Bart and Chris
by: E Walk
(© 2008 by the Author)
 

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Chapter 21
It’s None of My Business

Zack and Bart carried the groceries from the car while I put them away.  We fixed a quick sandwich because it was almost 1:30 and Bart announced, “I’m going to finish the lawn while the two of you are talking to Andy and Steve.  I think they would feel better if I weren’t to hear what they want to talk about.”

Zack looked at Bart, “Do you know what they want to talk about?”

Bart shook his head no, “Not exactly, but I have an idea, and it is none of my business.

I finished putting the groceries away while Zack was taking care of the laundry.  I went to help him and started by putting my arms around him and put my hand in the zipper of his jeans after
I opened it and started to massage the hidden contents that were being restrained by his briefs.  He leaned back, “Watch it buster, you’re playing with fire.”

We heard someone giggling, “So that’s what old married couples do?  Play while the children slave away.”

We turned around to see Steve and Andy standing there giggling.

I pretended as if I were pouting, “What do you mean?  We were just doing the laundry.”

Andy started to really laugh, “Well that ain’t the way we do it at our house.  We take it down to the river and beat it against the rocks”

Zack looked really serious, “Well doesn’t your penis hurt when you get done beating it against the rocks?”

Both Steve and Andy were doubled over from laughing so hard.  Andy sputtered, “I don’t think I have any of those penis thingies.”

Zack wasn’t about to let Andy get the upper hand,  “I guess you pounded your penis so many times against the rocks that it fell off.  Get your butts in here and help us fold these clothes while we visit.”

Both guys were helping Zack fold the clothes and I was putting them in the appropriate piles.  When the next load was in the dryer and washer, I suggested, “Guys, let’s go sit at the table and talk.  That way we can hear the dryer when the load is finished.  What can I get you to drink?”

After we had our drinks, I looked at the two visitors, “Steve and Andy, why don’t you explain exactly why you want to talk to us.  I think I already know what might be on your minds, but I think it might be best if you told us in your own words.”

Andy started, “Look at us.  We have different color skin as you and Zack do.  Doesn’t that cause problems for you?”

Zack looked up, “Andy, why should that create a problem for us?  When you saw us for the first time what did you think.  Did it look as if we were groping each in public or something and advertising that we were more than just friends?”

Andy shook his head no, “But, don’t you feel odd about being seen together all the time?”

I took over, “Andy and Steve, listen and listen well.  It is not of anyone else’s business what our relationship is as long as we don’t go around advertising it or making spectacles of ourselves.  Our situation is unique in that I am employed by Zack’s foster brothers, so it is normal for us to be seen together from time to time.  Very few people know of our living arrangements.  I bet even you two don’t know what they are.”

My dialogue was interrupted by the buzzer of the dryer.  I stood, “Come on, we can talk while we’re taking care of the clothes.”

When we started working, I looked at Andy, “Andy, what do you see and fantasize about when you think about Steve?”

Andy thought for a short time, “When I see Steve and I think about taking his clothes off of him and kissing every inch of his body starting with his lips and tongue and working my to the object of my desires.”

Zack started to laugh, “I hope Steve has washed his feet good.”

Both guys started to laugh, but Andy was able to mutter, “I plan to stop long before I get that far down on his body because an upright structure will be blocking my movement any further down until I can do something to make the obstruction go away.”

Both Zack and I were laughing.  Zack looked at Steve, “Steve, when you look at Andy, what do you see?”

Steve let out a big breath, “I see two big brown eyes flashing like a neon sign that say, ‘Steve, please love me.’”

Zack pushed, “ And what do you want to do to help him?”

Steve didn‘t hesitate, “I want to take Andy home and love him; he tells me he loves me.”

Our conversation was interrupted by Bart coming in the back door, “Dads, can I come in now?  I’m hot and thirsty.”

I looked at him and got him a glass of ice water, “Drink this and take those clothes off.  You’re dripping water all over the floor.  I’ll put them in with the last load of clothes.”

“Dad, you want me to undress right here?”

Zack looked at me and grinned, “Why not?  We’ve already seen you naked, and you don’t have anything that the four of us haven’t seen before and we’re the only people in the house.”  

