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Started at the Bus Stop Chapter 55
The first reply that Percy got was from Barrie, who replied to all of the group:
This is so cool. Good on you for trying all this time. I think all of us who can meet up with Bryan should do so, but can I suggest that only you, Percy, let him know you will meet with him. The rest of us can be a surprise. If the rest of you are in agreement, let's all meet just outside the food court in the precinct at about half eleven. Perhaps Percy, you and William can get there a bit earlier and make sure you bring Bryan around to `bump' into us. We'll let him know you thought of it, although he'll probably work that out for himself. Then once we've all met up, we can all send Bryan an email so he gets our addresses again, and we can give him our mobile number in the email. It'll be good to see him again.
"What do you think of that?" Percy asked William.
"I think it's really nice for Barrie to think of that, and I hope all the guys can make it."
"Yeah. I'm going to text Bryan now and tell him we'll meet him tomorrow. He thought we were a couple before we really were, so he shouldn't be surprised that we're together in town."
Percy and William were surprised when they got a reply from Bryan within minutes. Bryan said he was really pleased that Percy had agreed to meet with him and that William was going to be there too. William wondered how he would take it when the others showed up as well. All the text messages that had come back had been positive and everyone was planning to be there. Nicky said he would probably have Dan with him, but he was sure that Bryan would remember Dan and not be too concerned about it. Martyn even changed his plans with his girlfriend in order to join in.
When Percy explained it all to his mother in the morning, she was surprised and pleased. She didn't say anything, but they could see she was very proud of Percy for not giving up on his efforts to build bridges between Bryan and his former friends.
William and Percy finished their breakfast and went back upstairs to get ready. They left a little earlier than planned and got into the precinct just after half past ten. They weren't sure which shops Bryan would be visiting, so they began to wander around, looking into the smaller shops from the outside and doing a quick tour inside the larger ones, keeping an eye out for Bryan. It was William who spotted him first. He pointed him out to Percy, and the pair made their way towards Bryan. They were trying to get close enough to touch him before he saw them, but he turned around when they were still about ten feet away.
"Hey, guys!" Bryan exclaimed as he took the few steps to close the gap. He was holding out his hand in a fist to bump with them, but Percy grabbed his arm and pulled him into a hug.
"I'm so glad you wanted to meet up with us. I'm sure the others will also be happy to connect with you again," William said, joining in on the hug.
"Thank you. I've really missed being with the gang. I've only made a couple of friends at school. Someone discovered that I'd been expelled and spread the word around. Most of the guys don't want to get tainted by being seen with me. Fortunately there are a couple who have been able to look past the rumours to see the real me. And guess what? ..."
"They're gay," Percy interrupted.
"Shit! How do you find out these things? I haven't even told you their names and you know about them," Bryan asked.
"I didn't know. I just thought it would be quite ironic and guessed at it," Percy said.
"Well anyway, you're right. They are gay, and although they aren't out at school, they told me. It was right after the rumours started spreading that I was a gay-basher and got expelled from my other school for putting a gay into hospital. Two days later my victim had been in I.C.U. for two weeks. Man, have my eyes been opened! So how are you two? Does anyone other than the gang know you are an item?" Bryan asked.
"Just about everyone in school knows. And not just us; there are a few more same sex couples out at school, as well as two teachers. You won't know the teachers; they only joined the faculty about a year ago. We're going to be ushers at their wedding in a couple weeks," William said.
"Way to go, man! Shit, I'm so glad to see you guys. Have you heard anything from the others? Do you think they'll be prepared to mail me or something?"
"I sent them all a text last night after I got your email. We had just got home from our prom and they should have all been up. I think you'll be getting some emails today or tomorrow. I'm guessing some of them are still fast asleep, making up for a latish night," Percy said. "So, tell us, what helped you to realise that us gay guys aren't all bad?"
While they were talking, Bryan had paid for his purchases in the shop where William had spotted him. As they left the store Percy and William had carefully guided him in the direction of the food court and the rest of the gang.
"It started with dad. Man, he looked so hurt and disappointed with me. I know he's not my biological dad, but look what that bastard did to me. Seeing that made me hurt, and after I had been in the new school for a few weeks and was struggling just to get to know guys in my year I forced myself to go to dad and tell him I was sorry and I asked him to help me. Fuck me! The change in him was amazing. I think that was the first time I ever seriously asked for his help with anything. He took me out to a KFC and we bought some food and then just sat in the car and talked. We talked for so long that dad sent me back in to buy more drinks. Dad thought I might get better help with a counsellor and said he would find one for me if I was willing. You know, he never forced me into anything. But the counsellor did help, and look at me now. I've got two people who love me better than my own parents ever did, and all the hurt my parents caused me has been worked through. I'm a different and much happier person now. If I hadn't deleted all your guys' addresses and phone numbers, I would have been in contact long ago. But I haven't got the brains like you, Percy, to work out how to get information. I'm so glad you never gave up on me. And I don't have any problem with your sexuality and that wonderful hug you guys gave me. I was nervous about meeting you, but as soon as I saw you guys my nerves just went. I just knew it would be okay."
