Tim's Last Orgasm 23: Larry's surprise

The rest of the summer evaporated like a raindrop in the desert. Tim, Nathan and Terry were all working very hard and making more money than they'd ever seen before, and Laura was working just as hard at the library where she'd managed to get a summer job. But long before they were ready, they were all back in school: Nathan and Terry in their respective high schools and Tim and Laura in their first year of college.

The four inseparable companions had had a wonderful summer, in spite of their workload. There had been trips to the beach on Lake Michigan, picnics and camping trips, fishing trips with Barry where they actually caught fish! Tim and Nate became regulars at Robert's teen center and even took Terry and Laura along on several occasions. They all hated to see it end so soon because they all knew that this was unquestionably the best summer they had ever had or ever would have.

Tim was actually looking forward to his freshman year at college. In spite of all the speeches and lectures to Terry and Nate, he wasn't the least worried about the locker rooms. These were all adults after all, and their very existence in a large and prestigious university said something about their maturity, or at least that's what Tim thought.

He was sadly mistaken.

On the very first day of registration, Tim had signed up to try out for the swim team. Terry and Nate were both showing promise as rather impressive basketball players, so Tim had decided he would take another shot at something athletic. He really did enjoy swimming and had been told countless times he was good at it, so why not give it a try?

Tim had already made a few friends around campus by the time tryouts began, but none of them were swimmers. When he walked into the swimming pool complex for the first time, he was suitably impressed. The building was only a few years old, and was equipped well enough to satisfy any world class swim team. There was an Olympic sized pool plus a smaller pool for warmups and general student use; the weight room had exercise devices Tim had never seen before, and the locker rooms and showers were nothing short of luxurious! I'm really gonna enjoy this! he said to himself as he took a seat with about 40 other students in the spacious lobby.

"Well, what the hell are you pussies doing sitting around here, fully clothed?" a very large, obnoxious looking and acting swim coach roared as he entered the room. "Last time I was on a swim team, we had a tendency to get undressed before we jumped in the water. Snap to it, ladies! If you're not on the pool deck in fifteen minutes ready to show your stuff, you might as well go play football or something. I got 7 or 8 vacancies on the team and over 40 applicants, so I can afford to be fussy!"

There was a general stampede to the locker rooms. Tim chuckled to himself as he watched 40 delicious young males get naked in record time and hit the showers, his phantom erection in high gear. He almost forgot about his missing appendage as he too hurried to make it to the pool deck in time so as not to invoke any more anger from their swim coach. Unfortunately there were more than one candidate there who were interested in a lot more than just swim tryouts.

"Yo, what have we here?" a very loud voice echoed through the entire shower room as Tim entered. "We got a girl in our shower room!" He looked around innocently to see where the voice was coming from and to what it was referring. "What the fuck are you looking for?" the voice said. "I was talking about you, MA'AM! You! The guy with no cock!"

That got everyone's attention in the room. There is nothing in all the universe that will get the attention of a naked male, especially when he is in a group of other naked males, than the awareness that there is a female in his presence. The laughter and cat-calls began as everyone present realized what the smart-ass was talking about. Some asked him, in a sarcastic tone, for a date; others just plain laughed at the "dickless wonder" while still others were downright disgusted and offended that a freshman with no cock should present himself in the midst of a bunch of "men."

Tim felt himself flush. His first reaction was to turn tail and run, find some solitary place where he could cry out his embarrassment; but then something snapped inside him. His face continued to burn, but it was suddenly no longer embarrassment, it was downright anger approaching rage! How dare they even notice! What difference did it make to them if he had no cock or five! He opened his mouth to begin a verbal assault, but something stopped him. No, he would not lower himself to their level. Instead he would show them all up in the pool. He would make the cut, then he would go on to be one of the stars on the team. He would show all these macho male bastards that he didn't need his cock to out-swim them all!

Tim did indeed make the team. He was among the first to present himself on the pool deck, and the third to swim. "What's your best stroke?" the surly coach asked.
"It's a toss-up between back and fly, sir," Tim replied. He had no idea why he'd committed to swimming butterfly, except perhaps that would give him two chances to make the team. He was still in a rage when he hit the water, and that rage, coupled with his physique that had been developing magnificently, drove him to improve on his own personal best in both strokes. As he climbed out of the pool, knowing that he'd done very well, he wondered to himself if perhaps the fact that he wasn't jerking off two or three times a day had anything to do with what seemed like almost super human strength and stamina. He would never know the answer of course, but he had secured a position on the team, which right then was all that was important to him. Laugh now, you immature bastards! he said to himself as his name was called. You ain't seen nothing yet! As he left for the showers he saw smart-ass still waiting in vain for his name to be called. He didn't say anything, he didn't have to. They both knew what he was thinking.

