Sunrise on the Edge of the High Desert by John of Colorado clrdjhn@yahoo.com Chapter 2
If you are here illegally, then it is time for you to leave. This story contains man/man sex. If this bothers you, then it is time for you to leave also. This story is fiction but some of it is based on real situations. The names and places have been changed.
I called Tim, my bother-in-law on the cell to see if he could take us to the airport. He was free so that solved another problem. Josh and Debbie, my niece and nephew, wanted to go with us but it was already getting late. We had to say no but promised them a trip in the near future.
We arrived at the airport with only a carry on bag that contained a change of clothes and our toiletries. We were very short of time and Jack told me that Butte was only a short drive from his grandfather's place. We could go shopping after we got there.
We boarded the plane and soon we were in the air. The airport in Redmond did not handle the larger airplanes, so we were on a commuter sized one. We had a direct flight into Butte. This made it nice—no connecting flights and schedules to meet. I had called the car rental company and they would have a car ready for us at the airport.
The plane was not full so we were able to get seats in the first class section. Jack and I had two seats together and the seats across the aisle were empty so we had a little more room and privacy-not that we would need any.
Jack and I finally had some time together and could get to know each other a little better. Jack's parents were killed in an automobile accident when he was four. He was raised by his material grandparents who owned and operated a large cattle ranch. His grandmother had died of cancer when he was 20. The only other relatives that Jack had were two nieces of his grandmother. He knew nothing about his father's side of the family. He had never meet any of them, and did not even know their names.
The ranch had been sold and Jack got a job working for Louie. His grandfather kept the house and 10 acres. Jack was glad because he could always return to his childhood home. Jack had a happy childhood and loved his grandparents very much. They did not approve of his choice of life style but they never held it against him. He was always welcome in their home and he was always met with open arms.
Tears formed in Jack's eyes and ran down his cheeks. Adam took his handkerchief out and gently wiped them away. He took Jack into his arms and kissed him. " Go ahead and let all of your grief out. It is better to do so now and not when you see your grandfather. He is going to need all your strength and love to get him pass all the hurdles that lie ahead for him. Jack, you have been my rock and salvation. Now, I get return the favor.. I will always be there for you." Now we were both holding each other tightly.
The flight attendant saw something was wrong and came to us and asked if she could fix us a nice strong drink. I told her no but a cup of coffee would be nice. Jack asked for the same thing. We drank coffee, cried and hugged and drank more coffee. After some time had passed, Jack looked at me and smile that killer smile. I really lost it this time. Now he was the one consoling me. All that was said was Thanks from both of us. We could now enjoy the rest of the flight.
Soon, the attendant was back. "You two really make a nice looking couple. Is there anything I can do to help ease you pain. You must be having one hell-of- a-fight or something bad has happened!"
Adam was the first to respond. "Thank you for the compliment and you sincere concerns. We are just really good friends, well maybe a little more that just friends, but we aren't a couple yet. That big bozo hasn't asked me yet." Adam said laughing.
"Look who calling who a bozo. I have been waiting for you to ask me but so far I have been out luck. I am sorry miss. It appears that we missed you genuine concerns completely. Yes, we are lovers but we haven't become a formal couple yet. We are on our way home to care for a very ill family member. We hope that we didn't offend you."
"No offense taken. I still think that you are a cute couple. In fact, I would take one or both of you home with me but I don't think my husband would not allow me to keep you. I have to commend both of you for all the courage you have in being an `out' gay couple. I think that speaks very highly of you. I know it would be a lot easier to remain in the closet. How does your families handle your life styles?"
This time, Jack was the first to speak. "Our families are most supportive. In fact, I think we have a better relationship now than we had before. Don't you think Adam?"
"You bet. I know I am a lot happier and I feel so much better having the family behind us. I am enjoying life to the fullest now!" acknowledged Adam.
"I am so happy for the both of you. It is people like you that will take away the stigma attached to gays. People can be and are very cruel. You two had better buckle up we will be landing in a few minutes. I have to get the plane ready for landing. It has been real nice talking with you."
