Our Summer Vacation

 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...

I said my good-byes to everyone as we arrived at the airport. We checked in while our luggage was loaded onto the plane then settled back for our next journey on our vacation.

Chapter 3 

We got seated and our seat belts in place as we heard the pilot start the engines. He let them run a minute then we started out for the runway. It took us only a minute or so then we made a hard right turn then heard the engines start to wind up to full power as we headed down the runway towards take off speed. Very quickly we were air born heading towards Miami International Airport. I saw Joel look down and he saw Disney World disappearing in the distance. He looked at me and tears were again falling from his eyes.

The pilot turned off the fasten seat belt sign so I did then wrapped my arm around Joel’s shoulder. He put his head down and I heard him cry a little. I let him get it out of his system then we had a light snack before landing. We had to make a wide circle as we made our final approach to the airport and Joel gasped as he saw all the cruise ships moored at the piers. He pulled on my shirt saying, “Dad, Dad look. Man, will you look at all those ships. Which one are we going on?”

I looked out the window and saw two ships from the same line so I said, “I don’t really know son since there are two of the same ships there, it could be either one of them.”

We heard the landing gear come down and we quickly descended and made a smooth landing. We taxied over to the air charter terminal and the pilot shut the engines down. The flight attendant opened the door and we were quickly hit with the Miami heat. Joel and I grabbed our carry on bags and deplaned. Joel looked out and saw a guy holding a sign with my name on it. He said, “Hey Dad, that might be our limo.”

I looked over at where Joel was pointing and said, “You’re right son. I hired a car to take us to the terminal. They’ll take care of getting our luggage to our cabin and we won’t have to worry about it.”

“Sounds good Dad,” Joel said walking towards the car. “Right now, I’d like to get out of this heat. Come on.”

He was right, it was hot here so I hopped in and relaxed in the comfortable air-conditioned car.

The driver and charter staff moved our bags from the plane to the car. I really felt bad for the driver as the humidity had to be near eighty percent. When everything was loaded, he checked with us to see if we were all right then we headed to the Port of Miami Terminals.

It took about forty-five minutes to drive there and the traffic was heavy as usual. I’d been in Florida before and the interstate traffic is the pits. Normal traffic looks like rush hour in some areas and you don’t want to be around when it is rush hour as that traffic is heavier and bumper-to-bumper. And then of course, you have the fools who play what’s my lane and are weaving more than a Turkish rug maker causing accidents and making matter even worse.

I buzzed the driver and ask if there were cold drinks and he said they were in the fridge. Joel and I each got dews and quickly guzzled them. I felt my stomach rumble and for me that was unusual. I was wondering when we were going to arrive when I saw him make a left hand turn into the terminal. After another five minutes of twists and turns, we pulled up to the ship. The driver parked beside the gangway and opened our door where we were punched in the face by the heat again. I handed him a tip and we got our carry on bags and checked in. I handed the purser our tickets and we placed our carry bags on the x-ray machine. She opened the tickets and saw that we were in an owner’s suite so we were escorted on without delay.

Joel’s head was turning left and right so fast I was afraid he was going to get a case of whiplash before we ever boarded. As we crossed the gangway going on the ship, Joel looked down and I heard him gasp. I said still walking forward, “What’s wrong son, a long way down?”

He reached his right hand into my left and said, “Just a little.”

I smiled under my breath and said, “Well, I don’t think you’ve seen anything yet.”

A young officer took us to the purser’s desk and we finished getting checked in. While I was there, I set up our sail account. The ship uses a cashless system for paying for drinks and all onboard purchases. Joel was wondering if I was going to get him a card and since he was fine in Orlando, so I thought I would allow him one here too. It was better than having him hunt me down every time he wanted a soda or something.

After that was completed, we followed another person to the elevators where we were led to our suite. We went to the top deck where a gentleman was waiting. As we exited the elevator he said, “Good afternoon gentlemen. I’m Gustov; I’ll be your butler while you are on board. If there is anything you need, just ask. I’m at your service.”

Our luggage was already in our suite and we just had to unpack. I wanted to help Joel but his bags were already on one bed so he could sit on the other. I brought mine in to my room and began unpacking. I hollered to Joel, “Get your suits out of the garment bag son. You don’t want them to wrinkle.”

