The Wink - 3. Chapter 3

3.1 – At School . . . Monday

‘Karl, Karl, wait up. Can we talk?’

Arriving at school the next day, Karl turned towards the sound of Rhonda’s voice. Around him, and from all different directions, some in cars and some from buses, students converged on the school. Mondays were the worst as kids faced the drudgery of five long days of learning. The only bright aspect being the fast-approaching summer school holidays.

Catching up, Rhonda grabbed his arm possessively as he was about to go through the front door. As the suburb of Mount Eliza catered for affluent folks, the Mount Eliza Secondary College boasted being one of the best equipped, maintained and academically successful schools in Melbourne.

‘I hope yesterday’s lunch fiasco hasn’t bent you outta shape? If I hadda known my arsehole brother would get so heavy, I would never have asked you around. T’was unforgivable, totally uncool! Are you OK?’

‘Good, really good. Forget Jason because I certainly have. Maybe he was having a bad day. I liked him when you introduced me outside the church. I’ve moved on. How about you? . . . all OK?’

‘(Linking her arm possessively with Karl) Yeah fine. What’s your first class?’

‘English lit. My favorite. You never told me what yours is. Maybe we can team up for homework.’

‘(By now joined at the hip) Well, it certainly ain’t English. I’m a bit of a history nerd, but I also have English lit as first period so we’re in the same class. How about a quickie before school starts?’

‘(Confused and embarrassed) Excuse me . . . ummm, what do you mean by that . . . a quickie?’

‘(Laughing) Ooops, sorry! I meant a quick cup of coffee in the canteen before class. We have time.’

‘(Sounding relieved) Ha, ha. You had me going there. Sure, I need a caffeine hit.’

Being on the ground floor and with easy access, the cafeteria presented pleasant surroundings with plenty of room for students. Unlike some schools the canteen offered good food at reasonable prices. Karl and Rhonda joined a short queue waiting for service.

‘What do you want Karl? I’m shouting.’

‘You don’t have to . . .’

‘Just shut it, I’m buying and that’s that. What do you want?’

‘Mmmm, just coffee thanks. Black, no sugar.’

Their order completed, they adjourned to a nearby vacant four chair square table. Karl had the feeling she treated him as a trophy. After sitting down, she leaned across and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. Her whole demeanor reeked of possession.

Well it’s not too bad. I’m a stranger to school and it won’t hurt socially to have an attractive and popular female in tow. I’ll get to know kids faster than if I was alone. Still, she may become a problem down the tracks! Fuck, I’m definitely not going there!

‘(Jiggling her tea bag) After I dropped you off, I carpeted Jason about his disgraceful attitude. It kinda surprised me ‘cause he’d never talked like that before.’

(Sipping his coffee, then) That’s interesting because he didn’t seem like that sort of person when first I met. What did he say?’

‘Bunch of crap! I reckon he’s still ashamed. Anyway, I really socked it to him; he’ll never interfere in my life again. To think he regarded me as a helpless female not able to take charge of her sex life, really . . .grrrrh!’

‘(Laughing) That’s one mistake I’ll never make. I reckon you’d make mincemeat of any male who tries to take advantage.’

(Suggestive) OK, but that’s not to say I’m not randy because I am, constantly. Any time you want . . .’

Oh shit, here it comes . . .

Then,

‘(From behind Karl) Why if it isn’t my best girlfriend. Hello Rhonda, and who is this incredible spunk you’ve snared?’

The voice was low and breathless, almost dripping with insincerity and seduction. Karl turned around as a stunning young woman came into view. She literally had the face of an angel with dark brown eyes and a pert little nose. Her skin was a natural dark colour evidencing some mixed-race ancestry. But her most stunning feature was her boobs now barely contained by her school tunic. She was gorgeous, sexy and . . . she knew it. Sitting down on Karl’s left she assaulted him with the full impact of her beauty . . . before Rhonda,

‘(Snarling) Well, good morning, Margo . . . and piss off!’

