DJ - 33. Chapter 33

In Chapter 33

Fernie ‘breaks in’ his new activewear

Fernando gets his bike

Fernie and Liz go biking in the park

Jamal’s father initiates the new grill

Granny’s life is hanging on a thread

　

* * * * * *

Wednesday evening when Fernando got home with Antonio and Maria, he had explained to Maria about how the flannel activewear would shrink when washed, and got Maria to wash them, just in warm soapy water, and then dry them for morning. While she was washing them, she also took his gym shorts and tank top, and washed them as well.

Thursday morning Fernie packed his gym bag with the set of black activewear and his ball glove. He picked up the jockey strap and shoved it into the bag as well.

At about 8:05 he grabbed his backpack, and gym bag and walked to the bus stop.

Liz, noting the gym bag, "Fernie, this is girls gym day, you had gym yesterday."

"But I have softball practice after school today," Fernie replied, "I don’t have my gym clothes in here, I have my sweats and my new ball glove."

The bus arrived and they went to their shared seat.

"Fernie" Liz said, "can I see your new glove?"

"Sure," Fernie answered, opening his gym bag and pulling it out.

Liz, examining it, "Wal-Mart?" Fernie nodded. "That’s where mine came from too, it’s just like mine."

* * * * * *

When the 3:15 bell rang, Fernie went to his locker and got his gym bag, and headed to the boy’s locker room. He stashed his backpack into his locker and was ready to put on his sweats. He considered putting on the jockey strap, but considered the consequences.

When you put on a jockey strap, you need to remove your underwear, and that exposes your penis for any other boys to see. Because Fernie’s penis is uncut, he is reluctant to expose it, so he just left the jockey strap in the gym bag, pulled out the sweats and pulled them on over his briefs, then pulled the top over his head and replaced his sneakers. He then hung his street clothes in the locker, shoved the gym bag in, and closed the locker.

Fernie recalled having skipped showers after gym both Monday and Wednesday, because he didn’t want other boys to see his uncut penis. Today there were about 12 boys in the locker room preparing for softball practice and about half of them just pulled on practice wear over their underwear as he had done. The other half, six guys, put on jockey straps, and he observed that four of them were cut and two were uncut. Maybe having an uncut penis isn’t as rare as he had thought.

He made a decision, come Monday, after gym class, he will shower with the rest of the boys, and try to observe if any of the other boys in gym class are uncut. Maybe, just maybe, he isn’t alone. He grabbed his glove and headed out to the diamond.

Coach Fritton was checking the roster and two of the regular pitchers were absent.

Coach, walking towards Fernando, "Fernando, have you ever tried pitching?" Fernando shook his head. "Would you like to try?"

"I’ve not really thought about it," Fernando answered.

"I’d like you to try," Coach said, "It doesn’t take a lot of power to pitch, but accuracy is critical. Picture it like a box, the width of the home plate, the top at the batters shoulder height and the bottom at his knees. I’ve got a practice box over here, this is designed for a practicing pitcher. It has an elastic net in the strike zone, let me show you."

Coach pitched a ball toward the box, it was in the strike zone, and the net bounced the ball back toward him, and he picked it up.

"I want you to work with this box for about a half an hour, your goal is to have at least 4 out of 5 pitches coming back to you, and if you miss, you’ll have to go fetch your ball. Go ahead and try it, just aim for the net."

Fernando, grinning, threw the ball into the net, and the ball bounced back to him and he picked it up off the ground. This was actually kinda fun.

"Half an hour, Gomez." The coach walked away and Fernando kept pitching the ball into the net. Most of them hit the net, and came back to him, like boomerangs. This was fun, Fernie wished he had one of these contraptions at home.

Coach, returning to Fernando," How are we doing?"

"OK I think, but I have lost track of how many I’ve done."

"Do a few more, Gomez, and I’ll keep score," Coach stated.

Coach, after 10 more tries, "OK, that’s 8 out of 10, that matches your goal." Putting his hand on Fernie’s shoulder as they walked back toward the rest of the players, "I’m gonna make a pitcher out of you!" Fernando was smiling.

"We’re missing a couple of players today," Coach said, "so we’ll have two teams of 8 instead of 9, only two outfielders on each team. Since it’s pitchers that we’re missing, Gomez is pitching on Team B, and Price on Team A, and Team A is up to bat."

Coach walked to the pitchers mound, "Gomez, the strike zone is between the batters shoulders and knees, and over the home plate. Just picture the box standing there, and aim for the catchers mitt, and you’ll do fine."

Fernando pitched all seven innings for the B Team, and Price all seven for the A Team. B won today, 7 to 4.

"Gomez," Coach called him over, "Price is our leading pitcher, but he’s a senior, and this is his third season. I’m really impressed with your performance today, you’re going to be a good pitcher, I’m proud of you, Gomez. See you next Monday."

As the boys went back to the locker room to change and go home, Fernando received several complements like "great job, rookie" and "I think you’re gonna be a great Cards pitcher" and "Good going, Gomez", Fernando was feeling very ‘accepted’, at least by his teammates.

* * * * * *

We got back from the city about 2:00 PM Thursday afternoon. I didn’t have a lot of time to kill as I was due to work at 3:00 PM. Joe is off on Wednesday’s and Thursday’s. DJ had promised Jamie that he would help put Fernando’s bike together, and they left for Jamie’s house shortly after we arrived, and DJ is scheduled to work at 5:00 PM today.

Joe, while I was getting ready for work, "Doug, I suppose I need to call my sister, and let her know what’s going on with Mom. She’s probably going to blame me, because Mom came out here for our wedding, but I didn’t make her stay here, that was Mom’s decision. Maybe if my sister wasn’t such a bitch, Mom would have been more prone to return to California."

"I’m concerned about DJ," I said, "Mom and DJ had a really special relationship, and if Mom passes, I’m afraid DJ’s not going to be able to handle it, he’s going to be a mess."

"I think you’re right, Doug, DJ’s going to need all the support we can muster. You may want to give Randy a heads-up."

"I’ll do that, Joe," I said, "are you going to be ok? I need to leave."

"I’ll be fine, love," Joe said, as he kissed me goodbye.

* * * * * *

DJ and Jamie arrived back at the Seldon home about 2:30 PM and walked in the back door. Phil had just left for work about 5 minutes earlier as he was due at 3:00. Karen, Carl and Bryan were all still sitting at the table, Carl needed to leave by 3:00 and Bryan about 3:30.

"Welcome back," Karen greeted, "There is still some food left if you guys are hungry."

"No thanks, Mom," Jamie responded, "Doug stopped at Cracker Barrel and bought us all lunch on the way back."

"How is Aggie doing, and did you talk with the doctor?" Karen asked.

"Doctor Ayles explained the situation," Jamie replied, "she had a heart attack, and they performed emergency surgery last night after she arrived. He told us not to get our hopes too high, and that it was possible that she could make a full recovery, but that he really felt that her days are numbered,"

DJ started to sob, with tears streaming down his face. Carl stood up and wrapped his arms around DJ, letting DJ cry on his shoulder, and holding him tightly.