Gustov heard me say that and he said to Joel, “May I be of assistance sir?”

Joel wasn’t sure what to do so he said, “Ah yeah, thanks.”

Joel picked up the bag and hung it so Gustov could hang the items up. He noticed Joel was a few hundred miles away and said, “Is everything alright sir? You seem lost for someone starting a holiday?”

“No, it’s not like that,” Joel said. “I met a really cool new friend and we’re apart now and I don’t know if I’ll ever get to see him again.”

“Ah, a special young man, I presume?” Gustov said sincerely.

Joel blushed when he said that. “I don’t know how special because we only had two weeks together,” Joel answered back. “I wish we had had more time together.”

“I understand,” he said. “Did you at least get a chance to say a proper good-bye?”

Joel turned and looked saying, “Yeah, I did get to do that. Is that a computer? Can we get the internet?”

Gustov laughed saying, “Yes sir, you get the internet but it is shut down in port. Shall we finish putting the rest of your things away sir?”

Joel wasn’t going to like Gustov calling him sir every time he asked him something so he said, “Gustov, please don’t call me sir. You make me feel as old as my Dad.”

“I heard that son,” I said from my room.

“Yeah, yeah, old man,” Joel said back at me giggling. “Please just call me Joel.”

Gustov winked at him and said, “Very well Joel. I hope you meet someone while you’re on board so you won’t miss your young male friend.”

Joel sensed something so he took a chance. He said, “Young male friend, Gustov? I was so hoping he could become my boyfriend.”

“I see,” he said looking at Joel. “That’s quite a step for someone so young.”

“I know,” Joel said sadly. “But since my first boyfriend passed away last year, I was never really looking for someone else. It just sort of happened.

Tears were rolling down his face so Gustov went to reach for some tissues but Joel leaned into him. Gustov gently held the boy as he cried for several minutes. He managed to get some when Joel lifted his head. Gustov handed them to him and said, “I’m so very sorry, Joel. I understand and I’m not just saying that. I to am gay and lost my boyfriend. My boyfriend moved many miles away and I had no way to contact him or to even see him. I do get to write him but I’m afraid he may find another.”

“Well, I guess we’ll both have to write and see what happens won’t we?” Joel said. “I hope we both get to see them again real soon. Thanks for the shoulder.”

“That’s quite alright,” Gustov said. “We’re almost done here. Shall we finish?”

“Yes let’s, shall we?” Joel said smiling.

They quickly finished unpacking and stored the bags while I did the same. Joel was about to go outside when I said, “You’re not going like that are you? I don’t know about you kiddo, but I’m starving. Lets get something to eat.

Joel realized he was still in his travel clothes. Gustov quickly set some appropriate clothes out while telling us about the pizza buffet on deck seven. He reappeared looking like kid ready to enjoy himself at the pizza bar. I went and ate while Joel devoured a whole large pizza. Where do teens find the room for all that food?

It was now almost three and I needed something for a headache. Joel forgot to wait for me so I took the next elevator to the suite. The doors were just about to open when I heard a yell loud enough to wake the dead. The doors opened and I saw Joel wrapped in Alex’s arms. Joel saw me and said, “Oh my god Dad, look. They’re all here. Look Daddy.”

There across the hall from us was Ed and the rest of his crew. I knocked on the door and another butler answered. I saw Ed on the sofa so I yelled, “Hi Ed, it’s Mark.”

Ed got up and the door opened. “Good god,” he said. “Why didn’t you say what you were going to be doing?” Then he stopped and started laughing realizing there was no way I would have known about his plans.

Across the hall Joel was introducing Gustov to Alex. He said, “I can’t believe this Gustov. This is Alex, the friend I was telling you about. I can’t believe he’s here on board. This is fantastic. Their suite is right across the hall.”

Gustov was standing there smiling as Joel went on and on. He said, “It’s very nice to meet you Alex. Joel here was missing you terribly and from the looks of it, you’re very glad to see him again too.”

Alex smiled and said, “Oh am I. I was going to be so miserable but now, oh man. I better get back before Adam and Jerry get done with their unpacking.”

Joel took his hand and said, “I have a better idea. You have to share a room with Adam and Jerry, don’t you?”

Alex looked down and said, “Yeah, I do.”

Joel smiled and said, “How would you like to share my room with me? I have plenty of room.”