‘(Light-hearted) Oh poor Rhonda afraid of a little competition are we. I must know this gorgeous hunk’s name and where he’s been all my life. Who are you sexy and who’s name do I scream out as we’re fucking?’

Oh shit. Now I’ve got two pussies wanting to jump my bones. It’s obvious they’re not friends, more savage rivals. This is gonna get bloodthirsty. (sigh) here goes.

‘(Easy-going) Hi, I’m Karl and I’m new at this school. I relocated from the country when my Dad transferred with his job. I’m 175^cm and weigh 78^Kl. My main interest is in English Literature; my favorite sports are swimming and playing footy. I’m toilet-trained and okay with computers but a dunce when it comes to electronics, and Oh . . . I’m single!’

‘Wow, what an answer. The only thing you left out is your dick-size, but we can remedy that . . .’

(Harsh) Margo, don’t be such a slut! It doesn’t . . .’

(Heated) Oh my sweet little Churchie, that’s ripe, you call me a slut. You’ll open . . .’

(Scolding) Ladies, ladies, cool it. You’re making a scene and making fools of yourselves. Don’t include me . . .’

Just then a bell chimed warning them they only had five minutes to get to class. Students scrambled to down drinks, gather up textbooks and move to their classrooms. Rhonda turned to Margo,

‘You’ll keep bitch. Piss off!’ and grabbed Karl’s arm.

‘C’mon mate, let’s leave this painted pussy for another time. We’ve got to get to class. C’mon.’

With that they started walking towards their classroom.

‘OK, OK. Jeeze you two ladies really don’t get on do you. What’s the problem?’

‘The problem? Nothing specific she’s just a nasty bitch. Consider this. She found out her cousin was Gay and hiding his secret from his folks. She outed him on Facebook, and the poor kid took it hard. I heard he tried to ‘off’ himself with a drug overdose. The family was devastated. The next . . .’

Oh shit! This just couldn’t get any worse. I gotta find out more.

‘Why? Why did she do that? What was her motive? Was it revenge, or something similar?’

‘Who knows. You’ll have to ask her, but as far as I know she just did it because she hates gays. I heard her say once that gay blokes seduced too many great guys, keeping them from the joy of normal sex . . . particularly with her. Sick isn’t it?’

‘Yes, it is. Assuming it’s true she’s one nasty, dangerous sheila.’

Oh my god this just got a lot worse. I’ve got a female homophobe wanting to bed me. What if I refuse? Will she put two and two together and call me queer. It’s my own fault ain’t it for being afraid to come out!

The morning flew by too quickly as suddenly the lunch bell rang. Rhonda only shared Karl’s first class, so at lunch Karl joined the queue by himself . . . but not for long. Suddenly a wave of intense perfume assaulted him as Margo jostled her way in front.

“Well how’s my Adonis making out . . .’

(From down the queue) Jesus Margo, why don’t you shower instead of drenching yerself with incense? I reckon me nose’s been raped by a horrible smell.’

‘(Annoyed) I always reckoned you a poofter McKenzie. Only a faggot would object to a gentle female expensive aroma.’

‘(Indignantly) Hey slut, watch yer mouth . . . ‘

(His mate) Come on Mac, she’s just stirrin’ you’se up, not only does she stink but she’s got a nerve pushing in like that. Hey mate (addressing Karl) if she’s yer bitch, teach her some manners.’

By this time Karl found his right elbow cradling Margo’s left boob. And now as that giant piece of anatomy started to become aggressive . . . he quickly disengaged.’

‘He’s right Margo, you shouldn’t just push in because it makes folks angry. Why don’t you . . .’

‘Oh, shut it Karl, you know you were minding the place for me. As for those other fagots, don’t pay no mind. Now I wanna talk to you before Rhonda shows up with her fat face.’

Man ‘o man. How did I get myself into this? Better still how do I get out o’ it? She’s vulgar, she’s dangerous and she stinks! I just gotta put up with her until Rhonda joins us.