William had moved a little behind Bryan so he could look at the time on his phone. He saw it was close to the time the others were supposed to be congregating near the food court. Although they had been heading towards it, they were still a few minutes away.
"I'm a bit thirsty. Do you think we could go and get a drink or something?" William asked.
"Yeah. It's on me, by the way. When I told dad that you guys were going to meet up with me, he gave me some money and told me to treat you guys to whatever you wanted. He's so glad you managed to get in contact with us," Bryan told them.
The three young men began walking a little faster with both Percy and William looking ahead to try and see where the others were. William moved back a bit and sent a text message to Barrie telling him they would be at the food court in a minute or so and which direction they were coming from. He had put his phone on silent and just held it to see if he got a reply. Seconds later it came through. `We're ready'. William smiled.
When they got close enough to the court, William and Percy were a bit shocked because they couldn't see any of the gang. Percy was about to lead the way in through the railings when they heard one word. "Now!"
"Surprise!" rang out around them as the rest of the gang suddenly appeared from behind support columns, artificial bushes and advertising banners.
Bryan took one look at all the smiling faces and burst into tears. Barrie stepped forward and pulled him into a hug. It only took him a few moments to gain control, and then he just smiled, lifted his hand in a wave and shook his head. "Fuck, you guys sure know how to make a guy feel good."
"Easy, there are ladies present," Rosie said as she too gave Bryan a hug. "It's so good to see you again. Thanks for coming back to us."
"This is so nice. I really am happy the nerd never stopped trying to find me. Listen, guys, I've still got the same email address. Please drop me a mail so I can get yours again. I deleted them all while I was being an idiot. I'm sorry."
"There's nothing to be sorry about. You've paid a hefty price for being a right royal twerp, and we're just glad you've come round to being a sensible guy again," Martyn said.
They all moved into the eating area and pulled a few tables and chairs together. A few of them took the orders for the others and went up to the counters. Although it was a little early for lunch, they reckoned by the time the food was ready it would be close enough to it to warrant them all getting a meal of sorts. Bryan tried to get them to let him pay for the meal, but they refused. Everyone chipped in and it didn't matter who got what, they all paid an equal share.
They were still sitting at their tables two hours later when Bryan insisted on buying everyone a drink. When he went up to the counter to order and pay, he also asked for several portions of fries. The guys behind the counter said they would bring them all out once they were ready as the fries were going to take a little longer to cook. Also they could see that Bryan wouldn't be able to carry all the drinks on one tray and would have to make a few trips back to the counter. Bryan thanked them and went back to the group.
"They're not used to getting such a big order. They'll bring them out once all the drinks are ready," he explained.
The gang really appreciated the plates of fries and thanked Bryan for them. The talking carried on. They never did make it to the movies. By the time they left, it was like Bryan had never left the group. He even complimented Nicky on his choice of boyfriend and ribbed the others that didn't have special friends. In response to that Inky said that his girlfriend had extra lessons on Saturdays, and Martyn said he and Claire had parted ways after the prom the evening before. This was a bit of a shock to everyone. Martyn explained that it had been heading that way for a while, and she got upset with him because he danced with a couple of the other girls from their year. Some of the girls had attended without a partner, which Martyn thought was sad, so he had tried to cheer them up a bit. He ended by saying he was not willing to be a possession yet.
Bryan departed a much happier person. He now had all his friends' mobile numbers on his phone and a promise from each of them to email him, so he could have their emails again. There was unanimous agreement that they all needed to get together again.
A few days later Percy received a call from Bryan. He had learnt from one of the others of Percy's experience with the secret service and the loss of his father. Bryan wanted to express his sympathy and felt it was something he could not do in an email. Percy thanked him for his thoughtfulness and sympathy and told him that he was coping with the loss as best as he could. Bryan then asked if Percy thought it would be okay if he hosted a dinner party for all of the gang and movies or something after it. Bryan said he was concerned it would look like he was just trying to do the same as Percy had, like a copycat affair. Percy said that he thought it was a great idea. Their meeting up on the Saturday had shown just how much the guys all liked getting together.
Percy spoke to the gang at school and told them about Bryan's concern. They responded that any excuse to get together was welcome, and they weren't going to complain about a free meal. Bryan's parents arranged it for the weekend after school broke up for the holidays, which was the week before Charles and Sam's wedding.
When Adam dropped Percy and William off at Bryan's house, his parents made such a fuss of Percy that he got quite embarrassed. It showed clearly just how much they appreciated Percy's perseverance and his forgiveness of Bryan. Bryan noticed Percy's discomfort. When his parents went into the kitchen he followed them in and asked them to lay off with the praise. After the meal each of them quietly apologised to Percy and at the same time expressed their deep gratitude for what he had done to help Bryan.
