Jamies Gift

Jamie's Gift

Part Two

Chapter Six

"Just as my fingers on these keys Make music, so the self-same sounds On my spirit make music too. Music is feeling, then, not sound; And here is what I feel Here in this room, desiring you." (Wallace Stevens)

Come - let us make beautiful music together!

The doorbell, chiming a very irritating sound during, what I imagined, a very early part of my Saturday morning, woke me from a deep, but quite wonderful sleep and dreams; dreams of Jamie's happy face when we departed the evening before, one arm around his "real daddy," Art Kraft, and the other around his Momma. Jamie was overcome, almost, with the emotion of the moment!

I heard Mom answer the door, say something to someone, and within seconds I heard very familiar footsteps pounding eagerly up the stairs; the door slowly opened, a head peeked into my room, and bounded into the room when I said, "Come in, Jamie!"

Giggling, as he often did when happy, with delight from seeing me I hoped, brought a welcoming smile in return from me. He sat down on the edge of my bed, bent over, and kissed me.

"Good morning, Whit," he said greeting me with the softness of love in his voice, but added quickly, "Eeuu- you need to brush your teeth, 'cause you got doggy breath."

"Always thinking of sex," I added dryly.

"Your mom said they were leaving to go shopping and I could come up and wake you since you're a lazy bones and why don't you go brush your teeth so we can snuggle and talk and are you naked under the covers?

I snickered at him, lifted the covers to expose my naked body and stiff cock, and answered, "Does that answer your question? You just want to fuck me, don't you?"

"Yeah!" but he paused, "Maybe some other things too!"

"Like what?"

Waggling his eyebrows and thinking a moment, "Anything that makes us happy!"

"First, Jamie Long, I have to pee and do a couple of things, okay?"

Tossing back the covers, swinging my legs free of them, my turgid rod poked up as I tried to slide past Jamie. It bounced enticingly, in front of his eyes; like a sunfish to the bait, he clasped my stiffness with one hand, lowered his face, stuck out his tongue, and licked me from balls to piss slit before wrapping his lips around the head, slowly sucking my cock into his warm, moist mouth where his tongue tickled and tantalized it while he sucked like a kitten at mother's teat!

"Better stop," I cautioned, although I do love a good blow job from Jamie, "or I'll make my deposit in the wrong bank account."

"You always taste so good, Whit!" he remarked, pulling loose from my shaft.

I grabbed a couple of mint Fleets? from the drawer in my night stand, trouped off to the bathroom to piss and prepare myself for what I hoped would be a love-filled morning with my boyfriend!

Slipping under the covers, cuddling up to a now naked Jamie, I reached over, touched his hard maleness and felt it twitch at my fingers caress.

"Do me first, please, Whit?" Jamie almost begged.

"It'd be my pleasure!" I replied with a kiss and a short stroke on his long rod.

Heavy Turkish towel spread under him, Jamie stretched out on his back, legs spread in invitation, handed me the tube of lube he'd retrieved from the night stand while I was in the bathroom; I first lubed him, then me.

Once buried to the hilt, my balls resting just below his anus, his legs clenched around my hips, locking us together, I began a slow, erotic, totally sensuous forward and back motion, rocking my hips, driving me into and out of his warm tightness, bringing increasingly urging, but soft words of delight from Jamie. He loved to be fucked just about as much as he loved to fuck, although I am finding I prefer him to do the latter more often than not. There's just something about having that massive missile inserted as deep as it will go, twitching, tweaking every fold it encounters, then resting after exploding its warhead!

I took my time, loving the close contact of his hips, lips, face, body, heavy balls resting and bobbling up and down on top of my ever faster thrusting cock as I made love to him. The pleasure of the act, the growing desire to complete myself in him overcame my attempt at restraint, and with a happy whimper, plunged as deep as I could, clasped my arms around him tightly, and began spurting swelling bursts of my essence, expending my love potion deep in my lover!

Collapsing in expended bliss on his body, my heart pounding, his head resting against my neck and shoulder, delicate kisses on my ear sent signals of his profound love for me. Jamie's stiff, long rod throbbed between us, announcing his desires, as anxious as a stallion facing a herd of mares - all in estrus! I've learned, from experience, when Jamie wants to spend more time in love-making, he always wants to begin with me on my back, face to face, in the same position I assume when I'm on the top and he's the bottom. The second round for him is usually with me on my tummy and him flat on my back. I asked him one time and he had two really simple answers; "I like looking at you and I like the feeling of your nice, warm butt cheeks resting in my crotch!"

Jamie needs to say very little in expressing his love for me; his actions speak volumes more than the poet Yeats could have ever written!

Some people, according to what I've read, claim they can feel their partners ejaculate squirt into them in great "gushes." I doubt many boys can cum more than Jamie, unless it'd be one of his big-cocked cousins, and I never feel it in that way at all. His penis swells, he shoves forward about as far as he can, his butt cheeks flex, and makes a couple of low grunting sounds as he shoots. I can feel the large tube on the underside of his cock pump each shot, however, but it doesn't feel like a firehose spraying my insides. There is a warm feeling most often, but maybe that just might be flesh on flesh and the heat of the moment. I do feel the white, thick liquid leaking out my butthole and dripping down on my balls or my legs when he's done, however.

"Can I do you again?" Jamie asked after his first round. Well, of course!

I rolled over on my belly, he mounted me, gently inserting his shaft into my well-lubricated rear entrance, rested his chin on my shoulder, wrapped his arms under my arm pits, and began a slow back and forth stroke, resting just a second in between each. God, what a feeling!

"After you left," he said softly, twisting just a bit for a better lodging and maneuvering in me, sending a shiver clear to my toes, "we looked through the photo album and the box Daddy had with him. There were pictures of him and Momma in high school and pictures of him in college. There were all kinds of ribbons and medals he won in high school and college too. He was really a good runner!" Jamie said proudly, moving his arms and hands so he could lift my hips just a bit for better penetration!

"You know what else?" he asked and he began to pump a little harder.

"No, what else?"

"Daddy says I have three older brothers, but he doubts I'll ever see them since they moved away to Georgia with their mother when she and Daddy divorced and he doesn't think they like him very much!"

"That's too bad!"

"Yeah!"

He was really beginning to rub my love button on every pass!

"You know what else?" he said.

"No, what?

"Grandpa and Grandma Long, Uncle Buddy, Aunt Hat, Cousin Ed Earl, and Cousin Zach are all coming for Thanksgiving. There's room for everybody to have a bed to sleep in except Zach."

"Where's he going to sleep," I damned near shouted out, feeling his cock going like pistons on the engines of the Five o'clock Limited late for the station!

"I'll - tell-you-in-a-minute," Jamie answered, his voice shaking, matching his rhythm toward his impending orgasm.

He pushed hard, whimpered his delight with each swelling of his cock, emitting more of his baby-makers into me with each throb, much to my delight.

"Whew!" he said, finally finished.

"Okay, where?"

"How about Scotty's house?"

Scotty did have extra rooms; they didn't have any stay over company for the upcoming holiday, and it made sense - sort of! I had a feeling there was more behind this so I asked,

"Why Scotty?"

"I think Scotty and Cousin Zach would like each other," Jamie said assuredly.

"Jamie," I replied almost scolding, "You don't know that; maybe Scotty likes girls and not boys!"

Jamie shook his head, replying confidently, "Nope, he likes boys!"

"How do you know?"

"I watch him, Whit, and he watches boys!"

"Jamie, I've never seen that!"

"That's because you're busy watching me and hoping I'll do this," pushing his prod up my chute again.

"So, how about Zach?"

Jamie tipped my head toward him, grinned and said, "Cousin Zach really, really likes boys!"

I just had to ask; "Is Cousin Zach one of your big-cocked cousins?"

"The biggest!"

Makes sense to me now that I think about it!

Jamie was just about beside himself with excitement, his desire to relay to Scotty, Derrick, and Chris, so great and urgent, in his mind, and well it should it be, of the news of discovering who his real daddy was! The others were dumbfounded, thunderstruck, gob-smacked even, when they heard the news Chief Kraft was Jamie's real daddy. Chris just had to know the details, so Jamie obliged, although I did caution him several times to limit the amount and type of information he divulged. You know, the types of detail other people really didn't need to know. Not that I didn't trust the rest of the Horsemen to keep secrets because they would, but a slip here, a wrong word there might do more damage to someone's reputation than one would realize!

Suffice it to say, Scotty, Derrick, and Chris were just as happy for Jamie and let him know! It pleased Jamie immensely, having the approval and joy of his friends showered on him.

Jamie did have to give me a nudge, reminding me to ask Scotty if Zach could stay at his house during the Thanksgiving break. I explained the Kraft's were going to have a houseful over Thanksgiving and needed a room for Jamie's cousin Zach to stay from Tuesday night, when they arrived, through Saturday night since the family visitors would be departing for home in Missouri on Sunday morning.

"You've got some extra room at your house, don't you Scotty?"

Scotty thought a moment before asking, the question I knew he would, "Is Zach one of your big-cocked cousins, Jamie?'

Jamie just nodded his head up and down vigorously, eyes wide to emphasize his point, expressing the size of his cousin's cock, for Scotty's benefit and consideration as he contemplated the availability of room in his house!

I noticed a flash of quickening of interest in Scotty's eyes and an almost indiscernible smile quirk on his face, as he appeared to be hesitant in answering, "I suppose I could check with my folks to see if it would be okay."

The table was quiet for just a couple of moments, sort of the pregnant pause if you know what I mean, before Scotty quickly added, as if to seize the moment and lay claim to the anticipated guest, "I'm pretty sure it'll be okay, so just plan on it, okay?"

I nodded, Jamie smiled at me as I contemplated Scotty's response, the reaction on his face, however slight, and concluded Jamie was entirely correct; Scotty liked boys too! In all of the years I've known him, spending time at this house, ran with him, showered with him, and was his good friend, I never would've guessed it! I'm certain no one else had either, perhaps one of the other Horsemen, but I doubted it. Of course, I've been wrong many times in my short life, so I could be again. At any rate, I decided we'd just keep it that way, unknown or unsuspected, until the time and place, if ever, Scotty decided to reveal it. It was his business, his life, and his choice; some gay kids just don't feel comfortable coming out of the closet for whatever reason; fear of being ostracized and bullied by fellow students, fear of family, or just plain suffering from the guilt trip certain members or groups in our society inflict on LGBTQ kids. Such a fucking shame!

Jamie, eating his lunch during our conversation, albeit not when he was busy announcing his good news to his friends, held a piece of the meat entr?e, stabbed on his fork, in front him, giving it a careful examination before asking, "What's this called?"

"Salisbury Steak," answered Chris, swallowing what he had in his mouth first, "made from some part of a cow."

Jamie continued to ponder the meat, almost studiously, before remarking, "It tastes pretty good! You know what else tastes pretty good?"

"What?" Chris asked, instantly wary, but curious as a cat wondering why Jamie would ask. His previous experiences with Jamie's contemplations of his food often left Chris wondering why he even asked.

"Boiled beef tongue served with mashed potatoes and gravy or pickled tongue in a sandwich."

"God, Jamie," Chris groused, "that comes from a cow's mouth; ever see what they lick with that?"

Jamie merely shrugged, "I don't care, it tastes good; besides you eat eggs don't you?"

"Shit," lamented Chris, "there goes one of my favorite breakfasts."

My recital, along with other students, was scheduled for the Sunday afternoon before Thanksgiving. I don't know who was more excited or nervous than Jamie! He'd never been to a classical music recital before and really didn't quite know what to expect. I tried to explain what it was, how it would be organized, and the type of music performed and, although he nodded he understood, I really don't think he got the entire picture. When I said I had to wear a suit and tie and punch and cookies would be served afterwards in a reception, he looked at me like I was a complete fool, but thought the snack might not be too bad!

There were a number of high school students who performed that day. Jamie, cellphone camera at the ready, his parents, and mine sat right down front in the university's concert hall. He too was dressed in dress pants, long-sleeved shirt and tie, but no sports coat (he confessed later they didn't have time to purchase one and besides, he didn't think he'd feel comfortable in one). Other young people in attendance didn't have suits or sports coats on so he wasn't out of place.

I accompanied Scotty on the piano for his violin solo (Jamie took several pictures), Derrick played his string bass in a string quartet (again, Jamie took pictures), and Chris, playing his set of drums as part of a percussion ensemble, performed a solo during their selection, that was a spectacular, giving his special interpretation to a Latin cadence included in their performance (Jamie again took pictures).

There were violins, violas, woodwinds, flutes, French horns, cellos, and a myriad of other orchestral instruments, either in solo performances or small groups, included in the afternoon concert recital. My performance was near the end, as were several other piano recitals. I walked out on the stage when announced, sat at the piano bench, waited until the audience was completely hushed, and began.

Beethoven's Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, Op.27, No.2 "Moonlight is a lovely piece, starting slowly, rhythmically, tender, with "Adagio sostenuto," and progressing from there. It is a relatively long piece, approximately fourteen minutes, but a composition I really enjoyed playing, especially today! I was performing this piece for my boyfriend and expressing my feelings, through the music and my interpretations of it, especially for him! I wasn't nervous, overly stressed as I can be sometimes, but instead let the music flow from my memory to my fingers, oblivious to the audience, except for one; concentrating on the music, how it flowed, adding my subtle interpretation to one of the great master composer's work. The difficult part, where I'd strained during previous practices, the "Presto Agitato," presented no difficulty for me; even the frequent flash of his cellphone camera did little to distract me; in fact it spurred me on to try my very best!

The piece ends with a flourish; I stood, stepped forward, took my bow, straightened up in time for another picture, glanced down at Jamie, as he mouthed, "I love you!" and reciprocated with a wink and a smile.

During the reception, Jamie didn't stray far from me or his parents if I stepped away to get us some refreshments. He didn't really feel comfortable in crowds of strangers or unfamiliar situations. Given most people there were strangers, except for Chris, Derrick, and Scotty and their families, and the fact he'd never been to the concert hall or to a recital, it was understandable he remained glued to me, shy and not very talkative! He would, every now and then, lean close to me and tell me what a great job I did, how much he loved to hear me play, and how much he loved me. He just bubbled, complimenting me on my piece; he was so proud of me, I thought he'd pop his tie from his neck. It made me feel so damned good; I'd walk barefoot in the snow on a sub-zero night for him!

I should have picked up on a comment he made, almost off-hand; "We all like music and play sometimes too, at home," but was sidetracked when I saw the other Horsemen coming toward us.

Their presences helped his shyness, when we could sort of break away and gather with the other Horsemen, after they made the polite "thank you" and accepted the congratulations and appreciative remarks from others. Jamie had no idea the other boys all played something and just couldn't say enough expressing how good he felt about their performances and how proud he was to have them for his friends. It was a great day for all of us!

University classes would be dismissed Tuesday, at noon, for the Thanksgiving Holiday, which meant Hamilton Laboratory School would be closed at the same time as well. Our school schedule pretty much followed the University schedule since we are part of it. Jamie's folks and mine gave us permission for him to spend Monday night in a sleepover since, during the holiday, we'd be involved with our own families and probably not see each other much. Of course, we'd chat every night over the phone before bed, but it just wasn't the same.

Tuesday morning, very, very early on Tuesday morning, I woke, on my side, my butt cheeks resting in Jamie's crotch, his arm over my stomach, hand embracing my solid, swollen staff, his lips nibbling my neck, and a certain stiff, thick pole seeking and opening; not that it hadn't found it several times during the night!

Raising my leg, I heard a soft sigh of "thanks" from him and with his free hand, guided that lovely, large instrument home to its own special concert hall where he began a familiar tune; one we'd played before, but never seemed to tire of! Slow, deliberate love-making, striking the right key, wanting to bring to full crescendo the same time he did, Jamie played our song. With a final thrust, cock as deep as he could possibly push it, almost to my belly-button it felt from the inside, he began the last measure at full forte, bringing me with him!

Still spewing in short, swelling, but diminishing bursts, Jamie turned my head, affording him the opportunity to nibble on my lower lip, before engaging me fully in a kiss only lovers can share. Remaining in me, put pulling away from my mouth, Jamie said casually,

"Cousin Zach is going to live with us!"

I was momentarily taken aback wondering what it'd do to our relationship, a relationship well-rooted I thought, but not long in duration since barely two and a half months had elapsed. Would Zach want to fuck Jamie and would Jamie prefer his bigger, fatter, longer cock to mine? After all, they did skinny dip together and who knows what else? Why would Zach stay here? All of a sudden I was the one who felt insecure, perhaps jealous, not Jamie! Was I the one now standing in the doorway of the locker room, gym bag in my hand, tears running down my face, afraid to enter?

Jamie must have suspected something was wrong - I don't know why just because I got suddenly quiet and my hard-on drooped like a draught-inflicted daisy in the hot afternoon sun! There was no reason for me to react this way, worried someone, even a relative would take Jamie away from me, separate us from the love we'd felt for each other, was there?

Pulling free from my rear end, Jamie rolled me over on my back, felt the small tears forming on my cheeks when he softly caressed them, and wrapped his arms around me.

"What's wrong, Whit?" came his nervous, shaky question, fearful, I think, he'd done something wrong!

"Nothing!" I choked out adding, "don't worry about it, I'll be okay!"

He was quiet, although did not release his tight hold on me, finally saying, "Zach is going to go to school here and it'd be cheaper to live with us."

When I said nothing, I heard him say softly to himself, "Oh!" as he thought through how I might feel!

"Oh, Whit," he said with a soft crying sound, "don't worry; Zach and I never did anything 'cause he was always afraid he'd hurt me and said I was special and should save myself for someone just right for me. You'll always be my boyfriend and no one will ever be able to take me away from you; I won't let them!"

I calmed down, reassured as Jamie lay there, resting on top of me, his face and lips and naked body trying to make as intimate contact with me as he could, causing us both to luxuriate in our closeness.

"Momma said," he murmured, "she was going to call your folks, Derrick's, Scotty's, and Chris's and invite them to our house Saturday afternoon to meet Grandpa and Grandma and have a sort of 'Long Family' celebration for our birthdays and the holidays."

I thought it sounded like fun, but there was more; "Do you think you could bring your keyboard and amplifier, Whit?"

"Yeah; did you want me to play something?"

He sort of shrugged, not really answering my question, instead he lifted my legs and took my mind off of the subject!

Did you ever wonder why schools always seem to serve hot lunch on days they dismiss early? Why not just send us home to our own instead of waiting until after lunch to dismiss us? At any rate, we had gravy with chunks of turkey in it over mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, corn, green beans, roll, pumpkin pie, and milk. It was okay, better than many kids get so I really can't complain about it.

Jamie announced at lunch his company should be arriving around suppertime. Scotty thought it'd be a good idea if he came over just after supper to meet Zach and "show him the way to my house, just in case." I wanted to ask "just in case what?" but I didn't! Derrick, Chris, and Scotty all acknowledged their families had been invited over for Saturday, but before we could get into any details, the bell rang, and we were on our way home.

Jamie asked me over for supper so I could meet everyone when they arrived. I think he just wanted to show me off, which he sort of did in his bedroom before we clambered down the stairs for supper. I probably should correct that statement; it was more like "blow" if you know what I mean!

Scotty arrived around 6:30 and still no company from Caudry, Missouri. Scotty's questions concerning Zach were numerous, yet not in any depth. Clearly, he was nervous, almost like a virgin bride on her wedding night after she glimpsed her husband-to-be holding his cock taking a piss in the Uni-sex bathroom or a groom that thought his dick was just for peeing through until, after the marriage ceremony, in the process of consummation of the event, he discovered a whole new meaning to "fits like a glove!" Perhaps that's what Scotty was concerned about; the hand too big for the glove!

Around seven, first one set of headlights, then another, illuminated the garage doors in front of the house. Scotty and I stayed back, behind Jamie, as Art and Ellen Kraft opened the front door and stepped out on the porch to greet their arriving family members.

The two vehicles, one a mini-van and the other a pickup truck with a topper, parked and the doors opened on each. From the van, two couples emerged; the older couple clearly Ellen Kraft's parents, elicited an excited squeal of delight as she almost ran to the open arms of the couple. The other couple, Uncle Buddy (Elroy) and Aunt Hat (Hattie) Long, waited their turns for a warm, welcoming greeting from Ellen and Art.

Emerging from the pickup truck were two young men; the driver, clearly Zach, tall, handsome, and one hell of a stud, not quite like my Jamie, but still pretty impressive. He must have impressed Scotty because, in a barely audible voice, I heard him say breathlessly, "Holy, fucking shit!" The other young man, younger than Zach and resembling him, had to be Ed Earl and was a looker as well. You could see similarities in their looks to Jamie, but Jamie definitely was a Kraft in looks, but a melding of body shape and height to the Long's. Jamie had Art Kraft's eye color, skin tone, hair color, and the leanness Chief Kraft had; however, the Long's weren't very muscular looking either.

Jamie received hugs from all six, with his grandmother when she did, couldn't stop remarking how much he'd grown and how much older he looked. "Must be good food, exercise, and lots of love," she commented with a grin (now I see where Jamie gets the grin).

"Everyone come inside," Ellen urged, "before supper gets cold. You all must be hungry after such a long ride."

As everyone came inside, Jamie took a deep breath, announcing, slowly and carefully to the collected group, "Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Buddy, Aunt Hat, Zach, and Ed Earl, this is my boyfriend, Carlton Whitfield, but he goes by Whit," and gently pulled me forward, obviously very proud! He must have spent and extraordinary amount of time rehearsing that introduction; wanting to get it just right!

I wasn't certain what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised when Grandma Long, gave me a big hug, saying aloud, "My, aren't you the handsome one," and whispered in my ear, "You take good care of our Jamie, now, you hear?"

I smiled, whispering back, "Yes, mam; he means everything to me!"

Everyone else shook my hand, except for Zach, who hugged me tightly saying, "He's our favorite cousin and I'm so happy he found someone like you!"

My introduction complete, Jamie then introduced Scotty. "This is Scotty McFadden," pulling Scotty up next to me, "he's a good friend and runs track with Whit and me," adding proudly, "he's the leader of the Four Horsemen and Pegasus and a really, really great guy," bringing a quick blush and drop of his head from Scotty.

Looking at Zach, Jamie continued, "You'll be staying with him, Zach."

From the way Zach looked at Scotty and the look Scotty returned, evidently hoping "stay" meant "sleep," coupled with the length of time they held hands when they shook, I could only hope they could figure out some way to fit the hand in the glove if what Cousin Zach was reputed to be packing really existed. Knowing Scotty and the way Zach licked his lips, I was confident they'd be able to work something out - or in! If they both didn't look hungry, then fat dogs don't fart after lunch either!

Ed Earl, on the other hand, could have cared less! "He likes girls," Jamie confided softly to me.

"Why don't you boys help Zach and Ed Earl unload the vehicles?" Chief Kraft suggested. "Jamie, you know what rooms their things go, okay?"

Scotty decided he'd help Zach, especially after Zach secured his arm around Scotty's shoulder and led him in the direction of the truck. I'd say they were quite taken with each other since Scotty didn't seem to object, but just kind of snugged himself up against Zach. Jamie, Ed Earl, and I unloaded the van, carrying the luggage upstairs to the bedrooms the adults would sleep in. Along with the luggage, there were several musical instrument cases. From the looks of them they contained a couple of guitars, a banjo, a violin, and a smaller case Jamie told me was his grandmother's mandolin. Those we took downstairs to the family room. As Ed Earl looked around, he thought it was a nice big room and would hold everyone. Mystery to me what he was talking about, perhaps their songfest?

The final trip to the van brought forth a number of brightly wrapped packages. Jamie's grandmother spotted us carrying them and informed us they were for Christmas and "no peeking, you hear?" Jamie giggled and replied he wouldn't, but his mom had us put the presents in her bedroom just in case.

Ed Earl scampered out to help Zach and Scotty unload the rest of the stuff from the pickup truck; well, not really since all he brought in was a suitcase with his clothes in it and a guitar case; both of which went to Jamie's room. Zach and Scotty carried not only a couple of suitcases, but several large boxes, in several trips, upstairs and put them in the room Uncle Buddy and Aunt Hat would use while they were visiting.

"I brought some of the things I'll need once I move in after Christmas," he explained as he and Scotty traipsed up the stairs, each with an armful. Their final trip up the stairs brought forth a banjo case and a smaller case resembling the mandolin case we'd carried in for Jamie's grandmother.

Jamie looked over the instruments, scratching his head in obvious puzzlement, asking Zach, "Where's your guitar?"

"In the truck along with my overnight bag. Scotty said he wouldn't mind if I took it with me to his house."

Scotty and I waited patiently, sipping on sodas Jamie retrieved for us from the family room fridge, while the family finished supper. Jamie and his parents already ate, so they just sat with them and visited. From the sounds of the laughter and friendly banter emanating from the dining room, they were happy to see each other. I overheard Jamie announce how happy he was to learn Art Kraft was his real daddy. It grew quiet for just a moment, until Earl Long, commented,

"And well you should be Jamie; your real daddy is a fine man and will be so good to you and your momma. We are proud of him, your momma, and you, and we all love you so much; although I do miss your help slopping the hogs and milking the cows, but Ed Earl stepped right in and took over!"

They must not live very far from Earl and Violet, I thought, for him to do so.

When supper was over for the visitors, they all retired to the living room to join Scotty and me. Jamie sat next to me on the couch and Zach squeezed in the other side of Scotty, pushing him up tight against me. On the excuse it was a bit crowded, Zach put his arm behind Scotty on the back of the couch. After he did, I sort of sneaked a look down at Scotty's crotch and then to Zach's; Scotty was tented in the front of his jeans and Zach looked like he had a summer sausage snaking down his right thigh inside his jeans. They both were harder than railroad spikes!

The conversation was light, fun, and family oriented. I discovered, listening to them visit, Ellen (Long) Kraft was married before, no children and divorced after her then husband left her for another woman, was from a rather large family. Earl and Violet raised nine children, all boys except for Ellen, the middle child. Eight of the nine were married, save for the youngest, Uncle Jimmy who lived with his partner, "Uncle Roy." Earl and Violet had fifty-three grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Most if not all of Earl and Violet Long's family live in or within fifty miles of Caudry.

It appeared, from what I could infer, after hearing of Uncle Jimmy and previously hearing Jamie tell of his some of his cousins fucking each other, there just might be, other than Zach and Jamie, others in the family who might prefer sucking a nice hard, velvety cock and breeding the sweet buns of another boy to nursing on a female teat and sticking his prod into a furry, sometimes fishy smelling, pit!

