Watching Brad

[gsdx]

WATCHING BRAD
Part LXXV​

Sunday morning began with a bang. Or, more correctly, a knock on my chest. I opened my eyes and turned my head to see the almost identical faces of two little boys smiling at me - two of the four most beautiful sights to greet me first thing in the morning, and the third was lying right beside me.

"Hi, Daddy," the smiling faces said, and they made me smile.

I rolled onto my elbow. "Hi. You guys hungry?"

"Yes, but we have something to tell you." With that, they both started climbing onto the bed and onto me as I sat up. Brad was on his elbow by that time, watching as the twins scaled the side of the bed and settled onto my lap, one little boy on each leg. Their arms wrapped around me and they hugged me. "I love you, Daddy," they both said at the same time.

I hugged them back and said, "I love you two, too," I said.

Justin leaned back, laughing. "You said ‘tootoo'!" Jeremy laughed as well.

I smiled. "No. I said, ‘I love you'. . ." (I kissed Jeremy) ". . . and I love you." (I kissed Justin) "There's two of you. I love the two of you, too. Now, give me some more sugar."

I puckered my lips and two sets of lips smacked against mine. I turned my head to the left and received a third smack from the most beautiful man in the world.

"I love you, Pops," Brad said with a huge, welcoming smile.

"And I love you, Tiger." I gave him a non-puckered kiss this time. It lasted only as long as it took for tiny fingers to grab my ear and pull my face away from Brad's.

"Get ‘im, Brad!" I shouted as I swung Jeremy over to him. He grabbed Jeremy from me and I grabbed Justin around the waist and began play-wrestling with him. I lifted him into the air and buried my face into his belly and pretended to bite him making loud gnawing sounds. Justin was laughing and screaming and flailing his arms and legs and so was Jeremy.

My lips found the bare skin below Justin's pyjama tops and I pressed against him, blowing loud, sloppy, raspberry sounds into his belly.

There are few sounds more excruciatingly enjoyable than a child's hysterical laughter - especially at six fifty-two on a Sunday morning.

* * * * *

Brad was the lucky one that morning. I let him go back to sleep. I had the pleasure of dragging myself out of bed and making breakfast for the boys. I didn't mind, really. It's my job, and it's one I do willingly and with a great deal of pleasure. Hell, I signed up for it. Resigning wasn't in the job description.

I decided to stay my own breakfast until a few others roused themselves out of bed. The boys had finished their toast and cereal and juice, still dressed in their pyjamas. I still wore my robe. They were sitting in my lap, leaning back against me as we watched Sunday morning cartoons on YTV.

A commercial break came on, interrupting the twins' entertainment. Justin twisted around to look at me. "Daddy," he said as he grinned, "I need some sugar."

His lips puckered up and that made me smile. "You can have as much of that sugar as you want," I said, and I kissed him. Of course, Jeremy needed his sugar as well, and I could handle all the sugar they could dish out to me.

Justin put his arm around my back and put his cheek against my shoulder. "Daddy?"

"Yes?"

"I know why God took our other Daddy away."

"Uh oh," I thought. "What's this?" I prepared myself, hoping I would know how best to respond.

"Why did He do that?" I asked.

Jeremy joined his brother against my chest.

"Because He knew we wanted you for a Daddy."

Gee-sus, Murphy. What a thing to have to deal with at eight o'clock on a Sunday morning.

"You didn't even know me," I said. "How did you know you wanted me?"

Jeremy looked up at me and responded. "We knew you would come for us. We saw you in our dream."

Justin continued. "You came and you said you loved us."

"We saw you, Daddy," Jeremy added. "You brought us home with you."

I choked back the tears as I hugged my boys to me.

"You were ‘posed to be our real Daddy," Justin said finally. "God made a mistake."

"But he fixed it," Jeremy added. "He showed you where we were."

That did it for me.

* * * * *

"Good morning," Nathan said when he reached the top of the stairs.

"Hi," Barry said as he followed Nathan.

"Morning," I said. I set the twins on the floor and whispered, "Go wake up Brad." They went running off down the hall.

"Any coffee?" Nathan asked.

"Most of a pot," I said. "I'll go start breakfast."

"Park it, Pal," Nathan said. "Not while I'm in the house."

Barry came to the coffee table as screams of laughter came from our bedroom. "Fill ‘er up?" he asked as he picked up my mug.

"Sure," I said. "Thanks."

The twins came running back and into my lap after Barry left with my empty coffee mug. "Brad scared us!" Justin said with a happy grin.

"We thought he was sleeping," Jeremy added.

"He was awake and he scared us."

"Did you hear us scream, Daddy?"

"I sure did," I told them. "Is he coming out soon?"

"He wants to shower," Jeremy said.

"Which is what I should do," I said.

Barry returned with my coffee. "Mind watching the boys for a few minutes? I need to take a shower."

"Sure will," Barry said. "Nathan and I will have ours after breakfast if that's okay. We worked up a bit of a sweat last night."

"No problem," I said. "Thanks for watching the kids."

Brad jumped when I opened the frosted shower door. "Gee-sus, Murphy, Ted!" he yelled. "I didn't even hear you come in! Scared the hell out of me!" Don't worry. He was laughing.

"Payback for scaring my kids."

"Oh, you should have seen them, Ted. I bet they jumped higher than I just did."

"I heard them. What happened in there?"

"They woke me up when they were climbing onto the bed, but I pretended I was still asleep. They were just about to tickle me when I sat up and grabbed them and roared. Gee-sus, Murphy, it was funny."

"I can imagine. Wait until you hear what they said to me this morning." I told Brad what they had said about God making a mistake.

"Wow. That's deep."

"Even for an adult."

"Do you believe them? That they saw you in a dream?"

I thought for a very long moment. "Yes, Brad, I do."

* * * * *

I phoned Lindsay before eating the delicious breakfast Nathan was cooking for us. "Hi, Sweetheart," I said. "Having fun at Grandma's?"

"Lots," she replied. "We're going to make chocolate brownies this afternoon."

"Mmmm. Yummy. Look, I'm going to take the twins shopping to get them some shorts and things for the warmer weather. Would you like to come along?"

"Can I stay here and make brownies?"

"Sure, if you want," I said. "Is there anything you want me to get for you?"

"I need more red wool for my village, and more white, too."

"Okay. Anything else?"

She was silent a moment. I could almost hear her thinking. "No, Daddy. I have lots of shoes. I don't need the ones we looked at last week."

I can take a hint. I smiled to myself. "Okay, Sweetheart. I'll come get you for supper. Love you."

"I love you, too, Daddy. Bye."

"Goodbye, Sweetheart."