Leading the way, Margo headed to a small four-person table. As she advanced into the cafeteria many male heads turned around to watch her progress. She exuded sex with the swing of her tits and undulating pelvis. She knew she was pretty, attractive to men, and . . . she revelled in it. Karl’s discomfort increased as her feet played footsie underneath the table.

‘Now tell me what’s the situation with Rhonda, are you screwing her?’

‘No Margo no, we’re just friends; at least right now where just friends. Why does everyone try to push us into being lovers? Last Sunday I had lunch with Rhonda’s family and her brother Jason asked the same question. I wish people would leave me alone.’

‘Oh yes, Jason Anderson, now he is a hottie. Shame he’s married to that moo-cow Kathy. Strange that I could never bed Jason; he resisted all my feminine charms and never really dated until he met Kathy. Oh well, you can’t win them all. Now I want to ask you to a party I’m throwing next Saturday night. I’d like you to come and, . . . and, please say yes.’

‘Umm, yes that sounds great . . .’

‘(Rhonda sitting down across from Karl) What sounds great? . . . Margo, stop playing footsie with Karl; you really are a promiscuous bitch. Now again, what sounds great?’

‘Umm, Margo has invited us to a party next Saturday night . . .’

‘Oh, lovely Margo, of course we’d love to come; I assume your place and a pool party, right?’

Now this is gonna get interesting. I’m sure Margo only wanted to invite me alone and I forestalled her. I bet she feels dirty.

(Grudgingly) Oh how lovely Rhonda, I suppose if you must come, you must. No offence, but make sure you shower before . . .’

‘My goodness, what’s that awful smell?’

(Ignoring the question) . . . before you go into the pool. Sorry but my dad insists.’

‘Well that’s settled then. Karl how about you come to my place around 8.30 . . . (looking at Margo, who nodded) because it’s on the way to Margo’s house. Now I’ve got to get something to eat before the bell goes for classes. Thanks again Margo, and . . . (winking at Karl) see ya handsome.’

Silence descended and Margo resumed playing footsie. She eyes shot daggers at Rhonda’s retreating back.

‘That bitch, that bloody bitch, she’s got a bloody nerve, don’t you . . .’?

‘Hey Margo, something Rhonda said has me intrigued.’

‘(Annoyed) What are you talking about hon? It wouldn’t surprise me what that trollop has to say about me. What has she said?’

‘(Curious) About your cousin, about your gay cousin. Apparently, you outed him and caused him much stress even to the point of nearly ‘offing’ himself. Is it true?’

‘(Irritated) Yes it’s true I outed him. No, it’s not true I’m responsible for his attempted au revoir. I don’t know why you bring this up because it’s in the past. He had it coming, lying to everyone about his dirty life-style. If I hadn’t, think of all the beautiful young men he’d corrupt to his disgusting sexual practices. Anyway, what’s it to you?’

‘(intense) Why do I bring it up? Why? Because what you did was wrong, very wrong and also none of your business. You may think in noble principles, but the reality is you nearly caused a fellow human being to kill himself. Aren’t you ashamed?’

‘(Rising voice) Ashamed! Ashamed! No of course I’m not ashamed. If you don’t agree with me then you must be a poofter also. So, tell me, lover . . .’

‘(Angry) There you go again, if someone disagrees with you, by your standards they’re poofters, fagotts, queers and all. All it shows is your ignorance. Gay people are just born that way and our community should accept them, not reject and subject them to abuse physically and emotionally. Why don’t you take the time to understand . . .’?

‘(Enraged) I can’t believe I’m hearing this. I can’t believe someone like you can support their disgusting choice of lifestyle. If they choose to live and practice their sinful, carnal, and abdominal existence, then we’re obliged to punish them. After all, it’s their choice . . .’

‘(Scoffing) And when did you choose to be straight, to be heterosexual?’

