The Feint Smell of Rain

This is the true story of a chance meeting, and the events that followed it, that had a profound impact on my life.

I have changed the names of the people involved, but all places are the actual places where the events took place. It is set in South Africa during the 1970's, a very conservative and turbulent place at the time.

The story contains scenes with drug use by, and sex between, underage boys. These scenes are there merely to tell what actually happened, and are only included where it is deemed to be necessary, to know the circumstances under which it took place and to advance the story line.

If it is illegal in your territory to read this, or if you object to any of the above on any other grounds, do not continue.

It is a poignant tale of love, discovery, triumph and tragedy experienced by two teenage boys.

The Feint Smell of Rain

Chapter 10

On Friday around lunch time we were woken up by the noise of the boys arriving home. Ben jumped out of the bed immediately, put on his shorts and rushed out of the room. I followed close behind him.

When I got into the lounge, Peter had his arms around Alinah's ample hips. "I missed you, Mama!"

They all hugged and greeted her while she stood there with a huge smile on her face, not saying a word.

Jamie jumped into Ben's arms. "Benny, Benny, I saw mountains and cattle and games and... it was dark at night! I was so scared! And we had braaivleis (barbequed meat) and..."

"And we swam in the dam, and fished, and rode on the tractor!" Peter interrupted him looking up at Ben with a huge smile.

"And Wayne shot a bull!" Andrew continued. "And then they skinned it."

"Whoah, slow guys!" Ben calmed them down. "I want to know everything you did, but later. Let me just wake up and have some coffee." He put Jamie down and ruffled his hair. "I missed you guys. I am glad you had a good time."

"We did!" Peter said.

"They did." Wayne agreed as he shook our hands.

"Why are you so quiet, Jason?" Ben asked.

"Pissed off." Wayne answered on his behalf. "He did not want to come back."

"You like it there?" Ben asked Jason.

"I wish I could live there forever." Jason answered with his usual smile.

"Come boys," Wayne told them "there are still lots of things to off-load."

They piled out of the door behind Wayne. Alinah blew her nose outside the door.

"You glad your boys are back, Mama?" Ben asked her as she came back into the flat wiping her eyes.

"Tsk! I am a silly old woman." Alinah said self consciously.

"I didn't realize you missed them that much." Ben said and hugged her.

"I did... but I also wish that they could always be so happy." she said. "Did you see Peter; he smiles the whole time... now..."

Ben hugged her tighter. "You noticed it too, Mama?"

Alinah straightened herself and stroked her hands down the front of her apron. "Let me go make coffee."

"Love you, Mama." Ben said.

Ben and I sat down in the lounge. We heard a raucous as the boys came up the stairs before they filed into the flat with boxes and bags. They put it down and rushed out again. Alinah brought us our coffee and surveyed the things the boys put down.

"I think it is meat and vegetables." she said to no one in particular as she went back into the kitchen.

A few minutes later the exciting chatter from the boys came up the stairs again. They had more packages with them. Ben got up and walked over to see what it was.

"I brought you some meat and veggies." Wayne said as he entered and saw Ben looking at the stuff. "The veggies are cheaper up there."

"This is all food?" Ben asked. "Where are we going to store it? It is going to go bad."

Alinah came out of the kitchen. "The freezer is full." she said.

"Hold your horses!" Wayne said. "I do think further, you know. I stopped on the way and bought a new freezer. It will be delivered later. The meat is all packed, Mama, you are just going to have to prepare the vegetables for freezing."

"I am going to have to come in tomorrow." Alinah said as she scratched through everything."

"What is this all about?" Ben asked Wayne.

"A small contribution from my side." Wayne answered.

"Small?" Ben said. "We'll talk about this."

"You are hundred percent correct. We have things to discuss, but later when Bernie is here too" Wayne said.

"Come tell me all about the farm." Ben called to the boys.

For the next hour they chattered on excitedly about everything the have done and seen on the farm. Ben and Wayne had to referee sometimes, as everyone wanted to speak at the same time.

It emerged that Jamie had no idea what a farm was when they left. He could not stop talking about the darkness and the fact that Wayne had to rely on candles and paraffin lamps for lighting. He had no idea that the light he was used to at night in the city was all artificial. He just presumed in his young mind that the half darkness in the city was the way it was everywhere.

