bilal

Come Away With Me Part 3 It had been over a week since Ethan had seen Michael, and was beginning to wonder if they would ever talk again. He had thought that Michael would ring to apologize but nothing at all had happened, and he himself had felt that as he was not in the wrong he was not going to be the first to phone. He made his way home from school with Johnny at his side. “You still seeing Bolton in the evenings Ethan?” Johnny enquired “No haven’t seen him for over a week.” “Then why haven’t you been over to visit me in the evenings?” “Didn’t really feel like it Johnny” “What’s the reason you haven’t been to see him?” “No reason just giving it a bit of a rest for the moment.” “What’s he like to talk to?” “He’s okay actually quite interesting.” “Do you like him? “Yeah, he’s not bad, better than some of those stupid friends he used to have.” “How come after he had that truce with you he became a bit of a loner?” “Don’t know, anyway why are you so interested in him all of a sudden?” “I’m not interested in him just never had a chance like you to talk to him.” Well I’ve not spoken to him for over a week, and I don’t think I will be speaking to him anytime soon.” “Have you had an argument with him? “No, why d’you ask?” “Because of the way you’re talking and the way you’ve been acting at school for the last ten days.” “You’re imagining things what’s with you all of a sudden.” “Okay no need to get your knickers in a twist only asked a simple question.” “I’m sorry Johnny, see you in school tomorrow.” he turned with Johnny’s goodbyes echoing in his ears into the street that he lived on. Michael was miserable; he couldn’t understand why he’d got so jealous of Ethan’s friendship with Johnny, causing him to drive Ethan away, and now he had no one that visited him. He’d lost interest in trying to get about on his crutches and constantly made excuses not to. His loss of appetite was soon made apparent in the thinness of his body. His parents noticing his change in character questioned him and were politely told to “Leave me alone.” In the second week when the situation hadn’t improved they informed the doctor about his condition. The doctor after due consideration told them he’d be around to see the boy after his surgery appointments. Later in the evening after the doctor had examined Michael he sat discussing the boy’s health with his parents. “There is nothing medically wrong with Michael,” he said, “his fractures are mending well from what we can see from the last x-rays that were taken, so something must have happened at home to cause this downward trend in his physical well-being.” “That’s just it doctor we just don’t know what it can be.” “Have you questioned him on the matter?” “Yes and we can’t get a thing out of him.” “What about his friends can’t they find out what the problem is?” “Well he hasn’t had any visitors not for quite a time. Even before his accident he didn’t get many friends coming around not like he used to have. Then only Ethan Grant visited him while he was in hospital, and only the once on the first day he came home, since then no one has been to visit him.” “That could well be the problem not having any friends visiting him. I’m not sure what we can do about that, you can’t very well force children to visit, only ask.” “I’m not too sure that Michael would like us asking boys to visit him doctor, he’s told us on a couple of occasions to leave him alone.” “Well the only other way to get him to eat would be to threaten him with hospitalisation again, and that’s what I’d better do right now, will you excuse me a minute while I go and speak to him again.” The doctor knocked and entered Michael’s room. “I’ve been discussing you’re decline in weight with your parents Michael, and it seems that you just don’t want to cooperate and eat what’s prepared for you. If you continue to eat such minuscule portions of food then the only solution is to enter you into hospital. Then have you fed intravenously until we feel that you can be trusted to eat properly again, do you understand?” “Do what you want doctor I don’t really care what you do.” The doctor left the room and confronted the parents again. “That didn’t seem to have much effect on him, if his appetite doesn’t improve in the next week then let me know and we’ll re-enter him into hospital.” “Alright doctor and thank you for coming.” Precisely eight days later Michael Bolton was back in hospital, and promptly put on an intravenous feed his weight was down to 95lbs. he’d lost nearly 55lbs in weight and the doctors were getting concerned about his condition. His parents and younger brother were absolutely distraught not knowing what could cause Michael’s health to deteriorate in this manner. For the first two days Mrs Bolton stayed and slept in the hospital with Michael, on the third day she went home and Michael’s father took over. After attending to the younger son she drove down to the local supermarket to stock up the groceries for the next few days. Inside she bumped into Ethan’s mother who at once enquired about Michael and how he was doing.” “He’s back in hospital again.” she replied. “Oh my goodness whatever happened.” “Well we don’t know, he just hasn’t been eating and seems to have lost interest in everything, so the doctor re-admitted him to hospital, so they could feed him intravenously and keep him under observation.” “Oh dear I’m so sorry to hear that Mrs Bolton, I do hope he recovers soon is there anything that I can do to help.” “No, not really we don’t even know what to do, please excuse me I have to get going and finish my shopping bye for now.” Ethan’s mother finished her shopping and went home. Later that day when her son returned from school she questioned him. “You didn’t tell me that Michael was back in Hospital.” “What,” Ethan shouted absolutely astounded, “Michael in hospital since when?” “I don’t know I met his mother in the supermarket and she told me. He seems to be quite bad they’ve got him on an intravenous feed at the moment.” “Oh God, mum you’ve got to take me to the hospital right now.” “Have your tea first then we can go.” “No mum right now. I just can’t think of eating after hearing about Michael.” “Alright get whatever you have to and let’s go.” “I don’t need anything mum the quicker we get there the better.” They made their way to the car and within ten minutes were at the hospital and making their way to where Michael was hospitalised. At the entrance to the ward Ethan stopped and looked around, he saw Mr Bolton seated at the side of Michael’s bed that was blocking his vision of Michael. He quietly walked over to stand behind Mr Bolton and looked over to see Michael sleeping. Sensing someone behind him Mr Bolton turned and smiled as he recognised Ethan. “Come and sit down Ethan there’s a chair there,” he said indicating, “that you can use, draw it up beside me.” Ethan did as was requested and sat down, “How is he Mr Bolton?” “No different than when he entered hospital Ethan, we thought that he might decide to start eating properly when he was brought in, but it doesn’t seem to have made any difference to him.” Has he been sleeping long?” “About a couple of hours or so. I’m just going to go and have something to drink do you want anything Ethan?” “No thanks Mr Bolton.” “Okay see you shortly.” As soon as Mr Bolton left Ethan stretched his hand out and clasped Michael’s and started gently squeezing it. He felt like he wanted to burst into tears to see his friend looking so sick and weak. He couldn’t believe this was the same Michael that terrorised him now just a shell of his former self. The hand that had hit him a couple of times was now as slim as his own. The thoughts brought the tears that he had managed to hold back earlier flow down his cheeks unchecked. He was so full of his sorrow that he didn’t hear Mr Bolton return till he heard him sit down beside him. Quickly he removed his hand from Michael’s but not before Mr Bolton had seen him clasping his son’s hand. “Ethan you don’t have to take your hand away. If you feel comfortable holding Michael’s hand then do so. Here you’d better wipe your face,” he said handing him a tissue. “Thanks Mr Bolton,” Ethan said through his sniffling, “I couldn’t help it when I saw how thin Michael is do you think he’s going to be alright?” “Yes I think so, the doctors here are very good. I think they’ll get him back on his feet and looking normal again. I saw your mother in the restaurant I asked her to come up as there was only the two of us here so she should soon join us.” He had hardly finished speaking when Mrs Grant walked into the ward and sucked in her breath on seeing the condition of Michael. “Whatever caused Michael to relapse to this condition? She enquired of Mr Bolton; “he was getting along fine the last time I saw him.” “We just don’t know, from the first day he got home he seemed to just go downhill.” Hearing Mr Blake mention when Michael’s health started to deteriorate Ethan realised that it was the day of their argument, but he couldn’t have taken it so bad his leaving that day, he thought. He couldn’t, Oh God, was he to blame for Michael getting so ill. He hadn’t meant their argument to last as long as it did, he’d felt miserable not being able to talk to him. Please God let him get better, his mind raced and thoughts flew through mind, I promise God, I’ll do my best to behave and I won’t argue with him again, just don’t let him die please God, please. His thoughts were interrupted as Michael’s eyes opened and focused on his face. Slowly a smile spread across his face, “Ethan,” he whispered. “Michael, did you have a good sleep.” “Yeah but if I’d known you were coming I’d have stayed awake.” “Michael, I’m sorry for walking out on you the day you came home from hospital.” “Bullshit, it was my fault, I made you leave the only thing was I didn’t know how badly it would effect me.” Turning to Mr Bolton and his mother Ethan asked if he could talk to Michael in private if they didn’t mind as they had to settle a misunderstanding that they’d had some time ago.” Sure Ethan.” Mr Bolton said and escorted Mrs Grant out of the ward. Ethan returned to holding Michaels’s hand then gently squeezing it he smiled and said, “Michael, Johnny, and the others they’re my friends, but you’re not, you’re different you’re more than a friend. I just don’t have words to explain how I feel when I stand beside you, like now holding your hand. At this moment my chest is aching and I want to wrap my arms around you and just squeeze you, I don’t feel like this with my other friends just you Michael you’re something special.” “I’m sorry for acting like a fool Ethan, and causing everyone so much worry, I really was jealous of Johnny, and thought that he would make you forget me, but now you’ve made me feel like I want to jump out of this bed. Can you come closer and put your arms around me like you said, I need you to hold me for a while.” The small boy stood up and wrapped his arms around the patient, he managed to get his small arms around Michael only because of his loss of weight. As Ethan held him, on the spur of the moment Michael turned his head and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Michael will you give over the other kids in the ward can see what you’re doing.” “Not in the least bit worried about what they think, anyway that was another way of saying thank you.” “For what?” “For everything, for telling me how you felt about me for making me feel hungry again, and most of all for just being here with your arms around me.” Ethan could no longer hold back his feelings after hearing what Michael said, he lowered his lips to Michael’s and pecked him on the lips. “You boy’s seem to have finished talking I see.” “Ethan let go of Michael and spun around to see Mr Bolton and his mother standing at the foot of the bed. “Umm, yes Mr Bolton and Michael is feeling a lot better.” “Is that’ because you were giving him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation,” he said smiling. “Umm no, I was just I was umm I.” “Alright Ethan,” Mr Bolton interrupted his spluttering, “I was just joking I’m sure that Michael was enjoying your administrations on him as I don’t see any signs of disapproval on his face.” Ethan hung his head and started to leave when Mr Bolton stopped him. “Don’t leave Ethan, I’m sorry I shouldn’t have made fun of you, Michael needs you so much, just the look in his eyes tells me he’s feeling better because of your presence here.” “You’re not mad at what you just saw Mr. Bolton.” “No Ethan, I’m not mad, I’m happy to see my son with a sparkle in his eye again maybe your presence has done him more good than all the medicines.” “I don’t know about that Mr Bolton, but he did say he was starving not long ago so he must be feeling better, don’t you think?” Mr Bolton looked at the boy’s upturned enquiring face, “I reckon that’s the best news we’ve heard in quite a few days Ethan,” he said ruffling the boy’s hair, “Now all we have to do is find him some food instead of pumping all that grunge through his veins.” Michael’s recovery if not spectacular was speedy so that within a couple of days he was allowed home and his parents told to return with him in a months time to have his fractures x-rayed prior to have the plasters removed if the healing process was satisfactory. He was glad to be back home again with the added bonus knowing that Ethan would be around as soon as he could after school. Ethan not wanting to lose Johnny’s friendship told him that after school he would be visiting Michael every day till he was back on his feet. At first Johnny was none too pleased having Michael taking up so much of Ethan’s time but he soon found other friends to spend his evenings with. The day finally arrived when Michael returned from the hospital minus his arm and leg plasters. The strapping around his rib cage being removed some two weeks earlier. When Ethan made his daily visit after school as he walked into Michael’s room he stopped in his tracks, mouth open. When he found his voice he looked at Michael sitting on the bed with a big grin on his face. Ethan slowly walked over to him and wrapped his arms around Michael laying his head on his chest he mumbled, “You didn’t tell me you shit.” “I wanted to surprise you,” encircling his arms around the smaller boy. “Made my mum and dad promise not to tell you even had to threaten Robert with sudden death if he even hinted it to you.” Kissing the smaller boy on the top of the head, “So what do you think, big improvement eh?” Ethan didn’t answer with watery eyes he lifted his face to bring their lips together, their tongues sort and found its partner as they revelled in the feelings the kiss brought about. Breaking the kiss Michael spoke, “Ethan.” “Yeah.” “Will you do me a favour? “What?” “Will you ask your mum if you can sleep here tonight? Its Saturday tomorrow so there’s no school for you.” “Okay, but I won’t phone I’ll go home and ask her she’s bound to say yes, then I can pick up my clothes and come straight back.” “You won’t be long will you?” “I’ll be so quick my feet won’t touch the ground.” Giving Michael a quick peck on the lips he said, “Bye,” left the room yelling his goodbyes to Michael’s parents as he ran out of the front door. “Michael, what on earth is going on I just heard Ethan yelling goodbye and the front door slam.” “It’s okay mum, he’s just gone to ask his mother if he can spend the night here.” “Oh, and I suppose I’m not to be consulted on this matter.” “Oops, sorry mum just didn’t think, can he spend the night.” “No.” “Oh Mummmm.” “Alright I was just joking.” “Thanks mum.” An hour later when Ethan hadn’t returned Michael got on the phone to Ethan’s house. After a couple of rings Mrs Grant answered the phone. “Umm Mrs Grant is Ethan coming over to spend the night?” “No, I’ve told him that he’s not allowed to sleep at your house, and the less he saw of you the better.” “What do you mean the less he saw of me.” “Michael was interrupted by Mrs Grant saying, “Goodbye,” and putting the phone down. Michael was stunned, he quickly went to his mother and told her what had happened. “Michael, Mrs Grant is well within her rights to stop her son from seeing whoever she feels is not right for him. I would do the same if I thought that another boy was a bad influence on you.” “But mum I haven’t done anything bad.” “Michael your father told me about how he and Mrs Grant found the two of you kissing.” “Oh but that’s not bad is it.” “Not in my eyes Michael, but other people don’t see things in the same light. Mrs Grant I suppose was just