The Road Home

by: Tyler Peel

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

Epilogue
Monday June 11th, 2012

“BOYS! BOYS!!!!” Coach Kennedy yelled. “Put the basketballs away and hit the showers!” Casey, along with his classmates, took a few final shots before cleaning the gymnasium up.

“Can you believe this is the last time we’ll ever be in here?” Allan said.

“We’ll be back tomorrow night for graduation,” Casey said.

“If I never see this place or Principal Tinsley again it will be too soon!” Tom said.

“Bowling for trophies down the hallway as the Governor of Maryland was getting a tour wasn’t the brightest thing to do!” Casey said.

“Hey! I got the 7-10 split!” Tom defended and Casey fisted him.

“And a state policeman as well!” Casey added, laughing.

“Are you going to physics class?” Allan asked Casey as they headed back to the locker room.

“Yeah, I want to get my exam back,” Casey said.

“You’ll probably be the only one there and you already know that you’re number two in the entire school,” Tom said.

“I’ve got a private bet with Luke on it,” Casey said.

“Tom, you know that Jared is in his class!” Allan teased as he stripped down to take his shower.

“So who’s wearing the dress to the grad party tomorrow night, you or Jared?” Tom teased and Casey flicked his towel on Tom’s naked butt. “Ow!” Tom yelled and laughed.

“Jared… of course!” Casey joked.

“Oooooooo,” Allan and Tom teased.

“We’re telling Jared what you said,” Tom teased, and Casey flipped Tom’s showerhead over to cold water.

“Assmite!” Tom yelled and laughed.

“Say a word to Jared and I will bend you over and split you in two,” Casey joked.

“No shit!” Tom said laughing at Casey. “That thing is bigger than my baseball bat.”

“You should take Casey up on the offer… at least you’d be getting some,” Allan joked and Casey laughed.

“Fuck you, asshole. When was the last time Katrina put out for you?” Tom asked and Allan glared at him.

“At least I have a girlfriend,” Allan shot back.

“And two part-time jobs to pay for getting… nothing?” Casey teased and Tom fisted Casey.

“Hey, Mitchell?” Rob yelled from the other end of the showers. Casey leaned back from his showerhead and looked down towards Rob and nodded.

“Is Anderson back yet?” Rob asked.

“This morning,” Casey yelled over the sound of the showers running.

“Luke’s suspension is over?” Tom asked with a big grin.

“Uh huh…,” Casey said.

“Why would he bother coming back with only one day of school left?” Allan asked as he turned his water off.

“Give me your soap!” Tom yelled to Allan.

“Give me your ass!” Allan teased as he tossed his bottle of liquid soap through the air to Tom. Tom dropped the plastic bottle.

“Geez…, I’m glad Casey was our wide receiver this year,” Allan joked.

“So is Jared!” Tom joked and they fisted each other and laughed.

Casey came up from behind and put an arm around each of them pulling them into a headlock. “Who wants to be split in two first?” Casey joked and everyone in the showers started laughing.

“Allan! Allan! Allan…” Everyone in the showers began chanting. Casey kissed the top of both boys’ heads and then released them. All the guys started laughing at them.

“I think he’s coming back just to piss Tinsley off!” Casey said to Allan, as the two left the showers.

“Was Luke in trouble with the rents over it?” Allan asked.

“Not really. He got the ‘you should know better lecture’ but what was anyone going to do? You can’t stop an honour student and our Valedictorian from graduating,” Casey said as he scratched his freshly shaved pubes.

“Actually Tinsley can and who says he won’t!” Allan said.

“Did you say Luke is back?” Doug asked as he walked into the locker room.

“In full living colour!” Casey said.

“Who’s he taking to the grad party?” Allan asked.

“Melinda and Belinda,” Casey said with a grin.

“The twins? Both of them?” Allan asked wide-eyed as he pulled his boxers up.

“Uh-huh…,” Casey said grinning.

“Anderson is taking the principal’s twin daughters to the grad party?” Doug asked shaking his head.

“Does Tinsley know?” Allan asked.

Casey looked at his watch. “Not yet…, but he will at 2:01 p.m. when school is over.” Casey said and winked at them. Allan and Doug started laughing.

“What’s so funny?” Tom asked as he came into the changing room from the shower.

“Anderson is taking MeBe to the grad party!” Allan screamed with excitement.

“Really?” Tom asked with his mouth hanging open.

“Really! Really!” Allan and Casey said, and laughed.

“No surprise if you think about it. He was banging both of them at Melanie’s party a couple of weeks ago,” Allan said.

“That is so not fair… he should be sharing!” Tom moaned and Allan rolled his eyes at Casey and Doug.

“Nobody knows for sure that he was doing them,” Casey said.

“That’s the word going around!” Allan said holding his hand up to his heart.

Casey came up from behind Tom and grabbed his naked body. “I’m sure Jared wouldn’t mind a threesome,” Casey joked and that got everyone in the locker room laughing. Tom’s face turned red as he tried to break away from Casey’s hold.

“I think Tom wants some good old lovin’,” Allan teased.

“Bend over and I’ll show you some loving!” Tom said with a smile, as he squirmed unsuccessfully to break free from Casey.

“I always suspected you were one of us…,” Casey teased and Tom’s face reddened. Casey released Tom and messed his wet hair.

When Casey finished dressing, he and Allan sat on the bench between the rows of lockers waiting for Tom to finish.

“Let’s go ,Tom!” Casey yelled. “I’m as hungry as a horse.”

“No surprise…,” Tom said as he pulled up his jeans. “You’re hung like one.” Allan snorted.

“Why don’t you ask Megan to go with you?” Allan suggested.

“Megan? She’s to hawt to go with me… and too stuck up,” Tom moaned.

“Megan hasn’t got a date?” Casey whispered to Allan.

Allan watched Tom until he wasn’t looking and then shook his head.

“You’re not thinking what I think you are thinking?” Allan asked quietly.

“What’s Casey thinking about aside from Jared’s ass?” Tom asked, as he turned around and stood up.

“He wants to see how many burgers he can eat at lunch,” Allan said nudging Casey’s arm. Casey winked at Allan.

“Let’s get to the cafeteria before the line up gets really bad,” Allan said.

“As long as we’re in front of Casey there will be some food left,” Tom said.

Casey raised a clenched fist up with a smile and Tom flinched. Casey put his arm around Tom’s neck as they walked down the hall together.

“Won’t Jared get jealous?” Tom asked looking up at Casey with a grin.

“Let ‘em be jealous. I wouldn’t trade you for… three burgers!” Casey said smiling.

“Four burgers?” Allan asked with a grin.

“Can I get back to you?” Casey joked

“I love you Case. I’m gonna miss you, Allan, and Luke so much,” Tom said.

“Me too,” Allan said tapping Casey’s side three times. “Why do you guys have to go to Drexel next year?”

“Luke got the hockey scholarship and I’m going for the free room and board,” Casey said grinning. “Not to mention eating Tyler’s cooking!”

“Way kewl! I wish Ty and Derek were my brothers,” Allan said.

“Me too! They rock. Taking all of us down to Fort Lauderdale for spring break was so crazy.” Tom said.

“They really do love you guys and you’ll have lots of opportunities to visit us,” Casey said.

“Luke!!!!!!!!” Allan yelled.

“Oh… my… God…,” Tom said as all three stopped in the hallway to see Luke leaving his class.

“What happened to your… looks good… sort of?” Allan pondered.

“Whoa!” Tom said. “Why didn’t you tell us that Luke dyed his hair fluorescent green?”

“I didn’t want to spoil the surprise,” Casey said, laughing.

“Are you going to grad like that?” Allan asked.

“Why do you think I did it?” Luke said as he turned around to model his new hair.

“The spikes just add to the total effect,” Allan said grinning.

“Told ya!” Luke said to Casey. Casey stuck his tongue out and laughed at Luke.

“He’s got a tux to match it as well!” Casey said, and Luke made a face at him.

“Hi Lucas!!!!!” Belinda and Melinda said in unison as they walked by in the hall. Luke winked at both of them.

“I hate you so much!!!!” Tom said and started walking off down the hall towards the cafeteria.

“Huh?” Luke asked of Allan and Casey.

“Don’t worry about it…,” Allan said. “Let’s go.”

“Tommy!” Casey yelled down the hall and Tom turned around and walked back.

“Have you got the Van today, Luke?” Casey asked.

“Like Dad would ever let me drive his Mazda RX-8? Of course I do,” Luke said.

“Let’s go to Pizza Hut. My treat,” Casey said.

“Saweeeet!” Allan said.

“I can’t afford to go but thanks anyway, Casey,” Tom said.

“I said it was my treat. It’s our last lunch hour together,” Casey added and Tom shrugged his shoulders.

Megan walked by the four of them in the hallway and Casey watched Tom stare at her as she went by.

“You guys go to the Van and I’ll meet you there in a few minutes,” Casey said and ran off back down the hallway.

Casey ran up behind Megan at her locker and slid his arms around her waist and kissed her cheek.

“Mitchell!!!!” Mr. Tinsley yelled. “We’ll have none of that on school property!”

“Yes, Sir.” Casey said and Megan covered her laugh. “My apologies, Sir.”

Casey grinned at Megan and then rolled his eyes. He waited until Mr. Tinsley was well past them.

“How’s my second favourite girl in the world?” Casey asked.

“Second? Oh that’s right, you’ve still got that thing for five year olds don’t you?” Megan teased.

“You know it!” Casey said laughing. “I heard a little bird chirping and it said that you won the English award.”

“Big deal… Luke won almost everything else. Math, Science, Business…”

“Nope, he didn’t get the business award,” Casey said laughing.

“Really? Why not?” Megan asked.

“Well… you know he got suspended?” Casey asked.

“He is always getting suspended. What for this time?” Megan asked.

“His marketing project,” Casey said laughing.

“I heard he did something with a doll. Knowing Luke it was probably a blow-up doll,” Megan said grinning.

“Nah… if it was a blow-up doll Mr. Sanderson would have just quietly taken it away and brought it home with him,” Casey joked, and Megan started laughing.

“Comb overs are very popular with blow up dolls right now! Ask any airhead female… I swear!” Megan joked, holding her right hand up in the air.

“Word! Luke did his Tickle me Emo doll,” Casey joked.

“Tickle me Elmo?” Megan asked.

“Not Elmo, Emo!” Casey said laughing so hard he could barely get the words out. “He rerecorded the messages on an Elmo doll.”

“Oh shit! Really?” Megan asked.

“Yeah, the new Tickle me Emo doll would say things such as ‘My mom and dad don’t love me’ and ‘I wasn’t hugged enough as a child’,” Casey said wiping tears from his eyes.

“They suspended him for that?” Megan asked.

“Not exactly… it also said things like ‘get me a knife so I can cut myself’ and ‘Marilyn Manson is your God’,” Casey said almost hysterical with laughter.

“This school is so backwards…,” Megan began.

“Well that still isn’t why he got suspended…,” Casey said.

“Uh huh?” Megan asked rolling her eyes.

“You know who Luke started dating a few weeks ago?” Casey asked.

“One of the bimbettes it appears but I can never tell which is which,” Megan said.

“He’s dating both of them,” Casey said, and Megan’s mouth dropped open.

“Seriously?” Megan asked and laughed.

“Seriously… but not really,” Casey said.

“I’ve heard that they always did everything together because they shared one brain,” Megan said and Casey snorted.

“They were… you know… one night…,” Casey said grinning with embarrassment.

“You really don’t need to draw me a picture, Case,” Megan said laughing.

“Well they recorded it… and Luke took some of the conversation and put it on his Tickle me Emo doll,” Casey said dropping to floor with laughter.

“Why am I not surprised? So Tinsley got wind of it and… game over?” Megan asked and Casey just nodded his head up and down. He was laughing too hard to speak.

Casey felt his phone vibrate. He flipped his phone open to read a text message from Luke. “Where the fuck r u?”

Casey text messaged back to Luke, “B right there. Got Tom date.”

Luke texted back Casey immediately. “Really, cool.”

“Sorry, that was Luke,” Casey said.

“No problem. It’s always like that when you’re off your chain,” Megan teased.

“Don’t go there again,” Casey said.

“So… you just dropped by to say hello?” Megan asked.

“You have the most beautiful eyes,” Casey said smiling up at her.

“Okay Case, spit it out. What do you want?” Megan asked as she crossed her arms and leaned against her locker.

“Am I that obvious?” Casey asked.

“Only in underwear…,” Megan teased. Casey closed his eyes and shook his head.

“You’re never going to let that night go, are you?” Casey asked.

“Not in a million years… I want you to know how deeply ingrained that image of you is in my brain,” Megan teased.

“I really don’t want to know this, Megs…,” Casey said as he blushed.

“That’s cool! Just remember your promise!” Megan teased.

“Always!” Casey said looking up at her and crossing his heart with his finger. “You’ll have the first option if I ever swing over to the other side.”

Megan leaned down and kissed his cheek. “Get off the floor before someone suspends you for it and tell me what you want.” Megan said offering Casey a hand up. Casey grinned and brushed any dirt off of the seat of his jeans.

Leaning against the locker and grinning Casey asked, “So who has the honour of taking you to the grad party?”

Megan narrowed his eyes and stared at him.

“I am not going to any dumb grad party. Besides… I don’t have a date.”

“Yes you do! What are you wearing? Pink looks good on you… well; it looks better on you than it does on me. We should go shopping this afternoon and find you a nice dress. We’ll also need to get a corsage for you that matches…,” Casey began and Megan held her hand up and over his mouth.

“Stop it, Conan!” Megan said.

“Conan?” Casey said laughing. “You haven’t called me Conan in years…, besides I’m much bigger than the Vice President,” he said in his best Arnold Schwarzenegger voice.

“Speaking of… I still think we need a recount!” Megan said grinning.

“They won by four million votes,” Casey said.

“I was talking about who is bigger,” Megan said and winked at him.

“You sexy little tramp… I want you to know that Jared is going to be pissed that you are turning me on right now,” Casey said faking being hurt.

“Spit it out, Conan!” Megan said looking at her watch.

“Tom.” Casey said as he watched closely for Megan’s reaction.

“Tom who? Our Tom? He’s kind of short and he rarely speaks to me,” Megan said.

“Everyone is short next to me,” Casey said with a wink.

“No, I don’t think so…,” Megan said turning around to close her locker.

“You haven’t heard my plan, Megs!” Casey said. Megan turned and glared at him.

“Call me Megs again and I will tear it off you and shove it up your ass,” Megan said.

“Damn! That would really hurt my ass. I don’t think I could handle that,” Casey joked.

“You’ve got 12 seconds and only because I love you,” Megan said.

“And we both know you still love Luke,” Casey added, and Megan glared at him.

“Shut up!” Megan said and turned and walked off. Casey ran after her.

“You sound just like Luke!” Casey teased.

Megan stopped in the hallway long enough to give Casey the evil eye and then continued walking.

“Just listen for a moment. Tom really likes you and needs a date for the Grad but he’s way too shy to ask. He’s a really sweet guy and I want you to be very nice to him,” Casey began.

“Excuse me? Aren’t you jumping ahead a bit? I never said I would go with Tom to the Grad party.”

“Let me finish please! Luke’s going to see you there with Tom and that will drive him crazy,” Casey said and stopped. He watched Megan’s eyes stare off into the distance.

“What makes you think me being with Tom is going to drive Luke crazy?” Megan asked.

“Megs… <Megan raise a clinched fist and Casey grinned at her> we both know that Luke loves you and always has. He just won’t admit it. You’re the only girl who challenges him, thinks like him, and is just as smart as him… not mention just as evil as well! You’re both meant to be together and I am going to make this happen… with or without your help!” Casey said and Megan lowered her fist.

“I couldn’t do that to Tom. He really is a sweet guy… just kind of weird,” Megan said.

“I know you couldn’t Megan. The thing is that all Tom wants is to no longer be a virgin. By the end of the night he will be with the Tinsley bimbettes... almost guaranteed!” Casey said grinning.

“Are you sure about this? What do you mean by almost?” Megan asked.

“I know Tom and I know the real Luke!” Casey said and grinned. “Tom needs a confidence builder and the twins won’t mind especially when I tell them Tom is a virgin. As for Luke, he is the most confident and knowledgeable person in the world about everything except women! Luke and I have no secrets. We tell each other anything and everything but he won’t discuss you. You stimulate every important part of that boy’s body. You’re the only person who has ever challenged him in all the ways that are real and count to him,” Casey said as he tenderly stroked Megan’s cheek with two fingers.

“Real? What does Luke know about real?” Megan asked rolling her eyes.

“Everything about Luke is real unless he doesn’t want you to see it. At home he is just as mouthy but no person on this planet sets the bar higher and sticks closer to his word than Luke,” Casey said.

“He is a sweetie isn’t he? You’re a lucky guy, Casey Mitchell,” Megan said.

“I am! I’ve got you, Luke, and my family,” Casey said, giving Megan a hug.

“And if you’re wrong about Luke?” Megan asked.

“I’m not, but if I am then you’ve got yourself a date for a movie next Friday night and that will make Luke even more jealous,” Casey said grinning.

“What about Luke and the twin meal-deal to go?” Megan asked and Casey laughed. “I heard they got super-sized over the March break.” he added

“Melinda and Belinda don’t give a shit about Luke. They just want to be seen with him. He doesn’t love them in the slightest and he’s just using them to get even with Tinsley for the suspension,” Casey said.

“You mean Tinsley doesn’t know that Luke is taking his daughters to the Grad dance?” Megan asked.

“He will know this afternoon when Luke tells him at about one minute after school ends,” Casey said holding his tummy as he laughed.

“You are so evi,l Casey. I never knew this about you!” Megan said laughing.

“I’ve had a few years to learn from you and Luke!” Casey joked and Megan poked his side.

“Careful! You don’t want damaged goods!” Casey teased.

“I want dinner too!” Megan said winking at Casey.

“Drive thru it is… perhaps MeBe will be working at McDonald’s Friday night?” Casey said and winked at her. “I’m teasing! Dinner and I’ll even buy you roses!” Casey added putting his arm around Megan.

“It seems like we’ve wasted six years,” Megan pondered.

“Megs, the most important thing to Luke is his brothers and when you made your views known to him that killed it for him. That’s a line no one can cross,” Casey said.

“That was my father talking. I apologized. It was years ago! I might be intelligent but I never said I was smart,” Megan moaned.

“No argument here,” Casey teased and poked Megan’s side. “We’ve been friends now for… well… much longer than either of us will admit? He knows inside that if you hated gays then you wouldn’t be my friend. Besides, it’s not like he avoids you. We all go to parties, movies, shopping. I see him watching you when you’re not looking,” Casey said as they walked towards the exit.

“He wouldn’t let me apologize,” Megan pleaded.

“Megan, if Luke let you off the hook then he would have to deal with his feelings for you. He doesn’t realize that he doesn’t need to deal with them but just accept what his heart is telling him. He just needs to follow his heart to his one true love,” Casey said, as he kissed the top of Megan’s head.

“MITCHELL!!!!” Mr. Tinsley yelled at him as they walked by the main office. They stopped and turned around to look him. Casey refused to let go of Megan.

“Stuff it, Mr. Tinsley!” Casey said as he turned and continued on out the door.

“This is wrong… I’m not doing this!” Megan said as they stepped outside. Casey grabbed her arm.

“I’ll make you a deal. If Luke doesn’t at least ask you to dance then I’m yours for the entire Friday evening. All yours!” Casey said raising his eyebrows up and down and then a smile formed on Megan’s face.

“Wait a minute… I win either way then?” Megan said.

“I’d never let you lose Megan,” Casey said giving Megan a quick kiss on the cheek. “We need to get going.”

“Huh? Where?” Megan asked as Casey put his arm around her waist and pulled her along.

“We’re going to Pizza Hut with Luke, Allan, and Tom so you can ask Tom to the Grad dance,” Casey said, taking her arm and pushing her down the hall.

“HUH?” Megan said and Casey laughed.

“Case, you know I would never sleep with you...,” Megan said.

“I know Megan and that’s part of the fun of our friendship and love,” Casey said as he squeezed her tightly into his side.

“…Unless you lost this bet!” Megan teased.

“So… is Jared gifted?” Megan asked as she looked up at Casey with a grin.

“He’s almost as big as Luke and me,” Casey said trying to keep a straight face.

“What? Luke’s almost as big as you? You never told me that before,” Megan asked.

“You never asked and I always thought that when it did happen it would be a nice surprise for you.” Casey said. “Maybe you should do some… stretching exercises before tomorrow night,” he added with a grin.

“You’re as bad as your brother,” Megan said laughing and shaking her head.

“That’s a compliment I will take!” Casey said.

“Fuck!” Luke said under his breath.

“Hey! Here comes Casey with… Megan?” Allan asked.

“Fuck!” Tom said lowering his head.

Casey spotted Allan in the front seat and grinned. Allan smiled back.

“Hey, Megs, do you know why the Tinsley twins wear hoop earrings?” Casey asked with a big grin.

Megan looked up at his grin and said, “Go for it…”

“So they have some place to rest their ankles,” Casey said and Megan brought her hand to her mouth to cover up her laughter.

“They’re talking about me and laughing,” Tom moaned.

“I don’t think it’s you, Tom…,” Luke said coldly.

Casey slid the side door open and Megan smiled at everyone.

“Hi, Tom,” Megan said and crawled inside and slid down the seat beside him.

“You want up front?” Allan asked Casey as Megan got Tom to help buckle her in.

“No, I’m great back here.” Casey said smiling. He saw the glare Luke was giving him in the rear view mirror. Casey winked and Luke looked away.

“How come Jared isn’t coming along?” Luke asked.

“He’s got one more sketch to finish for his art class and has to have it in by three o’clock,” Casey said, as he reached forward and gently pulled Tom’s arm back behind the seat. He then pushed Tom’s arm around the back of Megan’s shoulders. Tom turned his head slightly to see Casey grinning at him. Casey looked up to see Luke staring at him and then looked away when he noticed Casey spotted him watching.

“Nice hair, Luke,” Megan said and Tom snorted.

“Thanks Babe…,” Luke said as he gave Casey a quick, cold stare in the mirror

again.

After locking the Van’s door, Luke nudged Casey and said ‘washroom’.

“Five please!” Luke said to the hostess. “I just have to wash my hands. Be right back!”

“Me too,” Casey said as Luke grabbed his shirt and dragged him backwards. Megan stifled a laugh knowing exactly what was happening.

“What the hell are you doing?” Luke yelled in the washroom.

“I was about to take a leak?” Casey said.

“Don’t fuck with me. Why is she here?” Luke said pointing to the door.

“I’m trying to set Tom up with a date for the Grad dance and Megan seemed perfect,” Casey said undoing his zipper. He could tell that Luke was glaring at him. “You have a problem with that?” he asked innocently.

“You fucking well know I have a problem with that,” Luke said. “I thought you always figured that Tom was in the closet?”

“I guessed wrong it seems but tomorrow will tell for sure if he gets some from Megan,” Casey said as he zipped up. Luke clenched his fists.

“Why her?” Luke asked.

“Because I like her and she’s turned out to be my best female friend,” Casey said. “You’ve got the twins for tomorrow night so why would this be of any concern to you? It’s not like you didn’t get your order super-sized already.”

Luke glared at him, turned and walked out of the bathroom ahead of Casey.

The server was taking soda orders when Casey arrived at their round table with six chairs. Allan and Megan sat on each side of Tom. Luke sat down beside Allan so he wouldn’t be directly across from Megan. “Pitcher of R.C. please?” Casey asked and the server nodded. Casey sat beside Luke and leaned into him a little bit.

“So… Megan, are you already for graduation?” Casey asked.

“Actually I’m glad it’s over. I am going to miss the four of you though,” Megan said. Luke blinked.

“How so?” Allan asked.

“Come on guys… throw Jared into the group and you guys are the ‘ferocious five’” Megan teased too much laughter.

“More like the fiendish fucktards,” Luke said grinning.

“Nobody creates more innocent shit in school than you guys… and I raise my R.C. cola in honour of your accomplishments,” Megan said teasing them all.

*sniff sniff* “This is my proudest moment.” Allan said feigning tears.

Everyone laughed and then Tom added, “No really, this IS his proudest moment.”

“You didn’t answer my question, Megs?” Casey repeated and winked at her. Casey heard Luke’s deep sigh.

“I’m not going, Casey, I already told you that,” Megan said.

“Is it true you turned down John Littman?” Allan asked as he slurped from his straw. Megan grinned.

“Really?” Tom asked. “He’s our quarterback! You don’t turn down the quarterback.”

“I can and I did… he didn’t turn me on,” Megan said. Casey could hear Luke’s breathing getting heavier.

“Tom’s not going either…,” Casey said and sighed.

“How come Tom?” Megan asked. “I thought the girls would be all over you. I can name at least three girls that think you’re hot… of course they all have dates or boyfriends,” Casey smiled at Megan as everyone watched the look of shock on Tom’s face.

“I know a blind girl who might go with you Tom!” Luke said, as he sucked back an ice cube and began crunching it. Casey jammed his left foot down on Luke’s right foot and Luke began choking.

“You okay, Luke?” Casey asked patting his back.

“No thanks to you,” Luke said, glaring to his right.

“Try sticking to one ice cube instead of two next time,” Casey said, as he backed his chair up so the server could set the two large pizzas down. Allan, Megan, and Tom all gave each other a quick look as they wondered what was behind Casey’s subliminal message.

Luke and Casey simultaneously opened their backpacks and pulled out jars of Kraft peanut butter.

“Oh my God…,” Megan said, staring at them. Allan snorted.

Luke stood up and gave Casey a cold stare as he grabbed the first two pieces of pizza. Tom carefully tilted the tray towards Megan for her to select a piece.

“Thank you, Tom!” Megan said as she pulled a single slice off the tray.

“Anything for you,” Tom said with a sheepish grin.

Luke folded his slice of peanut butter pizza down the centre and stuffed it in his mouth. “This is how they eat it in Italy!” Luke mumbled aloud.

“Would you like to go to the dance with me?” Tom asked.

Luke started choking and coughing with his mouth full.

“I’d love to go to the dance with you, Tom. That is sweet of you to ask,” Megan said.

Casey began slapping Luke’s back as he tried to gulp down some of his soda.

“Shouldn’t bite off more than you can chew…,” Casey said as he returned to his own slice of peanut butter pizza. Luke gave Casey a sideways glare

“I some how doubt that is the first time you said that Casey!” Allan mentioned and roared with laughter at his own joke. Megan, Tom, and Casey joined in on the laughter as well, while Luke wondered what Casey might have said.

When things quieted down Luke waited to catch Allan’s eye and give him a cold stare. Allan looked at him and smiled.

“I’ll ride in the back of the Van…,” Allan said with a grin and then added, “but it was worth it.” The table erupted in laughter again except for Luke.

“Four out of five people at this table thought that was funny!” Casey said, pointing his finger at Allan. More laughter.

“I’m so going to trash the four of you on stage tomorrow night,” Luke said, as he refilled his drink.

“You love all of us too much,” Casey said, as he held out his glass for a refill.

Luke looked over at Megan and their eyes met and stayed glued for a few seconds. Luke matched the slightest hint of a smile that appeared on Megan’s face. Luke lifted the pitcher of R.C. Cola and refilled Megan’s glass without removing his eyes from hers.

“Do you think I could borrow the Van for an hour or so after school?” Casey whispered to Luke as they walked out of the restaurant.

“Not after what you did in there…,” Luke whined and Casey shook his head and walked beside him in silence.

When they all arrived back at school Luke locked the Van and called out to Casey as he tossed the keys over to him. “I’ll walk home. Have it back before 4:00 p.m. because Mom needs it.

“Thanks, Luke. I owe you one,” Casey said.

“I’ll collect when you get your physics mark back,” Luke said confidently.

“You still haven’t told me what you got?” Casey asked.

“I don’t want to crush your last day at T.J. High. I’ve beaten you on every test and lab this semester. Why should today be any different?” Luke asked, without expecting an answer.

“Cause I know I got it this time! I answered every single question,” Casey said.

“Hold on tight to that dream while you can,” Luke said, as he held the door open for Casey.

“We can drive you home first,” Casey offered.

“Three’s a crowd…,” Luke said as he reached for the combination lock on his locker.

“Why don’t you just admit that you…,” Casey began.

“Shut the fuck up! We’ve had this conversation for six years now and I’m sick of it,” Luke said slamming his locker shut and walking off.

“Nice hair by the way,” Casey yelled. Luke stuck his hand up in the air and made a peace sign as he walked away.

Luke pulled his top t-shirt up and over his head to reveal another t-shirt while his fellow students filed by him leaving the class. Luke’s Algebra teacher looked up to read his shirt as Luke walked towards the door with a grin.

“Give ‘em hell, Anderson!” Mr. McIntyre said with a smile.

“Thank you, Sir, and thank you for being a great teacher and an inspiration.” Luke said offering his hand.

“I’m sure you’ll be as happy to get out of here as Tinsley will be to see you gone,” Mr. McIntyre joked.

“If he lets me out… I have to have him sign me back into school today to be able to graduate. Word has it that he isn’t going to sign it,” Luke said.

“Luke! Close the door for a moment,” Mr. McIntyre said and Luke closed the door. “You are one of my top five favourite students of all time. If that asshole tries any shit with you then you ask him very quietly if his wife has seen the video tape recordings of him and Mrs. Murray in the janitor’s storeroom on the second floor near the art room.” Luke burst out in laughter.

“That’s even better than the video footage I have of me with his daughters last Saturday night,” Luke said grinning, and Mr. McIntyre laughed until tears ran down his eyes.

“…And I thought you had standards Luke? One more thing for insurance Luke, all you have to mention is orange Speedos,” Mr. McIntyre said.

“Eeeeewwww!” Luke moaned.

“No shit!” Mr. McIntyre said.

“The suspension was way out of line, Sir, and I’m just about to tell him that I am taking MeBe to the grad party,” Luke said with a smile.

“Just be careful your IQ doesn’t start dropping,” Mr. McIntyre joked and waved Luke on his way.

“I owe you another one,” Luke said opening the door.

“Stay true to yourself Luke and we’ll call it even,” Mr. McIntyre said. “Though if you have any Tickle Me Emo dolls left I would like one for Tinsley’s retirement party next year.” Mr. McIntyre winked.

“Consider it done and I will happily be a surprise guest speaker if needed,” Luke said closing the classroom door behind him.

“Casey!!!!” Luke yelled as he approached their lockers.

“Where have you been? I want to get a good seat outside the office,” Allan teased.

“Guys! I’ve got a problem but I also have a solution.” Luke began. “I need a blank CD, a case, and marker… right now!”

Everyone scrambled to find all the necessary items. “Tom?” Luke asked.

“Yeah?” Tom asked as Megan approached them.

“Run upstairs and get the number off of the janitor’s storeroom in the art hall and don’t fuck it up!” Luke said pointing at him. Tom told Megan he would be right back.

“What’s up?” Casey asked.

“Tinsley has no intention of signing my return and therefore I will have been considered suspended or absent without leave,” Luke said.

“Shit!” Casey said.

“Can he do that?” Megan asked.

“He can do anything he wants. Let’s face it… he has an entire file cabinet drawer dedicated to me,” Luke said.

“What are you going to do?” Allan asked.

“Beat him at his own game,” Luke said with a grin.

“Do you think you should run this idea past us first?” Casey asked.

“Nope, but I do need your help. Megan, take the keys and go out to the Van with Allan and Tom. We’ll be right there.” Luke said as he handed her the keys.

“Nice shirt by the way,” Megan said and grinned.

“Ha ha ha…,” Allan laughed. “Are you going to wear that into Tinsley’s office?”

“You bet!” Luke said and winked at him.

Tom came running down the hall. “206” He said feeling winded from running.

Luke wrote ‘Room 206’ on the CD and then closed the lid on the case. As they walked to the office Luke explained his plan.

Casey opened the door to the office and held it for Luke. The entire staff paused when they saw Luke enter.

“Please! Everyone! Don’t stop what you’re doing because I’m here,” Luke said with a big grin and Casey snorted.

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Murray.” Luke said as he approached the counter.

“How can I help you, Mr. Anderson?” She said coldly as she read his shirt.

