Westpoint Tales

The Malloys, 7

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 22:21:00 +0000

Molly and her friend, Mandy, joined them on the way home.

"Gee, Michael, you were great. I'm glad that you're my big brother now. Now those sods will stop picking on Hori.He was great, wasn't he, Hori?"

Hori grinned and grabbed his hand. He held it all the way home. They arrived back, Big Mike, Max, Harri and another boy were sitting out at the front of the house. Michael was glad to see that the Rolls Royce had gone. Hori hugged him again, and then ran away inside.

"What's up with Hori? You upset him?" Big Mike queried.

"No, I did not!"

"What then?"

Molly answered, "You should've seen him, Big Mike. Michael was great. Bazza McCutcheon and his goons were picking on Hori and took his frisbee and Michael made them give it back."

"That's good," he nodded. "But you didn't hit them, did you?"

"Maybe a little bit, but they were asking for it."

"Oh, you shouldn't have done that, even if they did ask for it."

"And why not? Nothing else was working and I told Nancy I'd look after him."

"McCutcheon's got brothers, big ones, and they're bad news. They'll be looking for you."

"I'm not scared of any flaming bullies!"

"Well you should be. From now on you don't go anywhere without me."

"Thanks, Big Mike, but I don't need a nursemaid. I can look after myself."

"Listen to him, Michael," Harri said. "You don't know those creeps and they really are bad news. You be careful."

"I will. Thanks, Harri."

Sarah came out with the bandage and strapped his ankle up again. You shouldn't have gone out without it," she growled.

"I was in a hurry to get away from the old dragon."

"Maybe you were, but you still shouldn't have!" she scowled, and then she grinned. "She is an old dragon, isn't she? She won't mess with you again."

"I bloody hope not."

"Ah, she probably will. She only hears what she wants to. Good on you anyway. Now, come and tell Nancy what you did for Hori."

"I don't have to, do I? It was nothing."

"No it wasn't and yes you do. If she hears it from anywhere else, you're in trouble. Best she gets it from you first."

"Okay, I guess." They both stood up. "But it was no big deal really."

"Yes it was," Sarah smiled and she kissed his cheek. "You're okay, Little Brother. Now come on."

"Michael!" Big Mike stopped him before he went in.

"Yeah?"

"This is our friend, Ben. Ben, my brother Michael."

"Hey, Michael."

"Hey, Ben. I'll see you later, okay?"

"Yeah, don't keep Nancy waiting."

He followed Sarah inside and Big Mike turned to his friend. "Well?"

"Well what?"

"What d'you think?"

"I dunno, looks all right, I guess."

"C'mon, Ben. He's more than all right, he's a looker and he's a damm nice kid too."

"Yeah, yea, if you say so."

"I do say so and not just because he's my brother either. You could do all right there."

"If you think he's so great, why don't you get him?"

"W-e-l-l," Big Mike drawled. He looked at Max and grinned. "No, Maxie's more than enough for me."

"And don't you forget it!" Max shoved his shoulder.

"Bloody gay-boys!" Harri stood up. "I'm going to find a real man."

"Hey! We're real."

"Yeah, but real what? See you later, Girls."

There was a chorus of raspberries as she walked away.

They walked into the kitchen and, despite the wet-blankets' warnings about bullies, Michael was feeling pretty good and had a big smile on his face. Nancy soon got rid of that.

"You can get that smirk off your face."

"I wasn't smirking."

"You bloody were! Think you're a big man, do you? Beating up kids! I'm not impressed."

"Kids? One of them was nearly as big as me, and there were three of them."

"That makes it all right, does it? They were kids and years younger than you."

"They're years older than Hori and they were picking on him. One of them hit him! You told me to take him out and you told me to look after him and I did and I'd do it again."

"That's all very well, but I will not have you fighting in the street. We don't do that in this family."

"I didn't have any choice."

"Of course you did. Real men don't fight with their fists."

"I did what I had to. It wasn't in the street anyway," he mumbled. "We were in the park."

"It makes no difference where you were. As long as you're living here, you live by my rules. Don't do it again!"

Damm, she was hard. Michael sighed, "Maybe I don't want to live here. Maybe it's time I was going."

"Please yourself. Where exactly are you going to go?"

"I've got somewhere. I can go back to my mother's."

"To your mother's?"

"Yes. Look, umm, I wasn't quite honest with you."

"I know."

"You know? My mother was moving to Aussie, to live on the Gold Coast, I kicked-up a fuss and I was refusing to go. Mum gave me a choice, I could go with her or I could go and find my father and let him be responsible for me until I finish school. You know about that?"

"Of course I bloody do! Your mother has been in touch and let us know. Better late than never, you were already here when she rang."

"Oh, I didn't know about that."

"Now you do. You mightn't think so, but you're still a child and it is your parents who are responsible for you."

Now he was even more pissed. "Some parents! You can't make me stay here. I'll go if I want to."

"Please yourself. Don't slam the door on the way out."

He glared at her, which didn't hurt her a bit. Damm, she was a hard woman. He left the room, carefully not slamming the door. He went out to the sleepout, sitting on the bed to calm down. He did the right thing for Hori. Dammit. He didn't care what she thought, he was right.

Right. He was leaving. They didn't want him here and he didn't want to be here anyway, this was not his home. His mother might not be perfect, but she was the only mother he had. She was easier to live with than this lot. He was going home, wherever that was.

He pulled his pack out from under the bed, stuffed his gear into it, swung it onto his back and left the room. Big Mike, and the others, had gone from the front of the house. That was a shame, he would've liked to say goodbye to him. Whatever. He'd find out.

He stood for a minute, looking at where the others were sitting before and thinking. Shame it hadn't worked out here. He liked those guys and would've liked them to be in his life, but they wouldn't be. Whatever. Tommy didn't want to know him anyway, he was obviously not interested. He liked the look of that Ben too, now he'd never get to know him. Shame. Oh well, there'd be others. He started walking.

"Michael! Michael, what are you doing? Come back here!" Sarah stood on the verandah, calling out.

He looked back and waved. "Bye, Sarah."

"Michael, you get back here now!"

Bossy thing. She didn't tell him what to do, nobody did - nobody! He kept going, waved and didn't look back. He was almost down to the main street where he'd first met Big Mike when he felt a tug on the back of his shirt.

Hori was behind him. He had his pillow and Pooh Bear under one arm, the frisbee in one hand and the other hand held on to Michael's shirt. He was crying, big tears rolling down his cheeks.

"Hori?" He knelt down in front of him. "Hori, what are you doing? You have to go home, Boy."

Hori shook his head, dropped the pillow and offered the bear to him.

"Hori, I can't take your bear. Pooh belongs here with you."

He shook his head, held out the bear and tears kept rolling.

"I can't take him, he's your bear and he stays here with you. I'm going because I can't stay here. Goodbye, Hori."

Hori launched himself at him, nearly knocking him over backwards. He wrapped his arms, and then his little legs, around him and clung on. He started wailing.

"Hori, don't. Please don't cry." He hugged him, and then forcibly unwrapped him and pushed him off. "Please don't. It was great meeting you but I have to go now. I've got to go and you've got to stay here with your mum. Don't cry."

If he could hear him, he wasn't listening, he was roaring like a bull. "Stop it, Hori! Just stop it."

Michael stood up and picked-up the pillow and the frisbee, Hori still had hold of Pooh Bear. "Come on. I'll take you home, and then I'm leaving. Hori, get up. You have to walk."

He was lying on the ground, curled up sobbing and roaring. "Hori!!"

"Well. You're a piece of shit, aren't you?" Tommy stood glaring at him. "Proud of yourself? You're breaking a little boy's heart."

"What? I never . . "Michael looked down at the boy on the ground. "I didn't want to hurt him. I wouldn't do that."

"Pick him up and take him home then."

"I'll take him home, but then I'm going."

"You're not."

"I bloody am! I'm going to live with my mother."

"She doesn't want you."

"Nobody does!"

"Don't talk rot. Hori wants you to come home. I want you to stay."

"Yeah, well," Michael sighed. "Nancy doesn't want me there."

"Bloody rubbish! Who do you think sent Hori to get you?"

"Nancy?"

"Yes, Nancy. She sent me too."

"She did?"

"She did. So are you taking the boy home?"

"Yeah, okay, we'll go home. C'mon, Hori"

He lifted him up and they started walking back. Hori was still sobbing, but he was grinning now and holding his hand tightly. He wasn't letting go. Michael looked back, Tommy was standing there watching them.

"Tommy? Aren't you coming with us?"

"Me? No. I'm going to the pub. I'll see you tomorrow."

"See you, Tommy." Michael decided, yeah, he shouldn't expect too much. Tommy was who he was. At least he wanted him to stay. He took Hori home.

Merri Kirimete!

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:07:00 +0000

Seasons Greetings to all.

This vid, which i LOVE, is from the last session of the year in the NZ parliament. The first questioner is an openly-gay MP.

The Malloys, 6

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 18:11:00 +0000

"What?" Sarah exclaimed. "Oh, damm! It's the bloody Queen Mother! What's she doing here? It's not her birthday. Don't be too impressed with the car, it's a clapped-out old heap even if it is a roller."

"The Queen Mother?"

"Yeah, Tommy's mother. She's a freaky lady, Nancy's terrified of her. I'd better go and tell Nancy that she's here."

Sarah went inside, Michael sat looking at the car. He couldn't see inside it because of the tinted windows. They called Tommy's mother the Queen Mother and Nancy was terrified of her? She must be REALLY scary.

He was expecting some sort of monster to emerge from the car, but when the door opened it was a tiny, little old white-haired lady who came out of it. She didn't look like any monster he'd ever seen. Tommy's mother? She must be his grandmother. Wow.

The little lady took a cloth out of her huge hand-bag and wiped a couple of, (imaginary?), spots from her shiny car. She folded the cloth, put it back in her bag and stood, waiting, by the front gate. Sarah came rushing out and opened the gate.

"Hello, Grandmother. How nice to see you."

"Of course it is, Dear," she smiled and came in the gate. "It's a nice day to wait in the sunshine, isn't it? Is your mother out of bed yet?"

"Of course she is. Nancy's been up for hours. I think she's just freshening up and getting changed."

"I'm sure she is. She does try to make a good impression, not very hard, but she tries. Where is your father?"

"Tommy's still in bed."

"I wish you wouldn't call him that, Dear. He is your father, you should show him some respect. It is Sunday, I suppose. A working man needs his rest."

"A working man? Tommy? Yeah, sure, Grandmother."

"Of course he is. And who is this young man here? Are his legs broken so he can't stand to show some respect to a lady, or is he an idiot?"

Michael took his feet out of the water and stood up. "Ah, yeah, hello."

"Oh, it can speak then," she smiled sweetly. "Introductions please, Sarah. Hasn't your mother taught you any manners? No, sorry, that was a stupid question, wasn't it?"

"Grandmother!" Sarah sighed. "You know very well who this is. This is Michael, Tommy's other boy. Michael, your grandmother."

"Hello, Grandmother."

"I think 'Mrs. Malloy' will suffice for now, thank you, Michael. We are strangers after all. So you are the bastard. Has your father decided if you can stay here?"

"Well, yeah, I think so. Nancy said I can stay."

"Oh? So Nancy makes the decisions for the head of the house now, does she? Thomas is far too soft on this family. Come along, Sarah - inside. It is common to stand in the street in the view of all the neighbours. When you have finished washing those feet, Boy, I shall be in the lounge."'

She swept into the house. Sarah grimaced and shrugged at him. "Our grandmother," she sighed, and then she followed her inside.

Hori came rushing out, sat on him and cuddled in.

"Scares you, does she, Hori? I'm not surprised, she scares me too. Don't worry, I'll look after you."

Hori nodded against his chest and Michael hugged him. He liked having a little nephew. Even if he was a dummy, he was a nice kid. They sat there for a few minutes, no-one came back so he figured that he'd better do something.

"Hori? I'd better go in and see her. Do you want to come too?"

Hori shook his head vigorously. There was no mistaking a 'no'.

"You don't want to? Can't say I blame you. What now? Come inside and you can show me where your room is. You'll be safe in there."

He stood and lifted the boy to his feet, took his hand and led him inside. Hori towed him to a bedroom at the back and they went in there.

"This is your room, Hori? Very nice. And there's Pooh Bear. Hello Pooh. He's back in bed early, isn't he?"

Hori giggled.

"Okay, Hori? You'll be all right here. I'm going to leave you here and I'll go and see them in the lounge, okay? I don't know why I keep asking you questions. I'll be back soon, wait here for me."

He went out and closed the door, softly. Now, where was the lounge? At the front probably. At the front end of the hallway, there was a closed door on either side. He knocked on the one on the left. There was no answer, so he opened it and looked inside.

It was a darkened bedroom. He wasn't sure, but thought that that was probably Tommy in the bed. He withdrew and closed the door quietly. He was about to knock on the other door when Nancy came up the hallway.

"Ah, Michael. Wait a minute. Do me a favour, take this in to Her Majesty." She handed him a tea-tray. "Thanks. Let her pour the tea, she's the only one who knows how to do it properly."

"Ah, sure, Nancy. Are you not coming in?"

"In there? Not if I don't have to. I'll be in the kitchen."

She opened the door for him, and then retreated rapidly down the hall. Michael shrugged, pushed the door open with the tray and stepped inside. The old lady was sitting there, looking tiny all by herself on the big couch. She was sitting perched straight upright, her feet together on the floor and the handbag in her lap. She looked up.

"Do people not knock and wait to be invited to enter where you came from? What a strange world. Still," she smiled, "you have brought the tea. That's nice and it wasn't an extremely long time to wait, was it? Better late than never, as they say. You can put it down here beside me, that will be nice."

It was crazy the way she made him feel nervous. His hands shook as he lowered the tray on to the low coffee table and the cups rattled. He put it down and stood back.

"There we are then. Thank you. Safely delivered and no nasty accidents. Wasn't that well done? Perhaps you'd like to sit over there so that I don't have to strain my neck to look at you"

He sat in the indicated seat, across the room and directly in front of her. Sarah and a guy he hadn't met were sitting there, uncomfortably.

"There now, isn't this nice?" She started pouring teas. "All good things come to he who waits. You don't think you've made the tea a little weak, Michael?"

"Umm, I wouldn't know. I didn't make it, Nancy did."

"Nancy made the tea! Didn't she do well? And where is Nancy now? Having a little rest, I suppose. It is rather a trial for large people. Everything they do is such an effort for them while they are carrying all that extra weight. Do sit up straight, Michael. It is not seemly to sprawl in a chair, even if it is old and rather uncomfortable."

He sat up and suddenly felt very uncomfortable. He was sure that the real Queen Mother was nicer than this old bat.

"Now then. Have you met all of the family? Sarah you know, of course. Sarah showed such promise as a girl. What a shame that she got herself in the family way - and twice! We must hope that never happens again. This is Thomas Junior. Thomas is my eldest grandson. He was legitimate of course, only just but he was legitimate. You were lucky there, Thomas, weren't you?"

Thomas Junior nodded and grinned. "Hey, Michael."

"Hey, Thomas."

"TJ. Call me TJ, Brother."

"Oh, that is nice of you to acknowledge your bastard brother, Thomas. But TJ? Rather common don't you think?"

"But we are common, Grandmother."

"Some of us are more common than others. You must aspire to rise above your unfortunate beginnings, Thomas. Try to bring out the best in your lineage."

"Yes, Grandmother."

"Don't sigh. That's so unmanly. Speaking of which." She turned her attention back on Michael. "Is it true that you are a homosexual?"

"Well . . yes, it's true. I'm gay," Michael replied.

On the way here, he'd decided he was going to make the most of a new beginning and he was not going to hide who he was. He was gay and so what? So far, it was looking good. The family knew that Big Mike was gay and it didn't worry them. Why should it anyway? If this old lady didn't like it, well, tough! She was nothing to him anyway.

"I see," she nodded. "And are you sexually active?"

'What??' Dammit, it was none of her business! He shot her his best glare, which achieved nothing. She waited, he didn't answer.

"Cat's got your tongue has it? It is difficult when we're ashamed of our misdeeds."

"I'm not ashamed of anything and it's none of your business!" Michael snapped. "No, I'm not sexually active. Happy now?" He was red in the face and he was wild. Who did this old thing think she was?

The old thing in question was, apparently, speechless. She sat quietly staring at him, as did Sarah and TJ. TJ's mouth was hanging open. In his experience, you simply did not talk to the older Mrs. Malloy like that. She pulled herself together and forced a smile.

"Well. You have such a lot to learn, don't you? A course on good manners and civilised behaviour might be a good place to start. Anyway, it is too late for the other Michael, but if you are not sexually active, then there may be hope for you yet. I shall speak to Father O'Reilly. He will know where a cure can be arranged for you."

"A cure? For being gay? You can get lost, Old Lady!" He started for the door.

"Where do you think you're going, Michael Malloy?"

"Going? Anywhere away from here. Anywhere away from you!"

"You will not. We haven't finished here." There was no sign of the smiley old lady now. Her face was as hard as flint."Michael! You come back here and sit down. I am your grandmother, Boy!"

He stopped and looked back. "Grandmother? I've lived this long without one, I don't need a grandmother. I think it would be best if you called me 'Mister Malloy'. We are strangers, after all." He left the room.

Nancy was standing in the hallway outside. He slammed the door and she nodded. "Come with me."

She led the way back to the kitchen, closed the door and looked at him. "Hmmm," she smiled. "You certainly have got spirit. I like it. Would you like a drink? There's beer in the fridge."

"No, no drink, thanks Nancy. I've just had tea."

"Yes. Tea with the Queen Mother - lucky you."

"Or not. I, umm, I've just had a row with her."

"I know you did. I heard every word."

"You don't think I went too far?"

"You didn't. It's time someone stood up to the old bag, she needs it."

"Oh, good. I'm glad you're not upset."

"Upset? I'm proud of you, Boy. It's a delight to have you in our family. Now, go and dig Hori out of his room. Take him for a walk in the sunshine.

There's a park down at the end of the road, he knows where, it's his favourite place. Michael, look after our baby, won't you? Don't let him get hurt. Kids pick on him."

"They'd better not try while he's with me! We'll do that, we'll go for a walk. Thanks, Nancy."

"Thank you, Michael. Now go."

He went to Hori's room and collected him.

"Can we go out by the back-door, Hori? I want us to go to the park, but you'll have to show me where it is. Nancy said that you know."

Hori grinned, nodded and ducked back into his room.

"Hori?" Michael thought that he didn't want to go with him, but then he came back out with a red plastic frisbee. He held it up and grinned. Michael took it from him.

"Cool. You've got a frisbee. Let's go to the park and play with it."

Hori led the way out, around the house and out to the street. Limping up the sidewalk, trying to keep up with the excited kid, Michael was regretting the bare feet. Sarah hadn't had a chance to tie his ankle up again. 'Oh well, too late now.' "Wait up, Hori!"

They reached the park, Hori led the way in there. It was nothing flash, just a small sports-field, some flower beds near the entrance, a small pavillion/club rooms and some bench seats scattered around. A group of kids of various ages, both boys and girls, were playing touch-rugby, kind of. They didn't really have enough players for one team, let alone two. Michael looked around.

"Okay, My Friend. We'd better stay out of their way. We'll play down near this end."

They played outside the end goal-line, throwing the frisbee from side to side across the end of the field and carefully keeping out of the way of the other players. They were evenly matched. Hori couldn't throw as well as Michael, but he was much more agile and quicker to run and catch. Michael was having fun and Hori obviously was too - his beaming smile said it all.

'Damm, Kid, you're going to be a heartbreaker in 10 years or so.'

Their fun ground to a halt when 4 kids left the football game and one of them jumped in and caught the frisbee.

"Hey!" Michael protested. "Throw it here."

The boy looked at him and threw it to one of the others. Hori ran over and tried to grab it, but he threw it on to another, laughing mockingly.

Hori ran after it, but the 3rd one threw it back to the 1st. The boy sneered, "C'mon, Dummy. You want it, you come and get it."

"Come on," Michael said. This is not funny. Give the boy his frisbee back."

"Make me!" The kid threw it on to another.

Hori leapt and missed it, and then he ran at the boy now holding it. He met him with a fist and knocked him to the ground.

"Fuck off, Dummy!"

Hori was roaring and Michael ran over and lifted him up. He turned to the boy.

"This is not on. Give me that fucking frisbee or you'll be sorry."

"Yeah, right." He threw it on to the others.

Michael hit him, he punched him in the guts. The kid was younger than him, probably about 11 or 12, but he didn't care, he was bloody wild. He hit him as hard as he could. The kid hit the ground and lay there moaning, curled around his guts. One of the others ran at him, roaring. Michael met him with a fist and batted him away. He turned on the boy with the frisbee.

"Give it here. Now!"

This one wasn't stupid, he threw it to him. "It was just a bit of fun."

"Fun for you, maybe, but it wasn't for the boy and it's his toy."

"How sad, never mind. Kid's just a fucking dummy anyway."

"And that makes it all right to pick on him? Fuck off and leave him alone!"

Michael took a couple of angry paces towards him. The boy backed-off and ran away. The other two were back on their feet, they retreated as well. One of them stopped and looked back.

"You're the new Malloy in town, aren't you? You'll be sorry, you're gonna pay for this. You don't know who you're messing with."

"Bring it on!" Michael walked at them, they ran away. He went back to Hori and offered the frisbee.

"You okay, My Friend?"

Hori grinned, nodded, swiped at his tears and hugged him. Miuchael hugged him back.

"Right, Hori. I think we should go home now, okay?"

They left the park and started for home.

The Malloys, 5

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:11:00 +0000

It was hours later when Big Mike arrived home. Michael was already in bed sleeping, but not for long. Big Mike was alone but making enough noise for half a dozen people. He was singing, loudly and badly, when he came into the sleep-out. He flicked the light on, skidded on the pile of glossy magazines on the floor and collapsed in a heap of yelling profanities.

"Shit! Damm and Fuck it! Who left those fucking books all over the floor?"

Michael sat up groggily and peered at him. "Umm. Well, you did actually."

"Oh, yeah. I did too," he giggled. "Sorry. Did I wake you up?"

"Did you what? You probably woke the bloody dead! Damm, Mike, it's not on. I'm not staying here if you're going to carry on like this."

"Okay, okay. Don't get your tits in a tangle. Sheesh! I said I was sorry."

"Yeah? So am I - sorry I ever came here. I'm not staying in this nut-farm."

"Come on, Brother. Don't be like that. We're not that bad. Well, Tommy is, but the rest of us are okay. Look, I said I was sorry and I am. I was happy and I forgot you were here. It won't happen again."

"Well . . all right then, as long as it doesn't." Michael lay down again.

Big Mike stripped his clothes off, turned out the light and climbed into his own bed. "Where are you going to go anyway? You've got nowhere."

"I'd find something."

"Yeah? Can I come with you?"

"O you bloody can't!" Michael laughed. It was hard to stay mad with this kid. "Have you been drinking?"

"No I haven't! Well, maybe a little bit of Maxie."

"A little bit of Maxie? I don't think I want to know."

"Not telling you anyway."

"Well good! Tommy arrived home before, singing his head off."

"Tommy was singing?"

"Yeah, just like you were."

"Like me? That's a worry. Okay, Brother, sleeping time. G'night and I'll see you in the morning."

"Chances are. G'night, Mike."

"That's Big Mike. Don't forget the Big."

"Yeah, whatever."

Michael knew that he was grumpy, but he wasn't sorry, he was tired. He hadn't got much sleep the night before, trying to sleep under a tree by the road, and he'd walked for bloody hours! He was tired. He drifted off to sleep.

He was woken again in the early hours of the morning. Someone was climbing into his bed!

"What the?"

He struggled upright and looked around. It was still early, the sky outside was not quite gray and Hori, complete with his own pillow, was in bed with him!

"Damm, Hori. What are you doing? You can't sleep in here."

"Ah, leave him." Big Mike rolled over in the other bed. "It's just Hori. Sometimes he likes a warm body to sleep with. Sarah's probably got Paulie in with her."

"Well, are you sure it's all right?"

"Course it is. Just cuddle him and go back to sleep. He usually sleeps with me, looks like I'm not the favourite uncle anymore."

"Okay then. He won't wet the bed will he?"

"You'll be the first to know if he does. No, he won't wet the bed. Go to sleep."

He lay back down again. Hori reached behind him and pulled Michael's arm across himself. He spooned around the warm little body and went back to sleep with a smile on his face.

When he woke again, Hori was kneeling in the bed, closely studying his face. Michael stretched and smiled. "Good morning, Hori," he whispered.

He was rewarded with another big smile. Then Hori leaned forward, kissed him on the lips, slid out of bed and was gone. That felt good. Michael stretched and smiled and looked up at the wooden ceiling that was not that far above him. He looked over at the other bed. Big Mike was lying there grinning at him and he grinned back.

"Hori's a great wee boy. I like him a lot."

"Yeah, he is," Big Mike answered. "He's a great kid and he's got a lot of love to give. Just see you don't touch his dick, Nancy would kill you - seriously."

"Mike! Sorry, Big Mike, there is no way I'd touch a baby's dick. I'm not a sicko."

"Didn't think you were. If I did, you'd already be dead, and I ain't kidding."

"It's not something to joke about, I wouldn't do something like that, but I'm not scared of you anyway."

"Yeah? I gathered that. Okay, you don't need to be, but be aware of who to fear."

"Yeah, I know - Nancy, right?"

"Wrong. Well, Nancy too, but she's mostly all mouth. It's Sarah you mostly don't want to cross. If she gets her rag out - look out!"

"Sarah? I thought Sarah was nice."

"Well she is, and she'd smile nicely while she rips your guts out with her bare hands."

"For real?"

"Oh yes. We'd better get up. Come and I'll show you where the shower is."

They went into the house.

"What are you like at mowing lawns?" Big Mike asked.

"Useless!"

"Dammit. You'd better learn."

They showered, separately of course, and then helped themselves to breakfast in the kitchen. There was no-one else there.

"It's Sunday," Big Mike said. "We're all back-slidden Catholics, but we do like our day of rest."

"Back-slidden?"

"Yeah. Nancy's been warring with the local priest for years. The last straw was when he wanted Sarah to adopt her baby. Stupid old man, then we'd have no Hori."

"Yeah, that wouldn't be good. So, would you normally be in bed on a Sunday?"

"Sometimes, but not today. We've got things to do. How's the feet?"

"Not too bad. As long as I don't have to walk too far they should be okay."

"I think there's an old wheelchair, in the garage somewhere. If we can dig that out, I'll push you in it."

"No way. I'm not sitting in a wheelchair, I'm not a crip."

"No-one said you were. You didn't mind sitting in the trolley yesterday."

"No, but that was different. That was yesterday and the ankle was really hurting. It's better today."

"It won't be if we don't look after it."

"It's my foot, I'll look after it."

"Sheesh! You're more stubborn than I am! Okay, walk then - it's not too far, just downtown."

"What are we going there for?"

"Would you rather mow the lawns? No? I thought not. C'mon Brother, don't you want to see your new town? I want the town to see you. It's not often I've got something to be proud of."

Well! Michael couldn't resist that. They went for a walk downtown.

They walked, slowly, back down to the main street, one block along there and around to the skateboard park behind it. Michael was surely glad to see the bench-seats around the park. He was well ready for a rest.

"Here we are then," Big Mike led the way over. "This is our skatie-park. Way cool, eh? Shame I haven't got a board, but Maxie has so it's all good. Everyone hangs out here anyway. This is where you come to see and be seen."

"Oh, okay then, as long as I can sit down."

"Should've let me get the chair, shouldn't you? With a bit of luck, someone might drive us home. And here comes Maxie. You can look but don't touch."

"Wouldn't think of it."

"Hey, Maxie, how're you? This is the new brother I was telling you about. Michael - Maxie."

"Hey, Maxie. I'm not getting up - feet are sore."

"Yeah, I heard that too, and the name's Max. Only Big Mike calls me Maxie."

"Okay, hey, Max then."

"That's better. What are we going to call you? Little Mike wouldn't work. I guess you'll have to be Bigger Mike."

"Bigger Mike," he laughed. "No, I don't think so. My name is Michael, nothing else."

"Okay, Michael Nothing Else, pleased to meet cha," Max grinned.

"Whatever."

Max sat on one side of him and Big Mike sat on the other, they talked. Michael liked this guy, he was okay, but he soon got tired of being intro'd to more and more people. He never remember all their names. Everyone wanted to know all about him, he was the new kid in town. Big Mike was fussing around, beaming with pride, like he'd made him or something, so he put up with it - for now.

Harri turned up and he was delighted to see a familiar face. She stood back, watching, and then she went and got a girl from over the other side.

"Michael, you ready to go home?"

"Yeah, well ready, Harri."

"Right then. This is my cousin, Fiona. She's got a car, so come with us and we'll take you there."

"Sounds good to me." He got to his feet.

"Hey, wait up!" Big Mike protested. "No hurry, is there?

Harri turned on him. "Shut it, Big Mike. Look at the kid, he's knackered. He should be resting. You've got no business dragging him around town like this."

Michael answered. "It's okay, Harri. Thanks, but I agreed to come out."

"Well you shouldn't have. You need to rest. Want me to get Sarah on to you?"

"Well, no."

"Shut up and do what you're told then. Come on, we're outta here."

"Yeah, okay, thanks. Are you coming, Big Mike?"

"Not yet," he grinned at Max. "No. You go with Harri and Fiona. Maxie and me have got things to do."

"Things to do?"

"Don't ask," said Harri. "Come on, we're gone."

"Right. Bye, Big Mike. Nice to meet, Max."

"Likewise."

The girls took him back to his new home - his new, old, home. Sarah was sitting on the front verandah, nursing the baby and watching him hobble in.

"Look at you! You shouldn't be walking around yet. Sit down here. I'll get some water and you can soak the feet again."

