The Novel

Drew and I were in the back of the car heading to a dinner that was being held in my honor, we were about thirty minutes away.  I asked the driver if he could put on some easy listening music, Drew had stopped trying to talk to me.  He knew that my mind was elsewhere and gauging through his body language, he retired any thought to engage me any further.

Soon the silence in the car was filled with the soft sounds of a calypso song in the background.  Something I had never heard before.  When I asked the driver, he told me it was called “Seven Tears” from a group called Goombay Dance Band.  There was a phrase that caught me in the back of the mind that brought about a memory of Brent, I choked up as I sighed, and a tear stated to form in the corner of my eye.

Drew took notice, I could see him jotting down a mental note.  “Nick, you know that he is in your heart as well as all of our thoughts tonight?”

“Fuck” was the only word that would come forward.  On what should have been an enjoyable occasion, all I could feel was an unbearable pain of knowing that I did not have Brent in the car with us right now.  I found my love for him to be ever growing, it was not dying away.

Drew reached over and grabbed my hand.  I was looking out the window, trying to hide my face.  He then reached up and gently used his index finger under my chin to turn toward him.  “You know everyone here for you!”  He smiled and winked at me.

“Thank you Drew, and I know.  I wouldn't have been able to make it this far without everything you have done for me.  I will give you a heads up, I think we need to start working on a trip to Europe.  How about this fall?  I think I need to see the family before the publicity wheel for this book gets into full gear.”  Trying my best to change the subject all together.

That put a little smile of relief on his face.  “I will start the ball rolling.  Do you want to stay at the Hotel or are you planning on staying with your family?”

“Best to start with the hotel first, late September to mid-October.  This time we are taking Sebastian.  He's not asked for any time off for a couple of years now, I am starting to feel a little guilty.  Once we have dates set up, we will inform him.”  I winked back to him.

I figured he knew what I had just done to avoid what I know he was trying to get me to talk about when he grabbed my knee and smiled.  “You got it Nick.”

I looked out the window, thinking about that phrase in that song and started to think about the fourth of July weekend the summer before we stated college. 

The week after Brent’s graduation party, my cousin Ed invited me and Grandma to their beach house for the fourth of July weekend.  I knew that the country club was actually planning on shutting down the facilities that weekend because it was rented out for some big wedding.  The family had deep pockets and wanted complete access to the entire property.  They were actually going to use the pool area as part of their celebration.  

I called Ed and asked about Brent.  He let me that Grandma pre-warrened him about me asking.  He has said that he had no issues with it and even extended the invitation to Brents family.  I told him that I had no clue about their plans as of yet.  Shortly after I hung up with him, called Brents house.

“It’s all sunshine and lolli pops here at the Lucas stables, which horse would you like to saddle up Nicky?” Moms joyous voice beamed over the phone.

“Hey Mom, actually, I wish to saddle you up.”  We both cracked up laughing.  “Do you and Dad have plans this next weekend?”

“We were just planning on making a day of it downtown with the crowds, we have not done that in a while, you are more than welcome to join us.  Maranda and Scott are coming in on Wednesday and staying for a couple of weeks.  I know they do want to see you while they are here.”

“Cool, Me and Grandma and going to my Cousin Edward and his wife Crystals’ beach house for the weekend”.

“That sounds fun Nicky, are you asking me if Brent can go with you?”

“Yes and no, actually, Edward invited your family too.  I am quite sure that will include Maranda and Scott.”

“I will tell you what son, let me check with Tony.  I know that Brent will go with you.  Where is their beach house located?”

“The house is down in Brown County on Lake Monroe.”

“I will tell you what, it has been ages sense we have been down that way, pencil us in.  Can you find out from Edward if they have any suggestions about a hotel for us?”

“I sure will,” trying to keep the excitement in my voice down a little.  “I will call you as soon as I find out.”

After we hung up, I called my cousin and asked about the hotel, he said that Crystal would not hear of it and insisted they had more then enough space for everyone.  I relayed all of that information back to Mom.  Mom told me that Dad was on board and probably Maranda and Scott would be up for it too.  This was going to be a fun weekend.

On Wednesday afternoon, Brent and I got out of work early from our jobs so that we could run to the Airport and pick up Maranda and Scott.  Maranda invited everyone for dinner tonight at a restaurant in Broad Ripple, north of downtown Indianapolis.  Because we Brent and I had a couple of hours to kill, we decided to hit the mall. 

I really did not want to fill up on food, however, I had a craving for a hot pretzel.  As I was standing in line, Brent wondered over to grab us shakes from the hand scoped ice cream shop.  I was out of my line before he was, and I found us a table in the food court.   While I was trying my hardest to hold off from digging in till he got back, I spotted Shannon and a bunch of our other friends we graduated school with gathered on the other side of the dining area.  She stood up and came over.

I stood up and hugged her at once she got to me.  “Hey Shannon, I miss seeing you every day.  How are you?”

“I am doing great; you look like you just walked off of the beach.”  She reached up and kissed me on my check.  “Why don’t you come over and join us?  We just got here, and everyone is deciding where they are going to grab food.”

“I am waiting on Brent, he is at the ice cream shop getting shakes, soon as he gets back, we will meet you over there.”  I told her.

Instead of waiting on Brent, I just picked up my tray and stood outside of the ice cream shop.  Once he came out, I told him about everyone, and we headed over to join them.  It was cool to catch up with everyone.  Shannon introduced us to her new boyfriend. 

To be honest, I did not like him.  She dumped her last one for this guy a couple of weeks ago.  Neither Brent nor I knew this guy, he did not go to our school.  But as a first-time personal vibe, something just seemed a little off.  He was a handsome guy, my height, long dark brown hair that he had tied back and blue eyes.  He was very pleasant sounding.  I just could not put my finger on it.  Just a gut feeling.

Once Brent and I were finished, we said goodbye to everyone, I gave Shannon a hug and shook the other guys hand.  Brent followed suit.  We walked our trash over the waist receptacle, as I was putting my tray in it’s slot, Brent did what has come natural to both of us and but his hand in the small of my back as he reached over me to put his cup in the trash. Then he kissed my on my cheek.

