Sam

Disclaimer: This story is entirely fictional and not intended for minors or those judged unable by law to read this material. Any resemblance to actual people is purely coincidental and unintended.

SAM - 1

"Why?" my mother asked me. "Why? Suddenly, this place is not good enough for you?"

I kept quiet. I sensed my mothers distress and did not know how to answer her.

"Martha," my father intervened. "He is a man now. Come on, woman, he is twenty-five. If he wants to have some space of his own, let him be independent!"

My father had seldom called my mother 'woman'. Usually it was when my mother was being irrational and then on the edge of hysteria. I found it strange that he would use it now.

My mother kept quiet and my father continued, "Don't pout now, Martha. I saw this coming and we have discussed this. I know how he feels. It is not as if he is abandoning us. He will visit us. After all, we are family." My father tilted his head, indicating he wanted me to speak.

"Er, ... yes, mom. I am just getting a place so that I do not have to travel too far to work. You know I work longer hours now and a place of my own would reduce the time I need to spend on the road going to work ..."

My mother made a face. She did not see that my father had shaken his head. It was then that I realised that I did not say the right thing. "Furthermore," I continued, "I'll be back on weekends, which means that I won't be deprived of your wonderful cooking!" This time, my father was grinning.

"Flattery, son, is not becoming of you!" my mother said with a half-smile.

"Thanks mom!" I said as I kissed her cheek. "Gotta go! I'll be late for work!"

In the train, I remembered the conversation that took place a week before between my father and me.

"You don't seem to have any friends now, Sam. No one seems to call anymore."

"Well, after a while, people know that I cannot go out with them. You know that I put in about 9 hours a day. With the travelling time to and from work, I don't have the energy to spend time with any friends anymore. The people at work have families and they get home to their families and kids the moment the whistle blows!"

"Talking about families, Sam. I do not mean to pry, but you are not getting any younger and I worry that you might not be able to start one if you do not get some time for socialising."

"Dad, ... " he had touched on a topic that I did not like. I know he meant well, but I did not want to tell him certain things about myself. I know that it would hurt my family very much if they knew I was gay. "How do you propose that I socialise, or give time to a family with the present situation. I will not be doing justice to my partner!"

"I see your point. Why don't you get a place of your own nearer to work. You'll have at least four hours more time on your hands."

"Now that's an idea! But will Mom like the idea? You know how much she likes the family togetherness thing."

"Leave her to me and I will tell you when to break the news. In the meantime, start looking for a place!"

The train reached my stop and I alighted. Walking up to the street, I still had a bus to catch ...

There were a few messages at my desk. There were a few reminders from Professor Lake regarding the experiments I was helping out with. I checked my mail and behold, there was an response to my query regarding an apartment. I read it with interest. It was about twenty minutes from the university by foot. A five minute ride by bus at the most. Originally meant for students, the owner felt that I was more suitable. I was elated. Checking my schedule, I made an appointment to see the place the next day.

Two weeks later, I had managed to complete my move to my new apartment. I was tired! I had to move most of the stuff myself. My salary had allowed me to pay the rent and the utility bill, buy groceries and contribute something to the family. However, I did not have enough to buy the refrigerator and washing machine, TV and other stuff. Dad wanted to give me some money for those things, but I insisted on a loan. Moving out meant a cut in the money I was contributing to the family, and so it would not be right to get a handout from Dad. He was happy to give me a no-interest loan.

The next day, a Monday, was the beginning of a hectic week. We had until Thursday to get results for a specific part of the experiment that Professor Lake was working on. Instead of using 100 sets of the experiment, she had insisted on using 500. It was time consuming work. I would have to work until about eleven on Thursday night to get all the results. That is, if we do not have any hitches. We had to measure the growth rate of a certain bacteria in different conditions. To get all 500 sets going at the same time would not work because of the time factor. A staggered approach would be used because adding an agent to stop the growth was not part of the experiment and Lake was very precise at this point. I had worked out the scheduling the week before and showed it to Professor Lake. She seemed pleased with what I presented and with a wink in her eye, she said, "Make it so."