“I’m here to have Mr. Tinsley sign my return form?” Luke said smiling politely.

“Mr. Tinsley’s busy right now,” Mrs. Murray said sharply, and then faked a smile.

“I really think he needs to see me. You see I can’t graduate tomorrow unless he signs this form.” Luke said holding an official TJHS form out for her to see. Casey opened up his laptop and turned it on.

“Mr. Tinsley is busy right now. Perhaps you can see him the first day back at school next year?” Mrs. Murray suggested and then grinned.

Luke reached into his backpack and pulled out a CD. He held it up and showed it to her. She gave Luke a confused look. Luke opened the CD cover to reveal a CD labeled ‘Room 206’. Mrs. Murray’s gasp told Luke he was now in the driver’s seat.

“Orange you glad I dropped by?” Luke said as he shut the case and returned it to his backpack. Mrs. Murray blinked and then looked at Luke.

“Let me see if I can interrupt him,” Mrs. Murray said.

“We’ll go with you. It’s really not a bother,” Luke said as he signaled Casey to follow.

“Mr. Tinsley, Luke Anderson is here to see you.” Mrs. Murray said sticking her head inside his glass office. Mr. Tinsley gave her a look but Luke wormed his way past Mrs. Murray before he could say anything.

“Good afternoon, Sir,” Luke said as Casey sat down on the bench outside of Mr. Tinsley’s office. “I need you to sign my return and release form, Sir.”

“Well, Mr. Anderson, I see that the time reads… 2:23 p.m. School is over for the year and so I’m afraid I cannot sign that now,” Mr. Tinsley said grinning from ear-to-ear until he read Luke’s shirt.

“I think you can, Sir!” Luke said as he set the paper down in front of Mr. Tinsley.

“I told you to be in my office by 2:00 p.m. You’re late so it isn’t my fault. In fact you’ve been late for classes more than you’ve been on time this year. Let’s just call this my little thank you present to you for all you’ve done for me,” Mr. Tinsley gloated.

“Are you online and ready to go Casey?” Luke yelled and Mr. Tinsley looked beyond Luke to see Casey sitting on the bench outside of his office.

“All is good. They get great wireless connection in the office,” Casey said. “Just say when and I will upload it.”

“This is your last chance, Sir?” Luke asked.

“You’re threatening me now Mr. Anderson? I think I should get Mrs. Murray to phone the police.” Mr. Tinsley said as he lifted the receiver and punched in her extension. Luke sat down in a chair and pulled out the CD case and opened it up. He held it up waiting for Mr. Tinsley to take notice.

“Yes, Mrs. Murray, I’m going to need you to <Luke tapped on his desk to get his attention> never mind.” He said and hung up the phone.

“I didn’t know that orange was your favourite colour?” Luke said and then smiled.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Mr. Anderson,” Mr. Tinsley yelled.

“Fine then, don’t sign it and Casey can begin uploading it to YouTube.com.” Luke said. Mr. Tinsley stared into Luke’s eyes. Luke stood up.

“No problem, Sir. Casey!!!!” Luke yelled.

“WAIT!” Mr. Tinsley said holding his hand up in the air. “Give me the CD and I will sign it.” Luke set the CD in his hand and he smiled.

“Before you say something stupid like ‘now that you’ve given me the CD…,’ I want to tell you that this is a blank CD with nothing on it. I have the original copy. Do you really think I would bring something like that into the school? I could get suspended.” Luke said as he sat back down and slid the form on the desk towards Mr. Tinsley.

“What are you doing with the video?” Mr. Tinsley asked.

“Destroying it Sir. Mrs. Tinsley is a lovely lady. Did you get any of the cookies she made last night when I was over?” Luke asked. Mr. Tinsley thought for a second and then his eyes popped open.

“She made them last night for Melinda, Belinda, and me. She said you had a meeting with the Director of the Board of Education and some surveyor about the parking lot. Does that sound right?” Luke asked. Mr. Tinsley’s look of shock turned to a cold icy stare as he signed the paper and gave Luke his copy.

“MRS. MURRAY!” He yelled and she came running in. “Make sure these are filed immediately for our Valedictorian. We don’t want any further disruptions,” Principal Tinsley said glaring at Luke.” She nodded and walked out with two of three copies while Luke held on to one.

“Get out of my office. I never want to see or hear of you again!” Mr. Tinsley said standing up.

“Yes Sir, but would you do me one favour?” Luke asked smiling. Mr. Tinsley glared at him.

“Could you tell Melinda and Belinda that I will pick them up at 5:30 sharp for graduation?” Luke asked.

“Over my cold, dead body will my daughters ever come within 20 feet of you!” Mr. Tinsley yelled.

“Actually, Sir, they are my dates for tomorrow night but feel free to discuss it with them? Maybe we can swap videos? You can watch the one the three of us made last Saturday night and we can watch you and Mrs. Murray?” Luke said and grinned.

“Get out of my sight!” Mr. Tinsley said calmly and coldly. Luke figured he just crossed that line and jumped up and left the office. Casey jumped up and followed Luke out of the office.

“Done?” Casey asked and a smile formed on Luke’s mouth.

“Word!” Luke said attracting the attention of everyone left in the hallway.

As the boys headed out the door someone yelled down the hall at them. “What’s your shirt say, Luke?”

The boys turned around at the door and looked at each other and then yelled, “NO MORE SCHOOL, NO MORE BOOKS, NO MORE TEACHER’S DIRTY LOOKS!” Luke and Casey were laughing as they ran through the parking lot to the Van. Luke was waving the piece of paper in his hand at Allan, Megan, and Tom who were sitting inside the vehicle.

Luke climbed into the driver’s seat and they left for Allan’s house to drop him off. Luke stopped at a bank machine and withdrew some cash. It was decided that Luke, Tom, Megan, and Casey would all go to the mall. As the four of them walked into the mall, Luke stuffed a wad of bills into Casey’s hand without Megan or Tom noticing what he did.

“Make sure she gets something worthy of her,” Luke said emotionlessly and Casey grinned from behind him.

Luke and Tom headed to a men’s shop while Casey and Megan hit several dress stores.

“Can I be of help to you?” The lady behind the cash register inquired.

“Yes, Ma’am,” Casey said with a smile. “Megan needs something really nice for a graduation tomorrow night.”

“Tomorrow night?” She asked with a look of shock.

“Tomorrow night! Go wander Megan.” Casey said and pulled the sales lady aside. “Price is not an object!” he whispered.

“A thousand dollars is not a problem?” she asked.

“A thousand dollars is a problem. Let’s be reasonable here,” Casey said grinning.

While Megan and the sales lady began narrowing down her options, Casey pulled out the wad of bills he had in his pocket. “All one hundreds… go figure? Who knew that Luke knew the price of a good dress?” Casey asked of himself.

Casey heard Megan getting excited and hurried over to see what she found. “Did you find something?” Casey asked as Megan held the dress up in front of herself and beamed in the reflection of the mirror.

“Oh shit!” She said when looked at the price tag on the inside.

“That’s the one then! Go get it on and see if it fits,” Casey said.

“No way! It’s almost $650.00!” Megan cried.

“Maybe, but you are priceless!” Casey said and winked. The sales lady smiled at Casey.

“You’re going to look gorgeous in a strapless gown. You definitely have the figure and height for it,” the sales lady said.

Megan looked at Casey like a deer caught in the headlights of a car.

“Well, go and try it on! Time is of the essence here,” Casey said shaking his head.

As Megan tried the dress on, Casey asked about what colour of corsage and accessories.

“I’m just going over to the jewelry story, Tom.” Luke said as the salesman was marking the suit to be altered.

“How can I help you, Sir?” a lady cleaning one of the display cases asked as she stared at Luke’s green hair.

“I’m fine, Ma’am. Just looking, for the moment,” Luke said as he wandered their showroom and looked inside each display case.

“Excuse me, Ma’am?” Luke called.

“Yes Sir, how can I help you?” she asked.

“I’d like to buy that right there and that over there,” he said pointing.

“That’s $230.00 dollars and this one is $135.00.” She said.

“Do you take debit cards?” Luke asked.

“We most certainly do.” She said and Luke opened his cell phone and searched out a number stored in the phone book.

“First Bank of Maryland, how may I direct your call?” the lady on the phone asked.

“Can I speak with Judy Masters please?” Luke asked and the sales lady slowly polished his choice.

“I’m afraid Judy is with a client right now. Can I put you through to her voice mail?” the lady asked.

“Could you please interrupt her and tell her that it is Lucas Anderson on the phone,” Luke said and the sales lady paused as she listened into the conversation.

“Hi Luke!” Judy said answering her phone.

“Hi Judy, I’m sorry to bother you but I’ve been making a few purchases and I’m about to go over my daily limit. Could you bump it up one thousand please?” Luke asked.

“Certainly, Luke. Just give me one moment here… <30 seconds> …done!” Judy said. “Anything else I can do for you today?”

“No, that’s great, Judy. Thanks. By the way have you found out my new rates? There are a few things coming due on July 1st,” Luke asked, as the sales lady stared at him in shock.

“I haven’t heard back yet but I will email them again today and call you tomorrow,” Judy said.

“No rush and just remember I don’t want any more index funds!” Luke said.

“I know Luke! Have a great day,” Judy said.

“You too, babe!” Luke said, and the sales lady blinked. Luke folded up his cell phone.

“I’ll just put this into a nice box for you. Would you like it wrapped?” she asked.

“No thank you, just a bag. I need this one boxed and that one just in a bag. Do I get a discount for not using my credit card?” Luke asked and the sales lady blinked.

“I don’t know? No one has ever asked me that before,” she said half smiling.

“The standard discount is 1.5% for Visa and 1.65% for not using a Master Card,” Luke informed her.

“I’m sorry, Sir. I don’t honestly know,” she said.

“That’s fine. Just go ahead and invoice it out for me. Is the manager or owner around?” Luke asked.

“No, Sir, I’m sorry but he is away on vacation this week,” she said.

“That’s fine. I am sure he has a business card? If I could have one I would like to discuss his client loyalty program with him,” Luke said and the saleslady’s mouth dropped open.

“Your dress and matching shoes will be ready by 10 a.m. tomorrow morning Miss Williamson,” the sales lady said to Megan.

“Megan, would you go find our brothers while I settle up here?” Casey asked and a dazed and smiling Megan silently walked out of the store.

“I think you made your girlfriend’s day!” the saleslady said.

“I think my brother made her day… she just doesn’t know it yet. Come to think of it… he doesn’t either!” Casey murmured, and the sales lady gave him a funny look.

Megan was giddy and smiling as Luke and the boys drove her home.

“I’ll see you around 10 a.m. tomorrow?” Casey asked Megan.

“No you won’t, Casey! Remember Tyler asked us to keep the morning free,” Luke said.

“Right… how about one o’clock?” Casey asked, and Megan just grinned and then kissed him for about 10 seconds.

“Whoa!” Casey said with a smile.

“I’m telling Jared!!” Tom teased.

“Shut up, Tom!” Luke and Casey said in unison as Megan ran up the driveway to her house.

After Luke dropped Tom off at his home he took Casey home, too. “Thanks for what you did, Luke,” Casey said.

“Let’s not talk about it. I did it for you,” Luke said. Casey ignored him, knowing the truth.

“Are you coming in?” Casey asked.

“I have to get the Van home before four o’clock,” Luke said.

“Why don’t we drop the Van off and walk back over here?” Casey asked.

“Why?” Luke asked.

“Because we have to discuss my exam mark…,” Casey said grinning.

“There’s no way you beat me, so get over it,” Luke said.

“Let’s go!” Casey said getting back into the Van and putting his seatbelt on. They left the Van in the driveway and Luke phoned home from his cell phone to tell his Mom he had gone to Casey’s and would be back in time for dinner.

“Hello????” Casey yelled and no one answered. “Yes! No one is home. They’re all too busy fussing over Jeff and Ashlea. This has been the best nine months of my life,” Casey said bubbling over with happiness.

“Isn’t the baby due any moment?” Luke asked as he took his coat off.

“Three days ago!” Casey said. “If she hasn’t had the baby by Wednesday they are going to induce her. Just think Luke, we’re going to have another baby brother or sister!” Casey said.

“Whatever…,” Luke moaned.

“You are so full of shit, little brother,” Casey said. “On to more important things though… let’s go upstairs to my room!” Casey grabbed his backpack with one hand and Luke with the other.

He closed and locked his bedroom door. He tore apart his backpack all over the floor while Luke lay down on the bed.

“Ah ha!” Casey said as he found the exam cover sheet with his mark on it. He held it up for Luke to read.

“Holy fuck! You broke into the nineties?” Luke asked.

“Ninety-one to be exact,” Casey said.

“Congrats Casey. You finally won one,” Luke said with a halfhearted smile.

“Yes! Yes! Yes!” Casey screamed as Luke grinned watching Casey do his happy dance. Luke reached into his pocket and pulled out a little bag and handed it to Casey.

“What’s this?” Casey asked.

“Open it dumbass instead of asking stupid questions,” Luke said and Casey opened the bag.

“You know I don’t wear gold! Only silver to match my bracelet,” Casey said trying to sound serious.

“It’s not for you it’s for…,” Luke began.

“I know who it’s for Luke! Take a pill. That is sweet of you to buy her a pair of ear rings.” Casey said. “She’s going to love them. When are you giving them to her?”

“Those are not from me, Casey! They’re for you to give to Megan. A graduation gift,” Luke said.

Casey leaned down and kissed Luke. “I knew you loved her.” Casey said smiling and Luke pushed Casey away and stood up.

“Will you shut up about this?” Luke said angrily. Casey closed the box and set it down on his dresser.

“Luke?” Casey called softly and Luke turned and looked in Casey’s eyes. “I will ask this once more and you don’t need to answer if you don’t want to. I promise to never bring it up again,” he said, and Luke rolled his eyes and nodded in silence.

“I know that you love her unlike you’ve ever loved anyone except your brothers, so what is the problem you have with Megan?” Casey asked and Luke sat down on the bed. Casey sat down beside Luke, who stared at the floor.

“She’s homophobic!” Luke said softly.

“She’s not and you know it, so that isn’t the real reason,” Casey said and Luke sat silently thinking.

“You’ve probably dated 30 girls and not one has ever been anything serious. I’m guessing that it’s because of your feelings for Megan?” Casey said.

“I need to get home,” Luke said standing up. He turned and looked at Casey and said, “I’m sorry. If I knew the answer I would tell you.”

Luke paused at the door and asked, “Do you want to collect your winnings now?”

“No,” Casey said staring at the floor. “You’re my best friend Luke. You owe me nothing. I owe you my life. Everything I have is because of you.”

“Don’t say that, Case,” Luke said turning around to face Casey and leaning against the door. “You’re a way better human being than I will ever be. I’m just a loud mouth, obnoxious punk but with you beside me I’m a loud mouth, obnoxious punk with the best friend a guy could ask for,” he said and watched a smile appear on Casey’s face. Casey closed his eyes and shook his head.

“I love you, Case,” Luke said and walked out of Casey’s room.

“I love you too, Luke…, more than you will ever realize…,” Casey said aloud to himself. Luke continued quietly down the hallway.

Luke came around the corner of his driveway and spotted the red Jeep.

“YES!” Luke yelled, jumping into the air and then running up to the house. Slamming the front door shut he dumped his backpack on the floor and ran up the stairs searching every bedroom.

“In here!” Tyler called out and Luke ran to Derek’s bedroom.

Luke ran in to the bedroom and stopped. “Did I tell you that you could use my computer?” he asked, teasing Tyler.

“Sorry! I was feeling the need to watch straight porn,” Tyler said as he turned around and Luke bent down to hug and kiss him.

“Don’t start watching my straight porn! I don’t need the competition,” Luke joked.

“Speaking of… I did click on the ‘pizza delivery boy’ one. The guy brings the pizza and the girl says she only has a credit card. Then he tells her that he doesn’t take credit cards so she flips up her dress and asks how she could repay him for the pizza. He tosses the pizza on the floor and says, ‘well… you did order extra sausage!’” Tyler said laughing. “That has to be the lamest porn movie ever made.

“It got me where I was going,” Luke said, with a wink.

“Remind me to buy you a new map,” Tyler mumbled and Luke messed Tyler’s hair.

“Nice t-shirt! Hope you didn’t get suspended again for it?” Tyler said.

“Of course not, this is my first day back!” Luke said. “Where’s ‘the doctor’?”

“He’s on duty tonight as part of his Emergency Medicine rotation. He’ll be here in time for graduation tomorrow night, though,” Tyler said.

“I love you,” Luke said as he sat down on Tyler’s lap.

“I love you too but you’re killing me here, Pookster,” Tyler teased pushing Luke off of his lap.

“Whatcha writing?” Luke asked.

“The story,” Tyler moaned.

“Shit! You’re still writing that piece of crap? It’s been like a year now,” Luke said.

“It’s over 800,000 words,” Tyler said.

“Okay, so it’s a long, boring piece of crap.” Luke said and winked at Tyler.

“Thank you for your support!” Tyler said.

“No one is going to read something that long and well… boring!” Luke said grinning.

“No shit, you’re in it,” Tyler said returning to the keyboard.

“Well at least you got a shot of making some money then,” Luke said, and Tyler paused to glare at Luke. Luke grinned.

“Are you going to make it into a movie?” Luke asked.

“Derek was reading some of it and said that it did read like a screenplay more than a novel,” Tyler said.

“You let your lame-assed boyfriend read it but not me?” Luke said feigning anger.

“You have a life; Derek’s a medical student, so he doesn’t. I’m creating one for him through my story,” Tyler joked and Luke fell back on the bed laughing.

“Are Dakota and Ryan coming to my graduation?” Luke asked.

“Why is it all about you?” Tyler asked as he grinned at the monitor. “Dakota is staying to run the restaurant since he was off most of last week for Ryan’s grandmother’s funeral and Ryan is still down in Charlotte to help clean her place out. Since Dakota is back I was able to sneak out of work early and drive down here today. When I go back this weekend I think Dakota will head back down to Charlotte so that he and Ryan can spend a little romantic time together,” Tyler said.

“How is Café Philadelphia going?” Luke asked.

“Really good! The reviews are great but we are still only in our second year. It will take about three years to see if we can be profitable. Brewed Awakenings pretty much runs by itself so Dakota and I can focus our attention on the restaurant,” Tyler said.

“Did you use my marketing strategy?” Luke asked.

“Yes and no. We didn’t really want everyone reading an ad in the paper saying ‘Café Philadelphia: Just like Seattle but without all those heroin addicts’,” Tyler said holding his hands up in the air to give a visual of the ad. “Instead we made t-shirts with that on it and gave some to the staff and put them on sale at the front entrance for customers.”

“Crazy!” Luke said grinning. “Did you bring me one to wear?”

“Nope,” Tyler said and Luke frowned. “I brought you a dozen of them,” he said, smiling.

“Are you going to type or talk to me?” Luke asked and Tyler stopped typing and turned to look at him. “I haven’t seen you since… Easter?” Luke pondered aloud.

“Yeah… vacation time is over and I am back now…” Tyler teased and Luke jumped up and put Tyler into a headlock. Tyler, still in a headlock, picked Luke up and dropped the two of them down on Luke’s bed, where they held each other in silence.

“I’ve missed you, Pookster,” Tyler said. Luke pulled his face tight against Tyler’s cheek.

“I’m just glad I have some quiet time alone with my favourite brother,” Luke

said.

“I thought Casey was your favourite brother?” Tyler teased.

“He is but you don’t know that,” Luke joked.

“Speaking of… where is my favourite brother? You know, the cute one!” Tyler said winking. Luke punched Tyler’s shoulder.

“Ow! That hurt! Must be using your wanking arm…,” Tyler joked.

“I’ll wank you…,” Luke began.

“My favourite brother?” Tyler repeated.

“Case is at home. I needed to get started on writing my speech for tomorrow night. Can you write it for me?” Luke asked.

Tyler laughed and laughed and then said, “No!”

“Pwease!!!!!!” Luke whined.

“No, but I can give you a couple bits of advice though?” Tyler offered and Luke nodded his head up and down.

“Every fucking speech always says something like ‘lessons from the past for a brighter future’ crap. Valedictorian speeches suck ass. You want to make a difference? Do it from the heart. Speak the truth. Don’t give those losers a false reality that the world will be a better place now because of them,” Tyler teased.

“Word! That’s why I need your help.” Luke asked.

“Valedictorian speeches are judged by how many yawns are received and how few students committed suicide immediately afterwards,” Tyler said with a wink.

“How long should my speech be?” Luke asked.

“About ten to fifteen minutes but if you want to make a lasting impression then keep it down to five to ten. Remember that your speech will be printed in next year’s yearbook,” Tyler added.

“Will you at least proof read it for me?” Luke asked.

“Of course I will, Luke. I love you and I am so proud of you. I’m honoured to be able to attend such an auspicious event in your life,” Tyler said.

“No biggie… I just invited you so I would get a really cool graduation gift,” Luke joked.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought too!” Tyler said.

“Are Danny and Cody coming?” Luke asked.

“I know that Cody isn’t because he’s looking after the farm alone since Roger had his gall bladder removed. They were taking off the first cut of hay this past weekend so there is no way he will be here. Danny is still in Western Sudan with Oxfam teaching new farming techniques to the farmers and refugees. He’s flying back this week but even he doesn’t know when he’ll make it back,” Tyler said. Luke sighed.

“Jesse and Tara aren’t coming because she just gave birth to a baby boy,” Luke began. “What about Matt and his boyfriend?”

“Matt and Aaron are busy doing the printing for Microsoft’s latest introduction so they can’t make it. They were sending a card for you and Casey but you’ll have to ask your Mom if it arrived yet,” Tyler said. “When is Kyle arriving?”

“He’s not!” Luke moaned.

“What do you mean?” Tyler asked sitting up on the bed.

“He says he hasn’t got time to come here and meet his commitments with X-games and Gatorade,” Luke sighed.

“What the fuck? Let me call him!” Tyler said getting up to reach for his cell phone.

“No!” Luke said, and Tyler froze.

“No?” Tyler asked.

“He told me he wouldn’t come anyway because he didn’t want to see Chris,” Luke said.

“This is not the time to let their problems get in the way of doing the right thing,” Tyler said getting angry.

“What happened to cause them to break up?” Luke asked.

“I really can’t say, Luke,” Tyler said.

“Whatever!” Luke said.

“If I could tell you I would,” Tyler said and Luke made a pouty face.

“I miss Kyle so much,” Luke said, pulling himself back into Tyler’s arms.

“Me too, Pookster, me too,” Tyler said.

“Ty!!!!!!!!” Tyler and Luke heard from the front foyer.

“UP HERE!” Tyler yelled. “I’m in Luke’s room.”

“Geez… schools over already.” Luke sighed and Tyler laughed.

“Tyler!” she yelled.

“Hey, sweetheart! How was school today?” Tyler asked.

“Beth! Take you shoes off before climbing on the bed!” Luke yelled.

Beth looked at Luke and curled her upper lip.

“I know who she inherited that from!” Tyler joked as Beth worked her way in between Tyler and Luke to give Tyler a hug.

“I didn’t know you were home!” Beth said, not impressed at the surprise.

“Her ladyship is not amused!” Luke said to Tyler and then nodded his head up and down. Tyler laughed.

“What did you learn at school today?” Tyler asked as he perched Beth up on his tummy.

“We learned about bees,” Beth said.

“Once you learn about the birds you’ll be all set,” Luke said and Tyler snorted. Beth glared at Luke.

“She’s all woman you know!” Luke said to Tyler.

“I’ve noticed… what did you learn about bees?” Tyler asked.

“I used to get hugs when Beth came home from school…,” Luke said and then sighed.

“I learned that they make honey… and… that they sting… and… that they live in dives!” Beth proudly announced. Tyler and Luke started laughing. Beth punched Tyler in the chest.

“Don’t laugh at me!” she said.

“I’m not laughing…,” Tyler said as he laughed hysterically.

“I think you meant to say they live in hives, Beth,” Luke said.

“That’s what I said!” Beth told Luke.

“You look so pretty in that dress, Elizabeth!” Tyler said smiling at her.

“It’s a designer label!” Beth said nodding her head up and down. Tyler and Luke looked at each other and nodded their agreement with her.

“It’s Osh Kosh B’Gosh!” Beth said.

“I love your yellow dress but anything looks good on you,” Tyler said as he sat up and kissed her. Beth quickly moved over to Luke and pulled his arm around her. “Ah hah… I see you’re still Luke’s favourite girl friend,” Tyler teased.

“My birthday is coming,” Beth said.

“We know, sweetheart!” Tyler said.

“Your birthday is still three and a half months away, Beth,” Luke said rolling his eyes.

Beth looked at Luke and curled her upper lip… again. Tyler started laughing.

“We share the same birthday, Beth,” Tyler said and Beth’s displeasure moved to Tyler.

“I had a cake on my birthday,” Beth said, crossing her arms.

“So did I,” Tyler said grinning at Luke.

“I had a Barbie cake,” Beth said, one upping Tyler.

“Tyler wishes he had a Barbie cake!” Luke said, and he and Tyler started laughing.

“Tyler!” Linda said peeking in the door.

“Hi, Mom!” Tyler said getting up to give Linda a hug.

“We didn’t know you boys were coming today?” Linda asked.

“I snuck out of work. Derek will be here tomorrow in time for graduation.” Tyler said sitting back down on the bed. Beth immediately jumped up on his back.

“Horsy ride!” Beth demanded.

“You, young lady, get off your brother’s back right now!” Linda scolded.

Beth made a face.

“One more face and it will be ten minutes of corner time,” Linda warned.

“Remember the good old days…,” Luke reminisced. “One quick spanking and Mom left you alone.”

“I wanna be spanked!” Beth declared.

“I knew it!” Luke said laughing. “I knew you were that kind of girl.”

“LUCAS!!!! You want some corner time as well?” Linda asked shaking her finger at him.

“He wants to be spanked like me!” Beth announced. Tyler and Luke burst into a fit of laughter.

“Come here, young lady! We have to go and get your hair done for Luke’s graduation,” Linda said, holding one hand out.

Beth kissed both her brothers goodbye and said, “I have to primp!” Luke snortedand Tyler laughed.

“Can I get a facial too?” Beth asked her mother as they walked out of Luke’s bedroom. Tyler and Luke laughed even harder than before.

“Holy shit!” Tyler said. “She is definitely a smaller version of you!” Luke punched Tyler’s arm.

“I wasn’t evil at five years of age,” Luke defended.

“You know that women mature faster than men?” Tyler asked still laughing.

“Luke!!!!” Linda yelled. “Don’t forget to try on your suit once more to make sure everything fits.”

“YEAH!!!! I know,” Luke yelled back.

“Does she still wear her ‘runs with scissors’ shirt you made for her?” Tyler asked.

“Only when her big brother dresses her for school,” Luke said giggling.

“I hope you’re still reading to her at night?” Tyler asked.

“Every night unless I have hockey,” Luke said. “I’m just about ready to derail ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ and set traps up for the ‘Berenstein Bears’,” he said waving clenched fists in the air.

“What about Dr. Seuss?” Tyler asked.

“She wouldn’t eat for over a day because she only wanted green eggs and ham,” Luke said.

“Goldilocks and the Three Bears?” Tyler asked.

“For the next week everything was too hot or too cold. Dad moved into his office for most of that week,” Luke recalled.

“Why don’t you just make up stories for her like I did for you?” Tyler asked.

“I did… and got grounded.” Luke moaned.

“Such as?” Tyler asked.

“Berenstein Bears go for a dump in the woods… Baby Bear wants more Goldilocks porridge… Little Red goes for a ride in da Hood… Curious George and the washroom at the Mall… The Ant and the Anteater…,” Luke counted off on his fingers.

“Tonight I’m going to start her on ‘The Shining’” Luke said laughing.

“Can you wait until we are back in Philly?” Tyler asked and winked.

“Speaking of Philly… you realize that I am up there on the first week of July?” Luke asked.

“Yup. Derek and I booked that week to come to Baltimore,” Tyler teased. “Working again at Kraft Foods this summer?”

“I golfed with one of the VP’s two weeks ago,” Luke said.

“Really? I hope you knew enough to lose,” Tyler said.

“No, but curiously he said almost the same thing to me. He asked me if I thought it was wise to beat the vice-president of Kraft Foods when I am looking for a permanent job there. I told him it was mandatory… the only way he would be able to try and beat me again was if he hired me. <Tyler raised his eyebrows> He agreed!” Luke said smiling and Tyler laughed.

“I need to shower and then get to work on my V-day speech.” Luke said getting up. He stopped at the bathroom door and went back to Tyler at the computer. He wrapped his arms around Tyler’s neck and said, “Thanks for being here. This means so much to me that you and Derek would come.”

“Luke, I wouldn’t miss this for the world. Besides, I get to see Casey and Jared again!” Tyler said grinning at Luke.

“He’s something else for sure,” Luke sighed.

“Losing your best friend?” Tyler asked.

“Not really… it’s too complicated to explain,” Luke said and got up.

“Try me? I don’t want to be caught in the middle of something I should be aware of,” Tyler said.

“You tell me about Chris and Kyle and I’ll tell you about Casey and Jared,” Luke offered.

“Luke, that’s not a negotiable point. I don’t have Chris or Kyle’s permission to discuss what I know. How would you trust me if I told you something I wasn’t allowed to?” Tyler asked

“I wouldn’t but at least I would be in the know!” Luke said grinning. Tyler shook his head.

Luke pulled out his cell phone and scanned his phone book. *Send*

“Chris?” Luke said into his phone and Tyler shook his head.

“Hey little bro, all ready for tomorrow night?” Chris said.

“Not really… still have to make a little speech. Tyler’s working on it for me right now,” Luke said grinning and Tyler turned to glare at him. “Any news on our newest little brother?”

“No, not yet. Ashlea had contractions starting during the night and Jeff drove her to the hospital but she was home again five hours later,” Chris said.

“You are coming tomorrow night aren’t you?” Luke asked.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. The baby will arrive whether I’m at the hospital or not. You might not see me but I promise I will be there,” Chris said.

“What do you mean?” Luke asked standing up and Tyler turned to look at Luke.

“Luke, this is a family thing, and I mean a real family thing. I don’t want to get in Kyle’s way,” Chris said.

“He’s not even coming Chris. I really would like to know what happened?” Luke asked.

“Sorry bud, it isn’t right for me to discuss it with Kyle’s brother. He already hates me enough right now and telling anyone would just make it worse.” Chris said.

“Do you love him?” Luke said quietly into the phone.

“Between you and me Luke, this has been the worst four months of my life,” Chris said.

“Well it seems like everyone knows about this except me!” Luke said getting angry.

“Who else knows about it? I didn’t think anyone knew anything except that we were no longer together,” Chris said.

“Tyler knows and he won’t tell me because he doesn’t have Kyle’s or your permission and Kyle won’t come home for this because he doesn’t want to see you,” Luke said sternly.

Chris held the phone to his chest and closed his eyes tight. He put the phone back up to his ear and said, “Luke, if you knew what Kyle thinks happened none of the family would ever speak to me again. I’ve tried calling Kyle but he won’t take my phone calls,” Chris said softly. Luke could tell Chris was starting to break down.

“Brothers forever, Chris,” Luke said as he walked into the bathroom and closed the door behind him. “I’ve never told anyone this Chris and that includes Tyler! Remember that Sunday morning when Casey and I were talking about the person we would make love to because we knew they loved us so deeply?”

“Yeah… I remember it,” Chris said sniffling.

“The person was Kyle. We really wouldn’t do anything but I did tell him and it created a bond of friendship that is stronger than anything I have with any of my brothers. I want Kyle to be here and I can’t fix anything because I don’t know what happened. Please help me, Chris?” Luke asked.

“I can’t but as far as I am concerned Tyler has my okay to tell you. Just remember two things please? I love Kyle and I love all my brothers,” Chris said. Luke ran out of the bathroom and handed the phone to Tyler.

“Hello?” Tyler said and no one said anything.

“Hello?” Tyler repeated.

“It’s Chris!” Luke said.

Tyler could hear Chris crying. “Chris?” Tyler said.