After about thirty seconds, we heard a huge commotion behind us.  Someone yelled out, “Get the Fuck off me”.

When we turned around, we seen Shannon’s’ boyfriend laid out on the ground and one of the guys that played on the football team with Brent standing over him.  Shannon was on her knees yelling back at him. 

Before another heartbeat could register, Brent and I ran back.  All I really remember was Shannon screaming at someone who just became her instant ex-boyfriend.  In the aftermath of that incident, and Shannon had clamed down, he told her that he could not believe that she had dated a "faggot" and that he didn’t know that our school had a "queer football team".  Hence, how he came to be laid out on the floor with he new ex-girlfriend kneeling over him. 

He did not realize that he was by fifteen people who were both mine and Brent’s friends as well.  What a shame too, it looked like Shannon liked him. 

Once that all died down, we headed out to go and pick up my Grandmother for dinner.

Because I had gotten all cleaned up before we picked up Maranda and Scott, I just changed my clothes.  Brent brough a change of clothes with him and he swapped out too.  Soon we were on our way. 

I dropped off Grandma and Brent at the front door and parked the car.  As I was walking back up to the building, Dad was dropping off Mom, Maranda and Scott.  I waved at Dad as he drove past to park his car.  We all gave out hugs in the lobby.  Soon we were seated once Dad came in.

Dinner was amazing, we sat out on the back patio overlooking a canal.  It was a beautiful night. While we were waiting for deserts, Maranda said that she and Scott had something important to ask both Brent and myself.  “Ok guys, you both know how very special the two of you are to me?”  We looked at her and nodded yes.  Brent rested his hand on my leg under the table, I put mine on top of his and gave it a squeeze.  Maranda proceeded, “Nicky, I was going to ask you play the piano for our ceremony, and ask you, Brent, if you would be an usher, but I have an idea that we think would fit our unique family.”

The suspense had everyone around the table eager to hear her idea.  “Scott and I would be honored if you both would be our ring bearers?”   We both excitedly said yes.  Then she asked me if I would play at the reception.  How could I turn her down.  Then she asked us about joining them next year on a Mediterranean cruise, it is kind of a bachelor/bachelorette party thing.  Seven full days.  We all laughed as Brent said that his passport was on the way.

After dinner, everyone decided to take a gentle stroll round the area.  Brent slipped his hand into mine.  I looked up at him and gave him a kiss.  I leaned into his ear and told him that I could not wait to do dirty things to him.  He growled under his beath and said that he could not wait either.  Mom and Dad were in front of us, they stopped quickly with Mom whipping her head around looking dead at me and said, “I heard that young man.” 

I had nothing I could say, I just turned every shade of red I could. 

After we got back to our cars, everyone handed out hugs and kisses.  Because Brent and I both had to work tomorrow, he headed back to his place tonight.  Which was fine, I had to finish up packing for the weekend.  Everyone was planning on heading down to Brown County tomorrow afternoon so that we could beat the long weekend rush that would happen on Friday. 

I had just turned out my light and was just getting ready to roll over when my phone rang.  It was Andy.

“Mr. Andy my good friend, what can I do for you on this hot night?”

“Hey Nicky, I hope that I didn’t catch you at a bad time, did I?” 

I had sat up in my bed and let him know that all was good.

He wanted to know if I was going to be helping out around the country club for the wedding festivities this coming weekend.  I told him that I was going to be out of town at my cousins and about who all was going.  He sounded a little let down but said that he hoped everyone had a great time.  Finally, he let me know that he had started talking to some guy and wanted to know about me and Brent going on a double date with them.  I said that under no uncertain circumstances was he aloud to make plans without us.  That did get a giggle from him.  I could tell he was smiling.  Then he started telling me all about him.  His name was Dominick.  He had just graduated from Northville HS.  He told me that he reminded him a lot of me.  But ok. 

After about an hour, we finally said goodbye and that we would make plans next week when Brent and I were back in town.  I was out as soon as my head hit my pillow.

The next day at work went by pretty much as usual.  Because the pool was being used for a different purpose over the weekend, we had to move all of our equipment that we usually leave out into the storage room.  I decided to grab a shower before heading home.  I figured it would be easier and faster here.  Then all I would have to do is to load up the car and then Grandma and I would be on the road.  Dad and Brent had to work just a little later than I did.  But we were all going to need to take separate vehicles anyway to get all of us down there, so Granny and I hit the road.  We took our time too.

I jumped off of the main highway to take a more scenic route.  Thank goodness for Google Maps.  Before we knew it, we found the address. 

At first, I thought we had the wrong address.  This was not what I was expecting at all.  This place was massive.  It looked more like a lodge.  Edward and Crystal were standing on the steps to the front of their house as we pulled around.  Hugs were passed around once Grandma and I were out of the car.  Crystal took Grandma in the house while Edward helped me with pulling things out of the trunk.  I told him I would get Grandma stuff right now and the coolers and food she made first.  I could grab the rest with Brent and Scott.  They should be here in an hour.

I followed Ed in with the first trip of food.  Straight through the house from the entrance, you could see the lake.  After the foyer, the house opened up onto a two-story high vaulted wall of windows from floor to ceiling, wall to wall, that looked straight out onto nature.  On the left side of the great room was a massive stone fireplace that six adults could stand in, not to mention a gigantic elk head mounted above. On the opposite wall, it was covered with bookshelves up to the ceiling.   There was enough seating in this room for around fifty people.  This room made you feel small but warm at the same time. 

Once all of the food into the kitchen, Ed grabbed Grandmas’ suitcase and I followed him upstairs to our rooms. He sat Grandma’s her room and took me to mine.  Once I stepped in, I looked at him funny.  This room liked like the master bedroom.  He guaranteed me that all of the rooms in this house were built like this one.  I guess I was going to have to take his word for it. 

