The Professor and Sean I
By: Scotty
(Copyright 2006 by the author)
 

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

Chapter 11

I

I followed Sean into the bathroom to the large shower with shower heads coming from many directions. Sean turned on the water which came flowing out in all directions. At the very back of the shower was a wide stream of water which mimicked a small water fall. It was a luxurious feeling to have the warm water flowing from so many sides.

"Let's not soap up right now, please?" said Sean.

Sean knelt down on the shower floor. He looked up at me with almost pleading eyes.

"Piss on me, Ry. Piss in my face and all over me. I want this, Ry. Please."

"Sean, I don't know. I will try. Be patient with me."

I took my soft cock into my hand and let my bladder know that it was okay to release. A feeble little stream of piss started out of my cock, but as I relaxed more, the stream got bigger and soon I was pissing all over Sean's face and back. Suddenly, he opened his mouth wide and started to take some of the piss into his mouth. Without warning, he took my cock into his mouth and swallowed my piss as it streamed out of my cock. Finally my piss stopped and Sean wouldn't take my cock from his mouth, and his tongue worked magic and I was hard and hot again, and Sean sucked me until I shot a load down his throat. I started to soften again and Sean took my cock from his mouth, licked it carefully and then kissed it. He rose from his knees and kissed me.

"That was awesome, Ry. Awesome!"

Without thinking, I sank to my knees and looked up at Sean. He knew what I wanted and took his limp cock into his hand and started to piss on my face and head. It was warm and didn't smell bad at all. I opened my mouth and took some of his piss into my mouth. There was no unpleasant taste. I reached for his cock and took it into my mouth and he continued to fill me with his hot piss. It was a wonderful feeling, a closeness to Sean that I had not experienced before. His urine stopped and I began to suck his cock which hardened quickly, I pushed a couple of fingers into his love chute as I sucked and suddenly he filled me with his hot cum. I swallowed every drop. It was wonderful!

"That was awesome, Sean. Awesome!"

We finished our shower with sensual washing of each other. Sean's bruises were disappearing and he didn't cringe when I soaped him thoroughly. After we rinsed off completely, we walked naked to the whirlpool tub where we sat next to each other and kissed and hugged and relaxed.

"This is so comfortable. My body is beginning to feel like it's mine again. This is so nice!" said a relaxed Sean.

We stayed in the whirlpool for a little longer, but it was obvious that Sean was sleepy. I knew I had to get him into bed, this time for some serious sleep.

"Sean, baby, come on, time to towel off and get into bed. And, baby, this time for sleep only. You really need some rest and sleep. I broke the doctor's orders once tonight, but not again. Let's move."

"Wow, if it isn't Professor Taylor. Yes, sir, I will obey. Why? Because I love you, sir. To bed, to sleep, perchance to dream of you, lover. That's was a terrible bit of fractured Shakespeare."

"Don't worry, it's obviously because you are sleepily. Listen to this line, "Goodnight, sweet prince, and flights of angels take thee to thy rest." Come on, baby. It's time for sleep."

We fell onto the bed. I spooned up to Sean's back, kissed his neck, turned off the lights. After some initial kissed and feeling, we fell asleep. I had prayed before dropping off to sleep that Sean would not have another of his recurring nightmares.

********

We slept very late. It was almost noon when we kissed each other as a welcome to what we hoped would be a happy day. Sean's birthday was now only two weeks away. I wondered if the townhouse would be ready so that I could give him the piano. Interestingly, no one would discuss the townhouse with me or Sean. Sometime was going on, and we decided again to 'let sleeping dogs lie' rather than upset anyone.

We found our hosts on the deck at the back of the house. Rog was immediately on his feet and in the kitchen where he prepared a brunch for us. It was now well after noon. Sean still looked weary. Greg, smiled a lot at Sean.

"Well, my young man, I guess that you are almost completely recovered from your injuries? It sounded pretty bad at one point last night, but Rog discovered that it was love making and not anything else. It inspired us to some hearty love making. So, I want to thank you for that, Sean." said Greg.

"Hey, man, don't just thank me. Thank the man who made me scream with pleasure, your friend and mine, Dr. Ryan Taylor. He is an expert at more things than Shakespeare. But I won't be more specific than that. I can attest to his talents, Greg." said Sean with a laugh.

