The Reluctant Mentor
By: Morris Henderson
(© 2009-2010 by the author)
 

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Chapter 7
 

Todd’s last class on Friday was English Composition, an Honors class with high standards for acceptance and for the work required.  The teacher was Mrs. Hutchins, the sponsor of the drama club who had refused to let Todd try out for the class play.  In spite of that, she treated Todd the same as any other student in her class.  At the end of the class period, she asked Todd, “If you have time, I’d like to talk to you after class.”

Todd said that he could stay but began to worry about what the woman had in mind.  Could it be that the counselor had already talked to her about her homophobia?  If so, what was her reaction and how might it impact on his grade in her class?

The final bell rang and all the students began gathering their things to leave for the day.  Todd sat nervously waiting what he feared would be a confrontation with Mrs. Hutchins.  She came and sat in a desk adjacent to Todd’s and said, “I wanted to commend you on your work in my class.  It’s rare that I have a student as talented as a writer as you.  I sincerely believe that you could become an author of considerable fame.”

Todd was relieved to hear a compliment instead of another condemnation of his homosexuality.  “Thank you, ma’am,” he said.  “I try to do my best.”

“And your best is extremely good, Todd.  I wanted you to know that before I mentioned something else.  Mr. Perry spoke to me today about not letting you try out for the school play.”  Todd’s relief suddenly turned to anxiety as she continued, “He warned me, in no uncertain terms, that I must never base my future decisions on a student’s sexual orientation.  That means only one thing: you told him about my discouraging you from joining the drama club.  Did you?”

There was only one acceptable response.  Todd could not lie nor could he ignore Perry’s encouragement to be courageous enough to change the things he could.  “Yes, ma’am.  It came up in a conversation about college admissions.  I said that my lack of extra-curriculars probably excluded me from my first choice college.  He wanted to know more and I told him.”

“I see,” the woman said.  “He asked me to apologize to you.  I can’t do that, Todd, because the life style you’ve chosen is immoral and as a teacher I have a responsibility to foster appropriate values in all my students.”

Todd was irritated that she was transferring her religious beliefs to her job, which gave him the bravery to say, “Being gay is not immoral any more than red hair or left-handedness.  They’re uncommon but not immoral.  And it’s not a ‘life style choice.’  It’s what I am.  With respect, ma’am, you have no right to bring religious values into a public school.  You have every right to cherish those values but you don’t have the right to deny gays the opportunity to participate in the drama club.”

Mrs. Hutchins was visibly upset by the young teen’s audacity to lecture her on morality and her responsibilities as a teacher.  “Well, young man,” she blurted out angrily. “I will abide by Mr. Perry’s directive not to discriminate in the classroom.  But I will continue to regard homosexuality as an aberration and perversion.”

“Is that all?  May I go now?” Todd said curtly.

“Yes,” she replied.  Todd gathered his things and walked to the door but was stopped when the teacher called, “Oh.  Todd.”  He turned to face her.  “Just to be clear, I admire the work you’ve done in this class.”

“Thank you,” he replied as he promptly turned and walked out.

Todd stood just outside the front door of the school, shaken by the confrontation he had had with his teacher.  Moments later, Stu came out of the building and greeted Todd, “Another week of school is over!”  At that point he noticed something about Todd.  “Are you all right?” he asked.

“I’m fine.  Or will be.”  He proceeded to tell his friend about the session with Mrs. Hutchins.

“I’m proud of you, Todd,” Stu gushed.  “She had it coming.  You may have won a small victory for us misfits.”

Todd gave Stu a puzzled look and said, “I’m not so sure.  She may treat me better only out of fear of losing her job.  But I don’t know if it will help others much.  She’s a bigot and hates gays.  It won’t help independent mavericks like you.”  Stu dropped his eyes to the ground, which confused Todd enough to say, “Hey, Stu.  That was not an insult.  I like you because you’re independent and because you don’t conform to what other people think you should do.”

Stu looked into Todd’s face with an intensity Todd had never seen in him before.  “Todd,” he said hesitantly.  “Can we walk over and sit under the tree for a while.  I want to tell you something ... something that I haven’t dared say to you before.”

