Trouble Plus Trouble. - 17. Chapter 17

Double The Trouble.

Chapter 17.

Peter's first race was the hundred metre side-stroke and he couldn't believe it when he came second. He'd beaten everyone, except Matthew, and the smiles and congratulations when he sat down with the team felt great. As time went on the smiles got bigger and the congratulations stronger. All Matthew's predictions were happening and Peter came second to Andy in the back straight, second to Brent in the breaststroke and first in the side stroke. The whole thing was a walkover and coach’s prediction of an ace team was really showing through. They'd been the fifth out of six teams in the overall results last year and today's opponents had been third.

The last race of the day was the fifty metre freestyle, and as Peter lined up at the start he heard cheering from the rest of the team.

"Go Brad! Go Brad! Go Brad!

Go Phillips! Go Phillips! Go Phillips!

Go big D.! Go big D.! Go big D.!"

Did they have to call him that here? He saw one of the guys from the other team talk with Brent then look towards him with a grin.

"On your blocks."

The sounds of cheering hushed and the six competitors set themselves in readiness. The starting pistol cracked and they were away. Peter thought he'd lost it when he made a bad start, but it may even have helped, because a surge of determination powered through his body and kept him going the whole way. He touched the end and looked round, wondering how he'd gone, then heard the lane judge call that he was number one.

Sheba! He’d won.

He found out later that it was just by an instant, but for now he was overwhelmed as the other swimmers gave their congratulations. Brent was first, shaking his hand and then pushing him under. Coach congratulated Peter when he climbed from the pool, and then when he reached the benches where the rest of the team was sitting he was overwhelmed once again with grins and comments. Andy pulled him over backwards when he sat down and held him there for a series of pokes and jabs.

"Awesome Peter. That was unreal. You came from last to first. I nearly crapped myself."

The final announcements started and Peter was able to sit up. Matthew, next to him and looking very happy, leaned close.

"Champion."

A few other voices echoed it, but stopped quickly as the officials were still talking. Peter was impressed when the other team, who'd expected to win, came over and shook hands all round before heading to the shower room. Coach sent the team on their victory lap and then there was a ten minute courtesy wait in the pool while the visitors showered and left for their bus.

"What a race!"

David and Justin grabbed Peter, hoisted him on their shoulders, gave him a short victory ride and then dumped him with the rest of the team circled round. The same happened for Matthew, Andy and Brent.

"Big D.! Big D.!"

What was happening now? The chant continued and Marty beckoned. It must be another victory ride. This was getting embarrassing. It was embarrassing all right. In about three seconds he was grabbed, held, relieved of his speedos and released to the centre of the circle.

"Bluey! Bluey!"

The same happened to Matthew and then when they started chanting ‘Phillips!’, ‘Phillips!’, Brent took his own speedos off. Andy tried to escape, but the circle was closed and Marty made quick work of him. Oh no! Peter watched Kenny collect all the speedos and head for the side of the pool. Andy surged over beside Peter, looking like he was enjoying every minute of this.

"Up you get Peter. We want to win this."

Up? What was he talking about? God, Matthew was sitting on Brent's shoulders.

"Come on. They'll only see your butt."

Andy stopped waiting, and diving down, stuck his head between Peter's legs and lifted him out of the water. Just in time. Brent and Matthew were bearing down on them. Pushing down the shock of the feelings from his groin, where it pressed and jolted against Andy's neck, Peter grabbed Matthew's arms and battled to keep his own balance while pushing, pulling and doing whatever he could to stave Matthew off. Andy and Brent moved close, bumping and trying to make each other lose balance till both pairs collapsed in a heap, quickly regrouped, and started again. Peter nearly got tipped off when Brent grabbed his leg and started lifting. Andy stopped him somehow and then for a moment the action stopped.

This was actually a lot of fun. If it wasn't for the fact of his backside on show for all to see and the bone and that was developing rapidly, Peter would have been happy to keep going. They pressed forward again, evenly matched, when something happened and Andy started jumping and backing away. He lost balance and tipped over. When he stood up Peter could see Brent and Matthew looking quite triumphant. There was a swirl of movement and Peter was lifted out of the water. Were they meant to battle again? Next to him someone else was lifted. It was Andy. On Marty’s shoulders. Whose shoulders was he riding? He quickly found out it was Justin. The two new pairs attacked Brent and Matthew and they were brought down in no time flat.

