"This above all: To thine own self be true, for it must follow as dost the night the day, that canst not be false to any man." Shakespeare (Hamlet)
Thanks to Bill M and TalonRider for assistance proofing the story. For the wrestling `fans' be patient. It will return soon. Enjoy the story.
Please do not distribute to other sites without permission of the author. Comments can be sent to firehosejoe@yahoo.com
From the previous chapter:
When Alejandro arrived home, there was an ambulance in the driveway. He rushed inside and was pointed toward his father's bedroom on the second floor. The door was flung wide. People surrounded the bed monitoring vital signs. Alejandro felt he was once again on the sidelines unable to help.
Finally a guy in scrubs approached him. "Can you tell me your relationship with Mr. Algara?" Once satisfied that Alejandro was a relative he continued, "It would appear, at this point, that Mr. Algara has had a stroke. Until we can get him to the hospital for further examination, we won't know for sure."
Alejandro watched the medics transfer his father's limp body to a stretcher for transport to the hospital, as a sense of numbness crept over him. He was still standing in the hall as the housekeeper came and put her arm around him trying to assure him that all would be well.
Chapter 15
During the next hours, doctors ran tests and determined that Salvador had suffered a severe ischemic stroke caused by a cranial thrombosis. Simply put, the doctors explained, a blood clot in the brain had caused the damage. He would be monitored in the hospital for several days to assure that his condition was stable. He might regain consciousness at any time, but perhaps never. The extent of the damage would likely determine that.
Finally the doctors left Alejandro alone with his father. Taking Salvador's hand gently in his own Alejandro spoke quietly. "Please come back Father. I love you and need you. What will I do without you, Grandmamma and Granddad? Please, Father, please." He sat silently holding Salvador's hand. Mid afternoon, the Emergency Room Charge Nurse came in and said they were ready to move Mr. Algara to a room.
"You need nourishment. When was the last time you ate?" the nurse asked. Alejandro looked up at her blankly. "Go get some food young man. We'll take good care of him. After you've eaten, you can come back here and the receptionist will tell you which room he is in."
Alejandro picked at a sandwich and fries. Forcing himself to eat a piece of fruit, he left. On learning Salvador's room, he went to the nurse on the floor and introduced himself. She confirmed what he'd already been told. She said he was sleeping at the moment and probably needed his rest. She encouraged Alejandro to go home and rest.
Needing to make some calls and inform the staff, he headed home. After speaking to the small gathering at the house, he went to the study and began to organize his thoughts. By late afternoon, Alejandro had communicated with the President's office at the University and asked someone to speak to his professors and tell them he'd be in contact. His secretary had called a meeting of all the managers. While traveling to his office he collected his thoughts and planned his brief speech.
When all were gathered, he explained the situation to them and told them that business would be handled via the usual channels. After the meeting the division managers remained behind.
Alejandro waited for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "Gentlemen, at this point, we are all reeling at the losses we've sustained in the past ten months. I had looked forward to spending years with my Grandfather and Father assimilating the full scope of our businesses as well as the personal histories that have formed and shaped this business.
"Each of you has been generous with your assistance during my last three summers here. Because of that, I have a good working understanding of what of you individually do and how your responsibilities fit within the whole. Your thoughts and ideas are important. I'd like to meet with you all again day after tomorrow. During that time please consider and be prepared to participate in developing an ongoing plan that will enable our enterprises to grow.
"I plan to continue my academic work at the University if at all possible. It was an expressed wish of both my Father and Grandfather. Those details will be forthcoming in the near future. Please continue the reporting scheme we have used during my summer sessions. Thanks for your support and expressions of concern. Now, I'll see you Thursday."
He returned to his office and sat at his desk, his head in his hands as he leaned on his elbows. He'd held himself in check since the call came from the housekeeper. He wanted to cry but knew he wouldn't. He wanted to talk to someone but there was no one who'd understand. He looked up at the sound of the latch of his office door. His secretary had stuck her head in to tell him goodbye. Seeing him so drained she offered to stay and help him with whatever needed to be done. He smiled his thanks and shook his head and told her good night.
Alejandro called the hospital. The duty nurse said there had been no change at all. Further she suggested that he needed to rest. His father was getting the best of care. Alejandro needed to take care of himself. A call to the house alerted the cook to prepare a plate for him to warm when he got home. He extended his thanks to the staff then for their concern and insisted that they leave for the day.
