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 went to the bathroom and peed and brushed my teeth then climbed into bed for a good night’s sleep. I forgot to close the curtains on my window so I had sunlight streaming into my room to rudely wake me at six-thirty in the morning. I knew there wasn’t any way I’d get back to sleep so I decided to get up and make some coffee. I tossed on my robe then staggering outside realized someone had beat me to it. A voice said, “Good morning sir. Would you like some coffee?”

I looked around and saw Gustov smiling hold a cup of my favorite beverage. “Thanks Gustov. You’re a life saver.”

I sat and enjoyed my coffee then remembered breakfast was at seven. I went in and woke the others so we could eat and enjoy our day in St. Thomas.

Chapter 5

I gently knocked on the door and didn’t hear anything so I went in and the boys were both sound asleep on their backs with a noticeable tent in the covers. I shook Alex then Joel and Joel moaned, “Aw come on Dad. Just five more minutes.”

I shook him again and hearing him moan, I yanked the covers off them both. Alex’s eyes popped opened and said, “Pop, it’s cold in here.”

“All right sleepy heads,” I said. “Rise and shine. We’re in St. Thomas and we have a full day planned. But I don’t think they would appreciate how you guys are dressed at the current time.”

Joel looked up at me and said, “Are you upset with us Dad?”

“No son,” I said. “I don’t care how you’re dressed in here, this is your room. Now come on. We’re meeting the others for breakfast at seven.”

I thought I would mention to Ed about having breakfast sent to the cabin when we arrive in our next port of call so we have a little more time. I walked across the hall to see if they had left yet when Carlos opened the door and let me in. Ed was trying to wake Adam and Jerry when I went into the bathroom and returned with two washcloths soaked in cold water. I dropped one on the of the boys’ faces then quickly stepped back. Each of them sat straight up out of bed screaming, “Hey what gives?”

I smiled at them and said, “Good morning ladies. It’s nice of you to join us today. Breakfast is in fifteen minutes. I suggest you get dressed because they don’t like streakers in the dining room. Now get a move on.”

Ed was smiling and said, “Mark, that was dirty.”

I was still giggling when I said, “It worked, didn’t it? By the way, aren’t the boys certified divers? I would love to take them diving here in St. Thomas.”

“Yes they are,” Ed said reaching for his wallet. “I have their cards right here.”

“That’s great,” I said heading for the door. “We’ll meet you in the dining room.”

Joel and Alex were dressed but still groggy when I came to get them. We went to the dining room and were seated. The boys had their juice, which got their eyes opened, and then their appetites took over.

Once again the boys chose the buffet but Ed and I wanted eggs benedict. After they arrived, I wished I had chosen the buffet, as I was still very hungry. I looked at Joel’s plate and the stack of pancakes sitting there was looking very inviting. The waiter came by and I asked, “May I get something off the buffet?”

He replied, “Certainly sir. Feel free to help yourself.”

I got a plate and fixed a large plate of food for my second helping. Jerry laughed saying, “You hungry this morning Mark?”

I took a forkful of eggs and said, “As a matter of fact, I am. We have a full morning planned and I guess my body is making sure it’s well fed.”

Adam stuffed a mouthful of pancakes into his mouth then said, “What are we going to do this morning?”

I looked at Ed wondering if he was going to answer or if I should then decided to say, “Well, there are some great sights to see in St. Thomas plus they also have wonderfully clear water that is perfect for scuba diving. They happen to have one more thing I need to talk with Ed about first and that is renting mopeds.”

“Ah cool,” Alex said smiling. “Can we P, please?”

“I don’t know,” Ed said. “Are you going to rent one yourself Mark?”

“Why are you asking that question?” I asked looking at him totally confused. “I thought you’d be joining us on shore.”

“Yeah P,” Adam said. “Come on with us. We’ll take it easy so you won’t get over heated.”

“If you’re sure you won’t mind being seen with an old fart?” Ed said laughing.

Alex walked up to him and said, “Come on P, we love you so why wouldn’t we want to be seen with you? Now Mark is a different story.”

“What?” I asked rather surprised.

All the boys were just laughing at the joke Alex had just played on me. I quickly hugged him started tickling him. He started kicking his feet wildly and almost got Joel so I decided he had had enough.

We finished breakfast and went and got our things for our trip ashore. When we got back into the room, Joel was putting sunscreen on his arms then started putting it on his chest. Alex was watching this and he said, “Can you do my back for me?”