Brent was hoisted onto David’s shoulders, Matthew onto Paul's and now briefly it was two pairs against two pairs. This turned into a free for all and every time Peter got tipped off a new person carried him. The friendly melee went on till a whistle blew and everyone stopped and looked. It was coach with some official from the other school at the deep end, and he was pointing at the changing room.

Oh no, Peter wondered how he was meant to get there. Especially since he was half boned. Andy beckoned him and they moved towards the steps. The whole team closed round and now moved as a group towards the doorway. Peter’s relief at being hidden from general view was forgotten when someone behind him checked his bags. God, who was it? Kenny. And he wasn't letting go. His exclamations at the continued grope got grins from everyone round, but no moved to help him free. Halfway to the door, Brent, also in the middle of the huddle turned round.

"Having trouble Peter?"

Peter saw Mr Hyde looking out from Brent’s eyes and in the next second his dick was being held. At least Kenny let go. For a few steps he was trapped till Andy came to his rescue by grabbing at Brent. Brent released Peter to protect himself and laughed at the shocked look on Peter's face when Andy took over the holding job. Andy kept hold and only let go when they were right in the changing room.

"Bluey! Bluey!"

Peter watched Brent lift Matthew's arm in the air.

"Big D.! Big D.!"

Now it was Peter’s turn and his arm was lifted by Andy, to a continuing chorus of cheers and comments. The sound stopped and Peter looked round at all the watching, interested and smiling faces. What were they expecting? Andy took him by the shoulders and moved him to face Matthew.

"Go on. They want to see who's king."

Again? Peter wondered if this was ever going to stop. And it would be worse for Matthew. What was the best thing to do? Finish it as soon as he could, or try and make it look like they were fairly even? He quickly made up his mind and two minutes later, with three grabs and brief tugs each time, the challenge was finished. The group dissolved into laughter then disbursed to have showers and excitedly discuss different races and outcomes.

Peter was embarrassed at all the praise and wished he’d managed to grab one of the showers instead of having to stand waiting with a smile plastered over his face while different guys stirred him about his boner and happily congratulated him at the same time. Well, perhaps he didn't really mind. It felt so good.

They dropped Matthew off then drove straight to Andy's place for their meal and after that their spirits were so high it was hard to settle to coaching. Andy couldn't get over having won his backstroke, Marty was just as amazed that he’d managed third in the butterfly, and Peter couldn't wait to tell his mum just how well he’d done. At home she looked tired when she first walked in, but her smile quickly came to light as Peter described everything.

"Coach says we’re an ace team and Andy and Marty think we might even win the competition this year. It's all Matthew Mum. He's made me really good, but he's made Andy the best in backstroke and Brent the best in side stroke."

"I thought Matthew was the best."

"He is. But he only swims in the hundred metres so everyone else gets a chance to be winners."

"Does he? Just like Robert, helping everyone else."

"What happened?"

Peter could tell there must have been something.

"Last night I signed all the papers to register as a business. He had it organised and he’s even ordered business cards. I'll have them by Friday."

Wow, Peter forgot his own excitement for a while as he listened to Beth’s news. It really was starting to happen for her. It was nine o'clock by the time he reached his room and after battling with study for a couple of hours that was enough for the day.

***

Brent dropped them at Matthew's place after training, came in for a drink and a snack then left on some business of his own.

"What are we going to study?"

"Nothing, let's wait till after tea."

"How come?"

"We haven't even looked at the photos yet. You were great yesterday Peter."

"Everyone was great Matthew."

"I know. But I've been waiting for you to win. How did you feel?"

"Unreal. I sort of don't believe it, like I must be dreaming or something."

"You'll get used to it. We’ll train you hard for another week and then you can drop back to three or four days if you want to."

They spent over an hour going through all the photos from Tuesday night and were putting specially selected ones in a separate file when they heard Rob down stairs.

"Where's my tea?"

Matthew went to the fridge and pulled out a packet of bratwurst sausages.

"Here."

"They're not cooked."

"Very funny. You’re early and I did the cooking last night anyway."

"And you do such a good job I'll let you do it again tonight."

"Come on Peter. He's having his daily brain lapse. We'll come back later."

