Trouble Plus Trouble. - 26. Chapter 26

Double The Trouble.

Chapter 26.

Sunday was a good day. They left Matthew's place in the morning and drove to a reserve in the country which had a cave where a famous bushranger called Captain Moonlight used to hide when the troopers and police were searching for him. They climbed the giant granite lookout points and explored the boulder strewn ridge. The cave itself was really a big split in the rocks and the entrance was so well hidden it was a wonder anyone ever found it. Brent dropped them at Peter’s place saying he'd had the best weekend ever and hoping they could do something like it another time.

Beth gave them the biggest hugs and sat between them while they had to tell their exploits.

"But what about yesterday? Rob told me you're starting a nudist colony."

They went through a sanitised version, but Peter had a suspicion she’d already heard Rob's version, which included everything except the boner shows.

"Peter, you're such a troublemaker. Leading your friends into such an embarrassing situation. How did Brent cope with it?"

"Brent? Mum, he loved it. He was joking with those kids and had them laughing. He put on his Mr Hyde act didn't he Matthew?"

"Peter's right Beth. He's been quiet lately but he likes adventures like that."

After tea Matthew spent over an hour with Beth at the new notebook computer, loading software and copying data files from the desktop. Peter was getting good at that stuff himself now, and after watching Matthew he knew he'd be able to keep everything up to date till Beth could happily do it herself. They started on physics but Matthew wasn't concentrating so they stopped trying.

"What do you want to do Matthew? "

"Can we go to bed?"

"At eight o'clock? Okay. That's a great idea. You have your shower and I'll get some snacks so we don't have to get up later."

Peter went downstairs.

"We’re going to bed Mum. Matthew’s worrying about tomorrow. I think he needs lots of hugs."

"Well you give him a hundred from me, and a hundred from Rob."

Peter received a brief but very special hug of his own.

"I'll peek in to say goodnight at ten Peter."

Peter rushed back upstairs to get to the bathroom before Matthew finished his shower and only just made it.

"Hey, you're not allowed to go till you rub my back."

"Well you have to get undressed first don't you?"

"Not when I can't wait I don't."

In he went, shirt, shorts, jocks and socks and straight-away had Matthew laughing at him.

"You nut case Peter."

"I don't see why. My clothes want you to wash them too. Come on. Get to work back-washer."

The tangle of two bodies in the enclosed space and the resultant problems of trying to get Peter's clothes off kept them laughing, especially when Matthew said he was jealous of the wet shirt which was clinging so tight.

"Turn round Peter."

"What for?"

"So I can rub your back."

"No way. I can rub yours at the same time if we stay like this."

That was great fun and when they were out of the shower they had to clean each other's teeth and Peter made Matthew give him a shave.

"What? Am I your slave now?"

It felt so nice being given a shave that Peter insisted on returning the favor.

"Now, slave boy. Give me a piggyback ride to the bedroom. No towels."

"No towels? What if Beth sees us?"

"She won't see me will she?"

"Cheat."

Out of the bathroom, down the corridor and into the bedroom, the slightly damp, double bodied creature made its way.

"Hey Matthew."

"What?"

"This is fun. You can carry me round everywhere from now on."

"Okay. We'll take it in turns. Your week starts tomorrow."

"A week? All right. Dump me on the bed and let me look at you."

Matthew twisted sideways to let Peter down, and they ended in a tangled heap with Peter complaining an elephant was squishing him. A complaint like that could only be answered with extra squishing, and that in turn provoked the highly exaggerated groans and squawks which would make Matthew smile. That worked perfectly and the next stage was to pull him close in a big hug.

"Got you now."

"Aren't I squishing you?"

"It's not squishing now... It's ..Um.. Interesting."

That made Matthew smile again and then they both went quiet.

"Aren't you worried about tomorrow Peter?"

"Yes, but it’ll be all right."

"I suppose. But what will we do if it's not? We haven't talked about that."

"You're a duffer. You worry too much."

"I can't help it."

"I know. I can't either. Give me a squeeze."

"It's not like last year Matthew. We won't be on our own. Brent and Andy and Marty will still be our friends whatever happens."

"I wonder why Andy hasn't told us what he’s going to do?"

"Ha, I don't think I want to know. Except we do know about Kenny and Mr Long."

"I wonder who else he's been talking to? He hasn't said anything to Brent."

"I reckon he said something to Mum. She told Mr Crossman she wasn't one bit worried about the team. She actually said to him it was the rest of the school that mattered."

"Mr Crossman’s on our side isn't he?"

