The Professor's big chance

The Easter weekend break concludes.

The lounge at 35 Belgrave ave, is a large room with 2 large Black leather sofas 1 against the wall nearest the wall and the other underneath a large bay window, with a radiator close by. All 4 walls are painted cream. With a gas fire opposite the bay window. Paintings and photos dotted around the walls and a flat screen television is in the corner, the carpet is gray and a red rug sits beneath the hearth.

Friday afternoon, I found myself seated on one of the sofas, with my laptop and a couple of notebooks trying to complete my latest book. Ben was in the dining room working on potential lessons and tests for school. I’d no idea where Muriel was, apart from a shared lunch she’s stayed out of the way. I felt a bit guilty but at the end of the day it was her house, she could do what she liked. All I knew was it was nice and quiet.

The door opened. Muriel stood in the doorway. “Professor, would you like a cup of tea”?

I stood, “ Thankyou, but please may I have a word”. She just nodded 

“Please, don’t think that I don’t appreciate staying here over the weekend. Because I do, but I’m a difficult person to put up with because I’ve been on my own for so many years. I'm a quiet man, my head is always stuck in my work, whether it be Lecturing, mentoring students or researching and writing books. Until Ben came along I’d forgotten how to get along with people. Ben has brought me part way out of my shell. I appreciate Ben, he's helped me a lot, though I’ve a long way to go. And I appreciate you and Geoff for putting up with me for a few days. And yes I’d love a cup of tea Thankyou”.

Muriel entered the room and said.

“I’m sorry if I’ve come across as an angry cat. You must realize how much I love my son. He's our only child. He's tried to find love, and then he comes home with you, his former history lecturer, and a lot older to boot, but it doesn’t mean I won’t give you the benefit of the doubt, because I will, as you said before, it’s up to you and Ben, forgive me professor. I will try to understand. I really will, but it may take time to come to terms with it.”

“Muriel it’s taken me a while to come to terms with our age gap as well. It was his mugging that brought it home to me. We all might have lost him. I’m 52, socially awkward, and I’ve never had a relationship before, so I understand you completely. I will try my very best to allay any fears you and Geoff may have”.

“Thankyou, professor, I will go and make you that cup of tea”.

“Muriel”?

“Yes professor”.

“Call me Andrew”.

For the 1st time Muriel smiled at me.”Of course Prof….. I mean, Andrew”. She left and went into the dining room.

“The ice queen thaws slightly”, I muttered to myself.

The stars were shining when we all arrived at the Rams Head. Geoff had been running late as usual. Muriel had rang ahead saying we were on our way. But we still arrived 15 minutes late, life can’t be rushed was Geoff's reply when Muriel complained.

“What’s everyone drinking?”Geoff asked when we approached the bar. Muriel said she would have a small red wine, Ben said he would have a bottle of Peroni, Geoff and I had a pint of Best Bitter each, as we waited for our drinks I looked around the crowded bar, there was the usual hum of voices that typifies an English Pub, the Oak floor boards had been preserved and made into a lovely feature, otherwise it had been opened up into an airy room painted gray and white.The usual assorted array of paintings and old photos of Penwortham adorned the walls.

“Do you have to drink out of the bottleneck Benjamin? it’s so common” Asked Muriel. As we took our seats on the table reserved for us. 

“Yes Mother, I do, I’m a big boy now, I think I’m old enough to make my own mind up, don’t you?”

I stayed quiet, my natural preposition to silence kept me that way, don’t speak unless spoken to, was a mantra drummed into me from an early age, it’s a mantra I’ve struggled to cope with, and so at times I withdraw into myself. Ben noticed and placed his hand on my knee as he looked at his mother. It was Geoff that spoke.

“Please Muriel, let's stop this bickering, Andrew is the guest of us and our Son and as such we should be the best hosts we can. Don’t you agree”?

Geoffs little speech took us all by surprise, it is an uncommon occurrence, Ben confided in me later. Muriel meekly agreed, 

“Right then, what are we all having to eat then?” Geoff asked. We had all been perusing the menu while we chatted. I chose the old favorite fish and chips, Ben and Muriel chose the Lasagna and Geoff decided to have steak and ale pie, Geoff and Ben went to the bar to order, leaving Muriel and I together.  