* * * * *

We'd eaten breakfast and I was moving a load of laundry into the dryer when Warren phoned. Brad called down to me, then kept Warren busy until I was finished.

"Hey, Buddy," I said cheerfully when I got to the phone.

"Hi, Teddy. Bill and I want to come down. You going to be home?"

"I promised the boys I'd buy them rollerblades this morning, and I want to pick up some shorts for them, but we'll be back by two or so. Is that okay?"

"Sure," he replied. "Gives me time to wrap the rest of. . ."

"Warren!"

"Lighten up, mon cher," he laughed. "It's only money."

"And it's money you shouldn't be spending on the kids."

"You know I can't come to see my babies empty-handed."

I had to smile. "Yeah, I know, Warren. Just try to keep it to a carload, alright?"

"What about. . ."

"No roof racks!" I shouted into the phone and laughed.

"Alright! Alright! Damn! You're getting to be a grumpy old fart, you know that, Teddy?"

"And I love you, too, Warren."

"See you this afternoon, Teddy," Warren said, adding a few kissing sounds.

"Bye, Warren."

"Bye."

I called Bernice back and told her about Lindsay's uncles coming for a visit. Bernice said it wasn't a problem. They'd make the brownies in the morning instead of the afternoon. I told her I'd pick up Lindsay when we got home.

Barry and Nathan decided to go shopping with us. "It's better than sitting at home watching television all day," Nathan said. "Besides, I know someone who has to buy me a ring."

For his part, Barry was like a new man. He wasn't completely free yet, but he was much more relaxed about his sexuality and wasn't quite as afraid to show it anymore. We went with them as they picked out their rings for each other. They decided on a matching pair. Barry's fit, but Nathan's had to be altered. Barry had his ring put on lay-away until Nathan's ring was ready. They wanted to pick them both up at the same time.

Right there in the mall, right there in the store, right in front of the young woman attending them, Barry kissed Nathan and told him that he loved him, and they hugged. I thought Nathan was going to cry. Then, with his arms on Nathan's shoulders, they looked into each other's eyes and they smiled. "I'll ask you to marry me again when we get the rings," he said.

"You can ask me any time you want, as many times as you want, Barry. The answer will always be ‘yes'." They kissed once more. Just a little one.

The boys were lazy that day. They'd walked to the jewelry store, but they didn't want to walk anywhere else unless it was to the toy store. I carried Justin. Brad carried Jeremy.

The clothing store wasn't very busy. As Brad and I went to find shorts and T-shirts for the boys, Barry and Nathan wandered around, browsing. Inside the store, they held hands. I handed Justin to Brad and began going through the shorts. I found good, sturdy, elasticized shorts which I thought would be perfect for them and easy enough for them to put on themselves. They wanted blue, of course, but I decided to give them some variety. I picked up 2 blue pairs, 2 green pairs, and 2 tan pairs.

"Aw, Ted," Brad said. "Look at these."

"What?"

I followed his gaze to the cut-off jeans he was looking at. I pulled out a pair and held them up. They were adorable, and I'm a sucker for adorable. I started going through the stacks, looking for the boys' size. I found a pair, but they looked awfully small. I looked around and found a store attendant passing nearby.

"Excuse me, where are your changing rooms?"

"Is it for the boys?"

"Yes."

"You can try them on right there," she said with a smile.

"Thank you," I said.

I took Justin back from Brad. "Well, Kiddo," I said. "Look's like you're ‘it'." I set him on the floor, knelt down and untied his sneakers, then took off his shoes and jeans. As I suspected, the shorts were too tight. I handed them back to Brad. "Next size up."

He found a pair. They fit, but there was no room for him to grow. I doubted they'd last through the Summer. I took them off again as Brad found the next size up. Those ones fit with room to grow into. I could slip three fingers into the waistband. Of course, Justin wanted to wear them and Jeremy wanted to wear his as well. Brad found another pair and I changed Jeremy as Brad looked for two more pairs. It was still cool outside, but the boys wouldn't be outside very long. They could wear them home.

I let the boys pick out the T-shirts they wanted. They selected five each.

Their best moment, though, came when I set them onto the counter so the woman could scan their bums. They thought that was pretty funny. She offered me a scissor to snip off the tags. I must admit. The twins looked really cute in their cut-off shorts. I was a proud father that day, and a happy one. The boys didn't mind walking. They could show off their new shorts.

We'd left Barry and Nathan in the store to buy some clothes for themselves and had agreed to meet them in the food court. I bought Lindsay's shoes, of course. I had to get my little girl something besides the red and white yarn for her crafts.

We found Nathan and Barry in the food court and sat down to enjoy a coffee. The boys sat in our laps, sharing an ice cream sundae and a tin of pop with two straws stuck in the pull-tab hole.

"Even shopping is fun with you guys," Nathan said with a grin. He and Barry were holding hands as they sipped their coffee. Brad and I were too busy holding excited boys to think about hands.

"We try to make the best of everything," I said.

We chatted back and forth until we finished our coffees, and then I checked my watch."Okay, boys," I said. "Hurry it up. Uncle Warren will be at our place soon and we still have to buy your skates."

"Can we skate today, Daddy?" Jeremy asked. Ice cream dribbled down his chin.

"If we have time, okay?" I replied as I wiped away the ice cream with a napkin.

They finished their ice cream and pop, and we made a side trip to the bathroom for the boys to go pee. A short time later, we were in Canadian Tire. Brad had already checked online for the skates and we knew exactly what we wanted. Cooper Dasher Juniors. They weren't very expensive, but would do for now. At least until the boys learned how to skate with wheels. Of course, the twins had to wear them home - just to show off, you know.

"Okay," I said. "You can wear them, but you have to hold someone's hand all the time. You can't skate by yourselves without your pads and helmets on, right?"

"Right, Daddy," they said. We put their shoes in the empty boxes and the twins wore their matching blue skates. We'd write their names in them later. Nathan and I held Justin's hands and Barry and Brad held Jeremy's. The boys giggled happily as we dragged them up the aisles to the check-out counters.

* * * * *

Warren and Bill were waiting in the driveway when we got home. As I unbuckled the twins from their safety seats, Brad took the stuff inside and brought out the boys' bicycle helmets and pads. They would skate over to Grandma's and Grandpa's when we went to pick up Lindsay.

I grabbed the boys in my arms and climbed out of the van. Bill grabbed my arm to help me down. Nathan and Barry followed me out and I made the introductions.

As Warren shook Barry's hand, he grinned his lascivious grin and looked at me. "Quel beuf, non?" he said.

"Eh, bien," Barry said. "Ted ne me racont pas que vous parlez le français. C'est mon plaisier de faire votre connaissance."

