Colin and his Hitchhikers
By: Jon Stewart
(© 2019 by the author)

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

jstewart@tickiestories.us

Chapter 7
School Days Continued

Friday Morning Mr. Elsberry was ready for his assembly. There were 107 kids in grades 5 through 8; he had a good turnout of parents considering the time and of course parents working. About 75 parents showed more moms about 45 and the 30 or so dads.

The auditorium held about 400 so there was plenty of room. The students were in the front. Grades 7 and 8 each side of the center isle with grades 5 & 6 behind them with the parents scatter around the back.

He started the meeting by thanking the parents in attendance, then they all rose for the pledge of allegiance. "As you may or may not know we had a very serious incident here last week. One of our students saw a boy kissing his foster dad, uncles and brother in church. He thought that display of affection between males was wrong and indicated homosexuality. The fact is that thought has been propagated by the media and is a part of our subculture. Were moms can kiss daughters, and dads can kiss daughters through any age; a dad kissing his son at 11 or 12 or above is frowned on by our society. I don't understand the reasoning involved here. I don't think withholding affection is in any way helping the society. I have 2 sons and I want to do more than pat them on the back to show that I deeply love them. The sign of peace is actually called the kiss of peace. In many cultures around the world a man kissing a man is the norm for two friends to greet each other and a father kissing his son at any age is the right thing to do. I have Colin O'Brian here and he exchanged the kiss with his foster sons. Colin could you tell us why you did that."

"Well Mr. Elsberry not an awful lot of thinking went into it. It seemed to me to be the natural and right thing to do. I guess the big question is whether a kiss on the cheek or the forehead is sign of affection or a sexual thing. I in no way consider it sexual. It's me showing my boys I love them and them saying the same thing back. I suppose some might say the fact that they had been in a very bad unloving environment for the previous 6 or 7 months was a consideration. But I don't; either you love someone enough to show it in public at church which is supposed to be a ceremony of love or you don't. I pray, I'll have the same relationship, to do the same thing with my boys 2 - 3 or 10 years from now. I think it is a sin that our culture says a mom can lavish all kinds of affection on her son but a father has to be a stone faced disciplinarian. Thank you the opportunity for me to say my piece."

"Thank you Mr. O'Brian, you expressed my feelings exactly. Now to go into the incident just a little, the student in question hurled insults on the boy who kissed his foster dad then threatened to beat him. All because he thought the kiss at church was not right. There are other issues involved but this was the thinking on the day of the incident. He acted like a bully and was one. All bullies need an audience and he had two that day. Jacky, Billy you told me you wanted to say something."

Jack and Billy came to the front of the assembly Mr. Elsberry gave them the mic.

Jacky said, "We didn't really do anything or say anything which is good and bad."

Billy said, " Good that we didn't add to the situation but bad that we didn't say anything to stop it."

Jacky said, "The thing I'm most ashamed of is I knew there was going to mean stuff done. I knew when we were talking before. Not really planning but saying he was going to get the new kid."

Billy said, "So we said it before, but we want to say it again, Josh we are really, really sorry and now we found out what a great guy you are; we want to show you. You'll know how hard this is but not near as hard as the stuff we helped put you through. Jacky is like my best friend. He said he would go first."

Jacky took a real deep breath then leaned into Billy and kissed him on the cheek. The kids and the whole assembly went crazy yelling and clapping.

Jacky exhaled in the mic. "Now you if you are my friend."

Billy took a deep breath and leaned into Jacky and kissed his cheek. The yelling and cheering continued.

Jacky said, "See, guys can kiss guys just because they are friends." The cheering continued. Josh stood up clapping like everyone else and gave him them two thumbs up. A standing ovation was given to Jacky and Billy as they went back to their seats.

Mr. Elsberry picked up the mic. We have another apology to hear, so Mickey Marino come forward please.

Mickey was so scared he never spoke in front of this many people. With shaky hand he took the mic. Mr. Elsberry whispered to Mickey, "just look at Josh and talk to Josh."