“So Andrew, how are you enjoying Penwortham so far”?

“It’s a lovely place, it seems peaceful, though I haven’t seen much of it yet. But yes it’s very relaxing, so far”.

“I suppose it seems very quiet by Manchester's standards. Have you lived there long”?

“Oh, since about 1996, I moved to Manchester to do my phd. During that time I was doing odd jobs around Manchester as well, which only added to the pressure on me while I completed my PhD. It was bloody hard work but worth it. I  stayed when I was offered a position as a part time lecturer, that was in 1999”.

“And what was your final thesis on? I did mine on lesser known 19th century Authors”. 

Ben and Geoff rejoined us at this time and sat quietly while I  carried on talking to Muriel.

“Mine was on the fall of liberalism and the subsequent rise in socialism within the uk, paying particular attention to the 1906 general election, my thesis was published, by 

Manchester University Press”.

“Do you think Benjamin could do his PhD”?

“Oh course, he’s got the intellect. But it’s not cheap. It would depend entirely on Ben and if he really wants it, as you know it’s a very difficult thing to do”. I glanced at Ben, he blushed in embarrassment.

We chatted on, quite amiably. The conversation went back and forth over differing topics varying from the weather to university life and everything in between. Geoff said he had been a planning officer for Preston council for  many years. Starting as an office clerk and rising through the ranks, before he took early retirement 2 years previously. The food was very good and was enjoyed by everybody. Ben and I had dessert while Geoff and Muriel declined, Geoff and I shared the bill and after, Geoff, Ben and myself enjoyed a cognac. We left and wandered back to Belgrave avenue. Where Ben and myself made our excuses. We wished Geoff and Muriel a goodnight. And went to bed. 

Our bedroom for the weekend was decorated in a stylish pastel green with a cream carpet,  the bed was a double. 2 bedside tables and lamps sat by the bed. And a double wardrobe and a set of draws set along 1 wall completed the room.

“ Had a good day Prof?” Asked Ben while he was getting undressed. 

“It’s certainly been a day of mixed emotions. I like your dad, he's a relaxed character, your mum is warming to me, as I am her. Yes it’s been a pleasant day all told”.

By this time I’d undressed and put my clothes in the wardrobe, as had Ben. Who was already in bed, I climbed in next to him. It's unbelievable that this simple action was such an anamtha to me a couple of months ago, but now it seems so natural. We kissed goodnight. And in the darkness snuggled up to each other and were both soon fast asleep in each other's arms.

 Saturday morning after breakfast Ben said that he and I  were going into Preston. Geoff announced that he was off to his allotment. Kissed Muriel and left.

“Can I come with you?”. Muriel asked.

“Of course you can”. I replied. Ben and I will wash up while you change, if that’s ok”?

“Fine with me, I will be back down soon”.

¾ of an hour later the 3 of us climbed out of my car. Muriel paid for the parking and we agreed to meet up in around 3 hours and went our separate ways.

The main shopping area in Preston is a slightly uphill street called fishergate the train station is halfway up the hill, that was where we parked. All kinds of shops are situated on both sides of the street as are pubs and restaurants. At the top of the street is the miller arcade. I took great delight in telling Ben it was opened in 1899, is grade 2 listed and is Preston’s oldest indoor shopping area.

“I know”. Ben replied with a grin on his face. Pecking me on the cheek.

The top of Fishergate turns into Church street which then heads downhill to a more run down part of the city. A few yards down on the right is Preston Minster of St John. The door was open so Ben and I went in to take a look. 

 Its  Anglican white interior stands out amongst other more gaudily decorated Catholic Churches. Its architecture is in the gothic style and memorials are dotted here and there on the wall.The stained glass is particularly impressive. Chairs are placed in the middle of the floors instead of pews. Ben and I spent ½ an hour wandering about the large interior.