**********************

Nate's 16th birthday was on Sept. 12. His mother had been doing extremely well health-wise, and was getting the hang of running a computer store so that her income had increased to a level that her comfort level had reached a high that she hadn't known for years. She pulled Tim aside one afternoon in the store to ask for his help in making this Nate's best birthday ever. "What do you think he wants more than anything?" she asked.
"That's an easy one," Tim replied with a grin. "Every 16 year old boy wants a car!"
"I don't know if I can afford that," Valerie said. "Besides, I don't know if he's ready. He hasn't had that much experience driving, except for driver's ed at school."
"Got it covered," Tim said, still grinning. "He's been driving my car every chance he gets ever since he got his learner's permit. But I think he'd be just as happy with just his license, and perhaps the parts to build his own computer, long as he can borrow your car when he needs it."
"That's easy," Valerie said. "I think he already knows he's welcome to my car any time. He's already been doing the maintenance on it for three years. Of course we'll have the customary party, with you, Terry and Laura. Is there anyone else you think he'd like to invite?"

Tim thought for a minute. Nate had indeed made two particularly good friends on his basketball team, but Tim wasn't sure he wanted them there. He would never have admitted it, but he was a little jealous of them. He had met them and they were both as handsome as gods, and they had teamed up with Nate to become a rather formidable trio on the court. But this was Nate's birthday, and Tim had to admit that Nate had never given any indication that they were anything but good friends, so he finally went against his better judgment and gave Valerie their names. "Justin and Ben," he suggested. "I don't know if they have girl or boy friends, but Nate's really tight with both of them and I'm sure he'd like to have them there."
"Are you ok with that?" Valerie asked, somewhat surprised that he'd even suggested their names.
"Not completely," Tim replied. "But Nate's gonna have friends, and if one of them turns into more I'll just have to deal with it. I've got to trust him, Ma'am. It's either trust him or keep him in a cage, and he's far too beautiful for that."

Nate was delighted when his mother suggested he invite Justin and Ben. He didn't know if they had anyone they wanted to invite, but he extended the invitation anyway. "There's one condition though," he told his mom as they discussed the party. "It's gonna have to start kinda late because Tim's taking me to get my license as soon as he gets home from school."
"What's the hurry?" Valerie wondered. "Can't it wait a day or two?"
"Mom, you gotta be 16 to understand. No, it can't wait."

Valerie would never have admitted it, but she was feeling a little left out. Wasn't part of the benefits of being a mother the chance to sign things like drivers license applications? But she had given that responsibility to Tim. True, he had offered to have it nullified, but Valerie knew that wasn't a very good idea and so had declined. So this was one more in a long string of incidents that gave her some degree of regret for what she had done. She couldn't possibly have known, but her wisdom and sacrifice for her son was soon to pay big dividends.

The birthday party was a total blast. The guests were all in the Seymore house when Nate and Tim arrived at 5:30, Nate proudly holding his driver's license in his hand. Justin and Ben both had girls with them, which gave Nate his first inkling as to their sexuality. He had forewarned his teammates that he was gay and would be dancing with his lover, but neither Justin nor Ben had followed up with any declaration of their own sexual preference. No matter though, Lisa and Diana seemed perfectly comfortable with the situation and joined in the party without reservation.

The meal over and gifts presented, the 8 teenagers put on the music and began to dance while Valerie, together with Tim's parents, made sure that drinks and snacks were readily available. They would be serving birthday cake and ice cream a little later in the evening. The adults had offered to make themselves scarce, but all the party goers assured them that there was no need; in fact Justin and Ben both said that their parents would never have let them come unless there were adults present. Tim didn't know if that meant their parents were looking out for their well being or simply didn't trust them, but he chose to believe the former because he knew that's what his parents would have done.

At exactly 10 PM, Valerie appeared carrying a huge birthday cake with 16 flaming candles while Virginia and Barry followed with ice cream and plates and silverware. The music stopped as everyone began singing "Happy Birthday" to the happy teen. Nate blew out all the candles with little difficulty, then announced that he was about to collect on the wish he'd successfully made. He threw his arms around Tim and kissed him deeply while the onlookers clapped, whistled and cheered. Tim somehow knew what he was doing: Nate had sensed Tim's feelings of insecurity and this was his way of making a very clear declaration to Tim, Justin and Ben, and anyone else who was interested. All three got the message loud and clear as the doorbell rang.

"Sorry I'm late for the party," a strange man said when Barry opened the door. "My name is Bruce Seymore. Who are you?"
"My name is..." Barry said as the man pushed past him and entered the room. "Nathan!" he exclaimed as he faced Justin. "Happy birthday! I'm your father."
"I don't think so, sir," a confused Justin said as his face flushed. "That's Nathan, over there."

Bruce approached his son and raised his arms to embrace him. "Man, you're a good looking kid," he said. Nate backed away and brushed his arms off him. "Is that any way to treat your father?" Bruce demanded. "I've come here especially to honor you on your birthday. The least you can do is let me hug you and offer me a piece of cake."
"My father?" Nate said calmly and evenly. "Strange, I don't seem to remember you. My father is dead, and that birthday cake is for my friends and loved ones."
"Nate," his mother said nervously, "I'll tell you about it later. But like it or not, this is your father. What are you doing here, Bruce?"
"I'm gonna take my son and take care of him," Bruce said. "I've heard you're not doing so well, and I'm not gonna allow Nathan here to end up in a foster home."

