The Homeroom Bunch

 by: Miguel Sanchez

© 2005-2008 by the author

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

Shawn spoke for the group saying, “Mark you’re right. We do need to be more careful. This problem seems to have been resolved, but next time Mark may not be here or we may not be as lucky.”

The next day dragged by because they were all looking forward to their vacation and camp out. When the bell finally rang, their books were in their lockers and they were out the doors to enjoy their spring break and the camp out that they had planned.

Chapter 9

They all met outside the front door and started towards home for ten wonderful days of no school. Shawn looked over to the other boys and asked, “Hey guys how many nights can you spend over at my house? You did remember to ask them didn’t you?”

Lance spoke up saying, “Yeah Shawn we did. Ray and I can stay until next Sunday. Mom said she wanted me back so I could be ready for school on Monday? I told her she really didn’t need to remind me of that.”

The others broke out laughing when Lance said that. Ray looked over at Mark and asked him the same thing. Mark replied saying, “At first Mom was only going to let me stay one night. That got to me a little and I told her it wasn’t fair. She got mad when I said that. I thought I was going to get slapped then Dad walked into the house from work. He asked what was going on so I told him. He looked at Mom and said I could stay until next Sunday too. He even called your mom Shawn just so he knew for himself there would be an adult there.”

Shawn said, “Why don’t we all meet back at my house then we can help Mark carry the tent and stuff then get it set up?”

Everyone agreed and soon the boys started arriving back at Shawn’s. Colin looked like something was bothering him and Shawn needed to know what it was. He took his finger and gently lifted Colin’s chin up so he could look into his eyes. He said, “Babe what’s wrong? We’re going to have a great time. It’s going to be just the 5 of us.”

Colin looked at Shawn as said, “I’m just worried that when we cuddle together like we did in my bed that Mark is going to feel left out. He’s our friend to and I have to say he is cute. Also suppose things happen like what happened at my house. I know that’s going to bother Mark but I do want to snuggle like we did there.”

Lance looked at Colin and said, “Don’t worry about it dude. I’m sure the five of us can figure something out. You’re right about one thing though he’s real cute. I wonder what’s under those clothes.”

Ray playfully punched Lance in the shoulder saying, “Oh really? Do you think you could find better else where?”

Lance wrapped his arms around Ray and said, “Hey, I never said that. I never even thought I could do better than you.”

Lance turned Ray around so they were facing each other. He leaned forward and gave Ray a very passionate kiss. Lance held the kiss so long Ray started wiggling. Ray had to pull away from Lance’s kiss so he could say, “Man mate, you just woke lil ray and now he wants attention.”

Shawn said, “Guys we have a lot to do. You will just have to wait until tonight if you want to anything about it. Now let’s get over to Marks house.”

Ray had to shove his hand into his pants to fix his now very hard tool. Once that was fixed the boys walked over to Mark’s. They were about to go to the front door when Shawn saw Mark in the garage. The boys headed towards the back of the house when Lance saw that Mark was wearing a fairly tight pair of cut off jeans and no shirt. He said, “Oh man he is one hot looking dude. Do you see the ass on him?”

Ray and Lance kept talking and as they got closer to the garage their voices started to carry. Mark heard what the boys had said when the gang reached the door. When he stood up and turned to greet the gang he had a very noticeable bulge in his tight shorts.

Mark led them to the upstairs area in the garage so they could get the tent and supplies down. When they reached the top, Mark looked at the boys and said, “Do you really think I’m that good looking because I don’t.”

Colin went over to Mark and motioned him to lean his head down. When he did, Colin gave Mark a kiss that took his breath away. He said, “Does that answer your question?” Colin leaned up to Mark and whispered, “Dude your hung.”

Mark immediately turned about three shades of red and said, “Ah thanks guys. Colin, you sure know how to kiss dude. I know why Shawn loves you. But I think I need to wait a minute so this thing can go down.”

While they were waiting on Mark, the boys started tossing the things down they would need for the camp out. Once everything was down, Mark included, the boys lifted the tent and stuff on a cart so they could get it to Shawn’s easier.