Todd followed his friend -- his only friend at school -- mystified by the odd change in his demeanor.  They sat on the grass silently for a few moments before Todd said, “Okay, pal.  What is it you wanted to say?”

“It’s simply this,” Stu began, struggling for words.  “I like you.  I like you a lot.  The other kids don’t like you because you’re gay.  I like you more because you’re gay.”  The teen stopped speaking and fiddled with some blades of grass at his feet.

“Excuse me, Stu, but that doesn’t make sense.  Why would you like me because I’m queer?”

“Dammit, Todd!  You’re bright but sometimes you can be so fucking dense.  Think!  Why would another guy like you more because you’re gay?  And you’re not queer, asshole; you’re GAY!

Todd was stunned by the apparent meaning behind what his friend was trying but possibly unable to say.  “You are, too?” he asked tentatively.

“Congratulations!  Two and two make four.  You finally solved the problem.  It sure as hell took you long enough!”

“But you never told me.” Todd exclaimed.

“I didn’t come right out and say it, dummy.  But I’ve tried to let you know almost all year.  You didn’t pick up on that?”

“No.  But let’s share the blame.  You’re always saying what you think even if it pisses off people.  So I trusted you to say what you thought about me.  All you’ve ever said is that you like me.  Why didn’t you tell me you’re gay?”

Stu fidgeted, cast his eyes to the ground, and struggled to summon the courage to confess something more embarrassing than admitting he was gay.  He was proud of saying what he thought but this was different; the reason for not telling anyone -- even his best friend, Todd -- was painfully distressing.

Todd recognized Stu’s pain and said, “Come on, buddy.  You’re my best friend.  If I’m your friend, you can tell me anything.  Why didn’t you tell me you’re gay?”

Still looking at the ground, afraid of Todd’s reaction, Stu said, “’Cause I was scared!  Scared my dad would find out.  He’s mean, Todd.  I knew that he would beat the living shit out of me if he knew.  Which he did.  Last night.  He got home from work just after midnight as usual But he found some gay stuff on my computer.  He came into my bedroom and woke me up ... not very gently, either.  He was yelling, calling me all kinds of filthy names, and then started to ‘teach me a lesson’ by hitting me.  I managed to duck most of the blows but he’s not only mean, he’s strong.  He grabbed me from behind and started pounding me on the head.  He even threatened to cut my dick off so I couldn’t put it in some fag’s asshole.” 

Stu then broke down in tears.  Todd hugged him, oblivious to the possibility that they would be seen in an embrace.  Even if he had worried about that, it wouldn’t have mattered.  His good friend Stu needed to be comforted and to know that he was not alone.

Eventually, Stu regained control of his emotions and pulled away from Todd.  “So now you know the ugly truth.  I’m gay.  My Dad hates me.  I’m afraid to go home to another beating.  What can I do, Todd?”

They were silent for a long time before Todd said, “Come home with me.  Your dad goes to work at four.  When he’s gone, we’ll go to your house and get a few of your things.  Stay the weekend with me.  Maybe by Monday, we can come up with something.”

“I can’t do that, Todd.  You haven’t even asked your parents if I can stay with you.”

“I don’t have to.  They know you’re my only friend ... and a good friend.  I’m sure they would be happy to have you stay with us.  You don’t have to tell them why if you don’t want to but if you do, I guarantee that they will think no less of you.  They know I’m gay and they’re okay with it.  Come on.  My car’s over there.  I’m taking you home with me.”

Tom and Ann couldn’t have been more pleased that Todd had invited Stu to stay the weekend. Stu was very nervous about meeting Todd’s parents.  He tried his best to hide it but it showed.  Todd’s parents assumed that their son’s guest was just shy in unfamiliar surroundings so they were especially cordial and welcoming.  By the time dinner was over, Stu seemed to have relaxed.  The two teens then went to Todd’s room to play video games.  Later, Todd went to the kitchen to get two cans of Pepsi.  His mother said, “I’ve tidied up the guest room and put in some fresh towels for Stu.”

“Ah, Mom,” Todd began hestitantly.  “Stu’s having some family problems at home and is very upset.  He needs a friend right now.  He doesn’t need to be alone.  If you don’t mind, I’d like him to sleep in my room with me.”  Both Tom and Ann looked at their son quizzically.  They were curious about the family problems but Todd misinterpreted their expression and added, “It’s not what you think.  I may hold him to let him know he has a friend but that’s all.”