"Thanks. That'll be great." He sat down with a sigh. "But not too hot!"

"It'll be hot enough. Stay there."

She took Paulie inside and he sat alone in the sunshine. Harri and Fiona had already driven away. Hori came out and handed him a teddy-bear, he took it with a smile.

"This your teddy, Hori? Thanks. He's very cool."

Hori smiled that smile. Michael inspected the teddy. It was old, a bit grubby and quite limp - it was badly in need of restuffing. "I think your teddy needs feeding. We'll have to find him some honey."

Sarah returned, with the bowl of water, and stood grinning down at him. "Wow. You're privileged."

"Privileged?"

"Definitely. That's Hori's Pooh Bear you've got there, his most precious possession. Nobody, but nobody, is allowed to touch Pooh."

"I see. Thanks, Hori. I'm very honoured and I'll be careful with him."

Hori smiled and sat down next to him. Michael smiled back and held out the bear, offering it back to him. Hori shook his head, but then he changed his mind, grabbed it off him and cuddled it to his face.

"He does love his teddy," Sarah said. "Probably because its name is Pooh, he thinks that's very funny. Okay, are you going to get those sneakers off or do I have to do it for you?"

"I can do it!" He hurried to remove them before Sarah pulled them off again. She removed the bandage and he sat soaking his feet.

"Where's Big Mike?"

"We left him at the skateboard park. He's with Max Weavers."

"Of course he is. I'll be glad when he's over Max Weavers."

"You don't like him?"

"Not much. Oh, he's all right in his way I suppose. He's got a rotten family, they're snobs and they think they're better than us."

"And they're not?"

"They probably are, but they don't have to tell everybody."

"Definitely not. Wow, is that a Rolls Royce?"

A big black car pulled up in the street outside.

The Malloys, 4

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:36:00 +0000

Big Mike led the way into the house. The backdoor opened into a long hallway that ran right through to the front. From there they went, left, into the big old kitchen. It was hot in there! Nancy was sitting at the top of the table, spoon-feeding baby Paulie who was in a wooden highchair. Sarah was standing at the stove and Hori and a little girl were sitting at the table. There was no sign of Tommy, he was not there.

Michael was a bit disappointed, the whole point of coming here was to get to know his father. But, whatever, he was hungry.

"There you are," Sarah smiled. "That's your plates, over that side. Sit down and get stuck in."

They went around to the back of the table. Big Mike sat down at the end, next to Nancy, Michael sat between him and Hori. Hori immediately stopped eating, picked-up his plate and went around to sit at the other side, opposite him.

"Oh?" Michael said. "Don't you want to sit by me, Hori?"

The wee boy looked up and grinned at him.

"Wow," Sarah said. "Hori likes you, Michael."

"Does he? I thought he was moving away from me."

"Well he did. He wants to sit opposite so he can look at you."

Hori grinned and nodded at him. Michael felt good and he grinned back.

"I like you too, Hori. You're okay."

"Of course he bloody is," Nancy snorted. "He's a good boy, aren't you, My Darling?"

Hori smiled and continued eating. He really was a beautiful little boy.

"Well?" Nancy continued. "Eat, Boy. Don't let it get cold."

It was a mince stew with boiled potatoes. It didn't look very appetising, but it tasted great. It wouldn't have mattered much anyway, he was so hungry he'd eat anything. But it was good.

Sarah asked, "Have you got any little brothers or sisters, Michael?"

"No, there was just Mum and me. I didn't know that I had any brothers at all."

Nancy said, "Maybe you were better off not knowing."

"Hey! No he wasn't," Big Mike protested.

"Shut up, Big Mike. Eat."

Michael had to ask, "Nancy, is Tommy not eating with us?"

"He's not. Tommy's got money in his pocket and a story to tell about his new son. Where the hell do you think he'd be? He's in the pub, of course. We won't see him again today."

"Oh, I see. Thanks."

"Tommy spends far too much time in the pub. Say hello to your sister. Molly, this is Michael."

"Hey, Molly. How are you?"

Molly blushed and looked down at the table. Maybe she was another dummy? But then, she glanced at Nancy, and then looked back at him and spoke, all in a rush.

"Hello Michael. Sarah said that you are 14 so you are a teenager but I'm not, I'm only 8 and I'm not allowed to talk at the table because you have to be a teenager before you can talk or Nancy gets very cross and she tells you to shut up or she'll smack you one, and then she takes your dinner away and you are not allowed to finish it, even if you are really hungry, so it's best not to talk at all, but I think it's okay just this once to say hello to you - so hello and can you pass the tomatoe sauce please?"

"Umm, yeah, sure," he grinned as he passed the bottle across. "Maybe we can talk later?"

She just blushed again and nodded her head. The rest of the meal passed in silence, perhaps it was some sort of respect for Molly's confusion. Whatever the reason, they ate quietly.

As soon as it was finished, Big Mike stood up and anounced, "Okay, that's me done. I'm outta here - going around to see Maxie. Thanks Sarah, good meal. I'll see you later, Michael. Don't wait up."

"What about the dishes?" Nancy snapped. "You're not going anywhere until they're done."

"Aww, Nancy! I've been doing the flaming dishes around here forever. Let Michael do them, it must be about his bloody turn!"

"All right then, Michael will do them, and don't you bloody swear at me, Boy! now get."

"I'm gone. Thanks, Nancy." He left in a hurry.

"I will wash the dishes. Molly and Hori can help dry them." Sarah stood up. "Stay there, Michael and talk to Nancy. She won't admit it, but she's dying to know all about you."

"How come everyone decides what's happening around here except Nancy?" Nancy complained, but she did want to know. "Do the dishes, Girl, but bring us a cup of tea first."

Sarah made a pot of tea and brought it to the table for Nancy to pour. With the children's help, such as it was, she took care of the washing-up and Michael talked to Nancy, repeating the story of his life. She was very interested and asked a lot of questions. When he'd finished, she declared.

"Just as I thought. Your mother's a stupid woman, I always knew she was. You're better-off here, but you're not sitting around on your butt all day. You're gonna have to go to school, or something."

"I guess I am. I'm only 14," Michael replied. "But I don't mind if I do. I quite like school, I'm good at it."

"You're what? Good at it and you like it? Are you sure that Tommy's your father?"

"Nancy," Sarah interrupted. "You know very well that all of Tommy's kids are bright enough."

"Like you, you mean?"

"I was Dux of the school."

"Fat lot of good that did you. You should've kept your legs closed, Girl."

"But then you'd have no grandchildren to fuss over."

"Well, yes, there is that. Anyway, you lot all got your brains from me, not Tommy."

"Sure, Nancy."

Big Mike escaped from home and hurried across town to Maxie's place. Damm, he wished that he had a bike. He used to, but Tommy sold it. Little Swine! No, Tommy was okay really. It was his own fault, he should've had it locked up. He knew what Tommy was like when he was on the booze. He'd sell his kids if he could - just as bloody well he couldn't!

It didn't take long to get there, it wasn't a big town. He soon arrived at Maxie's place and walked up to the frontdoor. It was quite a big house, much bigger than his own and that wasn't small. However, the Malloy's old place only had one storey, like most houses did, this one had more than one, it had three. The Weaver's was probably the only three-storey house in town, if you don't count attics. They weren't filthy-rich, but they were much better off than the Malloys. Having jobs probably helped with that.

He walked up to the frontdoor and the doorbell rang, making him jump, as always. It always freaked him out when it did that. He didn't ring it, there wasn't even a button to push, it just rang when someone approached the door. Bloody Showoffs! Nancy would say that they're just skiting.

The door opened and a tall, skinny woman with bottle-blonde hair and clothes that would fit a kid better, looked out. "Oh. Hello, Michael. You're looking for Max, I suppose?"

('Who else?') "Yeah, I am. Is he here please, Mrs. Weavers?"

"I think he's up in his room. You'd better go up and have a look."

"I will. Thanks Mrs. Weavers."

She sighed and shook her head as she watched him bounding up the stairs. 'Oh, to have the energy of the young!'

He was a nice-enough kid, she supposed, but she'd be glad when Max got over this infatuation with him. She knew that her son was gay, she'd accepted that a long time ago, but she was sure that he could do better than the son of one of the town drunks. She got on with her work.

Big Mike ran up to Maxie's room on the top floor and walked in the open door. "Maxie? You here?"

"I'm here, My Boy. Come on in."

"I already did. What ARE you doing?"

All that could be seen of Max was his feet and lower legs, the rest of him was beneath a huge agglomeration that took-up over half of the floor-space. He wriggled his way out from under it, sat up and grinned. "Just working on my latest invention."

"And what's this one meant to do?"

"It's a time-saving device - badly needed."

"How on earth is that thing going to save you time?"

"By having my breakfast ready and waiting when I stagger down in the mornings."

"You're a bloody nut-bar. You know that, don't you? It'll never work, they never do."

"Oh, ye of little faith!"

"I've got faith, faith that you'll stuff it up again."

"One day I'll get it right. This could be the day."

"Or not. Is your dad home?"

"No. He had a meeting after work. He won't be home intil all hours."

"Cool." Big Mike dropped to his knees in front of Max. "Kiss me then."

"Kiss You? Here? Big Mike, you know we're not allowed the door shut when you're up here."

"Yeah, worse luck. We don't need the door shut. Your dad's not here and your mum's down at the front, she won't come up here."

"We're in huge trouble if she does, but - okay. Come here, Big Boy."

They kissed briefly but Max couldn't get into it, he was too busy watching the doorway."

"Damm, Maxie, you're so romantic."

"There's a time and a place and this ain't it."

"Guess not. You still love me?"

"Always."

"Yeah! I love you too. I've got a new brother. Well, he's not new, he's second-hand, but he's ours now."

"Big Mike, I don't know what you're talking about. A second-hand brother?"

"That's right. He used to live with his mother but she kicked him out, so now he's ours."

"Oh. So what's his name?"

"Michael Malloy."

"Is not!"

"Is too. He's Michael Thomas Malloy, he's 14 and he's my brother. Tommy's his dad."

"How did Tommy get to be his father?"

"Usual way - fucking."

"No way! What did Nancy say?"

"Not a lot, she already knew. It happened a long time ago. The kid's 14, same as me."

"And the same name? Wow! Tell me more."

They sat on the floor and Big Mike told Max all about his new brother, and then he had to go and meet him.

"You serious? Can't it wait? I just walked across town to see you."

"And it's such a long way! C'mon, Big Mike, I want to meet your brother. Is he as good-looking as you?"

"Nah. He's ugly. You really don't want to see him."

"Bloody do! Come on, we'll go now, and then we'll go somewhere private."

"Like where?"

"Like, Dad's got an old van in his car-sales yard, it's really cool. The back's all fitted out for sleeping and I know where the keys are."

"We're going to pinch it?"

"No, we're not. We don't have to go anywhere, it's parked in the yard and there's no-one there now."

A big grin spread acroos his face. "Sounds good to me. What are we waiting for?"

"Well . . nothing really. Let's go."

They went downstairs, told Max's mother what they were doing, (some of what they were doing), and then they left. Big Mike wanted to go on Max's bike, he could double him on it, but they couldn't - it was broken.

"About time you started looking after your stuff, Maximillian Weavers."

"Yes, Mum. Whatever you say, Mum."

"Shut up, Maxie."

They started walking to Big Mike's place, but they never got there. Sometimes things turn-out better than you planned and they passed the car-sales yard on the way. So, of course, they had to stop in there and check-out the van. Then they checked-out the inside. Big Mike lay down on the bed to try it out, Maxie lay down with him. They didn't walk any further.

The Malloys, 3

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:34:00 +0000

"Tommy Malloy, this boy is yours. He's staying here and you are damm well going to be a father to him."

"Me? Nancy, you know I'm no good at that sort of stuff."

"You're good for nothing! We all know that. It's about time you did the right thing for once in your life. He's staying here!"

"Don't I get any say in this?" Tommy was only half the size of his wife, but he wasn't cowered by her.

"No you don't."

"I don't know where he's going to sleep."

"He can go in the sleep-out with Big Mike. There's plenty of room in there. TJ and Red shared it for years, now these two can. Big Mike, take your brother to your room."

"Nancy! I don't want him in there."

"Well, tough! You've got him, like it or not. No-one asked for your opinion."

"Sheesh! It's my room. Anyway, he's gay."

"So, bloody, what? So are you and we let you sleep in there, don't we? Now get! Tommy, you can get around the back and take those filthy overalls off before you come into my house."

Nancy went back inside and Sarah followed. Tommy walked away to the back of the house, complaining loudly to nobody.

"There y'go, Brother," Big Mike grinned. "Told you that you're in. Welcome to our happy family."

"I don't feel welcome. I don't know if I should stay, no-one wants me here."

"Sure we do. Don't listen to Tommy, that's just the way you have to deal with Nancy. If you want something, tell her the opposite, works every time."

"Well, if you're sure?"

"I'm sure. Where else are you going to sleep anyway, under a tree?"

"I was thinking about it."

"That's just dumb. We're nothing flash here, but there's always room for one more. Come and see our room, it's in back of the garage."

Big Mike led the way up the drive to the back of the house. Tommy was scrubbing-up in the sink by the back-door. He'd dropped the overalls to his waist, baring his white and skinny torso. He looked up and grinned as they passed.

"Welcome home, Son. Always remember, no means yes."

"Well, umm, thanks, Dad."

"Dad? Nah. No-one calls me that, my name's Tommy. Keep going before Nancy sees me talking to you. If she knew we'd conned her, she'd throw us all out."

The sleep-out was not big. It was one of the old relocatable railwaymen's huts. It had one door and two windows, but one of them was useless because it was hard-up against the back wall of the garage. Inside, there was a built-in wardrobe, drawers and cupboards. There was a fold-down table between the two beds, which were also built-in. One had been slept in, the other was covered in clothes, books and stuff.

"Home sweet Home," Big Mike announced "What d'you think?"

"Looks good to me. Mike, are you sure you don't mind me being here?"

"That's Big Mike, don't forget the Big. Do I get a choice? No, I don't mind. Two Michael Malloys! That'll be fun. Interesting times, as they say."

"It's not going to cause a scandal for your family in the town, is it?"

"Sunshine, nothing the Malloys do is going to shock this town, they've seen it all before. Anyway, sorry to have to tell you this, but you're family too."

"Sounds good to me. Any family is better than none."

"Don't be too sure about that. You can take the weight off your foot, sit on my bed while I take the junk off the other one. I'll drop all these clothes in the laundry and somebody might wash them, with a bit of luck."

"Don't you do your own laundry?"

"Nah. Woman's work, My Son. Don't tell Nancy that! Or Sarah either, come to think of it."

He sat waiting on the unmade bed while Big Mike cleared the other one. He had a million questions, but they could wait. It was going to take a while to sort-out how this family worked. It was like no other family he'd ever seen. One question though, was going to have to be asked.

"Mike, sorry - Big Mike, did Nancy say that you're gay?"

"Yeah, that's right. I'll just get rid of these clothes. Be back in a minute."

Wow. When Michael told his mother that he was gay she went off like a rocket. Seemed like it was no big deal around here, everyone was so matter of fact about it. He said that to Big Mike when he came back, he agreed, no big deal.

"No sense in getting all worked-up about it. If you're gay, then you are. No-one can do anything about it."

"People try though, don't they? To cure it, I mean.'

"Religious nutters try. What's to cure? Look, I've got blue eyes. I could hide them, but I couldn't change them. They're blue and that's all there is to it."

"Well, yeah, but it's not the same. Is it?"

"Bloody is. Think about it."

Michael sat and thought about it while Big Mike finished clearing the junk off the other one and tidying it up. Blue eyes the same as being gay? No. What a load of rubbish! They were two different things. Weren't they?

"There y'go." Big Mike turned and faced him. "And that's the last time I fix your bed up. From now on, you do it."

"Thanks, Big Mike."

"You're welcome, My Brother. Now, get off my bed!"

They swapped beds and both stretched-out and relaxed. Big Mike was feeling good. He couldn't even remember what he was so mad about before. 'Oh yeah, bloody Harri laughing at my dick! That'll keep, Cheeky Beggar.'

Whatever, he had other things to think about now. This was going to be so cool, having a brother all of his own. He had other brothers, of course, but that was different, they were groan-up, they didn't live at home and they weren't gay. This one was. Way cool!

Well, time to get to know him. He wanted to know everything about him. "Michael?" He glanced over at the other bed. Dammit, the kid had gone to sleep already. He thought about throwing something at him to wake him up, but, no, that'd be mean. He must be knackered.Where had he come from anyway? He said it was a long way.

Michael woke-up with a start. Whoah! He didn't mean to go to sleep. What would his new brother think of him? He turned-over and looked at the other bed. It was empty. Damm. What was he going to do now? He didn't like to just go wandering into their house. When that Nancy saw him, she might change her mind and throw him out again. He didn't want that.

Nancy was obviously the boss around there and he didn't want to cross her. That would not be wise.

What about Tommy then? His father was certainly different. He was such a weedy little guy, not at all like he'd imagined his father would be. They said that Tommny was a dead-beat, but he must have something about him, obviously. He was sleeping with two women at the same time, and they'd both named their babies after him. Kind of.

Sarah was nice - bossy but nice. He liked Sarah.

He swung his feet down on to the floor and stood-up carefully. Okay, they weren't too bad, he'd survive. Having his ankle tied-up had definitely helped. That was good. How long had he been sleeping? Not long, it was still daytime.

He hobbled over and tried the door, but couldn't open it. It was locked! There was no other way out of there, except for the window and that was way too small and too high. Dammit. What would they lock him in for? Maybe it was just stuck? The hut was old. He tried the door again and rattled the handle, but it wasn't moving.

"Hold on. Hold on!" Big Mike's voice came from outside. The key clicked in the lock, the door opened and Big Mike grinned at him.

"There y'go. What's the panic? I just locked the door to keep the kids out. Sleep well?"

"Ah, yes. I guess I needed that. Feels better now. How long was I out for?"

"Not long. Only about an hour or so. I didn't want to disturb you. You were rattling the windows, you were snoring that much."

"I was not! I don't snore. Do I?"

"Yeah you do. You were nearly lifting the roof off. Wasn't he, Harri?" He appealed to the girl sitting on the fence behind him.

"No he wasn't, I didn't hear a thing. Don't listen to Big Mike. You can't believe a word he says and the mouth is the biggest part of him."

"Hey! Love you too."

"Course you do. Hello Michael Malloy. I'm Harri and I'm the best friend Big Mike's got."

"Well, maybe," Big Mike grumbled.

"Ah, yeah," Michael grinned. "Hello, umm, Harri?"

"Yes, Harri. It's short for Harriet which stupid, girly and old-fashioned. It might've suited my grandmother, but it doesn't fit me."

"Yeah," Big Mike nodded. "Harri is much more butch."

"Watch it, Boy! Behave yourself or I'll sit on you. Right, Mike the Second, come and tell us all about yourself."

"There's not much to say really. I'm just ordinary - what you see is what you get."

"Come on, Boy. Nobody's ordinary and we don't know what we're looking at, do we? So where are you from?"

Harri slid down off the fence and sat below it. The boys sat down, facing her, while they talked. Michael told them about his boring life so far. No, he didn't have a boyfriend, he never had. If he had designs on Big Mike, he could forget it, because he did have a boyfriend, thank you very much. Whatever.

A little maori boy stood there looking at them, his thumb in his mouth and big, brown eyes peering out from under his over-grown fringe of black hair. He didn't say a word.

Michael waited a couple of minutes, nobody was saying anything, so he had to ask.

"Who's the kid?"

"Oh, that's Hori," Big Mike replied.

"That's not nice. Hori is an insulting term for a maori, isn't it?"

"Yeah, maybe, but that's what he is. His name is Hori, it's maori for George. He's Sarah's boy. Hori, this is your new uncle. His name's Michael."

The kid just stood there looking.

"Hello, Hori," Michael smiled. "Nice to meet you." There was no reply. He looked back at Big Mike.

"He doesn't say much, does he?"

"He never does. Hori doesn't talk, he's a dummy."

"A dummy? Damm, Big Mike, that's not nice either."

"Maybe not, but that's what he is. He's nearly 4 years old and he's never said a word in his life. He's a dummy."

"That's rough. The poor kid. Is he deaf?"

"No, he hears every word you're saying, he just doesn't talk. There's nothing wrong with his vocal cords either, upset him and he roars like a bull!"

"I'll try not to do that then."

"Yeah, it pays not to. Nancy says that he'll talk when he's good and bloody ready. He's not stupid, just dumb."

"Must be hard, going through life and not talking."

"Yeah, it must be. I'd bloody hate it," Big Mike grinned.

"You couldn't do it anyway," Harri said. "Maybe he just doesn't want to tell anyone that Tommy's his granddad."

"Yeah, he might still be in shock after finding that out."

Michael said, "We're talking about the boy like he's not here. I'm pleased to meet you anyway, Hori. I'll be happy to be your uncle."

The thumb came out of his mouth and he smiled - a dazzling white smile in his dark face. He was a handsome kid. Michael smiled back and Hori ran into the house.

"Harriet Nelson! How many times have I told you to stay away from that bad boy over there?" A stern-looking policewoman frowned over the fence.

"About a million," Harri looked-up and shrugged. "Got bad news for you, Mum. They've got another one. Meet Michael - Tommy's other boy."

"Another one? Oh, Good Lord! Just what we need. Hello Michael. I'm Ronnie and I'm Harri's mother. What's your other name?"

"Umm, Malloy. Michael Thomas Malloy."

"Trust Tommy to have two boys with the same name. And you'll be living here now?"

"I think so. I hope so. If they let me stay."

"Oh you're staying," Big Mike said. "Nancy said you are, so that's that."

"Heaven help us," the policewoman said. "Well, I live right over here and I'll be watching, so behave yourself."

"I'll make sure he does," Big Mike grinned.

"You? You're the biggest villian of the lot of them."

"She loves me really," Big Mike grinned. "When are you going to marry me, Ronnie?"

"Marry you? Not likely! And don't you think about it either, Harri. Nice to meet you, Michael. Be good and we'll get on fine."

"Ah, yeah. I'll try to anyway."

"You do that. See you later, Kids."

She left and Michael turned back to Harri. "Your mum's a cop?"

"Sure is. Dad's a cop too, they both are. Actually, so was my granddad. I come from a long line of cops. Maybe I'll join-up too."

"They wouldn't have you," Big Mike scoffed. "Anyway, if you were a cop, that'd be us finished."

"You mean you're not going to marry me?"

"Not bloody likely!"

"Yeah? I wouldn't want to marry a girl anyway."

"I'm not a girl, I'm a boy!"

"Just."

"Shut up, Harri."

Michael grinned as he watched them. He liked these guys, they were fun. Living here might be all right.

"Big Mike, Michael!" Sarah called them. "Your dinner's on the table, come and get it. You eating with us, Harri."

"Thanks, Sarah, but no, not this time. I'd better get home."

"Okay, go away then. Come on, Boys. Hurry up."

"Coming," Big Mike answered. "See you later, Harri."

"Yeah, much later. 'Bye Boys and be good. No rude stuff in that sleep-out tonight or I'm telling Max."

"As if! Bugger off."

"That's what I'm worried about, innit? No buggering."

"We'll bugger you."

"In your dreams."

"Nightmares maybe. 'Bye Harri."

She climbed the fence and was gone. Michael looked at Big Mike.

"Who's Max when he's at home?"

"Maxie's my boyfriend. I'll go and see him later and tell him about you before somebody else does. Let's go eat."

"Hah. Who knows I'm here anyway?"

"Probably half the town by now. Come on."

The Malloys, 2

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:09:00 +0000

They arrived at the big old house the Malloys lived in. Big Mike pushed the trolley up to the front verandah where a big, gray-haired, woman stood looking down at them. This woman was huge. Her bare arms were like a pair of Christmas hams and her floral-print dress would be big enough for a tent.

"What the hell have you got there, Big Mike?" she rumbled. "Is the Supermarket selling kids now?"

"No, I just found him in the street. Nancy, this is Michael Thomas Malloy and he wants to see Tommy - says that Tommy's his father."

"Does he just? So Tommy's chickens are coming home to roost. Well you can bugger-off, Kid. We don't need any more around here."

The boy struggled up out of the trolley and stood there, favouring his right foot. He looked like he was about to cry. "I can't see him? I've come a long way."

"I don't care how far you've come and, no, you can't see him. Go away."

Nancy crossed her big arms and stood there glaring at him. She was obviously not someone to argue with, and the boy caved right away. His head went down.

"Oh. Sorry. I'll go then." He started walking away, pushing the trolley.

"Yeah, you do that."

"Nancy!" Big Mike protested. "He's got nowhere to go."

"Not my problem."

"It's not his fault that Tommy is his father."

"Not mine either."

"Couldn't he at least meet him? Every kid should know his father, even if it is Tommy."

"Sometimes they're better off not knowing. It's about time you cut these lawns. Look at the state of them!"

"I'll get there. I've been busy. You're a hard woman, Nancy."

"I am, and you should be glad of that with the father you've got."

"Sometimes I'm glad of it."

"Don't be smart. Mow the lawns."

Nancy stood there, like the original immovable object, watching the defeated boy limp away. She had a change of heart.

"Wait a minute, Kid. What's wrong with your foot?"

He stopped and looked back. "It's nothing. It's just sore because I twisted my ankle."

"That's not nothing. What does Big Mike mean, you've got nowhere to go?"

"I haven't. My mother moved to Aussie without me. She told me to go and find my father."

"Stupid woman! Haven't you got any other family you can go to?"

"No, there's no-one. My Mother's family wanted nothing to do with her after I was born.

"I can understand that. Look at the man she had! What are you going to do then?"

"I don't know!" Michael was tired, he was exhausted, he was sore and he'd had enough of this. His temper flared. "I don't know and I don't care. Not your problem, is it?"

"Don't you tell me what's my problem and what isn't! All right, you can meet your father. Get your butt back over here and sit down. Big Mike, go and find Tommy. He's meant to be working at the Council Workshops, and if he isn't, I'll bloody kill him."

"Do I have to?" Big Mike knew how to deal with Nancy. He'd had practice.

"Yes, you have to, now get! You, get your butt back here and sit down before you fall down."

Big Mike grinned and winked at the kid as he passed him. "You're in, Kid. Keep your mouth shut and you'll be right." He hurried back down the street.

Michael limped back to the verandah and sat down with a sigh, looking straight ahead.

"You've got spirit then," Nancy said. "You didn't get that from Tommy."

She looked back behind her and called into the house. "Sarah! We've got one out here who needs nursing. Bring a bucket of hot water so he can soak his foot. Bring a bandage too, you can strap his foot up."

"Thanks, but you don't have to worry," Michael sighed.

"I'll worry if I want to. You just sit there and shut up. Sarah will fix you up. she used to be a nurse. Why did your mother dump you? You a bad egg?"

"No, I don't think so. I haven't been in trouble."

"Why would she dump you then?"

"Because I'm gay. She can't handle that."

"You've got your troubles, haven't you? You're gay with Tommy for a father and a bitch for a mother. Poor little bugger. Well, I've got better things to do.Stay there and Sarah will fix you up while you're waiting for Tommy, if he shows." She walked away into the house.

A tall, dark-haired girl, with a steaming bucket of water in her hand and a baby on her hip, came out and looked down at him.

"Are you the patient? What's wrong with your foot?"

"That'd be me, and it's not a lot, I just twisted my ankle."

"Ouch! You're sure it's not broken?"

"It's not, I think. It hurts, but not that much. I wouldn't walk on it if it was broken, would I?"

"Probably not. Okay, get your shoe off and we'll have a look."

She came down and stood in front of him while he undid the laces and started, gingerly, easing his sneaker off.

"Oh, for goodness sake!" She put the bucket down, grabbed his sneaker and whipped it off.

"There," she grinned. "Now it's off. I'm Sarah, Nancy's first-born. Who are you?"

"I'm Michael Malloy."

"Michael Malloy? You're Tommy's other kid?"

"Yes, that's me. I don't know him though. Have you heard about me?"

"Of course I have. I'm your big sister. Get your sock off and stick your foot in the bucket."

He tried, but jerked his foot out again. The water was way too hot.

"Oww!"

"What's the matter? Too hot?" Sarah bent her arm and dunked her elbow in the bucket, pulling it back out quickly.

"Okay, that's too hot. Sorry. Here," she passed the baby to him. "Meet your nephew. That's Paulie. Wait here a minute. Look after Paulie and I'll get some cold water."

He sat holding the baby - carefully, he knew nothing about babies and it looked like it would break easily. It was sleeping and didn't wake up - lucky kid.

Sarah returned in a couple of minutes, carrying a big plastic bowl with some water in it and she had an old towel slung over her shoulder. She put the bowl down in front of him, poured in some hot water from the bucket, tested the temperature and poured in some more. She tested it again and nodded.

"Okay, that's good enough. Put your foot in."

He lifted his foot, dunked it in tthe water and pulled it out again.

"It's still too hot."

"No, it's not." She she put a hand on his knee and forced the foot back into the water, holding it there. "Don't be a wuss, Boy. It's got to be hot to work. It'll get better."

It did. He wasn't sure if the water was cooling or if he was just getting used to it, but it got better. Meanwhile, Sarah was stripping his other foot. She lifted and inspected it.

"Phew! You're a bit smelly. It pongs. Oh boy, you've got blisters. Right, shove this one in too." She pushed it in with the other foot and stood up.

"I'll be right back, don't go away."

She went back inside and returned with a bottle of Dettol, poured some of that into the bowl and swirled it around, usin his 'good' foot as a stirring spoon. Michael relaxed and let his poor, sore, feet soak until Sarah decided that he'd had enough. She took them out, gently patted them dry, and then bound his sprained ankle up in a tight bandage. It felt much better.

Sarah had only just finished that when Big Mike returned, accompanied by a skinny, weedy, little man dressed in oil-stained blue overalls. They were arguing as they came in off the street. Sarah stood up and took her baby back.