It took the boys about 15 minutes to get the tent down to Shawn’s house. When they went into the kitchen Shawn said, “Hey guys how about a cold drink?”

The boys accepted and took their drinks outside so they could begin setting up the tent. The first thing they did was to strip their shirts off. Mark explained the easiest way to erect the ten-man wall tent. In thirty minutes the five hot and sweaty boys had the tent up and secure. The boys were all standing around talking about how easy it was when all of sudden they were hit with water. Shawn hollered, “Hey what gives?”

When they turned around they were in for a huge surprise. Mrs. Maxwell had slipped out into the back yard without any of them seeing her and let them have it with the water hose. Mrs. Maxwell was laughing and she said, “I thought I would cool you guys off. You did say you were hot, didn’t you?”

This went on for about 10 minutes. Once the initial shock of getting hit with the cool water, the boys played and had a good time. Mrs. Maxwell said, “OK boys, let the sun dry your shorts some then you can each get a shower.”

The boys lay on the grass in the sun for about an hour and their shorts were almost dry. Shawn sat up and said, “You guys ready for a shower? Where are your extra clothes?”

The boys went into the tent and started rooting for clean dry clothes. Ray was about to drop his shorts when Lance stopped him. He said, “The least you could do is close the flaps so everyone doesn’t see your buns. Besides, those are for my eyes only.”

Mark closed the flaps and pulled the zipper down. By then Lance, Shawn and Colin were totally nude. Mark dropped his damp shorts to join the other naturists. Shawn couldn’t help but check Mark out. He noticed for being a year older, he wasn’t much bigger that he or Lance. Mark noticed Shawn looking at him. He started getting very hard very quickly.

Ray looked over and said, “Hey Mark, not bad dude.”

Mark looked at him and said, “Not bad? God Ray, I’m a full year older that you and look at me, I’m small. I’ll never grow.”

Mark was starting to lose it. Colin came over to him and put his arm around Mark’s shoulder and said, “Hey man you think you’re small, look at me. At least you got hair, I don’t.” Colin ran his fingers through Mark’s pubes and continued saying, “My Dad said I’m just a little slower than some other guys, but I would catch up. He also said it’s not how big it is that counts it’s what you do with it that matters.”

The boys talked for a few more minutes while they got dry clothes. They threw their shorts on and carried their others things and went to take their showers. When they got to the bathrooms they saw the one problem again. Mark didn’t have a friend to shower with. Lance took him by the hand and led him into the bathroom. Ray had his usual sly look on his face as he followed the two boys. Shawn and Colin went into Shawn’s parent’s bathroom and took their shower.

That night during dinner the Maxwell’s told the boys that they could go see Roger Tuesday afternoon if they still wanted to go. Needless to say everyone answered in the affirmative. The boys were happy that they could give Mark the support he needed but they couldn’t help but wonder what will happen when Mark sees his brother.

After dinner the boys went to Shawn’s room so Mark could use his computer to see if Roger had sent him an email. Sure enough Mark had one. Mark had written to Roger telling him of their plan to come and visit. He was apprehensive about opening the letter. Would he be receptive to the idea or would he tell him not to come.

Shawn put his hand on Mark’s shoulder. Colin was on his other side as Mark slowly reached his trembling hand for the mouse so he could open the letter. When he finally opened the letter it read.

Dear Mark,

I was glad as always to hear from you. I’m feeling pretty good all things considering. I read that you and your friends have some hair-brained idea about coming here to see me? My dear brother, there is nothing in this world I wouldn’t do to be able to see you. I just don’t want Mom and Dad getting all pissed off because you came here. Brother, I’m just not worth you risking getting yelled at or grounded. I love you brother.

Roger

Mark was in tears when he read the letter. His brother was doing it again. Roger was looking out for Mark just as he had done when they were younger. He would put himself in front of Mark any time he was about to catch the heat for something. Mark looked up at Shawn and said, “Don’t he realize I want to come see him? I could care less what my Mom and Dad will think if they find out. I wish they would find out because I have something I have been dying to tell them and I guarantee you it isn’t going to be pretty.”