Uncle Buddy and Aunt Hat begat seven children, Zach number six and Ed Earl, number seven, with two older sisters and three older brothers. They also had five grandchildren. Zach would be only one of two of Uncle Buddy's to attend a four year university. The others, Ed Earl being the exception since he was presently a senior in high school, attended a two year community college, tech school, entered the work place, or settled in as a homemaker.

Zach wanted to major in Police Science and minor in music. Central State University's programs in each were excellent, as well as most of their programs. There was some sort of agreement between adjoining states which made tuition affordable for those students who were residents of those states and wanted to attend C.S.U. Uncle Buddy and Aunt Hat weren't wealthy and could ill afford the cost of a college education and had little to contribute financially for Zach, but living with Art and Ellen, along with him working, college was not impossible, albeit it would be tight!

The Long Family was close, happy, well-adjusted, accepting, and protective of each other. Jamie was raised in a warm, loving environment with plenty of relatives around him. Jamie is, according to what I could gather, a very special boy to the entire family and loved by all. Woe be to the person who might malign him or tried to harm him; there'd be a phalanx of Long's to protect him and exact revenge. It was something I vowed to remember well, but also to participate in; I wanted to be not only his protector but his lover and mate!

Jamie was so happy, so animated, open, and talkative, unlike the shy, quiet guy he was around school and others, with the exception of me and the other Horsemen, as he interacted with his family. It made me not want to compete with them for his attention, but be part of them, sharing, welcoming, enjoying, and blessed with it!

Scotty, on the other hand, was unnaturally quiet, compared to the strong, leader he usually was when with the track team or the Horsemen, except, every now and again I felt a small shudder emanate from him and a simultaneous sigh! About the third time it happened, I glanced over and saw Zach's hand, fingers extended, first making contact, with a soft stroking, erotic motion along Scotty's neck and under his ears, shifting to an easy, sensuous wiggle up into his hair!

"Oh, Scotty," I thought to myself observing his accepting and welcoming reaction to each move by Zach, "you're not long for hiding in the world of straights and soon to enter our world of gay boys!"

It grew late and I overheard Scotty say to Zach, "I'd like you to meet my parents before they go to bed," and Zach agreed it was time to depart. He offered to drop me off on the way; we said our goodnights and Jamie walked us out to the truck. Scotty quickly crawled up into the front seat and I, after a hug and a kiss from Jamie, crawled into one of the back seats.

Jamie called early Wednesday morning, apologizing he'd be with his grandparents and the rest of the family all day, which I fully expected, so we decided to get together on Friday, in between one holiday and the festivities planned at the Kraft house on Saturday afternoon. Shortly after he called, as I was headed toward the kitchen to have my breakfast, Scotty called and asked if he could come over; of course, I said yes, and quickly bolted down a glass of juice and a couple of pieces of toast.

He certainly didn't waste any time; I heard a car door slam and a couple of minutes later the doorbell chimed. When I opened to the door to let him in, his back was to me and he was waving goodbye to Zach as he drove away in his truck. Scotty turned back toward me, evidently unaware I was standing there waiting, blushed, and stammered a little before remarking almost apologetically, "Zach gave me a ride!"

Looking closely at him, I thought to myself, "Not quite yet, really, but I don't think it's long in coming!"

Aloud, "Hey; let's go upstairs," and he followed me up to my bedroom. I shut the bedroom door and we sat side-by-side on the bed. Scotty said nothing, evidently not knowing where to start, so I did.

Putting my arm around him, saying quietly, "You want to know some things, don't you, about how Jamie and I feel about each other and what we do?"

He nodded!

"You also want to know what it's like to be openly gay when a lot of people don't think it's right for a boy to love another boy, don't you?"

Again, he nodded, ever so slightly!

"You want to know how a gay boy who's been in the closet, really, really deep in the closet, tells his folks and his best friends he's gay, right?"

Instead of nodding, Scotty wrapped his arms around me, buried his head in the crook of my neck, and sobbed ever so softly in my ear, "Whit, I'm so scared!"

What could I say to my friend, except to relay my own experiences to him? My parents were not surprised when I came out, early I might add, during my sixth grade year, and were very accepting and loving as I now saw Jamie's to be. As far as Scotty's parent's reaction, I couldn't say; he had to trust their love for him! He had an older brother and an older sister, both married and living away from here. His brother took his family with him when he went on sabbatical from an eastern college to study Greek history overseas and his sister taught Economics at a college on the West Coast. It was the year for the family to gather at Christmas here in Jefferson, hence the reason for the extra bedroom for Zach to use. Some siblings, I tried to explain, are very accepting and others are not. I was lucky, mine were!

"I can't say it's easy, Scotty, to come out but it's a decision you have to make; perhaps telling your folks first and then your brother and sister at Christmas. As far as the other Horsemen, the cross country track team, and me, you've seen how they react to Jamie and me, so draw your own conclusions. I think Derrick and Chris wouldn't care either way as long as you remain friends with them! Jamie already figured it out long ago, so don't sweat that!"

Scotty released his embrace, sat back, wiped his eyes, blew his nose, and coughed nervously. "I figured he had."

He fidgeted some more, swallowed hard, and asked hesitantly, "Do you and Jamie - you know?." and made a circle with the thumb and forefinger of one hand and jabbed the forefinger of the other in and out of it.

"Yep; sometimes I'm on the bottom receiving and sometimes I'm on the top giving. If you ask what is my favorite I really like receiving."

Man, did his face turn red then!

"You've got it bad for Zach, don't you, Scotty?"

His smile covered arched from one side of his face to the other; "I think he really likes me too!"

"How do you know?"

"You saw how he touched me at Jamie's didn't you? The minute I did, I got hard as a rock and when I saw the snake in his pants lengthen, I figured he did too."

"So?"

"Then at home, before we went to bed, I was standing in the hall in my pajamas outside the bathroom waiting for him to come out and when he did, he looked at me, smiled, and said I was the cutest looking fucker he ever laid his eyes on."

"Guess what he did next, Whit?"

"What?"

"He kissed me, not just a little peck on the cheek, but really kissed me, deep, sticking his tongue in my mouth and tickling the inside of it. While he did that, he reached one hand down inside my p.j.'s, clasped my stiffy, and stroked it a few times."

"What'd you do, for God's sake?" I exclaimed.

"Shot my wad in my britches and all over his hand and had to change out of them and sleep in my underwear."

"Anything else?"

"No, but I really want something else, if you know what I mean," he responded rubbing his crotch.

I gave him the same talk my brother gave me concerning getting my butt crack clean, flushing the rear pipe, lubing everything well, and, before he left, gave him the small tube of ointment to rub on his sphincter muscle to ease the pain my brother had given me.

"Did it hurt?"

"A little going in since Jamie is so big, but once in and going, I'll bet you'll love it as much as I do!"

Friday, Jamie came over after lunch for a couple of hours. I told him of my visit with Scotty and when I enquired about Zach, he shrugged, replying "I haven't seen him since yesterday. He called Aunt Hat this morning and said he had some things to do and would see us before lunch on Saturday."

Jamie wasn't out the door ten minutes before Chris called on my cellphone.

"Whit," he asked cautiously, "should I bring a sandwich or something to the reception tomorrow?"

"What the hell for, Chris?"

"In case they serve something weird, like Jamie always talks about; you know, pickled pig nuts or boiled bull cock or something!"

I reassured him it would be normal food - I hoped!

Mom and Dad and I arrived about a half-hour early to help Ellen and Art Kraft set things up, but they had it pretty well under control. The food and drink table was near the back of their large family room, near the bar and the heavy furniture moved to the sides. A couple of rows of folding chairs were situated in the middle of the room facing the big window and sliding glass doors to the outside patio. On the inside, just in front of the doors, were eight chairs facing the rows of folding chairs.

Jamie showed me where to put my electric keyboard up and the amplifier so people could hear it. He still hadn't said what was going to happen, but I was getting a pretty good idea at this point, but I just didn't know who! Aunt Hat, who just happened to be in the room helping set up the refreshment table, asked if I could show her how to use it. It didn't take much since she acknowledged hers at home was quite similar. She then thanked me for letting her use it.

Derrick and his family arrived and he and his dad carried Derrick's large string bass and bow down to family room as well. My questioning look as they walked by brought a shrug from Derrick and "Jamie just said to bring it; didn't say why!"

Chris and his parents arrived about the same time Scotty and his folks did and Scotty was carrying his violin case. He didn't say anything, but looked at me and smiled! Right behind them came Coach Schroeder and his wife. This was getting to be an interesting crowd for the "whatever."

Jamie, now really grinning, Zach, Ed Earl began hauling instrument cases, opened them, and put three guitars, two banjos, and one mandolin on stands. Jamie winked at me, left and returned with another guitar case and a mandolin case and put them on two chairs up front. His dad carried in an artist's easel with something on it covered in a cloth and set it up in the opposite corner, facing the rows of chairs.

Art Kraft invited us all to sit down and enjoy ourselves. "I think you're in for a special treat this afternoon," he said with a smile, "something we've not done here before but is quite common in Ellen's home area."

Earl Long, carrying his "fiddle" as he preferred to call it, followed by Violet (who sat in the front seat where the other mandolin case was), Scotty carrying is "fiddle," Uncle Buddy, who stepped up to the string base, held it upright and began a nice, low "thump," "thump," as Aunt Hat came in, took her place behind the key board, Jamie, Zach, and Ed Earl. Zach picked up the mandolin, Jamie, banjo, and Ed Earl a guitar. Violet picked up her mandolin and sat on a chair with the group. Aunt Hat hit a couple of notes helping them to tune up.

Earl Long stood, faced us saying, "The Earl Long Family has a tradition of celebrating joyous or any occasion, with music and we have much to celebrate here in Art and Ellen's house this holiday! Sit back and relax and enjoy yourselves."

With that, a couple of "one, two, ?" and a tapping of his feet, the group broke out in some of the best toe-tapping country and blue grass music I'd ever heard! Earl announced each song before they began, not only to let the audience know what was coming but also to inform the musicians what they were going to play. They led with "Clinch Mountain Back Step" with Earl on the fiddle leading it, Scotty joined in, along with the rest of the group. From there, to "Lonesome Pine Breakdown" with Zach on the banjo, Scotty on the fiddle, Uncle Buddy on the bass, and Jamie playing guitar.

By the time they started "CNR Special" with Zach and Jamie doing the vocal, I was completely gob smacked! I had no idea Jamie could play guitar and banjo, as well as perform all of these songs. I should have known, he grew up with music, I just didn't tumble to what he was telling me!

The boys took kind of a break when Earl and Violet played and sang, "I'll Roll in my Sweet Baby's Arms," but picked it right up when Jamie took the lead in "Weeping Willow" joined by Ed Earl and Zach. The last note hardly died and Ed Earl began "Blue Yodel." With Scotty on the fiddle and Zach on the guitar, Jamie sang out in "Six White Horses" along with playing. And so the music continued for almost an hour and a half before Earl announced a Jamie and Ellen had a song or two they wanted to do.

Jamie stood, guitar in hand, his mother sat, her guitar secured in her hands and lap, and with Ellen looking at Art and Jamie looking at me, they sang "No One's Gonna Love You Like Me" from "Brokeback Mountain?." Talk about tears in my eyes!

Not to be outdone, Zach playing and vocal and Jamie playing and vocal as well, stepped up, backed up by Earl, Uncle Buddy, Ellen, Ed Earl, and Aunt Hat, and added "I'll Never Let You Go," from the same movie. Every now and then, during the singing, Zach would turn and look at Scotty and Scotty's face would turn red!

Ed Earl, on guitar, picked up from there with "I Don't Love Nobody," with Jamie on the banjo, and the rest doing backup. Jamie then leaped in with Zach on "Twin Banjo Special" each of them on the banjo. Banjo's down, guitars up, all three boys with Jamie in the lead performed "Flop-Eared Mule."

During most of the songs performed Earl, Violet, Uncle Buddy, and Aunt Hat played as well. It seemed as if the music never really quit, except when they laughed before starting another one or when Earl said, "You take the lead in this one," and pointed at one of the group. God, it was so much fun! The time just seemed to fly by, until Earl finally said, "We like to do a few Gospels and Hymns as well, so here we go."

Violet on mandolin, along with Ed Earl and Jamie also playing guitar, sang "When I Lay My Burden Down;" Earl and Violet with Scotty doing the violin piece, sand "Angel Band," followed by "Who Will Sing For Me" and "Take My Hand Precious Lord" sung and played by Ed Earl, Jamie, and Zach. The group probably played a dozen or so before Earl announced,

"I usually like to close with a favorite of mind, it's an old, old song, and says goodbye to a fiddler, it's called, 'Ashokan Farewell'" and began one of the most moving fiddle pieces I've ever heard. Earl started on the fiddle playing the haunting melody solo, joined by first Jamie on guitar, Uncle Buddy on bass using the bow, Zach on a guitar, then Scotty on fiddle, and Ed Earl on guitar, Violet, Ellen, and Aunt Hat joined to complete the assembled musicians rendering their best to a beautiful song! It's a piece I'll never forget!

As the music died, we all clapped, and stopped when Art Kraft and Ellen stepped forward, announcing, "Before we head to the refreshment table, Jamie has something special to give to Coach Schroeder."

Jamie stepped over to the covered easel, saying slowly and deliberately as he does when he really wants to get it right, "Coach Schroeder, you made me feel welcome and my friends, the Four Horsemen did too. I'd like to give you for your office a picture I drew of my favorite runners," and pulled the cover off of the easel, revealing his graphite drawing of the Scotty, Derrick, Chris, and me running. It was the picture I'd seen in his room a couple of months ago and was perfect in every detail.

Coach Schroeder stepped forward, gave Jamie a big hug, thanked him, and said, "Jamie Long, from the day I heard you were coming, all I could hope for was you'd be able to run like my friend, your daddy did when he was in college. You haven't disappointed me or him since."

What a Saturday afternoon!

Ellen and Art served barbeque sandwiches, potato salad, a fruit salad, and fresh veggies with dip, lemon bars and cake for dessert, along with various drinks. Sorry, Chris, no pickled pig nuts!

Chapter Seven

"The most agreeable of all companions is a simple, frank man, without any high

pretenses to an oppressive greatness; one who loves life, and understands the use of it;

obliging, alike, at all hours; above all of a golden temper, and steadfast as an anchor-

For such a one we gladly exchange the greatest genius, the most brilliant wit,

the profound thinker."

(Bruno Lessing [pseud])

(Rudolph Black)

Friends, Lovers, Teammates, and the Boys in the Band!

The other three Horsemen, Jamie, Zach, Ed Earl, and me gathered near the sliding glass door near where the Long Family played to entertain us, laughing and eating our food. Derrick, Chris, and I had no idea Jamie could play and sing like he did (duh- I'm in choir with him!) or Scotty knew so many of the Bluegrass and hill songs he did.

"Yeah," he responded to our questioning, "One of my violin instructors told me one time those songs are a good warm-up for playing classical pieces. Frankly," he confessed, "There are times I'd rather play fiddle music, but I do like both types of music."

"Okay," asked the ever skeptical and curious Chris, "Just where did you learn it all? I sure as hell haven't heard very much of it around here, except once in a while on the radio."

"I'd sure like to learn to play my bass like Uncle Buddy Long does," chimed in Derrick wishfully.

Zach never commented during the conversation, only he did have a small sly and knowing smile on his face. I think that may have been, from a closer surreptitious glance where he had his hand placed behind Scotty, and from the looks of the situation, he had his hand down the back of Scotty's pants; I'd be willing to bet he had a middle finger buried to the first knuckle up a sweet spot at least!

"You really want to know?" Scotty asked, his eyes suddenly widening a little more (second knuckle, I bet!).

"My dad's from South Carolina and when we go there, my relatives play the same kind of music; I learned from them and my dad. When we get home, dad also plays along with me on his string bass."

"String bass!" yelped Derrick. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"You never asked and yes, he'd be happy to teach you how to play it!"

"How about keyboard?" I asked.

"Momma can do that," Jamie volunteered. "We don't have one anymore since she gave hers to Aunt Hat, so she just plays her guitar. She taught me how to play mine and Zach taught me how to play the banjo," he offered proudly!

"Any room for a drummer?" Chris asked softly wondering if he was going to be left out.

"ZACH!" Scotty squeaked loudly (yep- buried as deep as a middle finger can go into that tender, sweet, crevice.).

"Chris," Zach answered, taking a cue from Scotty to cover up the resulting noise his meandering phalange made plunging in deep stimulation, "if you're as good as Scotty says you are, it wouldn't take you but a time or two through each piece to pick up the rhythm and go for it. You bet there'd be room!"

Zach's errant hand suddenly reappeared in front of him as Scotty said quickly, "Hi, Dad!"

"Did I hear someone over here mention they wanted to learn how to play the string bass?

"That'd be me, Dr. McFadden," Derrick answered, raising his hand. "We're just checking to see if we have enough to start a band someday."

Chris stepped in with, "We thought after Zach gets moved in after Christmas."

"It'll take some practice," advised Dr. McFadden encouragingly, "but after what I heard this afternoon, knowing the talent all you boys have, it'd be a distinct possibility."

Walking away, he hesitated, turned to us, and said almost sadly, "You know, Scotty was the only one of my children interested in and enjoyed playing the music I grew up with."

Chris looked at a clearly embarrassed Scotty and a very guilty appearing Zach; "That was close you guys," paused momentarily and continued, "They don't know do they?"

Scotty just shook his head, mouth agape, surprised Chris knew, and looked accusingly at me!

Derrick, looking over his shoulder first for any eavesdroppers, said, "Nobody said a word to us Scotty. We've been friends too long not to know!"

"For craps sake," I muttered, "was I the only na?ve one in the bunch?"

"Appears so," chuckled Chris. "You're too busy ogling Jamie!"

Jamie just grinned, put his arm around me, and gave me a hug!

"Seriously, Scotty and Zach," Chris said, "you'll have to tell them soon; you two are so love-sick a blind man could feel the heat a block away on a cold winter's day!"

From the corner of my eye, I spotted Chris's dad, Dr. Fischer, talking to Chief and Mrs. Kraft as the three of them looked at Jamie's rendition, on the easel, of the Four Horsemen of Hamilton High he presented to Coach Schroeder. The conversation seemed quite serious as Dr. Fischer pointed out and traced, without touching, various lines, shading, and detail of the work. I was curious where the conversation would lead!

"How about some Christmas music?" Zach asked suddenly. "Scotty go ask your dad if he'd want to play bass and maybe Aunt Ellen can help Whit with some of the songs."

Before I could utter a word, I was standing behind the keyboard with Jamie's mom, Dr. McFadden was taking a couple of practice licks on the string bass, Scotty had his fiddle, Jamie a banjo, Ed Earl a guitar, and Zach a mandolin.

Zach leading, we played, "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," with Jamie's mom on the keyboard. The guests gathered near us or stood in groups, the adult's sipping their "Holiday cheer," and enjoyed the music.

One song led to another and Jamie's mom explained to me there were some songs in which a Hammered Dulcimer would be played, but since they didn't have one and nobody in the family knew how to play one, she or Aunt Hat would take over the part with the keyboard. Dr. McFadden was playing as though he did this every day of his life and seemed to be enjoying himself. I watched and listened to the interaction between Scotty and him and could only conclude how much Dr. McFadden loved his son!

The music, with me taking more and more of a role, continued with "I Saw Three Ships," to "Away in the Manger," to "Children Go Where I Send Thee," where Ed Earl produced a harmonica which he used several more times. I loved it when he played "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus," backed up by Zach on mandolin and Jamie on guitar. There were times, as we played, I had to check to see who was playing what instrument so similar in style and so easy did they switch. We finished off, after a good hour, before Zach announced, "Okay, that's it; it's getting late and some of us have to travel tomorrow."

From the looks on Scotty's face, it'd be a very sad, emotional goodbye for both of them.

School Monday was "sort" of normal; Scotty was extremely quiet, pensive, so we didn't say much to him concerning what the problem was. We knew, but we all thought when he was ready to talk about Zach, he would!

Tuesday, a light snow fell, about three inches and the weather turned cold enough for it to stick around; if we received anymore, there'd definitely be a white Christmas! A three week interval existed between Thanksgiving break and Christmas break. During the time period, the high school choir and band used two weeks to make final preparations for our annual Christmas or Holiday concert. Instead of a Sunday afternoon like the recital, the program was held a week day evening. This year it was during the week before Christmas break.

The Monday before the concert, Scotty finally broke his silence concerning Zach to Jamie and me; not that he'd been quiet for the entire time, just didn't talk about Zach.

"I can hardly wait for Zach to come back," he said almost sadly. "Long distance phone calls can be boring. It's a good thing we can Skype; it makes things a little nicer," and blushed.

He need say no more; Jamie and I both winked at each other, imagining Scotty flailing the lucky stick as he and Zach breathed heavily at each other, watching the other, imagining doing in person what they could only do to themselves without the other present!

During the winter months, our physical education classes included one day of swimming each week. We were fortunate to have an indoor pool in our school sports complex. The Complex consisted of a field house with one basketball court converting to two volleyball courts; room for multiple wrestling matches during meets; and finally, an indoor track around an upper balcony level of the field house, providing sort of a bird's eye view of the activities on the main floor. Locker rooms, an equipment room, sports medicine room, a wrestling practice room, a sports fitness room, and a couple of classrooms complemented the field house.

The swimming pool was constructed so it could be used by both students, accessed through the locker rooms, or the public, through a public entrance and locker/shower rooms. It was opened Saturday and Sunday afternoons for public use. A pool pass, part of our activity pass gave us access to the pool for open swims. Coach Schroeder encouraged his cross country team to utilize the pool, the indoor track, and the sports fitness room. He emphasized, not the "bulking up" of his team but strengthening leg and thigh muscles, as well as endurance.

Jamie and I, along with the other three Horsemen, availed ourselves of the pool on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, as well as the indoor track and sports fitness room before and after school at least twice a week.

Remembering Jamie saying I spent my time looking at him instead of looking at Scotty occasionally, I spent some time watching Scotty instead. I mean, why wouldn't I? Jamie was a good looking stud and a fantastic lover! Jamie was correct; Scotty would sneak almost furtive glances at the other boys' nakedness, but he seemed to focus the main source of his attention on Jamie and me. Whether there was a connection because we knew and he knew we approved of his sexual preferences or he just enjoyed looking at two handsome and one well-hung lads (brag, brag), I had no idea. I tend to think it just made him feel comfortable, horny, or seeing the way we loved each other and acted in public.

Jamie confirmed the "horniness" aspect after school one day when the Horsemen and Pegasus had a rather vigorous workout on the indoor track. Jamie, Scotty, and I were the last ones in the shower room cleaning up after our workout. As the water cascaded over my head and the rest of my body, Jamie's slipped up behind me and softly running his soft hand over my bare, wet butt, wiggled a finger into my cleavage, found his target, and gave the sensitive ring a couple of twitches!

"I really like your butt, Whit," he breathed sexily into my ear, tickling the wrinkled entrance with his middle finger before sinking it knuckle deep. "It's firm, but soft; feels like a nice pillow, but not fluffy, and fits me just right!"

I didn't need to turn around to know he was as hard as the Washington Monument and wanted to take a tour of the Capital!

"Are you certain?" I whispered questioning where we were.

"It's just Scotty, you, and me," he replied hoarsely.

I looked, seeing Scotty watching us intently, his own cock beginning to stiffen.

With a nod from me, quicker than Santa dropping down the chimney, the finger was replaced by something much more familiar, and Jamie's public bush rested on those pillowly butt cheeks he loved, his dick buried to his pubes in my inner sanctum. Head resting on my back, belly resting in the curve of it, Jamie began pumping hard and fast, one hand around my waist and other around my own hard cock, readying me to cum at the same time he did. God, it felt so good!

As he worked to bring us both off, I looked at Scotty, flogging his frog, as he focused his eyes and total attention on our fucking! When I came, arching my back, thrusting my butt up tight against Jamie as I could, ropes of cum shot into the air onto the shower room floor; several from me and several from Scotty while Jamie deposited his in his favorite place - me!

Leaving the shower room, our ardor quenched, for the time being, without hesitation or a fearful quiver in his voice, Scotty remarked with a grin, "That was so fucking hot!" as his own sweet daisy began to wilt after spewing it's pollen!

Since Hamilton High adhered to the university schedule, our classes were dismissed the same day as the university and shut down for Christmas break. University students would have three weeks away from Campus. Seniors who wished to graduate at mid-term and had the credits, would face final exams almost immediately upon returning to campus, followed by mid-term graduation ceremonies a week later.

There was sufficient snow and cold weather during December to put Jamie and me in the holiday mood, although Jamie always seemed to be in the "holiday" mood, if you know what I mean! I'd have family home for Christmas Day but since some of the Longs were here for Thanksgiving, no one from that side of his family would be at his house.

Jamie spend his free time, when not studying, practicing, spending time with me, or the many other things he did, re-marking the Christmas Cards with a print on the front of each of an original pencil/charcoal drawing he'd rendered of the three of them before they were mailed out. The bi-fold card, carried the message, "Holiday Greetings, from our house to yours. Art, Ellen, and Jamie." Jamie hand drew an original portrait of a flower or a bird on the inside of the front panel and initialed each one, at the instance of his mother. She and Art were so proud of their son, other schools had labeled as "limited abilities," his art work, and other special gifts, they wanted to ensure he received credit where credit was due. Jamie was just as pleased, but was embarrassed when people made such a "big to do" about his talented art work, as was evidenced from the responses received from those families receiving the Christmas greetings from the Kraft family.

Art sent a plain card rather than one with the print on it fearful their mother would intercept the mail, with an invitation to each of his other sons to visit during the Christmas break, but received no response from them- save one; Jacob, who wrote, "I'd really like to Dad, if I'm welcome, but I think you'll understand why I can't." It was on plain paper enclosed in a plain envelope. Jamie had a hard time wrapping his head around why his step-brothers, who he'd never met, wouldn't want to spend time with their daddy. After all, he'd spent such a long time without one, always hoping he'd find him someday, there was no way he'd be anyplace else, but with him and his Mom. He said they were looking forward to just the three of them home for the holiday.