‘(Sneering) I didn’t, don’t be so stupid, I was born this way and proud of it. If you think . . . (pause) Oh I see, you’re trying to make me acknowledge that homos are born that way, same as me being born hetero. Well, nothing doing mister. I hate these gay creeps and that’s that!’

‘(getting up) For a so-called intelligent, attractive woman, Margo, you’re simply bigoted and prejudiced. You’re not worth fucking. Maybe I’ll come to your party Saturday night or maybe I won’t.’

The bell rang and Karl gratefully got ready for afternoon classes. For some time, Margo simply sat until it was time to join the stragglers.

3.2 Beach Soliloquy . . . Next Saturday

A summers day, a summers day at the beach. Perfect weather. The soothing warmth of the sun seductively gentled his body. Stretching out and using his elbows for support, his abdominal muscles became more defined. Already the focus from females, this new position caused admiring glances. He loved it. He’d honed his body impressively; from the corded musculature of his shoulders down to his bulging leg calves, he was indeed the essence of a tanned and healthy young male.

He watched as small waves, following natures laws, collapsed as they began their final journey's end against the land. One wave in particular surged further onshore causing some beachgoers to move away in alarm.

The sighing of the wind, the feel of the warm sun, the blue sky, the gentle sound of waves tumbling, the happy sounds of young children, all these . . . all of these, induced a hypnotic state in his mind and body.

He sighed and gave in to gloomy thoughts.

. . . I’m a coward. I play the role of obedient son in a perfect family. That’s what folks see on the outside; what they don’t see is me dad being a bit of a boozer and me mum wearing the pants. Then there’s me, in the closet, a secret gay man. Ha! . . . a perfect family indeed. God it makes me sick! What a coward I am, to pretend being straight when I’m a queen, lusting . . .

Something caught his eye; a young boy had come off his rubber float and now struggled to get back on. Nothing serious, but as the duty lifeguard he decided to help. Standing up, he loped down the beach to help the young lad, smiling at the two young girls as he passed.

After making sure the young lad was OK, he returned to his spot and allowed the feeling of contentment to return.

What a weird week beginning with Sunday last at the Anderson’s home, then meeting Margo at school on Monday. I can‘t get Jason Anderson outta my mind. That glance in church. The unknown man sitting in the front pew with the blond hair and wide shoulders. He had an athlete’s posture; just the way he sat I could tell he had a well-developed physique. Then when he turned and looked at me . . .piercing blue eyes in a handsome face. Then finding out he’s Rhonda’s brother; looking up . . . yes, looking up and into those clear blue eyes with my heart pounding, well . . .

Suddenly a voice interrupted his musing,

‘Karl . . . Karl, where are ya man? Ya look miles away and yer supposed to be on duty not daydreaming. C’mon get yer arse in gear, boyo . . . ‘

‘Oh Christ, I’m sorry mate . . .. bit o’ daydreaming. sorry, sorry.’

‘Don’t worry me none, although if the club captain caught you there’d be hell to pay. (Laughing) Jesus yer a mystery Williams. What an arse-hole you are. I watched you smile at those two young sheilas perving on you with their tongues hanging out. You can have any woman that takes yer fancy, yet, as far as I know, you don’t date. (Joking) Yer not a poofter is you’se?’

‘Shove off Jocko. I can’t help if sheilas’ find me attractive . . . what’re ya jealous, mate? And I do date; just because I don’t bray about my deeds don’t mean I don’t date. A poofter . . . you got to be kidding. Perhaps if ya went to church more often, the good Lord would be kind and get the ladies to find you attractive.’

‘Don’t change the subject mate. I got no time fer religious crap and you knows it. (Chuckling) Give me a healthy pint o’ beer and a nice pair o’ tits; that’s all the religion I’se needs . . . Ouch! That hurt . . . I’m just joking mate. Anyway, I’m off to get some liquid religion in a tall frosty can. See ya!’

Silence once again returned.

