LIFE'S A GRIND-7

LIFE'S A GRIND-7

Jack Scribe
  
The usual disclaimers apply.  If for some legal reason you shouldn't read 
this...don't.
  
 Comments are appreciated at jack.scribe@gmail.com. 
 __________________________
   
Chapter 7, BUILDING BLOCKS
 
"Class, have a great break and vacation. I know I will," said the teacher 
in Jeremy's fourth period contemporary history class. "It would be helpful 
to read the chapters on the Israel and Palestine conflict sometime over 
the holidays."
 
The students groaned in an exaggerated fashion while they gathered their 
papers and notes.
 
"I know, I know...but you might find it interesting in light of what is 
actually happening over there right now. Okay, don't break down the 
doors. See you next year."
 
Jeremy hi-five'd a few of the guys and exchanged "Merry Christmas" with 
several other classmates before he joined Robert in the crowded, bustling 
corridor. Tonight a few of the girls were having parties that he'd miss 
because of work. Tomorrow, however, the 'A' crowd was gathering for 
a big Christmas affair that he was attending. It would be more of an open 
house than a date party; most of the students who weren't going steady, 
including Robert and Jeremy, planned on going stag. The two friends had 
private plans for later.
 
"So, you're going to hit the parties tonight with Rachael?" Jeremy asked 
as they walked to their lockers.
 
"For show, as I told you. The stud she's interested in will be out of town 
for the holidays. Tonight will be it for the two of us. Guess I've saved 
some money...we're not exchanging gifts." 
 
"Buddy, you're so cheap that the money you saved will get you a ride on 
the CTA."
 
"Damn, how'd you figure out what I was giving you for Christmas. Guess 
I'll just have to return the bus token and figure out something else for 
you." Robert playfully punched Jeremy in the arm as they dodged a few 
other students running their way.
 
"Well, I purposely got you a Happy Meal for two at Mickey D's. Figure 
you could invite me for dinner so it's a good investment." Jeremy ruffled 
Robert's hair before giving him the trusty finger. In fact, Jeremy had 
bought his old friend a black, long-sleeve shirt. He knew that Robert 
would be equally generous...or more so.
 
"Speaking of meals, you wanna get some dinner tomorrow night? I don't 
think that there'll be much food at the party."
 
"Naw, I better have dinner with mom. Sis is going out. Why don't I come 
over to your place with my backpack around eight and we can go on to 
the party?" Jeremy planned on bringing a change of underwear, rugby 
shirt and jeans. In addition, he made a trip to the store for condoms and 
lube like Zach had suggested; they would be stowed in the backpack for 
later.
 
"That's good. I figure that the party should wind down around 11:00 p.m. 
or before. We can split then and go to my place. I've got a few movies 
we can watch...and some more smokes."
 
"A movie sounds good. I'll take a pass on the other stuff." Neither used 
pot much and Jeremy was surprised that Robert still had some. 
'Something to calm his nerves for our exploration in bed?' he wondered 
as they arrived at their lockers. During the week, the two friends had 
tossed back and forth verbal innuendos about where Saturday night might 
lead.
 
"Um, you don't mind if I smoke?" Robert asked as the two guys closed 
their lockers.
 
"Nope. You're the host and I respect ya, Bobby. Let's go with the flow," 
Jeremy replied. "I gotta get to work. Have fun at the party and try not to 
get in Rachael's pants. You're going to need your energy for tomorrow."
 
"Rachael and her pants are the last thing that's on my mind," Robert said 
with a wink. "And don't worry about my energy. I'll call you tomorrow 
morning and give you a blow by blow account of how the party was."
 
"Blow by blow is something we'll talk about tomorrow night. Gotta run so 
I can catch my bus. See ya." Jeremy grinned and took off for the exit.
 
"Fuck you, Sloan," Robert yelled out.
 
Jeremy's grin turned to a lusty smile as he hit the crash door. 'That's 
exactly what I have in mind,' he thought.
 
*****
 
Saturday morning was always scheduled for chores at the Sloan 
apartment. The two siblings divided the tasks: Naomi did the laundry and 
dusting; Jeremy handled all scrubbing, vacuuming and minor repairs. 
Because he didn't have any studying Jeremy volunteered to do the 
weekly run to the nearby Dominick's. Ellen Sloan always had an 
envelope of coupons that she collected and made a shopping list based 
on the savings.
 
Later in the day, while his mother worked crossword puzzles on the 
dining room table, Jeremy watched a college basketball game on 
television intermittently as he thumbed through a paperback edition of 
"Law for the Small Business." He had found the book, plus a few other 
basic legal texts, at a DePaul student's yard sale and thought it might be a 
good primer for the next phase in his educational path. This occupied his 
afternoon until it was mom's dinnertime. 
 
