Westpoint Tales - Heroes, pts.9 & 10

Okay - this is the End of this tale. (Don't tell me - i know!)
2 parts this time, because they're short ones and there's a killer cliffhanger and, well, dicky hearts! Enjoy.

Excitement was mounting in the town. The manager of Pointwest, Westpoint’s community radio and TV channel, Conrad Keenan, announced that there was to be a special screening, in the old St. John’s theater, of the original ‘Whozzat’s Movie’.

There was hardly a person in Westpoint who hadn’t already seen Whozzat’s Movie; many times, some of them. Most homes had a copy of it somewhere and it was readily available on DVD and free-to-air channels. It might be prehistoric, but there weren’t that many movies around that featured their town and their people. It even included shots of the first ever Party in the Park, on the day that Billy’s Burgers were launched.

Anyway, not many had seen it in a theater, not for many years. Movies on the big screen in a darkened auditorium had far more impact than when seen on a home screen.

This was not going to be just another screening. For a start, it would begin at precisely 10.30pm on the 2nd of February, which was the exact date and time of the first public screening, the premiere, 40 years ago. They were even going to re-enact the welcoming ceremonies at the premiere, including the helicopter flight over the darkened town and the party in the street afterwards, catered by Billy’s Burgers of course.

Also, songs would be performed live by Whozzthis, the tribute band that was touring the country doing re-enactments of Whozzat concerts. There might even be an appearance of the original members of Whozzat and their supporters.

Whozzthis were going to play a concert on the night before the movie screening. This would be in the Westpoint Community Hall, which was the biggest indoor venue in the town, but the movie would be in the St. John’s. The St. John’s theater was getting old and rickety and it wasn’t used much anymore, but they couldn’t hold the screening anywhere else.

Peter had a part-time job, working on the refreshment counter in the Community Hall, so the others all agreed that he should book their seats and get their tickets for them; which was something he’d regret later.

Tickets were in high demand, of course, but he managed to get the seats he wanted, in the very back row, up at the top, where the courting couples sat and cuddled. It seemed like a good idea at the time.

He was already regretting it when he and Carl came up to Billy T’s room. They walked in, he looked at the chair and said, “Oh, bugger!”

“Bugger yourself, Peter Reynolds,” JH said. “What’s wrong?”

“I got the tickets for Whozzat’s Movie, but I wasn’t thinking. I’ve gone and booked seats right up in the back row. Unless we take the roof off and drop you through, we’re never going to get you up there, Billy T. Sorry. I’ll see if I can change them.”

“Hey. No problems, Peter. Don’t change them, leave them as they are. It’ll be fun to sit in the back row for once.”

“But how?”

“JH will carry me up there. Right, JH?”

“Of course. Leave them as they are, Peter. We’ll do it.”

“I hope you’re right. It’s probably too late to change them anyway; they’ve been selling like hotcakes.”

He still checked next time he was working, but the seats had all been sold out. Unless he could do a swap with someone else, they were stuck with the back row seats.

The big night arrived at last. All over the town, people were showering and shaving, primping and preening. Many were wearing fancy dress – they wore the quaint old-style clothes that were popular 40 years ago. (Uncomfortable and heavy some of them were too.)

It was a long evening because it was such a late start. The sunset faded and day turned into night.

At 9pm, as arranged, all the lights of the town went out. They started coming on again, block by block, marking a shining trail along the main street from west to east. An old, vintage, helicopter flew along above it as the trail progressed.

The noise of it was incredible. It brought back memories for the older generation. The young people had never heard anything like it; it could be heard all over the town. Now they knew why they called them choppers – the rotor blades chopped the air, noisily.

When it approached the St. John’s multicoloured spotlights flashed along the faded murals on the west-facing wall. The wall suddenly went white and seven cartoon faces above the red-block letters, ‘Whozzat’s Movie’, were projected onto the wall.

The waiting crowd was released from the barriers back along the street and, smiling and waving to the cameras, filed into the theater. Billy T sat in his smaller chair, flanked by his granddads, pushed along by JH and followed by Carl and Peter. Fairy lights fringed the red carpet along the sidewalk.

Inside the main doors, Justin and Billy left them and went to sit down at the front with Grandmother Kathleen and Ma Carver. Ma was old and frail. She wasn’t seen around much anymore, she spent most of her days in the geriatric ward in the Kynnersley Home, but she wasn’t going to miss this occasion.

They parked Billy T’s chair against the wall in the lobby. Carl and Peter lifted him up, and he draped his arms over JH’s shoulders. JH held his limp legs up and, with Billy T on his back, started up the stairs, flanked by Carl and Peter. They were also escorted by a group of cousins.

Any of the others would’ve happily helped out, but Billy T wouldn’t let anyone else do this for him. JH was having none of that anyway. This was his boy and he’d carry him.

“He ain’t heavy, he’s my Brother.”

They came out into the upstairs area and stopped for a rest. JH sighed as he looked up at their destination, away up at the top of the hall, and then he started again, doggedly plodding up the aisle, lifting their combined weight on every step along the way. They were all relieved when he finally reached the top and lowered Billy T into his seat.

“This is so sweet!” Billy T beamed. “Thanks, JH. You’re my hero.”

“You’re welcome, My Love.” JH sank into his own seat, next to him. “But what’s your granddad been feeding you – bricks?”

“No, just good food. I’m a growing boy you know.”

“’You are, and a gorgeous one too.”

A hush came over the chattering crowd as the lights went down in the auditorium and up on the stage. An out-of-sight guitar began the long introduction to North’n West Coast Sun and the curtains opened to reveal the members of Whozzthis.

They were all dressed in old-style black suits and white shirts; all except “Sandie’ who wore her trademark leathers. The crowd went wild.

Whozzthis followed with a selection of the old Whozzat songs. The local crowd were loving it, especially the older generation. It was almost like being there, way back when. They saved the best until last. People were dancing in the aisles when they played Simply the Best. Everyone knew that song. There was thunderous applause as the group on the stage bowed and the curtains closed.

The Mayor of Westpoint, Dorothy Matthews-Taylor, walked out in front of the curtains and delivered a short speech. She finished with an extract from the speech by Tom Craddock at the premiere. “Our town, our kids, Whozzat’s Movie.”

As the Mayor left the stage, the curtains opened again to reveal the original members of Whozzat standing there ready to play. Some of them had aged much better than others. Only one of them was not the original group member. Kadie Green had died long ago and her place was taken by her daughter.

They waited until the audience had settled down, and then Peter began to play on his keyboard as the black back-drop behind them rose up above their heads. Everything stalled there and Peter repeated the chords over and over again. Two guys in high-visibility overalls came out, carrying an aluminium ladder.

They stood it upright and stood holding steady while Tony climbed down to the stage. He flung his arms out. “Wow!” And they played, ‘And We Danced’.

The song finished, the group bowed and came down from the stage as the movie began.

“Damm. It’s getting hot in here.” Billy T said, fanning himself with his souvenir programme.

“It is, JH replied. “I suppose that it’s always hot at the top of a crowded hall, but this is over the top. I wish someone would open the doors.”

“They already have,” Peter said. “It’s not helping much. It’s a warm night out there anyway.”

“Toughen up, Guys,” said Carl. “It’s no worse than a sauna. Not much worse anyway.”

The temperature continued to rise as the movie played on. The whine of the over-worked air-conditioners filled the hall, threatening to drown out the soundtrack.

Peter said, “It’s getting ridiculous. This is way too hot. What’s that? Can anyone smell smoke?”

Carl said, “You’re right. I can smell smoke and – ohmigod!!”

Their world turned into hell when a section at the front of the upstairs area collapsed and a raging inferno flared up. Screams filled the air as a stampede started for the exits. The hall was full of smoke and flames, coughs and crashing noises. The movie stopped and the lights all died. Peter dropped to his knees on the floor, coughing and retching.

“JH. Help me!” Billy T yelled.

“I’ve got you. It’s okay, I’ve got you.” JH pulled Billy T up out of his seat.

“Carl grabbed hold of his arm. “Give me his legs. I’ll help you.”

“Don’t be fucking stupid. I can do this. Save Peter and get yourself out of here!”

“Carl! Where are you?”

“I’m here! I’m here, Peter. Come on, I’ll get you out.”

They disappeared into the darkness and JH started down, feeling his way in the dark. He was gasping and choking on the thick, black smoke. At the bottom of the aisle, he sank, coughing, to his knees. His eyes were streaming and his lungs ached.

Billy T screamed, “JH! It’s too much! You can’t do it. Don’t worry about me. Leave me, get out. Save yourself!”

“Shut the fuck up, Billy Carver! No way am I leaving you here. Shut up! I love you, Billy.”

He staggered on in the semi-darkness. Heat and flames and smoke were all around them. A charred section of floorboards broke under their weight and he dropped, pitching Billy T forwards as he fell.

“Fuckit! Sorry.” He gasped. “Are you okay?”

“I’m okay. Are you okay? You have to get up, JH. You have to get out of here.”

“Billy, I, ahh!”

JH’s world went black as a section of the ceiling collapsed and a flaming rafter crashed down on him.

“JH, no!” Billy T’s wail was the last thing he heard.


Westpoint Tales - Heroes, 10

It was the worst disaster in Westpoint’s long history. Seven people were killed; one of them was just a baby. Dozens were hospitalized; some with moderate injuries, some serious and severe. The worst cases were flown to Christchurch and to Auckland as Westpoint’s small hospital couldn’t cope with the influx, it was all too much.

Carl and Peter were not among the casualties. Peter almost was; it's not good to hyper-ventilate when you've already got asthmatic tendencies, and he was nearly overcome by the smoke and fumes. However, Carl hauled him out of the burning theater and, after a session on a nebuliser, he was as good as new.

Carl had a few small burns, but nothing serious. A nurse swabbed him clean, sprayed on some plastic skin and he was free to go home. There were far more serious injuries to be seen to.

The St. John’s Theater was lost. What was left would be demolished and it would not be rebuilt. The emergency services had not been able to save it; all they could do was to help the casualties. It was a shame that the St. John’s was lost, but people were much more important. Westpoint wept.

Justin and Billy had saved their grandmothers, taking them out of the emergency exit at the back. Billy’s brothers, Wayne and Robert, helped him to carry Ma across the street and they laid her down on the sidewalk. Their mother sat cradling Ma’s head in her lap and crying as she waited for a medic.

Justin took his grandmother to a neighbour’s house and left her there, with Claudette and Lana, while he went back to the theater. Kathleen insisted that he did.

“For fuck’s sake, Justin! I’m all right. Stop fussing and your arse back over there. If ever Westpoint needed their Superboy, they need him now.”

Nobody argued with Kathleen Reynolds; he went back. Where was his grandson?