Ed showed me around the house.  The story of this house was that it was built as a family house and has been passed down through the generations.  It was build by his great, great grandfather who just so happens to by my great, great, great grandfather.  Some interesting history for an eighteen-year-old.  From what I had learned that day, that part of my family had money.  The house was built around nineteen-o-three.

When we walked into the dining room, I froze in my tracks.  I was staring at a painting of me.  This huge six-foot by four-foot painting hung just behind the head of the dining room table.  I stood in awe.  

“You look like you seen a ghost.”  Ed said laughing.  “That is the man who built this house.  Your great, great, great grandfather: Nicolas Ethan Marion.” 

In the picture, he is standing just off to the side of a wingback chair with his right hand resting on the back of it.  He left hand was just naturally resting strait down.  He was clean shaven and had a soulful look in his eyes.  I pulled out my phone searched till I found the proofs from my senior pictures from last summer.  Once I found the one I was looking for, I showed it to Ed. 

“When I was growing up as a kid, before I knew who it actually was, I always assumed it was my dad.  When we first met you at your graduation open house, it took everything in me to keep from staring at you the whole time we were there.  I was so glad to have the chance to spend that evening with you learning about you.  To be honest, Crystal will confirm it, I wanted to kidnap you.”  He looked a little embarrassed telling me that.

“Please forgive me, I don’t want to scare you off.”  He took a deep breath.

I was still looking up at the painting.  I just could not get over the resemblance, however, it is not just a mere resemblance, it looked identically like me.  Ed walked over to a bar cart in the room and poured drinks of some kind in two glasses.  He handed me one.

Raising his glass, “Here is to the strong genetics of the Marion clan.”  I chinked my glass to his and just like him, I downed it in one gulp. 

Yep, that was scotch.  It did not burn like the time Dad gave me and Brent a glass, but it still took my breath away a little bit.  Just as he was pouring another, we could hear other voices coming from another part of the house.  We slammed that round.  Set our glasses down and headed to the foyer to see what was going on.

The Lucas family was standing there when Ed and I walked up.  Introductions were made all around.  I made a beeline to Brent and gave him a hug and a kiss. 

“Someone got started without me, I see” he whispered in my ear after I gave him a kiss.   

“I got something I can’t wait to show you.  You are going to freak.”  I said to him.

Just as me, Brent, Scott, and Dad were going out to start unpacking their car, Ed told us to just bring in the suitcases and he would show everyone to their rooms.  Between the four of us guys, we were able to make it all in one trip.  Ok, I lied, Mom over packed.  She had three big cases.  Dad said that she brought options.  We all got a huge laugh over that.  He was going to have to make one more trip.

Once everyone’s’ stuff was squared away in their rooms, we met the women downstairs in the great room.  Crystal was playing the hostess and making sure everyone had a drink in their hands.  Once that task was done, Crystal took the women on a tour of the house and then Ed took Dad and Scott around.  I told Ed I would show Brent, but I wanted to walk down to the beach.  Before we started down, Ed handed me a key on a chain and said that it was the key for any locked door on the property.  He basically gave me carte blanche of the whole place.

I could not hold off any longer and grabbed Brent and wanted to walk down to the beach.  We went down a set of stairs off from the deck at the back of the house.  To the right of the beach area was a dock and next to that was a boat house.  A set Jet skis were already tied to the dock along with a pontoon boat.

The sandy beach was about a hundred and fifty feet wide by fifty feet and had a large fire pit in the middle of it.  Already loaded and ready to go.  We both kicked off our flip flops and walked out into the water.  I looked at him with my arms around his waist and he had his arms around my neck.  We were just staring into each other’s eyes.  I leaned in to give him a kiss when we heard someone clear their throat. 

“Hey boys, dinner is being served in the downstairs family room.  If you will follow me.”  The man startled both of us.

“I am sorry, may I ask who you are?” I asked.

“I'm Henry, I would be another one of your cousins.  My dad was brothers with Ed’s dad.”  He informed me.  

I had a feeling that all of this lineage stuff was going to give me a headache.  Brent and I put our flips back on and followed Henry back to the house.  Instead of heading up the stairs, he walked further off to the side and then you could see that the downstairs opened up to the outside area under the upper deck.  I could see there was a decent number of people gathered inside that I did not see before.

Brent was standing right in front of me as we approached everyone.  Soon as he stepped out of the way and I looked up, there was a group gasp as everyone was looking at me.  One thing for sure, Brent and I along with Maranda and Scott were definitely the youngest ones here.  Ed stepped up to the other side of me.

“I guess I don’t need to introduce Nicholas to everyone, you can tell who he is, and next to him is his boyfriend, Brent.  Guys, this is everyone."  He smiled with a wink to us.  "I will take you around and introduce you one on one.  Don’t worry, there about another hundred people for you to meet tomorrow when everyone else gets here.”  He was beaming.

For the rest of the night after introductions made, it was a pretty relaxing night.  Brent never wondered off and seemed to be as excited as I was to learn all about my family.  Between the three different mother hens, the two of us was looked after to make sure that we were not being inundated with too many questions or monopolized by any one person or another. 

Henry and his wife was engaged in a deep conversation with Mom and Dad.  Grandma already went up to bed.  Maranda and Scott were talking to Ed and Crystal while Brent and myself were picking over the snacks that were set out. 

While I was excited learning about everyone, I was wanting some alone time with Brent.  I slipped in next to Ed and asked him if there was a curfew around here.  He told me we have full run of the house twenty-four seven.  He also said that the kitchen was fully stocked and to just make ourselves home.  If we need anything, just ask. 

I grabbed Brent and headed back down to the beach.  We had spotted a large round lounge bed with sunscreen dome when we were down there earlier.  So that is where we were heading.

I also noticed a fridge next to the boathouse when we were down earlier.  I opened it up to see if they had any water or pop in it.  Soon as the door was open, I hit pay dirt.  “Hey honey, would you like something to drink?”. 

“Sure, what do they have?”