Mark knew he had to let Roger know that he was getting company and there wasn’t anything he could do about it.

Dear Roger,

It was great to hear from you again. I’m glad you are feeling better and stronger. Now, as for my hair-brained idea here it is. We’re coming to see you and I don’t want to hear another word about it. You don’t have to protect me Roger; I am a big boy now. I want to see you and I’m going to so get dolled up bro, you’re getting visitors.

Love, Mark

Mark was still shaking when he pushed the send button. He knew he would probably catch it from Roger when he got there but he would gladly take a tongue-lashing just to see him. Mark shut down the computer and then the five boys went downstairs to watch a little television before going to bed. They all said goodnight to Shawn’s parents and went out to the tent. They talked and laughed for about an hour before falling into a peaceful slumber.

The boys were having a great time sleeping in the tent. During the day they would meet Billy and Maggie and just hang out or use the Boyles’ pool.

Before the kids realized it it was Monday evening. Three days had past yet it seemed it had only been one. Tomorrow was going to be the big day. Shawn called Billy to see if his parents would let him go with the rest of the gang. Billy said he could go and was reminded to behave.

That night the boys were so excited and nervous about how Roger would look. Mark was the worst of the bunch. He would be happy one moment then sad the next. He said, “I can’t wait to see him guys. I know I’ll probably start crying when I see him but the hardest thing is when it’s time to leave. Saying good-bye is going to be the hardest part of the whole visit.”

Mark started tearing up and Shawn saw this. He scooted over to him and put his arm around Mark’s shoulder. Shawn looked at him and said, “It’s going to be all right. If it works out maybe we can see him on Saturdays until school lets out. There are so many possibilities I’m sure something will get worked out.

The boys did their best to keep Mark’s mind occupied. They talked, played cards, told stories until Mark finally fell asleep. Shawn went to say good night to the others but they were sound asleep as well.

The boys didn’t wake up until almost 10. Mark was even more nervous now than he was last night. Shawn decided to take Mark with him when he got his shower so they could talk. Shawn said, “Hey dude, calm down. You are becoming a nervous wreck.”

Shawn gave Mark a quick hug then they took a quick shower and got dressed. Mrs. Maxwell thought it would be nice if she took the kids out for lunch so they could keep Mark’s mind occupied. They all ate quickly so they could get on the road. The kids piled in and they were off. Traffic wasn’t bad this time of day so it only took about 30 minutes to reach County Hospital.

County Hospital is one of the hospitals for treating people with AIDS. They use all the latest medications and treatment techniques. Mrs. Maxwell pulled her van into the parking lot and quickly found a place to park. They had a short walk to the front of the hospital. When they entered Mark started getting nervous again. Shawn and Collin each took one of Mark’s hands as they went up to the information desk.

Mrs. Maxwell asked the volunteer behind the desk for the room. She said, “Could you tell me what room Roger Kelly is in.” She entered the name into the computer and it read 2 West, room 256. Mrs. Maxwell thanked her and the group headed for the elevator. It seemed to take an eternity for it to arrive. Everyone was quiet on the short ride to the second floor. When the elevator doors opened, they stepped out and tried to see which direction they needed to go. Finally they saw an arrow pointing to the direction of 2 West. Slowly they walked past each room. The numbers were going up so they knew they were headed in the right direction. Finally they came to room 256.

Mark knocked on the door. He waited for someone to say come in and when he didn’t hear anything he quietly went inside. The lights were off and the curtains were almost closed tight. Mark walked over to the bed and saw a boy about as tall as he is. He quietly pulled up a chair and sat beside him. His hand was out from under the covers so Mark gently slipped his hand into it. Suddenly he felt the hand gently close around his own. It didn’t clamp down tight but just enough to hold it. As Mark was holding his brother’s hand he began to weep softly. He said, “Oh Roger, I have missed you so much and all the things we used to do together. I even miss our talks. I have made friends now and they are here with me. I know you will like them.”

Just as he stopped speaking he looked at his brother and his eyes were open and tears were streaming down his cheeks. Roger sat up in bed and Mark stood and fell into Roger’s waiting arms. He said, “Mark, its all right babe. I have missed you too. How have you been doing? Did I hear you correct, you have friends here with you? Mark that’s great, I always knew you were a good kid at heart. Are there any girls on the horizon?”