Ma Carver was not injured, but she died in her sleep a couple of nights later. It was probably due to the shock and trauma. Her old heart couldn’t take it.

Four days after the disaster, JH woke up. He opened his eyes and looked at Bobby.

“Oh, thank heavens! Hello Son, welcome back. Don’t move. Stay where you are and I’ll get your dad.”

JH lay back and looked up at the ceiling. He was in a hospital. He’d never been in the Westpoint hospital, but he knew that this was not it. Wherever he was, this was a huge place. He heard Bobby coming back.

“Come on, Old Man. Get a move on, our boy’s awake and waiting for you.”

JH smiled as he heard Jon reply.

“He’s got terrible timing. He could’ve waited while I had a pee!”

JH turned his head and gasped as he saw Jon in the doorway. He was in a wheelchair and was swathed in bandages from his waist to the top of his head. All that he could see of his face was his eyes and his beaming smile.

“Hello, My Lovely Boy! How are you?”

“Better than you look, Dad.”

“Phaw! This?” Jon waved his hands around. “This is nothing. Just superficial injuries and a burn or two. I’ve lost my hair, but it’ll be back, unfortunately.”

“A burn or two or three hundred, more like.” Bobby came in behind him.

“It’s nothing! A few days and I’ll be good as new.”

“Billy?” JH croaked. “Where is Billy T? Is he all right? How did I get out of there? Did you save me, Dad?”

“No, not me. I couldn’t even find you in there. Billy T is fine. He’s in the next ward with his granddads. He looks better than you do.’

“I’ll tell them that you’re back – he’s been hanging out for news and, at last, it’s all good.” Bobby hurried out again.

He came back towing a hospital bed. Justin and Billy were pushing it from behind and Billy T lay on it, beaming his smile.

“Hey, JH! Welcome back.”

“Thanks, Billy. Oh, Billy, it’s so good to see you!”

“Good to see you too!”

They lay in their beds, smiling and crying as they looked at each other. Most of Billy T’s glorious red hair had gone. His head was covered in a short stubble and there was an angry looking pink-flesh patch on the side of his head. He had a bandage on his right shoulder and both of his hands were bandaged. He was a mess, but he was beautiful – so, so beautiful.

A nurse was fussing behind Justin. “You just can’t do this. You can’t move hospital beds around! Doctor is going to go ballistic.”

“Settle down, Girl,” Justin said. “It’s done now. I’ll deal with the doctor, don’t worry. Hello Handsome, how are you?”

“I’m good, Granddad, really good. Oh, Billy, it’s so good to see you.”

“You already said that, Dork!” Billy T grinned.

“Well it is! I thought that I’d lost you.”

“I thought that I’d lost you too, but that was not going to happen – no way!”

“But I couldn’t get up. I couldn’t move. Who got us out of there?”

“Oh, nobody,” Billy T smiled.

“Nobody? But we’re here. I couldn’t save us. Who did?”

“JH,” Granddad Billy said. “Billy T saved you. There was nobody else, so he did it himself.”

“You did? But. But, how?”

“How, we’ll never know,” Justin said. “His hands are burnt because he pulled that bloody great rafter off you. He picked you up and he carried you, down the burning stairs and right out of the front door of the theater. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Nobody could.”

“You carried me? Did you walk out, Billy?”

“Yes, I walked. I had to, so I did. I’ve lost so many people who I loved; I couldn’t let that happen again, not to you – especially not to you. I love you, JH. I love you very much and I’m not going to lose you – ever! So there.”

(That’s it. Their stories go on, but I’ve finished. I think. Cheers.)

Requiem for an Old Friend

Goodbye, Old Girl - gone but never forgotten.

Westpoint Tales - Heroes, 8

Time went by, weeks passed, and life was good, mostly. Carl and Peter were together constantly. They no longer had to steal moments alone in hidden corners and they were all but living together. Sometimes they spent a night apart, but not often. Most nights they slept together, either at Peter’s home or at Carl’s, and they were both accepted as members of each other’s families.

When they socialized with others, it was mostly with Billy T and JH and they spent a lot of time just hanging with them. On a couple of nights, they all slept together on Billy T’s big bed. There was no sex involved, they just slept, cuddled together.

Everyone was avoiding the Square. It was too upsetting; there was a great gaping hole where the grandstand should be. Councillor Ross assured everybody that it would be back, as soon as possible. Just as well too.

Money for the project would not be a problem. There would be a government subsidy forthcoming, from the Ministry for Recreation & Sport, the old grandstand was well insured, and Ross had a scheme where people could pay to have names inscribed on the concrete walls below the stepped seats.

This was originally intended to be just the names as memorials to people of the town who had gone before, but everybody wanted to see their names, as well as friends and family, there as well. There was hardly enough room to fit them all in. Money was not a problem.

Jason McDonald and Jordan Taylor, well-known artists, offered to reproduce the graffiti that was in the old grandstand. Some of it was quite artistic. But Ross said no. He was sure that there would be a whole crop of it anyway. Though, maybe having everyone’s names there would discourage graffiti. Maybe – there’s always idiots around.

Ross would scalp them if he caught them at it. He’d have help.

One Sunday, the four spent the day fishing on the rocks, down by Charlestown. Peter’s dad, Jonathan Junior, drove them down there in the morning and came back to collect them in the late afternoon.

They took a picnic lunch with them, which was just as well because they didn’t catch any fish – not a one! It was a bit cold for swimming and the sea was too rough anyway, but it was a good day.

Billy T’s chair was useless on the steep, steeped, track down to the rocks, so they left it at the top and JH carried him down to the water’s edge. He was still a bit prickly about accepting help from anyone else, even his granddads and Peter and Carl, but he happily allowed JH to help him when he needed it.

JH thought that he always needed it, but he realised that it was best for the boy to do what he could for himself. Still, he delighted in helping him when he could. He loved this boy very much and was still amazed that Billy T wanted to be with him – he just wished that he would say it.

Even though he was constantly telling Billy T that he loved him, and though Billy T acted like he did, he never actually came out and said aloud that he loved JH. JH said nothing, but he really wished that he would. He was worried that something was not right. Apart from that, his life had never been better.

They’d found a small problem when Billy T came to JH’s home, but it was not a big deal. His chair was too big to go up to the living-quarters on the elevator. The disk was too small, so JH had to carry him up there and he got around upstairs sitting on a castored computer chair, or JH carried him. Bobby offered to have the elevator altered, but they both said not to worry. They were happy with JH carrying him.

Billy T was not comfortable down on the rocks. He was happy to be out with JH and their friends, doing stuff together, and it was a nice day, but the sea was rough. Big waves reared and smashed high up on the rocks and he worried – not for himself, but he was worried that the others were standing too close.

People had been washed off these rocks before. A kid was drowned here, not so long ago. The chances of surviving in that choppy sea were not good. JH left him sitting well back from the waves, but he got too close himself.

Billy T was relieved when the others decided that they’d had enough and the fish weren’t biting anyway. They went back up to wait by the road. It was a good day with no incidents, but he worried.

A couple of days later, early in the morning, JH was alone, sitting on the end of the South Tiphead, at the north-end of Carvers Beach. Justin came along, doing his regular, solitary, morning run.

(He liked to run the circuit through the town, across the bridge, out by the highway to carvers Beach and back home through the tunnel under the river).

He saw JH sitting at the end of the tiphead, and he veered out there to join him. JH looked up and smiled as Justin sat down.

“Good morning, Justin.”

“Good morning to you too, and what a great morning it is! What are you doing sitting here all alone, JH?”

“Just having a breather. I couldn’t sleep so I’m having a walk and a think.”

“A think? Billy T stayed the night at home alone. Is everything all right with you boys?”

“Everything is fine. Well,” he sighed. “Mostly it is. No, it’s fine – everything’s good.”

“Mostly good? Something’s bothering you. Do you want to talk about it?”

“No. I, umm, I don’t want to talk. You are Billy T’s granddad after all. It’d be awkward.”

“So there is something. We’re friends aren’t we? It doesn’t have to be awkward. It helps to talk and I’m a very good listener.”

“You’re a very good person, Justin. But, well, okay – I’ll try. You won’t tell Billy T about this?”

“Not if you don’t want me to. I won’t tell anybody.”

“Well, when we are lying down in bed and, ahh, having sex. . .”

He choked up and hung his head, embarrassed. Justin draped an arm around his shoulders and hugged him.

“It’s okay, JH. Of course you’re having sex. I’d be amazed if you weren’t. What’s the problem? Billy T is physically capable, isn’t he?”

“Oh yes! He’s very capable.”

“That’s good. What’s wrong then?”

“Nothing’s wrong. Nothing at all. It just that, when he gets, well, excited, he moves around a lot. He jerks and jumps and pushes and he uses his legs. I’ve checked and he is definitely using the muscles in his legs. I can feel them clenching and relaxing.

Justin, why can’t he walk?”

“I wish I knew. But, thank you, JH. That’s the best news I’ve heard in a long time. Thank you for telling me. Have you discussed it with him?”

“I’ve tried to, but he doesn’t believe me. He says that he’s just pulling with his arms and his body, but he’s not – I’m sure of it, he’s using his legs. I don’t see why he can’t walk.”

“I don’t see why either, I never have. Billy T’s legs are fine, they’ve been completely rebuilt and restored as good as new. The problem has got to be in his mind, he’s got some mental block there.

Over the years, we’ve taken him to America, to Europe, Russia and China even. The best psychiatrists that we’ve been able to find have looked at him, but no-one has been able to undo the knots in his head. Maybe you can do what nobody else can.”

“Me? I’m no expert on anything. I would do anything for Billy. I would give him my legs if I could, but I can’t and I can’t help him to walk. I wish that I could.”

“You really love that boy, don’t you, JH?”

“Totally! I wouldn’t care if he never walked, I like helping him, but it bothers him, I know that it does.”

“Know something, JH Williamson? I love you.” Justin hugged him and kissed his cheek. “I love you, Boy, and I’m glad that Billy T is with you. I couldn’t think of anyone better. Don’t fret it. Just keep on doing what you’re doing. Love him and let him love you – that’s what matters. What happens will happen.”

“It does matter, but that’s what else is wrong. Does he love me?”

“Of course he loves you. It’s written all over his face every time he looks at you. Why would you doubt it?”

“He never says it. I love him very, very much and I tell him that a hundred times a day, but he never says that he loves me.”

“Ah, I see. He does tell you, you know. – in his smiles, in the way he is around you, even I see that.”

“I guess you’re right, but he doesn’t say it. Why won’t he, Justin?”