waiting for you to have your plasters removed to put a stop to your friendship with Ethan. In her eyes because you’re the more physically mature she holds you to blame for what happened, and she doesn’t want Ethan joining you in friendship any longer.” “Well she can’t stop me from seeing Ethan at school. The term ends next week but after the holiday when I’m fit to go back I’ll see him then.” “Yes, you can see him then but don’t antagonise Mrs Grant, you’ll only make matters worse.” Ethan sat opposite his mother in silence. “I’m doing it for your own good Ethan, he’s a bad influence and he’s corrupting your mind, boys like that should be kept away from the others.” “He’s not corrupting my mind, I want to be with Michael and be his friend.” “Yes, I don’t mind you having friends, but kissing other boys.” “So that’s what it’s all about.” Ethan said interrupting his mother, “Well Michael wasn’t kissing me I was kissing him so you’ve got it all wrong.” “You never had these kind of thoughts until you met him. You never did any kissing with Johnny did you?” “I didn’t have the same feelings for Johnny, like I did for Michael.” “Look I’m not going to argue with you, you’re not seeing him again and I mean it. Don’t think that you’ll see him in school after the holidays, because I intend changing your school so that will be the end of any relationship with Michael Bolton.” Ethan stood up stared at his mother then without a word turned his back on her and walked out of the room. The next day only when she spoke to him did Ethan speak to his mother, at all other times he kept quiet and never instigated any conversation. Mrs Grant thought that after a few days he’d get over the ban on seeing Michael, and that he would resume talking to her. Three weeks later and the situation was still the same, Ethan only spoke when spoken to, the rest of the time he remained silent or locked away in his room. Eventually she snapped and decided to confront him. Knocking on his door she shouted that she wanted to speak to him downstairs in the sitting room. The moment he walked into the room his mother started her tirade. “Don’t think by resorting to the silent treatment that you’re going to get me to change my mind. You’re going to a new school and that’s settled, and if you think you can see your friend behind my back think again. If I so much as suspect that you’ve seen him I’ll have the police brought in on the case. They may not be able to do much because of your ages but it will make him out to be the offender. I don’t think the boys in his school will take very kindly to that, if he’s suspected of molesting another boy smaller than himself.” Ethan looked at his mother in astonishment, he’d not realised to what lengths she’d go to break his friendship with Michael and for the first time in days he decided to answer his mother. “I never expected you to be so narrow minded, you may be able to stop me from seeing Michael but you will never break the feelings I have for him. You can only have control over me till a certain age then as soon as I am old enough I will leave this house and you. Then I will go to Michael if he still wants me, and you can live your life whichever way you want, but I will not be any part of it.” When he’d finished talking Ethan turned and walked out of the room and out of the front door. Hearing the front door close Mrs Grant sat down and burst into tears. She realised that by trying to hold onto her son she had more or less driven him away. It wasn’t his friendship with Michael that had prompted her to act in the way she did, if it had been a girl she would have found some excuse to break the relationship. She felt that if Ethan were to become too fond of someone whichever sex, that person would replace her in his affections. She wanted to hold onto him for as long as possible, and was afraid that he would leave her the moment he became emotionally involved with someone else. She’d not expected it to be at such an early age, which had caused her to react the way she did. Friendships she could deal with, but when she saw how her son kissed and looked at Michael she became afraid of the boy that held such a lot of her son’s attention. She had waited till he was out of plaster so that there would be no repeat of the previous incident before acting. But now she realised that what she had done had made matters worse. She sat and collected her thoughts and made the decision that she could not continue with her present course of action, and when Ethan returned would sit and discuss the matter with him and try and get their lives back to what it used to be. Ethan meanwhile had walked aimlessly till he found himself at the entrance to the park. Looking around he saw a public telephone, going over to it he inserted 20p and dialled Michael’s number. “Hello Robert, could you ask Michael to come to the phone please.” Ethan didn’t have long to wait before Michaels voice was there asking him, “How he was.” “I’m okay Michael, I don’t have much time, I’m at a public telephone at the entrance to the park so could you meet me here so that we can talk.” “Okay I’ll be there as fast as my limpy leg will get me there, bye see you in a bit.” and he hung up. Ethan walked into the park and finding a secluded spot sat down on the grass to wait for Michael. After a while he unclasped his hands from around his knees and lay back closing his eyes. Ten minutes later he opened his eyes as he felt someone watching him, arching his neck and tilting his head he looked back to see Michael standing looking down at him. Ethan Jumped up and went over to Michael they held hands and just stood looking at each other till Michael asked, “What are you doing here?” “I had an argument with my mum again, she intends sending me to a new school at the beginning of next term.” “Shit! That’s really being mean, I never thought that she would be like that. So now what do we do. I can’t believe that our friendship can cause your mother so much anger.” “Well, we can still see each other. We’ll just have to make plans so that she won’t know we’re meeting, because she threatened to call the police, if she found out that I was seeing you behind her back.” “Bloody Hell! What’s wrong with her Ethan she wasn’t like that before?” “I’ve no idea she just seems to have lost it and gone off the deep end recently.” “Okay, I’ll think up something for us and get back to you,” Michael thought for a moment then said, “I’ll get Johnny to deliver the message that way she won’t know.” He stood clasping the smaller boy to him then nudging the smaller boy on the top of the head said, “Ethan” “Yeah.” He said looking into Michaels eyes. “When we’re sixteen your mum can’t stop you from seeing who you wish and you can also leave home, if you have a safe environment to live in.” “Yeah that’s right.” “Will you come away with me, we could live together at my parent’s home till we’re old enough to have a place of our own.” Ethan looked around the park there was no one in sight he leaned upwards and kissed Michael, “Three years seems forever Michael but if I have to wait ten years I’ll wait. Now I had better get home don’t know what my mother is planning next.” They walked out of the park together then outside reluctantly they went their separate ways. When he arrived home Ethan opened the door and made for his room. Before he could get to the stairs his mother’s voice rang out. “Ethan, could you come in here please.” Reluctantly he turned away from the stairs and made for the sitting room, as he entered his mother looked at him and said, “I think I had better apologize for the way I’ve behaved and causing us to fall out. I’m sorry Ethan, I never wanted it to be like this but I got frightened that you would get so involved with Michael that I would be left out of your life. It’s not about him being a boy or even if it were a girl I just didn’t want to be left alone.” Ethan walked over to his mother wrapped his arms around her and hugged her. “Mum, you never have to fear about me not being part of your life. Even when I was mad with you and no matter what I said, deep down I knew that I could never shut you out.” Mrs Grant with tears streaming down her cheeks managed to control her voice enough to say, “You’d better go and phone a certain boy and ask him if he wants and if his parents allow him, to come and stay for the weekend.” “Thanks mum” he said kissing her on the cheek, “you’ll see its much better having two boys in the house instead of one.” “Yes, and twice as much work now go and make that call.” Ethan made his way to the phone and dialled the Bolton’s number Mr Bolton answered the phone. “Hello Mr Bolton.” “Ethan how are you?” “I’m fine Mr Bolton, would it be alright and if Michael is willing for him to spend the weekend at our house, if you and Mrs Bolton are agreeable?” “I guess it would be alright but hang on a minute I’ll ask him.” Ethan could hear Mr Bolton shouting to Michael asking him if he wanted to spend the weekend with Ethan. There was no reply until he heard a voice. “Ethan is that you?” “Yes.” “My dad’s not having me on.” “No my mum and I have sorted things out can you come over.” “Give me five minutes to throw some clothes in a bag and I’ll ask dad to drive me.” “Okay then get going bye for now.” “Bye.” And the telephone conversation ended. Ethan went over to his mother and hugged her again, “Thanks a million mum.” “Ethan we still have to talk at a later date about your feelings for Michael and his for you. When you’re both sure in which direction you want your lives to progress.” “Yes mum, I think I’m pretty sure now but I’ll wait and see, and I’m sure Michael will have the same outlook.” Untangling herself from her sons arms she, said, “I’d better get into the kitchen and prepare some food for an evening meal for us I’m sure someone must have got his appetite back now.” Ethan grinned “Okay mum I’m going outside to wait for Michael.” While he stood on the pavement looking down the road waiting to see the red Ford come into view he thought, “If it comes into sight by the time I count ten Michael loves me most of all, and forever and ever. One, two, three, four, fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiive, annnnnnnnd siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiix, annnnnnnnnnnnd, sev, Yeah.” The car came into sight, as soon as it stopped outside the house Michael was out of the car and hugging Ethan. The boys then turned to Mr Bolton saying goodbye to him as he drove off. As they walked in the front door Ethan’s mother was there, “Hello Michael come in and leave your bag in the hallway, the two of you go into the sitting room while I go and finish the cooking. The boys made their way into the room, inside and out of sight of his mother Ethan wrapped his arms around Michael and squeezed then looked up into his face expectantly. “What?” “You know what.” “I don’t, tell me.” “Michael will you give over annoying me.” Smiling Michael lowered his face to bring their lips together. At the first touch they moaned and explored each other’s mouths hungrily, Michael literally lifting Ethan of his feet as he crushed him into his body. Breaking the kiss they stood gazing at each other, “It seems like years since we last did that Ethan, God! How I’ve missed you.” “Me too, now we don’t have to worry about be separated and thinking what we can do to be together.” “Ethan.” “Uh huh.” “If your mum had not allowed us to be together would you have come away with me, when you came of age?” “I don’t know Michael, I was angry at how my mum reacted but deep down I still love her, and I’m not sure that I’d be able to turn my back on her and walk away.” If it had been the other way round would you.” “Yeah, it’s easier said than done, anyway that’s not an issue anymore,” he lowered his head to bring their lips together again when Ethan’s mother walked in. “If you two can stop sucking on each other’s lips for a second maybe you could help lay the table so that we can eat.” The boys blushing and laughing did what was asked of them. Later after they’d all eaten and cleared the table and watched television for a while the boys after wishing Mrs Grant goodnight made their way to bed. Upstairs in the privacy of Ethan’s room for the first time they would be able to look upon each other’s naked forms. Surprisingly they were both shy to undress and just stood looking at each other. Michael was the first to speak. “Ethan.” “Yes.” “Are you feeling the same as me?” “What are you feeling?” “Nervous.” “No, I’m not nervous, I’m just about pooping myself.” Michael burst out laughing grabbed Ethan, and swung him around then carried him to the bed gently laying him down and settling down beside him. His arms wrapped around the smaller boy Michael just lay looking into his eyes. “What.” “Michael didn’t answer. “Michael what’s wrong?” “Nothing’s wrong, everything’s right. I’ve been dreaming of this moment so many, many, times and now that it’s here I don’t want it to ever go away. Just lying here with you in my arms feeling your body against mine is the wickedest feeling in the world, except for the other one of course.” “What other one?” “You know.” “I don’t tell me,” Ethan said, bursting into laughter. “Right I’m not going to tell you I’m going to show you.” Michael pulled the smaller boy into him and started to grind his erection against Ethan’s just as swollen gland. “You took long enough to show me Thought you were going to talk all night. I’ve been umf,” and Ethan was cut short as Michael’s lips covered his and felt his tongue being caressed by Michael’s. Michael broke the kiss, “Ethan, let,s get undressed my dick is aching to feel yours against mine without the clothes between us.” They both got off the bed and started to strip their nervousness gone with the anticipation of what was to come. They stood naked looking at each other, Michael stepped forward and wrapped his arms around the smaller boy and drew him against his body. They shuddered as their bodies made contact and their erections rubbed together. Michael fell back on the bed dragging Ethan with him so that the smaller boy lay on top of him. Their lips came together and eagerly their tongues sort to make contact bringing moans from them as they relished the feelings of pleasure that emanated from the rubbing of their loins and the caressing of their tongues. Suddenly Ethan’s hips started to buck as the he began to near orgasm he ground even harder against Michael’s erection then lifting his head and arching his back he rammed one more time hard against Michael he yelled, “Oh God! Michael, and his hips started jerking uncontrollably as the semen erupted from his loins to spray between them. The sight of Ethan achieving an orgasm, and feeling him shooting his semen between them sent Michael into overdrive. Just as Ethan was nearing the end of his orgasm so Michael exploded, he squeezed the smaller boy into his body yelling, “Oh God! Ethan,” he cried, as his hips started pumping and globs of semen flew out of his penis to mix with Ethan’s deposit. Minutes later Michael rolled onto his side to ease Ethan’s weight off him. They lay with arms still around each other face to face smiled then brought their lips together in gentle pecks. “Michael.” “Uh huh.” “That was the most wonderful feeling I’ve ever had.” “God Ethan, I don’t know, wonderful just doesn’t come close to how I felt, and now with you in my arms I don’t ever want it to end.” “Michael, will you love me forever.” He looked at the smaller boy and pecked him on the lips “What makes you think that I’m ever going to stop loving you. Have you forgotten what happened to me when I thought you’d left me?” “I’m really sorry for that. I still feel really bad about it.” “You shouldn’t it was all my fault for trying to make you do what I wanted and not trusting you. I was so jealous of you I couldn’t stand to think that you’d like anyone else more that you liked me.” Ethan lifted himself up to look down on Michael, he pushed him onto his back then lay on top of him and brought their lips together. Their tongues united and sent currents of pleasure through their bodies their tongues danced inside their mouths twirling, caressing, thrusting, bringing the very spark of life that lay within them to unite as if they were one. When the kiss ended Ethan looked at Michael, “Do you still think that I could love anyone more than you?” “Nope.” Happy and content they lay together arms entwined around each other their eyes beginning to droop as gradually sleep overtook them and they passed into dreamland. The End.

