Brittle as a Bird - 20. Chapter 20

“This is breathtaking!” exclaimed Allen. We were standing on the shore of Sullivan Lake. I was standing behind him, as the setting sun silhouetted his naked body. I don’t think I had ever seen anything so beautiful.

I walked up, put my arms around him and caressed his soft skin. He had put on weight over the past few months, and his body was firm and lean. He looked now as I imagined him in high school.

“Mmmm,” he purred as he pushed himself against my rapidly growing cock. We’d made love twice, but I was ready to go again. I reached down, grabbed his hard cock in my hand and stroked it.

“I love you,” I whispered in his ear. He turned, and our erections pressed against each other as we kissed. He led me over to the blanket and we lay down, him on top of me.

“I never thought I could ever feel this way,” he said as he kissed me again.

We had spent the past two hours making love. Our bodies had melted into each other, and we had shared a love that had been repressed for years. When he entered me for the first time, tears of joy ran down my cheeks as I thrust my body against his and begged for more. When he pulled out, I immediately missed his closeness and the togetherness we had shared.

For months, I had been afraid that when we made love, our feelings would be diminished because of his health. However, it made them greater. I think because we weren’t having sex with wild abandon, and we did have to be safe, it made us go slower, and thereby intensifying our feelings.

After slowly stripping me, he had roamed his tongue sensuously over my body. There wasn’t a part of me he didn’t explore. It was something I had never experienced. Before, my main motive had been to get a guy off, collect my money and go home. With Allen, however, I wanted the feelings to last forever.

We touched, kissed and licked each other’s body for an hour. I was literally begging him when he finally rolled a condom over his cock and penetrated me. When he pulled out and came on my chest, it only took about five strokes of his hand before our cum was mingled together. Afterwards, we lay back and looked skyward as we came down from our emotional high.

After resting, we ran to the lake and played together as little children. I kept grabbing him and pulling him into the water. It wasn’t a playfulness, but a need. I wanted my arms around him. I needed to feel his warmth. And I desired to express my love for him.

When we had rested, he led me back to the blanket and then I made love to him. Again, we entwined our bodies as I entered him. He whimpered and moaned as I thrust into him. I literally saw stars when I later erupted on his chest.

“God, Joey,” he muttered as he straddled me. He leaned in and kissed me. I grabbed his cock and began to slowly stroke him. He threw his head back and moaned. Minutes later, he shot another small load onto my chest.

“Come on.” I grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet. We ran together and jumped back into the lake to wash ourselves off. It was now that we were standing side by side watching the setting sun.

“I wish today never had to end,” I remarked. He turned and looked at me.

“I was just thinking the same thing,” he replied. “This has been the best day of my life.” He took my hand and squeezed it. We returned to the blanket and sat naked as the sun disappeared over the horizon.

We dressed and then headed for home. Home was his apartment. I had been staying there regularly since I was working at the cleaners below his apartment. I would usually return a couple of days a week to Ticker’s house, but those times were becoming less frequent. Now that our love had gone to a new level, I was looking forward to spending my evenings sharing his bed, instead of sleeping on the sofa.

On the way home we stopped at the bridge where we had first met. Now, it seemed years ago. We looked over the side at the rapidly flowing water. Neither of us said a word for several minutes.

Allen turned and looked at me. “This is where it all began,” he said thoughtfully. “Who knew months ago, that two lonely guys looking for a way out would meet and fall in love?”

“Things have really changed since then,” I replied as I took his hand and held it. “You told me that day to jump, and I did.” He gave me a puzzled look. “I jumped right into your life.”

“I’m glad you did.” We embraced and kissed. In Allen’s arms, the lapping of the water against the banks sounded peaceful and soothing.

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‘6’

“Would you hold still.” Star was trying to straighten my tie. We were in the lobby of the arena where our graduation ceremony was getting ready to take place.

“I’ve never worn a tie before,” I complained. “I feel like I’m being strangled.”

“You have to look good, Joey,” she reminded me. “You are giving a speech.” She reached up and straightened the sashes that were draped around me, indicating that I was a member of the National Honor Society.

Ticker walked up and whistled. “Don’t you look good?” He reached out and straightened the cap on my head. I smiled when I saw the gown he was wearing. The largest size available was an extra-large, so it was snug around his large body.

“Do you have your speech?” Star asked worriedly. I reached into my back pants pocket and showed it to her. I had been working on it for two weeks. For years, I had planned to give a speech filled with hatred for the students who had tormented me.