“Tell ‘em,” Chris said and hung up. Tyler closed Luke’s cell phone and handed it back to him.

“Why couldn’t you leave it alone?” Tyler asked.

“It’s been left alone for four months now and it’s only getting worse. I’m going to fix it… with or without your help,” Luke said, getting angry.

Tyler paused and rested his face in his hands thinking for a moment.

“Kyle and Chris last saw each other at Christmas. They agreed that Chris would fly down to some place in Louisiana on his spring break in the end of February because that is where Kyle would be that week. They all share trailers except for Damon since he is the star of the show. Kyle was out signing autographs for the afternoon at some mall and Kyle’s roommate made a play for Chris,” Tyler said and Luke dropped his head down.

“Kyle walked in on them kissing. Chris swears on his life that this guy was pretty much attacking him though Kyle sees it differently. I talked with Damon and he said that Kyle and his roomie have never gotten along and it wouldn’t surprise him if he just used Chris to piss Kyle off. Apparently the guy is straight too! Chris said Kyle wouldn’t even let him explain. He just threw him out of his trailer. Damon fired the other guy from the tour and that has made things even more difficult for Kyle as everyone seems to have taken sides,” Tyler said.

“Do you think Chris was a willing participant?” Luke asked.

“Not in the slightest. I think Chris and Kyle fucked up big time and they both know it,” Tyler said.

“How do you figure?” Luke asked.

“Chris should have just pushed the asshole away and left the trailer. If Chris was really in the wrong then Kyle would have no problem telling the entire family… especially his brothers. I think Kyle doesn’t know where to go or what to do. All he knows right now is that he is hurting inside,” Tyler said.

“What did you say to him? How did you try to convince him?” Luke asked.

“Just what I told you,” Tyler asked.

“Lot of good you did…,” Luke moaned.

“Too many people stick their nose in to other people’s lives Luke. They need to attempt to solve this themselves. You can do better?” Tyler asked.

“Yup. I know how to fix it. I just don’t have time to do it by tomorrow. I need you to record everything that happens tomorrow night on Dad’s camera. I want lots of shots of Chris too!” Luke said as his mind began to run wild.

“That’s not going to be a happy video…,” Tyler said and Luke grinned at Tyler.

“Casey and Jared?” Tyler asked.

“Jared likes Casey but he doesn’t love him. Casey claims he loves Jared but he really doesn’t,” Luke said.

“How do you know he doesn’t really love Jared?” Tyler asked.

“I just know… trust me!” Luke said smiling.

“I know better than to trust you so tell me!” Tyler said with a wink.

“He’s in love with me!” Luke said as he stood up and began removing his clothes.

“Whaaaaaaaaaaat?” Tyler said spinning around on his desk chair.

“Do you really want the sordid details of this quagmire?” Luke asked and then laughed.

“Probably not…,” Tyler said and paused. “No, actually I’m sure I don’t want to know.”

“Good! Then I will tell you,” Luke said laughing even more.

“Is this going to explain why you’ve never approved Jared?” Tyler asked and Luke paused to stare off into the wall.

“Possibly?” Luke said smiling. “Casey is setting Tom up with Megan…”

“Tom? The cute little shy guy that came with you guys to Fort Lauderdale.” Tyler asked.

“Right! Now let me finish.” Luke said, “I’ve convinced Casey that Tom is really in love with the Tinsley twins.”

“The girls you’re taking to the party after graduation?” Tyler asked.

“Yes, yes, yes… now shut up and just try to absorb what you can,” Luke said shaking his head in disgust. “Tom’s really in the closet and loves Casey. Casey loves Tom like Cody loves Casey. I faked a bet with Tom that he can’t guess which twin had a boob job. So Tom is constantly staring at MeBe’s breasts trying to figure out which one it is. Casey thinks it is because he is in love with them,” Luke said.

“Uh huh… have we got any aspirin?” Tyler said grinning.

“So, Casey set Tom up with Megan trying to make me jealous. I’m actually pretending to be mad at Casey so he thinks I am jealous of Tom going to the dance with Megan. Casey is going to try to set me up with Megan and Tom with the twins,” Luke said laughing at the deviousness of this plan.

“Hold up a second! What about Jared? How do you get Tom and Casey together?” Tyler asked.

“Last Saturday night we were all at an end of school party except for Jared who had to stay home and work on a project. He actually went to the movies with some guy he works with at Wal-Mart,” Luke said.

“That doesn’t mean anything…,” Tyler said.

“Move!” Luke ordered and Tyler got out of the chair in front of the computer.“Look at this!” Luke said as he opened up a file of pictures.

“Shit! That’s definitely Jared holding hands with some guy coming out of the theatre,” Tyler said. “How did you get this?”

“Think Tyler… just because you’re old doesn’t mean you have to be dumb… like Derek,” Luke teased. Tyler swatted Luke across the back of the head.

“Allan! Of course!” Tyler said.

“I could actually see the light bulb click on,” Luke joked.

“Allan works at the AMC24 movie theatre,” Tyler surmised.

“Bring it home big brother… what’s the moral of the story?” Luke asked.

“Don’t cheat on your boyfriend at a movie theatre when one of his best friends works there!” Tyler said.

“Ding! We have a winner,” Luke said grinning.

“Why didn’t you tell Casey when you found out?” Tyler asked.

“I wanted to think it out before I said anything,” Luke responded.

“So how are you going to deal with Jared?” Tyler asked.

“Quietly. I’m going to approach him before or after graduation and show him the pics. He will have one hour to break it off with Casey or I will show Casey the pics and he can deal with him. I really don’t want Casey to know that Jared has been cheating on him. Once it is over I will put the two of them together,” Luke said.

“What about Casey’s feelings for you?” Tyler asked.

“For a guy who is supposed to listen you sure ask a lot of questions,” Luke said faking a cold stare at Tyler.

“Admit it, you’re damn happy to even have an audience?” Tyler teased.

Luke sniffed and wiped pretend tears away and then nodded his agreement. Tyler laughed.

“Casey and I are never going to fuck up our friendship like Kyle and Chris did. I am however going to make one of his wishes come true,” Luke said.

“His wish?” Tyler asked.

“Let me put it this way. If it’s going to happen then it has to happen before he and Tom are officially together,” Luke said and Tyler’s eyes widened.

“You mean?” Tyler asked with his mouth hanging open.

“Say no more!” Luke said holding his hand up in the air.

“What about Megan? Where is she left in this twisted tale?” Tyler asked

“That is the unknown factor,” Luke said walking naked to the bathroom.

<7:52 p.m.>

“Whatcha doin?” Luke asked as he walked into the great room with his cell phone in hand.

“Watch’n Thomas the Tank Engine,” Beth said from Tyler’s lap.

“Shush! We’re coming to the good part!” Tyler said, and Beth rolled her eyes at Luke. Luke grinned and winked.

“Time for bed, Honey!” Larry said walking into the room.

“Shsssssssh!” Tyler said, getting angry and Larry froze. Luke smiled at his father.

Larry picked up Beth and turned her around to give Tyler a kiss goodnight.

“I want a snack!” Beth demanded.

“A smack?” Larry teased holding Beth in his arms.

“I wanna PB fruit twister!” Beth said.

“Can you say, please?” Larry asked Beth.

“Pwease!” Beth said.

“What the…?” Tyler said to Luke.

“I brought some prototypes home from Kraft. We’re taking on General Mills fruit rollups with our version. One of which is a peanut butter and strawberry jam roll up but we made them in a stick form and twisted it like a Barber shops pole,” Luke said.

“You invented this?” Tyler asked.

“Uh huh…,” Luke said casually as he watched Larry opening a package for Beth.

“That’s amazing Luke. I’m really proud of you. Why didn’t you enter that for your project instead of your Tickle Me Emo doll?” Tyler asked.

“I really just invented it for Beth. If it sells it sells. I couldn’t legally use it because when working for Kraft after school what I create is their intellectual property. Besides, Emo was much more fun to invent,” Luke said smiling.

Tyler turned his head to see what Luke was watching. “What are we watching?” Tyler asked.

“I just want to observe the ease of opening the package while Dad is holding on to Beth. Beth needs to be able to open it on her own once she is shown how otherwise we will have to redesign the packaging,” Luke said.

“Whoa! Don’t they have study groups for that?” Tyler asked.

“They do but I convinced my boss to let me try to work out some of the kinks in it with Beth so that we can hopefully give marketing a fool-proof design before they go and destroy it,” Luke said.

“How old are you again?” Tyler teased.

“My boss is worried that I won’t take him with me when I am running the Kraft Corporation,” Luke said laughing.

“Does he have reason to be worried?” Tyler asked raising one eyebrow.

“He doesn’t but I’m not telling him that. I would definitely take him with me. He allows me the freedom to create and experiment. He also fills out all of my reports for me so I have time to do homework and play hockey,” Luke said opening his cell phone and then closing it.

“Luke!!!!!! Are you reading my story?” Beth called as she was carried out of the kitchen.

“NO!” Tyler yelled. “It’s my turn tonight.”

“Want to try a PB twister?” Luke asked.

“Trying to kill me?” Tyler asked.

“Oh yeah… the strawberry thing. Sorry, I forgot,” Luke said.

“How do you get the peanut butter to not go soft and gooey?” Tyler asked.

“That’s one of my greatest accomplishments. Have you ever seen those Quaker Oat’s cereal bars with the yogurt in them?” Luke asked.

“Yeah, but I’m also allergic to oats,” Tyler said.

“Were you always a difficult child?” Luke asked teasing Tyler.

“Isn’t this like the pot calling the kettle…,” Tyler began.

“Shut up! We use the same configuration with the peanut butter to make it firmer while still pliable. The VP that I played golf with took a case back for the C.E.O.'s grandchildren. That will tell us more about whether this is going to get funded in our next budget meeting,” Luke said.

“You sit in on budget meetings?” Tyler asked.

“They now schedule the marketing department and R&D department budget meetings around me.” Luke said grinning as he opened and closed his cell phone.

“Waiting for Kyle to call?” Tyler asked.

“Waiting for Casey to call!” Luke said.

“That would explain the shower then…,” Tyler said getting up and kissing Luke three times. “I love you, Luke.”

“I love you too, Ty. Thanks for being here,” Luke said. “The house is so empty now.”

“I’d better go read before the Princess gets into a mood,” Tyler said. “Send my love to Casey.”

“You could join us?” Luke said winking.

“I think not, but I appreciate the offer. Although Casey is 18, you still have a couple more weeks so maybe you could watch us?” Tyler teased as he left the room. Tyler climbed the stairs and pulled out his cell phone.

“Hello?” Casey said.

“Want to say good night to Casey?” Tyler said into the phone.

“Night, Casey. I love you,” Beth said.

“Night, Babe! I love you too!” Casey said laughing.

“Call your uglier half! He’s driving us all crazy waiting for you to call.” Tyler said and closed his cell phone.

“What story are we reading tonight?” Tyler asked.

“You can finish the story Luke started last night?” Beth asked.

“And what story is that?” Tyler asked.

“Circus Connie and the seven midgets do Vegas!” Beth said.

“Uh huh…,” Tyler sighed.

“Luke says it’s a Disney story that they never released,” Beth said.

“There… you… go…,” Tyler said shaking his head.

“What’s Vegas?” Beth asked, and Tyler dropped his face into his hands.

“Hello?” Luke said into his cell phone.

“Damn, that was quick!” Casey said laughing.

“What’s up?” Luke asked.

“Nothing. Suit is ready, Mom is ironing my shirt, and my shoes are now polished. What are you doing?” Casey asked.

“Busy, busy, busy here… working on my VD speech,” Luke lied, and Casey grinned.

“Okay, no problem, sorry to interrupt. I’ll let you get back to your venereal disease,” Casey said laughing.

“No, no! That’s okay. I was due for a break anyway,” Luke said.

“It’s okay. I know you’ve got to get that done. I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” Casey teased.

“Hang up and I’ll rip your nuts off!” Luke said laughing.

“Promise?” Casey teased.

“I can be there in six minutes. Have you got some bandages?” Luke asked.

“Bactine please!” Casey said as he went into a fit of laughter.

“So what’s up?” Luke asked.

“Nothing… kind of bored. Jared isn’t answering his celly,” Casey said.

“I see… when Jared isn’t around Luke will do? I’m getting the hint,” Luke teased.

“Fuck you, assmite. You know who my number one is!” Casey said seriously.

“Same as mine?” Luke asked.

Casey pressed *1* *2* *3* on his phone and started laughing.

“You fucktard. I could have gone deaf,” Luke yelled.

“If you’re cummin’, cum now!” Casey said.

“I’ll be cummin’ shortly!” Luke said and closed his cell phone.

Casey pulled his cell phone from his ear and looked at it for a second before he closed it.

*Tap, tap, tap*

“I just came in to kiss my favourite girl goodnight.” Luke said and Beth grinned. Luke then kissed the top of Tyler’s head and Beth laughed.

“Ty’s readin’ me a story,” Beth said, and giggled.

“Bet it’s not as good as the stories I read?” Luke said as he leaned down and kissed Beth’s cheek.

“Circus Connie and the seven midgets?” Tyler said, laughing as he looked up at Luke.

“Do Vegas!” Beth quickly corrected Tyler.

“Right…,” Tyler said grinning.

“Nickels, Lucky, Elvis, Stardust, Comp, Boozy, and Craps,” Luke said grinning.

Tyler puckered his lips up and asked, “Where’s my kiss goodnight?”

“Where’s my money?” Luke shot back and then leaned down and kissed Tyler.

*sniff sniff* “Do I smell cologne?” Tyler asked.

“I’m going to… ummm… go Case a joint!” Luke said and grinned.

“Really?” Tyler asked wide-eyed.

“Really, really… now finish my story,” Beth ordered.

“Yes Princess…,” Tyler said and Luke waved bye to Beth and closed the bedroom door.

Casey opened the door wearing a towel around his waist and a towel around his neck.

“Hey,” Casey said with a smile.

“Am I interrupting?” Luke asked smiling back.

“Nope. Mom and Ian just headed out to the hospital to meet Jeff and Ashlea and Chris has a class every Monday and Wednesday night,” Casey said.

“Sweet! You’re lucky; you always have the house to yourself. I have Beth!” Luke said.

“Why are you dressed up? Doin’ MeBe later?” Casey asked with a wink.

“Hell no! I wouldn’t touch those whores,” Luke said, scrunching his face up.

“Right… you’re even more famous after that party. Doing two at once, and more so for them to be twins… kind of raises the stud bar to a new level,” Casey teased.

“We didn’t do anything, Case,” Luke said getting perturbed.

“Why were you showering at this time of night?” Luke asked.

“Because I was dirty and smelly,” Casey said strangely. “Why are you asking?”

“Nothing really. It just seemed strange,” Luke said.

“Luke? When do I work out?” Casey asked.

“Monday, Wednesday, and Frid… right today is Monday. Duh! You need to stop working out by the way!” Luke said.

“What? Why?” Casey asked.

“Because you are making me look smaller every day,” Luke said, and Casey grinned. “Don’t even go there!” he said pointing his finger in Casey’s face. Casey laughed.

“There’s nothing small about you, Luke. You’re perfect in every way.” Casey said, kissing Luke’s cheek.

“Whatever…,” Luke said.

“Do I smell cologne? Damn, you smell good tonight,” Casey said, and Luke smiled. “C’mon upstairs while I finish getting dressed. I assume you are here to get me to help you write your speech?” he said running up the stairs.

‘If you only knew how wrong you are Case’…, Luke said to himself as he followed Casey up to his bedroom.

Luke closed the bedroom door behind him. Casey sat down on his bed and began drying his hair with his towel. Luke kneeled in front of Casey and placed his hands on each of Casey’s knees. Casey froze and peeked down through his towel to see Luke’s hands.

Casey put his hands underneath the towel and slowly lifted the towel up. He saw Luke staring seriously into his own eyes. Luke’s cell phone began vibrating and Casey’s laughter broke an awkward silence. Luke reached into his cargo pants pocket and pulled the phone out. His eyes briefly left Casey’s long enough to see who was calling. Luke tossed the phone over his shoulder. The phone landed in Casey’s garbage can. Casey snorted and Luke started laughing.

“You really should take up basketball!” Casey said and Luke leaned in and kissed him. Casey shuddered with his eyes closed.

“I remember the last time you kissed me like that…,” Casey said with his eyes closed. Luke stood up and pushed Casey slowly back down on to his bed.

Casey looked up from his bed and watched the intense look in Luke’s eyes as he quickly unbuttoned his shirt and then pushed his belted cargo pants and boxers down in one slow push.

“Is this about my beating you on the exam?” Casey asked and Luke just stared intently at him as he removed his black socks.

“Seriously, Luke! You don’t have to do this because I beat you on the exam,” Casey said as Luke removed Casey’s towel and climbed on top of him resting his ass on Casey’s slowly stiffening member.

“Are you going to say anything?” Casey asked and Luke leaned down and kissed Casey’s lips slowly. Luke could feel the warmth of Casey’s large hands on his back as they pulled him down. After kissing and rubbing and grinding each other for less than a minute Casey forcefully pushed Luke back and up into a sitting position.

Luke furrowed his brow while Casey wouldn’t look him in the eye. Luke moved slightly to get off of Casey but Casey wouldn’t release his grip on Luke’s thighs.

“I can’t do this, Luke. It was a stupid bet I made,” Casey said staring at the wall to his right. Luke reached down to his right and pulled his cargo pants off the floor. He pulled out six stapled sheets of paper that were folded over three times and handed it to Casey.

Casey opened the piece of paper and read the circled number in red ink on the top right corner of the page. “You got 96%!” Casey said and then moved the sheaf of papers over to see Luke staring at him.

“Why? I don’t understand? You have sex with all of these girls and you could have any guy you wanted…,” Casey began, and Luke put his index finger up to Casey’s lips.

“I’ve never had ‘sex’ with anyone but you Casey. Technically, I am still a virgin,” Luke began.

“But all those girls…,” Casey said.

“I’ve had blowjobs, I fucked some breasts, eaten some good and not-so-good pussy, but I’ve never had sex or fucked anyone and you’re the only person I’ve made love too!” Luke said.

“I still don’t understand…,” Casey asked.

“Rumours and gossip Casey. Think about it. I’ve never told you I’ve had sex with any girl. You’ve heard stories and told me about it but I’ve never told you anything but the truth.” Luke said as Casey digested what Luke was saying.

“In two weeks time I’ll be 18 years old. In twenty-four hours this part of our life will be over. Gone. I don’t care about turning 18 and never having had sex but I don’t want to turn 18 and say I never had someone make love to me. I keep hearing everyone talk about the first time. I want that first time to be with my best friend. The person that I love the most in the world. I’m going to fuck lots of girls at Drexel and one special boy,” Luke said with a grin and Casey followed with a smile. “Tonight is about us! No one can ever take this away from me and you will forever be my first. Tomorrow our worlds are going to change forever and if I died tomorrow I would die happy knowing that you were my first and last.,” Luke said and leaned in to wipe Casey’s tears away and then kiss him.

“You’ve never had intercourse before?” Casey asked.

“Only with you. No one knows me better than you do. Do you really think I would have sex with just anyone?” Luke asked and Casey giggled.

“I missed that,” Luke said smiling.

“What?” Casey asked seriously.

“You’re giggling! You haven’t done that in years,” Luke said.

“You know that I am likely going to hurt you if we do it?” Casey asked.

“I’ve been practicing a little bit… maybe a lot now that I think about it…,” Luke said and Casey started laughing.

“Practicing?” Casey asked.

“I live in a house with world’s highest percentage of gay guys! You think there isn’t at least one drawer full of interesting items?” Luke asked and Casey snorted.

“I thought you had a ‘no entry’ tattoo on your butt?” Casey joked.

“I do but if you read the fine print it says ‘members only’,” Luke said and Casey roared with laughter. “Casey, I need you more than you’ll ever need me,” he said feeling Casey’s girth begin to increase.

“Whatever…,” Casey said sighing.

“Casey, I’m not shitting you! You know I am a people person. I love a crowd and I love the attention but you are one of the very few exceptions in my life, when I like to be alone. When I’m with you I want to be alone with you, one on one. Tonight I am asking you to make love to me and make us one in the truest sense of the word,” Luke said and leaned down to Casey.

“Do you know how much I love you?” Casey asked.

“Actually I do!” Luke said.

Luke reached into Casey’s nightstand and pulled out a tube of lube. He quickly slicked up Casey’s erection and slowly began to impale himself. Casey held his hands up in the air and Luke grabbed hold. With fingers entwined, Casey could feel Luke’s pain by the way he squeezed his hands.

“Luke? Stop!” Casey said. “This isn’t pleasure for you.” Luke opened his eyes and lifted himself up. Casey’s erect member fell to his stomach. Luke had a defeated look on his face.

“There’s nothing that can improve on what we already have,” Casey said. “There are no two people on this planet who love each other more than you and me. You’re straight and I am gay and we both have fringe benefits,” Casey said and winked. Luke smiled. “Want to know what I would like to do?” Casey asked.

“What?” Luke asked softly.

“You haven’t stayed the night in a long time. Could we just stay in bed together and talk or cuddle and sleep?” Casey asked and Luke’s grin spread from ear-to-ear. He climbed down and snuggled up into Casey. Luke wrapped his hand around Casey’s erection and lay his head down on Casey’s chest. Casey wrapped his right arm around Luke’s back and ran his fingers up and down. Casey reached over and turned out the light.

“Whatcha thinking about?” Luke asked.

“Who says I’m thinking about anything?” Casey said.

“Don’t fuck with me Case. I can hear your heart… even over the phone,” Luke said.

“Jared.” Casey said.

“And?” Luke asked.

“You never approved him,” Casey said.

“So…,” Luke said.

“I’m going to break up with him,” Casey said.

“Huh? I thought you were in love with Jared?” Luke asked raising his head to look directly at Casey.

“I think I am more in love with being in love than I am with Jared if that makes any sense?” Casey said.

“Spit it out!” Luke said and Casey turned away. “Hey! Case, I’m talking to you. What happened?”

“Do you know Kelsey?” Casey asked.

“Fat chick with red hair and freckles?” Luke said and Casey glared at him. “Hey! She’s really nice. I did a science fair project with her in grade eight.”

Casey’s glare continued.

“Sorry, I apologize. That wasn’t nice. She is a really nice girl. Seriously!” Luke said.

“She saw Jared at the show last weekend when he was supposed to be working on homework. He wasn’t alone,” Casey said softly.

“I’m sorry for you, Case,” Luke said and leaned forward and kissed Casey.

“It’s okay. He just wants to exchange blow jobs and be on his way,” Casey said and Luke sighed.

“Why is it that only straight guys want to cuddle with me after sex?” Casey asked and Luke roared with laughter. Casey thought about what he said and started laughing as well.

“Shit! That’s the funniest thing you’ve ever said, Case,” Luke said wiping his eyes.

“So that’s why you didn’t want to invite Jared to lunch?” Luke asked.

“I only wanted to be with the friends that I love and the friends who love me,” Casey said.

“That’s why I’m here tonight,” Luke said.

“Thanks again for the money to get Megan a dress,” Casey said.

“Casey, that’s our money. Everything I have is yours... including body parts,” Luke said and lightly poked Casey in the side.

“You knew about Jared didn’t you?” Casey asked, looking up at Luke.

“What do you mean?” Luke said, beginning to sweat.

“You knew what type of person he is,” Casey said.

“Maybe,” Luke said resting his head back down on Casey’s chest.

“Why didn’t you warn me?” Casey asked.

“As much as I would like to say that you need to learn for yourself, the truth is that I think you have the same ability that Tyler has to change people for the better. Anyone you choose to be with is fine with me as long as you are happy,” Luke said as he drew on Casey’s tummy with his finger.

“Who do you think would be right for me?” Casey asked.

Luke paused. “Anyone who is smart enough to realize all that you have to give them, and pure enough to be worthy of your love,” Luke said.

“Thanks, Luke, that was the sweetest way I’ve ever heard of avoiding answering a question,” Casey said and they both started laughing.

“Your tummy is rumbling,” Luke said.

“I’m missing my protein shake,” Casey said and Luke snorted.

Luke looked at his watch and said, “It’s just after nine. Want to go out and get something to eat?”

“Yes and no. I’m hungry but I don’t want to leave this position we’re in. Maybe we should invite Ty and the three of us could work on your speech?” Casey suggested.

“You know we’re sharing a bedroom at school next year?” Luke said.

“Yeah… and?” Casey asked.

“We’re going to have every night together in bed,” Luke said.

“Yeah…” Casey said happily. “You still didn’t answer my question about who you think I should be with?”

“Give me 24 hours okay?” Luke asked.

“Why?” Casey asked.

“Do you trust me?” Luke asked.

“Do you have to ask? Talk about the dumbest thing you’ve ever asked!” Casey said and Luke grabbed hold of Casey’s balls and gave them a light squeeze.

“Uncle! Uncle!” Casey said laughing as he pushed Luke’s hand away and then held Luke’s hand in his. “For a straight guy you sure like playing with my bat.”

“What you meant to say was that you sure like me playing with your bat!” Luke said.

“Whatever…,” Casey said.

“I’ll never get tired of telling you I love you Casey,” Luke said.

“I’ll never get tired of hearing it but right now I need a shake!” Casey said and he jumped up and flipped Luke underneath him. Casey ran his tongue up Luke’s shaft and Luke shuddered.

“Damn! You do that better than anyone,” Luke said as he fingered Casey’s hair.

“I keep telling you that only women truly know how to satisfy women and men for men. If you want really great orgasms get yourself a guy!” Casey said as he slurped on Luke’s cock.

“I’ve already got a great guy and I assure you that until each and every woman on this planet has had sex with me you can’t say only women know how to satisfy another woman,” Luke surmised. “Ow! Ow! Ow! The head! Stop it or I’ll explode!!!!!!” he screamed.

Casey removed his lips from the top of Luke’s head and looked up at him with a smile and said, “Uncle?”

“Uncle, Aunt, your fucking Grandma… whatever! I thought I was going to die there for a moment. Though… this would be my preferred way to go!” Luke said and Casey laughed. “Spin your honky white ass around so I can do you at the same time,” Luke ordered.

Casey turned around and Luke took hold of Casey’s cock with both hands while Casey diligently resumed his forced foreplay.

“Fuck… this is like trying to put your mouth around a jar of peanut butter.” Luke joked. Casey started laughing with his mouth full. “TEETH!!!!! Arrgggggh! Fuck Casey!” Luke yelled.

“Sorry… don’t make me laugh when I’m eating,” Casey said.

“When are you ever not eating?” Luke joked as his palm cupped Casey’s balls and he moved his middle finger to his hole.

“When you’re in class,” Casey said and Luke moaned.

Casey began pumping Luke’s mouth to the point of making Luke choke. “Batter up!” Casey yelled as he began his orgasm. Casey’s finger found the magic spot and Luke’s orgasm began as Casey’s had finished. Both collapsed side by side.

“How was it?” Casey asked.

“How would I know? I don’t have taste buds at the top of my stomach,” Luke teased. “However, you were breath-taking as usual!”

Walking back to Luke’s house Casey asked, “Are you getting anything special for graduating?”

“We’re both getting something. I think it’s a trip. I’ve seen brochures lying around the house and phone messages from some travel agent on sticky notes attached to Dad’s computer,” Luke said.

“Come to think of it maybe that is why Ian took me out to get a passport when I turned 18?” Casey pondered.

“Europe?” Luke suggested with a grin.

“Denmark!” Casey responded. “They got the hottest girls and guys over there.”

Tyler was lying in bed in Kyle’s room when Luke and Casey burst in and tackled him.

“Wanna fuck?” Luke asked with a grin.

“I figured you guys would be all tired out by now,” Tyler said.

“Nah, we just worked ourselves up to a frothy head of precum thinking about you!” Casey teased.

“YOU!” Tyler said as he began pointing at Luke, “are a bad, bad influence on sweet young Casey.”

“You know it!” Luke said laughing. “We were hungry and wanted to get something to eat.”

“And you want my Jeep?” Tyler asked.

“Nooooooooooooooo,” Luke said.

“Yes!” Casey added and they both laughed.

“Casey wanted to take you out for some food since he hadn’t seen you since Easter,” Luke said. “I told him that he didn’t have to bother since he had me… but Casey felt sorry for your old, married ass,” Casey punched Luke’s arm and Luke laughed.

“Well… it went something like that.” Luke said. “PBLoco’s?”

“Like you guys eat anywhere else?” Tyler asked shaking his head.

“It’s the only place in town that we don’t have to bring our own peanut butter!” Casey defended.

“How’s the speech going?” Tyler asked setting down the book that he was reading.

“We decided to have hot sex instead!” Luke said with a straight face. Tyler looked over at Casey who nodded his agreement. Tyler smiled and they both burst into laughter.

“See Case, he doesn’t believe us!” Luke said.

“Actually I do!” Tyler said as he slid out of bed. “I saw the movie you guys made on your computer.

Casey and Luke’s mouths dropped open as they stared at each other.

“You were spying on my computer?” Luke asked.

“You’re welcome, Luke!” Tyler said and the boys looked at each other in confusion.

“Lucky for you that today is a school day for Beth. You left the video on pause with the monitor turned on and several freshly used tissues on your keyboard.,” Tyler said, as he buttoned up his shirt. Luke’s mouth dropped open.

“You jack off to our video?” Casey screamed in laughter and fell backwards on the bed.

Luke’s face turned red as he gave Casey an evil glare.

“The question still remains, Casey…,” Tyler began.

“Don’t you dare say a word!” Luke yelled.

“LUCAS!!!!!!! Stop the yelling!” Larry yelled. Tyler, Luke, and Casey laughed.

“Say what?” Casey asked as his laughter died down.

“NO!” Luke said pointing at Tyler.

“Whom was Luke getting off from? You or him?” Tyler said and Casey kicked his legs back and forth from laughter.

“It’s the beats for you Mr. Peel!” Luke said as he jumped up and tried to wrestle Tyler down to the ground but he himself was laughing almost as hard as Casey.

While Luke was hanging on to Tyler’s back with his feet dangling from the floor Tyler added, “So I guess posting it on Xtube.com wasn’t such a good idea then?”

“How can I help you?” The teen boy asked. He was wearing a white dress shirt with the PBLOCO.com logo on the shirt pocket.

“Well I’m not sure what you can do for me but as for my friend Casey here… OW!” Luke said holding on to his side where Casey poked him. “Raspberry chocolate peanut butter on whole wheat with Reese peanut butter cups and M&M’s in the centre please?” he asked as he faked a fall to the ground still holding his side.

The young boy looked over the sneeze guard to see if Luke was okay. All he heard was the word “toasted!”

“And for you, Sir?” The boy asked.

“I’m 18. How old are you?” Casey asked, as he seemed to hover over him.

“I… I… I’m 16, Sir,” the boy, said leaning back.

“I’m Casey, not a Sir. This old fart is a Sir!” Casey said with a wink as he pointed at Tyler.

“Yes, Sir,” the boy said and then shook his head with disgust over what he just said.

“I’ll have what the dead guy on the floor is having but without the M&M’s, peanut butter cups, whole wheat bread, and the raspberry chocolate peanut butter,” Casey said, with a straight face as the boy’s finger kept circling around the cash register looking for something to punch in.

With wide eyes the boy looked up and said, “Come again, Sir? I mean Mr. Casey!”

Everyone heard Luke snort from the floor and then burst into laughter.

“I would but I just came an hour ago,” Casey said, with a straight face and then winked at the terrified boy. Luke continued laughing from down on the floor and Tyler and Casey soon joined in.

“Casey!” Tyler said.

“Right… mocha chocolate peanut butter on white bread, hold the crusts, and a chocolate milk… please!” Casey said.

“R.C. Cola!” Luke yelled up from the floor.

“R.C. Cola as well… and a mop!” Casey said to the boy while staring down at a laughing Luke on the floor

“And for the old fart?” The boy said very seriously.

Luke wailed with laughter and Casey dropped to the floor laughing. Tyler simply dropped his head down on the counter shaking with laugher. The boy slapped his head and when he realized what he had said.

When the three calmed down Tyler said, “Medium coffee in a large cup, hold the double-double.”