"Josh, how do I say I'm sorry to you. They said I am a bully and when I think about what I did and said I gotta agree. I was stupid and mean. I went out to hurt you and I did. I found out later about how bad you were hurt before. I didn't know but that shouldn't matter. You never even saw me before I picked on you. Where do I get off thinking you are gay. Even if you were, gay people are how God made them and how could that be bad, shouldn't they be able to be how they are and love who they want. I know you or no one here will forgive me but I gotta try to make this better." Tears were rolling down Mickey's cheeks but he went on. "I am sorry, so sorry, Josh you were hurt so bad by that guy Brown and I made it hurt again. I said the same mean stuff that he did. I gotta do better. I'm so sorry, Mr. Elsberry is gonna expel me and I deserve it. But I'm not sorry about that. I'm sorry there is no eraser for me to take it back, so you aren't hurt. I'm sorry Josh, really, really sorry." Mickey was crying now he was close to hysterical.

Josh got up, he drew on all the compassion in him. He went to Mickey, hugged him and said "it's ok Mickey, it's ok, sit down buddy, it's ok." Josh gave the mic back to Mr. Elsberry and went to sit down.

"Josh please stay here, You know I need to make a decision about Mickey. I need your input to help me decide. What should I do?"

"Seriously you are asking me. Ok, I'll tell you want I think. From kindergarten to 8th grade you make a mistake in math, English whatever the teacher tells you how you were wrong and you correct it. Now you have a rule that stuff more important, about how to live your life is one mistake and out. Like you and the board of ed just doesn't want any serious problems. Throw the trouble maker out. Well you don't throw kids out like they are food gone bad. I had some people try to throw me and my brother away and it ain't good. You try harder, you do better, you get help, you do whatever but you don't kick the kid out. I like you Mr. Elsberry, I like your whole family your father and your brother in law helped me against Brown but I will never forgive you if you kick Mickey out like a piece of trash. You work harder and you help him be better. This meeting is a good start. Do your job Mr. Elsberry."

Mr. Marino stood and clapped other parents did the same and kids joined in.

Mr. Elsberry took the mic, "Ok Josh, I hear you, I hear all of you, you made my decision real easy. Mickey looks like after the assembly you go back to class. Now maybe I'm crazy but I think we got some good information about showing affection especially fathers and sons so if you agree I'm asking all the parents to come on down front and for their kids to smooch on them and it's ok for fathers to kiss sons. I declare today smooch day at Pine Hill Grammar School. "

Josh saw Jacky sitting alone. His parents were working. "What are you doing Jacky?"

"My parents are working."

"Come on over by Pops, he loves kissing boys"

Jacky said, "You sure it's ok."

"Come on.... Pops this is Jacky his parents had to work."

"Ohh, ohh, can I stand in for your dad?"

"I guess so."

Pops, bent down held Jacky's head in his two hands and kissed his forehead, "your dad says he loves you son."

Jacky looked up and smiled, "He does, doesn't he"

Maggie O'Malley found Josh, "Hey Josh everybody is kissing everyone, wanna kiss me."

Josh said,"I sure do but not on the cheek"

Maggie took the two steps that separated them and smiled. Josh sucked in as much air as he could get and gave her a peck on her lips and then another and another, he held her around her waist and kissed again full on her mouth, then he put his tongue into her and dueled with her tongue. He didn't want to stop. Their auto sex drive kicked in. Maggie's breasts were pressing against his chest, he rubbed the hardness in his pants againt her girl parts. She was swooning in his arms ohh how their young bodies wanted each other. Pops saw this was going too far and touched their shoulders "come up for air you two. "

They broke the kiss. Pops looked at them and said, "Ahh, please tell me this is Miss Maggie O'Malley , Joshua?"

Josh immediately caught the Joshua and he was in trouble. "Yes sir, Pops. It is."

"Pleased to meet you Miss O'Malley, may I call you Maggie."

"Yes sir, I would be delighted." Maggie said trying to be polite and lady like.

"O'Malley, is a fine Irish name and you wear it so well, Maggie."

"Thank you, Pops."

Pops dropped down to one knee to be on the same level or even below the youngsters. "Now I am honor bound, being of the adult variety, to tell you both that the kisses exchanged here were to show affection only. Not to show affection and arouse sexual desires. You have to be able to control those desires, your hear me Josh. I can understand, Maggie is a very, very beautiful young lady. But you two are way too young to do what your bodies crave. Josh I know you would never do anything to hurt Maggie, you have to protect her from your own desires and Maggie you have to help him"

"Yes sir, Pops, it was my fault. I said we should kiss on the mouth and not the cheek."