When Alex turned around, he saw me standing there. He blushed because he knew I saw the tenting in his shorts. I walked in the room then said, “Son, it no big deal. Joel has popped wood quite a few times since he’s met you. If you don’t make a big deal about it, no one else will.”

“Thanks Mark,” Alex said as Joel playfully smacked him on his butt.

Joel then said, “Your turn buddy.”

Alex looked down and saw Joel was in the same condition. As I turned to leave I said, “Throw some cold water on it guys. You don’t have time to do anything about it now.”

I went across to Ed’s room and saw Adam and Jerry lathering each other and they both had tented shorts. I looked at Ed then said, “Teen-agers. What are you going to do with them?”

“I don’t know,” Ed replied. “But I guess we have to keep them, don’t we?”

Joel and Alex walked in as the other boys said, “Well look at the little love birds.”

“Knock it off!” Joel said. “At least we don’t suck face in front of everyone.”

“Hey,” Jerry said. “We don’t do that in public, just in private.”

We got our things then headed to the bus that would take us into town. It was just a short drive to drop off point and the boys headed straight to the moped stand. I looked at the prices and thought $20.00 an hour was such a bad deal so I got one for Joel, Alex and myself. Since we weren’t familiar with the area or the fact that everyone drives on the opposite side of the road, we all got helmets.

We all had a leisurely ride around the area then we decided to go into a somewhat residential area. We rode about another ten minutes when Alex said, “Look at those kids playing Mark, they’re nude.”

I looked over to what he was talking about when I saw laundry hanging outside. We all stopped while I explained it to them. I said, “Boys, most families here don’t make much money and the children only have one set of play clothes. Unlike the States, nudity isn’t frowned upon so when the children’s clothes are being washed, they just go around naked. No one thinks anything about it.”

Jerry had a devilish grin on his face then said, “Hey P, can we go like that in the cabin?”

“I don’t mind but you have to remember Carlos,” Ed said seriously. “He might get embarrassed seeing you guys in the buff.”

Adam was thinking when he said, “How about when he’s left for the day?”

Ed gave up and said, “What ever you boys decide is fine.”

Joel looked at me and said, “Dad, can Alex and I do that too. I don’t have a problem with Gustov seeing me and I don’t think Alex minds either, but we will keep shorts close by just in case.”

I looked at the boys and said, “Since you’ve thought it over so well, it’s alright with me.”

We got back on the road and the boys were amazed at how little many of the people really had. They soon started not taking what they had for granted.

It was almost noon when we got back to the moped stand and everyone had a great time. Ed really enjoyed himself just watching the boys. We talked between ourselves as the boys rode ahead and he was telling me this has been a wonderful vacation as he and the boys have gotten a lot closer. He was also happy for Alex meeting Joel. He doesn’t know what will happen but he seemed sure it would be positive.

I told Ed about the masturbation that one morning and he just laughed. He said, “Just that once. I know Alex does it more than that. He’s just like the other two in that respect.

We caught a taxi back to the ship so we could cool down while we had lunch then change into our trunks for our afternoon skin diving excursion. We all ate somewhat light so it would digest before we went diving. Ed decided to stay on board because it was quite a warm day.

After lunch we rested then I told the boys to get ready for our afternoon session. I went into my room and quickly changed into my trunks and went to the living room to wait for the boys. I knew it would take them a few extra minutes but after ten I was wondering what was going on. I knocked on Joel’s door and when I didn’t get an answer I went in. Neither boy was there so I knew exactly where they were. I was a little upset with Joel because he knew we had a time schedule to follow. I opened the door and both boys were just standing there in the nude sporting massive wood. I coughed then said, “What’s going on here?”

Joel looked at me almost with tears in his eyes and said, “Look at us Dad. We can’t go out looking like this. We tried everything except that and they just won’t go down.”

I told the boys to go into the bedroom and I would help them solve the problem. I closed the bathroom door and turned the water on cold for a few minutes. I held my hands under it for as long as I could stand then went inside. I looked at them and said, “Close your eyes.”

When they had done like I instructed, I walked over and took both boys tools in my ice-cold hands. “Yow wow Dad, that’s cold,” Joel screamed.

I giggled then said, “Now take a look guys. You don’t have wood any more.”

“Yeah,” Alex said. “And my dick is almost inside my body.”

I smiled as I headed for the door and said, “It worked, didn’t it?”

The boys got their trunks on and we picked up Adam and Jerry then went to get a cab. We got to the diving place and showed the man our cards. We got our tanks and other gear then were led to a waiting boat that would take us to our location.

