Summer on the River
He watched Clay weed the flower bed along the edge of the back yard, the one that separated the main area with the grilling pavilion and sitting area from the yard that sloped down to the bank of the river. Down on knees, Clay moved along the edge of the bed that contained irises and amaryllis with some low shrub to maintain the view of the river.
Looking at the man that he had shared the last ten years as a married couple, he still felt that tug of the heart, the attraction he had felt since a teenager. The years after college were an adventure, taking jobs in Boulder, Colorado for a few years before finding themselves outside the city on the river. They had found each other in high school but it was their college years that they truly found their way, settled into a relationship that would last to this day.
Clay stood and moved to the other side of the bed, and he could see the determination on the face, focused on getting the weeds pulled out of the bed. He watched him move along the back side of the bed while thinking of their grade school years. The innocence of elementary school, then the changes occurring with everyone in their middle school years. But it was high school that had pushed Clay to the breaking point, hurt him in ways that were still visible at times. The grimace when overhearing some high schoolers tease or torment another. The shift away from guys who looked like jocks, wearing a football jersey stretched tight across broad chest.
He still shuddered at the thought of what could have happened if he had not found Clay when he had. It had been terrifying, but in the end, it was the moment everything came to light. The possibilities of a different life, one with someone who cared for him.
“Clay, what do you want to do for lunch. I’m thinking we go to that Thai place on Central Avenue.”
Clay looked up, wiped his brow smearing dirt across it, and nodded in agreement. “Let me get cleaned up and we can go. I want to go by the nursery for some blood meal.”
It took his breath how Clay still looked so boyish. The body had filled out and he needed to shave on a regular basis, but it was in the eyes, that teenager from high school that he had adored from afar, until that day that brought them together.
Spring of 2008
Bradley ran up to Clay, grabbing him around the neck and pulling him to the side of the busy corridor so their classmates could pass.
“Some of us are going to the pizza place Friday night. Are you in?”
“I don’t know. Who is going?”
“Just the gang. Aaron and Emily, Mark, Sara, Matthew, and Ruth. Matthew likes Emily and says he’s going to ask her out.”
“Yeah, right,” said Clay smiling back.
“What about you?”
“Me?”
“Come on Clay, you know Ruth likes you.”
“I don’t…think so.”
“Open your eyes. But look, if she doesn’t interest you, just tell her. Don’t string her along like Taylor did Rebecca. What an asshole.”
“He is an asshole,” Clay uttered.
“We’re going to be there at seven. Be there.”
“Okay.”
“Now I’ve got to get to P.E.”
“Better you than me.”
“At least you don’t have Bill and Taylor in your P.E. class.”
Bradley took off down the corridor to the doors at its end and out into the bright sunlight heading to the gym. Clay continued to his English class entering the door just as the bell rang for the start of class.
As Ms. Garrison called roll Clay considered how Bradley was his best friend, ever since first grade they had hung out together. The one person who made an effort to always include him. To make him a part of the group, even when he didn’t feel it.
“Clayton Harris.”
“Here.”
“What are you looking at faggot?”
Frank stared across the cafeteria at Clay just two tables over, but he said the slur loud enough for most to hear. Clay felt his face burn with embarrassment. He looked down wondering if he could finish his lunch.
“Jesus, Frank, do you have to be such an asshole,” said Bradley.
“Standing up for your boyfriend?” said Bill, making Frank and Taylor laugh, followed by the others at the surrounding tables.
“That’s enough. Let’s eat our lunches quietly shall we,” said Mr. France as he passed between the tables.
Clay looked up to see the glowering look, one full of judgement and accusation. He knew Mr. France never said anything about the bullying by Taylor and his friends. Instead, he saw how Mr. France seemed to agree with their name calling.
“Come on Clay and Bradley, let’s eat and get out of here,” said Mark.
Everyone rushed to eat all except Clay who picked at the mashed potatoes, nibbled at the chicken, and ate the roll, the only thing he finished. As the others got up with empty trays, Clay stood with his that had been barely touched.