The boy punched in the medium coffee and then his finger circled the register again while his brain deciphered Tyler’s instructions. He paused, crinkled his face, tilted his head sideways, and turned to Tyler.

“This is so gonna hurt!” Luke said. Casey snorted and nodded.

“Come again, Sir?” the boy asked.

“I did with Casey just over an hour ago,” Tyler said, with a straight face. The boy’s face turned red and Luke and Casey started laughing.

“Coffee. Medium. Black,” Tyler said pulling out his wallet.

“No way Ty, I’m paying for this!” Casey said as he pulled out his wallet.

“I’m thinking of hiring this boy,” Tyler said to Casey and the boy’s eyes left the till long enough to smile at Tyler.

“I’m thinking of asking him out on a date,” Casey said and the boy’s red face returned along with a smile but he wouldn’t look up at any of them.

“I’m thinking of going home and watching myself on Xtube,” Luke threw in for fun.

Casey took a twenty-dollar bill from his wallet and stuffed it in the boy’s shirt pocket. “Here, you’ve earned it. Don’t ever change a thing about you,” Casey said with a wink. The boy bit down on his lower lip as he grinned.

Ten minutes later the boy brought over a tray containing two plates of food and three drinks.

“I’ll be right back with some paper napkins.” The boy said and returned to hand each of them a small stack of napkins. Casey’s napkins were folded in half and when he opened them he found a name and phone number on it. All three of them tried to cover their laughter.

“What’s his name?” Luke asked.

“Eli Podder.” Casey said as he pulled out a pen and began writing on a clean paper napkin.

“What are you doing now?” Luke asked.

“I’m going to put hair on a 16 year old’s chest,” Casey said.

“Huh?” Tyler asked.

“I’m giving him my email address. I’m going to send him our video,” Casey said and all three boys started laughing.

“He should be paying us twenty-dollars then,” Luke said with his mouth full.

When the boys finished eating Casey returned the tray and complained about the dirty napkin! The boy looked petrified until he read what was on the dirty napkin.

“Thanks, Eli. That means a lot to me,” Casey said.

“Thanks Casey, this means a lot to me,” Eli said stuffing the napkin into his pants pocket.

As the three walked out of the mall towards the Jeep, Casey asked, “How long until my email arrives?”

“The mall closes at ten,” Luke analyzed aloud. “Clean up should be done by 10:30… home by 10:50… email sent between 11:08 and 11:14.”

“Why so long?” Tyler teased.

“He’s going to fuck up his first email for sure. Three rewrites, bathroom breaks from his erection bursting his pants, saying goodnight to the rents, and locking the door of his bedroom,” Luke announced.

“Any other takers?” Casey asked of Tyler.

“He’s got school tomorrow. He’ll be too nervous to write tonight. It will arrive while graduation is on,” Tyler said.

“Let’s hear what Casey thinks.” Luke asked.

“There’s a sound of tiny pebbles bouncing off of my bedroom window at 2:37 a.m.,” Casey said, to much laughter.

“I can’t wait to sleep in tomorrow morning,” Casey said.

“Sorry Casey, but I have work for you guys tomorrow morning at nine,” Tyler said.

“I hate you,” Casey teased.

“No problem. Sleep in and I will keep your half of your graduation gift,” Tyler

said.

“YES!!!!!” Luke and Casey yelled in unison.

“You know it’s going to be huge if Ty’s involved,” Luke said.

“You guys have all your stuff for your scavenger hunt?” Tyler asked.

“My backpack is ready. What’s with that anyway?” Casey asked.

“Nothing in life is free.” Tyler joked as he pulled into Ian and Kathy’s house.

“Thanks for everything tonight, guys… especially you, Luke,” Casey said giving each of them a kiss.

“Why don’t you stay the night with us?” Luke asked.

“Us?” Tyler said.

“Really? Great. Let me grab some stuff. I’ve got to leave a note for Mom and Ian as well.

Tyler and Luke sat quietly in the car. “Shit, I left my cell phone in his garbage pail,” Luke said opening the door of the Jeep.

“Should I even ask?” Tyler said as Luke climbed out.

“The sex was the best yet!” Luke said and winked at Tyler. Luke ran into the house and both returned a few minutes later.

“Any news on the baby yet?” Tyler asked.

“No baby yet. Mom left a message on the machine for me saying that they are now keeping Ashlea in the hospital. If the baby doesn’t come on its own then they will induce her labor on Wednesday morning,” Casey said.

“Shit,” Luke said as the turned the corner on to the Andersons’ street.

“What’s up little bro?” Casey said.

“I’ve been dumped… twice,” Luke said.

“Huh?” Tyler asked.

“MeBe has been banned from going to the after graduation party if they still want to have their trip to Europe this summer,” Luke moaned.

“Any chance of Cody coming tomorrow?” Casey asked.

“Sorry, Casey, it’s hay season in Iowa. They’re taking the first cut off right now and with Danny not back from Africa he can’t leave the farm.

When Tyler put the Jeep in park he moved the back of his seat forward for Casey to get out. Casey climbed out wiping his eyes lightly. Tyler pulled him into a hug and Casey collapsed in his arms. Tyler’s cell phone began vibrating and he pulled it out of his pocket and read the name on the call display.

“Excuse me, Casey, I have to take this, grab your bag,” Tyler said. “Hey Dakota.”

“Dakota? What the fuck are you talking about?” Cody asked.

“How are things at the restaurant? Busy night?” Tyler asked.

“Ahh… you can’t talk!” Cody said laughing.

“Right. There are four cases in the back freezer. Just check the dates on them to make sure that they are okay,” Tyler said.

“Okay, I’m with you now. Danny’s on a red-eye to London via Barcelona,” Cody said.

“Gotcha…,” Tyler said leaning against his Jeep with Casey leaning beside him.

“If all connections work out properly he’ll be landing in Dulles at 3:10 p.m. and I will be landing at 3:30 p.m. via O’Hare,” Cody said.

“That’s great. We don’t need to order any more lettuce then,” Tyler said.

“Call me later when you have time to talk and hug my boys for me,” Cody said.

“Don’t forget to make up the bank deposit and check the coins that you’ll need for tomorrow. Love you,” Tyler said.

“Love you too, Ty. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow and thanks for the plane ticket.” Cody said and hung up the phone. Tyler closed his cell phone and looked at Casey who was staring at the ground with a slight smile.

“You have phone calls about lettuce? How fucking pathetic is your life?” Luke yelled as he listened to all of his phone messages.

“I have a boyfriend!” Tyler said as he rechecked the lock on the Jeep. “What are you smiling about?” Tyler asked Casey.

Casey stared at the ground as they walked towards to front door and shook his head slightly.

“I can’t fucking believe this! Nobody dumps Luke Anderson and gets away with it,” Luke yelled with outstretched arms to the heavens above.

“You really are an unbelievable human being,” Casey said quietly to Tyler.

“What are you talking about?” Tyler asked.

“We’re talking about my life here! My reputation! Who does Tinsley think he is?” Luke screamed as Tyler went to open the door.

Casey put his arms around Tyler’s neck and kissed him and then stared into his eyes. Tyler blinked and Casey grinned. “You’re the one who took me home and gave me everything that I have today and yet to this moment you are still thinking about me,” Casey said and pulled Tyler into a hug.

“Tinsley thinks he got me but he’s got another think coming!” Luke yelled at his cell phone.

Casey backed off from Tyler but kept his arms around Tyler’s neck and grinned at him.

“What?” Tyler asked trying to play dumb.

“Lettuce in the freezer? Puhleeze… that might have worked when I was 12.” Casey said with a grin. Tyler started to smile and pushed Casey’s arms off of him.

“Luke, shut up. Beth is sleeping,” Tyler said and Luke gave him the evil eye.

“My world is falling apart and nobody gives a rat’s ass about it!” Luke said pushing is way past Tyler and Casey.

“Can I borrow your cell phone? I need to call Allan for a second,” Casey said and Tyler handed his cell phone over to Casey.

“Now where exactly is the list of ‘received calls’ on the new Motorola Rzar…,” Casey pondered aloud and Tyler grabbed his cell phone out of Casey’s hand.

“I hate you,” Tyler said with a grin.

“You love me and you always have. What have I ever done for you to deserve all of this? I mean… Cody loves me like a son and Luke really is my best friend but you just stay off in the distance and watch over me like a guardian angel,” Casey said starting to get emotional.

“Don’t you have an email account to check?” Tyler asked staring deeply into his eyes.

“We’re out of peanut butter!!!” Luke yelled from the kitchen while Tyler set the alarm.

Tyler and Casey looked towards the kitchen and laughed.

“LUCAS! Stop yelling!” Larry yelled and Casey and Tyler laughed at that as well.

“I remember the night that you took me home and dragged me to a Sears store and started buying me all this clothing. I couldn’t believe what was happening. I thought I was going to explode! I’d never had brand new clothing before. <Casey chuckled> How can I ever thank you? How would I even begin?” Casey asked with his arms stretched outwards.

“You really want to know?” Tyler asked and Casey nodded.

“You’ve already thanked me by allowing me into your life and by becoming someone that I look up to and respect. The best thank you will be if you in turn help others in need that you meet as you go through life,” Tyler said.

Casey leaned forward and gave Tyler a more passionate kiss than he had ever given him before. “That works pretty well, too…,” Tyler said and winked.

“Why did someone move the peanut butter to the next cupboard???” Luke yelled and Tyler shook his head.

“Would you go and kiss your other half so that he will shut up?” Tyler asked. Casey nodded, dropped his backpack and ran into the kitchen.

Tyler crawled into bed with his laptop computer sitting on his legs. “Finally, I can get back to work on my story…,” Tyler said to an empty room.

*Tap, tap, tap*

“Come… in… Beth…,” Tyler said, as he typed away. The bedroom door opened and Luke appeared wearing only boxers, carrying Mango under his arm. Tyler looked at him briefly and then took a second look. He closed his laptop and set it down on the nightstand. Tyler flipped the comforter open and Luke and Mango crawled in.

Luke worked his way over to Tyler and nestled under his arm.

“Mango’s got an upset stomach again?” Tyler asked with a smile.

“Fine…,” Luke said moving out from under Tyler’s arm to leave the bed. Tyler grabbed him and pulled him back.

“I think we know each other well enough to know when I am teasing you?” Tyler asked.

“This isn’t the time to pick on me,” Luke moaned.

“Did you love these girls?” Tyler asked.

“No… they’re transparent little wannabes,” Luke said.

“How long had you been dating them?” Tyler asked.

“Two or three weeks maybe?” Luke said and Tyler snorted. Luke lifted his head off of Tyler’s chest to give him a cold stare and then laid his head back down again.

“Am I missing a part of the puzzle here?” Tyler asked.

“No… you don’t understand! No one ever gets to take twins to the grad party…unless they’re ugly and related to you but that doesn’t count anyway.”

“So your ego is bent out of shape?” Tyler asked and Luke paused for a moment.

“Pretty much… that would be it,” Luke said, and then started laughing a little.

“I’ve never pictured you as the one to take a date to the graduation formal party anyway. You seem like the guy who isn’t going to be tied down to one girl…or guy.” Tyler said looking for a reaction.

“Maybe…,” Luke pondered.

“It’s one of the bigger days in your life Luke. It’s a celebration of completing a twelve year test and passing it.” Tyler said. “If you’re going to let your high school principal ruin a day dedicated to you and your friends then I’m not sure you are the Pookster I’ve grown to love.”

“Right! I’m going to crush the bastard and then go have fun,” Luke said sitting up.

“Wrong! You’re going to ignore the fucktard and let him see you having a great time regardless of what he tries to do,” Tyler said and Luke nodded.

Tyler lifted his head and guardedly looked both ways before he whispered in Luke’s ear. “Having said that… do you want to get even with him?”

“Ty, we’re alone in Kyle’s bedroom so why are you checking to see if anyone else is around?” Luke asked.

“I just always wanted to do that…,” Tyler joked.

“Am I going to get really weird as I get older too?” Luke asked as he poked Tyler’s navel.

“You’re already weird,” Tyler whispered and Luke looked up and grinned. “So you want seek revenge on your Principal?”

“No, I would never do something like that… but Mango wants to hear what you have to say,” Luke said, and Tyler smiled and nodded. Luke made Mango nod his head in agreement.

“Okay, Mango, here is what you do. You can’t get even with Tinsley because you can only get caught and in trouble so you have to make something or someone in his world miserable and that in turn will make him miserable,” Tyler said.

Luke made Mango rub his paws together.

“Enough monkey business, okay, Luke?” Tyler asked and Luke set Mango up on the pillow.

“If I were you I would do two things. One is to make his daughters feel miserable and that their father is to blame. Second, I would do something like…present Tinsley with a gift on stage from the entire graduating class. That will really make him feel like shit and the twins will have even more ammo to use against him. You can also do a short speech while you’re at it about how inspirational he has been to the students of TJ High,” Tyler said and watched the wheels turning in Luke’s head.

“Okay, I know what to do with Tinsley but what about MeBe?” Luke asked.

“Ummm… let them think that the entire graduating class is missing out on something?” Tyler suggested.

“Too big to make happen in less than 24 hours,” Luke said.

“Unless you get a few friends to start a rumour that something was going to happen and you’ve already cancelled it,” Tyler said.

“Okay… I will need to think on it,” Luke said and got up on his hands and knees and kissed Tyler good night.

“I’m very proud of you Luke. You’ve stayed true to yourself.” Tyler said. Luke grinned and he and Mango left.

Tyler picked up his laptop and set it back on his lap. As he opened it up he heard a tapping.

“Yes, Casey, come in,” Tyler said.

“How did you know it was me?” Casey asked peering through the half open door.

“I had you booked for… 10:12 p.m.” Tyler said turning to look at the alarm clock. “You’re right on time,” he said putting his laptop back on the nightstand. Casey grinned and closed the door behind him.

“Is Luke okay now?” Casey asked. as Tyler held the comforter open for him.

“When is Luke not okay?” Tyler shot back and Casey shrugged his shoulders.

“What can Dr. Peel do for you this evening?” Tyler asked.

“What do you think of Jared?” Casey asked.

“Ummm… he’s fine,” Tyler said.

“Fine?” Casey asked.

“Yeah. He seems nice,” Tyler said.

“Nice?” Casey asked.

“Casey, it doesn’t matter who you date or even choose as your partner. We will all love whomever you are with,” Tyler said.

“Oh God… oh God…,” Casey said as he began holding his face in his hands. “Is he really that bad that you have to give me The Mom speech?”

“The Mom speech?” Tyler asked.

“When I came out to Mom and Ian she gave me this ‘whomever you choose to be with we will love as long as you are happy.’ Which really means, ‘we hate him but we’ll put up with him’,” Casey moaned shaking his head.

“The point is that you need to choose who makes you happy and not worry about approval from Luke or anyone else,” Tyler said.

“Why don’t you like him?” Casey asked quickly as he turned around to face Tyler.

“I never said…,” Tyler began.

“Don’t give me that ‘let him down nicely crap’, Ty. It’s you and me here. We’ve never done it before and I don’t think you want to start,” Casey said.

“I liked you better when you were 12,” Tyler said and Casey chose to ignore the joke.

“Okay, sorry. When you guys came down to Florida and we met Jared we thought he was nice but a little odd. I watched him closely and noticed that he was watching every guy he saw. Not in the way that you and I might look at a hot guy but more like a kid in a candy store. I figured he would be on to someone else before the week ended. No one is more surprised than me that you are still with him,” Tyler said.

“And Derek?” Casey asked.

“Do we have to go there?” Tyler asked and Casey slowly nodded.

“Derek tore a strip off of Luke about why he was letting you date Jared. I defended Luke. I told Derek that you had to learn for yourself what people are like and how to recognize them,” Tyler said.

“Luke knew what he was like all along and never said a word?” Casey said punching his fist.

“Down, boy! Luke did the right thing and between you and me, Luke, Allan, and Tom have all been keeping close tabs on Jared. None of them trust him but they are all nice to him because they love you,” Tyler said and Casey didn’t know what to say.

“I think it shows how much your friends respect and love you to go out of their way to include and welcome Jared in for you,” Tyler said and Casey lowered his head.

“I really have great friends. They are just like my brothers,” Casey said softly.

“Casey, you’ve never had to spend much time learning about people because Luke always does it for you. Luke’s not always going to be right beside you and you have to learn how to trust people without getting walked on. Jared isn’t a bad guy but I just don’t think he is mature enough to be in a relationship. I think he loves you but he isn’t in love with you,” Tyler said.

“Do you know how hard it is to find love when you are gay?” Casey asked and Tyler dropped his mouth open and then laughed.

“Sorry, you’re like my spiritual guru in that department... among others,” Casey said with a wink.

“If you don’t recognize someone who loves you more than life itself right now then you need new glasses,” Tyler said.

“Who?” Casey asked.

“You figure it out,” Tyler said.

“Give me a clue?” Casey asked.

“Think about it. It’s someone who can’t take their eyes off of you. Someone who agrees with you most of the time and always defends everything you do.”

“Luke?” Casey asked.

Tyler laughed. “Luke is as straight as they come with the exception of you. Luke’s really insecure inside, much more so than even you think you are. Luke knows you will follow him but at the same time he also knows you will kick his ass if he screws up. You’re his one friend who loves him with all of his faults and will still accept the real Luke and the show he puts on for others. That kid is terrified of you leaving him. He would be lost. He’d give up even thinking about women for you if he believed it could last long term but realizes that having you as a best friend for life is much better. I think we all would be lost without you,” Tyler said and Casey snuggled up under Tyler’s arm.

They both lay on the bed in silence.

Casey flinched.

“I always love watching the reaction people have when the lights come on,” Tyler teased.

“He’s more like a puppy dog following me around,” Casey thought aloud.

“No one has ever encouraged him to become his own self,” Tyler said.

“He’s such a little cutie with those big round blue eyes. He has that v-shaped jaw and those big ears that bend out like Dumbo,” Casey said and Tyler laughed.

“Derek and I watched him watching you and Jared on the beach. That was my first clue about Tom because he would make faces at Jared behind his back. The second I saw him doing that I started watching both of them much more closely. It wasn’t hard to figure out who was protecting you and who was using you. I think he’s almost as good as Luke at figuring people out,” Tyler said.

“He loves you. Tyler! He’s always telling me to say Hi to you and I tell him that he can call you any time he wants on my cell but he refuses because he’s too shy… shit! He’s so damn shy unless one of us prods him!” Casey said.

“And you’re too thick but life isn’t always fair,” Tyler teased.

“Well… maybe someday it will happen but I doubt that it will be in the near future,” Casey said.

“If you don’t dream the dream, then it will never come true,” Tyler said.

“Thanks, Ty, I really appreciate every moment we get to spend together,” Casey said, kissing Tyler’s cheek and getting up out of the bed. “Did you remember to get cinnamon buns for Danny?”

“Of course, they’re in the freez…,” Tyler said and stopped abruptly.

“YES!” Casey yelled and Tyler glared at him.

“LUCAS! One more sound and you’re grounded!” Larry yelled. Casey held his hand to his mouth to cover his laughter.

“Get to bed, Graduate. You have a long day tomorrow,” Tyler said.

Casey closed Luke’s bedroom door and dove on to the bed, landing on top of Luke.

“I love you, Luke Anderson,” Casey said kissing Luke.

“Case… I’m busy thinking,” Luke complained.

“Think later… I need you to make love deep inside me,” Casey said as he kissed his way down Luke’s chest.

Tyler put Echo and Chaos outside after their morning run and headed to the fridge to begin making breakfast.

“Morning sweetheart, did you sleep okay?” Tyler asked as Beth rubbed her right eye.

“No! Mango’s gone.” Beth whined and Tyler picked Beth up and set her on the counter.

“He’s not gone. I saw him sleeping with Luke and Casey last night. I think he does that once in a while because he misses them,” Tyler said.

“He better apoc-al-gize!” Beth said.

“Apologize?” Tyler said.

“That’s what I said,” Beth repeated as she glared at Tyler.

“What does your pyjama top say on it. ‘I can kick your 5 year old’s ass’,” Tyler read to himself.

“Luke gave it to me. What does it say?” Beth asked holding the shirt out.

“It says I love Luke,” Tyler said and Beth made a face. “What would my favourite girl in the world like to eat for breakfast?”

“Peanut butter banana rollups” Beth and Tyler said in unison.

“How did I know that?” Tyler said teasing Beth and Beth giggled.

“With coconut,” Beth added and Tyler glared at her. Beth laughed even more.

“Now you’re just playing with me!” Tyler accused.

“And chocolate milk,” Beth said.

“You’ll have to settle for orange juice, a Flintstone’s chewable, and a kiss from your favourite brother,” Tyler said as he kissed Beth and then stirred the home fries in the pan.

“Danny’s not here,” Beth said, and when Tyler looked over at her she started laughing.

“You are spending way too much time with Luke and Casey,” Tyler said as he prepared two plates of breakfast. “Okay sweetheart, I have to set you down so you don’t fall while I take breakfast upstairs to the Graduates. Why don’t you go watch cartoons for a bit?” Tyler said giving Beth a kiss and setting her down.

Tyler quietly opened Luke’s bedroom door and smiled. Luke was tucked snugly and safely into Casey’s secure arms with the comforter partially exposing a pair of naked hips. Luke’s left arm was around Casey’s back. Tyler remembered back to his having been in the same position with Derek and Linda taking their picture back when it was Derek’s bedroom. He set the tray down and pulled out his cell phone. Snapping a couple of pics and saving them to memory he turned on the video recording part of the phone as he woke the boys up.

“Morning, boys,” Tyler said holding the cell phone up.

Luke grumbled, and Casey reached back to scratch his ass. Tyler moved in closer with the camera.

“I love you, Luke,” Casey mumbled as his arms lightly squeezed Luke’s body three times.

“Te Amo Casey eres mi todo,” Luke mumbled as Tyler recorded his hand swaying gently back and forth across Casey’s back.

“Awww… isn’t that cute. Spanish finally kicks in… too bad it is during your sleep,” Tyler joked, and Luke’s eyes opened wide.

Luke stretched and yawned. Tyler took hold of Luke’s hand and Luke squeezed it three times.

*sniff, sniff* “What smells so good?” Luke asked with his second yawn.

“My first guess would be Casey’s pits since you had your nose buried in his chest but it could also be breakfast?” Tyler said.

“You brought us breakfast in bed?” Luke asked.

“This is your day after all,” Tyler said.

“It’s about time I had a day dedicated to me,” Luke moaned.

“Everyday is about you in this house,” Tyler teased, and Luke curled his upper lip.

Tyler leaned over and kissed Casey. Casey opened his eyes to a big smile as he stared at Luke.

“It was Ty,” Luke said, and Casey’s smile went away.

“I am sooooo not bringing you breakfast in bed again,” Tyler teased as he feigned being hurt.

“No! No, I didn’t mean it like that,” Casey said apologetically.

“It’s okay, Casey. I understand. When Luke is kissing you he isn’t talking,” Tyler said.

“Don’t you have a 5 year old to attend to?” Luke asked as he furrowed his brow.

“Yes Mastah… don’t forget that you guys have to be ready to go by 9 a.m.” Tyler said.

“I thought you said ten!” Luke argued.

“Fine… be an hour late.” Tyler said walking out of the room.

<8:58 a.m. Graduation Day>

“I see you boys are ready.” Tyler observed, grinning.

“Whatever… are you sending us shopping because I have more important things to do than play little games?” Luke whined.

“Why don’t you stay home, Luke? You obviously don’t want your graduation present,” Tyler said and Luke’s eyes opened.

“I’m sorry, really, I’m really, really sorry,” Luke said.

“Really, really?” Tyler said and Casey laughed. “Have you boys got your cell phones in case you get lost?”

“Yes, Mom!” Casey and Luke said in unison and then grinned.

“Oh how apologetic you guys will be in a couple hours of time.” Tyler pondered.

“Two fucking hours!!!” Luke yelled. “I don’t have two fucking hours.”

“Then don’t get lost!” Tyler said as he opened the door.

“Look! A taxi!” Luke said pointing down the driveway. Casey looked at Tyler and rolled his eyes.

“Should we take the cab?” Luke asked of Tyler.

“You guys are so fucked!” Tyler said laughing as he shut the door.

Luke and Casey crawled into the back seat of the cab. The taxi driver handed them an envelope. Luke quickly grabbed it from his hand and tore it open and read the card inside.

“Your first clue: It’s Tyler’s lucky number. Figure out the number and you will know where to insert the key!” Luke read as the taxi driver drove downtown.

“What’s Tyler’s lucky number?” Luke asked aloud.

“No idea…,” Casey thought out loud.

The taxi pulled up in front of the Bus Terminal. Luke reached for his wallet and the Taxi driver held up his hand. “I’ve been paid already. Did you figure it out?” he asked the boys.

“No,” they both said.

The Taxi driver pulled out his own cell phone and dialed a number.

“They are not as smart as you said!” The taxi driver said into the cell phone.

“It’s going to cost them a $20.00 tip for another clue. Ask them,” Tyler said into his cell phone.

“If you want another clue to help you out then it will cost $20.00,” the taxi driver said.

Luke snapped the twenty-dollar bill out and into the cabbie’s hand.

“I’ve got the twenty!” The cabbie said to Tyler.

“Make sure it’s real and listen for his response,” Tyler said laughing.

The cabbie looked carefully at the twenty-dollar bill and then rubbed it on some white paper to make sure ink came off of it. “Yeah, it’s real,” he said.

“Fucker!” Luke said with his arms crossed and the cabbie laughed.

“Hand him the next envelope and throw them out.” Tyler said.

The cabbie told them to get out of his cab as he pocketed the twenty-dollar bill. He handed Casey a second envelope and drove away.

“What’s it say?” Luke begged.

“It says ‘dumbasses’ on the outside.” Casey said laughing as he tore the envelope open. “It reads… What is Tyler’s secret pin code on his Interac bank card?” Casey said.

“Shit… I know this!” Luke said frantically waving his arms up and down.

“Down boy. I already know it,” Casey said.

“Well why don’t you just say it?” Luke asked.

“Cause it’s more fun watching you squirm,” Casey said and Luke gave him the evil eye.

“And?” Luke said impatiently

“His code is 4545… therefore it must be locker number 45!” Casey deduced.

“Brilliant, Holmes! Let’s go,” Luke said grabbing the key from his pocket.

When they found locker number 45 they saw that the key was missing and inserted it. It opened to reveal a bag and another envelope. Casey opened the envelope while Luke opened the bag.

“Sweet! Peanut butter roll-ups and two Reese peanut butter cups!” Luke said.

“Shut up, Luke, and let me read…,” Casey said. “Congrats guys! Casey, tell Luke the peanut butter rollups are not the prize,” Casey read and burst into laughter.

“Fucker!” Luke said, as he ate away from the bag of rollups. “They are to me,” he added.

“Inside this envelope are two paper subway tokens. You are headed down to the market. GO!” Casey read and stopped.

“Isn’t there more?” Luke asked.

“Nope. Maybe he will phone us.” Casey said and the two ran off to the subway entrance at the Bus Terminal. They went to the pass way where you drop your coins or scan your monthly pass but it wouldn’t take them. One of the security guards pointed to the booth and told them they had to go through the ticket window.

Luke and Casey lined up behind two people and waited. When their turn came Luke handed the token-taker a pink subway token. The gentleman looked at him for a moment.

“Do you have some identification?” the man asked.

“Why? I just want to ride the subway down to the market,” Luke said.

“Identification please.” The man repeated and Luke pulled out his driver’s license. The man looked at it and smiled. He handed Luke an envelope.

“YES!” Luke yelled beaming and they were both allowed to pass.

“You open it, Case,” Luke said handing the envelope to him.

Casey sat down on the bench in the subway platform and tore open the envelope. “The Easterly winds can be bitter in January. You’ll need to go to where these gail force Easterly winds come from and you’ll see a grocery store. Buy your Monkey his favourite fresh food and go to the express lane of one to six items to pay for your purchase. Make sure you arrive before they close.” Casey read and then added, “There are also two one-dollar bills inside.”

“This is our train… let’s go…,” Luke said jumping up.

As they rode into the city’s centre Luke said. “So if the winds are travelling…”

“He means go to the west side exit of the Lexington Market subway stop when we arrive,” Casey said shaking his head.

“You’re taking all of the fun out of this, Case,” Luke said crossing his arms.

“Then you figure it out alone,” Casey said.

“No way… then you’ll just whine about it until the day we die,” Luke said and Casey rolled his eyes.

“Okay, now we need to think about the second part of the clue,” Casey said.

“That’s the easy part dumbass! Bananas!” Luke said grinning.

“If you say so…,” Casey said, following Luke.

The boys exited the east entrance of the subway and looked around.

“There it is!” Luke yelled as he pointed to the corner on the right, across the road from where they were standing. “Open Grocery,” Luke said.

“Sounds like it. He did mention to make sure we got there before they close!” Casey said as they ran across the road through traffic.

Once inside they ran to the fresh fruit and vegetables section. Luke grabbed a bunch of bananas and Casey followed him to the check out line.

“Are you sure about this, Luke?” Casey asked.

“You’d have to be a total fucktard to miss this one, Case. You should have paid more attention in class!” Luke said as he set the bananas down on the weigh scale. “Give me the two dollars Case,” Luke demanded holding his hand out.

“Look!” Luke said, “Her name is Gail! Gale force winds! Told ya I’m smarter than you,” Luke said beaming.

“I thought it was just a spelling mistake on Ty’s part,” Casey said laughing.

“That’ll be $1.09 please.” Gail asked and Luke handed her two one-dollar bills with a large x marked through them in blue ink. “I’m sorry, but you have 7 bananas on this bunch,” she said and then grinned.

“What?” Luke asked.

“I said you have…,” Gail attempted to repeat.

“I heard what you said. It’s one bunch of bananas not seven individual bananas,” Luke chastised her.

“Luke!” Casey said. “She’s telling us that bananas are NOT it!”

“Oh. Sorry. Well… I will take the bananas anyway,” Luke said grinning.

“Not in this line you won’t!” Gail smiled back.

Luke picked up the bananas and retreated, saying to Casey loud enough for Gail to hear, “Now I know where the term ‘gale force winds’ comes from.”

“Luke, we have to think this out. What does a monkey eat?” Casey asked.

“He eats peanut butter and banana rollups,” Luke said.

“No Luke. It says to buy him his favourite ‘fresh’ food,” Casey said.

“Well we are in a market… it could be fish, chicken, turkey… I know it ain’t Brussel sprouts!” Luke said and they both laughed.

“Okay, lets go by a process of elimination,” Casey said.

“Fine! Walk with me. You keep the list!” Luke said and Casey shook his head as he followed. “We’ve got lettuce, onions, mushrooms, oranges, bananas, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, carrots, kale, mangos, pineapple, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries…,” he listed.

“Luke! Luke!” Casey yelled with a big smile.

“What?” Luke asked spinning around.

Casey held a mango up in the air. “What’s your monkey’s favourite fresh food?”

“Bananas! Nobody eats mangos… SHIT! Of course!” Luke said reaching up and kissing Casey on the lips.

“Luke, we’re in public,” Casey said slightly embarrassed.

“Like anything embarrasses me?” Luke said pulling the mango from Casey’s hand.

Casey sighed, nodded, and then ran after Luke.

Luke slammed the mango down on the weight scale and grinned.

“If you buy six mangos today you get the seventh one for free!” Gail said.

“Not a chance in hell!” Luke said as he handed her the two one-dollar bills.

Gail opened a drawer and handed them an envelope.

“Thanks!” Luke said. “Keep the change and the mango,” as the two of them ran out of the Open Grocery store.

Gail gave the thumbs up and a wink to the guy holding the video camera.

“Hurry up, Case!” Luke yelled, jumping up and down.

Casey pulled out the envelope and tore it open. He began to read. “I’ll bet one blowjob that Casey figures it out first?” Casey read and started laughing.

“It’s the beats for Mr. Peel when we get home,” Luke said laughing.

“Now you’re really going to have to think! There are no more clues for this one. During the War of 1812, (where Canada kicked America’s ass) the British declared Baltimore ‘a nest of pirates,’ and moved in on the city after burning Washington, D.C, attacking by land and sea. The American forces held off the attacks at this place, enduring the naval bombardment until the British forces eventually withdrew,” Casey read.