“I am quite sure if you name it, it is in here.”  We both settled on just water for tonight.  I did grab a bag of pretzels that was in there. As I was turning around to head back over to the lunge, I noticed an open cabinet that was stocked with beach towels and beach blankets.  I grabbed a couple of towels and a blanket.

Brent had already removed his shirt and was propped up on a cluster of pillows.  I removed my shirt, kicked off my flops crawling up to join him.  I laid back against his chest while we just talked about how the night was going.  Before we knew it, we were snuggling into each other and kissing.  I guess the long day had taken it’s toll.  Before we knew it, we fell asleep under the starts.

The only downside about falling asleep under the stars is that you are woken extra early by the sun.  It felt like we both had just fallen asleep and now the sun was already blinding at what I suspected was six in the morning.  My phone was up in the room, so I had no way of confirming. 

I knew it was no use trying to go back to sleep, I was too excited for what this weekend was still going to roll out.  It did give me a chance to watch Brent.  He was so beautiful.  I lay there staring at him.  He has been wearing his hair a little longer these days.  I loved it.  He eyelashes were so thick and long.  His nose was the perfect size and was straight lined down his face. His lips were full and luscious.   Even in his sleep, he smiled which brought out his dimples.   

I had to use the bathroom, I leaned over and planted a kiss on his forehead.  I slid off to the side of the lounge, slip into my flips when a thought hit me.  I walked over to the boat house and pull out the key that Ed gave me yesterday and gave it a try in the lock, it worked.  I opened the door and popped my head inside to look around.  It was bright enough that I did not need a light.  In the middle of the room was a ventage speed-boat on a hoist in front of a garage door.  On one side there were three more doors, I tried the first one, storage closet.  Same with the second.  The third one opened up to a spiral staircase going up.

Not being one to sneak around, I left it at that and figured I would ask Ed about it later.  Sense this is a boat house and all I had to do was pee, I just peed into the water in here.  No-one would know.  After I was done, I locked the door and walked back over to the lounge.  Just as I was about it crawl back in, I spotted Crystal coming down.

“Good morning sunshine, how did you sleep?”  She asked.

I was putting my shirt back on while we were walking closer to one another.  “Good, we fell asleep out here last night.  I hope that is ok.”

“Don’t be silly, Ed and I do it all of the time.  Did you find everything you needed?”

“We did, thank you.  We did grab two waters and a bag of pretzels out of the fridge.”

“That is what it is there for.  You don’t need to let us know what you eat or drink unless you need more.”

“Thank you Crystal.  You both have really made me feel welcome.  Other then Grandma, I have never really had family that wanted me like this before.”  She gave me a hug. 

She smiled at me saying, “You are more wanted and loved than you will every know.  You do know that you are something special don’t you?”

“To be honest, for the longest time, I thought only Grandma felt that way about me.  Then I met Brent.”  I felt something start to swell a little.  “it was not long after that his family wrapped their arms around me and pulled me in.  Not just me, but Grandma too.

“From what I can tell, Nick, they are a very special family.  I am relieved that you found Brent.”  Before either one of teared up, “do you boys drink coffee?”

“We both drink coffee.  As if you didn't know, they are a very Italian family, if it has coffee in it, they will drink it.” I said giggling.

“I will bring you some coffee back, give me a few.”  Saying as she turned to head back to the house.

I walked back over and crawled up on the lounge with Brent, he started to stir.  “Your already up, what time is it?”

“Its probably before seven.  How did you sleep Mr. Wonderful?”

“I slept sound.  I always do when I have you next to me.”  He said as he started to sit up.

I told him that Crystal was going to bring us some coffee in a few.  He told me that he had drain himself.  I handed him the key and told him to use the boat house.  I told him what I did.  As he walked over, I admired his wide back with all of his muscles, he thick thighs and that perfect ass that I bet if you bounced a roll of quarters off it at the same time, every single one would land on heads.

Soon as he came back, he looked like a kid that just figured out what one of the presents under the Christmas tree was.  “Oh my god, what till dad sees that.  They have a 1974 Riva Aquarama Special vintage speedboat in there.  That fucker looks mint.  I mean, not restored, it is mint.”

“Down boy, I didn’t know you knew anything about boats.”  I was smiling.  He looked so cute with his messy hair. 

He sat back down next to me putting an arm over my shoulder pulling me in to give me a kiss.

“eeeewwww, gross, my mommy and daddy kiss like that.”  A cute little girl said catching us off guard. 

“Hi cutie, where is your mommy and daddy?”  I asked her.   She pointed up to the house.  I looked over and seen a group of people starting to gather on the upper deck. 

“What’s your name?  I Cassie and I am six.”

“It nice you meet you Cassie, I’m Nick and this is Brent.”  I told her.

She jumped up on the lounge and gave me a hug.  “You look just like great grandpa.” 

“Do you really think so?” 

“I sure do.  So that means your one of my grandpas then.”

I started laughing, of course, I don’t know if Brent has seen the picture yet, but the look on his face says that he hasn’t. “To be honest, I am a little too old to be a grandpa.  I’m not even old enough to be a daddy to a princess like you.”

Just at that time, I heard Crystal yell out, “Cassie, your mommy is looking for you.”  Cassy jumped down and started to run up the stairs to the house.  Brent and I made sure that we were presentable before heading back up to join in on the festivities.

About halfway up the steps, I looked up and seen Ed waiting for us with two cups of coffee.  I was looking forward to that.  Soon as I took a drink, I knew it was not a regular coffee.  I smiled.  It tasted really good.  It had Irish Crème spiked in it, I am going to get spoiled.  “I figured you might need a "pick-me-up".  You Sir are going to have a busy morning, you two might want to run upstairs and get ready for the day.  I will give you both fifteen minutes.”  Ed was giving me a father figure stare.  I was not going to challenge it.  I just caught him off guard and kissed him on his check and said, “Yes Daddy.”  The look he gave me was of complete surprise.  Me and Brent headed upstairs not really making eye contact with anyone.