Naomi was scheduled at the hospital so the task of prepping their 
mother's dinner was part of Jeremy's responsibility. He made a simple 
salad of lettuce, veggies and tuna for himself, and ate with Mom before 
he got ready for the evening. 
 
Tonight was definitely a sweater and khakis night. The guy who was 
hosting the open house - Tommy Turner - lived in one of the large, 
renovated townhouses on Webster Street, west of the El tracks. Jeremy 
knew that the parents who owned this 'big bucks' home would be 
chaperoning with another couple of adults.  He had been told that the 
party would be on the ground floor of the house and in a heated tent in 
the back yard. In this neighborhood, diversity had been overshadowed 
by gentrification. Between the affluent, younger married couples, 
professional singles and the high-earning gay population, Lincoln Park 
homes were the grounds for a continuing bidding war between 
homebuyers. Jeremy's building, butting up against the elevated train 
tracks, was one of the few that hadn't become a photo op for the next 
issue of Metropolitan Home. 
 
After Jeremy said goodnight to his mother and reminded her that he 
would be staying over at Robert's house, he put on his coat and grabbed 
the backpack. Ten minutes later he arrived at his friend's house. While 
Robert did a switch of sweaters so it didn't look like they purposely 
dressed alike, Jeremy placed the backpack at the edge of Robert's bed. 
Just before eight, they were off to the party.
 
A beefy, polite security man at the door checked off their names before 
Robert and Jeremy entered the house from the lower street entrance. The 
wall-hung artwork and statuary were dramatically spotlighted in the 
stylized, photogenic foyer. The guys passed by the entertainment room 
with a humungous plasma screen and through the dining area. The party 
seemed to officially begin in the large kitchen. Some of the girls were 
talking with two of the chaperones and another couple that Jeremy 
thought were Mr. and Mrs. Turner. 
 
"Hey, Robert, Jeremy...welcome to the party." The unmistakable voice of 
their host, Tommy Turner, called out. The voices and laughter coming 
from the tent indicated that the party was starting to get energized.
 
"Hi. Looks like a great turnout," Jeremy said as he tapped fists with the 
shorter guy. Tommy was the top diver on the swim team in addition to 
being an academic achiever.  Beyond the kitchen window and open 
door, he could see most of the crowd that 'hung' together at school. He 
judged, from the volume of the sound, that Tommy's parents had hired a 
professional D.J. for the evening.
 
"You must have everyone coming?" Robert asked.
 
"Yeah. The tent really helps handle the crowd and avoids any damage to 
the place. We've got cokes and stuff in here." Tommy got closer and said 
in a low voice as he put his arms around the guys, "But there's a great 
punch in the corner of the tent that's very high octane. Guys, have a great 
time...just don't get too blasted. I gotta get more ice."
 
"Thanks, buddy." Jeremy was always amazed that the host still was called 
'Tommy.' But, like the general who had led the U.S. forces in Iraq, 
Tommy Turner would probably use that name forever. He was bound for 
Princeton in the fall and Jeremy thought that his prepped-out, compact 
pal would fit in very well. He also decided that Tommy was definitely 
cute.
 
"I gotta do some time with Rachael," Robert said as they walked into the 
tent. In one corner was a D.J. with tons of sound equipment playing some 
retro-disco music. Several of the girls, Rachael included, were flirting with 
him.
 
"Go for it. I see a few gals I need to boogie with later on. Prolly end up 
with the losers over at the stag line," Jeremy said with a laugh. He quickly 
scanned the tent and noticed the various classmate sub-cliques in clusters. 
The hardcore couples were dancing in the center while his swim team 
friends seemed to be monopolizing the area around the punch bowl along 
with a few others from the basketball and track teams. This crowd could 
best be described as a blend of non-animal jocks, school leaders and 
scholars. Jeremy and Robert fit into the latter two categories.
 
He went over and said hello to all the guys and tasted the punch. As 
billed, the fruit beverage was heavily laced with vodka and rum. Jeremy 
worked the crowd and felt his gaydar 'ping' on a few occasions. He had 
heard a few rumors concerning some of the swimmers' sexual randiness 
but just ignored it as bullshit gossip. 'Am I sending signals back?' he 
wondered.
 
After sharing a few jokes and pulling chain with the guys, Jeremy made 
his way over to a group of girls. This time, he switched gears and offered 
flattering comments plus a few playful teases. He was mindful of the 
helpful prompts his sister constantly suggested since he became aware of 
the differences between the two sexes.
 
For the next hour Jeremy spent the time dancing with several of his 'ex's', 
had a few cups of punch while talking with the guys and touched base 
occasionally with Robert. By 10:30 p.m., the guys separately said their 
goodbyes with the thinning crowd and finally thanked Tommy.
 
"You guys going to the keg party?" Tommy asked. Sam Agosto, a 
member of the swim team, had passed out invitations for the stag all-
nighter in his basement rec room.
 