If only Jocko knew. If only I could tell. (sigh) Jason Anderson . . . yeah, a married Jason Anderson. I could lose myself in his eyes. I thought there was a mutual attraction but his conversation after lunch that day was definitely hostile. Maybe I’m just kidding myself . . . maybe there’s nothing in the look he gave me at church. His wife seems a nice lady and I won’t do anything to cause unhappiness. I noticed some spunkies at church, so I’ll just tread warily until I find someone on the same wavelength. But what a waste is Jason. I gotta admit he’s mister perfect in every way . . . except not being gay. Then there’s Rhonda; she’s after something more than a friendship and somehow, I’ll just have to string her along. I’m not gonna repeat the disaster of trying to have sex with a female . . . not after last time. But, how can I? I don’t have an excuse . . .

Just then the club captain Mike Evers interrupted

‘Hey Karl, I’m a bit concerned about that young boy you just helped with his board. He’s going out further and I don’t think his swimming skills are up to scratch. Do you know where his parents are?’

‘Umm, I don’t. No, sorry. Look, I’ll go out and ask him and at the same time warn him about going out too far.’

‘Good man. Some of these parents piss me off. I bet the father is more concerned with perving on the lassies than looking after his kid. Happens all the time unfortunately. Off you go.’

Now what about our illustrious Captain Mike, he’s a hottie. I just love hairy tanned men. (sigh) And then there’s tonight. I let Rhonda talk me into going to Margo’s party even after I had nasty words with the bitch at school. I woulda thought she’d rescind her invitation, but for some reason she still wants me to roll up. I sense danger . . . she’s a troublemaker and I best do everything to stay clear of her . . . if that’s gonna be possible! If only I could stop living this lie . . .

‘Karl? . . . Karl, I thought it were you. What a surprise. I didn’t know you’d joined the Lifesaving club?’

The voice . . . a jolt of electrical energy surged through his body as he looked up into the face of . . . Jason, Jason Anderson. The absolute surprise made him gawk for what seemed an eternity; and to make matters worse, Jason only wore a pair of red skimpy speedos leaving little to the imagination.

‘(Idiotically) Jason? Jason, umm . . . what are you doing here?’

‘(Probing) Mores the point, what are you doing in the lifeguard enclosure? Are you a club member?’

‘(Self-consciously) Yes, yes I am. I joined soon after arriving down here. I used to be a lifeguard back home in the local pool. I’d passed all the required courses as a lifeguard so when I came down here, the Mornington Surf Lifesaving club accepted me straight away. (Unnecessarily) They’re short of members.’

My god look at his muscles. I knew, from the way he wore his clothes, he had an athletic build, but look at the way his shoulders taper all the way down to muscled thighs. His skin, tanned and glowing, shines with health and beauty.

Immediately an uncomfortable silence grew. It seemed the lifeguard enclosure blotted out the outside world leaving the two men staring at each other . . . alone.

Jason dropped down to eye-level opposite Karl and sat with his knees pulled back. The fabric of his swimmers stretched alluringly tight over his perineum and anus, so much so Karl became fixated on the hidden treasure. Then Jason jolted him from such salacious thoughts.

‘(speaking with difficulty) Karl, I’m so, so sorry about last Sunday afternoon . . . I, ahh . . . I ahh, behaved very badly. I’m truly sorry. I’m so, so ashamed of myself. Can you forgive me?’

‘(Ignoring the question) Yeah, I’m still confused. You attacked me when you had no cause; did I say or do something to warrant your reaction? I wanted your friendship.’

‘(Defensive) No . . . no, you didn’t. No, (uncomfortable) no, you behaved impeccably. My folks were impressed and really sledged me for my behavior. They are rightly . . .’

‘(Getting angry) You still haven’t answered my question! I don’t give a shit whether anybody likes me or not . . .

Liar

. . . I want to understand why you suddenly up and embarrassed me. There must be a reason and I’d like to know!’