Thanks for the positive comments guys . Not sure of making the story web worthy it only has three chapters to it. Bilal

Come Away With Me Part 2 The driver of the car didn’t have a prayer of stopping in time as Michael dashed out into the road. Now he just sat there stunned and in shock, after he’d felt the impact of the car hitting the boy and seeing him hurled into the air. Cars screeched to a stop, people yelled, and Ethan like the driver of the car stood frozen as he saw Michael hit by the vehicle. He’d looked across the road when he’d heard his name called, and now wanted to run over to Michael, but he couldn’t move. Tears were flowing down his cheeks, then suddenly his vocal chords responded to what he’d seen and a horrific scream erupted from his lungs. He dropped on all fours to the pavement his mind in turmoil at the events that had just enfolded in front of his eyes, his body jerking with the sobs pouring out from him. People ran in different directions some to attend to Michael and to see what could be done for the boy, at the same time calling for medical assistance on their mobiles. Others attended to the driver, and some to Ethan, who was still on his hands and knees on the pavement sobbing his heart out. With the arrival of the police and ambulances some semblance of order was established as cars moved, and people were ushered along their way. The paramedic from one of the ambulances after treating Michael took him away, while the second team attended to Ethan, still traumatized and softly sobbing to the other ambulance. After attending to Ethan a couple of the team attended to the driver of the car, making sure he was fit to accompany the police to answer any questions deemed necessary. At the hospital Michael was first x-rayed to ascertain the extent of his injuries and then to surgery. One of the nurses managed to extract their names and addresses from Ethan before they sedated him and admitted him to the children’s ward. Ethan’s mother was the first to arrive and was shown into the ward where her son was sleeping peacefully for the time being. She turned to the doctor and enquired. “How long will my son have to remain in hospital?” “That depends on the counsellor, but I think it would be no more than a day.” “How is Michael the other boy?” “I don’t really know, he’s still in surgery and won’t be out for some time yet. He’s had extensive injuries to one of his right arm and leg, and also his ribs, they’re not life threating that’s all I’ve heard from the ER staff. I should imagine that he’ll be sent to intensive care after surgery for the first twenty four hours to make sure all is well, then transferred here to the children’s ward if they feel he’s out of danger.” “Oh My God!” Mrs. Grant exclaimed, “Can I go and see Michael’s parents.” “Not at the moment they’re in with the hospital counsellor and will stay there till Michael comes out of surgery, which will not be for quite some time. So I would leave it till tomorrow Mrs. Grant.” “Alright doctor, now how long will it be before Ethan wakes up?” “Well he was given quite a heavy sedation, you must realise what he saw had quite a traumatic effect on him. Actually I think you should spend the night here we have a bed next to Ethan’s for you, so when he awakens you’ll be there for him. If you want you can use the phone to ask any relations to bring whatever you require for your stay here tonight.” “Thank you Doctor for your consideration, I’ll get my mother to bring whatever I need over here and also some things of Ethan’s.” “You’re welcome Mrs. Grant, if there is nothing else you require I’ll continue with my duties.” Saying his goodbyes he left. In the waiting room Michael’s parents sat both silently praying that there son would make a full recovery. The counsellor had spent an hour or more with Michael’s parents allaying their fears and putting their minds at rest. That their son was in a serious but not a life threatening condition, and had left, telling them if they required him for anything, they had only to press the call button, and he would be with them as soon as possible. At first Michael’s mother had been nearly hysterical when the police had given her the news of his accident. Now that her husband was at her side holding her hand, and the assurance of the counsellor that Michael was not in any imminent danger of losing his life, she felt more composed, but was still fearful until she could see for herself that her son was out of danger. The hours dragged by they phoned Mrs. Bolton’s sister to speak to their younger son Robert where they’d left him. He was full of questions about his brother, which they answered to the best of their ability which seemed to satisfy the boy. Then what seemed like an eternity, which in reality was just over four hours, the doctor walked in with a smile on his face. “Mr and Mrs Bolton.” He beamed. “Yes.” They answered. “You’ll be glad to hear that Michael is out of surgery and in the Intensive Care Unit. Before they could question him he continued, “Don’t be alarmed it’s just to keep a check on him. If no complications arise, he should be out of ICU and in the children’s ward later tomorrow.” The doctor paused for a bit then continued, “Now to inform you of his injuries. Luckily the driver because of the traffic wasn’t going very fast, so Michael came out of it with fewer injuries than we at first suspected. His right arm and leg are broken, and he also has three broken ribs and a concussion. We’ve done a full scan of him and found no internal injuries. The concussion will leave him with a bit of a sore head when he wakes but he’ll have a lot more discomfort from his broken bones than his head. So now if you want I will answer any questions you have.” Mr Bolton was the first to speak asking the doctor, “Will he make a full recovery?” “Yes the breaks were clean and the car wasn’t travelling very fast so being young Michael should be running around in about three to four months, without any handicap.” Both parents thanked the doctor on hearing his statement then asked if they could see their son. He led the way out of the room and to the ICU ward where they saw Michael in plaster with all the normal array of tubes stuck into the boy, who had just emerged from surgery. This to the parents would have been frightening had not the doctor been on hand to allay their fears and explain the purpose of the various tubes. The boy was still unconscious from the anaesthetics but was expected to come around within the next hour or so. The doctor after answering a few more questions and putting the parent’s minds at ease made his excuses and left. So Mr and Mrs Bolton took seats at their son’s bedside looking furtively at each other and waited for him to regain consciousness. Twenty-four hours later Ethan who’d been informed that Michael was alive and out of danger was being discharged from hospital. His mother and he were just gathering up his belongings ready to leave when Michael was wheeled into the ward. The orderlies soon had him settled in and left him in the care of the nurses. Ethan and his mother slowly walked over to Michael’s bed the boy’s eyes met, Ethan stood silently staring for a bit then asked, “How are you?” Michael grimaced, “Not too good at least the pain killers are doing their job, but what are you and your mum doing here?” “I Umm got shocked when I saw you hit by the car. I thought you’d been killed, and sort of broke up, so they kept me in hospital for a day now they’re sending me home.” “Oh sheesh! Wish you were staying longer at least I’d have someone to talk to.” “I can come and visit you if you want Michael, my mum could bring me over.” “Would you? That would be great.” “Michael we have to go now I’ll bring Ethan over tomorrow.” “Okay Mrs Grant bye for now, bye Ethan.” They left the ward and on the way out met Michael’s parents they spoke briefly then continued on their way home. Ethan with his mother visited Michael on a regular basis every day for the first week, but with all of his family and relatives around Ethan had very little chance to speak to him alone. The second week Ethan’s mother thinking that there would be the normal crowd visiting Michael said she’d stay in the hospital cafeteria, he could go up on his own to visit Michael, as there would be too many people at Michael’s bedside. Ethan walked into the ward alone and was surprised to see only Michael’s mother there. Greeting Mrs Bolton he stood looking down on Michael. “Hi Michael.” “Don’t stand there Ethan, come and sit on the bed,” and Michael patted the bed with his good arm. As Ethan sat on the bed Mrs Bolton asked “Did you come on your own Ethan?” “No Mrs Bolton, my mum brought me but she went to have a cup of tea in the café, she thought that there would be too many people here seems like she got it wrong today.” “Well they’ll all be here later when they come back from work. Meantime I think I’ll join your mother in the café for a cuppa.” She kissed her son on the cheek and said she’d be back shortly, leaving the two boys to themselves. They sat silently looking at each other till reaching out his hand Michael took Ethan’s in his, “Thanks for coming every day, I couldn’t say it before too many people around but it means a lot to me.” Ethan was shaking inside; feeling Michael’s hand in his was sending all sorts of feelings running around his body. He clasped Michael’s hand tighter then started to sniffle. “What’s wrong Ethan?” “Don’t know I’m feeling sort of funny inside holding your hand,” Michael pulled his hand away. “No, I didn’t want you to take your hand away,” Ethan said reaching over and clasping hands again, “I meant funny nice, and really happy to see that you’re getting well,” Ethan hung his head then looking into Michaels eyes said, “You don’t think I’m a sissy wanting to hold your hand do you?” “Nothing sissyish about it, I like holding your hand as well, I’ve been wanting to touch you for ages.” “What d’you mean touch me for ages.” “I umm I sort of umm,” “Come on Michael tell me.” “Well when you first came to the school I sort of took a liking to you when I first saw you, but you didn’t pay any attention to me. Because your size some of my friends started to call you a wanker. I didn’t want my friends to think I had feelings for you so went along with the name calling. The only other way I could find to get near you so my friends wouldn’t suspect anything was to pick on you. I know it was the wrong thing to do. I didn’t have the guts to come out openly in the first place, but I suppose my image meant a lot to me then, at least I did manage to put it right in the end.” “You really wanted to be my friend from the beginning?” “Yeah, but after I stopped picking on you I hardly ever got a chance to speak to you again. You were so tied up with that Johnny character, I don’t think you even knew I existed.” “Well he was the first boy to get friendly that day and we just started going together from then.” “Yeah fat lot of good it did me.” “You’re jealous that I got friendly with Johnny, aren’t you.” Michael didn’t answer he gently pulled his hand away and lay staring at his visitor.” “Ethan reached over and clasped hands again, “Sorry didn’t mean to sound so cocky.” “You were right I was jealous of Johnny, I used to wish it was me with you all the time.” “Yeah well I used to, and still do stand in front of the mirror imagining that I was you, with big muscles, and all the boys thinking I’m their hero.” “Ha, well you had better find another model to admire, this one can’t even sit up let alone stand.” “You’ll get better Michael, I’ve always fancied you, but thought that you wouldn’t want to be friendly with a weed.” “Ethan, I suppose now is the time to tell you what’s on my mind then I want you to go home and think about it. If you don’t come back to visit me I’ll understand.” “What d’you mean?” “Shush, will you let me talk and no questions afterwards, just go home and think about it.” “Okay” Nervously Michael started to speak, “I umm uh here goes. From the very first time I saw you like I said earlier, I wanted to get to know you and be friends with you. But being seen with a boy, that my friends thought was a total looser made me back off. Only after that day when I went home with you and we got to know each other did I realise what it was within me that drove me to do what I used to do to you. It was like a love hate thing, I wanted to be with you but my image wouldn’t let me. Since we had the truce and you’ve had the chance to make friends, I thought that I would be one of those friends but it never happened. Yeah you spoke to me only a quick hello and that was it. I used to sit in my room sometimes dreaming of being your best friend, and saving you from all sorts of dangers. Then carrying you back in my arms and you were happy to be with me. The day I got knocked down I‘d been thinking of you, and when I saw you across the road I just wanted so much to talk to you that I didn’t think, just yelled your name and ran over. What I’m saying Ethan, is I like you more than any of the other boys. I don’t care if the others aren’t my friends just as long as you are I’d be happy. I know what I’ve just said sounds kind of you know queer, but I just can’t help the way I feel about you.” Ethan did as Michael requested, he released Michael’s hand stood up turned and left the ward. He made his way to the Cafeteria where his mother was talking to Mrs Bolton. After saying their goodbyes the two of them headed for the car park. Half way there Ethan stopped told his mother he had to go back and to wait for him at the car he wouldn’t be long. He headed back inside the hospital, and arrived back at the children’s ward to find Michael was still alone his Mother hadn’t returned from the Cafeteria. Ethan walked over to the bed clasped Michael’s hand, “Don’t need to go home to think about it what you said, I know what I feel when I hold your hand see you tomorrow.” “Do you have to go?” “Yeah my mums waiting in the car park, tell you what I’ll try and get her to drop me off here after my dinner.” “That would be brilliant if you could come back again.” “Will do, I promise.” With a bit of difficulty Ethan extracted his hand from Michael’s who was a bit reluctant to let it go, then made his way out to the car park where his mother was waiting for him. He was quiet in the car as they headed homewards not making any conversation and deep in thought. “A penny for them.” “Huh, what did you say? “A penny for them, your thoughts you’ve been sitting there since we left the hospital and you haven’t uttered a single word.” “Sorry mum, will you do me a favour after dinner.” “You want to visit Michael again.” “How’d you know?” “Didn’t take a lot of brain power when you came back the second time, and just sat in the car staring ahead like a zombie.” “I wasn’t like a zombie I was just thinking about something.” “Can I help in any way?” “No, not yet mum, but will you take me back after dinner you don’t have to stay just take me to the ward, and come and pick me up at nine pm.” “I don’t suppose it’s any use saying no, as you’ve most probably already told Michael you’ll be back later.” “Mum can you read minds?” “No just putting two and two together.” “So, you’ll take me back later?” “Yes, I just told you, but what about Johnny normally he comes around on a Friday evening.” “It’s okay he’s going out with his parents tonight.” Seven thirty pm and Ethan walked into the ward to see Michael’s parents and the normal visitors around his bed. There was one extra, a young boy who looked the spitting image of Michael but on a smaller and slimmer scale, which he assumed, was his brother. Again Michael beckoned him forward and blushing Ethan went and sat on the bed where he had earlier. With the visitors around they just made small talk till Michael lifted the top bedcover to let it fall over Ethan’s hand covering it, then gently slid his hand underneath till they met. No one noticed what was happening under the bedcover as the boys continued to talk at the same time squeezing each other’s hand. At eight thirty Michael’s parents and relations made ready to leave Ethan stood to one side to let them gain access to him as they wished him goodnight. Before leaving Mrs Bolton turned to Ethan and asked, “Is someone coming to take you home?” “Yes Mrs Bolton, my mum, she’ll be here at nine.” “Oh that’s good, see you again soon,” and she and the rest of the entourage left the ward. As soon as they were all out of sight Ethan turned to Michael and exclaimed! “Bloody Hell! Michael, are you crazy what if they’d seen us holding hands under the bedcover.” “I don’t really care Ethan, I’ve been longing to make friends with you for so long and now that we are it doesn’t worry me who knows about it.” “Yeah, being friends is one thing, but being seen holding hands we’ll be made fun of by all the other kids, and I don’t think our parents would be over the moon about it either,” “Okay, I’m sorry I won’t do it again, now you’ll have to excuse me for a couple of minutes I need to pee and the nurse has to attend to me.” “Alright I’ll wait till you’ve finished.” Michael pressed the call button at the side of the bed and in a few moments a nurse walked into the ward to attend to him. Ethan waited till the nurse had finished and drawn the curtains back then went over to Michael. “That must be really embarrassing to have to have her do that for you.” “Well I’m getting used to it now but the first time I felt so embarrassed I had a hard time pissing.” “Yeah I would have been the same.” “That’s the easy part the most embarrassing is when I had to use the bed pan and the nurse had to clean me afterwards. The first time I could have died, but she was really good and joked about it and we had a good laugh. So now it’s not so bad only thing is I have to lie here like a bloody mummy, till they think it’s time for me to start moving around.” “Well the time will soon pass.” “That’s okay for you to say, you don’t have to lie flat on your back for the whole day.” “Yeah I know it’s a real pain meantime is there anything I can do for you Michael.” “Yeah put your hand under the shoulder of my good arm and scratch the shoulder blade above the strapping around my chest.” “No problem,” Ethan started to slide his hand under Michael’s body when he told him to stop. “What’s the matter?” “Slide your hand under my bed shirt not on top of it.” Ethan did as he was asked and was thrilled to feel Michael’s bare skin on his hand when he passed the strapping. He reached the spot that Michael had requested and started to scratch him. As he did this he had to lean forward which brought his face much closer to Michael’s and gazed into each other’s eyes. “Is that okay where I’m scratching?” “Anywhere is okay it feels brilliant having your hand on my skin.” “So your back is not really itching at the moment.” “No, but it’s nice to feel your hand on me.” “Michael, can I ask you something?” “I can guess what it is but all the same go ahead and ask.” “Do you like going with boys, you know like doing things with them?” “I don’t like all boys, I like you, and I’ve never done anything with other boys, but I have dreamt about doing it with a boy.” “Who’s the boy you dreamt about?” “Jeez Ethan, that’s a pretty stupid question to ask.” “What d’you mean stupid?” “It’s you dumb cluck.” “Me? “Well who else do you think it could be Dennis the Menace?” Ethan was silent for a short time digesting what Michael had just said; “It’s more or less time for me to go home my mum will be waiting at reception, see you tomorrow.” “What time tomorrow?” “In the morning,” and Ethan made his way out of the ward he was halfway to the lifts when he turned back and returned to Michael. “You really dreamt about me?” “All the time.” He took Michael’s hand and squeezed it, “You going to dream about me tonight?” “What d’you think especially with you standing here holding my hand and giving me a stiffy.” “Oops sorry, I’d better go now let your stiffy go down.” “No, play with it please Ethan then I can have a really good dream.” “What.” “You heard Ethan, please, will you?” Ethan unclasped their hands and slipped his hand under the bedcovers he lifted the bed shirt and his hand soon found Michael’s throbbing member. Gently he squeezed it while groans of ecstasy escaped Michael’s lips he stroked it a couple of times and suddenly Michael stiffened, his penis throbbed and erupted as his semen blasted out onto the sheets and his groin. As he regained his senses Michael exclaimed, “Oh God Ethan that was wicked, but I need to clean up now can you do it for me there are some tissues in the bedside locker.” “Okay, jeez you must have been saving that up for some time I hardly touched you, and you exploded.” “I haven’t done it since before the accident, and having your hand on my penis was just too much and it exploded.” “That’s some appendage you’ve got there it’s huge.” “It’s not huge just average for my size.” “Bloody Hell! If that’s average I’d hate to see what big is. What you’ve got is lots bigger than mine and it’s a lot fatter as well.” “Well you’re a lot smaller than me but when you grow so will the rest of you.” “Okay now you’re cleaned up and I’ve got as much off the sheets as I can I had better go my mum will be waiting for me.” “Thanks Ethan,” Michael said as Ethan made ready to depart, “I can have some wicked dreams tonight.” “Me to,” Ethan responded, “See you tomorrow Michael,” and he left to meet his mother his mind in a whirl still marvelling at the thought of having held Michael’s cock in his hand. He knew that at the first opportunity he got when reaching home he’d have to attend to his own feelings. At the moment his penis was erect and hard as rock, and needed the same relief that he’d given Michael. The days went by with Ethan getting only a couple of chances to repeat their first moment of intimacy with Michael as he normally had someone of his family at his bedside. They did however mange to do so on a couple of occasions the second time Michael even putting his hand inside Ethan’s tracksuit bottoms and fondling him till Ethan had to stop Michael’s manipulations not wanting to eject his semen inside his underwear. The fourth week after his physiotherapy sessions and instructions on how to use his crutches the doctors decided he could go home but no school for another four weeks. Michael was thrilled to be going home although he would miss some of the staff that he’d got very friendly with. The drive home in the ambulance couldn’t end quickly enough until finally they were there and with the help of his father he made his first tentative steps outside to the front door and into the house. The spare room downstairs had been turned into a bedroom for him, so that he wouldn’t have to negotiate any stairs as there was a downstairs shower and toilet available as well. The moment he was settled in he was on the phone but was disappointed when Mrs Grant answered his call instead of Ethan. She told him that Ethan was not in but would tell him when he returned that you called. He felt a bit saddened. Ethan knew that he was coming home today, and being a Saturday there was no school so he thought that he would be at home waiting for his call. He was wondering if Ethan had gone to see Johnny and was working himself into an anxiety frenzy, thinking that now he was no longer in hospital he would have to take second place to Johnny. His thoughts were interrupted by the doorbell ringing. He heard his mother’s footsteps as she went to open the front door then return to stop outside his door a gentle knock the door opening and there was Ethan. They both grinned as they saw each other, Ethan walked over to the bed and sat beside Michael who noticing that his mother had closed the door behind Ethan took his hand in his. “So good to see you again Ethan.” “Michael what’s wrong?” “What d’you mean what’s wrong.” “Michael I can tell when you’re not so good you get all emotional, I saw you last night in the hospital and only left at nine and now you’re saying so good to see you as if you hadn’t seen me in donkey’s years.” “Okay I phoned your home and your mum told me you were out so I though because I was out of hospital you had gone to see Johnny.” “That was my fault, I told mum not to tell you I was coming around, I wanted to surprise you. So would someone be jealous if I was to go and visit Johnny.” “No I wouldn’t be I’d just umm I’d, I’d, I’d go back to my old friends that’s all and you can stay with your Johnny if that’s how you feel,” he said letting go of Ethan’s hand “Do you want me to leave then?” “You really know how to play on a person’s feelings don’t you Ethan? You know I don’t want you to leave and yes you know I’m jealous about you and Johnny and how close you are with him.” “So what do you want me to do give up my friendship with Johnny? That’s impossible he was the first good friend I made at school and I’ll never stop being his friend.” “What about me then, how do you rate me?” “I don’t make a habit of rating you or Johnny, he’s my friend the same as you are only you and I are a bit more than friendly.” “Is that the only reason that you like me for what we did to each other while I was in hospital?” “Michael, what’s with you, you’re acting like you want to drive me away and if you carry on like this I will go and I won’t come back.” “Then go, see if I give a shit run off to your stinking Johnny.” Ethan got up from Michael’s bedside grim-faced, and determined not to be forced into making choices of who he could be friendly with or not and left the room. He made his goodbyes to Michael’s family and went home. T.B.C.