Tim was amazed at Nate's composure. He had just been faced with the fact that the man he'd thought was long dead was indeed alive and standing facing him, yet he was as calm as anyone in the room. "You said he was dead, Mom," he said evenly. "Why did you do that?"
"Nate, it's such a very long story," Valerie pleaded. "I just thought it would be easier on you thinking your father was dead, rather than knowing the truth."
"What is the truth, Mom?" Nate demanded in that same even tone.
"Bruce, would you like to explain it?" Valerie invited. Bruce said nothing.
"Somebody tell me something!" Nate said, his frustration building.

"I'll tell you," Tim blurted out before he'd thought about it. His heart was aching for his young lover, wishing somehow he could make this all go away on what should be a happy occasion. "This man deserted your mom and you when you were only a few days old. Your mom told me when she thought she was dying, Nate. She said she thought it better if you never know, but I guess all that is out the window now."
"THOUGHT she was dying?" Bruce said with surprise. "THOUGHT? And who are you?"
"My name's Tim Chandler," Tim said, inspired by Nate's calm demeanor. "I'm... I'm Nathan's legal guardian. And yes, Mrs. Seymore thought she was dying, but that seems to have been taken care of. But even if she were to die, you still have no claim on Nathan unless he wants it. I am his guardian, so if you plan to make any claim on him you need to deal with me. Nate, what do you think?"

Nate was obviously in a state of shock, although he had hidden it well. He took a step forward to face his father. "We're having a birthday party here," he said in that same even tone. "We've got my mother and surrogate parents, my best friends and my lover all here. You don't fit in any of those categories, sir. I don't even know you! I only have one question for you: Is it true that you abandoned my mother when I was a baby?"
"Nathan, there are a lot of things you don't understand," Bruce said defensively. "I'll explain it all to you in time."
"You don't have time," Nate said forcefully. "You have about five minutes. Is it true or not?"
"I didn't abandon her," he answered. "I had a lot of problems..."
"Your problems are just beginning," Nate threatened. "Did you... did you leave?"
"Yes, I left," Bruce admitted. "But I was doing it for you.."
"For me?" Nathan echoed. For the first time since the doorbell rang, he was beginning to show emotion. "For ME? You fucked off, leaving my mother all alone to raise a son, with no support? You knew she was sick and didn't take the trouble to support her, either financially or emotionally? And all that you did for ME?" Gee, thanks, Father! You really made sacrifices for me, didn't you?"

"Nathan, I can understand why you would hate me, but you don't..."
"I don't hate you, sir," Nate said. Tim and everyone else in the room were all astonished that he was keeping his voice even, seemingly devoid of emotion in spite of what he must be going through inside. "I suppose you expected me to fly into your arms and cry ‘Daddy!' when you dropped out of the sky! I'm sorry, I can't do that. I don't hate you, but I certainly don't love you. I don't even KNOW you, so how could I possibly have feelings for you? But I've survived 16 years without you, and I think I can survive my birthday party without you ruining it. So, you asked me what I think, Tim. I think it's time that this gentleman was shown the door..."
"Nate, Honey," Valerie said as he took her son's arm, "are you sure..."
"I'm sure, Mom," Nate said as he hugged his mother. "And thanks once again. I understand why you did what you did."

"You heard him," Tim said. He was trying to emulate Nate's calm appearance, but inside he was trembling like a dead leaf on a tree. "I think Nathan wants you to leave now, and tonight, Nathan's wish is my command."
"Ah yes, Nathan's guardian," Bruce said, his disgust showing clearly. "You're no more than a kid yourself! We'll just see how your status as a guardian holds up in court. You'll be hearing from my attorney, kid."
"I wouldn't advise that," Barry said as he came and stood by his son. "I am this man's father, and I have been appointed overseer of his guardianship. I think you should know, if any legal issues are raised at this point, the first question that will be asked will be the matter of 16 years of back child support payments. Do you have any idea how much that might amount to, Mr. Seymore?"

"So let me get this straight," Bruce said with an evil grin. "You think you can keep me away from my son? You think the law will back you up in keeping a father from his son?"
"This man is more of a father to me that you are," Nate said. "I'm not some total airhead kid, sir. I know my rights too, and I know you can't do anything until you prove you're my father. But go ahead and try, if you want to cough up all those back child support payments, or go to jail. The first thing I'll do after I hear from your attorney is get a DNA test. Once you're proven to be my father, we'll deal with the child support problem. I guarantee you, once we can prove you're my father I'm gonna nail you to the wall! Mom, please call the police."

