Cousins All
by: Will B
(© 2007 by the Author)
Advisor: E Walk

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

From Chapter 11: Steve and Jim publicly took each other as life partners. Matt and Gary went to visit Jake at Levindale, and reaffirmed their love for each other in the presence of Jake, Matt’s adopted father, and Joan Dixon, Gary’s mother. That night Jake and his beloved Sarah were reunited for eternity.

Chapter 12

Matt and Gary’s house on June 30, 8:00 pm.

“Matt, you were a good son to Jake. He loved you. We have to be happy that he is no longer in pain, or confused. He’s with Sarah,” Gary said to his partner.

“I know, Gary, I know. It’s just that  . . . I didn’t get to say goodbye to him,” said Matt, who had tears running down his face.

“Sweetheart, we never know when a loved one is going to leave us and if we did know the exact time of that leaving, I don’t think we could bear it. <Pause> Come here and let me hold you.”

The two men lay in each other’s arms, and gradually Matt’s tears stopped. He just held Gary tight and said, “I love you, you big dufus, you.”

“ Ditto, my love.”

After some more holding, hugging, and kissing, Gary said, “Remember, my dear one, joy cometh in the morning.”

Gary looked at him, looked at him solemnly, and then looked at him with an “evil” leer on his face, and said, “Gary, I love you so much, I want some joy to come right now!”

“Whatever you say, my sweet, whatever you say!”

<The camera pans to the window and to the evening sky outside. Matt and Gary’s loving was more tender and more passionate than it had been for some time. We will allow them privacy for this most loving experience.>

Tony’s room the morning of July 1

“Tony, we’re going to mass. We’ll have breakfast when we get back.” The voice of Mama Rosa Lombardi came up to Tony’s room just as he was waking up.

“I’ll be downstairs when you get back,” Tony called to his foster parents. Then he laid back down and thought about the wonderful afternoon he had planned. Rosa di Napoli had written him a note asking him to come over after lunch and help her with her a history project she had been assigned to do over the summer. Tony had put that note in his “treasure box.” He was invited to stay for dinner.  What an afternoon to look forward to!

Tony had a plan. He had been saving some money, and he was going to ask Rosa if she would go to the movies with him. He had saved enough for two movie tickets, a light snack after the movie, and bus fare to and from the Golden Ring Mall, where they could see Michael J. Fox in “Back to the Future,” which was opening that week.

Tony was so excited at the thought he could hardly contain himself. He was pretty sure Rosa would go with him. The problem was to get Papa and Mama to agree and also ask Rosa’s parents to permit him to take Rosa to the movies.

Tony decided not to worry about these problems, and instead lay there thinking of Rosa’s smile, her blue eyes and her dark curly hair. She was so beautiful. From her face, his thoughts turned to Rosa’s neck and her  . . . her breasts, which were beginning to show the signs of the beautiful woman she was becoming.  Her breasts . . . her breasts were so . . . .

His mind on Rosa’s beauty, Tony did not realize that his hands were moving towards his manhood, caressing it, stroking it, pumping it, until . . .

‘Oh, damn!’ he thought to himself. ‘I’d better get these sheets in the washing machine. That’s the fourth time this week. I hope Mama doesn’t ask me why the soap powder is disappearing so quickly!’

Tony got up, took a shower, and dressed, and ran down to the basement and put the sheets and some clothes into the washing machine. He had just finished when Papa and Mama arrived home from mass.

Mama went into the kitchen and started breakfast. Papa said to Tony, “Wouldn’t you like to come to mass with us some Sunday?”

“I don’t know, Papa. Father Fitzgerald seems nice, but I am just unsure about church. I keep thinking about that other church where I was living. I know not all churches are like that, but I . . ., I . . . .”

“That’s all right, Tony. Mama and I don’t want you to feel as if we are forcing you. We just want you to find the comfort and hope that Holy Mother Church provides for her members. When the time is right, you will join us,” Papa replied. “You are a good boy.”

Mama served a delicious breakfast of orange juice, eggs, bacon, toast, butter and jelly, and hot coffee and milk for Tony.

After breakfast Tony helped clear up the dishes, put his laundry into the dryer, and read the Sunday paper—mainly the Sports section and the Comics.

After lunch, Tony walked the two blocks to Rosa’s house. Rosa greeted him and invited him into the house.