“Clay don’t let those assholes get to you,” whispered Bradley, walking next to him to the drop off area.
“Okay, break it up boys,” exclaimed Ms. Greene.
Taylor had Clay pinned to the wall, a hand on his throat tight enough to make it difficult to breathe. Bill and Frank stood beside Taylor where they had been taunting Clay as Taylor asked Clay if he was a faggot.
Clay had been going to the restroom during his English class, unable to wait until the bell rang. He had been at the urinal when the three jocks entered the room. He had only glanced over when Taylor took the urinal right next to him. He hadn’t tried to see what was in his hand, only shocked to see Taylor right next to him. But Taylor made it seem like he was trying to see his dick, eliciting comments from Bill and Frank.
Clay had finished as quickly as possible, zipped up, and rushed out without washing his hands, desperate to get away from the three boys. But they caught him in the corridor.
“Clay why are you not in class?” asked Ms. Greene.
“I have a pass to go to the bathroom from Ms. Garrison.”
“Let me see.”
Clay held out the pink pass and watched Ms. Greene study it as if she thought he had forged it, then she held it out.
“Okay, get back to class.”
Clay took the pass and headed back to his class, angry and upset that Ms. Greene had berated him letting Taylor, Bill, and Frank go without comment. Not one word on their bullying. He knew she was like Mr. France, judging him as different and someone who deserved the bullying. He wiped the tears, took a deep breath, and entered his classroom to Ms. Garrison talking about Henry James.
“Who did this to you?” asked Vice-Principal Baker.
Clay sat opposite Vice-Principal Baker’s desk, bruises showing up on his arms and one eye turning dark as he held a wet cloth to his busted lip. He stared across the desk wondering if it was worth it to tell him it had been Bill and Frank who had jumped him coming from the art building after his fourth period class. Would something finally be done to stop the bullying. How could the Vice-Principal promise such when there was no way he could keep an eye on him every hour of every school day.
“Clay, I’ve heard you have been bullied. You can tell me who did it.” The tone was softer, more caring.
Clay knew it didn’t matter, for if he revealed it was Bill and Frank, it would only make matters worse. There were teachers like Mr. France and Ms. Greene who turned a blind eye to the bullying, and Bill and Frank, no doubt with Taylor’s help, would catch him alone at some point.
“I told you I tripped and fell.”
“Clay…”
“Can I go?”
Eli came into the office carrying a note from his mom. He stood at the counter waiting on Ms. Anderson to finish her phone call so he could hand it over to explain why he was just getting to school. He had a dentist’s appointment late in the morning and came to school to attend his last class because there was an exam.
Clay came out of the Vice-Principal’s office and moved past the front desk area heading to the door.
“Clay! What happened? Did Taylor or Frank or Bill do that?”
Clay froze at the reference to the three jocks then he looked back at Vice-Principal Baker standing at his door knowing he had overheard.
“Eli, not now.” Clay stared back until Eli gave him a slight shake of the head, then he rushed out.
Eli turned to the Vice-Principal. “When are you going to stop it?”
“He won’t tell me who did it.”
“We know who did it. Ask Mr. France or Ms. Greene, but I guess that is a waste of time since they turn a blind eye to it. Here’s my mom’s note about me being at the dentist,” said Eli dropping the note on the counter and turning to head to his sixth period class.
As the door slammed shut, Baker grimaced because he knew Eli was right. Some of the teachers believed Clay was different therefore deserved the treatment by some of the students. It was Ms. Garrison who had come to him reporting on what she had seen. He needed to act on it, but without Clay’s cooperation, it would be difficult. He knew Clay was afraid any accusation about those bullying him could lead to something worse. The school could only protect a student so much, especially when some parents did so much to protect their kids from any punishment.
Mark sat behind Clay wondering what had happened now. The bullying had been getting worse. Two weeks ago, Bill and Frank jumped Clay and beat him up, and nothing had been done about it. Clay admitted to lying about it, telling the Vice-Principal he had fallen, but it was so obviously not a fall, how could the Vice-Principal do nothing.