We exchanged gifts after the Christmas concert. Mom and Dad and I drove over to Chief Kraft's house so we could exchange our gifts. I gave Jamie several sketch books, two packages of graphite drawing pencils and charcoal (thanks to the advice of Chris's dad), and a new leather, hand-crafted guitar/banjo strap. I had the music store carve and tool his name on the strap. He was thrilled! Jamie gave me something so precious it brought tears to my eyes! It was a pencil/charcoal drawing of the two of us from the picture taken when Jamie first received his cellphone. It was beautiful; on the back he signed, "All my love, Jamie." Nothing I could give him would top that gift from him to me!

Jamie stopped over Christmas Eve Day, after lunch, to wish me a "Merry Christmas" personally. It was a nice, sexual way of doing so, filling me with joy, but feeling somewhat empty from the rear entrance after he pulled out! When he mentioned they were having roast goose for Christmas dinner and I said I had a special way of stuffing the bird, he dropped his pants again, bent over, I mounted him, and stuffed his goose! I did have to muffle the gander's squawks of delight and pleasure as I shuddered the last of my load deep in his cavity!

Christmas Day was a fun day for our family! My brothers and their families opened their own presents at home and came to our house for dinner, around two in the afternoon, and afterwards opened more presents from us and "Santa." I enjoyed my brothers, their wives, and my nephews and niece. Still young, they were easily awed by anything Uncle Whit said or did, so I played a few of the Christmas songs they were familiar and enjoyed singing along with. They all left for home late in the evening after a bite to eat, thankful for the day, the gifts, and the family comrade. I hit the sack soon after, utterly and totally pooped out - after I made a quick call to Jamie!

The day after Christmas, late in the afternoon, prior to supper, Jamie came over to show me the gift he'd received from his parents; a very expensive digital single-lens reflex camera with a telephoto zoom lens and close up lens adapter.

"Daddy says the camera will give clearer and better pictures with more definition, whatever that is, than the one on my cellphone. I mean, geez Whit, how do you define a picture?"

I was in the process of explaining "definition" when the doorbell rang and Dad answered it. In just a few minutes I heard a knock on my bedroom door and Dad asked Jamie and me to come downstairs.

Standing in the living room, evidently waiting for us, was my Dad, Chief Kraft, with a serious, almost grave expression on his face, and Dr. McFadden, Scotty's dad, red-eyed, anguished expression on his face, with a tired-exhausted demeanor about him. The poor man responsible for millions of dollars of university revenues, disbursements, and investments looked, upon first glance, as being so distraught he was incapable of making a wise decision about his own funds, much less someone else's!

"Hi, Daddy!" greeted Jamie, happy smile on his face. It faded quickly when Chief Kraft responded with a slight smile and "Hi, Honey!"

Something was terribly, terribly wrong and neither Jamie nor I had a clue of what, that much I was certain!

"Jamie, Whit," Chief Kraft asked softly, "is Scotty here?"

As we both shook our head in the negative, Dr. McFadden moaned, "Oh, my God, Art; something's happened to my son!"

"Oh, Daddy," Jamie cried and nearly leaped into his father's arms.

Chief Kraft, putting his arms around Jamie, cautioned, "Now, Ron, we don't know that! We haven't looked everywhere. He's probably just fine, we just don't know where he is."

As my own dad stepped forward, embraced me tightly, giving me opportunity to vent my frightened sobs of fear for our friend, he said,

"Why don't we all sit down and make ourselves more comfortable. It'll give us a chance to relax and allow the boys to tell us what they know, if anything!"

Settled on the couch, next to each other, Jamie holding my hand for security and comfort, Chief Kraft briefly explained what transpired and why they were here, as far as he knew.

"Last evening, after supper, Scotty and his mother, along with his brother and sister, had a major disagreement; Scotty stomped off in anger to his room, and supposedly remained there after failing to come down for breakfast or lunch. A couple of hours ago, Dr. McFadden went upstairs to check on him, worried about his welfare, but found the bedroom door locked. He retrieved the spare key, unlocked and opened the door, and discovered Scotty was gone!"

Dr. McFadden, although he didn't live on campus, immediately called Chief Kraft, rather than the city police. He thought he'd get faster action and less publicity by doing so, even though he knew if something was amiss, Chief Kraft would notify the city police.

At first it was thought Scotty may've sneaked out and bunked in with one of us, but a check with Chris and Derrick, now Jamie and me, discounted that possibility. A check of his room earlier noted one of his large duffle bags was missing along with a number of clothing items!

I raised my hand in question; "No disrespect, Chief Kraft or Dr. McFadden, but a couple of things bother me about all of this. One, this is so unlike Scotty to "run away" and two, if he did, then either one or both of you know something you're not telling us. If you want us to help, then maybe you better tell us some more!"

Dad clucked his tongue, indicating I was tiptoeing very close to being insolent, wagging his finger at me to emphasize his message!

"Yes, Whit," responded Dr. McFadden, resignation and weariness in his voice, "you have every right to question me."

Looking toward Chief Kraft for approval to continue, Dr. McFadden began telling us, Jamie, me, and my dad, exactly what happened and more, probably in greater detail than we needed, but he did understand our deep friendship with his youngest son.

"Our holidays together have not always been the most joyful, but last evening, after supper, was one of our worst. Jamie announced to us he was gay! I'd suspected it for quite some time and was satisfied in my own mind it was just fine as long as he was fine with it. I'd dealt with enough students over the years and I've come to accept their sexual orientation as being just fine for each of them although, personally, I am straight, as the younger set would say. Besides, I've seen the great relationship you, Jamie, and Whit, have and how your parents accept it."

Scotty's mother, brother, and sister weren't quite so accepting and definitely not tolerating of any "sexual aberration" as his brother called it. His mother few into a rage, shouting, screaming for him to denounce or retract his declaration or face being sent to a very conservative, private academy away from all of these "damned liberals" and "your queer, perverted friends!"

Scotty defied her, told her he was what he was and be damned if he'd let her send him anywhere! This resulted in a real shouting match, with all three of them spewing their hate and venom on Scotty, his mother declaring, "I never wanted you in the first place, you snot-faced little queer!" When Dr. McFadden stepped in to intervene, his mother slapped him, leading Scotty to shout at her and shove her aside. His mother then slapped Scotty several times and when his older brother attempted to restrain Scotty, slapping him about as well, his father again intervened, and Scotty escaped to his room, locking the door behind him! Evidently, he barricaded the door with a dresser as well, since it was pushed aside near the door when Dr. McFadden entered earlier today.

"I first thought the real trouble in our marriage began when Scotty was born," Dr. McFadden continued sadly. "There are nine years between his older brother and him and seven between his older sister and him. But now, in retrospect after yesterday's donnybrook and debacle continuing this morning between Rachael and my two older children, I realize I was in denial; our marriage was destined to failure from the very start!"

Dr. McFadden and Rachael Dahl met while he was finishing his doctorate in Business and Finance, already earning his Bachelor's in Accounting and a Masters' in Business Administration. Rachael evidently thought he was going to be a fine catch, providing for all of the luxuries and fine life her parents provided for her, their only child. Her father, a self-made businessman, along with help from his father-in-law, owned a series of convenience station/stores and was well-invested in the stock and bond market (again, thanks to his father-in-law).

Ron McFadden, on the other hand, was a poor boy from the high country and mountains of South Carolina, raised in a family environment and life style quite similar to the Long Family. Rachael visited his parent's home once, proclaiming afterwards it'd be the last time she's spend any time with that "bunch of uncultured hillbillies!"

As the years passed and the first two children arrived, she was a good as her word! Whenever Ron would go "back home" to visit his parents, brothers and sisters, and other relatives, she'd take the children to her parent's home on the lake in the summer or the winter home in Florida in the winter. In the off seasons, her parents spent their time at their main residence in Ohio.

"When Scotty was old enough to travel with me, he'd go along to visit my folks and relatives. It was there, in the high country with my people, living in the small towns and backcountry, he came to know, love, and play the music of my childhood. Of course, his mother, in order to counteract his enjoyment, insisted he also learn to play the classical violin. He was fortunate to have a tutor who also had him play the very music she detested, fiddle music, as warm-ups. Scotty loved those visits, the country, and especially enjoyed the times we would play together."

Dr. McFadden sighed, "I'm almost certain that's where he headed, now that I think about it. The one person he could talk to about everything would be my younger brother and his partner."

Quickly I looked at Jamie and he returned my look, knowing what we both thought at the same time; Dr. McFadden had no clue concerning the relationship between Scotty and Zach! Our non-verbal exchange didn't go unnoticed by Chief Kraft. I guess that's why he's the Chief!

Cautiously he said, "I think you boys would disagree with Dr. McFadden! Am I correct in thinking you two might have some other idea as to Scotty's whereabouts?"

We both nodded slowly, Jamie wide-eyed, looking from me to his Dad and back again. I gave him a gentle squeeze and the nod to go ahead and say what we both thought to be true. Jamie has a very difficult time lying and his face is always a dead give-away!

"Missionary Ridge, Daddy," Jamie announced softly.

"Where?" asked Dr. McFadden, completely unfamiliar with the name or location.

"It's the name of a ridge and hollow with several families living there just outside of Caudry, Missouri," answered Chief Kraft.

"Why would he go there?" puzzled Dr. McFadden.

"'Cause that's where Zach lives," I answered.

Chief Kraft's cellphone rang about the same time; he listened, excused himself, walked to the hall, and, as I listened, asked a few muffled questions. Returning, he said simply,

"Scotty made the daily maximum withdrawal from his savings account from an ATM around nine in the evening, purchased a ticket to Caudry, Missouri, using a passport for identification, made another withdrawal from an ATM at six thirty this morning, and, if the bus is on time, arrived in Caudry about two hours ago. It won't take long to find out if he's with Zach, if my father-in-law decides it's safe to tell me with reassurance no harm will come to the boy!"

"I just want him back home!" sobbed Dr. McFadden. "There's going to be some changes in our household; in fact they've already begun!"

I didn't ask what those changes might be, but I had a fairly good idea; splitsville along with a single-parent household and the single parent wouldn't be Rachael McFadden! Dad, bless his heart, asked the question I wanted to, but felt it was an adult's position to do so.

"What do you mean; major changes, Ron?"

"After Art arrived, I informed Rachael she'd better be gone within forty-eight hours or I'd press charges against her and my other two children for assault and battery of a child under sixteen and as soon as I can get a good attorney, sue her sorry ass for divorce."

"How about Larry Simpson, in the College of Law? He's damned good and does some private legal practice for some of the staff members here at the University," suggested Chief Kraft and Dad concurred.

Chief Kraft made the call to Ed Long in Caudry, stepped into the hall again, and after a few quiet questions, motioned Dr. McFadden to join him. I heard Dr. McFadden give muffled sob. While Chief Kraft and Dr. McFadden were in the hall, I did a quick text to Scotty.

Scotty, u safe? receiving an almost immediate reply.

Yep!

Zach with you?

Yep, you alone?

No.

Who?

Jamie, my dad, your dad, and Chief Kraft.

Dad mad?

No; worried and sad.

U know what happened?

Yep!

They know where I am?

Think so- Caudry. Don't leave Zach and stay safe.

I won't!

Bye.

After fifteen minutes or so, they both came back into the room, and Chief Kraft announced, "Ron and I are heading to Caudry in my SUV. Hopefully we'll be back in two days. I'm going to make a quick call to the University President and let him know where I'll be and why. I'll have radio and cellphone contact, so it's not as if I'm not available, if needed.

"Jamie, do you want to stay here with Whit tonight?" he added. "If you do, I want you to make certain you come home in the morning; your mom will need some help around the house."

Jamie nodded his understanding and agreement, gave his Daddy a big hug, asking his Daddy to bring Scotty home safe, waved goodbye, and we watched them leave.

Mom appeared, almost magically, gave us both a big hug, and motioned us to the kitchen where she'd prepared a light supper for the four of us, from left-overs from the day before.

Jamie and I went to bed, settled in, and my cellphone signaled another text from Scotty.

Whit; Zup?

Jamie, about as far up as he can shove without crawling inside.

Lucky!

Yep! You good?

Yep!

Coming home?

Yep!

Alone?

Nope.

Who?

Z. and we signed off.

Instead of a quick trip, as Chief Kraft anticipated, it took a couple of days longer. Not only did Dr. McFadden have the opportunity to visit with Ed and Violet Long, but members of their family as well. It also gave Zach the time to pack the rest of the personal things he'd need for his stay with his Uncle Art and Aunt Ellen while attending the University.

By the time both vehicles, packed with clothing, musical instruments, and other items, arrived back in Jefferson, Rachael McFadden was long gone. She left a note indicating someone would pick up the rest of her things in a few days.

Jamie and I helped Zach and Scotty move Zach's belongings into the room across the hall from Jamie's. Scotty informed us, as we worked, what happened after the confrontation with his Mother and siblings. He barricaded the bedroom door to prevent anyone from entering, giving him time to ponder and sort out what he wanted to do. Definitely he'd wanted his mother and siblings to accept and understand his position; instead he was hurt physically and emotionally by the blistering verbal and physical attacks. His father really loved him he was certain, by the way he tried to intervene and prevent harm coming to him. He said he could hear the shouting and arguing downstairs as the verbal battle continued. He also knew no way in hell was he going to be shipped off to some private academy!

Scotty texted Zach with a brief but accurate description of what happened. Zach immediately responded telling Scotty to go someplace safe, such as the Kraft or Whitfield household. Scotty thought a moment, texted him back informing him he'd be someplace safe and not to worry!

He gathered up his passport, packed a bag, called the bus depot for a schedule, sneaked out of the house, and made his way to bus station. After drawing money from his savings account, purchased a ticket to Caudry, using his passport as identification. Once on the bus and close to Caudry, he texted Zach asking him to meet him at the bus station.

Chief Kraft had a serious, heart-to-heart talk with them when he and Dr. McFadden arrived. Since Scotty wouldn't be sixteen until March and Zach was already eighteen and with a nasty divorce now going on, none of them (Dr. McFadden included) needed charges of child sex abuse against Zach.

"Sixteen is the age of consent in our state," Chief Kraft informed them. "So, until Scotty reaches that age, I'd advise you to keep your pecker in your pants, Zach."

Derrick announced his annual New Year's Eve Pizza and Movie marathon party for the Horsemen and Pegasus. Zach was not included in the invitation since he'd just arrived at Chief Kraft's house a few days before. Besides, I'd given Derrick the "heads up" concerning the Chief's warning to Scotty and Zack. None of us wanted to cause any trouble for either of our friends (we now included Zach as one- even though he didn't run)!

It was a fun party, even if the movies were mostly ones we'd seen before! The pizza was great and at the magic hour of 11:00 pm (midnight in Times Square), we watched the lighted ball drop. At midnight, our time, as we counted down the final seconds, Jamie stood up, dropped his underwear, cupped his large gonads on one hand, pulled them up tight against his crotch, and did his own version of "dropping the balls) by letting those beautiful orbs, usually dangling and swinging loosely, freely in their skin enclosure, drop! We all watched and then applauded as they swung back and forth, back and forth, and from side to side as Jamie entertained us with a little dance of enticement! We settled down shortly thereafter and Derrick, Chris, and Jamie zonked out!

Jamie lay snuggled up under the blanket beside me, his nakedness warm against my own, sleeping soundly, head up on my chest, one arm wrapped over my middle, and one leg tossed over my crotch, his now flaccid member scrunched up against my thigh. Scotty watched from his own bedroll next to ours, as I slowly, gently ran my fingers over and through Jamie's hair. Jamie almost purred, in his sleep, with pleasure, not unlike a young kitten satisfied and happy with a tummy full of mother's warm milk!

Resting his head, cocked toward us, in the palm of his hand supported by an elbow anchoring it to the floor, smiled and said, "You guys really love each other, don't you!"

I nodded as I watched Jamie smile slightly, reacting from a pleasant dream! I knew it must be about me or the two of us, since I could feel his growing member up against my hip.

"Whit, how or when did you know?"

I thought a moment before answering quietly so not to waken Jamie or the others. "I think it was in Art class, his first day at our school. I had no idea if he was gay or not, only I thought he was the most beautiful, handsome boy I'd ever seen!"

My attraction to him and my desire to know him better was cemented the day he came to physical education class and was so upset by some unkind words spoken by a classmate. I'd have moved heaven and earth to protect him, comfort him, and be his friend. He knew it then and I did too because he didn't resist anything I suggested nor did I show any shame or embarrassment by his overt acts of affection because he rarely let go of my hand as we walked home or if we saw each other in school.

It was as if my whole world, my whole life became something important, not only to him, but to me, when he came into it and is renewed every time I see him, touch him, kiss him, love him. I exist for him and he exists for me!

"I know the feeling," mused Scotty, softly and with a certain longing only one person in love could understand coming from another person just as much in love. "I felt the same way about Zach and still do!"

We lay quietly for a few minutes, Jamie shifted, muttered something under his breath, so I shifted my hand from his head to his shoulder and pulled him closer, whispering soothingly, "Shh, shh; I'm right here!"

"He's dreaming?"

"Yeah; sometimes he dreams of some of the more unfriendly and frightening things that happened in his life. They probably wouldn't scare you or me, but to Jamie they can be pretty hairy! Life for him can be so simple, yet so complicated!"

"The other school he attended sort of wrote him off, unfortunately. He has some difficulty in his studies, but he's also damned gifted in others. You've seen his artwork and heard his music and I've seen the profound love he can give. I couldn't live without him!"

Scotty sighed, slipped out from under his own blanket and slid in next to me, our bare skin touching, sharing each other's warmness. When I didn't object, he lay his head on my shoulder, opposite Jamie's, and also lay an arm across me and wrapped a leg over my free one.

"Whit," he asked, "what's it like loving someone like you love Jamie?"

It was an easy question to answer, I thought at first, until it became difficult; because loving Jamie was so complicated, yet so beautiful! Scotty noticed my hesitation and was about to say more when I answered quietly,

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways" someone once wrote. Scotty, it's more than just physical, although the sex is unbelievable; more than his good looks, which cannot be matched I think; or his personality or generosity which knows no bounds; and Jamie has a smile which can brighten my darkest days and lift me up higher than any street drug or prescribed medicine ever could!"

Oh, there were many more ways to describe loving James Arthur Long, but those would be secondary to the real reasons. Our tasting of each other as we gave each other oral sex or kisses, the close physical contact such as we shared now, his filling me with his stiffness and essence when we made love, but everything really revolved around just being together - in all ways connected!

Scotty nodded his head in agreement. "That's how I feel toward Zach," he confessed, "I almost hurt when he's not around."

Pausing, releasing a very deep sigh, breathed in deeply again as if seeking courage to ask another question. Finally, "What's it like making love? Did it hurt you the first time? Do you switch positions, you know, sometimes you're on top and he's on the bottom?"

Even in the shadowed darkness of the Gray's family room, I knew Scotty was clearly embarrassed by his questioning, uncertain how I would react or answer him.

"Scotty, I read all sorts of stories how painful anal intercourse could be, so I asked my brother, Jeff. He told me it could be, depending on your partner's approach and how relaxed you were. He gave me some cream to sort of deaden the area and reduce any pain from something going in where something usually came out."

"Did you use it?"

"Didn't need to; Jamie and I were well lubricated and we took our time. There was some discomfort I'll admit, the first couple of times, especially when he entered me, but once balls deep and doing a slow, stimulating fuck, the pleasure overcame any pain I might have felt. Now, there's none at all; it brings us both off and we love it. Yes, we do switch every now and then; Jamie likes me mounted on him giving him all I got to give as well. I have to admit, however, I often prefer him in me, although I won't turn down an invitation to fuck him as well. I really try to keep clean all of the time since Jamie can be horny as hell and is liable to drop my pants and slip it up inside me anytime we're alone!"

"Neat!" Scotty sighed as he fell asleep, never commenting on Zach's Thanksgiving visit and what I thought happened; not my circus, not my monkey!

Awakened by a "hiss" and "Whit," I slowly opened my eyes, greeted by a very awake and wide-eyed Jamie!

"Yes?" I asked groggily.

"Look!" he responded, pointing at Scotty, sound asleep, his head resting gently on my shoulder, "Scotty's in bed with us!"

"I know!"

"Is he naked?" he asked gleefully, quickly peering under the blanket covering the three of us.

"What do you think?"

Jamie's head popped out from under the covers; "Nope, but he really has a nice big stiffy poking out the front of his underwear!" Quickly asking, "Should I give a tug or fast suck?"

"I don't think that's a good idea; let's let him sleep."

"Why is he sleeping with us?"

"He wanted to visit and fell asleep."

Jamie pondered my answer for minute, frowned, pursed his lips, finally announcing with a knowing smile, "I think he misses Zach!" and settled his head back down on my other shoulder.

Although it had been but a few days since Zach and Scotty proclaimed and pledged their adherence to Chief Kraft's advice and warning, I thought it might be difficult for them to do so, but I've been wrong many times in my young life. I hoped I was wrong again!

Second semester began for us at Hamilton High and the Spring Term for Zach at the University. Whenever I'd see Zach and Scotty together, which was quite often, there was no doubt in my mind that Zach loved our friend and track leader more than life itself. From what I learned from Jamie, they were true to their pledge, although it didn't stop them from hugging, kissing, and holding hands when they walked, just like Jamie and I did. Zach absolutely fawned over Scotty, wanting to please him in every way, do for him, show his love for him; literally worshiping the ground Scotty walked on! Scotty reciprocated in like manner, his face effused with happiness every time Zach's name was mentioned or they were together. If Scotty had to be somewhere and Zach didn't have class, he gave Scotty a ride in his truck. God, it was great to see them both so happy!

"Daddy says Zach is really smitten with Scotty," Jamie said one afternoon, as we were laying on my bed, his stiff pecker still up my butt after spewing a hefty load in my colon and even deeper, "I think, whatever 'smitten' means," he added with a twitch and a shove.

I patiently explained it Jamie nodded his understanding. "Sort of like you and me," he grinned, flexing his stiff cock a couple of times inside me, just for emphasis and kissed me, while reaching around in front of me to bring me up and off, while he pumped another sticky, abundant offering to the Goddess of Love trapped somewhere inside me.

The third week of January the Horsemen and Pegasus were running on the indoor track and Derrick announced, "We need to start a band, if Zach and your Daddy, Scotty and your Mom, Jamie, will help us. I want to play music like we heard at your house Jamie during Thanksgiving Break."

Jamie was all in favor of it; he loved his music almost as much as he loved me, but not quite!

"If you contact them, I'm in favor," I replied, "and I know Jamie is," as he grinned and bobbed his head up and down.

Our parents all approved, with the caveat our grades and running not slip. Chief and Mrs. Kraft were concerned about Jamie's but I promised to help him and they knew I would. Jamie liked studying together, especially for the rewards after we were done- horny devil!

The first practice session was held the first Saturday in February in Dr. McFadden's family room. Since it was just him and Scotty at home, he thought it would be best to have it there and not bother anyone. Besides, he could practice with us! Zach was great in helping us transporting all of our instruments, including Chris' drum set, to the house and hauling everything back home when we were done. Jamie's mom showed up to help with the keyboard and play some of the songs she and Dr. McFadden thought we could learn easily. Of course, we had the advantage with Scotty, Jamie, and Zach already familiar with most of them.

Scotty played fiddle; Derrick, string bass and vocal; Chris on the drums; me on keyboard and vocal; Jamie, vocal, banjo, and guitar; and Zach, our leader and lead vocal, banjo, guitar, and mandolin. It was apparent Derrick had been practicing with Dr. McFadden since he really did well on the string bass. Chris was a natural on the drums and once through a song, he set the rhythm or added to it. Our first session was great!

Dr. McFadden informed us, at the end of practice, the University Library had a unique collection of Blue Grass, Traditional, and Folk music from the hill country and mountains of the southeast on tape, sheet music, CDs, and DVD's and would make arrangements to check them out so we could listen or make copies of them. It'd be a great opportunity to expand our repertoire. All of us could read music, so sight reading a couple of times would tell us if we liked a piece or not.

On our third practice, Dr. McFadden asked, "What are you going to name your group?"

Zach shrugged; frankly none of us even thought about it. We played another song and at the end, Jamie announced, "Missionary Ridge!"

It took us a minute to understand what the hell he was talking about.

"What's that got to do with the song we just played?" questioned Chris.

"Nothing," Jamie grinned back, "it's where Scotty was going to meet Zach!"

We became "Missionary Ridge;" playing Traditional, Blue Grass, and mountain, old-timey music, and a strong sprinkling of Blue Grass and Hill Gospel music (as did the Long Family and Jamie and Zach just had to have those included).

Dr. McFadden and Scotty decided to throw a party for Scotty's sixteenth birthday. I think Scotty and his Dad saw this a more than just a birthday party, since it was a couple of weeks after Scotty's actual birthday (Scotty received a really "big" present from Zach then- in fact a couple of times). It was my impression Scotty and his Dad viewed the party as a celebration of life, sort of a "freedom" party; one where everyone could celebrate, not only Scotty's birthday, but the end of a very tumultuous relationship and a new beginning; a celebration of good friends, happy times and good fortune; and, finally, a celebration of each other's differences.

They wanted it be a party filled with good friends, classmates, music, food, and dance. As a result, they invited over two hundred colleagues, friends, track-mates, teachers and coaches, including those law enforcement people who ran with us during track practice. As a result, Dr. McFadden made arrangements to have the party in one of the banquet rooms at the Student Union (Commons).

Dad located a nice sound system for us with an amplifier, speakers, and microphones to amplify our voices. Our instruments weren't electrified, all were acoustically and we preferred it that way. Any amplification would come from the microphones. The sound was therefore natural and carried a timbre and resonance we all enjoyed. Zach thought we knew enough songs to play two sets of approximately forty-five minutes. Since the party was scheduled to last from seven in the evening until ten, it left some time for visiting, we thought!

The invitations went out with the notation "Come prepared for an evening of family fun, food, and dance featuring music by Missionary Ridge and Captured Jack - no presents please! If you wish to contribute something, there will be a box for canned food items for our local food pantry, donation containers for cash donations for Heifer International and one for our Campus LGBT organization!"

The food, make your own sandwich, salads, dessert, and beverages, was catered by the University Food Service and was pretty darned good! The guests were dressed casually, arriving with whole families, ready for an evening of food and fun. They were all welcomed, once it appeared the majority were in attendance, by Dr. McFadden and Scotty. Before he invited the guests to go fill their plates from one of the two buffet tables, lines on two sides of each, he led the crowd in "Happy Birthday" to celebrate Scotty's birthday.

The food service kept the tables well stocked and after everyone had the opportunity to go through the lines, announced there would be beverages, dessert, and snacks available throughout the evening. Dr. McFadden stepped up to a microphone and asked everyone to enjoy their meal, relax, dance or just savor the sweet music of "Missionary Ridge."