Peter was most impressed with the activities they got up to in the farm, like swimming and walking in the veld.

Jason fell in love with the quiet and wide open spaces. He spoke passionately about the animals and the farming activities. It was obvious that he saw the city he lived in his whole life in a whole new light and he did not really understand why, but knew that he did not like it any more.

Andrew was the least impressed and the happiest to be back. He enjoyed the week away, but was adamant that he loved being in the city around the noise and the hustle and bustle of his familiar surroundings. He was the first to suggest, when the tales got less that they go out and find some tricks. "I need to have my dick sucked." he said. He left alone as the other boys decided to stay behind.

Myself, Ben, Wayne and Jason went to the bathroom to have a joint.

"Aah, I missed this." Jason mentioned as he took his first toke of the joint.

"You mean you did not smoke at all on the farm?" Ben asked.

"I never even thought about it." Jason smiled. "There was too much going on the whole time."

"Don't you ever smoke there?" Ben asked Wayne.

"I do all the time." Wayne answered. "I decided to smoke when the boys went to bed at night."

"Why?" Ben wanted to know.

"There was method in that madness." Wayne answered dismissively.

Ben left it at that. Wayne enquired about Ben's job and we told him all about it and about Jenna and what a wonderful place Pigalle turned out to be. We also told him about the drama at Edward's place the night before and about Ben having to be at the art school on the Monday.

When we had finished smoking, Jason went to tell Alinah about the farm and the three of us went to Ben's room to listen to some music. Ben and I lay down on the bed and Wayne sat in one of the chairs and played disc jockey at the same time.

"You had the course yet, Fred?" Wayne asked.

"What course?" I asked confused.

"The record handling and stylus preservation course." he chuckled with a sly grin towards Ben.

"Oh," I laughed "there is a course for that? Presented by Mr. Anal himself, I gather?"

"There is nothing wrong with looking after your own stuff." Ben said before he punched me on the arm. "And I allowed you very early on in our relationship to play my records. With no course what so ever. And you call me anal!"

"I think you actually called yourself anal, if I recall correctly!" I said and wrestled Ben until I could sit on top of him while I held his arms stretched out above his head.

"There's a bogey in your nose." he said with a sly smile.

I loosened my grip on his one arm to wipe my nose. He grabbed me behind my head and pulled my head down towards his and kissed me as I fell unbalanced next to him on the bed.

"What do you do when Ben works at night?" Wayne asked me once we stopped our kiss.

"Well, last Friday I went to Big D with the guys to see Bernie and Brenda sing." I told him. "Saturday night I spent with Ben. I wanted to come home and read, but once Jenna started to play, I could not leave."

"Maybe we can go to Europa tonight." Wayne suggested. "I am desperate for a good fuck!" he laughed.

"I thought you would get into Jason's..." Ben said as he sat up on the bed.

"I thought I would too." Wayne interrupted him. "I just could not, they were all so wide eyed and innocent on the farm... just being boys... normal boys. I did not want to spoil anything for them and make them remember..."

"Well I'll be damned..." Ben laughed "you actually thought with your brain and not your dickhead for a change."

"It was a no brainer, actually." Wayne said with a smile.

Wayne and I finalized our plans for the night. I would go with Ben to Pigalle and from there go to Europa to hook up with Wayne. Later, we would go back to Pigalle to listen to Jenna play. Dimitri decided, as Ben suggested to me the previous week, that she should play until later than two, for the benefit of the patrons from the clubs.

"He's going to leave you all alone at Europa." Ben warned me and winked at Wayne. "The first guy that wants his arse, he is going to leave with."

"Most probably." Wayne laughed.

"It is fine, I understand... when a man is horny he is horny." I said. "Don't let up an opportunity on my behalf."

"He won't." Ben chuckled and fell back on his back next to me.

Five minutes later I could hear from his steady breathing that he was fast asleep. I cuddled up next to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Jason woke us up two hours later for supper. We washed our faces and brushed our teeth before we went to the kitchen to get our food. The boys ate at their usual place around the coffee table and Bernie and Wayne was in Bernie's room. When they had finished their food, they came and sat on the bed in Ben's room while we ate.