Bart complied and both Andy and Steve looked as if they were statues.  Bart looked at them, “Haven’t you ever seen a naked guy before?  I don’t have anything that you don’t have.”

Andy looked at Bart, “No, but you’re packing a magnificent cock and balls.”

Both Zack and I were caught by surprise by Bart’s response, “My dads don’t allow no roosters in this house and they have banned us from bringing balls in the house.”

The four of us were laughing because Bart was acting so serious.  Steve could hardly get his comment out because he was laughing so hard, “All Andy was saying was that you sure have nice dick and a nice set of nuts.”

Bart shook his head, “Nu uh, my dads don’t allow any squirrels in here and they have banned Tom, Dick and Harry from stepping foot in the house.”

Bart’s comment caused all five of us to go into hysterics.  I handed Bart a stack of his clothes, “Here take these to your room and get out of here before the young children get home and see you standing around flashing everyone.”

I handed my stack to Andy, “Here you put these in our bedroom, and,  Steve, you take this stack of Zack’s clothes and put them in our bedroom.  We have a closed door policy in this house.  That means if the door is closed, the visitor must knock.  We’ll keep Chris occupied so he won’t bother you, and Bart will be so busy decorating the shower walls that he won’t care what you’re doing.  Have a good time.”

Both of the visitors, looked a little shell shocked, but Andy asked, “You mean you don’t care if we do some things in your bedroom?”

I nodded, “You may do anything but penetrate each other and we’ll discuss that on your next visit.  Now get out of here before the young children get home.”

The three teenagers left just in the nick of time.  I heard the mass of young people coming toward us and I looked at the clock and it was nearly 4:00.  Chris came and hugged Zack and me, “Dads, the play was so cool.  This spider came down and made a big web that said, ‘Wilbur was the greatest.’  After that the Zuckermans and everyone treated Wilbur as if he was a king.  But Charlotte died after she laid her eggs.  Dads, it was a fun but sad story.  Can we go to see another play some time?”

Fortunately Bart arrived, “Steve and Andy will be down shortly.  They just finished their shower after all the work you made them do.”

Chris looked at me, “Why were Steve and Andy here working?  I thought they were in the band.  What were they doing?”

Zack picked Chris up, “They were putting our clothes in our room after the lawn was mowed, trimmed and weeded.  Now, why don’t you go get the other children and have them come get their clothes and put them away while Dad Nano and I start to fix dinner.”

Chris had just gone to get the other children when Steve and Andy came in.  Steve spoke for the two of them, “Mark and Zack, thanks for treating us as if we were adults.  We did nothing that would be injurious to our health.  We spent most of our time snuggling and cuddling, but we did use some of the mouthwash that was in the bathroom.”

The guys hugged us as they were leaving.

Chris was coming in with Ty’s children, “Here are the slaves that you requested, sirs.”

I handed them each an armful of their clothes and asked Zack and Bart to take the bed linens and towels.  Tip and Ty saw what was happening and took their clothes and before long the laundry room was empty of clean clothes.

As we were eating dinner, Ty suggested, “Mark and Zack, why don’t you two go make sure that Bart and his friends put on a good show tonight.  We babysat them last night, so it’s your turn tonight.”

That comment caused Bart to react. “Uncle Ty, you’re absolutely cruel so say something like that.  Do you realize how much damage you just did to my already deflated ego.  Dads, I think you had better come to Pizza Palace so I can make sure that you don’t get into any trouble.  Uncle Tip and Uncle Ty will probably lead you down the wrong road if you stay here.  Touché.”

Bobby looked at Bart, “What does touché mean?”

Zack answered, “It was a way of saying, I got you back.”

Billy looked up, “Why don’t you just talk in plain words so we can understand what you are saying?”

Bart laughed, “Billy, I’ll try to do better next time.  May I please be excused, so I can get my things ready for tonight.?  I’ll be right back so I can help with the dishes.”

Tip nodded, “ Yes, you may be excused and we’ll take care of the dishes since we skated all day.”

Becky giggled, “Uncle Tip, you’re confused.  We didn’t skate today.  That was last Saturday.”

Ty added, “Bart, the yard looks absolutely great.  Thanks for doing such a good job.  How much do we owe you?”