Before we got to the stairs to go up, I took Brent to the big dining room and showed him the painting.  He had the same response I did.  However, it did look a little different this morning.  The morning light changed it a bit.  The facial expression looked more joyous, and he looked like he was at ease.

Fifteen minutes later, we headed back down.  Just as I got to the top of the stairs to come down, we head a scream.  I looked down and seen an older lady falling backwards into someone’s arms.  Everyone else in the room was either looking at her or at me.  I froze.  Brent put the palm of his hand into the small of my back to steady me.  Grandma approached the bottom of the stairs, holding her hand up as if to motioning us to come down.

Ed and Crystal joined her.  Ed turned to everyone else that was standing in the great room, clearing his throat to get everyone’s attention.  “Hey guys, this is Nicholas Marion.  He is Matthew Lewis Marion grandson.  And this is Eve Lalith Marion, she is Matthew’s widow and Nicks’ Grandmother.  The gentle man standing behind Nick is his Boyfriend Brent Lucas.”

To say that I was feeling overwhelmed was an understatement.  I looked back at Grandma and started down the stairs.  Just as I made the bottom, I gave Grandma a kiss good morning.  Brent followed suite.  Soon as I said good morning to a few people, I felt a little tug on the back of my shorts, I thought it was Brent playing with me as he usually does.  When I turned, I seen it was Cassie.  I leaned down to her.  She put her hands around my neck and whispered in my ear, “if he is your boyfriend, can I be your girlfriend?”  That gave me a little laugh.  I was rescued by her mom and dad, who both introduced themselves to both of us. 

At the rate this weekend was going, I was going to have to upgrade my mental rolodex, I was going to run out of room fast for all of the new names, faces and connections.  I was going to fail big time.  I knew Brent was too.

While meeting everyone and figuring out how we are connected to each other, I was getting hungry.  It was about eight and I was given two more coffees from Ed and knew I needed food.  I told Brent I was going to head to the dining room downstairs and grab a bite to eat.  He said he was up for that as well.

When we got downstairs, Mom and Dad were down there along with Maranda and Scott.  I sat my coffee down next to them and walked over to the buffet that was set up and put together a plate.  Before sitting down to eat, I dropped off my plate to grab a glass of juice.  The lady that had passed out earlier was standing there.  She seen me when she was turned around, her face went all red.  “I am so sorry for earlier.  You just took my breath away from me.  You are such a handsome young man.  I am Alice.”

I extended my hand, not so much for a handshake, more as a comfort hold.  “It is great to meet you Alice.  You can call me Nick or Nicky.  I hope you're feeling better.”

“I’m fine now, I just didn’t realize how much you look like Great Grandpa.”  She had a smile.  “I didn’t completely believe my brother, Ed.”

“Oh, that Alice, I’m sorry I didn’t place your name.  Ed did tell me a little about you a while ago.  It’s going to take me a year to remember everyone.  However, I don’t think I will ever forget the first lady I ever made faint.”  I said with a lighthearted laugh. 

She joined in, “you just let me know if you need anything.”  She gave me a hug and kissed me on my check.

When I sat down next to Brent, He was telling his dad all about the boat in the boathouse.  Ed soon joined us and offered to take everyone out on it while we are here.  He said that we have full use to anything else, but the boat was his pride and joy.  It was a college graduation gift from his dad.  It was about eight years old when Ed acquired it, but the man his dad bought it from only had it on the water once.  Pretty much brand new.

The day was a three ring circus, I am glad that we came up early, Crystal said it should slow down quite a bit once everyone arrives. 

Most everyone had arrived by 7 that evening and true to her word, it did slow down with the introductions and being pulled in this direction or that to mingle.  I had found out earlier that day that there are several big homes close by that are all "Marion" family owned.  This house being the center of it all.

After we had some dinner, I just needed to find an escape for a few minutes.  I am just not used to having my charm turned on like.  Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy it, but I also enjoyed the quiet time too.  I think Brent knew that as well.  “I’m ok, just feeling a little to overwhelmed.”

“I’m not really ready for bed yet.  But if you are, we can head up.”  He said.

“Na, I’m not tied, just need a breather.”  I sighed.

“Follow me,” Crystal said from out of know where, “This house is filled with lots of hidden gems.”

Crystal took me and Brent upstairs down a hallway I had not seen yet.  There were several doors on either side that led into different bedrooms.  At the end of the hall was a set of double doors.  She pulled one open and led into a what looked like the upper floor of the library.  Ed showed me the library yesterday, but he did not show me the balcony that is wrapped around and over looks it.

There were several bookshelves all loaded with books and artifacts of types placed in and around the books.  Over in one corner that probably is part of a turret, stood a baby grand piano.  There were several grouped seating option spread throughout that level as well.  Lots of reading nook’s.

“This is where I run and hide when I need some alone time myself.  Please guys, take all of the time you need.”  She gave me a peck on my neck before she walked away leaving us by ourselves.

“Nicky, I am falling in love with your family every minute.”  He walked up behind me wrapping his arms around me and kissing me on my neck.

“I am just soaking everything in and enjoying everything.  But I have a few questions I have started putting together today that I would like to know about.”  I said.

Brent took me by my hand and started to walk me over to the piano.  “Will you play something for me?”

I sat down at the piano and raised the fallboard.  I just did a simple scale to check to see how well it was tuned.  To my surprise, it was pretty close to accurate.

I had not played in a couple of months and was just messing around to help loosen my fingers and get a feel for this instrument.  Brent sat on the bench next to me while I was messing around.  “Why don’t you play that one lullaby you played for Grandma a few years ago?”

I started playing, of course, I was playing it slower than I normally would.  I was just trying to stretch it out.  After a while, I was just playing soft pieces that came to mind that I enjoyed.  Before I knew it, Brent had laid he head on my shoulder.  It felt nice.  Running through my head was thoughts of how my life had gotten to this point.  I was happy. 

I was lost in the moment and did not realize that there were a few people gathered around downstairs in the library.  Soon as I finished my last piece, I leaned down to kiss the top of Brents head when I head someone start talking.  “He is such a talented young man.”  Someone else replied, “There is no doubting he is a Marion.” 