He didn’t know how to say to Clay he was sorry. It was wrong, no matter what they believed about Clay. He looked at the jet-black hair and slightly long neck with the red imprints of someone’s hand and felt frustration and hurt he didn’t know he was capable.
He had wondered about Clay. Was he gay? It would explain so much, from telling Ruth he wasn’t interested in her to Clay avoiding going out with the gang when it was mostly couples now. He didn’t know if it was true, but he knew it would matter in their small school. He knew if Clay came out as gay the bullying would get worse and some of their friends might ostracize him, as much as he liked to think it wouldn’t happen.
Mark looked across their class and imagined what it might be like if he were to announce he was gay. What would that be like? He turned back to Clay seeing the head turn down to read from their textbook. He wanted to reach out and put his hand on the shoulder and tell Clay it was okay, that he understood.
Bradley watched Clay cross the parking lot of the bowling alley glad to see him finally come out with them. It had been a month since Clay had gotten beat up, a month since Clay would come out with them. They had agreed to come to the old bowling alley with its cheesy old music, greasy food, and most patrons older than their parents. But it was a place where they would not run into Taylor, Bill, or Frank, and they could relax and have a good time.
Clay looked up seeing Bradley waiting on him and smiled.
Bradley smiled back wondering how Clay really felt. Over the last two years it felt like Clay was pulling away from him and the others. He knew the rumors of Clay being gay circulating in school and he wanted to push back on them. Tell those spreading the rumor to stop. But he had begun to wonder himself. When they were kids, there was nothing thought of sleeping together, changing clothes in front of the other, or skinny dipping at the lake. But at some point, Clay became introverted, refusing to stay over anymore or change clothes in front of him, always going into the bathroom. And the last time a group of them went to the lake and went skinny dipping one night, Clay had stayed in the cabin.
He felt hurt by Clay’s pulling away. It was like the trust between them was fractured, and he didn’t know how to fix it. He kept reminding Clay he was there for him, a friend for life, and Clay always smiled back, but a response came less frequently over the last few months.
Clay came up beside Bradley and looked at the entrance to the bowling alley. “Whose idea was this? You know none of us can bowl for shit.”
“Eli and Sara.”
“Figures. You know Eli has those old bowling shoes from his father.”
“Yeah, and he brought his father’s ball.”
“Well, Eli is on my team,” said Clay.
“Hey, I’m your best friend, and we have to be on the same team.” Clay smiled as Bradley put an arm around his shoulder. “Come on, let’s get inside for everyone is waiting for us.”
Spring of 2009
Bradley watched Clay come from the student parking lot with his backpack slung over the right shoulder. Clay had texted him last night that he finally cut his hair. It had been down to his shoulders and hung over the face concealing the eyes. Although Ruth and Sara told Clay it was cute, Mark, Eli, and he had been telling him to cut it. Seeing Clay with short hair, just a bit of length on top, he was surprised at the difference it had made. He looked older, more mature, despite still being skinny. And now you could see the blue eyes. See their expression when Clay said something or was responding to someone else.
“Wow, you really cut it,” said Bradley.
Clay ran a hand over his scalp and laughed nervously. “You think it’s too short?”
“No. Not at all. It looks good, Clay. Seriously.”
“I don’t know. I feel…exposed.”
“You look older.”
Bradley walked alongside Clay as they passed classmates heading inside to start another day. He saw the surprised looks by some, and the looks of disdain by those that didn’t like Clay. No matter what, some would not let go of their cruelty. He knew Clay was desperate for graduation to arrive so he could get out of high school. It was their last year, and graduation was only a few weeks away. They were going to the same college, along with Mark and Eli, and all four of them were so excited by the prospect of leaving and being on campus they had been making plans since last fall.