We came out of the minster and turned left to head back down fishergate. And wandered through the Miller Arcade. Its Victorian architecture stands out amongst the concrete jungle that is more modern shopping arcades, its bright Victorian interior is filled with restaurants, bars, and clothes shops. We called into one called shine for a coffee before carrying on with our tour of Preston’s shopping area. We meandered through other arcades. Like St George’s and the much larger Fishergate center. Ben treated himself to a new pair of white Nike trainers, with the money I had lent him and I bought some jumpers and short sleeve shirts ready for summer and another coffee each. 

3 hours passed all too quickly and before long we were meeting Muriel, she had a couple of large bags in each hand. She offered to buy us another coffee, which we accepted.

We ate at home that night. Muriel made Spaghetti Bolognese and garlic bread. I helped by chopping up an onion and some garlic, but as it’s a small kitchen I soon left to get out of her way. I was determined to get on with Muriel after the false start. Ben means a lot to me, and I didn’t want to disappoint anyone. 

“That was delicious Muriel, thankyou”. I said

“My pleasure, I enjoy cooking for others. I find it hard to cook for just Geoff and myself. We’ve decided to stay in tonight. What are you boys upto tonight”?

I looked at Ben. “What do you suggest Ben”?

“How about a drink in the Black bull. It's a cozy little pub not far from here”.

“Sounds good to me”. I looked at Ben and gave him a loving smile. The smile he gave back was such a large and warm smile it almost made me want to shout my love from the hill tops. Geoff noticed and smiled at us both but said nothing. 

Ben was right, the Black Bull is a small pub. We walked through the front door and found ourselves in the public bar. I gave Ben a £20 note. And said I would have a pint of lager. 

“2 pints of lager please," said Ben. As we waited I looked around it looked like a typical old pub does. Low ceilings and brasses on the low beams, varnished chairs and tables lined the walls, the carpet was red and the walls were white. It looked clean and tidy and was busy with locals and passers by like us, the hum of voices was welcoming, and the music played quietly, it was the type of pub missing in central Manchester. 

“I like it, this looks like a nice place. Did you drink here when you lived here”?

“Yes but not a lot as we lived in another part of town which was further away. Mum and Dad moved to Belgrave Avenue last October, so when I met you on Christmas Eve, I said I’d been busy. I’d been helping them move and redecorate”.

We watched the crowd for a few minutes as we slipped into a comfortable silence, we were sitting next to each other on a red leather bench seat. When a large balding man approached us.

“Ben,It is you, isn't it? Good god how long has it been? It’s good to see you buddy”.

Ben looked at the man with a quizzical look on his face. Then his look changed to shock as he realized who it was. Ben jumped up like a gazelle and rushed around the table and slung his arms around him in one almighty hug. 

“Sam. How the hell are you? It must be 5 years since I saw you, how are you, old friend”?

“Oi, less of the old you cheeky bugger. I’m the same age as you. I’m fine, what are you doing now”?

“Why don’t you sit with us eh”.

“Oh cheers”. Sam sat down. He was a large man. Not fat as such, just large his large hands made his pint glass look small, his wide shoulders meant he carried his large size well. light brown eyes sparkled with life and a jollity which was infectious. I couldn’t help but smile at Ben's friend. 

“What are you up to now Benny boy”?

“I’m a history teacher in Manchester. I did come back for a few months, after I’d graduated,I looked you up but you were away with the army and I’d no way of getting in touch with you.

 Let me introduce my friend, he’s my former history lecturer, Prof. This is Sam Gentry. Sam, this is Professor Andrew Roberts, Lecturer and Author”.

Pleased to meet you Prof”. We shook hands, his grip was firm but not too strong”. 

“Pleased to meet you Sam”. I fell silent. Unsure of what to say next.

Ben asked the next question.

“How long were you in the army for”?

“I joined up when I was 21 and stayed in for 3 ½  years. That was enough for me. Did one tour of Afghanistan and that was it, no more I decided, and came out”. Sam’s voice had gone hard, but soon cheered up and asked Ben.  

“So what brings you home, why bring your old Professor and what with the black eyes and bruises”?

“I’m home to visit my parents. I have black eyes and bruises because I was mugged walking Home”. Ben paused and looked at me, I took hold of his hand and nodded.