I looked at Brent and ask if he was ready to head downstairs.  He shook he head, yes.  Down we went. 

There were a few teens our age that arrived when we met up with the rest of the family.  They were talking about starting up the firepit on the beach and wanted us to join them.  Me, Brent, Maranda and Scott joined them.  It ended up being about fifteen of us in total.

Maranda pointed out how much of a family resemblance I had to a couple of my male cousins.  Even Brent said he had seen it as well.  I did whisper in his ear that he could have room full of me fuck him all night long.  He did not find that funny. 

It was not long after the fire was going and we knew that we were adult free, someone started passing around a bottle of Jack.  Then someone else started passing around a joint.  I took a swig off of the bottle and passed it to Brent.  Then the joint made it to me, and I just passed it on which caused someone to question me.  I just told them that the drug testing they do for NCAA sports would pick it up and I was not taking a chance on losing my college diving career.  Brent said the same thing.  Maranda on the other hand, that was a different story all together.  She joined right in along with Scott. 

We had a blast that night.  It was after two in the morning, and I was feeling pretty good.  Brent and I decided to call it a night and head back up to our room.  We both decided to jump in the shower before bed to wash off the day and the fire pit that embedded itself onto our skin.

The shower was massive.  You could easily fit half of the dive team in it.  The water was night and hot and it felt good.  Brent jumped in and joined me.  I switched places with him to let him get soaked.  Then I took some shower gel and started soaping up his body.  I was messaging his body while I was cleaning him.  I started at his chest, moving out down his arms.  I proceeded down his stomach and abbs stopping just above his cock.  I grabbed more gel and worked on both of his legs before turning him around to do his back.  I worked on each of his muscle groups as I worked my way to his ass.  I stopped just above his waist and started on his legs just below his butt checks.  When I was finished with his legs, I grabbed some more gel and returned to his perfect ass.  Each globe received my attention as I rubbed and squeezed each one.  Then I reached lower and cleaned his ball from underneath.  I reached up a little higher and lathered up his cock.  I pushed him forward slightly at the waist as I focused my attention on his crack.  I was rubbing my soapy hand up and down grazing his hole every once in a while.  I slowly slit my finger in a little bit and heard him give out a slight moan.

I turned him back to the shower head to have him completely rise off.  I pulled him into a tight embrace and went full on in a deep passionate kiss.

Shortly after he broke our kiss and said that it was his turn.  He did things a little differently by wanting to start from back.  I obliged.  I moved to face away from him while he started soaping my back.  While he was at that, he started kissing my neck just below my ear.  He started kissing his way down the back of my body what when was cleaning me.  Once he had me all cleaned on the back side, he flipped me around and started on my front side.  After he washed my nuts and dick, he leaned down to lick a drop of precum that was about to fall.  I jumped a little when I felt the tip of his tongue touch the head of my cock.  Once we were all clean, we dried off and made our way to the bed. 

Brent was on top of me as we were looking for new places to lick, kiss or bit that would bring the other pleasure.  Just when I thought I knew all of Brents, I would stumble across a new one.  Before long, Brent was working his way down my chest.  He had his hand messaging my left peck and nipple while he was chewing on my right nipple causing me to flow out copious amounts of precum.  I was trying my very best to keep the volume of my moaning to a minimum.  I did not want to have a repeat from last time.  Brent kept on moving lower until he reached my cock.  He licked up all of the precum that dripped onto my stomach.  He went a little further and started working over my balls.  One at a time.  After a few minutes, he came back up and grabbed my penis and started licking the head all over.  Getting it all wet.  Once it had it how he wanted, he started taking me down his throat.  Soon he had more than he has been able to take to this day.  I would say he was eight inches down, maybe more.  But he was getting better, and it seemed like he even figured out a couple of new tricks. 

It was not long before I felt that tingle in my ball and before I was able to say anything to him, he pulled off.  He leaned over to the nightstand and grabbed a bottle of lube I did not noticed that he set out beforehand.  After he had my cock lubed up and had his hole lubed up, he climbed on top of me, straddling my waist and aiming the head of my dick to his entrance.  The instance he had my head just inside of his sphincter, he leaned over and started kissing me and started sliding down my pole. 

The feeling was so damn amazing.  I swear his body was made for me.  He sat back up driving a little more of me inside of him.  I was bottomed out.  I could not go any deeper.  I slowly starting gyrating my hips around causing my cock to stir his insides.  The sensations I was feeling were so indescribable. 

He pulled himself up till just the head rested just into his tunnel.  He worked the top couple of inches in and almost out for a couple of moments and without warning, he slammed himself down to the root causing us both to fight back the scream of pleaser we both felt.  It took everything in my power to not explode at that instance. 

I told him that if he did that too many times I was a goner.  And that is just what he did, he pulled up again and slammed back down.  This man was going to kill me.  I could not take it any longer.  It was too agonizing.  I flipped him over on his back while he was still impaled on my cock.  I grabbed his legs and but them on my shoulders and I started working myself in and out of his hot shoot.  I had a good nice medium pace going.  I moved my angle slightly going for his prostrate.  I was close but not hitting it the way I was wanting.  I moved a little more in a different angle and hit paydirt.  I was hitting his button every time.  I didn’t need to get all wild, we were both pretty close.    “I love you on my dick.  You feel so incredible.”

“Fuck me Nick.  Fill me up.  I am so close.”  That was all I needed to hear.  I picked up my pace a little and it didn’t take long, soon I could feel his ass muscles messaging my penis while he started coming all over himself.  I thrust a couple of more times before pulling almost all of the way out and once final push all the way in till I hit bottom.  I leaned down to kiss him and hold my position as I came.  I swear I shot off fifteen rounds.

We were both panting and basking in the enjoyment of our orgasms.  We stayed that way for a few minutes.  I was looking into his eyes as I told him how breathtaking he was and how much I loved him. 