"Tell us about the date, Bernie." Ben asked.

"It turned out to be a damp squib, Benny. I just could not connect with the guy. Not my type." Bernie said.

"There will be others." Ben tried to encourage Bernie.

"Wayne says that he has something that he wants to discuss with us." Bernie said looking at Ben and then to Wayne.

"He mentioned it to me." Ben said. "Sounds serious. Something to do with your offer the other day?"

"No. It has to do with the boys." Wayne answered.

"They've been naughty at your place?" Bernie asked Wayne.

"All but... they were sweet little angels." Wayne laughed. "And I suppose that being naughty is a completely relative term as far as they are concerned."

Bernie smiled. "Yeah, well, for lack of a better word then."

"Spit it out, Wayne." Ben encouraged Wayne to say what he had on his mind.

"We need to do something about them..." Wayne started.

"What do you mean? I can't just get rid of them..." Bernie interrupted him.

Wayne put his hands up defensively. "Wait... wait!" he said. "That's not what I mean."

Ben got up and took my plate from me. "I think I know what you are getting at." he said as he left the room to take the plates to the kitchen. We sat in silence as we waited for him. He came back with four glasses of cold drink on a tray.

Wayne continued as Ben held out the tray to him. "You know, guys, it was an absolute joy to have the boys on the farm. I never before really gave them much thought... attention... you know what I mean, but they really came into their own there. Just normal boys... like all others. It was an eye opener for me."

"You think they should stop hustling?" Ben asked.

"I wish they could." Bernie said.

"I think they should... you are right." Wayne said to Ben.

"You see what Andrew did as soon as he got the chance." Ben said. "To tell them to stop is not going to make any difference, they are used to it, and used to the money. I know... I've been there."

"And we cannot really continue to look after them if they do not." Bernie said pensively. "As much as I know that they should..."

"I am willing to help out." Wayne offered.

Ben looked at him for a moment before he asked with just a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "How much money did your granny leave you that you all of a sudden became a one man charity? I am sorry," he apologized immediately "its none of my business."

"You have already offered to help Benny." Bernie said. "We cannot expect you to look after the boys as well. They do have parents..."

"Who don't give a living fuck about them!" Wayne snapped. "Did anyone of them miss them during the last week?"

"That does not mean..." Ben said before Wayne interrupted him.

"It does mean, Benny... exactly that... they couldn't be bothered." he said. "As much as I know that it is not what you want to hear, it is a fact and deep down you know it."

"Oh, it's that easy, hey?" Ben asked and got up from his chair. "What the fuck do you know anyway... about us... and about our parents?" He stood and looked Wayne squarely in his eyes.

"Benny..." Bernie tried to calm him down.

"What the fuck does he know, Bernie!" Ben shouted.

Wayne looked down to his hands. "Don't make it personal, Benny."

"You made it personal... when you attacked my mother. What do you know?" Ben asked with a sob.

I got up and put my hand on Ben's back. He turned around and I held him tightly while he cried softly into my chest. I gestured with my eyes to Bernie and Wayne to leave the room. I continued to hold onto Ben and gently stroked his hair. I could feel his tears trickling down the front of my body and at the same time feel my own tears fall onto my hand on his head.

After a few minutes Ben said softly. "It is not going to work, Fred. How can we make them stop?"

"We can give it a go... work something out." I answered him softly.

"Its not that easy... I know. If it wasn't for you, I don't think I could..."

"Ben, you know that Wayne is right. We should do something." I said. "You said it yourself... it is not the ideal situation."

"Why is he... what is it to him all of a sudden?" Ben asked.

"I don't think that he is trying to be a hero or something, Ben. I think he was genuinely touched by the... change in the boys. I noticed it, Mama did... and you did. Peter spoke and smiled more today than I had ever seen him do in the short time I have known him. That says something, doesn't it?"

"I feel so..."

"I know, I know... you share a bond with the boys that none of us can really ever understand." I said softly. "I saw the love... compassion... you have for them... and I... I love and admire you for it."

Ben looked up into my eyes and kissed me tenderly.