“Good afternoon, Tony. How are you?” Mrs. di Napoli asked.

“Good to see you, Tony. How are Luigi and Rosa?” Mr. di Napoli asked.

“I’m fine, ma’am. Thank you for inviting me. Mama and Papa are fine, sir.”

“Tony, did you know that Rosa Lombardi is our Rosa’s godmother? That’s why our daughter is named Rosa,” Mrs. di Napoli said with a smile.

Tony and Rosa went to the family room where they worked diligently on Rosa’s project, They were serious about their work, and if every once in a while Rosa’s arm brushed Tony’s arm, causing the hairs on his arm to stand up, it was quite by accident, Yes sir, quite by accident. Well, OK, maybe it was by accident the first time, but I have my suspicions about the second and third times.

Mrs. di Napoli put the roast beef into the oven, peeled the potatoes and got the ingredients for the gravy together, ready for mixing. An apple pie was sitting in the pantry, waiting to be sliced, and served with a generous dollop of ice cream for dessert.

Mr. and Mrs. di Napoli went out into the small back yard, and sat in the glider, and talked.

“Tony’s a nice boy,” Mrs. di Napoli said.

“Humph! I know what you’re thinking, but Rosa is too young!” said the somewhat protective papa.

“Now dear, you know that you and I knew from the time we were 13 that we were meant for each other, and  . . .”

“I remember, my dear, and I know what I felt and what I wanted . . . Well, Tony had better watch himself, that’s all I can say.”

“I know what you wanted, but Rosa is a good girl, and we have talked about  . . . about . . . well, you know.”

The afternoon wore on and Mrs. di Napoli told Rosa and Tony that dinner would be in ten minutes. ‘Oh, gosh. If I’m going to ask Rosa, I’d better do it now,’ Tony thought to himself.

“Rosa, ‘Back to the Future,’ with Michael J. Fox is coming to the movies, and I was wondering . . . I was hoping . .. ,”

“Yes, Tony, what were you were wondering?” Rosa asked although she had a pretty good idea of what was coming.

“Well,” Tony gulped, and rapidly spat it out, “I was wondering if you would like to go to the movies with me?”

“Tony, slow down,” Rosa said, with a smile. “I think you are asking me to go to the movies with you. Is that what you were asking me?”

“Uh, uh, yes.”

“Tony, I would love to go, if Mama and Papa say I may.”

Tony was in seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth heaven. Somehow he and Rosa were able to make their way into the dining room with an appearance of calm.

After dinner, which was delicious, Tony thought to himself, ‘Well, here goes.’

Sitting up just a little straighter, he thanked Mrs. di Napoli  for the delicious dinner, and then said, “Mrs. and Mr. di Napoli, I would like to take Rosa to the movies in Friday night. If we go to an early show, we can have something to eat, and be home by 10:00.”

Rosa held her breath. Tony held his breath, and then relaxed when he saw Rosa’s mother smile and say, “I think that would be very nice, don’t you, dear?”  She turned to look at her husband as she said that. She gave him that wifely look that told him if she thought it was a good idea, he had better agree.

“Humph. Well, Tony, I think that would be all right. I know your Papa and Mama and from all I hear, you are a responsible young man. Yes, you can take Rosa to the movies. And Tony, I appreciate your asking our permission. From what I hear, these days, some young people would never think of asking the parents . . . <pause>. . . . of course this all depends on whether Rosa wants to go with you.”

Mr. di Napoli said this last sentence with a smile, because he and his wife could see that Rosa’s face was lit up like the proverbial Christmas tree.

Somehow Tony walked home that evening, or perhaps we should say floated, because he felt like he was on Cloud 9. Imagine his surprise at the reaction he received when he got home and told Mama and Papa that he had asked to take Rosa to the movies, and that they would be going on the bus. Papa said, “Absolutely not!”

“But Papa,” Tony began.

“Absolutely not!” said Papa. You will not take Rosa to the movies in a bus. You will take her in a chauffer driven limousine. . . . Well, maybe not a limousine, but you shall have a chauffeur take you and bring you home.”

Mama was smiling at this remark from her husband, and almost laughing out loud to see the look on Tony’s face change from dismay to happiness.

“Thank you, Papa. Thank you so much.”

The same evening at Pete and Joe’s house.