"Nope. I gotta work tomorrow and need to be fairly alert." Jeremy 
smiled and added, "But if you're going, don't plan on driving."
 
"Don't worry...I'll be cool. The last thing I need is a DWI ticket. Merry 
Christmas." Tommy gave each a hug as they walked to the door.
 
Once Robert and Jeremy got on the street, they immediately hailed a cab. 
Even though it was only a half-mile to Robert's house, the horny duo – 
without saying an acknowledging word - were anxious to be alone with 
each other.
 
The Yellow Cab driver grumbled a little at the short fare, made a U-turn 
and sped away with the two friends in back.
 
"Why do I have the funny feeling Tommy is going to end up in Sam's bed 
tonight?" Robert said as the cab went under the El train tracks.
 
"Think so?" Jeremy remembered Sam was one of the swimmers whose 
sexuality had been in question.
 
"For sure. Didn't you see Tommy all but go down on him over by the 
punch bowl table?"
 
"You're exaggerating a little," Jeremy replied with a chuckle. "But it did 
seem that Tommy paid more than a little attention to Sam. So you reckon 
they're munching on each other's wiener?" He knew that with the plastic 
partition dividing the cab, the driver couldn't hear anything. 
 
"Could be. From what I understand, Sam and a few of the others are out 
to the team. I guess everyone's cool with it."
 
"That's a real tight group of guys, for sure." Jeremy mentally flashed 
through the swimming team images and guessed at the possible gays in 
the group.
 
"I've heard crazy things about those guys and the 'shave-downs' they give 
each other before a meet. I really wonder if taking off pubes and leg hair 
really makes any difference in their swim times?" Robert asked.
 
"Maybe it's just an excuse to, ah...fool around while doing something for 
the team," Jeremy suggested. His thoughts altered for a moment as he 
imaged his assigned buddy shaving him for the dance group. 'What I'll be 
shaving is a little different than just legs, though,' he considered.
 
"The team seemed to be very friendly tonight. I sensed a few were 
sending out some vibes to you." Robert playfully squeezed Jeremy's leg 
and left his hand on the thigh.
 
"Yeah? Well, I saw a few give you the eye. I have a feeling neither of us 
would have any problems...the ones I'm thinking of are probably playing 
on our team." Jeremy put his hand on Robert's as the cab slowed down 
in front of the Stein home.
 
"Thanks, pal. Keep the change," Robert said as he put a five-dollar bill 
on the pass-through tray.
 
The two guys tossed out a few other salacious remarks about the swim 
team as they walked to the front door of Robert's house. Jeremy 
caressed his buddy's buns while Robert unlocked the door. They entered 
the house, took off their coats and hung them on the coat tree.
 
"I guess that answers my question." Robert locked the door, turned and 
put his arms around his friend.
 
"Question?" The two young men faced each other with their foreheads 
pressed against each other.
 
"After last weekend and the way we screwed around, I really wondered 
- even after what we said to each other through the week - if we were 
both really jumping off into fairyland," Robert said with a snicker. 
"Tonight has been a defining moment." Robert leaned up a little and 
tenderly pecked Jeremy's lips. "I know that my friendship with you is 
stronger and we've both crossed a long, narrow, one-way bridge."
 
"And I guess we both made it in one piece." Jeremy held his hand behind 
Robert's head and moved in for a full-force kiss assault. He felt Robert 
grind his crotch against his leg. "Would you be okay if I thought of you as 
a best friend, brother and fuck buddy?"
 
"As long as this isn't considered incest. Ah, I got some hot porno we 
could watch up in my room." Robert took Jeremy's hand and walked 
over to the stairway to the second floor. The night-lights were adequate 
to illuminate their way.
 
"Let's leave the porn alone. As two horny guys, I don't think we need any 
stimulus other than each other." Jeremy allowed Robert to lead the way 
up to his room. "You going to smoke any?"
 
"No...don't think that'll be required tonight."
 
Silently they entered the nightlight-illuminated bedroom and looked at 
each other in the shadowy atmosphere. Each toed off their shoes and 
kicked them aside. Next came their shirts and pants...Robert took 
hangers and neatly stowed the clothes in the closet. Robert returned and 
slid his hands under Jeremy's briefs. The warm palms of his hands 
tenderly caressed Jeremy's firm glutes.
 
Jeremy pressed his cotton-covered erection into Robert's crotch and 
said, "Let's get nekkid and hop into the sack, Mr. Stein." He stepped 
back, removed his precum-stained briefs and got into bed. While Robert 
pulled off his boxers, Jeremy fished into the pre-positioned backpack and 
retrieved the condoms and lube. He admired the silhouette of his friend. 
The firm torso, bubble butt and full, fat erection was very erotic.
 