Ed and I were enjoying a relaxing moment when Adam and Jerry came out saying, “P, where is Alex? He hasn’t unpacked his things yet? I’m going to.”

“You’re going to what?” Ed interrupted him. “Have you boys done what you’re supposed to yet?”

They were about to answer when they saw me sitting there and said, “No sir. Oh wow, hi Mark. We didn’t know you were going to be here. Where are you and Joel staying?”

Just then Joel and Alex came in and started talking to us at the same time. They were saying, “Can I share Joel’s room. He says he has plenty of room and.”

We started giggling when Jerry said, “That’s a good idea P.”

I was sure I knew why he was saying it but it would give Joel and Alex a chance to talk in private and not be interrupted. I looked at Ed and said, “It’s alright with me and Joel is right that he has the room.”

Ed came up with a sneaky plan and said, “Jerry, since you and Adam think it’s such a good idea, I want you to help Alex unpack and hang his clothes up properly. Understand?”

“Sure thing P,” Adam said. “Come on guys, let’s get everything across the hall and unpacked.”

The boys started grabbing bags and within fifteen minutes, there were four tired boys sitting in front of us. I looked at my watch and it read three forty-five. At four, we were to be having a life boat drill. This is a mandatory drill in the event that we did have to leave the ship in an emergency. Sure enough, at four there was an announcement telling us to report to our debarkation stations in our life vests. We all did like we were supposed to and with in twenty minutes, the drill was completed.

After putting our vests away, we got into our trunks and headed for the pool. We were still in port but Alex hollered, “Hey guys, come over here quick.”

We walked over and watched as the gang way was lifted up and set onto the pier. I turned away from the horn because I knew what was about to happen. Soon, there was a loud blast as the captain sounded the horn telling other ships he was about to get under way. We stood there and watched as we moved sideways away from the pier. When we were clear of the other ships, we slowly started moving forward headed towards the channel.

I saw Ed at the bar waving to me. I walked over and he stuck a glass with an umbrella in my hand and said, “Bon voyage my friend. Here’s to two weeks of fun and relaxation.”

We touched glasses and I said, “Here’s to Joel and Alex. May there friendship grow and blossom.”

I was watching the boys go back and forth between the pool and the next deck. Adam and Jerry had jumped into the water when I looked up and saw a privacy fence around the deck as Joel walked past. I stopped him and asked, “What are you guys doing?”

“Ah, ah, well Dad,” Joel stammered.

I looked at his trunks and saw a very large bulge, which told me what he was doing. Up on the next deck was a private sunning lounge where women can sun bathe topless. It seems the boys were checking out the scenery and my son did like what he saw. Alex came running back for Joel in the same state as him when I decided to do something. I took both boys by the hands and went inside and found a place to sit. I looked at both boys and said, “Do you realize that area is for private sun bathing? It’s not for you guys to be spying the people who are in there. Also, do you realize that what you were doing could get you tossed off the ship because what you were doing is against the law?”

“Gee Dad,” Joel started to say.

“You didn’t know it was a private area?” I started to say. “What do you think that covered fence is for? “Would you like it if there was a place for guys to sunbathe and girls were looking at your dicks?”

Alex slid his hands over his jewels when he heard me ask that question. He looked at the floor and before Joel could say anything he said, “No, sir. I know I wouldn’t. If someone saw me, I would want to know about it.”

I looked at him and said, “You mean like in PE at school, right?”

“Exactly,” Alex said. “Are you going to tell P?”

I knew Adam and Jerry were in the pool so I said, “I won’t say anything to him this time. If I find out either of you have done it again, you rear ends are mine. Do we understand each other?”

Joel came over and hugged me saying, “Yes Dad. I’m sorry. I don’t want to be put off the ship.”

Alex hugged me too and we all went back on deck. We had early seating for dinner so at about five thirty Joel, Alex and I went to our suite to shower and change. Gustov asked if we needed anything else and since we didn’t he was excused.

I looked at Joel and said, “Son, I have a question. I know you’re gay but when you came back down from your little excursion, you had a boner. I expected that from Alex but I kind of surprised a woman could do that to you.”

Joel smiled and said, “Well Dad, that was the first time I’d ever seen a pair of boobs in the raw before and it was just more than seeing them. Her girlfriend, or whoever she was, had her hands all over her.”

