The Scar

When my parents moved our family to this little Massachusetts town, I was looking forward to great things. That little narrow-minded town in Missouri had become unbearable. Things had been very quiet for us. That is until the French club got back for its yearly trip to France. My sister Helen came back with an extra package. The EPT test gave away some of the fun she’d had there, and a trip to the doctor’s office confirmed it. It didn’t take long for word to get out, and the populous began having conniptions. She was called every name you can think of, and maybe some you can’t.  

The captain of the baseball team didn’t seem to suffer, and he was the sperm donor. My sister admitted that to us at the family meeting to discuss how we would handle things. The asshole denied everything, and I made plans to get back at him.

My brother Steve is one year older than I, and he didn’t escape unscathed. After several years of trying to get Danielle to be his girl, she finally said yes this year. They were perfect together, and I often thought they’d be an old married couple that fell in love in middle school, but she immediately broke up with him when the news of my sister’s pregnancy got out. She told him that our family was not good enough for her family.

I was even more unhappy about the whole thing when I was the one who had to clean the word ‘slut’ off the family car. The cleaner used to remove that paint was difficult to tolerate even with the gloves and respirator. Anyway, my dad got a transfer, and on our last day in school, I told everyone that would listen that I knew Butch Anderson couldn’t be the father, and I told everyone why. I started off letting everyone know that I was gay (can you believe they said--but you don’t act gay). Plus I let them all know that I had been fucking Butch regularly before he went to France and that we pretended to date my sister as a coverup. I told them he broke up with me after the France trip because he found out he liked smaller dicks because they were easier to suck. The part about Butch wasn’t true, but a friend of mine wrote to me to tell me that everyone in school believed it. He should have confessed to fucking my sister.

Even though I expected things to be better in Massachusetts, they weren’t that much better. There wasn’t any fallout from my sister’s pregnancy because no one knew. She went to live with grandparents until the baby came.  

As for me, I was in eighth grade and I quickly got the memo that there were no gay people in town. Translation: There are no uncloseted people in our town. Mr. Farley at the pet store was so gay, I was sure he had “Fuck me” tattooed on his ass. He had a huge bulge. You could see the outline of his dick. He was circumcised. He caught me checking out his package one day, and after that, he always gave me a knowing wink. He’d still be in his thirties when I got to be eighteen, but he wasn’t my type.  

I wanted to let everyone know, so guys could feel free to approach me, but I wasn’t ready to start a revolution, and after talking to my dad about things, we decided that ninth or tenth grade would be a better time to make an announcement. He suggested a few friends at first; the word can spread, and we’ll see whether the town doesn’t give a shit or whether it would be a major problem.

My weekday routine was going to school, coming home, doing homework, eating dinner, family time, alone time, sleep, and repeat. So, even though Saturdays were routine, I did look forward to them. They started with the most important meal of the day; then I went downtown to one of the antique shops. I never went to look at anything in particular, just to look and learn. Today was no different. I arrived at the store owned by Brenda Smith just as it was opening. I had my notebook with me, but it would stay put away unless I saw something new that piqued my interest.

An hour later with nothing to grab my attention, I went to the park that ran adjacent to the town square. The park was larger than most city parks and extended down toward the river. I loved to walk down to the old mill and watch the water wheel. I knew that it no longer provided energy to the mill. The turning was just for show as the mill was just a display piece as well. But I found it amazing how the power of flowing water was used in the past and how that power was being studied today as a source of renewable energy. Sometimes I wondered whether I should go into engineering and work in that area. I still had time to decide.

I saw him immediately upon arriving at the huge wheel. He was looking down at the water as if he had dropped something and was trying to spot it. His clothes looked a little outdated, but retro means different styles to different people. He seemed to be looking so intently down at the water that I wanted to see that object. I decided to approach and talk to him.  

Laughter off to my right drew my attention. A father and his son were playing toss with a dog running between them. They appeared to be having fun, and I laughed to myself. I turned back to the figure by the water, and he was gone. I looked around but didn’t see him. I began to run to the edge; did he fall in? Looking into the water, I saw nothing but water. I looked around again. Where did he go? Did I imagine him? It’s weird how you can look away from something and then totally miss what happens. I mentioned it to my brother later that day, and he was right. The guy walked away, and I didn’t see it.

School seemed to go smoothly the next week. I made adjustments because of the differences in where the classes were. I had some catching up to do in math class, but English class had just finished a novel. They were beginning a research project, so that was cool. Soon it was Saturday again, and I was back in town examining the antiques at Jones Elderly Furniture. They had a new shipment of four-poster beds and were stilling setting them up in the large room at the back. I was making notes on the different posts and finials when I turned around and saw the same guy in the old brownish suit examining one of the beds. I walked toward him to introduce myself when he quickly turned and spotted me.