“I don’t know. I wish I did. It must go back to the car crash again. Billy T was just 7 years old when his father and his little brother were killed next to him. He loved his father, really, really loved him. He just adored him and all-but worshipped him, and he was devastated when he lost him. We all were, but he took it hardest of all. For a long time he wasn’t interested to getting well, he wanted to be with his daddy.

Years later, Melanie, his mum, and his two sisters were killed in a plane crash. I think that he’s lost so many that he loved, he’s afraid to make that commitment in case he loses you too. It’s probably not conscious, but the mind does strange things.That’s my take on it anyway.”

“He is not ever going to lose me!” JH declared.

“I hope you’re right, but we never know what’s around the next corner.”

“He tells you guys, you and Billy, that he loves you. He often says it.”

“He does, but that’s different. We’re family and we’ve always been around. We were there on the day he was born – holding Jeremy up actually, he was useless! You are new and you are special to him – very special. Give him time, JH. He’s a damaged boy, but you can help him. Just keep on loving him.”

“Of course I will, always! Thanks, Justin. You’re great. I can see why they call you Superboy.”

“Don’t you start doing that, Sunshine. You call me Justin, and that’s good. I was damaged too when I was a boy. Not as bad as Billy T, but I was damaged. I got better because people loved me. Billy T can do that too, especially with you on his side.”

“Thanks.” JH whipped around suddenly and hugged Justin, hard. “Thank you, Justin. I love you too. I think I’ll call you and Billy ‘Granddad’ from now on. If that’s all right with you?”

“Sure it is, Sweet Boy. We’d be honoured. Now it’s time to be getting home. Billy’s up there looking for me and worrying.”

“Can you see him from here?”

“No, I can’t see him but I know that he is. Go home, wash your face, put on a smile and give Jon and Bobby a hug from me.”

“I will. Thanks, Granddad.”

Westpoint Tales - Heroes, 7

“Sir yourself! Nice to meet you too, JH. Really nice.”

They stood staring at each other, both intrigued by what they saw. JH really did look at lot like Bobby, it was weird. He looked a lot like in his dad in many ways, their smiles were exactly the same, but he looked like Bobby too. They had the same deep-blue eyes.

“Well, you’re family all right. No doubt about that!” Bobby smiled and offered his hand.

“Welcome home, Son.”

“Ah. Thank you, Bobby. It’s good to be home.”

“It’s always good to be home,” Bobby smiled.

He released JH’s hand, finally.

I’ve got something for you.”

“For me?”

“Yes, and all the way from England. First, take a look at this.”

He picked up a brick, from the coffee table, and handed it to him.

“A brick? You brought a brick back from England?”

“I did. A special brick. I found the cottage where our ancestors used to live, near a little village called Oakley Green. Or, I found the place where the cottage used to be – it has been demolished.

The current owners found that when it was pulled down, and they gave it to me. I’m going to have it set into the statue of James Hargreaves in the Square.”

“A brick from the house he was born in? That’s very cool.”

“It is, it’s more than cool. Have a look on the side of it.”

JH turned the brick over.

“Oh, wow!”

Carved – inscribed – into the brick were the words, ‘James and Abraham Hargreaves Williamson. Born 2 May 1854’.

"Way cool. But, who is Abraham?”

“Abraham Hargreaves was James Hargreaves’ twin brother. He died when they were boys. I’ve brought a piece of him home to be with his brother. But that’s not your gift. Your gift is in the box there, open it and take one.”

JH opened the box on the table and looked inside.

“Miniature bricks?”

“Yes. Chips off the old block, as it were.”

The box contained hundreds of identical little bricks, all about 15mm long and 6 mm square.

They gave me a second brick from the cottage and it’s been laser-cut to give us all of those. I’m giving one to every known descendant of James Hargreaves Williamson. I hope there’s enough!”

“And, I get one of them?”

“Of course you do! Take one, you’re one of us.”

“I am. Thanks, Bobby.”

He looked in the box again. The bricks were all exactly the same. He took one out and held it up.

“Thanks. This is a bit of my history – a part of where I came from. I’ll treasure it always. Will Billy T be getting one as well?”

“Yes of course. Billy T, his granddads and everyone else – everyone with James Hargreaves’ genes.”

“All in the family,” JH grinned.

“Yes, family,” Jon agreed. “And the more of us who are together and the closer we are, the more complete the brick will be. Great idea, Bobby. You’re brilliant.”

“Of course I am,” Bobby grinned. “Sit down, JH and let’s get close. Tell me all about yourself. I want to know everything about your life ever since you were stolen away from us. Jon, you’re cooking tonight.

“The hell I am!” Jon protested. “I’m not moving. We can have burgers.”

“Billy’s Burgers?”

“Of course – simply the best.”

Peter and Carl left the school and walked slowly across the town. They were going, together, to Carl’s home and the plan was for Peter to spend the night there. He wanted to believe Carl when he told him that there would be no trouble and that he was welcome there, , but it was such a turn-around – a complete reversal of the way Carl’s dad had been lately! He wouldn’t really believe it until he saw it for himself. He was in no hurry, it was a nice day for a leisurely stroll.

They went into the Square at the north-west corner, through the passive garden of the miners’ memorial. Peter wanted to stop and watch the bubbling water-features in the sunken garden, but Carl kept him moving.

“Come ON, Peter. There’s nothing here that we haven’t seen a hundred times already. At this rate, we’re never going to get there.”

“Suits me. Why don’t we go back to my place? We could see your dad tomorrow, or next week or sometime.”

“We could not. He’s just come around to our side, we don’t want to upset him and make him go all anti again.”

“If we don’t want to upset him, why don’t we get your Granddad Lucas to come with us?”

“Why don’t we stand on our own four feet? We don’t need Granddad, we just need to be men.”

“Men? I think I’m more like a mouse.”

“No, you’re not. Anyway, remember the Mouse that roared?”

“Superboy? Great idea, why don’t we get Justin?”

“We’re not getting Superboy either. We don’t need him. Would I lie to you? Come On, Peter!”

“Yeah, all right, all right already. Don’t nag me.”

“Damm, Peter. Don’t you ever call me a wimp again!”

That did the trick and Peter started walking resolutely to meet his fate. “Come on, Big Red, let’s do it.”

“Big what? You cheeky swine.”

They walked out into the Square and across the grass of the empty sportsfield, heading for the Memorial Gates at the opposite corner.

There were two men sitting on the fence by the running-track, looking up at the old grandstand. They looked at them and Carl smiled. “Hey Uncle Ross, Uncle Robert. What are you two scheming now?”

“Hey Carl. Hey Peter. Why would we be scheming anything.”

“Gran says that you usually are.”

“Yeah. Be warned, Boys. Big sisters never believe that little brothers have grown up,” Robert replied.

“Anyway,” Ross said. “We are scheming. What do you think, Boys? Should we pull the old girl down, bit by bit, or should we just bulldoze the lot.”

“Bulldoze what?” Peter was horrified. “Not the grandstand? You can’t pull the grandstand down!”

“I’m afraid we have to,” Ross said. “She has to go.”

“But. . .but. . .why?” Peter stammered.

Carl was with him. “You can’t! It would be like ripping the heart out of the town. The Square is the heart of Westpoint and the grandstand is the heart of the square. You can’t pull it down.”

Robert nodded. “What did I tell you, Ross? This is going to upset everybody. There’ll be blood in the streets – probably yours.”

“It can’t be helped. The grandstand has to go – it’s dangerous. The council had an engineer’s report done, and another one and another because they didn’t want to believe it.

The old girl has been touched-up and tarted-up. She had a new roof once, but that was about 80 years ago. The structural walls are all the old originals and they’re rotten from the ground up. One good wind and it will all come crashing down. Imagine that if it was full of people at the time.”

“Damm,” said Carl.

“Bugger,” said Peter.

“Told you so,” said Robert. “You do this for whatever reason, and your name is going to be mud.”

“Hey! It’s not my idea. I’m not happy about this either. I don’t want to see the grandstand go. I love this old girl. I lost my virginity up there, in the back row.”

“Eww!” the boys chorused. “We’ve sat up there.”

“What? Sorry Boys, but it’s true. Probably generations of Westpoint people have done the same. But, something has to be done and soon. The job has been given to me; I’m the councilor for parks and reserves now.”

Robert said, “Well, it’s a great start to your career on the council, that’s all I can say. You’d be better to resign now and let someone else carry the can.”

“I’m not resigning. I was elected to the council and I’m going to do what I have to do.”

“This is their way of getting rid of you. You know that, don’t you? The Old School were all upset about a Carver kid getting on to the council. Knock the grandstand down and you’ll be history.”

“No, Robert, I won’t. I might be a Carver but I’m hardly a kid. This is not the end of my career, it’s barely the beginning. I’ll be mayor of this town before I’m finished.”

“Good luck with that, Brother. No way is that going to happen. Old attitudes die hard you know.”

“It’ll happen. Attitudes die hard but they do die. Wait and see.”

“Not after you knock the grandstand down they won’t.”

“What are we meant to do then, wait for it to fall down?”

“No, knock it down,” Carl said. “Tell the people why it has to go, and then bulldoze it and do it quick.”

“Carl! What are you saying?” Peter protested. “He can’t!”

“He can. He has to. Flatten it, Councillor Mathieson. Level it off at the ground, and then put it back. Build us a new grandstand exactly the same as the old one. Same size, same shape and colours. Just rebuild it in modern materials that are going to last.”

“Carl! I could kiss you!” Ross beamed. “You’re so right, my lovely nephew. Exactly right and that’s exactly what we’re going to do. You’ve just saved my career in politics and, more importantly, you’ve saved the grandstand too. Maybe you should be on the council?”

“Me on the council? No way. That doesn’t interest me at all. The job’s all yours, Uncle. Do this right and you’ll be on the way to the top.”

“I will,” Ross grinned. “Mayor Mathieson. Wait and see. Want to go and get your digger, Robert?”

“Seriously? Yeah, all right, but not yet. Don’t be too hasty. Like the boy says, first you’ve got to tell the people what’s happening and why.”

“I will. I’ll go around to the News and get it started now. We’d better get the engineering staff in to record everything here and draw up plans too. Plus, we’ve got to shut everyone out of the grandstand. We can’t afford to have any accidents now.”

“Bye, Uncles. Have fun,” Peter said.

“Bye Boys. You too.”

Peter and Carl left them and carried on walking – out of the Square and across to the main street.

“I’m so glad you that of that, Carl. Westpoint just wouldn’t be the same without the grandstand.”

“You’re not wrong.”

“Am I ever?”

“Not a lot, no. You’re a bright kid, Peter.”

“Yeah. Nearly as bright as you. Life’s good, isn’t it?”

“It is! Very good and getting better.”

They walked along the main street, carefully not looking at the landscaped garden-rest area where the Adelphi Hotel used to be. There was no logical reason for either of them to be upset at the demise of the old Adelphi, but they still didn’t like it.

