Plaquemines Parish

By: Pee Jay
(© 2009 by the author)

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

Chapter 4

After the bathroom, I went to the kitchen where Mom was fixing breakfast; she was dressed for work, drinking coffee and eating toast. She looked up when I entered the room.

"Geez, Mom, you look nice today. You're dressed very well to be going to work."

"I haven't had the chance to tell you. The last couple of days have been a strain. You didn’t get out of bed at all yesterday. I was worried sick. In fact, I was considering to call Don Guidry and ask him what I should do. I’m not sure if I should go to work today. How do you feel?”

“A little groggy but otherwise, fine. Go ahead and go to work, mom. I’ll be okay.”

She was vacillating unsure if she should leave so I said, “I’ll call you if I have a problem, okay?”

That seemed to ease her mind. She went back to what she was doing at the counter saying, “I applied for an executive secretary position and got the job, today is my first day."

"Wow! I'm proud of you, Mom. Good luck on the new job."

"Thanks, honey."

"Mooom," I drew it out for emphasis. Was she ever going to break that awful habit?

She gave me a sideways glance and smiled. I rolled my eyes in frustration, but it was done in a genial way so as not to hurt her feelings.

"Dave called and wanted to know if you could go to Avery Island with them today."

My ears perked up and my pulse quickened. My smile was as broad as the mouth of the Mississippi. I was hanging on her every word.

"And what did you tell him?"

"I said he would have to ask you, but it was okay with me. I’ll have more peace of mind too if you’re with Dave’s father for two days."

I jumped up and gave her a big hug from behind.

"Thanks Mom, thanks a lot." Then I kissed her cheek. "You're the best little lady," I said grinning.

She said it was going to be an overnight trip and the timing couldn't have been better. I wasn't supposed to work for a couple days and this would be the perfect answer to the boredom I would most certainly have to endure. And I get to be with Dave for two whole days, perfecto! Oh, and one night, too. BINGO! And I don’t mean the board-game.

"When are they planning to leave?"

"I don't know. Dave said he had to clean the boat after breakfast, and then he

was coming over to get you."

"I better get my things together. I don't want to hold them up."

I went back to my room and started stuffing the things I would need in my pack. I took some of my tip-money from under a loose floorboard in case I needed it. I changed my sheets and dabbed the 'soiled spot' with a damp washcloth so Mom wouldn't see it when she did the laundry. I took a few items from the bathroom and went to say goodbye. I hugged her firmly and gave her another kiss on the cheek. I grabbed my pack and took off for the marina.

"Be on your best behavior … little man," she hollered after me.

"I will," I yelled back. Damn, she got me there. It was okay, though; I had a two-day date with Dave, my main man!

I was trotting across the yard almost to the road when I began to feel dizzy. I slowed to a walk but kept going. I didn't want mom to see me sit down; she might make me stay home.

Halfway to the marina, I saw Dave coming down the road. I waved to him and he waved back as he broke into a run. I wanted to run, too, but I didn't want another dizzy spell so I picked up my pace walking. When he reached me, we gave each other a quick hug, then he put his arm around me. Wow, I was in for two days of this!

I checked him out as I always do when I first see him and marveled at his sexiness. It's a great feeling to be near the person who inspires such powerful emotions. I felt the soft hairs on his chest above his nipples and it made me feel something deep down. The dark hair on his tanned skin was a major turn-on.

Dave was in a good mood and joking around; his white teeth were in stark contrast to his tanned skin. I could tell he was excited about the trip. I was, too. I told him about my dizzy spell and apologized for not running to meet him. He was glad to hear me say that because he thought I might be having second thoughts, and I assured him I was not.

Man, I feel so lightheaded and this time it's not a dizzy spell. It's Dave. He makes me dizzy … crazy even! It's really wild and exciting; I wonder if it’s love I feel for him? I just don't know.

"Dave?"

"Yeah?"

"I like you. I like you a lot."

"I like you, too.”

"No, Dave. It's more like, ah … it's more like a real lot. I mean a whole lot."

He stopped and pulled me by the arm to a halt. He began to squeeze me and I

said, "Ow".

He loosened up and we held each other for a minute. Neither one of us spoke; it was great to hold him with no particular agenda in mind; to be close to him. I had one arm over his and my other arm under his, stroking his back. We placed our heads next to each other and held on. I closed my eyes and wished I could stay that way for ages.

Dave ran one hand through my hair and slipped the other hand into the back of my bathing suit, massaging my butt. I liked it and started to firm up. Dang this guy, he's got my number, and his finger is on my switch. He pinched his fingers between my crack, pulling a couple hairs.

"Ouch," I sorta yelled as I pushed back from him. He started laughing and I couldn't resist his infectious giggling. I had to admit it was kind of funny.

I rubbed my hand in my crack to massage the sensation away.

"Come on, let's get going," I said and took his hand as we started walking.

We boarded the boat and his father wanted to know what took us so long. Dave told him that I couldn't decide what to wear, and I rolled my eyes at him as I grinned. He was too darn hot and especially sexy when he laughed. Those white teeth and the curvature of his mouth when he smiled were a disarming combination.

"Let's put your things in my room, Val."

"Okay."

I followed him below and we put my pack in his room. He kicked the door shut and pushed me on the bed. I winced in pain when I landed, and he apologized over and over. I told him not to worry. I said it only hurt for a second, but a kiss would make it feel a lot better.

He obliged and I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him in. I smothered him with kisses and saliva because I was laughing at the same time. He didn't seem to mind. He was in a `go for it' mode, too.

"DAVE," his father bellowed.

"COMING," Dave responded. "I have to help Dad cast off. I'm the coxswain."

He pronounced it ‘cock-son’ so I started laughing uncontrollably, unable to move for a minute.

Dave was grinning at me and rubbing my stomach; he knew it would sound funny to the uninitiated. We were overcome by a fit of laughter.