He was very handsome and about my age I was sure. He turned away and his medium-length brown swung back, revealing a darkish red area in front of his ear. With his back to me, he seemed to hesitate before he bolted toward the back exit. I tried to follow, but the path to the door was neither straight nor clear. He was out the door a good ten seconds before I reached it. Looking at the driveway behind the stores around the north side of the square, I saw him disappear around a corner in the direction of the park. I took off after him.

He was a good football field ahead of me the entire way to the old mill. There was a narrow path between the edge of the stone bank and the building, and I saw him head that way, I circled the building in the other direction, and was about to collapse when I reached the edge of the mill. I could see where the path followed along the stone edge until it became merely a path next to a river. He was nowhere on that path. He had to be on the path next to the building. The entrance to the museum in the mill was on the west side of the building. As I passed the windows on the south side, I looked into the museum and saw no one. I reached the path, and I still saw him going into the mill. I called out to him, but he didn’t answer. What was up with this guy?

I walked down the path to the door and turned the handle; it creaked a little. The door looked as though it hadn’t been opened in years, and it was locked. I ran back to the entrance to the museum and went in. A sign read “No Docent On Duty, please obey all signs.” He had to be in here. I could not understand why he had run away from me, and I didn’t understand my need to find him.

In front of me I saw the big grinding wheels and looking up I could see a catwalk. There also seemed to be stairs down to another level. “Hello,” I called out. The room seemed hollow.  

“I’m here.” The figure stepped out from behind a support column. He was still in the shadow, but I could tell it was the same man I’d seen previously.

I stepped closer. “Why are you running away from me?”

“The other boys are always trying to knock me down and hurt me.” He stepped closer, and I could tell it was a boy about my age. His hair was almost shoulder length and wavy. He had handsome features, and the same out-of-date clothes he wore the other day. I guessed he was about five feet seven in height, and probably around a hundred to a hundred-twenty pounds.

“I just wanted to talk to you. I saw you searching the water by the wheel last week, and I was wondering what you had lost. I’m not going to hurt you. I’m new in town, and I’m looking for friends.”

“When I was young, I took one of my uncle’s keys. I wanted to unlock one of the doors below us, but the key didn’t work. The key slipped out of my hand when I was looking at the water, and I couldn’t find it. My uncle beat me and hurt me. I hope one day to find the key so I can hurt him with it.” He stepped closer to me. “That is mean; I shouldn’t say things like that.”

“I understand. It’s normal to want to hurt people who hurt us. Hey, it’s a nice day outside. I’ve wanted to see where the path next to the water goes. Want to walk with me?”

“I’d like a walk next to the river.”

We headed out of the museum and walked toward the large wheel. As we turned north, I introduced myself. “I’m Danny Jonson.”

“I’m Myles Winthrop. I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“Likewise,” I responded. This guy is different. I like him, I thought. “So why have I not seen you at school?”

“Mother and Father believe that I should be educated at home. They worry that the public school has too many lower-class children in attendance.”

I laughed and absent-mindedly put my arm in his and pulled him along the path.

“Danny, one should not get so familiar here on the path where the public might view us. If you wish to walk arm-in-arm, or hand-in-hand, which I should think I would enjoy, we should wait until we are under the cover of the woods.”

I let go of him immediately and nodded. “Of course, I forgot myself.” But I couldn’t believe what I just heard. He just told me that he wanted to hold hands. I started to feel a little excited. Was I about to have my first boyfriend? Would he try to kiss me when we were farther into the woods? Or should I try to kiss him? I thought when I met a guy I liked who liked me, too, that things wouldn’t be so complicated.

As we ‘strolled’ into the woods, as Myles put it, I told him about the classes I was taking at school. He told me about his tutor. This tutor would slap him if his answers were wrong, or if he daydreamed. He said the tutor was highly respected, but I didn’t like it. Hitting kids to get them to learn was not acceptable; I didn’t think it happened anymore.

Once we were deeper into the woods, Myles took my hand. I looked at him, and he smiled. I smiled back. I had the sense that I was disconnected from the world, and it was just the two of us. We kept walking, but we didn’t say anything. I felt his fingers between mine, grasping me firmly, completely.

I crossed in front of him and leaned against a tree that was next to the path, and I pulled him toward me. Our faces were just inches apart. We looked deeply into each other’s eyes.

“You have the most beautiful deep blue eyes, Danny. They are the color of sapphires.”

“Yours are emeralds. We’re a complementary set of gems.” I looked at his lips, his deep pink lips and then back at his eyes.  

He leaned toward me, and our lips touched. His lips gently caressed mine. I mirrored his movements, and I reached up and touched the back of his head. His hair was soft, and I played with it between my fingers. His kisses moved to my jaw and then my neck.

I had practiced kissing back in Missouri with my friend Roy, but I was not prepared for the level of sensuality that I was experiencing. I had hoped to feel this way when I would finally have sex, but the sensations were incredible. I felt dizzy, but I didn’t want it to stop.