All data were collected by seven on Thursday and I got out of the lab to stretch a little before collating and getting the computer to process the data. I was in the corridor for about a minute when Professor Lake came in looking very cross. I must have had a look of panic in my face because all I could think of is that the Professor had made a miscalculation, not that she had made many, and everything would have to be redone. Her frown changed into a smile when she saw me.

"What's wrong, Sam. Having girlfriend problems?"

"No, prof. You looked so cross just now that I thought I would be stuck here all weekend, repeating the experiment."

She laughed, "Oh. Sorry about that. I just received a distressing phone call. Nothing to do with you. Don't worry." She had turned and continued for about three steps when she turned back and said with a twinkle in her eye, "I almost forgot to tell you: after the experiment, you don't have to come back until Monday. You guys need a rest."

My heart jumped. "The three of us get the days off?"

"Yes. I have told Sarah and Betty. I did forget to tell you."

"Thanks!"

She continued down the corridor. I suddenly had a burst of energy. I was not tired anymore. I started making plans about going home and spending time with Dad and Mom. Though I had gone back the last two weekends, having Mom's cooking three days in a row was a treat! I got to the computer and started to punch in the data. I did it rather slowly. I did not want to make a mistake and end up staying much longer. Because of the good news, I was able to concentrate better. Usually, at the first check, I would detect several mistakes in the data imput and would have to correct them. It usually took three to four checks to get all the data correctly entered. This time, the first and the second checks produced no mistakes. A record, I thought. I glanced at the wall clock. I was only just past nine. The computer would take about another hour or so to crunch the numbers and the produce the printed results with graphs and all. All I had to do is wait.

As I was waiting, I decided that I should call home and get them prepared for me. It was too late to go back to my family's tonight, but I should be able to get home the next morning. I just took up the handset when Prof. Lake came in.

"Sam, I know this is sudden, but I do really need your help."

I replaced the handset and a dread just got into me. "Yes, prof., what can I do?"

"As you know, I have a conference on Saturday. That is why I had to have the results by tonight so that I can present my findings by Saturday. The reason why I was so cross just now was that something has cropped up in my family. If I cannot find a solution to it, I would not be able to attend that conference in peace. I know I gave you the whole weekend off, and I would be imposing on you, but I have run out of options, I spent the last hour trying and got nowhere. You are the only single man here that I know and trust. You are not obliged to say yes, but just hear me out before answering. I am really at my wits' end."

I nodded my head.

"You know that I am married to my job. I have no children of my own but I have plenty of nephews and nieces that I love. Without giving you too much details, I need you to put up my nephew for a few days, at least until I return from the conference on Sunday."

"Prof., I would like to help, but ..."

"Sorry for imposing on you. I knew it was a longshot and I had no right to push this down on you ..."

"Prof!" I almost shouted. "Please calm down. I wanted to say that I need to know why. At least I should know why your nephew cannot go home or why he cannot go to any other of his relatives. I think I should be given that courteousy at least, before I make my decision."

"Oh," she said, looking relieved for a moment and then a little agitated. "I know you to be a good man, Sam. However, what I tell you may cause you to change ... Alright. You may know. However, you must not let my nephew know that you know, if you accept. And if you decide to leave this job after this is made known, you must at least let me find a replacement before you go."

"This sounds serious." I said. "However, I promise. Not just because I am curious, I am, but because I believe that you are in a jam and I respect your integrity and I would not be a good friend if I were not to help."

Prof. Lake seemed a little pleased with what I said. She continued, "What I am going to say may be a big scandal. I will not mention names because you do not need to know. My nephew was teaching in a prestigious school. One of his students, a boy of fifteen, had complained to the school board that he was sexually abused by my nephew. My nephew denied it of course, however, he had been seen going to pubs frequented by gays. The school board took this as evidence of misdemeanor and forced him to resign. My first reaction to him was that he should bring legal action against the school. However, he has admitted to me that he is gay and the circumstantial evidence alone would not only cause him to lose the case, but also hinder him from getting another teaching post. His father has found out and has thrown him out. I know my brother, he is just angry now but will come round eventually. However, my nephew now has nowhere to stay and he cannot stay with me because my residential contract does not permit it. The only sister that can take him is out of town. My two brothers who can take him are not too happy with the nephew in question. The other brothers and sisters stay with their children and do not have room for him."