A teacher is explaining biology to her 4th grade students. “Human beings are the only animals that stutter,” she says. Little Johnny raises his hand. “I had a kitty-cat who stuttered,” he volunteered. The teacher, knowing how precious some of these stories could become, asked young Johnny to describe the incident. “Well,” he began, “I was in the back yard with my kitty and the Rottweiler that lives next door got a running start and before we knew it, he jumped over the fence into our yard! “That must’ve been scary,” said the teacher. “It sure was!” said Johnny. “My kitty raised his back, went ‘Fffff, Fffff, Fffff’… and before he could say “F*ck off”, the Rottweiler ate him!”

The usual disclaimers apply to this story. Sorry about the punctuation but not one of my stronger points. Anyone wishing to edit this chapter feel free to do so. Come Away With Me Part I Ethan Grant was thirteen and the butt of Michael Bolton’s and his friend’s jokes and bullying. He was four feet eight inches tall slimly built and constantly dreamt when he would start growing like the other boys. He dressed and prepared himself for school ready to face the daily torment, which tended to make school anything but a happy experience. It hadn’t been too bad the first couple of days until Michael Bolton and his friends had stepped into the picture. At first he thought that Bolton had wanted to be friendly but when one of the boys had said, “He’s a right little wanker, a mummy’s boy,” that Bolton had seemed to change and his harassment had started on a daily basis. Reluctantly after saying “Goodbye,” to his mother he made his way to face the torture of another day at school. Surprisingly the morning period went rather well and other than a couple of snide comments he got off rather lightly. It was at the lunch break that things got a bit hectic when after his meal Michael Bolton and his followers accosted him outside in the school grounds. Michael was well over a foot taller than Ethan and nearly twice as heavy and made a habit of making Ethan’s school-life a misery. Now confronted by his tormentor and his cronies Ethan was hoping things wouldn’t get too unpleasant. He looked around to try and see if any teachers were in the vicinity that he could use as a means to escape the inevitable, but there were none in sight. “Don’t bother looking for any teachers Grant, there’s none around we’ve already checked.” “So what are you going to do to me this time Bolton?” “What’s with you wanting to know, are you some sort of punishment perv who likes to get hurt.” “No just want to prepare myself, I’m sure you get more enjoyment out of this than I do, so if there are any pervs here it must be you lot.” “The moment he finished speaking Ethan’s head was snapped back by a fist crashing into his jaw, his eyes glazed over and he crashed to the floor. The gang of boys turned and left him lying on the ground they laughed and talked excitedly about what had just happened. A couple of minutes later Ethan with tears in his eyes got to his feet, his jaw ached but thankfully no teeth were broken although there was a slight swelling to the side of his face. By the time the bell rang for the resumption of classes he’d cleaned the tearstains from his face but the swelling had increased and was quite noticeable. Mr Robertson the science teacher had made it a point of arriving in the classroom early. He had witnessed what had taken place in the playground from the Staff room window although, he had not seen who had struck the blow but he had a good idea who had. When Ethan walked into the classroom Mr Robertson stopped him and questioned him about the swelling and asking him what had happened? Feigning ignorance as to what he’d witnessed take place earlier in the playground, to see what excuse the boy would come up with to explain the cause of his injury. “I got hurt when I was playing football sir, during the lunch break” “Alright Grant you had better go and let the matron take a look at you, and Bolton, you had better accompany him to make sure he gets there in one piece otherwise you’ll have me to answer to, do you understand?” “Yes Sir,” Michael mumbled and both boys left the room and headed for the dispensary. Once outside of the classroom Bolton said, “So do you expect me to thank you for not informing Mr. Robertson that one of us had hit you?” “Look Bolton I don’t expect anything from you except more punishment so just leave me alone I didn’t want your company and I don’t particularly like you or any of your cronies either.” “Don’t get smart with me Grant or I’ll kick your arse again.” “So what’s new about that, and I’m not being smart I just stating a fact, just as you don’t like me so I don’t like you or any of your friends, is there anything wrong with that?” “Listen you little runt you’re going to be in big shit by the time we’ve finished with you.” “What’s with you, I only stated the truth, and why do you have to have your friends around when you have a go at me? Do you need to have moral support to hit me?” “Right I’ll show you I don’t need anyone around when I deal with you after school today, I’ll give you a swelling on the other side of your face to match the one you’ve already got.” “Do you really think that frightens me, you’ve hit me so many times I don’t get scared anymore just annoyed that I can’t hit you back hard enough to hurt you.” Michael grabbed the boy’s shoulder stopping him and looked him in the eyes; there was no fear only a smouldering resentment at his tormentor’s attitude. “So you want to hit me?” “Yeah.” “Okay, go ahead I’ll let you take your best shot.” “What, right now.” “Yeah there’s nobody around.” “No, there’s no point to it I won’t be able to hurt you, and if I was lucky enough to do so what would it prove.” “What do you mean what would it prove.” “Okay so I hit you and hurt you then what? Does that make me different to what I am at the moment? Does it make me cleverer, or make me better looking; no I’m still me? The only difference would be that I can hurt you when I hit you, big deal. Would that make you and your cronies leave me alone or even like me, I think not.” Michael new the smaller boy was right but was reluctant to admit it instead he sneered, “You’re so full of shit Grant, no wonder no one likes you when you start spouting out all that moral diarrhoea.” “I didn’t ask to be liked especially not by you and your friends I’m not that desperate for friendship.” After the smaller boy’s remark Michael Bolton was seething. None of the other boys had ever spoken to him like this; he thought that his popularity with the other boys made all of them wish to be friendly with him except for present company. So he retaliated in the only way he knew how. “Button your fucking lip Grant otherwise school or not I’ll beat you to a pulp if I hear anymore crap from you.” They continued their walk in silence till they reached the dispensary. The injured boy entered into it while Bolton stayed outside waiting for the smaller boy to reappear. He did after a few minutes with the Matron “Bolton I’ve spoken to the Principal and informed him that I’m sending Grant home. I can’t wait with him, as I’m busy with other patients. Your last two periods are P.E. and Games so you won’t be missing any academic periods, you can wait with him by the main gates till his mother comes to pick him up. The two boys made there way towards the main gates and waited in silence till Blake who could not contain his inquisitiveness any longer blurted out. “So what did you tell the Matron?” “Same as I told Mr Robertson.” “Oh, okay I suppose I’d better say it, thanks for not telling, although it wasn’t me that hit you.” “No need to thank me, if I had told the truth you, or one of your friends would have beaten me up again later on so I only said it to save myself another beating.” “What’s with you Grant can’t you accept someone’s thanks I was trying to be nice.” “Sorry, not used to you being nice.” “Okay, but don’t get ideas, any mouth from you in future and you’ll get another swollen jaw.” Just then a car pulled up and a very attractive, curvaceous auburn haired woman stepped out of the car. She walked towards the boys then in front of Ethan stooped down and kissed him on the cheek. “And what have you been up to that I have to come and pick you up from school.” “Nothing mum, just took a knock playing football that’s all.” “Alright get in the car and does your friend here want a lift home as well.” “Bolton you want a lift home.” “Can’t go yet my mum doesn’t get back till four.” “That’s alright,” Mrs Grant said, “umm, what’s your first name?” “Michael.” “Michael, you can come home with us till four then I’ll take you home. I’m sure Ethan will enjoy your company.” “Uh! Okay Mrs. Grant.” Michael Bolton said, with a look of embarrassment on his face as he looked across at the smaller boy. Both boys climbed into the back seats and Mrs. Grant drove off. As she drove she asked the boys how long they’d been friends as she’d never seen them together before. There was a strained silence for a few seconds before Ethan answered. “We’ve been friends for some time mum,” Ethan Grant said, throwing a quick glance at his now companion, “but normally Michael has to wait behind he’s a classroom monitor so has to make sure no one has left any belongings behind and everything is put away.” “That is a very responsible position I bet your mother is proud of you Michael?” “Umm, well she doesn’t know I haven’t told her yet.” “That’s very commendable not very often you come across a boy who doesn’t brag about what he’s achieved in school. Take Ethan here he’s always talking about how many friends he has and how well he’s liked by all the boys.” Before the mother could continue Ethan interrupted her. “Mum, stop going on you’re embarrassing Michael.” “Sorry Michael didn’t mean to.” Thankfully for Michael and Ethan the drive didn’t last much longer before they arrived at their destination. While his mother parked the car Ethan led Michael into the house. He asked him if he wanted anything to eat or drink. A coke was requested if any was available which Ethan supplied from the fridge. As they seated themselves in the sitting room Mrs. Grant came in telling the boys she had just remembered that she had to go out again but would be back in time to take Michael home. Kissing Ethan she made her goodbyes to the boys and left. As soon as Ethan’s mother had left Michael turned to him saying. “Jeez you’re one helluva a liar where did all that come from?” “I’ve had heaps of practice,” the smaller boy said hanging his head, “when you’re not very popular and have no friends and your mum thinks that everyone must like her son then you have to learn to lie to keep her happy.” “What does your dad think?” Ethan Grant lifted his head staring at the boy sitting across from him, “Don’t know he’s not around to worry about, just my mum. I think he’s married to some other woman and is overseas in the army.” “I suppose you must hate my guts for having a go at you every day.” There was no response from Ethan he just sat silently looking at the other boy. “You can say what you want I’m not going to beat you up, especially not in your own home.” “I know that, the smaller of the two said. “But there is always tomorrow at school or the days after.” “Okay Grant I promise not to hit you, now tell me.” “No I’m not going to say a word, maybe today and tomorrow you’ll be okay but then later you might just revert to your normal self.” “I’m telling you, you arsehole, I’m not going to do anything.” “Why don’t you just listen to yourself then tell me why I don’t tell you what I think of you.” “Michael Bolton was silent for a while then said, “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to sound off like that for some reason when I’m near you after a time it just happens. I’m not sure why but I just seem to lose control and I have a go at you if not orally then physically.” “That’s okay for you, but it doesn’t make me feel any better seeing that I’m on the receiving end.” “Alright I’m really sorry, I know that it’s rough for you but what else can I do to make it alright?” “Depends on how long you intend to stay in this frame of mind, if you can keep it till we’re at school tomorrow then you could ask your mates to lay off.” “Okay consider it done.” So now what are we going to do till your mum comes back?” “Do you want to watch the telly or a video?” “Not a video it’s not far of four pm and I won’t have time to watch it all.” “Okay Michael what about games on my pc we can play one of them.” Michael Bolton was silent for a moment just looking at the smaller boy as he heard him use his Christian name in that high pitched voice of his.” “What’s up did I say something wrong?” “No I just feel bad about you being nice to me after Jones hit you in the face at school. I feel like a real worm now thinking about it. There were six of us all bigger than you and you weren’t scared to said what you had to.” “Can we just drop the subject Michael you’ve apologized already?” “Ethan.” “Yeah.” “Will you really tell me what you think of me if I promise I’ll never hit or swear at you again.” “It really doesn’t make any difference if you promise or not at least I’ve got the chance to tell you now so here goes.” He looked directly into the larger boys eyes, “You are the nicest looking boy I’ve had the misfortune to know. When I first saw you I really thought that I could get to like you but jeez did I get it wrong. For some reason I don’t know why you seemed to take an instant dislike to me, and that’s when life at school became less than pleasant for me. From the moment you and your friends started on me any chance I had of forming any friendships with other boys went out of the window. They’re all too scared to associate with me in case you all take it into your small little minds to start on them as well. I sometimes think why are there boys like you in the world that take pleasure out of hurting someone who has done nothing to make you dislike them. I wonder why parents can’t see their kids like you and your friends for what you really are. Or maybe your parents don’t really give a shit what you do and how you act and let you run wild, that’s the reason why you behave the way you do. Frankly I think I’ve seen better things crawl out of the gutter than you and your mates, and as for intelligence you’ve all got as much as a turd.” With head bowed he was silent for a moment then lifting his head and looking directly at the bigger boy he said, “That’s it now you can think and do what you like you asked me what I thought of you, and now you’ve got my answer.” Michael Bolton sat quietly for a while, he’d never felt so humiliated or insulted in all his life, swear words normally used at him by other boys just bounced off and he could give as well as he got, but being spoken to in this manner was absolutely humiliating. The only recourse he had was to say, “My parents do care how I behave and if they’d heard what you just said I think I would have been in big shit. I never bothered to look at it the way you just explained, as you said we must have been small-minded and brainless to do what we did. I don’t expect you to forget everything overnight but if you can later on I wouldn’t mind being your friend if you wanted my friendship.” “I’m sorry for saying that your parents didn’t give a shit it was uncalled for but I got a bit angry.” “It’s okay if it was me I think I’d have used a lot worse language than that but I don’t think it would have been as effective. Where the hell did you get to talk like that?” “What do you mean talk like that.” “Insult a guy without screaming or swearing at him.” “Oh, well there was this kid at my last school who used to make you feel like a worm when he used to open his mouth to insult someone. I used to listen to him and sort of copied him but I’m no way as good as he is. I didn’t really mean what I said about you, but that’s what happens when you get a chance to get back at someone who has been bugging you from day one.” “You don’t know how close I came to breaking my promise. I felt like kicking you in the goolies when you said my parents didn’t give a shit how I behaved or I had as much intelligence as a turd that really hurt. “It was meant to hurt you, and to pay you back, but I’m only sorry that I couldn’t say the same to your friends some of them deserved it more than you.” Before the conversation could be continued Ethan’s mother returned breezing into the sitting room she announced, “Is Michael ready to go home.” With affirmative sounds from the boys they all trooped out to the car the two boys sitting in the back as Ethan’s mother roared of down the road towards Michael’s house. Outside his house Michael jumped out of the car thanking Mrs Grant then sticking his head into the rear window he said, “Bye Ethan see you at school tomorrow. For the first time in a month Ethan was ready and raring to go and not having any misgivings about attending school. Since yesterday it seemed like the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders. He kissed his mother goodbye and with a decided spring in his step headed for school. Unfortunately none of Michael’s friends had been informed of his promise of not to hit Ethan. So it was a complete shock to him when he felt himself falling as he was tripped from behind and lay sprawled on the floor and his clothes soiled by the dirt from the pathway. The boys laughed some actually stepping on his back as they filed past him adding to the hurt and embarrassment. The tears flowed down his cheeks, not from any pain but from the sheer frustration of having thought he was not going to experience any more harassment only to have his hopes dashed in such a short space of time. As he started to get to his feet he felt a pair of hands helping him then a voice. “What happened Ethan?” He turned at the sound of Michael’s voice. “Some of your friends did the usual.” “Shit! I’m sorry I’ll have a go at them later.” “No leave it Michael you can’t blame them they didn’t know about your promise yesterday and in any case it was you that made the promise not them” “Okay but I’ll warn them to lay off in future. Come on we had better get you cleaned up in school before we attend assembly.” They continued their way to school together getting puzzled looks from some of the boys who knew of the enmity that normally existed between the two boys. Reaching school they headed for the washrooms. Inside Michael took some paper towels slightly wet them then proceeded to try and wipe off as much of the stains on Ethan’s clothing that he could. After attending to the clothing he wet another towel then gently started to clean the tearstained face. When he’d finished he said, “That doesn’t look too bad,” “Thanks Michael it makes me feel a whole lot better.” “Well that makes up for yesterday now if you’re up to it lets get to assembly.” The boys made their way to the assembly hall then once inside split up to go to their respective places. As Ethan reached his place John Stevens one of the boys who’d witnessed Michael helping him asked, “What‘s with you and Bolton?” “Nothing.” “What do you mean nothing; yesterday he was half killing you today he’s helping you get cleaned up. Have you got something on him with which you can blackmail him?” “Such as?” “I don’t know but it’s very funny him helping you.” “Nothing funny about it at all,” Ethan said, “he came to my house yesterday and we had a talk and he just said that he’d lay off me in future that’s all.” “Okay but what about his moron friends will they leave you alone?” “Not sure will just have to wait and see.” “I hope for your sake they do Ethan. Sometimes I used to get really angry the way they used to treat you but was too scared to do anything in case they started on me.” “It’s okay Johnny I don’t blame you for not doing anything, most probably I would have done the same in your position.” And leave him alone they did. Ethan’s school life improved dramatically he made friends with a few of the other boys but Johnny was his closest friend. They were constantly together at every possible moment. He did from time to time talk to Michael but only fleetingly he was too engrossed with his friendship with Johnny to spare more time for him. Michael on the other hand had become more subdued he didn’t exert his authority in the classroom like he did previously, and was not as feared by the smaller boys as he used to be. Since his talk with Ethan he realised that if his parents had known how he behaved in school they would have been ashamed of him. Now he was trying to make amends, he hadn’t dropped his usual friends he only didn’t associate with them to the extent that he used to. The down side was that inside he was hurting. He thought that after his understanding with Ethan that they would become firm friends but quite the opposite had happened. Other than the cursory, “Hi Michael,” that would be it and Ethan would be on his way jabbering away with his friend who seemed to be constantly at his side. He envied Johnny solely for the reason that he and Ethan were so friendly and often wished that it was he and not Johnny at Ethan’s side. This evening in the privacy of his bedroom Michael sat and contemplated his actions of the past and realised that it was expecting too much to think that Ethan would forget and let bygones be bygones and become a close friend. He had thought that after the day that he’d spent at Ethan’s house that he would be a constant visitor but that experience was never repeated. It was the one and only time he’d visited, yet from the conversation he’d overheard Johnny was around there on a regular basis. Michael had friends but none that he could call really close and when he’d first seen Ethan had taken a liking to him only to have any thoughts of friendship dashed as one of his friends made the remark, “Another pretty boy wanker I bet he’s a mummy’s boy. So rather than seen to be getting friendly with Ethan he kept his distance and eventually joining in the bullying of him. Now thinking back he came to understand why he had constantly picked on Ethan. It was one way that he could actually make contact with the boy without seeming to be wanting too. He liked the smaller boy but his macho image meant a lot to him at the time. Now he wished that he’d been a bit braver not to worry what the other boys thought and instead become friendly with Ethan, now any chances of his getting friendly with Ethan had taken a severe denting. Lately he’d sit in his room fantasizing how he would rescue Ethan from the bullies, or in the swimming pool when an attack of cramp had him going under, or whatever took his imagination with the inevitable outcome of Ethan regarding him as his hero. All this fantasizing was because Michael craved Ethan’s friendship even yearned for it and at times so much so, that he had thoughts of resorting to harassing Ethan to gain his attention again. But decided against it, fearing that it might lead to the boy hating him again. He gave up on his thoughts of getting Ethan to notice him and went into the kitchen where his mother was preparing the evening meal. “Hi mum the food not ready yet.” “No, and what are you doing moping around here instead of being out with your friends.” “They’re not really friends only boys that I know at school I see them there all day so I don’t want to see them after school as well.” “Then why did you always want to be out after school only a few weeks back and now all of a sudden you’re stuck in the house and even playing with your younger brother who you never seemed to have time for before.” “Oh okay I’m going out to the park I’ll be back later.” “Just make sure it’s not too late otherwise you’ll have your father coming out searching for you.” “Okay bye mum,” and Michael left to try and put his thoughts about Ethan out of his head. He met his friends in the park and kicked a ball around with them for about half an hour then decided to head home. As he came to the main road he saw Ethan walking on the other side of the road. Dropping all his inhibitions he yelled across to him and started to run over, and then darkness.