But the past year had been a different experience. I still wasn’t popular, but students treated me with respect. I think Gene had a lot to do with that. Even though we weren’t good friends, he did socialize with me occasionally at school. Other students followed his lead and treated me better. I hadn’t heard the word fag.

As if on cue, Gene walked up and put his hand on my back. “You ready, Mr. Valedictorian?” I looked at him and nodded nervously.

By being valedictorian of my senior class, I received a full scholarship to the local state college. I had been saving the money I made working, and I was set to begin in the fall. Gene had been accepted on an athletic scholarship to a university in another state. Star had been accepted to the same school I was attending. Ticker had applied, but he still hadn’t received a confirmation. I kept telling him not to worry. However, he was afraid if he didn’t get accepted, then he and Star would have to attend different schools.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, please line up.” Mr. Walters was running around nervously trying to get everyone in their proper line. Since I was valedictorian I was to lead the others into the arena.

“Good luck,” said Star as she tiptoed to kiss me on my cheek. Ticker and Gene reached out and shook my hand.

“Show time,” I laughed nervously.

Mr. Walters walked over and pulled me out of line. “Can I talk to you for just a second?” He led me about ten feet away from the other students.

“I may not have time to tell you later,” he said as he stood before me. “I’ve never had a student I have been more proud of. There was a time when I was afraid I wouldn’t see you standing there in line.” Both of us were blinking away tears.

“But you stuck in there, and tonight is your night. I really wish you all the best that life has to offer.”

I reached out and threw my arms around him. “Thanks, Mr. Walters.” I whispered in his ear. “Thanks for being here for me.” He squeezed me tightly, and then I walked back and took my place in line just as the first bars of Pomp and Circumstance began to play.

I was nervous as I approached the podium. Mr. Walters had announced me with a glowing introduction. It surprised me when my classmates stood and applauded. I became overcome with emotion when I looked into the stands and saw Allen sitting beside his mother. He was smiling down so proudly at me. Tears filled my eyes when he gave me a thumb’s up.

Since we had rehearsed the graduation exercises several times, I was able to easily find Ticker and Star. Whenever I needed encouragement to continue, I would look down at them for strength.

“As we stand here tonight looking down the road to a new beginning, let us not forget the roads we’ve already traveled. Nor let us ever forget the people who walked beside us on the journey to where we are today.”

As I was completing my speech, I was looking around the filled arena. Suddenly, a lone figure captured my attention. I squinted to make out the figure. It was my mother! She had attended my graduation.

Choked with emotion, I was able to conclude my speech and returned to my seat. Once there, I broke down in tears. A girl to my left put her arm around me and held me as I cried. I had regained my composure by the time my name was called to receive my diploma. When Dr. Hatfield placed it in my hands, I held it up and waved it for my mother to see. I watched as she wiped tears from her eyes.

After the recessional, I left the lobby without talking to anyone and ran to the bleachers, searching for my mother. I finally saw her just before she was ready to exit the doors.

“Mother!” I shouted. Her body tensed when she heard me call out her name. She turned and looked down as I approached.

“I’m glad you came,” I said softly. She looked up at me with a tear-stained face. She stiffened when I leaned forward and hugged her. She kept her arms to her side.

She looked up at me as tears began to roll down her face. “I’m proud of you, Joey.”

She opened her purse and fumbled around inside. She pulled out an envelope and handed it to me. “I was hoping I could give you this.”

I started to open it, but she stopped me. “Open it later. I have to leave. Your father doesn’t know I’m here.” She touched my arm gently, and the she disappeared through the door.

I put the envelope in my pocket and returned to the lobby to find Ticker and Star. Gene’s parents had reserved a table at a very expensive restaurant for a post-graduation celebration.

Later, alone in Ticker’s room, I opened the envelope. It contained a debit card to a savings account in a local bank. My mother had written me a note telling me how proud she was of me. She said she had been saving small amounts since I was five, and she had deposited the money periodically in a savings account in my name. She wanted me to use the money for my college education. The account contained $13,367.

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‘35’

The Epilogue

“Happy Birthday, Mr. Carpenter, Happy Birthday to you!”

Twenty-two smiling fifth graders were standing around me singing very off-key. In front of me was a large cake with my name on it. Instead of placing thirty-five candles on the cake, they had one large candle- a big yellow Mickey Mouse figure.