Sitting in his office as the twilight gathered, he let the mental images of the day replay in his thoughts. What else did he need to do? While trying to force himself to think through his numbness, an echo from the near past swam to the surface of his consciousness. "I've got your back." Frederick was the only person he could call on for help with all of it.
He reached for the phone and remembered that Frederick was working second shift somewhere. His days were filled with classes and preparations, not to mention lab work. Alejandro knew if he called, Frederick would come, but at what cost to Frederick.
Alejandro grabbed his rolodex and found the name and number for one of the attorneys who worked closely with his father to establish the latest gifts to the University. Apologizing for a call at the dinner hour the man was gracious and insisted that it was not a problem. Alejandro quickly explained his idea.
Action and the beginnings of a plan was the tonic Alejandro needed. He told the attorney he would call him later with a plan more completely fleshed out, if that was convenient. He drove home and after he finished his dinner, he sat and listened to the quiet in the house. He knew he needed to keep moving forward.
With a plan outlined and questions framed, the attorney moved ahead. Within two days a plan was in place, along with $100,000, that would assist in funding students' living expenses. Frederick and other qualifying students would be contacted by the foundation that funded tuition grants and told a pool of funds had become available.
Friday afternoon, Alejandro's secretary told him he had a call from Frederick. He'd seen the headlines in the paper just that day. They chatted, Alejandro giving all the details. Frederick kept probing, trying to determine how his friend was fairing. Finally he told Alejandro that he had the next two days off and he was coming to the house, office, hospital or where ever Alejandro might be. They arranged to have dinner together at the house.
Alejandro had stopped by the hospital on his way home. There had been no change. Though he couldn't begin to be sure, he sensed that this didn't bode well.
Frederick was waiting for him. Having arrived earlier, Frederick introduced himself and offered his bona fides as a college friend and one who had accompanied Mr. Algara and Alejandro to Europe. He charmed his way into the house and kitchen. With a promise to the cook that he was going to see that Alejandro ate and enjoyed time at the table, she agreed with his plan. A wine had not been planned and Frederick corrected that.
When Alejandro arrived, Frederick met him with a gin and tonic in hand. He made a quick estimation of Alejandro's condition. Drawn, somewhat depressed, distracted, and tense, Alejandro, he saw, needed rest and mental distraction.
Taking him in hand, Frederick helped him out of his coat and tie, and fixed him a drink. "Doctor's orders, Dude. We are going to take it slow and easy tonight. You're going to have a good meal, several glasses of wine and we're going to talk. You know, I may have too much to drink and need to stay the night." Frederick said with his crooked smile.
When dinner was announced, Frederick chose his seat so he could see the door to the kitchen. The cook took signals from him and paced their meal so that Alejandro would have to relax. Conversation was easy as they caught up on all the happenings of the summer and the beginning of classes. Frederick listened and skillfully probed with questions to measure how Alejandro had handled the week of change. He could hear the pain and apprehension in his friend's voice.
"Alex, does staff stay in the house overnight?" Alejandro looked up curiously at the non sequitur.
"No, since it's just Father and me, we determined that there was no need. They've enjoyed the extra time off."
Frederick thought for a minute then said, "Good, because I am spending the night. We can talk, drink, fuck, whatever it is that will take your mind off of your troubles for a little while. But the bottom line is that you're stuck with me for the next 12 hours minimum."
Alejandro smiled and closed his eyes imagining relaxing with someone he trusted. "Can we do all three?" he said with a chuckle.
"Damned right we can, and," Frederick added softly, "I'm not letting go of your teeny weenie until you've cum twice."
Alejandro laughed loudly and felt himself truly begin to relax. "Frederick, I just realized you've been directing the service at dinner, haven't you?"
"Right again, bright boy. You've got to get up to speed faster Alex. The cook understood the situation at hand and has worked with me. Now let's eat dessert so she can clean up and go home."
They sat on the rear patio and enjoyed a light port after dinner as they continued their conversation. "Ok, bright boy, I've got some questions for you. Don't blow `em off cause we're going to talk about it." Frederick said with some authority.
"First what does it take for a growing boy like you to stay healthy?" Frederick had anticipated the response and listened to Alex say that he knew what he need to do and didn't need babysitting.
"You done yet, bright boy?" Alejandro nodded and Frederick continued, "So, answer my question."
