The Professor and Sean II
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 31

(Ryan narrates)

After we arrived home from the convocation, we quickly got out of our clothes and went directly to the shower where we soaped each other. The feel of Sean's muscles and his smooth skin as I soaped his back stimulated me and my penis began to harden.

I had the same effect on him, especially as he soaped my ass crack, letting his finger play with my hot, tight hole. We began kissing, and soon my tongue was in his mouth. Then his was in my mouth as we explored each other. We were both panting, and as we kissed, we were stroking our dicks.

I turned away from Sean and leaned against the shower wall, my ass now raised a little and my legs spread. Neither of us wanted any long foreplay, and within seconds, he had impaled me on his hard, thick love tool. It didn't take long for both of us to reach a stunning climax. Sean collapsed onto my back and kissed my neck and bit into my shoulder.

I turned the water off, picked him up, and left the shower. Moving quickly to our bed I unceremoniously dumped him in the middle. I dove on top of him, our still-wet bodies sliding together. I sought out his lips and kissed him hard. He moaned. I began sucking his nipples, and he quickly pulled his legs back and up, inviting me to make love to him.

In moments I was deeply within him , my cock rubbing against his love button. His legs were wrapped around my back, and he was forcefully pulling me deeper into him.

I screamed as I ejaculated deep inside his body as he shot his load onto our bodies. I collapsed on him and he dropped his legs to either side. I did not remove my dick from within him, and we fell asleep, entwined as only lovers can become.

When the alarm sounded I jumped, tearing our skin apart where the semen had hardened. The alarm was our call to go to the home and get the boys ready for bed. A quick shower and we were off.

We stopped at McDonalds and hurriedly devoured a Big Mac and a coke, but no fries. Then we went to the home where in about an hour we had finished our duties. Sister Mary, as usual, thanked us. We left and drove back to the townhouse. Sean kept yawning, a subtle message to me that he was ready for some sleep. We went to our bedroom, changed the linens, and were in bed and asleep before nine.

Thank God tomorrow was Sunday.

********

(Dan narrates)

I was glad that I had gotten all the paperwork completed for Sean. I had given it to him cautiously as I felt he should be the one to tell Ryan about it. The fact that Monday was now the day of the Family Court hearing meant that I would have to be back early Monday morning. That would be crazy, so I asked Sean to return the papers, which he did, and I would bring them to the court on Monday.

I hadn't mentioned all this to Craig until it was time to leave for Vermont. When I told him we would be staying until Monday afternoon, he just grinned. I knew what that meant. We would be alone the rest of Saturday and all day Sunday. It would be a mini-vacation. Then Craig remembered Mrs. Foster. I smiled and told him,

"It's all taken care of, my sweet lover. She went back in the limo with Emily and Father O'Rourke. So relax."

"What about a room?" he questioned.

"Taken care of by Gerry. We'll be in the same hotel. I don't think they told Sean and Ryan, but they are leaving tomorrow afternoon to return to Florida to take care of some matters. They won't be back for a couple of weeks."

"You know, handsome, I was proud to know those two guys this afternoon. They are both so smooth and so sexy. And there is a lot of intelligence and common sense with them. They are going to make phenomenal parents."

"I just hope Ryan will be happy with Sean's decisions. He hasn't discussed them with Ryan. He told me he was afraid that he would be talked out of his plan. It will be interesting to find out. He's going to tell him tomorrow."

"I guess it will be complete joy or, the shit is going to hit the fan. You have put a great deal of time into this matter, and if Ryan says 'no', you'll have to do it all over."

"I know, but Sean is so set on the idea, I couldn't say no. I do think that basically it is a wonderful idea. And, as you know, Craig, it's all legal. Come on, let's get to the hotel and change into something comfortable."

"I know what I think would be comfortable."

"Yeah."

"What?"

"You and I naked together."

"Hmm, that could lead to trouble."

"I hope so," Craig said as we left for the hotel.

