and Denny. Rob is like another big brother to me ... and I'm like ... the only little brother he never had!"
"Wow. What are the chances - " I started. I didn't realize how excited I would be about this prospect.
"That was a few years ago ... and it's hard to tell." Said Seth. "But I can help you find out if you want. When did you want to get married?"
"Now would be good!" I thought,
Jay said, "Yess!"
"Normally I would discourage two such young guys to do this," Said Seth, "but you both seem very grounded and ... you seem to be in sync all the time!"
"It's a twin thing!" Said Jay.
"Are you both studying at the same school?"
"Yes." We explained how we met a year earlier. "Seth -- We both want to be a psychologists, but Mikey's a year ahead of me."
"Why do you suppose you both want to be psychologists?" Asked Seth.
"We both want to help others.
"That's the RIGHT answer!" Said Seth more exuberantly that he'd said anything. "Luke ... where did you say we're going to surf next week?"
"Agadir, Morocco."
"Are there any smaller wave beaches there? I'm assuming neither of you Midwestern boys surf!"
"Wha -- I mean -- huh?" Said Jay.
"I'm a California boy myself, but I grew up inland." I said. "Why?"
Luke grinned. "Seth likes to have company when we go places like that. I go all over the world, and he is often too busy here with his work to go with me. But when he does, he likes someone else who will ride the smaller waves with him. His schedule is clear next week. He's wondering if you guys would like to honeymoon in Morocco!"
"We couldn't afford anything like that." We both said.
"That's the beauty of it. The exchange rate in Morocco is insane ... in our favor ... and I can get buddy passes for you to travel for nothing." Said Luke.
"You see," said Seth, "Owning an airline counts for something!"
"Whattaya think, Babe?" Said Jay.
"I dunno," I said cautiously "I -- just - "
"Look we don't want to pressure you. Tell us tomorrow morning!" Said Luke, grinning at Seth.
We met most of the rest of the Smith Clan that day. The children were beautiful, all curly blonds and very well behaved. We didn't meet the Senior Smiths but there was a resident housekeeper who was spooky. She actually looked ageless ... but in that over 80-year-old way!
"Uncle Jake gave Etta a serious pension and golden retirement. But she loves everyone here. She has family somewhere in Jamaica, so she sends all her retirement to them and stays on with the Smiths. She's family!" Said Seth.
As soon as we met her, she almost swooned and said, "Dese two habb special powers! Dey gonna be hard to figger out!"
From that time, she eyes us from under her brows like she was working on a puzzle or something.
Jake and Colin were as cordial as anyone could be. Colin was robust and blond, whereas Jake looked like he's seen more of life. I couldn't wait to know these people better ... and they seemed to invite it! Colin was reserved, but Jake was funny and always joking with an edge that Colin seemed to appreciate.
When we met Rob and Denny, I wondered if Seth would jump up into Rob's arms. He didn't but there were such close hugs! Both of them seemed to inhale each other's essence. Denny beamed and was not in the least put off by the lesser hug he got from Seth -- though it was still warm and close ... and longer than most men would hug. Luke pretty much stood his ground and gave small hugs around. Denny looked a little delicate. He was tall enough but next to Rob's 6'-5" frame he looked small.
AJ and Randy knew each other, but not well, so Diane and Randy were not there for AJ and Charlie's wedding. When I told Diane about us, she asked, "When???"
I told her that it had to be in two days, she said, "You were going to elope and not tell anyone?!"
"Diane ... I'm telling you now!"
"You better let us think about this! When our little brothers get married ... would it occur to you that we may want to be there?"
I felt small and selfish. "I dunno. I mean -- it didn't seem like that big of a - "
"I'll call you back!" She said, sounding rather put out with me. Almost Immediately there was a call to Jay's phone.
"Jay -- bro -- Diane is really upset. She says you two are getting married and we weren't invited."
"I know, I heard Mikey's conversation. Randy -- it's just not that big a deal."
"I know, but you're not seeing it through the eyes of a girl!"
"That's rich!" Said Jay. "My straight, blind brother can see things though the eyes of a girl!" We all laughed at that!
"Seriously, Jay-jay. Wait a few hours for your final plans. Diane's trying to put some ideas together. She wants our parents and me and herself to be there for you two."
"Randy ... you KNOW our parents won't want to come to see their gay son get married! They've been as open-minded as they can be this far, but - "
"Little brother, you may be underestimating Mom and Dad. Just wait until tonight, okay?"
"Yeah, sure, Randy."
"Really??!!!" Said Seth. "This is huge! If they want to come, we'll make room for them here and at my brother's house! This means more than you realize, if they all come. It means you have the support of your parents. And -- if you want to wait a day or two ... we can catch up to Luke. He needs to be there at the beginning of the competition. But we can come later!"
I felt like I was being caught up in a whirlwind. I wasn't sure I liked things spinning out of control, but it was exciting. Mostly I was worried about Jay's parents reaction. I called my closest advisor ... my own dad.
"I wouldn't worry about it, Mike. Either they'll come or they won't." Said my pop.
"Will you talk to Jay's dad, Dad? You know how to talk and ... you are more objective than we are."
"I don't know what I'd tell him that he doesn't already know, Mike. The way I see it ... I don't really understand the whole gay thing, but -- I know there is a perception that all of you are promiscuous. I haven't seen that, but I think that it should be discouraged and one way to do that is to embrace two men being monogamous."
"That's EXACTLY what I mean. Jay could tell his dad those things, but it means more coming from someone like you ... like Mr. S ... who maybe can't get HOW we can love each other, but that it's just a fact of life ... you know? It'll mean more coming from you ... I think."