We opened with "Flop-eared Mule" with Zach and Jamie taking the lead and kept up a steady flow of music, both instrumental and vocal, for our first set. When we took our break, Dr. McFadden introduced "Captured Jack." Lo and behold, the group consisted of some of the law enforcement officers who ran with us mornings and during cross country practice, with one exception; Dr. McFadden stepped up the string bass and grinned like a mule eating shit, so pleased was he to be playing the music he loved. Man could they ever play!

I asked, later, where the name "Captured Jack" came from. Campus Security Officer, Bob Winters, replied with a laugh, "We raided an on-campus pot party and one of the jokers, I guess trying to be the smart ass, told us we "didn't know jack-shit" and one of the guys, answered, 'yes we do, in fact we caught him two weeks ago and tossed his skinny ass off campus and that's where you're going as well!" so we thought it would be a good name."

The some of the guests started to dance during "Captured Jack" and when we started our second set, a mix of slower music and somewhat faster, more joined them on the dance floor in front of the portable stage from which we performed. I noticed as we played, Chief Kraft looked at his cell phone, stood up, walked slowly to the back of the room, and stepped outside. After the party, as we cleaned up and put our instruments in the covered trailer attached to Zach's pickup, he laughed as he told us two campus security officers contacted him concerning the large gathering of students outside the banquet room, dancing, and begging to be admitted. He called out a couple of more officers, just in case, and informed the outside crowd it was a private party, but they were welcome to dance outside, as long as they behaved.

We collected over eight hundred pounds of canned and pre-packaged food items for the food pantry and about five hundred dollars each for our charities. It was a fun party, produced a benefit for the three organizations, and gave us a tremendous amount of publicity! Dr. McFadden was listed as our contact, but our parents and he, along with Zach, felt it was too soon to start taking any engagements.

"Why not wait until this summer?" Dr. McFadden suggested. "You'll know better by that time, if you want to continue and, if so, have a stronger presence and more music in your repertoire."

It was sound advice!

The rest of the school year was fun-filled with morning runs, band practice which became more of a fun time, since we were often joined by Ellen Kraft, Dr. McFadden, and some of our law enforcement friends who played instruments. We learned a great deal from them and enjoyed their company. It was a busy time for me as well, doing my own school work, practicing piano, helping Jamie with his studies. It was really not sacrifice for me to help him, since I could do my own work while helping him.

It was difficult sometimes to keep him on task because he would either get bored, tired of studying, or run into some difficulty in the work he didn't want to tackle. I could tell because he would sort of snuggle up to me, begin kissing me on the neck, rub his hands lovingly over my butt, or slip his hands down the front of my pants and fondle my stiff cock. If we had our running shorts on yet, I'd have to promise to "reward" him once we completed the lesson. He then would return to his studies, anxious to complete it so he could "complete me!" Done, he would crawl over, cover my back with his front, slip my shorts down to my knees, wrap one hand around my stiff member, and, while tickling my ear with his tongue or whispering breathlessly, erotically into my ear how much he loved me, slowly poke his big, stiff member through my outer anal ring and work it past the next barrier until he was firmly, deeply lodged in me before giving me a good and proper fuck! His cum would spurt out in me in healthy, strong pulses and as his orgasm subsided and his cum ceased to flow, he would sigh, shudder, and relax, his sexual appetite temporarily satiated. If he didn't pull out right away, I knew he was preparing for a second round of pleasure!

Jamie was also busy, along with school, running, and band practice, with his art work using his new camera to augment and save images of things he found interesting or provoked some artistic creativity. Chris' Dad, Dr. Thomas Fischer, engaged a couple of his colleagues in a dialogue concerning Jamie's artistic ability, after borrowing some of Jamie's art work (with Ellen and Chief Kraft's permission along with the Christmas card) and persuaded them to assist him in "tutoring" Jamie quite casually, thus not causing him any stress. The result of their endeavors encouraged Jamie to collect pictures, via his camera, of flowers, birds, people, and campus life so he could use them to draw from or be inspired by.

We put in a considerable amount of time poking around campus, along the running path along the Little "P" River, the woods alongside the river, the various neighborhoods we ran through, on campus looking at buildings and people, with Jamie taking pictures of things that caught his eye. He'd sort through them, saving those he found particularly interesting or showed some promise for future development. He loved it and I loved being with him!

The first Saturday after school was out for summer vacation, Jamie and I returned from a nice morning run and were in the process of looking through some of the pictures he'd taken while we were out on our run (it takes longer since we do stop to take the pictures). His folks were out for a quick breakfast, at least that's what the note said, and we were actually done looking, but Jamie just couldn't pass up the opportunity, so, both of us bare-assed naked, Jamie settled over my back, stiff cock buried balls deep, he was in the process of just finishing giving me a royal and proper fucking, when the doorbell rang!

He pulled out quickly, we both grabbed our shorts, and he led the way downstairs to the front door. I thought at the time I hoped it wasn't an old lady with heart trouble because the way Jamie's half-flaccid cock was flopping around in his nylon running shorts it'd be literally "in the eyes of the beholder" and I couldn't guarantee the consequences!

Opening the door, Jamie and I stood face to face with a young man, about Jamie's height, probably our age or a little older, slight of build, not unattractive, who had a filled backpack on his back and a rather large suitcase resting alongside of him on the front porch.

Before Jamie could say anything, the young man demanded, "Who the hell are you?"

Jamie, clearly taken aback and somewhat intimidated, replied softly, "James Arthur Long," and slipped behind me, fearful and letting me shield him from the unpleasantness!

"That's not quite the right question!" I responded just as aggressively. "The question is, who are you and what the hell are you doing here, frightening my boyfriend?"

"I live here!" the young man replied.

Chapter Eight

"You see, there are portions of the human anatomy which would keep swinging after the music had finished."

(Sir Robert Helpmann)

Always room for more, be it brothers, cousins, or friends!

I felt someone step up behind me, feeling rather than actually seeing, Zach's larger, stronger, but beautiful body! Shit, I didn't even know he was in the house! I'd bet my bottom dollar, if Scotty was here also, they were fucking like bunny rabbits about the same time Jamie and I were. I wondered if they'd heard the moans and squeals of delight as we both came!

"Who did you say you were?" Zach asked cordially, stepping up beside me where I could see him, his presence rapidly defusing a very tense situation!

"Jacob Kraft; I used to live here with my Dad, Art Kraft, Chief of Campus Security. Maybe I got the wrong house or he moved?"

I did a quick assessment of Jacob Kraft and could honestly say he looked like a Kraft, possessing many of the same body features as Jamie; dark hair, dark eyes, naturally tan in complexion, and really quite good looking!

Jamie's head popped around me like a gopher popping his head out of a burrow to check the territory for either predators or just for the hell of it, looking around at the landscape! Wide-eyed, innocent smile adorning his face as only Jamie could have, excitedly squealed, "You're my brother!" to a now very confused and perplexed Jacob!

"I think you're at the right house, Jacob Kraft," Zach said, "I think you'd better come in," and stepping to the side, "and bring your stuff with you. There's a story here you'll have to hear to believe," extending his hand to Jacob. "I'm Zach Long, Jamie's cousin, "and he is" pointing to me, "Carlton Whitfield, Jamie's boyfriend, and behind me, the good looking one of the bunch, is Scotty McFadden, my boyfriend."

Jacob nodded and shook hands with each of us, although it was plain from the look on his face, he really was confused by it all and more than skeptical concerning the "boyfriend" introductions! I don't know if he felt he was walking into a nut house, a whore house, or what, but man, he was hesitant! I noticed his eyes fell toward Zach's crotch and stayed there a bit longer than one thought they should so I looked to see what he looking at. Now, I'd never seen Zach's male parts before, but from what I could determine, by the outline down one leg of his nylon shorts and the exposed head of his dick, partially peeking out from a nice foreskin, he was definitely one of Jamie's "big cocked cousins!" If the term "horse cock" was ever applied to a human, Zach definitely qualified. He was bigger than Jamie, causing me to wonder for just a minute, how Scotty took it without splitting apart!

Jacob turned to pick up his suitcase and I quickly hissed at Zach, "The mayor is out taking some air!" and he quickly adjusted his shorts to cover "His Honor."

Jamie was excited, Jacob was confused, and Scotty and I just waited to see what was going to happen next! Jacob followed Jamie and Zach into the living room; Scotty and I traipsed along behind, quiet, anticipating, wondering! All of us just got seated and we heard a vehicle drive up and stop on the driveway.

"Daddy and Momma are home," Jamie announced excitedly. "Won't they be surprised who's here?"

I was willing to be they'd be more than just surprised! I could hear them talking, speculating as who the VW belonged to now parked out front, as they came up the front steps and walked into the house.

"Momma; Daddy!" Jamie squealed happily as he raced to the hall. "We got company, one of my brothers is here!"

I heard Chief Kraft mutter "Shit!" before he entered the living room.

Jacob stood, shakily, hesitantly, almost fearfully, turned to his father now walking into the room, looked at his father, and said tearfully, "Hi, Daddy!"

Chief Kraft didn't race to embrace him, but stood, his arm around Ellen, more for his own benefit, providing support emotionally, responding, "Does your mother know you're here, Jacob?"

"I don't know, Daddy; I think so!"

"Jacob, why did you come here?"

"I had no place else to go, Daddy!" he sobbed.

"Oh, boy!" Zach sighed softly, "Time for us to go upstairs, Scotty!" and the two of them beat a hasty, but quiet, retreat up the stairs to Zach's room.

I gave Jamie a flick of my head toward his room, saying, "Jamie?"

Jamie slowly waggled his head from side to side; "I've got a real brother, Whit;" looked at his mom and dad, asking in an emotionally charged voice, "Daddy, can Whit and I stay, please?"

Chief Kraft nodded his approval, frowned as if in thought, while asking Jacob, "What do you mean, you had no place else to go?"

Jacob's shoulders began to shake as he hunched over slightly, covering his eyes with his hands unable to contain his sadness, letting it erupt in heart-wrenching sobs. When he began to cry, Jamie did a "Jamie thing;" stepping forward, his own emotions torn by the sight and sounds of someone in pain, physically or emotionally, wrapped his arms around Jacob, holding him in a strong, reassuring hug, much like I did to him when he became upset, as if trying to either absorb or share all of the sorrow, hurt, and fear Jacob spewed out in his gut-wrenching sobs!

"Jamie, Honey," Ellen Kraft said softly, "why don't you and Whit help Jacob to the sofa and keep him close while he tells us what horrible thing happened to him bringing him home to us for refuge and safety!"

Jamie led him over to the couch where I joined them. Jacob sat between us, one of Jamie's arms around him, joining mine also around Jacob's shoulders. Jacob looked at us curiously, at first, smiled slightly, looked at his father and, evidently feeling secure, took a deep breath and began!

"I wrote a note at Christmas; I should've said more, but I was afraid someone, specifically Mom, would read it. After we moved out and after the divorce, we lived in Grandpa and Grandma DeWitt's house, as you know. They're gone most of the time, either in Florida for the winter or at the lake in the summer."

Rebecca, his mother continued being just as demanding and spoiled as ever; her parents indulging her every want; provided the necessary fees for his two older brothers to attend college, her and the boys a place to live, and funds sufficient to supplement "the trifle amount provided by that hillbilly cop, Art Kraft" according to his grandparents. It wasn't a happy household, at least in Jacob's eyes, filled with attending social functions, those gatherings of people who had money, believing it made them rich and cultured, but according to Jacob, they had no class or idea what to do with it, except to spend it on themselves with little concern for those who had less or little at all!

There was constant pressure to "do well and present your best possible public behavior, associate with the "right" people, all because it reflected on the DeWitt family, trying to maintain their "societal" place among the "nouveau rich." His older brothers had to attend the "right" college; all three of them were expected to date and eventually marry the "right" girl, after approval by Rebecca and her father.

"There was the problem," Jacob confessed hesitantly, "There were no girls around that really appealed to me," stopped his dialogue, swallowed nervously, looked at his father, switched his pleading, almost shameful look at Ellen Kraft, almost begging her to either leave the room or say something!

Ellen smiled warmly at him and in a soft, soothing, comforting voice, reassured him in her response to his silent plea.

"Jacob, your father and I have a gay son, his boyfriend is sitting next to you; upstairs is my gay nephew, Zach and his boyfriend Scotty, both of whom you've already met, so, although you father and I are 'straight' and their sexual preferences are not ours, we don't condemn their choices, we don't punish it, we accept their choice, we celebrate each other's differences, and we respect each other, so if you're trying to tell us you're gay, fine; don't be ashamed of who you are! In this house, in our home, you're not alone afloat in a sea of pirates or homophobes; you'll find support and understanding and safe harbor!"

"Is that what you're trying to tell us, Jacob?" his dad asked gently.

Jacob nodded slowly acknowledging his question and answered, "Daddy, I'm so afraid!"

"Afraid of what, Jacob?" Chief Kraft answered. "Are you afraid I'll love you less for the way you were born or because your mother forced you away from me or because you discovered I've another son who you nothing about or that I've remarried?"

Again, Jacob nodded; "All of them!"

This time it was Chief Kraft's turn to answer with emotion quivering his voice, as he held open his arms welcoming and inviting Jacob to leave the comfort and security of the couch, to accept the offered embrace of love and acceptance!

Father and son stood, holding each other; Chief Kraft slowly rocking his third son back and forth as his fourth son watched, wondering, as did I, where he stood in the line-up of father and son relationship; whether he would now be accepted as having a "real daddy" or treated as "the bastard child" from a sexual tryst. His fears and mine were quickly quelled!

"Oh, Jacob; I could never love you less because of my love for Jamie. You and Jamie, as well as John and Jeffery, are my sons. Jamie just came along a little bit later into our lives and we're so happy to have him. This was your home before you left and still is, if you want it to be and are willing to share it with Jamie and my wife Ellen. I suspected, before the divorce, where your sexual preferences were and, if you remember, I didn't treat you any differently. So, why don't you join your brother back on the couch and listen to our story; Ellen, me, Jamie, and how it all started."

"Before I really begin, Jacob, you must understand, Jamie is special to all of us," smiling at his youngest son. "I didn't know he even existed until a little over a year ago. His mother, my high school sweetheart, didn't let me know. Jamie lived in a world of loving grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and a mother who loved him dearly, but Jamie always wondered who his 'real daddy' was until just recently. In school and in life, there are some things that come to him with difficulty, but he as so many gifts and talents, such as his art and music. However, most of all, his gift of love, very much like his mother; we sometimes find ourselves forgetting he needs our love and understanding in return to help him through some of those very scary things in his life. As you come to know him, you'll love him as much as we do!"

Chief Kraft opened his arms to Jamie and accepted a loving hug and kiss from him before Jamie returned to the couch with Jacob and me.

Jacob sat between us as Chief Kraft told the story, a love story developing between two high school sweethearts, one a beautiful young lady from the surrounding hills and the other an equally handsome, lightly permanently tanned, young man of Hispanic heritage; how they so dearly and deeply loved each other; the tragic separation when they young man married; the disastrous, unhappy marriages, the reunion of the man and now woman, the fruition of their love; the man not knowing he'd impregnated his sweetheart, returned and found a son he'd never dreamed of having or loving so much, as the man did his mother; and finally, the marriage which was meant to be and should've been in the beginning.

"Now, Jacob, what happened to bring you home to us?"

Jacob's story wasn't unlike many other gay kids stories, each having its own twist, peculiarities, personal same yet different circumstances and outcomes; knowing relatively early in life he was "different;" trying desperately to become something he wasn't for fear of rejection by family and friends, hiding his emotions deep in the closet, hoping, fearing no one else would find out; fearful of his own safety if those in school should discover it and physically and emotionally abuse him, making him wander through life wary and showing, outwardly, the appearance of being "straight." Fortunately, or unfortunately, a couple job transfers on the part of Art Kraft, finally ended up with him living in Jefferson and attending Hamilton Elementary School and Middle School.

After the divorce and the move to live with his grandparents, it wasn't his mother who rejected him and caused him to leave, although she was complicit in the deed, but his grandfather! Jacob wasn't pleased with the move or the divorce; according to him, he just didn't feel comfortable in the new school or in his grandfather's house. It wasn't, according to him, a very happy house, full of phoniness, bigotry, and overt discriminatory remarks and actions!

His grandparents were planning on leaving for their summer at the lake house and, as they did each year, hosted a "going away party" for their friends, politicians, and business acquaintances or those the DeWitt's deemed acceptable to be seen with or vice-versa! It was one of those parties where his grandparents could kiss ass and have theirs kissed by those who they thought would benefit them or by those who thought they'd benefit by kissing his grandfather's hairy, fat ass!

One of those "acceptable" guests had a daughter who was enrolled in the same high school, was one of the "in crowd," and evidently had her sights set on Jacob as another conquest or bed partner. She was determined to have him buried balls deep in a well-plumbed orifice before the party was over! She maneuvered him up to his bedroom, lifted her skirt, and invited him to enter the gates of paradise! When he refused, she stepped forward, crammed her hands down his pants, and began to fondle him erotically! Jacob didn't respond, instead remained as soft as a tube of foam rubber, causing his to proclaim him as "queer as a deer" which he didn't deny! Laughing, taunting him, she left, went back downstairs, and began spreading the word among the other teens in attendance. It didn't stop there; she made certain everyone of "importance" knew it at school. Fortunately, there were only a few days left and he was out before anyone could pummel him!

His grandfather caught wind of the accusations a day or two after school was out and when Jacob didn't deny it, ordered him out of the house, and to go live with his father. He was given enough money for a bus ticket, incidental expenses, and allowed to empty his savings account, which had a considerable amount in it, with the admonition "never to darken the doors of the DeWitt house again!"

"So, Dad," Jacob concluded, "here I am. Do you still want me here? Do you have room for one more?"

"Of course we do," Chief Kraft answered without hesitation. "This was your home before you left and it's still your home now. In fact, your old bedroom is empty so you can move right in!"

"The rules haven't changed any, Jacob; no drugs, no booze, no smoking in the house; we need to know where you're going, who you're with, and what time you'll be home; treat others and yourself with respect, do your homework, do what Ellen and I tell you to do, and do your share around the house. It'll take getting used to since there's been a lot of changes since you left, but you're welcome here, at home!"

He motioned to Jamie and me, asking, "Why don't you boys take Jacob upstairs to the spare room and help him get settled? Perhaps you two, along with Scotty and Zach, if he doesn't have to go to work right away, fill him in on anything else he needs to know, okay?"

Jamie, excited as a young pup wondering where it could piss without getting its ass swatted with a newspaper, bubbling with enthusiasm, almost ran up the stairs in his eagerness to show Jacob to his room. Once there, he took great pains in showing Jacob the (queen sized) bed, the dresser, clothes closet, and bathroom in the hall. Jamie didn't spare showing him where the extra towels, washcloths, toothpaste, soap, and other personal hygiene and medical ointments and band aids were. Jacob, bless his heart, although he was familiar with the house having lived here, was extremely patient and indulging, as he nodded his understanding to a proud, but anxious Jamie!

"When you're done putting your things away, I'll show you my room!" Jamie invited.

Jacob smiled back, answering, "Why don't I do that later; I'd really like to see your room and maybe have a chance to visit with Zach and Scotty as Dad suggested."

Jamie giggled his happiness, as only he could, nodded his head, and led the way down the hall to his room. I quickly rapped on Zach's door to forewarn them, just in case, and when Zach, fully dressed with the monster safely tucked away, opened the door, I invited them to join us in Jamie's room.

In that short, very brief time, I thought, it took the three of us (Scotty still dressed in his running shorts and tee-shirt since he had nothing else to put on, face still glowing with "I've been freshly, deliciously, and satisfactorily fucked" looked), to walk to Jamie's room, with Scotty guided by Zach's hand placed and cupping his left butt cheek, smiling with that "And I'm the one that did it" look, were surprised, upon entering the room, found Jamie chattering like a blue-jay; well, he never talked very fast, but for him, fast, okay? He was busy answering Jacob's questions concerning the art work posted on the bedroom wall. Jacob seemed just as interested in the unfinished piece on Jamie's easel and how Jamie used the camera in his art, evidently discussed earlier. I think I was taken aback discovering how much information can be transmitted in the short space of time I'd left them alone; or I was in Zach's room longer than I thought.

"I was just showing my new brother my drawings," Jamie explained, pleased Jacob seemed to have taken an interest in them. From the look on Jacob's face, I thought he was sincere in his interest, I hoped, and not faking it. I didn't want to rush in my judgement of him; I needed to know about him, especially now he was going to be a member of this household. I was just as curious how his relationship with Jamie would develop. After all, Jamie was first, the illegitimate, now legitimate, son of Jacob's father. Would Jamie be seen as a "usurper," an intruder, create a jealous streak between him and Jacob vying for the father's attention and as a result, Jamie being treated badly?

How would Jamie accept Jacob into their family? Would he feel left out since Jacob was older and lived with their dad longer? I doubted Chief Kraft would treat Jamie any different than before. Jamie had so much love and support from Ellen and Chief Kraft, the entire Long family, and especially me, I really didn't fear too much for him, but still did a little bit. Besides, with his cousin Zach close by, what he didn't take care of, the Four Horsemen would!

Zach stepped forward, extended his hand, by way of introduction; "We've already met informally, but I'm Jamie's cousin on his mother's side. Aunt Ellen and my dad are brother and sister. I moved up here at Christmas time. Uncle Art and Aunt Ellen offered me a place to live while attending CSU - I'm going to major in Police Science."

He went on to explain he had to go work after lunch, about mid-afternoon, to work a catered dinner party in the Commons or Student Union. "The Food Service caters banquets and other meals there and hire extra help to wait tables, clean up, and stuff. I work for the Buildings and Grounds department, usually the day shift, and pick up extra work where I can. Uncle Art helped me get the job with Buildings and Grounds and I answered an ad for the extra work at Food Service. The extra pay comes in handy; helps pay the tuition and books."

This summer Zach was also taking a couple of classes and his supervisor arranges his work schedule so he can go to class and work too. All of it was great for him since it made college affordable. "I couldn't afford to go college if I didn't live here with Uncle Art and Aunt Ellen," he explained.

Turning to Scotty to acknowledge him, he said, "You've met Scotty McFadden, my boyfriend, downstairs."

Scotty stepped forward, proffered his hand, while giving Jacob a visual appraisal, yet I could tell by the way he looked, it was more of an evaluative look, preferring, as I did, to withhold any judgement.

Jacob must have sensed the hesitation, he coughed nervously before asking, "How did you guys meet?"

Zach settled himself on the floor, spread his legs inviting Scotty to join him. Once Scotty settle in between those long legs, back resting against Zach's chest, arms around Scotty's chest, holding him lovingly, Zach explained, "Uncle Art and Aunt Ellen invited my grandparents up for Thanksgiving and my folks offered to drive them up. I thought it was great opportunity to move some of my stuff in so my younger brother and I loaded up my pickup and came along."

"There wasn't enough room for me stay here so I ended up staying in a spare room at Scotty's."

Zach paused, squeezed Scotty a little closer, leaned over, and kissed his head, saying, "When I first spotted him, I thought he was the most beautiful boy in the world! When I discovered he played the fiddle, I just knew we could make indescribable music together and we can!"

Jacob asked, "What did your parents say, Scotty, about you dating Zach?"

Scotty told him the sad tale of the upheaval at his home when he made the announcement he was gay, of his running away, being brought back home by his dad and Chief Kraft, the separation, the divorce, and the promises, and kept, they made to Chief Kraft.

"I turned sixteen in March," Scotty explained, "and my choice was just fine with my dad and great as far as Zach and I are concerned."

"How about you and Jamie?" Jacob asked, looking at me.

I was sitting on Jamie's bed, my back up against the head board, Jamie resting between my legs, head on my chest, my arms around him, similar to Scotty and Zach, and, at Jacob's question, twisted his head, looked at me inquisitively, silently telegraphing me the message he wanted me to answer for both of us!

I told Jacob the story of how a new, good-looking boy came to our school and was enrolled in the same Art class and Choir I was; how I visited with my parents about him and was reminded not to have my heart broken again or break his either; the day Jamie arrived in my physical education class; how the Four Horsemen rallied around him and, finally; how I fell in love with James Arthur Long.

"Jamie talked about his 'new daddy' after his mother and Chief Kraft were married because he never had a real daddy until he started running with us and Chief and Mrs. Kraft revealed, one day while I was there, Chief Kraft was his 'real daddy' and how much they loved him. Jamie was so excited, as was I and all of our friends that he now had a 'real daddy' like the rest of us!"

I sighed, "The more I was with him, the more I loved him!"

Pausing in my story, looking over at Jacob, staring at him, my eyes narrowed, determined look on my face, warning him, as I said softly, but with measured sternness, "I promised Chief Kraft and Mrs. Kraft I'd love him more than life itself, protect him against anyone, friend, relative, or foe from any harm, no matter what the risk to, the danger of, or giving up of my own life for him! Understood?"

Jacob nodded, slowly, letting the impact of my words sink in, contemplating, and realizing I was dead serious telegraphing should he do anything to harm Jamie, physically or emotionally, he'd have me to reckon with!

Zach and Scotty were silent throughout my story, my pronouncement of my love and protection of Jamie. Zach finally said, "And that goes for me and the entire Long Family!"

"And me," added Scotty, "along the other Horsemen. Pegasus, Jamie, is all of us in one person and we love him as well!

Jacob coughed, nervously, aware now of the protective shield surrounding Jamie and our resolve to keep it, looked away, spotted the guitar and banjo on their stands, and asked, "Do you play, Jamie?"

Before Jamie could reply, I spoke up! "Okay, Jacob, now why don't you tell us why you're really here, this time without all of the bullshit?"

He started to protest, until I held up my hand, adding, "I think Zach would agree you can't shit an old turd, so let's have it!"

Jamie, confused, twisted his head, gave me a hurtful look, wondering why I'd treat his "new brother" in such a disrespectful manner!

I calmed him quickly, explaining, "I think Jacob has some things to say he didn't want to say in front of your Momma and Daddy- isn't that right, Jacob?"

Jacob swallowed, with difficulty I might add, clearly uncomfortable and uneasy since I called his hand, forcing him to tell something he'd been avoid saying, hopeful I might accept his previous explanation without question. Well, he underestimated me!

"Everything I said was true, to a point! Yes, the girl at the party did spread the story and yes, my Grandfather DeWitt did confront me on it."