I wrapped my arms around Myles and pulled our chests together. I tried to kiss him the way he kissed me. I heard him moan a little when I kissed his ear. He pulled back a little and asked me if I wanted to go swimming.

“I like swimming,” I told him. I tried to imagine what he would look like in a swimming suit. I imagined I’d look like a collection of goosebumps. “It’s a little chilly for swimming isn’t it?” I knew the pool we had in the backyard was still a little cold.

“But the water in the pond is always cold.”

“What pond?” I’d never been in anything other than a pool.

“Up ahead there’s pond a few yards off the river. It’s fed by a little stream. It isn’t very deep, probably about 10 feet near the middle, in case you’re worried about that.”

“No it’s not that at all, but we haven’t any trunks.”

“I have trunks at home. They’re in the attic. Do you keep your bathing suit in a trunk? Anyway, we’ll go skinnydipping in the pond.”

“I’d rather go swimming in a swimming pool.”

“It’s not because you’re embarrassed, is it? Because I noticed that you have nothing to be embarrassed about.”

“You noticed that, did you?” I smiled. I knew his hand had done some exploring. I had wanted to do the same thing, but I was concentrating on my kissing technique. I reached forward and tucked his hair behind his ears.

He pulled away. “Don’t do that. Please.” He brought the hair back in front and turned away.

I wasn’t thinking. I had uncovered the scar in front of his left ear. “I’m sorry. I … wouldn’t hurt you for anything.” I moved in front of him and kissed him. “Forgive me.”

Tears formed in his eyes. “I am being too sensitive. I should apologize to you for my behavior.”

“No. I like sensitive. It means you are aware of things that others are oblivious to.” I kissed him again. Let’s go get something to eat. And let’s go swimming next Saturday. My family will be out of town; they’re going to visit my sister. I’ll get the pool ready. No dirt between our toes.”

“Your family must be very wealthy to have a pool.”

“Not really. Lots of people have them.” I grabbed his hand and we began to walk back to town.

“I know of no one with a pool.”

“You know me. Let’s plan to meet at my house for lunch and then we’ll swim in the afternoon. Do your parents allow you to have sleepovers?”

“What is a sleepover?” Myles asked me seriously.

“It’s when you stay at a friend’s house overnight, silly.” I laughed.

Miles’ face became very serious. “My parents would never allow that.”

“Well, do you think you can stay for dinner, or will you have to go back home?”

“I think it’s best if we meet at the park. We can proceed to your house for lunch and swimming, and then I will head back home.”

“What time in the park?”

“How’s eleven sound?” I ask him, hoping he would say earlier.

He let go of my hand. “We’re getting close to town. I’ll be at the mill at ten-forty-five, in case you get there early. I’ll look for my bathing suit.”

“I have an extra if you can’t find it.” I smiled and turned to look at his reaction, but he was gone. I stopped and looked all around. How did he walk away so quickly and so quietly? He was nowhere to be seen. Was he really worried that his parents would see him talking to someone? Or was he afraid of the tutor? I told myself that I would ask him the next time I saw him. Right now, I wanted to share the news with my brother.

When I got home, I found my brother asleep on his bed with a book in his hand. He loves to read, but it always makes him sleepy. Our optometrist in Missouri gave him reading glasses, but he always forgets to put them on. I’ve seen him read for hours when he has the glasses on. Without them, I’ve seen him nod off in fifteen minutes.

He needed to be awake to listen to me, so I shook him awake. He finally sat up. I told him all about Myles; I’m sure I sounded like a kid with a new toy, but I was sure that the kissing would not have been that good if there weren’t love blossoming in there somewhere. When I told him that Myles was coming over the next weekend to swim, Steve got that look, the look that meant he thought I was up to something.

Now, I was honest with myself. If Myles wanted more than lunch, a swim, and a heavy session of making out, I was certain that I would give in. After all, who could resist those green eyes and that wonderful smile? I didn’t need the safe sex speech and directions on where to find the condoms. But as Steve pointed out, there was no lube in the condom drawer. Dad had given us the safe anal sex talk when I came out. He made Steve and Helen sit in on the talk as well. He told us that gay guys weren’t the only ones having anal sex.

“Well, no lube; you know what that means, don’t you?” Steve’s question was directed at me.

I tried to look dumb. “You’re going to tell Dad that we need some. But now that you’re not getting any, it looks like we have plenty of condoms.” That earned me a slug in the arm.

“What it means, bro, is that you’re going to tell Dad about Myles. You’re going to let him know that you like the guy and that we should get some lube in the safe drawer just in case. If you don’t do that, I’m going to tell him that you’re planning to have sex with Myles. I think he’d rather hear the ‘just in case’ plan rather than the ‘going to regardless’ plan.”

Steve was right, and I knew it was best to be prepared. So I went downstairs. My dad was on the porch with my mom. It looked as though they were enjoying iced tea and the conversation.