********

(Sean narrates)

I slipped out of bed early, trying desperately not to awaken Ry. I was successful, so I was able to go into the living room and sit and think about how I would tell Ry of my plans. I had never done anything this important without discussing it with him, and I prayed he would understand.

I wandered out onto the patio and stood quietly enjoying the coolness of the early morning air. I breathed deeply, enjoying the solitude of the beginning of day. Everything, even the smell of early morning, reminded me of Vermont and the cabin. For a split second I had a pang of homesickness. 'How silly,' I thought, 'the cabin is still ours and we can go there when we wish.' My reverie was broken when Ry put his arms around me and kissed the back of my neck.

"Morning, Baby. You left me alone in bed. Is there a problem?" Ry asked me.

I turned and kissed him gently on the lips, answering,

"No, I just needed to think about a lot of things. You know how it is sometimes when you need to embrace solitude. You draw strength from silence. Our world is so full of noise that the mind can be dulled by it."

"You are poetic, Baby, do you know that? You often say sophisticated and lovely things." He kissed me again, this time with a little more passion. I responded to him,

"Ry, if I say anything extraordinary, it's because I've learned much from you much about how to use our wonderful English language."

"Sure, that may be true, but you have an innate ability with language, Sean. You say things that belie your real age. Oh, and by the way, I love you."

We fell onto one of the lounges and made out like two frustrated teenagers in a dark movie hall. But we didn't have sex, as the teenagers would have, we just enjoyed petting. After some time, I whispered into his ear,

"Hon, let's get some breakfast. Later I have some important matters to discuss with you." He looked skeptical and asked,

"What could be so important? And by the way, I still owe you something for deceiving me about the chair. I love you for doing it, but I think I owe you at least a deposit if not full payment." We both laughed as we got untangled from each other, got up, and went into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

It was about nine thirty when the phone rang. I answered and it was Dad. I put on the speakerphone so that we could both listen.

"Hi guys."

"Hi Dad."

"I'm calling to let you know that your Mom and I are headed to Florida late this afternoon by private jet. We need to take care of some business matters that necessitate our being physically present. We're planning on being there a couple of weeks. We both know that there will be no problems tomorrow at the hearing. Dan assured us of that. By the way, he and Craig are here at the hotel. They won't head home until after the hearing."

"Wish you could be at the hearing, Dad, but I do understand the situation," I said. Ry added,

"Yeah, we'll be fine. We have our nanny and our housekeeper-cook all set. If we should get to bring the boys home with us before you get back, we're covered. I know the boys are going to miss seeing you every day, but it might be a way for them to learn that you have things to do with your life other than spending all your time with them."

"Yeah, we'll miss them like crazy, but that's the way it is. A couple of weeks will be all that your mother can take. By the way, Ryan, enjoy your meeting in Denver. It's a lovely city and you'll enjoy your time there," Dad said.

"He'll enjoy his time there, I'm sure, but I'll miss him a lot while he's gone. If you guys are going to be in Florida, I guess Ry will farm me out to stay with Rog and Greg. I know he won't let me stay by myself," I told Dad.

"You're right about that, Baby. Just remember, I will call you every day and we can have long chats at night after the sessions are finished. It's only for three days."

Dad laughed, and closed the conversation,

"You'll be fine. The boys will be fine. We'll be fine. And after all, three days isn't a lifetime. Mom sends her love and a big smack-a-roo. Bye and hugs from me." We said together,

"Love you both. Bye." We said together. And the room was quiet.

********

(Ryan narrates)

After Dad's call, Sean and I finished our breakfast. We made small talk, and he didn't offer to discuss the important matters with me. I decided to wait until he brought it up.

"Do you think we should bother Dan and Craig, or just let them have a little vacation?' I asked.