"Yes and Maggie let it happen and it was the most beautiful kiss, I have ever seen. But I fear it was going way beyond a kiss. Am I wrong to say you both wanted more."

"No sir, I am just crazy for her."

"Me too I want him so bad"

" And that is beautiful too. However you have a mind to help you control your bodies. I am saying use it. No doubt that will not be the last kiss like that, you two will have. You have long beautiful lives ahead of you and maybe you might just share them together. I'm guessing Maggie dreams of you Josh as much as you dream about her. But slow down do not rush into adult things when you are still children. Because rushing will end up hurting both of you and ruining the beautiful love you have for each other. You have so much growing and learning to do, enjoy this time of your lives. Am I making any sense?"

"Yes Pops" Josh said and hugged him. Maggie said "yes Pops and thank you." And kissed him on the cheek.

"Good now go be kids!!"

Walking away, Maggie said, "Your Pops is just like you, smart and kind and caring. I think my daddy would have locked me in my room and thrown away the key. Maybe let out when I was 20."

"I'd be waiting on your door step, everyday."

"Ohh Josh" she shoved him.

He looked at her all serious like, "I would Maggie."

"I told my mom you were the sweetest, kindest, smartest boy in the whole world."

"Jeez I'll never be able to do anything wrong with that kind of a build up."

They laughed. Mr. Elsberry brought the assembly to order. "All right back to class, 5th grade first.... ok now the 6th ....... time for you 7th graders, Mickey be good.... and our special good 8th grade."

At lunch Mickey sat alone, no one knew how to talk with him. Josh went over by his table. "Hey what are you doing over here all by yourself, come sit with us."

Mickey looked up, "I don't get you O'Shea, how come you are being nice to me."

"My dad died Mickey, but he told me stuff and I try to do everything he said. Sometimes I have dreams and he's in there like he is watching me. I guess, I want him to be proud of me. He said how you treat people, is how you'll be treated. He said, it takes courage to do the right thing or do something good for someone. He said when someone has a whole bunch of buddies he don't need a friend but when someone is all alone that's when ya gotta do the right thing and be a friend. I think, he made a lot of good sense. Come on don't be moping over here. Come over to our table so we can pick on you." Josh smiled.

Over at Josh's table with Jacky, Billy, John, Jimmy and Tommy; Josh said, "Ok make room big dude is joining us."

"Hey thanks for letting me sit with you guys."

John said, "If Josh said it, then it's ok with us too."

Josh said "Well we thought you could be like a big protection kind of thing ."

"NO way, not me I'm done with fighting, Hey Josh I wanna thank you for saying what you did to Mr. Elsberry. You sure did tell him."

"I don't think he wanted to ever expel you Mickey. Did ya see how fast he changed after I talked to him. Adults don't do that cause a kid told them unless they were thinking it anyway. My dad said for every bad thing, if you look you'll find a good thing to balance it. "

"Boy your dad must have been awful smart. And yeah he was right I did an awful bad thing and I'm so sorry Josh but a good think is my dad is gonna work from home and I ain't goin home no more to a note and a $10.00 bill. And I think I'm learning a better way to live. This lady I see she said, I was just mad at the world cause my parents worked all the time and I was alone so much."

"See that's good Mickey, say how come you being so tall you don't play basketball." Josh asked.

"Ohh I'm a real goof when it comes to sports, tell him Jacky."

"He is kind of uncoordinated, Josh. Even just walking his left goes one way and his right foot the other. I got some gum once and gave him a piece he sat down to chew. I said lets go. He said, you can do that walk and chew at the same time." They all laughed .

John said, "Hey you oughta do something for your school. You might be good to practice against."

Josh said, "Pops can help him"

Billy said, " Well he better start now he's been goofy for a long time. It'll take Pops til next year to teach him how to run without falling down."

"Come on Billy, I ain't that bad."

"Then prove it, Pops has clinic tomorrow morning 9 til 11. Be there." Josh said.

"I'll try, no matter what, it'll be good to hang out with you guys."