“And the prof is here to meet my parents. Sam”. Ben paused again before carrying on. Sam just looked at us both and said nothing, he just waited.

“Sam. The prof and I have fallen in love”.

“Sam said nothing for a minute. Then burst out with.

“Well I’ll be jiggered. Good for you Benny boy I always said there’s someone for everyone. If I can find somebody to love then you certainly can, you handsome devil you”. Sorry about the mugging though. I hope they get the buggers. Anyway who fancies a drink”. Sam downed his pint and looked at us questioningly.

“2 pints of Lager please Sam”.

“Coming up Benny boy”. He walked off in the direction of the bar.

“Your quiet prof. Everything ok”?

“Yes I’m fine. You know what I’m like when I’m in the company of strangers. I quickly run out of things to say”.

“You’ll be fine with Sam prof, he's a good guy. We went to school together”.

Sam returned a few minutes later with our pints and sat back down opposite us.

“Did I hear you say you have a girlfriend Sam”? Asked Ben

“Fiancé actually. We met in the army, on operations in Afghanistan, so it wasn’t all bad over there,she left at the same time as me. Heather’s at home, she's expecting our 1st child in about 4 months”.

“Oh congratulations Sam, that’s wonderful news”.

“Yes congratulations to you both”. I replied, though not as enthusiastically as Ben after all I hardly knew them.

“Not only that but we’re getting married next year, after the baby is born”.

Ben jumped up excitedly, almost knocking over all the beer. He was round the other side of the table in seconds, he hugged Sam again. I stood up and reached over and shook Sam’s hand again congratulating him.

After we had sat back down. Sam turned serious. 

“Actually Benny boy I have a question to ask you. You’ve been a good friend to me. Well that was before we got separated by circumstances. I want you both to come to the wedding obviously, but Ben would you do me the honor of being my Bestman”?

I thought Ben was going to cry. I held his hand. 

Ben took Sam’s hand with his free one.

“Of course. I would be honored.

“Great, that calls for more drinks”. 

Before we could argue Sam got up and went for more drinks. I went with him and told him I was paying. 

“I wouldn’t argue with a professor”. Was his response. 

The evening carried on like that both Sam and Ben reminiscing about their childhoods. By the end of the night the 2 of them were  drunk, Ben more so than Sam, I cheekily drank halves.

 The following morning, as the sun shone through the curtains creating long shadows on the cream carpet, Ben woke with a grown. I was awake and sat up watching Ben sleep.Its fast becoming a hobby I could get used to.

“Good morning Ben, I whispered.

He groaned again, he opened his eyes. What happened last night”? 

“Sam gentry is what happened. I said brushing his cheek. You had a bit to drink”.

“Fuck”, he muttered and dozed off back to sleep.

“Oh well, I’m going for a shower”. I said to nobody in particular as by now Ben was fast asleep, snoring gently.

Downstairs in the dining room I was met by a smartly dressed Geoff and Muriel. The looks Muriel was giving me could have put me 6ft underground. You know the saying if looks could kill. Before I had chance to say anything Muriel leveled an accusation at me,

“You got Benjamin drunk last night. I can tell by all the noise he made coming in last night, it could have woken the dead”.

I bristled at the accusation. “Right before we go any further. That is where you are wrong Muriel. Ben bumped into an old friend, Sam Gentry, we were going to have a couple of quiet pints, then come home, but it turned into a reunion between 2 old friends. All I did was drink halves and made sure Ben got home safely. Never accuse me of doing things I haven’t done, Muriel”.

“Calm down Andrew, Muriel is worried about our son, she meant no harm did you Muriel”?

“No sorry Andrew, I should have asked first before jumping down your throat”.

“That’s ok, I’m sorry I shouldn’t have flown off the handle like I did. Anyway, where are you two going all dressed up to the nines”?

“Off to church. We always go on Easter Sunday, would you care to join us? Asked Muriel.

“Erm no thanks I’m not a religious man. I will just take a glass of water and a biscuit to Ben. See you both later”.

