Trouble Plus Trouble. - 24. Chapter 24

Double The Trouble.

Chapter 24.

Beth was relaxing on the sofa when Peter came in so he walked over and sat down for a cuddle. She'd had another great day and four of the clients had signed on the spot. She knew Rob's recommendation had been a big influence but it was still very positive for her.

"It's almost too much for one day a week already. Two clients need a regular weekly time and Rob’s relative will need at least a full day each month with the way they're set up. There was another inquiry about on-location work as well, and if I decide to do that I'll already be overbooked."

"It's going to work isn't it mum?"

"Robs coming round tomorrow morning to go over the numbers with me. He said all along I'd get more work than I could possibly cope with, and it certainly looks that way."

"Wow, what are you going to do next Friday? If you get any more clients you won’t have the time for them."

"I have to make up my mind this weekend."

She gave him a big hug and a grin.

"I already have anyhow. I only have to fill two days and we're better off than four days work with Gordon and Porters."

They talked some more, then headed into the kitchen to organise the night's meal.

***

"Hi there Peter."

"Hello Mr Crossman. Come in."

Peter took one look and was glad he was wearing some of his good clothes. Mr Crossman was looking much smarter than the casual jeans and shirt he usually wore to school. In fact Peter felt an internal jolt. Wow! He really was good-looking.

"Um, thanks for coming."

"I don't know about that. By the smell of things I should be thanking you."

Beth rescued Peter, introduced herself and made her own welcome, then said the meal was ready.

"Peter, Mr Crossman might like to freshen up. Would you show him round?"

That only took a moment and they were all seated. Beth was smiling. Gosh! She liked him already.

"I hope you enjoy the soup. Peter can take the blame if you don't since he made it, as well as the salad."

"I'm sure I'll enjoy them. What sort is it, Peter?"

"Um, it's home-made with those Swiss brown mushrooms, some asparagus tips and garlic and butter."

"Mushrooms! I'm addicted. Have you ever read Lord of the Rings? There's a part in it where the main character gets chased by dogs for sneaking mushrooms from a farm, and I always think they could have put my name there instead."

Wow! Peter was won over even more. His favorite book of all time had turned up in the first few minutes of conversation.

Beth laughed aloud.

"Don't start him Mr Crossman. He's read that book at least three times that I know of."

Mr Crossman's eyes sparkled.

"Is that so? Well my tally is five. And please. Call me Andrew. I'm not used to this Mr stuff yet. That means you too Peter."

"Yet? You make it sound as if you're new to teaching?"

"I am. I’ve had six months on contract, but this is my first full year."

"Truly? I had the impression from Peter that you must be quite experienced. He tells me you're the best teacher he's ever had."

Oh no! Why did she have to say that? Now he was embarrassed.

"Well thank you Peter. That's quite a compliment."

"Um, would you like some more soup?"

For whatever reason that set both Beth and Mr Crossman smiling, but he didn't say no. The meal progressed with easy conversation and Mr Crossman showed real enjoyment of everything that was served.

Not surprising really since Peter felt the same. Beth had cooked a great platter of her special veal schnitzel with the crunchy coating, and a bowl of some delicious stuff which she said was mainly beef and bacon with cheese toasted on top. With all the roast vegetables and salad it made a real feast.

Mr Crossman was really interesting. He loved reading and Beth said he might like to look at Peter's collection of books later if he didn't have any other commitments. He loved surfing and hiking. Peter listened in amazement to the description of a gigantic trek he'd undertaken in the long Christmas holidays.

"Twenty-one days? Three weeks of food! Your pack must have weighed a ton!"

"It did Peter and my camera gear didn't help either."

Beth had cooked a golden syrup pudding for desert, and asking for his helping caused Peter quite a shock.

"Mr Crossman, could you load a full slice onto my plate please?"

His mum was by herself on the side near the kitchen so she could fetch and clear easily while Peter was opposite and next to Mr Crossman. Since the pudding was in a free space next to him, Mr Crossman had to do the honors. What? Had he said something wrong? Mr Crossman was looking at him and shaking his head.

"He's usually a fast learner Beth. Do you mind if I reinforce the lesson?"

Beth nodded and this was followed by a tug on the hair at the back of his neck. What was he doing? The pressure increased till there was a nip of pain then backed off.

"So? What's my name Peter?"

Peter kind of lost it for a moment, because his neck was tingling and the same electric shiver went through him that he got when Matthew touched him.