When I fell out of him once I went soft, I got up and grabbed him a clean damp wash cloth to clean himself off.  After that was accomplished, we crawled into bed and snuggled.  He had pulled me in close to him and quietly whispered in my ear that he was so proud that I was all his.  Before I knew it, we both were asleep.

When I woke up in the morning, I looked over to see Brent smiling at me.  “Good morning sleepy head.  How did you sleep?”

I stretched out a yawn, “I slept in the arms of an Adonis.  How could I complain about anything!”  I leaned over and gave him a kiss.  Before long, we were cleaned up and dressed for the day.  When we got downstairs, we found out what most people were doing for the morning.  Most of the guys were planning on a golfing trip, most of the women were going into town with the kids and doing some site seeing and shopping.  Most of the other teens were still in bed including Meranda and Scott. 

I looked at Brent to see what he wanted to do, we decided to just walk around.  There were tons of trails and paths that we could explore.  After running upstairs to change into shoes instead of flips, we checked in with Grandma and Mom to let them know our plans.  Mom and Crystal, who seemed to be becoming best friends, packed us some food and some bottled water in a backpack to take along with us. 

Brown County Indiana is completely different from Warren County where we are from.  Where we live, it is mostly corn fields and it is pretty bare.  Brown County is covered with rolling hills and woods.  It was exciting walking the trails. 

After a couple of hours, I came upon a beautiful clearing.  We decided to stop here for lunch.  Mom and Crystal had packed us both a couple of chicken wrap sandwiches along with a bag of chips.  Oh yeah, a couple of peanut butter cookies that Grandma had brought that she made at home.  Crystal had given us a light blanket that we could use.  I took my shoes and socks off while we sat on the blanket while we ate, and Brent followed suite.  After we were done eating we just laid there next to each other enjoying the day.

I looked over at him and asked what he thought about everything so far.  He said that he has enjoyed everything.  I agreed with him.  We started talking about the jet skis and decided if they were available, we would see about taking them out.  While we were talking, he asked me if I was getting nervous or excited about this fall.  I told him both.  Excited for the new adventure, but also nervous about us.

“Your not afraid that monogamy will be an issue while we are apart are you?” He asked.

“No, I am nervous how us being separated might affect us.  There are after all a ton of unknown variables that we have not even thought of.  You know what I mean?”

“I get you.  I mean, like, what happens if I am so homesick for you that I cant concentrate on my studies or my training and I fail,” he responded back to me.

“Yeah, that’s one. I have been so strong in my decision about Ball State and what I want however my subconscious is starting to second guess all of that.”  I was looking down at a blade of grass that I picked up.

“We just have to be open and honest to each other and pay close attention to one another look out for signs that one of might be in distress.”  He just made a valid point.   We have always been open with each other, we have never hid anything either.  I am getting pretty good at reading him, but I have a harder time over the phone.

I reached over and hugged him.  Of course, that led to a quick make out session.  After a few minutes, we cleaned up our lunch, put our shoes and socks back on and put everything in the backpack. 

Just as we were getting ready to start our trek back to the house, I received a text on my phone.  It was from my to be roommate for this fall.  The college sent out letters last week with information about our new roommates based upon a questionnaire we had to fill out with our entrance package.   While I choose creative writing, I really am not sure what I am wanting to do.  My roommate Name is Eric Deal, and he is majoring in English.  Ball State has an excellent educators program. 

He was just reaching out to see if it was possible to meet up sometime over the weekend to meet each other face to face and start seeing about what we each can contribute to our room.  I texted him back and told him I would not be available until after the holidays. 

I did not wish for there to be any awkward situations between the two of us from the beginning, so when we first talked last week, I did my coming out.  I wanted to make sure I had someone in my room that would be comfortable.  He said he had no problems.  I am looking forward to meeting up with him.  He does live closer to Ball State than I do.  He lives with his mom in Noblesville which is Northeast of Indianapolis.

Is took us a shorter amount of time to get back to the house than we had planned on.  Crystal told us that all of the other young adults decided to head over to Holiday World for the rest of the day.  She said she would give us the quickest directions there if we wanted to join up with them, we look at each other and pretty much thought we had scored.  We get full access to the jet skis.  That was a no brainer.

“We’re good, can we have permission to go out on the jet ski’s” I asked.

“Sure thing, they are both gassed up and ready.  You should be able to find life vests in the boat house hanging upstairs.  There are wet suits up there too if you wish.”  She was beaming.

“Thanks.”  We both leaned in and gave her a kiss on her checks, me on the left, Brent on the right.

We ran upstairs to just into our bathing suits and headed down to the beach.  When we go down there, Meranda and Scott were in the lounger sleeping.  We left them alone.  We stepped into the boat house looking for vests that would fit us.  There was a large stock of them to choose from.  Once we were fitted with the vest we headed down to the dock.  Soon we were on the ski’s out in the lake.

We were both for a good amount of time, I seen that my tank was getting low and switched over to the reserve tank.  Good to go to get back in.  Brent, on the other hand, is not so lucky.  He flipped over to his reserve, and it was empty.  He switched it back over and started heading back to the house.  I followed close behind so that I could see where he ended up stopping.  I pulled up beside him.  “Hang tight, I will run back and see if there is someone that can help us out.”  He said no sweat and I took off.

Soon as I pulled up, Ed was just getting ready to leave on the pontoon with a few people, Grandma and Mom were on board as well as Crystal and Little Cassie with her Mom and Dad. 

Ed grabbed a can of gas and followed me out on the pontoon.  About halfway to where Brent stalled out, we seen him being towed in with another pontoon boat.  Ed tied off with the other boat, once we had some gas in his jet ski, we were off.  We headed straight back to the house.  After we tied up the skis and hug up our vests up in the boat house, we grabbed a couple of drinks and plopped down on a couple of chaise chairs and laid out.  I actually fell asleep.

While I was in dream mode, I started thinking about that spot that we found for our lunch.  It was magical.  I dreamt that I was making love to Brent.  I replayed everything that we did the night before but sat in the clearing in the woods.  I was really going at it when I heard my name being called over and over. 