"Absolutely. You should have heard him. He said he’d fight to make sure I was happy."

"Fight? Wow. I wish there'd been someone like him at Banks Street."

Peter wriggled underneath Matthew.

"What is it?"

"You're teasing Mr Long."

Matthew slid beside Peter, and rested his head on his chest. Peter held it in place and started playing with one of the blond streaks of hair. Matthew’s free hand made patterns as it roved round the parts of Peter that were in reach.

"Matthew, that's an even bigger tease."

"Good."

They cuddled and talked, cuddled and talked, constantly swapping positions. Neither was sleepy and both were enjoying the gentle closeness of spirit between them.

"Matthew, quick. Put some shorts on."

"Shorts?"

"This isn't like your place. Mum’s coming in to say goodnight."

Beth arrived with drinks and a tray full of crumpets, honey and cream, then laughed when they disappeared in the proverbial blink of an eye, carefully wiped a smudge of cream from Matthew’s chin, and told Peter he could make them himself if he really wanted more. She left almost straight away, touselling Peter's hair, and giving Matthew a soft kiss on his forehead.

"Hey, where's my goodnight kiss? How come I miss out?"

"Matthew can look after that tonight."

Matthew did. Straight away and several times, while Peter watched his mum from the corner of his eye. She gave him a wink. God. She must be catching that from Rob. It wasn't something usual for her. The food seemed to bring them to life, and after Matthew demanded the return of his goodnight kisses they started playing some of their personal games. Peter was sitting on Matthew’s stomach, writing his name with his finger in different places when he was startled by the laugh and the voice.

"I told you Marty. They never stop."

Sheba! Not again. And both of them this time. Peter dived for the sheet but it was on the floor beside the bed and Andy's foot stomped down first. Oh well. Here goes with the stirring.

"What were you doing?"

"Um... Writing my name on Matthew's chest."

"Cute. We saw your light on so we thought you'd probably still be studying, didn't we Marty?"

"Studying? Ha. Yeah."

"So, what ya been up to Peter? How did that interview go?"

That was his first question? Peter settled next to Matthew, making no attempt to cover Mr Long as that would definitely provoke some sort of treatment.

"Really well. You know I like him. And mum thinks the same."

"Beth likes him? I thought he might be weak."

"No way."

"So what else happened then?"

"We went out to the river on Saturday, and Brent slept over, and we went up to Captain Moonlight's cave today. What about Anglesea?"

"Mate! Marty’s off with Amy all time and I'm stuck with the little brat brother."

Peter knew he was stirring Marty but it sounded like there was lots to catch up on.

"Hey Matthew? When's it my turn to write on your body?"

"Now or never Andy. I’ve heard about that green marker."

Andy picked up the sheet and tossed it at them.

"I bet it's back on the floor in two minutes. See you in the morning."

"You're nuts Andy."

"My nuts? Marty’s you mean. Wait till I tell you."

They went on their way, Andy with a cheeky grin and his arm twisted up behind his back, leaving Peter and Matthew also with large grins.

"What’ll we do? Start locking the door?"

"What for Matthew? He gets so much fun out of it."

"Peter Hall. You show pony. You like him catching us don't you?"

At first quite startled at the thought, Peter could only agree it was kind of true.

***

The day passed too quickly. Rob turned up to wish everyone well which was good. There was a surprise test in chemistry and that wasn't so good, because nobody, including Peter, was ready for it. Mr Crossman gave him the Charles De Lint book he’d promised, and that was excellent. And at lunchtime there was embarrassment as Andy and Marty heard all the details of the river adventure.

"What? They pinched your clothes so they could see Peter's boner? That is brilliant. I wish we'd been there."

"Andy, you would have been shaking yourself under the bridge too."

"Still would have been worth it. Hey, I bet they’d be there if we went back next Saturday. They'll go again for sure to see if they can catch someone else."

They didn't talk long though and headed off saying they had things to do, leaving Peter and Matthew totally up in the air about the only thing they really wanted to know.

"Peter, I feel like screaming."

"Um. They're having a meeting after training. That's all I know, except Andy told me to leave it all to him."

“A meeting? Brent, he hasn't even said if we're meant to be there."

Training was normal, except for nerves, and no one said anything or gave them any unusual looks, which Peter took to mean that no one knew yet that the meeting was about them. Andy did talk to them when they asked, but still hardly said a thing.

"Don't worry Matthew. Just do exactly what I say. Even if it feels bad. You too Peter."