"Let's hear Wayne out, please. For the boys' sake." I said as he stopped kissing me. "He is a genuine guy, and you know it. Maybe... he was a bit insensitive, but I don't think he meant... anything personal... or to put your mom down."

"I know." Ben said softly.

"Can I call him and Bernie back?" I asked.

Ben nodded slowly and I guided him to sit down on the side of the bed. I opened the door and went to the bathroom first to get some toilet paper for Ben's tears. When I appeared around the corner into the lounge, Bernie and Wayne understood immediately and came back with me into the room.

"Sorry," Ben said "I over react sometimes."

"I apologize if I offended you, Bennie." Wayne gave Ben a kiss on the cheek and sat down on a chair. "I am not trying to impress anyone. I just want to help, that is all. And my Granny left me enough to be able to make a difference, without me having to worry about the cost... ever. And it is not charity, Benny, it is helping my friends, who I love and care for very much."

"I don't know what happened to you, Wayne." Bernie said. "Maybe I just never knew you at all, but I never expected all this from you."

"I was thrown into the deep end. Gran left me a lot of responsibility. When the will was read, I could not even sign a contract, being only twenty. We had to get the court to declare me... an adult. It was her wish that I run everything without the help of lawyers and stuff." Wayne explained. "I lay awake dead scared at night for months. I decided that if she had faith enough in me to entrust me with the responsibility, the least I could do in return was to make her as proud of me in death, as she was when she was alive. She raised me all by herself, from a baby. I have not told you guys yet, but I saw my mother for the first time in my life at the funeral."

"I am sorry," Ben said "I never even knew..."

"I did not mean to... your Mom, Benny. At least you said she tried... my Mom just never cared at all. Maybe I am a little bitter about that..."

"Sorry." Ben said again.

"I am sure your Granny looks down on you with a smile." I said.

Wayne smiled at me. "Thanks. I hope so."

"Do you have anything in mind for the boys?" Ben asked. "We cannot very well just tell them to stop hustling and expect them to listen."

"I know." said Wayne. "I noticed that Jamie... when I comforted him because he was scared in the dark... he would always try and... you know... touch my dick, or guide my hands to his... It annoyed and confused me at first, until I realized that it was his way of feeling secure. He did not even know that he did it, and I would just resist quietly and he stopped doing it eventually."

"If they continue to stay in this environment where they are used to hustling, they are going to have difficulty not to do it." Bernie remarked.

"We also can not send them into the system." Ben said. "That used to be my biggest fear growing up... to land up in an orphanage."

"That's the last thing I want to happen, Benny." Wayne said. "I have been thinking of enrolling them in school in Tom Burke or Ellisras. They can stay in the hostel during the week and I can let them come to the farm on weekends and over school holidays."

"We can't just take them away here." Bernie said.

"I know, we have to try and talk their parents into it." Wayne said. "That should not be too much of a problem if we approach it correctly."

"We should get advice from Edward." Ben suggested.

"I also thought that we should speak to Father Rothman, from St. Mary's." Wayne said.

"Of course we should also discuss it with the boys." Bernie added.

It was decided that Edward and the priest would be approached before anything was mentioned to the boys. Wayne would stay on in the city, as he had planned all along, until there was more clarity about the plans.

"You working tomorrow?" Wayne wanted to know from Bernie.

"Yeah, shit one." Bernie answered.

"We should go to the bank in the morning to open an account for you, Benny." Wayne said. "Then I can have the money transferred to you when necessary."

"Thanks, Wayne, but I still feel bad about it."

"As I said, Benny, I have the money and you are my best friend. It goes without saying..."

"Still..." Ben said.

"We've been through this, Ben." I interrupted him.

"Yes, Sir... sorry Sir." Ben smiled.

"Early when the bank opens... still gives you time to rest." Bernie said and went to his room.

Ben and I excused ourselves from Wayne and went to take a bath. As we lay in the water Ben spoke about the boys and how he would miss them if they went away. Along with those feelings he was also happy that Wayne cared enough to want to help them.

Later Ben and I left for Pigalle. It was Friday night and I became conscious of the fact that my time with Ben was running out fast. I had to be home that Sunday. I moved it to the back of my mind and decided to enjoy the weekend.