We rode about ten minutes from shore and the water there looked almost crystal clear. We got our flippers, tanks and lead belts on then went to the side and sat down. I was the first in the water in case any of the boys had a problem. When you enter the water, it’s best to sit on the side then roll backwards into the water. That way you don’t go down to far to fast.

When the four boys were in with me, we put our regulators in our mouths and went down. The water was crystal clear. We went down to 50 feet and stayed there until the boys were used to the depth. I didn’t want to take any chance with the bends on the trip back up. We stopped again at 75 feet and we decided to stay there because the scenery was totally mind blowing. I looked up and could still see the bottom of the boat, the water was that clear.

We saw all different kinds of marine life. Jerry touched me on the arm and pointed. About 25 feet from us was what appeared to be a sing ray or maybe a manta ray. We just stayed where we were and it swam over to see what was going on. The boys reached out and touched his body and he just swam around like nothing bothered it.

I looked at the diving watch I borrowed from the shop and saw it was time to head back to the surface. We went up slowly so we didn’t need to stop and we could see the bottom of the boat as our target. When we broke the surface, the look on their faces was priceless.

I took my flippers off and tossed them into the boat. The captain helped me into the boat then we got the boys on board. All of a sudden another person surfaced and it was the mate that came out with us. He was holding a special diving camera and he had taken photos of us while we were down. I didn’t care how much they cost but I wanted copies of every one he took. This was a day to remember.

I paid for the pictures and a few other things the boys wanted then headed back to the ship. It had cooled off some so it made for a nice walk. On one side of me I had Adam and Jerry and on the other was Joel and Alex. We were all holding hands and talking about our day. I looked at each pair of boys and I could see love there. When I looked at Adam and Jerry, I could see two teens smitten with each other. There was both friendship and a love that was beginning to bloom. I happened to glance down and I saw bulges inside their trunks that said teen hormones at work.

When I looked at Joel and Alex I saw something different. I saw Joel who had lost his first love but was searching to find another and he had found that in Alex. Alex, on the other hand was almost thirteen and just beginning to trust in being gay. His older brother was and was very happy with Jerry but it was all very new to him. He had feelings developing for Joel and felt he could trust him totally but just couldn’t totally let go to him. I looked over at them and I saw Alex rubbing Joel’s hand with his thumb. I could see Alex had strong feelings for Joel and maybe on this trip they will become stronger.

Alex looked at Joel and said, “Man that was a great time we had today, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah man it was,” Joel said smiling at him. “I thought you were going to try to hop on that ray’s back and go for a ride.”

“Hehe,” Alex said laughing. “I had really thought about it but I knew Pop would have had my hide.”

“That he would have babe,” Joel said squeezing his hand.”

“Can I tell you something?” Alex asked nervously.

“Sure love,” Joel said smiling. “You can tell me anything.”

“Well,” Alex started. “Joel, ah, well. I’m falling in love with you and I’m scared to death.”

When we got to the room Joel opened the door and pulled Alex inside and took him in his arms and said, “Alex Reynolds, I have waited so long to hear those words. I love you too and I will never do anything to hurt you.”

Alex smiled at him and said, “I know Joel and today I learned I could totally trust you. I’m scared Joel but I got to ask you this. “Will you be my boyfriend?”

Joel hugged him and said, “Oh God Alex, yes. Yes I’ll be your boyfriend. I never thought since Cody died I would find another love and that’s why I was afraid to ask you.”

Alex leaned and kissed Joel just as I walked in. I just stood there and watched that special moment. I so remember that between him and Cody. I know he will be kind, gentle and loving to Alex so I know there is no need to repeat my warnings to him.

Joel looked up and said, “Oh Dad, Alex just made me so happy. He asked me to be his boyfriend.”

I walked over to them both and wrapped my arms around them saying, “And I take it you agreed to be his boyfriend?”

Alex nodded his head then said, “Yeah Pop he did. When we were walking back I just got this feeling from him that I was ready to finally let go and totally trust Joel. I’ve had feelings for him ever since I met him but I was scared and today, that fear left. I am so happy I’m his boyfriend.”

I kissed them both on the cheek and said, “Well I’m happy for the both of you. Are you going to tell Fred and Barney next door?”