Sean laughed and I joined in. He took my hand and led me to the bathroom. 'Wow!' I thought, 'we're going to make love.' I was mistaken, however, as he indicated that we should take a quick shower, get in some comfortable clothes and go to the home and get the boys for lunch at McDonalds. So I followed his lead and soon we were on our way to St. Anthony's.

"Hon, I want to do something special for St. Anthony's. Do you have any ideas?"

I thought for a bit and then said,

"Sean, they can always use money. Or perhaps you..."

He interrupted me and let me know that it was 'we', 'us'. This would be from both of us. I think my face reddened a little and he noticed it.

"I'm sorry for my tone and the fierceness of my interruption, but we are a couple with three children. What we do, we do together. There can't be 'you' or 'me'; it has to be 'us'. Can you live with that?"

"Of course, I can. I have a habit of thinking that it's your money and not mine, or even ours."

"That's gonna change."

"What?"

"I had Dan draw up the final trust instruments. That's the stuff I need to talk to you about. And there's something else. It's important and you may not agree. If you don't, well I'll have to work that out with you."

"Sean, what have you done?"

"I want to be sure the boys will be taken care of, so I have put much of my inheritance in trusts for you and for the boys. I have kept control of a large part of it, but should something happen to me, then it all goes to you and the boys. There's a great deal of legal mumbo jumbo, but that essentially is what I wanted. There's also a will and you are appointed the trustee if I'm not around. If we both should be killed, Dan would be the trustee for the boys.

"There's more before you yell at me. I had Dan apply in the court to have my name changed to Sean Taylor. I am your husband, and then the boys can all be Taylors and there won't be any confusion with hyphenated names.

"We will need to decide on who the boys would be raised by. I vote for you, Mom and Dad, but their age could become a problem. So, I thought we might talk with Rog and Greg to see if they would do it. I think that's it."

********

(Sean narrates)

I hadn't realized it, but Ry had pulled into the vacant parking space in the shopping center. He sat staring straight ahead and I could tell that his body was shaking, I guessed, from anger.

I hadn't breathed much since I saw how stiff his body had become. I let out my breath, and just sat silently, fearing what would happen. I didn't think Ry would hit me, but I sensed he was angry enough that he might want to and was dealing with his anger and the urge to swat me around.

"Come here," he requested in a soft, emotion-filled voice.

I turned and looked into his eyes, alarmed as I saw they were filled with tears and his face was tear-stained. He reached for me and enveloped me in his arms, as he whispered over and over to me,

"I love you, I love you, I love you..." He was sobbing.

"What have I done, Hon? What have I done that would upset you this much? Please forgive me. I'll have Dan redo everything. I was a fool not to discuss it with you. Maybe you don't want me to have your last name. But, please, Ry, let the boys be called Taylor. Will you do that for me? If you do, I'll try not to ever ask you for anything else," I pleaded.

He shook me, gently at first, but then hard. I guess I would have to pay the price for my folly. Then he stopped, the tears still flowing freely, and trying to hold in his sobs, he told me,

"How could I not love you even more for what you want to do? Imagine giving up your family name for me. It's almost too much to imagine. My God, Sean, what a wonderful thing to do for the boys. We'll all be Taylors. Sean, you must keep the Kelly name, you must. How will you do that?"

"Dan convinced me to use 'Kelly' as my middle name so that it would not be lost. I'm the last Kelly in my Dad's line, but that isn't that important. What's important is that we will really be a family."

"Sean, you've given up everything, your name, your fortune. It's too much, Baby; it's too much."

My beloved kissed me and stroked my hair. I could tell with every fibre of my being, he had told me the complete truth,

"My dear Ryan, don't you understand. I have given up nothing because I still have you."

Our two souls were united in an intimate and spiritual way, and had become the foundation for building a new family.

Indeed, God had blessed us!

Sunday passed quickly as I had piles of studying, and Ry was busy preparing the paper he would present at the meeting in Denver. Occasionally he would come into the study and interrupt me to ask what I thought of an idea or his choice of a word. I had little to offer because he was such a craftsman with the language.