The bell rang and they all got up with their trash. Jimmy got in line with Mickey. He pulled him aside. "You ain't foolin me with all your sorry stuff." Jimmy was poking his finger into Mickey's chest. Heck he had to reach up to do it. "You hurt my brother again and I'll come after you and it'll be your worst day ever. Don't you hurt any more kids, here. Do you understand me. I'll bash you till you can't even cry. Understand!!"

Mickey was shocked, little Jimmy had a tiger inside of him and he wasn't afraid of Mickey.

"Well do you understand?'

"Yes Jimmy, I am sorry and I'll never hurt your brother again."

"You better not, I ain't so forgiving as Josh. I'll get a bat and you'll never know what hit you."

"I believe you Jimmy, I got your message. I gotta go to class."

Years later, John who watched the whole thing would tell the story that Jimmy had to stand on his tippy toes to be able to poke Mickey. Pops did work with Mickey, but like Jacky said he couldn't walk and chew gum at the same time. He did help with some rebounding in the 8th grade. For Mickey it was hangin with the guys and being forgiven and he never forgot Josh's kindness nor Jimmy's warning. He watched Josh and learned to do good things and became a gentle giant especially helping little kids. Whenever a kid sat alone at lunch Mickey would go over and be a friend. Mr. Elsberry watched and always remembered what Josh said about throwing kids away.

Billy and Jacky walked home together.

Billy said, "That assembly was weird."

"Yeah but it was right. I think I'm gonna shock my dad and kiss him during the kiss of peace."

"Yeah, me too."

"Josh's Pops kissed me and it was weird but I felt so much I don't know I guess love. I just wanted him to hold me and take care of me."

"Really Jacky... Say we're like best friends aren't we."

"Hey I kissed ya."

"If I tell you something private you wouldn't like tell others."

"Never, what kind of a friend would do that , Billy."

"Ahh www ell,"

"Come on spit it out."

Billy took a deep breath and said real fast, "I liked when you kissed me and I had tingles down there."

"Really you too, I had to fight myself to not kiss you on the mouth."

"Oh My God, does this mean that we are gay, Jacky."

"Well maybe it was just doin it in front of all the kids and parents."

"Yeah, but know what, I kissed Mary Beth even felt her tits and my dick stayed floppy."

"I know, I kissed Sue at the party and nothing happened. Josh said he got hard just talking to Maggie."

"Shit this is serious."

"Billy, I'm getting hard just talkin to you about it."

"I got the same problem I was hoping you didn't notice."

"We could go over to my house, my mom won't be home till 5:00 and mess around and see what happens."

"Ya sure you want to try that?"

"Well, I think we need to know. If we kiss and nothing happens, kool if we do get turned on at least we can blow our loads."

"Can I call my mom from your house."

"Sure what are ya going to say."

"Studying."

"Billy that is lame, she'll know right away kids don't go home on Friday afternoon to visit another kid to study."

"Video games you got a new video game."

"You got anything workin up there, I'm the poorest kid in class. I ain't got video games. I know... practice basketball."

'You're one of the smartest kids, Jacky."

At Jacky's house a very simple but well kept little cape cod. "Here's the key Billy go on in and call your mom, I gotta put away these garbage cans."

Jacky came in as Billy was finishing up. "Everything kool?"

"Yup just wanted to know when I'll be home. So how ya want to do this. Ya got any sexy music."

"Sorry bud in this house all we got is water if ya want a drink or over the air TV. Take off your jacket."

"Well whose gonna be the girl."

"Neither of us, come here Billy, sit next to me on the couch."

Billy did. "Ready?" Jacky asked.

"Yeah lay it on me."

Jacky leaned in and kissed Billy on his soft, full lips. He pulled back and did it again. He did it one more time and put his tongue in Billy's mouth. He stopped and looked at Billy.

"No don't stop do it more Jacky, please."

They both adjusted their boners and kissed again. Jacky was the aggressor, Billy the receptor. "Ohh Jacky, I'm so hard can we take our pants off."