"Buddy, I've really thought about this and I...I want you...to...fuck 
me...tonight," Robert said haltingly as he climbed into bed. He leaned in 
and kissed Jeremy while he gently grabbed Jeremy's steel-hard, wet eight 
inches. Their breathing pattern increased as they pressed against each 
other. "I want this first time to be with you."
 
"I've thought about this, too," Jeremy said in a low voice. "It's neat that 
we'll share our first time together." He broke away and moved his body 
around so that each was looking at the other's hardon. He licked 
Robert's leaking cock while his hand moved to roll the plump ball sac in 
his fingers. "Let's '69' and get the first shot out of the way so we can do 
this properly." Jeremy knew he would cum as soon as he entered Robert 
- probably the same thing would happen to his partner when his cherry 
prostate was touched. He wanted his first fuck to be memorable for both 
of them.
 
"The shot that was heard around the world?" Robert asked with a giggle. 
He nuzzled his nose into Jeremy's pubes and took a deep breath while he 
grabbed Jeremy's hardness.
 
"At least in this room. I've been given some good advice on how to do 
this and I brought some stuff.' Jeremy licked his way down Robert's fat 
shaft and sucked at his balls.
 
"Stuff?"
 
"Condoms and lube. I want to make this feel good for you and do it
 safely."
 
"Next time, let's compare shopping lists. If ya run out, I've got a year's 
supply of 'stuff' under the bed," Robert said before he moved around so 
they were facing crotch to crotch. He tentatively took Jeremy's flared 
glans in his mouth and sighed as Jeremy did the same to him.
 
As predicted, each erupted ferociously with little effort. While Jeremy 
took a pee break, Robert got a bottle of beer for the two to share. After 
the beer was finished, Jeremy suggested Robert lie on his stomach. 
Jeremy massaged the tense body and worked his finger technique into the 
tight, virgin hole. One finger became two...and finally three. Jeremy found 
the 'nut' and made sure Robert was aware of 'coming attractions' once his 
anus was loosened.
 
Jeremy lost track of time as he worked Robert's backside. As he had 
been instructed, Jeremy insisted Robert remain on his stomach for the 
first time. He nervously rolled on the rubber and went to work. After a 
deliberate slow beginning, Jeremy's confidence grew after Robert yelled 
'Go for it'. When he had finished the extraordinary climax, he reached 
under his friend's stomach and felt a stickiness that confirmed Robert's 
shouting was not just a verbal reaction.
 
"Bobby...thanks. That was terrific." Jeremy said as he carefully peeled off 
the full, used condom.
 
"Yeah. Once I was able to take that hog of yours, it was great. You 
made my first time very special."
 
"I think we should pull off the sheets and toss them in the washer," 
Jeremy whispered in Robert's ear. "You let out a real gusher."
 
"You, too. Gimme that and I'll flush it way."
 
"I can do that," Jeremy replied with a small frown.
 
"Where that thing's been, it's no problem." Robert winked as he carefully 
retrieved the cum-weighted condom from Jeremy. "And maybe I'd 
better ...you know...wipe off myself - inside. You pull off the sheets and 
toss them in the washer, downstairs. I'll re-make the bed after I take care 
of stuff in the bathroom. Wanna take a shower before we go to sleep?"
 
"Yes, Sir...new sheets and shower. I like the idea." Jeremy looked at the 
bedside clock and noticed it was almost 1:00 a.m.
 
The two friends, confidant they had taken a needed course-correction in 
their lives, snuggled and quickly fell into a deep sleep. Seven hours later, 
each stirred with renewed lust. After taking a pee break, they resumed 
their sexual exploration. This time, Jeremy suggested Robert take him.
 
"I want to...but I don't want to hurt you," Robert said back in bed.
 
"The thing is, our bodies can adjust to size. I want you to experience 
this...giving it to me...and I want to get you inside me. We've just got to 
go slow. I don't want to sound friggin' clinical or anything...but would you 
allow me to talk you through this?"
 
"Anything. Just tell me what to do. I kinda remember what you did but I'd 
feel better if you explained what I need to do."
 
"Okay, I'm going to get on my stomach. You've got the lube. Squirt some 
up there and on your fingers. Um, by the way, I think that maybe you're 
going to need to move up to...four fingers. That dick of yours is truly a 
formidable weapon," Jeremy said with a laugh. "Put a rubber on it now. If 
ya get soft, I've got a few ideas on how to remedy that."
 
Over the next half-hour, Robert patiently followed Jeremy's step-by-step 
instructions. Finally, Robert was told to lube his hard, latex-encased cock 
and slowly ease in. Jeremy verbally guided him through the next process 
until he felt Robert's pubes brush against his buns. 
 
The last thing Jeremy said was, "Just do what seems natural and feels 
good."
 