Later, when he read the entire paper to me, I was blown away by the intelligence, scholarship and his demonstration of the love of the subject. Above all, it was the manner in which Ry had used his knowledge of English and rhetoric to say what he wanted. I thought it was magnificent. When I told him that, he blushed like a new bride, and tried to suggest that it was just okay. I knew better; it was great!

Mom and Dad called us from Florida after they were safely in the house. Mom had talked to Charles and he had indicated that he might like to come to New England to help us out, at least while Mom and Dad were here. We were thrilled to have him join Teresa McPherson, our nanny, and Rebecca Smythe, our housekeeper-cook. I knew Charles would complement Terry and Becky.

Dad had also arranged with a lawn company and a pool company to attend to the lawns and the pool. Mom had arranged to have a window washing company take care of all the huge windows. They informed us that they had done some shopping and that the freezer was filled to capacity and the pantry had every imaginable product on hand. They wanted us only to to have to worry about immediate needs such as milk and the like. Becky would be doing the shopping and would have the Toyota for that.

After the conversation was finished, we both chuckled and were pleased by what they had done. They knew we were both busy and this had given then another way to contribute to the boys upbringing. They had wished us well in court tomorrow.

After a light dinner of chicken with rice and a salad, we both decided that an early bedtime would be in our best interests. Sister Mary already knew that we would not be coming and she would have to handle the boys. Our lovemaking was gentle and filled with thank-you's and expressions of love. Then sleep overtook us and we drifted away to a peaceful slumber.

********

(Dan narrates)

I had arrived at the courthouse with Craig for an early appointment with Judge Maxine Stebbens. I had researched her decisions and had found that she was fair, but strict. I needed to tell her about the names for the boys and the desire to approve a name change for one of my clients. We cooled our heels in the waiting room for about fifteen minutes. I had time to relive last night.

Craig had finally asked me to be his exclusive partner. In fact he gave me a ring, a lovely thing of black onyx with three diamonds, two smaller ones on either side of a large one. Craig had told me,

"The two smaller stones represent you and me as single men. The larger stone in the middle represents us as a couple, when we have lost our separateness and become one."

I nearly stopped breathing I was so excited. I grabbed him and we were rolling on the bed together, kissing and feeling, and finally coupling; sharing our seed with each other. It was a night of magical lovemaking.

Here in the outer office waiting on Maxine Stebbens, Craig's cute smile was testimony to his happiness. I was a lover's basket case. I prayed the judge would not delay things. I wanted my lover home with me. The secretary told us the judge was ready to see us.

Maxine Stebbens was a large boned, attractive African-American. She was manly in stature and bearing. No one was going to outsmart her. Yet she was immediately welcoming and gentle.

I went over the materials I had and she seemed convinced that everything was in order. She did ask,

"Why is Mr. Kelly changing his name?"

"Your Honor, he doesn't want the boys to be confused about their last name which will be Taylor. Since he and Ryan want this family so badly, he was willing to give up his name and take Taylor as a last name. He'll be keeping Kelly as a middle name."

Maxine Stebbens thought to herself, 'This young man is remarkable. Imagine giving up your family name so that you and you're partner have the same last name as the boys.'

"Let me tell you something, sir. Sean Kelly is one remarkable man. His type is few and far between. I will approve all the petitions. There is this, however; as you may know, there is much paper filing to be done before the boys are actually members of the Taylor family. I don't see how that can be accomplished until the end of next week, even if I make my presence felt in other quarters. Will that be okay with the petitioners?"

"Yes, your honor, that is acceptable and very kind of you," I told her.

"Fine, there is one case prior to yours. It's simple, so have all your people ready at the appointed time."

"Thank you, Your Honor, you have been understanding, graceful, and dignified."

With a slight wave of her hand she excused us without further comment. We left the office, and went to the hall in front of the courtroom. After about ten minutes, Sean and Ryan appeared, both dressed appropriately and both very nervous. I didn't try to make them forget their concerns. Ryan checked with me as Craig spoke with Sean.