"Um ...Andrew."

"Again!" This was followed by another tug.

"Andrew."

"And again."

"Andrew."

Peter sat forward to hide his reaction.

Sheba! He'd gotten a boner from his teacher. Three little tugs to the back of his neck. The conversation passed back to the food and then an explanation from Beth about her study and hopes for Hall Accounting. Thank goodness it went on long enough to let him settle down.

"What about you Andrew? Have you tried any other type of work besides teaching?"

"Not really. Except for the usual part-time jobs to help me through Uni, stocking shelves and working in a twenty-four hour petrol station. I was luckier than most since I managed to get a studentship with on-campus accommodation. It meant I only had to find enough cash for books and fees."

"So you've really gone straight from university to teaching?"

"Last year was a worry till I managed my six-month contract but hopefully I'm set now."

"I thought there was a real shortage of mathematics teachers?"

"There is. But my contract won’t be confirmed at the end of the year if my teaching’s not good enough."

Beth gave a smile as if to say he didn't have anything to worry about, then started clearing things from the table. Mr Crossman helped and very shortly the three of them were sitting in the living room.

"I must admit I've been quite puzzled about this interview, Beth. Peter said it was personal but I've seen no sign of any problems. He’s well liked by all his teachers, and from what we can tell, his classmates too. He's certainly won huge respect for his swimming efforts."

"Andrew, the school's been wonderful for him. For the first time since primary school he has real and close friends. We moved here partly for my work, but mainly because he was being bullied and persecuted, and his last school and the teachers didn't seem to be at all able to do anything about it. He'll tell you why himself as that's quite personal too, and I'm hoping you’ll feel happy to talk to him about it."

The color rose in Peter's cheeks. His mum was expecting him to talk about his big dick to his teacher? Beth gave him a hug.

"Andrew is very understanding Peter.

I'm sorry Andrew. I'm being rather long winded. Our concern at the moment is that Peter has decided to let the other students know he’s gay and we're worried about the general reaction."

" ……I see. Well, I don't really see. I think I'd advise you not to tell them at all. It's none of their business and secondary schools can be very negative about this."

Beth was showing little signs of agreement which made Peter wonder if she’d changed her mind. That wasn't so.

"That's what I thought too Andrew, but Peter's sense of loyalty tells him to support Matthew. You explain the situation Peter."

"Um, Matthew’s gay too, and everyone is going to find out next week and I'm not going to tell lies about us."

Beth pushed in there.

"Andrew. Matthew and his father Rob are our best friends, and Rob suggested we speak to you because you were so understanding with Matthew."

"Thank you Beth. I thought I had a clash of confidence there. Peter, I don't understand why Matthew would say anything. Has something happened to make him change his mind?"

"No sir! He wasn't even going to tell me, but we’re swimming against his old team in the next competition and they were awful to him. He knows they’re sure to say things but he won't stay away because he doesn't want to let coach and the team down."

"Hmm! Loyalty should be rewarded Peter. Well, we've got a short-term problem of protecting Matthew at this competition and a potentially more serious situation with the general school community. I'll talk to your coach. He needs to be aware of what's going on and I know he'll watch like an eagle to look after Matthew at the competition. The bigger issue is how your team-mates take it, since we can't realistically stop Matthew's old team from making a comment. What's your impression of your team Peter? I've heard they're a rowdy lot."

"Andy says they'll all look after Matthew."

"Who’s Andy?"

"Andy Hillier. He's my best friend. He's in 11 C."

"Andy Hillier? I don't teach him but his name is often mentioned. He has quite a reputation round the school. He's friendly with that big lad called Martin isn't he?"

"Yes, that's him. He lives just across the road."

"And he's your best friend?"

"Andrew, Andy might have a somewhat tarnished reputation with his teachers, but he has a heart of gold. He's told Peter and Matthew that the team will support them and I have complete confidence in him. I'm not worried about the team."

"Well if that’s the case there's the general student body left, and we’ll have to play that by ear. We have two Year Twelve students who are having a rough time, but their troubles emanate from one particular class. Peter’s group is a particularly nice one and in general respect and admire him, so I'm certain they'll be supportive too. But of course I can't be sure. Is there anything specific you'd like me to do?"

"Andrew, for my part I want Peter to be able to gauge the kind of support you and other teachers will give him. He was let down rather badly in that regard at his last school and with the potential trouble he’s facing now, I hope he'll feel he can get support if ever he needs it. I'm not asking the school to solve his problems. We’re both well aware of what can happen in a student community, with no blame to the teachers, but we don't want to face a wall of professional indifference either."