"Here we are then," she grinned. "You've already met Big Mike. Michael Thomas Malloy, meet Thomas Michael Malloy. Tommy, your other boy has come to see you."

The little guy stood there looking him up and down. Michael was surprised. He'd always imagined that his father was a big, big man. This guy was no taller than he was. Probably weighed less too.Tommy rolled a cigarette, coughed when he lit it, and then he had another look. "What d'you want?"

"Want?" Michael gulped. "I just wanted to meet you. Mum said that I should.

"Yeah. Okay, now you've done that." Tommy walked up the front steps.

"I've, umm, I've got nowhere to go," Michael gulped."Mum's gone to Aussie and left me behind. She says that she doesn't want me around."

"Neither do I. You can bugger-off, Kid. There's too many mouths around here as it is."

"Oh. I . . alright. Sorry. Goodbye then." He put his socks and sneakers into the trolley.

"Thanks, Sarah, for fixing my ankle up. It feels much better now." He started pushing the trolley back to the street.

"Wait a minute. Wait a minute," Sarah protested. "Tommy, this is your son and he's homeless. You can't just throw him out in the street."

"Oh yes I can. His mother's had him for 14 years and she doesn't want him; why the hell should I take him on? I don't even know the kid and I don't want to."

"Tommy, he's yours! He didn't ask to be born."

"I didn't ask him to either. He was just an accident. Go away, Boy."

"You rotten Little Shit!" a red-faced Nancy came roaring out of the house, pushiing Tommy back out of the doorway. "You are the worst father, ever, in the history of the world! Michael, you get back in here. You are going nowhere."

Big Mike Malloy

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:53:00 +0000

Big Mike Malloy pounded down the sidewalk and the ground trembled beneath his feet. Well, in his head it did. Everything trembled when Big Mike walked by.

On the outside, he was not so big. He was a puny little kid really, on the outside.

In mining towns, it's common for people to be given familiar names, or nick-names. Of course, trying to be funny, the locals often pick on a feature of a person and name them the opposite. 'Blue' had red hair, 'Rowdy' Daglish was a very quiet guy, 'Tiny' Johnston was huge and Big Mike Malloy was little.

That's not how he saw himself though, Mike really did think that he was big. He'd been called that ever since he could remember and he'd come to believe it, sort-of. His older brothers had hung the name on him. He was still a pre-schooler when they were teenagers and when he protested that they were allowed to do things that he wasn't, he always claimed, "I'm big. Big Mikey!"

Over the years, Mikey had been shortened to Mike, but the Big still remained. His brothers were men now and they were not small. Maybe, one day, Big Mike might grow into his name, but it hadn't happened yet and he was 14 already. Fourteen years old, 4 foot nothing and 70 odd pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes, he looked like a little kid. His best friend was twice the size of him, and she was a girl.

Harri Roberts lived next door. She called him Big Mike, she always had, everybody did. Harri was the reason that he was not so happy. They were down at the river, getting dressed after swimming and Harri was proudly showing off her new boobs. She looked at his dick and laughed at him!

"Damm, Big Mike, a few less centimeters and you'd be a girl too!"

Ha bloody ha! She was so not funny. What did she expect anyway? They'd just been in the river and cold water shrinks things. She was a girl and girls knew nothing. Pity her boobs didn't shrivel up too - disgusting uddery things that they were.

He was big - Big Mike Malloy and the ground shook when he walked.

On the main street, around the corner by the newspaper office, he nearly crashed into a supermarket trolley and he scowled at the kid pushing it.

"Watch it, Mate."

"I am watching. Why don't you try it? And, I'm not your mate."

Whoah, the attitude! There was no time for fighting with strangers in the street, Big Mike backed off. "Suit yourself." He shrugged and went to walk around him.

"Hey Kid," the stranger said, "are you a local?"

"Yeah, of course, I've always lived here. Why?"

"Well I'm not. I'm a stranger here."

"Lucky you." Big Mike started walking.

"Can you tell me where Tommy Malloy lives. Tommy and Nancy Malloy?"

"Tommy and Nancy Malloy?" Big Mike was puzzled. "Yeah, I know where they live. What are you looking for them for?"

"I've got to talk to him. I've come a long way and I've got nowhere else to go."

"You haven't? You have? Why do you have to talk to Tommy?"

"I just do. It's really important; I need his help."

"You need his help? Good luck with that. Tommy's a drunken bum and he don't help nobody."

"I'm hoping that he'll help me. I've got nowhere to go," the kid was pleading.

"Hmm. Okay then, come with me and I'll show you where he lives."

"Oh, great! Thanks."

"No probs. Come on."

Tommy and Nancy were Big Mike's parents, so he was curious now. What did this kid want his father for? Tommy was not the type to help anybody, he couldn't look after himself. It was Nancy who ran their house, not Tommy. 'This could be interesting.'

He started for home in a hurry, but had to stop and wait. The kid was limping and he wasn't keeping up.

"Sorry," the stranger shrugged when he caught up to him. "I'm having trouble."

"So I see. What've you done to your foot?"

"I twisted my ankle, and I think I've got blisters. I've been walking for hours."

"Pushing the trolley?"

"No. I found it up the road and I've just borrowed it. I thought it would be easier than carrying my pack and stuff. It's dammed hard to steer though."

"They're made like that to slow you down."

"You might be right. Have we got far to go?"

"No, not far at all. It's just a couple of blocks up the road."

"Good!"

"Yeah. What's your name anyway?"

"I'm Michael Malloy."

"You what? You are not!"

"Yeah I am. That's my name - Michael Thomas Malloy."

"For real? But that's my name. I'm Michael Thomas Malloy."

"You are? Are you related to Tommy Malloy?"

"Unfortunately, yes. He's my father."

"He is? Really? He's my father too."

"No!"

"Yes."

"Oh, wow! Just wow. I've never heard anything about you. Does Tommy know? He's gonna be in SO much trouble!"

"Yeah, he knows. Well, he used to. I hope he remembers. He used to send maintainance money for me, sometimes, but it stopped years ago."

"That sounds like him. I hope you don't think you're going to get money out of him now. You've got no show because he hasn't got any. The only people Tommy supports are publicans.

Come on, I can't wait to get home. This is gonna be fun! Can I push the trolley for you?"

"No, it's okay, thanks. It helps to support my foot."

"Still looks like hard work. I'll tell you what, get in it, sit on your pack and I'll push you."

"Well . . . yeah, thanks. That'd be great if you'll do that, it'd be a big help."

"No probs. If Tommy's your father, then we're brothers, I guess."

"That is so cool. I wasn't expecting to find any brothers. Are there any others?"

"Yeah, there's two - TJ, which means Tommy Junior, (poor bugger), and Blue, but they don't live at home, they're grown-up and they've got their own places."

Michael climbed into the trolley while Big Mike stood holding it steady. He settled down and Big Mike started walking. It wasn't too bad, once he got going.

"You, I mean, we, have a brother named Blue?"

"No, his name is Gavin, but he's called Blue because he's got red hair."

"Of course. What do they call you?"

"I'm Big Mike."

"Because you're little?"

"No, Dork. Because I'm big!"

"Umm. Okay then. Do you always call your father Tommy?"

"Yeah. Everybody does. They're just Tommy and Nancy. How old are you?"

"I'm fourteen."

"Fourteen? Me too! When's your birthday?"

"The 3rd of July."

"Mine's the 5th of August. We're not twins then."

"We're not. We've got two different mothers but the same father."

"Yeah, wow. Nancy is too, she's very different, you'll see. It's Nancy that you'll have to charm if you want to get your foot in the door. Nancy's the boss, Tommy's just useless."

"Thanks, I'll remember that."

"No-one forgets it. Oh, Blue's not your brother. He's mine but not yours. He's got a different father - Nancy had a fling when Tommy was in Pap one time."

"In Pap?"

"Paparoa Prison. Tommy's a bit of a crim. He's not very good at it, he keeps getting caught."

"Our father is no saint then."

"Definitely not! Neither is Nancy, but she's okay. Oh, there's two sisters too. Sarah's the oldest, but she lives at home. She's got 2 kids of her own, but they're just little. She split with her boyfriend so now she's back at home with her kids. And there's Molly, she's the youngest and the baby. She's 8."

"It's a busy house then."

"It surely is. Have you got any other brothers and sisters?"

"No, there's just me and now Mum's decided that there's no room for me either. She's got a new boyfriend, they've gone to live in Aussie and they don't want me. She told me to bugger off and go find my father. It's about time that he was responsible for me."

"Good luck with that!"

They carried on up the street. It was just as well they didn't live on a hill!

They both had a lot to think about. Big Mike was mostly thinking, 'Wow!' It was never boring around there for long, but today could be the most interesting ever. As fast as he could, they went home.

Virgil, 7

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:17:00 +0000

Lachlan had news for him, at school next day. He’d heard from Gary and he had caught-up with Joel. Joel was crook, he was stuck in bed at his hostel with a bug. It was nothing serious, he wasn’t going to die or anything, but he was sick.

He was getting better now. He went away for the weekend with one of the guys on his course. They went up to his home at Waikanae, he was taken ill there and he’d been in bed ever since.

Well, that was good, maybe, sort-of. He wasn’t quite sure what he thought. He didn’t want Joel to be crook, that wasn’t good, but at least it explained why he hadn’t heard from him.

It was better than the alternative, that he just didn’t want to talk to him. Why wouldn’t he turn his blasted phone on?

He went to the library, with Colin, at lunchtime and Colin showed him how to by-pass the blocks and access his private email account on the school’s computer system.

There was no news, so that was a waste of time. (Good to know how to do it tho’). He still wished that he’d never sent that bloody email, but he had. It was too late now.

No, Colin said that there was no way of getting it back or deleting it before Joel read it, unless he knew how to access Joel’s account, which he didn’t. Dammit. If he was really lucky, he might get to talk to him before he read it. Life should be that good.

Life was not that good. He went back to the library after school and checked his email again. There was a reply from Joel. It read, “V. Got your mail. I’ll be back soon. We’ll talk then. J.”

Dammit! Was that good or not? He didn’t know. He hated all this bloody waiting. Seemed like he’d been waiting forever.

So, it was all up to Joel now. He wished he knew, was his life over or not? If Joel didn’t want to know him, at least he’d know. What would he do then? He didn’t have a clue.

He wished that he hadn’t been so stupid. He wished that he’d never sent that email and he so wished that he’d never laid eyes on bloody Hans de Groot. But, he had and he did. Dammit.

He walked out of the school just in time to see a laughing Lachlan heading down to the main street with Gary. He was back from Wellington then. They looked happy to be back together and he had no doubt about what they’d be doing when they got to Gary’s flat in 5 minutes time. Lucky Sods!

He hated them. No he didn’t, but he was SO envious! Some people had it good. Some people were fucking idiots! He walked home, very alone.

Going up the hill, he was passing through the cutting under the railway over-bridge, when the Chevy cruised past him. Whoah, Joel was back early!

That was him driving, Virgil would know him anywhere, but who was that with him? Some curly-haired stranger was sitting in the passenger seat, where Virgil should be. Who was he? Who knew? Who ever he was, Virgil hated him.

Damm! Joel wouldn’t have got himself a new boyfriend already, would he? Lachlan said that he’d been away for the weekend with some guy. No! He felt sick. He’d lost him.

But, Joel hadn’t said anything about a new relationship? That proved nothing. He hadn’t exactly been forthcoming about Hans, until it was too late. Of course Joel would have opportunities. He was a top guy and anyone would be lucky to get him.

He kept walking with his head hung low. He was going home and he was going to get drunk! Fuck it anyway.

The Chevy stopped and parked on the side of the road at the top of the cutting. Joel and his new mate got out and stood waiting for him. Dammit.

He didn’t want to face him now. He didn’t want to hear what he had to say, he knew that it was over and it was all his stupid fault this time.

There was no way to avoid him, unless he turned around and went back to school. He wasn’t doing that, he kept walking, with his head down. He’d just walk straight past them; there was nothing to say anyway. He approached the car and the pair standing there.

“I’m home, Virgil.”

He stopped, sighed and looked at his feet.

“Virgil?”

He looked up. “Joel?”

“I love you, Virgil.”

“Oh, fuck. Joel!” He burst into tears. “I love you, Joel. I love you so much!”

Joel grinned and opened his arms. Virgil flew at him and wrapped around him. He sobbed and hugged him fiercely. They kissed.

They’d both come home and all was well in their world. They broke apart and grinned at each other.

“We’ve been here before,” Joel smiled.

“Yeah, we have, and this time it was all my stupid fault. I’m really sorry, Joel.”

“Hey, you didn’t do anything.”

“No, but I nearly did. I wanted to.”

“But you didn’t.”

“Not quite. I’m so glad I woke up in time.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“So you forgive me?”

“I’d forgive you anything. I love you, you silly little bugger.”

“Cool. Thanks. Let’s go home and bugger now.”

“Virgil!” Joel laughed. “We’ll do that soon. This is Bran. He was on the course with me. I stayed with him last weekend and got sick there. Now he’s come to stay a couple of days here before he goes on to his grandparents’ in Christchurch.

Bran, this is my Virgil.”

“Hey Bran.”

“Hey Virgil. Nice to meet you. I’ve heard all about you.”

“Good things, I hope.”

“Of course! All good things. I think that Joel quite likes you really.”

“He’s a great guy, My Joel. He’s the best!”

“Yeah, he’s a good one. I suppose that you two want me to get lost now?”

“Definitely! We’ve got things to do.”

“I’ll bet you have. Okay, I’ll get lost. I’ll go for a walk and a look around. See you back at the flat, Joel.”

“Thanks, Bran. I’ll see you there later – much later. I think Gary’s back there.”

“He is,” Virgil said. “He was heading there with Lachlan. Don’t disturb them, they’re busy too.”

“Right! I don’t want to see that. Know any spare women around here? There must be a few if all the boys are paired-off together.”

“Not all of them; just the best ones. Bye, Bran. Go away now. We’re going home.”

“Okay, have fun guys. See you later.”

“Laters, Bran.”

(And, that’s it – it’s over. You can work out where it’s going now. I’ve finished – finally!

Thanks for reading. Stay well.

Cheers.)

Virgil, 6

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:52:00 +0000

“Gary? He’s at the hall, Mrs. Braidwood wanted him. The show starts next week.”

“Just in time for Joel to get back. He’s due home next weekend.”

“Yeah, he is. They held the show back a week so that he’ll be there. No-one wants to do it without him.”

“Of course they don’t. Joel is their star. He’s my shining star too, I hope.”

“”You hope?”

“”Yeah. I haven’t heard back from him. He might not want to know me now.”

“Virgil! He’ll want to know you. He loves you – end of story.”

“I hope you’re right. You’re still in the show then?”

“I am. I’m just in the chorus but Gary won’t do it without me and they need him there – he’s a star too. Are you going to come back?”

“I don’t know, maybe. I don’t know if they’d still want me. I haven’t been for weeks and weeks.”

“Sure, they’ll want you. The males are still way out-numbered by the girls. We need all the help we can get!”

“I’ll come back if Joel wants me there, otherwise, no. They surely wouldn’t want me and not Joel.”

“Virgil! Joel will want you there. There’s no way that he won’t. He loves you, Dork!”

“I hope you’re right, Lachie, I really do, but I can’t help feeling that I’ve stuffed my life up.”

“Phaw! You’re being dumb. You’ll see, you two belong together, now and always.”

“I hope.”

“I know.” Lachlan finished his drink. “I’d better get down to the hall. There’s a dress-rehearsal tonight. Are you coming with me?”

“No, I don’t think I should. I’ll wait to hear from Joel first.”

“Honestly, you’re worrying about nothing, and if you’re not, I’ll kick Joel’s arse for him. He’s never going to get better than you. You’re awesome, Virgil, when you’re not being a bitch.”

“Shut up! Thanks, Lachlan. I love you, you know.”

“I love you too. Do I get a hug before I go?”

“A hug? Like the Westpoint kids do? Sure, why not?”

They hugged and Lachlan took off running. Virgil went, grinning, back to the computer. There was still no mail. Dammit!

He spent the night at home, alone, which he hoped was not a taste of how his life was going to be. His mum went out again for ‘a hair of the dog that bit her’. Crazy Lady, she was going to be so sick tomorrow.

No mail had arrived when he went to bed and there was still none when he got up next day. He was starting to get really worried now. Maybe Joel had had enough of his antics? He wouldn’t blame him if he had.

He sent him a text, without much hope of a reply. Joel was forever losing his phone and when he had it with him, he never turned the damm thing on, did he?

He was right, there was no reply, as usual. He tried not to worry, but it wasn’t easy. He was very good at worrying. That was something new, he never used to be like that, but he was now. And, he had something to worry about, didn’t he?

By the time Monday morning came around, he was pretty much beyond worrying. He decided that he’d stuffed-up his life and Joel didn’t want to know him now. He wished that he’d never sent that bloody email, but he did.

It was done now, dammit. Why didn’t he wait until Joel came home and told him face-to-face? Too late now. Fuck, it was easy to stuff-up a good thing!

He dragged himself to school and spent the day scowling at everybody. He was so not in the mood for this, but it was something to do.

Hans, Lars and Kees came up to him, grinning. They’d had a great weekend in Christchurch, made some contacts and scored some good shit too. They were ripped! Was Virgil going to come with them when Hans did his driving test after school?

They got told to fuck off. They shrugged, grinned and fucked off.

People were looking at him, but no-one approached him, except for Lachlan.

“Hey my Friend. Still not heard from Joel?”

“Hey, Lachlan. No I haven’t!”

“I wouldn’t worry too much. Gary has been trying to get hold of him and he’s heard nothing either.”

“What’s Gary trying to talk to him for? About me?”

“No, it’s not about you.”

“Wouldn’t surprise me. Gary doesn’t like me, he only puts up with me for your sake.”

“Virgil, that’s not true. Gary likes you well enough, he thinks you’re pretty cool actually, but he thinks that you don’t like him.”

“That’s not right. Gary’s okay, he’s good for you.”

“Oh yes, he’s very good for me. Anyway, he’s trying to ask Joel about the furniture for his room in the flat. He says that, if he hasn’t heard from him by tomorrow, he’s going to Wellington to see what’s going on.”

“Why would he do that? He’s not that worried about him, is he?”

“No, he’s just being Gary. He’s not known for his patience, and, I guess it’s something to do. Wish I could go with him.”

“So do I! But, there’s only this week to get through and then he’ll be back.”

“Looking forward to that are you?’

“I think I am.”

“Don’t worry, Virgil. Everything will be fine.”

“Hope so.”

The bell rang and they went into class. There was another rehearsal after school. If they thought that Mrs. Braidwood was a slave-driver, well, Mrs. Tanner was worse! No, Virgil wasn’t going with him, not yet.

After school, Virgil walked home with Mac. Joyce was at the hall. They parted and he rushed inside to the computer – STILL nothing! Dammit.

Lachlan called for him next morning, he was walking in to school, Gary had left already. He was driving to Picton to catch the 10am ferry to Wellington.

Virgil guessed that that was good, kind-of. At least Gary would find out where Joel was at, but he still worried. Lachlan said it wasn’t true, but he couldn’t help feeling that Gary didn’t like him. It would be a great opportunity for him to split them if he wanted to.

Actually, he didn’t like himself much either. What was he going to do if Joel didn’t want him? He didn’t have a clue.

Hans and his brothers were strutting around at school, full of grins. Virgil knew without being told that Hans had passed his driving test. He was looking so pleased with himself.

Sure enough, he came over at the recess and told him that he’d aced it.

“We’re going back to Christchurch this weekend and we’re going to get a car at last! You want to come with us?”

“For the weekend? No, I don’t think I should. Joel will be home by Saturday.”

“Your boyfriend’s back? Oh well, good luck with that. Here, this is for you – enjoy!” He handed him a CD, grinned and walked away.

“A CD?” He looked at it. All the hand-written label said was, “HdG – Model.”

What was this about? He’d said that they were making money in Christchurch. Was this it? Did Hans sing or something? He couldn’t wait to get home and find out.

When he got home at last, Gran was there, with a new man – or, an old man really, but he was new to her. Where did she find them? They were in the living-room, smoking up, so Virgil went to his room and shut the door.

He put the CD on the stereo and nothing happened. He tried again and again, and then took it out and tried another CD. That worked fine, so the problem wasn’t his old stereo. What then? Hans wouldn’t have given him a defective CD, would he?

“Ah, of course!”

He opened the drawer on the computer and popped it in there. Now it worked. A programme opened and it wasn’t a music CD at all. This was photos, and what photos they were!

There was a few at first of all 3 de Groot brothers together, doing what they did best which was posing. They were all smoking, drinking red wine and pouting and leering at the camera.

As the pics progressed, they were of Hans alone, wearing fantastical costumes which got less and less until he was wearing nothing but brief, shiny, gold-lame undies. Then it got less and he was naked!

There was a rear-end shot, and then one side-on. Virgil turned it off, he’d seen enough.

Funny, a couple of days ago he would’ve been hanging-out for more, now he wasn’t interested. At least he knew now what they were up to in Christchurch, and how they were making their ‘serious money’.

They were posing for dirty pictures. The pretty boys were nothing more than hookers, selling their beautiful bodies. That could only end in tears!

It was none of his business, but he pitied them really. He was so glad that he’d woken up before he got any further involved. He wanted his Joel. Where was he and what was he thinking?

Virgil, 5

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:30:00 +0000

Time went by, weeks passed. Virgil didn’t see a lot of his friends, he spent most of his free time with Hans. Sometimes his brothers were there as well, but mostly it was just the two of them.

His mother wasn’t the only one who was disapproving of his new friendship, most of his mates where warning him off as well. Even Mac and Joyce were united for once in telling him to be careful.

Missy growled at him and told him that he was a fool, but that was nothing new – she told everyone that.

Lachlan and Gary came and tried to talk to him. He told them to fuck off, he didn’t need their advice, he was doing nothing wrong.

Why shouldn’t he make a new friend? Joel wouldn’t mind. Joel, it seemed, knew nothing about what he was doing and Virgil wasn’t telling him. It was none of his business anyway; Joel didn’t own him and he was entitled to a life of his own, wasn’t he?

They never talked much. Joel was busy at his course all day and Virgil was often busy in the evenings. Joel’s only access to the ‘net was at internet cafes, but he did send regular, long and chatty letters.

It was an effort to reply, so Virgil just sent brief responses. Joel was lucky to get that much. He was busy. Besides, by the time Joel returned, he planned on having his learner’s licence. That’d be a surprise for him, wouldn’t it?

The bad thing about him and Hans getting their licences would be that they wouldn’t spend so much time together. He was fascinated by Hans but he had no doubt that he’d drop him like a hot brick once he got what he wanted.

Hans and his brothers were totally self-obsessed. It as hard to believe that Peter was their rellie, but he was. Also, Hans still hadn’t said how he planned on repaying him for his time, but he was pretty sure that it involved sex. He hoped so.

Virgil met the Examiner, at the Council offices, on Thursday after school. He wasn’t nervous, he knew his stuff and he was ready, but even so, he was disappointed that Hans wouldn’t come with him. He didn’t need him there, but he would’ve liked his support. Joel would’ve come, if he was there, but he wasn’t.

Anyway, he blitzed the test, oral and written questions, and did the practical driving demo, no trouble at all. He went home proudly bearing the temporary certificate that promised his provisional licence would arrive soon. Choice.

Hans was due to sit his test on Monday and was going to Christchurch for the weekend, with his brothers of course. They had an appointment there, but he wouldn’t say what for.

Friday night, Virgil was home alone and bored. His mum had gone out boozing and Gran was away, tripping around, as she did. So he was delighted to have some visitors come to see him, but not for long.

There was a knock at the door and Lachlan, Gary, Riley and Jacob and Colin and Missy all came trooping in. Wow. Missy had never been to his house before and he was wondering what brought her there.

He soon found out and he was not happy about it, to put it mildly. They had come around as a concerned group of friends to do ‘an intervention’. When he realised this, Virgil hit the roof and he ordered them out of his house.

Lachlan said no, they were not going, they cared too much to give-up on him.

Missy didn’t have a lot to say, but what she did say annoyed him most of all. “I never really thought that you were a fool. You’re proving me wrong! You had a great life, Boy. Why do you want to throw it away?”

“I’m not throwing anything away.”

“Oh, but you are. That pretty little tart is dangling a bait, and he’s got you well and truly hooked. Where’s Joel? Doesn’t he mean anything to you?”

“Joel doesn’t fucking own me and neither do you lot! You can all fuck off and leave me alone. I don’t want to know you – bloody Busybodies!”

They weren’t going anywhere, so he did. He stormed out of the door and just kept going. He didn’t go downtown; he’d had enough of people and didn’t want to see anybody. So he went up and over the hill and down towards South Bay.

He didn’t go into there though, there was nothing there for him. He went instead into the racecourse near the corner and sat up in the old grandstand, in the shadows where he couldn’t be seen.

It was quiet, private and peaceful there. He calmed down and lost the anger. He was feeling a bit stupid now over how he’d reacted.

They were his friends and they were only trying to help because they cared. Well, they were his friends, he hoped that they still would be. He’d have to mend some bridges.

It was quiet, just the sound of stones rattling as the waves flopped on the beach over the road and the occasional car going past, out on the highway. It was getting late. A train whistle sounded in the distance. Was there ever a lonelier sound?

He was very alone now. He wished that Joel was with him. What was Joel doing tonight? Who was he with?

Damm! He wouldn’t actually be with someone, would he? No, of course he wouldn’t. Not Joel, he wouldn’t do that. Joel was no tart, he was faithful, steady and true. Unlike some people.

One of the patchy clouds slid away, the face of the full moon was revealed and the cold, hard, light was as bright as day. Virgil sat looking up at it and he felt that he’d come out of the shadows in more ways than one.

What the fuck was he doing?

He had the love of the greatest guy ever. He wouldn’t even be alive if Joel didn’t love him, and he’d been lusting after Hans, like a randy dog around a bitch in heat. Was he friggin’ insane?

Hans de Groot was gorgeous, there was no two ways about it. He was a stunningly beautiful boy in his sexual prime. He was sex-on-legs, but his beauty was definitely only skin-deep. Inside he was as hard as flint and totally self-absorbed, unlike Joel.

Joel was the opposite, he was warm and giving, level-headed and loving, and he was not too bad to look at either! He was the greatest guy in the world, he was in love with Virgil and he loved him totally. Life with Joel would be a life full of loving.

Life with Hans? Who knew? It would only last until he set his sights on his next target, if that long.

Fuck! He was so stupid! How could he even think of risking what he had with Joel for a dip in Hans’ honeypot? Stupid fucking idiot! He did not deserve Joel, he never did.

He leapt to his feet and hurried for home. He was going to talk to Joel. Well, not to actually talk to him, he couldn’t do that, but he could email him and tell him everything.

He had to before some other idiot did it for him. Not that he’d actually done anything, but he was heading there and “as a man thinks in his heart, so he is.”

He could not afford to lose Joel. He couldn’t live without him. He loved him. He went home to tell him so.

He was still sitting there at the computer when his mum came rolling in, drunk of course. Someone had dropped her off, he heard a car outside, but she was alone when she came in. Thankfully. Anything else would just be embarrassing really.

“Virgil! How is my beautiful boy? You’re up late. Who are you talking to there?”

“I’m not talking to anyone, Mum. I’m just emailing Joel.”

“Well good! About bloody time too. Send him my love and tell him it’s about time he got his butt back home.”

“Yeah, okay, I’ll do that. Go to bed, Mum.”

“I’m going, I’m going. Joel’s a good boy, you know – the best you’re ever going to get. Don’t stuff it up or you’ll be sorry.”

“Yeah, I know. I’ll tell him. G’nite, Mum.”

“Nite, Honey.”

It was very late when he went to bed, but, whatever. Tomorrow was Saturday, (or should that be Sunday?)

He hit ‘send’ and shut-down. That was the longest email ever! It was almost an hour-by-hour account of his life since Joel had been gone. (Whoah! He’d be home next Friday – at last!)

He told him everything, every stupid thing that he’d been doing and nearly doing. Told him that he loved him and asked for his forgiveness.

He went to bed and slept for most of the day – as did Natasha, that was how she avoided the worst of the hangovers.

As soon as he was out of bed, he was on the computer, but there was no reply from Joel. There was no mail from anyone else either, but that didn’t matter, it was Joel’s thoughts he was looking for.

He did think of sending him a ‘hurry-up’ note, but didn’t. That’d be desperate. He put some clothes on and went to find something to eat. Cheese on toast was as good as it got, so he had that.

He was sitting there eating, there was a knock on the door and Lachlan came in. “Hey, Virgin.”

“That’s VirGIL! Hey, Lachlan.”

“Hey. Are we still mates?”

“Yeah, if you want to. We’re mates.”

“Cool. I want to. Thanks.”

“Thank you. Thanks for not giving up on me.”

“I wouldn’t do that.”

“No, you wouldn’t, would you? You’re a good friend, Lachie. Get yourself a drink and sit down.”

“Thanks, I will.” Lachlan made a drink and sat down across the table from Virgil. “Sorry about last night. We shouldn’t have done that to you.”

“Don’t be sorry. It was a good thing you did, I needed it.”

“Yeah, you did, but we still shouldn’t all have landed on you like that. I should’ve come to you on my own but I wasn’t brave enough and didn’t think you’d listen to me anyway.”

“I probably wouldn’t have, but don’t let that stop you. You don’t have to be scared to talk to me. If I’m being an arse, tell me.”

“You were being an arse,” Lachlan grinned.

“Yeah, I was, but not now. I know I didn’t take it very well, but you guys woke my ideas up last night. I was being a dork. Joel is my mate and he’s worth far more than any Canadian Poser. I wrote and told him everything when I came home.”

“Good for you. What did he say?”