He knew the bullying was still occurring. Not as bad as last year, but the taunts continued. He wanted to protect his best friend, but the more Eli, Mark, and he stood up for Clay, the worse it seemed for him. The references to Eli, Mark, and he as Clay’s boyfriend had initially made them pull back until they realized that was what Taylor, Bill, and Frank wanted. At times he was tempted to say he was Clay’s boyfriend. But he knew it would hurt Clay more than him if he were to say it.
He wished Clay would tell him what was going on with him. There was no response to the rumor. No denial or confession. Nothing but blank stares and a refusal to discuss it. He had hinted it would be okay to tell him anything, but Clay just ignored him. He wondered what it would be like to be Clay’s boyfriend. Would it be so bad. Could two guys…could he, live in that role. Most of the time it was a crazy idea, but walking by Clay, seeing the hurt in the eyes, he wondered how crazy it would be.
Clay was already seated at one of the dining tables; the small cooler he used to bring lunch from home sitting at his feet and a sandwich and a small container of fruit before him. Mark looked at his friend sitting alone waiting on them to get through the line. He saw the avoidance of looking at others, none more so than Taylor, Bill, and Frank, currently in line waiting to get served. Among their friends, Clay seemed to be the mystery. The one that seemed to have so many secrets. But he looked at him and knew others had more secrets than Clay.
Mark knew the rumor, the one that affected Clay in such a profound way. To be called gay in their community was such a derogatory thing with the small mindedness of so many. The perceptions of what it meant and how so many demonized anything they didn’t understand. It was so wrong he felt like telling their class he was gay, just to see how it would affect them. But he knew it would do nothing to help Clay. Or maybe it would, he wasn’t sure.
What if Clay was gay. Would it matter. He knew it wouldn’t matter to him as he came to the table next to Clay.
“What did your mom make for your lunch?”
“Roast beef.”
“Sounds good.”
Before he sat down, Mark ran his hand over the top of Clay’s head.
“Hey, watch it,” said Clay.
“I’ve been wanting to do that all day. I can’t believe you finally cut it,” said Mark as he sat down.
“You don’t think it’s too short?”
“What? No, it looks good.”
“Thanks.”
Eli crossed the cafeteria, seeing Mark next to Clay, the two of them laughing about something. He smiled at just the sight of Clay laughing. It was good to see because it didn’t happen often enough. He moved through the tables and to the opposite side to sit in front of Clay. He wanted to sit next to him, to be a close friend like Mark and Bradley, but he knew Bradley would want to sit next to Clay, so he settled opposite where he could see the blue eyes look up.
“Hey Eli, tell this ass that Fast & Furious is going to be a good movie,” said Clay.
“No way,” said Mark.
“I’m not sure, but I think Clay might be right,” said Eli seeing how it made Mark shake his head in disgust.
“What are you guys arguing about,” said Bradley coming to the table and sitting on the other side of Clay.
“These fools think that movie Fast & Furious is going to be good and not just an excuse to wreck cars.”
“I think it’ll be good. It’s got Vin Diesel and Paul Walker in it.”
Eli saw the way Mark looked around Clay at Bradley, like he was crazy. “I think Star Trek will be the best movie this year.”
“Oh, that will be a good one too,” said Clay.
“Oh, you geeks,” said Mark.
“So, what movie are you looking forward to,” said Bradley.
“Harry Potter!” exclaimed Clay, making everyone laugh.
“No, I’m not a little kid,” said Mark.
“Well, what movie do you think?’ said Eli.
“Either the Transformers movie, or maybe that G.I. Joe movie coming out later this year,” said Mark.
“Hey, Eli, are you going to the beach with us?” said Bradley.
“Is everyone going?”
“I think so. What about you,” said Bradley, looking at Clay. “You’re going, right?”
“Yeah, I think so.”
“No thinking, you’re going.”
“I’ll go,” said Eli.
Mark came out of the locker room heading back toward the main building. He was passing the tall shrubs that lined the fence surrounding the football field, about to cut across the parking lot when he heard voices. Despite the low volume, too low to make out what was being said, he could hear the tone of them.