“Excuse me.”

My dad looked up at me. This would be easier if Mom weren’t here. But I soldiered on. “I’ve met someone nice, and I don’t know where things will go, but you’ve always told us to be prepared.”

“Yes, I did. Do you need help with getting prepared?”

My father was smiling; he wasn’t going to make it easy for me. He was going to make me ask.

“Danny, has your brother used all the condoms?”

I started laughing. “No, there are plenty of those, but there isn’t any lubricant. I guess he’s used it all.” I laughed even harder.

“And Danny.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Ask your brother what he’s done with the bottle I bought last week.”

“Dad, you know that Steve’s been complaining about his left shoulder, and you haven’t forgotten that he’s left-handed.”

My dad smiled. “I haven’t forgotten.”

My mother chimed in. “I just realized what you two are talking about. You should be ashamed of yourselves. And if Steve is using that much, he needs to get a job.”

I ran upstairs trying not to laugh. I went into Steve’s room and immediately told him. “They’re onto you. They think you’re masturbating night and day, and that’s why you’ve used up the new bottle Dad just bought. Mom said you need to get a job so you can buy your own.” Then I went back to my room laughing the entire way.

Saturday took forever to arrive. Each day seemed to take more than twenty-four hours. When Friday arrived, the school day would not end. I knew that Steve would not be walking home with me. He checked out of school early to go with my parents. After an eternity, the end of the day bell rang. I still had to wait for ten-thirty on Saturday. I spent the afternoon cleaning the pool and getting the patio perfect. I had done the chemical treatment earlier in the week. We had a black cover on the pool, so it was supposed to help keep the water warmer. I pulled it back to make sure no leaves had slipped into the pool. I cleaned out the skimmers. I repositioned the black cover; I would remove it before I left for the mill in the morning.

At the beginning of the week, I read more about being intimate with another guy, and I had purchased a hot water bottle using my own money. I waited until my parents were gone before using it. I decided to use it tonight and tomorrow after breakfast. Some of the readings I’d done said that using the hot water bottle could be fun. I didn’t find it so. Let’s just say it was necessary. I sprayed some bleach in the bottom of the shower and left it there for tomorrow’s exercise in anal cleanliness.

I drifted off to dreams of kisses and pool play. I tried to decide what Myles’ chest looked like. I predicted that none of my predictions would turn out to be correct.

I woke up at nine the next morning, and I started to panic. I did not want to be under a time crunch. I ran downstairs and out to the pool. I pull the cover back. I had a terrible time getting it folded, probably because I was trying to rush. Once off, I put it in the shed and headed back inside to shower, etc. The bathroom stank of bleach. I guess I had put too much on the shower pan. I was clean, showered, and ready to go by ten-twenty. I ate a piece of bread on my way to the mill. I walked calmly. I didn’t want to be all sweaty when I got there. I got there at forty-two after ten. The museum was already open, but I went around back and walked in the shade along the water’s edge. No one else was on the path. I could hear other people in the park, but the sound of the water overrode them.

I saw a duck trying to land on the water wheel, and I ran over to get a better look. It looked ridiculous but flew away before I got there. I stopped and watched it land in the water, I turned around and Myles was right behind me. Startled, I jumped. “Whoa, you sure can sneak up on a fellow.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s as though you just appeared out of nowhere.”

“No, I just walked here from my house.”

“Well, it’s good to see you, Myles. Are you hungry, because I’m starved? I’ve only had a piece of bread this morning.”

“I had a biscuit and some milk. That’s usually what I have. How far is your house? Will you be able to make it, or do we need to get you something to eat?”

“I’ll make it. Don’t worry. I was exaggerating a little bit.” We started walking to the south side of the park. “I live about fifteen minutes away. Hey, did you remember your bathing suit.”

“I couldn’t find it. It was strange. I remember putting it in the trunk in the attic, but the trunk was empty. You said you’d let me use one of yours, or I could just go without any clothing.”

I looked over at him. “I wouldn’t mind swimming in the nude. No one could see us. The fence around the backyard is tall enough to keep it private.”

“Then let’s do that.” I smiled, and he smiled back.

On the way home, we passed a small convenience store. I told Myles I wanted to get some candy for us, and I wanted to know about his favorite kind. He told me he had a piece of a chocolate bar once, and he would love to have another piece.

‘A piece of one. Once?’ I thought. I was going to send this boy to heaven. We went into the store, and I picked an assortment: Mr. Goodbar, Hershey’s, Kit Kat, Butterfinger, Snickers.

“That’s too much, don’t you think?” Myles seriously asked me.

“It’s a celebration. It’s not all we’re having. I’ve pre-ordered pizza, so it’ll be delivered at noon.”

“Such splendor is unbelievable. It will be different when you come to my home.”

“If you serve me bread and water, I will be happy for you will have given it to me in great friendship.”