Afterwards, the two intimately bonded friends fell back to sleep with 
Robert still lodged in Jeremy. Later, showered and dressed in fresh 
clothes, the guys - now a little wiser to the world - went out for late 
Sunday breakfast. When they arrived at the International House of 
Pancakes, it was around 11:00 a.m. and the wait was at least a half-hour. 
Just as they were about to turn around and settle for an Egg McMuffin at 
the nearest McDonald's, they heard their names called from the front of 
the restaurant. Jeremy turned and saw Tommy Turner waving them to 
come forward. Next to him was Sam Agosto with a sheepish, dreamy 
smile.
 
"Morning, guys. Guess we all had the same idea," Jeremy said as he and 
Robert joined them.
 
"Guess so...didn't think we'd run into each other so soon. You wanna 
share a table?" Tommy asked with his usual enthusiasm.
 
"That'd be fantastic. We were just about ready to bail out because of the 
wait." Jeremy noticed Tommy and Sam had a very obvious 'just got 
fucked' glow on their faces. Very similar to Robert's complexion...and he 
was sure he was in similar shape.
 
"You guys are lifesavers," Robert said. He looked at Sam and asked, 
"How'd your party go? Any passed out bodies?"
 
"We got the last of the guys out about an hour ago. It wasn't too bad, 
though. Tommy and I are going to clean up the place before my folks get 
back tonight. We've got the basement window open to air out the beer 
smell. Neither of us had too much...beer. So we got a pretty good night's 
rest," Sam said with a big grin.
 
"Jeremy, I thought you had to go to work this morning?" Tommy raised 
an eyebrow with a subtle 'gotcha' look on his face.
 
Just then, the hostess called Tommy's name and they were escorted to a 
booth. The guys thanked the hostess and grabbed the menus.
 
"I could bullshit you and say that I was called not to come in to work. 
However...I think that the two of you will understand it when I say that I 
decided to stay at Robert's last night." Jeremy could feel his face 
becoming flushed. "I, ah, mean that...well, shoot, you know what I 
mean," he nervously stuttered.
 
Tommy and Sam looked seriously at Jeremy, and then to Robert before 
they broke out in laughter and high-five'd each other.
 
"Looks like we've officially outed our two buddies," Sam said in a 
conspiratorial tone.
 
"Jeez, two more queers in school to deal with," Tommy replied. He 
reached across the table and extended his hand to Jeremy. "Welcome to 
the club."
 
"And the club isn't all that small," Sam added. He grabbed Robert's hand 
and shook it.
 
"At least not on the swimming team. Relax, guys...you're among friends." 
Tommy nodded and gave a thumbs up.
 
"Guys, I think that I speak for Jeremy in saying this is all pretty new for us 
and I'm not ready to come out to the school," Robert said quietly.
 
"That's cool. I can respect where you're coming from. Whoops, wrong 
use of words." Sam was upbeat but cautious as he added, "I figured 
things out a couple of years ago and can appreciate what's happening. I 
don't run around yelling, 'I'm queer, deal with it' or anything like that. I 
know there's talk around school about me, but I'm still kinda laid back on 
who I tell."
 
"You might as well add that you'd do serious physical damage if someone 
gave you crap about being gay." Tommy leaned forward and lowered his 
voice. "Sam has a few friends - good friends on the football team, if ya 
know what I mean - that had to take care of a little problem with one of 
their homophobe teammates last year."
 
"As long as we all understand each other, I welcome some new friends," 
Jeremy said. "I suspect that college will make a big difference for all of 
us."
 
The four young men ordered their food and continued to compare notes. 
The other two were just buddies who enjoyed getting off together. When 
Sam said he'd been accepted to Northwestern, Robert's interest perked 
up. By the time the food was delivered, Robert and Sam had made a 
date to see a movie sometime in the next week. The breakfast 
conversation hit a different level of understanding when Tommy invited 
Jeremy over to his house for a late dinner that night. He said his folks 
would be out to the annual company Christmas party and he didn't like 
being alone. Tommy smiled when he said the last part.
 
*****
 
Tuesday dawned and the re-cap coffee date with Zach had been 
confirmed. Jeremy arrived a little before 4:30 p.m. at EatZi's and didn't
 see his mentor. He went over to order two cappuccinos. Just as the 
barista set down the frothy cups and took the money, Zach came in.
 
"I ordered cappuccinos for us." Jeremy handed one of the cups to Zach 
and they walked over to a table. "A little 'thank you' of appreciation."
 
"Impressive, Mr. Sloan. You learn fast. How did everything else go...as 
far as the other learning process is concerned?" Zach asked with a wink. 
"I think what I see before me is a very content man."
 
"I can't believe how everything turned out. Not only was the evening a 
success...and morning as well...but we both experienced, you know..."
 
"Yeah, I do know as a matter of fact. Let's just say that I also am learning 
more about myself."
 
"What you mean?" Jeremy asked after taking a sip, "If I'm not being too 
personal."
 