He immediately thought about Clay and how he was the target of bullying. He turned along the tall shrubs that ran along the long side of the football field, going away from the parking lot. He eased along until the voices grew louder and he could see shoes beneath the shrubs, three people facing one against the fence.
“Faggot, did you tell?”
It was Bill’s voice.
“No, I haven’t told anyone.”
It was Clay responding.
“Liar.”
It was Taylor.
Mark rushed through the shrubs to the narrow space between them and the fence. He found Taylor pushing Clay against the fence with Bill and Frank on either side of him, all three smiling with their cruelty.
“Hey, stop it,” yelled Mark.
“Get lost, asshole,” said Bill turning on Mark.
“No,” Mark replied, pulling his backpack off his shoulder prepared to use it to defend himself.
Taylor shoved Clay into the fence then pulled Bill back. “Let’s get out of here and leave the two love birds alone.”
As soon as the three guys had slipped through the shrubs, Mark rushed up to Clay. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. I’m fine.”
“Come on, let’s go.”
“Go? Go where?”
“The office. You have to report this. You can’t keep protecting those assholes.”
“But it’ll get worse if I do.”
“We don’t know that.”
“Mark. Yes, we do, and you know it.”
Mark dropped his arms and stood defeated, knowing Clay would never go to the office and he feared Clay would be right if he did go. He watched Clay straighten his shirt, two buttons missing revealing the chest. Clay picked up his backpack and slung it over his right shoulder and came up to Mark.
“You can’t tell anyone.”
“But—”
“Promise me.”
Mark saw Clay was near tears and he couldn’t argue with him. He nodded his head.
“Let’s get to class,” said Clay.
Bradley ran up to Eli who was about to climb into his truck to go home. It was obvious something was wrong because Bradley looked pale and scared and struggled to speak.
“What is it?” said Eli.
“Have you seen Clay?”
“Wasn’t he in your sixth period class?”
“No, he cut class.”
“He’s never done that before.”
“Mark said those assholes were bullying him after fifth period.”
“Fuck. When will it stop.”
“And Clay is not picking up his phone.”
“Shit.”
“I’m going to his house to see if he is there, and Mark is going to drive to town to the library.”
“Clay still goes to the library?”
“Yes, but I’m not sure he would go there today, not if those guys messed with him again.”
“Where else would he go?”
“I don’t know, but if you think of something call me or Mark.”
“Okay.”
Bradley took off in a run toward his SUV.
“Hey Bradley.”
“Yes?”
“I’ll drive down to the old logging camp.”
“The logging camp?”
“Yes. I heard Clay tell Mark he had been going to get away.”
“Okay. Let me know if you find him.”
Bradley jumped into his SUV and Eli climbed into his truck and raced out of the parking lot.
Eli drove as fast as he dared until out on Mill Pond Road. He drove past the Bradberry farm, then along a mile of pine lining both sides of the road until he finally came upon the fire lane. He eased across the ditch then along the lane. When the lane followed the grade down, it turned and cut through a group of old oaks and magnolias where it ended at the site of an old logging camp. There was nothing but brick piers that once supported cabins that sat along the creek, and parked to one side was Clay’s Civic.
Eli pulled up behind the car and jumped out to find it was not running and Clay not in sight. He rushed up to the car and found Clay slumped over the console.
“Clay!” Eli exclaimed as he jerked open the door. Clay didn’t move and he pulled him to sit upright. “Clay, wake up.” Then he saw the pill bottle in the footwell. He picked it up and saw it was a prescription for Clay’s mother and it was empty. “Shit, shit, shit,” Eli uttered as he put the bottle in his pocket. He shook Clay then softly slapped him across the cheek. “Come on, wake up…Clay.”
Clay stirred, mumbled something, then fell still. Eli pulled his phone out and started to call Bradley, but he knew time was against him. He had to get Clay to the hospital and wondered if he should call 911 and if he did could they find the logging camp site. He put the phone back into his pocket and pulled Clay to stand up. Clay just slumped against him, and he struggled to get his arms around the skinny torso. Finally, holding Clay upright against his chest, he carried him to his truck, and got him in the passenger seat.