"What Sean doesn't understand is that because he is so horny and beautiful that I am turned into what he considers the world's best lover. And, by the way, Greg, Sean is top drawer when it comes to making love. He takes my breath away and takes me to places I never thought I would go."

"Sounds interesting, but I know that you and Sean are committed. This is unfortunate for a stud like me." said Greg.

"Who's a stud?" asked Rog as he came out onto the deck.

"Greg says he's a stud and if Ry and I weren't committed he might want to play around with us, or maybe he means just Ryan." said a laughing Sean.

"If I catch him playing around with anyone except `moi" I will cut off his nuts and serve them to him in a stew!" said Rog with an enormous smile on his face.

"Now, honey," said Greg, "don't get yourself upset. Looking and thinking isn't doing. And by the way, Rog, don't tell me you haven't had some wandering eyes for these two hotties."

"I will never tell," said Rog, "and you should never ask. You might not like the answer."

"Enough, enough. We are not available, either of us. We love you guys more than you can imagine, but not in that way. If we ever decide to explore sex with other hot guys, you two are at the top of our list. But for now, we'll just enjoy each other. Right Sean?"

"Right!" said Sean.

"Well, brunch is ready, so into the dining room, grab a plate, help yourself and then we can come back out here to eat." instructed Rog.

Rog had laid out a wonderful buffet with scrambled eggs, ham, fresh fruit, cold roast beef, all kinds of salads, beautiful rolls and breads, bacon, OJ, coffee, tea, soda, and a number of things I can't remember at the moment. We all fixed our plates and I noticed that Sean was very careful with what he took. Not only that but he didn't take the quantity that you would expect a young stud to consume. I would ask him later when we were alone if he felt okay. He had not looked or acted like himself this morning. The weary look had not been replaced by the spirited personable Sean I knew and loved.

After returning to the deck, Greg put on some background music. It was soothing. We all enjoyed the food, chattng about nothing in particular. I noticed that Sean didn't even eat the little the he had put on his plate. He kept looking at me as if he wanted to be somewhere else. I held off suggesting that we go take a nap for a long time.

After Rog had brought out ice cream and a great chocolate cake, and we had all filled ourselves with the dessert, I ventured to say that after all that food, I for one, wouldn't mind a nap. After today, it would be a long week for both Sean and me back at State. No one objected, so Sean and I thanked Rog and Greg and left for our room.

I closed the door behind me, and as I did, Sean came into my arms.

"Just hold me, please Ry. Just hold me."

I did as he had asked and I could feel the tenseness in his body. I stroked his back and kissed him gently on the neck. It was to no avail. He was still tense.

"Sean, what's the matter, baby? Something is really bothering you. Tell me about it if you can. If you can't tell me, that's okay, too. I will just continue to hold you until you feel more comfortable. I noticed you didn't eat much and you still look weary. It's not like you Sean. I am worried."

"It's just that I keep having flashbacks. I remember details that I had forgotten. Like this morning I remember their laughs as they came on my face. And the terrible things they said about you and me when they pissed all over me. I know there are other things that I have hidden somewhere in my subconscious. Ry, it was hell."

"I know it must have been, Sean, and I want to help if I can."

"The only time I don't think about it," continued Sean "is when we are making love because I am concentrating on you and the pleasure we have together. If I fall asleep quickly, I sleep well for a few hours. Last night I woke up in a sweat; I must have had a bad dream. You were sleeping, so I didn't want to wake you..."

"Sean, baby, wake me. I am your partner and I want to help you. Please, don't go through anymore of this alone. I want to be with you. Please, Sean, please."

Sean was kissing me deeply, and I guided him to the bed where I pushed him onto his back. I opened his shirt and started to suck on his nipples. He was groaning.

"I will make love to you twenty-four hours a day if it is what you need to get through this. I want you all the time anyway. Do you want me to fuck you now, baby?"

"Yeah, Ry, I want a long, long, gentle fuck, something to relax me, something that will ease some of the horror of that afternoon. Take me, please, Ry."

I began by kissing Sean as usual, and finally ended penetrating him and slowly fucking and kissing him. He melted under me and when I came he came. We lay there in silence. My soft cock plopped out of Sean and he whimpered. He was so quiet and then I realized he was sleeping. I put my arm around him and pulled up the bed covers. I raised myself up on my elbow and gazed at this beautiful man who wanted me as his lover and partner. I had almost lost him.