"Before you go, I would like to whisper something in you ear." said Adam who was sitting near the window. She had to lean over Jack and Adam caught her by surprise and gave her a big kiss on her cheek. Jack gave her one, also.
"Guys, you have made my day. I hope you are on my shift on your return visit." "Big Guy, I am very proud to have you for my best friend. Were you serious about us being a couple?"
"Jack, I love you very much. Yes, I was very serious but I must ask to wait a little while longer. I have a lot of baggage I need to sift through and get rid of. Meanwhile, I hope our relationship can continue to grow. I know that in the near future we will be more than just friends."
"I feel the same way about you. I think I have loved you from the very first day we met. My attraction is not just a physical one. I know we have developed very deep and strong emotions for each other. Adam, you know what would make this a perfect flight. I think a big kiss would put me over the top"
We enjoyed a long and loving kiss. When we finally tore apart, we looked up and our new friend was giving us an OK sign with both hands and was smiling from ear to ear. We each held our hands in a high five sign.
"Jack, does your grandfather know that you are gay?"
"Yes, he caught me with a neighbor boy when we were 18. He did not get excited but sat us down on the bed and started asking questions. Like was either one of us forced by the other? Are you using safe sex? Are there other boys involved. He was not happy but told us if we were having sex with each other by choice, then he was not going to stand in our way. However, if one wanted out or said no then the other was to obey his wishes. He was not going to tell my friends parents. If they were to know, we had to tell them, which we never did. As far as I know, he never did tell Grandma, who died a couple of years later. Grandpa and I have had many talks since then. His is fine with his decision not to tell and has given me his blessing."
"One more question, Have you ever taken another man home with you?"
"No."
"How is he going to react when we arrive? If need be I will stay in a motel. I don't want to come between you and your grandfather.
"Adam, that is very sweet of you. Grandpa has told me many times, that my friends were always welcomed in his home. I just never could rake up the nerve and I never really had anyone, I wanted to take home, that is until now. My Grandpa will love you as much as I do. You will get the royal treatment and will be treated just like my brother."
"Are you sure? I don't want to cause any ripples at this stage of the game."
"Yes, Adam I am sure. Grandpa will throw out the red carpet for you. I don't know for sure, but I think Grandpa may be gay. He has given me enough information to make me believe that he might be. I don't know for sure."
"Jack, I told Larry that we may be here for quite awhile. We were going to stay as long as your grandfather needs you. I hope this doesn't make you mad!"
"Adam, how could I get mad. I am honored that you will be he with me. Besides, I already knew what you told Larry. I told him the same thing and he said you had already talked with him. Thanks, Big Guy. You are one of a kind and very special." Soon our wheels touched down. Our flight was over. Having a small load of passengers, It didn't take long to unload. As we exited, our attendant, gave each of a big hug and wished us luck. We gave her our business card and told her if she was in Redmond with a lay over to give us a call. We were delighted to find out her home base was Redmond. Now we made sure to get her number so we could have her and husband out to the ranch.
Jack and I walked into the waiting room/lobby. He dropped his bag and took off on the run. I stopped and picked up his carry on and proceed on in his footsteps. When I finally caught up Jack was hugging an older man, who I swear is an older version of Jack. I could tell immediately that this was his grandfather. I knew it was because he was standing beside a wheel chair and there was a gorgeous young man about my age, holding on to the back of the wheel chair.
"Grandpa, How did you know we were coming and what flight we would be on?"
"Jack Rabbit, I called the ranch and talked with a man named Larry. He told me and so Sam and I are here to meet you."
"Adam, I want you to meet my Grandpa."
Before I could react, Grandpa said, "Come here young man and give me a hug. Finally, I get to meet Jackrabbit's better half. My-oh-My you are fine looking young man. If I were fifty years younger, I would take you away from Jackrabbit."