"Naw, we're friends and I trust you. Basically, I wrongly assumed that 
Gio always wanted to be on - the receiving end and he never corrected 
me. Part of our plan to work out things is to play different roles and have 
variety...in bed. There are a few other things I won't go into. Basically, I 
learned never to assume anything in a relationship. I give you that advice 
at no charge."
 
"I'll remember that." Jeremy knew exactly what the 'few other things' 
were but didn't want to let on that he had observed Gio's infidelity.
 
"So give me all the gory details," Zach said. "I take it that you two horn 
toads figured out everything?"
 
"Yep. Everything." Jeremy proceeded to give Zach an abbreviated 
version of the weekend's events, starting with the party. While he was 
telling the story, Jeremy wondered if he should include all the details of 
the mutual conquest and decided Zach would appreciate the work 
Jeremy had gone through to take Robert's massive manhood. By the time 
he finished the details of dinner with Tommy, and the fucking he had given 
his host on the floor of the entertainment room afterwards, Zach was 
laughing loudly.
 
"Oh, my God," Zach said once he was able to calm down, "within 48 
hours you turned into the town slut."
 
"A safe slut, Sir." Jeremy stuck out his tongue and wrinkled his nose. 
"And Robert has a date with Sam tomorrow night."
 
"So, this Tommy guy. Is he going to be in town for college?"
 
"No. The guy's got major smarts and a rich dad...he's off to Princeton. 
But I figure we got all winter and spring to play around if we want to."
 
"Have fun my little brother. But you said the magic word...be safe." Zach 
raised his cup and toasted Jeremy. "You've got a level head and are a 
responsible fellow. Just so you know, disappointment usually comes 
along with the good. And you'll be disappointed...doesn't matter whether 
it's a guy or a gal. Eventually, when the right one comes along...you'll 
know it."
 
"As long as I have a big brother to look out for me, I should be okay. 
Can I unofficially adopt you?"
 
"Consider it done." Zach put his hand on Jeremy's shoulder and gave him 
a reassuring squeeze.
 
"Oh...one other thing," Jeremy added. "When the right one comes along, 
it'll be a guy. That, I know for sure."
 
______________________
  
TO BE CONTINUED

ジャック・スクライブ

 

いつもと同じ。18歳以下の人は読んじゃ駄目。

 

 

コメントは大歓迎だよ。 jack.scribe@gmail.com

 

 

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第七章、ブロックを積み上げて

 

 

「みなさん、楽しいクリスマス休暇を過ごして下さいね。先生もそのつもりです。」ジェレミーの近代史の先生が言った。「それと休暇中にイスラエルとパレスチナの紛争に関する章を読んでおくこと。」

 

 

教科書やノートを纏めながら、生徒たちは大げさに唸ってみせた。

 

 

「はいはい。でもね、今実際に向こうで起こってることを考えたら、きっと読み出したら面白いと思うよ。じゃああんまり急いでドアを壊さないように。来年までさようなら。」

 

 

ジェレミーは何人かの男友達とハイ・ファイブをして、他の何人かのクラスメートに「メリークリスマス。」って声を掛けると、生徒たちで混み合った廊下に出てロバートと合流した。何人かの女の子が今夜パーティーを開くことになってたけど、ジェレミーはジムの仕事があったからそのパーティーには行けなかった。でも明日は、人気のある生徒がみんな集まることになってるパーティーに参加する予定だった。デートの相手と行くパーティーっていうより、オープン・ハウスって感じで、ロバートとジェレミーも含めて、決まった恋人のいない生徒の殆どが一人で参加することにしていた。ロバートとジェレミーには、でもそのパーティーの後二人だけの計画もあった。

 

 

「今夜はレイチェルとパーティーに行くの?」ロッカーに向かって歩きながらジェレミーが聞いた。

 

 

「見せ掛けだけね。彼女がいいなって思ってる奴は休暇の間出掛けちゃってこっちにいないんだ。でも今夜で僕らはお終い。ギフトの交換もしないから…お金が少し浮くかな。」

 

 

「ケチくさいこと言うね。そんなお金バスに乗ったら直ぐ無くなっちゃうよ。」

 

 

「ちぇっ。僕が君のクリスマス・プレゼントに何を選んだかバレちゃったんだ。バスのチケットは払い戻してもらって、他のプレゼントを考えなくちゃ。」廊下を走ってくる生徒たちをかわしながら、ロバートがジェレミーの腕に軽くパンチを当てた。

 

 

「ああ、僕は君にミッキーD のハッピー・ミールを二人分用意したんだ。一緒に行くことになるだろうから、いい投資だしね。」そう言うとジェレミーはロバートの髪をクシャっと掻き回した。本当はジェレミーはロバートにはシャツを買って用意してあった。色は黒。ロバートもきっと同じように素敵なプレゼントを用意してくれているはずだと思った。もしかしたらもっと素敵なものかも…。