“Dunno. I haven’t heard back from him yet.”

“Joel will be fine. He loves you, you know.”

“Yeah, I know. I know that I love him too.”

“Don’t forget it!”

“I won’t, not again.”

“So, no more Cowboys then?”

“Definitely not. Never!”

“Well, good.”

Lachlan took a sip of his drink, and then he grinned.

“So what was he like anyway?”

“Lachlan! We didn’t do anything. I was heading that way, but it didn’t happen.”

“Never? You’ve been spending a lot of time together.”

“We did, but we didn’t do that. We were working on getting our driver’s licences. I got mine on Thursday, Hans will get his on Monday.”

“But nothing else happened?”

“No, not quite. He was dangling a bait and I was sniffing at it, but that’s all.”

“Good job too. You should still be ashamed of yourself.”

“I am. I told Joel that too. Where’s Gary?”

Virgil, 4

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:53:00 +0000

(OK, the "holidays" are over. Most everyone's gone home and, hopefully, taken their bugs with them.)

He saw Hans at lunchtime. Saw him but didn’t get to talk to him for long. He was, as usual, promenading around the school with his brothers. They did it everyday. Virgil had never seen it before, but the parading was quite vain really.

It was like they had to keep moving so that as many people as possible could look at, and admire, them. And, it was hard not to. Damm, these were good-looking boys and so similar in appearance. It was like one of those old-fashioned paintings done on 3 separate canvasses – a tripytch, or whatever. But this picture was even better because it was moving.

Their constant moving meant that no-one could speak to them for more than a few fleeting seconds, but some tried. Virgil thought that the whole performance was vain, but they did look good.

So, Hans wanted to learn to drive, did he? Yeah, Virgil decided, he could handle that. It’d be something to do and it might be fun. Where was Hans going to get a car anyway? None of them had jobs, as far as he knew, so where would he get the money? Gary might know, he’d ask him.

The de Groots came past again, Hans left them and came across.

“Hey Virgil,” he grinned. “Didn’t catch-up with you in the recess, I got held up. Can we go somewhere after school?”

“Just you and me? Sure, why not?”

“Cool. I’ll meet you outside the main entrance then. Laters, Virgil.”

He rejoined his brothers and Virgil went to find Mac and Joyce. He’d meet him, it might be interesting. Who knew what could come of this? He lost the big smile on his face when he saw Missy scowling at him. She was still grumpy then? Whatever, she usually was.

School finished, at last, and Virgil was there waiting 2 minutes later. The de Groots came out and Hans left them and came over to him. “Hi. Where can we go and talk?”

“We’ll go up the hill to my place. There’s no-one there and we can get a drink.”

“To your home? Sounds good. You wouldn’t believe how crowded our place is.”

They walked up the hill, talking quietly and ignoring everybody else. Virgil was perfectly aware of the many eyes watching them, but, whatever, he didn’t care. They got to his home, Gran was gone, she said that she would be but he was pleased to confirm that the housetruck had left.

They went inside, he shut the door and put the kettle on. “I’m having a coffee, there’s coke if you’d rather. What would you like?”

“Bacardi and Coke sounds good.”

“Bacardi? You’re a drinker?”

“Yeah, sure. When I can get it. There’s no booze at Uncle Abel’s place, except for Mum’s stash and I can’t take too much of that or she’d know.”

“There’s way too much booze here. I don’t touch it, but you can have one if you must. I doubt if there’s any Bacardi though.”

“How about Canadian Club?”

“Whisky? You’ll be lucky! They’re not really into spirits, just beer and wine.”

“Okay,” Hans opened the fridge and inspected the door. “I’ll have a beer then Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Help yourself; I’ll go and change my clothes, won’t be a minute.”

He went to his room, kicked his shoes off and stripped to his boxers. He got some jeans from the bottom drawer and stood to put them on. Hans was standing in the doorway, looking at him.

“Nice body,” he smiled. “You look fit.”

“Yeah, well,” Virgil blushed. He wasn’t usually this shy, dammit. “I run a bit. Easy to be fit when you’re 15.”

“Guess so. The boyfriend probably helps with working-out too?”

“Yeah, well, maybe.”

He put his pants on, covered the torso with a t-shirt and they returned to the kitchen. Virgil made his coffee and they sat at the table. Hans had a can of beer.

“So, Lars said that you want to learn to drive?”

“That’d be right. Can you help me?”

“Well, I dunno. I can try, I guess. I haven’t got a licence, but I can drive. I’ve been doing it for years.”

“Cool. I have driven a car, on a highway, but I need more practice.”

“Yeah, me too. We can practice together.”

“Sounds good,” Hans grinned and Virgil was sure that he wasn’t thinking about driving.

“It’s a shame that Joel’s not here. He’s all legal and everything. Why are you so keen on driving anyway? You haven’t got a car.”

“Not yet, but once I’m licenced my brothers and I will buy one. Then we’ll be able to get out of this Hicktown on weekends and go to the city.”

“To Christchurch? Cool. I used to live there once.”

“Why the hell did you leave?”

“I didn’t have a lot of choice, Mum made me. Kaimoana’s not so bad. I quite like it really.”

“Good place for sleeping and not much else.”

“So where did you used to live?”

“In Sydney – cool town.”

“In Sydney? But that’s in Aussie. I thought you guys were from Canada.”

“We are. There’s a Sydney there too, in Nova Scotia. That’s where we grew up. Can you get your mum’s car?”

“Probably. I’ll have to ask her at the right time.”

“Okay, so you’ll do it then? I’ll make it worth your while.”

“Like how?”

“Oh, I’m sure we’ll work something out. So, you’ll be my Virgil.”

“Your Virgil? I dunno about that.”

“Sure you will, you’ll be my guide. Virgil guided Dante through Hell and Purgatory in the Divine Comedy. You guide me through Kaimoana – much the same thing really.”

“It is not!” Virgil laughed. “You’ll need to study the Road Code.”

“I started on that. That’s got to be the most boring book ever written.”

“Well, one of them, but it’s got to be done. You have to know that stuff.”

“I guess. You going to study it with me?”

“I can do that. I think there’s one here somewhere.”

“Don’t worry about it now, I should be getting home. You find out about the car, I’ll come back tomorrow and we’ll get started then. Okay?”

“Yeah, okay. Tomorrow then. I’ll ask Mum after she’s eaten and had a drink, she’s more mellow then.”

He went to the front, with Hans, to show him out, but before he went out of the door, he paused and kissed Virgil on the cheek.

“Call that a down-payment,” he grinned and strutted off down the hill.

Virgil shut the door and leaned against it. “Whoah!”

What was he getting into? Something good, by the look of it. He started cooking the evening meal, which should please his mum, and didn’t even think of checking his mail.

Natasha agreed to their using her car. It was about time Virgil had a licence. Her only stipulations were that they had to keep out of town and that they were responsible for any damage they did. (She didn’t expect that they would, Virgil was a good little driver). She also hoped that he knew what he was doing and had he discussed it with Joel?

No he hadn’t, but he would – soon.

He didn’t spend a lot of time alone with Hans at school next day. Hans was a bit of an odd one really. Did he want to be friends or not?

Whatever. He had plenty of people to spend time with anyway, so he did. Hans spent his time with his brothers, as usual. However, as soon as school was over for the day, he was there looking for him.

“Hey-ya, Virgil my guide. Have we got a car?”

“Hey Hans. Yeah, Mum said we can use her car, but if we break it we’re in major trouble.”

“We’ll try not to do that then. Can we go driving now?”

“Now? Sure, why not? We’ll have to walk up the hill to home, the car’s up there. Have you looked at the Road Code?”

“A little bit, yeah. You?”

“I glanced at it. You’re right, it’s boring.”

“You’re not wrong. But it’s got to be studied if you want a licence. Dammit.”

“Yeah, dammit.”

They got to his home and Virgil went into his room to change his clothes. He tried not to be embarrassed, but it wasn’t easy with Hans standing in the doorway watching him. Virgil wasn’t overly shy but he wasn’t into displaying himself either, unlike some people. Hans was way too interested. He pulled his jeans up and stuffed everything into them before he really embarrassed himself.

“Okay. Let’s go then.”

He grabbed the keys from the hook in the kitchen and they went out to the car. Virgil drove to the north end of town, and then they changed places and Hans drove on up the highway.

He’d driven before, he said, he just needed to practice and get to know the local rules, especially the driving on the other side of the road. The left-hand side just didn’t seem right to him.

Virgil told him that that was tough and he was going to have to get used to it. He couldn’t drive on the right-hand side when nobody else did.

“Tourists get in trouble every year when they drift over to the wrong side. That’s lethal.”

He drove for about an hour, out to Clarence and back. Virgil was going to take-over the wheel when they got back to town, but Hans didn’t want to give it up. He was doing alright anyway, so he let him carry on up the hill to his home and they stopped in the driveway.

“Mission accomplished,” Hans grinned proudly. “I knew I could do it.”

“Yeah, you did it. We’re alive and in one piece anyway. Are you coming in for a drink?”

“Sounds good. Got a beer?”

“Umm, no actually. We can have coffee or coke but no booze.”

“No good stuff? I thought you said there’s always plenty here?”

“There is, but it’s not mine, it’s Mum’s. It’s not mine to give away and you shouldn’t be drinking it anyway. I hate booze.”

“Yeah? How old did you say you were?”

“I’m fifteen.”

“You don’t bloody act like it. There’s nothing wrong with a drink sometimes. It’s good for you.”

“You think? I don’t. You’re young and beautiful now but you won’t be for long if you have too much of that crap. Go into any pub on pension day and have a good look at the faces in there. If that doesn’t put you off drinking, well, it should.”

“You think I’m beautiful? Okay, let’s have a coke then.”

They went inside and sat talking in the kitchen. Virgil wanted to know about Hans, who he was and where he’d come from, but Hans only wanted to talk about the Road Code. He was all business and didn’t want to talk about himself, he was only interested in learning the rules and regs.

The sooner he could get his licence, the sooner he and his brothers could get out of this Hicktown on the weekends. They needed to get to the city where they could have some fun and make some serious money. Doing what? He wasn’t saying.

Virgil was dying of curiosity, but got nowhere, the kid was good at stonewalling. But, he fascinated him and he wanted to know more. That was going to be his mission – to learn all he could.

Natasha came home and started fussing around, preparing dinner. She knew Hans from school, of course. Virgil got the impression that she didn’t like him much. Whatever. He did, he liked him a lot.

“How is Joel going up in Wellington?” she wanted to know after Hans had gone.

“Good, I think,” Virgil replied. “I haven’t been talking to him much.”

“Don’t you think it’s about time you did?”

“Yeah, whatever. He’s busy and so am I. I have got a life, you know.”

“I know that. Just don’t forget what’s important, Virgil. That’s all I’m saying.”

“Yeah, yeah. I know. I’ll talk to him later, after I’ve been to Joyce’s for a while.”

Sorry About the Delay!

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:09:00 +0000

Hey Guys,

Sorry to keep you waiting. The health is better now, (man-flu is not, quite, fatal), but i've still got nothing, i'm tired and it's way too busy here. (So, what's new?)

NEway, i received a little gift from Lloyd - so here's something while you're waiting.

"I think there was something left out of the last posting!

"Gary and Lachlan went off for a look around and the others went back to Ma’s for the rest of the morning.

After looking over the village, Gary and Lachlan stopped in the Music Center. Two chaps were working there, a tall dark-haired guy and a shorter blond one, both about the same age as Superboy.

The store was impressive, mostly CDs and DVDs including a large DVD rental area but there were also some music instruments and audio/video equipment. There was a section of sheet music and books on music. What particularly caught Lachlan's eye was a placard on the wall "Studio Available -- Hourly and Daily rates" and below it "Demos Made."

Lachlan asked if there was a piano in the studio and if it would be possible to get a recording of his friend playing the piano. Yes there was and it would be easy to make a recording of his friend playing the piano.

Gary was not too keen on the idea but Lachlan so wanted it, he had been talking for some time that he wanted to have Gary record his playing. So Gary agreed. The studio had a piano and a selection of other instruments including drums and extensive recording equipment. Peter, that was the name of the shorter blond man, turned on the recording equipment and nodded to Gary that he could begin.

Gary started with "Whispering Hope" and then went on to other things including a chopin Nocturne and Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Then, with a grin at Lachlan as big as the piano keyboard, he played the Beatles "Do you Want to Know a Secret" and then rolled into the Beatles "Love Me Do" and "Love You To."

The two of them were grinning and laughing. Peter had to ask, "Are you two a couple?" They acknowledged that they most certainly were with some concern as to how that would be received. No worries, Peter thought it was great and told them the he and Jay were as well.

Gary played some more tunes, just about every genre that you could think of, Scott Joplan's ragtime "The Entertainer" and "Maple leaf Rag," some folk including "Danny Boy" from Ireland, "Minstrel Boy" from Wales, a number of songs from musicals including "Love changes Everything" from Aspects of Love and several tunes from Oliver, and a number of American folk, popular and jazz songs.

Peter said that he had recorded as much as he could get on a CD. He was awestruck with Gary which is something that does not happen to Peter often. He said Gary was the best pianist he had heard since Michael McHale.

"Who is Michael McHale?" Lachlan wanted to know.

Peter explained that he was a pianist in his mid twenties from Belfast, Ireland. He described his version of "Danny Boy" which started out like a traditional Irish folk air and finished up as an American New Orleans Dixieland jazz piece. Peter said that he would have the demo records later that day, how many copies did they want? Gary paid with his bank card.

Gary and Lachlan left to join the others at Ma's thinking what a great person Peter was and hoping the would see more of him and his mate, Jay. They had lunch there, and then Ross and Robert took them for a tiki-tour around the town, meeting even more rellies as they went.

Maybe I have at least brought a smile to your face."

Thanks Lloyd - brilliant!

cheers

Virgil, 3

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:48:00 +0000

(Okay, got out of my death-bed to post this! :)

Gary was all for a trip to the Coast, as long as Lachlan could come too, which, of course he could. So, they went to Westpoint – Gary driving the Chevy with Lachlan and Virgil next to him and Riley Jacob and Colin in the back. It was just as well the Chevy was a big car, it was full.

They left Friday afternoon, drove across, stayed the night with Mrs. M, and met her sons, Ross and Robert, and also Christian and Roman who lived with them. Ross and Robert were twins, fraternal not identical. They were very much alike, but Ross had blond hair and Robert’s was red. His hair was the exact same colour as Colin and Jacob’s, but, apart from that, they didn’t look much like them.

Christian was a Carver too! It was distant, but he was related.

Saturday morning, they all went into Westpoint in 3 cars, and met the Carvers. Ma Carver was an awesome lady. Virgil was impressed, this was his great grandmother! She didn’t seem old enough, but she was. That’s what you get when you come from a long line of slappers.

She was also Colin and Jacob’s great aunty and Mrs. M was their 2nd cousin. Relationships are complicated, but they were all family and that was good. All day long they were meeting more cousins, uncles and aunties. They’d never remember half of their names.

Saturday night, Christian and Roman went home, Ross and Robert stayed at Ma’s and Virgil, Gary, Lachlan, Riley, Colin and Jacob all spent the night at the Adelphi Hotel.

The Adelphi was nothing flash, it was just an old pub, but it was homely and it was cheap. The best thing about it was that it was the home of another cousin, Billy of Billy’s Burgers! He lived there with his partner, Justin, and their son, Jeremy.

Justin was a man, a husband and father, but everyone called him Superboy, even when he said not to. He was an impressive runner too.

Colin and Lachlan both ran with him, in the Square, on Sunday morning. Colin soon dropped out and sat with the others, watching from the grandstand. Even Lachlan, who was a good runner, couldn’t keep up with him for long.

Gary and Lachlan went off for a look around and the others went back to Ma’s for the rest of the morning. They had lunch there, and then Ross and Robert took them for a tiki-tour around the town, meeting even more rellies as they went.

They ate again, at the original Billy’s Burgers, (for free!), and then went back to Mrs. M’s. They said goodbye and went home, arriving there shortly before midnight.

It was a good weekend. They met a lot of people, made some new friends and cemented their own relationships. Virgil fell into bed, tired but happy, and slept like a log. He was a great grandson, and didn’t even know it! Cool.

He had a weird dream about Ma coming out of a big burning building with her huge family trailing along behind her, like the Pied Piper’s retinue.

He went to school next day in a good mood and with a smile on his dial. He walked down the hill, in the morning, with Dylan James and the very gorgeous William Scott, who was really a nice kid. They were trading stories of their respective weekends in Westpoint and he was feeling on top of the world.

That was the end of the good times. He didn’t realise that at the time, but it was. He thought things were on the up and up when he was actually digging himself into a hole.

It started with a smile. Or, a frown really, but then a smile. They arrived at school and Dylan and William left him and walked away together. Virgil watched them going and sighed. Okay, so he was jealous.

Those two were obviously good mates and they were happy together. Dammit. Dylan and William might be in different year-groups, but at least they were in the same town and the same school. He and Joel weren’t even on the same bloody island!

The gulf that separated them might as well be a million miles. Six weeks! He frowned.

The de Groot brothers, together as always, walked past. For what seemed like the first time ever, one of them, the middle one, looked at him. Their eyes met. Virgil frowned and the Canadian kid smiled at him!

Why? They’d never had any interaction before, they all ignored everybody. But, he smiled and, Damm! What a gorgeous boy. Shit, not even William looked that good.

Also, it was gone in a flash, but he was sure that he saw a look of interest in the kid’s eyes. Whoah. One of the Untouchables was checking him out!

He knew that he shouldn’t care, but he was flattered and he went into school smiling for the second time in a week.

Not even Lachlan could bring him down now. The Kid was positively glowing this morning and had a grin from ear to ear. He was obviously very happy with life, and it showed.

Amazing what some good loving could do. No-one would ever guess what a sad, lonely git he used to be. Virgil was not about to admit it to anyone, but he used to have his suspicions about Gary. He was wrong. Gary was the best thing that could’ve happened for Lachlan and he was happy for him.

He wondered how Joel was doing this morning? Good, he hoped, but not too good. Joel said that he was one of 15 guys on this course, 12 of them were staying in the hostel. He said there was a couple of annoying dorks amongst them, there always is, but most of them were good guys.

He was missing Virgil but keeping busy and he was enjoying the course. He was learning a lot. Good for him, but Virgil hoped he wasn’t too happy up there. Dammit.

He wasn’t looking for trouble, trouble found him. That was his excuse anyway – not much of an excuse, but that was all he had. The middle de Groot brother sat down next to him and smiled.

“Hi ya. How’re you doing? Virgil, isn’t it? I’m Hans.”

(‘Wow. He’s talking to me!’)

“Ah, yeah, I’m Virgil. Hey Hans.”

“Hey. I hear you had a boyfriend?”

“Not had – have. Joel is my mate, he’s away on a course, in Wellington, but he’ll be back.”

“You hope. How long has he gone for?”

“Six weeks,” Virgil sighed.

“Six weeks? Long time!”

“Yeah, it is. It’s a very long time, dammit.”

“Oh?”

The teacher came in and the lesson started so they couldn’t talk anymore. Talking during Mr. Collis’ classes was a sure way of getting thrown out of there. They could still look at each other though, and they did.

Every time Virgil glanced at Hans he was looking back and smiling at him. Wow. He was flattered and it felt good. He had to smile back.

They separated at the break, they had 2 different classes to go to. Hans glanced around, (for his brothers?), and said, “Virgil, I’ll wait for you in the quad at recess.” He grinned and walked away.

Virgil stood watching him go and he was smiling too. He did have a, fleeting, sane moment when he thought, ‘Whoah. What’re you doing? Play with fire and you’ll get burnt.’

But, he didn’t want to listen to that, he liked this Hans. Okay, he was bloody hot! The de Groot brothers had been in town for a couple of weeks now and already they had a reputation for two things. They were all very good-looking, they were bloody gorgeous. Everyone was agreed on that, well they would, wouldn’t they? That was as obvious as the cute little noses on their faces.

The other thing was that they seemed to be snobs. They were stand-offish and never engaged with anybody. They didn’t even talk usually. So, it was flattering that Hans was showing some interest in him. Very flattering.

Virgil felt like he was special, like he was the cutest kid in town or something. He wasn’t of course, he knew that, but if Hans wanted to think so, he wasn’t complaining.

Was he going to meet him? Yes, of course he was. Joel wouldn’t mind. Joel would never bloody know anyway, he wasn’t there. He was away on his dumb course, having fun and he was too busy for Virgil. Why shouldn’t he make a new friend anyway. (Dumbass!)

So, feeling way too excited, he went to the quadrangle at recess and looked around for the cute boy. There were kids everywhere, being kids. It was about time some of them grew up a bit. But there was no sign of the one he was looking for. He wasn’t there.

He waited and he almost came to his senses, like what the hell was he doing there? Joel would not be impressed. What would he know anyway, he was away, having fun in Wellington.

His mind was surging, one way and then the other. His better sense almost won out and he was about to leave when Hans appeared over the other side and Virgil felt insanely happy to see him there. This was reinforced when the boy saw him and flashed a smile. Damm, he looked good.

The boy walked towards him, ignoring everyone else in the crowded quadrangle, and Virgil realised with a shock that it wasn’t Hans at all. This was his brother, the younger one, whatever his name was. He was in year 9, so he was probably only 13. He was smaller than Hans, and shorter too, but otherwise, pretty much identical. His clothes were the same too – well, they would be, it was a school uniform.

“Heya, sexy,” the boy grinned. “I’m Lars. Hans couldn’t make it, he’s stuck in the lab, so you’ve got me instead. Wanna make out?”

“Do I what?” Virgil choked. “Make out? With the whole friggin’ school watching – brilliant idea!”

“Shy, are you. Okay, maybe later then?” Lars grinned.

“You what??” Virgil choked again. Damm. Was this kid for real? No, he had to be joking, of course he was – but, what if? Damm. He was sure that a lot of people would be more than happy to go there – people who didn’t have boyfriends, that is.

(‘No! Pull yourself together, Virgil Cain. Don’t be a bitch!’)

“So Hans is stuck in the lab? I think he wanted me for something, but I don’t know what. Do you have any idea?”

“Probably for sex,” Lars grinned. “No? Okay, I think he wants you to help him learn to drive.”

“To drive a car? Why me? I haven’t even got a car. He should get Ashton to teach him.”

“He doesn’t want to ask Ashton and he probably wouldn’t do it anyway. He’s our cousin’s friend, not ours. Besides, he’s busy all the time. You’re not, you’ve got lots of time to fill in.”

“Oh yes,” Virgil sighed. “I’ve got that. Gran said I need a hobby, maybe this could be it.”

“That’d be cool. Kees is hopeless, he’s never going to drive and Hans is keen. You can get a licence at 15 in NZ, can’t you?”

“So far, yeah. There’s talk of putting the age up, but it hasn’t happened yet.”

“He’d better do it quick then. Okay, Sexy, I’ll see you later. Bye.”

Virgil smiled as he watched Lars walk away. The kid strutted like a peacock. He didn’t know about that ‘gaydar’ stuff, and the boy was only about 13, but he was sure that he was no innocent.

Virgil, 2

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:42:00 +0000

It was a dark and stormy night. No, it wasn’t. It was fine and clear and moon-lit, but it should’ve been stormy. That would have fitted his mood better.

Bloody stupid Joel and his bloody stupid course. Six weeks! How was he going to survive 6 weeks without his Joel? He was not happy.

It was a very long night. Sleeping in the late afternoon will do that. He watched a boring movie, tried to read a boring book and ate far too much. He went to bed at 1am and was still awake at 3. It was all Joel’s fault!

He was even tempted to try Gran’s remedy for a sleepless night. There was plenty of beer in the fridge. A can or two would make him tired, wouldn’t it? Yeah, tired and stupid. He wasn’t going there and he was never going to sleep in the afternoon again.

He got to sleep eventually, as you do, but it wasn’t enough and he was still tired and grumpy when he dragged himself down the hill to school next day. Mac and Joyce were ahead of him but he couldn’t be bothered with them and their never-ending squabbles.

Who did they think they were fooling anyway? Everyone knew that they didn’t mean a word of it. He walked alone.

It didn’t help when he arrived at the school and the Chevy pulled up next to him. He scowled at the big grins directed at him. Bloody Gary was going to drive bloody Lachlan to school now was he? Dammit. It should be him and Joel in the Chevy, not those two grinning idiots.

They’d probably been shagging all night in Joel’s caravan too. Lucky Pricks! He didn’t see why Gary had to use the Chevy. He could get his own car, couldn’t he? He had pots of money, didn’t he?

He hurried into the school before Lachlan could catch him and tell him how happy he was. Misery loves company? Bollocks! He just wanted to be by himself.

When he escaped from the chaos of the locker-room and was heading to his first class of the day, he walked past Missy. She was sitting with a younger boy, growling quietly at him. She looked up and smiled at him and he gave her a scowl in return. It was nothing that she didn’t do to everybody everyday. What did she have to grin about anyway?

It was a long and stormy day. By the end of it he’d managed to alienate most of his friends and he walked home alone in his own cloud of misery.

He’d upset Lachlan most of all, he knew that and he didn’t care. To hell with him and his goofy grins. Lachlan had caught him before he left the school and asked if he wanted a ride home? Gary was coming to get him.

Virgil snapped in reply, “No I don’t want a fucking ride anywhere. You can get fat and lazy if you want, I’m not going there with you.”

“Whoah.” Lachlan backed-off. “Be by yourself then. It’s not our fault that Joel had to go and leave you. If you’re going to carry on like a princess, you can do it on your own.”

“Fuck off, McLaughlin!” Virgil walked away. Missy sat and watched.

He got home and there was nobody there. The lawns needed mowing already. Fuck ‘em. He couldn’t be bothered – let them grow. He turned the computer on to check his messages – there weren’t any.

Joel was too busy for him, was he? Fuck him too. How many people did he say were on this course with him? Virgil wondered whether he was sharing a room in that hostel? He bloody hoped not. Fuck ‘im anyway.

He turned the computer off, went to his room and flopped on the bed. He was so bloody tired! He relaxed for a minute or two, and then snapped out of it and dragged himself up off the bed.

He wasn’t going there or he’d have another sleepless night and a miserable day again. He changed his clothes and went out for a walk in the fresh air. He went down to the beach and spent an hour angrily throwing stones at the sea. That was, sort-of, satisfying.

When he got back home, Gran was busy making burgers. He told her that it’d be quicker, easier and cheaper to get take-aways, but he had a couple anyway. He was hungry.

“You’re in a delightful mood today, aren’t you? The tomatoes, lettuce, gherkins and onions are all from the garden. We have to use them up. Have you heard from Joel yet?”

“Joel who? No, I haven’t heard from him, he’s far too busy for me.”

“Give him a chance, Virgil. He’s only just got there and he’s there to work not play.”

“Let’s hope he remembers that.”

“He will. He’s a good boy, Joel, and he’s got his head on right. He’ll be back before you know it.”

“You think? One day so far and 41 more to go. Don’t tell me that it’s good for us, I don’t want to hear it.”

“Maybe you don’t, but it is. You need a hobby.”

“Yeah. Maybe I should take-up drinking? Works for some.”

“Don’t be a smart-alec, Virgil. Go and see your friends.”

“Friends? Fuck ‘em. They’re all too busy being happy.”

“And that’s bad? You just be miserable then.”

“Yeah, thanks Gran. I’ll do that.”

After eating, he checked the computer again. There were 2 messages. ‘Yes!’ However, the first one was just spam. The filters caught most of them but sometimes one slipped through. Bastards.

It was just some poxy outfit trying to sell him Viagra and Cialis shit. Like, why were they even trying? No teenager needs that crap. That stuff was for old guys who couldn’t get it up and shouldn’t be trying anyway. (‘Ewww!’)

He was tempted to reply and tell them to fuck off, but that’d be dumb. He’d only be talking to a ‘bot’ and then they’d know they had a live addy and he’d get heaps more spam. He deleted it and moved on to the next one.

The second message was from a couple of these new cousins that he had over in Westpoint, two girl cousins. They were coming over for a weekend and were looking forward to meeting him.

Could he recommend somewhere cheap that they could stay? Also, did he have an address for their other cousins, Colin and Jacob? No, he didn’t. He didn’t have a bloody clue.

How did they get his address anyway? Oh well, he’d reply to them tomorrow, if he could be bothered. If they were lucky, he might even get an address for them. He could ask the guys tomorrow, maybe. He could ring the Craypot and get it right now, but wouldn’t. He wasn’t running an answer service for these strangers.

He shut the computer down, but, before it closed saw that another message had come through. Dammit. Now he had to go through all the rigmarole of restarting it. This had better be worth it.

Yes, it was worth it – it was a message from Joel, at last! He opened and scanned it and smiled for the first time in his day.

It was a long and chatty letter, telling him all about his trip, the arrival in Wellington, the crummy hostel he had to stay in and the geek he had to share a room with. Best of all, he was, he said, missing Virgil more than he was missing him.

Poor Joel must have it bad then. Damm, he loved that boy. He replied immediately and told him so.

He struggled to keep his eyes open until 8 o’clock, and then crawled into bed and had a much better night’s sleep. He went to school next day in a, slightly, better mood.

He made peace with Lachlan, kind of. He told him that he was sorry for snapping at him, but Lachlan was still pissing him off, a bit. He was envious of him. Lachlan was riding in Joel’s car, sleeping in Joel’s caravan and screwing Joel’s cousin.

It should be him, not Lachlan. Not the cousin, he was welcome to Gary, but the rest of it was supposed to be Virgil’s life not his.

Also, he didn’t know where this happy laughing boy had come from. Lachlan was not at all like the sad kid he was asked to befriend..

Speaking of which, there was another bridge he had to mend. He sought Missy out and greeted her with a smile.

“Hey, Missy. How’re you on this sunny day?”

She scowled, as only Missy could. “Stop grinning at me. Fool!” She stalked away from him.