“Uncle Ty, it will cost three hugs.  I’ll collect them later.  I need to get my costumes before the guys arrive.”

As Bart was leaving he yelled, “See you later Dads.  Make sure you wear dancing shoes.”

When we arrived at the Pizza Palace, there was a steady stream of people entering.  Marci met us as we walked in, “Good evening, Mark and Zack.  Bart told us you would be coming.  As you can see the place is packed and we even had more tables and chairs brought in.  We are going to have to start turning young people away.  We saved the same table up front for you.  There are two reporters from the Kansas City Star at the table.  Make sure they have a good time tonight.   We wouldn’t want them to write a bad story about the Palace would we?”

Zack and I walked to the table and two ladies about our age were seated there.  I asked, “Might we join you ladies?”

 

The blond haired lady nodded, “If you’re Messrs. Leavitt and Jackson, we hope you don’t mind us invading your space.  Marci suggested that you might not mind if we joined you.”

Zack stuck out his hand, “I’m Zack Jackson and we don’t mind at all.  We’ll let any beautiful woman join us.  My friend here is Mark Leavitt.  I assume that you ladies have names.”

The blond haired lady shook our hands, “I’m Amy Savage and my friend is Chrystal Long.  Perhaps you have seen our articles in the Star.  We mostly write about restaurants and entertainment spots.  We write under the byline Nightlife With Amy and Chrystal.   The editor decided that we needed to do an article on the Pizza Palace after the letter to the editor last week gave it such a glowing report.”

Chrystal shook our hands, “We also write articles for the Society Section.  Last night we were assigned to cover the benefit for the Children’s Theatre.  There was an amazing group of teenagers there performing that wowed the patrons.  The two singers were absolutely phenomenal.  The male vocalist was especially great.  He said his name was Bart Leavitt when we talked to him.  Is he a relative of your’s of something Mark?  There will be a big article about them in tomorrow’s paper.

Thankfully I was spared from answering because the house lights dimmed and Bart appeared in his sequined jacket.  He took the microphone and yelled, “Are you ready to have a good time tonight?”

A resounding “Yes.”  echoed through the restaurant.

Bart looked at our table, “Well, my Dads’ table are going to get us jump started tonight, so everyone stand as they come join me on the stage.”

Steve and Andy came and got the four of us and took us to the stage.  We had no idea what to expect.  Fortunately the D.J. in the sound booth put on a recording of Y.M.C.A. by the Village People and the five of us started to sing along doing the motions and the patrons joined in and the Palace was shaking.

When the song was finished and the applause had quieted, Bart announced, “We ask that you join in as our honored guests lead us as we bunny hop through the Palace.”

Zack took one side and I took the other and as we weaved our way through the restaurant almost everyone joined us as we hopped and kicked our way around the restaurant even though it was difficult because it was so crowded.  When the song ended, Bart announced, “Now get ready to dance the night away.

The spotlights highlighted the band and they started to play “Twistin’ the Night Away”

I started to dance with Chrystal and Zack danced Amy as we started to do the twist.  The dance floor was so crowded that it was very difficult to move.  We made our way back to the table and Amy remarked, “I am just amazed at how versatile these young performers are.  This is so different from the excellent job they did at the benefit last night.  They have these young people having a good time.  I feel as if we are invading their private space.”

We watched as the dance floor was crowded no matter what type of song the band was playing.  When Bart and Tory started to sing Tonight from West Side Story, it was as if everyone went into the shut down mode and was just standing there watching and listening to them.  After the applause Bart took the microphone, “We’re going to take a short intermission so we can take a bathroom break and wet our whistles.  So chow down, so you have enough energy to continue to dance the night away.”

The lights on the stage went dim and Bart jumped down and came to the table, “Dads, I hope I didn’t upset you with the shenanigans.  Hi, Miss Long and Miss Savage, it’s good to see you again.  I’m surprised to see you here after you were bored to tears last night.”

Bart was joined by Vicky, Steve and Andy.  Steve looked at us and winked, “Nano Mark and Mr. Zack, it means a lot to us that you would come here tonight.  Bart, you need to go get ready for your performance.”