I could see they were both sporting major wood again so I said, “I see. That could cause a problem like you have now. Why don’t you guys get a shower and unwind a little?”

Joel grinned and Alex turned red when I said unwind but they quickly shuffled into their room and closed the door. I went into mine and stripped to remove the sweat and grime from the trip here.

In the boys’ room, Alex said, “If I had looked anymore, I would have made a mess everyone would have seen. I don’t know what I would have done. I couldn’t have jumped into the pool.”

Joel stepped out of his trunks and said, “Tell me dude. Dad asking his question has brought things back again too.”

Alex said stepping out of his trunks, “I hope you don’t mind but I better do something in the shower or I might shoot when I don’t want to.”

Joel said checking his friend out, “I know what you mean. I better do the same thing. I don’t mean to stare but you got a nice piece of flesh sticking up.”

Alex blushed a little and said, “Thanks and you do too. I like the hair you have.”

Joel smiled and said, “Thanks. Shall we get relaxed?”

Alex said urgently trying to fight tears at the same time, “Joel, I don’t think I’m going to make it in there.”

Joel asked, “Why?”

Alex said, “It feels like I’m about to shoot like before.”

Joel looked at Alex’s tool and saw a string of precum hanging from the tip. He took him by the hand walking over to the bar. He stuck his hand into the pitcher of ice water and grabbing some crushed ice, he wrapped his hand around Alex’s tool causing it to quickly deflate.

Alex gasped at the cold invasion but was amazed at how quickly things stopped. His balls were throbbing now as he said, “Thanks for not letting me make a mess out here but now my balls are crying.”

The boys went and got their showers. I was sitting in the living room checking out the television when the boys came out looking a little flushed but definitely relaxed. I thought I saw them holding hands but wasn’t sure so I took a chance and said, “Boys, it’s alright if you hold hands in here. I know you like each other and feelings are starting to surface for you both. Joel, you’ve been through this before with Cody but Alex is new to this. Alex, Joel won’t hurt you or push you into anything you don’t want to. If you have questions, we’re here and anything you ask will stay here.”

The boys had came over and sat down while I was talking. Alex leaned over to me and gave me a very big hug. He said, “Mark, you are so much like P it’s not funny. You care about us but you also listen to what we have to say. Joel’s lucky to have such a great Dad. I really like Joel and I think I’m beginning to love him but I don’t know what all this means. Believe me, I know I’ll have lots of questions and thanks for letting me ask them.”

Joel joined in on Alex’s hug then we went down to dinner. Before I opened the door, Alex gave Joel a little kiss on the cheek and said, “Thanks.”

I had an idea what that was about but I let it go. I figured Joel would tell me what he needed me to know. I saw Ed’s door open so we walked in. Adam and Jerry were cuddled on the couch so the boys sat across from them. Adam planted one on Jerry driving Alex to say, “Will you guys get a room?”

They continued to kiss for several minutes when Adam said, “We have one.”

Alex rolled his eyes and Joel grinned. He whispered something into Alex’s ear and he just winked then smiled. Ed came out and said, “Alright you two love birds, let’s go.”

I laughed at that statement. We all took a few steps when we were forced to stop short when Joel decided to give Alex a very passionate kiss in from of everyone. They broke the kiss and Alex said, “Before you say anything, we do.”

Adam was steaming. Ed looked at him and said, “You asked for it.”

Jerry pushed Adam’s shoulder saying, “Chill love. You did that to them when you kissed me so turn about is more than fair play. Guys, you make a nice couple and man what a hot looking kiss.”

Alex grinned as we headed for the elevator. We stepped inside and after the doors had closed Alex said, “Wow Joel, You got to teach me more of that.”

We all laughed at that statement. In fact, we were laughing so much, the door opened and people thought someone told one hell of a joke, if they only knew.

We all walked to the dining room where Ed and I handed the man our dinner cards. He led us over to a booth. Ed and I looked at each other then decided to sit on the padded area and make the boys take the chairs. We looked over the menu and the selection wasn’t bad for just getting under way. Our waiter explained the first night out is hard because everything in the kitchen had to be shut down and inspected. The boys wanted cheeseburgers and fries while Ed and decided on prime rib and baked potatoes. We all had room so we decided to go for the gusto and have desert. They had an ice cream cheesecake on the menu that had us all curious and our mouths watering. We all decided this was what we wanted. Alex asked an innocent question, “Mark, do you think it will have whipped cream on it?”

