Life Goes On - 49. The Teacher Has a Secret

September – November 1988

As his son’s sixth grade teacher introduced himself Dan checked him out: mid 20’s, about 6 foot (1.83 m) tall, trim, thin body, blond hair, blue eyes, large hands and a smile that electrified Dan’s body. He studied the angelic face and lips. There were no surprises with Mr. Martin’s explanation of class activities. Then he made a request. “Next Wednesday the class will have a field trip to the Ohio Agricultural and Research Center in Wooster, part of Ohio State University. One of the parent chaperons just told me that she would not be able to make the trip. If any of you could volunteer to go with us please talk to me after class.” Then with a chuckle he continued, “Oops, I did not mean class, after the meeting.”

Dan did not wait. He immediately raised his hand and said. “I will happily go with you.”

“Thank you. We’ll talk after class. I’m sorry. While I do know some of the parents I do not know your name.”

“I’m Dan Rockwell, Danny’s father.”

Then Mr. Martin smiled as he replied, “It will be a pleasure to have you.”

The handsome teacher continued, “I have another request. The first week of November we’re having a career day. I hope some of you parents will be willing to share your work experience.”

After the meeting Dan waited until all the other parents had departed and then approached the teacher. “It is a pleasure meeting you. I am sure my son, Danny, will have a great sixth grade experience. I’m pleased that he will have a male role model for a teacher. Before we discuss the field trip next week I want to tell you that I am willing to participate in career day. I could share my duties as a deputy sheriff here in Medina County. Also, if you think it would be interesting I could also answer questions about service in the U. S. Army.” During their discussion of the field trip Dan made a point to include the fact that he was divorced and lived alone with his son living with his mother. Then to Dan’s delight the teacher suggested they share work and home phone numbers. As he shook the large hand of the teacher he felt a tingle from his finger tips to his dick. As they held hands Dan stated “It was a pleasure meeting you. I look forward to working together.”

Mr. Martin replied, “Likewise,” as he gave the held hand a squeeze.

Dan now had a dilemma, he was scheduled to work the following Wednesday. He was sure someone scheduled to work on the weekend would trade days off. As anticipated he was able to make the switch. If not he would have called in sick. No way was he going to miss the opportunity to spend the day with Mr. Martin. However, he realized there was only a small possibility that the teacher would have any interest in him. The lack of a ring did not prove he was not married. Also at his age it was very likely that the teacher was dating or engaged. Or maybe he already had a man to man relationship. While he tried not to get his hopes too high he did continue to fantasize about a possible relationship. As soon as he arrived home after the school open house Dan and his fist had a conversation with his ever ready cock.

The home phone number given to him by Mr. Morton was in the Wadsworth exchange. As soon as he had free time after arrival at work the following morning he did a record’s search for Martins in Wadsworth which luckily was in Medina County. The Martins appeared clean as the only police report in the past ten years for a Martin in Wadsworth related to a tree destroyed in their lawn by an out of control drunk driver. Later that morning after following up on a complaint in the southern section of the county he stopped by Uncle Will’s to tell him about his new acquaintance. When he told his friend about the field trip Will told Dan that PT had worked at the Research Center summers while a student at Ohio State. Then with a smile Will stated, “This is a great opportunity. I am sure PT and David would invite the teacher to their farm. This will give you an opportunity to see how the teacher reacts to a couple of men living together as a family. I suggest you stop by the farm and discuss this with PT.”

That evening Dan called Mr. Martin at home. When a woman answered she asked which Mr. Martin. Dan replied ‘the teacher’. She yelled, “Gary, the phone is for you.”

When the teacher answered Dan stated, “Hello Mr. Martin. This is Dan Rockwell and I have a suggestion related to the field trip.”

Mr. Martin interrupted, “Dan, I would prefer to be called Gary when we are not around students.”

Friday afternoon as soon as Dan got out of work Gary met him at McDonalds and then followed him as they drove to the farm. As soon as they pulled into the driveway Josh and Tommy ran from the barn. “Hi Deputy Dan. Where is your sheriff’s car with the siren? As he explained that today he drove his own car, not his work car Becky ran out of the house and let Dan swoop her up into his arms. Then Dan introduced the two boys to Mr. Martin, Danny’s sixth grade teacher. “Why are you talking to Danny’s teacher? Did he do something bad?” Josh innocently asked.

The teacher replied. “Danny did nothing bad. In fact he is one of my best students. I am here to discuss a school field trip to the Agriculture Research Center in Wooster with your father.”