They silently agreed, again, that the grandstand HAD to be replaced and it had to be exactly the same as it always had been.

They strolled around to the Esplanade. Carl was in a hurry and he wanted to get it over with. Peter didn’t. Carl tried to gently hurry him along and reassured him that everything was going to be all right, but it was not easy.

The huge trench being dug for the pipelines for the new sewage treatment plant was interesting, so they had to stop and check that out for a while.

Finally, they arrived at Carl’s home. His mother was weeding in the garden at the front.

“Hello Boys. Lovely to see you, Peter – about time too! You can feed yourselves if you’re hungry, I’m busy here. I think your dad’s in the garage, Carl. Go and see him first, he’s been waiting for you both.”

“He has?” Peter squeaked.

“Yes he has. Don’t look so worried, Peter. Everything’s okay, he just wants to see you.”

Carl Senior came out of the garage. “There you are! The return of Peter Reynolds.”

“Yes Sir. I’m here.”

“Good job too.” He put down the box he was carrying and hugged him. “You’re very welcome here, Peter. Make yourself at home.”

“Thanks, Mr. Carl. I will.”

“See that you do. Bye Boys. Be nice to each other.’

“Always, Dad. We’re always nice to each other.”

“Well, good! Keep it up.”

He picked up his box and went up to his office.

“See?” Carl grinned widely. “Nothing to worry about, my funny little Chinese Boy.”

“Shut up, Carl Sheridan.” Peter grinned back. “I’m no more a Chinese boy than you are. I was born in Westpoint, just like you were.”

“Sure you were, but you’re still Chinese – your mum’s from China, well, Hong Kong.”

“Maybe she was, but I’m not. I’m a kiwi kid, the same as you.”

“Peter, my beautiful, almond-eyed, black haired and golden skinned Chinaman, I am nothing like you, on the outside.”

“Okay, on the outside we’re different, inside we’re the same. Anyway, you’re a flame-haired Scotsman. But I love you anyway.”

“Oh yeah! We’re a United Nations, you and I.”

“United Nations, is it? Want to go and get united?”

“Sounds good – race you to my room.”

Sometimes, for a time, some things are more important than food – even for teenage boys. Especially for teenage boys.

Westpoint Tales - Heroes, 6

Their kiss was interrupted by Justin calling on the intercom. “Good morning, Handsome Boys! Hello? Are you awake in there? Billy T? JH?”

“Hey, Granddad. We’re awake.”

Oh good. I hate to rush you, but hurry up! Sunny has almost got your breakfast ready, come and get it, the sooner the better. You don’t want to see how grumpy he can be in the mornings.”

They heard Billy in the background. “Shut up, Justin.”

“Thanks, Granddad. We won’t be long.”

“Good Boy. See you soon.”

There was a click as Justin disconnected. “Sunny?” JH queried.

“It’s Justin’s name for Granddad Billy. Don’t ask why, I don’t know. It’s just what he calls him.”

“Oh, okay. We’d better get dressed then.”

“Yeah. Worse luck. I’ll pay you back later.”

“Pay me back? You don’t have to do that.”

“Maybe not, but I want to. We’d better get dry now.”

“Okay. Where are the towels?”

“There are no towels.”

“There’s not? How do we dry off then?”

“Like this.” Billy T touched a button and they were enveloped by hot, dry air coming from all of the shower-heads.

“Okay, all done.” He turned it off. “Can you take me back to the bed now please?”

“Of course. I’ll take you to bed any time you like. That’s never going to be a problem.”

They dressed quickly. Billy T took no longer to get his school clothes on than JH did. JH was amused and intrigued at all the little tricks and gadgets that Billy T used to help him dress. He realised that Billy T meant it when he said that he didn’t think of his family as being wealthy, but they did have everything he needed to make his life easier. ‘Fair enough too.’

“Umm, Billy, you know we were talking yesterday, about working? Well, I’ve decided. I don’t know what I’m going to do for money, but I know what I want to do with my life.”

Billy T looked up at him. “What’s that then?”

“I want to be your servant.”

“You bloody will not!”

“I bloody will. I want to be with you and love you and do everything I can to help you live your life. My legs are your legs. My body is your body and my life is yours, now and always. I love you.”

“JH! Blast. Thank you, but, well – thanks. But don’t you think that it’s a bit soon to be giving your life away?”

“Too soon? No. No way. I know what I want; I want you, nothing else. My life began when you smiled at me.”

“I, umm. I wish that I could say the same. I do like you, JH. I like you very much. Please, give me time. I’m not as decisive as you. Just be patient with me and let’s keep it in today. Okay?”

“Okay.” JH leaned over him and kissed him. “I love you, I’ll wait.”

“Cool, thanks. Now, let’s go eat!”

“Well, all right, but not too much. I don’t eat breakfast at all usually.”

“Tell Granddad Billy that, and good luck to you.”

They went up to the top floor. Justin greeted them. “Good morning, Lovely Boys! About time too. Much longer and Sunny would’ve been kicking your door down.”

Billy came out from the kitchen. “Shut up, Justin. Hello Boys – sit.”

They sat at the table to eat and Billy served up two large breakfasts.

“Granddad!” Billy T protested.

“Too much? Just eat what you want. You too, JH.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“What? What did you call me?”

“Sorry. Thank you, Billy.”

“That’s better, much better.” Billy smiled.

Justin sat across from the boys. “Did anyone do any homework last night?”

“No, not a bit,” JH replied.

“We didn’t have much anyway,” Billy T said. “And we were busy. Could you give us a note, Granddad? Tell the school that we had other stuff to do – they’d listen to you.”

“I could,” Justin agreed. “I could but I’m not going to. If you get in trouble, then it’s your fault. Consequences, Boys. Deal with it.”

“Gee thanks, Granddad. I love you too.”

“You know I love you, Billy T. I love you very much and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do you for. Almost nothing – I’m not going to help you to be a slacker though.”

“He’s right you know,” JH said. “Absolutely right. That wouldn’t be doing us any favours. Thanks, umm, Justin.”

Justin sat looking at him over his coffee cup. “Billy T, I think that you’ve got a good one here. I like this boy.”

“So do I, Granddad. I like him very much. Now please stop embarrassing him.”

They finished breakfast, said goodbye and went off to school, surrounded by cousins. JH didn’t know the names of half of them, but they all knew who he was and why he was there. He was a bit embarrassed, but thrilled to be there and accepted as one of them.

Billy T said that he could ride on the chair if he wanted to. But he said no; he’d walk like all the others. Besides, he needed to work off that great breakfast.

Billy T said, “Yeah, thanks. It’s all right for some people!”

We’ll find other ways for you to work it off.”

“Oh yeah!”

Peter and Carl met them at school.

“There you are,” Billy T said. “I thought that, maybe, you’d be taking the day off.”

“And miss an exciting day in Westpoint High?” Carl grinned. “Not likely!”

“Not today anyway,” Peter agreed. “How is it with you guys? Everything good?”

JH replied, “Everything is very good. Thanks Peter, I owe you.”

“No you don’t; I’ve already been paid in full. Thanks to you two, Carl has sorted things with his father and everything is sweet now. Life is good!”

“It is.” They all agreed. “Life is good.”

JH almost said that life was perfect, but it wasn’t, not quite. His life was much better than it was, but it wasn’t perfect. A couple of little things were worrying him. One of which was that he had to see his father, meet Bobby and apologise for the way he’d been for, well, all his life really.

Billy T wasn’t going home with hi after school, not today. He said that it was better for JH to go and talk to them alone. They’d have plenty of our days to be alone together.

They went into the school with grins, all but, fixed on their faces.

The day went well, interminably long, but it passed. After school, Billy T said goodbye and went home with the crowd. They’d talk later. Peter and Carl started off to Carl’s home. Carl’s dad wanted to see Peter; he had no worries about that, not many anyway.

JH stood talking to Claire Lyons while he waited for the bus. She told him that she was delighted about his news. He said that he was too!

Anthony Lyons walked past them. JH smiled. “Hey, Cousin.”

Anthony stopped and looked at him. “Hey yourself. Gone queer have you, JH?”

“Well, yeah!”

“I always knew it.” Anthony walked away, JH stood watching him go.

“Damm. I’ve got some bridges to mend there, Claire.”

“Ah, don’t worry about him,” she replied. “Our Anthony can be a little bitch at times. He’ll come right.”

“I hope you’re right. I don’t want an enemy.”

“Give him time. He’ll be okay. If he’s not, I’ll boot his butt for him.”

“You will? Thanks, Cousin.”

“You’re welcome, JH. I must say, I like the new you a whole lot more.”

“Thanks. So do I.”

The bus arrived, stopped in front of them, the door opened and Daniel O’Brien grinned out at the group on the sidewalk. “Hello, Beautiful People. Sorry we’re a bit late. You’ve got me today because your regular driver is busy. She’s having a baby actually, so don’t forget to congratulate her. Jump in and we’re gone.”

“Bye, Claire.”

“Bye, JH, and stop worrying. Uncle Bobby’s a good guy.”

“I’m trying not to worry.”

“Try harder.”

The bus dropped him off outside the Carvers Beach Billy’s Burgers. As he was going out of the door, the driver said, “JH?”

“Yeah?”

“I hear that Bobby’s home.”

“He is, I think. How do you know that?”

“It’s a small town. Tell him that Danny says ‘hello’.”

“I will. Thanks, Mr. O’Brien.”

He went in through the hamburger restaurant, elevated to the top floor and walked into the living-room. His dad sat, alone, on the big couch. He looked up and smiled.

“Hello, Son. Did you have a good night then?”

“Oh yes! Thanks, Dad. I had an excellent night. I love Billy T and his family are all great people too.”

“They are. They’re the best. So, everything’s all right in your world?”

“It is. Well, almost everything. There’s a couple of things. First of all, I need to apologise to you.”

“To me? What do you need to apologise to me for?”

“For being a prat. You’ve been nothing but nice to me ever since I turned up at your door. You’ve been great, but I was so full of prejudices and ignorance and hate that – well, I was a prat. Sorry. I’ll try to be a better person from now on.”

“I, umm, wow! Thank you, Son. What’s happened to you?”

“I’ve been washed.”

“Washed?”

“Yeah, washed in the sunshine of a smile.”

“Sit down, JH. Come and sit here with me. Whose smile are we talking about, Billy T’s?”

“Oh yes! I love him, Dad. I really, really love him and I think that he loves me too. I never thought that would happen.”

“Neither did I, but I’m glad if it has. Everybody needs somebody to love. Now your life can begin.”

“Now my life has begun!”

“That’s great.” Jon smiled and nodded past JH’s shoulder.