With no small amount of exasperation, Alejandro gave the short outline of ingredients for a healthy life. He knew capitulation was the shortest and easiest route when Frederick got on one of his soap boxes. Frederick nodded and `umd' his responses. When Alex had finished, Frederick honed in on nourishment, rest and exercise.
Alejandro agreed with each tenet of Frederick's argument for regular, healthy meals and at least seven hours of sleep. He reluctantly promised to track both meals and rest for a week to see how successful he was in taking care of himself.
"If you can measure it, you can change and influence it." Frederick said and seemed satisfied with their progress. "Now what are you going to do about exercise, Dude?"
Alejandro began to describe his day with classes and work at the office. Frederick cut him off short. He sat up straight in his chair, his demeanor totally different. "Look Alex, don't tell me. I'm going to classes from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. I'm doing labs, my readings, lab reports. I'm at work at 2:30 with a half hour break. Home at 11 p.m., I go for a run to exercise and unwind and hit the sack. Meals I fit in at appropriate intervals with healthy stuff. Now, I know you're under stress, you're worried and trying to figure all this out. That's why I'm here.
"What do you want to do for exercise that's realistic for your current load?" Frederick asked.
Again Alex began to hem and haw and sound like he was making excuses. "Just answer the damn question, Ok Dude!" Frederick said loudly.
With a tone of surliness that he instantly regretted Alejandro answered, "Running is the easiest thing to work in, I guess." After a few seconds he said, "Ya know, what I really would enjoy is an opportunity to wrestle. That offers a completely different set of challenges. It's physical and it's mental. The costs or rewards are immediate."
"Ok, let's think about that." Frederick said, smiling, as he sat back in his chair. This was finally heading in a good direction again. "What part does strength training play in wrestling?"
Alejandro looked at him in frustration. He knew Frederick knew the answer. What did he want? "They go hand in hand. You know that." he responded with an edge to his voice.
"Yup, I do. Now how do you plan to work strength training into your day so you are strong and ready to face a man on the mats? And don't start with your excuses. Give me ideas." Alejandro's face conveyed his frustration and resistance.
"Dude, we are going to walk through this whole thing. Get with it. I want details and solutions not obstacles." Frederick said.
Alejandro began slowly but finally hit his stride. First he admitted that a gym membership or use of the U would be impractical. He listed various pieces of equipment he could buy. He described to Frederick where they could be placed. Suddenly he was seeing possibilities. He looked over and saw Frederick smiling.
"Is this what you mean when you say you've got my back? Damn, pushing me to be healthy, get rest and exercise. Seems like I'm doing all the work!" They both laughed. "I'm going to sound real selfish here; but, it would be so great if we could run together. This is not a neighborhood for joggers but I've been breaking trends for years and I'm going to do it again. Still, it would give us a time to talk and just hang out."
"Dude, as long as you can meet my running schedule I'll come over here as long as the car's working or you can meet me at my place. You commit to it and I'm there. Deal?"
"Yeah, deal." Alejandro sighed deeply. "I feel like I'm turning a corner on this week finally. Thanks Frederick. By the way, what's with your car?"
"It's old. You know what a piece of junk it is. As long as it starts I nurse it along. I'm scared to fix anything. You know how it goes; fix one thing and all the rest starts to fall apart." Frederick said.
He watched the light bulb go off for Alejandro. He'd seen it all too many times not to recognize it instantly. "No, you are not going to pay to have my car fixed."
"I wasn't going to suggest that. Look, there are four cars in the garage. I'm driving mine and the others just sit. It'd be helpful if you would just borrow one of them so it could stay in drivable shape. The way I'm going, I could let them sit for months without starting any of them. Doesn't that make sense?"
"Yes it does and if you're offering, I accept. I can't maintain or insure the car so do you have suggestions?"
"The car is insured. I'll maintain it. Just drive the damn thing. Ok?" Alejandro said smiling.
"You gotta deal. Now since you want to wrestle so much, what's your plan there?"
Alejandro sat for a moment. "Let me make a phone call and I'll tell you how it's going to work." Frederick followed him into the house. He smiled to himself thinking that Alex just might have turned a corner and was making progress.
Finding Jason's phone number, Alejandro called. Within a few minutes he'd agreed on a plan of action and was all smiles.