The clerk behind the counter looked like one of my mother’s new friends, but I could be sure. Her eyes kept darting back and forth. I wondered if she were a little touched in the head. “Six dollars and forty-seven cents.”

I gave her seven and put the change in the jar to help a kid in the next town with medical bills.

“Over six dollars?” Myles was astonished at the amount I spent.

“You’re worth it, sweetheart.”

Myles immediately turned red and looked around to see if anyone hear me.

“I’m sorry. I’ll be more careful.”

Myles nodded. “I just don’t want you to get into trouble.”

We walked the rest of the way without talking. Before I opened the door, Myles whispered his amazement at the mansion I lived in.

“It’s not a mansion, I told him. It’s just a regular house.”

“This is not a regular house. How many servants do you have?”

I laughed, closed the door, and kissed him. “Want to go look at the pool?”

He nodded, and we walked through the living room and kitchen. I opened the sliding door to the back patio. Myles walked to the edge of the pool and stared in amazement. “It’s so clear.”

“That’s why I like it better than swimming in the pond. Fewer germs, and when you get out, you don’t feel dirty. We’ll get in after lunch.”

“But we’ll need to wait for our food to digest; otherwise, we’ll drown.”

“That’s a myth, Myles.”

“A myth?”

“Yeah, you can look it up on the Internet. The Mayo Clinic has information about it.”

“Danny, I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I’ll trust you.” Myles walked farther into the back yard. He insisted that I lived in a house built for rich people. I put my arm in his as we walked around. The privacy fence prevented anyone’s seeing us. We circled back to the patio. Miles had just pulled me next to him and kissed me when we heard the doorbell.

I didn’t want to stop, but the pizza man waits for no one. “Food’s here.” I went to the door expecting him to follow, but he remained back at the sliding glass door. I brought the pizza out to the patio, and we each ate a few slices. I was amazed that he’d never had pizza before. I was glass he liked it. He’d never had root beer either. Root beer is my favorite with pizza. For dessert, we shared the Butterfinger. He told me he liked everything. I was surprised by how happy that made me.

When we finished eating, I showed Myles his choices for swimwear. He told me that he’d prefer no clothes. He was my guest, so I didn’t argue. I suggested we just put our clothes on the chairs, and I went into the house to get us some towels. By the time I got back out, Myles had removed his shirt and was about to remove his boxers. He stopped and looked at me.

He was gorgeous. He was slim and just a hint of six-pack abs was visible. His pecs were also just visible, just what I’d expect for someone my age in good physical condition. He put his undershirt, as he called it, on the chair, and without hesitation, he removed his boxers. He had just the beginnings of pubic hair. His penis appeared to be about four inches long; it was flaccid and uncircumcised. There was no extra tissue on the tip. It lay against his balls without leaning to the right or the left. It looked perfect.

I tried to pretend that I wasn’t staring, but I was, and Myles knew it. He smiled. “I hoped that you would like me this way.”

“I do.” I quickly undressed, and just as I was about to remove my underwear, I felt really shy. All those thoughts of doubt ran through my head. What if he didn’t like the way I looked? What if he thought my penis was ugly? I took a deep breath and pulled that last piece of clothing free. I was exposed.

“You’re Jewish?” Myles questioned me with a tone of surprise.

“No. Why?”

“Your penis is circumcised.”

“Yeah, all the men in my family are.”

“I thought only Jewish males were circumcised.” Myles continued to stare in disbelief.”

I looked down at my limp member. “Methodists do it, too.”

“Oh,” he mumbled. “We’re Presbyterian.”

I stepped next to him. “I promise it works the same way yours does.” I took his arm and pulled him to the pool. I led him into the water until only our shoulders were exposed, then I kissed him. I ran my index finger down his nose to his chin. I circled one of his nipples before moving to his belly button. He did a cute giggle as I ran it across his abs. I hesitated to move farther down. I lifted my feet and began to tread water.

“I like you, Myles.”

He started to tread water, too. “I like you, too, Danny.” He swam off toward the deep end of the pool.

I saw a glimpse of his back for the first time. It was covered with thin lines, scars that were made by something cutting into his skin. I wondered whether the tutor who hit him had also made those scars. Miles was swimming back toward the shallow end of the pool.

He stopped and stood up. “What’s wrong?”

“I just saw those scars on your back.” Before I could say anything else, he rushed toward me.

“Please don’t hate me. I’m not bad. Honest, I’m not.” He grabbed my shoulders. “Please.”

“I don’t hate you, Myles. I might even be falling in love with you. But someone hurt you, didn’t he?”

“I …” he stuttered.  