Brent was trying to wake me up.  I opened my eyes to see a few people standing around me laughing.  To my horror, I looked down and I had a large wet spot on the front of my shorts and the head of my heard cock was sticking out of the top of my shorts.  I jumped over the side of the chaise trying to grab a towel for cover.

What was more embarrassing was seeing both Meranda and Scott looking at me with wide eyes.  “Way to go my little brother.  You know how to pick em.” Meranda said as she hit Brent in the shoulder.

“Ok guys, show is over.  Just your average teenager with a healthy imagination.  Leave the boy alone.”  One of my older cousins said.  “Now we know he takes after Grandpa.”  He then looked at me, “Don’t be to shy, not all Marion men are so lucky.”

“From what I have gathered, my father drew the short straw.”  I said laughing. 

The rest of the weekend pretty much followed the same pattern.  On the Fourth of July night, some people went out on the pontoon to watch the fireworks around the lake, a couple of the guys took their girl friends out on the jet skis.  Mom and Dad went out with Ed and Crystal.  Grandma already crashed.  Brent was watching me play with sparklers with Cassie.  It was a really fun night.

All of the sun and fun did wear me down.  I was looking forward to getting home.  I knew I wanted a long nap.  Weather my bed or Brents bed, either way with him beside me.

The next morning, I had my stuff all loaded, and so did Brent.  We were waiting on the others.  While we did that, cousins that were not staying at the big house stopped by to say goodbye and make sure to exchange contact information.  When there was a lull in activity, Ed asked if I would join him in the library.  I asked if Brent could join.  He said completely. 

Not long after, we were sitting in club chairs facing each other.  “So Nick, what do you think?”

“I am so happy, for the longest time I thought that Grandma was part of a dying breed.”  I informed him.

“I know it will take you a while to remember who everyone is, but it will come easier than you think.”

“I get that.  I do have a couple of question if I may?”

“Go ahead.  I will do my best.  What would you like to know?”

“Ed, why are we just now hearing about this part of the family?”  I asked.

Ed took a second as though he was making sure to get all of the facts lined up.  “To be honest, it came down to an issue with your Grandfather and his dad.  Your Grandfather grew up amongst the family.  While he was raised just southwest of Louisville Kentucky, he was a part of us here every summer.  Back then, most Marions came here for the summer.  But your grandfather and his dad had some dark times that happened when he was a child.”

“From what my Aunt Marry has told me, I got to see Grandpa in his good years.” I told him. “I don’t know if Grandma knows that much about his early life.  All I have ever heard was that as soon as Grandpa could tend a field, he was pulled from school.”

“That was true.  Your great grandfather was a real task master.  He also abused his children.  From what I was told by my father, the man had to much pride.  He got into drinking pretty heavy, was a womanizer and did some pretty crappy stuff.  When your great-grandfather’s father stepped in, he was cut off.  In turn, your great grandfather turned his children into his slaves, and they did all of the work to support him.  When your grandfather finally walked away from home at the age of eighteen, he was angry at the rest of the family for turning their backs on the kids.”

“I was told when I was younger, that Grandpa was raised poor, it was not until he got a job working for Fisher Body at the Railroad when he turned 25 did it all turn around for him.  I know that he married Grandma when he was in his late twenties.  But my next question.  Looking around, it looks like the Marion family name has some wealth behind it, are there other less fortunate Marion’s like my grandfather that are left alone?”

“There are a few Nick.  I will not lie.  Some have choose to walk away and not look back.  Some were told to leave and never come back.  But the sad part is, there are a few known family members that we don’t know about.  That does not mean we have stopped looking for them, sometimes, it’s just hard when the family tree is enormous.  But we keep on looking.

“Thanks Ed.  That does clear up some questions.”  It was good to hear more about my Grandfather.  Knowing him as a proud man, I could only bet that Grandma did not know some of this.  “Oh yeah, one last question, Grandma told me a while back that she had met one of the family members about forty years ago, would you have any knowledge of who that might have been?”

“Yeah, that was Uncle George.  He was your great-grandfather’s youngest brother.  He was trying to make a mend’s after your great grandfather passed away.  Your grandfather was still pretty angry with the whole family.  With that being said, your father followed in your grandfather’s footsteps.  When he came back from Vietnam, Me and Alice tried to set him down to bring him into the fold.  He was so pissed at how his father was treated, he carried the same ax and wanted nothing to do with this part of the family.”

“I lied, that was not my last question, is there any reason why I should not follow in either of their footsteps?” I asked Ed.

“Because of the line of succession, you have a large trust that has been set up in your name.”  I could see he was trying to gauge my response.  “But Nick, you have to accept it.  I can’t force you to take it.  As it stands right now, you are not able to touch it till you turn twenty-one, however, you will never need to worry about anything the rest of your life.”

“I guess I have some thing I need to start talking with Grandma about.”  I sighed.  Brent grabbed my leg.

I looked over and nodded my head in a way that let him know, I was going to have some major thinking to do.  When we finished up, I hugged Ed and thanked him for everything, and I promised that I would keep in touch with him and Crystal.  I made a promise that I would call them at least once a week and would facetime them at least once a month. 

We joined the others in the kitchen and started our farewell round.  There were lots of tears from the older ladies in our family as we hugged them.  I had one of my younger female cousins that told me if I every decide to dump Brent, she would convert me.  I just hugged her and told her that there was no way in hell I was letting him loose.  I knew it was all in fun.

Shortly after, me, Grandma and Brent were in my car heading home.  The rest of the family was in Dad’s SUV.

Once we got to a Bugar King, I pulled in.  I have been craving a full-on Whopper meal with a shake.

I was so glad once we got home and had the car unloaded.  For some reason, we came home with more then we took.  Grandma told me that she was given some stuff from some of the family members that they thought that she would enjoy. 

That night.  I slept pretty quietly in Brents arms as always.  Tomorrow is another day.