Had I completed all the paperwork of Ryan's that was needed. He hadn't told Sean yet, as he knew how upsetting it would be to him if he had to imagine life without Ryan. He would tell him later.

The bailiff announced the case and we filed into the courtroom and took our places.

After announcing the case to those assembled, the bailiff told the gathering to be seated. Judge Stebbens asked,

"Are the petitioners present?"

"They are, Your Honor," I said.

"I have reviewed all the petitions and if there is no objection, (there was silence) then I approve all of them.

"That approval applies to the adoption and the surname change for the three adoptees; Jacob Corson, now Jacob Taylor; Ethan Corson, now Ethan Taylor, and Zachary Corson, now Zachary Taylor.

"On the petition from Sean Kelly for A surname change, I approve. Sean Kelly is now Sean Kelly Taylor.

"On all legal documents from the petitioners relative to wills, trusts, etc., I approve all.

"Does legal counsel have any other matters before this court in relation to the just-approved petitions?"

"I have no other matters to present to the court as this time," I replied.

Judge Stebbens pulled herself into her most imposing judicial position, and spoke to the entire court,

"I seldom make comments after a case is finished, but I do have something which I feel compelled to mention. If I may, I want to meet Sean Kelly Taylor. If you would be so kind as to come to the bench."

I stood and walked with Sean to the bench.

"Sean," said Judge Stebbens, "I have been on this court for twenty-four years and I want you to know that I have not ever met anyone who is so unselfish and devoted that he would change his name so that the children would not be confused. You certainly love those boys already, and this man, this Ryan Taylor, you must love him?"

"Yes, Your Honor, I love him with all my being. He is my life partner."

"Hmm, I see. Well, Mr. Ryan Taylor, come to the bench, please."

Ryan got up and walked up to the bench stood beside Sean and took his hand in his.

"So, sir, are you this remarkable young man's life partner?"

Ryan whispered softly,

"Yes, Your Honor, I am."

"Well, let me tell you just one thing, sir. You are one lucky man."

"I know that, Your Honor. Sean is the center of my life. He has brought only happiness to my family and me. He is loved so completely by me that I would gladly give up my life for him. My mother and father have taken him as another son whom they love as they love me. And our parents love our children as their grandchildren."

"Why didn't you two get married? It's legal in this state."

"We were married, sort of, in Vermont which at the time was the only place we could speak our hearts and have our relationship recognized."

"You two and your attorneys meet me in my chambers right now. We're going to have ourselves a wedding," she said with a huge laugh.

That's exactly what we did, with Judge Stebbens, minimizing the red tape. It had been a spectacular morning. Ryan and Sean were now recognized as a legitimate couple in Vermont and now a married couple in Massachusetts. They were over-whelmed with joy.

We left them, still a little in shock, and began our trip back to Vermont. All the final paperwork would be sent to me, and when appropriate, materials would be forwarded to Sean and Ryan.

********

(Sean narrates)

I was excited and happy when the judge approved all the petitions. Then I was embarrassed when she said such lovely things about me.

When Ryan spoke about his love for me, and his willingness to give up his life for me, I nearly lost it, but I didn't.

Then when the judge married us in her chambers, I couldn't even tell the level of the joy in my heart.

Some Monday morning!

********

(Ryan narrates)

Wow! Judge Stebbens was some sweetheart. When she approved all the petitions, I was happy and filled with joy.

When she spoke so eloquently about how wonderful Sean was, I nearly broke down. She was so right. He is a remarkable man, my life partner, my lover, and now my legal husband.

I am unable to say just how much Sean means to me. I know that he understands and I sense he would have difficulty to say how he feels about me.

What a great way to start the week. My husband! I will make tonight as wonderful as our honeymoon night. Then on Tuesday afternoon, I'm off to Denver. Leaving my dear Sean in the good hands of Rog and Greg. I return on Friday. Rog and Greg, and Sean are to pick me up.