Suddenly a really cold breeze blew through the yard. I shuddered. The water temperature seemed to drop. Myles held me to him. He started to shiver as well. I noticed that the sky had clouded over. “Let’s go inside.” We huddled together as we got out of the pool. “Just grab your stuff.” I put Myles’ towel around him and gathered mine. The wind seemed to howl as I pulled the door open. Miles turned around and looked at the pool. I pushed him inside. The door was difficult to close as if someone were trying to open it at the same time I tried to shut it. I finally got it closed. “That was weird. Anyway, let’s shower off.”

We headed up to the bathroom I shared with my brother. “Is that a flush toilet?” Myles asked me.

“It’s a toilet,” I said. “And, it flushes.” I smiled. Myles could crack me up. I turned on the shower. “Just put your clothes on the counter. You can put your towel on the floor.” I dropped mine so it would be a bath mat when we got out of the shower. “I’ll wash them later.” I had fantasized about what was about to happen ever since my brother made me watch that movie where the psychiatrist dresses up and kills. The scene in the shower always made me hard.

The water streaming from the showerhead was nice and warm, so I pulled Myles in with me and pulled the curtain closed. He acted as though he’d never been in a shower before. What a character! I kissed him and then got out the body wash and lathered us up.  

To rinse off, I removed the shower head and sprayed us from top to bottom. I gave my ass and extra rinse and did the same to Myles. I ran my hand between his cheeks, but he didn’t seem to enjoy it. His expression became very serious.

I put the showerhead back and pulled him so the stream ran over our heads. I kissed him. “I’ve had a really good time so far. Do you want to dry off and go into my room?”

He kissed me back, and I knew the answer. I turned off the shower, and we got out. I grabbed a towel from the rack and began to gently blot his back dry. The scars were so numerous. I cried inside for him, but I didn’t mention them. It was obvious to me that talking about them brought him pain, and I did not want that for him. I got down on my knees to dry his feet. I purposely moved my head to stimulate him. He grew longer and harder, and when I lifted my head, he was stiff. I gently kissed his manhood and pushed back the cover with my lips before running my tongue over the head.

Moans of pleasure told me I was doing a good job. I stood up; our chests touching, I looked into his eyes. My feelings were so intense. I knew I could grow up loving this boy, this man even more as each year passed. My brother told me that I might feel as though it will last forever, but it’s only lust driven by hormones. I didn’t believe that. It couldn’t be that, not the way he looked at me, not the way I felt about him.

I took him to my bed, pulled down the covers, and pulled him next to me. His skin had cooled as the water dried from it, and I held him next to me. Our erections pressed together as we snuggled. I turned so Myles was on his back and kissed him repeatedly as I moved downward. Again, I took him into my mouth and caressed his shaft with my tongue. My hands moved up, and my fingers moved across his nipples. His hips began to move up and down in rhythm, and I pulled him as far as I could into my mouth. His hands massaged the top and back of my head and then his arms stiffened; his legs became rigid, and he spewed forth his cream-like ejaculate into me. I swallowed the salty, smooth liquid.

I stayed there between his legs, and as he softened, I continued to clean him with my tongue. Myles rubbed the side of my head in a way that reassured me that he was content. I hoped he would stay with me into the evening, but I knew he had let me know that his parents would not approve of his spending the rest of the night at my house. The pleasant thoughts of the moment filled my mind, and I drifted off to sleep.

I awoke just before six in the evening. Myles was gone, but there was a note that read: next Saturday at ten-thirty, the Mill. I think I’m falling, too. Will let you know if I hit the ground. You are my happiness. May we spend the day in the woods?

I read that note over and over. I felt the happiness within. I finally got up and showered, dressed, and put the towels in the washing machine. As I walked back into the kitchen, I looked out onto the patio. I saw that I had not covered the pool back up, but I decided to get my brother to help me put it back. I checked the lock; it was still locked from earlier. Then I realized that Myles would not have been able to lock the front door, at least not the deadbolt. I grabbed a piece of pizza and headed to the living room. The deadbolt was locked. Had I already locked it? Did I absentmindedly come downstairs and lock it? I finished my pizza and went back up to my room.

I picked up the book I was reading, “Twenty-thousand Leagues Under the Sea.” I had difficulty focussing on the text. I kept picking up the note and reading it. At one point I even kissed the paper. At some point, I nodded off. I must have had wonderful dreams, as I woke up feeling wonderful.

On Monday, after school, my parents were waiting to talk to me. One of the ladies my mother knew, the one at the convenience store, told them I’d been acting weird.

My mother started. “She says you were in the store on Saturday morning.”

“Yes, Mom, I was.”

“And you bought a bunch of candy,” she added.

“Yeah, for Myles and me.”

My dad jumped in. “And you bought it before you went to get Myles?”

“No, Dad. He was in the store with me.”  

“Your mother’s friend said you were in the store by yourself, and you were talking to yourself as though you were talking to someone else.”

I stood up. “That’s crazy. She kept looking at me funny, but Myles was right there beside me.”

My mother touched my arm. “Sit down, Danny. Listen to me, son. I’m more likely to side with you on this, but people have been known to have imaginary boyfriends.”