"Cock-son?" I was barely able to get it out and started laughing again.

"Yeah, let's go. I'll show you a cuntline and some cunt splices, too."

"Aw, shit" I said and started laughing again.

"Oh, there's more" he said. "Nautical terms can be funny as hell. Come on before the old man gets pissed off. You can be my deck hand and watch Dad harden up."

He pronounced deck as dick, and I started laughing again.

"Harden up means turn into the wind, dummy."

"Oh," I said but I couldn't stop laughing.

The engines started as we made our way on deck. Dave told me the boat had twin screws and I laughed at him thinking he was making a joke. He explained that it meant the boat had two engines. Then I felt a little dumb for laughing. Hell, I thought it was some kind of reference to sex. Goes to show you what I know about boats ... and where my mind was!

We were well on our way when Dave asked his father if we could fish. He said no because it would take all day to make it there and we had a head wind as it was. We were running at a pretty good clip and couldn't afford to slow down for fishing.

Dave gave me a nod indicating I should follow him. We went to the galley where he took a small cooler from one of the cabinets. He filled it halfway with beer and the balance with pop. He put the pop on top to hide the beer then we went back on deck to claim a spot over the bow. We were hidden from his parents’ view so Dave opened a beer and handed it to me. I slid it into a foam can holder and took a swig.

I started coughing and sneezing as the beer exited my nose, tingling on the way out. It was the first time I ever tasted the beverage, and it tasted like piss. Or at least as I imagined it must taste, never having savored the stuff.

We finished two beers each and, sufficiently buzzed, we opened a pop. He couldn't keep his hands off me, I was having a similar problem, wanting to touch and feel every bit of him, and I did!

The cruise to Avery Island was boring. There was nothing to do but lay there and wait, wait, and then wait some more. Eventually we fell asleep and didn't wake up until the steady drone of the engines was throttled back.

Dave got up to put the unopened cans back in the fridge. Before he left, I asked him if his father would stop so we could jump in the water to freshen up and wash the beer smell off. He agreed and when the boat was nearly at rest, we dove off the bow. I didn't want to get close to his parents and have them sense that something might be afoot, as in criminality—more specifically, underage drinking.

Dave’s dad moored the boat in a free slip for tourists and we spent the night without going ashore. I slept in Dave's bed and we had a great first night together. After playing around, we held each other all night and woke up the next morning in the same position as when we fell asleep.

The next day, we toured the Tabasco Sauce factory where I bought Mom a T-shirt and bracelet with little Tabasco Sauce bottles dangling from the chain. Then we split up for the rest of the day. Dave and I went to the Jungle Garden and the parents went to the bird sanctuary. The island was beautiful. I imagined it was like a Caribbean getaway with all the exotic plants and flowers. The Spanish Moss that hung from the trees was a lot like the woods around our shack, except here, it seemed more stately.

Dave and I were first back to the boat early in the afternoon. We made hot dogs and had a beer for lunch. I drank mine fast because I didn't want to get caught. We went for a swim after lunch and fooled around in the water. We were skinny dipping when his parents returned. Lucky for us, we were on the starboard side of the boat and heard them before they saw us.

Dave yelled at his dad to throw us our bathing suits, we left them on deck. His mother came to the side and told her husband not to do it. She ordered us out of the water and we looked at each other with panic. After a few moments, she started laughing and waved us off then went below.

"Whew, I thought she meant it," Dave said with an air of desperation which made me smile.

"Yeah, me, too."

His father disappeared to retrieve our suits. I grabbed Dave's dick and pulled it a couple times. He did the same and I started getting firm again.

"Hey, don't. We have to get out in a minute."

He chuckled and we had a quick smooch before his dad came back. His father wadded up Dave's suit and threw it, hitting Dave in the head. I started laughing at him then mine hit me in the head, and it was his turn to laugh.

We left Avery Island for Grand Isle shortly thereafter. His father said if we made Grand Isle today we would have time to fish tomorrow before putting in at the marina in Buras. His dad asked me if I wanted to steer the boat and it sounded like fun, so I did.

His mother came on deck with a camera to snap a few pictures. Dave took a skipper's hat from the console and put it on my head. His father stepped away from us then Dave put his arm around my shoulder. We both smiled and she took our picture. Then we looked at each other with big ol’ grins and I wanted to kiss and hug him so bad. He tightened his grip around my shoulder and then let his arm down.

I swear I could have floated away with the moment.

When we made it to Grand Isle, his parents called a realtor wanting to see a house they’d looked at, one more time. They agreed to let us stay on the boat issuing strict instructions as to what we could and could not do. We accepted their conditions and assured them everything would be fine; then they left.

"They didn't say anything about sex,” Dave said with a grin.

I had to smile, too. He had that look of mischief in his eye. So we went below and hopped into his bed. We sixty-nined, as Dave called it, and it was the best thing we had ever done together. His warm moist mouth made me bigger and harder than I ever thought possible, and I loved the feeling of having him in my mouth, pushing and probing. So did he; it was quite obvious he enjoyed it. It was fantastic. We kissed for the longest time when it was over.

The funny thing about it was that I couldn't imagine myself doing it with anyone else. I mean, as good as it was, there wasn't anyone other than Dave I could picture or remotely consider doing it with. Dave inspired those feelings in me and I honestly can't recall ever having them for anyone other than Dave.

We were tired after our play session so we took a nap, having spent ourselves. Dave put an arm and a leg over me and pushed his crotch against my butt. I loved the feeling of him against my backside. I wrapped my fingers in his and pulled his arm close before we drifted off.

Sometime later, we were awakened by the sound of the door to Dave's room being slammed. We both rose and glanced over our shoulder at the door. Dave's mother was standing there looking at us with her hands on her hips not saying a word.

It seemed like her scowl was feigned. In other words, she didn't appear really upset; it looked like a protest she was supposed to put on … not one she was truly motivated to emote.