“Bradley, I found Clay,” said Eli into his phone as he paced back and forth in Emergency. “Yes, he was at the logging camp.”
Eli struggled not to cry as he listened to Bradley question him.
“Bradley, he took pills. Something prescribed to his mother…and…and…Bradley they’re pumping his stomach.”
He wiped tears as he listened to Bradley.
“Yes, I’m in the waiting area of the emergency room. Hurry and Bradley, can you call his parents. I can’t do it.”
Clay sat up in bed looking out the window. It was dark outside, late, almost ten o’clock, and he was finally alone in the room. His parents left when Bradley and Mark had shown up, and before long the others came, all except Eli. He wondered if Eli was angry with him, for he knew it was Eli that found him and brought him to the hospital. He wondered how he could go back to school to finish the year or what it would be like at home, his father furious with him, embarrassed to have a son so weak and a mother who was a wreck, swearing off the pills she took for anxiety and depression. He knew she would never give them up, and he feared he could become the same as her, dependent on them. That his overdose was a sign of things to come.
He lay back and wondered if things would be better in college. Maybe he could finally admit what he could never do now. How do you tell your friends you are not like them? How do you admit you are what the bullies say about you?
The door eased open, and a head peered around the jamb. “Hey, Clay, can I come in?” It was Eli.
“Yes.”
Eli eased into the room until by the bed. He dragged the chair closer and sat down and for a long time they were silent, glancing at each other then looking away.
“Clay…”
Clay turned to Eli waiting for him to say something.
“You scared the shit out of me, you know that.”
“I’m sorry.”
“What? No, no, don’t be sorry. It’s just…”
“What?”
“I know why you did it, or at least a part of why, but…please don’t do that again. Promise me?”
“Eli, it’s just so hard and—”
“I know it has been tough on you, how those assholes singled you out to torment, but…we can get past this. Finals are in three weeks, and we’ll be done. Done with the school and those assholes and we can look to the future.”
“We?”
“Come on, Eli, you know what I mean…no, wait.”
Eli hesitated, appeared to be searching for the right words.
“Eli, I know you mean well, and I promise not to do that again. But I don’t know how I’m to finish school.”
“You know Bradley and Mark…and me will help you if you let us.”
“I know but…Eli, it’s true.”
“What’s true.”
“Every accusation by Taylor and the others. I’m gay. A faggot.”
“Stop. Please don’t say it like that. Please don’t.”
“You’re not disgusted by it?”
“NO, and you shouldn’t feel that way. I mean…Clay, you’re not the only one.”
The confessions eased the tension that existed in the hospital room. It eased the tension both had felt for years, none more so than Clay. As they sat silent for a few minutes, it was like the two of them could suddenly breathe, and they relaxed, truly relaxed with each other, and Clay told Eli of how he knew since he was fourteen and doing everything, he could to hide it. How he worried how others would see him. Eli listened, then told of similar feelings and fears.
Then Eli confessed to Clay how he liked him.
The gym was decorated for the prom and everyone in eleventh and twelfth grade were preparing for the night, all except Eli and Clay. Twenty miles away in one of the state parks, they were setting up a camp site tucked into the woods and facing the man-made lake that anchored the park. Eli quickly set up the tent, a large one suitable for six people, while Clay stacked wood in the fire ring then set up the grill.
With the longer days, the sun was still high in the western sky as they finished their camp site.
“Let’s go for a hike before we fire up the grill,” said Eli.
Clay fell in beside Eli as they made their way to the trail behind their site. They followed it deeper into the park, winding into the woods, then back to the bank along the lake. They passed a family whose young children were on tricycles, then a couple of women power walking along while in deep conversation, then for long sections they were alone.
“The prom should be all set up and everyone getting ready,” said Eli.
“You regret not going?”
“Are you kidding? No. I’m glad to be here with you.”
“Me too.”
“I kind of nervous though,” said Eli chuckling. “I’m not sure what you…you know…will like and what you’ll dislike, and…I just want this to be special.”