I could feel the emotions rising in me, and I became determined not to lose it. I must have watched my sleeping Adonis for a long time. I began to get drowsy and laid my head on Sean's chest. I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew Sean was stroking my hair. Neither of us said anything for a long time.

"Thank you, Ry. I love you."

I took Sean into my arms and kissed him with tenderness and emotion.

"Sean, you are the center of my life. Without you I am nothing. I love you, too, Sean Kelly."

********

Monday morning came too soon. After some kissing and feeling each other, we took a quick shower. What were we to wear for clothes?

"Rog, could you please come here a moment?" I called loudly down the stairs. In a few minutes Rog was at the door.

"Is there a problem?" he asked.

"Come on in, Rog. Well, there is sort of a problem. Sean and I don't have any clothes except what we came in. How can we go to campus with those; they're dirty and smelly."

"Hey, just check the closet and the drawers in the chest. I think you will find all you need. Breakfast in ten minutes." and he was gone.

Sean had stood there with a towel around his waist, but as soon as Rog left he let it drop to the floor. He was as hard as ever and his beautiful cock was swinging to and fro just begging me to suck it. I dropped my towel, too, and walked to Sean. I fell to my knees and took his cock into my mouth and began to suck him like there was no tomorrow. I played with his asshole and then shoved a finger deep into him. His body stiffened and he started to moan and I swallowed and took him into my throat. That was all it took, he started to spurt his morning offering into my throat and mouth. I swallowed and enjoyed my protein cocktail. I let his cock slip from my mouth, stood and kissed my baby.

Before I could say anything, Sean was on his knees sucking my hard cock with all the talent and care he had. He also worked on my hole, getting two fingers deep into me. His tongue worked magic and suddenly as he took me into his throat, I shot my morning load into him. I know I was moaning and shaking. He let my dick slip out of his mouth and stood up. When he kissed me, he gave me a good helping of my own cum. We then had to hurry to meet Rog's breakfast time.

When we checked the closet and the dresser, we found all we needed - everything was new. Before long, and after some fun with which underwear to wear, we were dressed and ready for the day. I had found a nice pair of grey trousers, a cream colored dress shirt, a red and blue stripped tie, and a grey tweed sport jacket. A pair of new shoes make the outfit complete. Sean had on a pair of nice fitting jeans, a blue knit shirt with a white collar and his new sneakers. We kissed each other again and said we were handsome and sexy.

Rog and Greg were waiting for us in the eat-in kitchen. Rog had make pancakes and ham. There was OJ and fresh ruby red grapefruit. Lots of coffee for us, and Sean wanted milk. Real Vermont maple syrup added that final wonderful taste to the pancakes. Our breakfast conversation was brief as Rog, Sean and I had to leave for campus. Greg would clean up as he did not have to be to work until later. Before we left, Rog and Greg gave us each a key to the house. Sean and I were dumbfound-ed.

"Look, you two, until your townhouse is liveable again, this is your home. Live in it like it is yours. There's always food and drink. If it's warm enough use the pool. Nothing here is out of bounds. Do you understand that. We really mean it." Greg said.

"And I second that. Now not more thank you's or any of that shit. Just enjoy being here with us. This is a great time for us, too. Having you two live wires around is good for us. Makes us more romantic. So enjoy."

"Someday I will find a way to repay you for all this kindness." said Sean.

"And I second that." I said. Sean and I then headed to the car and drove off to the campus.

"Are you nervous, Sean?"

"A little, I guess. Are you?"

"Damn right I am!"

"Don't worry, Ry. Just remember that I love you. If it gets too bad, find me and we can make love. That will cure us of nervousness." he said smiling that smile.

"I think that if I wasn't driving, I would jump your bones right here in traffic and make mad passionate love to you."

"That would take care of my nervousness." said Sean.

We were both laughing and more relaxed than we had been for some time. As we approached campus, across the road was stretched a banner that read: 'Welcome Back Dr. Taylor and Sean'. I was stunned and Sean was speechless for a moment.

"My God, Ry, I didn't expect this. Did you?"

"I certainly didn't. Hope there aren't any bands." I said laughing.

There were no other signs of welcoming as we drove into the faculty parking lot. I knew that I had to kiss Sean before I could let him go on his way. I stopped the car, reached over, pulled Sean to me and kissed him with one of our special kisses. I finally pulled aways from him. I heard him sigh deeply.