“That place is neat,” Tommy replied. “Dad-PT takes me there a lot.” Gary got a quizzical look on his face as he heard the father referred to as Dad-PT.

PT and David came down the front walk to greet their guest. The farmers gave the teacher a hearty handshake and smiles which were reciprocated. Since Dan had not had an opportunity to tell Gary about the background of this unique family he briefly explained how PT and David, who are soul mates and now farmer mates, had adopted the three children after the deaths of their parents. When Gary asked how two men could adopt children David explained that he had married the mother who was terminally ill as she wanted the children to stay together and have himself and PT as their parents.

To the relief of Dan, PT and David the comment by Gary was. “That is amazing and wonderful. Good for you guys and your children.”

As they approached the porch PT introduced his Great-great uncle Will who had invited himself so he could meet Dan’s friend. Dan told Gary that it was Will who had suggested the meeting to discuss the school trip.

Following dinner while David gave Becky a bath and put her to bed the others cleared the table and washed the dishes. While the boys watched TV the men shared life stories. Gary seemed truly interested in PT’s and David’s life together. All Dan shared was his army experience, marriage / divorce, son Danny and work as a deputy sheriff. When Gary appeared to have a positive attitude about PT and David’s life style Uncle Will told about his growing up in Ohio, teaching in Georgia and friendship with another professor. While man sex was never discuss the likelihood was obvious.

Gary’s background was especially interesting to Dan. He was an only child. The family had lived in Canton and about a year ago moved to Wadsworth (in Medina County where Dan lived and worked). In high school he played basketball. He could have attended Kent State and lived at home but wanted to get away from Canton. (While all understood why he would want to live on his own Dan would not learn the real reason why he wanted to be away from his home in Canton until more than a month later). He chose Bowling Green State University since it was almost three hours from Canton. With an education degree he accepted the sixth grade position at Elm Hill School. This was his second year at Elm Hill. Ironically the extra expense of attending university away from home resulted in the need for student loans that made it necessary to move back in with his parents after graduation. “I’ll have to live with my parents until I can afford someplace on my own which could be a few years considering the pay of a beginning teacher, the need to pay off student loans and the cost of part-time graduate study at University Akron, an easy commute from Wadsworth. As a teacher I must have a master’s degree to move up the pay scale. But at least it isn’t Canton as my folks have recently moved to Wadsworth.” Dan wondered to himself, ‘What is wrong with living in Canton. First time I ever heard anything bad about the city, home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’.

The conversation easily continued as Gary appeared to be as interested in the life of his host as they were in him. Suddenly Uncle Will announced, “It’s 11pm, way past this old man’s bedtime.” PT offered to drive him home as Dan and Gary thanked their hosts and walked to their cars. As they shook hands goodbye Dan with some hesitation suggested, “I’ve been wanting to see Bull Durham playing at the Cineplex in Akron. Its plot is based on baseball and sex. Interesting combination. Would you be interested in going tomorrow (Saturday) evening?”

Gary smiled as he replied, “What could be better than baseball and sex?” Gary accepted Dan’s offer to pick him up at his home which was on the way from Dan’s home to Akron.

A jubilant deputy sheriff drove home as he considered the events of the evening and readily acceptance by Gary of a movie date. Within minutes of walking into the house his fist was helping him celebrate his new friend.

A jubilant teacher drove home as he considered the events of the evening and offer of a movie date. With mixed emotions he also thought about the consequences of Dan’s discovering his secret. Within minutes of walking into the house and in the privacy of his bedroom which was adjacent to his parents his fist was quietly helping him celebrate his new friend.

As soon as Dan pulled into the Martin’s driveway Gary bounded out of the house. He was relieved that he did not need to meet the parents. Then he chided himself – this was not a date – I do not need to impress any parents – I am an adult and just going to a movie with another adult. As they sat in the crowded Cineplex sharing a giant bucket of popcorn both laughed at the antics of the hapless baseball team. Dan wondered if Gary was having the same thoughts about Kevin Costner that he was having. When Dan’s leg accidently on purpose pressed against his friend’s leg, Gary shifted in his seat and pulled his leg away. A disappointed Dan left his leg in place hoping his friend would reconsider. Nothing happened.

After the movie they had hamburgers, fries and cokes at a diner. They discussed everything that two guys might talk about such as baseball, their jobs, and next Wednesday’s field trip. When Gary mentioned that he ran two or three times a week Dan suggested they run together. Gary agreed and they made a running date the following Tuesday after work. The one thing they did not discuss or even hint about was sex. When Dan dropped him off Gary thanked him for a fun evening and reminded him about their Tuesday running plans. As soon as each arrived home they separately jerked off with thoughts of their new friend.