DJ, sobbing, "I’ve never lost—anybody close—that I really loved—like I love my Granny."

"Son," Carl said, "we haven’t lost her yet, Doc did say that she could make a full recovery."

"He also said—that he felt—that her days—are numbered. That—means she—is dying! I’m—going to lose—my Granny!"

"DJ," Carl stated, "life is a cycle, we’re born, we live, and we die, and we all go through it. One of Aggie’s biggest wishes was to see her son get married, and she saw that happen, when Doug and Joe got married. I think Aggie lived a good life, and if she should pass, she’ll die happy."

"Sweetheart," Karen spoke, "you have a very loving family that cares deeply for you, and we are all feeling the pain you’re going through."

"DJ," Bryan said, "Phil and I consider you and Jamie to be our best and closest friends, if there is anything we can do to help ease the pain, please call on us, we really do care. When you hurt, we hurt."

"Baby," Jamie said, "do you feel up to helping me with that bike?"

"Sure, Jamie, maybe it will help me get Granny off of my mind for a while," DJ answered, "let’s do it!" Jamie and DJ both donned light jackets and headed out to the garage.

* * * * * *

"Randy," I said, as I clocked in, "we need to talk."

"Oh Oh!" Randy exclaimed, "what’s up Doug?"

"We’ve had a major upset in our family," I explained, "my mother-in-law, Joe’s Mom, had a heart attack last night and was taken to the hospital, up in the city, they did emergency surgery and of course admitted her, she is in CICU. Joe and I, along with DJ and Jamie, went up there this morning. The doctor told us he doesn’t have a lot of hope for her recovery. It’s probable that she will not make it home again."

"Oh, Doug, I’m so sorry," Randy replied, "Do you need time off?"

"Not yet," I replied, "she is almost 84, and Joe and I are prepared for the worst, but we’re worried about DJ. She is DJ’s only grandparent, and she and DJ have a very special relationship. If she passes on, it’s going to destroy DJ. Joe and I have concerns about DJ, he’s not too strong, emotionally, and we think DJ is going to be a mess, and not able to handle the loss."

"DJ is scheduled at 5:00 today," Randy stated, "do you think he’ll be in to work?"

"Yes, I think so, but this is weighing pretty heavy on him, and he may not be himself. The major thing will be what happens if she passes on."

"Thanks for the heads-up, Doug," Randy said, "I know that DJ is rather fragile, and I’ll try to be extra considerate around him until this thing blows over, and I sincerely hope she recovers. I would assume that if she doesn’t make it, you and DJ will both need some bereavement leave. Please keep me posted."

Meanwhile, back at the house, Joe is debating when and even if he should call his sister. She and her husband have never been very close to him, as they are both homophobes, but Aggie is still her mother as well. It’s a little past 3:00 PM here, so it’s only a little past noon in California. His sister doesn’t work so she should be home and up. Joe placed the call and his sister answered, noting his number.

"Hi Joe, what do you want?" she asked.

"I don’t WANT anything, but I thought you’d want to be aware of Mom’s situation, as she is your mother too."

"So what is that, Joe?"

Joe spent the next 3 or 4 minutes explaining Mom’s condition.

"Well Joe, you dragged her all the way across the country so she could attend your Mock Wedding, and then convinced her to stay there, so I would say that she is your responsibility."

"Sis! Hold on a minute." Joe exclaimed, "I bought her a round trip ticket, planning on sending her back to California. Doug and I had no idea she had decided to stay here, until we returned from our honeymoon, and she had already found a place to live, at the Golden Age Senior Community. It was completely her decision to not go back home."

"Well, Joe, if and when she kicks the bucket, don’t expect us to travel across the country to attend her funeral. Dad had bought her a life insurance policy that is paid in full, and it’s likely with her belongings, and I think she also had made out a will. When she dies, I’m trusting you to cash that policy and send me my portion of the proceeds."

"Since she lives near you now, when she dies, it’s all your responsibility to make the final arrangements, just send me a copy of the obituary, and the Death Certificate. Is there anything else we need to discuss?"

"I don’t think so, sis, have a good life!" Joe hung up. He knew that his sister and her husband despised his lifestyle, but had never realized how cold she could really be, until now.

* * * * * *

It took Jamie and DJ about 45 minutes to assemble Fernando’s new bike, and when done, Jamie took it out for a test drive, about half a mile up the road. When he returned, he dropped it to a lower gear, rode up the driveway and into the garage, then DJ followed suit. They agreed that it rode pretty nicely, and Fernie will be pleased. Jamie made a call to Antonio and put his phone on speaker.

"Antonio," Jamie spoke, "DJ and I just got the bike together, and we both test drove it, it rides like a champ. DJ has to be to work at 5:00, but he can drop it off, on his way to work today, where would you like him to drop it off?"

"Would it be too much trouble to put it on our back porch?" Antonio asked.

"No," DJ spoke, "but what is the address?"

"112 Cherry St., it’s a kind of gray-blue house, and the back porch is covered so it won’t get rained on." Then, chuckling, "I’ll let him discover it tonight, after we get home."

DJ opened the hatch door of the Tracker and placed the bike inside, then returned to the house and put on his work shirt. He kissed Karen and Jamie and left. He drove to 112 Cherry, pulled the bike out and pushed it to the back of the house, and placed it on the back porch, then headed to Southside Drug to work his 5-9 shift. Jamie was scheduled off today.

Randy had done DJ a favor by giving the staff a heads-up as to what DJ was dealing with, and asked them not to question him about it. DJ functioned quite normally that evening, but everyone missed that patented smile that DJ always wore. He really was not himself today. The staff knew what DJ was feeling, and quietly shared his pain.

* * * * * *

When Fernie got dropped off at the pizzeria, about 6:00 PM that Thursday evening, he literally ran in, bubbling with excitement. He couldn’t wait to tell Maria and Antonio about the coach training him to be a pitcher. His parents had never seen him this excited before and they loved it. Maria fed him dinner, and Antonio suggested he do his homework. They locked up the restaurant and headed home just shortly after 9:00 PM. Maria made some hot cocoa, and the three sat at the table sipping it.

"What was that?" Antonio asked, "I heard a noise out back, Fernie, will you check out back and see if there is someone out there?"

"Sure, Dad," Fernando went out the back door, and didn’t see anybody, but his eyes fell on the bike, and he recognized it as the same bike that Jamie had bought yesterday. He came back in, somewhat bewildered.

"Dad?" Fernie asked, "Why is Jamie’s new bike on our back porch?"

Maria was grinning, and Antonio couldn’t hold back the laughter. The confused look on Fernie’s face was priceless.

"Maybe it wasn’t for Jamie?" Antonio laughed, "I think we just pulled a fast one on you, I think that bike has ‘Fernando’ written all over it."

Fernando, jumping on Antonio’s lap and throwing his arms around his neck, kissing him on the cheek, "I can’t believe you got that for me, I love it! It’s beautiful, Mom," and he gave Maria a loving kiss and hug.