"You now what that does to me, Ry. I can't get out of the car until my cock settles down. How about you?"

"Not going anywhere just yet. My woodie is big and hard. What a pair we are. Don't you just love it, that we can arouse each other so easily. If we're not careful we'll be fucking for more hours than we do anything else." I said.

"Promises, promises!" said Sean.

Soon we were mostly in control of our dicks, so we left the car Sean on his way to his first class, and I was on my way to Cathy Sorenson's office. I still was in a turmoil that Sean was not aware of. Where were my classes, who notified them that all their papers, on which many had hours writing, were destroyed.

I entered Cathy's office and was greeted by a smiling Cindy who jumped from her desk came to me, hugged me, and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"Dr. Taylor, I'm so sorry about what happened. It was terrible. You and Sean are both wonderful people. I don't understand why folks can't just let you live your lives. Cathy is expecting you, Dr. Taylor. Please, go right in. And again I'm so sorry for what has happened."

I thanked Cathy for her concern. I knocked at the door and was greeted by the cheerful voice of Cathy telling me to come in. As soon as I entered the room, Cathy was on her feet. She gave me an enormous hug and kissed me on the cheek.

"Ryan, you look pretty good for someone who has been through the trauma you have. How's Sean doing?" she asked.

"He's doing much better. His problem is that he has been having flashbacks to the attack. He remembers details which upset him deeply. So far I have been with him and he tells me about what happened and that helps. I worry about him here at school. If he has a flashback and I am not with him, I'm not sure what will happen."

'Look, Ryan, I will make some discrete calls and if he should have a problem anywhere on campus, you will be notified immediately. If that happens, just dismiss your class. On a happier note, here." Cathy handed me a letter. I opened it and found it was a letter from Dr. Williams. In it he informed me that the board of trustees had decided that I should be offered tenure at State. I would have 60 days in which to make up my mind. As a tenured professor, I would be earning $15,000. more than my present salary. I was almost in shock.

"Cathy, I don't know what to say."

"Just say that you will accept it. You should discuss it with Sean as he is now an important part of your life. You have sixty days to let us know. Your know, Ryan, how much I would love to have you stay. But I also could understand why you and Sean might wish to go elsewhere to start anew. You know I would give you the highest recommendation as I am sure the Dean of Liberal Arts would. And if he was asked, Dr. Williams would also recommend you strongly. So take you time."

"This institution and its people have been so wonderful to me and Sean. I would appreciate some time to discuss it with Sean, but now may not be the time since he is still in the recovery stage. I really appreciate the 60 days. Now, Cathy, how about my classes. Some of them I have missed a number times. Who subbed for me? Do the students know about the ruined papers? I am really anxious about the whole matter."

"For the most part, Cornelia Standson filled in for you. The students know all the information we thought they needed to know. Ryan, it's pretty well known on campus that you are gay and that your lover is Sean. Everyone also knows about the attack. So be prepared for some questions. I would imagine some of them will be difficult."

"After what happened, a question won't be difficult, but the answer may be." With that I got up and was preparing to leave.

"One more thing, Ryan. I don't want to embarrass you, but many members of the staff, professional, custodial, grounds, secretarial, everyone at the college has been asking about you and Sean and have shown legitimate concern for both of you. At some point in time I may tell you more, but not now. Get on to your first class. Good luck. If you need anything, call." I left Cathy's office and headed for my classroom.

My heart was thumping and the perspiration of expectation was beading on my forehead.

II

[Ryan's Day].

As I walked across campus to my classroom, I noticed how many people whom I didn't really know, spoke to me offering me encouragement and words of concern for Sean and me. I was amazed.

I got to my office, and when I checked my mailbox it was stuffed with notes and letters. There were too many to read now. I would take them home, and Sean and I could read them together. There were many more stuffed under the door to my office. Among the notes, one was from the main post office on campus asking me to stop by as they had mail for me that could not be delivered.

I had about twenty minutes before the start of my class on Shakespeare's Women. Angela Stefanno was in that class. I looked through my notes and rearranged some. I got my complete Shakespeare and made sure that the speeches from the various plays were marked so that I could find them without difficulty. Today I would be discussing Gertrude and Ophelia from "Hamlet" and Lady Macbeth from "Macbeth." The assignment for next class would be to read Portia's speeches in "Merchant of Venice" and Desdemona's from "Othello". I felt comfortable about the class. I gathered up my materials, locked the door to my office and headed for Room 345. I found it odd that the door was closed, but I guessed some hopeful student thought I might see it closed and just leave. Sure!