“Kicking ass huh? We’ll see whose ass gets kicked when I get home,” Luke growled.

“Shut up Luke and let me finish.” Casey said. “When you arrive at your destination you must find the clown, no, not Luke!”

“Oooooo he’s so dead meat,” Luke said punching his fist in jest.

“Casey, you must say to the clown, ‘Hi, my name is Casey and I would like a black balloon please!’ Give him five dollars. Luke, you must do the same but say, ‘Hi, my name is Luke and would like a lime green balloon.’ Give him five dollars as well. Good luck boys… you’re almost home but the ride has just begun,” Casey read out loud.

“Okay Mr. Mitchell… where do we go from here?” Luke asked.

“Let me think…” Casey said and Luke pulled the envelope out of Casey’s hand and looked inside.

“Hey, there’s a twenty-dollar bill inside and a card. It says, ‘call Guido’ and gives a phone number.

“It’s got to be a battle site and the only one I can think of is…,” Casey said.

“Fort McHenry!!!” Luke yelled and grinned.

“Fort McHenry,” Casey repeated and smiled.

“I’m calling Guido.” Luke said pulling out his cell phone and dialing the number.

“Columbia Taxi service?” Guido said.

“Is this Guido?” Luke asked.

“It could be…,” Guido said.

“I’m supposed to call you,” Luke said.

“Luke Anderson?” Guido said.

“It might be?” Luke said.

“Look over at the curb,” Guido said.

“Uh huh…,” Luke answered.

“See the row of taxis to your left?” Guido said.

“Uh huh…,” Luke answered.

“Find number 233. I’m about sixth in line.” Guido said and closed his cell phone.

Luke ran and Casey followed, both boys wondering where they were going.

“Guido?” Luke asked after reading the number 233 on the side of the taxi. Guido smiled and the boys jumped in the back of the cab.

“Fort McHenry please! … a.s.a.p.,” Luke said.

“Got twenty?” Guido asked and Casey pulled out a twenty-dollar bill with a big x marked through it and handed it to Guido. He stuffed it in his pocket.

Guido pulled up to the entranceway to Fort McHenry and dropped the boys off.

“Thanks!” Casey said giving him a ten-dollar bill as a tip.

“Why did you do that?” Luke asked.

“Didn’t you see the pictures of his kids?” Casey asked shaking his head.

“So?” Luke asked.

“He’s got three small kids and he drives a taxi Luke… never mind,” Casey said, walking off ahead of Luke.

“I don’t see any clowns?” Luke said.

“Look! Over there!” Casey said pointing to their right.

“What?” Luke asked.

“It’s a little kid with a balloon.” Casey said and they both started running. Passing the child and his mother, they rounded the corner to the left where they found the exit to Fort McHenry and there stood a clown selling balloons.

Casey pulled out the card and read aloud, “Hi, my name is Casey and I would like a black balloon please!”

The clown smiled and blew up a black balloon. He handed the black balloon to Casey along with an envelope and then asked for five dollars. Casey paid him.

“Ya da, ya da, ya da… give me a lime green balloon,” Luke said glaring at him while holding out a five-dollar bill. The clown stared at him.

“Hi, my name is Luke and I would like a lime-green balloon, please!” Luke said with a glare.

The clown held out his hand.

Luke handed over the five-dollar bill and said, “Nice outfit!”

The clown handed Luke a balloon and said, “Nice hair!”

Casey grabbed Luke’s shirt by the shoulder and dragged him away. “Thank you, Sir!” Casey said.

“Hurry up and open it Casey.” Luke yelled.

Casey opened the latest envelope and read, “Good work guys if you’ve made it this far. The next clue is easy but the task might be more difficult! If you lose your balloon then you get nothing! If you keep the balloon with you then you will get your final clue once you arrive at your next destination. The balloon is you ‘key’ and the clue is as follows: It started with John F. Kennedy but finished with General Pulaski achieving Victory! Luke should have brought his golf clubs with him where you guys are going. Head to the guardhouse for further directions!”

“This is supposed to be an easy clue? I don’t know of any golf courses.” Casey pondered as he handed it to Luke for a second read.

Luke started laughing as he read it. “Is Guido’s card in there?”

“Yup, and forty-dollars!” Casey said. “You’ve got it figured out?”

“Yup.” Luke said walking back to the front of Fort McHenry. As they rounded the corner they saw Guido sitting there smiling.

“C’mon! We’re almost there.” Luke yelled and started running.

They jumped in the back of the taxi and Luke said, “Take us to Kraft Foods!” Casey started laughing.

“Explain it to me please?” Casey asked.

“The first clue was all about General Pulaski. The Pulaski parkway to be exact! You take the JFK memorial parkway to the Pulaski highway and you exit at Victory Villa. That is one of the exits to get to my work. The golf clubs were the only clue needed because he knew about my beating a corporate vice-president at golf,” Luke proudly revealed.

Guido dropped them off at the edge of the property to Kraft Foods. Luke tipped Guido generously. They walked to the guardhouse carrying their balloons.

“Nice hair, Luke!” Steve said from behind his window.

“Steve, this is my brother and best friend, Casey,” Luke introduced and they shook hands.

“You boys have fun at the circus?” Steve teased.

“Cough up the clue or no cinnamon buns on Thursday!” Luke threatened.

“Is he this much fun at home?” Steve asked.

“Even more so…,” Casey said in a deadpan voice.

“Mr. Casey… I have an envelope for you.” Steve said handing him an envelope with a small black balloon drawn on it.

“And for Mr. Lucas Anderson-I-have-no-cinnamon-buns-for-Steve… I have… <pause> another envelope.” Steve said with a smile as he gave Luke an envelope with a lime green balloon drawn on it.

“Thanks Steve!” Luke said and they began walking up towards the parking lot.

“Guys?” Steve said. “You’re both on your own now! You’ll find envelopes with each of your names on them.”

“What’s yours say?” Luke asked as he opened his envelope.

“Walk to the fourth row of cars, turn left, count 22 cars on your left side, turn left and go straight across to the next row, turn right and count 6 cars, turn left… this goes on forever,” Casey whined.

“Mine too! Except that I’m not going in the same direction as you. Got your celly?” Luke asked.

“Yup! See ya in a bit,” Casey said.

The boys covered much of the parking lot and even once passed near each other. Both held their instructions close to their face and counted carefully.

“Eleven, twelve, thirteen… and stop.” Casey read and stopped. He looked to see Luke walking straight towards him six cars away.

“Thirty-one, thirty-two, thirty-three… and stop,” Luke said and looked up see he was facing Casey. “Is this some kind of a joke?” Luke asked.

Casey looked down at the license plate on the vehicle in front of Luke and started laughing.

“What?” Luke asked.

“Look!” Casey said pointing down to the license plate. “POOKSTR”

“Oh my fucking God!!!!” Luke screamed as he looked at the lime green Jeep before him.

“Luke?” Casey yelled over the sound of Luke’s screaming.

“Huh?” Luke asked as Casey pointed down to his feet. “CASEYM”

“SHIT! You got a Jeep too! Just like mine.” Luke yelled and then hugged Casey.

“Except mine is black… it matches my balloon!” Casey said as he lifted Luke up in the air and spun him around.

“Hey!” Luke said. “There are envelopes attached to the driver’s doors.”

Each boy grabbed his own envelope and opened a card congratulating him on graduating.

Luke mumbled most of his card and then read aloud, “Love, Mom, Dad, Kathy, Ian, Kyle, Danny, Cody, Dakota, Ryan, Chris, Jeff, Ashlea, Jessie, Tara, Matt, Aaron, Elizabeth, Derek, Tyler, Echo, and Chaos,” Luke read as the tears flowed down.

“Shit, I so don’t deserve this,” Luke said as he pulled the keys out of the envelope. Casey was already crying his eyes out.

When both boys settled down their watery eyes dried up and smiles appeared.

“Look!” Casey said pointing to the inside back of the Luke’s Jeep. They both started laughing when they saw that both Jeeps were filled with jars of Kraft Smoothy and Crunchy peanut butter.

“Let’s go home, big brother,” Luke said as he hugged Casey.

“Thank you Luke. None of this would be happening if it weren’t for you.” Casey said hugging Luke back.

“Shut the fuck up and get in your Jeep! We need to go graduate!” Luke said walking around to his driver’s side door.

Casey opened his door up and sat inside. He looked around and saw an envelope sticking out from the visor. He grabbed it and read the name ‘Casey’ on it. He knew it was Tyler’s printing. Casey waved Luke off and started up his Jeep.

Opening up the envelope he read a short message. “Derek, I, and someone else put a little money in your account. You need to go and take $200.00 out so that you have money for tonight. Not a word to anyone please! We love you so much, Casey, and are so very proud of you. Derek and Ty.” Casey folded the piece of paper up and held it to his chest, looked up into the sky, said a small prayer of thanks.

Casey pulled out of his parking space and turned the radio on. There was a CD in the player and it began playing ‘Born to be Wild’ by Steppenwolf. Casey started laughing and waved to Steve as he drove past the guardhouse.

“I think this was supposed to be in Luke’s Jeep…,” he said to himself and laughed.

Casey stopped at a Mall with a Bank of America sign out in front. He went to the automated teller machine and inserted his card and entered his password. He decided to click on ‘check balance’ to make sure there was two hundred dollars in the account.

“Holy… crap,” Casey said. He clicked on ‘print receipt’ to make sure that he was reading it correctly. Casey pulled out the receipt and walked away.

“Sir? Sir!!” An elderly woman called out and Casey turned around.

“You forgot your card,” she said pointing to the machine.

Casey smiled and thanked her. As he walked towards his Jeep he saw someone leaning against it holding a video camera recording him. He couldn’t see the face but he recognized the t-shirt and shorts.

Tyler turned the camera off and lowered it down. Casey confirmed who it was and began running towards Tyler with the biggest grin his face would allow. Tyler set the video camera down on the hood of the Jeep. He only got two steps forward before Casey engulfed him. Casey’s tears flowed as he hugged Tyler.

“So you don’t like the colour, eh?” Tyler teased and Casey gave his back a light punch.

“You can’t do this,” Casey said, through his tears and gasps for breath.

“Anyone can do anything they want if they try hard enough,” Tyler said. “We are all so proud of you Casey. You’ve exceeded anyone’s expectations; of course the down side is that we’re all now looking to you as our leader.” Casey’s body shook from a surge of emotions.

“Do you think I could get a ride home?” Tyler asked and Casey laughed.

“I’m never letting go of you,” Casey cried out.

“It’s not that big of a kitchen in the restaurant,” Tyler joked. Casey lightly punched his back again.

“Where’s your Jeep?” Casey asked.

“I had to take taxis all morning to follow you guys around,” Tyler said with a grin.

“You’ve been following us all morning?” Casey asked as he released Tyler.

“I couldn’t capture it all on video if I hadn’t,” Tyler teased. “Luke and the bananas were priceless. I hope the sound came through okay.”

“I can’t believe this. I don’t deserve this. There are people who are really in need, Ty,” Casey said wiping his eyes.

“Why don’t you leave the decisions about what you are deserving of to those who know you best?” Tyler said. “Let’s go home.” Tyler gave Casey another hug and picked up the video camera and went around to the passenger side of the Jeep.

“Why don’t you take this one and give me your Jeep?” Casey asked as he backed out of his parking space.

“What’s wrong with my Jeep?” Tyler asked.

“Umm… nothing. It’s just getting kind of old,” Casey said with a grin.

“It’s perfectly fine I will have you know,” Tyler said.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that,” Casey said apologetically.

“I know and I was just teasing you Casey. That Jeep has a lot of memories and it really hasn’t been much of an expense. It belonged to my Dad so it is one of those possessions in life that has many good old memories along with a lot of great new ones,” Tyler said. “You took your first ride home to the Andersons’ house in that Jeep.

“I remember it well, Ty,” Casey said putting his right hand on Tyler’s left hand and squeezing it three times. “By the way, I think you guys mixed up the CD’s. This one should have been for Luke,” he said.

“Nope. I made that CD up with you in mind. I know that secretly you are the wild and fun one,” Tyler said and Casey grinned, as his eyes remained focused on the road in front of him.

Casey pulled into the driveway and parked behind Luke, who was parked behind Tyler.

“Luke’s going to freak when he finds out that you followed us,” Casey said as he turned off the engine and sat there running his hands over the steering wheel.

“Not as much as when I play back the video for everyone to see,” Tyler said laughing.

“Here he comes…,” Casey said as Luke appeared out the front door with Beth beside him.

Luke ripped the passenger side door open and pulled Tyler out and on to the ground. “I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!” Luke yelled as he hugged and kissed Tyler.

“Luke, I’m one small part of this,” Tyler said as Casey picked up Beth in his arms and kissed her. He then carried Beth around to the other side of the Jeep to see Tyler and Luke rolling around on the ground.

“Did you get it all, Ty?” Beth asked and Tyler nodded.

“Get what all?” Luke asked.

“Nothing…,” Tyler said.

“Tyler taped you guys,” Beth said.

“What?” Luke said laughing. “You… you…”

“Watch your mouth, Pookster!” Tyler said.

“Yeah… that’s the problem I’m trying to solve right this moment. You recorded what?” Luke demanded to know as he sat up on Tyler’s chest.

Tyler made a thumb pressing motion to Casey. “I recorded your entire journey,” Tyler said.

“What? Where?” Luke yelled.

“On Dad’s video camera,” Tyler said.

“NO!” Luke screamed and laughed in embarrassment.

“I did. The best part was with the bananas. ‘Sorry, you’ve seven bananas’” Tyler said laughing. “The look on your face was priceless!” Tyler added laughing to the point of tears.

Luke got off of Tyler and reached for the Jeep’s door. Casey pressed the door lock button on his remote control. “Bastard!” Luke said laughing.

“Luke said a bad word. I’m telling Mom,” Beth said.

“Hush, Beth,” Casey said, “He didn’t really mean it.” Luke glared at Casey for a couple of seconds and then apologized to Beth.

“I’m sure there are worse videos of you lying around…,” Tyler teased and Casey started laughing.

“If I didn’t love you so much I would…,” Luke began.

“Beth!” Tyler said and then smiled.

“I have to run and get Megan,” Casey said, setting Beth down.

“Can I come?” Beth asked.

“Sorry Beth but there won’t be room because of all of this peanut butter,” Casey said. Beth gave him a disgruntled look.

“You can stay with me Beth. Won’t that be fun?” Tyler asked. Beth rolled her eyes. Casey and Luke started laughing.

“Case, why don’t you get Megan and I’ll get Tom and we’ll meet at the Food Bank?” Luke asked.

Casey grinned and nodded. “I just need to grab that gift for Megan,” Casey said and ran back into the house.

Luke stuck his hand out to pull Tyler up off of the ground and pulled Tyler into a hug. “I love you, Ty.”

“I love you too, Luke,” Tyler said.

“Doesn’t anyone love me?” Beth asked with her arms outstretched.

“Beth!!!!” Linda called from the front door and Beth went running.

“Did Casey get to the bank yet?” Luke whispered even though they were alone.

“He did and I got it all on video,” Tyler said hugging Luke.

“Remember, he is never to know that I am in on that,” Luke said.

“Don’t be surprised if he figures it out all on his own,” Tyler said.

“You’d better not be showing that video!” Luke threatened with a smile.

“Only to our family. Besides the other video you guys made is much hotter!” Tyler teased.

“How did you ever manage to get a lime green Jeep?” Luke asked as they walked with their arms around each other up to Luke’s drivers’ side door.

“It wasn’t hard. We matched to your bedroom walls at the townhouse,” Tyler said.

“Really?” Luke asked grinning.

“Really, really,” Tyler said. “It’s everyone’s second home but one room will always belong to you and Casey alone,” Casey returned with the wrapped gift in his hands.

Casey took Megan straight home from the Mall with her new dress and matching shoes. He parked in her driveway and put the Jeep in park and turned it off.

“Thank you, Casey, for making all of this happen,” Megan said.

“Wasn’t anything for my best girl friend,” Casey said.

“The truth is that I really wanted to go but we just don’t have the money and all…,” Megan embarrassingly admitted.

“Megan. Stop it. You deserve the world and if I was straight I would make you mine for life.” Casey said looking over at her. Megan smiled but just stared down at the floor.

Casey pulled the wrapped box out from under his seat and held it out for her.

“What’s that?” Megan asked looking at the box and then raising her eyes to see Casey’s grin.

“It’s a box… in pretty paper,” Casey said and then winked. “I wanted to give you something special to remember our friendship and our time here in high school, but really it is to say thank you for being a better friend than I could ever ask for,” Casey took hold of Megan’s hand and set the box into it.

“Go ahead and open it,” Casey said. “I should tell you that it isn’t a ring.” Megan blinked and laughed.

Megan carefully peeled the tape off of the bottom of the gift and removed the brown velvet box from within. Her hands began to shake as she opened the top half of the box.

Megan gasped.

“Oh my…, Casey,” Megan said as tears began to stream down her cheeks.

“I knew it wasn’t right,” Casey said banging the steering wheel with his fist and then winking at her.

“They’re beautiful,” Megan said holding one hand over her mouth.

“Just some sort of pearl drop earrings but I thought they would look nice on the prettiest girl in Maryland,” Casey said. Megan reached over and pulled his face towards for a kiss. It was the longest and most passionate kiss that Casey had ever had with a girl but he enjoyed every moment of it.

“Whoa!” Casey said as they parted. “What do I get for diamonds?” he asked and winked. Megan laughed.

“I really don’t know what you see in me but I truly appreciate the friendship Casey,” Megan said taking his hand.

“Honestly, I didn’t see anything in you until Luke pointed it out to me,” Casey said seriously. “You’re his world, Megan. I mean family will always be number one to Luke but all those girls he’s dated in high school have just been for show and everything that you’ve heard has been rumours.”

“Why are you saying this? You know how I feel about Luke.” Megan said tearing up.

“Because he feels the same way about you. I promise,” Casey said. “I’ve got to go because Luke’s speech still isn’t written. We’ll pick you up at five-thirty.”

Megan got out of the Jeep.

“Megs?” Casey called. “Make sure you save a dance for Luke.” Megan faked a short smile as her feelings about Luke came out front and centre of her mind again.

“Derek!!!!!!” Beth yelled as Derek came into the Great Room along with Echo and Chaos.

“Hey, Babe, how’s my favourite girl?” Derek said, picking Beth up and kissing her.

“All alone,” Beth complained.

“No one is home?” Derek asked with some concern.

“Just Mommy,” Beth said.

“Where’s Tyler?” Derek asked.

“He had to go somewhere to pick someone up but I’m not allowed to tell anyone,” Beth whispered into Derek’s ear.

Luke came in the front door and when he saw Derek’s back in the Great room he ran up behind him and hugged him. “Thank you soooo much!” Luke said as Derek set Beth back down to watch TV.

Luke bent down to pet Echo and Chaos.

“We’re so proud of you, Luke. Congratulations. What the hell happened to your hair?” Derek said and Luke beamed. “You finished high school without any convictions sticking,” Derek teased.

“Why did you come home again?” Luke joked with a snarl.

“Because I missed teasing you,” Derek said.

“That’s it?” Luke asked furrowing an eyebrow.

“Well… I missed Beth and Tyler and Casey as well,” Derek said and then paused before winking at Luke.

Luke appeared in the kitchen entrance wearing white nylon rapper pants and a matching hoody. “How do I look?” Luke asked of Linda, Larry, Derek, and Beth.

“NO!” Larry said. “You’re not going to receive your diploma dressed like that!”

“Chill old man…,” Luke said as he held up his suit hung on a hanger inside a travel bag.

“Lime green hair out of style now?” Derek asked.

“Thank God!” Larry said

“Shut up Derek. This is graduation!” Luke said shaking his head.

Larry said a silent prayer for the lack of neon green.

“Thanks for the great gift, Dad,” Luke said giving his Dad a hug and a kiss.

“You are most welcome…, ” Larry said. “You got your suspension notice signed yesterday?”

“Pretty much…,” Luke said.

“Excuse me?” Larry said in a slightly louder tone.

“I don’t think now is the time to talk about it, Dad,” Luke said as he perused the contents of the fridge. “Oooooo… peanut butter chocolate squares! I love it when Tyler comes home,” he cooed.

“I think right now is the time,” Larry said.

“Dad?” Luke said, nodding in the direction of Beth.

“Spit it out!” Larry said.

“Principal Tinsley refused to sign it…,” Luke began.

“I knew it! I knew it Linda! I told you this would happen if I didn’t go in with him…,” Larry said scolding the two of them.

“It’s signed!” Luke said.

“Huh? Explain!” Larry asked with his arms crossed leaning against the counter.

“Well…” Luke began popping a square into his mouth. “I made him a deal. If he signed it then I would give him the DVD recording of him and Mrs. Murray in janitor’s closet on the second floor,” he said and then grinned.

Derek roared with laughter and fisted Luke. “Way… to… go… You are my hero!” Derek said.

“Derek!” Larry yelled. “We’ll talk about this tomorrow.”

“I think I’ll head down to the school… I’m almost welcome there!” Luke said snarling at his Dad.

“I can’t believe you got off that easily?” Derek said.

“Twelve seconds is my record! <Grin> I also threatened to impregnate his twin daughters tonight,” Luke said walking out of the kitchen.

“LUCAS… bottom left hand drawer of my desk!” Larry yelled shaking his head.

“What’s in your desk?” Linda asked as she mixed the salad for an early dinner.

Derek whispered in her ear.

“Oh… OH!” Linda said looking at Larry.

Luke checked his hair in the rear view mirror and headed down the driveway. As he drove down his street he put down the window and yelled “YES!!!!!!!!”

Beth looked up from her booster seat and yelled “Danny!!!” and everyone turned around to see Danny grinning. Echo and Chaos started barking.

Tyler pushed Danny on into the kitchen. “I brought someone else as well Beth!” Tyler said and pulled Cody into the kitchen.

“Cody!” Beth yelled with a huge smile and open arms.

“Did you bring the suit?” Derek asked after hugging Danny.

“I did but it’s too wrinkled from the trip for me to wear it,” Danny said.

“Look at the tan on you!” Linda said hugging him.

“Do I get a hug from my favourite girl?” Danny asked Beth and she giggled.

“Oh yeah… that’s what I missed!” Danny said as Beth hugged and kissed him.

“What did you bring me?” Beth asked.

“Elizabeth!” Larry yelled.

“That’s incredibly rude, Beth! You apologize!” Linda said.

“Sorrwie,” Beth said.

“It’s alright. I promised her something special from Africa.” Danny said as he opened one of his suitcases and pulled out a little black African doll and handed it her. Beth shrieked and hugged Danny again.

“So you’re not wearing the suit?” Derek moaned.

“Nope, but I did wear it to a meeting between one of the village chiefs and a rebel leader. They all laughed so hard that it made the entire meeting go smoothly,” Danny said. “They thought I was Canadian at first!” Danny flashed a grin at Tyler.

“Did you accomplish what you set out to do?” Larry asked, giving Danny a hug.

“Not all that I wanted to, but it’s a start. They don’t have the equipment or regular irrigation for proper farming. We have two goals, one is to get them farming the food they need to eat and the second is farm a crop that will sell on the world market and help to stabilize the economy. Throw in the violence and drought just to make it more of a challenge. The only consistent thing happening on a day-to-day basis is death,” Danny said as he hugged Beth in his arms.

“After you’ve been to Africa you think about all of the people in the world who are complaining about the price of gas or the cost of going to the movies and you think to yourself… do these people have a clue as to what is happening in Africa and other parts of the world? If you have clean water, drinking water, hot or cold water, or even a flush toilet then you have little to complain about,” Danny said. “Even the most impoverished people of America have it a fair bit better.”

“People would come up to me with their sick children thinking I was doctor. I just wanted to cry as my interpreter told them that I was there to help with the agriculture. One mother brought her dying little girl and placed her in my arms begging me to save her life,” Danny said, as tears ran one-by-one down his cheeks.

“When are you going back there?” Derek asked.

“Not until the fall and even then I can only go if the region is stable,” Danny said.

“Tyler, Dad, and I were talking and we thought that maybe Dad and I might go with you next time,” Derek said. “I’ll be starting my fourth and last year of medical school in July, but I can get some time off in August.”

“Really?” Danny asked drying his eyes. Derek and Larry nodded.

“No offence, Cody, but what I most wanted to do was get home and hold Beth,” Danny said as he kissed her cheek. Linda took Beth from Danny’s arms and Cody hugged Danny.

“You must be exhausted, Danny. Why don’t you just get some sleep?” Linda offered.

“Thanks, Mom, but I’m here for a reason and even if I’m eight hours ahead of you guys I’m just wired from spending over a day in airplanes and airports,” Danny said still holding on to Cody.

“Come on Danny and I will get you showered!” Cody said.

“Why don’t you guys use our hot tub in our bedroom? It will be more… relaxing,” Linda said and everyone grinned.

“How’s Dad doing?” Danny asked.

“He’s fine. We all just miss you,” Cody said.

“I almost forgot to thank you guys all for the toys for the kids. Getting the baseball bats through customs wasn’t easy but when they saw the balls, gloves, and dolls everyone seemed to look the other way and they sent me right through,” Danny said.

“It was our pleasure to help you Danny,” Larry said giving him a hug.

Tyler presented Danny with a plate filled with cinnamon buns. Danny grinned but declined.

“The only thing I am hungry for is my family,” Danny said as he hugged Tyler.

“I’m glad you are home with your family,” Tyler said kissing his cheek.

“Thanks for those daily thoughts, Ty,” Danny whispered and smiled as he picked up his suitcase and walked out of the kitchen with Cody.

Casey dialed Luke’s cell phone. “Where are you?” Casey asked.

“Waiting for the queen to finish primping,” Luke sighed.

“Did you pick up the corsages yet?” Casey asked.

“We’re picking them up as soon as Tom finishes,” Luke said sighing again.

“Where do you want to meet?” Casey asked.

“When are you picking up Jared?” Luke asked.

“I’m not because his mother and grandparents are taking him. They were going early so that they could take some pics of him in front of the school,” Casey said.

“Tom’s ready! How about I drop Tom off at the Mall and you pick him up there. I’ve got a few things to do backstage,” Luke said and closed his phone before Casey could respond.

Luke arrived and parked in the teacher’s parking lot. He saw Principal Tinsley’s Lincoln parked in its own reserved space. Luke carried his suit, shoes, and two corsages into the school with him. He ducked into the one of the boy’s washrooms and changed into his suit.

As he walked down the hallway to the gymnasium he had a chance to see all of the pictures of the graduates posted on the locker walls with small write-ups about them. He stopped at his picture and adjusted it slightly.

Walking into the gymnasium he spotted Principal Tinsley along with his wife and MeBe chatting with a few teachers. He walked up behind Tinsley and the girls spotted him.

“Luke!!!” Melinda and Belinda said grinning.

“Ladies!” Luke greeted them with and ear-to-ear smile.

Principal Tinsley turned around and snarled. “Anderson,” he said coldly.

“Good evening, Sir. The suit looks good on you!” Luke said and before Tinsley could respond Luke added, “Good evening Mrs. Tinsley. You look stunning tonight…as always. Your dress only enhances your beautiful eyes.”

“Why, Lucas, that is so sweet of you to notice,” Mrs. Tinsley said glaring at her husband.

“Why yes, Martha, you do look stunning,” Principal Tinsley said. Luke winked at MeBe.

Luke removed a white rose and blue tipped carnation corsage and pinned it on Mrs. Tinsley. “A little something for the fourth most beautiful lady here tonight!” Luke said and Mrs. Tinsley planted a wet, sloppy kiss on Luke. Luke wondered if he needed a tetanus shot now.

“You are just heaven sent!” Mrs. Tinsley boasted. Luke was fairly certain he could hear Tinsley’s teeth grinding.

“And for the two most beautiful ladies that Thomas Jefferson High has seen in 68 years…” Luke said as he presented matching white rose and red carnation wrist corsages for Melinda and Belinda. Luke made Principal Tinsley hold the corsage boxes while he tied them on their wrists. Luke then gave each of them a kiss on the cheek.

“Just think ladies… some day you will be as pretty as your Mom!” Luke said winking at them.

“We’re taking you home!” Mrs. Tinsley said teasing Luke.

“If you will kindly excuse me… I have several things to prepare for tonight. Nothing illegal, Sir!” Luke joked, and everyone laughed except Principal Tinsley.

Luke took Melinda and Belinda’s hands and kissed each of them.

“Who’s the prettiest girl if I’m number four?” Mrs. Tinsley asked with a grin.

“You’ll meet her tonight on stage! She’s five years old and her name is Beth and she happens to be my little sister!” Luke said biting down on his lower lip.

“Oh, isn’t that sweet!” Mrs. Tinsley said.

“Please excuse me. Always a pleasure to be in the company of beautiful women but I have work to do!” Luke said, nodded, and turned to walk away. Luke could hear the three women going at Tinsley about how wonderful Luke was. Luke snorted.

Luke spotted Jared and his family walking down the hallway.

“Good evening, Mrs. Kearns.” Luke said smiling. He turned to look at Jared and gave him a split-second cold stare.

“Hello, Luke!” Mrs. Kearns said. She straightened Luke’s tie. “Have you met Jared’s grandparents?”

“No, I haven’t. It’s a pleasure to meet the grandparents of such a fine and honourable young man like Jared,” Luke said smiling at them. He then flashed Jared another quick, cold stare.

“This is Mr. and Mrs. Fred and Dorothy Jamison,” Mrs. Kearns said.

“You must be so proud of Jared. He is one of the few genuine and loving friends I have. Jared is someone you can trust your life and your heart to!” Luke said as he glared at Jared and noticed the beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

“Have you seen Casey yet tonight?” Luke asked and then flashed a short smile, which turned into a cold stare.

“Ummm… no I haven’t,” Jared mumbled.

“I’m sure he will be here shortly,” Luke said. “Mrs. Kearns, could I borrow your son for a moment to help me with the lighting for tonight?”

“We’re really kind of busy here Luke,” Jared said, sensing trouble coming.

“Not at all, Luke.” Mrs. Kearns said, “You go ahead Jared. We’ll be here or inside the gymnasium getting a seat. Don’t get your suit dirty!”

“He won’t be long Mrs. Kearns. It’s been a pleasure to meet you all,” Luke said nodding his head. Luke grabbed Jared’s suit coat and pushed him forward.

“The gymnasium is back there…,” Jared said.

“Shut the fuck up, asshole,” Luke said giving him a shove.

“To the right,” Luke said as they approached another hallway. As they were about to pass the boys bathroom Luke grabbed him and dragged him inside.

“What the fuck is your problem, Anderson?” Jared yelled as he patted down his suit coat for wrinkles.

Luke took out his cell phone and brought up his menu. He punched ‘media’ and as he was scrolling down he said, “How was the show last Saturday night?”

Jared froze. Luke flipped his cell phone around and showed him the tiny picture of him with some guy trying to hide that they were still holding hands as they walked out.

“I… I… can explain that…,” Jared began.

“Don’t! Three people spotted you! It’s your life and I don’t give a fuck because you are now out of mine as well as Allan’s, Tom’s, and more importantly, Casey’s! Do you see the file extension on the picture?” Luke said coldly.

“Pps…,” Jared said shaking.

“Power Point Slide. I also have it jpg for viewing on the phone.” Luke said. “If I don’t hear from Casey before this starts that you have broken up with him because you’ve met someone else then those pictures are going to be included in the background slide show,” Luke said and Jared’s eyes opened and his mouth dropped to his chest.

“What? My grandparents don’t know that I am gay!” Jared yelled starting to get angry.

“I know that and I will stop and point it out and name you specifically!” Luke said coldly. “You’ve got 49 minutes and counting,” he said, looking at his watch.

Luke walked to the door and paused. Without turning to look at him he added, “Come anywhere near Casey or my friends and I will beat the crap out of you…assuming Casey, Allan, or Tom don’t get to you first. You’re so fucking lucky that I am wearing this suit or I would kill you!” Luke punched the door with his fist and left.

“Two down and three people to go…,” Luke said as he rubbed his fist.