Warren's face fell blank and stunned as he looked at Barry. "What did you say?" He turned to me. "What did he say?"

I just laughed at my best friend. "I was wondering how long it would take for that to come back and bite you in the ass." Bill was laughing just as hard.

"You mean he doesn't speak French?" Barry asked.

"Hardly," I said. "He looks up all the juicy words and memorizes them and that's it."

Barry chuckled. "Pleased to meet you."

"Is that what you said?" Warren asked.

"More or less."

"More ‘less' than ‘more', I suspect," Bill snickered.

Brad rescued Warren from further humiliation by handing him a set of helmets and pads. I held onto the boys as Brad and Warren kitted them out.

"If you guys want to wait inside," I said, "Brad and I will go get Lindsay. We won't be long."

Bill nodded and winked. "It will give us time to unload the car."

"We brought TimBits," Warren added.

"Oh, I love those things," Nathan said. "I'll put on coffee."

"Make yourselves at home," I said. "We won't be long."

"Good," Warren said. "I've got to pee like you wouldn't believe! See you soon, my Sweets." He kissed the twins and headed for the house.

"He doesn't really have to go," Bill grinned. "He just doesn't want to carry packages."

"I'll help you," Barry offered.

I set the boys on the driveway. "We'll hold your hands for now until you get used to the skates, okay?"

"Okay, Daddy."

We walked with them down the driveway to the sidewalk, then on to the Hayes' household. They did surprisingly well, duplicating their movements as if they were on ice skates. They would be skating in no time at all.

Lindsay was anxious to see her uncles and the boys were anxious to show Grandma and Grandpa their new skates and shorts. We didn't stay long, but it was long enough for the boys to take a short skate down the hall and back to show off their skating abilities.

"Lucky for you," John said. "You've got carpets everywhere."

Like I said, we didn't stay long. Lindsay cut across the grass with her Tupperware full of tasty treats as Brad and I skated the twins back along the sidewalk. Inside, we unbuckled their skates and sent them into the livingroom to await their afternoon treats.

Warren stood up as I entered. His usual smile was gone. "Teddy? I need to talk to you alone while we're waiting for the coffee."

"Um, sure," I said. "Come on." Warren followed me into the bedroom

I closed the door behind us and sat on the bed. Warren sat beside me and took my hand in his. He looked at me with the saddest expression. Tears were filling his eyes already, and he hadn't said a thing. A strange panic shot through me. I suddenly didn't want to hear what Warren was going to say, but I had to at the same time.

"Warren," I said anxiously. "What is it?"

He took a deep, calming breath before speaking. "I won't be there for your wedding, Teddy."

To Be Continued​

 

[caddymac]

Thank you for a wonderful story!!!

 

[Just4fun2]

Oh Neil, this is such a beauriful story, this chapter is great. My heart stopped and I started crying about Warren and I don't even know what is wrong yet. This story is so real for me, I just love it and you.

 

[Kyanimal]

Oh, Neil! That started out so ... and then it ... and now with Warren ... and, yet, everyone so happy ... but ... how do You DO this? Man!! I don't know how to say ... yet ... but ... and what if? ... and having to wait! ... guessing ... I know more to come ... but ... THANK YOU!, Bro!

Keep smilin'!!
Chaz

 

[caddymac]

Okay, I think I am going to cry. Warren is about to give us BAD news )-;

 

[gmoney]

Thanks as usual "sweetie"! Now I'm scared for Warren. I know you know best, but I'm still scared!

Love ya, Gary

 

[Blktiger58]

mmmmmmmmmm I didn't expect this twist. Good... real Good Neil. you are better than some of these so call writers on sitcoms and Movies. You are there with those writers that I told you about in the email. Real good!

 

[miaplacidus]

The last chapter was an excellent work, like always. I agree with the other guys: ‘Watching Brad’ is definitely worth a prize.

In a reply to ‘Taking Care of Jason’ –by the way, when will you update that story?– you said you were using WordPerfect. I’ve been using it for years –I began with Version 8, then I updated to 9 and then to 12–. You’re the first person I know, besides me, who uses it. I’ve tried ‘Micro$oft’ Word –it’s slow and expensive– so I’d never change the good old WP.

 

[gsdx]

In a reply to ‘Taking Care of Jason’ –by the way, when will you update that story?

I just updated it 2 days ago. I'm concentrating mainly on this story. When I get far enough ahead with this one, I tinker with the others. I don't know when I'll be updating again, sorry.

– you said you were using WordPerfect. I’ve been using it for years –I began with Version 8, then I updated to 9 and then to 12

I have only Version 7. My only beef is that I can't make the Canadian spell checker my default. It's easier to simply add Canadian spellings to the American one. I'd be lost without WordPerfect.

 

[gsdx]

WATCHING BRAD
Part LXXVI​

I imagine a rather stunned and horrified look came across my face. "Warren, what are you talking about?" He remained silent and a sudden thought bored itself into my brain and I ripped my hand away from him. "Oh, God, Warren! No!"

"Oh, Teddy! No, Honey! No!" Warren grabbed my hand again and squeezed it. "I'm sorry. I didn't do that very well, did I? I'm not dying. Honest."

"Then what's wrong? Why can't you be there?"

"I need more surgery, that's all," he said. "Nothing serious. Just tying up a few knots. Crossing a few T's. Dotting the I's. You know. But I'm scheduled for a week before your wedding and I'll still be in hospital."

"Oh, thank God!" I said as I grabbed Warren in my arms and hugged him close. "Gee-sus, Murphy, Warren. You scared the shit out of me!"

"I'm sorry, Teddy. I really am."

"I know." I kissed his cheek and then pushed him back so I could look at him eye to eye. "You promise me that's all it is?"

"Yes, Ted, I promise," he said seriously. "Ask Bill. He can explain all the technical crap. The doctor told me that, unless an airplane falls on the operating theatre while I'm in there, nothing can happen."

"Now, that I don't believe."

Warren sighed and put his hand tenderly on my cheek. "I never could lie to you, could I?"

"No, you couldn't. What are your chances?"

"The doctor gives me 90%."

"That's good, isn't it?"

"It's better than the 50% if I don't have it."

"Have the surgery, Warren. We'll postpone the wedding and wait for you."

"No, Teddy. Please don't do that," he said softly. "You can find someone else to stand by you. What about your Dad? Or one of those new guys I just met? That hunky one looks pretty cute."

"I don't want anyone else, Warren," I said. "I want you. You're my best friend in the whole world. I love you more than you can possibly imagine. You've always been there for me, even when Connie and I were married. You're going to be there when I get married this time, too."

"Please, Teddy, don't change your plans on my account."