We scurried to grab our bathing suits from the floor and pulled them up as quickly as we could. In the brief moment that transpired, I had deflated completely and so had Dave. We sat silently side by side on the bed alternating our attention between her and the floor. Dave looked at me briefly and returned his gaze to his mother; his face was white as snow.

"Well?" she said. "What's going on here?"

It was evident that she was surprised but not overwhelmed. She was looking to Dave for an answer.

"Nothing, Mom; we were taking a nap."

"Why does the bed look like a hurricane hit it? And why were you naked as a jaybird and holding on to him?" she asked as she motioned toward me with her head.

Dave was quiet for a few moments. We had been caught and we both knew it. I felt for him, but was glad that it was him on the line and not me.

"Mom,” Dave started … then stopped.

He was trying to align his thoughts and response. I was so damn thankful I didn't have to do it. A thousand things went through my mind. Would she allow us to see each other again? Did she think I was to blame? Was she going to tell my mother? And the list went on; I was borderline scared. I already knew I was gay, but what consequences would this produce? The important thing in my mind was to be able to see Dave. I sat quietly waiting.

"Mom," Dave said with his head down. “It's not what you think. We were taking a nap."

She lowered her hands and walked over to the bed. She sat down on the other side of Dave and exhaled.

"Dave, we can't keep your father in the dark any longer. It's not right."

With that, she put an arm around his back and one across his chest and pulled him close to her. She massaged his head and said, "The realtor is on deck talking with your father. I have to join them for a drink. We'll talk about this later. Val, does your mother know?"

"No," I said. "It would be a big problem if she did."

"You guys compose yourselves, then come up and say hello."

She closed the door behind her and we could hear her making drinks in the galley.

"Shit! What's going to happen?" I asked Dave.

"I'm not sure, but I think Dad is about to find out about us."

We looked each other in the eye as we sat on the edge of the bed. Dave was awfully quiet, and I wondered what he was thinking. He looked at me for a few long moments and then started laughing.

"How can you laugh at a time like this?"

"I don't know. There isn't much I can do about it, though. Come on, let's straighten up the bed and grab a beer. If we're going to get in trouble let's make it worthwhile."

After the realtor left, the four of us sat there looking at each other. Dave's mother was alternating her focus between Dave and I, it made us both uncomfortable.

Dave's father was staring at him, and I almost broke into a grin. I managed to control myself, though. I know when Mom gets mad, it's like stoking the fire if I think it's funny.

"Who authorized you two to drink beer?" he asked. Then he bore into me with his eyes like it was my idea or something.

I was feeling the pressure because he didn't look away. I returned his stare with a contrite expression. Yikes, this is getting serious. I couldn't handle it anymore, so I looked away for just a moment and then at Dave. I didn't know what to say; his Dad was nice enough but, hell’s bells, I hardly knew the guy. I shifted my weight in the chair and cleared my throat.

"I don't know,” I finally said, only because Dave was sitting there, mute as a doornail.

He relented and gave us a lecture about drinking. He went over all the medical reasons why teenagers shouldn't drink. His monologue actually became interesting, and I think I learned something from it. I had no idea all those things came into play when a person drank, especially a teenager. His talk, aside from being informative, was more along the lines of a scolding. We both appreciated it; there were no serious punishments to endure.

We were both glad that his mother didn't bring up the issue that was foremost in our minds. We gave each other a knowing look.

The next day we fished, trolling with lures, and we had a blast. Dave and I both caught a King Mackerel, then his Dad made us clean them at the marina when we got back. I hated that part. It was a smelly, messy job. When we finished, we had fish slime all over us. I didn't know how anyone could eat those things after an experience like that. On the way back to the boat, I said,

"You're rather quiet. You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine … just thinking."

I nudged him with my shoulder forcing a smile to his face. It seemed a little unusual for Dave since he was always smiling and joking around, ever the extrovert.

Dave's father threw the fish in a cooler, and I volunteered to get some ice from the restaurant. I asked him if it was okay to go back to work. He said between my suntan and healing that my bruises were nearly unnoticeable. He wanted to know if I had any more dizzy spells. I lied and told him no; I didn't want to lose my job over the ordeal.

We took an empty cooler to the restaurant, and looked Charlie up. We found him in the kitchen with Marla, so I told him I had clearance to come back to work. He was glad to hear it and instructed me to be there tomorrow at the usual time. He let us take some ice from the ice machine, only because no one else was around. He said it was against policy because the marina sold ice and didn't give it away.

I wanted to know about a uniform since mine was beyond hope.

"Charlie?"

"Yeah?'

"My uniform was ruined. How do I go about getting another one?" I cringed wondering if he was going to make me pay.

He looked around to see if anyone heard my question. The three of us were alone so he took Dave and I into the stock room. He put two new uniforms in a brown paper bag and told us to get the hell out of there and keep our mouths shut. We laughed and I thanked him before leaving.

After we dumped the ice in the cooler, I thanked Dave's parents for a great time, telling them how much I appreciated it. They were gracious and said they were glad I came along to keep Dave company. I thought that was the best part of the trip and told them so. I was sure his mother was reading between the lines and I thought I detected a lilt in her expression.

Dave said he'd walk me home and carried my fish in a plastic trash bag. I stuffed my new uniforms in my pack and slung it over my shoulder.

The walk home was quiet. Dave wasn't saying anything, and I wondered what was wrong with him. I touched him a couple times and his response was cordial but somehow aloof. When our shack came into view, it was a bit of a downer, a reality check. The past couple days had been like a dream being away from here with Dave, but I was home now. The pathetic truth was glaring at me, raising its ugly head not to be ignored. We settled into the swing on the front porch.

"Val?"

"Yeah."

"Don't get mad over what I have to say; okay?"

I looked at him funny.

"Why would I get mad at you?"

"Well … maybe not mad. But, ah … we're going home tomorrow."