His parents looked at each other and laughed, which confused Todd.  Ann said, “That’s not what we were thinking, son.  We were only wondering why Stu is that upset.”

“Oh,” Todd blushed.  “He had an argument with his father; that’s why he’s upset.”

“Okay,” his father said.  “We’ll leave it at that.  And we’re proud of you for being concerned enough to invite him here.”  Then, with a wink, he added, “Do whatever you think is best to comfort him.”

The significance of the wink was not lost on Todd.  He set the two cans of Pepsi down, rushed to his parents sitting on the sofa, gave them a hug, and said, “I love you both.  Nobody has better parents than I do.”

“Not all parents have a wonderful son like you, either,” Ann replied with moist eyes.

It was nearly midnight when the Stu said, “If you don’t mind, I’d like to go to bed now.  I didn’t get much sleep last night.”

“I understand,” Todd replied.  “And by the way, you’re sleeping here.  You don’t mind sharing a double bed, do you?”

Stu’s jaw dropped.  “You mean...  In bed with you?  What about your parents?  What will they think?”

“All they know is that you’ve had some family problems.  I didn’t go into details.  I told them I thought you needed company.  And don’t worry.  They don’t know you’re gay so it’s just two friends having a sleepover.  Did you think to bring your pajamas?”

“I ... well ... I don’t have any.  To tell the truth, I don’t wear anything to bed but I can keep my boxers on if you like.”

“I’d like you to feel at home.  Sleep nude if that’s what you prefer.  I do.”

“I don’t know,” Stu said hesitatingly.  “Maybe we should play it safe.”

“You’re safe here, my friend.  I won’t molest you.”

“It’s not that, dumbass,” Stu replied.  “It’s ... ah ... SHIT!  What I mean is that I’ve wanted to be in bed with you for so long.  I imagine you’re with me when I jerk off.  I wanted you so bad it hurts sometimes.  It’s not you molesting me that worries me.  It’s finally being with you and not being able to do anything.”

Todd gave Stu a wicked smile and said, “Like I said, I want you to be comfortable.  And have you considered that I might want to do something, too?”

“But your parents...” Stu objected.

“They won’t know.  And trust me.  Even if they did know they wouldn’t mind.  I told you they’re okay with me being gay.  They’ve even as much as told me I could have sex with somebody if I wanted to and was careful.”

“I don’t believe it,” Stu said.

“Listen.  Last year in the other school, I had a boyfriend.  My parents didn’t know we were having sex until after we broke up.  But when I came out to them, I told them about it.  They didn’t exactly approve at the time because they were too surprised that I was gay.  But we’ve talked about it since and they specifically told me that I could have sex with somebody provided I was careful about STDs and the other guy was willing.  Bottom line: they won’t know and wouldn’t care if they did know because you’re my best friend.”

“Geezus!” Stu exclaimed.  “I wish I had parents like that instead of a bitchy mother who ran off two years ago with some sleazebag with a bigger cock than Dad’s.  And a Dad who’s the definition of an ignorant, vicious bigot.”

“Don’t think about that tonight, Stu.  Think about being here and safe.  Think about us being in bed and enjoying each other ... in any way you want.”

Stu still seemed hesitant, which was uncommon for him since he had always been outspoken about what he thought.  To overcome his friend’s reluctance, Todd grabbed him in a hug and held him tightly for a while.  Breaking the hug, he said, “I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than hold my best friend in my arms all night long.  After, of course, we have a bit of fun together.  Now let’s get naked and get into bed.”

Stu still felt inhibited although he craved what Todd had suggested.  He stood there, almost afraid to believe it was happening.  He was also afraid of doing something stupid since this would be his first sex with anyone.  “I don’t know what to say, Todd.  I don’t know what to do.  I’ve never done this before.”

“Then let me demonstrate,” Todd grinned.  “Watch and learn.  And do whatever you feel comfortable doing.”