The comments that followed however weren’t quite as innocent as the first. Joel looked at him and whispered, “Do you come with whipped cream on you?”

Alex turned several shades of red and said, “I don’t know but I did with soap.”

This volley made Joel tinge pink. Adam and Jerry were passing a few questions between themselves. Jerry whispered to Adam, “I’d love to get something covered in cream.”

Adam said, “You do all the time but I’d love getting you with cream cheese.”

This took Jerry by surprise and it was his time to turn red. Ed was watching the goings on and said, “I think you guys might need ice water dumped into your laps.”

Joel held onto his glass and said, “Oh Ed, that’s cold. I’ll behave.”

I had to laugh at that. Ed was able to settle things down with one sentence. The desert came out and I must say was excellent. I couldn’t put my finger on all the ingredients but it tasted like the cream cheese was mixed in with the ice cream.

We finished our coffee then walked around the ship. I gave Joel $50.00 in case they wanted to play video games or do a little shopping. We told the boys to stay together and Joel could reach me on the little family radio we both had if they found something they wanted to do.

Ed and I went down to the main deck where all the nighttime activity is in full swing. There are several open bars each having different kinds of music playing. We found a bar with a guy playing oldies. I looked at him and said, “This is my kind of place. Music where you can understand the words.”

“I know what you mean,” he replied. “I don’t know how kids can listen to a lot of today’s stuff. It sounds more like noise to me.”

We found a table where we could see the guy but not get our ears blasted. I had a Bailey’s on the rocks and Ed had a beer. I looked at him and said, “I think Alex and Joel may have made a mutual discovery.”

I should have looked before speaking because Ed almost choked when he heard what I’d said. He cleared his throat and said, “Oh really? What happened?”

I told him about their little voyeuristic afternoon and what happened when we got back to our suite. I said, “Well, I don’t know for sure but after Joel explained some things, they both needed a release and I think they did in the shower. Before we went to your room for dinner, Alex gave Joel a kiss on the cheek but I don’t know what caused the scene before we left your room though.”

Ed took a sip of his beer and said, “Well, the boys do that all the time but it could be the start to something. I do notice there are feelings and bonds being formed between them.”

“I see that too,” I said sipping my drink. “I noticed them holding hands when they came out of their room this evening. I think that is sweet.”

We finished our drink and wandered some more. I heard the sounds of the casino and talked Ed into wandering around a little in there. We watched some of the card games and roulette until Ed saw the boys standing outside watching us. He poked me in the ribs and pointed towards the door. We walked over and Alex said, “You thinking on playing some Mark?”

I looked at him and said, “I don’t know. I might. I enjoy gambling every once in a while. I enjoy playing black jack the most. The one thing is I’m not trying to win a million dollars or anything like that. I may win a little or I may lose a little but it’s not an end all, alright?”

Jerry said, “That’s how it’s supposed to be but there are those who don’t know when to walk away and that’s when they get into big trouble. Isn’t that right P?”

“That’s exactly right,” Ed said.

I looked at my watch and it was almost ten. I didn’t know about the rest of them, but I was getting tired. “I’m getting tired guys,” I said yawning.

Alex then did the same then everyone began yawning. We all walked back to our suites and said our good nights. I was surprised when I got hugs from Adam and Jerry then Joel saw this and gave one to Ed.

I closed the door and went into my room and got comfortable. I stripped down to my boxer-briefs then turned on the television. There was a movie in progress on and I didn’t know the name of it but it looked good. I heard the other door open and the boys came around holding hands wearing their undies too. Joel looked at me and said, “I told Alex you wouldn’t mind being in the middle.”

I scooted over and leaned back and a leg rest popped out. I got comfortable then was surrounded by my son and what I hoped would become his boyfriend. I had hands grab my wrists and wrap my arms around their shoulders for a little cuddle before retiring for the evening. The movie ended just before eleven and not much of anything was going on that required us to rise early. We had a day at sea before our first port of call. I noticed Gustov had pulled their beds together and I thought that was special. I kissed each boy good night then retired into my room for a good nights sleep.

To be continued...

Posted: 06/27/08