I told Sean about what I had done with my will and trusts. Then we both had a good laugh.

"We're like two peas in a pod," Sean began, "I mean, we even think the same. That's why we love each other," he finished.

********

(Sean narrates)

I finished my examination in English Composition, which Ryan had made arrangements for me to take on Tuesday morning instead of Monday. Dr. Milne administered the test herself. She was interested in what happened in court. When I told her everything had been approved, she smiled and told me how happy she was. When I told her that the judge had also married us, she actually did a little jig and gave me a huge hug and a kiss on the forehead.

Although the exam was difficult, I knew I had done very well on it. Dr. Milne was a superb teacher, and if you paid attention and learned what you should, her exams were always understandable and fair. I was pleased with my work. Before I left she told me to wait while she graded my test. I sat quietly in my chair while she went over my test, red pen in hand, using it when necessary to make corrections or comments.

Finally, she closed the exam booklet, got up from her desk, and came to me and handed me the exam. She smiled at me as I opened the booklet with some trepidation. On the first page, the red screamed at me until I read it. She had written:

"Sean this is the best exam I have received this year, or for that matter, a few years before. Your writing is exquisite and mature and your answers speak intelligently and with feeling about the readings. Congratulations!

There followed a large red 'A+'. I was overjoyed. I would tell Ry before we left for Logan International Airport in Boston. Rog and Greg would be accompanying us. I hurried to Ry's office to give him the good news. He was finishing up his grade sheets for one of his classes when I arrived. I stopped at the door and smiled at him. I waited. He sensed someone was with him and he looked up from his work.

"Oh, Baby, so good to see you. Are you ready to go home?"

"Yes, I am. By the way, I got an 'A+' on my composition exam. Let's get going," I told him.

He got up from the desk and came to me. He pulled me into his arms and kissed me on the lips with a kind of fierceness.

"You devil, I should have known you would cream that exam. Hmm, your lips are delicious, Baby. Congratulations on that grade. Professor Milne doesn't give away grades like that. You had to have earned every point. I'm so proud of you, Sean. Let's hurry home so we can have some time together before we leave for Logan with Rog and Greg."

"Sounds like a perfect plan to me," I told him.

We left State and in a short time were home. The first thing that we did was to make love, hoping that it would provide us with the solace we would need for the next few days. I helped Ry as he finished packing his suitcase. I kept hugging him, making him kiss me, running my hand down his back, grabbing his crotch, and behaving like the biggest pain-in-the-ass he had ever known.

He loved every minute of it. He finally pushed me to the floor and was humping me as he held my hands over my head and completely dominated me. It was heaven! Then the doorbell rang. We knew it was Rog and Greg so we stopped our play, and while I answered the door, Ry brought his luggage into the entryway.

There was a quick 'hello', and then Ry reminded everyone of his flights: to Denver on Inter Flight 286, return to Boston on Friday, Inter Flight 355. After that, we were out of the townhouse, loaded the luggage and were on our way to Boston.

Ry and I sat in the back seat. Rog and Greg l didn't disturb us. We made out all the way to Boston; in fact, I went down on him and had my last taste of him for three days. Rog and Greg discretely ignored us. They were troopers!

We arrived at Logan about an hour and a half before flight time. After checking in, we sat together and chatted. Finally, Ry said he needed to go through security and get to the gate. I clasped his hand in mine and squeezed it hard. We all walked toward the security gate. Rog and Greg said their 'goodbyes' and moved away from us to we could have some privacy.

"You'll be fine, Baby. I'll call you every night after the sessions are over. I'll call you tonight, too. Rog and Greg will take good care of you. I'll be fine, and hopefully, by the end of next week we can get the boys and move into the new house. We have a lot of living to do. My God, Sean, I love you so much," he told me.