No one had to call the police. Bruce Seymore left the house, promising that they would hear from him through his lawyer. They never did. They did get information that inquiries had been made as to the status of everyone involved. It didn't take a lot of brain power to figure out what had happened after that. Bruce had undoubtedly been in touch with an attorney who, after checking the facts, had refused to take the case. But Nate had come out of the incident with a piece of information that no one had counted on. He had always known that Tim would never consent to his penectomy without his mother's knowledge. Now he had a viable argument. His mother had withheld a very important fact from him his entire life, supposedly to protect him. He would do the same! His mother had no need to know that he was sans prick, and now he had a comeback for Tim's objections.

"Is this a party or what?" Nate demanded. "I'm sorry everyone, I guess I lied to y'all. I thought my father was dead, and as far as I'm concerned he still is. So let's dance, ok?" And dance they did. It didn't take long for eight happy teenagers to get over their shock and continue their party. Tim knew that Nate was far more upset than he was letting on. He knew that he'd have a crying teenager in his arms before they slept and he was right; but right now it didn't matter. What mattered right now was the celebration that was in progress.

Nate remained stoic and poised throughout the party and even after everyone had left. Tim had told his parents early in the evening that he'd be staying over, and they both understood completely. When Nate was finally stripped to his boxers and slid into bed, Tim was beginning to wonder if he'd been wrong in assuming the 16 year old had been affected by the earlier incident. When he crawled in beside his lover, the dam burst. "Hold me!" Nate begged as he completely broke down. "Please hold me and never let me go!"
"I never will," Tim said gently as he slid his hands up and down Nate's perfect muscular back.

"Do you love me?" Nate said in a pleading voice as he sobbed almost out of control.
"Of course I do," Tim replied.
"Then tell me." Nate sobbed. "Please tell me!"
"I love you, Nate," Tim responded. "If there was only some way I could make you understand how much I love you!"

"Why would he do that?" Nate said after he'd cried quietly for about 20 minutes. "Why would he just leave like that? What the hell's wrong with me that he couldn't stand?"
"It wasn't you," Tim consoled. "Your mother told me he just couldn't deal with the idea that he was a father, that he had been responsible for a child that he'd have to look after for 18 years or more. He just wasn't ready. But that's exactly why your mom didn't tell you, Nate. She knew you'd think there was something wrong with you. Believe me, there's nothing wrong with you! You're the sweetest, kindest, strongest guy I've ever known! Believe me, it's him that's lost the most all these years. I don't know if he realizes it even now, but he's the one that's lost the most."
"You're so great, Tim," Nate said. "I love you, man! Would you... would you make love to me, please?"
"Anything you want tonight," Tim said. "Do you want to... to enter me? It's ok if you do..."
"Yeah, I kinda do," Nate replied. "But not the way you think. I don't think I'll ever want to... to fuck you. But what you do with your mouth..."
"I thought you'd never ask," Tim said as he kissed his lover, then slid down to kiss that part of him that was as sweet as his lips. Soon Nate was moaning softly as his body was overcome with an excruciating orgasm that flooded his lover's mouth to overflowing. At that moment both contributor and recipient wondered independently how he could ever live without what had just happened, but neither shared his thoughts. PThe school year continued. Nate and Terry were growing incredibly tall, and with their stature came increasingly valued play on the basketball court. Eventually the inevitable happened. Their schools were to play against each other on Friday night in late September. Tim was in a real quandary as which side to cheer. "No brainer," Terry assured him. "You're Nathan's lover and his guardian. You need to be rooting for him."
"But I don't want to see you lose either," Tim protested.
"It's ok," Terry replied. "We're not gonna lose. Those bums need all the help they can get! It's not gonna be enough, but you sit on their side and cheer your guts out. We'll beat ‘em anyway."

Terry got a big surprise the night of the game. Not only was his team beaten, they were humiliated! In spite of his personal 28 points, Nate and his teammates, Justin and Ben, managed over 50 points to beat their opponents 72-54. Tim was suitably impressed that Nate and Terry, inseparable friends off the court, showed no mercy for each other during the game. That was a quality that was indeed rare at their age, and Tim wasn't the only one to notice; there were also college scouts in the stands of screaming teenagers.

The end of the game saw the two combatants, the two MVP's of opposing teams, Terry and Nate, as the traditional team handshake was being done, embracing right in the middle of the court. Terry congratulated his friend and Nate returned the favor, both totally unashamed to demonstrate their love and respect publicly. Some were appalled that members of opposing teams, to say nothing of their both being males, would put on such a display in public; Tim, on the other hand, realized once more just how incredibly blessed he was. He had a devoted brother and a loving boyfriend, and they loved each other as much as they loved the one they had in common. He felt a warmth course through his body, to say nothing of the phantom erection that was demanding attention. It would get the attention it needed later that night, albeit indirectly.