“Blow it out and make a wish,” one of the students shouted. They giggled when I sucked in a breath of air and held it for as long as I could before finally blowing out the candle.

Another student asked, “What did you wish for?”

“If I tell you, it won’t come true,” I responded.

“Here, Mr. Carpenter.” Angela, one of my students, walked up with a present hidden behind her back. “Open it up. It’s from all of us.”

I couldn’t help but smile at the anxious looks on their faces. To add to the excitement, I took longer than usual opening the gift. They had given me a coffee mug that read, World’s Best Teacher.

“Thank you,” I said appreciatively. “Now I have to go out and buy glasses that say, World’s Best Students. They grinned and giggled.

“Cake and ice cream!” hollered out a student’s mother. She winked at me when the students ran over to the table, grabbed a plate and started devouring the cake.

“Thanks. Now I’ll have to handle twenty-two kids on a sugar high all afternoon,” I laughed.

She replied, “If anyone can handle it, you can.”

After eating, I dismissed them to go to the playground for recess. One of my colleagues had agreed to supervise them while I took a break. She said it was my birthday gift from her. Of course, I had to promise to do the same when her birthday rolled around in a couple of months.

I walked over to the table and looked down at the remaining slices of cake. I turned the gold band on my finger as I thought back to when I had my first birthday party at Ticker’s house when I was eighteen. My world had changed a lot since that time so long ago.

I lost Allen two years ago. He got sick with the flu and ended up in the hospital. He developed pneumonia, and he was put on a respirator. Years earlier, we had drawn up living wills. It was his wish to die peacefully at our home if that moment ever came. I was holding his hand when he took his last breath.

His stepfather visited him about three days before he died. It surprised me when he walked into the bedroom and looked sadly down at Allen. Allen looked up and forced a weak smile. I quietly left the room. When I returned later, his stepfather was sitting on the bed rocking Allen in his arms. He never again left his side. After Allen died, Mr. Albright got up, walked over to the window and opened it. He then turned, came over to me clutched me in his arms as we cried together.

Allen defines who I am today. His love and overwhelming support made me the man I became. Looking back, I wouldn’t change anything. I guess because we both knew that our time together was limited, we lived each day fully and never wasted a precious moment.

Ticker and Star tell me it’s time to move on, but I’m not ready for that yet. Allen was my life for fifteen years, and his love is wrapped tightly around my heart. I want it to stay there, at least for a little while longer. I know I’ll probably love again someday, but to do that means I’ll lose a part of Allen. Right now, I’m not ready to let him go.

I cry myself to sleep each night, but they are not tears of sadness. They are tears of joy. I’m glad I had the chance to love, to experience a life with Allen, as brief as it may have been. I may love again, but I’ll never love as deeply.

Allen is still with me. I know it each time I look up into the sky and see the stars at night. He’s the warmth I feel on a sunny day and the chill on a cold, winter night. He’s the smile on a stranger’s face, and he’s the giggle of one of my students. He taught me how to feel life and make the most of each day.

Because of that love, I can get up each day and face life without him. I know he would want me to. So, when I return the smile to a stranger, I share it with him. When I am amused by a child’s giggle, he’s there with me, smiling as well. Allen will always be a part of me.

Ticker and Star married three years after graduation. They were going to wait until they finished college, but they couldn’t bear being apart for so long. I was the best man at their wedding. The big lug dressed up nicely. I cried when Star walked down the aisle holding her father’s arm. I don’t think I had ever seen anything more beautiful.

I am the godfather to their two children. They have a nine-year-old daughter named JoEllen. Her name is a combination of mine and Allen’s name. She is beautiful like her mother, but then again, I’m prejudiced. She calls me Uncle Joey. They have a seven-year-old son named Jeffrey. After all the years I’d known him, I didn’t know that was Ticker’s middle name. Star wanted to name him Albert, Ticker’s actual first name; but Ticker said he’d always hated his name, and he didn’t want to have his son be stuck with a name he himself didn’t like. It doesn’t matter anyway, because everyone calls him Booger. I’ll let you figure that one out.

Ticker is also a teacher. He teaches English at the same high school we attended. He’s put on even more weight since then, so the kids have affectionately named him Giant. He loves teaching, but kids today are more difficult than when we were in school. He comes home exhausted most nights.

Star works for an interior design company. She majored in computer programming; but after a few jobs that she found boring, she ended up doing something she really enjoyed. She helped decorate our home. She and Allen conspired and kidded me about having a pink living room. At first, I threw a fit until they started laughing. She ended up giving us a pink flamingo figurine which we put on a table in the foyer. It is the first thing people see when they enter our home.