“Look behind you, Son. Someone wants to meet you.”

Jon turned around and saw a tall, slender, black-haired and blue-eyed guy standing there smiling at him.

“Oh, wow! The famous Bobby Lyons!” He rose to his feet. “Nice to meet you, Sir.”

Westport Videos

This is what kids do in Westport (Westpoint)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZzq8zXdg1Q

And, (Square and Highschool in background)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M8lV6GGPJA&feature=related

And, Sunset at the Bay - on the track up to the seal colony.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRsNVXeDPXE

I spend far too much time on the internet!

cheers

Westpoint Tales - Heroes, 5

JH moved a chair out of the way for Billy T and sat down, grinning. They sat making short work of the meal. Before they’d finished, Peter and Jay with Claire and Dee arrived and Jonathan, Claudette and ‘Tine came through from next door.

Billy T watched JH across the table and as soon as he’d finished, asked, “Want to get out of here?”

“Sounds good. Where shall we go?”

“Back to my room.”

“Sounds even better. Let’s go.”

“You go down, I’ll get us some drinks and I’ll be there.”

“I could do that.”

“So could I. I’m not useless, JH.”

“I didn’t think that you were, Billy.”

“Sorry. I get a bit touchy. Too often, people see the chair and think that I’m totally helpless.”

“I know that you’re not. You’re a pretty together person really.”

“I am now – together with you. Let’s go before someone wants to question us.”

“I’m gone.”

Back in his room, Billy T checked the time.

“Whoah. It’s late already. I can’t believe how long we slept before.”

“Yeah. It’s late already. I didn’t get a lot of sleep last night so I must’ve been making up for lost time.”

“You were awake all night? So was I. I didn’t sleep much either.”

“Really? I know why I couldn’t sleep. Why couldn’t you?”

“Well, because, I started in my new school yesterday. I met this boy there, a really, really beautiful boy. He was the most beautiful person that I’ve ever seen – just totally gorgeous - and I was upset and frustrated because I thought that someone like him would never want to know a wreck like me.”

“You’re not a wreck, Billy, You’re not and you shouldn’t think like that.”

“But I do. I know who I am. Why couldn’t you sleep, JH?”

“Well, you won’t believe this. I started in my new school yesterday and I met this boy there, the most beautiful boy ever! I thought that he was a red-haired angel in a wheelchair.”

“No way!”

“Way. I’ve never been attracted to a boy before, I’ve never even thought about it; but I saw this boy, saw the sunshine in his smile, and I fell in love with him.”

“Are you serious?”

“Very serious. I love you, Billy T. I loved you then and I love you now. I was so upset, last night, because I didn’t see how I’d ever get to talk to you let alone get to know you.

I know who I am too. I’m a pauper and you’re a prince – a beautiful prince surrounded by all your family. I didn’t think I’d ever get close to you, but I wanted to – so much!”

“Oh, JH. You can get as close to me as you want, the closer the better.”

"Oh yah!” JH kissed him.

“Yeah.” Billy T kissed him back. “Thank goodness for the Family,” he grinned.

“Your family?”

“OUR family. I knew that Carl and Peter are boyfriends.”

“Are they?”

“They are. So I thought that Carl would understand, so I told him my problem. He talked to Peter and he went and got you. I owe them a lot.”

“We owe them, especially me, I owe them the most.”

“You don’t, I do. Let’s go to bed.”

“Oh yah.”

Billy T climbed onto the bed and lay back, smiling widely, while JH slowly peeled his clothes off him. He hadn’t allowed anyone to undress him for years, but this was different and it was way better. His nurses had never grinned and kissed every inch of skin as it was exposed.

“Billy, oh Billy! You’re so, so, beautiful. You’re better than perfect. I love you, Billy T Carver.”

They kissed.

Just a couple of minutes later, they were interrupted by a disembodied voice. Justin was calling on the intercom. “Billy T, are you awake, Sunshine?”

“Hey Granddad, I’m awake.”

“Hey Boy. Turn your phone on, would you? Someone wants to talk to you.”

“I’m a bit busy. Who wants to talk to me?”

“You’ve got all night to get busy. Turn the phone on and you’ll see who it is. ‘Bye Sunshine. Oh, and JH?”

“Yes Sir?”

“Yes, Justin! Your dad expects you at home after school tomorrow. Take Billy T with you if you like – if he wants to, okay? Be good, Boys. See you in the morning and turn that phone on!”

“I’m doing it. ‘Bye Granddad.”

“Justin’s a nice guy.”

“He is. He’s the best granddad ever. Well, first equal anyway. Let’s see who we’ve got here and get it over with. It can’t be your dad, or he wouldn’t have left a message.”

Billy T stretched across JH and got his phone from the bedside cabinet. “Hello, who’s this?”

“Hey Cousin. It’s me – Peter. Is JH still there with you?”

“He’s here. Do you want to talk to him?”

“Yes and no. we want to talk to both of you. Look, put us up on the big screen, would you?”

“Okay, here you go.” Billy T switched the call over to the big vid-screen on the wall. “And there you are. Hey Guys.”

Peter and Carl grinned at them from the screen.

“Hey Peter. Hey Carl. You know JH don’t you?”

“Of course we do. JH Williamson, what are you doing naked in our cousin’s bed?

“I, umm. None of you business, Peter Reynolds!” JH blushed and stammered.

“It’s okay,” Peter laughed. “We haven’t got a lot of clothes on either.”

“We can see that,” Billy T grinned. “What did you want, Peter?”

Carl replied. “We want to say congratulations and thank you. You guys are our heroes.”

“Heroes? Why? We’ve done nothing.”

“Yes you have. You knew what you wanted and you did what you had to do to get it.”

“Well, you’re kind-of right,” Billy T replied. “But it’s you two who are our heroes. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you. Thanks Guys.”

“You’re very welcome and thank you to you too. You inspired us. We had a problem too. I put the hard word on Carl and he went and confronted his father for the first time in his life.”

“And now?”

“And now,” Carl grinned, “no more problem. Everything’s sweet.”

“Very cool. Well done, Carl.”

“Oh yeah! Do you guys want to do something; all of us together?”

“That’d be great. Sometime but not now. We’re kinda busy here,” JH grinned widely.

“Okay, cool.. We’re kinda busy too. See you tomorrow, guys.”

“Okay. ‘Bye Carl. ‘Bye Peter. Sleep well.”

“Oh we will! ‘Bye Cousins.”

Next morning, as they climbed out of bed, JH said, “Do you shower, Billy? Or do you have to have a bath?”

“I have both – either, or. But I prefer a shower, it’s quicker.”

“How do you manage that?”

“There’s a big frame thing that I stand in. Come and see. You can help me if you like.”

“Oh yes. I’d like that; that sounds like fun.”

“It could be, but we’d better not take too long. Granddad Billy will be getting breakfast for us by now.”

“Breakfast? Oh no. All I have for breakfast is coffee.”

“Good luck with that! Even Grandmother doesn’t get away with just coffee for breakfast, much as she’d like to. My granddads are great but they can be bossy, especially Billy. Even Justin does what he’s told – usually.”

“Oh. Okay. Maybe we could work-up an appetite?”

“Maybe we could!” Billy T grinned.

“How are we going to go about this? Shall I carry you into the shower?”

JH reached out a hand to him. Billy T’s smile switched off as he pushed the hand away.

“I can do it myself!” He snapped. “I shower myself everyday. You said that I’m not a cripple. Don’t treat me like one.”

“Whoah! Sorry. I was only asking. You said that I could help.”

Billy T sat glaring at him, and then his eyes widened as he lost the attitude. “No. I’m sorry, JH. Really sorry. I told you that I get touchy, but I don’t want to do that with you. Sorry.”

“’S’okay,” JH grinned. “Forget it. I’d get pissed too if I was you. Everything is such an effort for you to do what comes easy to everyone else. I want to help you out of love, not because I don’t think that you can do it yourself.”

“You’re right and I’m wrong. Be patient with me, JH. I’ve got a lot to learn.”

“We both have, Gorgeous Boy. We’ll get there ‘cos I love you.”

“Ah, you’re too sweet. Yes, you can help me, I’d love it if you do. Help me up and then you’ll have to carry me into the shower.”

“Cool.” JH pulled him to his feet. Billy T wrapped his arm around JH’s neck, he lifted him up and carried him into the shower cubicle. The bathroom door opened automatically as they approached it.

Billy T kissed his ear. “You’re not only beautiful, you’re strong too.”

“Strong enough,” JH nodded. “It’s not a problem; there’s nothing of you – skinny little thing that you are.”

“Gee thanks. Make a guy feel good why don’t you?”

“Nothing I want to do more than that!”

“’Oh, yeah.”

Billy T’s ‘disability shower’ was like nothing that JH had ever seen. Billy T told him that his Uncle Jonathan had designed it, so it was probably unique.

For a start, there was no separate shower cubicle, instead the rubber-coated floor in the back of the bathroom sloped down to the drain-holes in the back corners. The shower area contained a contraption like a pair of under-shoulder crutches with heavily padded tops. They were mounted on a small turntable on the floor and there was also a fold-away seat.

The back wall of the shower had moulded shelves for the soap, shampoo and wash-cloths etc. There was a panel with large touch-buttons – the controls for the shower-heads, temperature and what-not.

JH maneuvered Billy T onto the supports and slid his arms over the padded tops. He stood back and looked at him standing there. The boy was shorter than he was and so, so, beautiful. He wished that he had a camera.

“Oops. Sorry, I messed up.”

“I’m fine, JH. What have you messed up?”

“You’re facing the wrong way, aren’t you? You can’t reach the soap and stuff behind you. I’ll turn you around.”

“No need,” Billy T grinned. “I can turn myself.”

He touched a button on the right-hand upright and the turntable revolved, clockwise, so that he faced the back wall. A touch of the button on the left-hand upright turned him back, anti-clockwise.

“See? No problems.”

“Yeah. That’s awesome. Your Uncle Jonathan thought of everything when he designed it.”

“He did. He’s a bright guy. He’d have to be, he is Justin’s twin.”

“I had a twin too, he was still-born. I’ve often wondered what it would be like to have a brother.”

“Yeah, me too. I had a younger brother, but I lost him. Still.” The smile came back. “I think maybe I’ve got a brother now – a better than a brother.”

“Oh yah. Me too! I could stand here all day admiring you, but we’d better not. Shall we shower?”

“Shall we – yes!’

Billy T turned back to the controls and started the water flowing from the ceiling-mounted shower heads, and then from the wall-mounted ones as well. They both stood enjoying the fine, pulsing, spray coming at them from all directions.

He stopped the water and they soaped each other up. JH did Billy T from head to toes. Billy T couldn’t reach further than JH’s crotch, but that was far enough.