"His wife is working her second shift plus overtime. They're saving for a baby. He can meet me this weekend at the gym at the U. We're gonna work out, then come here so he can pick a place for a wrestling room. This is just so cool!" Alejandro said.
He and Frederick talked about work. Frederick listened mostly, prompting occasionally with questions, trying to draw out all the myriad of things that were competing for attention in Alejandro's mind. Finally their conversation became sporadic and a comfortable silence ensued.
Frederick stood and reached down for Alejandro's hand. They stood and embraced for a moment, Frederick letting Alejandro enjoy the feeling of not being alone. Frederick began to lick Alejandro's ear and gently bite on his neck. Alejandro groaned and pulled Frederick closer to him. Their mouth's reached for a kiss. Their tongues began to gently explore each other's mouth.
They both grew hard quickly. Frederick reached and grabbed Alejandro's ass and pulled them closer still, letting their trapped muscles begin to grind with building desire. "We need to take this upstairs, Alex." Frederick gasped as he released his friend. "Tell me what to do and I'll help you lock up. Then we're going upstairs to your room and fuck."
Quickly they checked all the doors and adjusted lights. Meeting at the bottom of the stairs, Alejandro looked deep into Frederick's eyes and said, "Thank you. I knew I could count on you." Frederick kissed him, letting his tongue linger for a moment then pinched his left nipple roughly and ran up the stairs, Alejandro in hot pursuit.
Once inside Alejandro's room, Frederick pushed the door closed as Alejandro turned on a small bed side lamp. Their eyes locked. Frederick held out his hand and Alejandro took it. Frederic licked, and kissed Alex' neck, chin, and lips. Slowly Frederick stripped his friend from his clothes, leaving no part of his body unexplored by fingers, teeth and tongue.
Alejandro was painfully erect, leaking precum and quietly groaning his desire. Frederick pulled the covers back and pushed Alejandro to the bed. As Alejandro watched, Frederick quickly stripped. "You have any lube for that monster?" Frederick asked. Alejandro motioned toward some lotion that would have to suffice.
Frederick quickly lubed himself and Alejandro. Straddling his sides, Frederick reached back and positioned the leaking head against his ring and began to press down. As the swollen head penetrated the ring, Alejandro groaned with pleasure. Frederick watched, smiled and concentrated on their mutual gratification. He would have liked nothing more than for Alejandro to pin him to the mattress and fuck him raw. This wasn't about Frederick though.
With exquisite leisure he, bit by bit, impaled himself on the familiar shaft until he felt Alejandro's pubes. Resting there, Frederick began to flex his internal muscles giving Alejandro's muscle gentle stimulation. Beginning his ascent, Frederick clinched his ring, tugging slightly on the turgid flesh within him.
He continued the stimulation of the cock in his control. His quads burned after several minutes of the action. He smiled thinking that it was one of the most pleasant isometric exercises he'd enjoyed. After nearly ten minutes, when his quads began to burn, Frederick leaned forward placing the flat of his hands on Alejandro's shoulders. Their eyes were as intimately locked as their bodies. Not a word was necessary, nor was one spoken.
Without intending to, Frederick had placed his prostate in a direct path of Alejandro's invader. With each slow thrust, he felt his own cum begin a slow boil. He hadn't planned to cum but the outcome seemed inevitable. As Frederick's own need increased he accelerated his movements. Suddenly Alejandro's occasional groans became gut clinching grunts as he spilled himself into Frederick. Frederick's volleys shot up and landed on Alejandro's chest, chin and abs.
Alejandro's breath shuddered at his release. Frederick continued to milk Alejandro's muscle with his ring and the muscles just inside. Alejandro's breath became more regular but his dick stayed hard.
"Turn over Frederick, I'm not done yet." Alejandro ordered in a lust fogged voice. Without any difficulty, the men shifted positions. Alejandro grabbed Frederick's legs behind his knees and lifted his chute. Resting his heels on his shoulders, Alejandro began a vigorous assault on the upturned ass. Balancing on alternate hands, he began to work Frederick's nips, occasionally moving in for a biting, tongue thrusting kiss. But mainly, he just fucked Frederick hard and fast.
Sweat poured from his face. Beneath the pelt on his pecs, sweat collected and ran down the treasure trail. His breathing was coming in gasps yet he continued to pound. Frederick was bathed in a primal pleasure being taken so forcefully. Their bodies were slick with sweat. The room reeking of musk and cum. Frederick felt his balls stir with another load. Damn, this was so fucking hot, he thought.