William and Percy had started driving lessons before school ended. They had booked their tests for the Friday before the wedding. Adam and Grace had encouraged both teens and given them a lot of practice time. Both boys were delighted when they passed their tests the first time round, and Adam allowed William to take his car to drive them both to the wedding rehearsal that same evening. Charles and Sam had already arranged transport for them for the wedding and receptions so that they could each have a drink if they wanted to. They were now of legal age to consume alcohol but had not had a lot and hadn't yet experienced being drunk. When Percy had started to learn to drive, Grace had transferred Eliot's car into Percy's name and had it insured for both him and William to drive it. This gave them their own transport for when they were at university. Grace was so confident in their mature outlook that she didn't even mention the law about drink driving, or keeping to the speed limits.
Percy and William did an excellent job as ushers at the wedding. They were each given a fashionable wrist watch as a thank you by Charles and Sam. The watches were engraved on the back, `Thank you for ushering at our wedding. Love Charles and Sam'.
Within their first week at university it was recognised they were a couple. Those who shared halls with them were totally okay with it. One of the straight guys who had a room on the same floor told them that he didn't find it a problem at all. He didn't feel that he needed to be careful around them; they were clearly madly in love and not likely to try anything with him, so he felt he could be his natural self with them. They were as much recipients of banter as the givers of the same, and with their cooking skills they became quite popular. They cooked for those who shared their kitchen quite regularly. They also had other students, who didn't share the same kitchen, coming to them for help, and they often cooked for group meals.
As they were reading different courses they quite often would study with students who shared the same course, and again there was no discomfort among the students even knowing their study partner was gay.
They both worked hard. Percy was able to help support William so that William didn't have to find a part time job, which gave both of them more time for their studies. As a result they each graduated with top honours. Percy was invited to return to do his masters degree, but he wanted to get out and experience working. Instead he did his masters by correspondence, which took him a year longer.
William also worked on getting his masters degree by correspondence. Since they were still living together, they worked a plan out where they supported each other. One did the cooking and housework one night while the other studied, then they swapped for the next night. While this ate into the time they could spend together, they knew it was just for a relatively short time. Sticking to it and working hard, they both achieved their masters in the same year.
Two months after graduating with their masters degrees they married. Clive was their best man and Juliet was MC at the reception. She didn't have a lot to do; they kept all the formalities short so their guests could enjoy themselves more. Clive had a girlfriend who was also challenged in much the same way as Clive, and Juliet had a fiancé; both were included in the guest list. Adam and Grace partnered each other. Although Adam kept in touch with Grace, there was never going to be any romance between them.
Percy started out teaching challenged children, which he loved doing, but in discussions with other teachers he came to realise that there was very little training for teachers of challenged pupils. This was becoming a big problem with education boards wanting to integrate challenged pupils into mainstream classes. He wrote to a number of universities asking them to consider adding it to their curricula. Percy's own alma mater took up the challenge, and asked Percy to help them develop the course. Percy had to give up teaching, but he felt he could help many more young people by helping to better prepare teachers. As Percy worked on the course he found he had to do quite a lot of research and study. That led him to taking a doctorate, and he ended up as the Professor of Educational Studies at Oxford. This entailed them moving to Oxford. William was fortunate to get an internal transfer with the company he was working for.
Just before William celebrated his thirty-fourth birthday they completed the formalities and were able to foster twins. When they got them the boys were just starting their third year in school. After having them for a year, they decided they couldn't bear to be parted from them and began the rigmarole of being approved to adopt the twins. The adoption was formalised on Percy's thirty-sixth birthday. By that time the twins had left single figures and were proud to announce they were ten years old. When the twins were fourteen, William and Percy were asked if they would consider adding to their family. There was a twelve-year-old boy, Jonathon, who was challenged as the result of a difficult birth. His biological parents were not able to cope with him. When Percy and William met Jonathon they were reminded of Clive at the same age, and for both of them it was love at first sight. The guest bedroom became Jonathon's bedroom. With the experience they had gained with Clive, they were able to help Jonathon to blossom and develop until, like Clive, he could live on his own and hold down a job. Their children adored aunty Juliet and uncle Clive and their respective partners. Juliet had married the fiancé she brought to their wedding, while Clive was on his fourth girlfriend. It seemed that he had no intention of getting married or having children.
Adam and Grace both loved their grandchildren. Adam had a couple more, as Juliet also had two children.
As for the rest of the gang, Nicky and Dan split up amicably. When the time came, each attended the other's wedding along with the rest of the gang. Inky joined his father's business and eventually took over running it when his father retired. Martyn met a girl while at university and they had two little girls who were flower girls at their wedding. Barrie parted ways with Rosie, but they rekindled their relationship after Barrie graduated. They chose to live together rather than get married. They were never successful in having children. Bryan went on to university. With encouragement from his adoptive parents he completed a doctorate in psychology and went into a practice specialising in helping young people from abused backgrounds. His empathy with them was his route to success. He married a girl who had also been abused in her youth. They had two children, whom they adored.
Though scattered around England, the gang still meet up once a year at one of their homes for a meal and time of fellowship. Those with partners and children bring them along; at times the host has had to hire a tent to pitch in the garden to accommodate the numbers.
The End