He started the water again to rinse off. They knew that they didn’t have much time, but JH could not resist. This beautiful boy was naked and in the ideal position for what he had in mind.

He kissed him lustfully, and then his mouth worked its way down Billy T’s body. He licked and sucked on his balls and ran his tongue up the underside of his dick. He clamped his mouth around the head.

Billy T gasped and giggled and slid his dick into JH’s mouth. This was nothing that they hadn’t done the night before, but that was different, lying down and dry. Now they were upright, hot and wet. It was great! Lotsafun.

JH had never wanted to do this to any boy, until now. Until this boy. He could not believe how much he liked doing it. Billy T was obviously liking it as well. He was gasping and gurgling as his climax approached – bucking and thrusting wildly. JH cupped his hands around his slender thighs, holding him and trying to slow him down a little.

“I’m come. . .I’m come. . .I’m coming! Oh, Fuck JH. So good. So good!”

His whole body went rigid as he pumped his seed into JH’s mouth, and then he relaxed.

JH stood up and grinned at him. “All right then?”

“Oh yes. Very all right! Come and kiss me.”

He did.

Westpoint Tales - Heroes, 4

His father replied, “No, I’m not throwing you out. I wouldn’t do that. Sit down, Carl. Relax.”

He sat down but he couldn’t relax.

“Dad, I’m confused. Are you saying that I can be with Peter? I thought that you hated gayboys.”

Carl Senior sighed, went back to the computer and opened a personal file. “No, I don’t hate gayboys. How could I? Look, who is this?”

He brought up a photo on the screen.

“Umm, Uncle Billy and Uncle Justin? Or, it could be Jonathan, but I suppose that it is Justin if he’s with Billy.”

“Yes, of course it’s Justin – Justin and Billy. Our bosses, by the way, I started working for them before I left school and I still do. And who is this?”

Another pic appeared.

“Uncle Brian and Uncle John.”

“And this?”

“Marty and Andy.”

“And who is this?”

“Daniel and Tony.”

“And this?”

“Uncle Peter and Jay. Dad?”

“One more, who is this?”

“Christian and Roman. I do know all of these guys.”

“Of course you do. They’re our family – friends and family. What have they all got in common?”

“Lots. They’re all gay and they’re all couples. They’ve been together for years, some of them.”

“Right! And, they all stood up for what they wanted and did what they had to do get it. There are others that I could point to, but that’s enough for now. These guys are heroes, all of them are. I don’t hate them, what makes you think that I could hate you?

You’re my oldest son and I love you. Also, I’ve never been prouder of you than I am right now.”

“You are? Dad, I’m getting more and more confused. You said that I was to stay away from Peter. You said that I couldn’t be with him, and now you’re telling me that you’re proud of me because I said that I will be with him?”

“Yes, exactly! It’s time that you stood up for yourself and what you believe in. If Peter is that important to you that you’ll defy me to be with him – well, he’s important.”

And it’s all right with you? Were you testing me?”

“I was testing you. You and Peter have been mates since you were babies, but lately it has gone beyond friendship. Lots of kids mess around, but I had to be sure that you weren’t going to hurt each other. I love Peter too, Carl. I always have.”

“And you still love me?”

“More than ever.”

“Oh, shit, Dad! Thank you.”

They stood up and hugged – hard.

“I love you, Dad.”

“I love you too, Son. Act like a man and I’ll treat you like a man. Act like a boy and I’ll keep on kicking your butt.”

“Wow. Thanks. Really thank you. Now I’ve gotta go.”

“Yes, you do. Go and find Peter. Tell him too, I’m sorry if I upset him. I had to be sure that you were serious and that you both knew what you were doing.”

“Cool. Thanks. I love you, Dad.”

“I love you too. ‘Bye Son.”

He should have stopped and put his ‘blades on. Hover-blades were the fastest way of getting around town, way faster than running – which was why they were banned at school. But, he didn’t. He was way too excited and in too much of a hurry to tell Peter the news. He didn’t even think of his ‘blades until he was halfway across town.

Time was drawing on. The sun had set and the sunset had faded but there was still no sign of Billy T and JH. They were taking no calls, all of their phones were off. Kathleen wanted Justin to go down to Billy T’s room, over-ride the locks and open the door, but he refused.

“Sometimes kids need privacy more than anything else.”

“To hell with privacy! I want to know what the boy is doing, Justin.”

“Grandmother, I think that we all know what they are doing. They don’t need us barging in on them.”

The old lady was not happy, but she let it drop. She knew stubborn when she saw it. Justin always was immovable once his mind was made up.

Shortly after that, Billy received a call from Jon. He put it up on the big screen on the living-room wall so that they could all see it.

“Okay Jon. You’re on the vid-screen now. Just repeat that for Grandmother and Justin’s benefit would you?”

“Hey guys,” Jon image waved from the wall. “I just wanted to know if you know where JH is? I had a message from him, ages ago, saying that he was at the Adelphi with Billy T. I asked him to be back here by 7 because Bobby’s coming home tonight. He’s over an hour late now and I’m starting to get worried. Have you seen him?”

“Yes, he’s here,” Billy replied. “Well, as far as we know he is. They went down to Billy T’s room.”

“And they have been for hours!” Kathleen said. “I told you, Boys. It’s time someone checked-up on them.”

“Okay, Grandmother, we’ll have a quick look,” Justin replied. “Sunny, can I have the controller, please?”

Billy handed the controller to Justin. He took it and turned back to the screen. “I’ll put you on ‘hold’, Jon. Just wait a minute.”

Jon’s image was replaced by a list of programmes which Justin screened through, and then an off-white picture appeared.

Billy peered at the screen. “What you got here, Justin?”

“That’s the ceiling in Billy t’s room. His camera is pointing up at it.”

“This is from Billy T’s camera? Woo-hoo, I didn’t know you could do that. His phones are turned off.”

“Were turned off. There’s ways to over-ride the system if you know how to. Andy showed me. Now, if we can turn the camera.”

The picture scrolled down, scanned around the room and stopped on the two naked boys lying entwined together on the big bed.

“And, there they are. No problems, they’re just sleeping.”

He flicked back to Jon’s image. “Still there, Jon? You can stop worrying, they’re fine. Have a look at this.”

He put the image through to Jon’s phone and then changed back. “Okay, we’re not perving on them. Did you see that? They’re sleeping.”

“Wow!” Jon was amazed. “I saw it but I don’t believe it. My son the homophobe. JH hates gayboys!”

“Not all of them, apparently,” Justin grinned. “Looks to me like he quite likes our boy.”

“It certainly does! What happened?”

“Your guess is as good as ours. I think that we’ll have to wait until they’re ready to tell us.”

“You don’t mind JH being with your boy?”

“Of course we don’t mind – as long as it’s mutual. Billy T has been lonely in the crowd. If they’ve found each other, then that’s good. JH is a nice-enough boy and he comes from good breeding stock.”

“JH comes from the same stock as we all do. You know that, Cousin,” Jon grinned widely.

“I meant his parents not his ancestors,” Justin replied. “But, you’re right, Cousin. Of course, if he ever hurts our boy, I’ll cut his nuts off!”

“I’m sure that you would. But I don’t think that will be happening. He is a decent person despite the attitudes that he’s got from his upbringing.”

Billy said, “Those attitudes have gone out the window by the looks of things. Do you want us to wake them up and send him home now?”

“No, just leave them in peace I think. He can meet Bobby tomorrow. We’re not going anywhere and if they’ve found love that’s much more important.”

“Good call, Jon. Nothing is more important than that. We’ll let you know when they surface. Meanwhile, go get ready for Bobby. I’m sure that you’re cleaning everything in sight.”

“Thanks Superboy. You know me too well. See you all tomorrow, if not sooner. And Justin, if he ever does hurt Billy T, I’ll sharpen the knife for you.”

“’Bye Jon,’ Justin smiled. He cut the connection and turned back to Billy. “Sorry, Sunny. Are you happy with this?”

“Sure I am, Sweetcheeks. If Billy T has found a Superboy, I’m delighted for him. Of course, if he hasn’t, I’ll hold JH down while Jon sharpens the knife for you.”

“You can all mind your own business,” Kathleen grumbled. “Give the boys a chance. They don’t need you all worrying over them.”

“Grandmother!” Justin grinned. “Listen to yourself. You’re the biggest worrier ever. Sunny might not be here now if you hadn’t sent Jonathan to bring him to me.”

“Someone had to do something. You weren’t going to.”

“I wasn’t. Thank you, Grandmother.”

“Amen to that,” Billy agreed. “Thank you, Grandmother.”

“You’re welcome, Boys. About time you said thanks. Are you going to wake those two up?”

“No, we’re going to leave them alone.”

It was only a few minutes later when they emerged anyway. The elevator came up from the room below and two grinning boys came into the room.

“Hello Grandmother. Hey Granddads. Sorry, we fell asleep. Is there any dinner left and have you got some for JH?

“Of course there is,” Billy replied. “It’s just macaroni cheese, but there’s plenty of it. I’ll reheat some for you. It will take a couple of minutes.”

“Cool. Thanks, Granddad. JH come and see the view out the front.”

“JH?” Justin interrupted. “Have you phoned your dad? He’s getting worried about you.”

“Oh, no. I should’ve called him. Sorry.”

“Hey, don’t tell me, tell him.”

“I will, sorry.”

“Come on out here,” Billy T opened the doors. “You can call him while we’re outside.”

“Sure I can.” JH followed him outdoors. “Oh, wow! This is fantastic.”

“It is. Wait until you see it in the daytime. We like to look down at the peasants from here.”

“Peasants like me.”

“Oops, sorry – sore point. I was joking. I never know when to keep my big mouth shut.”

The door closed behind them and Billy grinned at Justin. “The boy’s happy”

“He is. Both of them are, I think.”

“So does he spend the night here or shall we pack him off home to his father?”

“We do nothing. It’s not up to us. JH can work it out with Jon, and with Billy T of course. Jon might like some time alone with Bobby and I’m sure that Billy T won’t mind.

When the boys returned, Billy T asked, “Can JH stay the night here with me? Please, please, please. We won’t stay up too late and we’ll go to school tomorrow.”

“Of course he can, if he wants to,” Billy answered.

“Oh I do, I really do. Thank you, Sir.”

“Just see that you get some sleep,” Kathleen grumbled.

“JH.” Justin stood up. “Let’s get one thing straight. This is Grandmother, he is called Billy and I’m Justin. There are no ‘sirs’ here, okay?”

“Leave the boy alone, Justin” Kathleen said. “I remember another boy who insisted on calling his grandfather ‘Sir’.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Justin grinned.

“I’ll try, Mr. Reynolds,” JH blushed.