Prof. Lake then took a deep breath and continued, "Look Sam, I am not one who is used to begging. But I am now. If you say yes, I would be eternally grateful. If you say no, I would respect your decision. However, please do not breath a word of what I have told you to another soul."

I looked at Prof. Lake for a moment and then said, "Alright, Prof. I will help you out. What are the arrangments like?"

"He should reach here within the hour. His plane had just touched down. He will come straight here and then find a suitable solution for him."

"One thing I don't understand, Prof. Why did you not think of putting him up in a hotel or something?"

"I do not want to scare you, Sam. I do not know how he is handling the situation. Leaving him alone may not be the best. From now till Sunday, he might get more and more depressed until he decides to kill himself. I'd feel more comfortable if someone were with him. Sam, I have seen you work here and I know that you are a responsible and caring person. I'll pay the expenses. Just keep him occupied without getting depressed and I'll take over when I return."

"How do you feel about him being gay?" I asked.

"I do not pretend to understand why gays do what they do. However, they are also persons. He is my nephew and I love him. I do believe him when he said he did not touch the boy. When you get to know him, you will see him as someone with integrity. I guess you can say that I judge the person by who he is, not what he does. How do YOU feel about gays?" she suddenly turned a little pale.

"Relax, Prof. I am not a homophobe. So long as he behaves himself, he is welcome in my home. If he is a man of integrity as you said, then I'm okay. However," I said with a twinkle in my eye, "if he decides to have his way with me, I will throw him out whether or not he is your nephew."

Prof. Lake nodded her head. Her eyes began tearing. "I didn't mean to question his integrity ..." I protested, thinking that I had offended her.

"No, no," she said, forcing a smile, "I am glad that you are here right now. Thank God that you accepted this. I may be over-reacting. He called me just now at the airport before departing. His father had just thrown him out and I was the only person he thought could help him. He did not sound depressed but I just couldn't help worrying for him. I did not tell him that I had a conference. I just told him to come. You are a god-send, Sam." She came over and hugged me.

"Godsend, I don't know, but ..." I said putting my hands around her, "I intend to collect the extra pay for the extra work, you know."

"No problem at all," she released her hug and looked at me with eyes of relief. "I leave you to complete your work and I will bring him around when he comes."

I nodded my head. The printer sounded, indicating that it had just started to print. The professor left and I got to the printer to receive the printouts. I could not help but wonder if this nephew of his was a godsend himself. After all, I am gay and he is gay. Perhaps he could teach me a thing or two. If Prof. Lake was anything to go by, he might be a looker.

It was about half-past ten when Prof. Lake walked in with her nephew. All the processed data were ready for collection. I could not believe my eyes. He was one of the most handsome men I had ever seen. He must have been a sportsman as well because he filled his polo-shirt really well and as many would say, a hunk. I broke myself from the momentary trance. I hoped that the both of them did not notice it.

"Sam," Prof. Lake began, "I would like you to meet my nephew Benedict Lake."

He offered his hand and I took it.

"Friends call me Ben or Benny," he said.

"Hi Ben, I'm Sam." I replied as I shook his hand.

"Sam, full name: Samuel Beck. He came to work for the university two years ago. Hard worker and responsible too," Prof. Lake continued.

I blushed I think, because I felt a flush in my face. "Enough Prof. He is going to bunk in with me, not employ me, unless you are thinking of firing me?"

She laughed. "You will notice that he has quite a sense of humour too. The girls here like him a lot."

"Thanks a lot prof.," I thought to myself, "now he will keep to himself."

Ben just smiled.

I handed the printed pages to the professor. "I'd better give these to you now. They are all ready for your conference."

"Good," Prof. Lake said, as she looked at the figures. She looked up and continued, "It is getting late, let me put these away and then bring you and Ben back to your place. I'll need help because I do not know where it is."

"No problem. I was planning a house warming next month when things are more settled but I'll guide you."

My apartment was a single bedroom apartment. I had told my landlord that I may receive guests like friends and relatives who wanted to sleep over. He was okay with it, so long as I did not make too much noise. I had decided that Ben could sleep in my bedroom and I would get a spare mattress and sleep in the living room.