Back in the bedroom Matthew changed to his old silky blue running shorts and tossed another pair over. This meant he wanted a wrestle, so Peter pulled off his shirt and cargoes and went to step into the shorts. He didn't manage. At the moment when he was standing on one leg Matthew tackled him and pushed him onto the bed.

"Cheat. I wasn't ready."

Matthew just laughed, tried to twist Peter's arm up behind his back, and succeeding at that, started to belly button him.

"Hey, what are you doing?"

"Proving that you bone quicker than me."

"More cheating."

Peter managed to escape from the arm hold and they wrestled happily till it was time for their meal. They studied full on for over four hours, showered, went to bed and talked till Matthew went quiet.

***

Andy's wagon pulled into the church car park and Rob’s hatch-back followed. The effort of getting up at 6:30 am was forgotten with the anticipation of the coming day. Beth had been laughing most of the way as Andy and Marty stirred each other and made outrageous claims about how far and hard it was going to be.

"Hey, look at Rob. He's got a guitar."

That was interesting. Peter hadn't heard anything from Matthew about Rob playing a guitar. Rob heard the comment and pointed at Matthew.

"It's his. He says he wouldn't bring it himself so I'm carrying it for him."

"Dad, no one carries a guitar on a hike."

"I don't see why not."

He laughed.

"We have to have a camp-fire concert don't we?"

Everyone organised themselves and by the time Andy returned from leaving their keys with the minister friend they had their packs on, ready to go. Marty had organised three extra packs, one each for Beth, Peter and Matthew and dropped them off the previous evening. Rob already had a really good one of his own and he looked quite a sight with the old silver guitar case lashed on top with stretchy ockie straps. Andy grabbed his pack and led the way. It only took twenty minutes to reach the river crossing and another three quarters of an hour before they were caching the rucksacks and the guitar under the shelter of some thick bushes not too far from the sandbar. Matthew had been very busy using the camera but that was left too, after taking final shots of everyone kitted out with their wrist and knee guards, ready for the wading, swimming and rock hopping. Marty and Rob were carrying day-packs with food and other sundries, all wrapped to keep them waterproof.

"Let the adventure begin. Into the depths of the unknown the intrepid expedition forges its way."

Matthew was shaking his head as if to say that Rob was a mental case, but it was actually rather similar to how he often spoke himself. Everyone else loved it. Steadily they made their way, through the deep slow sections where they had to swim, wading where the water flowed faster and shallower, then rock hopping or walking slowly when the bottom changed and the water splashed merrily over stones and rocks. Beth was having no trouble at all and was laughing at Andy and Marty who kept trying to help her through awkward patches when she didn't need it.

"It's just up here."

Everyone's interest galvanised as they approached the falls, then focussed when they sat on the rocky platform and watched the water plunging to the deep pool. Andy and Marty stripped to their speedos and runners and spent five minutes carefully diving and checking for depth and obstacles, but there was no change since last time and as soon as that was done everyone was in.

The main point of interest was getting behind the waterfall and Andy did the honors of showing Beth first. Marty went with Rob next. Peter dived through the pressure bath and turned round quickly to watch as Matthew came up shaking his head and clearing the water from his eyes. They widened, and he pulled himself to the ledge where Peter was now sitting, then stared round at the world of white and silver, splash and spray. His smile grew and his hand reached for Peter's neck and held it tight while they shared the moment. A head appeared through the foam and for the next few minutes Peter was squished between Rob and Matthew. Andy arrived and yanked everyone into the fall so they were pressured under and then out into the open area. This turned out to be a food summons and for the next twenty minutes they ate and soaked in the sights around them.

They stayed till mid-afternoon, talking, sitting behind the falls, swimming, diving, bombing from the platform, and playing a keepings-off game with a mini soccer ball Rob had carried in his day pack. Back at the camp-site there was a hive of activity for half an hour, getting the tents set up and collecting wood for the camp-fire

"Let's go to the floating place."

Peter and Matthew thought that was a great idea, but Beth and Rob changed their minds about going when they found it would be another two hours of activity, saying they’d rather relax.

"This'll do. They can't see us from here."

"What?"

"You know our rule Peter. We've never broken it yet."

Peter started laughing.

"They’re going to wank each other Matthew. They've got a rule to do it every time they go somewhere special."