"Sure lets get all naked." The two horny boys stripped naked. Their boners sticking out like rockets. "Oh Billy your boner is beautiful." Jacky reached out and stoked the head. Billy grabbed Jacky's boner and said, "kiss me again, please. Put your tongue in me." They kissed and touched and rubbed each others peckers. Jacky ran his hand up to Billy's boy tit, and played with it so gently. His touch sent shock waves though Billy. He held Jacky so close to him as he squeezed his neck and tried to swallow his tongue. Billy's cock twitched under Jacky's hand and his baby makers came spewing out, shooting up on Billy's face. After his release Billy wanted Jacky to cum so bad and kept pumping his cock. "Come on Jacky shoot your cum for me please Jacky." With Billy almost begging , for his cum, Jacky provided it and he too shot further and a way bigger load than he had ever done in his young life. Jacky kissed Billy again and again and again. Billy loved it, he held on to his friend, he never again wanted anything else cept to be loved by Jacky.

"Wow that was amazing Billy. If that is what being gay is; I'm all for it. Let me get something to clean up. Be right back."

"Hurry I want more. I can do it again in 5 minutes."

Jacky came in and wiped the cum off Billy, he was so gentle, telling Billy to close his eyes, now open them. "Jacky I have been having dreams about you. About doing stuff together like this, thank you."

Jacky cleaned the last bit off of Billy's cock. He looked at the cock. He thought it was so beautiful. He bent over and kissed it; then, did it again. Billy said "do you want to suck it. I can suck your's too. I would like to try that." Their mouths touching their cocks, was electric. Jacky loved the cock in his mouth. The more he sucked the harder his cock got. Billy was having the same reaction. When Jacky rolled his tongue around his cock head he damn near passed out from the pleasure of it. Jacky said, " let's try to cum together." They sucked and bobbed their heads, twirled their tongues, each wanted the cum of the other. They had evolved beyond friends to lovers and they so wanted to please the other. Billy felt Jacky's cock grow bigger in his mouth, it started twitching and Jacky started bucking and Jacky's cum filled Billy, with Jacky firing shot after shot of his cum into Billy's waiting eager mouth, Billy let loose his own torrent of cum into Jacky. They swallowed and licked, Jacky reversed his position over Billy and on top of him now he kissed and licked the cream that dribbled out of his mouth. Then went down and cleaned his cock with his mouth. Billy said it first, "I love you."
Jacky follow with,"I love you more. " They stayed in each other's arms another 15 minutes till Jacky said. "4:30 my mom will be in any time now." They begrudgingly got dressed. "When can we do it again," Billy asked.

Jacky kissed Billy at the door not caring if anyone saw. " I think we are gonna have to wait until Monday if we can find time on the weekend call."

Billy said, "I don't wanna wait till Monday."

"Find a way to get rid of your parents and I'll come running. I don't care, I like being gay with you."

"I like being gay with you too Jacky."

Over the weekend Billy downloaded a song off the internet. It's ok to be gay he put it on his iphone and at lunch Billy shared his ear phone with Jacky and the two of them listened together. Josh asked, "Hey whacha listening to"

"Ohh just a song, you wouldn't like it." Jacky said.

"How do ya know that, Jacky"

"Cause I know, what did Pops make for lunch, I'm so hungry"

Josh was confused by his friend, he practically had to beg Jacky to take the sandwiches Pops made for him and it was not like him to not share anything with him.

Josh said, "Billy will let me listen later."

"No I won't. It's special for Jacky and me."

"Really?"

"Yup, really" Billy answered.

Josh thought this was very strange and looked at John who just shrugged his shoulder.

John's mind was on pretty little Annette the girl with the biggest tits in 7th grade.

"Josh what did you guys do when you and Maggie had lunch together?"

"We just talked."

"What about?"

"My crazy little brother actually helped me fine some jokes on the internet. Then we talked about her family and what she liked to do, she has a dance concert for Christmas and I want to go see her dance. I bet she is so beautiful dancing. Why you asking?"

"Ohh no reason, just curious."

Tommy piped up and said, "He's sweet on Annnette, plays with his pecker when he thinks I'm a sleep and whispers her name."

"Yeah Josh does the same thing, used socks to clean up till Nana got him tissues and a trash can; almost filled up now." As usual Jimmy had everyone laughing even Josh.

"Josh ever think of murdering your little brother?"

"More and more how about you get mine and I get yours?"

"DEAL"

"Time for us to get outta here, Tommy, lest we have to show our super powers to defeat the evil big bros."

"Right with ya super Jim," As they went to the play ground.

"Hey, Tommy promise me, we'll go girl crazy together. So the other guy dosen't feel like he lost his best friend."

"DEAL shake or hug."