Watched this movie online and really enjoyed it. Below is a brief review of the Film. It's a French film with English subs. Nathan, 16, lives alone with his father Stephane. A newcomer in high school, he is invited to a party and falls in love with Louis, a boy in his class. They find themselves out of sight and kiss each other, but someone takes a picture of them. Soon, the photo is published on Facebook and a storm overtakes their lives as they face bullying and rejection.

Funny Boy by Shyam Selvadurai Below is one of many reviews I copied from Good Reads. When adults say Arjie is "funny", he knows they don't mean it in any way he's familiar with the word. It's not until he's fourteen and falling in love with his best friend that he realizes what they meant and why he's always felt different. Set in Sri Lanka during the '70s and '80s, the book also deals with the racial tensions at the time, as Arjie becomes more and more aware of the growing conflict the older he gets.This is not a young adult book, but rather a book about children/teens.

The only link I know of is Amazon where I downloaded it with Kindle

Marlowe’s book describes the erotic awakening of a precocious 13-year-old aristocrat called Alexander Aylmer. The year is 1983, and in his second month as a member of (the fictional) Peyntors House – ‘a very old-fashioned house, the most old-fashioned in the school’ – Aylmer has just enjoyed his first orgasm: He soon discovers new friends, interesting teachers and the hopes and frustrations that arrive with puberty. Timid Julian Smith, three years older, nurses two secrets he is terrified the other boys might discover: his humble background and his being hopelessly in love with Alexander.

These are the only verse I can remember, if you know of others you can if you wish add to it, I'd like to see them. The Good Ship Venus T’was on the good ship Venus Good God you should have seen us The figurehead was a whore in bed And the captain’s name was penis. Now the captain of this lugger He was a dirty bugger He wasn’t fit to shovel shit From one ship to another. The first mates name was Harper He was a musical farter. He could fart anything From God save the King To Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata. The cabin boy was kipper He was a crafty nipper He stuffed his arse with broken glass And circumcised the skipper. The Chief Steward was named Andy And considered himself a dandy They lashed his dick with a walking stick For pissing in the brandy The Captains daughter Mabel Did all that she was able She gave the crew their daily screw, Upon the kitchen Table.