Mark looked at his brother and told him the truth. He knew he would be the only person outside the gang that would understand. “Roger, I don’t think there will be girls in my life. Roger, I’m gay like you. Four of my friends are also gay and then there is Billy and Maggie. Their boyfriend and girlfriend but they think we are still cool too. Roger, I wish you could come home and stay with us.”

Mark fell into his brother’s arms and cried. He cried for about ten minutes. When he calmed down Roger asked him, “So when do I get to meet your friends?”

Mark walked over to the door and waved for the gang to come in. Mark said, “Come on Mrs. Maxwell you’re my friend too.” The group came inside and Mark quickly closed the door. He knew visitors were allowed but 8 might be pushing it a bit. Mark made the introductions, “Roger I’d like you to meet my friends. This is Mrs. Maxwell. She is Shawn’s mother. The cute guy with him is his boyfriend Colin Ferguson. This is Maggie Roberts. Her boyfriend is Billy Boyles. And these last two are Lance Roberts and his boyfriend Ray Matthews.”

Roger stood up and shook each person’s hand and said, “It’s real nice to meet all of you. Mrs. Maxwell, I can’t thank you enough for bringing Mark to see me. We write each other emails but it’s just not the same as seeing him in person. Mark, I am so glad someone finally got you to open your eyes and listen to the truth about this disease. You can’t catch it from visiting me or even hugging and kissing me. And to Ray, Lance, Shawn and Colin you four boys are so very lucky. You have found partners that you love more than yourself. I wish I had been able to know what you 4 do now; and that’s the love of another man.”

Mark looked at his brother and said, “Roger you don’t look sick. I mean I know you are but isn’t there a way you could live outside this hospital? You will have to take what ever it is you do take but that should be easy.”

Roger looked at his brother and said, “Mark I would like nothing better that to be able to live closer to you so I could see you more often. The doctors have tried to find a place like that for me for almost a year and no one would take me in.”

Mark was about to say something when there was a knock on the door. Roger said for who ever it was to some in. Mark’s eyes like to have flown out of his head. He said, “Oh my god. Andy is that you, Andy Cowan as I live and breathe.”

Roger motioned for Andy and Mark to come over to his bed. He said, “Mark, I see you know Andy. We have had a lot of time to talk and he confided on me that he, like you is gay. He is a volunteer with the junior AIDS program.”

Mark looked up at his friend and said, “Andy why didn’t you talk with me. Don’t you remember the times I told you how good-looking you were? Well, that was then dude. Now, you’re a down right hunk. When do you get off work? Mrs. Maxwell I hope I’m not being rude, but do you think that Andy could join us on our little back yard camp out? Well as long as it is all right with his parents?

Mrs. Maxwell looked at Mark and said, “I don’t see a problem with that. You boys have been fun to have around and you have behaved too.”

Andy looked at Mark and said, “Man, if I had known I sure would have said something. I get off at 4 and then I’m taking the rest of spring break off so I can have some fun. I don’t see a problem camping out with you guys. My mom would just want to talk with Mrs. Maxwell. I’ll ask her when I get home. Well Roger I will leave you to your company.”

Roger went back to visiting with his guests. Everyone was having a wonderful time. Mark suddenly remembered Andy didn’t have Shawn’s phone number. He said, “Oh darn. I have to go find Andy and give him the Maxwell’s phone number so his mom can talk with Mrs. Maxwell. Roger do you know where he might be?”

Roger thought for a minute and said, “Well I think he should still be on the floor. If you can’t find him here on this floor the secretary at the nurses station can page him for you.”

Mark said, “Thanks Roger. I’m going to go and try to find him. I’ll be right back.”

Mark gave his brother a hug and went over to the door. Shawn handed him a piece of paper with his phone number on it. Mark opened the door and was just about to step out when he came face to face with his parents. Mark stopped dead in his tracks and with wide eyes promptly fainted.

To be continued...

Posted: 07/04/08