When we reached the apartment, he protested the sleeping arrangements. "I am imposing on you, Sam. I should sleep in the living room."

"You are the guest, Ben. You should take the bedroom. I'll take the living room. Since you are going to live in my apartment, you should abide by my decisions. I'll abide by yours if the roles were reversed." I said in an authoritative voice but with a smile.

Ben shook his head with a smile, "My aunt was right about you. You are quite a charmer."

I frowned at the professor, "what have you been saying about me?"

The professor simply grinned, "I just mentioned that you are quite persuasive, that's all. I swear that there is nothing else."

Ben looked at his aunt strangely. "I know, Benny," she said, "I am not using the Lord's name in vain. It's just a figure of speech. Loosen up, will you?"

"Sorry, I have never seen this side of you."

I noticed that Ben had never addressed his aunt by name, not even calling her 'Aunty'.

"We are all tired," she continued, "Why don't we all get some shut eye and I'll bring you out for breakfast tomorrow before I get to my work, okay? Seven-thirty?"

"That sounds like a good idea." Ben said.

We bid the professor farewell and she left. I showed Ben to the bedroom. I was glad that I had taken the time to tidy up the bedroom in the morning. I showed him the bathroom and got for him a spare toothbrush and towels. He only had a small bag with him and so I figured that he would also need some T-shirts and shorts. The only problem was whether my stuff would fit him. I remembered that I had some oversized stuff somewhere and told him to take his shower whilst I searched my wardrobe. I managed to find them and laid them on the bed.

I decided to make some cocoa. So I got to the kitchen and started heating up some milk. I could not help but wondering what he looked like under those clothes. As I was thinking, I was getting aroused. Not wanting to get to far from reality, I started negative thinking. After all, I was not a really good looking chap. Even if he knew I was gay, why would he be attracted to me. I was not really fat, but had a chubby body as a kid. I began swimming as a form of exercise when I was sixteen and that helped me maintain a smaller waistline. However, it did not transform my body into a Greek Adonis type that I had always wanted. It did prevent me from becoming a round person, though. Two years of lab work did not help my figure. I was getting thick in the middle. With more time on my hands, I had just started to swim again before this week's work marathon halted my exercise program. I have never thought of myself as attractive enough. Girls liked me for my sense of humour, definitely not for the way I looked. They had never come on to me before. That's how I know that I was not the attractive type. If I cannot attract, how can I go further? I was lost in thought until a voice jolted me.

"Heat that further and it will burn." Ben spoke from behind.

The suddenness of his voice brought got me back to earth and I lost my erection.

"Thanks. I thought that some cocoa may help us get to sleep." I replied as I turned round. I controlled myself as I saw him only with a towel around his waist. I wanted to stare at his marvellous body but found myself saying, "I have put some clothes on the bed. You don't have to walk around with just a towel."

"Thanks," he said.

I turned and immediately removed the saucepan from the fire and poured the milk into two mugs which already had cocoa in them. I calmed myself down as I began to stir. I put the two mugs on the kitchen counter as I waited for him to return. When he returned, he looked a little funny. The T-shirt was okay, but the shorts looked a little out of place. I had a bigger waist than he and he did look a little funny. He was smiling when he spoke.

"I guess I have to get you to reduce weight if I want to get into your shorts," he said. Then he paused and began to apologise, "I did not mean to imply that you are ... that you ..."

"... are fat," I concluded the sentence from him. "I know I am fat. Don't worry. I'm not angry or hurt, you are right. I need to reduce weight. I am starting to swim again. Hopefully that would get me slimmer, though I doubt it would be much."

Ben looked at me blankly and said, "That was not what I meant. I thought you knew."

"Know what?" I asked, puzzled.

"Uh ... er ... that ..." it was evident that he was searching for words here. "I thought you knew ... I mean my aunt told you about me."

I then realised what he got embarassed about but I decided that since I promised the professor that I would not let Ben know that I knew, I would keep up the appearance. "She just said that you wanted to visit but you hated the conference. So I was to keep you company and help you enjoy your holiday here. All I know is that you needed a rest and I agreed to help."

He kept quiet.

"Is there anything wrong?" I asked, concerned with his sudden change of mood.

"I thank you for keeping your word to my aunt. But she did tell me that you knew."