At a quarter to five there was a mass exodus as every guy on the team left the pool and entered the change room at virtually the same time. Andy took absolute charge and in seconds there were fifteen guys formed in one big circle, almost shoulder to shoulder. There was talk and jostling but that died away quickly and all eyes went to Andy.

"Right you guys. We’re an ACE team. Are we gonna win this year?"

Everyone yelled agreement. Almost everyone. Peter was too nervous. The attention snapped back though, and when everyone was quiet Andy spoke again.

"Matthew. Go outside."

He said it in such a strong voice, and when Matthew, under the mass of puzzled stares, quietly left the room, Peter felt so bad he took a step to follow him, but just in time caught Andy's slight shake of the head.

"All right. This is the team from now on."

Silence. Paul, one of the long-distance guys was the first to break it.

"Without Matthew? Are you serious?"

No one else said anything. It was their question too.

"He's a queer."

Peter felt like someone had sliced his heart open. It sounded so awful the way Andy said it. Eventually someone laughed, and then a few others, at what must be yet another of Andy's cons.

"He'll cause trouble if he stays on the team."

"Andy, get serious.

Andy said it again and it was even worse this time.

"He's a queer."

Marty's hand had clasped on Peter's arm and he couldn't move. What? Before Andy said it? It was planned? Of course it was. It was a challenge not a statement. Realisation flowed into Peter at the same time he started to struggle away from Marty and he stopped and just stood. Heads were turning to him and back to Andy.

"So what?" - it was Paul.

"I told you. He'll cause trouble."

There was a more prolonged silence.

"You bastard Hillier. After the way he helped you. You can stuff this team. I'm going out with Matthew."

Colin, a quiet year ten kid who hardly ever said anything, was storming towards the door.

"You're a mongrel. You too Marty. Let Peter Go."

It was Brad, and Kenny and Justin joined him, as they collected Peter and escorted him out the door. Matthew was staring towards them, but as they got closer he kept looking past. Peter glanced back and saw the crowd in the doorway. Matthew looked confused and then disbelieving when nasty comments started to fly about Andy. Peter felt excitement explode, but knew this wasn’t the time for him to say anything. Colin put his hand up to Matthew shoulder.

"Colin Miles you are one gutsy kid."

Everyone turned at the sound of the clear, strong voice. There was Andy at the door, flanked by Marty and Brent, the three of them with giant grins.

"Matthew. I couldn't talk them out of it. They want you on the team. Come back in and we’ll tell them what's going on."

Matthew moved forward, and everyone followed. They knew they'd been tricked somehow and now they'd find out why. The circle formed again with Andy’s arm draped across Matthew’s shoulder.

"Okay Colin. Bluey really is a gay boy and there really is going to be trouble. Just listen to this."

It took a few minutes only for Andy to first of all describe some of the things that happened to Matthew at his last school, and how it was the swimming team who were the worst of all, and then to explain how they'd be sure to pick on him at the comp.

"So, he knew we'd all find out about him, but he was going to the comp anyway because he didn't want to let coach or us down. Marty and I reckoned you’d stick up for him and you all did. Colin’s right. Except they're the bastards. Not me."

"Are you really gay Matthew?"

Matthew nodded at Brad. The renewed silence was broken again by Andy.

"Yeah. And he's after your dick Brad, so you'd better stop swingin’ it like that."

Brad spread his arms as if to say come and get me and the laughter and comments briefly centred on Brad. Wow, Andy had effortlessly turned it into change-room joking.

"What d’you want us to do Andy?"

"We're going to shit all over them Paul. They won’t know what's hit them. They've won every comp for the last five years and their heads are swollen as big as Phillip’s dick. Hey, we'll call them the Dickheads from now on.”

The grins round the circle were growing.

"We've got two champions, so next week we’re going to thrash their asses."

He held Matthew's arm up, yelled out “champion”, then passed him across to Brent. Right round the circle Matthew went, every guy lifting his arm and repeating the call.

"Big D.! Big D.! Come on Peter."

Peter thought he was to be yanked round the circle like Matthew, but that wasn't to happen yet. Andy was heading for him. What now? He could tell by Andy's grin that his time had come. Oh God. Peter's arm was lifted in the victory salute but Andy said nothing, just held it till everyone was watching, then lowered it and beckoned Matthew to take his place.

"Guess what you guys. Here's our second gay-boy. Peter wants you to know he's got it bad for Matthew."

By now Peter had lost track at how many times there'd been a stunned silence, but this one was going to stay in his mind for ever. What was he meant to do? Every face was staring at him, Andy, Marty and Brent with smiles, the rest not sure what to believe.