I froze in place. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Sure, I knew it would come eventually but I didn't think it would be tomorrow. Why? I don't know; it could have been any day. Tomorrow was as bad a day as any for him to leave. I took a moment to assess the impact of his words.

I felt lonely and abandoned already. He wasn't even gone and I was missing him. My dream come true was turning into a nightmare with every passing second, slipping away. God, it was an empty feeling, like watching a sinking ship slowly succumb to the sea. There was nothing I could do.

Dave stood up and pulled me to my feet. We hugged putting our arms around each other. I rested my head in the small of his neck and sighed. ‘What could be worse than this?’ I asked myself. I couldn't think of anything.

I felt a wet tear land on my shoulder and I blinked away two of my own, making sure they didn't land on him. I stroked his back, savoring what well may be our last embrace. I pulled my head back and kissed him on the mouth. It was the sweetest, saddest kiss I had ever known.

"I wish you didn't have to go."

He was quiet for a few moments then said, "Me, too. Me, too," with a froggy voice. Then he started to shake slightly.

I squeezed him, not wanting to let go and knowing that I had to. How could I let him go? Just stand there and watch him walk away? I didn't think I could do that. God dammit all to hell … life sucks. What's the point of it all?

I leaned my head back and placed my hands on either side of his head. I stared at the beautiful person in front of me. He was gorgeous. Yeah, I said gorgeous. But the best part of him was on the inside. This warm, caring, easy going guy; this guy named Dave; MY Dave was leaving! I put my arms around him again to hide my face. I didn't want him to see me get teary.

Mom turned her car off the road toward our shack. I let Dave go and we sat down on the swing, drying our eyes on our bare shoulders. She paused on the front porch with a bag of groceries and looked at the two of us sitting there quietly.

"How come the long faces?" was all she said.

She knew me well enough to know something was wrong.

I gave her a quick sideways glance and said, "Dave's going home tomorrow."

I said it like I was announcing the end of the world, and it was as far as I was concerned.

She asked about our trip, neither one of us could give her an enthusiastic account. It didn't seem real now. It was decimated by the assertion of the cold, calloused fact that Dave was leaving.

She decided to leave us alone and went inside.

"I guess I better get going,” Dave said.

I almost started crying again. Those were the ugliest words I ever heard. How could he even say that?

"I'll walk you to the road," I said trying hard to swallow the lump in my throat.

We rose and made our way slowly to the road. I walked him beyond the edge of our yard where the woods cut off the view of our shack. I pulled him into another hug, and we stood there quiet and motionless; neither one of us was wanting or willing to separate.

"I'll call you," Dave said. "I hope we can see each other soon."

"Me, too. Do you think you'll be back this way?"

"I don't know. Dad works some pretty crazy hours. I don't know if he has anymore time off this summer or not. It doesn't matter, though. I'll be back if I have to steal Mom's car. I promise."

Now was the time to say goodbye, and I couldn't bring myself to do it. I kissed him and said, "I'll see you later," my eyes were leaking like Niagara. I couldn't fathom the word ‘goodby’; it sounded too permanent.

He was having his own hell on earth. He kissed his hand and held it to my chest then we both cried as I put my hand over his. A few moments passed and he turned to go. I watched him as he walked away. It was the hardest thing I had ever done.

After a minute or so I loudly called out, "DAVE."

He turned around and looked back. He raised his hand with an open palm for a few seconds, and I did, too. I could see the tears streaming down his face.

I watched until he was out of sight, sobbing with every parting step. I was watching the best thing that ever happened to me disappear; just like that, one step at a time. When he was gone, I sat in the brush at the edge of the road and cried myself weak, wondering if I would ever see him again. God! This is one fucked up life I have going.

The next morning I lay awake in bed looking out the window. I felt like Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz" waiting for that familiar face to appear in the window after a bad dream. It wasn't to be, though; this wasn't some fairy tale; it was life—cold and cruel as it may be—this is it.

I put one pillow between my legs and hugged the other one, pretending it was

Dave. Then I kissed it! I sighed and put it back under my head. I closed my eyes, and put my hands behind my head. I spread my legs and wished Dave were there to climb on top of me, to hold on to. When that didn't happen, I decided to get up.

Mom left the coffee pot on so I poured myself a cup. I sat down and stared at the tabletop. I put my head on the table and looked around the room. It looked screwy from that angle so I straightened up again. I took my coffee outside and sat in the swing. I tried to imagine Dave sitting next to me like yesterday, but it wasn't the same. Dave was gone. I felt the seat of the swing where he sat.

"I love you, Dave," I said aloud.

It would have been brave if someone were there to witness it. Brave or not, it was the truth, my truth. Why didn't I tell him? I placed my arm on the backrest of the swing as if Dave were sitting there. I looked at him and smiled. Then I kissed him. Actually, it was the air I kissed, but it was the best I could do.

My coffee was empty so I got up for a refill. I hugged the porch post, pretending it was Dave, but it was too skinny; it wasn't the same and it didn't hug me back.

I cleaned myself up and noticed while I combed my hair that I had fuzz on my face. It was sun bleached and looked dirty so I found a pack of throwaway razors and cleaned myself up.

I had to get a grip and get on with it, get something going, anything. I packed up and went to the marina. I was hoping that my old routine would help.

I parked myself on the pier in my usual position. I looked at the slip where Dave's family moored their boat. It was empty, and so was my spirit. I recalled the first day they arrived. That was the day I saw Dave on deck helping his father. God, he was magnificent. No, he is magnificent! It was depressing, so I rolled over on my stomach and closed my eyes. I didn't have the slightest inclination to go swimming.

I looked up to see if Mike and Steve were there. They would understand. When I surveyed the marina, their boat was missing so I lay back down on my stomach. God, will I ever be able to get over Dave? I swear I'll never forget him, ever. If I had a car, I would go anywhere to see him, and that would be enough for me. If I could just see him again. I would tell him exactly how I felt. I would tell him that I love him; what he means to me and how good he makes me feel.