"Hug, best buddy"

They hugged and were best friends through high school and beyond.

Josh said, "Annette huh, she seems so nice John?"

" I guess I can tell you, I dream of putting my face in those tits of her's. It's driving me crazy."

"Well ya can't get shot down if ya don't ask. Who would say no to the principal's son, whose way good looking, super smart, and a star basketball player."

"Cut it out you don't need to pump me up."

"The jokes really helped wanna look together."

"Yeah, would ya think you could come over to my house after school."

"Anything for you buddy. But you gotta ask Annette."

"How?"

"Ya want me to ask Maggie to ask her if Annette would go to lunch with you."

"Wow you are a genius,"

"OK I will but she might say you gotta ask her yourself."

"Ohh."

"But then I'll say if John asks will Annette say yes"

The bell rang. Josh went to catch up with Maggie. "Hey, Maggie, can you do me a favor."

"I guess"

"Actually more a favor for John, he likes Annette but is shy around girls and wants to have lunch with her, like you and I did but is afraid to ask."

"Well, boys have to grow up sometime and do their own asking."

"So how about this could you ask Annette if John asks her to lunch would she go. He's a good guy and dreams of her every night while he does his guy thing."

"Josh O'Shea, don't be taking about boy parts like that."

"I didn't say anything sexy. I said guy thing. You put his boy parts into it."

"Ok, ok, you put enough for my imagination to figure it out. I'll ask her."

"Thank you. I'm sorry Maggie but guys do what they do."

"Ok we'll talk about that later, I'll ask Annette. John is a good guy I'm sure she'll say yes."

"I'd kiss you but I know what it would do to both of us."

John asked Annette to lunch the very next day after Josh through Maggie said she would say yes. He had his jokes in his phone and his questions memorized. The lunch went grand and became kind of a couple like Josh and Maggie. For Halloween, Mr. Elsberry had a dance at the school for the 7th and 8th graders. Just about everyone went, a few like Josh and John took girlfriends most went stag and did the teeny bobber equivalent to getting hooked up. Josh noticed Jacky and Billy weren't dancing but just hung out together. "Hey guys aren't you dancing?" Josh asked

"Nah, not my style, I guess." Jacky said.

A light went off in Josh's head, he said to Billy," If I was gay, I know who I'd want to dance with.... Jacky"

Poor Billy fell for Josh's guess, "Well you can't cause he is taken, by mmme."

Jacky cringed and elbowed Billy in the ribs.

Josh said, "you can have Jacky and be yourselves and I'll fix it so that nobody gives you any grief or you can stay in the closet Jacky. You know It's ok to be gay and I'll have them play that song for me. Then Maggie and I, John and Annette will get out there and dance with you guys. Whadda ya say, don't hide who you are, have fun!!"

"What about the next day and the day after? You think everyone will still be our friends."

"I don't know about everyone but your real friends will be. I bet there are other gay kids here who need someone to show them how to be themselves. It's up to you... you know if you don't want to dance I'll keep what I know private, that's a promise."

"It'll get back to our parents. Someone will tell their's and it'll travel."

"Probably, I guess I didn't think of that."

"We just figured it out about 2 weeks ago."

"I just thought like if it was me I wouldn't care cause Pops would say, 'So who's your boyfriend'. He's got friends that are gay, they're like mine and Jimmy's adopted uncles. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said nothing. I didn't think it through."

"No, I'm glad you did, at least we don't have to put on an act in front of you. I would like to talk to your uncles sometime. Maybe they can help me and Billy figure out stuff. Can you set that up sometime?"

"They are supposed to be up over Thanksgiving. Can you wait till then?"

"I guess I gotta.... Billy what do you say if Josh has them play the song and we just see what happens?"

"I think my parents will love me no matter what, my older brother will tease me but he'll never stop being my friend and brother. Most of the kids here will be ok with it and stand up for us if there is trouble. I know Josh and John and even Mickey will and others will too. So, I'll do whatever you say; it'll be better to be ourselves and not hide our feelings."

"Really, I was kind of wanting to protect you."

"Yup that's what I feel and think. I really, really care about you, Jacky. I ain't never been in love but I think I could be with you. And I don't care who knows it, it kills me to hide it."

"Wow, have them play the song Josh and let's see what happens."