On Tuesday afternoon since Mr. Martin’s work day ended earlier than the deputy’s he stayed at school and worked on a project for his graduate class at U of Akron. They agreed to meet in the school parking lot at 5:15. They went to Dan’s apartment where he told Gary he could change into his running outfit in Danny’s bedroom. As they jogged at one point Dan let Gary get ahead so he could admire the cute ass. Since the typical running outfit of the 1980s consisted of short shorts the long legs of his friend were exposed. The teacher had similar thoughts and at one point he let Dan get ahead so he could admire his cute ass and long legs.

Back at the apartment Dan gave Gary a towel and told him he could shower in the bathroom. After a short shower the guest emerged fully dressed. Dan handed him a cold beer and told him he would take a quick shower. After finishing his shower with a towel wrapped around his waist he stepped into the living room and asked Gary if he wanted another beer. He thought his new friend might have checked out his bare chest and bulge under the towel but could not be certain. He then went to his bedroom and dressed. He did not close the door thinking this would be a sign that he was willing to share his body knowing that his friend could see the open door but not into the bedroom. Then, sitting in the living room they shared their beers and discussed plans for the field trip the following day. About a half hour later Gary thanked Dan for the companionship on the run, shower facility and beer. He explained that he needed to get home and work on his project for his graduate studies class. Later that evening each celebrated with his fist the sight of the cute ass seen while running.

The school field trip to the Agriculture Research Center was a total success. PT had called one of his friends there and arranged to help guide the group. Squeezed into the school bus seat with Mr. Martin was electrifying to Dan. He remember the story Peter had told about his first meeting with Tom thirty years earlier while in a crowded school bus seat returning from a football game. This time there legs were forced against each other out of necessity, not passion.

Since his son Danny was staying overnight the following Saturday Dan did not see Gary until Sunday when they again went to the movies following an afternoon run. The shower and dressing scene was the same as the previous week. The movie was followed by a trip to the diner for burgers and conversation. But there was no sex related talk and Dan did not know how to initiate such banter. Gary asked Dan if he would be interested in a ‘pick-up basketball’ game at the YMCA Thursday evening (a pick-up game is a game that has been spontaneously started by a group of players. Players are generally invited to show up beforehand, but unlike regular games there is no sense of obligation or commitment to play on a regular basis).

Although Dan had not played basketball since high school fifteen years earlier the thought of seeing his friend sweaty and hopefully in the showers caused him to reply with an “Although I have not played since high school I’m willing to give it a try. Instead of our Tuesday afternoon run let’s shoot some hoops at the outdoor court at the middle school.” Their play at the outdoor court consisted of dribbling, blocking and shooting. While Dan held his own Gary was definitely a better player. It seemed to Dan that there was happily more physical contact than necessary. A couple of high school boys showed up and they had a two on two game with the teenagers. Although the two older men were totally outplayed Dan could not be happier romping with Gary and the sweaty teens. Back at his apartment the showering / changing procedure remained the same.

Thursday evening they met in the lobby of the YMCA wearing their work clothes: Gary in a suit and Dan in his deputy’s uniform. They entered the locker room carrying their gym bags. For three weeks Dan had fantasized about this moment. He decided to quickly select a locker and let Gary either find one near his or far away. To Dan’s relief Gary opened the locker two down from his. As Dan undressed he stood at an angle so he could see Gary without turning his head. This would also give him an opportunity to see if Gary checked him out. Dan had wondered if the reason for his friend’s need for privacy when showering and changing after running was because he was embarrassed by a small dick or little nuts. When Gary nonchalantly dropped his pants Dan stifled a gasp as he observed the most beautiful cock he had ever seen. It was cut and longer than the impressive one of Peter. While the head was not a mushroom like Peter’s it was a perfect size and form. The balls were low hanging. Being blond they appeared hairless. Suddenly Dan realized he should not be caught checking his friend out. He turned his head as he dropped his pants exposing his average, very inviting piece. Dan quickly slipped on his jock strap as he realized he was starting to bone up.

Back in the locker room Dan felt happy for a number of reasons. He had held his own on the court and not embarrassed himself. Actually he was probably one of the better players of the eight that evening. He was proud that his friend, Gary, was definitely the most talented player. Of course the real reason for his happiness was realizing that Gary not only excelled in basketball but also in dick presentation. The large shower area held all eight. Gary selected a shower head next to his and while not flaunting himself made no attempt to hide his glorious body. A quick survey of all the dicks revealed that Dan had nothing to be ashamed of and that Gary was not only the most outstanding player he had the most outstanding equipment. Dan had to cut his shower short as he realized he was losing control over his own piece that was starting to react to the scenery.