It was time for work so I forced myself to the restaurant. I changed in the bathroom and when I went into the dining room, that asshole Kris was standing there.

"So your boyfriend is gone, huh?" he said with a smirk on his face.

"Go fuck yourself,” I said with conviction and I meant every word of it, the term asshole seemed too good for him. And how the hell did he know anyway? Doesn't he have enough business of his own without getting into other people's shit?

Bud, the jerk who was pissed that I was promoted so quickly, taunted me, too. He was calling me ‘faggot’ and ‘white trash’ and ‘cocksucker’—the usual stuff—under his breath all night. I knew Kris and he were two of the guys who accosted me that night on the way home.

Bud, I could understand; he was a redneck jerk. But Kris? Why would he want to be part of it? He was queer, for Christ sake. The only thing I could come up with was that he was trying to deflect any doubts the others might have about his sexuality, a real local yokel. God, I had to get out of here.

Kris was older and taller than me, so he thought I was easy to intimidate. He would shove me and call me names in the kitchen, and I was getting sick and tired of it … fed up. I found Charlie and told him I was going to kick Kris’s ass after work. Charlie said to make sure it was off the premises or he would be forced to fire both of us. I couldn't care less where it happened. I would beat that asshole to a bloody pulp and leave him for dead if I could, so help me God.

After work the two of them were nowhere to be found and I was grateful for that. On the way home, it occurred to me that they might be staging another ambush. I walked along the ditch until I found a hefty stick that could double as a club.

As I walked, I wondered what Dave was doing and if he was missing me. Maybe he had a friend and forgot about me. He did mention that he fooled around with another guy. I exhaled and noticed the glow of a cigarette in the dark off to the side.

I tightened my grip on my makeshift club and moved to the opposite side of the road. I thought a couple of good whacks would stun them and then I'd run like hell.

The person was sitting on a downed tree trunk beyond the ditch.

"Hi, Val."

It was Kris's voice.

What the hell does he want? I ignored him and kept on walking. This could only mean trouble. He started trotting in my direction to catch up. I stopped and raised the small limb I was holding with two hands and spread my legs for leverage.

"Whoa, take it easy, Val. I just want to talk to you."

"I have nothing to say to you. Stay away from me if you know what's good for you."

"Easy, man. Take it easy. Put that thing down; I just wanna talk; okay?"

"Not okay. I mean it. Stay away from me."

He wouldn't quit. He kept pleading and trying to assure me that everything was okay. It was either walk backwards like this or talk to him so I gave in, but I didn't let my guard down.

I resumed walking and he put his arm around me saying how attractive I was. I flung it off and moved away from him.

"Leave me alone, asshole."

"Aw, come on, babe. Don't be like that. Your boyfriend's gone. It's just you and me now. You didn't think he would stay with poor white trash like you, did ya? I'll treat ya right."

He angled toward me and wrapped his arms around me trying to kiss me. I shook my head so he couldn't touch my mouth with his; the thought of it was repugnant.

I pushed him away and warned him again to leave me alone or else. He came at me with a force that knocked me off balance and into the ditch. He had me on my back and started pushing his erection into my stomach. I could feel his hardness through the material of his pants.

"You teasing little bitch. You know you want my cock. I'm gonna make you feel good."

He had both my wrists pinned to the ground and was trying to kiss me. I rolled my head from side to side and spat as he made occasional contact with my mouth. It was disgusting.

"Get off me, you sick bastard."

I started arching my back trying to buck and throw him off.

He buried his face in the small of my neck and said low, "Stop it, babe. It's going to be beautiful … like you. You're going to love my cock inside of you. You'll see."

I stopped thrashing about, it was useless with his dead weight on top of me. I was out of breath.

He sat up and smiled. "That's better, babe. You're gonna love this, I promise."

I raised my legs, hooked them around his head and pulled him backward in one quick motion. He landed on his back and I scurried to my feet. I grabbed my pack and took off running.

I was panting and gasping for air when I made it home. I sat on the porch swing trying to catch my breath. A few minutes later when my breathing became regular, my eyes started to moisten.

This isn't going so well. Dave went home and left me here alone. What a fool I was to get involved with him. Now everyone knows I'm gay, and he left me here to suffer through this. How much longer will it be before Kris gets help? All he needs is one other person and I'll be screwed, literally. God, I have to get out of here. But how? I lowered my head to my knees and cried. I wanted Dave to hold on to and feel safe with.

"I love you, Dave,” I said softly to myself between muffled sobs.

As pathetic as it sounded, it was the only thing I had to cling to. I didn't know if I'd ever see him again or if he even cared, for that matter. I guess he probably doesn't give a damn. Why should he? He's from a well-to-do family. He's got something to look forward to. Me? I can't see my way out of here anytime soon, if ever.

The next morning, Mom woke me up and wanted us to have breakfast together. I was glad she did. I couldn't tell her everything, but we were back to being best friends now. Now that Dave was gone, that is. Not forgotten, just gone.

"Honey, I have to go to New Orleans with my boss for a meeting and I want you to come with me."

"What about work, Mom?"

"Can't you get a couple days off?"

"Mom, I just had a couple days off. Charlie's gonna fire me if I take off again."

"I don't want you staying here alone. It's bad enough as it is now. I can't go out of town and leave you on your own."

Damn. I had hoped to tell Charlie about what happened last night and maybe get Kris fired. Or, at the very least, have Charlie on his case so bad that something might happen. If I have to take off for a few more days, then he can't count on me; and I wouldn't be there to maybe get Kris' job if he gets fired.

Mom told me which days I needed to take off then she stood before leaving. I gave her a big hug and held on to her for a few seconds. When we parted, she smiled and kissed me, and I loved it. Yeah, I love my Mom; she's the only person in this world I can count on.