"Dad, I need to give it a spin, can I?" Fernie asked.

"It’s dark, son, I think you should wait until daylight."

"It’s got lights, Dad, and I’m only going out a couple of blocks, I’ll be careful, and I won’t be gone long." Fernando begged.

"OK Son," Antonio softened, "but turn on the lights and be careful!"

"Try to be back in about 15 minutes," Maria said, "or we’ll start to worry about you."

Fernie returned in about 20 minutes, parked the bike on the back porch and came in through the back door, locking it behind him.

"How does it ride, Son?" Antonio asked.

"Awesome!" Fernie replied, "I love it, thank you so much!"

"It’s getting late," Maria stated, "and you have school tomorrow."

"OK Mom," Fernie replied, "I’m going to bed now." Fernie kissed his parent’s goodnight and headed to his room for the night. Antonio and Maria went to bed shortly afterwards.

"Baby," Maria lamented, "I wasn’t sure what we were getting ourselves into when we agreed to be foster parents to Fernando, but if this is what parenthood is like, it’s really a joy beyond compare. The love I have acquired for that young man is endless. I thought it was going to be like having a star boarder, but it’s more like being a complete family."

"I know," Antonio replied, "it’s hard for me to even think of him as a foster child, I think of him as our Son. His father’s loss is our gain, and we got the better end of the deal. Goodnight sweetheart."

Maria and Antonio cuddled together and soon fell asleep.

* * * * * *

Friday morning, March 2^nd was pretty typical, in one house, Maria was cooking breakfast for her husband and son. Fernando needed to be at the bus stop by 8:10.

In another house, Karen was fixing breakfast for DJ, Jamie and Bryan as they were all leaving for college by 8:30 AM.

Fernie met with Liz at the stop about 8:05, and while waiting for the bus Fernie told Liz about how the coach wanted to make a pitcher of him, and that he had pitched all 7 innings of their practice game yesterday.

Once they got their seat on the bus, Liz told Fernie she was proud of him, and then Fernie told her about having received the new bike.

"That’s great, Fernie!" Liz exclaimed, "Now we can go biking together, do you have plans for tomorrow?"

"Not really," Fernie answered, "do you have something in mind?"

"Well, now that you have a bike, we could go biking in the morning, if your parents will let you stay home, like last week," Liz said, "and I know I can get my Mom to invite you for lunch. Maybe in the afternoon, we could watch a couple of movies together at my house."

"Will your Mom be home all day?" Fernie asked.

"Of course," Liz replied, "she would never let me bring a friend into the house unless she was there, especially if that friend is a boy!"

Fernando is thinking to himself, ‘how would her Mom feel, if she knew he liked boys?’ and he kinda wishes that Liz was a boy. Oh, well.

Fernie, grinning, "That’s understandable, is there a basketball game tonight?"

"Yes," Liz said, "it’s an away game, and I’ll be on the bus with the team and the other cheerleaders, but if you want to go, there is also a spectator bus. You would need to sign up to ride it, and I think it will be leaving around 6:30 from the school. If we win this game, we will qualify for the playoffs."

"I’d like to go," Fernie replied, "but Friday nights are really busy, and I think Mom and Dad need my help at the pizzeria. Going biking together tomorrow sounds like fun though. Liz, even if I don’t go to the game tonight, my spirit will be there, rooting for the Cardinals." Liz smiled.

Friday afternoon the bus dropped Fernie off at the pizzeria and he walked in and dropped his backpack behind the counter. Antonio came out from the kitchen, gave Fernie a hug, and pulled a small package out from under the cash register.

"This came for you today," Antonio said, handing the package to Fernie."

"It’s addressed to you, Dad," Fernie stated.

"Only because the account is in my name," Antonio said, "open it, Son."

Fernando carefully opened the shipping package, then pulled out a smaller box that had ‘Galaxy’ printed on it and a cell phone protective case. Opening the smaller box, he pulled out the phone and charger. Fernie had mixed emotions, he was smiling, and had tears coming from his eyes at the same time.

"You did get me a phone!" Fernando exclaimed.

"Be careful how you use it, Son, we have very limited Data on the plan, but unlimited Text and Talk," Antonio remarked, pulling his own phone out and pushing #3 on his pad, causing the new phone to ring.

"Answer it Son."

Fernando looked at it, and the words ‘incoming call’ and instinctively pressed the words on the screen, "Hello?" he said.

"You just received your first call," Antonio said, speaking into his phone, then said "Goodbye" and hung up.

Antonio took a couple minutes to show Fernando how to save the number, and put in a name. Fernie inserted the name DAD, and hit "save".

"There, Son," Antonio said, "you have my number saved in your phone, as I have your number saved in mine. You can ‘create contact’ to save your friends numbers in your phone."

"How do I know my number?" Fernie asked.

"Hit the ‘phone’ button, then ‘contacts’ and right at the top should be ‘me’ showing ‘Fernando Gomez’ and your number."

Fernie, following Antonio’s directions, "So my number is XXX-XXX-XXXX?"

"You got it!" Antonio exclaimed, "Son, do you want to be a server for a while, Jamie won’t be in until 5:00, so it’s just you and Ruth for now."

"Sure, Dad," Fernie replied, with a smile, "If I have a problem I can ask Ruth." Fernie went behind the counter and got a server’s apron and put it on, stashing a pen and order book in the pocket. About 5 minutes later four people walked in and Fernie greeted them with the usual ‘Are you eating in or ordering take out?’ and they said they were eating in. ‘Table or booth’ Fernie asked, they asked for a table and Fernie seated them, laying menu’s in front of them.

"Ruth will be your server tonight," Fernie told them, "and she’ll be with you shortly." Fernie went to the kitchen, where Ruth was chatting with Maria, "Excuse me, Ruth, you have a table of four." And walked back out to the dining area, just as a couple walked in the door. Fernie greeted them, and they chose to sit in a booth.

"I’m Fernando, and I’ll be your server tonight," he stated, as they sat down, and Fernie placed menu’s in front of them, "do you folks know what you want to drink?" The lady asked for Mountain Dew, and the man asked for tea.

"Sweet or unsweet?" Fernie asked, and he said ‘sweet, please’. "I’ll be right back with your drinks."

The man, when Fernie delivered their drinks, "You look pretty young to be working here."

"I am too young to be on the payroll, I’m still 15," Fernie said, "but my Mom and Dad own this place, and I like to help them out when I can." He took their order and carried it to the kitchen. When it was ready, he served it. Fernie made certain they didn’t run out of drinks, and offered them dessert, which they declined. When they were done eating, he placed their tab, which was just a bit over $21, in one of those black folders and laid it on the table."

A few minutes later Fernie picked up the folder, and their credit card, and rang it up, placing the receipt and the CC in the folder and returned it to the table, along with a pen. The man motioned Fernando back to their booth.

"Fernando," the man asked, "I know you’re not on the payroll, but do you get your tips?"