“It already is,” uttered Clay.
“Yeah.”
After circling the lake, they came back to the camp site. They fired up the grill and sat down looking out over the lake.
“You want to go for a swim while we wait for the coals to burn down?” said Eli.
“Let’s go after we eat.”
They rushed back into the campsite, shivering from the coolness of the lake water. Eli tossed a towel to Clay, then picked up the other to dry off. They watched each other, chuckling at how the two of them were goose bumped all over and still shivering.
“I can’t get warm,” said Clay rubbing his arms.
“Let me,” said Eli. He moved to Clay and rubbed the arms while looking into the eyes. Then he rubbed the chest, raking his fingers across each nipple, then he rubbed upward, over the neck until his hand was cupping the back of it. “I’ve wanted to do this for such a long time.” He leaned to Clay and kissed him. Gently, the softest pressure. Then he kissed him again with greater pressure and passion. The nervousness that kept them apart until now evaporated, and Eli pressed his body against Clay, moved against it while they kissed. He slid hands down Clay’s back, cupped the ass cheeks, pulling them together. Then he daringly slipped his hands inside the wet swim trunks and over the firm ass cheeks as he moved his lips along the smooth jaw, down the neck until kissing that hollow spot. He moved across the right shoulder as hands rubbed his own back, then moved downward, copying his moves until hands were inside his own swim trunks.
Eli grew emboldened, and he pushed Clay’s swim trunks down. Clay tried to stop him.
“Someone could see us.”
“There’s no one around,” said Eli pushing the trunks down until the fell freely around Clay’s feet.
Clay was naked. Fully exposed, and despite his nervousness and fear of being seen, he began to respond to Eli’s ministrations. The hand that toyed with his cock, the other rubbing his back, all the while lips moved along his jaw until pressed against his own; he grew erect filling Eli’s hand.
Eli pulled back, smiled, then stooped before Clay. He held the hard cock in his face, then moved to it, kissing the head, licking it, then slipping his lips over it and pushing forward.
“Jesus,” uttered Clay.
Eli sucked, slowly, dragging lips along the hard shaft, working his tongue over the head, then pumping his mouth on it, letting it rub over his tongue.
“I’m going to come,” Clay exclaimed.
Eli locked his lips around the cock and worked his head faster, determined to bring Eli off. The cock swelled thicker, then gushed cum into the back of his throat and filled his mouth. He swallowed and swallowed as the cock spurt wad after wad until Clay was finally spent.
But Clay stayed hard. Rock hard, and when Eli stood to kiss him, he took it in hand and stroked it to keep it that way. He slipped his wet trunks down until they fell around his feet, and he stepped out of them as he backed up, leading Clay toward their tent.
Eli fumbled with the zipper until the flap finally fell open, and he climbed in, pulling Clay to follow. He went to his back guiding Clay to move down on knees between his legs.
“I want to try…okay,” said Eli.
“Okay,” Clay replied as he took the offered legs letting them lay against his chest as he scooted closer to Eli.
Clay rubbed his cock over the ass, then pressed against the tightness. Slowly, he penetrated it. The head then an inch of shaft, then another. He held still feeling the tightness around his cock as Eli eventually relaxed to the penetration.
“Clay…do it. Fuck me. I’m ready,” said Eli.
Clay held the legs against his chest and slowly worked his cock inside Eli until in the steady rhythm of a fuck. He pushed deeper and deeper until bumping against the ass. He wanted this connection between them to be greater. He wanted more contact with Eli, and he leaned over the prone body, folding the legs back until knees were pressed into the tent floor either side of the torso and he was able to kiss Eli. To gently press lips together. As he fucked, they kissed until his arousal grew too great, and he rose up and fucked harder, faster, until pumping cum into Eli’s depths.
Clay pulled out and stood on knees as Eli unfolded his body and rested feet either side of him. He moved over the waist and lowered his ass until he felt Eli’s cock against it. He rocked his hips back and forth over it, rubbing his ass over it until he felt it flex against him. He rose on his knees and reached back for it.