October was promising to be another barn burner of a month for Tim. Laura was turning 18, and Larry was coming home after completing boot camp. Little did Tim know that these two important events would pale in comparison to what else would happen before the month was over. It began on Saturday, October 4, when Tim had his first swim meet with the college team. It was to take place in his home pool, his home turf that didn't really feel like home to him. He was still shunned by the rest of the team for reasons that none of them seemed to understand other than the male ego that had conditioned them to believe from a very early age that a man without a penis couldn't possibly be a man at all. Tim was still properly pissed off with the entire team for the reception he'd received at tryouts, but his focus was on his swimming, not on anything else including his anger.

Nate was in the gallery, as were Terry, Laura, Valerie Seymore and Tim's own parents. They had all told him that there was no way they could make all his meets, but they had made a special effort to be present for his first. Tim had never shared with anyone what had happened on his first day, but chose instead to let the anger seethe and grow inside him. He would turn that rage into power in the pool.

"Good luck today," a young kid Tim hadn't noticed before offered as he donned his Speedo with college colors.
"Thanks," Tim replied, genuinely appreciative that someone at least took the trouble to exchange pleasantries with him.
"My name's Jared," the boy said as he offered his hand. "I been meaning to speak to you for a while now, but I guess I'm kinda shy. I think it really sucks the way the rest of the team's treating you."
"Not a problem," Tim lied. "If they can't get their minds around a gay freshman with no cock, that's their problem! I'm here to swim." That said, he took Jared's hand and shook it.

"You're good," Jared said as they walked together to the pool deck. "I've been watching you. I wish I could do fly as easily as you do.When I do butterfly it's totally painful for me, but when I watch you, it looks so easy and graceful I wonder why everybody can't do it."
"It's nothing," Tim said. "I just like to swim. So what's your best stroke?"
"Free I guess," Jared said self-consciously. "I'm not really that good with any of the strokes, but my dad's got a lot of pull with the school so I got on the team. I probably should be ashamed of myself for taking up a spot that could have a good swimmer in it, but it's important to my dad, and what's important to him is important to me."
"Ya can't be that bad, pull or no pull," Tim observed. "You'd never get past tryouts if you didn't have some ability."

Tim was wrong about Jared. As a swimmer he would have made a great tennis player. His strokes, his techniques were so far off the mark that Tim knew this kid must have far more influence than he realized. Nevertheless he was the only friend Tim had on the team, so he resolved to help him all he could. First step was to get to know him better. "I've got to ask," he said as they sat on the deck between events, "doesn't it bother you at all that I'm gay?"
"Fuck, no!" Jared replied readily. "Why would it make any difference to me one way or the other? You're a teammate and a possible friend, and in case you haven't noticed I'm not exactly overwhelmed with friends. What you do in the bedroom is your business, just like the fact that you've got no dick. I don't see how either of those things has any bearing on your ability to swim, or your qualities as a person."

Tim knew then that he'd made a friend. He still didn't know if Jared was gay or not, and it really didn't matter since he had no designs on him. He was just pleased that there was someone on the swim team that cared about him, and he reciprocated by caring back. He didn't say anything, but he resolved to help his new friend all he could, and there was certainly lots of room for improvement.

By the end of the meet Tim had lots of reasons to be proud. His team hadn't won, but their loss could certainly not be blamed upon Tim. He had improved his personal best in both backstroke and butterfly and had been responsible for two relay teams coming first in their events. He sensed a change in attitude in the showers after the meet, but he didn't care. The entire team, with the exception of Jared, had shown their colors and Tim had no interest in any of them. He didn't reject any of their overtures or compliments, but he didn't encourage them either. In his mind he was still on a mission: a deep desire to show them all that there was nothing about his physical attributes that would impede his swimming abilities. He recognized that he was a member of a team and he would participate in all team activities, but there was only one member in whom he was interested personally.

When they all arrived back at the Chandler home, there was yet another surprise awaiting them. There standing on the front porch was one of the most handsome sailors Tim had ever seen. "Larry!" he screamed as he shut off his little red car and bounded out to meet his friend. "God how I've missed you!" he exclaimed as the two friends embraced.
"Me too," Larry replied. "How ya doin' anyway, Tim?"
"We're all fine here," Tim replied as he dried his tears. "C'mon in! I want to hear all about boot camp. Obviously they didn't kill you, but I gotta hear how close they came."
"Closer than you ever want to know, buddy. But the worst is over now, at least as far as the Navy is concerned. I'm gonna put in a few months on an aircraft carrier, then it's back home and on to college, I hope."

Tim wondered at his friend's comments. "The worst is over, at least as far as the Navy is concerned," he'd said. Tim knew Larry well enough to know there was a double meaning to that sentence, but he let it pass. He knew Larry would explain in his own good time; tonight all that mattered was that his friend was home, and looking like an adonis in his uniform.

Tim got on the phone and called Laura as soon as they were all inside, and she came right over. "Now the gang's all here," Tim exclaimed. "Now tell us all about life in the Navy."
"Not much to tell," Larry said. "You just spend three months in hell, then the rest of your hitch is easy street. A lot of guys got sent to the Middle East right away and grumbled like hell because they'd been promised this or that, but they had nothing in writing. Thanks to my dad all their promises to me were documented, so after a few months on a carrier I'll be coming back and going to school. I'm not sure which school yet and I really don't have that much of a choice, but it'll probably be in California."
"California?" Tim questioned. "Shit, man, that's a million miles away!"
"Yeah, I know," Larry said ruefully. "But beggars can't be choosers. So how have things been going here?"