The boys went in and got ready for dinner. They left the door open and both boys dropped their trunks without hesitation. Joel stepped over to his boyfriend and wrapped his arms around him and gave him a series of short kisses. Alex responded and Joel opened his mouth hoping Alex would follow suit. He must have because I saw Joel’s head shift and I could tell he was searching for Alex’s tonsils. Their bodies turned a little and both boys were erect. I walked over to close the door and both boys looked over and saw me. I smiled and said, “Just so you know, I have no problems seeing you kiss or hold hands or do anything else. I’ve seen Joel enough naked that it’s second nature to me. Alex, you’re like a second son so the same goes for you. But remember, your brothers and Grandfather might walk in so if you don’t want them to see you like this, you might want to close the door or lock the main cabin door.”

Both boys had walked over to me and give me a big hug. I got stuck with their swords and Alex said, I don’t think I could have gotten a better second Dad if I’d have planned it. Thanks ever so much for being so understanding.”

I gave each boy a kiss and then popped their butts then said; “Now scoot and get your shower. You’re lucky it’s casual night and you don’t have to get dressed up.”

They squealed when I smacked them and said, “Yeah Dad, you need your shower too.”

I went into my room and Gustov had set out some nice clothes for the evening. I could get used to having someone do this for me. I stripped and turned the shower on and took a leak.

I took a fast shower and got dressed. The boys were just coming out of their room holding hands. I could see that the love bug had bit them both hard and I was prepared to talk with them if the need arose. Just then there was a knock on the door then Adam and Jerry walked in. They saw that look on their faces and said, “Do I sense we have another couple here?”

Joel just said yes not sure what they were going to say when Adam and Jerry came over and all of them hugged and Adam kissed his brother on the cheek saying, “I’m really happy for you bro. I think you have a good catch here.”

“Thanks Adam,” Alex said smiling at Joel. “He’s really special to me.”

I gathered the boys and went over to get Ed for dinner. He said we was kind of tired and was going to order something in so I could take the boys and go to dinner. I was concerned that he might be coming down with something but he said he was out in the sun to long this afternoon and just needed to rest.

All the boys kissed him and we headed for the dining room. Tonight was steak night and the boys went crazy. They all ordered a good size piece of meat and I told them, “You guys will have to eat every bite. I don’t expect to see food wasted.”

Now saying that to teens was either absurd or a challenge because Jerry said, “Don’t worry Pop, it will all get eaten.”

Now I have to tell you that I was fighting hard to keep my mind out of the gutter and making a smart assed comment but I succeeded. We all managed to eat our meals but there wasn’t room for desert. We went out on deck to walk our meal off when I saw Alex and Joel holding hands as we stood by the rail watching the sea go by.

Adam looked at me and said, “I think they make a great couple Pop. I hope they have what Jerry and I do.”

I looked at Adam and said, “Given time son, I’m sure they will.”

I looked at them again and they were kissing quite passionately and I thought, ‘I hope they just move slow.’

Alex looked at me and said, “Pop, can we go to the teen center and see what’s going on? Sometimes they have karaoke or dancing so something fun to do.”

Jerry looked at Alex and said, “Dancing? Come on dude, I love to dance but I only have one partner and I don’t think that would be too cool.”

I looked at the boys and said, “What do you mean Jerry? This is the 21^st century and if girls can dance with girls, why can’t guys dance with other guys? I mean fair is fair. No one says a thing when they do it so why should anyone say something if you guys do it?”

Joel came around me and said, “Great point Dad. I’m with Alex, let’s go.”

The boys went to the Lido Deck and looked at the activities for the teens and it was both karaoke and dancing. Alex looked at Joel and said, “Cool. I love karaoke.”

Adam said, “Don’t let him fool you Joel, I’ve heard him sing in the shower and he’s bad.”

Jerry punched him in the arm and said, “Ease off love. I think he has a good voice. You sound like a cat getting raped.”

Adam blushed and said, “OK so I can’t sing but at least I try.”

Alex came in between the boys and kissed each one of them and said, “Come on guys, let’s go in.”

The boys went in and found an empty table and Joel got them all some sodas. After a while Alex was itching to get up and he whispered to Joel, “I know a great song but I need a partner. Can you sing?”

Joel said, “Yeah but I don’t think I’m all that good. What song do you have in mind?”

“You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling,” Alex said. “You know, from Top Gun. We can sort of sing it to Adam and Jerry.”

Joel thought about it for a second then said, “Sounds good. I’m game.”

The boys went up to the music book and found what they were looking for. Then handed the DJ the number and he started: You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling by The Righteous Brothers.