"I'm not getting married without you, Warren, so get that out of your head right now." I got up off the bed and went to the bedroom door and opened it. "Brad! Bill! Could you come here, please? Nathan, will you watch the kids?"

"You bet!" Nathan called back.

"Boys!? You do what Uncle Nathan and Uncle Barry tell you!" I called to them.

"Okay, Daddy!" Justin hollered.

I went back to sit beside Warren again. Brad came in, followed closely by Bill, and stood in front of us. "Tell him, Warren," I said. "Tell Brad what you told me."

Warren looked to Bill, but Bill remained stone faced. "Ted, please. It's my decision."

"Like hell it is, Warren! It's our decision, not yours!"

"Ted, what's going on?" Brad asked.

"Tell him, Warren, or I will."

Warren sighed heavily, resigning himself to his fate. He knew I wouldn't let it drop. "I'm having minor surgery in June," I told him. "I won't be able to be at the wedding."

Brad's reaction was the same as mine. "Then we'll postpone it. Ted's not getting married without you there."

Warren stood up from the bed. I arose with him "That's very sweet, Bradley," he said quietly, "and I appreciate you wanting me there, but. . ."

"But nothing," Brad said. "You were Ted's first and last choice." Turning to Bill, he asked, "When would he be available?"

"In July, he would probably need a wheelchair," Bill said. "In August, he should be able to stand. At least that's what the doctor said when we asked him. June 8 was the earliest we could get him in, and we lucked out with that. If he doesn't have the surgery then, we can't get him in again until October, and I don't want him to wait that long."

"We'll reschedule, Warren," I said. "If you want, I'll sit in a wheelchair beside you."

"Teddy, please," Warren begged.

"Damn it, Warren! I need you there! You've never let me down before. Don't start now. We'll wait for you."

Warren fell into my arms and I wrapped them around him, pulling him as close to me as I could. His cheek came to my shoulder. "I love you so much, Teddy," he said, his voice straining to be heard.

"I love you, too, Warren. Now and always."

Warren was quite for several long breaths. "I really want to be there."

"You will be."

* * * * *

Warren entered the livingroom full of smiles and bright eyes and clapping hands. "Okay!" he said loudly. "Time for the presents!"

"Brad?" Bill said. "Would you help me, please?"

"Sure," Brad replied.

I went to the sofa and sat down in my usual place in the middle. Lindsay sat beside me and the twins crawled immediately into my lap. Barry arose from the settee and pulled Nathan to his feet. He went to the chair and sat down, pulling Nathan down into his own lap. Warren replaced them on the settee.

Brad came in from the kitchen with an armload of carefully-wrapped and decorated gifts. Bill followed close behind with his own load. They set them on the coffee table as Warren rose to his feet. Brad sat beside me and Jeremy crawled over me to get to him, settling comfortably into his lap.

Warren picked up a package and handed it to Lindsay, then a large box and handed it to the boys. "Let's get the boring stuff out of the way first," he said.

The boys began ripping off the paper and so did Lindsay. My daughter opened hers first, revealing two new summer skirts and blouses. "Oh, Uncle Warren! They're beautiful! Daddy, can I try them on?"

"If you want to, sure," I said.

She jumped up and ran with her box to her bedroom.

"I've left all the tags on everything in case you need to exchange them," Warren said, "and I have the receipts."

The twins finally managed to rip the tape off the top of the box and opened it. The box was full of clothes. Pants, jeans, shorts, shirts, and underwear. The boys seemed disappointed that there weren't any toys inside.

"I called your Mom," Warren said. She gave me all the sizes, and I bought the next size up. They're for when the boys grow out of their clothes. You'll have a head start on the next round."

"What an amazing idea," Nathan said. "I never would have thought of anything like that."

Warren smiled proudly. "Like I said, the boring stuff." He reached for the box. "Now, let's get to the fun stuff, okay?" He set the box aside and handed the boys each another package.

As they were opening them, Lindsay returned in one of her new outfits. She did a stately pirouette for us, holding her skirt daintily by the hem, and spun around twice. "This is my favourite," she said. "It fits, too. Can I wear it, Daddy?"

"Of course, Sweetheart."

"Scissors," Warren said. "Scissors."

"I'll get them," Nathan said and jumped up from Barry's lap and headed for the kitchen.

As Lindsay sat down again, Warren handed her another package.

Nathan returned as she was opening it, carrying both the scissor and the package he and Barry had brought for Lindsay. As Lindsay unwrapped her packages, Nathan politely and carefully removed the tags from her new clothes.

"Thank you, Nathan," Lindsay said.

"You're welcome, Lindsay," Nathan replied. I think he was hoping for an ‘Uncle' to be attached to his name, but Lindsay hadn't got that friendly with him yet.

When all was said and done, the boys had a new pile of toys, including more action figures, Hot Wheels with tracks, Lego sets, and other toys which would keep them occupied for hours. Lindsay got more stickers, a ten-year diary with a lock and key, three crystal faerie ornaments, and two new charms for her bracelet. From Nathan and Barry, she received two magnificently beautiful books filled with pictures of unicorns and faeries.

"Where did you find those?" I asked.

"A little bookstore on Yonge," he said. "I go there all the time. They go for the more exotic and obscure books that you can't find anywhere else."

The artwork was absolutely amazing. I watched as Lindsay carefully leafed through the pages. Each page was suitable for framing and the books must have cost a fortune.

Warren sat beside Lindsay, who then sat in his lap, and helped her attach her new charms to her bracelet, then they both went through her books all over again. Bill moved over from the settee to look on. The boys, of course, jumped down and kicked through the paper and boxes so they could kneel on the floor near the patio doors and play with their new toys. Nathan and Brad gathered up the trash.

"That was just like Christmas," Nathan said softly. "It must be a treasure around here at. . ." He stopped suddenly and looked at me and whispered quietly, "You do celebrate Christmas, don't you?"

I nodded.

"Whew," he said. "You can't be too sure these days."

"I'll get the photo albums. Lots of pictures of the boys' first Christmas."

"You mean they've never even celebrated Christmas before?" Nathan asked with a saddened look on his face.

"Nothing to speak of," I told him frankly. "I think they've had more of a real life these past few months than they had the first few years. CAS wouldn't go into details, but I suspect the foster homes were pretty grim."

"Did we tell you Ted was the first person the twins talked to since the ‘you know what'?" Brad asked.

"No," Barry said with renewed interest.

"Apparently, they hadn't said a word from the time they were found by the police until that moment downstairs back in November. Their first words were to me."

"And I bet you remember them," Barry said.

"I'll never forget them."

"What were they?" Nathan asked.

"Are you our new Daddy?" I said softly.

"Merde," Warren said. Apparently, he'd been listening to the exchange.