"Yes, sir," Fernie replied, smiling, as the man signed the receipt and added a $10 tip, ‘That’s very nice of you."

"You deserve it, you gave us excellent service, what school do you go to?"

"Carter High," Fernie replied, and I’m one of the pitchers for the softball team, second string."

"Great," the man replied, "we’re on our way to Hillsboro to watch the Cardinals whomp the daylights out of the Hawks. A win tonight puts the Cards into the playoffs. I wish you a successful softball season." The pride that Fernando has for the Cardinals is showing on his face.

Most of that Friday evening Fernie bussed tables and refilled drinks for Ruth and Jamie’s customers. After Ruth clocked out at 9:30, he did serve a couple more tables and got a little more in tips, actually he made $22 in tips for the night, not bad for a rookie server.

Jamie, Fernando, Maria and Antonio all left about 11:15, Antonio locking the door behind them.

Fernie, just before going to bed, "Dad, tomorrow is Saturday, do I have to go to the pizzeria with you?"

"I don’t know," Antonio replied, "what did you want to do?"

"Now that I have my bike, Liz wanted us to go biking, and she is asking her Mom to have me at their house for lunch. Then we might watch a couple of movies together. I’d probably ride my bike to the pizzeria late in the afternoon."

Antonio is looking at Maria, and she is smiling and nodding in approval.

"I guess it would be OK, are you just a little sweet on Liz?"

"DAD!" Fernie exclaimed, "You know she’s not my type! I like her, I like her a lot, and she is probably my closest friend. She also knows that I like boys, and she just likes me as a friend. I do kinda wish she was a boy, though, but we like each others company, and doing things together, like biking, and maybe watching a movie, and just chatting."

"Son, please come to the pizzeria by at least 5:00 or 6:00 at the latest."

"Will do!" Fernie exclaimed, as he kissed his parent’s goodnight and headed to bed.

* * * * * *

About 9:00 AM Saturday morning Rusty and Jamal were still sleeping at Rusty’s house. The grandparents were gone again for a few days. They had not gone to bed very early Friday night, as they had watched movies on Netflix until after 2:00 AM. Jamal’s phone rang, waking him up, and he noted that it was his father’s cell number.

"Hi Papa," Jamal answered.

"Good morning, Son," George said, "What are you guys doing today?"

"I don’t know," Jamal replied, snickering, "I guess the first thing on the agenda is to get out of bed?"

"It’s a beautiful, warm spring morning," George said, "and you guys are still in bed?"

"Yeah, we watched movies kinda late last night and didn’t go to bed until after 2:00 AM," Jamal answered.

"Do you guys have any plans for this afternoon, early evening?"

"Not really, what’s up, Papa?" Jamal asked.

"We’ve had that new grill for over two weeks, and haven’t used it yet," George stated, "we thought you guys might like to help us break it in today, it’s a great day for a cookout!"

"Hold on a minute, Papa, let me check with my baby, I don’t think he has any plans." "Rusty, Papa wants to have a cookout today, do you have anything pressing?"

"Not that I know of," Rusty replied, "and that sounds tasty, I’m game."

"Papa, count us in," Jamal said, "what time do you want us to show?"

"We’ll plan dinner for about 5:00 PM, but you know you guys are welcome to come early," George said, "your Mama and I don’t get much chance to see you, and we do love both of you."

"OK Papa, we’ll try to get there maybe around 3:00 PM and we can spend some time with you and Mama." Jamal said.

"Son," George remarked, "why don’t you tell Rusty to bring a change of clothes, you can sleep over tonight, and we can all go to Church together in the morning."

Jamal, chuckling, "That might take some serious persuasion, Papa, but I’ll work on it, and we’ll let you know tonight, Thanks, Papa, we love you and Mama." They hung up.

"What’s that you gotta work on, Baby," Rusty asked.

"Papa asked me to ask you to bring a change of clothes tonight, we can sleep over, and all go to church together in the morning."

"I don’t know about that, baby," Rusty balked, "I was raised Catholic, and I would feel out of place in a black protestant church, one white face in a crowd of black folks."

"Whoa! Who ever said it was a black church?" Jamal asked, "I’m betting that only about 30%, maybe 35% of the congregation is black, the rest are as white or whiter than you, but it is a protestant church. You will love Pastor John, he has a gay brother, and he is the one that got my parents to accept me for who I am!"

"Your parents are great hosts, and I am looking forward to the cookout," Rusty said, "but I have some reservations about going to your church."

"Just try it, this one time, Rusty," Jamal pleaded, "If you feel really uncomfortable there, I won’t beg you to go back again."

"You win, sweetheart," Rusty conceded, "I’ll give it a whirl, I’ll go with you tomorrow, and we’ll see what happens."

"Thanks, Baby!" Jamal exclaimed, smiling.

* * * * * *

Fernando woke up Saturday morning, with the sun shining in the window. It was a beautiful spring day. He slipped out of bed, and looked out his window, the Malibu was gone, and he knew he was alone in the house. He slipped into the bathroom and relieved his bladder, then walked naked into the kitchen to see about some breakfast. He loves the freedom of walking around naked.

He could smell the aroma from whatever Mom had cooked. Walking over to the stove, there was a plate with three bacon and egg burritos on it, covered with a napkin. He placed it into the microwave, noting the time was just after 9:45, set the oven on 2 minutes and hit start. While they were heating, he grabbed salsa and sour crème from the fridge, and poured a glass of pineapple juice. He sat at the table enjoying breakfast in the nude. Just as he finished, he heard a knock at the front door.

Looking through the little sight in the door he could see that it was Liz, standing on the stoop. He opened the door about 4" and stuck his head to the opening.

"Good morning Fernie," she said, "can I come in?"

"Not right now!" Fernie exclaimed, "I’m still naked, give me about 5 minutes." Liz laughed, and Fernando closed the door, then ran to his room and quickly dressed.

Fernie, socks and sneakers in hand, went to the door and opened it wide, letting Liz into the living room.

"Have you had breakfast yet?" Liz asked, Fernie nodded, "Are you ready to go biking?

"As soon as I get my socks and shoes on," Fernie replied.

Fernie, locking the front door, "C’mon Liz, we can go out the back door." Fernie led Liz through the kitchen and they both stepped onto the back porch, and Fernie locked the back door.

Liz, looking the bike over, "This is your new bike? It’s beautiful, Fernie! Let’s break it in."

Fernando picked it up and took it off the porch, and then walked it by the house to the front yard. Liz’s bike was parked on the front sidewalk. She lifted the kickstand, and took off, and Fernando followed her. They rode to the park and made use of the bike path, sometimes following each other, sometimes riding side by side. They paused a few times to let a jogger pass by them. After about a half an hour, Liz stopped, and parked her bike.

"Fernie," she said with seriousness in her voice, "I’ve got a problem!"

"What is it, Liz"

"I should have used the bathroom before we left, are there any restrooms around here?"

"I don’t know," Fernie replied, "this is only my second time in this park, do you know of any, close by?"

"I’ve never noticed any in this park, anywhere," Liz said, but I need one, bad!"