"But there's more, isn't there?"

"Yeah, but it's a long story, so it may take a while, but here goes!"

Ever since Jacob could remember, his mother and father's relationship was in a constant turmoil, hence so was the household! The battles were generally over his father's failure to pursue a career as a lawyer even though he had a Jurisprudence Doctorate; where they lived and the "substandard housing" according to Jacob's mother; the continuing badgering by his mother to move to her hometown where "the boys can grow up in a decent society, away from all of the common riff-raff," surrounded by family instead; Art's job as a Border Patrol Officer, dealing with "wetbacks, dope smugglers, whores, and those who take jobs away from decent Americans;" forbidding his Dad to speak Spanish around the house, ("like some half-educated migrant or displaced person") denying his own and his son's ethnicity and heritage!

"Grandfather DeWitt didn't help the situation either," lamented Jacob, "whenever we would visit over the holidays without Dad or all summer, he'd just add to the bullshit by encouraging Mother's ranting about Dad. Grandfather DeWitt is one goddamned prejudiced, bigoted old ornery son-of-a-bitch. If you're not white, Anglo-Saxon Protestant, in his eyes you're just as worthless a piece of shit and he says so!"

It was a comment that brought Jamie upright again, eyes wide open, mouth open in astonishment; there were three of us in the room who knew exactly what was going to come out of his mouth next and he didn't disappoint us!

"You dares'nt say that around Momma, Jacob!" Jamie cautioned.

"Why; does she know him?"

Jamie shook his head "no," "I mean those words, you know," one hand sort of shielding his mouth secretly as if no one except Jacob would be able to hear what he said. "Words like goddamn or shit or son-of-a-bitch, or Momma will wash your mouth out with soap!"

"She will?"

Jamie nodded knowingly, authoritatively!

Jacob sort of smiled, "How does the soap taste, Jamie?"

"Pretty yucky!" he responded, grimacing and shuddering slightly remembering his displeasure at the taste.

"I'll have to be very careful," acknowledged Jacob.

Jamie felt better, having warned his "new brother" and settled back comfortably up against my chest once more.

"Well, Dad fooled her and everyone else, with our help of course," chuckled Jacob. "He was forbidden to speak Spanish within sound of my mother or grandparents, but it didn't stop him from teaching it to the three of us, with an admonition never, never speak it around mother or our grandparents. When we were with him, he spoke Spanish almost exclusively, except when to explain the meaning of a word or introducing a new word."

Growing up, Jacob knew by age ten or so he was "different," leaning toward the gay side of life. His brothers noticed it, accepted his preference, and cautioned him to keep it to himself in fear of what might happen if his mother or grandparents discovered he was gay. Jacob spent his life, at least until recently, frustrated, fearful, and anxious ridden!

The bickering and fighting between his parents all came to a head and, at the urging of his grandfather DeWitt, his mother and father divorced; the terms of the divorce forced the boys to live with their mother, who chose to live with her parents. Older brother, John, now twenty-three just finished his university degree in Accounting; Jeffery, age twenty and in his second year of college, was working on pre-law with hope of entering a college of law at some university.

"My brothers had no choice in where they attended college," stated Jacob derisively, "Grandfather DeWitt chose the school, pushed them into the field he thought would benefit him, and paid the bill! Dad still has to pay child support until we reach the age of twenty-one as well as contribute to college costs until we graduate. John will graduate, let's see, this weekend!"

Jacob really laughed then! "Boy will mother and Grandfather DeWitt be surprised when they go to the ceremonies and out to dinner afterward and meet John's fianc?."

"Why's that?" Scotty asked.

"Well, first of all they don't know he's engaged and secondly, she's black and beautiful! I'll be surprised if Grandfather DeWitt lives through the encounter, dying of shock!"

Laughing, he paused momentarily, looked at the surprised looks on our faces, before adding, almost nonchalantly, "Don't be a bit surprised if he shows up here as well. His fianc? has a major in Chemistry and is going to pharmacy school. She finished her bachelor's from CSU, and went on to pharmacy school after that. She's from here," he added, "and attended high school at Public. They met while in high school but kept it quiet."

Jamie looked up at me, sort of rolling his eyes; I think wondering where another one or two would sleep. I just shrugged! I wondered the same thing, but kept my own counsel on the issue.

"Well, back to what really happened after girly-girl shot her mouth off and grandfather and mother confronted me." Jacob sighed angrily. "He called me to his study and with mother listening to my answer, I admitted it!"

Rather than denying his sexual orientation and preferences, Jacob stood his ground and almost defiantly admitted it! Mr. DeWitt launched a tirade of hate and expletives concerning what he thought of homosexuals or "queers, faggots, fudge packers" and any other terms or filth he could bring to mind; in the process he also attacked Jacob's father, Chief Kraft, as "a fucking wetback Spic who seduced his daughter, raped her, and got her pregnant with a bunch of half-Mex brats."

As Jacob relayed it, his grandfather sputtered, "You're just like him, stick your cock in any hole, only you'd rather rape little boys!"

It was that final comment that drove Jacob over the edge, accusing his grandfather of lying, hate speech, attempting to drive a wedge between his father and sons, and finally, of being a homophobe! When Jacob sputtered to a stop, his grandfather announced menacingly, "you're going to regret your fucking perverted behavior; I'm shipping your sorry ass to a military school in Mississippi where they'll either make a real man out of you or kill you in the process!"

Jacob glared defiantly at him, turned around, dropped his pants, and bared his ass!

"And you can kiss my queer little ass, Granddaddy, dear," he mocked, "or would you rather fuck it first before you do?"

As he pulled up his pants, his grandfather spun him around and walloped him across the face, bloodying his nose and knocking him to the carpet.

"Oh, my god!" I snorted, holding Jamie even closer since he was really starting to get upset hearing the conversation.

"I fell down not far the fireplace in his office, wiped my face, picked up an iron poker from its stand, stood, pointed it at him, and growled, 'no you're not, you sanctimonious old bastard! I'm going to go live with my dad and you, or her,' pointing at his mother, 'will do nothing to stop me. Even try and you know what?'"

"What?" his grandfather snarled back.

"Grandmother DeWitt and that windbag of a preacher at your church are going to learn how you've been fucking that cute little housekeeper for the last couple of years!"

"Yeah, right; as if they'd believe some little queer ass bastard like you!?

"Oh, they don't have to take my word for it! You weren't so discreet when you had her spread out over your desk, skirt hiked up to her tits, her legs wrapped around your waist, your flabby ass jiggling as you grunted and thrust into her! Nah, you were so busy you never noticed me peeking in the door, my cellphone camera catching every disgusting moan and groan as you shot your pitiful load up her snatch!" holding up the cellphone with the video playing.

"You watch your mouth," his mother shouted.

Jacob swung his attention back to her; "You, mother dear, should change your password on your laptop. It seems all those charity events you attend are really an excuse to have a weekend with 'Mr. Clean-cut, with a wife and three kids politician' you've been fucking since before you divorced Dad, if all those e-mails you lovers have exchanged are correct!"

His mother sputtered her denial, but he shut her off! "Really mother, he shouldn't have sent you all those nude pictures of himself. I particularly enjoyed the short video he sent while jacking off, chanting your name over and over. I've seen bigger cocks on ten year old boys! Just to ease your mind, I've downloaded all of it on a flash drive!"

Jacob turned to leave, but added, "I'll expect your attorney to notify Dad you've requested all child support payments and college funding to stop," and left.

He loaded up his VW, stopped at the bank, closed out his savings account, and drove here.

The four of us, after listening to his story, sat quietly, almost dumb-struck, so to speak, amazed and somewhat depressed by it all. His story was not unlike others, but never had we heard of such a violent rejection by mother and grandfather. Aren't your grandparents supposed to love you no matter what?

Jamie was way too quiet! I turned his face toward me, saying softly, "We'll talk about this, okay?"

He nodded, eyes big in either wonder or fear, I know not!

"And," I cautioned, "it's Jacob's place to tell your Momma and Daddy, not ours, okay?"

Again he nodded! There was no way he'd tell his Momma such a story! Jamie was raised with a loving family surrounding him and was having a real hard time wrapping his head around the turmoil Jacob experienced, especially since Jamie's grandparents gave him such unconditional love!

"So, Jamie," Jacob asked, turning the conversation, "do you play?"

Ellen called up the stairs just then; "Jamie, Honey, Daddy has burgers on the grill so get cleaned up for lunch. I've called Scotty's Dad and Whit's parents so they know you boys will be staying to eat with us!"

Saved by the bell, or in this case, Jamie's Momma.

Zach quickly said, "Jacob, if you want to hear Jamie and the rest of us play, ride along with Aunt Ellen and Uncle Art tomorrow afternoon to Scotty's where we're having a 'school's out" program for parents and a few friends, thanking them for their support."

Jamie spent the afternoon at my house, where we talked through his feelings after hearing Jacob. Naturally, he was upset, but soon, with a little smooching, decided Jacob could handle it just fine. The time spent with me was good for both of us and also gave Jacob a chance to unpack and spend some time with Art and Ellen, getting reacquainted with his father and getting to know his father's new wife, now his step-mother.

I walked Jamie home about dinner time and, if I read people correctly, Ellen and Chief Kraft were now more than aware of the circumstances concerning Jacob's unannounced appearance and moving in. I never asked; it was none of my business!

The next day it took us about a half hour to set up our equipment in the family room at Scotty's. It is a nice large room and his dad, along with Scotty and Zach, already had folding chairs lined up in rows facing the area set aside where we were putting our instruments and sound system. There were way more chairs than we needed, so I asked Zach why.

He shrugged, much like Jamie would do; "All I know is Dr. McFadden said he'd invited some other people, but he wouldn't say who."

Our families gathered at the appointed hour and the moms set up a refreshment table with cake, cookies, coffee, and soft drinks. Indeed, as they worked, there were other gentlemen and ladies joining us, in fact, about a dozen individuals. Some looked vaguely familiar, perhaps people from the faculty or staff of the university, but I really wasn't certain!

Dr. McFadden stepped up, called everyone's attention to the front, and turned it over to Zach. Zach thanked everyone for their support and encouragement throughout the past year and especially the past semester, welcomed the visitors to enjoy themselves, and, as a courtesy to them, introduced each member of "Missionary Ridge."

"Jamie Long on guitar, banjo, and vocal; Carlton Whitfield, 'Whit to all of us,' playing keyboard and vocal; Scotty McFadden, fiddle and vocal; Derrick Gray, string bass and vocal; Chris Fischer, drums and rhythms; and me, I'm Zach Long and play guitar, banjo, mandolin, and vocal."

Once done, he led us into some of our favorites and we played about a half an hour before he took a break. I watched Jamie as we played, his natural rhythm causing him to move his hips and feet, albeit not vigorously, but in time with the music, reminding me of our dancing lesson and the Spring Fling. Honest to God, I had to really make certain I stayed behind my keyboard as we played since I got as hard as the Rock of Gibraltar.

In April, when we began running outside instead of on the indoor track, that is, when the weather was decent and not that shitty snowy, rainy, wet type weather. One bright sunny Saturday morning, Pegasus and the Four Horsemen completed our run and Jamie and I headed for his house, as usual. I'd dropped off clean clothes to wear, after we showered (together of course, depending on who was home at the time), but this particular day his mother was busy working in their bedroom and, since it was close to the bathroom, thwarting our plans for a nice, slow conjugal shower together. Thus, we decided discretion is the better part of valor (and less embarrassing should his mother find us locked in a conjugant embrace) for us to shower separately. It didn't mean, however, we had to dress separately!

Jamie showered first and waited for me, naked of course, in his room, for me to finish. I exited the bathroom, bath towel wrapped securely around my waist to conceal myself from anyone in the hall. Fortunately I did, because Mrs. Kraft was just going down the stairs.

"Breakfast in about a half hour or forty-five minutes," she announced, knowing full well I'd tell Jamie and I'd be staying for breakfast as well.

I closed Jamie's bedroom door, dropped my towel, and was met with a very big hug from a very naked Jamie. Knowing full well what he wanted, I reached around behind me and locked his bedroom door. Hoping to forestall him a minute of two, I quickly asked, "Jamie, the Spring Fling is next week at school; want to go?"

He released me from the hug, but still remained in contact, my flesh against his, warm, smooth, and inviting!

"You mean the dance?" he asked

"Yeah!"

"But I don't know how to slow dance; all I can do is the fast dances!"

"It's easy Jamie; with your rhythm, you'll do just fine!"

"Teach me how to slow dance!" he pleaded.

"Now?"

"Why not?"

"But we're naked!"

Jamie grinned rather sheepishly, "I know; I like being naked with you!"

"Okay, Jamie, but we have to be serious!"

Telling him that, naked as we both were, was like telling a horny dog knotted into a bitch in heat, pumping her full of doggy sperm, to get off and leave her alone! Not going to happen folks!

I rummaged around in his CD's and found one with some slow music on it, put it in the player, turned it on, put my arms around Jamie, and began teaching him to dance. I think he was just shitting me! Jamie placed his head on my chest, sighed deeply, and danced quite well, chest to chest, arms around each other, cocks wobbling between us, stimulating us, bringing up to full erections!

"My balls jiggle when I dance," Jamie giggled.

"That's not all that's jiggly," I responded, feeling his hard cock bouncing up and down against mine.

Finally, feeling him massaging my ass cheeks, sliding his finger up and down my butt crack, and twitching it around my hole, I turned, bent slightly over, heard him say, "Oh, yeah" before leaning over me, his head just behind mine where his lips kissed, nibbled, and nuzzled my neck, shoulders, and ears as he slowly began inserting himself, wiggling his beautifully, big, hard cock up into my very depths! Wrapping his arms around my middle, giving him access to my own turgid rod and securing himself to me, Jamie began that familiar, delicious rhythm we both loved and anticipated until my constricting muscles and the warm of my tight tunnel brought him off! He pumped my dick even harder as he spurt and spurt and spurt into me, bringing me off in his hand! Each time he squirted, I could feel him swell and pulse, a feeling I loved. He stayed mounted until he could expend no more at that moment and I could feel his sperm leaking out around his cock base and sliding down on my balls!

When I came, he cupped his hands to catch it and held it in his hands until he pulled out, wiped his hands on a towel, along with my butt crack and his dick. "So we don't get goo on the carpet," he explained.

Breakfast was great and we both really had an appetite!

A week later, we danced as if we'd been dancing together for years; I guess that meant we were "compatible!"

My reverie was interrupted when Zach, instead of totally quitting playing, again took center stage, slowly picking and strumming his guitar softly, and said, "I think you're in for a special treat this afternoon. You've all heard Cousin Jamie play his guitar and sing, along with a little banjo playing on some of the pieces we played. The group, along with Jamie, have been working on some new numbers we're going to play today. A few short years ago, Jamie saw a PBS special featuring a young man by the name of Daniel Rothwell who played 'clawhammer banjo" music. Jamie was intrigued and fascinated by the style and the young man and was inspired by it to want to learn to play that particular style. Fortunately, Grandma Violet Long's brother, our Uncle Walter Elliott, played banjo in the old time 'clawhammer style' and offered to teach him."

"Year before last, I gave Jamie a CD of Daniel Rothwell's CD, 'A Long Hard Ride?' and 'Missionary Ridge' is going to play a couple from that CD, which I've arranged to suit our group, along with a few other old time numbers Uncle Walter taught Jamie. You'll notice, right away, which song is one of a Jamie's favorites. Besides Jamie, there is one other member of our group who will get a real workout and that's Derrick Gray on the string bass. We hope you enjoy the music."

Jamie sat down, plucked a few opening notes, and cut loose!

Jamie, played, sang, Derrick kept up the beat on his string bass and we entered where we were supposed to! Zach did a fabulous job of arrangement for us and we loved playing the songs, fast, sometimes slow, but always upbeat, some real toe-tapping music! What made it more enjoyable was Jamie; his voice was so nice to listen to, as well as his fast paced picking of the banjo. When he teamed up with Zach in a duet, their voices blended and complimented each other in such a way it was apparent these two cousins had experience singing together under the tutelage their Grandmother and Grandfather Long as well as Ellen, Jamie's mom, before we ever formed our little band!

Each song was introduced by Zach and when he introduced "Ol' Rattler" and Jamie started to play and sing, everyone knew he loved the song, especially when he sang "here Rattler, hear" and yelped out "HERE, HERE!" then singing, "hear Rattler here, call Ol' Rattler from the barn!"

Derrick's fingers had to be sore from the constant plucking rhythm he kept during Jamie's portion. We transitioned into selections consisting of a mixture of folk and bluegrass numbers. Jamie switched back to his guitar and we, as a group, played and sang our hearts out giving our best to the music we'd come to love to sing and play! Our entire program lasted about an hour and a half. When we wound down and Zach thanked everyone again for all they did for us, Dr. McFadden stepped forward.

"I have a couple of announcements to make, both of which will be a bit of a surprise to our group, but first I'd like to introduce our guests."

He proceeded to introduce the Director of University Relations and Director of University Special Events, Dean of the College of Fine Arts, Head of Department of Music, Director of Alumni Relations, Dean of Library Services, the Mayor of Jefferson as well as a couple of council members, and the Executive Director of the Greater Jefferson Chamber of Commerce.

"I've invited these fine people because, they've agreed to cooperate and help sponsor Central States University's first annual, 'Harvest Gold' Music Festival, featuring those golden folk, traditional, bluegrass, and old-time music selections such as we've enjoyed today and the country is beginning to love again. The festival is scheduled for the second weekend after the beginning of the fall term. We considered seeking some professional groups for the weekend, but after visiting with our Music Department and the Dean of Library Services during which we reviewed the extensive collection of folk, traditional, and bluegrass music, both print and recorded, we have and considering most of it was recorded or developed in the hills and mountains of our state and country by just common folk telling a story, decided to stick with non-professionals; those local groups who have a following in their own locales and perform the music the way we think would be appropriate for this type of festival."

"Our headliners, for this first festival, will be 'Missionary Ridge,' 'Captured Jack,' both local groups; 'Earl and Violet Long Family', featuring grandson, Ed Earl Long; 'Sugar Creek Revival' from South Carolina."

"That's my Daddy's relatives," hissed Scotty as Dr. McFadden mentioned their name, "they're really good!"

"?Taylor's Gap,' featuring Jim Bob, and Sammy Lee Long and Company from Missouri, and from the southern part of our state, where hill country and music has existed for many years, 'South Lee Pony Boys!'"

"Taylor's Gap," consisting of cousins of Zach's and Jamie's were just about the same age, only a couple of years older. Jamie and Zach had been playing with them for several years before Jamie and Zach came to Jefferson. It sounded to me as if the Kraft household would be full to overflowing for the music festival, but, knowing the Long Family, they'd make do and just enjoy the hell out of it!

It was going to be an incredibly busy summer I thought; not only would we be practicing for the festival, but we still had our running to do. We were hoping in the fall, when cross country track season began, we could qualify for the State Cross Country meet at least that was our objective. Coach Schroeder seemed to feel we had just as good a chance as anyone and really encouraged us. Our volunteer coaches from the law enforcement community ran with us when they could and were really great!

The second announcement Dr. McFadden had really blew our socks off!

"I'll ask Dr. Thomas Fischer, Head of the Art Department, to come forward and help me with this."

"For the better part of a year," Dr. Fischer began, "faculty members at Hamilton High and in our university art department have spent time, with his parents' permission, encouraging and working with Jamie Long; helping him develop style, technique, and channel his passion for his talent so he could unleash the incredible artist gift he has. If some of you were fortunate enough to receive a Christmas card, the front cover adorned with a print of a pencil/charcoal portrait of the three of them, from Art, Ellen, and Jamie Kraft, you appreciate the time, talent, and eye for detail and beauty in it. The unspoken, but depicted emotion and depth in that simple, but complicated print is the work of a very talented and gifted young man."

The professors in the art department who decided to work with Jamie, no surprise to me since he'd sometimes leave art class to trot off to one of the studios or study rooms to meet with one or another of them, encouraged Jamie to use his camera and take pictures around campus. The pictures could be of buildings, people, trees, activities, anything that struck him as being interesting or appealed to him, and, using his own interpretation and style, render those pictures into pencil/charcoal drawings. The professors critiqued the work, made suggestions, but really allowed Jamie to produce them in his own, delicate, detailed, and captivating style.

"Our department met with the Dean of Fine Arts, the head of the University Press, the Director of Alumni Affairs, and the Director Library Services and, with the approval of Dr. and Mrs. Kraft, will offer for sale beginning this fall, a collection of the portraits, landscapes, and still-lifes' depicting our campus, rendered by Jamie, in an assorted box of greeting cards. We think it will be a great seller for us, and for him, bringing awareness to our campus. Sale of these cards will be of a financial benefit to Jamie and for our own University Press, who you know many times runs on a thin line."

According to Dr. Fischer, Jamie also submitted, in addition to the requested drawings of campus life, a number of drawings of his home, the people, and surrounding countryside where he lived in Caudry. There were drawings of his Grandfather Long on his tractor working in the field, "Old Red," Jamie's hound, boys fishing in the river, and, yes even some with the boys skinny dipping, sans faces of course! The drawings chosen for the other series of greeting cards would be entitled, "Remembrances of Home."

Jamie, through the agreements made by his father and mother with the University Press, would retain the intellectual rights, copyright ownership, and receive initial payment for the work, but also royalties and residuals, as defined and delineated in the agreement. I thought it was great; if his work sold (and I had no reason to doubt it would), Jamie would have an income, although limited, for the future. Of course, University Press would benefit financially as well!

After the afternoon activities were over, Jamie embarrassed and shy concerning all of the attention focused on him, Chief and Mrs. Kraft invited my folks and me to their home that evening to celebrate Jamie's good fortune. It almost overwhelmed Jamie, wondering why people would ever want to buy his art work. Finally, in between his first and second piece of apple pie, he asked his dad,

"Daddy, do you think I'd be able to make twenty-five dollars on those cards they want to sell?"

Chief Kraft, smiled slightly, frowned a moment as if giving great thought to the matter, and responded, "I think so, son! Why?"

"I need a new guitar case and that's how much it would cost!"

A week and a half later, on a Wednesday, Jamie and I arrived at his house around three or so in the afternoon. We'd spent the better part of the afternoon pedaling our bikes around the city to various places Jamie wanted to either take pictures of or do quick sketches. Chief Kraft put a rear carrier with a basket and bungee cords attached to it so Jamie could carry not only his camera but his canvas shoulder bag containing his sketch books, drawing pencils, charcoal, and any other items and supplies he might need for field excursions.

For some reason, the wooden gazebo in the center of Riverview Park, just off of the business district in the downtown, fascinated Jamie this particular day. According to him, something different could be seen as you looked at it, depending on where you stood. One way, the Little Poplar River, with its wooded banks, provided the backdrop; looking in the opposite direction, from the other side, the downtown business district; looking another direction, the veterans' memorial, and so on. The gazebo wasn't exactly small, but not humongous either! There were benches inside for people to sit shaded from the sun, protected from the rain, or to enjoy the night air; the structure was surrounded by well-maintained flower beds, and the park was ablaze with any number of other beds or gardens, all adding to the attraction of the park and Jamie's scrutiny as well!

Giggling and laughing, we walked into the house from the back yard, through the family room to the kitchen, where Mrs. Kraft and Jacob were seated at the counter. Jacob was eating a piece of chocolate cake, washing it down with cold milk; Jamie licked his lips in anticipation of having some also. Jacob had gotten a job at a local greenhouse and garden center and started work at six in the morning during the week. It was hard work, but he loved it! Generally, he was home by two-thirty or three in the afternoon, depending on what he did that particular day.

Jamie headed for the cupboard to get us a couple of plates for our cake, but the doorbell chiming interrupted his journey.

"Jamie, Honey," his mother asked, "since you're up would answer the door for me?"

Anyone else might have grumped about it, but not Jamie; he was helping his mom and that was fine with him. He was so good-hearted, always seeming to put everyone else first. How could I not help but love him?

I accompanied him to the door and when he answered it, he immediately stepped back, slipping partially behind me, as he does when he encounters or is confronted with the unknown or something he perceives as a threat! Standing in front of us, on the front porch, were two young men, one older than the other, and a very beautiful African-American young lady.

The older of the two young men, asked, "Jamie? Are you Jamie?" and looked past me to Jamie, now sort of peeking over my shoulder.

Jamie nodded, snugged himself closer to me and answered softly, carefully, "I'm James Arthur Long and I live here. Who are you?"

From behind us, Ellen responded, "Jamie, these are your other two brothers, John, Jeffery, and John's fianc?, Beth."

Author's note: If you are interested in learning more about "clawhammer banjo" and want to hear the music that Jamie loved to play, I would suggest to go to banjodanielmusic.com and read the information on the website. The album referred to in this chapter and story is A Long Hard Ride by Daniel Rothwell and is available for purchase from the website.

From the promo material for the album on the website

"This album showcases Daniel Rothwell's versatility. Daniel is backed by a

stellar cast of musicians including Jesse McReynolds, Steve Thomas, Marlin Rood,

Travis Wetzel, Jackie Case, and Johnny Warren."

"He was able to start playing the banjo at age 11 and with the exception of a few good pointers along the way from his friends he is self taught. Daniel has been given pointers from some of the best. Jim Costa, Rebekah Weiler, Dan Knowles, Matt Kinman, and Phillip Steinmetz. Marlin Rood of Springfield, TN took a special interest in Daniel and mentored him to a higher level. Daniel has won many competitions across the South including the 2010 National Championship and the 2011 Tennessee State Championship. He has performed on the Grand Ole Opry, at Merlefest, The Ryman Auditorium, IBMA's Kids on Bluegrass and Old Time Opry Variety Show and has made several guest appearances on Ernest Tubb Record Shop's Midnight Jamboree with Bluegrass Legend Jesse McReynolds. This is just to mention a few of his accomplishments."

Nick Hall

Chapter Nine

"The meaning of song goes deep, who is there that, in logical words, can express the effect music has on us? A kind of inarticulate, unfathomable speech, which leads us to the edge of the infinite, and lets us for moments gaze into that."

(Carlyle)

My heart responds to the songs he sings.

Hearing his mother's voice behind him, Jamie swiveled his head toward her asking, "For Real?"

"Yes, Honey, for real!"

His head popped back toward the three people standing in front of us, his mouth open in wonderment, smiling wide from pleasure, and heard Jacob say, "Hey, Bros; wondered when you'd get here!"

