Now and Then

By Reader View

Published on Aug 13, 2006

Gay

Disclaimer: If you are not yet 18 years of age or if it is illegal to read materials of this kind where you live, then please stop now. This story contains descriptions of sexual activity between male adults. The acts are consensual and are the result of their love for one another.

All copy rights reserved. The author retains all rights. No reproductions or links to other sites are allowed without the author's consent. The author gives Nifty Archives permission to add to their site.

Sorry , but no sex in this part, I did not think it was appropriate at least not at this stage. I also want to apologize for the delay and special thanks to David (Dad on the Hideaway) for your encouraging words and constructive comments.


It was seven in the evening and we were all at the patio. The sun was setting and the evening was showing signs of cooling down a bit but the heat and humidity could still be felt.

Ali and Terry were sitting with their backs to the living room, deep in conversation. I saw the car stopping at the gate and without a word I left them and headed to the gate and let him in. We both walked to them. Sensing our approach they both stood up and turned around to greet my guest.

I fell a step behind and let him proceed ahead of me. Terry stood there smiling and about to extend his hand but Ali just stood there, his mouth quivering and eyes open wide with all the horror of the world written on his face. Ash colored. It is an expression you only see in horror movies as you are confronted by a demon or a ghost. He was faintly uttering the words "No, no ... it can't be. Impossible ..."

Ali fell back into the chair that he was about to vacate. Ash faced and mouth agape. You can see that he was shivering and having difficulty in breathing and trying hard to regain control. Well, who wouldn't?

Leaning on his walking stick and feet moving as if laden with steel, he slowly approached the stunned Ali. Terry was standing there motionless not knowing what to do. Form the look on his face you can read that he was weighing the options. Jump the guy! Go to Ali offering protection! He was also immobile. He only managed to say "What the hell is going on here and who are you?"

He moved closer and with the support of his cane he slowly lowered his bulk on the edge of the large coffee table in front of Ali, extending his bad leg for comfort. Ever so slowly, he places his cane on his side, balancing it and making sure that it would remain stable. He then turned his face and looked at Ali. His eyes full of gentleness and warmth. He took one of Ali's hands in his "I am not a ghost Ali. It is me. I know I am not supposed to be here today. I should be six feet under, but I am here. I am here for real. You can feel my hand, can't you? It is warm and not cold. I am here and Alive." He turned around and looked at me "Thanks to this man. He is the reason why I am here today."

Ali by that time had regained some of his composure and his breathing not normal yet but getting under control. With a weak voice coming from a dried moth; "how can it be? I was told that you were dead? You died in the accident. I do not understand. I heard there was even a funeral and all that goes with it. There is even a grave with your name on it"

"It is a long story but before that come here. Give me a hug. I missed you all these years. Come on and properly greet your friend who had just risen from the dead"

A smile showed on Ali's face and signs of tears were becoming evident, he jumped into Mohammed's arms nearly knocking him over while wrapping his arms around his shoulders. The dams in his eyes broke and uncontrollable tears started to follow, sobs raking him. I can see from the shaking of his back that Mohammed was crying too. Well we all had tears in our eyes, even Terry, as he realized who this stranger is uttering "Well, I `ll be damned".

I felt very awkward and totally uncomfortable wondering what Ali's reaction would be towards me so I retreated silently back to the kitchen with Mohammed still holding Ali to himself soothing him with words and gently rubbing his free hand in his hair. I can hear Ali's sobs becoming quieter.

Entering the kitchen I immediately busied myself in preparing the diner and setting up the table. It was still warm outside to eat and the kitchen table will do. It will provide a better atmosphere; I felt it would be more appropriate than sitting at the dining table.

Returning to the patio, I found Ali was back in his seat with Mohammed Still facing him. No tears but a radiant face beaming with happiness. He was talking animatedly with Mohammed telling him about Terry. Terry was also smiling and all the time nodding his head in agreement. He was seated on the arms of Ali's chair with one arm loosely on his shoulder.

"Diner is ready, guys, sorry but the Kitchen table will have to do this time"

We sat there in the kitchen having our diner. The talk was light and no attempt was made to go into any serious topics. Everybody was making the effort to avoid going into any serious talk even though we all knew that some time we will be getting there but no one was in a hurry to do that. We finished eating and Terry helped me with washing the dishes while Mohammed and Ali retreated into the living room. I had prepared some coffee and joined them there with Terry.


"Ahmad; you never told me that Mohammed is still alive. All these years you left me believing that he was dead. Why? We are supposed to be good friends, no brothers and still you never said a word why?"

"I am sorry Ali. There are not enough words to express how sorry I am, but believe me it was for your own good.'

"My own good. You realize the suffering and agony I went through." Ali said this with eyes showing anger, disappointment and pain.

"I realize that but believe me ... "I couldn't finish, the feeling of guilt overwhelming me. I couldn't meet his eyes.

"Ali, it wasn't Ahmed's idea, it was mine. I asked him not to say a word. It was for your own good. If you knew then that I was still alive we would not be all sitting here today."

"Even your father or any member of your family didn't say anything or even give an indication that you were still alive. I went and visited your father and brothers offering my condolences and they never showed any sign. The way they acted would have defiantly got them Oscar nominations."

"I know. The whole thing was my father's idea. Apart from my father only my eldest brother knew that I was still alive. Even my mother was left under the impression that I was dead for a few months. Cruel I know but it was necessary"

"Instead of saying it was necessary I think you both owe me an explanation. It better be good. I am very offended by your actions and it only make me feel that I was not worthy of your trust"

"Yes we defiantly owe you an apology and explanation"

To be continued....

Only constructive comments are welcome, do not bother if you want to point out spelling or grammatical errors.

cb_45@hotmail.com


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