Whoah. He’d have to try harder. When he could be bothered. The maori kids might all treat Missy like she was a queen or something, but he wasn’t one of them.

He shouldn’t have fallen out with her though, because, like sharks to the slaughter, the Griffins moved in on him. Jerks. There was no sign of his mum anywhere either. (Probably in the staff-room making goo-goo eyes at Mr. Arram). So he was all on his own.

He didn’t need any stroppy women to protect him anyway. He wasn’t scared of this pair and was just in the mood to hit somebody. He’d probably lose, but they’d know that they’d been in a fight. He wasn’t going down easily.

Once again, it didn’t happen. They were squaring-off, like fighting roosters puffing up, when Riley Sullivan and Jacob Richardson lined-up beside him. The Griffins backed-off and left.

“Thanks, Guys,” Virgil shrugged. “I was looking forward to hitting them though.”

“Aren’t we all?” Riley replied. “Trouble is, they’d hit you back.”

Jacob said, “Yeah, and you’d get dirt on your hands. Anyway, they’re not hitting our cousin.”

“Cousins, yeah. We are definitely related then?”

“We are. According to Dianne, our great grandfather was also your great, great grandfather and we’re like 4th cousins, or something.”

“Something like that. Sounds good to me. I’ve never had much family, it’s good to have some rellies.”

“Yeah, it’s good.” Colin arrived. “Dianne’s sending us to Westpoint, to meet the Carvers. You should come with us.”

“Yeah, that’d be cool. When are you going? I’ll clear it with Mum and let you know.”

“We’re going Friday lunchtime. Dianne’s going to take us to Waipara to get the bus from there, and returning Sunday.”

“On the bus? To hell with that! That’s take all day. I’ll ask Gary, he might take us.”

“Gary Stafford? He’s not another cousin, is he?”

“No, nothing like that. Gary’s just Joel’s cousin and he’s got the Chevy while Joel’s away. I’ll ask him if he wants a weekend in Westpoint.”

“Yeah, do that. That’d be better than busing.”

“It surely would. I got a note from a couple of Carver girl-cousins, last night. They want to write to you two too. What’s your addy?”

They exchanged addresses, and then had to hurry off to class. Virgil was smiling widely now. It might be a good weekend and it was good to have some cousins. Good guys too. They’d be friends.

Virgil

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:50:00 +0000

“Fuck off, Stafford!”

“Yeah, well, that’s the problem isn’t it? I am going.”

“I’m not very fucking happy about this!”

“I kind of got that impression, yeah.”

“Well I’m not. I’m not happy at all. Six weeks! What the hell am I supposed to do while you’re swanning around in Wellington for six weeks? Am I supposed to live like a fucking monk or something?”

“I don’t think monks did a lot of that really.”

“Shut the fuck up! You’re not funny. There’s nothing funny about this at all. Tell them you’re not going.”

“I can’t do that, Virgil. You know I can’t. I’m not that happy about this either, but I’ve got no choice. I have to go.”

“No you don’t. Tell them to fuck off! What could they do? If you broke a leg or something you wouldn’t be going.”

“Probably not. But then I’d just have to go and do it next year and it would put another year on my apprenticeship.”

“Go next year then. Fuck ‘em!”

“I’m not doing that. That would mean we’d have the same problem next year, if we’re still together.”

“WHAT??? What do you mean IF we’re still together? You planning on dumping me?”

“No I’m not planning on dumping you. Don’t be ridiculous.”

“You’re the one that said ‘if’ we’re still together.”

“Yeah, I did. Sorry. Bad choice of words. Of course we’ll be together next year, and the year after and every year after that. I’m not ever letting you go. I love you, now and always.”

“You’d bloody better! I love you, Joel Stafford. You’re the only one I’ve ever loved and the only one I ever will.”

“Oh? What about the lovely Len then?”

“I never loved Crowe. He was a prick and you know it. He just used me and abused me. I was young, lonely and stupid and I let him.”

“Yeah, he was a prick. What about Graeme then? He was your cousin, wasn’t he? You liked him.”

“Graeme was almost my cousin. Yes, I did like him. I didn’t love him though, no more than you loved your cousin. What is this anyway, a re-run of my sex life?

Those guys were just learning experiences. You’re the one I love, I totally love you. How am I going to live without you?”

“You don’t have to live without me. I’m only going for 6 weeks, I’ll be back”

“You bloody better be! Six weeks without my Joel! I’m gong to hate every minute of it.”

“Yeah, me too, but it’s gotta be done. We’ll get through it. I guess we’ve just got to make the most of the time we’ve got.”

“We do. Come over to the back-seat and I’ll make sure you don’t forget me.”

“That is not going to happen.”

“You’re not coming over to the back?”

“Oh, I’m doing that, of course I am, but there is no way I could ever forget about you. Not in this life.”

“Not in the next one either. Come on, Joel.”

It was just as well Joel hadn’t told him sooner. He knew how Virgil would react to the news of their separation. As it was, he told him on Friday that he was leaving Sunday afternoon and he was all-but exhausted by then. The boy could wear him out! Much more of this and he’d be an old man before his time. (It was fun though).

He left his car with Gary who promised to take very good care of it, and he’d better! Gary said that he didn’t plan on using it much anyway, but he and Lachlan might try the back-seat out. That looked interesting.

Joel told him that he didn’t want to think about that and they’d better not make a mess! It was time that Gary got his own car anyway.

“Yeah, one day.”

So, after lunch on Sunday, Joel drove with Virgil, Gary and Lachlan, down to the Adelphi Lodge on the main street and got on the bus to Picton, from where he’d get on the ferry to Wellington.

He could’ve flown there in a fraction of the time, but that cost too much. The ferry was a pretty cool trip anyway.

He got on the bus and settled in a window-seat near the back. The other 3 dorks stood outside, blowing kisses, waving tissues and carrying on like a pack of weepy drama queens.

As soon as the bus started they jumped into the car and raced up the road ahead of it to stop and stand waving again when the bus went past them at the northern edge of town.

After the bus had gone past them, they did it again. They leapt back into the car, overtook the bus and raced up the road to stand and wave again when it went through Hapuku. They did it again at Rakautara, and again at Clarence.

By then the other passengers on the bus were laughing and waving back and the driver blasted them with the horn as he passed them. Joel laughed along at their roadside pantomime, but he was glad when the lovable idiots gave up and went home. Much more of that and they’d be waving to the ferry in Picton.

He was sure that Gary would take good care of the car, but even more, he hoped that they’d take care of his boy. Virgil could be a fiery little thing; it was good that he was leaving him with good friends. It’d be better if he didn’t have to leave him at all, but he did. It was going to be a long 6 weeks, but it would pass.

He was SO tired! He lay back in his seat and went to sleep.

Gary and Lachlan dropped Virgil off at home. They were in a hurry to get back to the caravan which was all theirs now that Joel had gone. Choice!

Actually, it should only be a few days at the most before Gary could take possession of the shop on the main street, if Mrs. Woods would just pull her finger out and get the rest of her junk out of there. Gary couldn’t wait.

Joel was a good guy and they got on well, but life would be easier when they had separate bedrooms. A guy needs privacy sometimes, especially in the bedroom. The flat above the shop had three, which would be great. He and Joel would have one each and the other, smaller, room would be good for visitors, if they had any apart from Lachlan and Virgil.

One person who would not be a welcome visitor was Joel’s pervy uncle and boss, Doug. Gary’d be glad to get away from him. He was friendly enough, but he was creepy the way he undressed them with his eyes and some of his smutty jokes were way over the top. He was a husband and father but he was a pervert if ever there was one – a repressed closet-queen, most likely.

Virgil went into his room, slammed the door and flopped on the bed. He was tired too, but he was not going to sleep, that was not happening.

He’d put on a brave face and hidden his true feelings while they farewelled Joel, but now that he was alone he could let go and feel what he was really feeling – which was seriously pissed-off.

Joel was always so dammed reasonable and mature about everything. Of course he was right when he said that he had to go and do this damm course, of course he was. But, fuck-it! He didn’t want to be responsible, he wanted his Joel!

He was missing him already and the bus wouldn’t even be halfway to Picton yet. It was going to be a long, long 6 weeks. Dammit! He was not a bit tired, he was way too busy being pissed-off at his life, so, of course, he went to sleep.

Natasha left him sleeping there and didn’t disturb him. She felt sorry for him but didn’t know what she could do to help. It was just something he was going to have to deal with. Poor kid. He was being way over-the-top and melodramatic, as usual, but he was genuinely distressed at being separated from Joel.

Like her mum said, life’s a bitch sometimes.

Carvers' Business

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:52:00 +0000

(Hey. Last one. A wee surprise here - i don't think anyone saw this coming, but it was planned from way back.

cheers)

The approaching, strange-but-familiar woman, was in Ugg boots, tight blue jeans and, despite the heat of the day, a Swandri jacket. She was kind-of tidy, but kind-of rough. She definitely looked out of place among the tourists and housewives in the street. She’d be more at home out on a farm somewhere.

Cecily was sure that she’d seen that face before, but couldn’t place her.

Apparently, she was right because the woman stopped and exclaimed, “Cecily Carver! You don’t remember me, do you? Ginnie Cain, I used to date your big brother, many years ago.”

“Ginnie? Oh, Good Lord! I remember. That was a long time ago, but I remember. You were a teenager with long hair and short skirts.”

“That was me! I’ve still got the hair, but I wouldn’t get away with a mini-skirt these days. You were just a girl. Look at you now – all grown-up!”

“I’m grown-up. I’m a grandmother, several times over.”

“Really? Time flies. You wear it well, you must’ve started young. But then, most Carvers did, didn’t they?”

“You’re not wrong. They still do start young actually, far too young sometimes. One thing the Carvers have always been good at is having babies.”

“Tell me about it! Where is young Harvey these days?”

“He’s living in Brisbane, has been for years. He went there on holiday, 20 years ago, and hasn’t come home yet.”

“Bloody long holiday! I thought he’d never leave Westpoint.”

“No? Well, some do, sometimes.”

“Obviously. Did he ever get married?”

“Harvey? No, he’s still single.”

“Yeah, me too. I call myself ‘Mrs.’ but I’ve never married, not yet anyway. Harvey’s still gay is he?”

“Yes, Harvey’s gay, apparently.”

“Yes, apparently. Bastard got me pregnant, and then said that he was queer. I haven’t forgiven him for that yet.”

“I remember. You had a little girl, didn’t you? So she was Harvey’s?”

“Definitely! She grew up and had a baby really young too. It must run in the family.”

“Genes will out, so they say.”

“Sure looks like it.”

They spoke for a few minutes, exchanging memories and pleasantries, and then Ginnie moved on. She was in a bit of a hurry because there was a closing-down sale at the liquor store.

“Something bloody wrong when a bottle-shop goes bust! Still, good news for some people. Gotta go, Cecily. It’s lovely to see you again. Give my regards to the Carvers.”

“I’ll do that. Goodbye, Ginnie. Don’t buy all of their stock.”

“Well, you never know.”

She hurried away and Dianne sat down at the table.

“You’re okay here?”

“Yes, I’m fine thanks. I suppose that I should be moving on too.”

“Enjoy your leisure time, I’m sure it’s not always like that.”

“It surely is not!”

“Cecily, I’ve got a question. You are a Carver?”

“Yes, that’s me. Or, I was, I changed my name when I married. Westpoint is full of Carvers, it’s a big family.”

“It must be. Your son, Billy, does he really have red-hair like the company logo?”

“Oh, yes! The logo is a cartoon of Billy, done by Jason, one of the local kids. Billy is a hundred per cent ginga, a lot of Carver kids are.”

“Maybe more than you know.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, have a look at this.”

Dianne opened her wallet, took out a photo and handed it to her. It was a picture of three grinning teenage boys. The one in the middle had dark-brown hair and he was flanked by 2 identical red-heads.

“That’s my Riley with our foster-sons, Colin and Jacob. They’re 15 and they are twins, obviously.”

“Obviously. We’ve got a lot of twins too. It’s another of our family traits. Red-hair and twins both are.”

“Hmm. Colin and Jacob are known as ‘Richardson’, but their legal name is Carver-Richardson, that’s how they were registered at birth. Their father was Ken Richardson. They never knew their mother, she walked out on them as soon as they were born, but she was a Carver. So they are Colin James and Jacob James Carver-Richardson.”

“They’re Carver kids?” Cecily looked again at the photo. “They could be, I guess. That’s, yet another, family trait – a lot of our boys have James as a middle name. I don’t know why, but they do.

My youngest sons are Ross James and Robert James, and they’re twins too. Maybe your boys are long-lost cousins! What was their mother’s name?”

“Buggered if I know. I haven’t been able to find it. All the birth certificate said was “X” Carver.”

“Aha!” Cecily exclaimed. “Try Cecily Carver and you might get somewhere.”

“Cecily Carver? But that was your name.”

“It was my cousin’s name too. She was Cecily and known as Cissie for short. But she hated it and called herself ‘X’. She claimed it made her more exotic and mysterious.”

“Well, the ‘mysterious’ certainly worked. I haven’t been able to track her down at all and I’m good at that. Did your cousin have the red-hair as well?”

“Oh, yes! She did.”

“It must be her then – it has to be! Do you know where she is now?”

“No, sorry. I wouldn’t have a clue. She ran off and I haven’t heard of her in years. Ma might know something. I’ll ask her and let you know.”

“Thanks. That’d be great. I know it’s not important, but the boys have never known their mother and it would be good for them to know where they came from.”

“On the contrary, I don’t agree. It’s VERY important to know where we came from. Our roots are what make us what we are.”

“You might be right. Well, thanks, Cecily and please do let us know. I’d better get back to work. Would you like another coffee?”

“No, I don’t think so. Thanks. Where do I find this famous seal colony that we’ve heard about?”

“The seals? Turn right, go along the Esplanade and just keep going. It’s about 3 or 4 kilometers, I think.”

“I’m not walking that far. I’m an old lady! I’ll get the car and go and have a look. Thanks, Dianne.”

“Thank you. Have a good day now.”

“I will. It’s been good so far. Goodbye then.”

“Yeah, ‘bye.”

The seal colony was not hard to find – dead easy in fact. After the Esplanade, the road continued on around a couple of small bays, passed a fisherman’s wharf and the old pub there which looked back across the water at the town, It went past a small sandy swimming beach and ended in a car-parking area.

Cecily sat for a minute, looking out at the scene. She was almost tempted to forget it and drive away again. There were a lot of seals of all sizes out there on the flat gray rocks, but there were kids everywhere – dozens of them!

They were obviously a large school-group, here to study the seals. Most of them were carrying note-books and other gear. The seals were sedate in comparison. They just lay around watching the busy kids watching them. There was a lot of laughing and joking as they took turns at posing for pics next to the seals.

That was really not the most intelligent thing to do. The excellent information signs all had clear warnings about not getting too close to the seals. They might look slow and sluggish, but they were wild animals and the NZ Fur Seal could move fast in short bursts. However, like kids everywhere, they were invincible and bomb-proof so they were ignoring the danger.

There were no warnings on the signs in the viewing area at the seal colony near Westpoint. They weren’t needed as no-one could get anywhere near them. In Westpoint the seals were viewed from high on a cliff above them and no-one could get down there and close to them. Here the people were walking right in amongst them.

Cecily decided that, oh well, she might as well get out for a closer look. She’d come this far and, although there was a lot of people, it wasn’t crowded. They were spread out and there was plenty of room for everyone.

Besides, she was all too used to being surrounded by hordes of people and they didn’t worry her.

She got out and locked-up the car. There was another Beamer there, probably Ashton’s she decided, but she couldn’t see him anywhere out there.

The flat rocks extended out to sea by, maybe, a couple of hundred meters, with lots of gaps and cuttings between them. However, by choosing the route carefully, it should be possible to walk all the way out to the front without getting her feet wet.

The bulk of the area was so flat and smooth it was probably all underwater at high-tide. She’d timed it just right then, apart from the kids.

No-one took any notice of her as she quietly made her way out past them, which was good. There were a few adults there, (teachers and parents?), but most of the people were teenagers. The adults weren’t much more active than the seals, but the kids certainly were!

A small group of girls and boys were skylarking around and when one boy grabbed a girl and made like he was going to push her into the water, she laughed and squealed, “Get off me, Virgil Cain!”

Cecily stopped in her tracks and looked closely at them. The laughing boy was small and slight but, presumably, mid-teens. He had a big smile and auburn-coloured hair. He was a nice-looking kid.

‘Cain?’ she thought. ‘Virgil Cain?’ Could this boy possibly be Ginnie’s? He’d be a grandson, wouldn’t he? Ginnie had a daughter, but she said that her girl had a baby young as well. She’d have to have been REALLY young, but, she guessed, he could be. It was a small town after all and the name wasn’t that common. She walked over to him.

“Excuse me,” she smiled. “I couldn’t help hearing. Your friend called you Virgil Cain?”

“Yeah, that’s me,” he replied. “I’m Virgil.”

“What is your mother’s name?”

“Mum? She’s Mrs. Cain. She’s not here, she’s back at the school.”

“The local school?”

“Yeah, Kaimoana High. Mum teaches woodwork and metalwork there.”

“That would fit. What’s her first name?”

“Natasha. Why?”

“I’m just interested. Would Ginnie Cain be your grandmother?”

“Yeah, that’s her. You know my gran?”

“I used to, a long time ago. Well, Virgil Cain, I’m delighted to meet you at last. We are related. I’m your, well, great-aunty, I guess.”

“My great-aunty? Really? You’re not very old.”

“Oh, aren’t you lovely? Yes, I’m your great-aunt, your grandfather was my older brother.”

“He was? Wow! That’s great. Gran’s never said anything and I know nothing about him. I’ve grown-up with just Mum, Gran and me, so I’ve got no more family.”

“Oh, you’ve got family all right, a huge family. The way the Carvers are going, we’ll fill Westpoint up.”

“Westpoint? Mum’s from Westpoint. Wow, we are family. That’s great.”

“Yes it is and it’s a great family. Do you know Colin and Jacob Richardson?”

“Colin and Jacob? Yeah, of course. They’re in our school.”

“It appears that they might be in our family as well. They could be distant cousins of yours.”

“Cousins? Yeah, I could handle that. They’re good guys. Damm. Look, I’ve got to go or I’m in trouble again. Are you staying in town?”

“Just for tonight. I’m at the Ocean View motel, unit 5.”

“Could I come around and see you tonight? I’d love to hear more about this family.”

“Yes, of course. That’d be good. Come at around 6 o’clock, I’ll buy you dinner and we’ll get to know each other.”

“Very cool! I’ll do that, thanks. I’ll see you then – Aunty.”

“Yes, see you then, Carver Kid.”

Virgil ran off to join the others and Cecily went, smiling, back to her car. She was so glad that she’d come to Kaimoana, what a productive trip this had been. It looked like their big family had just got bigger.

Bakers' Business

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:59:00 +0000

Everyone turned to look at the boys.

“Gary?” Abel said. “You own this trust fund?”

“Some of it, yes,” Gary blushed. “We bought the building. Some of it is going to be a shop, I’m going to live in the flat upstairs, but we’ve been looking for tenants for the rest of it. We were going to advertise, I guess we won’t have to now.”

“That’s great, Gary. Really great. Thank you.”

“Thank you and thanks, Dianne. Having you look after my accounts is the best thing I ever did.”

“You’re welcome, Gary. We’ll all get along fine.”

“I do love doing business in a small town,” Cecily smiled. “Now, about these ovens?”

“Ah, yes, the ovens,” Abel sighed. “We really do need the best – electric powered, gas-fired and stainless steel. They are our biggest expense and our biggest worry. The ovens that would be ideal cost over 300 thousand dollars.

We would love to have 2 sets, but that is totally beyond us. We can compromise with a cheaper model – not ideal but we could make-do. Also, we decided that we will start with one set of ovens and work 2 ten-hour shifts, 6 days a week.”

Jan nodded. “We will be separated again, until we can upgrade, but it can’t be helped.”

Abel agreed, “It can’t. Even financing one oven is going to be a stretch. We can get finance, but they’re asking 20% interest.”

“Twenty per-cent!” Cecily exclaimed. “That’s highway robbery. You can’t afford that, you’ll be working for nothing.”

“I told you, Abel,” Jan said. “That’s not going to work. The only way I can see that we’re going to do this is if Billy’s Burgers would help with finance – either as a loan or for shares in our company.”

They all looked to her, but Cecily shook her head. “Sorry, but that’s not going to happen. It would be against our company policy and, besides, we don’t have that sort of money to throw around. We’re in the middle of a major expansion programme and our finances are fully committed. I’d love to help you, but we can’t.”

“Oh, Dear,” Mrs. de Groot said. “Let’s have another cup of tea.”

Everyone was quiet as she fussed around replenishing their cups. The boys had stopped even trying to work and were watching the discussions. Peter looked at Gary and shrugged.

“Oh well, nothing comes easy. Got a spare $300,000, Gary?”

“Not in my back-pocket.” Gary stood up. “Dianne, can we talk outside for a minute?”

“Outside? Can it wait until later, Gary?”

“No, I don’t think it can.”

“Okay then, if you’re sure. Excuse us for a minute please.”

Gary and Dianne went out of the back-door. They were gone for 5 minutes, and then returned and sat down again. Gary nodded and Dianne smiled.

“Mr. de Groot, Jan, you would offer Billy’s Burgers a share in your business for $300,000? What percentage were you thinking of?”

“Well, we were thinking 15 to 20%. That’s about as far as we could go.”

“I see. I don’t want to pressure you, but you are over a barrel here. What would you say to 30%?”

“Thirty per-cent? I don’t know. Abel, can we afford that?”

Dianne said, “That is a 30% shareholding for $700,000.”

“Seven hundred thousand! Really?”

“Yes, really. Apparently, if you’re going to do something you should do it right.”

“That sort of money would solve all of our problems and make life easier all around. Can you really come up with that much?”

“No, I can’t – not a show in hell, but Gary can and that’s what he is offering.”

“Gary?” All eyes turned on him again.

“Yeah, well,” he shrugged. “I’m rich. I’d like to help. My money is sitting in the bank doing nothing much. I’d rather have it invested locally.”

The de Groot brothers looked at each other and smiled. Jan said, “Thirty per-cent for $700,000. Do we go for it?”

Abel replied, “Are we stupid? Of course we take it! Gary, thank you. You’re the answer to a prayer.”

“Welcome, Mr. de Groot. We’ll be partners, kind-of.”

Mrs. de Groot was standing there crying. She lifted a corner of her apron and wiped her eyes. “Gary, thank you. You are a wonderful boy!”

“Yes, he is.” Peter was so happy for his parents, he was almost crying himself. He stood up and hugged him.

“Thanks, Gary. You’re great. If I didn’t have Ashton, I’d ask you to marry me.”

“You’d marry me for my money?” Gary grinned.

“No, because you are a good person. You’re the best, Gary.”

They hugged again, and then he sat down.

Gary shrugged. “Forget about Ashton, I don’t think Lachlan would let me marry you anyway.”

Cecily said, “I’m sorry but have I have to ask this. You boys are both gay?”

“Well,” Peter hesitated.

His mother leapt to their defence. “Yes they are gay. Ashton is Peter’s boyfriend and there is nothing wrong with that.”

“Indeed there’s not,” Cecily replied. “I’ve got 2 gay sons. They are both in stable relationships. They’re happy and so am I. Actually, it’s no secret – Billy is one of them.”

Gary said, “Billy of Billy’s Burgers is gay? I always did think he was hot.”

Cecily smiled. “His partner is even hotter. They’ve been together for years and they’ve got a son. And you’re gay, Gary?”

“Yes, of course,” Gary nodded. “That’s where I got the money.”

Peter said, “You got money for being gay? How did you manage that?”

“It’s a long story. My family threw me out and an old friend took me in. When he died, he left everything to me.”

Abel said, “That was very generous of him.”

“Yeah, it was. He had no close family and he was a good guy. He left me rich, but I think I’d rather have my old friend.”

“You are a good, good, boy,” Mrs. de Groot smiled. “Do you want another cup of tea?”

“No!” Gary laughed. “Thanks, but no thanks. I’ll be sloshing when I walk.”

“You’re sure? Have some more cake then. There’s still plenty there.”

“Well, maybe one more.”

“Good boy. Eat. Peter, have you had any?”

“Yes, Mother. I’ve had plenty, thanks.”

“Okay,” Cecily said. “Back to business. I think we can just about wrap this up. Does anyone see any more problems? I don’t. No? Okay, I’ll have a contract drawn-up and sent to Dianne. Billy’s Burgers will sell your Baker Brothers’ cookies in all of our stores and restaurants, here and overseas. We will take all you can produce.

You’d better start looking for good staff. Even with 2 sets of ovens, you’ll be working double shifts. When the time comes that you need another factory, and it will come, please let me know. We would like it to be in Westpoint if possible.”

They talked details for a while, and then wrapped the meeting up. Everyone was more than happy with the agreement. Mrs. de Groot wanted them to stay for lunch. Cecily said that she would, but Dianne said no. She had to get back to the café.

“It’s a sunny day and they’ll probably be busy. I’d better get back and help. We can’t afford to upset the staff, if we lose them we’d be in trouble.”

Cecily said, “Oh? You have a café, Dianne?”

“Yes, we’ve got the Craypot Café, down on the main street. It’s small but it’s a good little business and I enjoy the lifestyle.”

“You don’t practice law full-time then?”

“No, not now. I used to, but tired of all the stress and strain. Plus, I wanted to get my boy away from city living before he got in trouble. These days, I just dabble a bit, for friends and family, to keep my hand in and keep in touch.”

“Sounds good to me. And your boy’s doing all right now?”

“Oh yes, he’s doing very all right. He’s never been happier. He’s in a relationship and he’s in love. I just wish he’d get brave and tell me about it.”

“I take it he’s gay then?”

“Yes, he is. He thinks I don’t know. Goodness knows, I drop enough hints.”

“Teenagers all think that their parents know nothing, but we do.”

“We do. We know more than they think. I’d better get moving. It was a pleasure to meet you, Cecily. You’re not at all like I expected.”

“I’m not like I expected either!” Cecily smiled. “A pleasure to meet you too. I’m sure we’ll all have a long and prosperous relationship. We’ll be in touch.”

“We will indeed!”

Dianne said goodbye to everyone and left. Gary went with her and they walked downtown in the sunshine.

Cecily met the other Mrs. de Groot when she returned from her morning out. It took her about 2 minutes to decide that she didn’t like this one.

An attractive-looking woman and smartly presented, she was years younger than her sister-in-law and not at all like her. This one was obviously a social-climber and she sat around like an idle princess while her sister-in-law did the work. Peter’s mother was a much nicer person.

When she left, she said goodbye to Peter who was mulching in the gardens outside. She drove away with a smile. She really liked that kid and wished him well.

She had the rest of the day to kill. She was not due in Nelson until the following morning, so she went back to the motel to get some more comfortable and casual clothes on. It was a warm sunny day, so she went for a quiet walk along the waterfront.

This was a nice little town. It was in a glorious setting – the scenery was spectacular. The beach looked pretty crappy though, all rocks and pebbles.

At the end of the Esplanade, she strolled through the small memorial-gardens park and under the whale-bone arches. Big bones!

The main street was next, so she wandered along there, enjoying the peace and quiet and just being an anonymous face in the crowd. It was a small but busy street. When she came to the Craypot Café, Dianne was working there, clearing and cleaning the tables outside.

She smiled to see that Dianne was wearing more casual clothes as well. There was an empty table on the street-side deck, so she sat down there.

Dianne greeted her with a smile and took her order for a coffee. She sat quietly watching the people going by. A middle-aged woman, with a spectacular head of very long and graying hair, came along. She looked familiar somehow.

Peter & Gary

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 21:46:00 +0000

Mr. Duncan was an old friend of Peter’s family, so everything went smoothly from there on. Business was quiet at that time of day, he was working there on his own. So he repaired the puncture, threw the wheel onto his truck and left a note saying that he’d be back in 10 minutes.

He drove Peter and the wheel out to Ashton’s car. He took money for repairing the puncture, of course, but he wouldn’t take a cent for driving out there. He said that it was his gift and he smiled and waved as he drove away and left them there.

Ashton put the wheel on the car and he drove Peter home.

Next morning, there was great excitement and trepidation in the de Groot’s crowded little house as the fathers prepared for an important day.

Peter stayed out of the way in the kitchen area and prepared breakfasts for everyone. His mother fussed around his father and uncle as they dressed in their best clothes and readied themselves for their business meeting.

Peter’s aunty stayed out of the way in the bedroom, as she usually did. She was not happy about being transplanted here from her home in Canada and she didn’t care what they did. All she wanted was to get out of this hick-town and go home.

Peter and his parents struggled to like her, but she was family, so they tried. She rarely did anything that she didn’t want to and spent most of her days in the bedroom. Their life there was primitive and she didn’t like it; but her husband, Jan, was very much the head of his household, so she, begrudgingly, went along with his insane plans because she had to.

Their sons were not much better. Peter’s cousins, 17 year old Kees, 15 year old Hans and 13 year old Lars, were a tight-knit closed society and they made it clear that they were not interested in knowing any of the people of Hicksville. They were sneering and condescending and they planned on getting the hell out of there just as soon as they could.

They were all stunningly good-looking boys, but they knew it and they favourite pastime was being admired by the plebs who could look but not touch. Their preening displays were most effective when they were together and they were rarely seen apart. They never helped around the house either. They went to school and, as far as they were concerned, that was all they had to do.

So, instead of having extra hands to help with the load, Peter was busier than ever. He could have refused to help too, but he couldn’t do that. He couldn’t leave his mother to do everything. He said nothing, but he’d be really glad when they got a house of their own and moved out of his.

His aunt was talking about it constantly, and the sooner the better.