“We’re having a Sunday lunch, roast Lamb and all the trimmings later about 4 o’clock I think”.

“Ok thankyou Muriel”. I left them and went to join Ben in the bedroom. 

An hour later Ben stirred from his slumber. While I  was waiting for Ben, I was going through my notes regarding my new book.

Ben sat up in bed, and rubbed his eyes groaning.

“My mouth feels like sandpaper, and my head. Fuck. How much did I drink last night? And how come you're so chirpy this morning? I’m sure you drank the same as me”.

“You drank too much, that’s how much you drank. I didn’t drink the same amount as you, I was drinking halves. Here's some water, co codamol,and a biscuit”.

“ You old cheat”. Said Ben as he took the water, biscuit and co codamol. 

“I went over to him and sat on the bed. Looking at him I brushed his cheek with my finger.

“How do you feel beautiful?”I asked with affection. 

“I have a headache and I ache all over. How’s my bruises looking”?

“Clearing up slowly. And your eyes are nothing like as swollen as they were”.

“Hmm, that’s good," he said, closing his eyes.

“Now how can I make you feel better”? I asked, stroking him in a certain place. 

“Hmm that’s good. But where’s mum and dad”? We need to be careful.

“Church. We’re all alone”. 

“ Great timing. You're certainly coming out of your shell Prof”. Now, why don’t you finish what you started”.

“Great idea”. I leant in and kissed him passionately. 

The rest of the day was quiet. I worked on my book in the dining room with Ben watching me and trying to help, but mostly hindering. Geoff was in the sitting room reading, and Muriel cooked up a storm in the kitchen. After Sunday lunch. Ben and I washed up. Then I agreed to watch a film with them, I watch very little television. So I thought it would be a change. We finally agreed to watch Shrek. We watched parts one and two. I was surprised to see Muriel laughing uproariously. It's 2 of her favorite films apparently.

When the films had finished, we were both feeling tired. So we made our excuses and went up early to bed, with no repeat of the morning’s excitement. 

Monday dawned. Bright, sunny and slightly warmer than it had been as late. The east wind that had been blowing had dropped to virtually nothing, it was still chilly but not as cold as it had been. I looked out of the window at the south facing garden at 35 Belgrave avenue. Ben was sitting up in bed reading. 

“What’s the plan for today Ben”?

“Ben looked at me and smiled. “I thought we might go for a walk round Hurst Green Park”.

“Ok, that sounds like a plan," I replied. 

“Great. I’m off to shower”.

Ben jumped out of bed. Donned his dressing gown and left the room.

I continued to stare out of the window. I’d been thinking about a change to the end of Jack's war. It could work. I told myself. I know I’m not meant to involve myself in the new film. But contracts haven’t been signed yet. Any possibility of a film isn’t even on the drawing board yet. The whole thing might not get off the ground. I decided to text Mandy tomorrow and ask for Seb’s email address. 

Downstairs Ben was tucking into a plate of bacon and eggs as I walked into the dining room. 

“Good morning Andrew. I will just get your breakfast. It's keeping warm in the kitchen”. Said a surprisingly sunny Muriel. 

I sat next to Ben. We kissed quickly. “You’re  beautiful”. I whispered.

“And you’re hot,” Ben whispered back. Then he continued to eat his breakfast as though it was the 1st meal he’d eaten in a month.

“Here you go, a nice plate of bacon and eggs, there’s some toast on the rack and tea in the pot”.

“Thankyou Muriel, but you didn’t need to go to all that trouble”.

“Nonsense. It’s a lovely spring day, now you eat up, I’m off into the garden, Geoff has already gone to his allotment. What are your plans today”?

“We’re going for a walk around Hurst park”. Replied Ben.

“And then we will take you and Geoff to the Rams Head for a meal after as a Thankyou for putting up with us. And we’re not taking no for an answer”.

“Oh ok, thankyou, I will txt Geoff and tell him not to be too late”.

 

We walked up a road called the Aspels, smart houses with big gardens were situated on both sides. At the end we walked through some trees and shrubs that bordered a path. Then we came onto a large grassed area. 