Alejandro gave no indication of his closeness. He just kept grunting loudly with each thrust while pounding Frederick's ass. His ball sac slapped against Frederick's glutes. The only change Frederick noticed was an increase in the speed as the grunts of effort grew more intense. When Alejandro came, he was yelling out his grunting release as he lifted Frederic's ass higher with the violent thrusting.
Frederick grabbed Alejandro's sweaty back with his legs and pumped out his own load. Once sated, Alejandro let his body fall atop Frederick as he kept up a gentle thrusting until his flaccid cock slipped from Frederick's chute.
They lay, both panting, slick with sweat and cum. Alejandro reached under Frederick's muscled shoulders and pulled him into a strong hug. Frederick responded and wrapped his legs around Alejandro's thighs. Together they lay there, continuing to thrust gently against each other, content in the moment.
"Gee, you sure made a mess!" Alejandro laughed as he lifted himself by his elbows leaning in for a searching kiss. Rolling on to his side, he reached a finger and drug it through the mingled cum and tasted it, repeated the motion and fed a finger to Frederick. "Gonna have to sleep with the windows open to air out this room, you know."
"Don't blame me, Dude. I had lots of help here." Frederick laughed. "Come on, let's get cleaned up."
After their shower, covered only by a sheet they lay on their backs, talking. Frederick continued to probe subtly for areas Alejandro needed to explore. They reminisced about their trip over Christmas and finally drifted off to sleep. In the early hours of morning, Alejandro woke, needing to use the bathroom. Frederick had spooned against his back and his arm what hugging him close. A weather front had moved through and the room was cool. It was nice.
After breakfast, Frederick and Alejandro agreed to catch up with each other after Alejandro's work out with Jase. All three of the unused cars were Mercedes sedans. Frederick, sighing said, "Drive the oldest one to campus this afternoon and I'll give you a lift home so you can feed me again."
"Anything particular you'd like to be fed?" Alejandro asked with a twinkle in his eye. Frederick caught the implied meaning and just grinned.
"Think you can do that again, stud?" Frederick asked, grinning his challenge.
The workout with Jason was draining. Jase had warned Alejandro and was true to his word. They stretched and went through numerous sets of basic takedown and reversal maneuvers. Combinations were drilled and after an hour and a half, Alejandro was wringing wet and exhausted. He felt great!
As they showered Jase asked what Alejandro wanted to accomplish. Before he could begin, Jase turned to him and asked with concern, "Didn't I read something about someone having a stroke. The name kinda rang a bell but I didn't connect it till just now. Was that a relation of yours?"
Alejandro confirmed the information. With minimal background he explained his desire for maintaining an exercise program. Jase said he had information with him about mats and would make a recommendation once he saw the space. They made a plan to meet the next day.
Alejandro picked up Frederick. They went for a run, had a leisurely dinner and continued to work out details of how Alejandro was going to manage the months ahead. Afterward, they went to Alejandro's bed and enjoyed unhurried sex that left them both drained. Alejandro felt he was getting his life back together slowly.
It was mid week when he got a call from Frederick who shared his excitement at the additional grant money. "You know," he told Alejandro, "I've got my schedule manageable now. Thanks to not having to worry about transportation and repairs, I've decided I can keep things as they are and sock the money away for a new car in the future." Alejandro listened and felt his heart sink a little.
"You know, Alex, this deal with coming to your place to go for a run at the end of work is great. It keeps me disciplined. You have time to get in your workout with Jase and by the time we finish our run, you've gotta sleep like a baby. Like they say, if it's not broken don't fix it." Frederick said. "Now I've got to get back to lab. See ya tonight!"
Alejandro sat somewhat stunned. Slowly he realized that what he had needed from Frederick was exactly what Frederick had given him; resolve to succeed, a structure within which to balance work and school, and a workable plan to make sure he took care of himself. He sat smiling. This was going to work and he didn't need Frederick to lean on for it to succeed.
To those of you for whom WRESTLING is of primary interest, thank you for your patience while the story developed. It will return soon and with greater frequency. Things are going to heat up for Alex.
A writer's peculiar food and drink are the comments of his reader. Feel free to share your thoughts with me. firehosejoe@yahoo.com