The worst thing about them was that they weren’t nice to Ashton and they were forever sneering and making disparaging remarks about Peter and Ashton’s relationship. Like Peter and Ashton weren’t perfectly aware of what the brothers were doing after the lights went out? There wasn’t much privacy in the bus.

Ashton helped him when he could. He was a good gardener, even Peter’s mother was impressed. Also, it was a bit odd carting beach-wood in the BMW, but they did it. It was easier and faster than using the handcart and they could go to the beaches out of town where there was more wood.

The cousins had gone to school and Peter was outside in the garden when his father and uncle came out. He stopped and admired them. They were dressed in their best and looking good. He wished them luck with their meeting and watched them walking away down the street together. He smiled, it was good to see his father with his brother and happy.

They might be getting old, but they were still twins and that was obvious. Peter thought it was just not right for twins to be separated for so many years and he hoped that they never would be again.

Abel and Jan de Groot, looking good and feeling better, walked down to the main street together for, possibly, the most important meeting of their lives. Years of work, saving and planning were all riding on this. They were both nervous but they were ready.

They met Mrs. Sullivan at the Craypot Café. She didn’t practice much now, but she was still a solicitor and she had agreed to come and support them as a friend. She said that it was good for her to keep her hand in and she wasn’t interested in any payment for her time. Peter was her son’s friend and she was delighted to do something for his family.

She was looking very professional in her dark-blue trouser-suit and carrying her laptop and attaché case. The high-heel shoes were killing her, but only she knew that. They looked good.

The three of them walked to the offices of Adams and Hall, Chartered Accountants, and they settled into the small boardroom there. They had hired it for the morning. It was expensive but they needed somewhere that looked professional. It was an important meeting. This could make or break their business plans.

The brothers placed their papers, charts and diagrams, neatly arrayed on the boardroom table. Mrs. Sullivan smiled at the sea of paper. Her laptop could hold all of that and more.

Their meeting was with Mrs. Mathieson, a top-flight manager with the Billy’s Burgers Hamburger restaurants chain, so they were understandably nervous. Even Mrs. Sullivan was and she didn’t have years of her life invested in this.

Mrs. Mathieson was late arriving, so one of the office ladies brought them coffees. It’d probably make the old boys need to pee, but it was something to pass the time.

She finally arrived and was shown in by the office girl. The de Groot brothers, politely, rose to their feet as she swept past them to sit at the far side of the table.

She was a slight, dark-haired woman, late 30ish and in a business suit. Her whole presence was awesome and she was reputed to be a millionairess who had risen from nothing in a very short time, as had the whole of Billy’s burgers.

She didn’t look happy. Her whole face frowned and almost scowled, which was not an auspicious beginning. She opened her laptop and turned on a small recording device, leaving it running on the table next to her.

“All right then. Good morning. Tuesday 14 October, 10.27am. We will begin with introductions. I am Cecily Mathieson, CEO of Billy’s Burgers Hamburger Restaurants Ltd. My sons are the majority shareholders, so you can rest assured that I have full authority to speak on behalf of the business.

What I say goes, and I have all-but final authority in any decisions. So it is me that you need to convince with your proposal.

I also want to apologize for keeping you waiting, that was not my fault. I went on a whale-watching flight this morning. The pilot assured me that we would be back in plenty of time. We were not and his manager will be hearing from me.

Now, you are the de Groot brothers, Master Bakers?”

Peter’s father took the lead. “Good morning, Mrs. Mathieson. I am Abel de Groot and this is my brother, Jan. Mrs. Sullivan here is a solicitor, and a friend, and she has agreed to represent our interests.”

“I don’t see that that will be necessary. Two questions, Mr. de Groot. Are you two twins?”

“Yes, we are actually,” Jan replied. “We are identical twins. We were separated for many years, but now we are together again.”

“That’s very good,” she smiled for the first time and everyone relaxed a bit. “I don’t know whether you are aware of this, but I am first and foremost a mother and I have 2 sets of twins. Not identical though, they are fraternal – boy/girl and boy/boy twins.

My second question, which one of you is Peter’s father?”

“Peter?” Abel said. “I am Peter’s father.”

“I met Peter yesterday, on my way here and I was impressed. He is a fine young man and you can be proud of him.”

“Oh we are!” Mr. de Groot beamed. “We are very proud of our Peter.”

“As you should be. Now, I’ve sampled your products and I liked them, especially the cookies. I don’t mind telling you that Billy and Justin are fans as well. Convince me why we should sell your cookies in our burger bars.”

“I am pleased that you liked them. But, excuse me, Mrs. Mathieson, is that the Billy of Billy’s Burgers?”

“Yes, of course. Billy and Justin are my boys and they are basically the owners. You have a presentation?”

“Yes, Ma’am, we do.”

Abel and Jan began their carefully prepared and rehearsed spiel. Mrs. Mathieson began by taking notes, but soon stopped and they sensed that they were losing her. She sat gazing absently out of the high windows.

Abel asked a question, when there was no reply he said, “I’m sorry, Mrs. Mathieson. Is there a problem?”

“Sorry, Mr. de Groot. Yes, there is a problem. I don’t like this room. The atmosphere in here is oppressive.”

Mrs. Sullivan said, “You don’t like the room? If you prefer, we could go to my place. I’ve got a nice lounge with a view.”

“To your home, Mrs. Sullivan? No, I don’t think so. Thank you, but I want to adjourn to the de Groots’ home.”

“To our house?” Abel said with a worried frown. “We can do that if you wish, but it’s nothing much. We would be much more comfortable in Mrs. Sullivan’s house.”

“You might be but I would not. Mr. de Groot, I’ve seen your house from the outside, now I want to see how you live. You’re asking our company to make a major commitment here, and it is a total change of direction for us. We’ve never carried any desert lines. I want to know who we’re dealing with.”

“Very well, Mrs. Mathieson. We will go to our home, but I must warn you, it is not luxurious. However it is a home.”

“If it produced a boy like Peter, then you have nothing to be ashamed of. Let’s go then.”

They packed up and left the offices. The de Groots were going to walk but Mrs. Mathieson said she was not leaving her car in the main street, and she drove them all around there. The men sat in the back and the women in the front.

“Mrs. Sullivan, do you have a boy named Riley?”

“I do! Goodness me, you’re well informed. How on earth do you know about Riley?”

“You’d be surprised.”

“I am surprised.”

“To tell the truth, my sons told me about Riley and how he found the boys living in a cave. Two Kaimoana boys, Dylan and William, stayed with them last weekend and they told them. I’ve forgotten the boys’ names, but they said that they’re living with you now?”

“That’s right. Colin and Jacob, they needed a home and we had room so we took them in.”

“Good for you. And they’re doing all right now?”

“They certainly are. They’re happy and healthy and their lives are back on track. It’s a pleasure to have them around.”

“That’s good. We got a couple of teenage boy-refugees as well. Christian and Roman were thrown out by their parents and now they live with us. They’re a pleasure to have around as well. Most of my kids have grown-up and left home, so it’s good to have some life around the place again.”

“I just had the one son. How many children do you have, Mrs. Mathieson?”

“I had 8 altogether, 3 girls and 5 boys, 2 sets of twins. There’s only the youngest 2 boys still at home now.”

“Eight children? Wow. No wonder your house was feeling empty.”

“Yes, no wonder. It’s a big old house too. Please call me Cecily, I’m getting tired of the Mrs.’s.”

“Okay, fine. Thanks, Cecily. My name is Dianne.”

“I know that,” she smiled.

“Of course you do.”

They pulled-up in the street outside the de Groot’s small house. Abel untied and opened the driftwood gate and led the way inside. He opened the back-door and there was a squawk from inside.

“Aargh! Don’t you dare come in here with your dirty shoes on!”

Mrs. de Groot was on her hands and knees, scrubbing the wooden floor.

“Sorry,” Abel grimaced. “My wife is scrubbing the floor.”

Mrs. Mathieson removed her shoes with a grin. “Don’t worry about it. If I was scrubbing my floor, you wouldn’t get in there with shoes on either.”

They all left their shoes outside, went in and crossed the kitchen floor to the multi-carpeted living-room area. They stood there waiting while the old lady wiped her floor again.

Mrs. Mathieson looked around the crowded, cluttered room. The two boys, at the desk at the far end, turned to look and she smiled, “Hello Peter. How’re you today?”

“It’s the Lady!” Peter exclaimed. “I’m fine, thank you. How are you?”

“I’m good. You got the car all sorted, did you?”

“Yes, Mr. Duncan fixed the puncture and took me back out. We got home with no more troubles. Father, this is the nice lady who rescued us yesterday.”

Abel said, “Ah, of course! Another BMW driver. I didn’t realise. Thank you for helping the boys, that was good of you.”

“No trouble at all. It was a pleasure. I couldn’t leave a Beamer stranded on the side of the road. Who is your friend, Peter?”

“Oh, this is Gary. Gary is helping me with my study-project on Baroque music. Mrs. Braidwood sent him to help me.”

“Hello, Gary. You’re an expert on classical music are you?”

“I know a bit, but I’m no expert. I think I’m learning as much as Peter is.”

“That’s good.”

“Peter,” his father said, “this is Mrs. Mathieson, from Billy’s Burgers. She is the CEO of all their businesses.”

“Oh, wow! You’re the boss of Billy’s Burgers? I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

“Of course you didn’t, I didn’t tell you.”

“I’m sorry if I said anything I shouldn’t have. I hope I haven’t ruined Father and Uncle’s chances.”

“Ruined their chances? Not at all, Peter. Quite the opposite in fact. As soon as I knew that these are your family, I knew that we could do business with them.”

“Oh good! Thank you, Mrs. Mathieson. Father and Uncle are good people.”

“I’m sure they are, Peter. I’m sure they are.”

“And so is Peter.” Mrs. de Groot joined them. “Peter is a very good boy and you were kind to help him and Ashton. Thank you.”

Abel said, “Mrs. Mathieson, this is my wife, Hilde.”

“Hello, Hilde. Please call me Cecily. Let’s drop the Mr. and Mrs. shall we? Sorry to invade your home like this.”

“You’re very welcome. We don’t have anything flash, but it is comfortable.”

“It is. This is a nice room, warm and friendly. I like it a lot. I love the grandmother clock. We had one just like it when I was growing up. I don’t know what ever happened to it. One of the uncles probably sold it for drinking money.”

“Drinking! Everybody, please sit down and I will make tea.”

“Mother!”

“Shush, Peter. It’s time for tea. You and Gary can come and help me.”

“Okay then,” Cecily sat by the fire. “Let’s get back to it shall we? Relax, Gentlemen. I think we’ll do business.”

They sat talking again while Mrs. de Groot made the tea and Peter and Gary brought over a wide assortment of cakes and other goodies. Abel and Jan continued their proposal in a much more relaxed fashion now.

Peter and Gary went back to the school-desk, but they weren’t working. They sat with their drinks and watched and listened.

The talk got around to their need for premises to set up a bakery factory and Jan said, “We’ve got a bit of a problem there. We are still looking for a suitable building, but something will turn up.

I thought that we had the ideal place, a big old shop in the main street – it’s huge actually, much bigger than it looks. The Woods family were selling it and it would’ve been perfect for us. We put in a bid, but it’s been sold. I tried to contact the new owners, but haven’t been able to locate them.”

Dianne, sitting quietly to one side, choked on her drink when she burst out laughing. Everyone looked as she coughed and spluttered and recovered.

“Oh, my, Dianne,” Mrs. de Groot worried. “Are you all right?”

“Yes, I’m fine now. Sorry,” she smiled. “Jan, this building, I presume, is the one bought by the Ron Clarke Memorial Trust, Property Investments?”

“Yes! That’s the one. I couldn’t track them down. Do you know these people, Mrs. Sullivan?”

“I certainly do. And you’d be interested in leasing the building?”

“Yes, very interested. We’d love to have it, it’s just what we want.”

She looked around at Gary and they exchanged smiles and nods. She turned back. “It’s yours then. I’ll draw up a lease agreement.”

“Just like that? That would be great, but how can you do that? These people are a mystery, I haven’t been able to find them.”

“You didn’t look hard enough. I know the Ron Clarke Memorial trust, I know it very well. I actually own 3% of it.”

“Really? You are a shareholder? But they’re registered in Wellington. I found that much out.”

“They’re registered there, at my brother’s address, but the shareholders are all right here, in Kaimoana. I have 3%, my foster-sons, Colin and Jacob, have 12% and I act for them.”

“But that’s still not a majority. Won’t you have to consult with the holders of the other 85%?”

“I just did. There is only one other shareholder and I consulted with him. He’s sitting over there, with Peter.”

Peter & ?

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 21:27:00 +0000

Ashton started the car, backed-up a couple of meters, stopped and went forward again. He stopped, opened the door and leant out, looking underneath it.

“Bugger!”

“Have we got a problem?”

“We have. It’s not huge, but it’s a problem. We’ve got a flat tyre. I must’ve run over some glass or something. What are you like at changing a wheel?”

“Hopeless! I know the theory, but I’ve never seen it done.”

“It’s about time you learnt then. It’s not a big deal; it will just take a couple of minutes.”

They got out, opened the back of the car and got the tools out. Ashton fitted the jack in place and loosened the nuts with the wheel-brace.

He started jacking the car up and said, “Can you get the spare wheel out, Peter? It’s under the floor in the boot.”

Peter brought it out and stood watching as Ashton lifted the wheel off.

“Ashton, I think there’s another problem.”

“Problem?”

“Yeah, this one is flat too.”

“It’s what? It can’t be! Oh, damm. Now we’ve really got troubles.”

“Could we try pumping it up? That might get us back to town.”

“Yeah, we could try that, if we had a pump, but we haven’t. Sorry, Peter, I think we’re stuck.”

“You’ve got no pump?”

“No, I’ve never bothered. BMW’s are not supposed to have these troubles.”

“You think? Princesses are not supposed to die in drunken car-crashes, but they do. What do we do now? Do we call for help?”

He put the wheel, with its flat tyre, back in place. “We’d have to call really loud. There’s no cellphone coverage around here."

“Oh dear.”

“Oh dear is right. Bugger, in fact. We’ve got 2 options. I could drive back with a flat tyre, but that would totally stuff it and I can’t afford a new one, or I could walk back with the spare wheel and get it fixed.

I suppose that’s the only thing to do. Hopefully, someone will bring me back once it’s fixed. I’ll go and you stay here and guard the car. Lock yourself in it and don’t talk to strangers.”

“I’ll come with you and help carry the wheel. But, no. Someone does have to stay here in case the car gets trashed. It’s your car, Ashton. You guard it and I’ll take the wheel into town.”

“Peter, you can’t carry it all that way.”

“So I’ll roll it, like a hoop. Someone might feel sorry for me and give me a ride.”

“Well I would, if I could. I’m sorry, Peter.”

“I’m sorry too.”

“What are you sorry for? It’s not your fault.”

“It’s not yours either. These things happen and it’s no-one’s fault so stop apologizing.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Thanks Peter. Give me a hug!”

“Anytime.”

They stood hugging each other on the side of the road and broke apart when another car pulled in beside them. They looked and grinned; it was another BMW. The sole occupant, a dark-haired lady in blue jeans and an old t-shirt, opened the door and got out.

“Hello Boys. Having trouble are you?”

“Yeah, we are,” Ashton answered. “We’ve got a flat.”

“So you’re putting the spare on?”

“We were going to, but that’s flat too. I don’t know how that happened, but it is.”

“And you’ve got no pump?”

“No, we haven’t. I didn’t think I’d need one.

“Neither did I. I haven’t got one either. Sorry. How far is it to Kaimoana now?”

“Not that much. It’s about 10k’s from here.”

“Too far to walk with a wheel. I’m going there now, so I’ll take you into town.”

“Would you? That’d be great! Thanks.”

“Not a problem. We BMW owners have to stick together,” she smiled. “Is it your car, or your father’s?”

“No, it’s mine. I got it for my 16th birthday, kind-of.”

“Kind of?”

“Yeah. Long story. Peter, you go to town with the nice lady, I’ll wait here and watch the car.”

“Is that really necessary?”

“Yeah, it is. It shouldn’t be, but it is. A car sitting out here all alone would get broken into or something. It’s a busy road and there’s lots of clowns around.”

“You’re probably right. Okay then, Peter, put your wheel on the back-seat and you can show me where to go.”

“I will. Thank you, you’re a lifesaver. Wait here, Ashton. I’ll get the puncture fixed, and then ask Mr. Duncan, at the garage, to drive me back. You be careful and lock yourself in the car if there’s any trouble. I’ll get back as soon as I can.”

“Okay, I’ll be careful. A hug before you go?”

“Of course.”

They hugged, unembarrassed, and the Peter got into the other car and they went to town.

As they drove along, the lady said, “Your name is Peter and you live in Kaimoana? Would your other name be de Groot by any chance?”

“Yes it is! I’m Peter de Groot. How did you know that?”

“Just a lucky guess. We had a couple of Kaimoana boys at home last weekend. Do you know Dylan and William?”

“Dylan James and his cousin? Yes, I know Dylan, kind-of. Ashton knows him.”

“That’s Ashton back there? Are you two . . . well, are you a couple?”

“Oh yes! We are and we’re staying there too.”

“That’s good. I’ve got 2 gay sons, so I know what it’s like. It’s not always easy, but it can be good. My boys are both in stable relationships and very happy with them.”

“That’s cool. So are we. Where are you from?”

“Oh, over on the Coast. What do your parents do?”

“Father is a baker. Mother is, well, she’s a mother and a good one too.”

“That’s good. That’s very good. You’re a lucky boy.”

“I am. My parents are good people; they’re the best. I love them and they love me too. It’s all good.”

“Do they know about your relationship with Ashton?”

“Yes, they do. They like Ashton and they’re happy that I’m happy.”

“That’s excellent, Peter. You certainly are a lucky kid. Hang on to what you’ve got.”

“I will, thanks. Are you staying in Kaimoana?”

“Just for a couple of days. I’ve got some business to see to. I’m staying at the Ocean View Motels. Maybe you can tell me where to find them?”

“No trouble. It’s only a little town, but it’s a great town. I hope your business goes well, but do take the time to look around while you’re here. It’s a beautiful place and we’re very proud of it.”

“Thank you, Peter. I’m sure it will go well. In fact, I’m quite certain of it now. Is this the town here?”

“Oh no, that’s just a suburb. That is South Bay. Kaimoana is over on the other side of the hill. Go up to the top of the hill, turn right and I’ll show you where to go.”

They took the right-turn and went down into the town, on the back-road on the other side.

“That’s my home there – the blue house with all the gardens.”

“Should I drop you off here then?”

“No, not yet thanks. Keep going down the street there and turn right at the end. We’ll go to the motel, and then I’ll walk back to the Service Station to get the tyre fixed.

Oh. Could you please wait a minute while I run in to get some money? Ah, no, sorry. Don’t worry. I’ll call in on my way back.”

“You need cash? Don’t you have a bankcard?”

“No, I never have any money of my own. We have to watch every dollar and save for the Plan.”

“What is the Plan?”

“For Father’s business. Everything is for that.”

“I see. And you don’t get pocket-money?”

“No, I don’t need it. I have to help my parents with the Plan.”

“Indeed. You’re a good kid, I think, Peter de Groot.”

“I’m just me.”

“And where have I heard that before?”

“Sorry?”

“Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about another kid I knew. He was a good boy too. You live there with your parents. They’ve got a great garden, do you help them with it?”

“As much as I can. Mother is a good gardener. She grows most of the food we eat.”

“She does? To save for the Plan, I guess.”

“Yes, that’s it. The Plan comes first. Mother always says that a dollar saved is a dollar earned.”

“Sounds sensible to me. They don’t spend their money on a flash house, do they?”

“No, of course not. I know it’s nothing much, it’s little and old, but it’s our home. It’s warm and comfortable and it’s all we need.”

“I totally agree, Peter. If your home is warm and full of love, then you’re as rich as anyone.”

“Oh, we are! We are very rich.”

“I couldn’t agree more. You’re a lucky kid and I think your parents are lucky to have you as well. Let’s find this motel, shall we?”

They carried on down the side-street, turned right and along to the motels on the waterfront.

“It’s a small town,” Peter grinned. “Ashton’s parents own this place.”

“They do? It is a small town. Maybe they will help you to get the tyre fixed.”

“No, they wouldn’t do that.”

“Why not? It’s their boy’s car.”

“Well, they don’t like me. They wouldn’t help me. It’s okay, I’ll get it repaired, no worries.”

“Hmm. They don’t like their son’s friend?”

“They don’t. They don’t like their son much either. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. That is their business.”

“Don’t be sorry, Peter. I’m glad you told me. I’ve got no time for small-minded people.”

“But I shouldn’t have said it. It is a good motel, you’ll be comfortable here.”

“I’d better be! What’s your plan now? Will you call your father to come and get you?”

“No, Ma’am. We don’t have any phones. We don’t have a car either. I’ll roll the wheel along the sidewalks. Mr. Duncan, at the Garage, will fix it and he’ll help us. He’s a good man.”

“And where is Mr. Duncan’s garage?”

“It’s not far. It’s up on the highway at the other end of the main street.”

She backed-out into the street again. “We’ll go there then.”

“You really don’t have to worry. You’ve brought me all the way into town and that’s more than enough. Thank you. I can walk now.”

“You can shut up, Peter,” she smiled. “I’m in no hurry. I’ve brought you this far and I’ll take you to the garage.”

“Okay, thank you. That’s very nice of you. But I’ll have to go home and get some money first.”

“We’ll go back there first then. Don’t argue with me, I’m a mother and I’m used to getting my own way.”

“Aren’t they all? No, sorry,” he blushed. “I shouldn’t have said that either. I’ve got such a big mouth sometimes.”

“No you haven’t,” she laughed. “I think you’re delightfully honest actually.”

Back at Peter’s home, she stopped in the street outside and Peter got out. “Thanks. I’ll just be a minute.”

He ran inside, up the brick path between the house and the gardens. When he returned, there was an older lady with him, wearing a shawl (‘?’) and long, voluminous skirts. They stopped at the gate, she pulled out a purse and handed it to him with a smile. She came over to the car and looked in.

“Hello there. Thank you for helping Peter and Ashton. You are most kind and we appreciate it. I’m sorry, Peter did not tell me your name?”

The lady smiled. “That’s because I didn’t tell him. The name doesn’t matter. I’m just another traveller on life’s highway. You have a delightful son, Mrs. de Groot and it’s a pleasure to help him.”

“Thank you. Peter is a good boy and a good son. Ashton is too. Thank you for helping them.”

“No problems. We couldn’t see another BMW driver stuck, and it really is a pleasure. Shall we go, Peter?”

“Yes, of course. Good bye, Mother, I’ll be back soon.”

“Goodbye my Son, you take care out there. Goodbye Lady, have a nice journey.”

“I will, thanks.”

She drove back to the waterfront, turned left, along the main street and up to the service Station on the highway. “Your mother is a nice lady.”

“Yes, she is. She’s great. Father is too.”

“And so is the son, I think. Have you got any brothers and sisters?”

“No, there’s just me, but my cousins are living with us for a while, there’s three of them, all boys. My Uncle and Aunty are too, so we have a busy house now.”

“In that little house, it must be busy! Where do you all sleep?”

“Uncle and Aunty have the bedroom. There’s only one so Mother and Father are sleeping in the living-room and the boys and I are all in the bus. Everybody has a bed, that’s all we need.”

“If you say so. Is this the Service Station that you want?”

“Yes, this is the one. There’s only two in town, this one is Mr. Duncan’s.”

She stopped in the forecourt. Peter got out and took the wheel out of the back.

“Thank you again. You’ve been great, rescuing us.”

“You’re very welcome, Peter. It was nice to meet you. Will you be okay now? I could wait and take you back to Ashton.”

“No, don’t worry. You’ve done plenty. Mr. Duncan will look after us now. He’s a good man.”

“A friend of yours of course? Okay then, Peter. I’ll leave you for now. But, tell me something. Was that your mother’s purse that she gave you?”

“Yes, it was. It’s all of her housekeeping money.”

“And she trusts you not to waste any.”

“She does. I wouldn’t do that.”

“No, I didn’t think that you would. Goodbye then, and good luck.”

“Thank you and goodbye. Umm. You didn’t tell me your name?”

“I didn’t, did I? But I’m delighted to have met you. It was very timely I think.” She smiled and drove away.

“It was very timely for us,” Peter said to himself. “You are a good lady.”

Peter & Ashton, 1

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:18:00 +0000

(Haven't a clue where this is going - but it's going.)

“Peter, my friend, I’ve made a decision. You’re not going to like this, but I don’t think I can see you again.”

“Not see you? You’re right I don’t like it! Ashton, why? What’ve I done?”

“Nothing! Really, it’s not you. It’s just not going to work with you and I and it’s best if I stay away. I don’t belong in your world.”

“Fucking Bullshit!”

“What? You know, that’s the first time I’ve heard you swear like that.”

“Well I’m swearing now and it won’t be the last time. How can you say that you don’t belong in my world? That is bullshit, that’s the only word for it.”

“It’s not at all, it’s a fact. Keep your voice down, Peter. Mrs. Braidwood’s looking at us.”

“I don’t care. Let her look.”

“If she throws us out of here, I’ll be banned for life. Mrs. Braidwood is your friend, not mine. She’d forgive you anything, but not me. She only puts up with me in her library because I’m here to see you.”

“Forget about the library, that’s not important. All that matters is you and me, nothing else. How can you say you don’t belong in my world? You are my world.”

“No, Peter, I’m not. Look, can we get out of here? We’ll go somewhere and talk.”

Peter looked around the one-room library, it was a busy day, there were at least 6 people there. Mrs. Braidwood, at the desk, and a couple of other ladies were looking at them.

“All right then, we will. We’ll talk and we’ll keep on talking until we sort this out. I love you, Ashton Woods, I’ve wanted you forever and now I’ve got you, I’m not letting you go, so you can get that idea right out of your head.”

“I think we have to let go, but, okay, let’s go and talk it out.”

Peter picked up his books, returned the reference books to the shelves, and said goodbye and thank you to Mrs. Braidwood. He went over to the white-haired and balding man sitting at the computer.

“Father, I have to go with Ashton. I don’t know how long we’ll be, so I’ll see you at home, okay?”

Mr. de Groot looked up and frowned at Ashton. “Why do you have to go with Ashton, Son?”

“There’s something we have to sort out, something really important, so I’ll see you at home later.”

“Very well, you go if you have to. Take care and don’t do anything silly.”

“I won’t, and Ashton won’t either, I’ll make sure of that. How is your problem going here?”

“Good, I think. I’m just waiting for a reply. Once this is settled, it will be all plain sailing.”

“You said that yesterday, Father, and the day before.”

“I did, didn’t I? It will work out, Peter. It’s nothing that you have to worry about and it’s not your problem.”

“I’ve got a problem of my own and I’m going to fix it now.”

He frowned at Ashton, smiled at Peter and replied, “Good luck then. Let me know if there’s anything I can do.”

“I will. Thank you Father. Good luck to you and I’ll see you at home.”

“The best of luck to you, My Son. Goodbye then.”

Peter turned back to Ashton, nodded at the door, and they left.

Walking out to the car, Ashton said, “You’ve got such a good relationship with your father, and with your mother too, the best I’ve ever seen. Don’t ever lose it.”

“I don’t intend to, Ashton, and I am not losing my relationship with you, that’s the most important one of all.”

“I wish I agreed, but I don’t think I do.”

“You will, My Love. You will.”

They got into the car and buckled up.

“Any suggestions where we should go?”

“I have. Take us up to the cemetery.”

“The cemetery?”

“Yes. It’s quiet there and it’s a good place to think about life.”

“Okay, the cemetery it is then.”

Ashton drove up to the hilltop cemetery, but when he pulled in there, they saw his mother sitting by Damian’s grave. He circled around and drove out again.

“We can’t talk while she’s there. We’ll go down the road a bit.”

He went back to the main road, down the south side of the hill and drove a few kilometers along the coastal highway. He intended stopping at Geese Bay, but there were a couple of cars there and people fishing on the rocks, so he carried on, through the road tunnel and along. He pulled into, and stopped in, the first quiet pull-off they came to, between the road and the rocky beach below. He turned the car off and turned to look at Peter.

“Okay?”

“Not quite.”

“Oh?”

“It’s a quiet place, but we can’t cuddle here. Come over to the back seat.”

“That’s not why we’re here, Peter.”

“That’s what you think! Okay, Ashton, you tell me why we’re here.”

“To talk about us.”

“Damm right, about us. We are a couple, Ashton, a pair. When I gave myself to you, I gave my life. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”

“Oh, Peter! Of course it does, it means a lot, but I think you made a mistake. I’m not the one for you.”

“You’re talking rubbish! Of course you’re the one for me. You’re the only one I’ve ever wanted. Ever!”

“No, you’re wrong. You can do much better than me.”

“Have you gone mad? There is no-one better than you – not in this town, not in this world! You’re the best there is and I love you, now and always.”

“Oh, Peter. I wish that was true, but it’s not. Look, I had a serious talk with my father this morning.”

“Your father? Is that where this came from? You should know better. Your father is a bitter twisted man and he can’t stand you being happy.”

“Yeah, that’s true but . . .”

“But nothing! That’s all this about. There’s nothing he’d like better than to break us up. I know that and you know it too.”

Peter, don’t. Look, just listen to me, would you? Let me say what I have to and then you’ll know.”

“I know that I love you. Do you love me, Ashton?”

“Totally! Now, be quiet please.”

“All right then, say it, but whatever it is, it doesn’t matter.”

“But it does. Right, first of all, you’ve got a bright and great future ahead of you. Your parents both love you completely and whatever they do, they do it for you.

You’re a bright, well-educated and well-grounded boy. You’re also hard-working, stubborn, patient and determined. You don’t take no for an answer. Whatever you do in life, you’ll do well, I have no doubt about that at all.