"I'll do my best, Mike. You know there may be a chance that even if they don't come ... maybe they just can't on such short notice -- that they still support you being together -- rather than with someone else ... or -- worse ... some ONES else!"
"Thanks Dad. Um -- there's another thing."
"What's that, Son?"
"What if ... um ... what if we -- um -- decided to adopt some kids?"
After a long pause, Dad said, "Wo! Sorry, Mike I never considered you having children with ... another man. But ... if you did ... I know that would make your mother very happy! Well -- and me too! I just hadn't considered it!" I could hear the smile in his voice and that made me happy! "We'd be proud to have them call us Nana and Papa!"
"Nana and Papa?"
"That's what your sisters kids are going to call us! We both like that!"
"Thanks dad. I love you!"
"We both love you ... both of you! Bye!"
Two days later We were married by the same minister that married AJ and Charlie. My parents were there, and of course my best man ... Diane! And ... Randy was Jay's ... of course! Seth was all grins. Luke had to go on ahead to Morocco, but he of course let us know how much he wished he could be there!
Actually all of the Smith Clan attended. It was in the living room at Seth's brother, Chris's house. Even the Elder Smith's came and that spooky old housekeeper insisted on making refreshments for the small group that attended.
Jay's dad couldn't come, but his mother did and she told Jay how much Mr. S wanted to be there. She said he was at first put off by it, but that he got a mysterious phone call and his whole attitude changed.
Before the night was over, knowing we were leaving early the next morning for Morocco, Mom, Dad and Mrs. S got us alone for a moment. Dad said, "We didn't know what was appropriate in a case like this, but I talked to the Samsons and we want you to have this'" He handed us an envelope. "Please don't open it now ... only after you are alone tonight. We want to say good bye and that we love you both so much! Who knows what could have happened if you never found each other! God HAD to have a hand in that!" Mom and Mrs. S were both nodding, tears in their eyes. "And so ... we wouldn't think to question what God has brought together."
<> sounded in head. I looked at Jay and his eyes too were full, and that prompted me to follow suit. After long hugs all around, and a lot of kisses and "I love you's" Ryan Crayson took them all to the airport.
We went back to Seth's house. He was already in his pajamas, and was just waiting up for us. We walked up the stairs together and he headed to his room and we to ours. "G'night, Guys!" Said Seth. He started to close his door when Jay said, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah. It's always kind of lonely when Luke is away. But I'm fine. I certainly didn't want to bring you two down. Sorry I was so transparent."
"Hey -- why don't you just come and stay here with us!" Said Jay, knowing what I was thinking.
"Yeah, right! An extra body with you on your honeymoon night! Get real!" Said the reality therapist.
"No really." I said. "It's not as if this is our first night together! We've been doing this for some time now ... and we'd love it if you'd join us."
"Instead, why don't you join me!?" He grinned.
We found that Seth was younger than he appeared. We didn't get much sleep before our flight to Morocco. We talked almost all night! Don't suppose we did anything bad ... Seth loves his man too much. But we really got to know each other. Seth told us of his struggles to get where he is. And "struggles" is putting it mildly. That's why he seems older. But he still has the heart of a kid and we laughed as much as anything else.
The bottom line for the night was ... by morning, besides losing a lot of sleep, I made up my mind about changing my major course work at the university. Seth is going to become our mentor and Jay and I planning to join his free clinic in Vermont, once we graduate.
In the morning, Seth again called on his best friend, (well, okay -- his second best friend!) Ryan Crayson, to take three very sleepy boys to the airport ... which is about 90 minutes away, on the other side of Lake Champlain. Seth shuddered slightly on the ferry crossing and told us of an experience he had there, when two guys tried to murder him.
Our flight to Morocco gave us time to relax and catch up on the sleep we missed. The buddy passes that Luke got us were in first class, so each seat almost made out into a bed. Then when we got there, because of the time change, it was bed time again! We had our own room and made up for our night with Seth.
We took a taxi to the resort that they stayed at. Seth said they don't always stay in such luxury. Sometimes they are lucky to do any better than to camp on the beach. But this competition was near this resort, so that's where we stayed.
Our honeymoon was more than we might have dreamed about ... had we known to even dream! Before we came to Vermont, we had no intention of getting married. Now we were married and in a faraway place, learning to surf and making love to each other every chance we got. Our love deepened those three days more than the whole year before!
We opened the envelope that our parents had given us and there was a large amount of money, and a letter from Jay's dad:
"Dear Sons,
I am sorry I could not come to your wedding. It feels strange even writing it, but I'm trying to get used to it. Mike, your dad and I talked for several hours, while he patiently convinced me that what you are doing is probably best for you. Jay, I am humbled by the things I learned. I learned that Mormons aren't the only spiritual people on the earth.
On my mission and then also when I was a bishop, I learned to love others even if I couldn't agree with their thinking. Tom taught me more humility, as he showed me a better way ... in handling and reacting to what I initially thought was the end of the world ... one of my son's turning out gay.
I just want to tell you both that I love you and that I am proud of you ... for being men and taking a stand against terrible odds.
Love, Dad"
Thereafter, I had no trouble calling these wonderful people, Mom and Dad. If my dad has taught me anything, it is that other people's differences are not something to fear or hate. Right or wrong, we have the privilege to believe as we see best. And that we should allow others that same privilege, even if that puts them at odds with us.
What??? You were expecting me to tell you specifics about our honeymoon sex? We're married now ... that's privileged information!
Notes: This is the REAL beginning for Mikey and Jay and ... the REAL end to the story. If you want to know more about Seth's struggles to get where he is, write to me at stevethomas535@hotmail.com and I'll send you links to my other stories, including ... "Seth". Thanks for all your support and kind letters of encouragement. Ciao and ... Love, Steve