I opened the door, and to my complete amazement, the class stood as one and applauded loudly. In the midst of all this stood Angela Stefanno, smiling widely. When the applause subsided, Angela stepped forward.

"Dr. Taylor, we just wanted you to know how sad we all are that your partner Sean was attacked and that your home was destroyed. You are a fine man, intelligent, caring and a wonderful teacher. Your private life is your business, and we support you and Sean. We just wanted you to know that." and she and the class sat down as one. I was almost without words and my emotions were high.

"I want you all to know how encouraging it is to have the support of all of you. It makes the awful thing that happened over a week ago a little more bearable. Sean is much better, but he was in a coma and was badly beaten. This all happened because he and I love each other. That's not a good reason for that to happen.

"Loving is a good thing. Hating is an evil thing. Now, if you have any questions, I will try to answer them. If not, it's time for some talk about a couple of Shakespeare's women."

There were no questions, so I began the lecture.

[Sean's Day].

I didn't tell Ryan how anxious I was about even walking across campus to my first class. I soon discovered that the kids who bothered to stop were all upset over what had happened to me. They offered support and told me that we had a right to a life of our own. Somewhat releived, I headed to my Comp. I class with professor Anne Milne.

I had always felt some strange vibes from her and I wondered what would happen in her classroom that morning. Everyone was patiently waiting for Professor Milne. Many in the class offered me their condolences and support.

Anne Milne swept through the door. The fortyish woman, although a little too heavy, was actually a very attractive. Her choice of clothes did little to enchance her appearance. She chose long flowing dresses in attempt to cover her large body. She had short stubby fingers with bright red polished nails. Her glasses were too large for her face and made her look a little like a wise old owl. Her voice was high pitched and squeaky and seemed not to fit her body style. She always wore shoes that were more practical than attractive.

She flowed to the rostrum and rummaged through her brief case for papers. She surveyed the class with a somewhat stern countenance. She coughed, straightened herself up to her full 5'5" height and spoke.

"First of all, I want to welcome Sean Kelly back to our class. Sean we are all totally dismayed by the brutality of the attack on you and the total destruction of Dr. Taylor's townhouse. It is beyond my ability to comprehend how anyone could hate a person who simply loves another person. I don't understand it."

I was red faced and I didn't know what to do, so I sat in my chair with my head down, not looking at anyone.

"Secondly, I want everyone in this class to know that your essays on the tragedy were the best I have received from you this semester. I was pleased and amazed at how much of what we have been doing rubbed off on you. I thought about it for a long time and it finally dawned on me that when a person has something that really touches them, the are able to write well about it."

She addressed me directly, "Sean, you cannot imagine the flood of emotion and concern your experience caused among your classmates."

Again, I didn't know quite what to do, so I flashed one of my smiles that Ryan loved so much. It seemed to fit the situation perfectly.

"Thirdly, I have taken it upon myself to copy all your essays, and with your permission, given to me privately, I will hand those essays to Sean."

I glanced around the room and saw many smiling faces. I smiled back, and then looked back at my desktop.

Again addressing me directly she said, "Finally, Sean, I want you to know how moved I was with the last essay you wrote for this class. I don't know that I have ever read an essay from a young person who so completely understood what real love was and could say succinctly and with great emotion how much they loved their partner."

I was blushing mightily and I could feel the warmth of it on my face.

"The essay was amazing, Sean. Sometime, when things have quieted down, I would very much like to discuss the essay with you. Frankly, I think you taught me something about love and the willingness to sacrifice yourself for the one you love."

Now my emotions were building and I had to swallow hard two or three times to prevent the tears. I so wanted Ry here with me. I tried to smile at Dr. Milne and shake my head in the affirmative.

"I applaud you, Sean, not only for the essay, but for the courage that it must have taken for you to write it and to expose many personal emotions to anyone. I thank you for your confidence in me."

Jerrod Williamson stood up and started to applaud, and as if by some secret signal, the class stood, and Professor Milne walked up to my desk, took my hand and pulled me to my feet as the class broke into wild applause and cat calls and whistles. I knew I was shaking and was silently beholden to Professor Milne for holding my hand.