"Grandpa, He is mine and only mine and I am not going to share him with anyone else. Yes , Grandpa, he is the one I have been telling you about. He is a prize catch isn't he?"
"Hey, I am right here, so you guys can quite talking about me." chuckled Adam.
"Mr. Jackson, I think you had better sit now and not get to excited." said the young man standing by the wheel chair.
"What is this Mr. Jackson bit? Guys I am sorry but this little worry-wart is my nurse. I pay him good money to look after me and he thinks he has to earn every penny of it. Just kidding guys. I love him like a son and I have to give him a bad time once in awhile just to keep him happy. I am very pleased to introduce Sam, my form of life support. Without him, I would be pigeon holed in some nursing home. You should have seen the ugly witch they sent out first. I sent her back the first day and Sam was the replacement. As you can see I kept him. I wouldn't throw him away even if I could. The state would not allow me to."
"I am glad to finally meet both of you. May I have a hug like this old man just got. I love him and I have heard so much about both of you, I feel like family." We had a big three way hug.
"Hey guys! That is enough of that. I think that we had better go and get something to eat. I know Sam, I will be selective and choose something healthy. uck!"
We called the rental car office and told them that we didn't need the car after all. They told us that we would still be charged for a day's rent. It would be charged to our credit card.
We drove to a little restaurant on the edge of town. We went in, everyone in the place rushed to Jack and started hugging him. I found out that this was his favorite hangout when he was growing up. Grandpa and Sam were no strangers and got their share of hugs and kisses also. Jack introduced me and I was smothered with affection. It didn't take very long to discover how the community feels about Grandpa and Jack.
We were seated and Grandpa told the waitress that we would all have the old standby. Jack shouted hurray. Sam said "Mr. Jackson, I have to reminded you that Dr. Ralph would not approve."
Grandpa started laughing and said, "I told you not to call me Mr. Jackson! Now call me Grandpa like everyone else! What is it going to do kill me? I haven't got that much time left, anyway. I am going to enjoy every second I have left."
Without even thinking, I shouted "Bravo! Way to go, Grandpa!" Everyone in the restaurant started clapping and shouting Bravo.
"Come here and give me a big hug. You are my kind of man. I can see why Jack Rabbit picked you! Grandpa beamed with pride.
"Grandpa, can I ask you something? What do you call him Jack Rabbit?"
"Don't tell him. He does not need to know!" said Jack.
"His grandmother actually started calling him Jack Rabbit when he just was a wee one. He was always jumping around and he had such big ears. We all picked it up. I think it fits now because he is always jumping form hole to hole." Grandpa started roaring with laughter.
"Jack, could I called you Jack Rabbit? Asked Adam.
"Of course you can. I love that name and I remember Grandma every time I hear it. I am glad that she called me Jack Rabbit. I always had something special with her. Now I have something special with Grandpa and you. Love you Big Guy."
Adam leaned over to Jack and said "I love you Jack Rabbit! I know how you feel. I love my name Big Guy and the people who use it are extremely special to me." I leaned over and gave him a kiss. The whole place came alive again. "Grandpa and Sam, I am Big Guy to both of you from now on."
Our meal was served and it was a meal fit for a king. Grandpa pushed back from the table and started talking. "Guys, I know why your are here. Betty called and told me that she called you and told you what was going on. It is all true. I don't have much time left. They give me 6 months, but I think it will might be a lot less. Sam only has 1 more week of taking care of me. The home health care program has decided that Sam is needed elsewhere. I now only have two options left. I can go into a nursing home which I refuse to do. My second option is to find a private individual to come in and take Sam's place. I have tried and failed to find someone even from out of town."
" Grandpa, Adam and I are here and we will take care of you for as long as we are needed."
"No, Jack Rabbit that is not an option either. I know that both of you are needed back on your ranch. You have a good person in charge now. What if something came up and you were called back home. Where would I be then?
"Grandpa, We are not leaving. We have to put our heads together and come up with a workable plan." Said Adam