As usual, Cafè Pigalle was packed with people. The first thing we noticed was that Ben's art had been hung on the walls. Dimitri and his friend had grouped the art according to certain themes and sizes. It looked well on the walls and actually enhanced the decor of the place. Ben noticed a few drawings that were reframed and was really pleased with the results.

"I feel so... important." he said with a wide smile.

"I am very proud of you, Ben." I said and gave him a quick hug around his shoulders.

"Look at Mama there." Ben pointed to his drawing of Alinah that had pride of place against the newly painted white wall of the dining area. "I should come show her sometime."

Dimitri removed mirrored strips from the wall and a new frieze was added to the top with down lighters that lit up the drawings. The large portrait of Alinah was in the middle, Jamie's a few meters from it on the right. On the left, near the folding doors that were always open, were the portraits of Dimitri and his staff.

Ben collected his drawing materials and we went and sat down at our usual place. While he was still unpacking and getting his things ready, people stopped to talk to him and some wanted him to do portraits of them while others wanted to know if he was the artist whose work was exhibited. He received a lot of compliments on his work.

"I feel like telling them to stop complimenting and buy!" Ben whispered with a smile just after a couple gushed about his work to him.

Dimitri arrived at his usual time and came over to us on his way in.

"Benny," he smiled and looked at the newly hung artwork "what do you think?"

"It looks fantastic!" Ben said. "Thanks, you guys did a great job, I couldn't have asked for more."

"It came together perfectly." Dimitri said. "We hung the last works just before lunch today."

"I feel so... I did not expect it to turn out this way. And the new frames are beautiful." Ben said. "The one of Mama... Alinah... and Jamie's... I can hardly believe it is the same drawings."

"I already had an offer for that portrait of your Mama, Ben. You sure it is not for sale?" Dimitri asked.

"I... no, I promised I won't sell it. I can't, not for all the money in the world."

"Just taking a chance, Ben." Dimitri smiled. "I am going to introduce you on stage later tonight, just before Jenna starts her show."

"I..." Ben started but Dimitri cut him off immediately.

"Too late. The canapés are finished and the champagne on ice. It's the opening of my gallery tonight, it has to be celebrated."

"Well, again I have no choice." Ben smiled.

"I am afraid not." Dimitri said, still with a wide smile. "Until later, boys."

"My boyfriend the celebrity." I said to Ben as Dimitri walked to the kitchen.

Ben blushed.

"Who is bashful now?" I laughed. "Never thought you could blush."

"Your eyes are playing tricks on you." he said with a shy smile.

"Love you." I said.

"Love you more." he smiled and reached out and squeezed my hand.

"Come, come, Honeys!" we heard Brenda's familiar voice. "What's this overt display of homo eroticism in public? You'll get arrested."

Brenda stood there with an elegant black suit, white shirt and red bow tie. Edward and Marcus were with him.

"Brenda! Hi guys!" Ben called out surprised. "What are you people doing here?"

"Moral support, Honey." Brenda smiled.

"We had a cup of coffee here earlier today... when they were busy hanging your work." Edward said. "We thought we'll come and soak up some of your fame, and listen to Janna play."

"And when we mentioned it to Brenda... you know... she invited herself... as usual." Marcus laughed.

"Oh, you love to be in my fabulous presence, Honey." Brenda teased Marcus.

"You look quite... debonair tonight, Brenda." I complimented him.

He burst out laughing. "I've been called many things in my life, Honey, but this one is a first."

"You should have heard the bitching all the way here, Fred." Marcus laughed. "Apparently the pants are a bit tight around the crotch area."

"The jockey, Honey, the jockey. I should have worn some silk panties instead." Brenda joked.

"They did a nice job with your drawings here, Benny." Edward remarked as they sat down with us.

"I feel humbled." Ben said.

"We're proud of you, Honey." Brenda leaned over and patted his hand. "You should be too, and all because of your boyfriend here, that inspired you. You boys are a great couple."

"Thanks, Brenda, but I don't think that I..." I started.

"Come on, Honey. We can all see it... Benny has stars in his eyes, since that first time I saw the two of you together in my shop. You know, I have heard the expression - to have a twinkle in the eye - but I never thought it describes something real... that you can actually see it. When Benny looks at you, his eyes shine, Honey."