“It’s not like that. Myles isn’t imaginary. Daddy, tell her.”

“Hey, son. I know. We’ve always been honest with you. You’ve always been honest with us. We’re telling you what we’ve been told. We’re telling you what’s gone through our minds. We’re not hiding anything from you.”

I sat back down. “He’s a real person.”

“Of course he is, Danny. And we’ll meet him the next time he comes over, right?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Now, I have something else. It’s for you. You’re spending more time away from home. You’re not coming straight home after school anymore. So, we wanted you to carry a phone with you.” He handed me a smartphone. “We want you to use it to let us know where you’ll be if your plans change, or to ask us to come and get you if the weather gets bad. You know the routine.”

“Thanks.” It was an Android, which is what I wanted. “Just so you know, I’m going to meet Myles on Saturday. We’re planning to have a picnic in the woods by the Old Mill … unless you don’t want me to.”

“Of course, you can keep your date, sweetie,” my mom told me. “Do you have homework to do or do you want to work in the flower beds? It’s your week remember?”

“I’m going to put this upstairs, and then I’ll do the beds.” I got up. “Thanks again for the phone.” I put my stuff away, changed into a t-shirt and cargo shorts, and headed outside. I’d been working for about twenty minutes when my brother came home.

“Danny, want some help?”

“Sure. I’ll help you next time.”

“Let me put my stuff up.”

While Steve and I worked on weeding the flowers, I told him what Mom and Dad had said.

“I’m sure they don’t think you’re making it up.”

Another week went by slowly as I anticipated Saturday in the woods. I had a small camouflage backpack from elementary school that I put a thin blanket in. I also made sure I had the condoms and lube inside. I slid the phone in the side pocket. Everyone was sitting around the kitchen island drinking coffee and eating croissants when I told them I was heading out. “I’ll see if Myles can come back here after lunch. Oh, and here’s the note he wrote to me last week. Don’t mess it up; I want to keep it.” I handed it to my dad, and I turned to leave.

He looked at the note and said, “Stay safe, Danny.”

They seemed to be acting weird since they got back from seeing my sister. I put it out of my mind. I was on time for my meeting with Myles. As I got closer to the water wheel, I could see him as he looked into the water, just like the first time I saw him. I shouted his name, and he turned and waved. He began to walk toward me.

“My parents are out of town; do you want to come to my house?” He seemed very happy. “My tutor left for Boston this morning. He isn’t supposed to leave when they’re gone, but he said he got an important message and would be gone for the day.”

I looked at him and smile. I felt even happier than I felt when I woke up. “Let’s go.” He didn’t live very far from the park, but it was on a street I’d never had to go on before. The houses on the street were way over one hundred years old and had a semi-Victorian look to them. I told myself that I would research the style later. Right now, my focus was on the guy leading me to 117 Birch Street.

He opened the door and let me go in first. The entrance was very dark. The wood paneling on the walls was dark, and the rooms off to the side had darkly stained wainscotting.  

“My room’s upstairs.” He giggled. He seemed really, truly happy, and that made me feel even happier. We got to his room, and he closed the door. “I want to fill this room with good memories.”

I held his head in my hands and kissed him. I explored his mouth with my lips and my tongue. He did the same.

“I want us to be in my bed, the way we were in yours last week.”

“If that’s what you want, we can, but I have something better in mind.”

“I trust you,” he told me. “Let me light the fire.” He went to the fireplace and began to build a fire.

I noticed that the room had very little in it. His bed, a wardrobe, a chair, and a small bookcase were the only furnishings. I put my backpack on the chair and removed some condoms and lube. I was zipping the backpack closed when I decided to text my father about the last-minute change. “117 Birch, Myles’ house not the woods. Love you.” I put the protection next to the pillow and turned to see a fire starting. Myles stood up. I began to pull up my t-shirt.

“Let me do that,” he said as he moved closer to me. I stopped and allowed him to remove it. Then he unbuckled my shorts and pulled them and my underwear to the floor. I kicked off my shoes, and he pulled off my socks. I stood naked before him, and he wrapped his mouth around my flaccid member. As I began to harden, he stood up and kissed me. I unbuttoned his shirt as he unbuttoned his pants. Soon, we stood pressed together.

I kissed his ear and whispered, “I want you to make love to me.”

“Tell me what you want,” he answered.

“I’m going to put a condom on your penis, and I’m going to put lube on it, and I’m going to put lube around my hole; I want you to put your penis inside me.”

Horror came across his face. “No, that will hurt you. I cannot do that to you.”

“No, baby.” I held his face in my hands. “It won’t hurt me. It will feel nice. Right at first it may feel uncomfortable as I stretch because you are so big. But we’ll be joined together. Trust me.”

He seemed to be fighting back tears. “OK, I do trust you.”