I decided to let him tell me. "Ben, what do you think I know? Perhaps it would be best if I heard it from you. Second-hand information can be quite different from what comes from the horse's mouth."

He took a while to respond. I could see that he was trying to control his emotions. "Sam, I am not here for a holiday. I was kicked out of the school I was teaching in because a boy there accused me of abusing him sexually. What made matters worse was that it was known that I frequented a gay-friendly place and that I have a homosexual orientation. I want to assure you that I had never touched the boy or any other person. I have a homosexual orientation but I have not, ever, engaged in any homosexual activity."

As I listened to him, I noticed his choice of words and I asked him, "Why frequent a gay place if you are not into it?"

"Sam, I do not know if you understand. You are a nice guy and all, but those who are straight never understands the emotions of people like me. I go there to meet others like me, to make friends. I do get propositioned but I always turn them down. Friendship is what I go there for, not for getting laid."

I nodded my head. I had a feeling that he did not know about me and I did not want to take advantage of his fragile emotional state now, and so I said, "I am okay with friendship. Looks like you need a friend right now and to be truthful, I need a friend too. I have just moved here and for two years my life had revolved around my parents and my job. The friends I know are all from work and I had had no time to socialise."

"Why is that?" he asked.

I explained the situation I was in and how I came to get this place to revive a social life. I left the part about my sexual orientation out, of course. In the end I said, "It is late. Let's get some sleep and after breakfast, we have all the time to talk and become really good friends, okay?"

He nodded. I motioned him to the bedroom, and with a smile, added, "Sleep, I do not want to be a bad host. After my shower, I want to hear you sleeping. That is an order!"

He gave a small laugh. "Thanks. Thanks for being a friend."

"Now go!"

In my shower, all I could think was his body. I masturbated thinking about him and I took a longer shower than normal. The hot water hitting my chest after the relaxing feeling after orgasm was making me feel even better. I let the water flow for almost five minutes before shutting off the water.

"Guess I have to pay for more water this month," I chuckled to myself as I dried myself and changed into a T-shirt and shorts. I crossed the bedroom and the door was closed. I resisted the temptation to see if he slept in the nude. I had to give him his space. I took out the extra mattress from the closet, the blankets and bedsheet and prepared my sleeping area. After that I slipped under the blankets and went to sleep.

I woke up with a start. My watch alarm was sounding. It was five. I got up and washed up in the bathroom. My body had become very accustomed to waking up at five since I was back at my parent's. Here, I found the time good to get a good stretch and then clean up the place a little before I headed off for work. Today, it was different. I would just clear the mattress and then wait for the professor to come and bring us to breakfast. I decided that I would gather my laundry basket and then start the washing machine going.

As I was sorting the clothes, I realised that Ben had put his underpants into the basket. I did not mind washing it for him, but I wondered if he had any extra underwear. I remembered that he only had a small bag with him. However, if he did not have extra, he would have reserved them instead of putting them into the basket. So I dumped it with the rest of the coloured stuff and washed them.

By half past six, the first load of laundry was done. I removed the wash and then proceeded to wash the whites. By the time I laid those on the rack it was already seven. I decided to call Ben.

I knocked on the door, "Ben! Time to wake up! It is seven. Get up and get ready. Your aunt should be coming around in half an hour."

A voice from the other side of the door answered, "Thanks."

Soon Ben appeared. He had a big smile. "Good morning!"

"Good morning. You sure are cheerful today."

"I slept well; the first face I see is a friendly one, I would say that it is a splendid way to start the day."

"Glad to hear that you slept well. Oh yes, I took the liberty of washing your stuff in the laundry basket. I hope you have spare underwear."

"Yes, I have. Thanks for washing them. I was not too sure if it was okay, but I couldn't just leave it lying here or there ..."

"It's okay. Shouldn't delay you, the professor will be here at half past. You've got twenty minutes to get ready, I reckon."

We were ready when the professor came. We had breakfast on her. We decided that I would bring Ben to get some clothes. Instead of getting home, I suggested a walk in the park before hitting the shops. They only opened after ten. During the walk, I learnt a lot about Ben. I couldn't help but admire this man. I admit that I was attracted to his physical appearance, but now I was getting attracted to his person. I had been attracted to other guys before, but never had the nerve to get to know them. He was the first.