Then Jerrod's voice, raised above the tumult, cried, "Speech, speech!" And the class joined in the ruckus demand for me to speak. Dr. Milne led me to the rostrum, stepped back, and still applauding waited for the class to come to order. The class quieted quickly and sat down.

I felt very alone and wished, no prayed, that Ryan would walk through the door, take me in his arms, give me one our special kisses, and tell me not to worry. I heard his voice urging me to "Simply tell the truth and how you feel. I love you, Sean Kelly." That was all I needed. I faced the class, took and deep breath and began.

"First, I want to say thank you, Dr. Milne. Your kindness and support means a great deal to me. And you guys, what can I say, you are awesome. And you Jerrod, I don't know that I should thank you for getting me into this speech thing. Dr. Milne, may I have my essay as I would like to use it?" It took her a moment or two, and then she handed me my essay.

"I want to read some of this to you because it says so many of the things I want everyone to know about me and my partner. So here goes:

"When I left my home in in a small VT town, I had no idea that I would fall in love the second day I was here. I had never thought much about falling in love. I knew I wanted someone to love me because for most of my life no one had. My parents died in a traffic accident when I was not yet six years old. I didn't really understand what that meant until I discovered that those people, my Mom and my Dad, were no longer there to hug me, to tell me they loved me, to put me to bed, to read me a story, to take me to interesting and exciting places. There was just an awful vacuum."

I noticed some girls were wiping their eyes, and many of the guys were looking at the floor. I continued.

"I had to live with my aunt and uncle. Throughout my growing-up years, I was subject to physical and emotional abuse from my uncle. The worst of it all was that no one ever again told me that they loved me. I developed the notion over those long years that I must be unworthy of love. I hid my emotions, took the abuse, even after visits to the emergency room to take care of my injuries for which my uncle always had an excuse. I prayed for the day it would stop, but it didn't stop until I was 15 and my uncle dropped dead at work. My aunt was not physically abusive, but she almost shut me out of her life after my uncle's death."

As I looked up from the essay, it was obvious that most of the girls were now in tears, the guys continued to look down. Only Jerrod looked directly at me as if he was trying to give me strength to go on.

"My loneliness got so intense that when I was a senior in high school, I decided that I wasn't worth anything, and that the world would be better without me. The Prom was coming and I had no money, no clothes and no girlfriend. I wrote a note explaining all my loneliness and heartbreak and was prepared that night to hang myself in the garage near the house."

Now there were sobs that were obvious. I didn't know what to do. I looked at Professor Milne. She smiled and shook her head 'yes'. Jerrod was smiling, but I saw tears in his eyes, and he smiled and shook his head 'yes', too. So I went on.

"But an angel in the guise of my English teacher, Mrs. Grace Foster came to my rescue. She asked me to stay after school. When I arrived at her room, she wanted to know what was the matter. I blurted out the whole story and cried like a baby. She stoked my hair, but said nothing. I finally regained my composure. Mrs. Foster went to her desk and came back with $200. She gave it to me and told me to buy some clothes, go to the prom, and take my aunt out to dinner."

There was an audible sigh from the class. I was struggling not to let my voice crack. There was more to tell.

"Then my angel told me that she had submitted my name to a state committee for scholarships and that I had been selected to receive one that would cover everything except housing, food, and spending money. I couldn't believe what happened to me that day. Someone did care about me. And I knew then that I might not ever be able to repay Mrs. Foster. The only way I could be sure she knew what she had done for me was to get to college and do well. I did all the things I was supposed to do, applied here at State and was accepted as one of the scholarship students. I worked hard to earn the money for room and board. I took a job a Walgreen's so that I could get some other clothes and have a little cash."

There was a smattering of light applause. Dr. Milne just smiled at me. I had to go on, to tell them about Ry.

"I wasn't going to go to Orientation Convocation, but Sue Beckman dragged me along. Thank God for her. I was bored waiting. When faculty marched in and I saw him, my heart began to beat rapidly and my breathing became shallow, and I was almost unsteady on my feet. I had to know who he was; I had to meet him. For reasons, I cannot explain, I fell completely and totally in love with a man I had never seen and about whom I knew nothing. All I knew was that I had fallen deeply in love with him, and I assumed I would be heartbroken to discover he was married or something like that. Sue wasn't sure who it was, but she thought it was Dr. Blank. I guess there's no need for a blank now, Dr. Ryan Taylor. As the convocation broke up, I make my way to the area where the faculty was leaving. I saw him again walking and talking with a colleague. He walked right past me without even seeing me. I felt devastated. I made it my mission to find out all I could about him."