The five friends spend a pleasant evening catching up. Eventually Laura left to go home, followed by Valerie. Nathan and Terry went upstairs so Tim and Larry could spend some time alone, for which they were both grateful. Larry accepted readily when Tim suggested they go outside. Tim had sensed two hours ago that Larry had something to discuss that was for his ears only, and he was absolutely right.

"Man, you don't know how lucky you are," Larry said when they were alone. "When you and Nathan got together I was afraid you were letting yourself in for a lifetime of heartbreak and grief, but now I realize that you've got something I may never have. You've got love, man! Whatever else you do, don't ever let that go! I realize now that it doesn't really matter who you love or whether they are a different sex or the same, as long as it's love. You're a lucky man, Tim!"
"I know that, Larry," Tim said. "But I seriously doubt that's why you wanted to talk to me. What's goin' on, Lar?"

Larry sat for a long time not saying anything. Tim was beginning to think he'd offended his friend somehow when Larry finally spoke. "I've got a bit of a problem," he said slowly, thoughtfully. "I dunno if there's anything you can do to help or not, but I'm gonna tell you anyway because I'm gonna explode if I don't tell someone."
"Larry, after all the scrapes you got us out of all those years, you damn well better tell me," Tim said. "I'll just bet I can find a way to help, but only if I know what it is."
"Just telling you will help," Larry said. Then to Tim's astonishment, Larry started to cry. Tim did a quick memory scan of the past 18 years, and he couldn't for the life of him remember Larry ever crying before; but right now he was sure making up for lost time. "What, Larry?" he demanded tenderly as he took his friend's hand and squeezed it. "What in the world?"

Larry's gorgeous uniform-clad body shook and trembled with his sobs. Tim just held his hand and let him cry it out until he could get control of himself. Finally he calmed down, then just sat on the porch swing quietly, gently squeezing and fondling Tim's hand. This was the same porch swing that two happy, carefree boys had spend countless hours on, just being friends, discussing all sorts of different boyhood things, experiencing the sweet delicious savor of growing up. Tim put his free arm around Larry's shoulder and hugged him. "Just tell me," he whispered. "If it's humanly possible I'll do what I can to help you. Like you said to me before you left, we're brothers, and that's what brothers do."

"I love this old swing," Larry said with a far away look in his eye. "Why the hell can't we be 12 again? Why can't we just live our whole lives as 12 year old's? Life was so simple then. I remember the time when we were only 10, on this same swing..."
"You're stalling," Tim accused. "Tell me, Lar. What's goin' on?
"I'm gonna be a father," Larry declared as he started to sob again. "I'm gonna be a father, and there's nothing I can do for my own child. They're gonna kill the baby, and there's nothing I can do!"

Tim was so shocked he choked on his own tongue. "A... a father?" he stammered. "K-kill the baby? Larry, they wouldn't do that! They would never..."
"You ever heard of abortion?" Larry sobbed. "I'm tellin' ya, Tim, they're gonna kill my baby!"
"I'm gonna get Mom," Tim said. "I think this is ‘way outta my league."
"Tim, please don't..." Larry pleaded.
"Mom's changed a lot," Tim promised. "It'll be fine, Lar. You need help, and this is too important to risk screwing it up. C'mon inside while I get Mom."

Virginia and Barry sat at their kitchen table as a sobbing Larry told about how he'd got carried away on prom night, and that Christine had got pregnant as a result. "She doesn't want the baby," he explained. "She's leaving for China next February on some sort of exchange program and won't be back for at least five years. The only reason she hasn't had the abortion already was that she was waiting for me to get home. She wants to have the baby, but she can't take care of it. She was hoping I would want it, and I do; but I can't take care of it either while I'm on board a ship, and I doubt the Navy will change my orders. We've got a contract and they're all set to send me to college next fall. I'm really gonna need that education with a child to raise, but I can't... I mean..."
"What you mean is, you're between a rock and a hard place," Barry voiced the obvious.

"What's goin' on?" Terry asked sleepily as he stumbled into the kitchen.
"Go back to bed, Terry," Mom ordered. It was too late though, he had already seen Larry's tear stained face.
"No way, Mom," Terry said defiantly. "You're not shooing me to bed any more. Larry's my friend too, and he's in trouble! What's goin' on, Larry?"

"Tim, are you comin' to bed or what?" Nate demanded as he arrived on the scene, then he too fell silent.
"Larry and I like to call each other ‘brother,'" Tim said. "I guess that makes this a family affair, so maybe we all better discuss it." Naturally the two newcomers agreed, so they were briefed on the situation. "What about your parents?" Terry asked.
"They'd like to take it," Larry said, "but they just can't. Mom and Dad are both working long hours, and Mom's health isn't that great. They just can't care for a baby and they can't afford to hire anyone to help."