"Mum, this school is different."

There was a time of strong silence before Mr Crossman gave his reply.

"Peter, I hope you're right. And I think you are. I know Mr Gunn will support you fairly, and so will your coach. Beth, I have some understanding of bigotry and prejudice and I’ll fight hard for Peter's right to be happy at our school."

There was another, even stronger silence. Peter thought Beth was going to give Mr Crossman a hug.

"I'm sorry Andrew. I let my feelings show didn't I? When are you coming for tea again?"

Peter felt like he couldn't keep up. One second they were both strong and forceful, the next happy and relaxed, and he listened in a daze as Beth organised a repeat meal in two weeks time.

"Peter, you look after Andrew till we have supper at about half nine."

Beth headed for the kitchen, leaving Peter feeling quite flustered till Mr Crossman gave him a friendly wink and asked if he could see the bookshelves. Ten minutes later Peter was totally enjoying himself. He’d never met anyone who knew more about his kind of books than himself. Andrew left him for dead.

"Hey, you've got the Earthsea trilogy, Peter. Archmage Ged. Have you read the fourth book?"

"Fourth book …Of a trilogy?"

"Sounds peculiar doesn't it, but everyone’s always going to call it a trilogy. It tells what happens after Ged loses his magic."

The book talk went for twenty minutes and then at interspersed intervals. Peter started his computer to find some other books by an author called Robin McKinley. Peter had one of hers called ‘The Hero and the Crown’ which Mr Crossman hadn't read and evidently there were some much more recent ones.

"Matthew bought this whole computer set-up for you?"

"Yes, and he bought the big one downstairs for mum too. Just ‘cause she gives him such good hugs."

"And I guess yours was for much the same reason was it?"

He was very quick to pick up on things and when Peter blushed and said nothing that hand rested on the back of his neck for the second time.

"You confused me earlier Peter, when you said your neighbour Andy was your best friend. Matthew’s more than a friend isn't he?"

Peter nodded, and that pressed Mr Crossman's hand harder against his neck. Oh My God! It was happening again.

"Well I hope things go well for you. It's wonderful to have someone special."

Peter heard the words and thought about them later. At the moment he was ninety percent distracted. At least it was easy to readjust himself without being obvious this time. Mr Crossman moved away and Peter's head swivelled to watch him at the next bombshell.

"Um …Peter!... I hope I haven't got this wrong, but Beth gave me the impression she wanted me to talk to you about sex? …No? I can see by your reaction it must be something else."

For some reason his mum wanted him to talk all about his last school. Well!

"Yes, she meant what they teased me about so much before I came here."

"Oh, I think I've worked that out. I've heard your nickname in class. Are you rather well endowed, as they say?"

Peter just couldn't help smiling. At the moment that was extra, extra true, but thank goodness he was comfortable and well disguised by his loose shirt.

"Yes, I hated it! They never stopped teasing me at that place!"

"Hated or hate?"

"It's all right now. Andy got me out of it, but Mum must still worry."

"Andy again? It sounds as if he's a great help to you."

"Yes, he's amazing! Mum calls him her King Arthur after we went away for a weekend."

Peter explained the incident with the shoving and the hamburgers.

"He sounds like a wonderful friend. It's a lesson to me to make my own judgements, because I've mainly heard he's an idiot."

"Um... He is."

That made Mr Crossman laugh.

"I see. He's like that is he? Now he sounds like fun as well."

"That is so true. We never know what will happen next. Mum had to put blonde tips in his hair when he walked in with a bright red Mohawk."

The time flew and Peter really opened up. By the time Beth called them down for supper they were talking about anything and everything. Mr Crossman left after saying thank you for his very first home interview, which he was never going to forget, stirring Peter for not doing enough maths, and holding a plastic container with the remnants of the mushroom soup.

"And remember Peter. No kissing Matthew in the school ground or there'll be rumours."

Boy! He was a bit like Rob in a way.

"He was interesting wasn’t he Mum? I didn't think an interview would be fun."

"Very interesting Peter. What did you talk about besides your books?"

As Peter related the main topics he realised how much Mr Crossman had found out and wondered if he'd said too much.

"Duffer!" This was one of his mum’s special words, "You can tell him anything. He's your friend now, not just your teacher. We'll be seeing lots more of him from now on."