The lights went dim and the D.J. started to play the record, and I was totally blown away by how Bart dressed.  He had on a white jacket with a pink carnation and started to sing the song with the same title ‘A White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation’.  The spotlight was shining on only his upper body.  When he finished the people in the audience started to chant, “We want Elvis.  We want Elvis.”

The spotlight went off and we couldn’t see what Bart was doing, but when he turned around he had his Elvis wig on, his shirt was opened and he was holding his guitar.  The music started and Bart started to gyrate his body and started to sing “Don’t Step On My Blue Suede Shoes”.  The spotlight focused on his feet and he was indeed wearing blue suede shoes.  I whispered to Zack, “I think our son is more talented than we thought.”

The spotlight dimmed and when Bart reappeared he had on a bow tie and jacket and he started to sing Strangers In the Night and sounded like Frank Sinatra.   He ended his solo performance by singing My Way.  He disappeared and the patrons in the restaurant were yelling, “Encore, Encore.”

He reappeared and announced, “I’d like ask that the band members and Miss Vicky Sweet join me on stage.  It is these people who have helped to make me look so good, and I would like to introduce them to you.”

After the introductions were completed, Bart announced, “Vicky and I will be singing a song that Bing Crosby made famous.  Looking at those of you assembled in audience tonight, it appears that this song might very well apply to you.  We suggest that you listen as you start to dance the night away.”

The band started to play and Bart and Vicky started to sing True Love and it was evident that the two of the them connected.  Zack and I escorted Amy and Chrystal to the dance floor and we started to dance and the dance floor quickly filled up and it was extremely difficult to maneuver.

When the song ended, we walked to the stage and whispered, “We’re going to leave now so you won’t think we’re babysitting you.  The curfew is still eleven o’clock.”

As we were leaving, I tried to pay for our food and drinks and Marci refused.  Zack had already left a tip on the table.  As we walked the two ladies to their car, Amy looked at us.  “Guys we had a great time.  If you ever need a cover to attend an event, call us.  Here’s my card.  Since we live together, we will both get the word.  By the way, you might want to read the Today Section of the tomorrow’s paper.  Your son is about to become famous, and after Thursday’s paper you might want to change your phone number.”

Zack and I watched as the two ladies drove off.  Zack turned to me, “How could you let our son turn into such a monster?”

When we walked into the house Tip started, “Guys, go check on Chris, he’s terrified that you have left him.  After you get him settled, we have some things we need to talk about before Bart gets home.”

I wanted to say, ‘What in the word is happening that you can’t just spit it out.’  I didn’t say anything because I was concerned about Chris.

When Zack and I got to the apartment and it was apparent that Chris was or had been crying.  “Dads, I had the most awful dream that someone new was trying to kidnap us.  Please don’t let them get me and Bart.  Dads, please hold me.  I‘m so scared.”

To be continued...

Feedback always welcome:     

Editor's Notes:  Well, we all know that Chris' dreams do seem to hold some significance, so I hope people take him seriously.

Having said that, Let me make a few comments on the music. 

'True Love' was from a movie called High Society.  It is one of my all time favourite songs.  The Village People were quite an interesting group. They were very popular in the gay community in and around New York, and they soon achieved popularity in the mainstream music scene. A huge number of people had no idea of the significance that their costumes played in their act. The YMCA's were a very popular place for young people to hang out at that time, and had quite a reputation, so The Village People took full advantage of that reputation and made it very famous indeed. Marty Robbins was the one that originally sang about a white sport coat. The Bunny Hop was a very popular dance and activity at dances we went to in the seventies, as was The Hokey Pokey.  Paul Anka wrote "My Way" for Frank Sinatra.  Oh and Paul Anka also wrote the theme for Johnny Carson's Tonight show. Paul Anka was pretty popular with the young teenage girls in the late fifties and early sixties. He started out with a song called Diana, which became pretty popular. His lyric writing skills were not all that terrific at first. A fine example of his skill at writing could be a phrase from a song he wrote called, "You Are My Destiny."   One of the catch phrases was, You are my destiny. You are what you are to me."  Now isn't that really deep and profound?

I guess I had better shut up or I will have added more pages than were in the chapter.

I want more of this wonderful story.

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher

Posted: 02/06/09