"You can say that again," Barry said softly.

* * * * *

Barry and Nathan had sat on the settee in order to look at the photo albums. I was all ready to give them a play-by-play and was looking over their shoulders from behind the loveseat. The twins had other plans. As soon as the albums came out, their toys were abandoned and Justin climbed into Nathan's lap and Jeremy climbed into Barry's lap. They gave a very excited and very detailed account of every photo as Nathan and Barry held the albums in front of them.

Warren still sat on the sofa with me, still holding Lindsay in is lap, and Bill and Brad went to the kitchen to prepare the coffee and the treats, including the TimBits and the fresh brownies Lindsay had made that morning.

That's when Mom phoned.

"Hi, Mom, I said cheerfully above the din.

"My, goodness," she said. "It sounds like you're having a party there."

"Not really. Warren and Bill are down from TO and we have some new friends over. Oh, before I forget, we're rescheduling the wedding, Mom. Warren won't be available for June."

Mom knew immediately why. "Oh, dear," she said softly. "More surgery?"

"Yes, but nothing serious. He won't be available until July. We'll be calling the church tomorrow to discuss available dates."

"You haven't printed up your invitations yet, have you?"

"Yeah, but we can get them reprinted," I explained. "It's not that expensive."

"Perhaps you could write over the numbers," Mom suggested.

"That's just tacky, Mom," I chuckled lightly.

"Then perhaps they can do those little stickers and print the new date on them."

"I've seen those. I didn't like them. They made the invitation look cheap. I'll have them reprinted." I wanted to get off the topic. "So, what's up?"

"The house is almost sold, Teddy," she said excitedly. "It's becoming something of an auction."

"That's good, isn't it?"

"Indeed it is," she said. "Two people are interested and it is already fifty-three thousand over our asking price. We should know by next week what the final tally is."

"That's great! I told you, it's hot property down there."

"Your father is so excited, Teddy. Not about the sale, but about the move. He's been in contact with your estate agent and we will be driving up next weekend to look at some new homes."

"I told you, Mom. That can wait until you move in here with us and then take your time. Besides, I have to take Brad to Toronto next Saturday. He goes to Thunder Bay for his job placement."

"That's fine. We can manage on our own. You know your Father, Teddy," Mom said sympathetically. "He will do as you suggest only if it suits him."

"I know, but I was looking forward to having you here for awhile. And now without the wedding rush. . ."

"We still may do that until we get the new house set up, but, with the speed this sale is going here, your Father is anxious to find a new home for us now. Oh, here he is. He wishes to speak to you. Goodbye, Teddy. Love you."

"I love you, too, Mom," I told her.

There was a momentary silence and Dad's voice came on the line.

"I have ordered one of those PODS, Son," he said. "It will be delivered tomorrow and we can begin loading it."

"I was going to order that for you, Dad."

"I am old, my Sonskyn," Dad laughed. "I am not helpless. Did you know that they will store the PODS until it is needed in the new house?"

"Um. . . no. I didn't know that."

"There, you see? I am less helpless than you might think. There is no need to ship it to your home."

"Well, that's kind of good," I said. "I wasn't sure where we were going to park it."

"All is under control, Son."

"Well, take it easy and don't let Mom do everything."

"She has help, Theodore," he said. "Her friend is here every day to help sort and pack, and I am paying her son and his friend to help as well. We will not be doing any heavy lifting."

"Be sure that you don't, you hear?"

"We will be careful, Son," he said sincerely, and I knew he would. "Did your Mother tell you that we wish to come up next weekend?"

"Yes, but I'll be away for awhile on Saturday. I have to take Brad to the bus in Toronto. He goes to Thunder Bay next week for his job placement."

"Oh, yes. I remember," he said. "I did not know it was next weekend. No matter. We will manage until you get back. Your estate agent has four houses he wishes us to see. He has made appointments for us on Saturday and Sunday morning."

"Okay, as long as you can manage without me for a few hours."

"I believe we can, Son." I could see the smile on Dad's face. "We will see you next Friday, then?"

"Sure," I relented. "Drive carefully."

"Always."

"I love you, Dad. Bye."

"And I you, my Sonskyn," Dad said. "Always." He didn't say goodbye. He simply hung up.

* * * * *

"Do you know how long it's been since I've eaten at Burger King?" Warren asked.

He'd insisted on taking the kids out to dinner that night and Burger King was the place they wanted to go. Nathan and Barry had gone home, having refused to join us for dinner. They had intruded enough, Nathan had told us.

We sat at the two side-by-side tables. Justin and Jeremy knelt on their chairs across from me. Warren sat at the table beside me with Lindsay sitting across from him. Bill and Brad were at the counter purchasing our orders.

"I didn't think you were allowed to eat junk food anymore," I said.

"Not every day," Warren said. "I'm allowed treats occasionally, and as long as I stay away from the greasy things, I'm fine. So, how are things going with you and Bradley? Are you adjusting to the new family?"

"Very well in all respects," I said. "He adores the kids and they adore him. He's getting to be quite the cook, too."

Warren reached out and grabbed my forearm in his hand. "I'm so happy for you, Teddy. You have a beautiful family."

"Thanks, Warren. That means a lot to me."

He took his hand away after giving my arm a squeeze.

"What about you and Bill? Are you still thinking of adopting?"

Warren shook his head. "Not anymore," he said as he looked at Lindsay and her two brothers. "We have all the family we need right now. We have the most beautiful niece and the two most beautiful nephews in the entire world."

For some reason, I suddenly started to laugh.

"What?" Warren asked.

I grinned at him and shook my head slowly. "Do you realize that, since you met Barry this afternoon, you've said only one word in French? And that was to curse?"

Warren folded his hands together on the table and looked down at them. "Yeah, well, he surprised me, is all."

"Come on, Warren," I teased. "When are you going to admit you don't speak French?"

He turned his face to me and, in his most sinister, serious tone, said, "Never." And then, with a wink and the tiniest curl on one corner of his lip, he added, "And you can't make me."

* * * * *

"Are you sure you're okay with postponing our wedding?"

Brad and I were lying in bed. The kids were asleep and we were on our way to it. Brad had his arm around me and my head was lying on his shoulder.

"You know I am, Ted," he said.

"But you were so upset at Mom and Dad's place."

"That's because you made that decision yourself. I know what Warren means to you. You might even love him more than you love me - in a different way, of course. I would be doing you an injustice if I made you get married without him beside you. It's no big deal. As long as I get to marry you, I don't care when it happens. Besides, I knew you'd want to postpone it, too."

"I owe you big time, Tiger," I said quietly.