Cody, Danny, Derek, and Tyler all left in Derek’s Jeep Cherokee. Larry, Linda, and Beth went in Larry’s new Mazda RX-8. Ian, Kathy, and Chris planned to meet them in the parking lot.

Luke looked at his vibrating cell phone. It said ‘unknown number’ on it.

“Can you hear me now?” Luke said with a grin.

“Hey!” Kyle said.

“Kyle?” Luke yelled in the hallway and a few people turned around to look at him.

“Where are you?” Luke asked.

“Somewhere between here and there… on this stupid road trip,” Kyle said.

“Oh,” Luke said disappointed.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be there Luke. I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you and how much I love you,” Kyle said softly.

“Shit Kyle, I miss you so much. Everyone does… including Chris,” Luke said.

“Can we not go there please?” Kyle asked.

“Sorry. It’s just that Chris is more miserable than Danny without cinnamon buns!” Luke joked and Kyle laughed.

“Look Luke, I know you’ve got a lot going on tonight but I wanted you to know that I was thinking of you… I’m always thinking of you now that I think of it,” Kyle said and laughed at his own words.

“I’m just happy to hear from you. It’s really okay that you are not here for this. I just miss having someone around to abuse,” Luke joked as he slowly dropped down to the floor and leaned against a locker.

“Did you get your gift yet?” Kyle asked.

“Shit! Did I? It’s fucking wonderful.” Luke said.

“Lime green, huh?” Kyle said.

“It matches my hair!” Luke joked and Kyle roared with laughter. “Well it did until this morning. By the way Tyler is going to record everything and I am going to send you a DVD in the mail tomorrow.”

“Sweet! I really miss you and everyone,” Kyle said.

“So have you got any older brother worldly advice for me?” Luke asked.

“Yeah, I do… being king of the castle isn’t anywhere as much fun as having one person who truly loves you,” Kyle said thoughtfully.

“Don’t I know it?” Luke said. “Hey, I see Mom, Dad, and Beth coming down the hall. Want to say hello?”

“No, in fact, don’t even mention that you heard from me but send my love to Derek and Tyler and tell them I miss them,” Kyle said.

“Gotcha. I have to go because the hallway is filling up but Kyle just think about one thing. No matter what happened in the past, Chris loves you and you love him or you wouldn’t hurt so much… and I love you too,” Luke said as he closed his cell phone.

“Hey!” Luke yelled down the hall at his parents as they lined up behind all of the others waiting to get inside the gymnasium.

“Nice suit,” Larry said as Luke caught up to them.

“What’s the hold up?” Linda asked.

“They have all the graduates’ photos on display and everyone is stopping to read them before they go inside. The good news is that mine is by the gym doors!” Luke said.

“Being an Anderson finally paid off,” Larry teased.

“Like my dress?” Beth asked Luke.

“You are the prettiest girl in Baltimore,” Luke said, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

“Don’t mess up my makeup!” Beth warned and Luke shook his head and smiled.

“Have you got time to go out back and see your brothers? They have a little surprise for you and Casey,” Linda said.

“Another one?” Luke said grinning.

“Where’s Casey?” Larry asked.

“I think he’s in the gym with Tom and Megan.” Luke said. “I’ll go get him,” he said and ran around down the hall and around to sneak into the gym by the side door.

Luke saw Tom, Allan, Katrina, and Megan chatting and he approached them.

“Good evening ladies and Katrina and Megan!” Luke said with a cheesy grin.

“You look great in that suit,” Megan said.

“Thanks. Has anyone seen Casey?” Luke asked as he looked around the room.

“He’s up on the stage talking with Jared,” Allan said.

“Great! Thanks. I hope you guys all have your twenty dollars ready?” Luke said.

“He’s probably getting a quickie,” Tom joked, but Luke was already gone before he finished.

“What’s the twenty dollars for?” Katrina asked.

“We have a bet with Luke that he won’t strip on stage tonight,” Allan said laughing. Katrina laughed and Megan just shook her head.

“You’re his oldest and best friends and you still haven’t learned not to bet with Luke?” Megan asked laughing.

Luke stood on the gym floor next to the stairs at the centre of the stage. He looked for Casey but couldn’t see him. Luke hit his speed dial on his cell phone.

“What,” Casey said coldly.

“I need you right now. It’s urgent. Where are you?” Luke asked.

“I’m on the stage and I’m busy,” Casey said.

“No, I need you NOW!” Luke yelled into his phone over the noise of the crowd as he climbed the stairs. He spotted Casey and Jared next to one of the curtains. Jared looked over at Luke and stormed off. Casey glared at Luke as he approached.

“When I say I am busy…,” Casey began.

“Shut up and come with me. Derek and Tyler need us right now,” Luke said.

“Is something wrong?” Casey asked.

“I don’t know,” Luke said, taking off and jumping off the stage with Casey following.

“Where are they?” Casey asked as they crisscrossed the gym floor around all of the chairs.

“Shut up and follow me,” Luke said as Casey caught up beside him.

When they were alone in the hallway walking towards the front door Luke asked without looking over at Casey, “Are you okay?”

“Yes and no… why do I get the feeling you are involved with this?” Casey asked as Luke picked up the pace and started walking faster.

Luke stopped and Casey walked a few steps by and turned around. “Do you think I had something to do with what Jared did?” Luke accused.

“No,” Casey said softly.

“Then please don’t accuse me of something like that,” Luke said and walked past him returning to his hurried pace.

“Sorry,” Casey said.

“I’m sorry too… for you. You deserve so much better,” Luke said.

“I’ve got you,” Casey joked.

“Damn right you do and you won’t do any better so don’t get an ugly on and let’s enjoy our night.” Luke said pushing the front door open.

“HOLY FUCK!” Luke said and stopped. Casey actually walked into the back of him.

“SHIT!” Casey yelled and pushed Luke aside as he threw his arms around Cody.

Luke hugged Danny so tight he had to push him off. “You go to Africa and come back black?” Luke said, teasing Danny about his deep tan.

“If I wasn’t so tired I would kick your tight little ass for that!” Danny said smiling and hugged Luke again.

“It’s not all that tight anymore.” Luke whispered and Danny laughed. “I was worried about you,” he added.

“I know,” Danny said and Luke gave him a strange look.

“This is the single best thing to happen to me today,” Casey said as the tears began to flow. Cody was already crying and couldn’t say a word.

“I think you did good, Mr. Peel!” Derek said nudging Tyler’s side with his elbow.

“That’s Derek’s bitch to you!” Tyler shot back as he filmed the entire episode.

“Casey, you’re going to look really bad on film if you don’t stop crying,” Derek said.

Casey jumped in between them and picked up Danny and swung him around.

“Why did you have to get bigger and taller than me?” Danny yelled as Casey swung him around in circles.

“I’m so happy you’re home… safely,” Casey said. “I was so worried about you.”

“Would you believe me if I told you that I felt all of those good thoughts?” Danny whispered and Casey just hugged him tightly. “All of that worrying about me really told me how much you loved me, Casey. It kept me feeling safe and loved while I was gone,” he whispered.

“We really have to get inside and I think Luke has a speech to give,” Derek said.

They all walked inside, Cody with his arm around Casey’s shoulder and Casey’s arm around Cody’s waist. Casey stopped and rested his head on Cody’s shoulder. “You smell so good… I remember that scent from the first day I met you. It’s the best scent in the world,” Casey said tearing up.

“I love you, Casey, and I wouldn’t miss your day for anything in the world but we’re here until the weekend. Tonight is a night to share and celebrate with your friends. We’ll spend a lot more time together later this week. Some of your friends you won’t see again so make the most of your night,” Cody said, giving him a hug.

“Thank you everyone! Please be seated!” Principal Tinsley said as the lights blinked three times in the gymnasium.

“There’s been a slight program change this year as you may have noticed,” he began. “In previous years we’ve given the graduation certificates out early on and it seemed that many of you left before it was over so this year we have shortened the program but we will be giving the diplomas out last.” There was an audible grumbling throughout the gym.

“Nice to see the Fucker hasn’t changed in the slightest,” Derek said as he leaned against the back wall of the gym.

“Derek, I am recording… along with sound!” Tyler said.

“Derek stuck his face in front of the camera and said, “Sorry Mom, Dad, and Beth!” and then flashed a cheesy smile.

“Can’t you say something intelligent or nice?” Tyler said pointing the camera at Derek’s face.

“Ummm… sure… Hey Jessie, Tara, Matt, Aaron, Jeff, Ashlea, Ryan, Dakota, and Kyle… wish you were all here and I wasn’t!” Derek said and repeated his cheesy grin.

“Derek!” Tyler yelled.

“Luke and Casey, I’m just teasing ya! I’m so happy to be able to drive two hours after being up all night in the E.R. to watch you guys receive your diplomas,” Derek said with another faked grin.

“Go sit down…,” Tyler said.

“… And now I would like to introduce this years Valedictorian… <sigh> Lucas Anderson!” Principal Tinsley announced.

Casey received a text message from Luke and he in turn sent a text message out himself just as Principal Tinsley sat down with his wife and daughters.

The room went black as the lights where all turned off. Two spotlights shone on the stage and started swirling around.

“Kill ‘em with music!” Casey said into his cell phone and The Killer’s song ‘When We Were Young’ came on.

“You sit there in your heartache waiting on some beautiful boy to, to save you from your old ways. You play forgiveness; watch it now- here he comes!”

“What in the hell is going on?” Principal Tinsley yelled and began to stand up until his wife pulled him back down into his seat.

”He doesn't look a thing like Jesus but he talks like a gentlemen like you imagined when you were young.”

Luke threw two peace signs up in the air and every graduating student went wild.

“Dear God… this isn’t happening,” Larry said rubbing his forehead. Linda smiled and patted his leg.

“Can we climb this mountain I don't know? Higher now than ever before I know we can make it if we take it slow. Let's take it easy, easy now, watch it go. We're burning down the highway skyline on the back of a hurricane that started turning when you were young, when you were young.”

The music stopped and the lights come up as Luke approached the podium and removed the microphone and walked back to centre stage.

“If he starts singing we’re leaving!” Larry said and Linda shook her head and laughed.

“We’re going to have fun tonight!” Luke yelled into the microphone and the students went wild hooting and hollering.

Luke held his hand up to shade the lights in his eyes and asked, “Why is everyone dressed up?” Everyone started laughing.

“Is something going on tonight? I was away last week and…,” Luke’s voice trailed off and all the students started laughing.

“Welcome everyone to the celebration of Thomas Jefferson High School’s graduating class of 2012!” Luke yelled and everyone clapped.

“Am I underdressed or are all of you overdressed?” Luke asked, to much laughter.

“Okay, I really need to get changed so if you would allow me just a moment here?” Luke pleaded. “Could I have the help of the very beautiful Tinsley twins?” Luke called out and Melinda and Belinda got up and walked to the steps of the stage. Luke came down the stairs and met them. Taking each one in his arm he escorted up the stairs. Turning around, Luke said, “Aren’t they beautiful?” Everyone clapped.

“And so are the twins!” Allan yelled out and everyone laughed.

“Casey, you are sooooo expelled for that!” Luke said to more laughter.

“Ladies, if you would be so kind to assist me here.” Luke said. “Would you all please turn around and give me some privacy while I strip here?” <Laughter>

“Shit! He’s going to do it!” Allan said laughing.

Luke turned around and pulled off his hoody and then removed his nylon pants. The audience was laughing at his antics. Luke handed his clothes to Melinda and asked her to take them off to the side of the stage. He then took the microphone back from Belinda.

“I would like to call Principal Tinsley up to the stage!” Luke said and Tinsley glared at him and then got up.

“The graduating students of TJHS along with the Student Administrative Council and the Athletic Council ran five car washes, three bowling tournaments, and a series of fund raisers during school spirit week. That included a ‘pie in the face’ contest with our very own Principal Tinsley to raise money for a program that benefits inner city children in grades kindergarten through three for after school mentoring,” Luke said. <A round of applause from the audience>

“The pie in the face contest personally cost me forty very well spent dollars!” Luke said and the audience laughed.

“This well co-ordinated event came to pass with the guidance and leadership of quite possibly the greatest principal this school has ever had!” Luke said.

“He dogged us all the way!” Tom said to Casey and Megan.

“Someone hand Luke a shovel!” Casey said and they all laughed.

“Tonight,” Luke began, “I am proud to present a cheque to Principal Tinsley on behalf of the efforts of his students in the amount of $5,635.00!” <Standing ovation>

“Please! Please! Just a moment!” Luke said holding an envelope. “I need Casey, Allan, and Tom to come to the front of the stage.”

Casey, Tom, and Allan all looked at each other and then stood up and walked to the stage. Luke bent down with the microphone and said, “I believe we all had a bet about whether I would strip on stage?” Luke held his hand out as the audience roared with laughter. Each of the boys handed over a twenty-dollar bill and went back to their seats.

“Thanks guys!” Luke said waving the money for everyone to see. Luke handed Principal Tinsley the cheque and then counted out sixty dollars into the palm of Tinsley’s hand. <Audience claps and stands up> Luke extends his hand and shakes hands with a smiling Principal.

As Principal Tinsley walked down the steps Luke said, “I’m sure that next year’s class can surpass this amount with our Principal’s guidance.” <Moderate applause but almost none of it came from the students>

“Damn, he’s good!” Allan said shaking his head and smiling.

“Too bad Tinsley doesn’t know when he’s been beaten!” Tom said and Casey smiled and nodded.

“Ladies, if you would be so kind as to stand here for just one moment I will be right back!” Luke said handing Melinda the microphone. Luke returned with two sprays of red roses, which he presented to Melinda and Belinda for all of their help.

Luke stood there silently as they returned to their seats. He then stared silently out into the audience for about ten seconds and then said, “Is someone supposed to make a speech here?” <Everyone laughed>

“Since I’m up here…,” Luke said, with his voice trailing off.

“I read the Valedictorian speeches in the yearbook for the last seven years looking at what they spoke about. Boring!” Luke said and everyone laughed.

“I tried to google another way to say something about learning from our past in hopes of a brighter future but it’s already been said a thousand different

ways!” Luke said.

“Tonight isn’t about us.” Luke said to the graduates. “It’s about the world we live in and taking our place and responsibility. Our families and teachers have just handed us the keys and we are now responsible for what happens. By the way, note that they didn’t wash it, put the seat back in its original position, or even turn the radio down!” Luke said and all of the adults laughed.

“The biggest and most important test we will ever take starts tomorrow. Every group of graduates starts out thinking how much they know and what they will do to make the world a better place. <Luke paused> I’m open to suggestions, people?” Luke said and most chuckled.

“I’m serious here. All of our predecessors thought they knew it all and I’m not sure the world is better off than it was fifty years ago! I’m going to go with a new theory for us tonight! Today, we know how little we know and how dumb we are. <Everyone laughs> tomorrow, we will approach the world with an open mind ready to learn. One of my many brothers taught me that you could change the world for the better… one person at a time. If we all do something nice for someone then that goodwill might be passed on. Being a person of good conscience is a learned behaviour – a continuation of the learning we have done for the past twelve years,” Luke said.

“Tonight, is our last night as a family! In the past four years we have grown, loved, fought for, and defended what we believe in. Four of our brothers and sisters are not here with us tonight physically but they are spiritually. Riley Suggitt succumbed to a valiant battle with cancer. Jason Kilpatrick and Jennifer Logan are simply remembered and very much missed. We’ve all learned from their mistake and we all share in the loss that their families have suffered. The hardest one to talk of or even think about is Kevin Fernandez... a quiet and intelligent brother of ours with a sarcastic sense of humour that I will forever remain in awe of. Why you decided to leave us we will never know but if you are watching us down here please remember that you are loved and missed. We are sorry that we let you slip through the cracks, Kevin,” Luke said, as the room was silent in memory.

“The losses and gains that we have experienced are to be passed on and learned from. The ultimate injustice to our four brothers and sisters, our teachers, and our families is to let their spirits die,” Luke said, and paused in silent memory.

“The piece of paper we are receiving tonight doesn’t really tell how intelligent my brothers and sisters are! It says that we can complete what we started but not much more. What we’ve learned from our teachers, friends, and family about life and the world we live in will help us the most. What we do from this day on will be our legacy to future generations. It would be great to hear some day that one of my fellow students cured cancer but it will be just as important to find out that one of us helped someone in need and made a difference in a few people’s lives. Take the time to laugh, learn, listen, and love. That is all you need to remember,” Luke said holding four fingers up in the air. “Thank you, all my brothers and sisters, here tonight for enriching my life,” Luke said and nodded.

The entire room gave Luke a standing ovation that went on for more than one minute.

“Thank you everyone!” Luke said. “Please be seated!” He said and everyone sat down.

“I always wanted to say that!” Luke said with a grin. “I’m almost done here! I was speaking with Mrs. Tinsley about all of the beautiful girls in this school and in this room tonight and I was telling her that there is one that has captured my heart above all others. Beth? Could you come up here please?” Luke said.

Larry set Beth down but she was too afraid to walk up alone. Derek came from behind and walked her up the centre aisle to many ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhhs’ from the audience.

Luke met her at the bottom of the stairs with the spot light following him. He took Beth’s hand and walked her up the stairs. The Emcee had set a chair out on centre stage and Luke walked her back and sat her down on the chair.

“Can you say hello to everyone?” Luke asked.

“Hi,” Beth said, and the sound of her voice in the microphone made her laugh. A chorus of ‘Hi Beth’ came from the audience.

“That’s a pretty dress you have on Beth!” Luke said and Beth nodded.

“Of course you are a pretty girl,” Luke said and Beth nodded again and the audience laughed.

“Did you get your facial and manicure you wanted today?” Luke asked and Beth shook her head no. <Snickers filled the room>

“Who’s your favourite brother?” Luke asked.

“Derek,” Beth said and everyone laughed.

“Okay then… which of your brothers makes you laugh the most?” Luke asked looking at the audience and pointing at his chest.

“Danny,” Beth said and Luke turned to look at Beth and then looked back at the room. <More laughter>

“Ummm… which of your brothers makes the best peanut butter and banana rollups?” Luke asked and everyone laughed.

“Tyler,” Beth said.

“Is Casey paying you to say these answers?” Luke asked.

Beth whispers in Luke’s ear. Luke turns to the audience and says, “She said maybe!” Everyone laughs.

“Does your brother Luke do anything special for you?” Luke asked and Beth shrugged her shoulders. Laughter continues.

“Who let’s you sleep with his very own stuffed monkey?” Luke asked and turned to the audience and pointed to his chest as he held the microphone pointed down towards Beth.

“Mango likes me better,” Beth said, and the audience roared with laughter.

“So what exactly am I to you?” Luke asked and Beth whispered in his ear.

“Beth, you’re going to have to say it into the microphone or no one will believe me!” Luke said as he pointed the microphone towards Beth.

“You’re my best friend,” Beth said, and the audience clapped. Luke gave her a kiss and helped her to stand up in front of everyone.

“Now I brought you up here because I need your help. I need you to deliver something for me. Do you think you can help me?” Luke asked and Beth nodded her head as Luke held on to her hand.

“We are starting a new tradition here at TJHS! Much that we have gained to this point in our lives is thanks to our fearless leader for suffering us seniors. The truth is that Principal Tinsley had it easy this year because I was the only bad student!” Luke said and everyone laughed.

“Principal Tinsley, could you please join us on stage for a moment?” Luke asked and Principal Tinsley got up and this time arrived with a smile on his face.

“The graduating students dug deep this year to thank you for your patience, guidance, and support. We thought about a watch because we knew you were counting down the minutes to the end of school <laughter> but as next year is your last year they will probably give you a watch and we didn’t want them to have to think any harder than they already do. <More laughter> Beth, would you be kind enough to give Principal Tinsley his gift?” Luke asked.

Luke held the microphone down so that Beth could speak. “Could you hold your hand out, Sir?” Beth asked and he did. Beth reached into the little sewn pocket on her dress and pulled out eighty-four cents in change and dropped into his hand. The audience roared with laughter, as did Principal Tinsley.

“Seriously… aren’t you glad you will be retired before Beth reaches high school?” Luke asked and Principal Tinsley shook his head no. He picked up Beth and gave her a hug and kiss. Luke started the clapping and everyone joined in.

Luke pulled out an envelope and handed it to Principal Tinsley and they shook hands. “Does everyone want to know what we got him?” Luke yelled out to the audience and they all applauded.

“Principal Tinsley, we thought about bowling lessons but decided against it!

<Tom and Allan laughed the loudest> instead we got you a guys only weekend of golf at a Spa – all expenses included!” Luke said with a grin and then added, “Mrs. Tinsley, we knew you would enjoy the gift as much as he will!” She nodded, clapped, and held gave a thumbs up to Luke. Principal Tinsley nodded his thanks to the audience, shook Luke’s hand and sat back down.

“Can you hold this microphone for me?” Luke asked and Beth nodded. Luke walked off the stage and returned with a small bouquet of five red roses. “This is for the prettiest girl I know,” Luke said and gave her a kiss.

Beth whispered in Luke’s ear. “Yes, Mommy will take you to the bathroom!” Luke said <Laughter> and Linda walked up the centre aisle. The room gave Beth a standing ovation as Linda carried her back.

“Thank you everyone for you patience in indulging me. I will happily turn the microphone back over to Principal Tinsley. On behalf of all of the graduating students I would like to thank all of you here tonight for your support and guidance in helping us achieve this milestone in our lives,” Luke said and then handed the microphone over to Principal Tinsley. Luke received a standing ovation.

As Luke walked down the steps most of the graduating students got up to thank Luke for his speech. As Luke walked by Jared he shook his hand and nodded. Luke sat down next to Casey. Casey looked over and Luke let out a sigh. Casey tapped Luke’s leg three times. Luke responded with “don’t I know it” and squeezed Casey’s hand three times.

“Luke,” Principal Tinsley began, “You’ve raised the bar, set the new standard, and captured our hearts with your speech. Another round of well deserved applause, please!” Luke lowered his head in embarrassment.

“How the fuck can you be embarrassed after what you did up on stage?” Casey said laughing and Luke punched Casey’s thigh.

After the boys received their diplomas many of the families began to disperse as the newly graduated students headed to the Holiday Inn for their party. Tyler, Derek, Cody, and Danny had all decided to stay at the hotel as well and help keep an eye on the party.

“You’re coming with us, Chris!” Derek ordered.

“Thanks guys but no thanks,” Chris said sadly. Everyone already knew not to force the issue with him and they all hugged him.

“I will call you for dinner tomorrow night! Skipping one class won’t kill you.” Tyler said and Chris let a smile slip out. Luke and Casey walked Chris out in private.

“Oh look, here’s Casey’s graduation photo and write up,” Kathy said and all four parents, along with Beth, read his write up.

“What’s it say?” Beth asked.

Kathy read aloud. “Casey’s goals for the future include: Finding true love, making the Drexel Dragon’s football team, making the world a better place, staying true to myself, and never forgetting where I came from and those who helped me get to where I am.”

“That’s beautiful Kathy!” Linda said. “I wonder what Luke’s said? I forgot to look.”

“Don’t!” Larry said.

“What are you talking about? I want to see what my baby’s goals are!” Linda said.

“No you don’t! Don’t ruin a wonderful evening by reading it,” Larry warned and Ian and Kathy started laughing.

“Now we have to read it!” Kathy said laughing.

“Luke Anderson.” Linda read out loud. “Change the ‘Ferrari’ name to ‘Anderson’, make the top ten on the Forbes one hundred list, have multiple Swiss bank accounts, become the President and C.E.O. of Kraft Foods International, have a city named after him, and become Lord and Supreme Commander of a European nation…,” Linda said, with her voice trailing off.

“It’s never a bad thing to have big goals in life,” Kathy said trying to ease Linda’s concern.

“Those goals are great…,” Ian joked, “But what’s he going to do the year after next?” Larry and Linda looked at him and Kathy elbowed him.

“Ahem.” Ian said.

“We should probably head over to the grad party, eh?” Tyler asked.

“Good idea because Luke, Casey, and crew are already there,” Derek said.

“I could really go for cinnamon bun right now… or six!” Danny said rubbing his tummy.

“Check out the cooler in the back of Derek’s Jeep,” Cody said grinning.

“Did I mention how much I love you guys?” Danny joked as they all walked out of the gymnasium.

“You can show me later,” Cody said putting his arm around Danny.

“And me,” Derek added.

“Me three,” Tyler said with a wink

“We have to drop by the house first guys,” Tyler said. “I need to grab the Van for chauffeur detail tonight.”

“They’re too young to be drinking tonight,” Danny said.

“Yeah… right…,” Derek said laughing.

“Derek and I hired two off duty police officers to work the party,” Tyler said.

When they arrived back at the Anderson house no one was home so Tyler phoned Larry’s cell phone.

“Hey, Dad?” Tyler said.

“Yes, Tyler?” Larry answered.

“Where are you?” Tyler asked.

“We’re all at the hospital visiting with one very unhappy and uncomfortable Ashlea and a nervous Jeff,” Larry said.

“Any word yet?” Tyler asked.

“No. I checked her out and she is having occasional contractions but she’s barely dilated so…,” Larry began.

“Too much info Dad! I’m stealing your Van for the alcohol run and we are raiding your condom drawer. I thought it might be handy to be prepared,” Tyler said.

“Good thinking, Tyler, and thanks for all the help you are giving to Luke and Casey,” Larry said.

“Nothing is too much for family. Derek and I hired a couple of off duty police officers. They are simply there to keep things calm and watch that no one who’s been drinking gets behind the wheel,” Tyler said.

“Drinking? Tyler, they’re underage. There shouldn’t be any alcohol there,” Larry said.

“Uh huh…,” Tyler said and Larry laughed.

“Okay… you’re right,” Larry said.

“Who cares if they drink? They’re going to anyway but let’s make sure they know not to try to drive home,” Tyler said.

“Do you need us there to assist?” Larry asked.

“Dad… we are already considered too old to be there,” Tyler said.

“Are you boys staying the night?” Larry asked.

“Yeah, we got a couple extra hotel rooms for the four of us and the place is empty on a Tuesday night with exception of the business travelers. All of the rooms booked by students are located on the top floor and the business people are on the second floor. Luke thought it all out himself,” Tyler said.

“He does come through at the right times doesn’t he?” Larry pondered.

“No shit. He’s arranged a buffet to be out for only one hour so everyone has food in their stomachs. He’s also arranged for a second buffet but not until near midnight,” Tyler said.

Luke carried his backpack up to his room along with a suit pack containing a change of clothes. Tom tagged along from boredom.

“Where’s your stuff?” Luke asked.

“What stuff?” Tom asked.

“Overnight stuff! Change of clothes, toothpaste, deodorant, thong, condoms…” Luke said grinning.

“I’m not staying the night Luke.” Tom said as Luke swiped his access card to his room.

“Yes you are! You’re going to get laid tonight. Guaranteed!” Luke said.

“Luke, Megan hardly speaks to me. She doesn’t even like me,” Tom moaned.

“Is she being rude or mean to you?” Luke asked.

“No, not at all. The complete opposite! She’s being nicer than she’s ever been to me,” Tom said.

“So… what’s the problem?” Luke asked.

“She’s… she’s not my type I guess,” Tom confessed and Luke smiled to himself.

“Did you wear the thong I picked out for you?” Luke asked.

“Yeah, but it itches like hell,” Tom said, reaching down inside his pants to scratch.

“You need to shave,” Luke said and Tom glared at him.

“There?” Tom asked.

“There…,” Luke said casually. “Just relax Tom. I promise you that your dreams are going to cum true tonight.”

Tom shuddered and ignored Luke’s threat.

“You look so damn hot in that suit, Tom.” Luke said as he straightened Tom’s tie.

“The last time I wore a suit was to my grandfather’s funeral when I was 13,” Tom said.

“You must always have one suit in the closet,” Luke said as Tom sat down on the bed. “What’s the matter?” he asked.

“This is just all so depressing. You and Casey are going to be gone and I will still be here but now I will be alone,” Tom moaned.

Luke sat down beside Tom and put his arm around him. “I’m not leaving you and you have my word on that. We’re family and we are only going to get closer. I thank God everyday that you are a part of my life. You are the comic tease of the four of us and you’ve got a heart the size of Casey’s dick,” Luke said and Tom laughed.

“I seriously doubt that I will ever meet another person like you so I’m not letting go.” Luke said. “You know Danny pretty well don’t you?”

“Yeah,” Tom smiled. “He’s so funny. I love him.”

“Me too.” Luke said. “The four of us are just like my brothers. Casey is like Tyler, You are like Danny, and Allan is like Cody.”

“That makes you just like Derek then?” Tom asked.

“Not in the slightest,” Luke said laughing. “I’m the best parts of all four of them.”

“I guess I just feel like I’m always going to be alone… I’m never going to be able to be myself,” Tom said and then stopped talking when he realized what he was saying.

“Do you trust me, Tom?” Luke asked.

“With my life,” Tom said seriously.

“Tonight your world is going to change forever.” Luke promised and gave Tom a kiss.

*Knock, knock, knock*

“C’mon in, Casey,” Luke yelled.

“It’s locked!” Casey said.

“How did you know it was Casey?” Tom asked.

“How do I know this is your night to have your dreams come true?” Luke asked with smile as he got up and opened the door.

“Why are you guys hiding up here?” Casey asked.

“Tom had an itch to scratch.” Luke said and Tom and Casey glared at him for two different reasons.

“What?” Luke asked and then grinned at both of them.

“You’re scratching Tom’s itch?” Casey teased with a grin. “Even I’m not allowed that honour!”

Tom blinked and his mouth fell open.

“Shut up blondzilla!” Luke said. Casey raised his finger to respond but started laughing so hard he couldn’t speak. Tom fell back on the bed and rolled into the fetal position from laughter. “Time to head down to our party… fashionably late might I add!” Luke said looking at his watch.

Cody, Derek, Tyler, Danny (and a half eaten bag of cinnamon buns) arrived at the party. They found everyone standing around talking or filling their plates from the buffet table.

“Is that gun real?” Danny asked one of the police officers. Cody grinned and pushed Danny forward.

“Wot?” Danny said with a mouthful. “FOOD! Holy shit they’ve got food!” Danny yelled and ran to the buffet table with his bag of cinnamon buns.

“Why is this party so dead?” Tyler asked.

“Reminds me of high school… everyone’s sitting down or being a wallflower,” Derek said.

“Let’s get some food!” Derek said and they got into the food line.

Some kid standing behind Tyler with his girlfriend tapped Tyler on the shoulder and he turned around.

“Yeah?” Tyler asked.

“Aren’t you a little old to be here?” he said laughing.

“I’m a slow learner,” Tyler said and flashed a cheesy grin and then turned back around.

The guy tapped on Tyler’s back again and Tyler turned around.

“Do you want something?” Tyler asked.

“This food is for graduates!” He said and turned to his girlfriend and smiled.

“Have you been drinking?” Tyler asked.

“Got a problem with that?” he asked.

“Only if you’re driving but those two police officers might,” Tyler said and turned back around.

“Maybe if you had a job you could afford to buy your own food,” he said loud enough for Derek to turn around.

“Want me to take this fucktard out?” Derek asked looking over Tyler’s shoulder.

“Just ignore him. It’s just some zit-faced loser trying to impress his girlfriend,” Tyler said loudly.

“HEY!” he yelled and about thirty people in the area looked over at them including one of the police officers.

“Did you just call me a loser?” he yelled and his girlfriend pulled on his shoulder trying to calm him down.

Tyler turned and said, “No, I called you a zit-faced loser and before you do something you’re going to regret I will warn you that I can break you in two.” Tyler turned back around and started putting food on his plate.

“Why don’t you go ahead and take your best shot?” He yelled setting his plate down on the buffet table. One of the police officers approached.

Tyler turned back and said, “Because I have a brand new suit on and shit splatters when you hit it,” Tyler grinned.

“You’re just afraid I would kill ya,” the boy said trying to impress his girlfriend.

“You wouldn’t even get your first shot in!” Tyler said and then directed his next comment to his girlfriend. “You really should get your loser boyfriend out of here before he’s arrested.” She nodded and pulled on his suit jacket.

“Problem here, boys?” The officer asked.