Javed He stood by the water feature in the mall, eyeing the various people that passed him by. Sizing them up he rejected them one by one, either because of their appearance which did not appeal to him, or, that they went past him as if he did not exist. The boy was young, it was hard to judge his age he could have been anywhere between eight and eleven. He was black-haired with a light brown complexion; his eyes were big and dark brown verging on black. Like most young boys the eyelashes were long and curled, with thin black eyebrows above them. His nose was small and slightly up turned, and lips that were full and red looked like they’d been coloured by sucking a strawberry Popsicle. Being summer he was dressed in a baggy T-shirt sporting a Nike motif on the left breast. His combat shorts reached below his knees, and his tanned hairless legs flowed into a pair of white socks and trainers. The boy was about 4ft. 6inches in height, slim and stood with a look of despair on his face. He’d been standing in the same spot for nearly twenty minutes as he sized up the adults that went past. Then the look on his face changed. From a look of despair and frustration, his eyes suddenly brightened and became more alert. He moved his position more into the centre of the walkway, knowing the person that he had seen would have to pass close to him as he went by. The man noticed the child standing in the walkway ahead of him and as he approached he made eye contact with the boy and smiled. He looked down at the child when he was alongside him. The boy’s mouth opened and tried to speak. His mouth moved but only a croak came out. Stopping the man looked down at the boy and asked? “What was that?” The boy’s mouth moved again, and again the same croak came forth The man reached down placed his hands under the boy’s armpits and lifted him. When he had the boy at eye level he placed an arm around the boy’s upper thighs and supported him in his arms. “Okay, you don’t have to be frightened what was it you wanted to say?” “Will you take me home with you.” “Will I, did I hear you right? Say that again.” The boy repeated his request for the man to take him home. “That’s what I thought you said.” “Yes, if you don’t mind.” “Hold it, not so fast.” The man said setting the boy down on his feet. “We need to discuss this a bit more. Would you like to talk this over a cup of coffee or milkshake.” “Okay, there’s a McDonalds just down the ways we could go there. “Well lead on my fine friend and I’ll follow.” The boy took the man’s hand and said. “You don’t have to follow you can walk alongside me.” “Umm, that was just a figure of speech.” “Oh okay whatever, come on,” as he dragged the man towards the fast food outlet. When they arrived after enquiring what the boy wanted he went to the counter and placed the order and stood waiting till it was ready. He picked up the food and drinks and made his way over to the table that the boy was seated at. “One quarter pounder and a chocolate milkshake right,” he said, setting it in front of the boy. “Yeah thanks a lot,” and the boy didn’t stand on ceremony as he started attacking the food. The man sat down and watched the boy as he ate not saying a word content to wait till the boy was finished. At the same time his mind was in overdrive thinking what was he supposed to say. With cheeks bulging with food the boy said, “So what do you want to discuss?” “What are you doing away from home and why aren’t you in school instead of in the Mall?” Swallowing a mouthful of food the boy replied, “I was running away from home.” “Oh I see, and what’s the reason for your running away?” The boy took another bite of his burgher and with bulging cheeks and with his head bowed he mumbled, “My dad doesn’t love me.” “And what makes you think that?” Again the boy swallowed before answering, “Well he’s always too busy to come and attend any parent days at school, or watch me play in the school soccer matches,” and paused to take a sip of his drink before continuing. “Sometimes he doesn’t come home until I’ve gone to bed. Yesterday was the final of the Inter School Cup competition and I scored, and our team won 3-0 and he didn’t come to watch me play. Everybody else’s dad was there, but only my mum came but she doesn’t understand football like dad.” “What job does your Father do?” “He’s a doctor.” “So don’t you think that’s why he couldn’t come to see you all those times because he was busy?” Taking another sip of his drink the boy replied, “There are other doctors they could do the work if he came to see me at the school couldn’t they.” “Yes, I suppose so if they were just normal everyday cases, but if they weren’t then he would have to stay at the hospital.” “That’s what he always says.” “Would you like to come with me now that you’ve nearly finished your burgher and milkshake before I take you home?” The man said, “I’d like to show you something.” Taking a last mouthful of chocolate milkshake and swallowing , “Okay,” the boy said, getting to his feet. “Before we go do you mind if I make a phone call first.” “Alright.” The man went to one side and took out his mobile phone, dialled and made his call, he spoke for a few minutes then put the phone away and returned to the boy’s side. “Taking the boys hand he said, “Right, let’s go.” They walked in silence to the man’s car they got in and the man drove off, while driving he turned and asked the boy? “You didn’t take a lot with you if you’re running away.” “I didn’t want to be tied down with anything heavy,” the boy said looking at the man, “I took all my money that’s all I need.” “How much have you got?” “Forty pounds.” “That’s doesn’t seem to be very much money.” “It’s a lot of money,” the boy said with a tone of indignation in his voice, “It’s all my savings. I bet I can go really far away with it.” “Well how far do you want to go? “I dunno, maybe a zillion miles away.” “That is far, but have you got your passport with you?” “Shhhhhugar!” The boy exclaimed looking at the man, “I didn’t think of that. Maybe I can get a forged passport” “That will cost you money.” “Well how much do they want for a forged passport 5 pounds?” “Umm I’m not too sure, but I think it might be quite a bit more than that.” “Well I’m not going to pay any more, they’ll have to take what I give them.” “Okay we’ll talk about that later we’re coming to where I wanted to take you.” The man parked the car. When they got out he took the boy’s hand and led him into the building. They walked down endless corridors with people acknowledging the man and giving the boy a questioning glance, till they entered through some doors. He led the boy inside the room and then to the side of a bed then turning to the boy he said, “This is Jonathan he was knocked down by a car yesterday and he’s still unconscious. We hope he’ll be okay we don’t know yet, we’ll only know when he opens his eyes and he starts to talk,” then indicating to the people by the bedside “This gentleman and woman are Jonathan’s parents.” “Hello Doctor is everything alright any reason for you to come back.” “Yes everything’s fine I just wanted Javed here," indicating towards the boy. "To know why I was unable to attend a football match yesterday.” “Is he your son doctor?” The woman asked. “Yes.” Turning to the boy, “Javed,” the woman said, “Your dad was in the hospital for nearly twelve hours yesterday helping Jonathan if it wasn’t for him Jonathan may not be alive now. You must be really proud of your dad for all the people he helps.” “Yes I am very proud of him,” the boy said shyly, “But I didn’t know how important he was, and how much people depended on him.” The man addressed the parents saying, “I’ll be back tomorrow to see Jonathan, bye for now Mr & Mrs Wright.” “Bye Doctor, bye Javed,” they responded. The man and boy left the ward walking hand in hand. “Sorry Dad.” “What’s to be sorry about?” “Running away.” “Well we knew you hadn’t gone very far, when you left a note for your mother telling her where you had gone.” “Well yeah, I didn’t want her to worry. You know how she is.” “That was very thoughtful of you Javed.” “Dad.” “Yes Javed.” “If you have heaps of operations then it’s okay for you not to come to the school plays, or football matches.” The man stopped lifted the boy into his arms and brought their lips together in a gentle kiss then lowering the boy to the ground said, “Thanks son, come on let’s go, your mum is waiting anxiously to see you.” With feelings of well being Father and son walking hand in hand made their way home. The End. Back to top

Have done what a couple of you guys have suggested and posted the story in Flash Fiction

Javed He stood by the water feature in the mall, eyeing the various people that passed him by. Sizing them up he rejected them one by one, either because of their appearance which did not appeal to him, or, that they went past him as if he did not exist. The boy was young, it was hard to judge his age he could have been anywhere between eight and eleven. He was black-haired with a light brown complexion; his eyes were big and dark brown verging on black. Like most young boys the eyelashes were long and curled, with thin black eyebrows above them. His nose was small and slightly up turned, and lips that were full and red looked like they’d been coloured by sucking a strawberry Popsicle. Being summer he was dressed in a baggy T-shirt sporting a Nike motif on the left breast. His combat shorts reached below his knees, and his tanned hairless legs flowed into a pair of white socks and trainers. The boy was about 4ft. 6inches in height, slim and stood with a look of despair on his face. He’d been standing in the same spot for nearly twenty minutes as he sized up the adults that went past. Then the look on his face changed. From a look of despair and frustration, his eyes suddenly brightened and became more alert. He moved his position more into the centre of the walkway, knowing the person that he had seen would have to pass close to him as he went by. The man noticed the child standing in the walkway ahead of him and as he approached he made eye contact with the boy and smiled. He looked down at the child when he was alongside him. The boy’s mouth opened and tried to speak. His mouth moved but only a croak came out. Stopping the man looked down at the boy and asked? “What was that?” The boy’s mouth moved again, and again the same croak came forth The man reached down placed his hands under the boy’s armpits and lifted him. When he had the boy at eye level he placed an arm around the boy’s upper thighs and supported him in his arms. “Okay, you don’t have to be frightened what was it you wanted to say?” “Will you take me home with you.” “Will I, did I hear you right? Say that again.” The boy repeated his request for the man to take him home. “That’s what I thought you said.” “Yes, if you don’t mind.” “Hold it, not so fast.” The man said setting the boy down on his feet. “We need to discuss this a bit more. Would you like to talk this over a cup of coffee or milkshake.” “Okay, there’s a McDonalds just down the ways we could go there. “Well lead on my fine friend and I’ll follow.” The boy took the man’s hand and said. “You don’t have to follow you can walk alongside me.” “Umm, that was just a figure of speech.” “Oh okay whatever, come on,” as he dragged the man towards the fast food outlet. When they arrived after enquiring what the boy wanted he went to the counter and placed the order and stood waiting till it was ready. He picked up the food and drinks and made his way over to the table that the boy was seated at. “One quarter pounder and a chocolate milkshake right,” he said, setting it in front of the boy. “Yeah thanks a lot,” and the boy didn’t stand on ceremony as he started attacking the food. The man sat down and watched the boy as he ate not saying a word content to wait till the boy was finished. At the same time his mind was in overdrive thinking what was he supposed to say. With cheeks bulging with food the boy said, “So what do you want to discuss?” “What are you doing away from home and why aren’t you in school instead of in the Mall?” Swallowing a mouthful of food the boy replied, “I was running away from home.” “Oh I see, and what’s the reason for your running away?” The boy took another bite of his burgher and with bulging cheeks and with his head bowed he mumbled, “My dad doesn’t love me.” “And what makes you think that?” Again the boy swallowed before answering, “Well he’s always too busy to come and attend any parent days at school, or watch me play in the school soccer matches,” and paused to take a sip of his drink before continuing. “Sometimes he doesn’t come home until I’ve gone to bed. Yesterday was the final of the Inter School Cup competition and I scored, and our team won 3-0 and he didn’t come to watch me play. Everybody else’s dad was there, but only my mum came but she doesn’t understand football like dad.” “What job does your Father do?” “He’s a doctor.” “So don’t you think that’s why he couldn’t come to see you all those times because he was busy?” Taking another sip of his drink the boy replied, “There are other doctors they could do the work if he came to see me at the school couldn’t they.” “Yes, I suppose so if they were just normal everyday cases, but if they weren’t then he would have to stay at the hospital.” “That’s what he always says.” “Would you like to come with me now that you’ve nearly finished your burgher and milkshake before I take you home?” The man said, “I’d like to show you something.” Taking a last mouthful of chocolate milkshake and swallowing , “Okay,” the boy said, getting to his feet. “Before we go do you mind if I make a phone call first.” “Alright.” The man went to one side and took out his mobile phone, dialled and made his call, he spoke for a few minutes then put the phone away and returned to the boy’s side. “Taking the boys hand he said, “Right, let’s go.” They walked in silence to the man’s car they got in and the man drove off, while driving he turned and asked the boy? “You didn’t take a lot with you if you’re running away.” “I didn’t want to be tied down with anything heavy,” the boy said looking at the man, “I took all my money that’s all I need.” “How much have you got?” “Forty pounds.” “That’s doesn’t seem to be very much money.” “It’s a lot of money,” the boy said with a tone of indignation in his voice, “It’s all my savings. I bet I can go really far away with it.” “Well how far do you want to go? “I dunno, maybe a zillion miles away.” “That is far, but have you got your passport with you?” “Shhhhhugar!” The boy exclaimed looking at the man, “I didn’t think of that. Maybe I can get a forged passport” “That will cost you money.” “Well how much do they want for a forged passport 5 pounds?” “Umm I’m not too sure, but I think it might be quite a bit more than that.” “Well I’m not going to pay any more, they’ll have to take what I give them.” “Okay we’ll talk about that later we’re coming to where I wanted to take you.” The man parked the car. When they got out he took the boy’s hand and led him into the building. They walked down endless corridors with people acknowledging the man and giving the boy a questioning glance, till they entered through some doors. He led the boy inside the room and then to the side of a bed then turning to the boy he said, “This is Jonathan he was knocked down by a car yesterday and he’s still unconscious. We hope he’ll be okay we don’t know yet, we’ll only know when he opens his eyes and he starts to talk,” then indicating to the people by the bedside “This gentleman and woman are Jonathan’s parents.” “Hello Doctor is everything alright any reason for you to come back.” “Yes everything’s fine I just wanted Javed here," indicating towards the boy. "To know why I was unable to attend a football match yesterday.” “Is he your son doctor?” The woman asked. “Yes.” Turning to the boy, “Javed,” the woman said, “Your dad was in the hospital for nearly twelve hours yesterday helping Jonathan if it wasn’t for him Jonathan may not be alive now. You must be really proud of your dad for all the people he helps.” “Yes I am very proud of him,” the boy said shyly, “But I didn’t know how important he was, and how much people depended on him.” The man addressed the parents saying, “I’ll be back tomorrow to see Jonathan, bye for now Mr & Mrs Wright.” “Bye Doctor, bye Javed,” they responded. The man and boy left the ward walking hand in hand. “Sorry Dad.” “What’s to be sorry about?” “Running away.” “Well we knew you hadn’t gone very far, when you left a note for your mother telling her where you had gone.” “Well yeah, I didn’t want her to worry. You know how she is.” “That was very thoughtful of you Javed.” “Dad.” “Yes Javed.” “If you have heaps of operations then it’s okay for you not to come to the school plays, or football matches.” The man stopped lifted the boy into his arms and brought their lips together in a gentle kiss then lowering the boy to the ground said, “Thanks son, come on let’s go, your mum is waiting anxiously to see you.” With feelings of well being Father and son walking hand in hand made their way home. The End.

Loved it even downloaded it

Hilarious but absolutely brilliant

Touching story A five-year-old boy and his grandfather are sitting on the front porch together, when grandpa pulled a beer out of the cooler. The little boy asked, 'Grandpa, can I have a beer?' Grandpa replied, 'Can your pecker touch your ass?' The little boy answered, 'No Grandpa, it's just a little pecker!' Grandpa said, 'Then you're not man enough to have a beer.' A little later Grandpa lit up a cigar. The little boy asked, 'Grandpa, can I have a cigar?' Once again, Grandpa asked, 'Can your pecker touch your ass?' The little boy answered 'no,' again. Grandpa said, 'Then you're not man enough to have a cigar.' A little later, the boy came out of the house with some cookies and milk. Grandpa asked, 'Can I have a cookie?' The boy asked, 'Can your pecker touch your ass?' Grandpa replied, 'Hell yeah, my pecker can touch my ass!' The boy replied, 'Then go f--k yourself!... Grandma made these for me!' While on the subject of Grandparents Below is Grandma's Letter The other day I went up to a local Christian bookstore and saw a "Honk if you love Jesus" bumper sticker. I was feeling particularly sassy that day, because I had just come from a thrilling choir practice followed by a powerful prayer meeting, so I bought the sticker and put it on my bumper. I was stopped at a red light at a busy intersection just lost in thought about the Lord and how good He is, and I didn't notice that the light had changed. It is a good thing someone else loves Jesus; because if he hadn't honked, I'd never have noticed. I found that LOTS of people love Jesus. Why, while I was sitting there, the nice man behind started honking like crazy, and he leaned out of his window and screamed, "for the love of God, GO! GO!" What an exuberant cheerleader he was for the Lord. Everyone started honking! I just leaned out of my window and started waving and smiling at all these loving people. I even honked my horn a few times to share in the love. There must have been a man from Florida back there , because I heard him yelling something about a sunny beach. I saw another man waving in a funny way with only his middle finger stuck up in the air. When I asked my teenage grandson in the back seat what that meant, he said that it was an Hawaiian good luck sign or something. Well, I've never met anyone from Hawaii , so I leaned out the window and gave him the good luck sign back. My grandson burst out laughing; why even he was enjoying this religious experience. A couple of the people were so caught up in the joy of the moment that they got out of their cars and started walking towards me. I bet they wanted to pray or ask what church I attended, but this is when I noticed the light had changed. So I waved to all my sisters and brothers, smiled at them all, and drove on through the intersection. I noticed I was the only car that got through the intersection before the light changed again, and I felt kind of sad that I had to leave them after all the love we had shared, so I slowed the car down, leaned out of the window, and gave them all the Hawaiian good luck sign one last time as I drove away. Praise the Lord for such wonderful folks!