"You don't owe me a thing, Pops," Brad replied. "Just keep letting me love you and I'll be happy."

The kiss Brad gave me wasn't particularly passionate, but it was extremely long and, ultimately, extremely loving.

To Be Continued​

 

[gmoney]

Whew! You really had me scared for Warren. I'm glad it's nothing more than it is.

Another great chapter. Thanks, Neil. -Gary

 

[caddymac]

Yeah! I am glad Warren's news was not as bad as I was thinking.

 

[kcm17480]

Ditto the above. Good chapter.

 

[gsdx]

WATCHING BRAD
Part LXXVII​

I knew Brad had misgivings about going to Thunder Bay. He'd hated the idea from the day he received notice from Ryerson. I mean, Thunder Bay is probably a nice place, but it's way up there on the other side of Lake Superior. Even Via Rail doesn't go there. Brad would be riding Greyhound. Twenty hours on a bus. No wonder he had reservations about going.

Still, all he had to take was some clothes and spending money. Ryerson would pay for his transportation, lodgings, and meals. It would be a wonderful experience for him. At least that's what I thought.

He cried that Wednesday night as we sat in the bathtub after the kids were in bed and asleep. I sat with my back against the wall and Brad sat between my legs, leaning against me as he often did. We changed our routine, of course. Sometimes I would hold him. Other times, he'd hold me. That night it was my turn to hold him.

Brad was quiet that night in the tub, doing a lot of thinking. Even my playing with his cock didn't help. His mind was elsewhere.

"I don't want to go," he said suddenly and turned onto his hip and laid his cheek against my chest and he cried like a little boy.

I held him and tried to sooth him, stroking his back and hair, occasionally kissing the parts of him I could reach. It took quite a few minutes before his crying turned to sobs.

"It's only for two weeks, Tiger," I said, my voice hushed.

"I know, Pops," he replied, "and I'm excited. But I'm so fuckin' wiped about it, too. I don't want to be away from you and the kids for two whole weeks."

"It will be over before you know it."

"I should forfeit the credit and stay here," he said as he turned back to lean against me again, his head resting against my shoulder. His hands found mine and held them to his chest. "If I was in Pickering, I could be here every day to help you with the kids at night."

"I'll manage," I assured him.

"I know you will," Brad said. He lifted my hands to his face and kissed each one. "I just don't want to be away from you, Ted. I need you too much."

"I need you, too, Brad," I said. "Believe me. We'll get through this and it will all be in the past soon enough. You'll be too busy up there during the day to even think of us, and we'll talk every night on the phone."

"I hope that's enough," he said sadly, and he clutched my hands to him.

* * * * *

Brad packed on Friday evening as I bathed the boys. It was ‘hair-washing' night. They were excited about their Ouma and Oupa coming for a visit and were determined to stay awake for their arrival.

"Daddy," Justin said, "Why is Brad going away?

Jeremy asked. "Doesn't he love us anymore?"

"Sure he does," I assured him. "He has to go away for school, remember? But he'll be back soon. I promise."

"When we go to school, do we have to go away too?" Justin asked.

"No, Baby, not far away at all," I said. "Remember I showed you where the school is? It's just down the street? I'll see you every day and you'll never have to go away."

"When can we have a bath with you?" Justin asked.

Whoa. I hadn't expected this one. "Why do you want to bathe with me?"

Jeremy explained. "Lindsay told us she bathed with you."

"Can we bath with you, too?"

"Maybe I'll let you have a shower with me sometime, okay?"

"Okay, Daddy," Justin concluded with a happy grin.

There was a pause as I rinsed Jeremy's hair. The boys were full of questions that night.

"When are you our real Daddy?" Jeremy asked.

"Very soon," I assured him. "Not long after Brad comes home. Twenty-three more days and we go to court to talk to a judge."

"What's court?" Justin asked.

"That's where they solve problems and make things real," I explained simply. "It's sort of like policemen. A judge will make it legal and you will be my real sons forever."

"Then you'll be our real Daddy forever?" Justin asked.

"Forever and ever and ever," I said.

They stood up then and wrapped their wet little bodies around me in a gigantic hug. The water and lather soaked into my shirt and pants, but I didn't care one little bit. I picked them up and hugged them until they were finished hugging me. Even then, it didn't seem quite long enough for me.

* * * * *

The twins wanted to stay awake for Ouma and Oupa's arrival on Friday night, but they fell asleep in our arms as we sat on the sofa, watching television. Lindsay sat in my lap along with Justin, who was lying chest-to-chest against me, his cheek nestled into my shoulder. Jeremy was similarly asleep in Brad's arms.

I thought it best to let them sleep and then try to wake them up when Mom and Dad arrived. It was twenty past nine when the doorbell finally rang. Lindsay jumped up and ran to the door. "Ask first!" I called after her.

"I will, Daddy!" A moment later, Lindsay called out, "Who is it?"

"It's your Grandma de Villiers, Sweetie," Mom's muffled voice came through the door.

Brad and I stood up and went to the entryway as my daughter opened the door for her grandparents. There were the obligatory hugs and kisses, of course, then came the challenge of waking up the twins. We managed to get their eyes open long enough for them to say their sleepy ‘hellos' to Ouma and Oupa and to get their kisses, but that was it. Their heads found our chests once more and off they went to la-la land.

I took Jeremy from Brad's arm so he could take Mom and Dad's suitcases downstairs and I took the boys to bed. Lindsay went with her grandmother into the kitchen, undoubtedly to make a pot of tea. Dad headed for the television.

After the twins were suitably hugged and kissed and tucked into their bed, I loved them to death before saying my final ‘goodnight' to them and returning to the rest of my family. Lindsay was sitting with Mom and Dad on the sofa, her new unicorn and faerie books lying open in her lap.

Brad was serving the tea as I took a seat on the settee. He'd brought Lindsay a glass of apple juice. He sat with me on the settee when he finished.

"Not much longer, okay, Sweetheart?" I said. "It's way past your bedtime."

"Just a little longer, Daddy?" she begged. "Please?"

"Okay," I relented. "Ten o'clock, then it's off to bed."

"Thank you, Daddy." She went back to showing her books to her Grandmother. Dad turned his attention to me instead.

"Son," he said. "Where is this Maple Grove?"

"Between Courtice and Bowmanville."

"We will see that one tomorrow afternoon," Dad said. I even heard a hint of excitement in his voice. "It has four bedrooms and two and one-half baths and an in-ground swimming pool in the back yard. There is plenty of room for my new gardens," he added with a wink at Brad. "That is why we came this weekend. We did not wish to miss this chance."

"Isn't that a bit big for the two of you, though?"