When I looked up this time, I could make out smiles on many faces, and the guys were now looking at me. Jerrod was grinning at me, and then I thought he winked at me. I went on reading from the essay.

"I found out who he was, verified it in the Faculty Listing, found his home, and discovered he was single. Then I just thought about him all the time, no matter what I was trying to do, he would suddenly become the center of my attention. I was going crazy. I tried to figure out a way to meet him, but I wasn't creative enough to come up with a feasible plan. I just wanted to talk with him, to be close to him. I went about my life as best I could. It was two weeks later, and I was working the closing shift at Walgreen's. It was almost closing time and in walked the center of my dreams."

There was now actual applause from the class and a glance at Dr. Milne with her ear-to-ear grin convinced me to go on.

"I was the only cashier on duty and I knew he would have to check out at my register. I was a nervous wreck. What would I say to him? Maybe I could ask him about his expertise on Shakespeare? I was practically shaking. He finally came to the counter and placed a bottle Tylenol down. I picked it up and scanned it. I asked him if he was the Shakespeare expert at State and was his name Dr. Taylor. He told me he was and asked my name. I almost couldn't get it out of my mouth. I gave him his change and for some reason I didn't pull my hand away immediately and as we chatted about his courses, I felt something kindred to an electric current moving from his hand to me. He finally said we could discuss his courses tomorrow at lunch. I was really excited. He invited me to come to his home. He was about to write his address when I told him I knew where he lived. He wondered aloud how I knew, and I told him I had checked the Faculty Register and that I had walked to find it. He started to leave when I told him I didn't know which townhouse was his. He gave me the number and left."

The class was now completely involved in my essay. I could tell their interest was sincere. I even felt a current in the room that sort of told me the class, that everyone in the room, wanted me to get to know Ry better.

"I knew when I saw him that he was the person I wanted in my life. I knew in some astonishingly perfect way that he was the person who would love me and finally not fear to tell me he loved me. I did not think anything about homosexuality or society' s reaction, or his age or my age. I knew one simple sure thing: I loved him, and I knew instinctively that he would love me too. My boss told me to get the lights and I could leave and he would lock up before he did the cash out. I turned out the lights, still thinking about Dr. Taylor. I wondered what I would say to him at lunch tomorrow. Could I tell him how I felt about him? I imagined he would know and would tell me he felt the same about me. I cautioned myself not to hope for anything except for a friendly conversation about his courses."

The class was on the edge of their seats. Dr. Milne had sat down at the desk. Jerrod was kneeling on his chair, looking concerned. I was feeling very anxious as I was about to get into some very personal and private matters. But I had to finish.

"I left the store and began my walk to my dorm. I had only gone a few steps when I heard his voice asking me if I wanted a ride home as he was going my way. Did he wait for me to come out of the store? Did he want to chat with me? Was he interested in me, in a loving way, not in a sexual way? I ran to his car and got in. I thanked him for thinking of me. We started out toward campus. He seemed very uneasy. We had approached the turn to my dorm, and I decided it was now or never. I pressed my leg against his. He returned the pressure. I looked straight ahead. I decided to apply more pressure and thankfully he returned it. It was then I noticed that tears were running down his face. I thought I had upset him and I told him to pull over and let me out."

The room was very quiet. Many of the students were leaning forward in their seats concentrating on every word. Dr. Milne had risen from her chair and was now standing near the windows. Jerrod was still intensely watching me. I had to tell them what finally happened.

"Dr. Taylor told me firmly that he was not going to let me out of the car. He pulled into an empty parking spot. He looked at me and told me that he had fallen in love with me the minute he saw me at Walgreen's. He told me how lonely he had been, how much he needed someone to tell him he was loved, someone other than his mom and dad. I couldn't help myself, I reached over and took him into my arms. I told him that everything was going to be fine that I was there to love him, to care for him, to be his best friend."

When I glanced at Dr. Milne, I saw that although she was smiling her eyes were wet with tears. Jerrod also had watery eyes which I couldn't understand. My essay was almost done.