A teacher is explaining biology to her 4th grade students. Human beings are the only animals that stutter, ' she says. A little girl raises her hand. ' I had a kitty-cat who stuttered, ' she volunteered. The teacher, knowing how precious some of these stories could become, asked the girl to describe the incident. Well, ' she began, ' I was in the back yard with my kitty and the Rottweiler that lives next door got a running start and before we knew it, he jumped over the fence into our yard! That must 've been scary, ' said the teacher. It sure was, ' said the little girl. ' My kitty raised his back, went ' Fffff, Fffff, Fffff ' ... And before he could say ' f--k off ' , the Rottweiler ate him

Part 2. Surprisingly enough he'd enjoyed the movie, and the disappointment of not meeting Matthew, although still painful he’d decided that he could live with it, as he had done with his parent's abandonment of him. Now that he was older and more hardened, he'd put the episode of being rejected a second time to the back of his mind, and decided to continue with his life. That night after reading his book he lay in his bed thinking that at this moment in his life the one and only person he could rely on not to let him down was his aunt Jenny. She never failed him in his emotional or monetary needs. She was not rich far from it, but whenever she needed to find the money he required for something, whether it be clothing, or games for his play station, or for the book that he was at present reading, she always found the means to do so. His aunt had not always lived on her own. He remembered hearing his parents talking about his aunt Jenny just before his ninth birthday, and how sorry they felt for her. She had been involved in a motor accident with her husband. He had been killed, and she badly injured, not only losing the baby that she was expecting but not being able to have anymore. To add insult to injury her husband had not renewed the car insurance which left her with no compensation. He lay his head on the pillow and slept without any thought of wanting to fantasize about Matthew, he'd decided that there was no point of living a life of make belief, when the person concerned had rejected him, and like his parents Matthew, would soon just be a distant memory. Monday morning he was up dressed and ready for school. After his breakfast and saying goodbye to his aunt he left the house and made his way to his place of learning. He didn't go by his more recent route but reverted to the way he took when he first started going to school on his own. This meant that he wouldn't have to pass the Benson's house and that way ensuring that there wouldn't be any accidental meeting with Matthew or his obnoxious brother as they didn't attend the same school as himself. Instead of walking up Alan Street and then turning into Crampton Road he crossed over and walked straight up Broomfield Road which was more or less adjacent to their flats. At the top of Broomfield road he crossed the main road and walked down a passage way between the houses that brought him to a gate which was opened at 8.00am by the school caretaker. He passed through the gates and looked across the playing fields to the school. This used to be his normal route until one day after a particular heavy downpour the fields were totally waterlogged, and he decided to walk the long way round which took him down Crampton road, and past the Benson house where he first saw the boys. Because of that chance sighting of Matthew, he changed his route to school so that he could see the boy he secretly admired. As he entered the playing field noting the other pupils who took the same shortcut turning and staring at him, he did what he normally did and ignored them. At least it's only going to be for a week, and then the summer break, he thought. Won't have to worry about meeting up with Matthew and his brother again, except of course when we go to the supermarket, but I think that was a one off as I've never seen them there before." The rest of the week followed the same pattern and he was pleased when Friday 3.30pm came and they broke up for the summer recess. It had been nearly two weeks since Matthew had last seen Shandy and he desperately wanted to meet the boy again. He'd got back from school as early as possible in the hope of seeing Shandy making his way back home but the boy had not passed down their road for the whole of the final week of school. He'd thought of calling at his house, but again worried that his aunt had stopped him from visiting he decided against doing so. All he was left with now was the fantasies that he conjured up at night in his bed or at other times of the day when he was at a loose end of the boy who he so nearly got to know. Shandy spent the first week of his holiday with mostly watching the box and reading his book, and doing the odd errand for his aunt while she was at work. He'd have to wait for the third week of the holiday when his aunt would start her summer recess from work, and they would be able to go away for a ten day break. He had an idea that their destination would be Cornwall, as he'd seen his aunt looking at some brochures she acquired from the travel agents. It would be nice to get away from the flats, he thought, and be able to live in surroundings that made life a lot more pleasant. He'd been reluctant to go to with his aunt to the supermarket at the weekends, fearing that they might run into Matthew or his brother, but luckily both visits were trouble free and he gave huge sighs of relief as they exited the store. Today he'd decided to go to the movies as Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire were on at the Shopping Mall cinema. He normally didn't go to the movies on his own, but as his aunt was working all this week, and if they were going away next week on holiday he didn't want to miss it. Normally on a Monday afternoon there were far fewer patrons so he wouldn't have to queue to enter the cinema. He made his way by bus to the Shopping Mall where the movie was showing at Multi-Screen complex. He jumped off the bus and walked into the Mall made his way along the walkway and into the foyer of the cinema. He bought his ticket then turned and headed towards the confectionary counter when he saw Matthew's brother with three other boys. The moment he saw the boy Shandy's heart sank, he just knew that the boy would try something and his intuitions were not unfounded. They followed him to the confectionary counter and took up positions on either side of him. Matthew's brother John was the first to make a remark. "Terrible stink around here isn't there," he said in an exaggeratedly loud voice. "Yeah I wonder what it can be," one of John's friends said, "Smells very much like a stinky council boy. Bet you he hasn't had a bath for a month." Shandy didn't wait to be served but walked away from the counter, as he left he heard the other boys laughing. He decided to stay at the far end of the foyer till they were allowed to enter for the next showing of The Goblet of Fire. When they were ready to let the people in he made sure that he saw that John, and his friends entered well before him. That allowed him to take his seat as far away from them as he possibly could be, and he could sit back and enjoy the movie. When the film ended he was one of the first out of the door and more or less running to the bus stop. He was lucky he only had to wait about a minute and the bus was there without John and his friends anywhere in sight. He sat down and relaxed for the first time since seeing John in the foyer, he wouldn't have been too worried if it had been John on his own, although he was smaller than John he felt he could give as good as he got in a one-to-one. But four to one, he wasn't stupid that was asking for trouble, and in any case he really wasn't into any form of confrontation be it physical, or verbal. At the cinema John and his friends had walked outside and into the nearest street where they waited at a pre-arranged location for Matthew to come and pick them up, so Shandy's fears of being confronted by them after the film were unfounded. They didn't have to wait too long before their ride drew into the kerb and the four boys climbed into the car. After dropping the three boys off the two brothers headed home. "Guess who we saw at the cinema Matthew?" "No idea, tell me." "That kid you gave a lift to a couple of weeks back,” John said smirking, “Umm can't remember his name, but we gave him a bit of a hard time at the cinema just as I did when he called around on that Sunday after you gave him a lift." Matthew's mind suddenly became alert, as he quickly asked? "Exactly what did you say and do on the Sunday that Shandy called at our house?" "Oh yeah, he asked if you were in and I said no, and then added that you weren't expected back till late at night then I shut the door in his face. Didn't want any council house low life hanging around the house." Hearing what his brother had just said Matthew felt like stopping the car and kicking the brat out but refrained from doing so, instead he took his left hand off the steering wheel and slapped his brother with the back of his hand as hard as he possibly could, then pulled the car into the kerb. "What the Bloody Hell was that for," John yelled, rubbing the spot where Matthew's hand had come in contact with his face. Matthew killed the engine then turned to his brother, "That's for being a snotty nosed spoilt brat. For your information when Shandy called around on that Sunday it was at my invitation. Now keep your mouth shut, I don't want to here another squeak out of you," and he started the car and drove off in the direction of their house. The moment the car was under way the younger boy took the opportunity to speak and shouted out. "Wait till we get home I'm going to tell dad that you hit me and you'll really get it." "You don't have to tell him, I will and I hope he hits you harder than I did." John, now not too sure about telling his father mumbled, "Okay just lets forget it," and sat sulking in his seat for the rest of the journey. When they arrived home Matthew wanted to go straight over to Shandy's premises to discuss what he'd recently learnt had occurred three Sundays ago. Looking at the time he realized that the boy's aunty would be back from work by now so they wouldn't be alone. Reluctantly he decided to leave it till tomorrow, when there would be just the two of them and he could talk it over with Shandy. He sat looking at the TV. But not really absorbing anything emanating from the box it was just there, filling the room with sound and that was all. Something alerted his senses it was a sound other that that of the TV. Suddenly he realized it had been the front doorbell. Quickly he rose from his seat and went to the door and opened it. Shandy on seeing who it was and completely surprised could only say, "You." Matthew smiled and amused at the younger boy’s astounded look said, "Me, can I talk to you?" They stood facing each other. Shandy, his mind screaming telling him to shut the door still stood stationary, gazing at the boy who he’d fallen in love with long before that boy even knew Jeremy Walker existed. Then trying not to show his emotions and keeping his voice as normal as possible said, "Umm, I'm not sure that we have anything to talk about." "Please Shandy hear me out then you can decide what you want to do." Shandy remained silent looking at the boy that he'd felt so embittered about just a few days previously. The one who had helped shatter his dreams then reacting to the question asked, "Do you want to come in and talk or would you rather stand out here?" "Can we go inside please?" "Sure come on in," and he stood to one side to let Matthew into the house then closed the door. He led the way into the sitting room where the sat in armchairs facing each other across the room. They sat in silence staring at each other till Matthew unable to keep his emotions under control stood and walked over to Shandy. He somehow sensed that the boy had the same feelings coursing through his body as he did. The smaller of the two boys watched a little concerned as Matthew stood and walked towards him. Matthew reached down and lifted the boy from the chair till their faces were only inches apart. He leaned forward till their lips met with the faintest of touches at the same time feeling the boy's legs wrapping around his body. As he broke the contact of their lips so the younger boy wrapped his hands around his head and forced their lips to meet again, this time not in a gentle touch but with an ardent passion. Without realizing it Matthew forced his tongue passed the younger boys lips to invade his mouth. The boy whimpered as their tongues united and they were both experiencing what they had fantasized about in their dreams and now those dreams had become a reality. Matthew broke the kiss and tried to lower Shandy into the armchair. "NO," the boy shouted, "Sit on the settee Matthew, then I can sit on your lap." He smiled, he pecked the boy on the lips then made his way over to the settee sat on the edge with Shandy inevitably ending up in his lap with his legs wrapped around his waist facing him. "Kiss me again Matthew." "No we have to talk." "Please Matthew." "Shandy I have to talk to you, and trying to do so with our lips stuck together is impossible." Looking at the seriousness in the older boy's eyes he agreed to the boy's request saying, "Can we carry on after you talk?" "Yeah," "Okay then talk." Matthew looked at the face that was only inches away from his own, the hazel coloured eyes the small nose and the lips with a very pronounced cupids bow. When he looked into his mouth the boy had small teeth except for the front two which were larger than the others but lent a certain cuteness to the boy's features. "I love you Jeremy Walker," he said as he pecked the boy on the end of the nose, "and I've been bloody miserable the last few days since we didn't meet up at my place on that Sunday. I didn't know what had happened till yesterday, when my brother happened to mention giving you a hard time in the cinema foyer. Then also telling me what he did when you called round on the Sunday I'd invited you over. I had gone to drop my cousin home and got back by 12.30pm and was waiting for you. By 4.30pm when you hadn't shown I thought that you had been stopped from visiting by your aunt, or you had changed your mind. It wasn't till John told me what he'd done that I realized what had happened, and that's why I'm here." "Lets kiss again," "Did you hear what I said?" "Yep, can we kiss again?" "Aren't you angry at what happened?" "I was then but not now, can't we stop talking and just kiss." He smiled and putting his hand behind the blonde head he brought there lips together as they both so much desired. When the desire for their lips had been satisfied Matthew said, "I have to go home shortly you want to come with me." "Umm I'm not too sure about going to your house, especially if I'm not welcome by the other members of your family." "Don't worry, I'll be there with you and it was only John who acted the way he did. He does that with near enough any kid who doesn't belong in his little clique." "Okay then, let me phone my aunt and tell her I'm going out then we can go." Five minutes later, after making the said phone call and informing his aunt he'd be back before she returned from work, saw him walking beside Matthew towards the older boy's home. "How come we're walking instead of being in your car?" "It's not very far to your place from mine and any case I need a bit of exercise." "Will there be anyone at home?" "Yeah my mum, my dad is most probably at the office, he really doesn't need to go in but he does. John has gone out with our sister to the mall, she wanted company and after yesterday I'm not what you would call his favourite brother at the moment." "I don't think I'm in his good books either. He's a real pain, and no better that some of the Neanderthals that we have at our school. How's your sister? And how old is she?" Matthew glanced at the boy walking beside him who he'd dearly love to hold hands with as they walked. "She's as bad as him, and just as stuck up, they walk around as if their shit don't stink. This Saturday she's having a party for her sixteenth birthday." Shandy laughed asking, "How come you're not like them?" "Maybe I used to be like them, till I got all messed up with a blonde haired fourteen nearly fifteen-year-old boy, who makes my insides do back-flips every time I see him. No, not really, I don't know why, being rich has never bothered me nor where you come from or where you live. Because none of it is really an issue, if I like you then that's all that matters to me and in your case like is not the word I would use to describe my feelings for you.” He paused collecting his thoughts before continuing, “But truthfully I think it was my grandfather before he died who was the cause of my being like I am. He told me the truth about our origins. You see he was an immigrant and came to this country without a penny but with hard work and a bit of luck he became extremely well off. But, he never forgot his roots, and how he had to scrimp and scrape at first to make a living for his wife and family. Our grandmother died before we were born so it was up to him to tell us about our origins. But my sister and brother were never close to him and they never had time to listen, they were too busy playing with their posh friends." "If your grandfather was an immigrant how come you've got a name like Benson?" "He changed his name when he found out that there was a lot of discrimination against you if you had a name that people couldn't pronounce, or spell, or if it sounded different to English names. So he changed it from Bernstein, to Benson. They arrived at Matthews house and entered, with Shandy feeling a little nervous not knowing how he would be received by Matthew's mother. They went through the hallway and into a room on the right and when they stepped into it Shandy gasped. On hearing him gasp Matthew quickly turned to him. "You okay?" "Yeah, Christ this room is big." "Yeah I suppose so; well there isn't anyone in here so we'd better make our way out to the back garden, and knowing my mother that's where she'll be. They walked through to the conservatory and then into the garden to see a woman on her knees attending to a flower bed. "Hi mum," Matthew called, and the woman stopped what she was doing and looked toward her son and Shandy. "Hello Matthew, who's that you have with you?” "This is a friend of mine mum, his name is Jeremy, but is normally called Shandy." "Oh my that is a nice name. Hello Shandy,” then addressing her son Mrs. Benson asked, “Have you offered your friend a drink?” "Umm no mum." "My goodness Matthew, Shandy must be thinking that you've been very badly brought up, why haven't you offered him some refreshment?" "Totally forgot mum," turning to his companion, "Shandy can I offer you something to drink." "No thanks." "Mum I'm taking Shandy to my room." "Alright dear." The boys left Mrs Benson with her gardening, and with Matthew leading the way made their way to his room. After Matthew had locked the door the boys stood looking at each other. They both knew what the other desired and without a word being said they came together, their lips joined and they drifted into a world of their own, hoping that their dreams would be fulfilled.