Todd unbuttoned his shirt and took it off.  He pulled his tee shirt up over his head and tossed it aside.  He took Stu’s hands and placed them one over each nipple but had to move his friend’s hands around to encourage him to massage his chest.  Stu took the hint and continued on his own.  Todd then removed Stu’s shirt, massaged his chest briefly and then pulled him into a hug so their bare skin was in full contact.  Todd started to grind his crotch into Stu’s who responded with a prolonged sigh.

Stepping back, Todd quickly kicked off his shoes, pulled off his socks, and took off his pants and boxers in one movement.  He stood for Stu’s examination.  The virgin’s eyes were riveted to his friend’s crotch as he watched the semi-hard cock swell, lengthen, and stand erect.  Stu was mesmerized by the sight of his friend’s naked, available body but was brought back to his senses when Todd said, “Well, are you going to join me or stand there?”

Stu quickly shed the rest of his clothes, revealing an impressive and already rigid dick.

“Now it’s my turn to admire,” Todd said.  “But I prefer to do it with my hands as well.”

He knelt down in front of Stu and rubbed his hands down the side of his torso to his hips, then up his thighs.  “Nice,” he cooed.  “Very nice!”

He stood and gently maneuvered Stu to the bed where he laid him down on his right side.  He crawled in next to him and pulled him into another embrace while grinding their hard-ons against each other.  Stu moaned in delight.

After some stimulating fondling, Todd rolled his friend over onto his back and began kissing and licking his way down from nipples to navel.  When he licked the precum off the head of Stu’s cock, the nearly delirious recipient of the attention gasped.  Todd almost chuckled but, instead, looked up at his friend and smiled, “I forgot one rule -- no screams.  Enjoy, but not loudly.”

Todd used every skill at his command to arouse, stimulate, and please his bed partner even to the point of interrupting his sucking when he sensed that Stu was near climax only to return to the task to take him to a higher level of excitement.

Stu began to buck his hips.  Todd remained still and let the anxious teen fuck his mouth.

“Let go!” Stu said in a hoarse whisper.  “I gotta squirt.  NOW!”

Todd clamped down on the pistoning rod, eager to take every drop of Stu’s cream.

In spite of Todd’s warning, Stu yelled “Oh fuck!” as his cock twitched and erupted with several volleys of cum deep into the welcoming throat of his friend.

Having licked off the last few oozes of cum from Stu’s cock, Todd lay down beside him, waiting for the post-orgasmic bliss to subside.

“Why’d you do that?” Stu asked.  “I warned you.”

“’Cause I wanted to.  I wanted part of you inside me.  Now we’re true friends.”

Stu smiled.  “Not yet.  I need yours in me.”

“Are you sure?  I mean you don’t have to swallow it.”

“Very sure!” Stu said.  “I’ve been hoping for this a long time.”

Stu brought Todd back to a full erection and duplicated, although not as artfully, the treatment he had received.  Todd tried to hold off and prolong the enjoyment but his will failed him too soon and he filled the mouth of his surprised but grateful friend.

They cuddled tightly together, softly caressing each other but saying nothing until Stu asked, “What’s the opposite of miserable?”

“I dunno.  Maybe ecstatic.”

“That’s what I am right now: ecstatic.  You just don’t know how I’ve longed for this.  But was afraid to come right out and ask you.”

“There’s going to be a lot more of it, Stu.  That is, if you’re still interested.”

“Does a bear shit in the woods?  Of course I’m interested.”

They fell asleep extremely happy with their arms and legs intertwined.

In the morning, Stu was spooned into Todd’s back with his morning woodie lodged into the crack of his friend’s ass.  Todd woke first, felt the heat of Stu’s body, and was grateful that -- perhaps -- he had found a lover.  The ‘perhaps’ depended on whether they could deepen their affection for each other.  And on circumstances beyond their control -- like Stu’s father.  That was the immediate problem.  Maybe Rick could offer some advice.  RICK!  Todd had forgotten all about their hiking excursion that day.  He looked at the clock-radio.  Eight thirty.  Rick expected him around ten.  Should he call Rick and cancel?  No.  That would disappoint him partly because they had planned on some relaxation and recreation in bed when they returned from the hike.  Should he ask if Stu could go hiking with them?  Rick would probably agree but still be disappointed over not having the anticipated sex.  What to do?  He would have to figure that out later.  At that moment, he had to pee.

To be continued...

Posted:01/08/10