Twenty seconds later Peter was without his shorts and speedos, and being held by Marty while Andy attacked his belly button enough to set him going.

"So, who's ready for a wank now?"

Andy held up Peter's speedos.

"You can get them back after you tell Beth and Rob what you said."

After? They didn't mean that. Well, he was fairly certain they didn't, but you never quite knew with Andy. Andy and Marty stripped off, Matthew did the same when they looked at him expectantly.

"How did this rule start anyway?"

"Marty started it. He made me."

"Andy dared me to for twenty dollars, but he was really just desperate to look at my dong. Hey, you still haven't paid me either."

"Twenty dollars for that? How about twenty cents? We were swimming nude near the camp-site Peter, and Marty bet me I'd put something on before he did and we ended up not getting dressed till we were going home."

"So who ended up getting dressed first?"

"We both did. Marty was so stubborn we had to put our jocks on at exactly the same time."

Peter knew who the really stubborn one would have been. Andy started grinning.

"What do you reckon Matthew? Have you ever seen another one like it?"

So much for that attempt to shift the focus.

"Um, not really."

"Does he get them at your place? He always does when he’s with Marty and me."

Matthew was clearly rather awkward about answering.

"Andy, you shouldn't be asking me about that."

"Why not? Peter doesn't mind. And we already know he gets boners everywhere. Look how quick this one came up. Hey, Matthew you should have your camera."

"I can't. It would get wet."

Peter could see the wheels start turning in Andy's mind. Once they started moving it was back to normal stirring and mucking round.

After an enjoyable stay at the floating section they headed for camp. There were still several hours before it was officially meal-time so chunks of fruitcake were shared round to keep everyone going. Peter and Matthew settled on the sand bar with a book, which got the expected reaction from Andy and Marty, but they stretched out as well and relaxed in the sun. Peter’s book didn’t last long because his eyes closed. He found out later that the four of them had slept for half an hour before Andy woke and stirred things up.

Peter's peace was broken when he was carried to the water and thrown in. Matthew was next, then Beth, and finally Rob who put up a real struggle. The combined strength of Andy and Marty was too much for him though, and he succumbed to a one, two, three and heave.

"Are you ready Peter?"

The food, which Marty cooked and served, was finished and they were watching Rob cleaning up. Peter was laughing at Rob's comments and didn't notice Andy and Marty closing in till it was too late. They had those conspiring sort of grins.

"What for?"

"Your tips."

"Tips?"

Andy pointed to his hair.

"Remember. You said you'd have them. It’s all organised and Matthew’s having them too. We all reckon they'll look great on you."

Matthew nodded, Robert nodded and when Peter looked at his mum she nodded too. It really was a conspiracy. In fact Peter really was intrigued with the idea and had looked at himself in the mirror at home, trying to imagine what it would be like after it went so well for Andy and Marty.

“Do Matthew first.”

“No way. Which do you want? Purple or blue?”

Marty decided it should be purple for Peter, which started Rob singing some song about a Purple Peter Eater, and Matthew would be blue because he was Bluey, but that was all stirring and Peter ended up with light blonde tips. It felt nice with his mum working his hair and it was interesting being the centre of attention. The most frustrating thing when it was done was not being able to see what it looked like as there was no mirror and the light had faded too much to be able to see his reflection in the river.

Beth decided to do Matthew’s a different way and he ended up with a couple of long streaks rather than tips, which everyone agreed was perfect for him and totally impressed Peter. Andy and Marty stirred that they’d hold Rob down for his turn but strangely they didn’t even try. Everyone found a spot around the camp-fire and talked and cooked marshmallows. Rob described some of the hikes he’d been on when Marty asked him about his good rucksack.

“Eight days! How could you carry that much food?”

“That’s nothing Peter. Nowadays people carry enough supplies to last two or three weeks.”

He told stories of seeing wild horses, what it was like in Australia’s high country, and how there were huts built to shelter anyone from the snow or bad weather. Peter didn’t know Rob had done that kind of stuff and it sounded so interesting.

“How about some entertainment Matthew?”

“They don’t want to listen to me dad.”

This was given the lie with a chorus of denials and Marty fetched the guitar case while Matthew continued to protest. There was no way he’d be let off without playing though, after a whole day of curiosity about the guitar. Tuning it took quite a while as the strings had been loosened, but eventually he riffled through a few chords and nodded his satisfaction.