“This asshole is stealing food from our grad party.” The boy said. Luke, Casey, and Tom came into the room and Luke ran over when he saw the commotion.

“I seriously doubt that son,” The officer said smiling at Tyler. “Have you been drinking?”

“What’s going on Ty?” Luke asked.

“Hey Luke, this asshole is stealing our food,” he said.

“Shut up Jason. Tyler and Derek paid for the buffet you assmite!” Luke said.

“And they’re paying my wages tonight!” The police officer added and then grinned.

Jason closed his eyes tightly. His girlfriend punched him in the back.

“Damn! I owe you five bucks, Ty,” Derek moaned.

“Huh?” Luke asked.

“Tyler bet me that this loser’s name was Jason,” Derek said and Luke and the Police Officer started laughing.

“Why don’t you come with me, son?” The officer asked taking a firm hold of his arm.

“Does trouble follow you wherever you go?” Danny asked as he cut into the food line for a second plate full.

“I’m Luke’s brother… nuff said,” Tyler said and everyone laughed.

Luke put his hands on his hips and silently mouthed to Tyler ‘I’m Luke’s brother…,’ Tyler and Derek laughed.

“What’s your hotel room number?” Luke asked.

“Like I’m going to tell you!” Tyler said and picked up his plate. He saw Jason’s girl friend standing there all flustered and embarrassed.

“Come and join the real men for a bite to eat,” Tyler offered and she smiled.

“I’m really sorry,” she said.

“That’s an unusual name for such a pretty girl with bad taste in boyfriends,” Tyler said, and she laughed.

“Julie, this is my brother Tyler, and this is my other brother Derek. Ahead of them is the human garbage compactor.” Luke said. Danny turned around with a sausage roll halfway shoved in his mouth.

“Niff to meef you,” Danny said grinning. Julie laughed.

“I have to warn you Julie that if you eat with us I get to dance with you tonight,” Tyler said as he handed her a plate. Julie giggled.

“What kind of music are we going to hear tonight?” Derek asked Luke.

“Probably old shit. The DJ is in his fifties.” Luke moaned. “I asked him if he had any Demons and Wizards but he said he didn’t bring his country music.” Everyone laughed and then Derek and Danny looked at each other wondering who Demons and Wizards were?

“We need some dance music but not the club crap,” Derek said. “I’m going to go pick out some songs to start everyone off.”

“Anyone want to bet that the first song is by Janet Jackson?” Luke moaned.

“No!” Casey and Tyler said.

“You guys had better eat! It looks like they’re closing the buffet,” Danny said as he sat down with two plates.

“They’re not closing it Danny, you ate it all,” Casey said laughing. Danny thought about it for a second and nodded his agreement as he bit off the better half of a roast beef sandwich.

“Cody? Can I hand off this first dance to you with Julie? I think someone’s in need right now. Excuse me Julie. Second dance is with me,” Tyler said and kissed her cheek as he left.

Tyler spotted Megan standing sitting alone at a table along a wall. He snuck up from her left side and sat down at a chair beside.

“Hey beautiful!” Tyler said grinning.

“Hi, Tyler,” Megan said and gave him a hug.

“No kiss?” Tyler asked pointing at his cheek. Megan grinned and kissed his cheek.

“I want my first dance to be with the most beautiful girl in the room… and since Derek is busy would you do me the honour?” Tyler asked and Megan laughed. Tyler stood up and extended his hand and walked her out to the middle of the dance floor under Luke’s watchful eyes.

Tyler held the palm of his hand out in the open and Megan took hold of it and placed her other hand on his shoulder. Tyler pulled her in cheek-to-cheek and they began slow dancing.

“Shouldn’t we have some music?” Megan joked.

“I think we already make beautiful music together,” Tyler joked.

“Did you get that pick-up line from Jason?” Megan teased.

“Oooo… you’re good!” Tyler said as he turned her around.

Janet Jackson’s song ‘Escapade’ came on and everyone watched them pick up the pace and begin dancing. Since they were the only two on the floor. Cody joined them with Julie. By the end of the song about ten couples had joined the four on the dance floor.

The next song was ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis and Tyler said to Cody, “Trade ya?” and they switched partners.

“You men are all alike!” Megan said to Tyler.

“Hey! You know how we are about commitment.” Tyler joked as he held Julie tightly in his arms and danced slowly. Luke glared at Tyler and Cody but neither noticed him. Luke went up to the DJ and reminded him who was in charge and the music changed radically for the next song. For the rest of the night Cody, Danny, Derek, and Tyler sat and talked with a few absences to drive students home.

“Having fun?” Luke asked Casey.

“Yeah,” Casey said.

“That wasn’t a very enthusiastic answer,” Luke said.

“Are you having fun?” Casey asked.

“Hmmmpft.” Luke mumbled.

“Why don’t you ask Megan to dance?” Casey asked. “She doesn’t seem to be having a lot of fun. I think everyone but Danny has danced with her and that’s only because Danny’s still eating.” Luke just stared at her out on the dance floor.

Megan sat down for a rest as the DJ announced that he was playing the third to the last song of the night.

“Why are you guys looking so sad?” Tyler asked.

“We need a really good last song for Luke and Megan to dance to!” Casey said and Luke punched Casey’s arm with much force.

“I’ll take care of it Casey.” Tyler said. “Luke?” Luke gave him a cold stare.

“You can’t go back in time and undo what you did or didn’t do tonight,” Tyler said and then gave him a quick peck on the cheek. Luke reached into his pocket and fumbled around for something.

“Tom’s in love with you,” Luke said to Casey without looking at him.

Casey turned towards him but didn’t say anything.

“He’s the one!” Luke said, grabbing Casey’s right hand with his left hand and squeezing it three times.

“Huh?” Casey asked suspiciously.

“You heard me. You trust me. Tom is the one!” Luke said and he walked off to find Tom.

“Tom?” Luke said finding him talking to someone at a table.

“Hey Luke, great speech! Thanks for everything you’ve done.” The other boy said.

“It was my pleasure to help make the end of school party special. Tom, I need to talk with you for a moment,” Luke said, and Tom got up.

“Casey is looking for you. He wants to ask you something,” Luke said.

“Oh, okay.” Tom said and he started to walk off to find Casey. Luke grabbed his coat and pulled him back.

“Remember what I told you earlier up in the room?” Luke said and Tom lowered his and nodded. “Your world is about to change forever… for the good! Open your eyes and your heart and be honest with yourself because if you’re not then nothing else in life matters,” he said and Tom looked into Luke’s eyes. “We’re more than just friends, Tom, we are the family of your life,” he added and Tom hugged him.

Luke walked away and saw some girl talking to Megan. He approached her but stopped and looked away trying not to be obvious. Megan spotted Luke and excused herself from the conversation by saying that she had to go to the ladies room.

“Shit!” Luke said as he turned and saw Megan was gone. He scanned the room to find her and saw her walking towards the exit by the stage where the DJ was. Luke feared she was leaving the party.

He just caught the door closing to the hallway and pushed it open to find Megan walking towards the front door. He started off after her and as he was about to call her name she turned and exited through a door. Luke ran down the hall only to stop at the door and discover that it said ‘Ladies’ on the outside.

Luke paced back and forth until he heard the flush of the toilet. He quickly leaned against the far wall and waited. Luke looked at his watch as heard the tap water running and now understood what his Dad meant when he complained about his mother always being in the washroom.

“Probably have a TV in there and some stupid soap opera running.” He said aloud. Luke unbuttoned his suit jacket and inserted his hands into his pockets. Megan came out and stopped. She looked taken aback by the sight of Luke standing there.

“Hey,” Luke said with a smile.

“Hey,” Megan said and Luke stood straight up. “Do you usually hang out at the ladies room?”

“It’s where all the girls are,” Luke said with a smile and Megan laughed.

“You look even more beautiful tonight than you than you did on our first date,” Luke said.

“That was also our last date if I recall,” Megan said as she looked away.

“Why don’t we start this conversation over?” Luke asked and Megan looked up at him. “You are even more beautiful than the first time I laid eyes on you.”

“Thank you, Lucas,” Megan said shyly.

“Would you do me the honour of having the last dance with me tonight?” Luke asked.

Megan smiled but didn’t respond.

“Oh! I almost forgot,” Luke said reaching into his pocket and pulling something out that was hidden in his fist.

“Close your eyes please,” Luke asked and Megan closed her eyes.

“No peeking!” Luke added and Megan grinned. Luke let the heart shaped gold locket fall down from the gold chain entwined through his fingers. He undid the clasp and reached his arms around Megan’s neck. She felt something hit her chest and grabbed hold of it with her left hand. She rubbed it between her fingers and recognized the shape of it immediately.

When Luke finished reattaching the clasp on the gold chain he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and Megan opened her eyes and smiled.

She looked down at the heart shaped locket and pressed the clasp on it to open it. Inside, the locket revealed two pictures. One picture was of Casey and the other of Luke when they were both about twelve years of age.

“Oh my,” she said with a smile as tears started to run down her cheeks. Luke took her one hand in his and they walked back down the hall to the party. Luke held the door open for her as she wiped her eyes. Everyone one in the room was clapping as the song ended.

“Congratulations Class of 2012!” The DJ said and the song ‘Eternal Flame’ by The Bangles came on. Luke brought Megan to the centre of the dance floor and held out his open palm.

“Ms. Williamson, would you do me the honour of allowing me to have this dance with you?” Luke asked and then he bit down on his lower lip awaiting her answer.

“I would be delighted, Mr. Anderson,” she said smiling and Luke pulled her tight to his body and inhaled her scent.

”Close your eyes, give me your hand, darling. Do you feel my heart beating? Do you understand? Do you feel the same? Am I only dreaming, is this burning an eternal flame.”

“Hey,” Tom said, and Casey jumped when he saw it was Tom.

“Hi,” Casey said smiling.

“Luke said you were looking for me?” Tom asked.

“Umm… yeah. Got a moment?” Casey asked.

“For you? Always.” Tom said.

“C’mon,” Casey said giving Tom’s hand a light tug to follow.

Casey climbed on to the stage and Tom followed. Casey looked over the DJ’s and Tyler’s shoulders as they were looking through songs.

“That’s the song!” Tyler said pointing to the DJ’s screen. Casey grinned and took Tom’s hand and pulled him off to one side behind the drapes that lined the stage. He turned around to face Tom still holding his hand. Tom was beginning to hyperventilate as Casey stared into his eyes.

Casey looked down at Tom as the music began. He placed his palms on each side of Tom’s red cheeks and pressed his lips against Tom’s. Casey closed his eyes and held Tom still as he kissed him. Tyler looked over and saw what was happening. He walked over and pulled the drapes about five feet out to give them some privacy and walked off the stage.

Tom didn’t know what to with his hands so he wrapped them around Casey’s muscular frame and pulled Casey into him. Casey’s hand released Tom’s face when he felt his body being hugged. Casey then opened his eyes briefly to see that Tom’s eyes were still closed as the song played on.

“I believe it's meant to be, darling I watch you when you are sleeping. You belong with me. Do you feel the same am I only dreaming or is this burning an eternal flame”

Tyler sat down at the table with Derek, Danny, and Cody.

“Did you notice our little brother out there in the centre of the dance floor?” Derek asked and Tyler looked out.

“He’s all grown up now…,” Danny said and started crying. Cody shook his head and pulled Danny into a hug. Tyler and Derek smiled and held back their laughter.

“They make a cute couple,” Cody said.

“They always have,” Tyler added and reached under the table and held Derek’s hand. Derek squeezed Tyler’s hand three times.

“You did good work,” Derek whispered to Tyler and kissed his cheek.

“I couldn’t have done it without my brothers or my lover,” Tyler said and then kissed Derek. Danny watched the two of them and started sobbing again.

“That’s so beautiful…,” Danny said and then blew his nose.

“Time to put my little boy to bed.” Cody said getting up from the table.

Everyone said goodnight and agreed to meet for breakfast at ten o’clock.

“Would you do me the honour of finishing this final dance?” Tyler asked standing up and holding out his hand to Derek. Derek smiled and stood up only to be pulled into Tyler’s arms.

They both looked over at Luke and Megan to find them no longer dancing but instead they were standing there kissing, held within each other’s arms off in a world by themselves.

“Say my name sun shines through the rain. A whole life so lonely and then you come and ease the pain I don't want to lose this feeling.”

Tyler took Derek’s hands and pulled him in tight. Derek placed his arms around Tyler’s neck and together they swayed back and forth to the song.

“Hey, Babe?” Tyler asked.

‘Uh huh…,” Derek answered with his eyes closed.

“That girl Julie is over there alone. Why don’t you go finish the last half of the song with her?” Tyler asked.

“Trying to get rid of me?” Derek asked with a smile as he backed up. Tyler gave him a look. “Yeah, I know, tonight isn’t about us… we have the rest of our lives together,” Derek said and kissed Tyler’s cheek.

Tyler grabbed the video camera and snuck up on Luke and Megan for one verse and then quietly climbed the stairs to capture a private moment between Casey and Tom. Tom opened his eyes and smiled at the camera. He tapped Casey’s back and Casey opened his eyes as well and smiled at Tyler.

Tyler was making his way back to the table when he spotted Jared sitting alone facing the wall. Tyler snuck up behind him and kissed the back of his head.

“Huh?” Jared yelped turning to see Tyler.

Tyler smiled and sat down beside him. “Tomorrow is a new beginning,” Tyler said. Jared looked at Tyler and his eyes began to well up. Tyler put his arms around him and let him cry.

“Let me take you home okay?” Tyler asked and Jared just nodded his agreement. “We’ll sneak out the back here if you want?” Tyler asked and Jared nodded again.

Tyler closed the passenger door and walked around to the driver’s side door of the Van. When he opened the door Jared’s head was bobbing up and down as the tears flowed. Tyler crawled in and closed the door. He stepped over the console into the first bench seat and unbuckled Jared’s seatbelt. Tyler helped him come back into the bench seat. Sitting beside Jared, he pulled his head into his chest and held him. When Jared was mostly cried out he apologized.

“There’s no need to apologize Jared for being real and allowing your feelings to show,” Tyler said.

“I’m a stupid asshole. I blew it all,” Jared said wiping his eyes.

“When you calm down I want you to listen to me,” Tyler said.

“Go ahead,” Jared said. “I’ve heard it earlier tonight from Casey and especially Luke.”

“What you did was wrong but it isn’t the end of the world Jared. You’re a bright and handsome guy. Casey and Luke are a little more mature than you but that doesn’t make you an asshole,” Tyler said.

“Luke did shake my hand after his speech,” Jared remembered.

“They might be hurt and more than a little mad right now but they don’t hate you. You abused their trust in you and the most important thing to learn is not to do that again,” Tyler said rubbing Jared’s back.

“Do you think Casey will ever forgive me?” Jared asked.

“That is one thing I can almost guarantee. Casey will forgive you and you will be friends again though I think the relationship is over but it seems like it was over before tonight,” Tyler commented and Jared nodded.

“You’ll always be a part of this family if you want to be,” Tyler offered.

“Thanks, Ty,” Jared said sitting up and wiping his eyes. “I’m not worthy of any of you but I appreciate your saying that.”

“You’re not the first person to think they weren’t worthy of being a part of this family, and between you and me it’s a good attitude to keep in life.” Tyler said.

Jared’s cell phone rang and he pulled it out of his inside coat pocket. “It’s Casey,” Jared said sort of laughing.

“Hi,” Jared said answering the phone.

“Hey, I just wanted to check if you were okay?” Casey asked.

“Never better,” Jared said as he sniffled and wiped his eyes. Casey could tell he was crying.

“Where are you?” Casey asked.

“I’m sitting with Tyler in the Andersons’ Van.” Jared said.

“Okay. I was just worried about you. Maybe we can talk in a couple of days?” Casey asked.

“Ummm. Yeah. Casey?” Jared asked.

“Yeah,” Casey said.

“I really am sorry. I know it doesn’t change anything I did and I’m sorry I hurt you,” Jared said starting to cry again.

“Something Tyler taught me a long time ago was that if you really truly love someone they will always own a piece of your heart,” Casey said.

“Yeah… I believe he would say something like that,” Jared said turning to look at Tyler.

“I need to get going Jared. Maybe we’ll talk tomorrow?” Casey asked.

“Yeah, that would be great but I understand if you don’t ever want to hear from me again,” Jared said.

“Real friends like us last a lifetime,” Casey said. “Night.”

“Night, Casey,” Jared said and closed his phone. “He called to make sure I was okay,” he said shaking his head. “What the fuck have I done? I just ruined it with the greatest guy God ever created.”

“Not at all… I’ll still be your friend as long as you want me,” Tyler said and Jared stared laughing. “Jared, if you look at this from an outsider’s point-of-view, I would say you lost a lover and gained a friend for life. Not a bad sentence for the crime!” Tyler said and Jared gave a half smile.

“You just don’t know how good you got it until it is gone,” Jared said and Tyler kissed the top of his head and climbed into the driver’s seat while Jared moved up to the front passenger seat.

As Tyler drove out of the Holiday Inn parking lot he said, “I know this might be a little hard for you to digest right now but try to focus on the positive here. You fucked things up with Casey and your friends but Casey still wants you in his life. If you think about it you’re not just a really lucky guy but you also have some pretty great friends that are worth trying your best to hold on to.” Tyler looked over at Jared to see a bit of a smile.

“Whom were you talking to?” Luke asked as he and Megan approached Casey.

“Jared,” Casey said expecting a lecture from Luke.

“Is he okay?” Luke asked.

“I think so. I was a little worried that he might do something stupid. We’re going to talk tomorrow,” Casey said.

“Megan, can you baby sit my boyfriend for a moment?” Luke asked and Megan nodded. Luke gave her a quick kiss and excused himself.

“So… I won my bet, huh?” Casey teased. Megan threw her arms around Casey and told him how much she loved him.

Luke walked into the Hotel front entrance and pulled out his cell phone. He sat down and scanned down through his phonebook.

*Send*

Jared waved to Tyler as he began walking up the driveway. He felt the vibration in his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. “Shit,” he said looking at the name on the display. Jared sat down on the front steps of his darkened house and stared at his cell phone.

“… *click* Hey, you’ve got Jared… well almost. Leave a message,” Luke closed his cell phone and sat in one of the hotel’s club chairs tapping his fingers on the arm.

Jared’s phone stopped vibrating and he opened it up and scanned to see if he had any voice mail messages. He closed the phone and stared up into the sky.

“Three, two, one,” Luke counted before pressing the ‘send’ button on his cell phone twice.

Jared looked down at his cell phone moving around on the step. He picked it up and read the name. “Hi,” Jared said softly.

“Hey,” Luke said and then came a short silence. “I just wanted to apologize for what I said to you earlier. I had no right to say that you couldn’t come around Casey or anyone else for that matter. I’m sorry I lost it on you.”

“I deserved it,” Jared said quietly. “I would have punched me if I were you.”

Luke laughed and said, “We all fuck up now and then.”

“Some of us are better at it than others,” Jared said sniffling.

“Casey was worried about you… and to be honest, I am as well,” Luke said.

“I’m sorry for what I did to Casey and I’m sorry for what I did to you as well,” Jared said with his voice breaking up.

“We’re still friends Jared and that has nothing to do with Casey,” Luke said.

“Thanks, but you don’t need to say that,” Jared said.

“I don’t need to, but you’re family and you always will be. A guy named Dakota tried to kill my Ty. They’re now great friends, business partners, and most importantly Dakota has turned out to be a great brother. I want you to just remember something that Ty taught me. You only get angry at the people you love,” Luke said softly.

Jared didn’t respond and Luke looked at his phone to make sure they were still connected.

“Want me to come over?” Luke asked.

“Seriously?” Jared asked with a light laugh.

“Have I ever lied to you?” Luke asked.

“No… you’ve never done anything but treat me as your brother and I don’t need you to come over but thanks for the offer. It’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me tonight,” Jared said thoughtfully.

“You’ll always be family as long as you want to be, Jared,” Luke said.

“Night Luke, and… Thanks,” Jared said.

“Night Jared… love you,” Luke said.

“I love you too,” Jared said, closing his cell phone.

Tyler walked back into the Hotel and saw Luke sitting there staring at his cell phone.

Tyler startled Luke when he asked, “Is everything okay?”

“Huh? Oh… I think so. Thanks for taking Jared home. Casey was a little concerned that he might do something stupid,” Luke said.

“And you weren’t?” Tyler asked with a grin.

Luke sighed.

“Did you talk to Jared?” Tyler asked.

“I just hung up before you came in,” Luke said.

“And?” Tyler asked.

“I apologized,” Luke confessed and Tyler gave him a strange look.

“I threatened him earlier… I lost my temper over what he did to Casey and it was none of my business,” Luke said and Tyler pulled him up and hugged him.

As they walked back towards the party, Tyler had his arm around Luke’s shoulders. Luke said, “I don’t like this whole family thingy! Having to be nice and apologize really sucks ass.” Tyler laughed.

“Remember Dakota?” Tyler asked.

“Yeah, that’s what made me apologize. I couldn’t bear it if Jared did something stupid to himself and I was the reason for it,” Luke said.

“Like Dakota, Jared can change with a little help and encouragement,” Tyler said.

“Don’t even go there… I don’t need or want the responsibility of looking out for all of my friends!” Luke moaned.

“Remind me to buy you a lighter tomorrow.” Tyler said as he pulled the door open to the party.

“Why?” Luke asked suspiciously.

“It’s symbolic of the torch being passed on.” Tyler said laughing and Luke punched Tyler’s arm as hard as he could and then walked in ahead of him.

“You need to wank more,” Tyler said and Luke froze for a second and then continued walking, ignoring him.

“Where are Casey and Tom?” Luke asked.

“They had to run up to their room and said they would be right back,” Megan said seated in a chair with Derek’s arm around her shoulder, talking with the two police officers sitting opposite them.

“Where did you guys get the beer?” Luke asked.

“We have ways…” Derek said and Megan clinked her bottle with one of the two police officers as they all laughed.

“You’re not of age,” Luke whined to Megan.

“I had to get her a little drunk to be with you tonight,” Derek confessed. Megan started laughing.

“What?” Luke said.

“Down, Luke,” Megan teased. “I’m not drinking at all. I just picked up the bottle to bug you.”

“You are so sleeping in the other bed tonight!” Luke said with a grin.

“Oh puhleeeeeeeze!” Tyler said sitting down and opening his first beer of the evening.

“Has everyone been taken home?” one of the officers asked.

“I think so. Whatever happened to Jason?” Tyler asked.

“The best possible thing that could happen,” the officer said and both officers started laughing.

“And that would be?” Derek asked.

“I called in an on duty friend to take him home and personally drop him off to his parents. It saves a lot of paperwork and most parents usually do harsher punishments to their kids than any judge will if you leave the flashing lights on for the neighbours to see,” he said and Tyler held up his bottle of beer as a toast to him.

“Here, here!” everyone said together as Luke sat down.

“Sorry, Luke,” Derek said and got up. “Take my seat.” Luke smiled and slid over so that he was next to Megan.

Casey and Tom hurriedly arrived. “Derek, did you remember the remote control?” Casey said sounding out of breath. “I couldn’t find it anywhere.”

“Shit. Sorry Casey. So much shit is gone or missing since Luke took over my room,” Derek said.

“What?” Luke asked sitting up.

“Nothing,” Casey, Tom, and Derek all said together.

“Sumptin’ is up,” Luke said to Megan. Everyone at the table grinned.

“Sumptin is seriously up!” Luke said to Megan.

“Shortly…,” Casey said looking at his watch. Casey faked a big yawn and said, “Well it’s time the four of us headed to bed.”

“Huh?” Luke asked.

Casey reached into Luke’s suit jacket pocket and pulled out his room access card. “Almost forgot to tell you we’re switching rooms tonight.” Casey said grinning as he dangled Luke’s access card in front of him. Luke tried to grab for the card but Casey pulled it away.

“Night guys. Thanks for everything, Derek and Ty!” Casey said as he gave each of them a hug and a kiss. Tom followed suit and hugged Derek and Tyler as well.

“Are you coming?” Casey asked and then grinned. Megan burst into laughter.

“You are no longer allowed to hang around these reprobates!” Luke said to Megan. Tyler snorted and Derek’s mouth dropped opened.

“Talk about the pot calling…,” Derek began.

“Shut up, big brother!” Luke said pointing at Derek.

Luke, Megan, Casey, and Tom rode the elevator together.

“Okay, you guys need to wait right here!” Casey warned as he unlocked his own room that would soon be Luke and Megan’s.

Luke sighed as the door closed and they stood alone in the hallway. Megan pulled on Luke’s open suit jacket and kissed him tenderly. When their lips parted Luke said, “I wasn’t really in that much of a rush anyway.” Megan grinned and kissed Luke again.

Casey and Tom reappeared from Luke’s bedroom door.

“Connecting doors?” Megan asked.

“Yeah,” Luke said grinning. “I’ll know better in the future.”

Megan hugged and kissed Casey and thanked him for everything including making her dreams come true. She then bent down slightly and gave Tom a long kiss. “You really are wonderful, Thomas.” Tom blushed and Luke and Casey laughed.

Casey flipped the access card out between two fingers and held it up in the air. “See you for dinner tomorrow?” Casey teased.

“Breakfast on Thursday morning at the latest…,” Luke said as he hugged Casey.

“I love you so much, Luke,” Casey whispered.

“Don’t make me cry, Casey. You know I love you and need you a million times more,” Luke said.

“Night, guys,” Tom said, with a wink directed at Luke.

Luke mussed Tom’s hair and said, “You got the ultimate prize Tom. Take good care of him.” Tom’s head dropped down as he considered Luke’s words.

“Hey Luke? Don’t forget to push the play button on Derek’s boom box,” Casey said as he ran his card through the access reader.

“Shit!” Casey said and then held out the card for Luke. Luke traded cards and everyone laughed.

Casey opened his hotel room door and made Tom stand outside for a moment. Casey blocked the door open with one of his dress shoes, put the ‘do not disturb’ sign on the door knob, and stepped out of the room into the hallway. He wrapped his arms around Tom’s waist and picked him up. Tom giggled and wrapped his legs around Casey. Casey carried him in through the doorway and kicked his shoe out of the way so that the door would close. He leaned Tom’s back up against the door to put the night lock on and then held Tom and they began kissing.

Casey carried Tom to one of the double beds and carefully laid him down on the bed while never missing a kiss.

Tom looked up at Casey’s smile and said, “If you love me half as much as I love you then I’ll be the happiest guy on earth.” Casey leaned down and kissed Tom.

“Just hold me,” Tom said. “I’m afraid I will wake up and this will all be a dream.”

“In a bit… I want to do something special for you first,” Casey said and got up off of the bed. Tom sat up leaning back on his elbows.

Casey took his Ipod and plugged two small speakers into it. His finger rotated in circles looking for a song.

“Ever heard of ‘Touch and Go’?” Casey asked and Tom shook his head no. “The song is called ‘Straight To Number One’. Casey set the Ipod with speakers down on the nightstand next to Tom and told him to count backwards from ten and then tap the pause button. Casey ran back down the hallway towards the washroom where he couldn’t be seen.

“…Four, Three, Two, One!” Tom said out loud and pressed the pause button to start the song.

Casey reappeared spinning around as he moved to the end of the bed. He rocked his head back and forth in time with the opening music. He flipped his suit jacket back, halfway down his arms and gyrated his hips. Tom started giggling.

“Ten . . . kiss me on the lips,” Casey removed his coat and flung it over to a chair by the window.

“Nine . . . run your fingers through my hair” Jerking his head side to side he pulled down his tie and then started bouncing up and down in the same spot.

”Eight . . . touch me . . . slowly,” Casey separated his tie and pulled it out from around his neck and tossed it at Tom. Tom’s laughter heightened as he sat up in bed.

”Hold it! Let's go straight . . . to number one,” Casey undid his cuffs and pulled his buttoned up white dress shirt up over his head and tossed it on top of his jacket. He undid his belt and turned around to gyrate his hips back and forth while he undid his pants. Tom was laughing and giggling so hard that he grabbed a pillow from behind him and bit into it.

”Seven . . . lips,” Casey lowered his pants to reveal a thong as he swayed his hips back and forth to the music. Tom’s eyes widened.

”Six . . . slooowly,” Casey kicked off his pants and grabbed each of his cheeks. He slapped the right one twice. Tom adjusted his growing member.

”Five . . . fingers,” Casey jumped in the air and turned 180 degrees. He inserted his finger in his mouth and then touched his left nipple. Pulling his finger back as if he had burned himself Tom’s mouth dropped open and the pillow fell down to his lap. Casey smiled and winked.

”Four . . . play,” Casey jumped up on the bed in front of Tom and started rubbing his crotch. He turned to shake his ass in Tom’s face and when he turned again to face him his cock was protruding well outside of his thong and off to his right side.

” . . . to number one! Let's go straight . . . to number one,” Casey dropped to his knees on the bed and pulled Tom’s legs out from underneath him making Tom fall backwards still gripping the pillow. Casey grabbed the clutched pillow and tossed it on the floor as the music played on and leaned down to kiss Tom. Repositioning his cock straight up, he began grinding into Tom’s crotch as they kissed.

Tom reached over and turned the music off. “You are so beautiful,” Tom said holding Casey’s face inches above his own.

“I was thinking the same thing about you,” Casey said, as he lifted Tom up into his arms and then removed his suit jacket, tie, and shirt. Casey helped Tom stand up on the bed before him.

Casey’s eyes locked straight ahead on Tom’s belt buckle and erection pointing off to one side. He looked up at a smiling and shaking Tom. Wetting his bottom lip with his tongue he undid the belt, unhitched the clasp, and pulled the zipper down. Placing his open hands on each side of Tom’s waist, Casey gently slid Tom’s pants down.

From Tom’s point-of-view he watched Casey’s reactions very carefully in fear of rejection or worse… laughter. Tom’s left leg began to shake so he shifted his weight slightly to hide his nervousness.

“You are so beautiful, Tom… even more beautiful than on a beach or in the showers at gym glass,” Casey said and Tom exhaled.

Casey lifted himself slightly and kissed Tom’s navel. Tom’s entire body shuddered and he virtually dropped straight down in Casey’s arms from weakness.

Tom stared into Casey’s eyes and he watched Casey carefully take in the sight before him. Casey touched Tom’s chest with one finger and quickly pulled back. He then gracefully replaced his left palm upon Tom’s chest. Feeling the heat of Tom’s body he began to explore each inch by touch. Tom started to relax as he watched Casey completely focused on Tom’s body. He saw Casey’s cock twitch several times as his hands roamed his shoulders, chest, and tummy.

Casey’s eyes became watery as he explored. He blinked and returned to the moment. Casey looked up to see Tom staring at him and he smiled. Tom returned the smile.

“It’s okay?” Tom whispered and Casey could feel Tom’s entire body start to shake.

“Okay? No. You, on the other hand are perfection,” Casey said as he circled Tom’s right nipple and felt it harden.

“Whatever…,” Tom said feeling he was being mocked.

Casey gently took hold of Tom’s pouty expression and turned his face towards himself. “You’re not built like a wall of pure muscle nor are you built like 200 lbs. of fat. You are however, living proof that God exists because only God could create someone as perfect as you,” Casey said expressionlessly as he peered into Tom’s eyes. Tom hugged Casey before he could see the tears run down his face. Casey felt the tears hitting his shoulder.

“Do you need me to go on?” Casey asked and then he felt Tom’s head shake a clear and absolute ‘no’! Casey held Tom safely in his arms and heard Tom whisper softly as he elevated his head. ‘Thank you, God’. Casey reached up Tom’s back and wiped his own eyes.

Casey lowered Tom down on to his back with his legs spread out on each side. Tom watched with some fear as Casey towered over his body and leaned down to softly kiss his lips. Casey sat up and took Tom’s left fist into his two hands and began kissing his hand while staring into his eyes. Casey opened Tom’s fist and softly mapped out the lines in his palm with his finger as he rested back on his heels. Casey spelled out ‘I love u’ in the centre of Tom’s hand and then kissed it gently.