I watched her pull away and thought about everything that happened to us since Dad died. I don't know how she does it, but she keeps putting one foot in front of the other. She's an amazing woman; she's my mother!

I did what I had to do and headed for the marina. As I walked the road leading to the water, I couldn't help but think. What if I went to New Orleans with Mom and called Dave? Maybe I could see him. I gave him my phone number but forgot to get his. Information would have it but there's so many Guidry's it's not funny. His father's name is Don and he's a doctor, that would be darn good start!

I heard a car coming down the road behind me and I turned around to have a look. It was Charlie so I stuck my thumb out. He stopped and picked me up.

"Thanks, Charlie. How are ya?"

"Good. You're heading in early, today."

"Yeah, can I tell you something?"

"Sure, spit it out."

I told him about the previous night and what happened with Kris. I gave him every sordid detail and he listened intently. I was careful not to enhance it. I wanted it to sound and be as accurate as possible. He had his lips pursed as I related the story. When I was done he nodded and said to leave it to him. He had a smirk on his face and I was pleased with myself having given a compelling account of the facts.

"Charlie? There's something else."

"Good Lord, kid, what now? You have more issues than the U.N."

I told him about Mom having to go to New Orleans for a couple-three days. I mentioned my thought about Dave and said I would love to see him. I said work was a sure thing and Dave was … well … I just wasn't sure how that would work out. I said I wanted to stay here and work, Charlie liked the sound of that.

When I finished he said, "So you don't need time off then? I'm not sure what you're telling me."

"Charlie, I need a babysitter. Well actually a ‘little man’ sitter, as Mom would say, so I can stay here and work."

He laughed.

"So you want me to babysit you?"

"Yeah; will ya do it?"

"What will your mother say?"

"I'll never know if I don't ask. So you'll do it?"

"I suppose,” he said shaking his head and grinning.

During work that night, Kris avoided me like the plague, I was tickled. Charlie had taken him aside and had a private conversation with him. I hoped he was setting Kris up for a pink-slip. Nothing would make me feel better, unless Dave were to suddenly show up but that didn't seem very likely.

I asked Charlie if I could help him close up and get a ride home, and he agreed. Before Marla left, she asked me if I was hungry. I told her I was, so she put together a plate of spinach lasagna and garlic toast then nuked it before she left.

The next morning I was up early and started the coffee pot. I prepared bagels for the toaster and sliced some melon. I went to Mom's door and knocked.

"Are you up, ‘little lady’?"

I heard a chuckle inside. Then she said, "Yes; what's for breakfast?"

"Hurry up, Mom, I have to talk to you before you go to work."

She finished her routine and came to the kitchen.

"Wow, Mom, you look great! Is that a new dress?"

"Yes, you like it?" she said as she spun around.

The hem flared as she turned, then gently came to rest. Damn, she looked glamorous. I was beaming with pride at my beautiful mother. I noticed she was wearing the bracelet I gave her; it gave me a warm feeling. She sat down and I filled her coffee cup.

"Mom, Charlie said he would 'little-man-sit' so I could keep working if it was okay with you."

I was trying to make light and show enthusiasm so she would buy into the idea.

She looked away pensively. I was holding my breath and counting the seconds. Come on, Mom, show some kind of sign—a smile, a frown, anything. After a few moments, she was driving me nuts. I started tapping my finger on the table. Oh, Mom, oh, Mom, come on! I felt like one of those transformers that buzz in a neon sign.

"Mom?"

"Honey, I don't know Charlie. I've never met him. I don't want to leave my only child with a stranger. What kind of mother would do that?"

"A very caring and loving one; a mother like you!"

She chuckled.

"Let me think about it, ‘little man’. I have to get going or I'll be late."

We stood up together giving each other a hug. I walked her to the front door. I patted her on the rump and she hit my hand.

"Watch your manners, ‘little man’." She was smiling when she said it.

"I'll ask Charlie to stop by and say hello so the ‘little lady’ can meet him. He's very responsible, he's the manager, and he's old, too."

I managed to get my 'little' dig in there, and felt good about it.

Mom waved goodbye and drove away. The conversation didn't go all that bad; at least she didn't say no. Before I get done with her, she'll agree to it just to get me off her back. And besides, who wouldn't like Charlie? He's a good guy … for an older dude.

Things worked out, and I was able to stay behind while Mom attended her meeting in New Orleans. The morning she was to leave, she packed and tried to give me some money. I told her I had plenty of money for anything I needed and said I was going to freeload at the restaurant for meals. We hugged then I wished her luck. She said she would call me every morning at Charlie's house. I put her suitcase in the trunk of the car and watched her drive off.

I gathered the things that I thought I would need at Charlie's place and stuffed them in my pack. It was no big deal since we had to pass by our shack twice a day in case I forgot something. As I was getting ready to leave and wait for Charlie by the road, the phone rang. It was unusual because we hardly ever got phone calls.

"Hello?"

"Val? Is that you?"

"DAVE! Oh, my god, how are you?" My heart almost beat its way out of my chest. "I miss you! Are you coming back? I can't wait to see you."

I was ecstatic with joy at the sound of his voice and completely lacking inhibitions. He called me! He really does care! God, I miss him so much.

"Geez, easy, Val, you're gonna blow my eardrums out."

"God, Dave, I miss you so much. Are you coming back?"

"I asked Mom if I could come for a visit, and she said she would think about it. I can't drive though. She definitely won't let me take the car. I have to go by bus if I do. Where have you been? I must have called ten times, there was no answer."

That made me feel great. He actually did call, and dumb ass me wasn't here to answer. The hell with it; I was talking to him now; that's all that mattered. I wanted to tell him how much I loved him, but over the phone didn't seem quite right. And what if he got all weird about it and hung up? I didn't want that to happen for sure. But I'm going to tell him the next time I see him. I'm going to say, 'Dave Guidry, I love you,' then I'm going to kiss him!