"For us, perhaps, but not for our family." Dad smiled then, and I knew immediately that he was expecting many visitors and very often - especially with an in-ground pool. "It is more than we expected to pay, but still much less expensive than what we are getting for our home in Crystal Beach, and both are cash offers. That is why there is such a bidding war going on there. No worries about financing."

"Wow," Brad said. "May I ask what the bids are up to now?"

"No, you may not," Dad said. But he smiled at Brad and added, "Do not worry. There will be plenty of money for you to help me build a magnificent garden."

Brad looked at me and grinned his chipped-tooth grin. "I love this family," he said. His worries about Thunder Bay disappeared, if only for a few moments.

I kissed him and hugged him closer to me. Brad looked back at Dad. "Does the pool have a diving board?"

* * * * *

Lindsay was in bed, on her way to sleep. Mom and Dad were still sitting on the sofa, alone now. I was leaning back into the corner of the settee and Brad was settled into me. I could tell his mind was elsewhere, undoubtedly on his trip tomorrow. I didn't envy him that trip. Twenty bloody hours on the bus. He'd told me he could sleep on the bus, but I wasn't sure. He'd be too upset at leaving us all behind to even think of going to sleep.

I knew how he was feeling. I was holding onto him, my arm across his chest, and he was gripping my hand in his as if he were afraid he'd lose me forever if he let go of it. I could feel his life against me and I could smell his life in my nostrils. And I was missing him already.

It was worse for him, though. I'd have the kids to keep me company. He would have only our phone calls. My baby was going away, and I wouldn't be happy again until he was back in my arms.

Dad was talking to me, but I hadn't heard a word he said. "Theodore!" he said loud enough to catch my attention.

Both Brad and I looked at him.

"Sorry," I said meekly. "My mind was somewhere else. What did you say?"

"I asked if you had set a new day for your wedding."

"No," I replied. "We're thinking July fifteenth, but we have to confirm it with the church and see if it's available then. I'll be phoning them tomorrow."

"That would be good, Teddy," Mom said. "We should be settled into our new home by then. We can look after the children whilst you're on honeymoon."

"Ted still won't tell me where we're going," Brad said. "Now I've got a whole other month to think about it. But I have an idea."

"And what might that be?" Dad asked.

"I'm thinking maybe South Africa." Brad spun his head around to see my reaction. All I did was smile at him and wink. "It better be Vegas, then," Brad said. "You've got one helluva poker face going on there. Does anyone else know where we're going?"

I shook my head. "Not yet," I told him. "When we leave, I'll give Mom our itinerary."

"You've got the whole thing planned out?"

"I'll have to make a few changes now, what with the change in dates. But, yeah, I have most of it planned."

"You're just mean, you know that?"

"And you still love me for it."

Brad stared into my eyes for several long moments, then his smile joined mine. "Yeah, I do." He craned his neck so he could give me a kiss. He settled back against my chest after that and went back to thinking while I talked to Mom and Dad about their house-hunting and sale."

* * * * *

"Would you like one last fling before you go?" I asked Brad softly. The house was quiet and locked up for the night. Mom and Dad had gone to bed and the kids were sound asleep.

"No," Brad said. He was curled up beside me in bed, his head and his arm on my chest. "I need you to hold me, Ted. Don't talk. Just hold me."

So, that's what I did.

* * * * *

Mom was making breakfast for the twins and Lindsay when I went out to the kitchen in the morning. Dad was there as well, already sipping his morning cuppa.

"Good morning, everyone," I said.

"Good morning, Son," Dad said.

"Hi, Daddy," the kids said in their turn.

I kissed Mom first, then Lindsay and the boys. Brad and I had already had our shower. He was in the bedroom, changing. I was still in my bathrobe and drying my hair with a towel. I could see Dad wasn't impressed that we had showered together. He had that shameful look in his eyes. But I was in my own house now, and, in my house, Brad and I showered together. Dad didn't make the rules here.

"Want me to do that, Mom?" I asked, keeping my voice light.

Mom kissed me again. "I believe I can manage three bowls of cereal, Dear," she said with a pleasant smile. "You go get dressed and I'll begin breakfast for you men."

Brad was sitting on the bed, his bathrobe open and only one arm still in its sleeve. He was staring down at the floor in front of him, completely lost in thought. I sat beside him, wrapping my arm around his back, tucking my fingers beneath the dangling robe there.

"Come on, Brad," I encouraged him. "If you go on like this, you're going to be miserable the whole time you're there."

He looked at me with a Basset Hound face. I've never seen him so sad and forlorn. "I'm going to miss you so much, Ted," he said quietly.

"And then you'll be back here." I hugged him then and he curled himself into my shoulder and put his cheek there.

"I feel so stupid, Ted," he whispered. "I didn't realize how much I really love you until I began thinking about being away from you. I know I have to go. I want to go. I just don't want to be so far away from you."

I kissed his hair and he tilted his face up toward mine. "Promise me you'll be here for my phone calls?"

"I promise," I said. "If I can't be here, I'll leave a message for you where I am."

"Why wouldn't you be here?"

"I've got three kids, remember? You never know what's going to happen."

Brad's smile in return was weak at best, and disappeared quickly. "Will you hold me again for a few minutes? I need you to hold me."

I held him against me until Mom knocked on the door and told me that breakfast was ready.

* * * * *

Brad was unusually quiet at breakfast, even with his beloved Jeremy sitting in his lap at the table. He picked at his breakfast, not really eating it, but not ignoring it entirely. I knew he would be sad at going to Thunder Bay, but I didn't think he would be as bad as this. I could only hope he'd become absorbed in his training and be able to forget about us for a few hours a day.

I must admit, the depth of his sadness surprised me. I don't think I realized until that day just how much he really and truly loved me. It wasn't just the sex. I knew that. We hadn't had any since Tuesday night. All he wanted was to be held and loved, and I had been more than happy to comply with his request.

I suppose I could understand where he was coming from. As far as I knew, he'd never really been away from home, especially all by himself, and certainly not so far away. Then there was the twenty-hour bus ride, but he'd barely even touched that subject. He could have flown, I suppose, and the flight was only an hour or so long, but the bus was considerably cheaper and Ryerson had opted for that, especially since they were paying.

Still, it was only two weeks, and it would be over before he knew it. At least I hoped it would be. I'd bought him plenty of phone cards. Enough for an hour per night and four two-hour cards for the weekend, just in case he was particularly lonely.

I knew he'd be sharing a motel room with his classmate. They knew each other from class, but they weren't particularly friendly. Perhaps they'd get to know each other better on the bus and Brad would have some good company while he was there.