‘(Exasperated) Bloody hell why can’t you just accept my apology and let’s move on. I apologized for being a creep so why shouldn’t that be enough? You’re asking me to bare my soul and that’s not fair! No, I won’t . . .’

‘(Angry) Not fair! Did I hear you correctly . . . not fair! You have the bloody audacity to say ‘I’m not fair’ when all I ask for is a simple explanation why you heavied me without cause. Now that’s what I call not being fair! What’s so hard?’

Silence . . . short silence.

‘(Shyly) You winked at me.’

‘Excuse me?’

‘(quietly) You winked at me. Why did you wink at me . . . err, during church service?’

Silence. Now Karl became uncomfortable.

‘(Nervous) Yes I did didn’t I.’

‘Why?’

‘You’re enjoying this aren’t you, Jason! Now you’re interrogating me, and you still haven’t answered my original question. Well done!’

‘(Thoughtfully) Seems we’ve reached a stalemate. Where do we go from here? I want to be your friend Karl . . . I really do, but friends can’t have secrets, can they?’

‘(Heaving a sigh) I guess not. Well, I don’t know; what if some secrets are too big to share even with friends, Jason? What if the secret is so profound that disclosing it would wreck any friendship?’

‘No one knows the answer to that question, Karl, without knowing what the secret is. We’re going round in circles.’

Silence.

This is bullshit! Why can’t I just come out and say,

‘Jason, I love you. I’m gay . . .I think just like you. I fell in love with you at first sight. Seeing you, in the church, dressed in your Sunday best, looking so clean and pious, radiating . . .’ radiating . . .I don’t know what.’

Oh fuck! Why is this so bloody hard. One of us must cut the Gordian knot, take a risk, expose ourselves. Deep down I somehow know he cares for me. . . I know, or assume Jason’s gay like me and, like me, can’t admit it out aloud. So, here’s the thing; we’re here together and there won’t be a better time than now. If he reacts negatively, I’ll just have to deal with it. He’s not a vindictive person . . . at least I hope not.

But to say it out loud, to ease the burden, to simply be myself, to not have to lie . . . to not have to lie.

The silence dragged on.

I’ve never seen such a beautiful man as Karl. He . . . he’s perfect . . . perfect. I just want to lay beside him and caress those beautiful muscles, lick that protruding right nipple, take his manhood in my mouth and pleasure him until he releases either into my mouth or into my body . . . it doesn’t matter. Oh fuck . . . I want him badly. And I can have him, can’t I? All I must do is tell him I love him. Deep down I know he cares for me . . . whether he loves me or not is not an issue. All these years . . . all these years of hiding, lying, fearing, and being scared . . . all these years have come down to this place, this time, and this boy. If I admit my horrible secret, somehow, I know he won’t react badly because I reckon, he’s not a vindictive person. We need to be honest with each other and . . .

All outside beach sounds had disappeared. The sound of human voices, the sound of waves breaking, the caw-caw of seagulls, the distant sound of traffic, and the sound of the safe-swimming flags flapping in a gentle breeze, all of these were silent -, at least to the occupants of the lifesaver’s compound. Two gentle souls who, while facing their entrenched fears, had come face to face with their fundamental desires.

‘(Slowly but clearly) Jason, what would you do if I said I wanted to kiss you?’

‘(Surprised) Huh?’

‘You heard me clearly.’

‘Yes, yes I did. (hesitate) You . . . you mean, on the lips?’

‘Yes.’

Long pause . . .

‘I’d want to kiss you back!’

And there it was. Out in the open. Non-ambiguous. A short statement and an even shorter reply. That’s all it took.

A slow smile engulfed Karl’s face as the realization dawned on him that Jason reciprocated his own feelings.

‘But not here Karl.’

‘(Sadly) I know.’

‘But we can hug.’