I got him ready and got into position. I felt him against me. I nodded at him. “I’m ready, Myles. I need you inside me.” I reached and guided him in. There was more pressure than I had expected. I gasped.

“I’m hurting you. I’ll stop.”

“No. It’s just because you’re so big, and I’ve never done this. You’re the first person to love me.”

“I do love you, Danny.”

“Then slide inside.”

Myles did as I asked. The pressure feeling subsided.

“I want to slide in and out. I have the urge to move in and out of you.”

“Then do it.”  

He began to do just that. The feeling was intense. He leaned forward and kissed me as he continued to thrust inside me. His chest was against mine; his lips covered my mouth and then my cheek and then my ear and then back to my mouth. His arms held my knees against my chest as he plunged into me as deeply as he could. The frequency of thrusts increased, and he emitted a deep groan as he filled the condom. Then he collapsed on me.

I held him to me. “I love you, Myles.”

He lifted his head and smile. I felt him twitch inside me.

“Now, you have to hold the condom against your penis as you slide out.”

He did as I asked, and I felt a jab of pleasure as he pulled out.

“Slide the condom off and tie a knot in the end.”

“That felt so good. I want you to do that to me.”

I leaned up and kissed him, and we traded places. With the condom in place, I lubed my shaft and head and began to put lube on Myles. I slipped my finger inside him and he gasped.

“That feels so nice. When Mr. Thompson punishes me, it doesn’t feel nice. It hurts. It hurts a lot.”

So much ran through my head at that moment. Myles was being abused, both physically and sexually.

“But I love you, Myles. I’m not going to hurt you.”

“I know. He does it to punish. You’re making love.”

“That’s right.” Myles grabbed me and pulled me inside him. He sucked air into his lungs so rapidly that it startled me.

“I can feel you inside me, Danny, and it doesn’t hurt.” He began moving his hips. “I like it.”

I kissed him. I looked deep into his eyes as I began deep, but gentle thrusts. We made love; we made real love. And when I got closer, I could sense that Myles was getting ready to come again. I began to thrust faster and harder. I couldn’t seem to help myself. I came hard, harder than I ever had, and in the middle of it, Myles came again, too.

“Yes!” It was so loud it made me jump a little.

“Suddenly, the house seemed to rumble. A loud “No” seemed to echo from every wall. I pushed myself up, still inside Myles. “What was that?”

“Don’t worry,” said Myles calmly. “Mr. Thompson can’t hurt me anymore. You love me, and I love you.”

The door to the room broke from its hinges, and a large, ugly man burst into the room. “No,” he yelled. He grabbed me and threw me against the wardrobe. I slid down to the floor, my head felt fuzzy.

I saw Myles stand up and point his finger and the man. “I am free,” he told the man. “Danny has proven his love for me.”

In that instant the man seemed to dissolve into flames; the whole room seemed to be on fire. My head hurt so bad. I heard Myles tell me that he loved me.

I woke up on the ground. I was naked. My backpack and clothes were not far from me, and I was between 115 and 119 Birch Street. There was no house at 117 Birch. I sat up and saw my father talking to a woman in the house across the street.

“Daddy?”

He turned and saw me. “Danny!” He ran to me and held me in his arms.

“What happened to the house? Where’s Myles.”

My dad kissed me on the top of the head. “Get your clothes on, and we’ll go home and talk about it.

When we got home, my dad made me take a hot shower before joining my mother, brother, and him in the living room. He told me that my brother had followed me to the old mill and had videoed me. My brother linked it to the TV, and there on the screen, I saw myself talking to thin air.

“But he was there,” I told them.

The video followed us out of the park, and then my brother said he lost sight of us and had gone back home to show my parents.

My dad continued. “When I got your text, I wasn’t sure if you were just letting me know about a change of plans or that you needed help and that’s where you were. I headed over there, but there was just an empty lot at that address. I thought maybe you got the address wrong, so I went across the street. The woman there said she thought she had seen a single boy walking along the street, but she didn’t pay it any mind. That’s when the woman’s mother spoke up. I recorded what she said.

The TV was on again showing a very elderly woman talking. “That house was always bad. When I was little, the boy living there would sometimes sneak out to play. Oh, what was his name?”

A voice in the background said, “Didn’t you tell me once that a boy named Nyles or Myles lived there?”

“That’s right. That was his name. He got in trouble for playing with us. His parents were always away from home, but he had this man who taught him. He wasn’t allowed to go to school with us. That man beat him. You could hear him screaming in the middle of the night. It was awful, but no one did anything about things like that back then. One night, the house caught fire. It burned completely to the ground. You could hear the boy screaming inside. They filled in the basement, and no one ever wanted to build a house there. Sometimes, I thought I could still hear him screaming.” The video went off.

“I don’t understand,” I said. Tears filled my eyes. “I love Myles.”

“Danny, that house burned down around 1925. Myles has been dead for almost one hundred years.”