You’re also quiet, considerate and a damm nice person. Whether that’s got anything to do with your upbringing, I don’t know – it’s just who you are. You’re also gorgeous, which always makes it easier to get people to like you.”

“That works better for you than for me, obviously.”

“Shush, Peter. We’re not talking about me, we’re talking about you. We’ll get onto me in a minute.”

“Sounds good to me!” Peter grinned.

“Don’t, please, I’m being serious.”

“Okay, keep talking, I’m listening.”

“Thank you. Anyway, as soon as you’re old enough, the plan is for you to go to university.”

“To do Commerce, yes. I’m going to be an accountant.”

“You are, and you’ll be a good one. Accountants are never without work and they’re well-paid wherever they go. But even that’s not the top of their plans for you.”

“I know the plans, I’ve heard them for years and they’re all part of the Plan. I am to get qualified, take a job somewhere, for the experience, and then start taking on accounts for small businesses.

Once I’ve built up enough work, I’ll go into business for myself, preferably around here. I’ll do the accounts for Father’s business, which hopefully will be up and running by then, and then I will become manager for it and maybe, one day, even own a majority shareholding. That’s the plan anyway.”

“I know it is, your father told me. I’m sure it will all happen for you. You’ll do it and you’ll do it well. That’s your future all planned out.

On the other hand, there’s me. I haven’t got a future.”

“What do you mean? You’ve got a future.”

“Not like yours though. I’ll be lucky to get a labouring job somewhere. I’ll probably finish-up living in a caravan or something.”

“You will not! If I have my way, you’ll be living with me, wherever that is.”

“I can’t do that, Peter. You are headed for the top and I’d only bring you down. I’m not making a career out of living off you, it wouldn’t be right. I can’t and I won’t do it.”

“In that case, my parents will have to find another accountant because it won’t be me. I’m not doing it without you, Ashton. I can’t and I won’t either. If you live in a caravan, I’ll be there with you.”

“You bloody will not! You’re not giving up your future for me.”

“I already have. You are my future, Ashton. What good is money if I’m not happy? I’ll only be happy if I’m with you. I love you, just you and only you, always.”

“Damm, Peter! You’re way too good for me. But, yeah, I love you too.”

He kissed him.

“Okay,” Peter grinned. “Thank you, My Love. Now tell me why you think one-half of this couple has no future, and I’ll tell you that you are wrong.”

“I’m not wrong. Don’t let this get around, but my parents are even worse-off than we thought. They’ve got nothing and there’ll be nothing there for me. They’ve got some huge debts with taxes and overdue business loans, word is starting to get around and they’re under pressure. Or, he is. I don’t think my mother’s even on the same planet since she’s got all religious.”

“Someone said that prayer is the last resort of a scoundrel.”

“Someone wise. Certainly true in her case. Anyway, he’s quietly selling-up all the businesses and stuff and he plans on going back to Oz as soon as he’s got things sorted. He might finish-up back with his mother in the trailer-park. He doesn’t know if my mother will go with him. She’d probably rather be a nun or something.”

“Is it really that bad? I thought that they were rich.”

“They’re not and it is that bad. He said that Suzanne can go with him, if she wants to, but I can’t, I’m not wanted. I’ll be out on my ear with no home, no money and no income. There’ll be no university for me. My education is over and I’ll have to get a job and stand on my own ‘queer feet’.”

“Whoah! Okay, that doesn’t sound good, but it’s not all bad you know.”

“It looks all bad to me.”

“But it’s not! You’ve got ways around it. Maybe they won’t support you, but you’ve got assets – use them.”

“What assets? I don’t see anything.”

“Only because you’re not looking. For a start, you can sell your car. It’s all yours and it’s worth thousands.”

“I was planning on that. I don’t need it, but I have to make sure that they can’t get their hands on the money. I’m still a minor.”

“I doubt if they could. Dianne will know, we’ll ask her. Anyway, you could sell it to me for a dollar. I’ll sell it for what it’s worth and keep the money for you.”

“You would do that? That would work, but that’s all I’ve got.”

“No, it’s not! You’re also good-looking, intelligent, bright and charming. You have charisma. They’re all assets and you can use them. They’ll get you a job anywhere.”

“A basic job, as a shop-worker or something.”

“So? Start at the bottom and work your way up. You won’t get a free ride, but you’re young and fit and you can do it. Of course you can. You can always go back to study later, there’s student loans and things to help people get started. When you’ve got a good qualification, you can pay it back easy.”

“Oh,Peter! You’re great, thanks. My greatest asset is you and you’re right, I can do it.”

“You can, but that’s not all. There’s more yet.”

“More? Like what?”

“Like, say we got out of the car and went for a walk in the valley up in the hills over there, and say I fell over and broke my ankle or something. How would I get back to the car?”

“Well, that’s obvious. I’d help you of course. I’d carry you back if I had to.”

“So you wouldn’t walk away and leave me there?”

“I would not! I couldn’t do that.”

“Then why do you think I’d walk away and leave you?”

“It’s not the same thing.”

“It’s exactly the same thing. If I need help, you’d help me and if you need it, then I’d help you. That’s what being a couple is about. If we are together, then everything we have is ours together.”

“Well, but . . .”

“But nothing! Are we together, Ashton? You said that we will be always.”

Tears ran down Ashton’s face as he sat and looked at him. “I’m not alone,” he whispered.

Peter kissed the tears. “You’ll never be alone. I love you.”

“Peter de Groot, you are absolutely perfect! I love you very much.”

They kissed tenderly.

“Okay,” Peter beamed. “We’re two halves of the one whole. Don’t ever forget that.”

“I won’t forget. Thank you, Peter.”

“Thank you too. Can we go back to town now? I’m hungry, but don’t tell Mother I said that.”

“I wouldn’t do that to you. Okay, let’s go home.”

Linc

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:07:00 +0000

(Just a short story - written as another experiment - no dialogue!

"Steatopygous" means having protuding buttocks. It's the coolest word & i've been wanting to use it forever. Now we have.

cheers)

Linc was new in town, and he was not happy about it. He told everyone who would listen that he wasn’t, but he had no choice. You don’t when you’re a kid, bloody whanau think they own you.

He wasn’t a kid anyway, and he wished that they’d stop treating him like one. He was 16 years old already! And he was a father. He was not a child.

The baby was nearly 2 years old. He’d been whangaied and was being raised by his grandparents. Linc never had a lot to do with him, but he was his father; it said so on the birth certificate.

They were only 13 years old when his dumb girlfriend got knocked up. He thought the stupid cow was on the pill, she told him she was, but she wasn’t. Obviously. She thought that she was too young to get pregnant. How dumb is that?

Anyway, they got in SO much trouble! Well, she did. Linc, not so much, as long as he stayed away from her family. His father put on a stern face, but really, he didn’t care. Privately, he was quite proud of his son the stud.

That was a first. Usually, he didn’t give a shit about him. They got on okay, as long as Linc stayed out of his face and didn’t get in the way of his hard-drinking life. Suited Linc, he never had a lot of time for his drunken father anyway.

They lived in a gang house and there was usually someone around to feed him. Kids are survivors, they learn how to cope in any environment.

His mother didn’t think so. She came up north for his kuia’s tangi, (grandmother’s funeral), and she was horrified to see how he was living, so she took her first-born home to live with her. He had no choice.

Really though, he wouldn’t admit it, but he was pleased to get out of there. Now that Kuia was dead, he had no safe refuge to turn to when he needed it.

Who knew when he’d see the kid, or its mother, again? It was no great loss. They were never in love or anything, she was just a chick to screw. He’d had several others since her, he didn’t love them either.

He’d never loved anyone, except maybe his Uncle Ricki, and that had turned out all wrong. The bastard had raped him when he was 11.

Linc’s father, and the bros, beat the snot out of Ricki when they found out. They put him the hospital and promised him more when he came out, but they never did. As soon as he could, Ricki ran away from the hospital, and he’d never been heard of since. Who knew where he was?

Pity they never dobbed him in to the cops. At least they would’ve locked him up and everyone knew what happen to Kiddie-fuckers inside.

So, he recovered from the rape, kind of. The worst thing about it was the betrayal. His kind and cuddly uncle had turned into a monster. And it fucking hurt! It felt like he was being ripped in half.

Weird though, until Ricki actually shoved that thing up him, he was enjoying it. It was kind of exciting and naughty. He never told anyone that; he tried not to think about it.

After the rape, his father’s woman of the month felt sorry for him and she took him to bed and fucked him so that he knew he was still a man. That was a bit of all right.

She’d never done it again, but he soon found others who would. He hadn’t been keeping score, but there’d been quite a few. Sometimes the woman was so out of it she didn’t know, or care, who it was fucking her.

He was growing up, taking what he needed, hiding in the shadows when he had to, putting on a staunch face, pretending he was a man, and hiding the frightened little boy inside.

Then, his mother came and took him away. It was a relief really, but he couldn’t tell anyone that.

His mother had grown up in the same culture. She was only 15 when she had him and he was about 4 or 5 when she ran away to escape from it. Kuia had refused to let her take him then, and she’d gone without him.

She’d had several other men since then and she had 2 other boys, his little brothers with a different father. She had no partner now and didn’t want one. Over the last couple of years, she’d cleaned her act up and was now totally drug and alcohol free, except for cigarettes. But, as everyone knows an alcoholic is only one drink away from being a drunk.

So far, she was doing okay. She had a good support system around her and she worked at it. Her life was on-track and she wanted to do the same for him so that he didn’t go down the same path that his parents, and generations before them, had.

He was far from stupid, and he knew that he should be grateful, but it’ not easy for a city boy to be transplanted into a small town. Whatever.

His little brothers were not going to be a problem, he made sure of that. They were only half his age, 6 and 8 years old, and he let them know who was boss. Oddly enough, they took it really well, they liked having a big brother. He’d never been hero-worshipped before. Quite nice really, but he wasn’t telling anyone that either.

Being boys, they were very physical, and they wanted to wrestle, play-fight and cuddle all the time. He had to put a stop to that and keep them at a distance. They were beautiful boys, but they were his brothers and far too young to do what his dick was thinking. He was NOT going there, so he cuffed them and kept them away.

He’d been there for a couple of weeks, settling down and starting to enjoy the peace and quiet when, to his horror, his mother’s sponsor decided that he needed to be in school and not spending his life moping around at home. Interfering old bag!

He fought it, of course. He hadn’t been to school regularly for a couple of years and thought that he was finished with all of that. But, he lost. He had to go to school.

They enrolled him and bought him books, pens, a calculator, a bag and a smart new uniform. He told no-one, but he thought he looked good in the uniform. He liked the long dark-grey trousers that seniors wore.

So, nervous and excited, he went to school and got the shock of his life – he liked it there. It was a small school in a small town, he was the new boy, exotic and exciting, and everyone there was friendly and welcoming – even the teachers! It took less than an hour before he decided that he liked it. He could stare-down any of the boys he’d seen and the girls were lining up to ogle him. Some of them were hot too!

One of the boys was bothering him, a bit. Lance Wilson was a year younger than him, he was in year 11. He was quite a nice-looking kid, but there was something soft and girly about him. He giggled like a girl. He was always smiling and always looking at him. Every time he turned around, he was there, grinning, and with that same hungry look he saw in some of the girls. This Lance kid was weird.

Apart from the weird boy, Linc liked the kids there, especially the girls, they were like fruit ripe for the plucking. He could do all right there. It was an effort not to smile too much. He had a bad-boy image to maintain and a scowl made people back-off and not get too close.

In the afternoon, when school was over, he walked home with a group of kids. Things were looking up, he’d never been popular before, but he could get used to it.

It’s surprisingly easy to get yourself a reputation when you’re new in a small town. Okay, maybe he did over-play it, a bit, but it was what they wanted to believe and it was mostly true. He did grow up in a gang culture and survived it. They didn’t need to know how relieved he was to be away from it all.

Within a couple of days, everyone knew that he was a bad-boy, a big-city hard man washed-up in their quiet town. Quite exciting and fascinating to think how dangerous he could be.

Yeah, that was over the top, it was all a load of rubbish. He was a big softie really, but he wasn’t telling them that. He didn’t mind the image they had of him, he could hide inside it like a snail inside its shell.

The other advantage of the image was the ladies. The girls were falling over themselves in their rush to get at him. This handsome boy, with a hint of danger, was a wild beast that had to be tamed.

He was a handsome boy, despite the scowls. He had a great smile and when he smiled it was like the sun breaking through on a cloudy day. So he scowled at, and frightened off the boys, but he smiled at the girls and melted their hearts.

In the days that followed he dated one girl after another and was never without a companion. Oddly though, he didn’t have sex with them. Well, not many. He knew that he could, he just didn’t want to.

There’s no challenge in chasing star-struck girls who are throwing themselves at you. There was only one girl who he really wanted – the one, of course, that he couldn’t have.

Lyndal Wilson was easily the best-looking girl in the school. Tall, willowy and blonde, she was hot! But, there was a problem, Lyndal was a virgin, no doubt about that. The guys called the Ice Queen and no-one even tried to get in her pants, they knew it was hopeless.

Really though, the Ice queen name didn’t fit her. She was a warm and friendly girl, she just didn’t put out at all. She didn’t come across like she was frigid or anything, she just wasn’t interested.

That was a pity because Linc was interested. Very, very interested. Maybe it was because of the challenge, but she interested him far more than any of the others.

Not only was Lyndal all wholesome and virginal and everything, she lived on a farm, away out of town. One of her parents, usually the mother, drove her to and from school each day. She was rarely seen around town, when she was, there was always a parent with her and her father was a scary man, big, dark and gruff. Linc was rarely intimidated, he’d known plenty of hard men, but this guy was something else, and he guarded his daughter like she as a precious jewel. (Which she was!)

The parents were not around during school hours, but there was a problem there too – her brother always was. Lyndal had a twin brother and they stuck together like they were glued or something. The twin, of course, was the soft and giggly Lance Wilson who was always grinning at him.

It didn’t take long to figure out that he could use that. Lance was not someone he’d normally want to be mates with, but if he was, he’d be able to get closer to the sister, and then who knew what could happen?

That seemed like a plan, so, for the first time ever, he decided to court a boy’s friendship. That shouldn’t be hard to do. Turned out to be even easier than he thought it would.

Waiting to go into class one day, one of the few classes that he didn’t have with his sister, Lance was being hassled by a bunch of bullies. Two of them, working together, knocked him down. One shoved him backwards and the other’s foot flashed out, tripped him and sent the boy, and his arm-load of books, sprawling on the ground. Everyone broke into mocking laughter which was cut off suddenly when Linc stepped in.

He stood between the crying boy and his tormentors and glowered at them. Like every bully everywhere, when faced with a threat, they backed-off in a hurry. Linc helped the kid to his feet, they picked up his scattered books, they went to class together and they were friends from then on. It was that simple.

His plan was working fine. Lance was grateful and Lyndal was too. She liked her brother and anyone who was good to him was okay by her. Their close twosome was now a threesome and they were getting on great.

His only problem now was how to ditch the brother? Maybe if he found him another friend to hang with? Trouble was, Lance only wanted to be with him.

Lance was way too soft and girly, he needed to harden up. Seemed like it was his sister protecting him from the world, not the other way around. Linc told the pair of them that he was going to toughen Lance up. Lyndal thought it was a good idea, Lance giggled and wished him luck.

They went to the movies one night, the 3 of them together. It was a cheap date, he met them there and they all bought their own tickets. He sat between the twins and they had a great time – just good clean fun, nothing romantic happened with the stern parents sitting behind them. Still, he had a good night.

The parents were suspicious of him for a start, but they soon warmed when he was introduced as Lance’s best friend. So that was good.

Lance was telling everyone that Linc was his best friend, which he didn’t mind, but it wasn’t the point of the exercise, was it? Still, whatever got him in with the sister had to be good.

He found that he was liking Lance more and more, he was a nice kid and innocent with it. That was a breath of fresh air in Linc’s dark world. He liked him and was glad to have him for a friend, even without the sister.

Lance was still giggly, smiley and girly, but it didn’t bother him anymore. There was more to him than that. He was warm, caring and attentive and he had a wicked wit. Linc had never laughed so much. He was also very, very bright, but quiet and modest with it. He’d never had a friend like Lance. He wouldn’t last 5 minutes in the world Linc came from, but he liked him.

They came to town one Saturday morning when their mother came in to do her weekly shopping. When they went home, Linc went with them. They spent the day showing around the farm where they’d grown up. It was a whole new world to him, he’d never set foot on a farm before. It was a good day.

He spent the night there, sleeping in the guest room, alone unfortunately, but it was a step forward in his plan.

The following Saturday, Lance came in to spend the day, and the night, with him. Another step forward. One day, with luck, Lyndal might stay as well.

There was a slight problem and Linc almost cancelled, but he decided not to. The thing was, his little brothers usually spent the weekend at their father’s place, sleeping there on Saturday nights. Linc had planned for Lance to have his room and he’d sleep in the brothers’ one. They didn’t have a spare room, he could put up with their smelly room for one night.

But the useless, lazy lump of a father cancelled at the last minute. He’d had a hard week and he was too tired to have them for the weekend. Their mother didn’t mind, she was never happy about them going anyway.

Linc did mind, they were stuffing up his plans, but nobody cared about him. There was no spare bed, Lance would have to come another time.

Then he decided, no, dammit, they weren’t stuffing up his weekend. Lance could come anyway. He’d have to sleep in Linc’s bed and Linc would sleep on the floor. His mother had an old sleeping-bag that he could use.

He was real glad he didn’t cancel. When he arrived with his father, Lance was all excited, like a little kid. He’d never, ever, spent the night away from home on his own before. Linc thought it was cool that he could make the kid so happy.

Mr. Wilson came in to meet Linc’s mother. He was obviously checking them out, but he must’ve been happy because he went off and left his boy there. He’d be back for him, late on Sunday.

They spent the day doing not a lot. The weather had crapped-out and it was cold and wet out there. It stayed that way all day. They just hung around inside. Lance baked a batch of cookies. That was fun – fun eating them.

Linc’s little brothers were being a pain. They hung around like blowflies and wouldn’t leave them alone. So he commandeered the PS3 and took it, and Lance, to his room and locked the door.

They spent the rest of the day, sitting on the floor together, talking and battling on the Playstation. Lance was good at it too, they were evenly matched.

He surprised him in other ways too. He told him things that he didn’t know. Lyndal was not a virgin at all. Lance was but she wasn’t, she’d done it years ago. She had a serious boyfriend and they intended getting married as soon as she turned 16.

Her parents, and his, all knew about it and approved. He was the son of the guy who used to pastor their church. They’d moved away but he was in daily contact with Lyndal on line. Lance liked the boyfriend, Lyndal loved him, so that was cool.

It was not cool at all! That stuffed that plan up then. He was so pissed, he, briefly, thought of telling Lance to go home. He decided against that. He did like the kid even if his sister was not available. They could still be mates.

Lance had a shower before they went to bed, so Linc did too. He didn’t usually. He couldn’t see the point of cleaning-up when he was only going to bed, but, for once, he did. They got some supper, took it to his room, ate it in there, and then got ready for bed.

Lance surprised him again. He’d expected that the kid would sleep in modest pj’s, but he didn’t. He stood, shucked all of his clothes off and slid into bed naked. Apparently he always did. Linc shrugged a whatever, unrolled the sleeping-bag, stripped to his boxers, turned off the light and got into the bag.

What was that line about the best-laid plans of mice and men? It was not going to be a good night. Sleeping on the floor was a dumb idea and he was never going to get comfortable. Who knew that a carpeted floor could be so hard? Also, the sleeping-bag was a cheap and nasty summer-weight one. He was cold!

He tried to be staunch, but it was not going to work. He got out and felt around for his clothes in the dark. At least they’d keep him a bit warmer. Lance sat up and asked him what he was doing? When told that he was bloody freezing, Lance said he could share the bed if he wanted to.

Did he want to? Hell, yes. So he climbed in with him. Lance moved across and left a delicious warm spot for him to lie in. That was much better. Their bodies touched. He was cold and Lance was so warm, he snuggled up against his back and draped an arm across to steal some of his body heat.

He was not into sex with a guy, and never had been, but, apparently, his dick had ideas of its own. It sprung to attention, nestled between the cheeks of Lance’s steatopyogous bum. It felt good in there, all warm and soft yet firm. Weird. It felt like his dick had come home.

Lance pushed back against him and wriggled, which snapped him out of the trance he was drifting into. What was he doing? No way in hell was he interested in sex with a boy! He pulled away but Lance moved back against him and put a hand on his back to pull him into him.

He wriggled again and Linc, with a mouthful of angry abuse and his choicest swearing, let him know that he was NOT interested. He climbed out of the bed and got back into the bag on the floor.

He lay there, fuming, cold and uncomfortable. He knew that he’d hurt his friend, but he didn’t care. The kid was a bloody queer! Then, as he calmed down, he heard Lance crying quietly and he felt bad.

He did care for him, just not like that. That was wrong. But, it felt good. Why was it wrong? It just was, that’s all. He didn’t want to hurt the kid, but he didn’t want to do that. Did he?

Old memories, long forgotten and suppressed memories, came flooding back. Memories of how it was with Ricki before he’d hurt him. They were good times. He used to like the cuddles and the closeness. Was that what Lance wanted with him?

The boy’s crying was cutting him up. He was about to get up and apologise to him when he heard him getting out of bed and searching around for his clothes. When asked what he was doing, Lance told him that he was sorry and that he was going home. He’d walk there.

Now he was really, really sorry for hurting him like he had and he didn’t want him to leave like this. He stood up and stopped him by grabbing and holding him. Lance was sobbing in his arms, so he did something he’d never done before. He kissed him.

Whoah! What was he doing? It wasn’t that bad actually, so he kissed him again.

Damm! He liked this. It didn’t feel wrong at all now; it felt good. He stood quietly trying to sort his swirling emotions.

Lance kissed him and he was surprised – surprised by the joy he felt inside. This was not wrong. His heart knew that this was very, very right.

He wanted this boy, he wanted all of him. He wanted to love and be loved by him. He lowered him back down to the bed and lay down with him.

He kissed him.

The end.

Wills & Dills in Westpoint, 11

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 15:48:00 +0000

Going over the bridge, William said, “Dills, those two back there, do you think they’re another couple?”

“Looks like it. There’s a lot around.”

“There is. I suppose they all stick together. Almost everyone around here seems to accept gayboys.”

“And why not? That Superboy guy is gay and everybody likes him. I guess if he’s accepted, that makes it easier for everyone else.”

“Yeah, probably. Watch you don’t lose sight of Speed Racer up there.”

“I’m watching him.”

“Anyway, if we do lose him, we’ve just got to watch for the red letterbox-drum, on the left, 25k’s from here. I like this town, Dills.”

“Yeah, it’s pretty cool. It’s the people who make-up a town. Our one is cool too.’

“Yeah, Kaimoana’s all right. It’d be better if we could get rid of those Griffins.”

“It would. I guess every town’s got its share of jerks as well.”

“Love you, Dills.”

“I love you too, Gorgeous Boy.”

Roman behaved himself and they got back to the house with no trouble. The dog was delighted to see them. Christian fed him before doing anything else. The kitchen fire was all-but out, Roman got it going again.

It was cold in the big room, there were no fires going in there and it was too late to bother lighting one. They sat around the kitchen fire, had a drink and talked until they all agreed that it was late enough, and they went to bed. (Not necessarily to sleep!)

It did rain again during the night, quite heavily, but the next day dawned fine and clear. They had toast and micro-waved porridge for breakfast and, after feeding the livestock, drove into town in both cars.

Dylan filled his car in preparation for the trip home, and then followed Roman across town to the racecourse stable where they locked it up and left it. They all got into Roman’s car and he drove north, out of town.

Over the bridge, they went past the cemetery, (“Dead center of Westpoint!”), through Fairfield and out to Waimarie where they turned off and went up, up and up, the long and winding road up the hill to Dennistown.

There was no town up there. There used to be a coal-mining town but it had gone. All that was left was a few relics of the glory days, some sheds and bits and pieces of defunct mining equipment.

However, there was a fantastic view back down the hill to Westpoint, shining in the sunshine beside the wide river. It was almost like looking down from a plane, they were high enough.

Christian said, “It snows up here.”

“It does?”

“It does. That’s why there’s no trees, we’re above the tree-line. On cloudy days, you can’t see your hand in front of your face up here.”

“Nasty.”

“Yeah, it is. That’s why the town died. When transport got better they all moved down to live in town where it’s easier and the miners commuted up here to work.”

William grinned at Dylan. “Cars are good.”

“Definitely! Great view on a day like this though.”

“Yeah, when it’s good, it’s good. We’ll go up to Seddon now.”

They went back down to the main road and carried on, north, through the small mining towns along the narrow strip between the sea and the steep hills.

Seddon was a small town, really small. It was a couple of k’s back up a wide river valley. There was a pub, a church, some widely-scattered houses, and not much else.

Roman said, “This was another mining town. It was quite big once, but now it’s just a shadow of what it was. A lot of it was flattened by the Murchison Earthquake, in 1929. That was the death-knell for the place really.”

William, sitting quietly out of the window, said, “It was named after King Dick, but I don’t think he ever visited it.”

“King Dick?”

“Yeah, Richard John Seddon. Born in England, he was Member of Parliament for the West Coast. He was the longest-serving Prime Minister and the last Premier of New Zealand. His party started Old Age Pensions, which was the beginning of the Welfare State.

He’s the one who first started calling New Zealand, ‘God’s Own Country’, it was his motto.

There’s a statue of him in Wellington, in front of the Parliament Buildings.”

“Oh yeah, a big statue up on a pedestal, with his hand up in the air.”

“That’s the one. I think he’s pointing west. Superboy’s statue, in the Square, does the same thing.”

“He is too! I never thought of that. Superboy’s pointing west in Westpoint.”

“It’s ironic, King Dick was at an Imperial Conference, in Sydney in 1906. Before he got on the boat to come back, he sent a telegram saying that he was returning to God’s Own Country. He took sick and died on the way home, so he did, in a way.”

“Damm, William. You’re bloody amazing! How do you know all this stuff?”

He blushed. “I just know. I read a lot and Dad’s a teacher, he tells me things.”

“He’s done a good job. Do you go to school, Dylan?”

“Yeah, of course I do. Year 12.”

“I don’t know why you bother. You could just stay home and listen to William.”

“I would, if I could.”

“Dills?”

“Wills?”

“Kiss me.”

“Anytime.”

He did.

“All right,” Roman turned the car around. “Back to town. Christian, call Ross and Robert and see if they’re ready to come home yet.”

They went back to Westpoint and had lunch at Billy’s Burgers, because they had to really. The burgers were good, but they were no different to what they’d get anywhere else. It was always good kai – Simply the Best.

Ross and Robert were both ready for home. It would pay to be there when the mother returned. So, Roman drove down to Coach Street, on the way to the North Tiphead, stopped outside Mary Lamb’s small cottage, and tooted.

A dishevelled Robert came out, pulling his clothes together and with his sneakers in one hand.

“Sleep well, Romeo?” Roman grinned.

“Shut up, Dallas.” Robert got in the back seat with Dylan and William. “Home Jeeves, and don’t spare the horses.”

“Yes, Milord.” They went back to the stables.

Roman said, “One of these days, Robert Mathieson, you’re going to get in SO much trouble.”

Christian agreed. “He is, but it’ll probably be one of these nights.”

“You can both shut the fuck up and mind your own. I’ll go home with these two and you can go and get Ross.”

“Okay. At Trina’s, is he?”

“Where else?”

Dylan said, “Do you want me to follow you to get Ross?”

“No, you just hit the road. We’ll catch you before you get there.”

“’Kay, see you there.”

William got in the back-seat and Robert rode up front with Dylan.

“Car’s going okay, is it?”

“Yeah, it is. Better than ever. Thanks for getting your uncles to fix it.”

“No problems, it’s what they do. It took my sister to tell the Dorks how to fix it though. Classic! They’ll never live that down. So, how was your night?”

“It was good. We didn’t do anything, just got the car, went back out and had an early night.”

“Yeah? I had an early night too.”

“I’ll bet you did!”

“Shut up and drive.”

Roman caught up before they were halfway back. He overtook them and was back at home long before they got there. He grinned when they walked into the kitchen.

“Hello, Ladies. Stop for a picnic did you?”

“Blow it out your arse, Dallas,” Robert growled. “It wasn’t a race. One of these days, you’re going to wrap yourself around a tree. Just see that you haven’t got my brother with you when you do.”

“Oooo! Love you too, Grumpy. Didn’t you get a lot of sleep?”

Christian said, “Cool it, Guys. Don’t fight. Who’s up for a swim?”

“Great.”

“Good idea.” Ross and Roman agreed.

Robert did too, “Yeah, okay. It might help keep me awake.”

William asked, “Where do you swim around here?”

Ross replied, “The river is just down the back there. We’ve got our own private swimming hole. It’s choice. There’s a log to dive off and there’s a great rope-swing up in a tree.”

“Sounds like fun, but we didn’t bring any swimming trunks, did we Dills?”

“No. I didn’t think we’d need them.”

Robert said, “Who needs swimming trunks? It’s a private place and there’s just us. We always swim in the nuddie.”

Dylan said, “You all swim in the nude?”

He looked at William “I think we’ll give it a miss.”

“Aww. Come on, Dills. It’ll be fun.’

“No, Wills. You’re not.’

Christian, ever the peacemaker, grinned. “Have to do what you’re told, do you William?”

“I don’t HAVE to, but it pays. Dills worries about me.”

“Dylan loves you.”

“Yeah!” William beamed. “He does, and that’s good. We’re not swimming.”

Roman said, “Come and have a look anyway, so you know what you’re missing. It is a very cool place.”

Everybody, including the dog, went down the tree-lined track to the river. It was a rough track, a car wouldn’t get down there; not even Dylan’s one. However, it wasn’t long and they were soon out in the sunshine on the river-bank.