"Do you want to head back home?" Fernie inquired.

"I’d never make it," Liz whined, "and I don’t want to pee my pants."

"I’ve been there a couple of times," Fernie said, "there’s no one around here, just go into that woodsy area, hide behind a tree or bush, push your pants down, squat down and let it go."

"I can’t do that, right in front of you," Liz said.

"You won’t be in front of me, I’ll be standing here, guarding the bikes, with my back toward you," Fernie stated, "but if you have to go that bad, you better do what you gotta do, or it will be too late!"

Liz followed Fernando’s advice, walked about 20 feet from the path, found a secluded bush and ‘did what she had to do’. When she returned, she gave Fernie a hug, and told him he was a lifesaver. They got back on their bikes and rode another half an hour, they stopped by a bench.

"Let’s sit down for a few, I need to call my Mom," Liz said, pulling out her phone and placing the call.

"Hi Liz," Mrs. Martin greeted, "Are you OK, are both of you OK?"

"We’re fine Mom, we’ve been riding around the park, and right now we’re taking a break, and sitting on a bench." Liz explained, "Mom, could I ask a favor of you, I’d like Fernando to have lunch with us, if it’s OK with you."

"Does he like potato soup and ham sandwiches?" Mrs. Martin asked.

Liz asked him and he nodded affirmatively.

"Yes he does, Mom, and we should be there in about a half an hour, Thanks a bunch, Mom." Liz hung up.

"Do you have a phone, Fernie?" Liz asked.

"I do," Fernie replied, "as of yesterday, my Dad had ordered it on his account and gave it to me yesterday."

"Can I see it?" Fernie dug it out of his pocket and handed it to Liz. Liz started to do something with it.

"What are you doing, Liz?"

Liz, grinning, "Just putting my number in your phone, and I’m putting it in as ‘Liz Martin’ rather than ‘Elizabeth’," handing it back, "go to contacts, and L, and call me." Fernie did as she ‘ordered’ and her phone rang, Liz answered it "Hi, Bye." Then "Now I have your number, so we can call each other anytime we want." She saved it as Fernie Gomez

"Liz," Fernie suggested, "do you think we should head back?"

"Probably," Liz agreed, "Mom will be expecting us shortly.

"Guess what," Fernie said, "Now I gotta pee, but not too bad, I can wait until we get home."

They rode back to Liz’s house, and Fernie said he didn’t want to leave his new bike out front because somebody might steal it. Liz suggested he put it in the back yard with hers, and he did. Liz opened the kitchen door and held it for Fernando to enter.

Mrs. Martin, putting her arm around Fernie’s shoulder, "Fernie, it’s good to see you again." Fernie bent over a couple times due to the pressure on his bladder and Liz recognized it as a form of the pee dance.

"Oh, I’m sorry Fernie, down the hall, second door to the right."

"Thanks, Liz." Fernie disappeared, relieved his bladder, washed his hands, and then returned to the kitchen, feeling much better.

Liz was telling her mother about her close call in the park, and how Fernie had told her what to do and it kept her from wetting her pants.

Alice, grinning, "Guys have an advantage over us in that department, all they have to do is find a tree, unzip, pull out the spigot and let it go, and they can direct where the stream goes." Fernie giggled when Alice called it a spigot, but knew she told the truth, for what it is.

Alice served the soup and sandwiches, and the three sat down to eat.

Fernie, after about two spoonfuls of the soup, "Wow, what kind of soup is this?"

"It’s potato soup, Fernie, do you like it?" Alice asked.

"Like it? Love it!" Fernie exclaimed, "I know it’s potato soup, but what brand is it?"

Mrs. Martin, smiling, "It’s Alice Martin’s Special Recipe, only available at 100 Cherry St."

"I knew darned well it didn’t come off any supermarket shelf!" Fernie exclaimed, "No big company could make soup this tasty, and what kind of bread are these sandwiches made from? They’re really good."

"It’s just seeded rye, and that did come from the supermarket!" Mrs. Martin replied, smiling.

"Liz," Fernie said, "if you learn to cook like your Mom, you’re going to make some young man an awesome wife!" Liz beamed, and Alice smiled.

After lunch Liz suggested they watch a movie. The Martin family had probably two hundred DVD movies. Fernie and Liz looked them over and settled on one they both wanted to watch, and Liz put it in the DVD player and started the movie. Liz and Fernie sat next to each other on the sofa, and their hands found the others hand, and they held hands.

About a half an hour into the movie Liz readjusted, and lay her head on Fernie’s shoulder, and Fernie placed his arm around her shoulders. A couple of times Liz’s hand was lightly stroking that sensitive inner thigh area about 4 or 5 inches below Fernie’s crotch and he quietly removed her hand from that area. There was no attempt from either of them to try to initiate a kiss. They both seemed to enjoy the closeness they shared. About 20 minutes before the end of the movie, Liz fell asleep on Fernie’s shoulder.

When the movie ended, Fernando started to get up from the sofa, waking Liz up.

"You fell asleep and missed the climax of the movie," Fernie said.

"It’s OK," Liz said, "I’ve seen it 3 or 4 times, and I know how it ends."

"I need to leave and get down to the pizzeria," Fernie said, "I promised Dad I’d be there by at least 5:00 PM. Mrs. Martin, thank you so much for the awesome lunch, is it OK if I leave my bike in your back yard for a few minutes, while I change clothes?"

"Of course it’s OK, and, Fernie, I’m happy that you enjoyed lunch as much as I enjoyed having you here. I think, that as long as you and Liz are such close friends, you’re welcome in our home almost anytime. I’m happy that Liz now has a good friend that lives so close by." Liz smiled.

Fernando walked home, all two doors away, changed from his sweats into street clothes, and headed back to the Martin house to pick up his bike and ride to the pizzeria. Liz was waiting for him in the back yard.

"Fernie," Liz stated, "I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed our time together, and I really had fun today. I look forward to us having a lot of good times together, especially this summer, when school is out."

"You know Liz," Fernie admitted, "due to my father’s restrictions, I’ve never had a really good friend, someone that I could talk with, and have fun with, and trust. I never dreamed that my best friend would be a girl, but I do consider you to be my best friend. I only hope that you don’t have any ‘romantic’ interest in me."

"Don’t be silly, Fernie," Liz remarked, smiling, "I’m well aware that you’re not ‘boyfriend’ material. I do love you, but I’m not ‘in love’ with you, I’m saving that kind of love for a straight boy that hasn’t found me yet!"

"Liz, I thoroughly enjoyed my Saturday with you, and I had a great time, too," Fernie replied, "and I look forward to more good times together, Thank you for being my friend. I gotta run." He mounted his bike and rode it to the pizzeria. Liz went back into the house.

"Honey," Alice said, "I know this is not something you probably don’t want to discuss, but, as a caring parent, I need to ask you. Has Fernie ever made any improper advances toward you?"

"No Mom," Liz responded, surprised at the question, "he would never do anything like that!"