"I decided that it was now or never. So I asked him if I could go home with him. He was happy and told me he wanted to ask me to go home with him, but he worried that he was too old, that I was too young. I decided I had to shut him up, so taking another great chance, I leaned over and kissed him on the lips. What happened with that kiss is impossible to describe. It was simply the thing that convinced me that I had picked my life mate correctly. He must have felt the same way because he made no attempt to break the kiss. My whole being melted at that moment. It wasn't sexual in anyway. It was knowing that finally I had someone to love who would love me in return.

There was a lot of clearing of throats, and wiping of eyes. I stopped for a long quiet moment. Jerrod smiled at me again. It gave me the strength to go on.

"Our life together filled a void in each of our beings. I had learned what love really is. It is finding someone for whom you would do anything, whose needs come before yours, for whom you would take ridicule and hatred. I knew that I would gladly die for Ryan if it meant I could protect him from harm. But the most important thing I learned is that love is really loving someone else; I knew it didn't mean as I had thought for so many years that you had to be loved. I also knew that I had become the partner in an ideal relationship, where I loved and was loved in return. I no longer existed in some kind of emotional vacuum; I was now a part of something bigger than me and bigger than my partner. I had found the love of my lifetime."

"Thank you for listening." I said and walked slowly to my seat.

The silence was deadening. I sat down. It was then that the applause started, slowly at first, and then rising in a cresendo that became deafening. It was then I noticed that Jerrod was quietly weeping as were many others. Dr. Milne walked to me and gave me a big hug. I hugged her back in appreciation of her support.

"I think," Dr. Milne said, "that we have all learned a great deal today. The lessons we have learned today are more important than learning how to write an essay. What we learned today had to do with the important issues of living. Loving not hating. Caring for someone without regard for yourself. And knowing what loving and being loved can mean in our lives. For most of this we can thank you, Sean. You are wise beyond your years. It is easy for all of us here to understand how it is that you are the kind man that would be easy to love. Thank you. I think I will call this a day. No assignment except to think carefully about what you heard and learned today. Also consider what hatred can do. We all have a right to love! Okay, get going class."

Many of my classmates came to me and told me how moving the essay was and how they understood how wonderful it must be to find someone to love. But it was Jerrod who surprised me most. He came to me and pulled me into his arms and hugged me tightly to him. I thought I felt him kissing my neck, but I couldn't be sure. He whispered into my ear.

"You don't know this, Sean, but I fell for you the first day I met you. I just didn't have the courage to tell you how I felt. God, you are so lucky to have someone to love you. I wish you only the best. I hope we can be friends. Frankly, Sean, I still have the hots for you." With that he turned and walked away.

I stood there in shock. I would have to tell Ry. But now I had to get to Music Composition, probably my favorite class. Dr. Fillimore taught it so I knew I would be comfortable there.

********

[Ryan returns as narrator].

It had been a long day and I was tired. I was still worried about how Sean had made out. He hadn't come to my office so I had to assume that he had done all right. I was putting papers into my brief case when I felt a presence in my office door. I turned and there was my love, Sean. He just looked at me and gave me that smile of his and all my guards melted. I walked to him, pulled him into the room, closed the door, and kissed him deeply and long.

"I missed you so much today, I almost went looking for you, baby. I didn't think I could get through the day without knowing that you were safe. I truly love you, baby."

"I missed you, too, Ry. I wanted you so much to come through the door in Dr. Milne's class this morning. I wanted you to hug and to kiss me, to tell me everything was alright. And then, Ry, I heard your voice telling me to tell the truth and how I felt. Ry, then I heard you clear as a bell tell me, 'I love you Sean Kelly.' and I was able to go on."

I kissed Sean's forehead and said in a soft soothing voice. "It's true, I love you Sean Kelly. Now let's go home."

We left my office and began our walk to the parking lot. We hadn't gone very far before it became apparent that something was going on. The number of students and staff began to grow and by the time we got to the quad, hundreds of people were waiting. The applause began and grew in intensity. Cathy was there. Rog was there. Anne was there. Angela was there. Sue was there. Jerrod was there. Cindy was there. Pat was there. So many of my colleagues were there. And students, so many students. And to my utter surprise, Dr. Williams was there. We just kept walking toward the car. We turned and waved to the crowd. We were both overwhelmed by emotions. We got in the car and drove away. We had learned that day that most people were sorry for what had happened to Sean and were willing and happy to let Sean and I live our life together.

It had been quite a day!

To be continued...

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