"Now I feel humbled." I smiled.

"Love you." Ben said to me.

"Love you more." I said.

"This is a wonderful place." Brenda said as he looked around. "Great ambience. No wonder it is the talk of the town."

"Dimitri really created something special here." I agreed.

"The place is enormous." Edward observed.

"And so quiet, despite all the people." Marcus said.

"I am still wondering about that." I said. "And once Jenna starts playing, you'll hear... the music fills the whole place up."

"How's Mom?" Ben asked Marcus.

He laughed. "Relieved. She thought I was into drugs."

"And I have been invited for Sunday lunch." Edward smiled.

"Keeping the enemy close." Ben laughed.

"She's okay with Edward." Marcus said. "I think Sunday will be all about limits. School starts soon."

"Don't remind me." Ben said and looked at me. "I am going to miss you."

"Were going to miss one another." I said.

"Ahw, don't worry, Honeys. You have a lifetime ahead." Brenda said.

Just after nine Jenna came in with her two guitar cases and stopped by us.

"Hi guys!" she greeted cheerfully.

We all greeted back.

Brenda who had his back towards her, got up and turned around. I noticed his jaw drop as he looked at her. "Oh my God. You are even more beautiful in the flesh, Honey!" He took her hand and bent down to kiss it.

"Thank you, Sir. You're so... gallant." Jenna smiled.

"Stop the name calling, Honey!" Brenda laughed.

Jenna gave him a confused look before Edward said. "Our dear friend, Brenda, Jenna."

She looked even more confused.

"Stick around, Honey, it will all make sense eventually." Brenda said with a flourish. "These queers told me you were a dish, and goodness, were they right?."

"Marcus and I will get your other things from the Kombi." I offered and took her keys from her.

When we came back, we helped her set everything up and went back to the others while she tuned her instruments. We all decided to move closer to the stage and found an open seating area right in front of it. Ben left his equipment where we usually sat and joined the rest of us.

A little while later Dimitri plugged a microphone into a panel on the one wall. He tapped it a few times to test it. "Ladies and gentlemen," he started "we do not usually indulge in speeches here, but tonight is a special occasion. The regulars would no doubt have noticed a few changes. When I planned Cafè Pigalle, part of my vision for the place was to showcase the young talent we have here in the city."

I noticed Ben sinking deeper into the couch next to me. I put my hand on his leg and gave it an encouraging squeeze.

"This is the second weekend that we are featuring Jenna Berkowitz. She is one of the most talented classical guitarists you will ever hear anywhere, and I am proud to be able to have her on stage here at Pigalle." Dimitri gestured with a sweep of his one arm towards Jenna who stood up and bowed to him and the applauding crowd.

"Not only do we feature musicians, but artists as well. Tonight, I take pleasure in presenting another initiative, Pigalle as art gallery." Dimitri waited for the applause that followed his announcement to die down and continued. "Every six weeks or so, we will feature the work of a different unknown young artist. Our current artist, whose work is on display here for the first time today, is a young man with an extraordinary talent. He possesses the uncanny ability to capture the essence of a person in a portrait. He does not draw faces, he draws emotions. Ben Carter, ladies and gentlemen!"

The audience applauded again. Ben got up and went up onto the stage. Jenna gave him a hug and he went and stood shyly next to Dimitri. I felt that I could burst with pride. Marcus caught my eye and gave an approving wink. I looked at Brenda who wiped a tear from his cheek.

Dimitri put his hand on Ben's shoulder. "Not only do I exhibit Ben's work, but I am fortunate enough to be able to also share his talent here at Pigalle. Ben is available if you want a quick thirty minute portrait of yourself. You can find him on Friday and Saturday nights near the entrance. Thanks Ben." Ben came back to where we sat while Dimitri continued. "Free champagne and canapés will be served now. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, enjoy the night."

Dimitri and Jenna came over to us after a short conversation on the stage. "The waiters will have the food and drinks here soon." Dimitri said.

Ben introduced him to the other guys.

"This is a wonderful place you have here." Brenda complimented him when Ben introduced the two.

"Thank you... Brenda?" Dimitri asked.

Brenda laughed. "Barry Brooks, actually, but I can guarantee you that not one of these guys knew that."