We hit the stores and bought quite a few things. The professor had given him some money it seems but he was able to spend without spending too much. I always had a problem with buying things for myself because of the fear of overspending. I had much to learn from this guy!

The next two days were a blur to me. I brought him to meet my parents. My father was happy that I was starting to socialise again and teased me about bringing a girl back to see them. Sunday came all too soon and Prof. Lake took over. She managed to get him settled and he surprised us all when he mentioned that he would like to get a job here. Within two weeks, he found a teaching post in a local elementary school. Then he found a place to stay. Whilst I'd go home on Saturdays, Ben and I usually got together on Sundays for swimming and for hikes and other outdoor stuff.

Three months after I met Ben, we had dinner at his place. I had called back to say that I would not be back that weekend. Luckily, Dad answered the call. He told me to enjoy myself and not to worry about Mom. Ben seemed quite pensive and quiet at dinner. I was concerned. Perhaps he had a delayed depression, or the elementary school job was not what he had expected or perhaps someone found out about his past.

"What's the matter, Ben?"

Tears started to form in his eyes.

"Sorry, Sam. I was just thinking that I have no friends except you and ..." He sobbed.

I said nothing, telling myself that I had to have patience.

"I've been feeling lonely, Sam. At school, I have to pretend and not really be myself. All the horrors of three months ago have been coming back to me. I feel really lonely."

"Why didn't you tell me or call?" I asked. "You know that you could call anytime. I am not far from here."

He kept quiet for a moment and then said, "The loneliness have become more intense lately. Sam. can you stay the night?"

It was my turn to keep quiet.

"Nothing is going to happen. I just need someone to be with me. Nothing is going to happen," he assured me.

"Okay." I answered quietly. I was beginning to worry what would happen if he found out that he had been part of my fantasies. I valued his friendship and was afraid that I might lose it.

We finished dinner in silence. It was an awkward moment for both of us, I guess. He insisted that I take a shower after dinner, whilst he cleaned the dishes. He used the same line I had used when he first stayed at my place. Unlike my place, his bathroom was attached to the bedroom. I took my shower and found a T-shirt and a pair of shorts on the bed. I went to the kitchen and found that he had finished cleaning up.

"Why don't you watch some TV while I take my shower?"

"Okay."

I went towards the living room but he called out, "The TV's in the bedroom."

"Thanks." I got the bedroom, sat on the bed and switched on the TV. He had taken a bundle and went into the bathroom. I tried to stop myself from thinking about him in the shower. When he came out, he was dressed. He joined me, sitting on the bed.

"Thanks for being here," he said quietly. We continued to watch the news until it ended.

"Let's get some sleep," I said to him.

He nodded and without warning gave me a big hug. I hugged him back. It was a long hug. When he released me, he smiled and said, "I promise I won't take any liberties with you, but could you sleep with me tonight?"

"Yes." I then realised that I shouldn't have agreed. He might discover my secret. However, I could not go back on my word. It would seem to be a rejection and that was not what Ben needed now.

In silence we pulled back the covers and I lay on my side. He lay behind me with his arm over me. "I know that you are nervous, but let's sleep," he said.

It took a while but I eventually fell asleep.

Like clockwork, I awoke at five. I was still lying on my side with his arm around me. He had snuggled closer to me in the night and I could feel his hard member pressing through our shorts at my bum. I liked the feel but at the same time was terrified if I had a reaction and the shorts I had on would not hide anything. I must have laid there for the next hour or so until I felt his arm pulling me towards him.

"Good morning, Sam. How long have you been awake?"

"I don't know. I guess since five. I usually wake up at that time."

He got up first and I heard him in the toilet. He came back but I had not moved a muscle. He knelt down at my side of the bed and said, "Not ready to get up? That's not like you."

I sat up and moved my legs to the side of the bed. He did not move. He was at that position in my fantasies about him sucking me. My dick sprang up and blood drained from my face.

He did not see my face but noticed the erection. "What do we have here? How do you propose that we take care of it?"

I noticed the word 'we' and when he looked at me there was a twinkle in his eyes.

... to be continued

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