“None of that either. I hate being called Mr. Reynolds, especially by family members. Call me ‘Granddad’ if you like – we’ll adopt you.”

“I think I’ll try ‘Justin’, for now.”

“Good for you, Boy.” Billy put their food on the table. “Justin and Billy it is. Come and eat. What do you think of our view out there?”

“It’s great, umm. . . Billy. Really great. You must be literally over the rainbow up here.”

Westpoint Tales - Heroes, 3

JH was suddenly aware that this was not just any beautiful boy here, this was Billy T Carver and he was rich – mega-rich. A nobody simply did not belong in Billy T’s world. He sat up and looked back down at him. Damm! He was so beautiful. Life was unfair.

“What’s the matter?” Billy T asked, worriedly. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No! You didn’t. You couldn’t. Look, umm, Billy – well, you’re rich and I’m not.”

“Do you want my money?”

“What? No! Of course I don’t want your money I wish that you didn’t have any.”

“Well, that’s good because I haven’t anyway.”

“You haven’t? But. Yes you have, you must be worth millions. What about Billy’s Burgers?”

“What about them? I don’t own Billy’s Burgers, it’s my granddads’ company. Granddad Billy and Granddad Justin are the major shareholders. There’s other people who’ve got shares as well, but not me. I don’t own any of it.”

“You don’t? But your face is on everything – all the advertising and the logo. Did they just use you for a model?”

“No,” Billy T laughed. “That’s not me. That’s Granddad Billy when he was a boy. His face is on everything, not mine.”

“It’s not you then? Oh. Sure looks like you.”

“Yeah, I know, but it’s him not me. Well, he is my granddad. I wouldn’t be much use to them – you couldn’t have a cripple advertising healthy food.”

“Oh, Billy, don’t! Don’t call yourself that. You’re not a cripple.”

“I’m not? Could’ve fooled me. I look like a cripple.”

“Well you’re not! You’re not a cripple, you’re just a boy who was in an accident. But, that’s beside the point; you’re still way above my world. I’m down there on the ground and you’re up here in the clouds.”

“I can come down there and you can come up here. We’ve got elevators.”

“That’s not what I’m talking about. Okay, maybe you don’t own Billy’s Burgers, yet. One day you will. Your family is rich.”

“I suppose they are. We just don’t think about it. Yeah, I’m probably in my granddad’s wills, but I’d rather have my granddads. I won’t be the only one, they've got a huge family and lots of friends. Anyway, they’re not going anywhere soon. Granddad’s Grandmother still lives with us and looks like she might do forever.”

“She’s an amazing old lady.”

“She is! Plus, your dad’s not exactly destitute. Whatever he’s got he’ll leave to you.”

“Why would he do that? I’m a stranger to him. I only just met him a couple of weeks ago.”

“You’re not a stranger. You’re the son and heir, the only son.”

“I, umm, yes, I suppose that I might be. But there won’t be a fortune, he works for a living. He works for your family, they own everything, not him.”

“Of course he works, everybody should. One day, you’ll work for a living and so will I, hopefully. But, I wouldn’t bet on him not having a fortune for you. There’s his partner, Bobby’s income as well, remember. Bobby will be worth millions.”

“No!”

“Yes! He’s a world-famous musician isn’t he? They don’t get paid peanuts.”

“But that’s nothing to do with me, I haven’t even met Bobby, yet.”

“Doesn’t matter. He’s your dad’s partner, so, legally, you’re his son and heir as well.”

“But. Am I? It doesn’t matter anyway, they’ll probably be around for 50 years or something.”

“Yeah, they could, and so could my granddads. Forget about all of that, none of it matters anyway. Do you want something to eat?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“You are – real fine! What about a drink then?”

“No, no drink either. Billy, I don’t want anything, I just want to be here with you.”

“Cool. Me too. Hold me, JH.”

He did.

They lay and quietly snuggled together.

“Why JH?”

“Why what?”

“Why are you called JH and not James or Jim or something?”

“Dunno really. I just am. I’ve always been JH. Why are you Billy T? What does the ‘T’ stand for?”

“Nothing at all.”

“Nothing?”

“Nothing. It’s a joke, sort of. A long, long time ago there was a comedian, a maori guy; he was very popular and he was always known as Billy T James. The ‘T’ sounds a bit like the maori ‘te’ or ‘the’.”

“So you’re Billy the Carver?”

“Yeah, that’s me. Plus, it stops me getting confused with Granddad, he’s Billy, I’m Billy T.”

“Makes sense. You’re the new improved version.”

“You think? Well, you’re the new improved version of James Hargreaves.”

“Yeah! My Great, Great, Granddad.”

“Our Great, Great, Granddad – Cousin.”

“Kiss me, Cousin.”

“Oh yes!”

Earlier, when Billy T and JH left the school and rolled away up Derby Street, Peter and Carl watched them going and Peter grinned. “Mission accomplished!”

“Yeah. You did good, Peter,” Carl grinned back. “That’s good for them.”

“It is. Really good for them. Why can’t we do that, Carl?”

“Well, we haven’t got a wheelchair for a start. Oops! The dork fell off the chair.”

“He did? Yeah, he’s all right. Forget about those two, I’m trying to have a serious convo here. Why can’t we go home together?”

“You know why we can’t. My father would go ballistic.”

“It’s about time your father grew up. We’re gay and there’s nothing he can do about it.”

“I know that. You know that, but he doesn’t. He thinks that if he can keep us apart then it will all blow over.”

“Know something, Carl? I think he’s right.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean that it is blowing over. I do love you, I love you very much, but I’m not going to live like this – sneaking around and hiding in corners. I’ve had it.”

“Peter! You can’t say that.”

“I can say that. I said it and I mean it. You go and sort things with your father, until then – goodbye, Carl.”

Peter walked away, Carl stood staring after him.

“Peter! Don’t, please.”

“Sort it, Carl.” He kept walking.

Everything inside him was screaming, ‘Stop! Turn around. Go back!’ but, no, he would not. Enough was enough. They’d been friends forever and no-one had a problem with it until now.

Now everything had changed. They’d gone beyond friendship, they were in love and Carl’s father was saying that they could not be. Jerk! It was about time Carl grew some balls. He was a nice kid, but he let people walk all over him, especially his father. He always had.

Redheads are supposed to have fiery tempers weren’t they? Carl might have the red hair of his Carver ancestors, but he’d never shown any sign of having a temper. The kid was a wimp!

He was bigger than Peter, physically, he always had been, but all their lives, it had always been Peter sticking up for him and not the other way around. If they were going to spend the rest of their lives together, and Peter seriously intended that they would, then he needed to know that Carl could defend him if he needed to.

For that to happen, Carl was going to have to start at the top and deal to their biggest nemesis – his father. Once he got that out of the way, nothing and no-one else would be a problem. Carl was going to have to do something.

Carl watched the boy he loved walking away and, yes, he was right. He was going to have to deal with this, but – how? His father could be a jerk and a bully at times and he intimidated him. Always had.

He sighed as he watched Peter disappear into the distance. He wasn’t concerned, much. Peter would be back, he had to. Neither of them could live without the other, and both of them knew that. But, what if?

What if Peter really did walk away from him and not come back? Carl had never thought that would happen, but now he was not so sure. What would he do without him? He didn’t want to think about that. But, it could happen!

He would just die, that’s all. There was no life for him without Peter in it. Full of resolution, he went home to talk to his father.

He arrived home to the complex where they lived, the Riverside Motels and Apartments, on the Esplanade, by the bridge. This was the only home he’d ever known, his parents had managed the place since before he was born. Well, his mother managed it really. His father spent most of his days in his home-office, on the computer. He worked, mainly, for Billy’s Burgers, in marketing and administration.

Carl waved his hand over the buzzer and stood, nervous but resolute, in front of the camera by the door. The light changed from red to green and the door slid open. He took a deep breath and stepped into his father’s sanctum.

Carl Senior sat, as usual, in front of the computer. Without looking around, he waved at the chair beside him.

“Sit down, Son. I’ll be with you in a minute.”

Carl sat clutching his hands together and trying not to look nervous. (It wasn’t working).

After a couple of minutes, he shut down the programme and turned to face his son.

“Dammit! I’m surrounded by idiots! What can I do for you, Carl?”

“Dad, umm, look if this is not a good time, I can come back later.”

“No. Now’s as good a time as any. Spit it out.”

“Well, okay. It’s about Peter – Peter and me.”

“What about Peter and you?”

“I love him, Dad. I really love him; I always have and I always will and he loves me too. I can’t live without him and sooner or later we are going to be together. We have to! If that means that you kick me out of the family, I’m sorry, but I’m still going to.”

“You have to be with Peter? Do you seriously believe that you are old enough to make a decision like that?”

Damm. Carl wanted to burst into tears and run away, but he wouldn’t, he couldn’t. He’d come this far and this was way too important to back down now.

“Carl? I asked you a question. Are you old enough?”

“Yes, Dad, I am,” he gulped. “I’m plenty old enough. There is no decision, I can’t live without him.”

“You can’t? I thought I told you to stay away from Peter?”

“You did.”

“And you’ve been seeing him anyway. Is this relationship sexual?”

“Well, yes.” Carl whispered. His face was bright-red.

“Don’t talk to the floor. I can’t hear you, Boy.”

Carl gulped again, lifted his head and took a breath. “Yes we are having sex, every chance we get. I love him.”

“And he loves you?”

“He does.”

Carl Senior got up out of his chair and stood, with his back to him, looking out at the river “So you think that you’re old enough to take control of your life. Are you willing to give up your comfortable life here, to give up your home and your family all to be with Peter Reynolds?”

“Yes, Dad, I am. I don’t want to, I do love you and Mum and everyone else, but I’ll give it up if I have to. I can’t live without him. I can’t and I won’t!”

Carl Senior turned around and studied his son. “You’re serious?”

“Deadly serious.”

“Well, good!” He smiled.

“Good?” Carl could not believe his ears. This conversation had gone beyond weird. He rose to his feet.

“Dad, what do you mean ‘good’? Are you kicking me out?”

Westpoint Tales - Heroes, 2

Peter walked away, thinking, ‘Dammit. I do love you, Carl, but you can be such a wimp! How are you ever going to stand up to your father? Well, if I can do something about these two, maybe it’ll inspire you to do something about us.’

He found JH sitting on the steps near the gym. He was alone, thankfully, so Peter went over and sat down next to him.

“Hey, JH Williamson. I’m Peter Reynolds. Welcome to Westpoint High.”

JH looked at him, suspiciously. “Thanks, I guess.”

“What do you think of it so far?”

“It’s okay, I suppose. I just don’t know hardly anyone here yet.”