"Well," Alice replied, "he is a teenage boy, and I know how a lot of teen boys are, they’re always conniving ways to get into teenage girls pants."

"Mom, Fernie has a secret that he shared with me," Liz said, "and I promised him I would keep his secret, please don’t tell him that I told you, but, Fernie likes boys."

"He’s Gay?" Alice asked.

"That’s how he ended up in foster care, his father found out that he was gay and kicked him out of his home, and he ended up in the care of CPS. The Chevas family, two doors over, agreed to become foster parents to him, and he is very happy there and has a good, loving home. For good reasons, Fernie doesn’t want other kids at school to know of his sexuality, but we have become best friends, and he shared that with me."

Alice, with tears in her eyes, "Oh, that poor boy! I can’t comprehend how any parent could treat their child that way. I can’t imagine John and I taking that kind of attitude toward you, should you ever come out to us as lesbian."

"Liz, chuckling, "That’s of no concern, Mom, I like boys too. I love the heck out of Fernando, too. It’s strictly platonic, and I’m well aware that he is not ‘boyfriend’ material, but I do consider him my best friend. He is someone I can trust, and share secrets with, almost like a girlfriend."

"Sweetheart," Alice said, "I think Fernie is a beautiful young man, and John is no homophobe either, we both liked him the first time we met. Fernie needs all the good friends he can get, and I can tell you, he has three friends in this house."

"Thanks, Mom," Liz stated, "I’ll be happy to tell him that he is loved and accepted in our home!" Alice smiled.

* * * * * *

About 3:00 PM Jamal and Rusty pulled into the drive in Jamal’s car. Rusty lifted the hangar from the hook and carried it into the house, along with a small bag that contained his dress shoes, change of underwear and socks. Jamal took it from Rusty and carried it into his room, placing the hangar in his closet.

George, grinning, "It looks as if Jamal persuaded you to go to church with us in the morning."

"Yeah, Dad," Rusty replied, grinning, "he threatened me, he said that if I didn’t go to church with him tomorrow he wouldn’t give me any sex for a month!"

"I DID NOT!" Jamal argued back, now grinning also.

"Hey," George said, laughing, "whatever works, I’m glad you decided to go with us, Rusty, you’re going to love Pastor John."

"Are you guys admitting that you have sex together?" Rose asked, a look of shock on her face.

"Rose!" George exclaimed, "Don’t you think that’s a bit personal? When two people that love each other sleep together every night, something is bound to transpire. Boys, we really don’t need details."

"We didn’t really plan to give you details, anyway!" Jamal replied, grinning. Rusty’s not quite sure what’s real and what’s humor.

"Mama," Jamal asked, "is there anything I can help you with?"

"Now you offer," Rose said, smiling, "after I have prepared everything."

"It’s starting to cool off," George commented, "we may be better off to eat inside. I guess I’d better fire up the grill. I know Rose wants her steak well done, how do you guys want yours?"

Jamal and Rusty, in unison, "Medium Rare!"

"Jamal," Rose said, "you always had yours well done."

"Because that’s how you always cooked it, Mama, Rusty showed me how to do steaks right, and Medium Rare is much tastier, and tender."

"I’ll agree half way," George said, "I think Medium Rare is a little too raw, but medium is about right, well done is too tough!"

Rose didn’t prepare a lot of hot food, as they planned on eating at the picnic table, but the falling temperature chased them inside. She had prepared a large tossed salad and potato salad, along with steamed broccoli and a surprise for dessert. George started the steaks, and Rusty assisted, pulling Jamal’s and his own steak off the grill even sooner that George would have pulled them. George had started Rose’s steak about 5 or 6 minutes ahead of the others.

The boys sat on one side of the table together, with George and Rose on the opposite side. They all held hands together and George offered the blessing.

"Heavenly Father, please bless the food thou has supplied for our pleasure, and the hands that have prepared it. Lord, please protect and guide these two young men as they travel life’s highway together as soulmates, and may their love never weaken or wander away from them. Lord we ask this in the name of you precious and only son, our savior, Jesus Christ. Amen"

"Amen, Amen, Amen." Echoed by three more voices.

The family (yes, Jamal’s parents consider Rusty part of the family) started to put away the food on their plates.

"The steak is good," Rose commented, "but it is a tad tough."

"Mama, give me your fork for a minute," Jamal stated. He took Rose’s fork, stuck it into his steak and cut off a bite sized portion, then handed it back to Rose. "Try this, Mama."

Rose, looking at the bite of meat, "It’s raw! It might make me sick."

"It’s not raw, Mama, it’s rare, and if it would make you sick I’d be dead by now, just try it Mama."

Rose, making a face, popped it in her mouth and chewed it. The scowl went away and she smiled.

"Not bad, Son, and it is much more tender than mine," Rose admitted, "Maybe I’ve been missing out on something for—decades." Everyone laughed.

They finished eating, and Rose, picking up the dirty dishes, said "Dessert Time" and returned to the kitchen.

Five minutes later she returned with a tray containing four plates, each with a slice of cheesecake, topped with fresh strawberries.

"Mom," Rusty said, "how did you know how much I love cheesecake, and strawberry cheesecake is my favorite!" Then, after the first bite, "this is homemade cheesecake, it’s awesome! Maybe I’m not as gay as I think, if I could find a woman that can make cheesecake like this, I just might marry her!" Laughter followed.

"Mama," Jamal said, "you gotta teach me how you make that cheesecake, I need to know, so I can keep my man!" The table erupted in laughter, again.

While Rose took care of the dishes and leftovers, the men (I use the term loosely) migrated to the living room and got engrossed in a college playoff basketball game, George in the recliner and Jamal and Rusty cuddled on the sofa. March Madness is just around the corner. Both boys had played basketball in high school, and enjoyed college hoops.

After the game ended, the family was ready to head to bed.

"Baby," Rusty commented, "the more I get to know your parent’s, the more I like them, I feel very comfortable with you in their home. Goodnight, Baby." The two boys kissed and hugged each other and were soon asleep.

* * * * * *

Typical for a Saturday night, Jamie and DJ stayed at our home. The boys often stayed up late playing games on the console, but DJ said he didn’t feel up to gaming, and they both went to bed early. I waited up for Joe to return home from his shift. Joe told me he wanted to be up early Sunday, as he wanted to go to the hospital and check up on Mom, and needed to be back for work Sunday afternoon. DJ was scheduled to open with Randy on Sunday morning, and Jamie was scheduled for later.

I pulled myself out of bed at 7:30 AM Sunday morning, March 4^th, and made coffee and Joe came to the table and joined me shortly afterwards. DJ and Jamie joined us about 8:15, Jamie with his glass of juice and DJ pouring his first cup of mud.

It dawned on me that DJ had gradually changed the way he drank his coffee. When he first started to drink coffee with me, well over a year ago, it was a cup of sugar with some coffee for the flavor, now he only uses a heaping teaspoon of sugar in each cup.

"Baby," DJ spoke, "what is your schedule for Tuesday?"

"I don’t know, DJ," Jamie stated, "I haven’t checked, why?"