Before either John or Jeffery could reply, Beth stepped forward, touched Jamie lightly on his right cheek, brightening his face a brilliant red (well, as red as his tanned complexion would allow it), bringing the tipping of his head so typical when Jamie was embarrassed, and speaking to him in a reassuring, very friendly manner, "You're just as handsome as your brothers!" Continuing to smile at him, asked, "Is this good-looking young man your boyfriend, Jamie?"

He stood up tall, nodded vigorously, and responded, slowly with great pride and obvious love for me, "Yes, this is my boyfriend, Whit" and clasping my hand added, "and I love him so much!"

"I can see why," Beth responded, "May I have a welcoming hug from each of you?"

We obliged and lo and behold, John and Jeffery did the same, giving us strong, unconditional and accepting hugs! Evidently homophobia doesn't run in the family, at least among the grandchildren.

Jamie, bless his heart, said to Beth, John, and Jeffery, "I'd like you to meet my Momma!" and turned to her.

Ellen Kraft stepped forward, extended her hand to each in greeting, welcoming them home. "Your Daddy will be here any moment; he went to the store to pick up some things we need dinner."

As if on cue, Chief Kraft wheeled up, parked in the drive, and ran to the house. Hugs, kisses, and tears were the order of the day! When things calmed down a little, he asked Jamie and me to bring in the bags of groceries he'd been sent to the store to buy.

Jamie looked around, noticed a pickup truck with a topper and U-Haul? trailer tagged on behind and a Jeep? full of boxes and bags, parked on the street in front of the house.

He frowned, looked at me somewhat distressfully, almost panicky; "I think, Whit, everyone is going to be living here! Do you think I'll have to give up my room?"

"Well," I countered, "if you do, you'll just have to live at my house and sleep with me every night!"

"Naked?"

"Yeah!"

"I'd like that," he giggled, anticipating what else could happen when he did.

We carried the groceries to the kitchen where Mrs. Kraft visited with us while we helped her put things away.

"I thought I'd give Daddy the opportunity to catch up and get re-acquainted with your brothers. Would you like to join them?"

From the look on Jamie's face, I knew he wanted to, but not alone! His Mom sensed it also, suggesting I accompany him, adding, "Whit, your folks will be here in about an hour and a half to join us for dinner. Zach should be home from work by then as well, so dinner should be around six or so."

Shooing us from the kitchen, we headed toward the family room where the rest of the family was gathered. My folks coming for dinner wasn't the only surprise I was to receive that evening!

Jamie and I joined Chief Kraft and the others, deep in the midst of conversation trying to catch up on lost time, in the family room. According to what I could gather and relayed quietly to Jamie, Jacob was in constant communication with his two older brothers ever since arriving here. He'd been correct; his Grandfather DeWitt nearly had apoplexy when Beth was introduced as "the future Mrs. John Kraft" with the wedding date set for the Fall, just prior to her last semester in pharmacy at Southeast State University at Monroe, some one hundred miles south and east of Jefferson.

Jamie's ears perked up again, hearing of Beth's attendance at SEU, now really wondering where John was going to live. I could almost hear the cogs in the wheels turning over in his head as he tried to figure out where everyone was going to sleep, making the move to my house, and how many times a night he could fuck me!

John quickly dashed all hopes of erotic nightly encounters and dreams when he informed his Dad, and the rest of us (Mrs. Kraft joined us at this point), he'd accepted an accountant's position with an accounting firm in Jefferson and would be moving into an apartment in August.

"In the meantime," he announced, "Beth and I will be staying with her folks here in town."

I thought if John was as horny as his youngest half-brother, Beth wouldn't get much rest before or after the wedding! I wondered if Jamie's half-brothers were as well-endowed as he was, but after thinking about Zach's prodigious equipment, concluded the length and girth of his and Jamie's appendages must come from the Long Family.

"When Beth graduates at semester with her pharmacy degree, she will be employed at the hospital here in town," he continued.

Jeffery quickly added, more for Jamie's benefit than anyone else since all except Jamie and me were aware of the sleeping arrangements, he'd be bunking in with Jacob, sharing a bed until another could be secured and put in Jacob's room.

Jamie sighed with relief and, I must acknowledge, some regrets at the announcements.

Chief Kraft smiled, "I know, Jamie, this comes as a surprise to you, but things have moved so quickly and we weren't really certain how this was all going to work out. Rather than worry you or disappoint you, Momma and I decided we'd wait until your brothers and Beth arrived. John called several days ago, asking if he and Jeff could come home. Naturally, Momma and I agreed they could."

Jeff would be transferring to CSU and start classes in the fall, happy to be rid of the control of his Grandfather DeWitt and expectations of a career, Law, he really wasn't that interested in. Once settle in at home, he'd start looking for a summer job and a part-time job during the school year.

If Jamie was concerned, which I now doubted, about being left behind, he certainly didn't show it! By the time my parents arrived, Zach was also home from work, so introductions started all over again. John and Jeff didn't seem bothered by Zach living in the Kraft home or that he was gay as well!

Chief Kraft grilled steaks and while he grilled, assisted by my Dad and Zach, they each had a beer, along with John and Jeff, and visited outside. Jacob, Beth, Jamie, and me, sipped on sodas (Beth didn't like beer) and just listened! It was a fun meal, full of laughter and general chatter. I couldn't help but notice how my folks and Jamie's had become more than just colleagues, but good friends!

After dinner, Beth asked Jamie if she could see some of his art work. "I understand you like to draw; would you be so kind to show me some of your creations?" stretching out her hand to Jamie, seeking his guidance and permission to visit his room. Jamie nodded he would, but grabbed my hand with his free one, making certain I came along! Jacob, John, and Jeff followed us up the stairs to Jamie's room. The men made no comment concerning whose room this used to be, only it was a room that "fitted Jamie to a 'T'."

Beth, John, and Jeff walked with Jamie as he pointed out various pictures, explained who or what they were, and the story each told. As they finished viewing the posted and framed drawings, Beth spotted Jamie's guitar on its stand, touched it lightly, asking Jamie, "May I?"

Jamie was hesitant since he really didn't know her, but he did like her; although he wasn't certain well enough to let her touch or pick up his guitar, kind of like letting someone he didn't really know fondle his cock! His musical instruments were very special to him, as well as his art work. Needless to say, he had an instrument attached to his crotch I found very special as well!

I whispered to him, "I think it'd be okay, Jamie!" and he, albeit reluctantly, nodded his head in approval, but watched carefully as she picked it up.

"You know," she remarked softly, slowly plucking each string for the correct sounding of a note for tuning, "Etta Baker is one of my favorite guitarists," and began slowly, carefully playing Jamie's guitar. She played "Dew Drop" and one other short one.

Jamie, listened to her play and, grinning, reached over for his banjo while Beth watched, plucked it to make certain it was in tune, looked at her encouragingly, and announced, "Cripple Creek?"

Beth nodded and, when he started the melody, she provided the backup with the guitar. Zach, having heard the first song played while he was downstairs, evidently came up the stairs, went to his room to retrieve his guitar and mandolin, joined Beth and Jamie. He settled in next to Jamie and the three of them, Beth on the guitar, Jamie on the banjo, and Zach on the mandolin moved on to "Sourwood Mountain."

The music was interrupted, before they could start another, by Ellen Kraft, now standing in the bedroom doorway, encouraging us to move to the family room. "I set my new keyboard up Whit, so you can join in. Oh, by the way," she said offhand, "Scotty is downstairs with his fiddle. He must've run all the way over here!"

"How did he know we were playing?" Jamie asked, puzzled Scotty would be downstairs.

"I called him before I came upstairs," confessed Zach. "Thought you guys would like to meet my boyfriend and enjoy his fiddle playing."

Scotty was waiting, almost catching his breath from the quick ride down here on his motor scooter (a sixteenth birthday present from is Dad - you already figured out what Zach gave him), fiddle at the ready, face brightening when he caught sight of Zach (as well as Zach's face when spotting his love), and after appropriate introductions, Zach asked Beth if she knew "Johnson Boys" and with a nod from her, Scotty took off on the fiddle parts, reveling us in the beautiful music he and Zach provided! We played and played, one song after the other, enjoying the music and each other's company!

I have no idea where the evening slipped by, except in joyful music and comrade! Jamie played and sang solo; with Zach and with Zach and me. Scotty limbered up that fiddle of his and he and Zach played several duets with Jamie on the guitar and me, on the keyboard, providing backup. It was almost ten o'clock when we decided to call it quits; many of the songs we played Beth wasn't' familiar with, but joined in when she could. I provided the rhythm and bass (sans Chris and Derrick) and we had one hell of a time! Jamie felt much more comfortable, at ease, so to speak, with his "new" brothers and Beth when we finished. Music broke the ice and welcomed everyone home! It was a night not only for forging new friendships but cementing old friends and families together, while creating a "family anew" with the Kraft's.

Jamie was happy, hence I was happy! Watching Chief and Mrs. Kraft as we played, it was very obvious they were well pleased with their expanded family and circle of close friends.

It was the beginning of a very busy summer! Pegasus and the Four Horsemen ran four to five mornings a week, often joined by one or several of our law enforcement friends and coaches, when the weather was decent. In addition, each of us had our daily chores to do, practicing, drawing, mowing lawns, including practicing as "Missionary Ridge" in preparation for the fall music festival.

If I thought our house was busy, the Kraft household was whirling like a Dervish! Zach was working for CSU Buildings and Grounds, Jacob left every morning for the greenhouse, sometimes working inside, but most often outside in the fields, and Jeff at the hospital. He'd decided a career as a lawyer wasn't for him, but definitely was interested in medicine. Jeff was an extremely good student and his grades in the sciences definitely wasn't going to harm his studies in medical school. Working as an orderly at the hospital gave him experience with not only hospital routines, but as my older brother (Jeff the doctor) said, "He has a great deal of compassion for the patients and that's vital for a doctor!"

The fact Jeff and Jacob were bilingual (Spanish and English) would be greatly beneficial for both of their careers. Jacob, working in the fields where cut flowers and bulbs were grown for sale, both wholesale and retail, including several farmer's markets, supervised a number of Mexican migrant workers. Most were naturalized citizens but there were always a few with "green" cards allowing them to work in the United States. Jeff was often called upon at the hospital to interpret for non-English, Spanish-speaking patients when they were admitted for treatment.

Beth and John often stopped by the Kraft house for a visit or a meal. They were busy preparing for the wedding. Although they didn't really want to send invitations to John's mother and grandparents, considering the manner they were treated, Ellen Kraft persuaded them otherwise.

"It's the right thing to do!" she advised, giving them a comforting but understanding smile.

Jacob, on the other hand, wasn't quite so forgiving or compromising; he found it absolutely hilarious his grandfather was going to receive an invitation to the wedding.

Jamie, Jacob, and I were sitting in Jamie's bedroom shooting the shit after Jacob came home from work. He'd emerged from the shower, towel wrapped around his torso, came into the room, chuckling to himself! At some point in the conversation, he got around to what tickled him so much!

"It might be the 'right thing to do'," he laughed, "sending the old son-of-a-bitch an invitation, and I'm certain his big-mouthed sanctimonious preacher would add 'turn the other cheek'. Personally," he announced as he dropped the towel, turned toward us, bent over, and wiggled his ass cheeks, "I think it's what the Kraft/Long boys call 'kiss my ass, you old fart!'"

Looking at his ass, it was nice, but definitely I'm in love with Jamie's!

Beth and John requested the processional and recessional at their wedding be sung by Jamie and accompanied by me on the church's grand piano, .and other music to be provided by Zach, Scotty, Jamie and me with instrumental and vocal arrangements. The four of us would provide several pieces as a prelude to the wedding while guests were being ushered in and several as guests were being ushered out.

The ceremony was simple, yet elegant! The church was quite full with relatives and friends of mainly the bride, although there were some friends of John's from college and while he lived here in Jefferson. Faculty members, friends of Chief and Ellen Kraft, various law enforcement agency people acquainted with Chief Kraft on a professional level, parents and family members of the Four Horsemen attended as well. If one were to hazard a guess, one could say it was a healthy mix of various races, with African-American the most predominant.

Jamie's clear, bright, tenor voice rang out to the gathering with a clarity and sweetness as soothing as a warm, nourishing spring breeze proclaiming and expressing the love of one person to another for now and for all time, until time existed no more! Although his songs and voice was meant for the bride and the groom, his eyes focused on me, as I accompanied him! On each of the other three songs the four of us played and sang during the ceremony, I noticed the assembled body was just as taken with his voice (even when Zach and I sang with him), his good looks, emotions, and expressions as he sang the love songs and ballads Beth and John chose. It was then, although in the back of my mind I knew I would, now that SCOTUS legalized same sex marriage, marry James Arthur Long, as soon as possible right after we graduated from high school! There was no way in hell I'd take a chance of losing him to someone else or event!

Beth's parents hosted the wedding reception in a large dining/reception room in one of the local motels. The room was large enough to accommodate the large number of people in attendance. The meal, catered by the motel, was fantastic, the toasts to the bride and groom were appropriate, an open bar was hosted by the bride's parents, and, once the meal was over, a buffet table of snacks provided during and after the dance!

The music was provided by a disc jockey, to his credit, played quite danceable and diverse music, seeming to tailor the music to the dancers and to the crowd in general, not all waltzes, but a nice mix, suitable for young, old, and everything in between! The bride and groom led the first dance, followed by the parents, and the wedding party.

The disc jockey, after those dances finished, announced, "Mr. and Mrs. John Kraft have requested the members of their respective families please join them in the next dance."

The parents of the bride and groom, grandparents (Beth's), her brothers, sisters, Jacob, and Jeff walked out onto the dance floor. Jamie hesitated, not certain he was to join them. Beth and John noticed his hesitation, walked over, and when Beth extended her hand to him, John said, "Jamie, you're my brother and our family. Would you and Whit honor us by joining the rest of us on the dance floor?"

It was a nice slow waltz! Jamie learned well from our lessons; the two inch difference in our heights made for what I thought was a perfectly suited couple, my arms around him, his head resting lightly on my shoulder, dancing with the rhythm of the accomplished musician he was. Jamie followed my lead and soon we were gliding across the dance floor, waltzing effortlessly, oblivious to those around us; cognizant only of the music in our heads, expressing itself in our movements, and our arms around each other! I could dance all night with Jamie, he was so light on his feet, graceful, affectionately smiling his deep feelings for me as we danced!

One song melded into another and we continued to dance, whether fast or slow; I noticed, however, we were given space by the others to dance and enjoy each other! Jamie and I suddenly became aware and self-conscious of the others watching us as they danced or sat at their tables.

"Whit!" Jamie whispered in my ear, "Everyone's watching us! It sort of makes me all scared and jumpy, like maybe we're doing something wrong!"

I felt somewhat the same way; this wasn't like performing at a recital or playing with "Missionary Ridge;" you expected everyone to be watching you, but this was different! I was beginning to think two boys dancing together wasn't quite that acceptable with a large part of the assembled body!

"Let's sit down, Jamie," I said softly and led him to our table. His lips were quivering in disappointment and some fear; he'd been having such a good time and now, it appeared, his good time was beginning to spoil! Jefferson might be a university town and there might be a "no intolerance" policy on campus, but it still didn't mean everyone here was tolerant of gays! The song ended, the floor emptied, and I looked up from Jamie's face and saw Beth's grandparents walking toward us.

"Oh, oh," I thought, "here comes trouble!"

Jamie was about to bolt for the door when he saw them heading in our direction, a determined look on their faces. I reached over, secured his hand in mine saying, "It'll be okay!" and, as they neared our table, stood beside him, loosed his hand, and protectively put my arm around his shoulders. I squared back my shoulders, ready to react to what I imagined would be coming!

Beth's grandmother, the first to reach us, smiled, asking, "Why did you boys stop dancing? You make such a lovely couple and my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed watching you dance and dance with you."

She noticed the pained look on Jamie's face and asked, sympathetically, "Is there something wrong?"

I cleared my throat; "We sort of felt, the way everyone was staring at us, two gay boys, who love each other dearly, dancing together was not quite appropriate so we quit," adding quickly, "we just don't want to cause any trouble at John and Beth's wedding!"

"Nonsense!" she clucked. "You date and marry the one you love!"

With that pronouncement, a slow song started, and her husband stepped forward, asking "Would you boys join us on the dance floor, please?"

Jamie and I followed them to the floor, wrapping him in my arms, luxuriating in his presence, feeling the emotion of the waltz now being played, an older, married, heterosexual couple and two young gay boys danced! We had the floor to ourselves until my parents, Jamie's mom and dad, and Beth and John joined us!

Jamie was happy; I was happy and we danced the night away!

Tired, sweaty, and somewhat fragrant after the dance, Jamie, spending the night at my house, and I showered - together, cleaning and swathing each other tenderly, gently, and carefully, making certain all of our cracks and crevices, as well as our male bits and pieces, were clean and prepared for what we both knew, lay ahead. Our desire was only enhanced by the soft, erotic, sensuous massaging of soapy hands and fingers over our nakedness!

Snuggled in my bed, our warm, naked, smooth bodies touching, Jamie's warmth next to me pushed my desire for him to the utmost until I asked, "Jamie, do you love me?"

He raised up, looked at me as if I was stupid, replying, "Of course, you silly goose!"

I spread my legs and gently rolled him over on top of me, allowing him to settle his hips where he and I loved them to be. Slowly pulling his face to mine until our lips met, I announced, "I love you so much Jamie!" and kissed him, deeply, passionately breathing my life into him and accepting his in return. I raised my legs, opening my inner core to him; feeling the spongy head of his thick, long erection pressing up against my entrance, wrapping my legs around his hips to secure him to me, I reached over, cupped his soft, smooth butt cheeks in my hands and slowly pulled him forward until the head of his magnificence slipped inside my outer ring and became lodged there, thumping with the desire to push forward. We rested a moment, savoring each other with our lips, tongues, and hands, our stomachs and chests slowly undulating, increasing our desire and stimulating my already stiff penis to pour forth driblets of pre-cum!

Jamie sighed his pleasure and began his journey again until I could feel his large, egg-shaped gonads, hanging in their sack, resting against my ass crack and his soft pubes tickling my own balls, sort of drooped over the base of his deeply inserted cock!

We, slowly, lasciviously, made love!

I felt him climax inside me the same time I spewed my own thick, white, sperm on our bellies. I thought as I did so, feeling his twitching, swelling inside me, of the song "No One's Gonna' Love You Like Me" by Gustavo Santaolalla!

Jamie, still embedded in me, asked, "Whit, you won't ever leave me will you?"

"No," I answered cautiously and somewhat confused, "Why?"

"Good!" he said firmly, "'Cause I always want to be with you, just like the songs I sang today!"

"Jamie," I replied to his statement, "Will you marry me right after we graduate from high school? We'd be together forever after that!"

He sighed contentedly, snuggled up on top of me, saying, "Yeah, I'd do that; I'd really like that 'cause I really love you, Whit!"

In the week preceding the folk music festival, we were pretty busy. The University and the Chamber of Commerce had publicized the event extremely well, and, although the Field House at the University wasn't sold out, the pre-event ticket sales were better than expected! Each of the six groups or bands performing were being paid for their expenses and an "honorarium." We thought the "honorarium" was a princely sum and our parents immediately instructed us to put it in savings, all except Zach; he used it toward tuition!

The contract signed with us was the same for all of the others as well and included an agreement to present two workshops during the week preceding the concert weekend in the Music Department for University students or, in lieu of two workshops, one workshop and one promotional program under the direction of the Greater Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce.

There were a number of alternative venues available for those who chose to do only one workshop and one other program; those included church groups, schools, senior citizen groups including nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and an option for an open-air program from the gazebo at Riverview Park. In case of inclement weather the event would be held in the Jefferson Civic and Convention Center attached to one of the larger motels by an enclosed walkway.

The Civic Center had a very nice theatre which was used for programs, symphonies and orchestra concerts, stage plays and musicals, all sponsored by the Greater Jefferson Fine Arts Society. Many times, these events were scheduled in co-ordination with the College of Fine Arts at the University. However, the University lobbied hard and long to make certain the Fall Folk Music Festival remained at the University Field House. The reasoning was the Civic Center was too small a venue to hold the crowd expected and since the University first conceived of the event, it should be the main venue!

The Corporate sponsors, solicited from throughout the area, pretty well covered all expenses, including the honorarium paid to performers. The Chamber of Commerce concluded the event would generate several hundred thousand dollars or more in revenues to the local economy from motel room rentals, restaurants and supper clubs, gas stations and convenient stores, and other incidental sales. The fact the city charged both a room tax and local sales tax certainly wouldn't hurt its coffers either!

Earl and Violet Long (Grandpa and Grandma Long they insisted since I was "practically family"), Ed Earl, Uncle Buddy, Aunt Hat, and Jolene, a cousin of Zach's about his age, arrived Sunday afternoon in a rented motor home with a cargo trailer attached. Right behind them, in another rented motor home, also towing a trailer, were the members of "Taylor's Gap," all cousins of Zach's as well. The group's been playing together for several years, were very popular in their home area, and from what I learned, were quite good!

Uncle Buddy parked their motor home in the front drive and the other pulled into the backyard. Electric cords were stretched out for power and water hoses connected to the house outside faucets for fresh water. Showers and most toilet activities would take place in Art and Ellen's house, since the motor homes waste tanks would fill too fast otherwise. The Kraft house was going to be quite busy all week! Chief Kraft arranged for passenger vans to transport performers and their equipment to the various venues during the week.

"Sugar Creek Revival," all relatives of Dr. McFadden, pulled their motor home and trailer into Dr. McFadden's yard; Scotty was thrilled since he hadn't seen these relatives of his for a couple of years! "South Lee Pony Boys" accepted Dr. McFadden's invitation to park there as well.

All six groups chose to do one workshop and one other community event. "Sugar Creek" chose to do an ecumenical performance of gospel and mixed bluegrass music at the Baptist Assembly Grounds just outside the city, along the river. All the churches were invited to join in the celebration. Grandpa Long opted to do the senior citizen circuit, performing at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and the senior citizen center. "Pony Boys" chose an open air performance at Riverview Park. "Captured Jack" and "Missionary Ridge" chose school assemblies. "Captured Jack" performed at combined elementary school programs in the district (including the elementary school at Hamilton), and "Missionary Ridge" did programs at the two middle schools, the public high school, and our own Hamilton High and Middle School.

We were so fortunate the principal and teachers at Hamilton gave us a great deal of leeway in our absences since it was a really busy week! Our performance, later in the week, for our own middle and high school assembly was well received - hell, they loved us!

Monday of festival week, as we were calling it, was busy for all of the performers, either doing a workshop or optional performance somewhere. You'd think we'd be worn out that first day, just from nervous excitement, but Scotty called Jamie's house, then mine, telling us Derrick and Chris were up at his place, so why not come up and get acquainted, and so we did!

It was the first of four nights of singing, playing, laughing, our fun spilling out into the warm early fall night into the McFadden backyard where considerable crowds of neighbors and university students gathered to listen, sing, and dance. There were so many, in fact, Chief Kraft and the city assigned several officers to the area, just in case! There weren't any problems and no complaints from the neighbors who chose not to join in.

The extra programs the groups had during the week, boosted ticket sales, as well as the increased coverage by the local paper, radio station (running promo CD's the University quickly prepared from our practice sessions), and the two local television stations.

The festival organizers drew, by lot, which band would lead off Friday night and the order of performances for the rest of the weekend. "Captured Jack" was the lead-off group Friday evening followed by "South Lee Pony Boys." The program started at seven and was supposed to end at eleven, but the crowds were enthusiastic and wanted to hear more, so the groups accommodated. This gave the rest of us a heads up for our turns.

Saturday afternoon's program started at two with "Taylor's Gap" followed by "Sugar Creek Revival" and was supposed end at six but spilled over until almost seven when Earl and Violet Long's portion began. There was about a ten minute break in between; just enough time to move instruments and set the stage. Earl and Violet, scheduled to end at nine, but were by far the most popular of the groups, at this point, especially Grandpa Long and his fiddle, so didn't finish until almost ten. We were scheduled to begin at nine, didn't start until ten and didn't finish until after midnight. If I thought Grandpa Long was popular, I underestimated our own popularity! Jamie with his tenor vocal, clawhammer banjo playing, and guitar was the star of our performance. When Zach, Jamie, Derrick, and I teamed up to sing, it was as if we'd been singing all of our lives with each other. It was, honest to God, a blast!

Grandpa Long, not in bed like most people might have thought, considering the hour, stepped up on the stage as we took our final bow, thanked everyone, and announced, "Although it's not on the program, the Long Family, before leaving any party or gathering of the Family, gets together for some special music of their own. So, tomorrow morning at nine, we're going to gather here in front of the Union, play a little Bluegrass Gospel, improvise some other music as the spirit moves us, and say goodbye before we part. You're welcome to come and listen, but please remember, this is a Family gathering and we'll be playing for our pleasure and not yours. Thank you!"

The Long Family, including those not involved in the formal group, and "Missionary Ridge" gathered on the front concrete deck or veranda and steps in front of the Union. Much to our surprise, the lawn, sidewalks, and parking lot were crowded with students and other spectators. The large crowd was appreciative, respectful, and then- hushed, when Grandpa Earl Long finished with "Ashokan Farewell."

Requests for "Missionary Ridge" to play for events, weddings, or just plain dances inundated Dr. McFadden's e-mails, telephone, and post office delivery. Acting as our agent and in conference with our parents, it was decided to accept only six of the various requests and those had to be programs which were deemed safe for high school boys to be playing at. Zach would have liked more since the money would go to help him defray his college costs, but he didn't complain!

Cross Country track season was in full swing, even during the Folk Fest! The Horsemen and Pegasus ran mornings before school and with the entire Varsity (yep, varsity) team after school. Our mentors and Chief Kraft joined us, when they could, encouraging, giving us pointers, urging us to do well, and become the runners we thought we were!

Many times, especially after our appearance at the Folk Fest, during our morning runs, as we dashed through campus on our way to either the arboretum or the river trail, we'd be joined by university students. These young men and young women would run alongside of us, trying to strike up conversations, ogling Jamie's pecker bouncing up and down in his shorts, or just trying to live vicariously through us. Some thought they were budding stars and wanted to join our band, others were just interested in fucking Jamie, me, or one of the other runners we thought, and a few were interested in running. If we found them too bothersome, we just outran them; if they really became a pain, we'd ask Chief Kraft or one of the campus security officers to run with us. Badge, gun, and radio strapped around the waists of their shorts where anyone and everyone could see them, scattered the would-be Lotharios to the winds like quail busting from a covey!