“This was the gardens to Hurst grange. It was a large house that was built and lived in by a William Adam Hulton. He also built a coach house and stables. The parkland was landscaped in 1848. The house was demolished in 1938.It covers 38 acres including a nature reserve, ponds, a children's play area, a visitors center and a cafe”. Apparently there’s Otters and swans. It was improved in 2021”. Ben said this as we walked among some trees.

As we meandered along paths that wound their way through open ground, trees and shrubs we chatted as we walked side by side.

“How long have you known Sam then I asked”?

“Since I was 5 years old we met at primary school, so 20 years,that’s nearly all my life”. He sighed and then carried on talking. “We became confidants. We always told each other our secrets”. He went silent for a second then carried on. 

“He was the first one I told, I thought I was gay, I was 14. I told him that I looked at boys more than girls”.

“I know" was his answer, “I’ve noticed you for a while now checking out the boys during gym class”.

“I was shocked by his answer, I can tell you, “ are you bothered”? I asked Sam.

“No not in the slightest, why should I be, you’re my friend, friends stick together”.

“And that was it, he teased me, but it was all in fun, and I flirted back. I suppose it was Sam that gave me the confidence and courage to be who I am. I will always be grateful to Sam. He is who he is, a big warm hearted man full of life, Heather is a very lucky lady”.

“That was in this park sitting on a park bench one afternoon after school. Though I can’t remember which one”. We walked over to a bench and sat down.

“You were lucky to have him," I replied after a short silence. “I never had anyone like that. I suppose I could have talked to Rach, but I was too scared, I hardly had any friends as it was, never mind losing Rach as well. It was hard growing up on the Farm”.

“But it was my hatred of farming that drove me on. After I had done my masters. I went home for a short while, not knowing what to do with my life. I knew then that farming wasn’t it. Whether it was teaching or something else I wasn’t sure. All I knew was that farming and staying at home wasn't my future”.

“Father kept telling me that I’d wasted 4 years of my life at university. He wasn't the least bit proud of me. Get a real job was his mantra. Mum said nothing. By this time I was out at university but not at home. I was living a double life. So I wrote my dissertation on why I should do my PhD. I'd been invited by Warwick and Manchester universities. Manchester accepted me.So I moved to Manchester, well Salford actually and bussed it to university everyday. That was in the August. So I suppose that Father unknowingly pushed me away. I don’t regret a thing. I'm proud of the things I’ve accomplished”. I looked up to the sky.

“Thanks Dad”. “Come on, let's have a coffee”.

As we made our way to the cafe we walked among more trees. The sun shone through the leafless branches, throwing shadows on the ground, here and there Daffodils and Dandelions raised their sunny heads up to the sky to bask in the chilly spring sun. 

We passed family’s walking dogs or riding bikes. Everyone said good morning and seemed happy to be enjoying the spring sun despite the chilly morning. Children ran and laughed, throwing sticks for dogs to catch, with harassed parents trying to keep them in check. Ben smiled as we watched the children play their games.

The cafe is in the old stables. We entered a large area, the white painted walls with dark green panels about 4ft up had paintings and old cart wheels on them. The high ceiling had exposed beams, the tables and chairs were modern and square, the floor was oak. It was all tastefully decorated. 

Ben and I got our coffees and sat ourselves at a table. It was surprisingly quiet for a bank holiday, the girl behind the counter told us it would pick up around lunch time. 

“When did you tell your parents about you being gay”?

“That was Sam again,soon after I had confided in him, he told me to tell my parents he said they’d be cool about it, I wasn’t so sure. Mum is a natural worrier where I am concerned”.

“That’s understandable, considering you were their only child”.

“I know, anyway, I mulled it over for ages. Mum saw that I had something on my mind. Anyhow one evening when dad was working late, because of a planning meeting, she sat me down in the kitchen. It was much larger in the old home than the new one they’ve just moved into”. 

“What’s on your mind Benjamin? Something is bothering you”. She asked.

“It’s nothing honestly mum, I’m worried about exams that’s all”.

“She didn’t buy that for a second. Mum being a teacher instinctively knows when a child isn’t telling the truth”.