Getting up, Jason moved over and, straddling Karl’s long legs, embraced Karl in a buddy-hug. The physical contact sent waves of passion through both boys and as they squeezed tighter tears began to flow. They had just taken a momentous step and neither wanted to break the contact but break they must, at least here, out in the open. They sat back staring at each other with a look of intense longing. Karl recovered first.

‘(Breathless and teary) Fuck me . . .’

‘(Laughing) I intend to . . .’

‘. . . I can’t believe this has happened. I mean, I sorta hoped but prepared myself for rejection. It’s one thing to fantasize over signals but another to know the other person returns your feelings. I got a million questions . . . no, I got a gazillion questions, which need answering. I don’t know where to . . . ‘

‘(Reaching out and squeezing Karl’s shoulder) Same here, same here. But let’s go slowly because we’ve got a somewhat complicated road to travel and I want to hasten slowly. Enough for now we’ve declared our feelings, so we’ve quashed any doubts on that issue. We’ve just taken the first and most difficult step. If we genuinely care each other Karl, then that’s all we need for now.’

Why is it that a red speedo cossie and tanned skin look so sexy together? He’s got an impressive bulge down there which I’m longing to explore. In fact, it’s growing.

‘I don’t understand why being in love demands such physical release. My body is craving for you Jason and it’s becoming an embarrassment. I couldn’t stand upright this minute in front of the whole beach. Are you the same?’

‘(Laughing) Yeah, I’m the same. God, I love you man. (Leaning forward to squeeze Karl’s shoulder again) My minds been in a turmoil since last Sunday, so now you know the real reason I treated you horribly after lunch. I simply became aggressive to hide my feelings. Do you understand now?’

‘(Relieved) Yes, yes that kinda makes sense. It’s good. I became miserable because I thought you hated me. Yeah, it’s clear now. But solving that problem leaves open a whole host of issues and questions that’re running around my brain. Where do we go from here?’

‘(Groan) Shit, I dunno. Karl, this is a biggie for me. I’ve always known I was . . . different . . . whatever. Growing up things just weren’t right – whatever ‘right’ is. My being gay came slowly, along with the fear of others finding out. My dad in particular. Also, my friends . . . and family. Bloody hell, I live a life of anxiety. I even considered aversion therapy, that is, until I found out what they do to you. I couldn't go down that route, so I chose cowardice – I got married. I know . . .’

‘(Alarmed) Jason, Jason! Not here, not now. Knowing a little of your family situation I can’t imagine what you’ve been through – I just can’t, and don’t want to hear about it now. Please, let's focus on the here and now. Something wonderful has happened – at least to me – and I want to stay in the ‘feel-good’ mode. Please?’

‘(Mortified) Oh yes, yes you’re right . . . of course you’re right. I’m sorry I became heavy. It’s just that I’ve locked my fears in for so long, I’ve not been able to express myself. Now, being able to talk to someone, well . . . sorry!’

‘Don’t sweat it, believe me I understand, and I want to cuddle you and hear . . .’

‘(Another voice) Ummm, excuse me but non-members aren’t allowed in the lifeguard enclosure. I’m sure you appreciate that the lifeguard shouldn’t have any distractions whilst . . .’

‘(Jumping up) Oh hey, I’m sorry Mike. This here is Jason, Jason Anderson. He’s the brother of the girl I’m seeing . . . Rhonda, Rhonda Anderson and he’s just . . .’

‘(Friendly) Hey I know you, don’t I? Aren’t you Pastor Anderson’s boy?’

Karl watched as Mike covertly inspected Jason’s body. He looked for any sign of lust but instead found the normal sizing up of one male to another.

‘(Shy) Yes, yes I am. I’m sorry for disturbing Karl. The only times we’ve been together is with the ‘rents and my sister hovering around. I do apologize, and I’ll leave now. Mia culpa! Enjoyed out talk Karl, we must get together soon, eh?’

‘Thanks for understanding Jason. Give my regards to your Dad. He always gives a thoughtful sermon and I’m guilty for not coming along more regularly. Tell him I said Hi.’