“I don’t know what to play.”

Rob laughed.

“He goes for hours at home without any trouble. Play some of the Australian bush ballads.”

Hours? Peter was astonished. He’d never heard Matthew play a single note.

“You’re just saying that to get me to sing as well.”

“That’s right. But you know they’re my favorites. And everyone else will like them.”

From a flurry of hand movement, a quick progression of chords leapt into the warm summer air and Matthew’s voice followed with sudden drama.

“Blame it on the Kelly’s mate. Blame it on the Kelly’s.”

Peter stared, transfixed, as the words and music of the classic comedy about always shifting the blame to someone else circled round the camp fire. Oh wow! He sounded terrific, and he'd never let on with one word. Everyone was looking as gobsmacked as Peter felt, except Rob. He just looked pleased, and at each last strum exhorted Matthew into the next song.

Johnny-cakes

The Old Bark Hut.

The Drover's Boy.

Peter didn't know some of these songs. Beth did, and started singing with the choruses, and when Andy and Marty joined in Peter was caught.

"That's enough oldies. Play something for Beth."

Queen. How did Matthew know that? Peter remembered him looking through their CDs, but he must have spoken to Beth as well at some stage. He played for ages, since no one would let him stop, all sorts of songs, till he said his fingers were too sore.

Andy put potatoes in the fire and they sat round, talking, till the crusty black lumps were raked from the coals. Rob was as lively as Andy in his own way, and with two of them carrying on there were constant peels of laughter. Eventually the camp-fire reduced to glowing embers and when Beth said she was turning in for the night, there was general agreement to do the same. Peter was the last one to wake in the morning and only got up when Matthew threatened to drag him out of the tent.

"Just a few more minutes Matthew."

"Okay, …Big-Boy!"

Peter needed the few minutes, but by the time he was in his jocks and running shorts the smell of breakfast was dragging him out anyway. Marty had brought the makings for pancakes and because of Rob's reputation, delegated the cooking task to him. By eleven o'clock they were back at the cars, Andy and Marty smiling at the thanks from Rob for asking him along, and then smiling even more at the parting hugs and thanks from Beth when they reached home. Peter spent the whole afternoon reading and then another hour after tea so he could finish his novel. It was his first reading binge for ages and he wondered when he'd manage another one. Each time he went down for a drink or snack Beth was working on her notebook. In the evening he rang for a quarter of an hour to find out how the camera-full of photos worked out and Matthew said they were terrific, with some great ones of Marty. Otherwise he had the whole time to himself.

***

School the next day was great. He'd wondered what kind of treatment he'd get with the tips in his hair, but that turned out to be a series of, cool, great, suits you, type of comments. He and Matthew got top marks for the Lit assignment and Brett was pleased with his B+. Coach had his first chance to speak since their win, and after general praise for everyone and setting them to their training, he came over to give another lot of thanks to Matthew for the help he was giving. He especially praised Peter for his amazing improvement, then Marty as well for going in the butterfly. Matthew trained them all so hard for the session they said they were going to dump him and go back to coach.

"What's with Kenny Andy?"

They were in the wagon on the way to Marty's place and Peter was referring to the fact that he’d had his bags checked twice and Kenny had also started a grabbing competition with Paul.

"What do you mean?"

"Is he after me or something? He’s always doing things."

"Nah, that's just Kenny. He's always like that. You'll get used to it. Phillips did."

Now it was Peter's turn to wonder what Andy meant.

"It's because you're the King Dick. He'll try to make you get a boner whenever the team’s there. It's sort of like our mascot now."

"My boner’s a mascot? Oh my God!"

"Yeah, that's why you have to get used to it. If Kenny doesn't get it going someone else will. It's good luck for the team."

Peter had to let this sink in.

"You never said anything about this before."

"You would have freaked out."

"That's for sure. I think I am anyway."

"Nah! You've had a boner every time the team’s been together, and anyway we know you don't really mind."

Was that what they thought? Peter's color rose and they laughed at him.

"See, you can't keep secrets from us."

It was kind of true. Peter was still trying to figure it out for himself. For the rest of the drive Peter was mostly quiet while Andy and Marty made up stories of different ways Kenny and others might use to give him a boner.

The end of chapter 17.

Iarwain.