Pete and Joe had invited Buddy and Mac, their young tenants, to join them for supper. They had called Pizza Hut® to deliver two large thick skin “Pizzas Deluxe,” with bread sticks, dipping sauce and a salad.

As they ate, Pete asked the two young men about their families. “My parents are dead,” said Mac. I don’t have any brothers or sisters, or any aunts, uncles, or cousins. I was pretty much alone until I met Buddy here. We were living in a Boys’ Home while we were in high school and found out we had so much in common, including our hopes to become doctors, and we . . . . found we loved each other.”

Buddy told his story, “My Dad died and my Mother just went downhill and got into drugs. She married a dealer, and he decided I was in the way of his business dealings, so he kicked me out of the house. Later I heard that he had killed my mother. I guess I’m lucky he didn’t try to kill me.”

Pete and Joe were very quiet while they heard this.

Buddy went on. “Meeting you two guys and being able to live in this great apartment while we go to medical school is just wonderful. We probably would have found an apartment somewhere, but it would never be, could never be, as great as we have here.”

Pete was even quieter than he had been before, and then he squared his shoulders, and began to speak,. “Mac and Buddy, Joe and I have come to a decision. I don’t quite know how to say this . . .”

Joe said, “Let me do this, Pete. Mac and Buddy, Pete and I have decided that we  . . . that we don’t want you as tenants any more.”

Mac and Buddy were shocked. “But? . . .. , What? . . .  Have we done anything wrong. Please tell us. If it’s something we can correct we’ll do it. We . . . we. . . have come to love you guys. Please don’t make us leave.”

Pete and Joe stood up and went around the table and each of them stood by one of the young men who were almost – no, they were in tears.

Pete pulled Mac up, and said “Mac Williams, would you possibly consider not being our tenants, but live here as our adopted sons?”

Joe pulled Buddy into a standing position, and said “Buddy Mason, Pete and I have come to love you both as sons, and we want to make it official. Would you allow us to adopt you?”

There was silence as Mac and Buddy processed what they had just heard, and then . . . “Oh, yes! Yes!”

There was a group hug, and now four sets of eyes were glistening.  There was laughter as well.

When things calmed down, and the four were sitting at the table enjoying a last glass of beer, Pete said, “Of course you know we’re only doing this so we’ll have two young strong men to mow the lawn and shovel the snow!”

Joe added, “ But when you come home from school with scraped knees, we’ll put band aids on the cuts and scrapes.”

Not to be out done, Buddy said, “And when we are finally doctors, and you two are doddering around, if you get an ache, you can be sure that we’ll do our very best for you. We’ll tell you to take two aspirin and call us in the morning.” 

More laughter, more chat, more kidding, and a whole lot of happiness were in that room that night.

Later when the two couples were in their respective beds, each man asked his partner, “Happy, sweetheart?”

Each got the same response, “You bet I am, my love (or sweetheart, or hot hunk or sweet cheeks), which ever term of endearment fit.

Good night, guys. Happy dreams.

Friday, July 6. Tony’s date.

Papa Luigi had gotten a chauffeur’s jacket and cap from somewhere, and said, “Are you ready, Sir?”

Tony looked dashing in dark blue slacks, a crisp white shirt, and black shoes that had been polished so one could see one’s reflection in them,

“Oh, one more thing, son,” Papa said. “I know you have saved your allowance and your tips from the store, but I want to give you this,” and he handed Tony a ten-dollar bill. “Now you can really treat Rosa to something nice after the movie.  The show lets out at 7:30, and an hour should be enough to get a nice meal, but I’ll allow an hour and a half. I’ll pick you up at 9:00.”

“OK, Papa, and  . . .  thanks.”

Mama came up and gave Tony a hug. “You look so handsome, my Tony. Have a good time.”

Tony and Papa drove the couple of blocks to Rosa’s home.

Tony got out and knocked on the door. Mr. di Napoli came to the door and saw Luigi standing by the car in his chauffeur’s uniform. “Aye, Luigi, you look real smart. Come in Tony. Rosa will be ready in a minute.”

When Rosa came into the living room, Tony’s mouth almost dropped open. She was beautiful. She was wearing a dark blue blouse and a white skirt was to have some kind of blue flowers embroidered on it, She had a red scarf around her waist.

“Eh, Tony, you take care of Rosa, you hear?” Papa di Napoli said in a gruff manner. (He wasn’t angry; he was just so proud of his daughter).