 

 

「食事で思い出したけど、明日のディナーはどうする?一緒に食べる?パーティーじゃあんまり食事は出ないと思うけど。」

 

 

「ううん。ママとディナーを食べなきゃ。姉貴が出かけちゃうから。バックパックを持って8時頃君の家に行くから、それから一緒にパーティーに行けばいい。」ジェレミーは着替えの下着とシャツ、ジーンズを持って行くつもりだった。それにザックに言われた通り、ジェルとコンドームを買いに行って、それは後で必要になるまでと思って、バックパックにしまいこんであった。

 

 

「いいよ。パーティーも11時頃にはお開きになるんじゃないかな。そしたらそこから僕の家に来ればいい。一緒に楽しめそうな映画もあるし…マリワナもあるんだ。」

 

 

「映画はいいね。でもマリワナは止めとくよ。」二人ともそんなにしょっちゅうマリワナを吸うわけじゃなかったから、ロバートがまだマリワナを持ってたってことにジェレミーは驚いた。“ベットで色々試す前にリラックスしたいのかな?”そう考えながらロッカーに着いた。この一週間、土曜の夜にどこまでするかってことについて、二人はお互いを言葉で色々刺激し合ってきた。

 

 

「僕が吸うのは構わない?」ロッカーを閉じながらロバートが聞いた。

 

 

「構わないさ、ボビー。君が僕を招待してくれるんだから。とにかくその場の成り行きにまかせてみよう。」ジェレミーはそう答えておいた。「僕、仕事に行かなきゃ。パーティーを楽しんでおいでよ。でも、レイチェルに手を出さないようにね。明日のためにエネルギーを取っておくこと。」

 

 

「レイチェルにそんなことしようなんて全然思ってないって。」ロバートがウィンクして言った。「それと僕のエネルギーのことなら心配しないで。明日の朝電話して、舐めるように丁寧に今夜のパーティーについて全部隠さず報告してあげるよ。」

 

 

「舐めるってことについては、明日の夜もっと話そう。バスに遅れるといけないからもう行かなくちゃ。じゃあね。」ジェレミーはニヤッと笑うと退散した。

 

 

「スローン、そのうちやってやるよ。」ロバートが後ろから叫んだ。

 

 

ドアを押し上げながら、ジェレミーの笑顔がちょっとエッチな笑い方に変わった。“そう、僕もちょうど同じことを思ってたよ。”

 

・・・・・・・・・

 

土曜日の朝はスローン家のアパートでは、家の中の仕事を片付ける時間ってことに決まっていた。姉と弟は仕事を二人で分担して、ナオミは洗濯とハタキ、ジェレミーは床を磨いたり、掃除機をかけたり、ちょっとした家の中の修理をした。休暇中は勉強しなくてもよかったから、ジェレミーは近くのスーパーに買い物に行く役目も買ってでた。母親のエレンは、クーポンを封筒に取っておいて、何が割引かによってその週の買い物リストを決めていた。

 

 

その日の午後、母親がダイニングのテーブルでクロスワードをしている間、ジェレミーはカレッジ対抗のバスケの試合を見ながら、「中小企業のための法律」っていう本を捲っていた。デ・ポール大の生徒が売りに出していた法律のテキストを他にもいくつか買って、大学に入ったら役に立つかもしれないと思って読むことにしていたから、母親のディナーを用意するまでジェレミーはそうやって午後を過ごした。

 

 

その夜はナオミが病院に出かける予定だったから、母親のディナーを用意するのはジェレミーの仕事だった。レタスと野菜、ツナの簡単なサラダを自分のために用意すると、その晩出かける準備をする前に、ジェレミーは母親と一緒にディナーを食べた。

 

 

その夜のパーティーにはセーターとカーキのパンツで、いつもよりおしゃれして出かける必要があった。パーティーを開くのは、トミー・ターナーで、彼はエル・トラックスの西側のウェブスター通りにある大きな改装済みのタウンハウスに住んでいた。この「お高い」家の所有者である彼の両親が、他の何人かの大人達と一緒にパーティーを監視することになってるっていう話で、パーティーはその家の1階と、裏庭に張られた大きなテントの中で開かれることになっていた。その界隈には同じ様な裕福な階層の連中が沢山住んでいて、若いカップルや独身のプロフェッショナル、高級を稼ぐゲイといった、リンカーン・パークに家を買いたい人々が、住みたい家を手に入れるために、常に競り合っていた。直ぐ裏に鉄道が走っているせいで、ジェレミーのアパートは今のところこの不動産の投資の対象になるのを免れていた。

  

 