We had a damned good cross country track season, winning the conference, the district, and the regional, placing us in contention for the state title. The day of the state cross country meet, we ran our asses off and our hearts out! Led by Jamie, who never seemed to tire, with shouts of encouragement from Chief Kraft and a half dozen of our law enforcement buddies, he loped along sometimes while gauging the strides and strengths of runners, wedged a path through for us to follow, drafted behind some, until, with a nod of his head, he'd pour the coals to it and off we went! He ran just like his Daddy, enjoying every step he made forward and ending as if it was a walk in the park! I was so proud (even if out of breath) of him. When we crossed the finish line and it was apparent we just might be the state champs (and we were), Chief Kraft ran forward, grabbed Jamie and hugged and kissed him, tears of joy and pride flowing freely on both their faces!

Leaning over, my chest heaving, my lungs straining to re-supply the oxygen needed for my body to gain it's strength back, raising my head, I looked at them, saw the love on Chief Kraft's face as he hugged his victorious and special son, realizing no matter how much he loved his other three sons, Jamie was clearly the apple of his eye, his pride and joy, and so, so special in so many ways! Chief Kraft spotted me looking at them, knowing full well how deeply I loved his son, winked at me, and gave me a "thumbs up," sending me his approval of my emotions and his love as well! Well, not quite the way I loved Jamie, but the love of one who knows another loves someone so deeply, so completely, he'd give up everything, including life itself, for his loved one, acknowledging my commitment! Jamie and my turn came to express our love for each other that night after we arrived home and Jamie spent the night!

Jamie and I celebrated our sixteenth birthday; I got my driver's license that winter, Jamie did not! It really didn't seem to bother him much. As he explained, "Daddy says I need a lot of practice and need to study for the test really, really hard so maybe next summer, when the weather is nicer, I can take the test."

"Daddy also said he was going to have the examiners give it to me orally," he continued with a frown of concern on his face.

"He means," I quickly intervened explaining, "they read you the questions out loud and you tell them the answers."

A sigh of relief escaped from him, as he chimed up, "Good! I thought it was like when you and I, you know, give each other a blow job!"

"No, Jamie, not the same!"

He shook his head, somewhat embarrassed, "I wouldn't want one of them pulling out my cock in the DOT office, wrapping his lips around it, and sucking me off there in public."

It was certainly understandable why he'd feel that way, although I, personally, would have taken any opportunity to let my lips fully enclose that delightfully, long, thick, soft, warm shaft, staying attached until his thick, creamy, tapioca-style man juice flooded my mouth and, in swallowing, coating my throat until it slid down into my stomach, to be absorbed and part of me!

Jamie was quite happy riding with me, chattering happily, sitting in the front seat of the used pick-up truck my parents purchased for me. Their reasoning was to save trips hauling Jamie and me to ball games, track meets, and to work, since they expected me, now I reached the old age of sixteen, to find and secure some sort of summer employment. Our gigs with "Missionary Ridge" were adding substantially to my savings account as well as Jamie's, but I knew our parents really wanted us to expand our work experience beyond the arts, although they really didn't disapprove, if you know what I mean! Jamie's card packets sold well, the demand sufficient the printers had to keep cranking them out and his exhibit in the Library produced several sales of prints and originals. The high school art teacher and Dr. Fischer introduced Jamie to oils on canvas in order to expand his knowledge and experience with another medium and help him sort out where is expertise and enjoyment lay. He was good at oils, producing some very realistic paintings of animals, wild and domestic, and landscapes and still-life but his real talents and love was with pencil/charcoal!

Jacob was offered a job at the University Greenhouse and Arboretum for the summer and he accepted. Since horticulture was his major, it fit well into his future plans and education. In the process, Jamie and I learned, from him, "Jefferson Greenhouse and Garden Center" had openings for general laborers to work in the fields and, if the right person or persons were found, routes on Wednesday and Saturdays were available to sell cut flowers, live plants, and arrangements at farmer's markets. A driver's license was required according to Jacob.

"If a person is energetic, he advised, "and sales were good, the sixty/forty split of the proceeds," with the owner getting the forty, "could add up to big dollars for the summer."

Jamie and I applied and, although I was the one with the license, the owner hired us both to go to work after school was out. I was certain there was some persuasion on the part of Chief Kraft and Dr. McFadden to hire us as a team. I later heard the President of the Chamber of Commerce reminded the greenhouse owner Jamie and I were members of "Missionary Ridge," one of the groups making the fall folk festival so successful! Learning to drive the "Class C" rear-dual delivery truck wasn't really much different from driving my pickup, once I learned how to shift, thanks to my dad, except the bigger truck had the gear shift on the floor.

The enclosed load box with rear opening doors had built in racks and shelves to hold the buckets of water with cut flowers in them, the arrangements, and the plants. Everything was secured to prevent shifting or spilling. In addition, there were two pop-up shelters, a couple of chairs and half dozen fiber-glass foldable tables to set our displays on. A cash box with a set amount of change was provided, along with a pad of paper to keep track of our sales (basically a count at the end of the day how many we sold and how many we had left). This was especially important as the morning began to wind down and we had to discount items because of wilting if we wanted to sell them. Discounted items obviously didn't sell for as much so our take on those was much less!

Monday, Tuesday morning, Thursday, and Friday mornings were spent in the fields while Tuesday and Friday afternoons were spent in getting everything ready for the markets the next day. We couldn't load the truck until early in the morning so everything we needed was placed in big walk-in coolers at the garden center. We weren't the only ones with routes so it was important to keep our loads separated.

The markets opened at six in the morning and the one Jamie and I had was about an hour away so we had to get up early and at the Garden Center by four in order to load, get our inventory counted and turned in to the foreman, collect our cash box, and get on the road. After the first week with slow sales, we were somewhat discouraged, until Jamie thought if he played some music, people would walk over to listen and we could sell them some flowers; besides, it might help to relieve our boredom! It worked, and damned well, I might add! Jamie would limber up the guitar or banjo and it wouldn't be long until we had a crowd. While he played, I sold!

Our running, on the days we didn't have market, began before work, the sun barely peeking above the horizon, and, those days we had market, after our word day was over! Many days, after finishing our run and showered to cleanse the body of the sweat and soil of the day and the vigorous running workout we had, if we were at Jamie's, he'd pick up his guitar and sing- to no one else, just me! Every cord, every note from his guitar and each melodious word from his clear, tenor voice was just for me and no one else and I loved it!

Toward the end of July, both clad in only our shorts, while sitting on his bed listening to him play and sing, I gazed at Jamie and realized he'd changed! Gone was the very young, shy boy, hesitant, with a frame and stature of a young adolescent in the throes of puberty; appearing before me, as if for the first time a physically maturing teen, a young man, his natural olive tan because of his heritage now a rich, warm brown from the exposure to the sun, accentuating his white teeth, glittering and shining like stars on a clear night when he smiled! His body had become well-defined, well-proportioned, trim, almost svelte, not muscled mind you, but not puny or skinny, the frame and body of a runner, a fine figure for me or anyone to behold!

James Arthur Long was an attractive young man, certain to hold the vision and attention of anyone who looked upon him; he was an artist, visually and musically, creative beyond anyone's expectation, I'm certain, who worked with him in his school in Caudry.

He looked up, caught me staring at him, smiled, winked, and set his guitar aside. Placing his hands on either side of my face, looking deeply into my eyes with those captivating eyes of his, saw the same desire reflected in me as he felt. Lowering me to his bed, positioning me on my back, kissing me deeply, slid his hands from my face to my hips, and slipped my shorts from my torso! Continuing to engage our tongues in a moist embrace, he wiggled out of his apparel, bringing our erections into contact, we tasted the sweetness of each other. Stopping not at my lips, Jamie's soft mouth and lips swirled, tickled, and nursed their way down my body, delicate fingers, so talented with the guitar, now soothed each little crevice, hair, and place on my lower extremity until those delicate phalanges began grooming the soft hairs at the base of my cock. His mouth, seeking the same path, engaged the head of my dripping rod and with delicate, wispy licks, cleansed the moisture from the tip as it exuded from the orifice located there, before slowly, sensually, engulfing the plum-shaped head in his mouth!

Moaning my pleasure as he nursed such as a babe at mother's teat, his tongue flicking and stimulating the glans of pleasure, I tensed, my balls began to tug up tight, my shaft swelled, and I ejaculated my essence in several long, ass-lifting spurts into his waiting and willing mouth!

Expended, cleaned up by my lover, he moved up my body, kissed me again, sharing some of my own essence with me, as he lifted my legs to his hips, scooted forward until the spongy head of his own grand instrument of pleasure nudged my love chute, and slowly worked it past the guardian gate, and up into my very depths! No matter how many times he made this journey, no matter how many times my bowel adjusted to his girth, I always felt full, sometimes almost to the point of bursting, but the feeling soon dissipated as he began his back and forth motion and I flexed and rose to meet each thrust, giving me and him the pleasures we sought!

Such as lovers do, we did; holding each other in tight, loving, embrace, locking our two bodies together, legs and arms wrapped about each other to keep the coupling complete, as Jamie pulsed, thrusting forward, balls tight up against me, turgid, throbbing cock spewing his thick coating of love into me!

Our employment ended the first of August; we did very well, we thought, and so did the owners, promising us employment the next summer. Jamie decided he'd wait until the next summer, after his junior year, to get his driver's license. It didn't take much convincing on the part of the Chief Kraft and his mom to encourage it since Chief Kraft really didn't think he was ready for the written (in Jamie's case, the oral exam if it could be arranged) examination. Unbeknownst to the rest of them, Jamie was practicing with me and could drive; at least enough to handle my truck if he needed to. He was so content to ride with me, I really couldn't believe it! I thought everyone wanted to get their license the day they turned sixteen!

"I'd rather have you drive," he confessed, "so I can take pictures and make sketches of things I see. Besides, it keeps my hands free so I can reach over and play with your pecker!" he laughed.

The first time he fished it out and nuzzled his face into my crotch and sucked my then flaccid dick up into his mouth, bringing it to an instant hardness, I damned near ran us into the ditch; talk about distracted driving!

Fall Folk Festival was really more exciting from the year before, if it can be possible! The event committee expanded the programming and performances, adding more workshops and a Sunday gospel program at the Civic Center Concert Hall. The success of the impromptu program held on the deck of the Union by the Long Family was an indication of the desire of the crowds and supported by the local council of churches.

The local churches solicited extra corporate sponsors and donations by member of their various congregations to pay the added expenses. "Sugar Creek Revival" agreed to return to lead off the gospel concert, "Missionary Ridge," and "Grandpa Earl Long and Family," along with a trio from Southern Illinois also participated. The trio was really great; all three sang and played. The rhythm was supplied by a string bass, while the other two performers played guitar, banjo, or fiddle as the music required.

The festival committee also decided to sponsor an "old-time fiddlers" contest on Saturday morning. The fiddlers could have their own backup, provided the backup played acoustical string instruments only and no solos by any member of the backup group. Over fifty contestants paid their entry fee! First place would be an engraved plaque and a thousand dollars; second place, a plaque and five hundred dollars, and third place a plaque and two hundred fifty dollars. Of course, Scotty entered with Jamie, Zach, and Derrick as his back up. I'd like to report he took first place, but received third place. The other two contestants were fantastic, older, and more experienced than Scotty, and really deserved the first and second place awards!

The event committee also expanded the programming for the festival. In addition to the fiddlers contest, the total number of performing groups was expanded to ten. We returned, "Captured Jack," Grandpa Long, and "Sugar Creek Revival." Six other groups, including the trio from Illinois rounded out the program. Evidently the committee solicited groups, asked for and listened to audition tapes, and settled on the six. This meant there were two performances (two groups) Friday evening, two Saturday afternoon and two in the evening, two Sunday afternoon and two Sunday evening. "Missionary Ridge" closed out the festival on Sunday evening!

The folk festival was a great way to wind up the summer and start the school year - our Junior year of high school!

Chapter Ten

"Behold a pale horse; and his name that sat on him was Death?.."

(Revelation of Saint John the Divine 6:8)

"I don't want to say goodbye

Let the stars shine through.

I don't want to say goodbye

All I want to do is live with you."

(words and music by Teddy Thompson)

Holding Jamie tight to my chest, feeling his heart beat, savoring, with each breath I took, the delicate fragrances of his cologne, a faint touch of aftershave (he only shaved about every two weeks or so), and his own, recognizable, familiar scent, as we moved our bodies with the music, feeling the emotions of the evening at our Junior-Senior Prom. His hardness pressing through his suit pants, sliding up and down my own stiffness, giving every indication of what he might rather do than dance. He'd have to wait, however since our school has an after the dance, all night party, and breakfast at sunrise event; all in the hopes of keeping tired revelers off of the highway. Granted there were some who chose not to attend, but have their own parties, and invariably some of those would also be ticketed for AWOI, but that was not for us. No, we preferred the sober presence of each other rather than the noisy intrusion of a booking room and lockup for the night, or at least until someone could come to bail you out and drive you home!

The evening was wonderful, the weather perfect- not too warm, not too cool, and decorated with the bright glow of a lover's moon rising majestically around nine thirty, casting a soft white light through the windows, doors, and on the parking lot outside.

I'd picked up Jamie at six for dinner downtown at a supper club whose owner catered to high school students on Prom Night. This meant no booze and the menu priced reasonably and entr?es selected which would appeal to young people and appropriate for the evening. Both high schools students patronized the business Prom Night, but the weekends for Prom were different for Hamilton High and Jefferson High to keep conflicts to a minimum.

Both of us wore new suits, purchased boutonnieres for the other to wear, pinned it on each other, and sealed it with a kiss at the house when I picked him up. I thought I'd was in the presence of a handsome young man, my prince, the one I'd spend the rest of my life with. Pictures, first at his house, then at mine and we were off to dinner and a Cinderella evening!

The dinner was not only delicious, but intimate and romantic with white table cloth, lighted candles, and soft music. Jamie seemed so radiant, bubbling with excitement, his smile bedazzling, eyes twinkling, and soft, encouraging voice expressing his feelings for me and the wonderful time he was having! My eyes misted over as I looked across the small table at him, realizing my life would never be complete without him and nor his without me. Jamie noticed my look, winked at me, reached for my hand, and said softly, "I love you too!"

I drove us to the dinner and to the dance, not in some fancy limousine or my dad's car, although he offered, but in my used pickup truck. Not very elegant I know, but it was the same carriage that carried us to work, to ball games, movies, concerts, and anything we thought we'd like to do together - it was a chariot of magnificent design, in our eyes, for two young men in love!

The movie, at a local theater, was so-so; Jamie dozed and slept off and on, as did I, snuggled up to him, one arm around his shoulder, sharing warmth and securing us together. Breakfast consisted of scrambled eggs, toast, fruit, an assortment of meat, juices, and sweet rolls and donuts, served at the American Legion, was pretty good, and we were hungry! From there, we went home. Reluctant to part, we did so because we were both plain worn out, after dropping him off at his house, I drove home, checked in with Mom and Dad, and slept the day away!

It was a fun night, a good way to cap off an almost perfect year. The only real down part was not winning the State Team Cross Country championship! We came in second, just a few points shy of first place. Jamie was individual State Champion again, but he was more saddened the team didn't come in first place. His generous giving side, and off-times innocence, always seemed to place others first, while most of us and the younger athletes were just thrilled to run with him!

Evidently, others didn't feel the same way! The Horsemen placed well, as did some of our teammates, especially those who'd been coached and mentored by Chief Kraft and our law enforcement coaches. However, the more experienced seniors and some of the other juniors just didn't! They seemed to lag, almost as if they were tired, ill, or really just didn't give a shit!

Rumor had it, after some one or two months passed, there'd been a big party the night before the State Cross Country Meet and late hours along with plenty of booze took its toll! Chris, confiding in me, also heard the seniors decided they weren't about to let some "smart-ass" underclassmen claim the glory and hence decided to "dog it" during the race!

I was angry and so were the others and vowed to correct the situation another year! Jamie overheard his dad and Coach Schroeder talking about it, and according to Jamie, "Coach is as pissed as a young skunk trying to put out a fire in the barn!"

At Christmas, Scotty and his dad went to South Carolina for a few days. Zach was just about lost without Scotty around. Jamie and I giggled over what type of reunion would be had when Scotty got home!

"I'll bet he'll be about to shoot a cannon ball out of his ass," Jamie joked.

I thought, "He should talk; it's not as if Jamie wields a popgun himself."

Jamie was doing well in school, in fact better than his mom first anticipated! I think she was fearful he wouldn't adapt well because of his special needs in reading and mathematics. It also led her to believe he'd never graduate from high school, deluded by his teachers in his other school into that belief. He'd pretty much been branded as a "retarded" child by them and I think they anticipated him being sheltered in some home after high school. They sure as hell were wrong! With his cousin Zach living with them, his "new" brothers Jacob and Jeffery, in addition to me, he had all kinds of additional help. I remained his first and foremost tutor, however, and I was determined to do my damnedest to make certain he graduated from high school the same time I did. As far as math was concerned, Jamie would never be a mathematician but his skills were acceptable.

I loved to hear him play and sing, but he loved to have me read to him. Many times, when we finished our homework or after we'd been somewhere or together at his house, he'd come to me with a book and ask me to read. Cuddled up next to me, sitting so he could look at the pages as I read, Jamie would almost purr with contentment! He especially enjoyed the "Hardy Boys" series! We read a number of the books, page by page, chapter by chapter, and Jamie would follow along, as best he could, as I read. I found reading his assignments to him also helped him with his school work.

I asked Dad and Mom about this and they both agreed research showed children who were read to tend to do better in school and become better readers as well. It suited me just fine and Jamie loved it!

He had so many other gifts; not only could he play and sing, but he was also becoming quite the artist with the help and encouragement of his high school art instructor, Dr. Fischer, and the University Art Department. His Christmas cards and Greeting card sales were successful and, with encouragement from University Press, now had several signed, numbered limited edition prints for sale through the University Press and a couple of art stores and dealers Dr. Fischer was familiar with.

The day after school was out for the summer, Scotty called a meeting, at his house after supper, of those of us left from the original freshman cross country team. There were only ten of us now, the others finding other interests, moved, or just plain dropped out, especially after last year's debacle at the state meet. Yes, Stan Wenzel and Bobby Petrosky (remember the two boys Jamie and I discovered fucking in the shower after practice?) were still part of the team; enjoying the team's company when they weren't running, snogging, flogging each other to a raw nub, playing friendly little games such as "hide the sausage," "lick the lollipop," or "ride a cockhorse." They didn't hesitate to mount and ride in the showers after practice if it were only Jamie, Scotty, or me present, but were pretty careful not to pop a woody when there were others present! Scotty once suggested a game of "fire in the hole" (good old-fashioned rimming, tongue deep, twisting and slurping to a point of blinding orgasm), but when he suggested a game of "double up" they really became interested; until he described how it was played.

"One of you lays down, stiff cock all slicked up, and the other straddles him face to face, lowers himself until the cock is well and truly seated deep. Someone else, such as Jamie, Whit, or me, mounts the one with a cock up his ass, slips ours in on top until he's buried balls deep as well and begins to fuck. Once the fucking gets going good, the last guy in does all of thrusting, he slides back and forth over the one in deep, and his action causes his cock to rub the other fellows love button until all three of you cum. You can't quit until all three fire their loads. Sometimes it takes quite a while."

Stan and Bobby looked at Jamie's stiff, long, thick cock, then Scotty's stiffy, and then mine before looking back at Jamie's throbber. Shaking their heads simultaneously, decided it was not a game they really wanted to play!

Jamie leaned over to me, while wrapping his hand around my hard spike, and said, after taking a deep breath, authoritatively, "Don't ever play that game with Zach and Ed Earl!"

"Why?"

"'Cause after it's over, every time the guy that gets stuffed, coughs or sneezes for a couple of days, he poops too!" he exclaimed, eyes big as cow pies, nodding his head slowly, warning me never to play that game; at least with Zach and Ed Earl. I didn't ask how he knew, but I was certain it was from close observation of activities of some of his other cousins who participated in the little game.

Gathered in the McFadden family room, we helped ourselves to sodas and the snacks Scotty laid out for us, waiting for him to get to the heart of our meeting. Scotty was the leader of the Horsemen and of our group of runners; we knew, he knew, and others knew it as well. Things hadn't changed since our run through campus in fifth grade.

"Last year," he began, "we got fucked over by a bunch of upper classmen who decided, for whatever reason, we," pointing to himself and the rest of us, "were just a bunch of smart-ass little balls of shit to be pushed out of the way! Evidently, they felt we were stealing their rightful place on the cross-country team and decided they'd show us by tossing the state meet. Instead of doing what we should've done and did in the past, for whatever reason, we allowed them to lead and as a result, they blocked our progress to the front of the pack. We didn't follow Jamie and we should have!"

He paused, looked at Jamie and continued, "This year, we follow him and his lead; what he does, we do! We all know how well he can read a runner or gauge the course; let him get us to the front of the pack and then hold it, agreed?"

We all nodded, knowing full well Scotty was right. Although Jamie came in first, the rest of us didn't do as well as we should have. Oh, we tried, but we let the "big boys" muscle us and afterwards were shamed by their doing so!

"But that's not enough!" Scotty declared.

I couldn't' think what else we could do, but he quickly explained.

"I know we all have summer jobs and other things to do, but we need to run four to five days a week all summer long. We coordinate our work schedules and schedule our runs accordingly, making certain all of us or at least most of us, can run on those days and those times; it keeps us together as a team! So, get me your work schedules, vacation dates, or whatever and I'll put together our schedule, beginning next week."

It made sense to me, but what he wanted us to do next made even more sense, especially when he pointed out why. Scotty suggested we sort out ten or twelve boys from the freshman class who ran the past year or any others we might think might have the potential to be good runners and invite them to run with us. It'd be a good opportunity for us to help them learn to run just like Chief Kraft and our law enforcements mentors helped us.

"If Ham Hocks High is going to continue to have a good cross-country team, now and in the future, we have to help make it happen! Find'em, invite'em, and run with them," he concluded. "Give me their names after you've contacted them and we'll run with them next week."

Scotty finished and Jamie leaned over to me, blew some air in my ear for the hell of it, and said, "Donny Erickson!"

"Who?"

"Donnie Erickson; he's new, moved here right after Thanksgiving!"

"From where?"

Jamie just shrugged his lack of knowledge!

I had to think a minute who any new kids were; the one I pictured in my mind I'd seen in the cafeteria during lunch; wasn't very sociable, always had his head in a book, usually sat alone (hell, always sat alone), and always averted his eyes if I looked in his direction. Once in a while, when Jamie and I went swimming at open swim on Sunday afternoons, he was usually there; generally with two younger boys, brothers I assumed. Clad in a pair of baggy boxer swim trunks, he was skinny, very little fat, if any, on his bones, no hips to speak of which made me wonder why those big trunks didn't slip off; brown hair and brown eyes; eyes that seemed to see everything but were sad at the same time. In the locker room, if we were there, he always turned his back when changing into street clothes, making certain his little brothers were dried, dressed, and combed their hair. All three of them were dressed in well-used clothing, hand-me-downs I thought, but they were mended and clean. My impression was they didn't have much money and made due with what they had. It probably explained why they were swimming at the school pool; admittance was by student ID and no fees charged to those enrolled at Hamilton.

"What's his dad do?" I asked curiously.

Again, Jamie shrugged; "I don't think he's got one."

"How do you know he can run?"

"A little bit after he moved, he ran by our house being chased by a couple of bigger boys and they weren't even close. Daddy and I saw it and he shouted at the two boys. Once they saw it was my daddy, they swapped asses and took off in the opposite direction!"

"He's got two younger brothers, an older sister who'll be a junior next year," Jamie continued, "and another sister who graduated this year. They both work at Petes's Pizza in 'Dog Town.' His momma works for University Food Service and sometimes she helps in our cafeteria."

Puzzled, hearing Jamie give this litany on the Erickson Family when he didn't know where they moved from or if there was a Mr. Erickson in the house, with some reluctance but great curiosity, thinking he might have garnered the information from his dad, I asked, "And where, Lover, did you come up with all of this knowledge?"

Jamie shrugged his shoulders; "Chris!"

"I take it," I pressed, "Chris likes pizza?"

"I think he likes the pizza maker a lot better," grinned Jamie.

Jamie paused, thinking, before saying, "I think Donny's lonely and like us!"

"Now, Jamie, you don't know that for certain," I jibed!

"Maybe not, but when we swim, I watch him watch us like you used to watch boys when I watched you."

Again, he paused; "I don't think he lives far from me, but I'll ask daddy; he knows where everybody lives!"

The next day found us driving to Donny Erickson's house. It was only eight blocks from Jamie's but he wanted to ride in the truck and hopefully, on the way back home, I'd let him drive (I did). I parked in the drive of an older two story home, well maintained, but still older, we walked up the short sidewalk to the front door, I rang the doorbell, and it's chime was answered by a young boy, maybe eight or nine years old, clad in a pair of over-sized faded blue shorts and a worn tee-shirt.

"Is Donny Erickson home?" I asked.

He shouted over his shoulder, not letting us in mind you, "Ma; there's two guys here to see Donny!"

Mrs. Erickson came to the door and I recognized her from the High School cafeteria. She'd worked there even when we came into Middle School (shared cafeteria with the high school, only different lunch times), not every day, but a couple of days per week. I figured she worked either central kitchen or the Union the other days.

Her smile was pleasant, warm as she greeted us, as she would do in the cafeteria, saying, "Donny's helping his younger brother Robby with his homework. Raymond, go get Donny and tell him he has company."

Raymond scooted up the stairs while she continued to visit. "Donny's awfully good at math, his favorite subject, and Robby does need some help sometimes."

She looked us over, smiled again, saying, "I think I know who you are, but you boys grow up so fast, so please refresh my memory, if you don't mind."

"Yes mam," Jamie responded politely, "James Arthur Long, but everyone calls me Jamie."

"Carlton Whitfield, Mrs. Erickson, but everyone calls me Whit."

"Are you Art Kraft's son?" she inquired of Jamie.

Jamie nodded his head replying, "Yes, mam."

"And you," dipping her head in my direction, "must be Dr. Whitfield's youngest."

"Yes, mam!"

Donny clambered noisily down the stairs and came to almost a screeching halt when he saw us standing talking to his mother. His face reddened slightly, he took a deep breath, and said shyly, "Hi!"