Terry could envision his trip to Cancun evaporating and flying away as if in a cartoon. He knew why Larry was here. Larry was just doing what he and Tim had always done for as long as he could remember: they were best friends, and Larry knew, one way or another, Tim would not let Larry down. To let that baby die was simply not acceptable, and Terry knew it. As he sat listening to the bantering back and forth, he kicked his keen mind into gear. He felt guilty for thinking only of himself at such a time, but he knew that baby was safe. There was no one in the room who believed in abortions; now it was up to Terry to plant some ideas that would save the baby without sacrificing their trip next March. The first answer was obvious, but the how and why were not quite so quick in popping to the surface.

"Mom?" Terry questioned. All eyes were already on Virginia because Tim had just finishing declaring that he was in no position to care for an infant, nor did he know how. He had also pointed out that Child Protection Services would take a great deal of interest in a gay 18 year old caring for someone else's baby.
"Terry, I would love to take that baby, but I can't! I work every day, remember?"
"But Dad's been talking about retiring ever since last May, Mom. Why don't you both retire now?"
"That's a wonderful idea," Barry said. "There's nothing I'd like better, but there's the little matter of making a living. If you recall I also said I would quit the brokerage business, IF I could find something else to do. I haven't found anything yet."

They discussed the possibility of asking Laura, but they knew neither she nor her mother was in any position to take on such a responsibility. Larry told them that the baby was due in January, and that he would need someone to care for it for at least a year and possibly longer. "Tim, can I talk to you and Nathan for a minute?" Terry asked.

"Terry, Nate, I'm sorry," Tim said when they were outside on the deck. "I know this might mess up the trip in the spring, but what choice do I have?"
"I don't even wanna hear it," Terry said stubbornly. "You're gonna take that baby. You said yourself, you can't take that baby. You said you have no idea how to take care of a baby, and still you're..."
"I can't let Larry down," Tim argued. "You heard him, Terry. If we don't make some arrangements Christine is gonna have an abortion, and it's gonna happen next week. We can't let that happen, no matter what! I don't wanna be taking care of a baby any more than anyone else, but I will if I can't get someone to do it. Larry trusts me, and he's already said he's not gonna trust his child with just anyone. That's an awesome responsibility, but that's what Larry and I are all about. I have no choice here, Terry."
"Without even asking Nathan?" Terry queried."
"I don't think I have to ask Nathan," Tim answered after a moment's thought. "Do I, Nate?"

Nate had not said a word since he'd first came downstairs. He had listened to all the suggestions and the reasons why they wouldn't work, but he hadn't said a word. But that's not to say he didn't think plenty. Now, having been confronted directly, he had to say something, and he did. "I was abandoned when I was only four days old," he stated. "I know what it's like to look into the face of a man I've never seen before, a total stranger, and be told he's my father. I wouldn't wish that on anybody. My father expected me to dissolve into a puddle of tears and rush into his arms and thank him for coming back, but it didn't happen. I didn't feel anything at all for my own father! I didn't hate him, didn't love him, NOTHING! I wouldn't wish that on anybody, and that's what Larry's baby would be facing if it was put up for adoption.

"I know Larry would take the baby in a heartbeat if he could, but he can't. He won't even be in the country when the baby is born! I guess you have to look at it from my viewpoint to understand how much I admire Larry. He's only 18 and he's having to face bringing up a child all by himself. He's got to be fucking terrified! Still he's willing to do it, only right now he can't. But I admire Christine too. She's saying the baby would be better off dead than goin' into the foster care system, hoping to get adopted and all. They say most babies do get adopted, but what if this one doesn't? And what if it has to wait in a foster home for a year or so first? What kinda foster home is it gonna have? What kinda way is that to start life? I agree with Christine. The baby would be better off dead, but I'm not gonna stand by and let anyone kill a baby.

"I'm sorry, Terry, but I'm with Tim on this one. My mom wasn't a lot older than Tim and Larry are now when I was born, and she got abandoned. But I never knew! She lied to me to protect me, and she gave me a home and all the love I could handle. I knew from the time I can first remember that I was the most important thing in her life, and you and Tim have always known that too! Every kid has a right to that, Terry! I know you want a penectomy next spring and so do I. But if it means the difference between a little baby having a home or not having one, I'm gonna do what I have to do. I'll be spending every ounce of brain power I've got to think of something else, but if Tim ends up being the only option for that kid I'm with him all the way."

Terry didn't want to, but he had to admit that Nate was right. He didn't want the blood of an infant on his hands any more than Tim or Nate did. Still, there had to be a way, didn't there? Tim had assured him and Nathan that he had come to the point where he realized a penectomy for both of them was as important as Tim's had been, and he was not using this latest development as an easy out. Terry knew his brother well enough to know that he was telling the truth, so he really had no more choice than anyone else. "If you have to take him, count on my support," he said with a trembling voice.