"You'll be in my every thought until I hold you in my arms again. Ryan, you are the love of my life. I don't care what anyone thinks, please kiss me goodbye."

Without putting down his carryon, he pulled me into his arms and kissed me with passion. I returned his kiss, and felt a tear running down my cheek. As he pulled away, he saw the tear and kissed it away. He turned and was quickly swallowed up by the other passengers moving through security. My heart was heavy, but I smiled as best I could. He went through security, turned and waved, and then moved out of sight.

Before I could move, Rog and Greg were at my side. Rog was hugging me by placing his arm around my shoulders. Greg was talking,

"I know, Sean, this is tough shit. This is the first time you two have been apart since you were in the hospital. Rog and I are here to help you through this. Everything will be fine. Let's get going and get back home. We'll start dinner, and before you know it you'll be chatting with him on the phone tonight.

In fact, that's exactly what happened.

********

(Ryan narrates)

When I turned to look back at Sean and I waved goodbye, my entire body ached. I wanted to go back to him. I wanted to say 'fuck it' to Denver. But I had the responsibility of representing State at the conference. Cathy had a great deal of confidence in me and in my ability; I couldn't let State or her down. So I took a deep breath and walked away from my lover.

The flight to Denver was without incident. My taxi to the hotel was a little expensive, but I laughed, thinking how much I would be willing to spend to have Sean with me. I was staying in the conference hotel, so I could register for the conference immediately after checking in as a guest at the hotel. I met some delegates at the registration desk. There was talk about dinner and drinks after, but I said I would be busy working on my presentation. They understood.

My room was lovely, but I hated to look at the king-sized bed knowing that Sean wouldn't be here to share it with me. I unpacked, set up my laptop on the desk and checked out the high speed Internet connection. Satisfied, I stripped out of my travel clothes and took a shower.

For the first time since I found Sean, I pleasured myself sexually as I fantasized about my lover. I didn't last long, and once relieved, I finished my shower, dried myself, dressed in shorts and a T-shirt, ordered dinner, and then called Sean. No one answered, and when the answering machine came on, I left a short message that I would call later that evening. I supposed they weren't home, or they went out to eat.

Dinner was fine, but I couldn't eat as much as I wanted because I began to worry that something might have happened to Sean. I made an effort not to waste too much of the fish, but I had to leave most of it for fear I might lose it. I pushed everything away and went to the phone. The phone at Rog's rang only once and Sean picked up.

"Hon, I already miss you so much. I wish I were with you."

"Miss you, too, Baby. I couldn't even eat dinner because I wanted to hear your voice and know that you were okay. You have two exams tomorrow, don't you?"

"We stopped for dinner on the way back. I didn't eat much, because all I could think of was you. It's going to be hell for me the next few days. It's the first time, Hon, that we've been apart since we met. I know I will be okay, because Rog and Greg will take good care of me."

I sighed deeply, hoping he didn't hear me. I wanted to hold him, but I didn't say that. Instead, I asked him how Rog and Greg were doing. He said fine. I told him about my flight and my room and my shower experience. He laughed and said he had already taken care of his needs, too. Then with much affection and love, we said 'goodnight'.

********

(Sean narrates)

Before I realized it, it was Friday and Ry would be coming home in the early afternoon. I had managed the days well by studying diligently for my exams and then taking them, focusing on the material and not on missing Ry. I did well on my exams and I knew he would be pleased with me.

Rog and Greg were terrific. We enjoyed our meals together and laughed a great deal. I still went to the home at night and got the boys ready for bed. They couldn't understand why Dad wasn't with me. I told them he had to go to a meeting and would be home on Friday and that one of the first things we would do would be to come and visit them. They knew they soon would be moving to the big house with us.

Mom and Dad called from Florida a couple of times to chat with me. I think they were concerned that I would be lonely, but with Rog and Greg, my schoolwork and the boys, I was occupied. Each evening I had long chats with Ry on the phone. He would tell me about his day and I would tell him about mine. He was always asking questions about the boys.