I attended the local state college and decided to get a degree in elementary education. I think that day I helped Ticker with his math, and he said I’d make a good teacher, made me realize that was what I really wanted to do. I had received a master’s degree in school administration, and I was working on my doctorate when Allen died. Everyone is trying to convince me to go back and continue my education, but I really want to remain in the classroom. I feel it is where I am needed most.

Gene went to California to play college football. He did very well. He was scouted by a couple of professional teams, but he was never drafted. Instead, he remained there and married a girl he met while attending college. Today, he works for a pharmaceutical company as a regional manager. It allows him to do a great deal of traveling.

We usually see him and his wife, Tina, at Christmas each year. On a few of those visits, they stayed at our home. They have no children, although it was obvious Tina wants a family. Allen told me once he didn’t want children because he didn’t want to bring them into a bad situation. He never explained what he meant by it, but I’m sure I understood.

He still looks remarkably handsome. It is as if time doesn’t affect him. But inwardly, he seems hollow. I look into his blue eyes and I see the reflection of sadness. He has everything a man could want, yet he appears to have nothing. His life has become an empty shell, and he seems resigned to accepting it.

He flew back for Allen’s funeral and stayed with me. We sat up all night talking. He told me he was envious of what Allen and I had shared. After talking with him, I realized he had locked his heart away and denied himself love and happiness. I felt pity for him, realizing he got up each day and did what was expected of him. He had lived his entire life like that, and he had resolved to continue doing so. It seems like such a tragedy. He still calls occasionally, but our conversations usually depress me. I hope that someday he’ll be able to live happily, but I don’t think he will.

“Watcha doing, Mr. Carpenter?” Eddie interrupted me from my thoughts when he came bounding in the room and looked up at me. I smiled when he reached out and ran his finger along the cake pan, scooped up the leftover icing and licked it clean.

Eddie had been an introverted student who I took under my wing the first day of school. He is rather small, and he is an easy target for the larger boys. With his long brown hair that covers his forehead and his big, beautiful brown eyes, he is rather effeminate in his appearance.

At the beginning of the school year, he sat in the back of the room and isolated himself from the other students. When I would look back at his little body sitting drooped over in his seat, he reminded me of another boy who twenty-four years earlier had shut himself off from the world. Slowly, I tried to include him in our classroom activities, and I was able after several weeks to gain his trust.

His trust was cemented the day I saw a larger boy push him into a wall and call him a fag. Without mentioning names, I spent an hour that afternoon with my students sitting around me on the floor explaining to them about discrimination. I explained that there were words that weren’t acceptable to call each other, and that bullying others was something I wouldn’t tolerate. At the end of the day, when the other students had left, Eddie came up to me and wrapped his small arms around my waist. He held me for a minute, burying his head into my chest before turning and leaving out the door.

Nothing was said, but I understood everything that wasn’t said. I thought how different my life would have been if someone had taken the time when I was his age to stop other children from picking on me. After that, I carefully watched how other students treated him, and I would only interfere if I thought someone had violated the rules I had laid down that day. Eddie had over time, moved to the front of the class, and he is one of my better students. I know teachers are not supposed to have favorites, but I can’t resist the charms of my brown-haired, brown-eyed little Eddie.

“Happy Birthday, Mr. Carpenter.” Eddie put his small arms around me and gave me a hug. Suddenly, he pulled back and said, “Wait a minute. I made you a present.” He ran over to his book bag and pulled out a piece of paper. He ran back over to me with a wide grin on his face.

“I made this for you last night,” he said timidly as he handed me the paper. “It’s a birthday card.” Tears welled up in my eyes when I saw what he had drawn. It was a picture of him holding my hand as we stood before a beautiful rainbow.

THE END

This story is dedicated to the memories of Danny and Jamaal, two special people in my life who died during the writing of this story.

Read the sequel to this story: A Bridge to Yesterday

I can't begin to thank you enough for reading Brittle as a Bird. The story has a significant meaning to me, and I appreciate your comments and 'likes' as the story progressed. Your compassion and concern for Joey, Allen and Gene was heartwarming. It shows the true nature of the GA community. If you will, please take a moment to review this story and share your thoughts with others. 
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I don't write many sequels, but I felt that Gene's life was an untold story. Read Joey and Gene's life after Allen:  A Bridge to Yesterday