"We've decided," Tim announced when the three boys rejoined the others. "Larry, tell Christine you have a loving home for her baby. We're gonna try and find something else, but if nothing turns up we're gonna take him or her. Mom, I'll be counting on you for some help here."
"What about Cancun?" Larry asked. He and Laura were the only ones outside the circle of the three boys who understood the significance of their trip.
"It might just have to wait," Tim answered. "We gotta take care of business first. You taught me that, Dad. Just tell Christine that we'll be expecting her to take very good care of herself before the baby's born, Larry".

Larry embraced his friend and they both cried, then he said he'd be bringing Christine around Sunday to discuss the arrangements and legal details. After he was gone, Virginia and Barry set upon their son, trying to talk some sense into his head. They asked him if he had any idea what he was getting himself into. They demanded that he think about college and what it would mean, and they reminded him that he was still a teenager, and he still had a lot of living and growing up to do. With a shaky voice Tim responded to all questions with the same answer. "I don't have a choice here, Mom and Dad," he said. "If you had any idea how many times Larry has come to my rescue, and even without that we're talking about the life of a human being! I'll do what I have to do!"
"We can't argue with that," Barry said to his wife. "We've always taught our boys to face up to their responsibilities, and that's what Tim is doing. We'll support you all we can, son."

****************

"What the hell have we got ourselves into?" Nate said when he and Tim were in Tim's bed. "I don't have any idea where to start. Are you sure we can do this?"
"I haven't given up on alternatives yet," Tim answered. "I can't think of anything, but I'm gonna keep trying and I know Terry is in his bed right now frying his brain over this. And if it ends up we have to do it, I know both our mom's will help us. I hope you know I really didn't have a choice, Nate."
"Yeah, I know," Nate reflected. "I guess I'm a little jealous that you've had Larry all your life. I've never had a friend like that till you came along. It's gotta feel pretty great. I can only dream about all that you guys have shared together."
"Yeah, Larry and I have been through a lot," Tim agreed. "He has never ever hesitated to do whatever he could for me, and that's why I really had no choice. But right now I'm more worried about Terry. I know he was counting on that trip almost more than you were. I'm afraid he might be tempted to do something really stupid."
"Why don't I go get him?" Nate suggested. "Maybe we can talk this thing through and come up with something."

***************

"Barry, you know as well as I do those boys can't take care of that baby," Virginia said to her husband as they lay in bed.
"I know," Barry agreed. "But it's not as if they'll be alone. They'll have you and me, and Valerie. Tim will probably have to take a term or two off school, but he's made his decision, and I can't see how we can talk him out of it. Frankly I don't know if I would even if I could. I'm pretty proud of him, Ginnie!"
"I know what you mean," Virginia said. "I'm really proud of Larry too. Most 18 year old's would welcome an abortion to get them off the hook but Larry has seen this as his problem and is stepping up to it like a man twice his age. I've always liked Larry, and I was so afraid he and Tim would part ways when Tim announced he was gay, but their friendship survived that too. But I've been thinking, wouldn't that girl be too far along now to get an abortion? I thought it was limited to three months."
"I think it is," Barry said. "But I'm sure there are all sorts of ways around that law. I don't think we have to worry about it though, as long as all four of those boys are committed to saving it. I have no doubt that Laura will be right in there with them as soon as she finds out about it."
"If there was only some way we could get rid of some of our other obligations," Virginia speculated. "There's nothing I'd like more than another little one in the house, but I just don't see..."
"Maybe I should just go ahead and take that early retirement," Barry observed. "You could quit work, and I could find something else..."
"You know you can't do that," Virginia scolded. "We've got some savings, but not enough for you to quit a perfectly good job with nothing else to go to. We've got one son in college and another right on his heels. I mean, you've been looking for three months, but with today's job market..."
"Yeah, you're right. Just the same, I hate to see Tim make a commitment like that. Dammit, Ginnie, he's not that much past being a baby himself!"

*****************

Nate was just slipping out of bed to go get Terry so they could all three have a serious discussion about what they were facing, but he needn't have bothered. Just as his feet touched the floor, the door burst open and Terry came bounding into the bedroom noisily as only Terry can do. As usual, he was clad only in his boxer shorts. "I've got it!" he practically screamed. "I got the answer!" He took a flying leap and landed on the bed as Tim turned on the bedside lamp. "Get back in bed, Nathan," he ordered. "I'm gonna go get Mom and Dad. I've got the perfect answer. Damn, am I good or what!"

There was no doubt in Tim's mind and never had been that Terry was good. Ever since he was a small boy he could out-think Tim, and no one on the face of the earth could manipulate their parents like Terry. There had been countless times when Tim was thankful that he and Terry were not only brothers but friends, because his little brother's mind would have made a menacing enemy. Now he was claiming to have found a way out of their dilemma, and Tim for one was all ears.

Next: XXIV Terry's Solution