“Don’t move, okay?” said Clay.
Eli, with a wide-eyed stare and nodding his head, watched Clay lowerhimself down on the cock. Half of his cock disappeared inside him, then for what seemed such a long time, they were frozen in place, neither moving.
“Are you okay?” asked Eli.
“Yeah,” Clay replied as he rose, then eased back down, sinking cock further into his ass. He continued to move, up and down, until moving with a steady pace, fucking ass on cock. He leaned back resting on his hands and worked his ass faster, slamming it down on Eli. He began to breathe hard, and his skin glistened with sweat. He took his own cock in hand and stroked with the same furious pace.
“Fuck…Clay,” Eli exclaimed. He held Clay’s ankles with a tight grip and pushed upward as the ass came down increasing his pleasure. He watched Clay’s ass move on his cock. He closed his eyes and felt it, the tightness sliding up and down his cock. “I’m going to come,” he uttered breathlessly.
Clay slammed down on the spurting cock, threw his head back, and came. Cum roped up his chest then rained down on his stomach.
During the day, they hiked, sat along the bank of the lake, or lay inside the tent having sex. At night, they daringly ran around their campsite naked, teasing and wrestling with each other until aroused, and there was nothing left to do but have sex again.
Back at school, they hung out more closely, seeing the looks of others. It was obvious something was going on, but no one dared to ask, except for Bradley.
In the parking lot ready to leave for the day, Bradley walked with Clay to his car. Neither said much until standing next to the car.
“Hey, I was wondering about something,” said Bradley.
“Eli?”
“Yeah.”
Clay looked at his friend and knew it would be alright. “It’s true, you know. What they are saying about me.”
“I know.”
“You do?”
“Yeah. But I don’t care. We’re friends and…I just don’t know how to talk to you about it.”
“Bradley, I don’t expect you to know but if you don’t have a problem and if we can still be friends, then—”
“But we are friends,” Bradley interjected.
A silence passed between them, then Bradley saw Eli coming toward them.
“And Eli?” said Bradley.
“Yes.”
“And the two of you…are?”
“Dating.”
Bradley smiled, nodding his head. “I knew something happened the night of the prom. The two of you camping at the park.”
“Hey, Bradley,” said Eli as he strolled up next to Clay. “We’re going for pizza later. Some of you guys want to join us?”
“Sure, I’ll see who wants to come. What time?”
“6:30.”
“Well, I need to go,” said Bradley, pushing off the side of Clay’s car and moving toward his own truck. After going a short distance, he stopped and turned around. “Hey, I think you guys need to talk to Mark.”
“Mark?” said Eli.
“I think he is struggling with something and…just talk to him. Okay?”
“I’ll talk to him,” said Clay.
The Thai restaurant was busy, and Clay led Eli to one of the four-tops along the side wall. Around them was a diversity reflected by their neighborhood. Latinos, Thais, dark skin tones and light skin tones, and gay couples and straight. It still amazed Eli to see it, and now it all seemed under threat by the same bullies they suffered far too often.
“They should be here,” said Clay.
“Relax, you know they are always running late.”
Their waitress brought menus, chopsticks, and took their drink order. Eli watched Clay; the person so familiar now he believed he could read Clay’s mind. He saw the eyes scanning the front windows then going back to the door, always anxious when someone was late.
“There they are,” said Clay.
Eli turned in time to see Mark and Arthit entering the restaurant. He smiled as they came their way. It had been Clay’s idea to get Mark to move to Boulder five years ago. Mark had been in Montgomery in a dead-end job and once again found himself alone after a nasty breakup. Less than three months after moving, Mark had met Arthit in the very restaurant they were now dining at. Arthit’s older brother owned it, and he had been there for lunch sitting at the bar when Mark came in alone and sat next to him. Eli considered it a good omen. A change of place and a new life for Mark. He knew for Clay and for him the area had been good. The changes in attitude by society and a place far more progressive had over time made the old demons fade to memory.