"Just here Dave. I guess the timing has been off and we don't have an answering machine. I'm gonna buy one, though, so I can call you back if no one is here."

I took Dave's phone number so Mom could call his mother after I talked to her. I also gave him Charlie's number and filled him in on that. Then he talked me into getting a cell phone. I didn't want to spend the money but if it meant never missing his call then it would be worth it.

After work that night, I went to Charlie's house with him and met his partner, Bill, a fact we conveniently neglected to mention to Mom. I liked Charlie's partner; he was as nice as Charlie. They had a well-kept house on the outskirts of town with a fenced yard and the cutest little dog named Frisky. He was a West Highland Terrier, according to Bill, and we took an immediate liking to each other.

Bill managed a private club in Venice, Louisiana, further south. It was the

Southern most point accessible by car on The Great River Road, as it was called. They showed me to the guest room then we all wished each other goodnight.

The next morning, I was the first one up. Frisky was following me around the house as soon as I left the bedroom. I found everything and started the coffee maker. I went to the front door and opened it for some fresh air. The paper was on the porch so I brought it in placing it on the kitchen table then sat down. I could get used to a house like this. It was a heck of a lot better than our shack.

We had a light breakfast and I asked Charlie if he wanted to walk into town with me. I told him I was going to buy a cell phone and asked him how much they cost. I told him I only had five hundred dollars with me and wasn't sure if that would be enough. He assured me that it was enough to buy a few of them and chuckled.

I didn't care. I wanted it so I could talk to Dave and was planning to call him as soon as I got my hands on one.

Charlie didn't want to go so I took the dog with me; they said he needed the exercise. I liked having the little white bundle of energy with me; he was cute and friendly as could be. The passersby all stopped to pet him and he loved the attention.

On the way back to Charlie and Bill's, I paused on a bench at a bus stop to program Dave's number into the phone. Next I entered home, then Charlie's number, and the restaurant's, and I was ready to make my first call.

I got the answering machine at Dave's house and left him a message with my cell number. Then I called Charlie, and Bill answered. I gave him my cell number, and he said that Mom had just called. I wrote her room number and the number of the hotel in the dirt and called her. She didn't answer so I left my cell number with the message service adding that I loved her, then hung up. I knew she would like that, and it made me feel good, too. Oh, yeah … and it was the truth.

I strutted back to Charlie's house feeling rather cavalier with my newly expanded horizon. I knocked on the front door, and Bill yelled for me to come in, saying that I didn't have to knock. I showed him my new phone—all proud of myself—and he admired it with a snicker.

"What's so funny, Bill?"

"You. It's just like a kid to be proud of his first cell phone."

"I'm not a kid, Bill, just so you know."

He raised one eyebrow when I said that and started laughing in a mocking kind of way.

That sort of irked me so I said, "Okay; see if I call you with it." I didn't say it in a mean way. It was more like saying, `so there'.

I knew he didn't give a hoot, but it was my way of getting even.

Then the darn thing started ringing. Bill handed it to me saying the call was from Donald Guidry. I took the phone and started walking to the front porch. Why would Dave's father be calling me? It made me nervous.

It was Dave and he said the home phone was in his father's name so that's why it showed up like that. Hell, it was all news to me and kinda cool, too. Dave said his mother would let him leave on Sunday to come visit for three days.

I couldn't believe my ears. I let out a loud cheer! I was going to see him again! I rolled around on the front porch whooping and pumping my fist in the air. Yelping as I did it. Dave's coming to town! It was better than Santa Claus!

Dave was laughing on the other end, too. He was happy.

I told him Mom was in New Orleans until Saturday but I would be talking to her, hopefully later today, and get her to call his mother from there. Before we hung up, Dave said he had something to tell me when he saw me and it made my heart race. I knew what I had to say to him and couldn't wait to kiss and tell.

We said goodbye, and I let a long drawn out exhale escape me. I was sitting on the porch and eased down on my back staring at the roof. Dave, Dave, Dave. I wished he were here now to smother me with kisses and hugs and cover me with his body. I would kiss his beautiful mouth until it was sore and squeeze him until he nearly passed out!

Charlie was standing inside the screen door, "What's all the commotion about?"

"Dave's coming to visit this Sunday." I jumped up and opened the door.

"Hey, Charlie, look at my new phone" then I presented it to him.

He started chuckling too.

"What's so darn funny about a phone? Bill laughed, too."

"I wish I had one this nice, that's all," he said as he handed it back to me.

He turned around so I couldn't see his face and went to the kitchen giggling as he left. Grownups, go figure!

We went to work early that day. Charlie said it was Thursday and he had to be there to check in the deliveries. He also said that I was going to put them away and learn how to rotate stock. I didn't care. Dave was coming on Sunday and I was elated with the idea and really appreciated Charlie letting me stay with him. In fact, it occurred to me, I should buy him and Bill a little gift as a token of my appreciation. I decided to do that the next morning before work.

"Charlie?"

"Yeah?"

"Did you ever want to get out of here? I mean move away or something?"

"There was a time. Why do you ask?"

"I don't know. The area seems pretty redneck. And I've had my fair share of trouble since we moved here."

"I wanted to leave before I met Bill but that was a long time ago. We like it here now; we're happy with the way things are."

I thought about what Charlie said. I wondered if I could be happy somewhere with Dave. I know I love him. I mean really love him. I wasn't quite sure how or when it happened but it did. I would do anything for him, as long as it wasn't illegal or criminal. I wished it were Sunday; the anticipation was driving me batty.

That night on the way back to Charlie's place, he told me that Bud and Kris had been given their notice when they punched out. They were fired, gone, a thing of the past. I was wearing a grin from ear to ear at the news.

"You don't have to look so happy at someone else's misfortune," Charlie said.

"Ditto, Charlie, you're grinning too,” then I made a fist and extended my arm. “Yeah, Charlie's da man!"

He couldn't help himself and started laughing. I couldn't help joining in. I was so happy to hear it; I couldn't contain my exuberance.