"Dad is going up to see Granny today, and I’m thinking that since neither of us has classes on Tuesday, I usually do an O/C with Gloria. I’m going to ask Randy to schedule me later on Tuesday so I can go see Granny, and I would like you to go up there with me."

"DJ, I told you, however things go, I am by your side," Jamie said, "Of course I will go with you, I’ll tell Antonio today, and I know he’ll understand."

Joe got dressed while I prepared breakfast for all of us, we ate, and Joe left for the hospital about 9:15 and DJ left for work shortly after 9:30, leaving Jamie and me, sitting at the table.

"Dad," Jamie spoke solemnly, "I’m terribly worried about DJ. I know that we’re all highly concerned about Granny, hoping and praying that she pulls through, but if she doesn’t make it, DJ’s going to fall to pieces! I don’t know if we have the ability to put him back together again."

"That has also been Joe’s and my concern, Jamie," I said. Joe had said that when Mom and DJ met, it would be love at first sight, and it really was. DJ hadn’t had a grandparent that he was ever close to, and when Mom arrived here, for our wedding, DJ was like a kid on Christmas Morning. DJ and his Granny formed an immediate bond that I don’t think the devil himself could break."

"Dad," Jamie responded, "DJ and I have never been in the habit of praying, but we’ve both spent hours on our knees over the last few days. I’m not even certain about the existence of God, but if he really does exist, we’ve been sending up a huge pile of prayers to listen to. I only hope he has heard them, and uses his power to cure Granny."

"Joe and I have been doing a lot of prayer too, Jamie, we can only hope for the best."

When DJ clocked in, he explained his plans to Randy, and asked him if he could be scheduled to come in later on Tuesday afternoon.

"DJ," Randy said, "I’m aware of what your family is going through right now, if I can’t find someone to cover for you Tuesday, I will give up my day off and cover you myself! At times like this, family takes priority over your job, and I sincerely hope your grandmother recovers. The whole staff has been informed, and we’re all hoping for the best."

* * * * * *

About 8:45 AM on Sunday morning George Robinson knocked lightly on Jamal’s bedroom door and got no response. He pushed it open slowly and walked toward the bed. The two boys were cuddled together in the center of the bed, and the bedding had gathered somewhat toward the center of the bed, exposing Jamal’s buns. George glanced toward the floor and noted that there was 2 pair of underwear on the floor, indicating that likely both boys were naked under the sheets.

He resisted the temptation to yank the covers off of them, and instead just shook Jamal’s shoulder, causing Jamal to open his eyes.

"Oooh! Morning already?" Jamal said, groggily.

"It’s almost 9:00 AM," George said, "Mama is cooking breakfast, by the time we eat and get ready it will be 10:30, time to leave, service is at 11:00 and we don’t want to walk in late."

"OK Papa," Jamal said, "we’ll be out shortly. He rolled over and planted his lips on Rusty’s, sweetly waking him. Rusty’s eyes opened and he smiled.

"What a way to be woken up," Rusty remarked, "what time is it?"

"Almost 9:00, Mama’s cooking breakfast and we need to leave about 10:30."

The two boys pulled on their underwear and headed to the bathroom, sharing the toilet for a morning pee. It was easy today, as neither of them woke up with morning wood.

"Do we have time for a shower?" Rusty asked.

"Maybe, if we shower together," Jamal said, "we probably need to do it now, cause after breakfast Mama will need the bathroom to get ready."

The boys both grabbed clean boxer-briefs, and went back to the bathroom and showered. They like to take their time in the shower and usually wash each other, but to save time, they each washed themselves today, dodging around each other to rinse off, then stepped out and dried themselves, sharing the bathmat. They pulled on their clean boxer-briefs and slipped back to the bedroom.

"Hurry up boys," Mama called out, "breakfast is ready."

They both put on clean T-shirts, and socks, and the trousers they intended to wear, then the shoes, and walked out to the dining room. Rusty put on his dress shoes that he hadn’t worn since…..well a long time.

On the table sat a big platter of hot biscuits, and a big bowl of sausage gravy, a dish of butter and bottles of maple syrup and honey and two jars of jam and jelly.

Rose, as she brought a bowl of scrambled eggs to the table, "Do you guys need anything else?"

"Mom," Rusty said, "it already looks like Shoney’s breakfast buffet!"

"Let’s join hands for Grace," Rose said. (Rusty is not accustomed to saying Grace at every meal)

George, as they all held hands and bowed heads, "Our Father in Heaven, we thank you for the harvest and for allowing us our wonderful companionship. Lord, we humbly bring a guest to our hall of worship today, please make him feel welcome and wanted, and let him know that you love him, as you love all of your children. Amen. Three more ‘Amen’s’ follow.

"Dig in, everybody!" Rose exclaimed.

Rose, after eating a rather small plate of food, "If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to put on my makeup, and get dressed, you guys eat all you want, Honey, can you and Jamal put away the leftovers?"

"Sure, Baby," George replied.

About 10:30 George and Rose and the two boys got into George’s Escalade and George drove them to church. Walking in, the greeters shook hands with George, Rose and Jamal.

"And who is this handsome young man?" one of the greeters asked, referring to Rusty.

"This is Irwin McKeever, he is Jamal’s best friend, and he goes by ‘Rusty’, he is visiting today," George replied.

The greeter, looking up at Rusty’s red hair and smiling, "I wonder why they call you ‘Rusty’? Welcome to our Lord’s home, and shook Rusty’s hand."

As is frequently the case, the back three pews were already filled, and George led his family to a pew in the center of the church. Jamal’s parents chose to sit next to the isle, Jamal next to his Mama, and Rusty sat next to Jamal on the inside. Rusty, glancing around, knew that Jamal had not fibbed to him, about 60% of the congregation are Caucasian’s. He still felt a bit out of place, being more used to Catholic Mass. A man stepped up to the pulpit, and the congregation grew suddenly quiet.

"Good morning everyone, and welcome! I notice our attendance is a little smaller this morning. I guess some of our regulars are taking advantage of the beautiful spring day that God has given us and have elected to spend their day elsewhere. Fortunately, even our Lord allows absenteeism from time to time, without penalty."

"Looking around this morning, I see some unfamiliar faces, (his eyes are focused on Rusty) and we always like to extend a special welcome to those visitors that are here for the first time. Immediately following the regular service, everyone is welcome to join us in the fellowship hall, which is (pointing) through that door. We always have some beverages and usually some cakes or cookies to share, and it gives us a chance to get to know you a little."

The service continued, with the usual hymns and prayer. Pastor John stood at the pulpit, preparing to give the sermon.

"Good morning everyone," Pastor John said, "I’m going to deviate from the usual today, and focus on bigotry and discrimination. It is the goal and directive of this house of the Lord to be all-inclusive. Our doors are always open to anyone who loves the Lord, let us NEVER allow anyone to feel unwelcome in this house."