Jeez! That was why she sent them off together while she did the dishes? Peter gave a querying look and got one of Beth's happy laughs in return.

"You were right Peter! He’s the nicest teacher you've ever had, and I hope we get to know him better."

***

A naked body snuggled next to him and Mr Long was getting very excited. Mmm! That was so nice. What? It wasn't a dream? His eyes open and he hugged Matthew tight.

"What's happening?"

"We’re reading for a while then studying physics."

"I meant how come you're here? We were meeting at training."

"Dad was coming round to talk to Beth and I missed you so I came round too."

"Yum!"

"Yum? do you want breakfast?"

"No, I want you!"

"Do you want me on top or underneath?"

"On top. I'm still half asleep."

Some games followed which very quickly rid Peter of his sleepiness.

"Are we really going to study?"

"You were the one who said we needed to Peter. We still haven't properly caught up on horror day and we can't do it this afternoon like we planned."

"Why not?"

"We're meeting Brent at two for training then we’re going for a drive in the country."

"Hey, what happened with him last night?"

"He had a try of my guitar."

"Yeah sure, did he try anything else?"

"That's a secret. I'm not telling."

"Okay, I won't tell you my secret then."

Matthew started a tickle tickle, rather than the pleasure tickle which had been happening since he climbed into bed.

"That won't work Matthew."

"All right, if I show you what he did will you tell me then?"

That was a very satisfactory arrangement, though it took much longer than Peter expected.

"My God Matthew! Did he keep going like this?"

"For ages. Now tell me this secret of yours. I don't see how you can have one though, it was an interview with a teacher."

"He gave me a boner."

"As if! You'll have to think up something better than that."

"And then when we were up here together for over an hour he gave me another one."

Matthews sat up and stared at Peter who was enjoying this.

"I don't believe you, except you sound like it's real."

"It's true Matthew! I couldn't believe it myself. Three little tugs and I had to sit forward in my chair and gobble my pudding."

"While you were having your meal?"

Peter now had to explain what happened or get murdered. At least, those were the options Matthew gave him.

"Oh wow, do you think he had any idea?"

"Of course not!"

"What else happened? Was it a good interview?"

"It was the best. And guess what? Mum’s asked him back in two weeks, just as friends this time, and you and me are going to play squash with him and he’s got books I'm dying to read."

"What did he say about us?"

"We’re not allowed to kiss in the school ground."

"He did not."

"That was just a stir when he was leaving, but I think he meant it too. He said I was lucky to have someone special in my life."

"Wow, really? That sounds like something Beth would say."

"I had to tell him about my big dick too. Mum dobbed me in, but he already knew."

"How could he?"

"From everyone in class calling me big D."

Matthew thought that was so funny, the teachers knowing about it.

"You'll be famous all over the world soon. We’ll get photos for proof and put you in the Guinness book of records and I'll run the Mr Long Fan-club."

"Idiot! Mr Long is reserved for you."

"Me? Yeah, and Brent too, and Kenny and all the swimming team, and Banks team, and now Mr Crossman. When are you going to show him?"

"Stir some more why don't you. My god! Matthew, if we play squash he probably will see me."

"I'll think sexy thoughts at you Peter, so you get a boner."

"And I'll kill you."

"No you won't. Just think, you'll be too busy looking back at him when he's in the shower. You're the one who said he’s so good-looking."

"You think he is too though don't you? Come on! Own up!"

Matthew agreed and they carried on about each other having the hots for their teacher. Eventually hunger called to Peter and they moved to the kitchen.

"It's all official. I'm giving a week's notice at Gordon and Porters on Monday."

Wow, Beth looked so pleased, and so did Rob. Peter rushed to give her a big hug, which lasted till he realised his toast was burning.

"A week? I thought you were going to stay with them for another month?"

"I was, but Rob’s arranged five more clients for next Friday, so we don't have much choice."

"A week’s being generous Peter. After the number of hours they ripped her off without any pay, Beth doesn't owe any loyalty."

They'd thought it all out, and Beth was going to work four days and use the other one to continue her advanced course. Two of the days would be used for the location work and the other two for normal consultations.

"You'll have to hand in your notebook computer Beth, and if you're driving round to all those places you'll need another one."

"Matthew Peck! Don't even think of it. And anyway you're too late. Rob’s coming with me this morning to choose one."

The end of chapter 24.

Iarwain.