"They don't believe anything I say. You'll have to show them Peter."

Show them? This was freaky. How do you show you’re gay? Was he meant to do something rude? A kiss, like for Marty? That would be too much in front of all the staring faces. Matthew helped him out. Wonderful Matthew slipped an arm round Peter's waist and instantly Peter returned the gesture with a quick hug. A few of the faces were looking amazed but most of them were actually smiling. Andy looked at Matthew and raised his arm in the victory gesture. Matthew knew exactly what he meant, and lifting Peter's arm, the champion cry rang out again. Round the circle Peter went, till, flushed and relieved, he was back in his place.

"Shoot Andy. What else are you going to tell us?"

"Nothing. Except this is a team secret. You all know what those dorks in David’s class are like. We don't want Bluey or Big D. getting bashed if they find out."

The whole team turned as one to look at David, who flushed, and promised it wouldn’t be him who said anything. Andy finished by saying there was going to be a team get-together at Marty's place on Friday, that Marty was gay and Phillips was a wanker. Except it didn't finish at all. The circle dissolved but everyone gathered close and was talking about it all.

Wow, three or four guys shook Peter's hand, a couple gave him a pat on the shoulder and Matthew was receiving similar attention. Five minutes later everyone was still talking but the questions showed how curious most of them were. Andy was a nightmare and had Peter embarrassed in seconds when the topic of King Dick came up.

"Of course he's still King Dick Kenny. You love being mascot don't you Peter?"

What else could Peter do but agree?

"See, it's perfect for him. He likes getting a boner even if he's still shy about it. The more you guys yank it for him the happier he'll be."

Andy was getting the laughs he wanted and Peter left for his shower. There was another cheer and Peter turned to see Colin being carried on Andy and Marty’s shoulders. The poor guy looked totally embarrassed as a new cry rang around the room.

"Gutsy! Gutsy!"

Peter and Matthew dressed then waited outside for Andy, Marty, and Brad. Peter wanted to give Matthew the biggest hug but he held back.

"Jeez Peter. What happened when Andy sent me out? Did he send them crazy or something?"

"It was armageddon Matthew. That's what I thought anyway."

Armageddon was an in word between them at the moment from one of the books they'd read. There was no chance to explain further because Marty turned up, and Brent, and walking next to Andy was Colin Miles.

"Yo Matthew. We’re going to the mall."

The mall? Well the maths coaching was off, which was pretty sensible as far as Peter was concerned. Brent wanted to bring his car but was overruled. They were together as far as Andy was concerned, so they all bundled into the wagon, Peter and Matthew in the back with Brent, and Colin sandwiched in the front.

"What are we doing?"

"Peter, I'm still shaking. We’re not doing maths and that's for sure. I thought they were gonna kill me when Colin set them off. Man, was I ready to run."

He was? He hadn't looked worried to Peter, and Peter couldn't really imagine Andy running.

"Andy? Why didn't you tell us what you were going to do? I felt like killing you myself."

"I know. I was watching, but I had to do it that way Peter. You would have given it away otherwise. Did you notice how everyone looked straight at you? It was your reaction that got everyone thinking I meant it."

"Well it sure sounded like it. You frightened me."

Matthew slipped his arm round Peter's middle for a sideways hug.

"Will someone please tell me what you're all talking about? I still don't know."

"Andy said you were a queer and kicked you off the team because you'd cause trouble. He sounded like he hated you and they got mad at him. Colin called him a bastard and said he was quitting the team to stand up for you. He stormed out and everyone else went with him."

Andy gave Colin a friendly dig in the ribs.

"Yeah, you're the man Colin. You made it perfect."

Colin just got embarrassed, which impressed Peter again.

At the mall Andy shouted everyone to giant super milkshake kind of drinks and they talked it all over. Colin didn't say much but looked happy, though very surprised at some of the things he heard. Half an hour was all the time they had with the logistics of getting Brent back to his car and taking Colin and Matthew home. Peter asked Brent in when they drove from school, then told him he was staying to have a meal as well when it turned out he was heading for an empty house. They went straight up to the bedroom where Peter attacked.

"Brent Phillips. You knew all along what Andy was going to do and you didn't say a word."

Brent had succumbed to the attack and let Peter sit on him.

"Um. Would you argue with Andy if he told you not to say anything?"

"Excuses! Excuses! You're going to die."

Brent didn't look very worried.

"Brent, want to wrestle?"

The end of chapter 26.

Iarwain.