"Always wondered," Edward said "but I never had the guts to ask."

"You guys here to support Ben?" Dimitri asked.

"And Jenna..." Edward added.

"Oh, you guts know her?" Dimitri wanted to know.

"Benny introduced us last night. Jenna stays in the same building as I." Edward said.

"I actually had a very interesting dinner with the guys yesterday." Janna laughed and winked at Marcus who blushed blood red.

The waiters arrived with the champagne and the finger food on trolleys. While they handed us the glasses, Bernie and Wayne showed up. Ben introduced them to Jenna and Dimitri.

"Wonderful place. Your art looks fabulous, Benny." Wayne said.

"It does, doesn't it. Dimitri did a great job." Ben said proudly.

Dimitri asked the waiters to get three more chairs in place for himself, Wayne and Bernie.

Wayne thanked him. "We were sitting at home waiting to go out and decided we had to come and support you Benny."

"You missed the speech." Jenna told him.

"Really, speeches?" Wayne asked surprised.

The waiters came over with the chairs and arranged them in the area.

"Wayne is an artist himself." Ben said to Dimitri. "Watercolors, good technique too."

"You must show me sometime." Dimitri showed interest.

"I am not in Benny's league, and I live too far away, but thanks." Wayne modestly rejected Dimitri's offer.

"What are you going to do now that your best work is hanging here... for art school on Monday?" Edward wanted to know from Ben.

"I..." Ben started but Edward did not wait for an answer before he looked over to Dimitri.

"Benny has to be at art school with a portfolio of his best work on Monday." he said to Dimitri. "I have been thinking... It would be a plus...I think, if he could say that his work is being exhibited here."

"By all means." Dimitri said. "It is going to be a real schlep to take everything, or even some of it down. Maybe I can phone them and invite them over to view it here. If they have a problem with that, then we can make another plan."

"Instead of phoning, I think it would be better if you could accompany Benny to school." Edward suggested. "I know it is a lot to ask, but I do not want anything to jeopardize Benny's chances."

"Neither would I." Dimitri said. "I have a friend who is a photographer. I'll ask him to come and take some photos tomorrow and have it ready for Monday morning. Just to show them something."

"Ben has to be there by at eight." Wayne said. "I'll drive him there. We will meet you there?"

"I'll be there." Dimitri promised. "Where do your parents live, Ben. I notice..."

"Benny has no parents." Brenda said. "He shares a flat with Bernie, and the people you see here are his family... his support structure."

"Really?" Jenna said surprised.

"Sorry Ben, I did not know." Dimitri apologized. "You have great friends."

"No need to apologize, I am used to it." Ben said. "And thanks guys, I only came to realize lately how much you all mean to me. Thanks Brenda, I could not ask for better friends, you really are my family."

"Ahw, this is so nice! I just love you guys, I am so glad I met you." Jenna said as she got up to go and start her show. "Tonight I dedicate my music to my new friends."

Ben and I left the others and went over to what had become his work station at the front of Pigalle. We hardly sat down when his first customer came over. Ben explained that he does quick portraits and that the person should not expect anything near the standard of the portrait of Alinah. He would have a short conversation with the client to find out more about him and then make the drawing. "Don't expect miracles. I can't really get to know you in such a short time, therefore I might get it wrong."

I sat and watched him work with the sweet sounds of Jenna's guitar music in the background. Fourty minutes later, Ben was finished and showed the drawing to the client who was more than happy with it. He paid Ben the twenty rand and Ben rolled the drawing up and pushed it into a cardboard tube.

"That was number one." he said relieved when the client left.

Minutes later his second customer was sitting opposite him. I went back to where the other guys sat. As I sat down, Marcus silently gestured with his head in the direction of Brenda and Dimitri who was engaged in an intimate conversation. When I looked back to where Marcus and Edward sat next to one another, Edward gave me a knowing smile. I thought that I heard Brenda use his customary "Honey" in the conversation with Dimitri, unlike earlier in the evening.

We all stayed at Pigalle until Jenna knocked off at three thirty. We helped her pack up her things and she invited all of us for coffee at her flat. Wayne and I did not get to Europa as planned.

Please support Nifty with your donations.