“That won’t last long. There’s a boy, a cousin of mine, and he’d very much like to get to know you.”

“He would? I’m not gay you know. Who are we talking about?”

“I said nothing about gay. But, I’m talking about Billy T Carver. Do you want to meet him?”

“Really? Billy T Carver wants to meet me? Really?”

“Yes really. Billy T would like to know you. Are you interested?”

It took JH an age to answer. He sat looking down at his feet. Finally, he lifted his head and looked Peter in the eye. “Yes,” he whispered. “Yes I am very interested. If he wants to, I’d love to know him.”

“Cool. He wants to – he likes the look of you.”

“He does?”

“Yeah, he does.”

“I like the look of him too.”

“That’s great. Right then, meet us out back of the library after school.”

“I’ll be there. Thanks, Peter Reynolds.”

“You’re welcome, my friend. Now I’ll go and find him. See you then.”

“Yeah, later. Thanks.”

JH could not believe his luck. Reynolds wasn’t putting him on, was he? No, why would he? He seemed serious enough. Well, he’d be there anyway. What did he have to lose? Not a lot, but there could be so much to gain. There probably wouldn’t be, but, if Billy T wanted to, he’d be happy to be his friend – more than happy. And, he smiled at him! He’d be there, behind the library, after school. Oh, yes!

Billy T was very excited about Peter’s news, and he was grateful for his help, but he was nervous too. By the time school finished, he’d all-but decided that he wasn’t going. He couldn’t go through with this meeting. Peter gave him no choice. It was about time someone was assertive around here and he was not going to let him back out of it. He made him go. Billy T was quite easy to push around really, he was on wheels after all.

They enlisted Doris’ help and she and Kathy O’Brien helped Carl to keep everyone else away and give the kid some privacy. Peter rolled Billy T around to the back of the library and JH was already there. He stood up as they approached.

“Hey, JH. Good to see you made it.”

“Hey, Peter. I said I’d be here.”

“And you are! Good for you. JH Williamson, this is Billy T Carver. Billy T, JH.”

“Hey.”

“Hey, Billy.”

They smiled at each other and Peter decided that they’d be fine. It was obvious that they liked each other already.

“Cool. Well, you don’t need me, I’ll leave you alone. Don’t mess this up. You both want to know each other – talk!”

Peter left them alone. They looked at each other and grinned.

“Bossy Beggar, isn’t he?”

“Yeah, he is,” Billy T nodded. “I think it’s a Reynolds thing.”

“Bossy lot are they? But you’re a Reynolds.”

“No, I’m not. I’m a Carver, but we’re all related anyway.”

“You are. You’ve got a huge family.”

“We have, and so have you.”

“Me? No, I haven’t got much family at all.”

“You have you know. If you’re descended from James Hargreaves, then you’re one of us. We’re all his offspring too.”

“Right. I am James Hargreaves Williamson.”

“Yeah, and I’m Billy T Carver. Hello, Cousin.”

“Hey cousin. Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too – really nice. I, umm, I’m gay you know.”

“Cool. So am I, I think. I never thought I was, but now – well, I think I am.”

“Yeah? What changed your mind then?”

“I didn’t change my mind, I just opened my eyes.”

“Oh? What did you see?”

“I saw a beautiful boy with fire in his hair.”

“Beautiful? There’s only one beautiful boy around here, and that’s you.”

“Rubbish,” JH smiled.

“Not,” Billy T smiled back. “I’ve got to get home, to the Adelphi, before the granddads start organizing a search party. Do you want to come with me? Please?”

“I’d love to, if you really want me to.”

“I do. I don’t think I’ll be playing football today anyway.”

“I suppose not. Do you want me to push you?”

“Not necessary.” Billy T pushed buttons, reversed the chair and turned it around. “The chair’s motorized. Stand on the platform at the back and I’ll give you a ride.”

“Very cool. Thanks.”

They rolled along Derby Street, heading for the towering building up ahead of them. JH could not believe his luck. He LIKED this kid. Billy T was delighted. If he could, he’d lock him in his room and keep him there forever.

‘Ah, if only!’

“Umm,” JH cleared his throat. “This is way cool, Bill. But, can you walk at all?”

“No. Not a step. I can stand up, with support, something to hold on to. The legs are all there, they just don’t work.”

“That’s too bad. What happened?”

“I got smashed up in a car crash when I was just a little kid.”

“Ouch! I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry too. It could’ve been worse, at least I’m alive. My Dad and my little brother were killed, but I survived.”

“I’m glad that you did.”

“Yeah, so am I – now. For a long time I wished that I didn’t. Granddad Justin says that my mind got smashed up too, but it’s coming right.”

“Pleased to hear it. Where’s your mum?”

“She’s dead too, her and my sisters. They were killed in a plane crash.”

“Bugger! You’ve had a hard life. My mum’s dead too – drug overdose. I was raised my my grandparents, but now they’ve gone too, so I’m living with my Dad.”

“So many deaths! Let’s hope that nothing happens to your dad.”

“I do. I really like him. He’s a good guy.”

“He must be. He’s a friend of my granddads and they only have the best. They’re good guys too. I really hope that nothing happens to them. I think I’d just give up if it did.”

“Shoot! You can’t do that! You shouldn’t even think like that. You’re a great kid and you’ve got your whole life ahead of you.”

“I guess. I don’t want to live my life alone though.”

“Can’t see that happening. You’ll always have someone. Lots of people are going to love you.”

“Doubt it. Anyway, I don’t want lots of people. I just want one special someone.”

“That’s cool. Me too. Billy, ummm, I hope that, one day, well, you might think about me.”

There was no reply. Billy T looked straight ahead. JH thought, ‘Fuck! What did I have to go and sat that for?’

“Sorry. I, umm, I’ll leave you alone”

He stepped off the chair, stumbled, fell over and sat on the ground feeling like the world’s biggest idiot. He felt like crying.

“Oh wow!” Billy T stopped and turned around. “What happened, JH. Are you hurt?”

“Just my pride,” he shrugged. “I’m sorry, Billy. I’m just a dork” He got back to his feet.

“I’m a nothing and a nobody and you are – well, you’re Billy T Carver. You wouldn’t want to know me.”

“Yeah, you’re a dork all right. You’re a beautiful person, a super guy and I’m just a wreck in a wheelchair, but I do want to know you. I very much want to. JH, I think I love you.”

“You do?” JH whispered, and he started crying. Copious tears flowed and Billy T answered with tears of his own.

“I don’t think, I know it. I love you, Billy. I do.”

“Yeah so do I.” Billy T pulled himself together. “All right, JH Williamson, it’s up to you. You can walk away and break my heart or you can come down here and kiss me.”

JH bent down and kissed him, briefly. They broke apart and grinned.

“Thank you,” Billy T said. “Please get back on the chair and we’ll go home. I want to be alone with you, if you want to.”

“I want to. I want that more than anything.”

“Cool!” Billy T smiled that smile and JH smiled back. He stood on the chair and they went to the Adelphi. Life was great!

They went straight up the ramp at the side of the main entrance, across the lobby and into an elevator. Billy T fished a card out of his shirt pocket, inserted it in the slot, and they went up to the top floor.

“We’ll have to get a granddad to get you one of these cards.”

In the top-floor living room, Grandmother Kathleen was asleep in front of the television, and Justin sat at a table with a mountain of papers. Granddad Billy came out of the kitchen.

“There you are, at last. Is everything all right? You’re late.”

“Everything’s all right, Granddad. Everything is great actually. This is JH Williamson, he’s my friend.”

“JH Williamson!” Billy smiled and offered his hand. “Great to meet you at last. Welcome to our home.”

“Thank you, Sir. Umm, at last?”

“Yes, at last. We’ve been hearing all about you. We remember you when you were a baby.”

“We certainly do!” Justin spoke up. “I’ll never forget you. You were lying on the floor with no pants on, I picked you up and you peed all over me.”

“Ohmigod. Did I really? Sorry about that.”

Justin laughed. “Yeah, you did. Don’t worry about it, Lad. It was my fault. I should’ve put a nappy on you first. You were just a baby. Don’t do it again though.”

“Leave the boy alone, Justin,” Kathleen growled. “Come over here where I can have a look at you, JH.”

“Grandmother,” said Billy T. “Be nice. This is my friend.”

“I’m always nice,” she snapped. “Well? I can’t see you, Boy.”

“Stand up close, JH,” Billy T said. “Grandmother is getting as blind as a bat but she won’t wear her glasses.”

“Stupid things make me look like an old lady.”

“But you are an old lady, Grandmother.”

“Shut up, Justin. You don’t have to tell everybody. Ah yes, there you are. What a fine-looking boy you are too. You’re a Williamson all right. You look like my cousin, John. I don’t think he looked as good as you though.”

“You people are impossible!” Billy T laughed. “Come on, JH. We’ll go down to my room now.”

The two boys crowded on to Billy T’s personal elevator and they sank down, out of sight, to the floor below.

“What a gorgeous boy!” Justin said.

“Justin!” Billy protested.

“Well he is. Billy T thinks so too.”

“Do you think?”

“He does. We haven’t heard him giggle like that for years. JH may be just what our boy needs.”

“Yes, he might. I think that’s what Billy T is thinking too.”

His granddads were right, that is exactly what Billy T was thinking. He’d never known anyone who he’d liked so much so quickly. If there really was someone for everyone, maybe this was his someone.

“Here we go. This is my room. All set up for the wheels.”

“Yeah? It’s a great room and, wow! Awesome.”

JH crossed the room to look out at the dramatic seascape through the big windows. “What a view!”

“It is that” Billy T agreed. “But you get used to it.”

“Now I see why the Adelphi is so high. I don’t think I’d ever get used to a view like this.”

“I hope you do. I hope you’re around so long that you don’t even see the view.”

“Oh, Billy.” JH turned and looked at him. “I hope so too.”

He came back, stood in front of the chair and bent down with his hands on the arm-rests. “I know that I’ll never get tired of this view.” He kissed him.

Billy T put his hands around his face and he kissed him back.

JH pulled away. “It doesn’t matter if you can’t, but can you? Well – you know?”

“Oh, I can you know, all right!” Billy T laughed. “Ask my poor abused pillows, they’ll tell you.”

“Lucky pillows!”

“I think that, maybe, they’re out of luck now.”

“I hope so. Can I help you?”

“No, it’s okay. I can do this.” Billy T pulled himself upright, lowered onto the bed and, using his hands, lifted his legs around.

“Come and lie with me, please?”

“Oh yes. You’ll never have to ask twice.”

JH kicked his sneakers off, stretched out on the bed and they kissed and cuddled. ‘Awesome!’

There was one sour note when Billy T picked up the remote and the floor-to-ceiling drapes closed the world out.