“Then I did something I’ve never done in front of my parents before, I swore”.

“Fuck, mum, I’m sorry I swore, but your going to be angry with me”.

“Try me Benjamin. What is troubling you son”?

“I decided to just come out with it, stop pissing about, I thought to myself”.

“I’m gay mum”. “That was it", I had told her. Now it's time to step back and wait for the fireworks”.

“Instead she got up and hugged me. Don’t get me wrong, I love mum to bits but as you might have guessed mum isn’t a hugger. We both cried. I apologized for being a failure”.

“You’re not a failure son, never think that. You are still my handsome son, our handsome son, don’t worry about your father, he will be cool about it. Besides, when you have a boyfriend I will have 2 handsome sons”.

“Ah, that’s why your mother was so shocked when she saw me. Instead of a handsome young boyfriend to call her second son there was me”. I said.

“Don’t be like that you are handsome to me Prof. When I said you are hot, this morning I meant it”.

“And when I call you Beautiful, I mean it. I guess your father took it well”.

“Oh yes”.  “Thank god that’s cleared up, I’d been thinking you were for ages, I just decided to wait for you and not force your hand son”, “then he hugged me. And I cried again. Dad’s cool always has been”. 

By now our cups were empty, I asked Ben if he wanted another one, he declined. We stood up and left, me knowing a bit more about my potential boyfriend.

We took Geoff and Muriel for a meal to the Rams head that evening. I paid for everything. Ben still hadn’t received his new cards, until then I’m happy to pay for everything. I’m not worried about being paid back. I had told him. Though he said he would.

We even bought them a bottle of Champagne, to toast a lovely weekend, ok it had its ups and downs, the argument with Muriel on the first morning, then me getting upset with Muriel yesterday morning. Ben meeting up with Sam Saturday night and getting drunk. And opening up to each other this morning during a walk in the park. Overall it had been a nice weekend. Tomorrow was home time,via Lancashire County Council Archives in Preston. Ben and I had an appointment with the Chief archivist tomorrow morning at 10am. 

It was Tuesday morning, the weather had warmed up but it had gone cloudy, the car was loaded and we were ready to leave. Geoff and Muriel were standing on their front doorstep. Ben appeared next to his parents. He'd been checking the bedroom to make sure we’d left nothing behind.

“That’s everything Prof. I walked up to them. I shook Geoff's hand  and gave Muriel a hug, she kind of hugged back, but like Ben said she isn’t a hugger.

“Thanks for everything. I’ve enjoyed myself. Penwortham is a lovely town, I hope I will see you again.”

“I’m sure you will”. Replied Geoff.

“Can I ask you a favor Andrew”?

“Of course you can Muriel, anything to help”.

“The next time you come over would you give a lecture to the school. I’m sure the girls would appreciate it”.

“Why I’d love to. I can do a lecture on women’s suffrage. Thankyou for the invite”.

“No, thankyou  Andrew”. Ben was looking at me with a certain amount of pride. 

“Selfie”. He suddenly announced. He took a snap as soon as we turned around. He showed us a picture of our startled faces.

“That's a keeper, I will send it to you mum. Maybe I can have it printed and framed for you”.

“I’m sure you can Benjamin. Now leave before you outstay your welcome”. She Said smiling. We said final goodbyes and slammed our car doors and I reversed out while Ben waved. 

Lancashire County Council Archives is a large modern steel and glass building off Bow lane in Preston. We had an appointment with a lady called Beryl the chief archivist at 10am for 2 hours. It only cost us £1.60.

Beryl was a large smiling lady with gray hair and glasses. “Hello I’m Beryl the Chief archivist. How may I help you”?

We shook hands. “ I’m Professor Andrew Roberts of Manchester University. And this is my associate Ben Slocombe. I’m writing an Historical Fiction book, based on a fictional hero called the Earl of Preston . His name is Sir John de Wood. And his story is based around the time of the English civil war and we’re looking for a map of Preston from about that time.  

We were in a long well lit Room, perfectly air conditioned to preserve old documents. Book shelves lined the wall full to bursting with old documents and books. It was heaven for Ben and I, we could spend months here reading and researching. But we only had 2 hours.