Josh went over to John, Maggie and Annette. "Spread the word we want everyone dancing to the next song." Then he went on stage and talked to the DJ who said he had the song. Then he took the mic and banged on it to get everyone's attention.

"You know at the assemble Mr. Elsberry said there are any where's from 10 to 20 % of gay folks in the population. So it could be true right here. It's so hard for gay kids to be themselves always putting on an act. For those that probably are here and in support of them it would be great if everyone danced to the next song. And if you see something that might make you think a couple might be gay keep it here don't share it with those that are not here. Protect their privacy." He nodded to the DJ - The song rang out from the speakers. The kids all rushed out there to dance.

It's okay be gay, let's rejoice with the boys in the gay way
Hooray for the kind of man that you will find in the gay way
It's okay to be gay, let's rejoice with the boys in the gay way
Hooray for the kind of man that you will find in the gay way

Father figures we are
You're a shooting star you've come so far
I was once in your shoes
In a closet like you
I had nothing to lose

Billy, looked at Jacky, took his hand and mouthed, "PLEASE".... Jacky said, "Oh shit, that Josh" and allowed Billy to pull him out on the floor to dance. Josh saw and smiled and gave a thumbs up; as did most of the other kids. There were two 8th grade guys off in a corner as well. One boy was pulling the other out to dance, a couple of girls also danced together.

After the song a bunch of kids went over to Jacky and Billy, slapped them on their back and said they danced great and to do more of it. A similar circumstance happened with the two 8th grade boys. Mr. Elsberry went over to Josh and said "That's a damn fine thing, you did Josh. My lips are sealed and so too will be the teachers who are here." He gave him a little hug and left him to his friends. Jacky said to himself that Josh is gonna get his. With a smile that stretched from ear to ear, he shook Josh's hand them planted a great big smooch on his cheek. Billy did the other side. It brought about laughs and good natured howls from all the kids.

After the dance on the way home, Billy stopped in front of his house (it was closer) looked at Jacky who was a little afraid of what had happened. "Jacky, thanks for dancing with me. I'll always remember it, even when we are old and grey. Every night I pray that you will always love me and we will always be together." Billy kissed his boyfriend.

Jacky said, "Yeah, I had a lot of fun. I love you too Billy...I think I'm gonna tell my mom and dad I danced with you a lot."

"Really!!!"

"Yeah, I'm awful scared, but you are right, if you love someone you shouldn't care who knows it and I damn sure shouldn't hide it."

"Want me to come with you?"

"No I think this is between me and my parents. Thanks though."

"I think your mom and dad love you to pieces and you'll be fine."

They kissed again and Jacky was on his way home. His mom and dad were waiting up watching tv. Jacky got a glass of water and went in to see what was on. He sat down. His mom asked, "how was the dance dear?"

"Great, I danced a lot and had a super time."

"That's wonderful son. Good for you." His dad said.

Jacky took a deep breath, look down at the floor. "The only thing is every dance I danced was with this one boy."

Jacky's mom said, "What is his name dear? Do we know him?"

Jacky blinked and was stunned.

His dad got up and lifted his head from looking at the floor. "Jacky, what mom is saying and I am saying we raised you to be true to yourself. I won't tell you this is what I wanted for you but if this is how God made you it's not my place to question. You will probably face discrimination over being who you are at some point in your life. I don't want that for you but I cannot change the world. As much as I can I will protect you from it. I will tell you that your mom and I have loved you since that first day when you drew a breath into those tiny lungs and we will love you until we no longer can and we love you now for the courage to tell us about how you are. So who is this boy that has your heart?"

Jacky hugged his dad and kissed him and his mom, "I have the best mom and dad in the world, I love you. His name is Billy Smitch. He lives only two blocks away. You know him mom."

"Yes I do, He is a fine boy always polite and I think very truthful and so cute."

"MOM!! "

"Isn't he cute?"

"Yeah, but but."

"But what son, you are cute and handsome too." His dad said.

"I'm not used to mom looking at my friends that way."

"I think she only has eyes for me son." They laughed and hugged and Jacky never felt better in his life.

His father said, "Well time for bed I have the early shift tomorrow at always open Walmart."

Jacky hugged them both again, "I love you guys"

"Yes we know and we love you back more." His mom said.

To be continued...

Posted: 07/30/2021