"Now don't be shy, Donny," his mother advised, "why don't you take Jamie and Whit to the living room and visit; and you," pointing finger at Raymond, standing behind his brother, "scoot back upstairs and pester your brother so these three can have some privacy."

"Aw Ma," he growled, but did as he was told.

Donny led the way to the living room, indicated a couch for us to sit on, while he seated himself on a chair, sort of facing us. He was so quiet, so shy, reminding me of Jamie a few years before, but not quite filled with the innocence he was.

Just as I was about to break the silence, Donny coughed nervously, saying hesitantly, with some embarrassment yet full of admiration, "I heard you play and sing; you're really good!"

Jamie's eyes brightened, flickered with his joyful nature, pleased to hear someone thought our group sounded good!

"Where?" he asked curiously.

"Up at the University a couple of years ago. My grandpa took me before he died. He really liked that kind of music and now, so do I."

Donny's face saddened, recalling his grandfather and the good time they evidently had at the folk fest. His voice cracked slightly as he continued softly, "This used to be his house. We moved here afterwards; it made us closer to Momma's work."

Changing the subject, yet not quite, Donny smiled quickly, "I got the CD of 'Missionary Ridge Live' at the Folk Festival for Christmas."

The University taped and recorded the folk festivals, burned CD's of the performances by groups, and sold them. Each performing group received royalties from the sale of the CD's and DVD's. Whatever we received went directly into our savings account. I didn't really keep track of it, but each year since I started working and filing income tax, Dad had an accountant do it for me, since, as he put it, "With your outside income you need someone with some expertise to do it." I know I had to pay extra each year, but so did Jamie. We just figured it was the right thing to do; if we earned it, we paid!

Donny grew quiet again, his eyes darted from Jamie to me, back to Jamie, and each time he switched, his gaze would linger just a moment longer on our crotches. I thought I'd better make some formal introductions.

"Donny," I began, "I'm Whit and ?."

"I know," Donny said quickly, "and he's Jamie!"

"We're here to ask if you'd be interested in joining our track team!"

"You mean run with Pegasus and the Four Horsemen?" he asked, eyes big, voice excited at the prospect!

"Well, yes," I continued, "along with a select group of us, plus the new ones we invite, who run all summer. Jamie and I think you'd make a fine runner and help us on the team!"

"But, I can't run like you guys do!"

"Oh yes you can!" Jamie interrupted emphatically. "I saw you run by my house one day with two big kids on your tail and they weren't even coming close!"

"Yeah, but they stopped when someone shouted at them!" Donny sighed with relief.

"It was my Daddy," giggled Jamie.

"I don't have any track clothes or shoes," lamented Donny.

"I think between Jamie and me, we can get you outfitted. You're about the same size as we were a couple of years ago. Coach Schroeder always has extra shoes donated for use for cross country runners."

Jamie nodded, adding, "I've got a couple of pair of nylon running shorts that'd fit. Don't have an extra jock strap though."

"You never wear one when we run anyway!" I snorted in correction.

Donny's eyebrows went up in surprise! "You don't?"

"Nope!"

"What do you do with your, you know ?..?"

"Just let it flop and wobble around," Jamie answered with a shrug, winking at me, added, "Besides, Whit likes it that way!"

"Jamie!" I scolded softly, looking around fearful Donny's mother may have overheard the conversation.

"Well, you do!" giggled Jamie in response.

Donny's face reddened, pursed his lips in thought, took a deep breath (for courage I think) and asked hesitantly, "Are you two guys, uh, you know?

"Yeah," I answered catching the drift of his inquiry, "we're boyfriends and have been since our freshman year in high school.

"How cool!" sighed Donny.

Taking a chance, I asked, "You're not out yet are you?"

Donny's face blanched, he looked around, fearful, suddenly almost reduced to tears, as he carefully shook his head "no!"

"Don't worry, your secret is safe with us. One of our runners was in the closet for years and none of us knew; once we did, we could've cared less! Okay?"

He nodded his head, some of the fear seeming to slip from it, trusting us, knowing we would hold what we knew tight to our chests.

"Well, what do you think? Want to join us?" I pressed.

"I sure want to, but I'll have to ask my mother first," he answered, stood and left for the kitchen.

"He's cute," said Jamie softly to me as Donny left the room. "He's got a nice butt, too!"

I just shook my head! Jamie definitely could spot a nice ass and Donny Erickson seemed to have one. He returned with his mom, followed by Raymond and Robby.

Donny nodded in their direction; "My brother, Robby, age twelve, and Raymond, who you met I think, age nine!"

"Now," Mrs. Erickson inquired, "what about this running stuff that's got my Donny in such an excited state?"

I did my best in trying to explain to Mrs. Erickson what happened at State Cross Country last fall (without using the same colorful language Scotty used), how disappointed we were, but determined to right a wrong by building a strong team for this fall and in the future for our school. I don't think she was convinced she should let Donny participate until she hear me speak of the adults, specifically the law enforcement runners who helped coach us and ran with us. Her mood seemed to lighten up after that and I was hoping she's say yes.

"When do you practice and where?"

I pointed out most of us worked summer jobs so, by coordinating our work schedules, we'd find four or five days each week we could run, if we had our coaches or a coach available, and we usually started around five in the morning.

"In the morning?" squeaked Robby.

"Yep," affirmed Jamie, silent this whole time. "Start with the sunrise! Only problem is on cloudy days Scotty has to call a farmer outside of town to wake the rooster to make him crow so the rest of the team knows when to get up!"

"Really?" an amazed Raymond blurted out!

"No, you silly goose," Jamie joked with a grin and a wink.

"Well," Mrs. Erickson said thoughtfully, "there are those mornings when I have to work and Donny has to be home with his brothers, but if you're home by six thirty, it'd be okay. Would you be done by then?"

I assured her we would be; Jamie and I'd make it a point to get him home on time. She was hesitant to bring up what was a pressing question but finely asked, "Does this cost a lot of money for equipment or fees? We really don't have much extra sometimes."

"Nope; we've already sorted out the shoes and running shorts and decided between Jamie, me, and Coach Schroeder, Donny will be well equipped. The school pays all of the entry fees for meets and supplies meals and transportation."

"Donny," she asked, "do you want to do this?"

"Yeah, Mom, more than anything; I really do! Running with the Four Horsemen and Pegasus would be great!"

"Who are they?" she asked with a puzzled look on her face, suddenly doubting her decision.

Jamie beamed; "Scotty McFadden, Derrick Gray, Chris Fischer, and Whit. Me- I'm Pegasus!"

"Wait a minute," Mrs. Erickson said holding up her hand, and looking at me. "Are those the four boys who ran through the dormitories one late night, clad only in their underwear, maybe six or seven years ago?"

I nodded sheepishly.

"How funny!" she laughed. "It was the talk of everyone in food service for days."

Shaking a finger at Donny, she added, "You, young man, better not let me catch you running around campus in your underwear!"

"Probably be naked instead," muttered Raymond.

"Raymond; shush!"

"Yes, Momma!"

Before we left, we made arrangements for Donny to come over to Jamie's on Thursday so we could sort out clothes and shoes for him. I asked him to bring a schedule when he could run with him so I could give it to Scotty.

As we went out the door, Donny clasped my hand, saying, "Thanks for inviting me guys, I'll try my best!"

We knew he would!

Donnie came over to Jamie's after supper on Thursday and we had him try on several pairs of nylon running shorts before Jamie declared Donnie was in possession of two pair fitting him just fine (after having to cup Donnie's crotch a couple of times bringing forth a nervous giggle from Donnie as well as an instant, respectable five inch or so erection tenting the front of his briefs). Coach Schroeder sent a pair of running shoes Donnie's size (they fit fine) and he was ready to go!

Monday, at our first early morning practice, I half expected there'd be only a couple of our volunteer coaches present; at least that's what I told Donnie after Jamie and I jogged over to his place to get him. It sort of surprised him when we ran down to get him rather than drive my truck, but I informed him it was "running, not riding" and every little bit we could get in would help us in the long run!

Scotty made certain Coach Schroeder received copies of our running schedule and the names of the freshmen we'd invited to run with us. He, in turn, sent copies to Chief Kraft. As a result, Chief Kraft and about a half dozen law enforcement officers were there bright and early! It's a good thing since, including Donnie, there were eleven other freshmen joining us. Of the dozen only two hadn't participated in track before; Donnie and David Holst.

David's mom was a professor (piano composition and performance) in the Music Department and his dad a professor of Mathematics. I'd seen David around school and occasionally when I went up to the University for lessons, but never thought he'd be interested in running. I looked him over, standing next to Donnie, both almost skinny, both about the same height, weight, and physical stature; both looked like distance runners, neither very tall but with that look, you know, the look distance runners have! The only real differences between them was David's mother was Asian and he was light golden compared to Donnie's white coloration.

I noticed Jamie was looking the new boys over, fixed on Donnie and especially David. He wasn't checking out their packages, but giving them close scrutiny, trying to decide if they were runners and how good! He said nothing to me nor did his face reveal anything either; he'd watch them and decide, make no doubt about it!

Chief Kraft explained the training rules, handed out copies of the practice schedules, and introduced the law enforcement officers who'd be running with us that day, adding there'd be others throughout the summer depending on work schedules. He emphasized they were all interested in helping the runners be the best they could be and, if we worked really hard, carry on the tradition we're building as a champion cross country school. People were certainly proud of us and I could see the determination in the other guy's faces to try their damnedest to win!

The coaches, except for Chief Kraft who ran with us, ran with the new members. About ten minutes into our run (leisurely since this was our first real day), I looked back and saw Jim Prescott, Campus Security Officer, and Alan Fuller, County Deputy Sheriff, running next to David and Donnie, making suggestions, laughing, encouraging them, and generally helping them along. After twenty minutes or so, the four of them stopped, along with the rest of the freshman, and took a break, while the coaches discussed their progress and what changes could be made in their running.

This group finished well behind the rest of us, but they were pretty well hyped up and eager to continue. Jamie and I watched David and Donnie run in; they were fairly well matched and as Jamie said softly to no one in particular, "Those two can run!"

And so it went all summer; four mornings a week outside when weather permitted or inside in the field house when it rained. On the third week of practice, Donnie insisted we run by David's house to pick him up for practice. It wasn't out of the way, only about four blocks from campus and, after he joined us, the way they chattered to each other they were fast becoming best of friends!

The freshmen continued to run as a group; the coaches wanted to build a certain comradery among them the same as we had built up over the years. They were becoming accustomed to each other's style, pace, and endurance. Running with the rest of the team would come about when regular practice started under Coach Schroeder. The first time he saw them run toward the end of the summer, he said it looked like the "Charge of the Light Brigade" as they came across the finish line, being led by Donnie and David (later called them "Dasher and Dancer" because they "flew like Santa's Reindeer.") Officers Prescott and Fuller preferred to call the group, "The Dandy Dozen." They saw future champions among them and as a team!

The summer was fantastic! Our market sales were super; Jamie's playing and singing continued to boost our sales by drawing people to our booth, driving up our overall earnings! We thought about asking if we could sell CD's and Jamie's prints as well, but Chief Kraft and my dad thought it'd be unfair to the owners of the garden center. They were right of course! However, Dad did set up a web-site for "Missionary Ridge" and one for "J. Long - Prints and Original Art" with a Pay Pal? account for sales. According to him, it was doing "moderately well." I knew once we were out of school, we'd have to have to take charge of some of these business ventures or at least have someone help us with them.

John Kraft, Jamie's half-brother, and his wife Beth presented the family with a healthy baby boy. They named him James Arthur Kraft, II. He's adorable, a blend of two peoples' ethnic heritage and genes, although he favored his mother in color. Jamie thought he was the most precious thing ever put on this earth, next to me! Whenever they visited or we drove across town to see them, he'd take every opportunity to hold and cuddle that sweet bundle of joy. I watched Jamie and thought, maybe someday, we could adopt. However, when I saw Jamie's Mom hold the baby, although she tried not to show it, there was a sadness, I thought, knowing she would never have any grandchildren from her gay son!

I made up my mind we'd begin salting money away right after college and, with the medical advances and technology breakthroughs , there was no reason why a surrogate mother, impregnated with sperm donated by Jamie, couldn't carry "our" baby.

Summer ended, track practice formally started and the fall Folk Festival was held again shortly after the start of the fall term at the University. It was our senior year of high school and I was excited, thinking about Jamie and me being seniors and graduating in the spring! We made plans for me to attend CSU the next fall and he'd be attending also on a special student basis, enrolling only in certain Art classes. He was offered an opportunity to enroll in some music classes as well, but after visiting with his folks decided not to, instead concentrating on his art since it'd be his main source of revenue and livelihood, hopefully, in the future.

I saw no reason why it wouldn't be as talented as he is! His brother John, an accountant, volunteered to assist him with his business accounting and he had Chief Kraft and me to work with him as well. University Press continued to print his works and, in conjunction with them, several art shops and dealers also carried his prints and original pieces.

Our plans were to marry the next fall after we both turned eighteen. Our parents wanted us to wait until I finished college, but no way! Scotty and Zach already had plans to marry in June after Scotty graduated from high school.

I was looking forward to our senior year, anticipating a happy, fun-filled year, culminated by our graduation, and our wedding the next fall. Even with those joyful thoughts, I still had bouts of nostalgia, realizing this'd be our last fall the original "Missionary Ridge" band might be playing together. Zach, Scotty, Jamie, and I definitely would be staying in the area. Whether Chris, now steady with Adele Erickson, would stick around (I thought so since Adele was a junior now) or Derrick, who was thinking of attending Southeast State University at Monroe would be here in the fall was uncertain. Even if one left, the group would need to adapt, add a new member, or dissolve!

There was one thing I was absolutely certain of this school year, our final year of high school; after this year, Pegasus and the Four Horsemen of Ham Hocks High would never again run as a team in the State Cross Country meet, if we qualified, and we were going to do our very best to do just that! Our coaches pushed us and we pushed ourselves, as well as the rest of the team. If we failed, then we didn't want them to; someone had to bring home the championship.

The fall festival again featured returnees, Grandpa Long and Grandpa Long and family, "Missionary Ridge," and "Sugar Creek Revival." "Captured Jack" disbanded because two of the officers took different law enforcement positions in other areas of the state. It left Dr. McFadden without a group to play with, disappointing him I'm certain, but he was occupied with the festival and our bookings for the rest of the school year and into next summer. I think he might have been secretly relieved!

Jamie remembered how much Donny enjoyed our music, so we arranged passes for him and David, since where you now saw one, you saw the other! Chris procured a pass for Adele as well. Mrs. Erickson was all in a tizzy when she found out because she had to work as well; there'd be no one to stay with Robbie and Raymond! As she put it, "The extra money comes in handy, especially with Christmas and winter coming."

Mom stepped in and solved the problem by volunteering to take the boys with them to the programs and if one or the other got tired, either she or Dad would take him to our house. The boys would spend the weekend there. They were tickled pink to be able to go and then spend the weekend at our house.

Grandpa and Grandpa Long, along with Uncle Buddie and Aunt Hat, and Ed Earl were staying at Kraft's again (Jamie would stay with me at my house), and Ed Earl's steady, Sarah. They were going to be married next summer. She had a great voice and could play guitar very, very well!

The festival was fun, as always! Jamie and I had a great time, playing and singing and enjoying listening to the other groups. Donny and David enjoyed themselves as well! I glanced up several times during our performance and spotted them dancing together in the side isles along with other spectators. I guess they figured they'd be lost in the crowd and no one would notice two more dancers. I did and so did Jamie; we were happy for both of them!

Sunday night, once the last note was sounded, the equipment removed, placed in Zach's truck and trailer for unloading on Monday, and we were tucked in bed at my house some four hours or so before dawn, Jamie just had to finish the evening with a song or two of his own, using an instrument I was more than familiar with and welcomed, each arpeggio up and down my inner love nut bringing a whimper of joy from me! No one, I'm certain could love me the way Jamie did and I had no desire to find out!

Hamilton High's Cross Country team qualified for state and we were sent off with a rousing pep assembly the day before. Our lockers were decorated with notes of "Good Luck" wishes, balloons in our school colors, posters, and banners in the halls. Man, we were psyched up for the meet!

Morning, the day of the meet, dawned grey, cold, and wet; a fine, cold mist drizzling down at the start of the race and, according to the weather people, would continue most of the day. This may've dampened other teams enthusiasm and energy, but before we started to take our places, Scotty said simply, "No different than a horse race on a wet track; we're led by a 'mudder' who does well in the rain or the sun- follow Pegasus, let him lead, and let's kick ass!"

The rain soaked our shirts, our nylon running shorts, plastering them to our bodies as we ran. Jamie didn't wear a jock, as usual, his manhood clearly outlined under the wet shorts, wobbling and bouncing as he ran! I noticed David and Donny were also without jocks, their smaller cocks just as visible but not as prominent! Whenever Jamie would pull alongside a runner from another school, one out of four would invariably look down, spot the bouncing bratwurst, and lose a stride or two, giving one of us the opportunity to edge him out (not fair I suppose, but what the hell!). They didn't have to look, ogle my boyfriend, and be distracted. Evidently their coaches didn't emphasize what Coach Schroeder reminded us to do so many times; "Concentrate on the race!"

Jamie started this race as he did all others; observing, pacing, moving us slowly ahead. As I thought back on it, he was running this race in a similar manner to the time when Chief Kraft and the law enforcement officers ran with us, blocking our progress to the front. It didn't take long for the other three Horsemen and our compatriots who were with us that day to recognize this also. A good distance into the race, Pegasus ran up to and alongside the leader, the Horsemen slipped in between runners just behind him, separating them from each other, just like we did when we were freshmen, with six of our fellow track mates behind us, running a blocking action!

Jamie started to talk to the other runner next to him; "You ran last year!"

"Yep!" (Not very talkative, I thought, listening from just behind him.)

"You run pretty fast!"

"Yep!"

I wondered, at this point, when the other runner, a senior from the southwest part of the state, would get disgusted with Jamie and try to pull ahead.

"Sure is wet today, right?"

No answer this time; "He's getting close," I thought.

"Cold too," Jamie allowed. "Sort of slows you down, doesn't it?"

That did it, the other runner pushed hard, trying to get ahead of Jamie. Not to worry; Jamie was ready and so were we! He didn't make it; instead, Jamie just ran along beside him. This was going to get interesting pretty fast! We were coming up on five hundred meters from the finish and if Jamie was going to make a major move, it'd be soon! I could hear the crowd beginning to shout encouragement; Chief Kraft and our coaches from the law enforcement community the loudest, although we did have a large contingent of students and parents in attendance.

"You got a girl friend?" Jamie asked.

"Yep!" the other fellow wheezed, clearly putting everything into his race.

Scotty gave us a nod; get ready!

"I got a boyfriend," Jamie said proudly, "we're going to get married! He's got a big cock and he's right behind you!"

The poor guy just couldn't resist a quick glance over his shoulder to see who or what Jamie was referring to, missed a step or two and Jamie said, "Bye!" and took off like a striped-assed ape!

"Bye!" announced Scotty, passing as well, followed by me, Derrick, and Chris all giving our farewell, leaving our fellow teammates in an excellent position to score points while holding off the rest of the pack! "Damn good strategy," Chief Kraft later praised!

The celebration at home started with a ride on fire trucks through campus; State Individual Champion Jamie Long standing on the hose bed, along with the rest of the team, waving at the crowds of high school students and university students along the streets. The parade ended at Hamilton High for a big welcome home rally. Jamie proudly presented the trophy to Coach Schroeder and the Hamilton High Principal. The President of the University was there to congratulate us, noting it was the first time the campus lab school ever brought home a cross country trophy and how proud she was!

To some, the rest of the year may have appeared to be anticlimactic, but to Jamie and me, not so! We really enjoyed our last year of high school; attending not only high school musicals, plays, athletic events, and dances but university activities as well. After the high school Christmas concert, Jamie and I went out to dinner and we exchanged "friendship" rings. They really were sort of engagement rings. We planned our wedding for the next fall, just before Thanksgiving after we both were eighteen.

The day after Christmas, I called Jamie to come over; the folks were gone and I had a special present for him. He bounded up to my room and when he opened the door, found me laying naked, face down with a big, red, ribbon bow stuck to the upper part of my ass crack with a note reading "Merry Christmas!" He darn near ruptured himself getting out of his clothes, mounting me, and playing his version of "Jingle Balls!"

At Easter, he showed up at our door dressed in a bunny suit, floppy ears and all, with a big shit-eating grin on his face. He held an Easter Basket in his hand with a note in it. Curious, I read the note, crooked a finger at him, and motioned for him to follow me to my bedroom. Locking the door, I stripped and waited for Jamie to shed himself of the bunny suit (it took a minute because the "bunny" had a hard-on that would have put the Redwood Forest to shame). The card, illustrated by Jamie," showed two bunnies, one hunched over the back of the other, its lower quarter shoved forward into the rear of the other, with a caption, "Let's do what bunnies do!"

The Four Horsemen and Pegasus decided, after talking it over with our parents, to have our graduation parties jointly up at the University Union. We'd run together, played together, made music together, suffered good times and bad together, so why not celebrate our graduation together? Our parents agreed and the second weekend after graduation, we gathered with friends, relatives, classmates, track mates, coaches, teachers, and others who were invited, on the veranda (patio) outside the Union where Grandpa Long held their first impromptu concert after the Folk Festival several years before. We'd reserved one of the large banquet rooms just in case of inclement weather, but the weather was fantastic so it was outside!

Food Service catered our refreshments, cake, ice cream, and beverage (no booze) and set the tables up under pop-ups along the sides of the patio. There were signs posted around the perimeter announcing it was a private party, as well as a rope line. Balloons in school colors filled with helium were anchored to the rope line and to the round patio tables where our guests would be seated. We weren't bothered by others during the first part of the party. The five of us stood near where the entrance to the patio designated by an opening in the rope line and greeted our guests, welcoming them, accepting their gift cards, and depositing them in the box with our name on it.

The last hour of our party, we planned on "Missionary Ridge" playing to entertain our guests. We knew the music would probably draw University students as well, but we really didn't care! It didn't take us long to set up the equipment, tune the instruments and begin! We played what we wanted, what we thought would entertain and show our appreciation for all the things our parents and others did for us over the years. We finished with Jamie on the banjo, playing and singing "Ol Rattler." I think it reminded him of "Red," the coonhound on Grandpa Long's farm.

The last note echoed off into the distance, we set aside our instruments, and stepped forward to the microphone to thank everyone for attending. I was first, took the microphone, and was about to begin, when I heard someone shout,

"You dirty fucking faggots; you ruined my life!"

Someone else shouted (I later learned it was Zach), "GUN!"

Looking toward the crowd I saw Delaney, the student teacher who started the fight with his derogatory comments in our freshman year, running at us, pointing a handgun at Jamie and me. I dropped the mike, turned, grabbed Jamie, screaming, "Jamie; he's got a gun!" and pulled him tight up against me, leaving my back towards Delaney, determined to shield Jamie from harm with my life, and heard,

POP! POP! POP!

People were screaming and I suddenly hurt in various places and started to fall, pulling Jamie with me, holding him in an embrace, trying to keep myself between him and Delaney!

POP! POP! And Jamie rolled over on top of me.

I heard several more gun shots and the last words I heard Jamie say was, "I love you, Whit!" and he went limp, still, not moving!

I tried to scream, "NO; NO, NOT JAMIE," but no words came out; I tried saying, "Jamie, I love you, don't die!" but for some reason, my mind became muddled and everything faded to darkness!

Somewhere in my murkiness, I heard sirens, the sound of my brother, Jeff, shouting orders to people unseen by me, talking to me, trying to reassure me! I remember crying for Jamie, wanting him, knowing, although unable to accept it, he'd died in my arms! I cried, I sobbed, I shouted his name, begged him to come back to me, pleaded with him not to leave me alone, feeling the futility of my cries, until Jeff said, "Whit, you're going to sleep now!" and I did, suddenly!

Time, if there is such a dimension while you're not conscious to the world outside your mind, seems to move rapidly, then slowly, and finally crawl until there is no distinction, just a floating, indescribable, ethereal nothingness! I dreamed of Jamie, of hearing his voice speaking to me telling me how much he loved me; feeling his lips on my face, my forehead, my lips, my hands, as he pleaded with me not to leave! I dreamed of all the good times we had together as he told them to me from afar!

I looked over at Jamie, laying peacefully, his hands folded on his midsection, dressed in his best suit, the place on his head where the bullet struck him barely visible, concealed by his hair. We lost a police officer that day we'd set aside for celebration and one of our school mates: several other of our guests were wounded in the shooting melee. Chief Kraft and the officers were quick, but not quick enough to prevent the tragedy. Delaney didn't live through the barrage of bullets fired at him by Chief Kraft and the others as he tried to reload his weapon!

Reaching forward, I touched Jamie, leaned over him, kissed his lips, and said, "Hey, sleepyhead, wake up, everyone's waiting for us!"

He opened his eyes, kissed me back, his bubbly, bright, overwhelming smile, proclaiming to me and to the world how happy he was!

So was I, the bullet hitting Jamie, just grazed his skull, but had enough shocking power to render him unconscious! It was his real voice, his real lips, his singing, not dreams, I heard in the hospital! When I finally regained consciousness several days later, I looked around, trying to see where the guitar music was coming from, and there was Jamie, a shit-eating grin on his face, tears streaming down his cheeks, bringing tears to my eyes too! Recovery for me took most of the summer, but with his help, never leaving my side hardly, I made it. The bullets meant for Jamie ended up in me, except for the one to his head!

When Chief Kraft and Ellen visited with me, I said to him, "I promised you I'd protect him with everything in me!"

He leaned over, kissed me on the forehead, crying softly, "So you did, Whit; your love gave Jamie the gift of life!"

I thought at the time, and still do, it wasn't me giving the gift of life, it was Jamie's gift to me, bringing me back from the precipice of death, with his song, his touch, his loving words of encouragement, giving me hope, strength, being the love of my life!

It was a long drive to Caudry, Missouri where we were spending our honeymoon, staying at Grandpa and Grandma Long's house, in Jamie's old room. They were having a wedding reception for us at the American Legion Hall and Jamie decided to take a nap before we left for it. Our wedding was supposed to be a simple affair in Jefferson, but many of our friends showed up and we celebrated; as a result of arriving late last evening, Jamie was one tired puppy (of course, consummating the marriage several times during the night didn't help - sleep, that is)!

Jamie was happy, so everyone was happy- especially me!

The End

Thank you for reading "Jamie's Gift"

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Nick Hall

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