Casey bent down to suck on Tom’s right nipple and then his left. He slowly ran his tongue around each nipple and then blew cool air. Tom’s chest heaved in and out until Casey arrived at his belly button and Tom sucked in one deep breath and held it. Casey planted a row of kisses randomly across his tummy before moving down Tom’s thong. Tom exhaled and then inhaled deeply again.

“Would you breathe? You’re scaring the crap out of me,” Casey said, looking up at Tom with a smile.

“Sorry,” Tom said with fear in his voice.

Casey sat up and held his hand out for Tom to take hold of. He pulled Tom up in front of him.

“We seem to have a problem here so I want you to listen closely and then you can say whatever you want or ask any questions you want. Okay?” Casey asked.

“Uh huh…,” Tom said, nervously.

“I love you Tom. I want you to share my life and my bed as long as you feel I am worthy of you…,” Casey said as Tom’s mouth dropped open and his eyes widened.

“Huh?” Tom said.

“Will you please stop saying ‘huh’ and let me finish,” Casey yelled and then smiled. Tom cracked a half smile.

“If you will allow me… I want to honour you and your body tonight. Then I want you to make love to me. Maybe we’ll have a shower together <Casey winked> and I could give you a nice full body massage. Then I would like to hold you in my arms while you sleep knowing that I love you and will protect from any harm. Tonight isn’t about a one-nighter, Tom. It’s about the start of our life together as long as you will have me,” Casey said.

“HUH?” Tom asked. Casey rolled his eyes and shook his head.

“Aren’t you understanding what I am saying?” Casey asked.

“Perfectly! I just don’t know why you want me?” Tom asked.

“Tonight I will start to answer that question for you and maybe in 20 or 50 years you will have figured out the answer,” Casey said and turned his head slightly and leaned in and kissed Tom. When he pulled away he watched Tom wait a couple of seconds before opening his eyes.

“I don’t just love you… I am in love with you. Got it?” Casey asked and Tom shook his head up and down violently. Casey grinned.

“If you don’t have any questions then I would like to pick up where I left off and prepare you to make love to me?” Casey asked and Tom’s eyes bulged out again followed by a silent nod of agreement. Casey placed his palm on Tom’s chest and pushed him back down on the bed. He dropped his face down on to the bulge hidden beneath a red thong.

The thong was soaked inside and Casey began by pressing his lips down and sucking up as much precum as he could. He lifted his head just enough to watch Tom playing with his one nipple and banging his head back deep into the pillow. Casey smiled and ran his lips down Tom’s shaft.

“Oh God…,” Tom moaned.

Casey removed Tom’s red thong and watched his cock expand out another inch. Placing his lips between Tom’s balls he nibbled lightly on the skin. Tom’s hands immediately grabbed hold to Casey’s head and his fingers travelled brutally through his hair. Casey pulled back from Tom’s cock and licked the head like a lollipop as he used his thumb to bring the dribble of precum to the top. Tom’s body became more animated from being touched by someone else for the first time.

Opening his mouth wide he pressed Tom’s cock back against his tongue so his teeth wouldn’t come in contact with the head. He could feel Tom’s member twitch as he moved downward. With his nose buried in a densely packed forest of pubes he clamped down firmly and sucked hard and he pulled his mouth up and off of Tom’s cock. Casey repeated this process but much faster for the next minute and then stopped. He looked up at Tom to see him come back to reality and look down at Casey.

“It’s time!” Casey said and Tom’s head dropped back on to the pillow. Casey kissed along the base of Tom’s cock from bottom to top and then crawled off of the bed to get his tube of lube and a handful of condoms. When he returned he lightly touched his balls and Tom yelped. Casey looked down to see that they were swollen and pulled up tightly on either side of Tom’s erection.

“You’re close!” Casey said as he undid the condom wrapper.

“You’re telling me…,” Tom moaned and Casey laughed. Casey asked Tom if he had ever worn a condom before and he shook his head no.

“No one has ever even touched me before… except my Mom. <Casey looked up at him with a smile> When I was in preschool, assmite!” Tom said as he flicked his finger on top of Casey’s head.

“I hope this is an okay way to lose your virginity?” Casey asked not expecting a response.

“Yeah… having your dreams of four years come true on your graduation night does kind of suck!” Tom said nodding his head up and down. He then rolled his eyes and dropped his head back down on the pillow.

Casey laughed and said, “Thank you, Tom. That was sweet of you to say that.”

“Casey, you’re taking a street urchin and telling him he now has a multi-million dollar place.” Casey rolled the condom on while holding the overflow reservoir tip in his other hand. He then leaned down and kissed Tom tenderly.

Opening the tube of lube he slathered a glob all over the condom. Casey rolled over on his side pulled his legs up to his chest. Tom looked at him with his eyes wide open.

“Don’t you need to loosen up or something?” Tom asked as he got up and kneeled between Casey’s legs.

“Nah… Luke fucked me last night so I’m still pretty good,” Casey said and Tom almost fainted.

“That’s the most erotic image I’ve ever had!” Tom said with a dry mouth. Casey laughed.

“Try this image on for size then…,” Casey said laughing. “From now on Luke’s going to need your permission since I belong to you!” Casey said smiling.

“Ummm… I’m not sure what to say to that but Luke doesn’t need my permission and you will never belong to me. I could never own anyone. I can’t even deal with what’s happening right now,” Tom said. Casey laughed.

“I’m serious, Casey. I would never want to own you. I just want you as my friend for life,” Tom added.

“That’s sweet, Tom, and thank you for saying that. Will you accept me as your boyfriend, lover, and other half?” Casey asked and Tom gave him a strange look.

“Can we just get through the next two minutes?” Tom asked and Casey burst into laughter.

“Two minutes?” Casey said.

“More like 15 seconds but I will try to hold out,” Tom said.

Casey, still laughing, pulled Tom down on top of his chest and said, “I love you so much, Tom”.

Tom got back up on his knees and grabbed hold of his erection. When he felt the sliminess of the lube for the first time he wiped his hand on Casey’s inner left thigh. Casey laughed and Tom looked over at him with a smile.

“That’s good to see a smile rather than the look of someone who is going to pass out,” Casey said with a wink.

Tom froze staring at him.

“Tom?” Casey asked. “Please make love to me now. Hard and fast! Don’t hold anything back and don’t worry if it only lasts 15 seconds. Put your head against my hole and slowly insert the head in one even movement and then stop. Then you can begin moving in deeper and faster. Once you are in pull back out just to the bottom of your head and move back in only a little faster…”

“Shampoo, rinse, repeat if necessary?” Tom said grinning.

“You got it!” Casey said laughing.

Tom pushed his head inside of Casey and stopped. Casey tightened his sphincter muscle and Tom threw his head back in ecstasy. Tom dropped down on Casey and rested his head on Casey’s chest. In one slow consistent move he was all the way inside. Both boys paused and exhaled together.

Tom pulled back to the head and smiled. He pushed deep inside of Casey again and smiled. “Oh fuck, Tom!” Casey said throwing his head back into the pillow. Tom could tell Casey was being honest by how tightly he was squeezing Casey’s arms. Tom picked up his pace and Casey gave short moans that matched his breathing.

“Tom, pull back out to edge and only go in about two inches… repeating as necessary,” Casey said staring at the ceiling in front of him. Tom did as he was told while Casey clamped his muscle down firmly. Tom reached a new level of exhilaration from this, as did Casey.

About a minute later Tom said, “I’m gonna cum…,” and Casey lifted his head up and began kissing Tom’s lips. Tom’s orgasm began unlike anything he’d ever experienced before and as he slowed down his strokes with each spurt of cum he felt the condom tip bulge within Casey. Casey dropped back to the pillow and Tom opened his eyes and smiled at Casey.

“Did I do okay?” Tom asked and Casey pointed down his belly. Tom looked down towards Casey and said, “You had an orgasm too!”

Casey raised his head and kissed Tom. He then said, “No, YOU brought me to orgasm.” Tom’s mouth dropped open.

“Oh My God! Oh My God!!!! I’ve heard about it and I’ve read about it but I never really believed that it was possible,” Tom said, holding one hand against the side of his head.

“Anything is possible when someone you love is making love to you,” Casey said and Tom dropped down upon Casey and hugged his chest.

Tom pulled out and Casey made him lie on his back. Casey carefully removed the condom and pinched the top of it. Holding Tom’s falling erection he slowly sucked the remnants dry. Casey then dumped the contents of the condom on Tom’s tummy and slurped it up.

“That was so fucking hot!” Tom said and pushed Casey down on his back. Tom quickly slurped up thick globs of pure white cum that remained stuck to Casey’s tummy, chest, and side. Tom sat up with his eyes closed and moved his tongue around in his mouth while Casey smiled watching.

When Tom opened his eyes he saw Casey watching him with a huge grin. Tom smiled and laid himself down on top of Casey with his nose almost touching Casey’s lips. Tom gave Casey a quick kiss followed by a smile.

“Sooooo?” Casey asked.

“Can we do that again?” Tom asked with a big grin and Casey wrapped his arms around him and held him firmly.

“Any time you want and for as long as you will have me,” Casey said. Tom held Casey just as firmly with his eyes shut tightly and a big smile on his face.

“Wow!” Megan said as she entered the hotel room.

“Whoa!” Luke said as he looked around.

“That works too!” Megan said as Luke rested his hands on her shoulders. He kissed the side of her neck from behind and Megan put one hand on top of his. Twelve burning red candles of different shapes and heights surrounded the perimeter of the room. Above the headboard was a large red heart with a white paper heart in the centre. It read ‘Luke loves Megan’. A dozen red roses lay in the centre of the bed with a tiny envelope addressed to Megan. There was also a heart-shaped box filled with heart shaped chocolate truffles. Taped to the lampshade on a light on top of the bureau was a note addressed to Luke that said the word ‘private’ below his name.

Megan sat down on the edge of the bed and opened the card while Luke opened the envelope.

Megan read the note inside and laughed. Luke turned to find out what was so funny and she said, “The note reads… Megan, my one and only, my other half that makes me whole, my heart belongs to you…”

“Hey!” Luke said in shock, “Those are my words.”

“I know because at the end of the note Casey wrote ps: I found this on Luke’s computer,” she said laughing and Luke’s face turned red. Megan jumped up off of the bed and kissed Luke. “You are everything my heart has ever desired as well,” she said smiling.

“Ummm… I don’t usually say all that yucky stuff…,” Luke said as he bit down on his lower lip.

“I like that you feel this way inside. It’s even more special to know that you wrote it for me,” Megan said and Luke rolled his eyes in embarrassment.

Luke gently ran the back of his fingertips down the side of Megan’s face. “Your hair is so beautiful when you have it all pulled up like that and the bits of baby’s breath simply enhance your beauty,” Luke said and looked back at Megan and kissed her.

“What does your card say?” Megan asked.

“I don’t know but it says ‘private’ on it so you don’t get to read it!” Luke teased.

“Starting out with secrets are we?” Megan teased.

“The only important secret is out and that is my love for you,” Luke said.

“If anyone else said that I would say we have a new number one on the cheesiest pickup lines but I know that with you I can take it at face value,” Megan said and then she kissed Luke.

“You’re not going to make this easy are you?” Luke asked as he turned and walked towards the door to read his note.

“Never and you wouldn’t want me to!” Megan said as she kicked off her shoes.

Luke opened the note and read it silently. ‘It’s time for you to approve Megan. I’m so proud of you and happy for the both of you. I love you with all of my heart – Casey. ps: slide open the right closet door and look up on the top shelf.’ Luke folded up the piece of paper and stuffed it into his jacket pocket. He slid open the closet door and found a box of condoms and a box that he recognized immediately.

“What’s in the note?” Megan asked and then added. “It’s okay. You don’t have to tell me.”

“It’s a reminder from Casey to wear a condom,” Luke said grinning as held the box up and Megan smiled and rolled her eyes.

“I hope he gave you a whole box!” Megan said as she reached behind her back trying to grab hold of her zipper.

“He did!” Luke said grinning. Luke heard the music coming from Casey and Tom’s room and remembered that he needed to turn the music on. When Megan wasn’t looking he slid the long blue velvet box into his coat pocket and then walked back over to Megan.

Megan was looking down at the floor fussing as she tried to reach her zipper when Luke said “Ahem.” She stopped and looked up at a smiling Luke.

“Would you have a seat for a moment?” Luke asked and they sat down side-by-side on the end of the bed. “You obviously know the importance of this bracelet and all that it symbolizes?” Luke said as he pulled back his shirt on his left wrist.

“Next to you and your brothers, Casey worships it the most,” Megan said.

Luke got down on the floor on one knee and Megan’s eyes widened.

“Relax. It’s not that,” Luke said and Megan blinked and smiled. “No matter what happens between us in days, months, and years ahead I want you to… No! Scratch that, we want you to always be a part of our family. We hope you will accept and cherish this token of the love that all of your brothers have for their first and only sister,” Luke said, as he pulled out the box and placed it in Megan’s hand.

“Before you open it I want you to know that I have always placed family above any other relationship or friendship. It’s a personal thing and I will never break that code! I request, need, want, desire… whatever… <Megan smiled> for you to be a part of my family. Should the day come that you decide not to be my lover you will still always be my sister and you only need call and I will be there for you,” Luke said staring into her eyes.

Megan opened the box and gasped. Luke tried to peek so it wouldn’t appear he didn’t know about it. “Let me put it on you.” Luke asked and Megan turned the box around and handed it to him.

“It’s slightly different because you are a lady… a very beautiful lady,” Luke said without realizing he said it out loud. He paused and looked up at Megan. She leaned down and kissed him. Megan held her wrist out for Luke to put it on and snapped the clasp together.

“It’s got your name on the front but read the back of it.” Luke said and Megan turned it over.

“Love always Luke, Casey, Allan, Tom and all your brothers.” Megan read aloud and started crying.

“It’s supposed to make you happy?” Luke asked.

Megan nodded that she was happy as she continued crying. Wrapping her arms around her kneeling Luke, she sobbed.

“You don’t sound very happy?” Luke teased as he rubbed the back of her strapless dress.

Megan collected herself together and wiped her eyes before saying, “Casey has told me all about your family and how important they are to him and what an honour it is for him to have you and all of his brothers… and Beth in his life. I think the only thing I’ve ever wanted more in my life than you is a family that would love me,” she said and the tears flowed again. Luke held her tight as his own tears flowed and his heart broke for Megan.

“I’m sorry,” Megan said pulling away from Luke.

“Never be sorry for being real… for being you. It’s just one of the many things I love and respect about you,” Luke said as he stood up and taking her hand pulled her up into his arms.

Luke walked over to Derek’s boom box and pushed the play button on the CD player.

“I remember this song,” Megan said.

“Me too. It’s Shakira. ‘Underneath Your Clothes’” Luke said smiling as he took her hand and pulled her into him.

“You're a song written by the hands of God. Don't get me wrong 'cuz this might sound to you a bit odd, but you own the place where all my thoughts go hiding and right under your clothes is where I find them.

Underneath your clothes there's an endless story. There's the man I chose; there's my territory and all the things I deserve for being such a good girl honey”

Luke wrapped his arms around Megan and they began slow dancing around in a circle as they kissed. Megan slid Luke’s suit jacket down off of his arms. Luke wrapped his arms around Megan’s tiny waist as she undid his tie and removed it while they continued to dance slowly with the room circling around them.

“Because of you I forgot the smart ways to lie. Because of you I'm running out of reasons to cry. When my friends are gone, when my party’s over we will still belong to each other.

Underneath your clothes there's an endless story. There's the man I chose; there's my territory and all the things I deserve for being such a good girl, honey.”

Megan unbuttoned Luke’s shirt and slid it down his arms, tossing it on chair by the window. She pressed her lips into his chest and Luke’s member came to life. Megan reached down and palmed the erection she felt pressing against her inner thigh. Luke exhaled hard. Megan reached back and moved Luke’s hand up her back. Luke leaned in and kissed her as he slowly unzipped her dress while Megan unbuckled Luke’s pants and pushed them down to the floor for him to step out of.

“We should probably blow out the candles before we burn the place down or die of asphyxiation,” Luke said grinning. While Megan blew out the three candles near the window, Luke hit the repeat button on the CD player. Luke walked Megan around the room, hand in hand, as he held up each candle for her to blow out.

They left one candle burning on the nightstand next to their bed. Together, they stood and watch the candle for a moment in silence. Neither sure who would or should make the next move. Luke looked over at Megan who returned his smile with a smile of her own.

“I would really like to make love to you, Megan. Then again I would be happy just to sleep in the bathtub knowing you’re in the same room as me.” Luke said holding his chin with a grin on his face. Megan laughed with embarrassment.

“Shut up and remove my dress,” Megan said with a wink.

“Yes Ma’am!” Luke said and then he kissed her. Megan raised her arms up around Luke’s neck and he shimmied her dress down. He felt her breasts push into his chest and she felt his member rise up between her legs.

“Make love to me Lucas… like I’ve always dreamed you would,” Megan said pulling him down on top of her.

“Ow! Ow!” Megan said, pushing Luke up. “Thorns,” she said pulling the bouquet of roses out from underneath her. Luke snorted.

“You think that was funny huh?” Megan said as she looked up at Luke and grabbed hold of his erection.

“Ah… ah… no, no, not funny ha-ha…,” Luke joked. Megan stood up and pushed Luke down on the bed lying on his back. She climbed up on top of him using her hand to push Luke’s member back down against his tummy. She positioned the lips of her vagina on each side of Luke’s cock. Bending down to kiss Luke she used her inner thigh to masturbate him. Luke could feel her warmth and wetness moving back and forth over him. Things were definitely going too fast for Luke and he realized it. Luke carefully flipped Megan over on to her back.

“Problem with a woman being in charge?” Megan teased.

“Of course! I’m a dumb-assed male,” Luke said and shook his head in disgust. “You should know better than to even have to ask,” Megan laughed.

“Oh, Luke, you haven’t been formally introduced to my puppies yet!” Megan teased and Luke’s eyes widen with shock. “This one I call ‘Luke’s’” she said lightly shaking her right breast. “And this one I call ‘Luke’s’ as well!” she said and then looked up at Luke and winked. Luke dropped his face down between her puppies and laughed.

“The puppies are nice but it’s their owner I’m in love with,” Luke said and then kissed Megan.

“Luke, Luke, Luke, stop being more than everything I ever have wished you could be!” Megan said seriously.

“You really mean that?” Luke asked leaning his chin between her puppies and then teasing her with his cock grinding lightly back and forth over her vagina.

“I really mean it. Luke. I can’t think of anything better than being here with you right now,” Megan said, and moved her chin to kiss Luke.

Luke kissed her neck and moved his way down to formally meet the puppies. While nibbling on her left nipple and playing with her right nipple, Megan ran her fingers though his hair. Working his way down, he arrived at her sweet spot. “Home at last,” he said and Megan giggled and told him she loved him.

Luke used his thumbs to spread her lips apart and ran his flattened tongue from the bottom upwards. Megan cooed and pushed Luke’s face inward. Luke inserted his tongue and lifted his head up towards her puppies. He felt Megan’s contraction. He repeated and so did she. After a couple of minutes of discovery Megan could take no more.

She lifted his face up and said, “I need you NOW!” Luke grinned and stood up on his knees. Reaching for a condom on the nightstand Megan grabbed his hand and said “not yet!” Luke gave her a funny look.

“I want you to wear one when the time comes but first I need to feel all of you in me for a moment,” Megan said, and Luke hesitated.

“I don’t think I can do that Megan. I’m ready to blow a hole through the wall into Casey’s room,” Luke said as he opened the condom and put it on.

When he finished he looked at her and asked, “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine and you are right. I’m sorry, Luke,” Megan said and Luke leaned down and hugged her.

Whispering in her ear he said, “I don’t want to do anything that would change your world or ours forever. I’m not ready to take the chance of becoming a Dad and I would never forgive myself if I had a child and wasn’t prepared to deal with all that that entails.”

“You would rank a child over me?” Megan asked.

“Of course,” Luke said, and Megan smiled.

“Good, because I couldn’t imagine being in love with someone who thought otherwise,” Megan said. “You’re pretty mature for a not-so-little-boy,” she said grabbing hold of Luke’s erection.

“Are you going to challenge me on everything I say and do?” Luke asked.

“Better believe it and I expect the same of you!” Megan said smiling.

“Good,” Luke said smiling. “Now where were we?” Megan wrapped her legs around Luke’s ass and pulled him inside of her.

“Ooooooooh,” Luke moaned.

“Aaaaaaaaaahhhh,” Megan moaned.

“You are so warm,” Luke said.

“And you are so big,” Megan said, groaning and Luke twitched his cock inside of her and she yelped in pleasure. Luke picked up his pace and in no time they were both moaning and breathing hard. Beads of sweat formed on Luke’s brow while Megan teased his nipples. Luke could feel Megan tighten around his member and that brought on his orgasm.

Luke slowed down his thrusting to a moderate rhythmic pace so he could savour his loss of virginity with the girl he loved. When all was over he dropped his face down between her puppies and panted.

“You were beyond my wildest expectations,” Megan said running her fingers through the hair on the back of his head.

“I think I broke it,” Luke said, and Megan started laughing.

“Roll over,” Megan said and she rolled over on top of with Luke still inside her. Gently lifting herself off of Luke his member made a thud when it hit his tummy. Megan squeezed the overflow at the tip of the condom and Luke’s cum worked its way down his shaft.

“All is safe and secure,” Megan said smiling and Luke exhaled. Megan laughed.

As she carefully unrolled his condom, Luke put his hands behind his head and watched with interest.

Megan tied a knot in the condom and set it on the nightstand. She pulled three different pins out of the back of her head and her hair fell down gracing her tanned shoulders. Luke’s eyes widen for a moment wondering what she might do with the pins.

She handed Luke the three pins and he placed them on the nightstand, away from the condom. Megan pulled her hair back with her left hand and picked up his still fully erect cock. Opening her mouth she slurped her way down Luke. He tensed up worrying about her teeth but his concerns were unfounded as she was as gentle as anyone could ever be. Using her thumb, she worked Luke’s last remnants up and out. When she finished Luke was as clean as just having finished a shower.

Megan moved up and sat down on top of Luke. She leaned down to kiss him and inserted her tongue into his mouth. As he closed his eyes he thought of Casey. Megan pulled back and Luke opened his eyes and smiled. Together they climbed off the bed and pulled open the covers. Luke turned off the CD player and Megan blew out the candle.

In bed, Megan curled up into Luke laying her face on his upper right chest.

“What are you thinking?” Luke asked.

“Hey, that’s a girl’s line!” Megan teased and they both laughed. “I’m thinking how perfect the past 24 hours have been. How lucky I am to have the two greatest guys as a lover and a best friend.”

“Anything else?” Luke asked.

“Yeah… but you might take it wrong,” Megan said as she ran her fingers over Luke’s smooth chest.

“Try me,” Luke said.

“I did and I liked it,” Megan said laughing.

“Try again,” Luke said shaking his head.

“Having you make love to me is the second best thing I’ve ever felt… but number one is lying here safe within your arms.” Megan said.

“I love you, Megan,” Luke said kissing the top of her head.

“I love you too, Luke,” Megan said and closed her eyes.

Luke never slept much that night as he thought about Megan and Casey, and worried about Kyle and Chris. He did say a prayer of thanks for all that he had been blessed with.

Luke flipped open his cell phone and heard Casey say, “Hey lover boy! Still grinning?”

“You know it but I’m kind of missing you,” Luke said as he held his cell phone between his cheek and shoulder.

“You’re going to marry that girl, you realize?” Casey said and Luke dropped his cell phone.

“Sorry, dropped the phone.” Luke said.

“Did I scare you that much?” Casey teased.

“No, not at all,” Luke said. “I’m just editing a DVD for Kyle.”

“You didn’t answer my question?” Casey said.

“Sorry… probably… hopefully… I imagine that if we ever have a child we’ll have to name it Satan,” Luke joked, and Casey laughed.

“Editing a DVD?” Casey asked.

“Ty did a shitty job of fixing up the Chris/Kyle problem so I have to do it myself,” Luke said.

“Are you taking bets on whether it works?” Casey asked.

“Yup,” Luke said.

“Good, then they’ll be back together in no time,” Casey said laughing.

“How’s Tom?” Luke asked as he typed away.

“Sore,” Casey said and Luke had to stop typing from laughing so hard.

“Serves him right. No pain, no gain,” Luke joked.

“You of all people should feel for his pain!” Casey said.

“Give Tommy a message for me. Tell ‘em both twins had implants!” Luke said laughing

“I’ll let you deliver that message yourself. When will you be done?” Casey asked.

“Shortly. I’ve already called FedEx to come get it before 5:00 p.m.,” Luke said.

“So you’ve added a personalized message to the end of it?” Casey asked.

Luke took the phone from his shoulder and stared at it. “Do you really know me that well?” Luke asked laughing.

“I got my highest marks in school studying the Pookster,” Casey joked.

“I love you man and I’m really so happy for you and Tom. Maybe a little bit jealous, though,” Luke said quietly.

“There’s enough of me to go around and Tom knows that you and I have a special arrangement,” Casey said.

“I told Megan about our ‘special arrangement’ and do you know what she said?” Luke asked.

“I can guess this one… she wants in on it?” Casey guessed.

“Damn straight. She said I could fool around all I wanted with you but only with you! I’m gonna marry that girl,” Luke said grinning.

“If you don’t, I will!” Casey teased.

“I’m telling her you said that,” Luke said.

“She already knows it.” Casey said. “I’ve got to run. Going to meet up with Jared.”

“Are you okay about that?” Luke asked stopping his work on the computer to give his full attention to Casey.

“Yeah. I talked with him this morning and he seems a bit better. He mostly talked about someone else reminding him that he was still part of the family,” Casey said.

“Oh yeah?” Luke said grinning.

“You are my hero, Luke,” Casey said.

“Back at ya! Love you… blondzilla,” Luke said bursting into laughter.

“Laterz… needle dick,” Casey shot back laughing and closed his cell phone before Luke could respond.

“Fucker!” Luke said laughing. Luke text messaged Casey.

Casey heard the long beep and started laughing before he even opened his cell phone. “My ass is yours for that comment or something like that *wink*

”Casey read the messaged and smiled and then sent a text message back to Luke. “4got to tell u… Eli got the vid lol,” Casey grinned and closed his cell phone.

“Mail call!!!!” Damon yelled from the front of the bus and everyone woke up. Damon walked down the aisle and handed out the mail to the skaters as he passed by them.

“Welcome to Tucson everyone. We’re at the hotel. Joey will be back with your room keys. Remember we have an autograph session at 4:00 p.m. and a show at 8:00 p.m.” Damon said as he continued.

Damon sat down on the arm of the seat across the aisle from Kyle and said, “How’s my best friend’s little brother this morning?”

“Tired,” Kyle said as he stretched.

“Well I see you got your weekly card from Tyler… and a FedEx parcel from Luke,” Damon said and Kyle sat up suddenly.

“Give Ty shit for not sending me a letter every week!” Damon said and messed up Kyle’s hair. Kyle grinned as he looked at the FedEx package.

When Kyle got into his room he quickly peed and then turned on his laptop. He inserted the DVD and then read a short note from Luke while the DVD loaded. Kyle watched the DVD and noticed the look on Chris’s face as he tried to fake a smile for the camera. Every time he saw Chris a knot formed in his stomach.

Kyle couldn’t believe how much Beth had grown since he was last home. When the DVD ended he was about to click it off when Luke appeared in front of the camera. Kyle could only see his arms and chest as he was adjusting the position of the camera. Luke backed away from the Camera and plopped himself down on Kyle’s bed.

“Hey big bro,” Luke said with a smile and waved at the camera. “I set this up in your room because it shows how empty this house is without you around. Even Mango misses you!” Luke said holding Mango and making his right paw wave at the screen. Kyle laughed.

“No one knows about this part of the video. Not even Tyler. Now you can turn it off if you want to right now but I know you’re going to watch it and finish watching it at some point in time. I talked to Ty and he refused to say anything to me about you and Chris. I talked to Chris and he wouldn’t tell me anything but he did say that Ty could fill me in and he did. First off… I’m really sorry about what happened. You know how much I love you and how much you mean to me. <Tears started to run from Kyle’s eyes uncontrollably> I really haven’t talked to Chris about what happened but it just doesn’t seem like he would intentionally hurt you. I know he feels like shit about it but I think you might have over reacted and you know it. I’m guessing you don’t feel any better than Chris does at the moment and that’s because you both still love each other!” Luke said.

“Don’t swear at me!” Luke said winking as Kyle wiped his eyes. “Okay, you’re probably not swearing at me but you know how I have this sixth sense about things and I can tell you that Chris is hurting over hurting you and not over doing something with that jerk. I can’t explain it but I know it! Whether you get back with Chris or not is entirely up to you and my love for you won’t change a bit,” Luke said looking away from the camera.

“All I am asking you to do is call him or email him. Talk it out but more importantly listen to what Chris has to say. After that I will never say another word about it. I miss you so much Kyle. You’re my oldest friend. You’ve always watched out for me and protected me. I wouldn’t give you advice to hurt you. Please call him and remember how much we love you and miss you,” Luke said wiping his eyes. He got up and walked towards the camera and turned it off.

The DVD player menu popped back up on the screen and asked if he wanted to watch it again. Kyle clicked the X and lay down on the bed and closed his eyes. He woke back up to sound of knocking on his door and got up to answer it.

“Hey Kyle, time for lunch.” Damon said. “Are you alright?” Damon asked looking at Kyle’s eyes.

“Yeah…,” Kyle said unconvincingly. Damon pushed his way in and closed the door. He put his arms around Kyle and held him.

“Thanks, Damon,” Kyle said.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Damon asked and Kyle looked up at him.

“I need to go home,” Kyle said.

“Yeah… I understand. I’m surprised you lasted this long. Can you give me two weeks to find a replacement?” Damon asked.

“How about 11 days?” Kyle asked with a smile.

“What’s happening in 11 days?” Damon asked.

“Luke’s birthday is in 12 days,” Kyle asked.

“Let me try to get you on a plane in seven days,” Damon said.

“Is this going to really fuck things up?” Kyle asked.

“Yup but you’re worth it,” Damon said pulling Kyle’s head into his chest. “Why don’t you come downstairs and eat?”

“I need to make a phone call first,” Kyle said.

“Okay, Kyle. Stay loose and I’m never far away,” Damon said, as he released Kyle and left the room.

Kyle pumped one fist in the air and smiled for the first time in months. He flipped open his cell phone and scanned down through the phonebook. Holding his thumb over the send button he paused and stared at his phone.

*Send*

Shaking, he held the phone up to his ear.

Chris was sitting outside under a tree at school when his cell phone began vibrating. He pulled it out of his pocket and saw ‘unknown number’.

“Hello?” Chris said.

“Hi,” Kyle said softly.

“Kyle?” Chris said with his voice almost breaking.

“Yeah,” Kyle said smiling.

THE END

**Author’s note:

I forgot at the end of the last chapter to include my thanks to Jeff Braun for all of his work compiling the TRH Song List. My apologies Jeff, and my sincerest thanks for your effort at maintaining the list. If anyone is not aware of the list you can find it in the FILES section of the TRH Yahoo Group. I would also like to extend my thanks an appreciation to Niko in Belgium for his inspiration and suggestion about the song “Straight To Number One” by Touch and Go (Duck’s Radio Remix Version) your distant friendship and kindness has been inspirational and I send forth my love and respect.

I would like to say thank you to several writers for their inspiration: Brew Maxwell, Waddie Greywolf, Eric Draven, Irawain, Draginacht, Greg Anderson, Tickie, and many others who inspired me write.

Heading down this same path, my thanks goes out to the many, many great gay story sites on the internet that provide all of us with hope, love, humour, and several places to call home! Supporting them is supporting freedom of speech, creativity, and the visual arts for generations to come. Without these stories sites we would not be able to join together as one family. Experience them all and find the real you within. Thank every Webmaster, proofer, and writer you find for making the attempt to entertain, educate, and take us places we might never have visited.

A final thank you to everyone who has supported me, read, promoted, and/or recommended ‘The Road Home’. May love, hope, and happiness enrich your hearts and in turn the lives of those around you.

All the best,

Tyler Peel

tylerpeel@tickiestories.us

Posted: 02/23/09