“I received your email Ben. And I’ve been looking through some old documents and found a copy of one from 1650. I think it is perfect for what you want”.

Wearing white cotton gloves and sitting at a table, we looked at the map. 

“Is this what you're looking for”? Beryl asked.

I looked at Ben. It was he who answered

“It’s exactly what I am looking for. Thankyou”

“In that case, I will leave you to it. Put it back in the box provided and give it back to me. I will be in my office”.

“Thankyou”. We both said in unison. 

The map itself was a map of the original core of the town in 1650. It had long lost buildings and even lost rivers on it. It shows the medieval field names which were often owned by different people. Some street names and district names are taken from these old field names. 

We knew that it was perfect for what Ben needed for his basic 1 page map for my book. He got to work taking photos on his phone from all different angles. I made  notes of the field names and building names like St George’s chapel and the playhouse which I can use in later stories. We worked together quietly and efficiently. 2 hours later we had all the information we needed. Ben put the map back in its box.  While I sent Mandy a quick text asking for Sebs email. Ben then gave the Map back to Beryl's office along with the gloves, thanking her profusely and left. 

 Her reply came back with his mobile number. So I sent him a quick text while Ben was otherwise engaged in the gents toilet. The text read.

Seb. It’s Professor Andrew Roberts. I’ve been thinking about a possible change to the end of Jack's war. Please bear with me, I’m not getting involved. Just giving you an idea. Instead of Jack leaving with Molly and marrying her. He could fall for a young male doctor. They fall in love and emigrate to Paris which was more cosmopolitan than the uk. The last scene of the film would be Jack and the as yet unnamed young doctor hand in hand on the Dover ferry sailing off into the horizon towards Calais.

Professor thankyou for your suggestion. I will certainly keep it in mind and keep you posted. In the meantime. Keep loving Beautiful Ben.

“That’s  definitely food for thought”. I muttered

1 ½ hours later my car was back in the underground car park where it spends most of its time. We got out of the lift and walked to my door.

“Coming in”? I asked.

“Of course”. Was Ben's reply. 

Ben closed the bedroom door behind him, we put the bags on the floor. He came up to me. I turned around, Ben put his hands to my face and pulled me in for a kiss. I looked into his eyes still black from the mugging, but to me his eyes are still beautiful. I was now standing with my back to the bed. He smiled and gave me a push.

“Waa”, I said as I fell backwards onto the bed, Ben then climbed  on top of me. We kissed passionately, our tongues finding each other.  Ben started to pull my Jumper over my head. I moved my weight to help, he unbuttoned my shirt. Then kissed his way down my torso. He came to my belt and undid it. My shoes, socks and  trousers went on the floor next. My briefs were all that stood between me and complete nakedness. 

Ben stood and did a slow striptease, gyrating and writhing as he slowly took his clothes off. He is beautiful, it's as simple as that. And sexy. A combination that’s once found is hard to let go. I wanted him, needed him. By now I was completely naked.

“Make love to me Ben”, I breathed.

“Yes Prof that’s exactly what I intend to do”.

He climbed on top of me. His cuts and  bruises were in stark contrast to his pale supple body. We kissed a third time. Then we made love.

My legs were crossed over his back. He was slow and patient. It’s been a long time since anyone has made love to me. Before it was always rushed and painful. Ben was the complete opposite. It was love not sex. Loving and patient, slowly, slowly playing me like an instrument. Pulling my strings as we moved together in the dance of love. Winning my heart, with infinite care, attention and love. Staring into each other's eyes as our friendship slowly turned into love. Love turning into passion. A passion for each other's minds and bodies. My large body with all its imperfections. Contrasting with Ben's perfection. 

And then as our passion reached its crescendo, universes collapsed. Worlds collided. Mountains tumbled into a writhing, perspiring, united and loving couple. Two men comfortable with each other's imperfect yet perfect minds and bodies. Wrapped up in each other's perfect love. We embraced each other. We kissed each other. And we fell into a deep, all loving, all embracing sleep. 

The End.