"You're a waiter now Val and Rob is a bus boy."

"Oh, poor Marla is back to doing dishes by herself again. I'll help her when I finish my work."

"Would you rather wash dishes with Marla?"

"NO WAY, CHARLIE! I didn't mean it like that. I said I would help her. Geez

Louise! Give me a break."

We both laughed some more on the way to his place. I sincerely hoped that was the end of Kris. I was aware of the fact that he knew where I lived and worked; I just wanted to be done with the SOB.

I sort of wished that Charlie was my Dad sometimes, and this was one of them. I don't mean to say he's a pushover, 'cause he isn’t. He can be tough when he wants to. After all, he did fire two guys today. One thing I do have to say about him is that he's fair and he's got a good sense of humor for an older guy. I like him.

I called Mom on my cell from Charlie and Bill's and woke her up. I forgot that her hours are a lot different than mine so I apologized. She said she got my message and called me back, but I didn't answer. That was confusing; I had my phone in my pocket all day, oh well.

I gave her Dave's phone number and she said she would call his mother in the morning. I made her promise that she was going to say it was okay with her. We said our 'luv ya's', then hung up. Everything was on track for Sunday!

Bill asked me to take Frisky for a walk before I got ready for bed, so I did. After a couple blocks, I thought it was rather mean to keep the dog on a leash so I undid it to let him roam around and sniff shit, well not literally, but you get the picture.

Well the damn thing took off running and wouldn't come when he was called. I ran after the little bastard and chased him across streets, into people's yard anywhere he could run. The little fucker would wait until I almost had him and would take off running again. I coaxed him with my sweetest most convincing voice but he laughed at me. I told him I wasn't going to hurt him, but I think he was reading my mind.

I finally had to stop chasing him, I was exhausted. It had been a good hour and I couldn't go back without him. Charlie and Bill loved the delinquent little mongrel. I was resting on the curb when the little fugitive came up to me sniffing my hands. I apprehended him by the collar and hitched him up.

"You little prick," I scolded him.

He sat on his haunches looking at me like nothing happened. I could have wrung his neck then and there.

Saturday morning I started the coffee pot, put the paper on the table, and left Charlie and Bill a note, saying that I walked into town with the little hellion.

I browsed the store windows on Main Street until I found an interesting one. I could see a woman moving around behind the counter so I knocked on the door. She came to the glass and said they didn't open until ten. I pleaded with her and she let me in. I told her I had to be to work by ten and needed a gift for a special friend. She smiled and let me look around while she went about her business.

I found a stuffed version of Frisky and showed it to him. He started growling at the toy making me laugh. I put it on the counter it was only thirteen dollars, what the hell. I had to find something rather nice for Charlie and Bill but not too expensive. Otherwise, I would have been money ahead to go with Mom.

There was a four-leaf clover pressed between two pieces of glass with a stainless steel frame and stand. It was only twenty-two dollars so I picked it up. I thought it would make a great gift, a lucky charm. It would be a nice gesture of good will so I bought it.

At their house, I gave the gift box to Charlie and Bill who were both seated at the kitchen table drinking coffee and reading the paper. I set it on the table so they could decide who should open it and thanked them for letting me stay there.

"You didn't have to do that, Val," Charlie said.

"I know, but I wanted to. You didn't have to let me stay here either, so we're even."

Charlie laughed and pushed it toward Bill. He lifted the lid off the gift box and folded the crepe paper away.

"Oh, that's very nice and very thoughtful," he said before holding it up for Charlie to inspect.

"Very nice; I like it a lot," Charlie said.

"Me, too," Bill added. "What's in the bag?"

I pulled the stuffed version of Frisky out and held it up. Charlie and Bill had a weird look on their face then looked at each other.

"It's for his serene highness" I said and placed it in front of their 'kid'.

They both laughed and the little white devil started snarling at it. He took it in his mouth and started shaking it from side to side as he growled. We all laughed like hell.

Saturday, Charlie didn't normally go into work until noon. I knew Mom would be home before that but I didn't press Charlie to leave early. After all, he was good enough to let me stay with him so why push it?

I technically didn't have to be there until three so I asked Charlie to drop me off on his way and told him I would be in soon. I thanked him again then he drove off.

Mom was in the kitchen drinking coffee and working a crossword. I dropped my things by the door and walked over to give her a big hug.

"How did the meeting go, Mom?"

"Real good. Our factory is doing the best out of all of them. My boss got a big bonus."

"How about you Mom? Did they give you a bonus?"

"No, honey, my position isn't eligible for a bonus. But something nice happened."

"Mom, did you forget that ‘honey’ is what bees make?"

"Tough luck. You'll always be my honey, so get used to it."

"Okay, Mom."

When she put it that way it sounded kind of good, and I liked it; what the hell; she's my mother, and I was glad to see her. I rubbed her shoulder and sat down opposite her.

"What happened that was nice?"

"I was asked out on a date by a very handsome man. Almost as handsome as my little man."

"MOOOM! I swear to God."

She started laughing her ass off. What the heck got into her while she was gone? Oh no! I didn't want to think about that. Not my mother; it can't be, no way. But she is awfully attractive, glamorous actually, when she wants to be. Oh, God, I wonder if she did it! The thought was too gruesome, so I set it aside.

"Did you talk with Dave's mother?"

"Yes, I did. We decided it wouldn't be a good idea for the two of you to be alone here unsupervised."

I couldn't believe her words. What was I going to do? Mom let me down! How could she do it? Fuck it, fuck it, fuck me! I was back to square one and that's nowhere at all. Alone! Alone without Dave or any idea when I might see him again, if ever. I put my arms on the table and lowered my head on them. I felt like a trapdoor to hell just opened under me.

To be continued...

I would like to acknowledge Wayne for his help in keeping me focused or on track, and Chris for his help in editing and proof-reading.

Posted: 10/09/09