You never close your eyes any more

When I kiss your lips

And there's no tenderness like before

In your fingertips

You're trying hard not to show it baby

But baby, baby I know it

You've lost that loving feeling

Oh, that loving feeling

You've lost that loving feeling

Now it's gone, gone, gone

Whoa-oh

Now there's no tenderness

In your eyes when I reach for you

And girl you're starting to criticize

little things I do

It makes me just feel like crying baby

'Cause baby, something beautiful's dying

You've lost that loving feeling

Oh that loving feeling

Bring back that loving feeling

Now it's gone gone gone

And I can't go on

No-oh-oh

Baby baby I get down on my knees for you

If you would only love me like you used to do

We had a love

A love a love you don't find every day

So don't...don't...don't let it slip away

Bring back that loving feeling

Oh, that loving feeling

Bring back that loving feeling

Now it's gone...gone...gone...

And I can't go on...

No-oh-oh...

Everyone in the lounge clapped and whistled when the song was over. Jerry looked at them and said, “Man guys, that was great. Joel you’re good too bro.”

“Thanks guys,” Joel said. “I was scared shitless for the first few seconds but Alex here just looked at me and everything was fine from then on.”

“Aww,” Adam said, “You guys are starting to sound like us.”

They all started laughing then the DJ moved his equipment so the dancing could start. The boys had to move and found another table. They were watching the goings on when two girls came over and sat down. Jerry was a little forward and said, “Ah can I help you girls?”

Stacy was the talker of the two and she said, “Hi I’m Stacy and this is Tammy. I noticed you guys sitting here by yourselves and thought you must be together. Nice singing you guys.”

Alex started getting nervous until Joel took his hand under the table. Adam looked and them and they held hands so they all could see. Joel looked at Tammy and said, “You out?”

Stacy kissed her and said, “Does that answer your question? I’m 100% dyke and you guys are?”

Joel made the introductions saying, “This is my boyfriend Alex Reynolds and his brother Adam. That guy over there is Adam’s guy Jerry Peyton.”

“Nice to meet you guys,” Tammy said. “At least we’re not the only ones on board.”

Alex smiled and said; “I just asked Joel today if he’d be my guy.”

“Way to go sweetie,” Stacy said smiling at Alex.

Alex turned as red as the shirt he was wearing and said, “Thanks. Joel’s a really great guy.”

The DJ started playing some good dance music and the girls got up and went out to the floor while the boys just sat there watching. The girls came back over to the table and grabbed them all by the hands saying, “Come on guys; let’s shake a leg.”

They were a little hesitant at first but Joel and Alex started dancing and soon the other two had joined them. After a while, the floor was packed with teens dancing.

I went over to see how Ed was doing and he was watching a movie on TV. “How you feeling Ed,” I asked as I sat down beside him.

“Not to bad Mark,” he said looking over at me. “I have to learn to stay out of the heat. It is different here than in Florida.”

I could see he was feeling a little better then I said, “You better stay inside when we go through the canal because I’ve heard that heat is ungodly.”

“Where are the boys?” Ed asked.

“I let them go to the teen center so they could see what’s going on,” I said in reply. “I guess since they aren’t back they must be having a good time.”

“I’m glad they are having fun with people their own ages,” Ed said smiling. “Did I hear that Alex has a boyfriend?”

“I think the club closes around midnight so the kids can get to bed at a reasonable hour,” I said knowing our kids aren’t like that. “You heard correct but let them tell you, ok?”

Ed was about to say something when the cabin door opened and six sweaty teens walked in. I looked at the group and saw two girls and whispered to Ed, “Good god, two of the boys have gone straight.”

Ed smiled and said, “Who are your friends guys?”

“P, Mark,” Adam started saying. “This is Tammy and Stacy. They’re both fourteen and they’re girlfriends.”

I started to say something when Stacy said, “Don’t worry Mark, it’s cool. We’re out to everyone.”

I got up and shook their hands and said, “That’s great. I’m Joel’s Dad and I’m gay too.”

“A gay parent,” Tammy said. “Totally cool Mark.”

“I think so but I don’t spoil him though,” I said.

“Oh darn Joel” Stacy said. “No special treatment? Just kidding. My parents know I’m a lesbian and they still love me but I have things that I’m still expected to do.”

I looked at the boys and said, “Is the club closed for the night?”

“Yeah Dad,” Joel said. “We wanted you and P to meet our new friends. Think they can come on our next shore excursion?”

I thought about it for a minute and said, “I don’t see why not as long as it’s alright with their parents.”

The girls left and the boys said good night to each other then headed for their rooms. I said good night to Ed then went back over to my cabin. So I could get a good night’s sleep.

To be continued...

Posted: 06/27/08