By the time Gary returned from the shower Dan had dried himself and was putting on his pants. Dan thought a couple of the other guys were checking out Gary. Why not? Even a straight guy would be impressed and probably envious of the school teacher’s masterpiece.

Dan and Gary joined four of the other players as they went to the nearest pub to share brews and banter. The conversation moved from basketball to work to the concern by two of the possibility of getting laid that night. One was married and the other stopping by his girlfriend’s house.

Saturday morning Dan dropped in to see Uncle Will. Over coffee he gave his older and very experienced friend the good news and bad news about his friendship with the teacher. The good news related to the fun and fellowship he had with Gary. The running, going to the movies, the basketball, the conversation and also the glorious dick that Dan described in detail. The bad news concerned the lack of closeness and any level of sex. Will had no solution to Dan’s concerns. He stated that although Gary did not hesitate to show off his physical attributes he was probably shy and naive. How Dan could overcome this without being aggressive and possibly turning off his friend was difficult to determine. Then Will had a suggestion. “The movie My Beautiful Launderette is showing at the Art Theater in Akron. While there are many twists in the story the underlying plot is that of the romantic relationship between a young Pakistani man and a young thug he hires. There is some nudity but nothing shocking. I saw it when it first came out three years ago. It has become somewhat of a gay classic. I would be very willing to go with you and Gary. Tell him I suggested it. If it totally turns him off he can blame me. If he finds it interesting, as I am sure he will, we can have an interesting chat afterwards.”

Dan called Gary at home and told him Uncle Will recommended and wanted to attend an artsy film showing in Akron. That evening Will and Dan picked up Gary at his home. After the film they went to the diner for the usual burgers and conversation. Will turned the conversation to the relationship of the two men. He commented, “Those were certainly two handsome men who seemed to be very much into each other.” Then he added, “JB and I were certainly into each other. While I am not going to discuss my personal sex life I can assume that you realize during our over thirty years together we did more than talk. Those private times were amazing. The best things that an old man can have is good meaningful friends and fond memories. I am certainly a lucky guy. You two are part of my circle of real friends and the memories of the times I had with JB give me great pleasure every day.” Then to get things out in the open he asked, “What do you (looking at both Dan and Gary) think of the man to man relationship of Omar and Johnny in the movie.

Dan replied, “I think it was very intense. I have to admit that it was stronger than how I felt about my wife.”

Gary felt uncomfortable but was forced to reply. “They needed each other and I am happy they found each other.”

Then much to Gary’s relief the conversation (as planned by Will) turned to other topics totally unrelated to relationships.

On the way back to drop off Gary Will suggested, “Gary, our friend Dan is working the evening shift this week as he does one week a month. Usually he has dinner with me once a week. Since he is unavailable would you do me the honor of coming over for dinner Thursday evening.” Gary accepted the invitation. Will asked if he would be willing to bring a quart of ice cream. He did this not because he needed the ice cream but because he wanted to give Gary an opportunity to contribute. When Gary asked what flavor Will replied. “Surprise me with any kind but peppermint. I am sure you have excellent taste.”

Thursday evening Gary arrived with a quart of cherry burgundy ice cream. Will did not lie when he told him it was one of his favorites.

As they began their dessert Will looked intently into Gary’s eyes. “My friend. One of the wonderful things about being an old man is that you feel you can say what you please. I find you to be a very fascinating person. But I want to know more about you than your professional skills and sports abilities. I want to know the real you. In the movie Omar and Johnny had a man to man relationship. My relationship with JB was wonderful. You probably assume that PT and David are in a relationship that goes far beyond farming and raising children. I am naturally inquisitive so I am asking you. Have you ever been in a relationship with a man or a woman?”

Gary did not answer. He just sat there starring at his dish of cherry burgundy ice cream. Finally he said. “Will, if I tell you something that may be shocking will it be totally confidential. If it can be kept just between you and me, I tell you is something that has troubled me for years. I have never shared this with another person, no one. Dan is a real friend. I have never been as close to anyone as I am to him. But I am afraid that if he learns my secret our friendship will be over. You must promise that what I tell you is just between us. Otherwise I will have to carry this burden myself.”

“Gary, you are my friend. You would not believe some of the things I have heard about others and some of my own actions. I am sure that while you might surprise me you will not shock me. I will hold what you say between us.” As he said this the only truly shocking thing that Will could think of was that either he was HIV positive or that he was a pedophile sixth grade teacher.