“I will, Sir. We should be home by 10:00. Papa Luigi is picking us up at the mall at 9:00.”

Mrs. di Napoli came into the room. “Hello, Tony. You look very handsome. You two have a good time.”

Rosa’s parents watched as Tony and Rosa went to the car. Tony opened the door, and bowed to Rosa. “Your carriage is ready, Cinderella.”

Rosa made a small curtsey and said, Thank you, kind sir. Hello, Mr. Lombardi.”

Tony and Rosa got in the car, and Papa Luigi drove away. There was silence in the car  Each occupant had his or her own thoughts. Papa Luigi was thinking, ‘What a nice couple they make.’

Rosa was wondering ‘Will he try to . . . ? Should I let him . . .?’

Tony was thinking “Should I try to put my arm around her in the movies? Will she let me?’

At the theatre, Tony bought the tickets and a box of popcorn. They took their seats and waited for the movie to start. The movie started, and they watched the story, but it was apparent that they were not really concentrating on the film. Each was thinking about the person they were with, lost in the wonder of it all.

Tony did put his arm across the back of Rosa’s seat and then gradually let his hand drop down to Rosa’s shoulder. Rosa looked at him and . . . she smiled! and leaned back so that his arm was definitely around her shoulders.

After the movie they went to a fast food restaurant and had something to eat. They ate the food, and didn’t taste a thing.

Their conversation was about trivial things, but somehow, each found the other’s comments fascinating.

All too soon it was time to meet Papa at the entrance to the mall. Somehow, as they walked, their hands met and their fingers intertwined. When they got into the car, they noticed that Papa had carelessly (or very thoughtfully!) hung his cap over the rear view mirror.

Tony and Rosa just sat holding hands and making ‘small talk.’  They reached Rosa’s house and as they got out, Papa said, “Tony, while you see Rosa to the door, I am going to drive up to the next block where I have room to turn the car around.

He drove away and reached the next intersection and turned around, and then he must have had some sort of car trouble, because the car pulled over to the curb and stopped.

Tony walked Rosa to her front door (all of six steps from the curb), and they stopped and looked at each other.

“Well, ur, um . .. .,” Tony began.

Rosa put her finger over his lips and said, “I had a wonderful time, Tony. Thank you. Thank you so much!” She leaned forward and gave Tony a very light, but very precious butterfly kiss right on the lips.

She went into the house, and Tony turned; there was Papa and the car  “Did you and Rosa have a good time, Tony?” Papa asked.

“Yes, Papa.” That was all Tony said, but that was enough for Papa . He knew. He knew just how much time he should allow to turn the car around. He was no dummy, was Papa Luigi.

Back at the store.

Earlier that evening, just before Papa and Tony were due to return, Mama was getting ready to close the store. Just as she was about to lock the front door, a man came into the store.

“Can I help you, Sir?” Mama asked. “We are about to close.”

“My business will not take too long, Mama Rosa,” he said. “I am from the Acey-Deucy Insurance Company and I wonder if I could interest you and Papa Luigi in a very reasonable insurance policy?”

“Oh, no,” Mama said, nervously. ‘How did this man know their first names? She wished he would leave,’ she was thinking.  “No, sir, we have all the insurance we need.”

“Oh, but this a very special insurance policy, designed to protect you against accidents - -LIKE THIS.” He took his arm and knocked a pile of cans on the floor.

“You see, Mama Rosa. If you take our policy, you won’t be bothered by accidents like this. Oh, and one more thing. You and papa have a very handsome young man living here. It would be a shame if anything happened to spoil his good looks, if you get my drift.” With that, “Snake” (for it was he!) turned to leave.

He had one more thing to say, “Don’t even think of calling the police. We are watching your store, and we will know if police cars suddenly appear,”  he threatened as he left.

Mama Rosa was a strong woman. She had borne the loss of her son, and she was not so much worried about damage to the store, as she was about Tony! If they should try to hurt Tony!

To be continued . . .

Feedback always welcome:     

Author’s comments: Let me know if you are frightened for Tony, Papa, and Rosa, and even for young Rosa.

Editor, Assistor or Encourager Comments;  Our Esteemed Author has left us dangling by a spider web again.  I am repelled by this “Snake” person. 

Feedback always welcome, and acknowledged.

Posted: 03/21/08