"As Jesus lived, he gave us a path to follow, Jesus never turned his back to anyone, and we should follow in his footsteps. It makes no difference if people are white, black or purple, rich or poor, male or female, young or old, married or single, straight or gay. You are all God’s children, and God has an endless love for all who believe, and even those atheist’s who haven’t learned of the love of God, he still loves you."

"I want to touch on a topic today, that has hit very close to home. There are only a very few of you that know this story, but I’m going to share it with all of you today. Like many of you, my brother, Bradley, who was nearly 8 years my junior, and I was raised in a good Christian home, and learned of the love of God at an early age."

"I had a desire to share the word of God, and after my high school graduation, I went to seminary to become a minister, graduating at age 23. I was assigned to a church, that was nearly 200 miles from my home town, as an associate pastor, and married my wife, Sherry, shortly after."

"My little brother was 16 at the time, and just starting summer vacation, and would be a Senior, come fall. He was an athlete, having played 3 years of basketball, and two years of baseball. One night in early July, just as my wife and I were going to bed, I received an urgent call from my brother, crying, and he told me our parent’s had kicked him out of the house, and he needed help. He’d spent most of the cash he had at a pay phone to call me. I told him it was a 4 hours drive, but I was coming to get him, and he said he’d be around the 7-11. I told him to sit tight, and I was leaving ASAP."

"Sherry sprung out of bed and asked me where I was going, and I told her my little brother was in trouble, and I was going to go and rescue him, and I wouldn’t be back for about 8 hours, and I hit the road. At the time, I had no idea what would have caused our parents to kick him out. I pulled into the 7-11 in our home town about 2:00 AM, and Brad was sitting on a milk crate in front of the store with a big black trash bag, containing all his clothes."

"He saw me pull in, and sprung up from the crate, ran into my arms and I hugged him. We tossed the bag in the back seat and headed home. A few minutes down the road, I asked Brad why our parents kicked him out and he told me they thought he was gay. Are you gay? I asked him and he admitted that he was. I asked him why he told our parents, and he said that they interrogated him, and he finally admitted it, then asked me if I hated him too. I told him there was no way I could hate him, and a smile broke through his tears. I wished that the car had a bench seat, because I really wanted to pull him close to me."

"It was a little after 6:00 AM when we arrived back home, I showed him to the guest room, and we both went to bed. Sherry got up about 8:00 AM but was thoughtful enough to let me sleep until I woke up, at about noon, and Brad slept until nearly 2:00 PM. I told Brad I loved him, and I would try to help him any way I could, and I went on a mission."

"Starting that day, after Brad and I had some brunch, I hit the internet, searching and researching, trying to learn everything I could about homosexuality. After nearly a week of study, I arrived at some conclusions. One: Homosexuals don’t CHOOSE to be that way, they are BORN that way. Two: Conversion Therapy doesn’t work, and some subjects end up suicidal. Three: Homosexuality is not a disease, it’s just the way God creates some people, and there is no cure. Four: The best way to deal with a Homosexual person is to accept them and show them love. Five: God doesn’t make mistakes, he creates some of us to love the same sex and Six: God just may be a voyeur, and maybe enjoys watching two women or two men get it on." (that one drew some laughter)

"Just a little epilog here. Brad lived with us throughout his Senior year of High School, played basketball, earned a basketball scholarship, and went to college. He received a bachelor degree in accounting, and landed a good paying job with an accounting firm. He has been in a long-term relationship with James, his college sweetheart, for nearly 3 years, and they are a very happy gay couple. They visit us every two or three months, utilizing our present spare bedroom, and the last time they were here, we discussed the possibility of marriage. It’s unfortunate, that our Parent’s have never accepted his lifestyle, but I love my little brother unconditionally."

"Let us Pray" Pastor John led the prayer, and the service was over. Many of the people filtered into the fellowship hall.

An older man, talking to Pastor John, "Pastor, that sermon was an eye opener, I’ve always despised queers, but I have a new perspective now."

Two ladies, with two rug-rats confronted Pastor John, "Pastor John, that was an awesome sermon today, Amy and I have been together for two years, Kevin and Debbie are Amy’s from her former marriage and she has full custody. I love these two as if they were my own, and we’d like to consider marriage, so I can be their Mommy too."

"We can discuss that," Pastor replied, "but not right now."

"Pastor John," George stated, "you’ve helped us a lot, in understanding and accepting Jamal, I hope that sermon today opened up some eyes."

"Pastor," Jamal stated, "This is my boyfriend, Rusty McKeever, and this is his first time here, awesome sermon today."

"Pastor John," Rusty stated, "Jamal told me I would like you, I was born and brought up Catholic, so it was a bit strange, attending a protestant church, and I really enjoyed your sermon."

"Thank you, Rusty, "I hope you know you’re welcome here anytime, alone or as a couple, I hope we see you again, soon."

The boys, along with many others, enjoyed some sweets and drinks, and the crowd started to disperse,

Jamal, as they were leaving the church parking lot, "Baby, what do you think of our church?"

"Pretty neat," Rusty said, "Pastor John’s story about his brother brought tears to my eyes, but it was a great sermon. Jamal, I would come back with you again. Pastor John really likes to preach acceptance for people that might be a little different." Jamal smiled.

* * * * * *

Jamie and I were both scheduled to be at work at 3:00 PM today (Sunday), and planned to leave about 2:30. Mike was expected to pick Joe up around 2:45. Joe returned from the hospital about 1:45. When Joe walked in the door, Jamie and I both wanted to know how Mom was doing.

Joe, shaking his head and looking at the floor, "No better. I talked with Dr. Ayles for a few minutes, he said that his hopes of full recovery were getting dimmer by the hour. She is growing steadily weaker, and he didn’t really expect that she would last more than a few more days. He told me that she keeps asking to see her grandsons, and I told him they are planning to come and see her on Tuesday."

"I have a terrible feeling," Jamie said, with tears in his eyes, "that it will be the last time we see her."

"Jamie," Joe said, "when you go to see her, please try to wear smiles on your faces rather than tears. Mom adores DJ’s patented smile, and maybe it just might turn her around."

"We’ll try, Dad." Jamie replied, smiling weakly.

"Joe," I asked, "Did you call your sister?"

"Yeah, I called the homophobic bitch!" Joe went into some detail as to how the call went.

"I guess we can write her off the book," I said, "I never met her, and I think I’m glad I never knew her."

Jamie and I dressed for work and left, Mike would be picking Joe up shortly for their shift.

* * * * * *

Jamie talked with Anthony when he arrived at work, explaining the situation with DJ’s Granny, and asking Anthony to schedule him late on Tuesday.

"Jamie," Antonio stated, "I’m quite aware of the closeness that DJ and you both have with his Granny. I really hope, for both of you, and for Doug and Joe that she pulls through. As for Tuesday, you well know that Tuesdays are pretty slow, and Fernie is doing quite well. It’ll be a good time to let Fernie be a ‘real’ server for the night, and Ruth will be here to back him up, so I’m scratching you off for the night."

"Thanks Antonio, I knew you would understand." Antonio smiled.

* * * * * *

(to be continued…..)