Besides, he'd surfed Thunder Bay on the internet. There was plenty to keep him occupied. Plenty of things to see. His parents had given him a good amount of spending money, and I'd given him the credit card he was listed under, plus a bit of cash of my own. He would have plenty to spend if he needed it. I had a feeling things would change for him when he got there and he wouldn't miss us as much as he thought he might.

John and Bernice would be going with us to the bus depot, of course. They'd asked if they could go shortly after Brad gave them the news. Lindsay wanted to go house shopping with her grandparents, but I thought it best that they not have a little girl tagging along. She would be coming with us, but she wasn't very happy about it. The boys were excited just to be going anywhere, as long as they were with me.

Geoff, my real estate agent, arrived shortly after nine o'clock. With Dad and Mom not familiar with the area, Geoff would chauffeur them from place to place. I liked Geoff, and he endeared himself to Dad and Mom immediately. They'd talked on the telephone, but he and Dad became very close friends right from the start, probably because I'd taught Geoff how to say, "Hallo. Hoe gaan dit met jou?" in Afrikaans.

"I am fine, thank you," Dad had replied with an enormous and pleased smile on his face. Geoff's pronunciation wasn't perfect, but it was good enough for Dad.

Mom just thought Geoff was cute. He is, I suppose, if you're into blond hair, blue eyes, and dimples.

Geoff was good at his job. He knew his stuff. If there was a house out there for Mom and Dad, he'd find it for them, and he wouldn't stop until they were happy. That's why I recommended him. He'd found my house for me and I was suitably impressed. He showed me a lot of houses before I settled on this one, and every single house he showed me was a possibility. He didn't show me a single house that I wouldn't live in.

They were gone by nine-thirty, on their way to their first viewing.

We puttered around for a few hours, waiting for the time to leave. It wasn't a long drive into Toronto, but, with a deadline to make, I wanted to be sure we were there in plenty of time. You never knew when you'd be stuck in traffic on the Four-Oh-One.

By eleven o'clock, the van was loaded with suitcase and kids. John and Bernice sat with Lindsay on the bench seat at the back. Brad, of course, sat beside me. He wasn't happy with holding my leg this time, though. He grabbed my hand and wouldn't release it unless he knew I needed it. His grip was much stronger - much stronger than usual. Only when we got into the city core did he release my hand and move his own hand to my leg. I needed both hands to drive in the city and he knew it. Still, his fingers dug into my thigh and, the closer we got to the Greyhound Depot, the stronger his grip became.

"Easy, Tiger," I said quietly. When he looked at me, I nodded toward my leg. He looked there, and relaxed his grip, but he refused to remove his hand. He'd barely spoken the entire way.

The traffic had been good, though, and we arrived in plenty of time. I took everyone into the snack bar for a treat. Brad spent most of the time staring into his coffee mug as he stirred it relentlessly with his spoon. His right hand was holding mine in his lap. He didn't take a single sip from his mug.

His parents joined me in trying to make conversation with him, but very little conversation came back to us.

"He was like this every time we sent him to Summer Camp," Bernice said. "He would mope around the house for days."

"And when he got there," John continued, "he didn't want to come back home."

All too soon, Brad's boarding call was announced. He looked up at the speaker on the wall and his hand squeezed mine almost to the point of causing serious pain. By this time, the boys had finished their treats and were sitting in our laps.

Brad sucked in a deep breath and let it out through his nose. "Well," he said. "This is it." He grabbed Jeremy firmly in his arm, released my hand and stood up. The rest of us rose to our feet and John grabbed up his suitcase. Bernice held Lindsay's hand.

We found his bus and John passed the suitcase to the driver for loading. I checked under Brad's jacket to make sure his ticket was still in his shirt pocket. It was. He hugged and kissed Jeremy goodbye first before handing him off to his father, then took Justin from my arms and bade him farewell before giving him back to me. He picked up Lindsay for her goodbye hugs and kisses, then set her down to say goodbye to his parents. I passed Justin over to his Grandpa temporarily as Brad fell into my arms.

He buried his face into my chest and I held him against me.

"I don't want to go," he mumbled softly.

"I know," I whispered, and I kissed his hair. "I don't want you to go, either."

He looked up at me then, his beautiful green eyes sparkling with the moisture in them. "I'm going to miss you so much, Ted," he said. He kissed me, right there on the platform, and he didn't stop until his final boarding announcement came over the speakers.

Reluctantly, I pushed him away from me. "I'll be here waiting for you when you come back."

And then he smiled at me. Just a little one, but it was a smile. "I love you, Ted," he said.

"I love you, too, Brad," I returned. We kissed once more before he pulled away from me entirely. "Call me when you get settled in."

"I will."

It was only then that we noticed another young man standing beside us. He was taller than I, and not quite as thin as I am. I wouldn't consider him handsome, but he was rather good looking. Brad seemed a bit surprised to see him. "Paul," he said as he looked at him. "Ted? This is Paul. He's in my classes. We're going to be bunking together."

I held out my hand in greeting. "Pleased to meet you."

Paul took my hand and shook it. "Likewise," he said. His voice was very deep. He turned to Brad. "I noticed your ring. I didn't now you were. . ." He left it at that.

"I hope it doesn't bother you," Brad said. "Us bunking together and all."

"No," Paul said quickly. "Not at all. Look, we'd better get aboard."

Brad left it there as well until they were on the bus. At least he'd have plenty to talk about. He gave me one more quick kiss and headed for the door, turning back before stepping aboard to wave goodbye one more time and to blow us all a kiss.

"I love you," he said, and he turned and stepped up into the bus. The door closed behind him. Our eyes followed him as he moved down the aisle to an empty seat on our side. He slid into it, sitting nearest the window, and Paul sat in the seat beside him. Brad's gaze locked on mine and he held it. The bus jerked once as the driver put it into reverse, and then the bus slowly began to back out of its space.

Brad's lips said, "I love you," one more time.

My lips said the same thing back to him.

And then the bus took him away.

To Be Continued​

 

[Kyanimal]

Awesome!!

 

[Just4fun2]

Neil, as always, the beautiful and loving story goes on.............................

 

[dlf0001]

It's hard to travel away from your loved ones... I travel with my job.. the longest away from home is 28 days, but, you get used to it. Most of my trips are 1-2 nights...

Hopefully Brad and Ted will get used to the times away from each other...

I have a feeling Brad is going to have an encounter with his roommate while gone... I hope it's not a "bad one".

 

[gmoney]

Fantastic as usual, Neil. I could feel their love!

Thanks, Gary

 

[tommy296]

Neil, This is another great chapter in an awesome story - many, many thanks!

 

[wesleybs8]

I have just read every chapter of this brilliant story, I canno't express in words how much I have enjoyed it and I would like to thank you for it and for as many more chapters as you add, thank you.