The swimming-hole was in an old loop where the river had cut in to the steep bank. It was now all-but cut-off from the main flow by a low bank of round stones. A small trickle of water ran down into it and another drained the far end.

“Very nice,” Dylan looked around. “What’s the fishing like?”

Roman said, “It’s a good trout river. Great spot for fly-fishing actually. They say that the whitebait used to come up this far, in the early days, but they don’t now. We get eels in the pool too, it’s best after dark for them.”

“Yeah,” Ross said. “Tip a bottle of blood in the water and they’re everywhere. The buggers are like sharks. We spear them.”

“Do you eat them?”

“Sometimes, but they’re hard to skin. Usually we just kill them.”

“That’s a waste. You can slice them into segments and fry them.”

“Yeah, whatever. Still too much work.”

Completely unabashed, Ross and Robert, Christian and Roman stripped their clothes off and plunged into the clear water. They splashed and played and fought and wrestled in the pool while Dylan and William sat and watched.

William watched them, Dylan was more interested in the river.

“Dills, why can’t we have a swim? That looks like fun.”

“It might be too much fun. We’re not, Wills. We still don’t know these guys that well and I wouldn’t feel safe if you were in there naked.”

“You’re trying to wrap me up in cotton-wool?”

“I would if I could. You’re more than beautiful, William Scott, you’re perfect – a work of art, you’re way too attractive and you have to keep yourself safe.”

“You love me, don’t you, Dills?”

“You know I do.”

“Yeah, I do. I love you too.”

He kissed him.

“Okay, if we’re not swimming, let’s go back to the house and get the fire going.”

“Good idea.” Dylan stood and brushed the sand off his jeans. “We’ll get the room warm. They’re going to be freezing when they get out of there.”

“Yeah,” William stood up. “Their boy-bits will be all shriveled up.”

“Never you mind about other people’s boy-bits. C’mon Wills.”

They went back to the house and lit the kitchen fire. They didn’t know where to find the wood, or the axe, so they used dead and dry fern fronds from the Pungas around the yard outside.

Neither of them had matches or a lighter, of course, so William turned on an element on the electric range and lit a taper of newspaper on that, to kindle the fire. Dylan filled the bucket from the coal-heap out the back.

“Gas heaters are easier and cleaner than fires.”

“They are, but a fire’s nicer to watch. That probably goes back to caveman days.”

“Cavemen didn’t have a lot of gas heaters.”

“Shut up, Wills.”

They sat together, watching the fire. A dark-haired woman, in a smart business suit, walked in the back-door, dropped her bag on the floor and looked at them. “And who would you two be?”

They got to their feet. “I’m Dylan and this is William. We put our car off the road and Robert and the others have been helping us.”

“And so they should. Where are the boys?”

“They’re all swimming in the river. Do you want us to go and get them? And, you must be Mrs. M?”

“Yes, I must be. Don’t worry about them, they can find their own way home. It’s a bit early for swimming, they’re going to be bloody freezing!”

“That’s what we thought, so we came back to get the fire going.”

“That’s good. Is there any coffee in the pot?”

“No, we haven’t been using it.”

“Shame. I’m dying for a coffee. Those bloody little planes have got nothing on them. Put the pot on for me, would you? I’ll go and get changed into something comfortable.

Relax, Boys. No problems. You just surprised me, that’s all.”

She left her laptop on the table, picked up her bag and went to her room.

Dylan filled the coffee pot. “I guess we should be hitting the road soon.”

“Yeah, soon. If we leave it too long we’ll be travelling after dark again and that gets boring.”

Ross and Robert came in and hovered over the fire. “Brr, cold! I see Mum’s home.”

“Yes, we just met her. Where are the other two?”

“They’re busy. They’ll be back when they’re ready. Have we got coffee?”

“It’s coming, I’ve just put the pot on.”

“We should keep you on, you’d make a good wife.”

“Cheeky Bugger!”

“I’m not the bugger, I thought that was you.”

Robert growled, “Knock it off, Ross! We came back because the other two were getting lovey-dovey. Don’t start anything here. Hey, Mum. What did you buy us?”

“The same as usual – absolutely nothing. How are you, Boys? I hope you’ve been behaving?”

“Well I have,” Ross grinned. He got such a dirty look from his brother, he caved immediately. “Yeah, everyone’s behaving.”

Their mother looked at their faces. “I don’t think I want to know. How’s Trina?”

“She’s good. How’s the business?”

“Busier than ever. Who wants coffee?”

They all had drinks and sat around talking. Christian and Roman returned and got their own drinks. Mrs. M opened the laptop to check her emails. She sat quietly reading. After a couple of minutes, she looked up.

“Dylan? You’re from Kaimoana?”

“Yeah, we live in Kaimoana.”

“That’s what I thought. It’s a small world.’

“A small world?”

“Yes. I’m coming over there next week to see some people. Do you know the de Groot brothers?”

“I know Peter de Groot, kind of, but he hasn’t got any brothers. Oh, it must be his cousins, I think their name is de Groot, they’re new in town.”

“Abel and Jan de Groot, master bakers.”

Dylan turned to William, “There’s 3 cousins, right?”

“That’s right, but they wouldn’t be bakers, they’re just kids. I think Peter’s father is a cook or something. Maybe it’s him and the cousins’ father.”

“Could be, I guess.”

Mrs. M said, “Oh well, we’ll find out soon enough. How many have we got for dinner here?”

“Not us,” William replied. “It’s time we were going if we’re going to get home before dark.”

“You’d better go soon then. I could get you something quick and easy. There should be pizzas in the freezer, if the Gannets haven’t cleaned us out.”

“No, really. Thanks, but don’t worry. We’re going home.” Dylan stood up. “Right now, Wills. Let’s go.”

“We’re going to have to talk about who’s boss in this relationship, Dylan James,” William got up.

“Relationship?” said Mrs. M

“That’s right. More bloody gayboys,” Robert said.

“Robert! You know very well that there is nothing wrong with that! What is natural for you may not be for others.”

“Yeah, okay. Sorry Mum, I didn’t mean anything.”

“You’d better not!”

“Mrs. M,” Roman grinned. “Sometimes it’s very obvious whose daughter you are.”

“And don’t you forget it, Roman. Okay, Boys, if you’re going, go. It’s lovely to meet you and anytime you want to come back, you’ll be welcome here.”

“Thanks, Mrs. M. We just might do that sometime. Thanks everyone, you’ve made our visit a good one.”

“Yeah,” said William. “We owe you. Come to Kaimoana.”

“Oh, we will,” the others replied.

They exchanged addresses and numbers and the boys followed them outside to say goodbye.

“Wow!” William exclaimed. “Your mum’s got a new BMW!”

“Yeah, well,” Robert said. “It’s her work-car. Mum says that with all the time she spends on the road, she needs a decent and comfortable car.”

“Fair enough too! Okay, Guys, thanks again and goodbye.”

Roman said, “Wait a minute. Wait a minute. You don’t get out that easy.”

“Oh?” Dylan quizzed. “What do you mean?”

“We haven’t had our hugs yet.”

“Hugs?”

“Yes, hugs. Don’t you guys hug your friends? ‘Round here, everyone does it.”

“Well, yeah, I guess we can do that.”

They did.

They got into the car and left with toots and waves. The dumb dog chased them all the way out to the highway.

“Okay, My Wills. Eastward Ho.”

“Yeah, Eastward Ho. It doesn’t work the same, Dills. No-one said, “Go east young man.””

“It’s not the same. Thanks, Wills. It’s been a good weekend.”

“Yeah, it has, thank you. We’ve got some new mates and they’re good guys.”

“They are. We’re coming back here, and soon.”

“Okay, soon. Dills, as long as we’re together, I don’t care where we go or what we do. If we’re together it’s good.”

“It’s very good!”

“Yeah. Stop grinning at me and watch the road. There could be cows out there.”

“I’m watching. I’m watching!”

The sun at their backs, they went home.

Wills & Dills in Westpoint, 10

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 05:39:00 +0000

They went back to the car, walking around the corner where the art-deco clocktower building was. As they were passing the Westminster Chimes rang out, striking the hour; William looked at his watch.

Roman said, “Take no notice of it, William. It’s wrong as often as not.

Christian agreed, “It is, it’s about time someone did something about it.”

“Yeah, one day.”

Back in the car, they went straight ahead, across the main street to the parallel street behind it, between the backs of the shops and the quiet railway yard.

“Cement silos up there,” Roman nodded. “Obviously.”

“Yes, obviously,” Dylan replied. “What’s that big old building?”

Christian replied, “Impressive, isn’t it? Interesting anyway. That’s the old railway workshops. They shut down years ago and cost the town about 60 jobs, but they did bugger-all anyway. My father did his painting apprenticeship there, and learned to drink.

There’s just a couple of small businesses work out of there now, Billy's Burgers have got some of it, but the rest is empty.”

“It is,” Roman said. “They call it progress. That’s the old Railways’ Goods Sheds over there, they’re mostly empty too. The Railway Preservation Society are trying to get a museum going in there, they’re a bit late.

Railway station up ahead, and that’s all-but empty too. It’s all a bit sad really, this must’ve been a busy area once.”

Christian said, “Watch it, Roman. There’s the Dragon Lady backing out of the Adelphi. Bump into her and we’re in trouble!”

“We won’t do that then!” He swerved to avoid the car coming out into the street.

“The Dragon Lady?” William asked.

“Yeah, Mrs. Reynolds, Superboy’s grandmother. She really shouldn’t be driving, she’s as blind as a bat.”

“They should take her licence off her.”

“Maybe, but who’s game to do that? Everyone just gives her a wide berth, it’s easier.

The back street ended and they went around to and along the Esplanade to the bridge.

“What’s that big patch of jungle there?”

“That’s the Domain. It’s meant to be a park, but it’s just native bush with a few paths cut through it. The whole area was like that before they cleared it for the town. There’s a cool swimming-hole in the river behind it.”

“Yeah, it’s cool,” Christian said. “At least you can swim there. Swimming on the beaches is mostly just fighting against the waves.”

“Don’t fight ‘em,” Dylan grinned. “Ride them.”

William said, “Dills surfs. He’s going to teach me.”

“You’re going to teach the teacher?”

“Yeah, I am.”

“Good luck with that.”

Over the bridge, they went straight ahead, towards Carvers’ Beach. They passed a little old truck, heading into town with a huge load of straw. Roman tooted the horn and the two in the front smiled and waved. “Hi, Jinks!”

They got a casual wave and no smile in return.

“Jinks?” said William after they’d passed.

“Yeah,” Christian answered. “My boss, Mr. Jenkins. I’ll be shifting that straw next week. It’s for the stables.”

“Is he a good boss? He doesn’t look very happy.”

Roman said, “Jinks is okay. He’s a decent sort of guy, but you’re right, he’s not very happy. His live-in boyfriend walked out on him, years ago, and he’s never got over it, I think he never will. He just lives for his horses now.”

“Damm! The poor guy. Dills, don’t you ever walk out on me.”

“Why would I want to do that? I’m going nowhere, unless you come with me.”

“See that you don’t! I love you, Dills.”

“I love you too, even more.”

“Do not!”

“Do so.”

“Shut up, Dills. Shut up and kiss me.”

He did.

“Oi!” Roman objected. “Behave yourselves in the backseat. We’re giving you a fantastic guided tour here and you’re not paying attention.”

“We are, mostly,” William grinned. “What was that old bridge back there?”

“That was Marvin’s Creek and the old railway bridge. There used to be a railway line from town out to the Cape. They got the stone for the tipheads from the quarries out there.’

“Railways again?” Dylan said. “Are you a fan of railways, Roman?”

“I guess I am. My granddad was once stationmaster for Westpoint, back in the days when they had stationmasters.”

“The good old days?”

“Something like that.”

William said, “One day, today will be our good old days.”

“Very deep, William.”

“I’m not shallow!”

“You’re not, Wills. Kiss me.”

He did.

Christian sighed, “Much more of this and we’ll have our own adult movie in the backseat.”

“You will not!”

“Yeah, shut up, Christian.”

“Sheesh! It’s not me who’s misbehaving.

This is Carvers’ Beach. Go around the back way, Roman, past the Domain.”

They drove slowly through the new, and growing, suburb of Carvers’ Beach. A kids’ rugby game was happening in the Domain, with a crowd of parents and supporters, barracking for and abusing them.

“Rugby!” William snorted. “Stupid game. They should call it ‘Thugby’.”

“Someone’s not a fan,” Roman grinned.

“He’s not,” Dylan agreed. “Wills plays soccer.”

William said, “I do. That’s proper football. Why is this area called Carvers’ Beach, do Ma’s family own it?”

“They used to,” Roman replied. “The Carvers had a farm out here. It fell down because they didn’t look after it. Here’s the cement works coming.”

He drove slowly past the sprawling cement works complex. It was big, dirty and dusty looking. “How do they make cement, William?”

“It’s basically limestone with a bit of coke and gypsum. They crush it and roast it in the coal-fired ovens. All the ingredients are local, except the gypsum, that’s imported from Australia.”

“Thank you, Mr. Wiki.”

“Shut up, Christian.”

The car stopped in the park near the Tavern at the Cape. They all got out and looked down the rugged cliffs to the beach far below them.

William said, “Cape Foulwind was named by Captain Cook. He sailed past on a rough day.”

“He got that right,” Roman nodded.

“He did. They never landed, just sailed past. He called it a ‘land uplifted high’. He thought he saw farms here, with big grassy fields. He got that wrong –it was just the flat Pakihi swamps. Where to now?”

“We go up the track here, through the paddocks, around to the Cape. It’s a bit of a walk, but it’s worth it.”

They walked around the track, passing the small monument commemorating Abel Tasman’s first sighting of New Zealand on the way.

Roman said, “It was a bit presumptuous of the Europeans really.”

“What was?”

“Coming here and claiming that they’d discovered it when there had already been people living here for hundreds of years. It would be the same thing if you guys went home and claimed to have discovered Westpoint.”

“Well we did, in a way. We discovered it for ourselves.”

“Yeah, we did,” Dylan agreed. “And we had native guides too. Thanks for showing us around, guys.”

“No probs. We’ll send you the bill next week.”

“Yeah, do that. Just address it to ‘crime’.”

“To crime?”

“Crime never pays, don’t you know?”

“Ooh, he’s quick!”

“Not just a pretty face, My Wills.”

“Shut it, Dills.”

They stopped in the viewing area, looking down at the seals on the rocks below them. The visitors were not impressed.

“There’s a much bigger colony in Kaimoana, you can drive right up to them and walk in amongst the seals when the tide’s out.”

“Wouldn’t want to get too close those mothers anyway. They’re wild animals and they’ve got big teeth.”

“They have, but they’re okay if you don’t upset them. The main thing is not to get between them and the sea, that really upsets them. What else have you got?”

“We’ll go down to the Bay.”

They went down the short track to the big car-park on the beach. This time they were impressed, especially Dylan.

“Wow! Look at the surf – very cool. This is a great area. We’re camping here next time we come and I’m bringing my board.”

“That’s cool!” William exclaimed. “Look, Dills, penguins!”

“Yeah, Little Blues, waddling up the beach,” Christian said. “They nest up in the grass. You can look but don’t touch. They’re vicious little sods and they can give you a good bite.”

They strolled along the beach for a bit. “That’s the Bayhouse, over there, art gallery and restaurant. Daniel and Tony own it – Superboy’s brothers. They’re in Whozzat too.”

“Is that the Tony with the garage in the main street?”

“That’s the one. He’s a busy boy.”

“He must be. How many brothers has Superboy got anyway?”

“I dunno, heaps. He collects them.”

“Or they adopt him. Ross did years ago, when he was just a kid.”

“Yeah, he did, but Jonathan’s his only real brother by blood. He’s his other half. Time we were getting back into town. We’ll go and see how the car’s going.”

“If it’s going.”

They went back to the car and returned to Westpoint by the other route, through the wind-swept farmland to the Coast Road, and back through the Crossroads, by-passing Carver’s Beach.

They cruised around the back-streets and made their way back to the Carvers’. The party was over, Ma was back inside, but there was still a lot of people around. “There always is.”

Dylan’s car was not there, they’d towed it away.

Christian grinned, “They’ve probably sold it!”

“They wouldn’t, would they?” Dylan worried.

“No, not really. Once they might have, but not now. They’re all reformed, kind of.”

“Yeah,” Roman said. “Kind of. Come and see Ma, she’ll feed us.”

“I was hoping that someone would.”

“Shut up, Wills.”

Ma greeted them, asked how their day was, and told them to help themselves to the food. There was plenty left over, there always was. Meat and fish were in the oven, plates, salads and drinks on the bench.

There was no room on the table. Ma had the Westpoint News, the evening paper, spread out on it, so they went through to the other room and sat on the floor to eat there. There were kids all over the place, but no sign of Jeremy.

William smiled at the young girl who was staring at him.

“Hi. Has Jeremy gone home?”

“No,” she blushed. “Jeremy’s sleeping at his Uncle Jonathan’s tonight. It’s their turn.”

“Their turn?”

Roman said, “They’re moving him around the family. He slept here the other night. A little bit of Jeremy goes a long way.”

“Really? I thought he was a great wee boy.”

“He is, I guess. He just never stops! We’ve got him next week. He is NOT sleeping in our room.”

“The kid’s got a big family.”

“That he has. A great family too.”

The little girl caught William’s eye. “Have you got a girlfriend?”

“No,” he replied. “I’ve got a boyfriend.”

“Bugger!” She got up and left the room.

Dylan chortled at the look on William’s face.

“Don’t, Dills.”

Stretch came into the room. “There you are, Boys. Your car’s outside, we fixed it.”

“You did?” Dylan jumped to his feet. “That’s great! Thanks, umm, Stretch. How much do we owe you?”

“Owe? You owe us nothing. Put your money away, Boy.”

“But you guys spent all that time on it, and you had to get a new part. We have to pay you something.”

“No, you don’t. It’s a gift. Don’t insult us by offering money”

“I don’t want to insult you, but it cost you.”

“It didn’t. Laurie had the distributor anyway. Look, Boy, Ma said fix it, so we did. Just say thank you and pass it on when someone else needs a hand, that’s the way it works.”

“Well, I, ah . . . I do thank you. We really appreciate it and we will pass it on, when we can. Thanks.”

“No problems, you’re welcome, Kid.”

Stretch went to the front of the house, Dylan and the others took their empty plates back to the kitchen. Ma looked around.

“Finished already? Lots more there if you want it.”

“No, thanks Mrs. Carver, that was plenty. Thanks for getting the guys to fix the car.”

“Not a problem. Time they did something useful. Throw your plates and stuff in the fire and get yourselves a drink. There’s no coke left, but there’s plenty of OJ, there always is.”

William and Christian took the paper plates and plastic cutlery back and put them in the open fire in the living room, while Dylan and Roman poured OJ into paper cups.

William looked down at the fire. “Everyone has big fires going around here.”

Christian said, “Yeah. Well, it’s a mining town. Coal’s dirt cheap around here, and the wood is free, the beaches are covered in it.”

“That’s one advantage of living around here. I guess water’s cheap too?”

“Water? The only problem with water is getting rid of the damm stuff. Okay, they’re burnt. Come and get a drink.”

Their drinks were waiting for them. Dylan and Roman were outside talking to Butch, so they went out there with them.

“Righto,” Roman said. “Time we were getting home. Bruno must think his throat’s cut by now.”

“Bruno?”

“Mrs. M’s dog. He’s home alone with no-one to feed him.”

“We’d best get going then.”

“My car’s out in the street, back-out there and you can follow me home.”

“Slowly!” Christian demanded

“Well, sort-of slowly.”

“You take it easy, Roman. Their car is not as powerful as ours, you lose them and they’re stuck.”

“No probs. You go with Dylan and William can ride with me.”

“No thanks,” said William. “I’m staying with Dills. I only feel safe with him.”

“Do you think I’m going to ravish you, or something?”

“No, I don’t, but we’ve heard about your driving. I’m staying with Dills.”

“I’m a good driver!” Roman protested.

“You’re a bloody wicked driver,” Christian replied. “Okay, you’re not bad, but you’re too fast. Take it easy, Roman.”

“Yes, Mum,” he sighed.

They said goodbye and thanks again. Ma told Dylan and William to come back anytime. They followed Roman out of town. He went straight along Derby Street, passed the school, passed the hospital, crossed Brigham Street, the main road north out of town, and turned right into Richards Street.

Five blocks down there took them to the main street. The St. John’s Theater was on their left on the corner. There were lights and scaffolding along the big side wall, with two guys up there, painting a mural on the theater.

“Bloody Vandals!” Christian yelled from the car.

The guy on the bottom level looked around and grinned. “Get away back out to the bush, you young hooligans!”

“Hooligans?” Roman stood at his side of the car. “We’re not the ones putting graffiti all over the St. John’s.”

“Graffitti? I’ll have you know, Mr. Dallas, this is going to be a work of art to dazzle the people of Westpoint for generations to come! Well, it will be if Jordie stops dropping bloody paint on me.”

The other guy looked down from his level and grinned. “Suck it up, Jase! Move faster and I’ll miss you. How’s it going, Roman? Mrs. M looking after you?”

“Always, Jordan. Jason looking after you?”

“No, I have to look after him.”

“Nice work if you can get it.”

“Oh, he . . . no! We’re not going there. Get away home.”

“We’re doing that. See you Jason and Jordan.”

“Bye, Roman. Be good to your boy.”

“Always!” He got back in the car, around the corner and headed out of town.

Wills & Dills in Westpoint, 9

noreply@blogger.com (david) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:02:00 +0000

Three of them went into the shop, the others sat at two of the tables.

“Brothers eh?” William grinned at Christian.

“Yeah, shocking isn’t it? You haven’t got any brothers?”

“No. Dills has got one, but I haven’t. Have you got any?”

“I did have, 2 brothers and 2 sisters. They’re all just little and they still live with THEM.”

“Tough.”

“Yeah, tough on the kids.”

“You wouldn’t go back then?”

“Not without Roman.”

The others came back with the drinks and they sat at the two tables, watching the world go by. An older woman, pushing a little girl in a pushchair, came along, stopped and looked at them. It was probably not her kid, she was a bit old. It more likely belonged to the younger, very pregnant, woman with her.

“Hello Boys. Behaving yourselves, are you?”

Roman answered, “Always are, Mrs. Lewis, in public anyway.”

“We won’t ask about the rest then. Since when do you boys mix with movie stars?”

“Movie stars?” Robert said. “Do you mean with Whozzat? We’ve always known them, everyone does.”

“Around here they do, yes. But I wasn’t talking about Whozzat. You are William Scott, aren’t you?”

William blushed and said, “Damm!”

“Busted!” Dylan laughed.

Robert said, “His name’s William, but he’s not a movie star, he’s just a kid.”

“Thank you, Robert. I show the movie, ‘Rocks on the Roof’, to my year 9 classes every year, as a film study. Now we know how much attention Robert paid to it.”

The Westpoint kids all stared at William.

“Well, bugger me!” Christian grinned. “That was you, wasn’t it? That little blond guy in Rocks on the Roof. Why didn’t you tell us?”

“It was just one little film and it was years ago,” William blushed. “It’s not a big deal.”

“That’s my Wills!” Dylan beamed proudly.

Mrs. Lewis said, “I’m pleased to see that it never went to your head, William, and it was a big deal. It’s an excellent little film, one of the best to come out of New Zealand in years.

I’m Emily Lewis, I teach music and drama at Westpoint High. Your drama teacher, Geraldine Crase, is an old friend of mine and she told me all about it.”

“Mrs. Crase told everybody, but I didn’t know she told the whole country!”

“Maybe not the whole country, just those she knows, and why not? She was very proud of you, William. I still tell people about Whozzat’s Movie, and that was years ago.”

“So was mine.”

“Not as many as Whozzat’s though.”

“Were you involved in Whozzat’s Movie, Mrs. Lewis?”

“Not really, but our boys, Peter and Jay, are in Whozzat. Crispian filmed and produced it. He used me for a sounding-board, because he had no-one else, but that was all.”

“I had no say at all in my movie. I just did what I was told.”

“Of course you did and you did it well. It’s something to be proud of, William. You haven’t done any acting since?”

“None at all. But we’re going to be in the Operatic Society’s show this year – just as chorus members.”

“That’s important too. I hope you enjoy it.”

“Mum,” the younger woman said, “We’ve got to keep moving. Justine’s getting bored again. If she dirties herself, she’ll stink the car out.”

“We don’t want that! We’d better go. It’s lovely to meet you, William. That will be something to tell my year 9’s. Enjoy Westpoint and don’t let these young hooligans corrupt you. Goodbye, Boys.”

“Bye, Mrs. Lewis.”

“Bye, Claire.”

“Bye Hooligans!”

They walked away. William said, “The little girl is another ‘Justine’. Is she named after Superboy?”

“She is!” said Christian. “Claire is Justin’s best friend, after Billy of course.”

“It’s a small town.”

“It’s a great town.”

Robert said, “Her next baby’s going to be named after Billy.”

“They must be good friends.”

“Simply the best.”

“It’s a shame that we won’t meet Superboy.”

“Yeah, shame. You’re meeting his town anyway.”

Dylan said, “It’s not really his town, is it?”

“Might as well be.”

William finished his drink and put the cup down. “So, Villains, going to corrupt us, are you?”

“No!” Dylan stressed. “They are not.”

“Spoilsport.”

“Behave yourself, Wills, or we’re going straight home.”

“How are you going to do that? The car’s broke and it’s a long walk.”

“We’d get there. I could ring your dad and he’ll come and get us.”

“Okay, I’ll behave. I love you, Dills.”

“I love you too – very much!”

“Oh, aren’t they sweet,” Roman grinned.

“Sickly sweet,” Robert replied. “Maybe we could corrupt you, I have got these.” He pulled some DVD’s out of his pocket.

“What’ve you got there?” Dylan asked suspiciously

“Grown-up movies – adult stuff.”

“Pornos?”

“No, not porn. These are real films, but they’re R18’s, so hopefully they’ve got a story as well as the good stuff.”

“You’ve got R18 movies?” said Ross. “Where did you get them?”

“From the Music Center of course.”

“The Music Center? I didn’t see you at the counter with them and I was there the whole time we were in there.”

“Counter? What counter? I just used the old five-finger discount.”

“You stole them?” William was horrified.

Ross exploded. “Fuck it, Robert! You can’t do that. They belong to Superboy’s other brothers and you’re taking food out of their mouths.”

“Settle down, Brother. Peter and Jay have got lotsa money anyway. No big deal.”

“It is a big deal, and it’s not right! You take them back right now – or else!”

“Or else what?”

“Or else I’ll tell Ma.”

“Fuck! Don’t do that. She’d kill me.”

“Take them back then.”

“I will. I will. I’ll take them back on Monday, I was going to anyway.”

“Why did you nick them?”

“I didn’t nick them, I just borrowed them. They’re all rentals anyway. Mum’s away, Sandie’s away, we’ve got to do something with the weekend. George and Crispian are a couple of old fuddy-duddies, they’d never let us have R18 stuff, so what they don’t know won’t hurt them.”

“Well . . . all right then. But you bloody take them back and pay the rental fee. I won’t be watching them anyway, I’ve got better things to do.”

“I’ll pay for them – later. You can stick with the Cartoon Network if you want to.”

“Cartoon Network!” Ross huffed. “I’m not coming home, we’re going to a party tonight.”

“A party? Where?”

“At Sammy Swan’s place, just me and Trina and you’re not invited.”

I wouldn’t go anyway. Swan’s a jerk and their parties are boring. You’re welcome to it.”

“Thank you very much.”

“Welcome!”

The twins sealed a truce with grins.

Dylan said, “I don’t think we’ll be watching them either.”

“Don’t be a prude, Dylan. They’re just films. I’ll bet there’s nothing in them that you two haven’t already done.”

“Are they gay films?” William was interested.

“One of them is, they others aren’t. Never know, you might learn something.”

“Doubt it!”

“Yeah, so do I,” Dylan grinned.

“Well then,” Robert shrugged.

“No, we’re not watching.”

“Aww! Dills.”

“No, Wills, we’re not. We could stay in town anyway, there’s a place down by the beach there. The sun’s out, so we could put the tent up.”

“I wouldn’t bet on it,” Christian looked at the sky. “Those clouds are coming over, you’d get wet again. No, come back with us. Robert can watch his filthy movies on his own.”

“I will then,” Robert shrugged. “It might be educational, and, for gayboys, you’re all a pack of old ladies.”

“Shut it, Mathieson,” Roman grinned. “We’ll watch something else and you can take your DVD’s, and your tissues, to your room.”

“Tissues?” said William. “Oh. Those tissues.”

“Shut up, Ladies!”

“What are you lot fighting about now?” Another woman, with a little boy in a stroller, came come along the sidewalk.

They all looked up and Robert beamed, “Mary! Where’ve you been?”

“Never you mind,” she smiled. “I was busy. I had an appointment with Roman’s father actually.”

She grinned and winked at Roman. “How are you, Big Boy?”

“I’m good, Mary. Never been better.”

“That’s good. Still gay?”

“Definitely!”

“Dammit. And who have we got here? A couple of fine-looking boys, especially you, Sweetie, you’re gorgeous!”

Robert said, “They’re William and Dylan and they’re gay too.”

“Oh, what a waste! Robert, Sweetie, we’re going home now. Want to come and mow my lawns for me?”

“Yeah, sure. I can do that.” He jumped to his feet. “See you later, Guys. I may not be home tonight.”

He started walking with her, but stopped and came back. He picked up the DVD’s with a sheepish grin and slid them into his pocket. “Nearly forgot! Be good, Ladies.” He hurried after the honeypot.

“Bloody Idiot!” Ross stood up. “Okay, Guys, I’m gone too. Have a good day.”

Christian said, “Back to just us then. What’re we going to do now?”

“We’ll go out to the Bay,” Roman stood up.