So the time had passed and it was Friday. I had my geography examination in the early afternoon. It actually started about the time Ry's plane was to leave Denver. We were going to pick him up at Logan later that afternoon.

I wanted to be with him so much. I could hardly wait.

********

(Ryan narrates)

I had packed everything so that I could leave immediately after the last session to fly back to Sean. Everything had gone well, and just before the last session ended, it was announced that the Executive Committee had appointed me as their new president. I would have to stay a little extra for a special meeting. That meant I would have to change my airline reservations. I was able to do that and then I had to call and let everyone at home know about the changes. It would only be the next flight, which was only an hour and a half later.

When I tried to get Rog, no one answered. Then some strange things happened and I wasn't able to leave a message. I tried the townhouse, but of course, no one was there. I even tried Sean's cell phone, but I got no response, so I imagined that he had it turned off because I knew he had an exam on Friday afternoon. I had no other options, so I decided I would call later, maybe from the airport to let them know of my changes.

What a comedy of errors this day had turned out to be.

********

(Greg narrates)

When I arrived home, as I always do, I check the answering machine. I noticed the cord was loose and I knew immediately that there would be few messages as the machine was not working correctly. I asked for the messages and the machine had none. In fact, I had to reset everything. I went upstairs to the bedroom and got out of my work clothes, took a quick shower, and got comfortable in some shorts and a T-shirt. Rog came into the room and gave me a hug.

"How was your day, sweetie?" he asked.

"Great, and yours?"

"Fine. What time should we leave for Logan?"

"I was thinking about three. How's that sound to you?"

"It's good. Has Sean come home yet?"

"I haven't seen nor heard him. He should be here shortly."

Then I heard the TV from downstairs in the family room.

"That's him now, I guess."

A blood-curdling scream came from downstairs. We both ran downstairs wondering what could have happened.

********

(Rog narrates)

When we reached the family room, we found Sean on his hands and knees, unbelievably heart-wrenching sobs coming from his body which was shaking and compressed, almost like someone had crushed him.

"Sean, my God, what's the matter?" I asked. He couldn't speak to answer, he just pointed to the blaring TV. Greg had already heard it and I noticed he was pale and shaking. I couldn't imagine what could cause this. Then I looked and listened. The newsman was speaking,

"To repeat, InterFlight 355 from Denver to Boston has crashed and reports indicate that all aboard have perished."

My guts rolled over and I thought I might vomit, I squeaked out a question,

"Wasn't that Ryan's flight?"

"Yes." was Greg's response that had almost caught in his throat.

We were both on our knees now, taking Sean into our arms, trying in some way, even a stupid way, to console him. He was so distraught that he collapsed. By now both of us were in tears. We picked him up and got him to the sofa. Greg ran to the kitchen for water and a cool cloth. When we finally got Sean back, he was sobbing so hard it was difficult to make out what he was saying. In fact it was simply,

"No, no, no, no, no . . ."

Nothing we said or did was consoling to him. The doorbell rang and when Greg answered he found an almost hysterical Cathy and Janet. They wanted to help, but even with the four of us, close friends and confidantes, nothing seemed to help Sean. He was devastated, demolished, cruelly crushed by the unthinkable.

He needed to go to the bathroom, and went down the hall to the powder room off the entry. We all went into the kitchen, not knowing what to do. I started to brew a pot of coffee. Greg was trying to find cookies or crackers, and Cathy and Janet simply slumped in their chairs, red-eyed, disbelief etched on their faces.

After a bit, I wondered what was taking Sean so long. I left the kitchen and went to the powder room. I knocked on the door. There was no answer. I opened the door.

Sean was gone!

To be continued...

Feedback always welcome:     
 

A special 'thank you' goes to my editor and proof reader, Wayne. His contribution is significant and greatly appreciated. As Sean would say, "He's "Awesome!"

 

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