母親にお休みの挨拶をして、今夜はロバートのところに泊まるってまた念を押すと、ジェレミーはコートを着てバックパックを掴み、10分後にはロバートの家に着いていた。ジェレミーとペア・ルックみたいに見えそうだったから、ロバートは着ていたセーターを着替えることにした。その間にジェレミーは、ロバートのベットの端にバックパックを置いてしまって、ちょうど8時前に、彼らは一緒にパーティーに出かけた。

 

 

がっしりして愛想のいい警備員がドアのところで、ロバートとジェレミーの名前をチェックした後、二人は通路側の入口から家の中に入った。壁のアートや彫刻にスポットライトが当てられた、写真に出てきそうな正面の吹き抜けを通って、馬鹿でかいテレビのある部屋を抜けるとダイニングに出た。キッチンにはパーティーらしく人が集まっていて、数人の女の子たちが付き添いの大人たちと話していた。もう一組のカップルはこの家のオーナーのターナー夫妻らしいとジェレミーは思った。

 

 

「やあ、ロバート、ジェレミー…よく来たね。」ジェレミーもよく知っているトミー・ターナーの声がした。テントの方から聞こえてくる話し声や笑い声で、パーティーが盛り上がってるのが分かった。

 

 

「盛り上がってるみたいだね。」ジェレミーは自分より背の低い相手と拳を突き合わせながら言った。トミーは水泳部で一番のダイバーで、勉強も良くできた。キッチンの窓や開いたドアから、学校でも仲の良い連中が集まってるのが見えた。聞こえてくる音楽のボリュームから、トミーの両親がDJを雇ったらしいのが分かる。

 

 

「みんな誘ったんだ?」ロバートが聞いた。

 

 

「うん。テントなら沢山入れるし、家も汚れないしね。コークとかはここにあるんだ。」トミーは二人に近づいて腰に手を回すと低い声で囁いた。「アルコール入りのパンチならテントの隅にあるよ。楽しんでって…でもあんまり暴れないようにね。俺、もう少し氷持ってかなきゃ。」

 

 

「ありがとう。」ジェレミーは彼が未だにトミーって呼ばれてるのがちょっと不思議だった。でも、イラクでアメリカ軍を指揮してる将軍と同じで、トミー・ターナーも一生その呼び方で通すんだろう。秋にはプリンストンに入学する予定のトミーはきっとそこで上手くやっていくだろうとジェレミーは思った。トミーはすごくキュートだった。

 

 

「ちょっとレイチェルに会ってくる。」テントに入るとロバートが言った。テントの端の方で、DJが昔のディスコをかけていて、レイチェルや他の女の子達がそのDJの周りに集まっていた。

 

 

「行きなよ。僕も後でちょっと声をかけなきゃいけない女の子が何人かいるんだ。一人でパッとしない奴に囲まれてる子がいるしね。」ジェレミーが笑いながら言った。テントを素早く見回すと、クラスメートがあちこちで固まっていた。テントの真ん中で踊ってるのはカップルで、水泳部の友達は、バスケや陸上の連中と一緒にパンチのある辺りに集まっていた。頭の悪くないスポーツ選手、学校のリーダー、優秀な連中の集まりだ。ジェレミーとロバートもスポーツをしていないことを除けば彼らの仲間だった。

 

 

ジェレミーはそっちの方に行くと、皆に声を掛けてからパンチを飲んでみた。言われた通り、ウォッカとラムが随分混ぜてある。水泳部の連中に関するその手の噂は、今まではただのゴシップだと思って無視してきたけど、ジェレミーはそこにいる連中の何人かに自分のゲイダーが反応するのを感じた。“僕もひょっとして向こうのゲイダーに引っかかってるのかな?”そう思った。

 

 

そこにいた連中とふざけて冗談を言い合った後、ジェレミーは女の子のグループの方に歩いていった。女の子には調子を変えて、お世辞を言ったり、ちょっとからかってみたりするt。男と女の違いにっていうことに気づき始めてからは、ジェレミーは姉のアドバイスに従って、女の子を上手に扱うように気をつけていた。

 

 

それから1時間ほど、ジェレミーは女の子達と踊ったり、男の子達とパンチを飲みながら話したり、時々ロバートがどうしてるかチェックしたりして過ごした。10時半になる頃、二人はそれぞれ友達にお休みの挨拶をして、最後にトミーにパーティーのお礼を言いに行った。

 

 

「二人ともケグ・パーティーには行くの?」トミーが聞いた。水泳部のサム・エイゴストが、彼の家の地下室で開かれる予定の、男だけのオール・ナイトのパーティーの招待状を皆に配っていた。

 

 

「ううん。明日は仕事があるし、二日酔いになるわけにいかないから。」ジェレミーが笑って付け加えた。「でも君が行くつもりなら、運転して戻らないようにね。」

 

 

「心配しなくても、僕なら大丈夫。飲酒運転のチケットなんて貰いたくないからね。メリークリスマス。」トミーは二人にハグするとドアまで見送りに来た。