Would anyone be Interested in doing a bit of editing to this story and also the punctuation which to say the least is not to standard. Below is part 1. If you're willing to partake of this [project please contact me. Thanks Bilal Between Dreams Part 1 At ten years of age he was like any other normal boy. Yelling or crying when he needed either one, or both of his parents' attention. Talking non stop when excited or conveying the events of his day at school and how well he had done in a particular subject. Later, when let out to play with his friends after he'd had his tea, and whenever weather permitting. He would be running wild in the streets, playing whatever game that he and his friends had concocted up on the spur of the moment. Till reluctantly leaving his friends when called in, and going to bed and falling asleep the moment his head hit the pillow. The day his mother and father dropped him off at his aunt's apartment, and took off for faraway places Phuket, to be exact, was when his whole character changed. That had been shortly after his tenth birthday over four years ago. Since then his conversation were mainly with his aunt and the teachers at the new school when they had required him to answer the normal day to day school questions. From being a boy who had partaken in all the various activities in his old school and being in continuous conversation with his classmates, here at his new school he kept his own company and only spoke when spoken to, giving the most abrupt of responses to anybody who bothered to speak to him. At first every time the front doorbell rang he had gone dashing to open it thinking his parents had returned to take him back, and every time he had been disappointed. Now Four years later he no longer ran to the door when the bell rang, instead he let his aunt answer the door knowing that there was little chance it would be his parents. He inserted a pound coin that his aunt had given him into the slot, and pulled the trolley out swivelling it around to follow his aunt, who was making her way down the aisle of the supermarket. As usual the trolley went in completely the wrong direction that he wanted it to go in. God! I hate these bloody trolleys, he thought, as he struggled to get it back on course which he did after much grunting and swearing on his part. He headed down the main aisle but couldn't see where his aunt had gone. He kept looking around at the same time doing his best to keep the trolley from colliding with the other customers. He'd got halfway up the aisle when without warning from one of the side passageways another trolley came crashing into his. He looked to his right to see a rather stocky boy about the same age as himself standing looking at him. Before he could utter a word the boy said, "What you staring at?" He averted his eyes and made to untangle the trolleys and continue his progress in the hope that he could catch up with his aunt, when an older and much taller, and slimmer boy cuffed the younger boy on the back of his head. "Apologize before I kick your arse." "Sorry," the boy mumbled reluctantly. "Are you alright?" the older boy asked. "Yeah no damage done," before he could say another word he heard his aunt call, "Shandy, come on, and stop dawdling." He looked at the older boy smiled shyly and muttered, "See you," and pushed his unwilling trolley in the direction of his aunt. They continued their shopping trip, and from time to time he saw the two boys in various parts of the supermarket. He lost sight of them for some time, then as he and his aunt approached the tills to pay for their groceries he saw them again waiting by the lifts with their trolley. After paying and getting their groceries bagged, his aunt told him to take the bus home as she was going to make a hair appointment and would meet him back at the apartment. He grabbed the four bags two in each hand, and made his way out to the exit passing the lifts on the way and seeing the boys that he'd met earlier. As he came alongside them he smiled at the older of the two. In response to his smile, "Want a lift home?" The older boy asked. "Yeah, if it's alright with your parents." “No parents I'm driving, and the name's Matthew Benson, and the mouth here is John, I heard your mother call you Shandy is that right?" "Yeah," the boy replied shyly looking down at the ground, then lifting his head he said, "But that was my aunt, and Shandy, is my nick name my real name is Jeremy, Jeremy Walker." Matthew looked at the slim blonde haired boy, "I'm not sure which I like better, they both sound nice, but I've never heard the name Shandy before." "It's not really a name it's a drink, a mixture of lemonade and beer. My relations said when I was about two my mum was drinking a shandy, I asked for some, she gave me a sip, and after that they said I demanded more, and later whenever I was asked if I wanted a drink I'd ask for shandy. So they used to call me Shandy Boy, and then shortening it to Shandy. Even the kids at school use my nick-name since they've heard my aunt use it, when she used to come and pick me up when I was younger. Just then the lift doors opened. They piled in with their bags and trolley, and exited again on the first floor. As they made their way towards the car Matthew turned asking, "Where d'you live Shandy." "Alan Street in the council flats." "That's on the same road as us, but we live at the top end on the corner of Crampton road." "Yeah, I know, I've seen you and your brother a couple of times in the garden on my way back from school." Arriving at the car Shandy got in the back with his shopping while the brothers loaded their bags into the boot. When they had finished loading the groceries, Matthew took off exiting the car park and heading for the flats on Alan Street. It wasn't a long drive and on the way Matthew made small talk asking him how long he'd been living in their area and was surprised to hear that it had been over four years, and this was the first time he'd seen him. When they arrived at the flats Matthew parked the car telling John to remain inside, while he gave Shandy a hand with his shopping. Grabbing a couple of bags Matthew followed the younger boy as he made his way to the apartment; there was no stairs to climb as their premises were on the ground floor. Opening the front door Shandy led the way into the kitchen, where they deposited the bags onto the kitchen table. Turning to the older boy Shandy smiled saying, "Thanks for the lift and for helping with the bags." "It was the least I could do to make up for my brothers bad behaviour." "I'm sure he didn't mean it." Matthew gazed at the boy standing in front of him who was making his insides do all sorts of funny things. "You don't know my brother like I do Shandy," he said, smiling at the face that was making his heart beat at nearly double its normal rate, "He means every word he says. Now I'd better get going,” Mathew paused then continued, “Have you got anything planned for tomorrow?" "No Matthew." As he heard the boy use his name in that beautiful melodic voice of his, he was so tempted to grab the boy and wrap his arms around him in an embrace, instead he said, "If that's the case how about coming around tomorrow and hanging out for the afternoon?" "Sure,” the younger boy said eagerly, “Any particular time." "No suit yourself. So I'll see you tomorrow then?" "Yeah sure Matthew." He turned to leave then stopped turning to face the boy again, "What name would you prefer I call you by Jeremy, or Shandy." Either I don't mind." He stretched his hand out and ruffled the younger boy's hair, "See you tomorrow Shandy." The boy followed him to the front door and as he made his way to the car he heard him yell, "Bye Matthew see you tomorrow." His stomach did another flip on hearing the boy shout his name, God, he thought, What's that kid done to me I must be going ga, ga, but it's nice. Oh man, roll on tomorrow afternoon. He got into the car gave his brother a withering look waved his hand at the boy standing in the doorway and drove off. Shandy put the groceries away then made his way to his bedroom picked up his book The Amulet of Samarkand, and started to read. He read the first sentence about three times before he gave up and closed his eyes. He let the face that was distracting him from his reading enter his minds eye and smiled inwardly. He couldn't believe that this boy he'd seen playing in the garden with his younger brother would one day be inviting him over to their house. As his mind wandered so he slept and the subject of his waking thoughts entered his dreams. He was coming back from school, he turned into Crampton road and as he neared the junction that led into Alan street. He looked and listened for sounds from the back garden of the huge corner house, but except for the chirping of the birds there was no human sound coming from the house. Disappointed that he wouldn't see the older boy or hear him he turned into the street he lived on and made for the flats. He opened the front door and made to close it behind him and there he was, tall and slim with that wicked smile on his face. "Hi, you going to let me in?" "Uh, oh yeah Matthew, I didn't see you." The older boy stepped inside the front door then closed it behind him. Shandy stood watching as Matthew walked over towards him. The older boy wrapped an arm around his shoulder then bending slightly the other arm went behind his thighs and the next thing he knew he was lying in Matthews arm looking up at his face. The face smiled down at him then lowered as a pair of lips found his and he had sensations coursing through his body that he'd never experienced before in his entire life. Matthew broke the kiss, as he opened his eyes the older boy asked, "Where's your bedroom." He guided the older boy to his room where he was gently placed on the bed then Matthew lay down next to him. "Shandy, Shandy wake up.” He dreamily opened his eyes to see his aunt bending over him. "Come on sleepy head," she said tousling his hair, "I've got an afternoon snack ready for you; you must have slept for a couple of hours. He followed his aunt into the kitchen to see some cheese on toast and a cup of tea on the breakfast table. When they'd finished their snack he went into the sitting room to watch the Saturday afternoon football on the box, and two hours later he'd seen Chelsea win yet again. They watched a movie together then later sat down to their evening meal after which he retired to his room to continue with his book He read till quite late and reluctantly as his eyelids drooped he put the book away and laid his head on his pillow. He tried to recall his dream of earlier in the day, but because of his tiredness he was unable to do so and drifted into a dreamless sleep. Half-a-mile away Matthew, who had just returned from a friend's party undressed and lay in his bed fondling his loins. He lay with his eyes shut and fantasized about the boy he'd met earlier in the day at the supermarket. He let his imagination control his thoughts still fondling himself as the scene unfold inside his head. The front doorbell rings and he goes to answer it in the hope that it's Shandy. Opening the door there he stands the small blonde haired boy with that expectant look on his face. Matthew doesn't hesitate; not saying a word he takes hold of the boy's hand and leads him into the house and closing the door he says. "Come on Shandy," and leads the boy up the stairs to his bedroom. Shandy doesn't question the older boy but just lets himself be led where Matthew takes him. Once inside the room the older boy closes the door then wraps his arms around Shandy and draws the boy close. As he feels the boy pressed into his body his loins are instantly at full arousal, he puts a hand under the boys chin lifts his face and lowers his lips to taste those of the boys that he'd been wanting to from the moment he'd set eyes on him. The boy didn't hesitate but met his lips and opened his mouth so that their tongues could unite and continue their exploration of each other. Matthew broke the kiss and quickly undressed the boy who stood placidly as he did so. Then stood back and looked at his slight frame and his loins that like his were at full arousal. He now felt guilty of taking advantage of the boy who looked so small and vulnerable, but when Shandy who seemed to read his mind came towards him and started to undress him, so his feelings of guilt disappeared and he was soon as naked as the boy. He lifted the Shandy into his arms and walked to the bed laying him down then lying down beside him. The moment they were lying together their arms and legs acted like tendrils entwining around each other so that their bodies were pressed together from head to toe. As Matthew fantasized so the stroking of his erection became faster. He fantasized that Shandy's hand was wrapped around his member and stroking it. Suddenly he felt the inevitable twinge in his scrotum as his testicles tightened, hips bucked, and his orgasm erupted spewing his seed over his body. His body convulsed with the onset of his orgasm and moans of exquisite pleasure escaped from his mouth till his feelings of ecstasy subsided and his penis finished spewing its discharge, and he lay exhausted but revelling in feelings of contentment. When he'd recovered sufficiently from his exertions, he cleaned himself with some wet wipes lay back in his bed and shortly was sleeping as soundly as one can when their sexual needs have been gratified. Sunday morning and he'd been getting on his aunts nerves, walking around the house from room to room and being a downright nuisance in every way. He tried watching the telly to try and get the time to go faster but he just couldn't get interested in any particular programme. He went to his room picked up his book and a few minutes later put that aside as he couldn't concentrate on what he was reading. After what seemed like years the clock chimed twelve and he made himself ready to visit Matthew. He pecked his aunt on the cheek, told her he'd be back by six and left the house. Feeling a bit nervous when outside and walking to Matthew’s house he slowed his pace hoping that the weird feelings he was having in his mid-drift would subside by the time he reached the house. The six minute walk that if he wanted to could be covered in about three he managed to stretch out to eight. Eventually he stood in front of the door, tentatively he stretched his hand out and pressed the call button, he heard the chimes and waited. The door opened and John the younger brother stood in the doorway. "Hi John, is Matthew in?" "No he's out, and we're not sure what time he'll be back, but knowing him it won't be before ten tonight so there's not much point in your hanging around." The door was shut in his face and he just stood there staring at the wooden panelling. He wanted to scream and kick the door, but he controlled his emotions instead he turned and headed down the drive and out into the road. He walked quickly back to his house and entered the front door, to see his aunt standing in the hallway looking at him. Shandy what happened why are you home so early?" He tried to answer but the moment he did the emotions that he'd kept under control now broke forth. He stood by the door not moving as his voice choked and tears streamed down his cheeks and great sobs burst out of his mouth. She went to him and wrapped her arms around the boy. "Come on Shandy, let's sit down and talk and tell me what happened," as she led the boy to the sitting room. When they were seated she stroked the boys head. To her Shandy was like the son she could never have, and treated him as any mother would. "Alright try to compose yourself and tell me what happened?" He sniffed a couple of times took a deep breath then told his aunt, "Matthew hadn't bothered to be at home when he went to his house to visit. His younger brother told me that he wouldn't be home till very late in the evening. I didn't mind Matthew not being at home but when his brother shut the door in my face like I had some kind of disease I got really angry, I don't ever want to go back to that house again." "Maybe Matthew forgot that you were visiting today and that's why he wasn't in." "No aunty he wouldn't forget he was the one who invited me and that was only yesterday, his memory can't be that bad." "Alright then let's put this episode behind us and forget it happened, as a treat I'll let you pick what DVD to get out from Blockbusters to watch tonight as long as it's not too scary." He gave a faint smile he knew his aunt couldn't watch anything that had the slightest bit of violence in it. "Okay aunty but you go ahead you choose like you normally do and I'll watch it." "I tell you what instead of watching a DVD how about going to the movies. There's a good one showing at the moment in the Mall, that a friend at work told me about called, I'm Not Afraid. After what she told me about it I'm sure you'll enjoy it. He agreed to her plan and so they settled back on the settee watching the telly the boy drawing comfort from his doting aunt. Matthew after dropping his cousin back to her premises returned home to what he thought was an empty house till he saw his mother working in the back garden. Making his way into the garden he asked his mother, “Had anyone called?” "I'm not too sure Matthew, I've been in the garden most of the time but John only left about five minutes ago to visit his friend and if their had been any callers he would have said so." "Okay mum, that's good I'm expecting a friend to call he should be here any minute. Matthew waited till 4.00pm before he acknowledged the fact that Shandy wasn't about to turn up on his doorstep. He was really disappointed, he'd been counting the minutes to the moment that he would be able to spend time with the boy that had so completely captivated him. He couldn't think why Shandy would change his mind and not come over, he sounded so eager yesterday when he'd suggested it, maybe his aunt had stopped him from visiting he thought. He considered walking down to the flats and finding out then thought better of it, if his aunt had stopped Shandy from visiting then there wasn't much chance that he'd be able to see him, so decided against it. He burrowed deeper into the armchair angry with the world, because his plans to get closer to the boy that he'd become infatuated with had fallen apart, and all he had left were the memories of their brief meeting of yesterday. T.B.C.

You wrote a story sometime back Alone with Myself to do with the London Underground or Tube as its known here. You knew a lot about the Tube and I suppose you did a bit of research as well before writing the story. As the world is in a kind of depression how about a story dealing with the depression of the 1920-30?s. Father has passed away, boy of 14-15 has to go out to work to feed his mother and siblings, and all that befalls him in his progression through to manhood.

No need to apologize Cole. You're not responsible for what readers respond to. If they don't respond to the story then it's the fault of the story, not what you post. bilal.

The Bull Pen A place where writers can show examples of their work and receive advice. ? bilal

David portrays the balancing act of being on the end of childhood and the beginning of adolescence with all the fearless innocence of the former and the genuine ignorance of the latter. Tracy You got that in One Tracy. bilal (Caleb)

You can read the whole story Paul at IOMFATS. Bilal