Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 13:42:47 -0700 (PDT)
From: larry_c_@excite.com
Subject: Mikey and Billy...final chapter

All the regular warnings and instructions as to who should and should not
read this are in full force. I do not condone sexual activity between
adults and under-aged persons or any certain choices for the benefit of the
adult's own pleasure. I do advocate for youth to be who they choose to be
without being persecuted for their own decision. I do not say whether their
decision is right or wrong for everyone ... but for themselves ... that is
their personal business.

We left off:

"Tonight, my Love ... I gave myself totally to you without any reservation,
but wait till next time, my sweet one ... I will make your night just as
enjoyable, because I learned a lot from all you shared with me. Sleep
well. Next time you may not get a wink of rest!"

I guess it was fortunate that finally all four young men had drifted off
into deep sleep, because none of them noticed that the light in an upper
window was turned off just moments after all was quiet outside.

Mikey and Billy Cum of Age Chapter Nine

Well, I will confess that Frank was an interested on-looker and listened
intently to the happenings of that camp-out ... but he knew that if he ever
let on, he'd be out of a job before his feet hit the campus grass the next
day. So, the boys never discovered his hidden desires. Of course, his own
inner conflict caused him many hours of unrest, and a few wet dreams along
the way.

But for now, we need to jump ahead to the month of May, just a few weeks
before the end of the school year ... when the Senior class made up its
minds what gift to the school would be given at graduation time. So many
good things had happened on campus this year, and mostly because of the new
club being established; and the entire community benefiting from its
effects. This strongly influenced the Senior Class's decision.

However, before we can let the Seniors declare that choice, you need to
know one more thing ... that the three guys ((Wilton Chambers, the Varsity
Football Captain, Kevin Thompson, the Wrestling Captain ... and the lead
trombone player from the Band, Ralph Marrow.)) who were responsible for the
accidental loss of life of Joey, who would have been in this class's ranks
as a graduate in June had he lived, came forward and unloaded their hearts
to Mr. Jacobs just a few days ago. Mr. J. listened to them with as much
compassion as he could muster, but found it quite difficult not to explode
in anger and judgment through the ordeal...

      "Well, young men ... At least I am pleased that you are finally
willing to own up to your responsibilities. You are certainly aware that
this could be considered a felony, and have very serious consequences, so I
surely want to afford you some credit for coming to me on your own about
this. I cannot promise that you'll get any breaks for being candid ... but
I will promise you that as my students, you will have as much of my
assistance through whatever legalities that might follow. I do have to
report this to the authorities, but I will add whatever I can to support
the fact that your confession was given voluntarily."

      "Uh, Mr. Jacobs...Sir, uh ... You think they'll treat us as Juveniles
or adults? Will it be like...we murdered him ... or maybe that we...uh
... accidentally caused it? I'm scared ...really scared, Sir!"

      "Listen, Ralph, I have no idea! I personally believe that it wasn't a
pre-meditated decision to kill Joey, but I am not the Judge ... nor am I
part of a Jury made up of people from this town who knew the boy. But I
promise to get you three a good lawyer, and to be whatever support I can be
as things get rough. I am not saying you shouldn't face the music. I do
believe in justice! I'm just glad I don't have to decide what that justice
actually is. But apart from that, you are still my students, and I care
about each one of you, no matter what was done."

      "Look, Mr. J., at the time, all we did was what we...and most of the
campus thought was a good thing ... showin' a fag boy he didn't belong in
school leadership ... the Drum Major thing is every bit as important as
bein' team leaders or student body leaders. Dang...we just wanted to hurt
him enough to get the message ... not to kill him!"

      "Kevin ... back then, most of this campus probably felt just as
prejudiced as did you three, so I do understand the why behind the action
... but the action is not justified by those feelings! Never has been! The
KKK was never justified in its acts towards Blacks, either.  At least now
the club has helped calm the prejudice issue down, and given some insight
into areas we all never considered before. All I hope is that you three
have grown some in your thinking lately ... and that's the reason you came
to me today."

      "Sir ... I guess we do deserve the axe ... but I know for myself, the
club IS the reason I came here. I even got my dad to come to a club meeting
recently ... `cause he encouraged me to be a part of the beating thing. He
hates everybody who's different! He's trained me to be that way ... and I
finally realized I had to tell him no, and stand up to his pressures. He
slugged me and knocked me on my butt when I told him so...but I made him
come to the meeting instead of tellin' the cops he hit me so bad."

      "Wilton ... I know your dad very well. He was one of the parents that
fought tooth and nail to keep this club off campus. It makes me even more
willing to stand beside you three when I hear what you just told me from
your heart. Now I have to make a call to the authorities, and I expect you
all to stay right here in my office until they arrive. If you leave, or run
... I won't be able to help like I want to. I am going to trust you to
cooperate fully, and trust me ... is that clear?"

      (All three...) "Yes Sir!"

It didn't take long for the police to arrive, but Mr. J. had made them come
to the rear of his office, so as not to attract the entire student body to
the event of removing the boys from the premises. Then Frank called each
parent and informed him or her that the boys had been taken to the local
precinct for questioning ... so that each was given the opportunity to have
an attorney present as his or her child was being interrogated.

Then he placed a very personal call to Toronto. Larry answered the phone,
and was totally shocked to hear Frank's voice. Korey was also home at the
moment, but Casey and Eaton were still at their classes. So, Larry put his
phone on speaker setting, so Korey could hear the conversation as well.

Frank explained every detail of his conversation with the three guys,
including how he felt about the situation ... a combination of anger and of
compassion at the same time. He also told Larry and Kor about the club's
existence and the good it had already done for the school life .... one
result being the boys' confession regarding Joey.

A long pause of silence from the Toronto end ... and then, Kor made a few
comments to Larry ...

      "Frank ... this is a toughie! Kor knows all three of those guys! He's
hurt that they are the ones that did it, but he still considers them as
friends. Tell you what ... inform us as to when their hearing is ... and
we'll make a trip down to input some comments. I have no idea what we will
say, but we will be there! I'll let you go for now ... Kor needs to talk!
Thanks for calling...and Frank, I really miss you, my friend!"
*********CLICK*********

It just so happens that the hearing was scheduled for the week before
graduation. Larry and Korey kept their promise, and arrived at Frank's
house in time to attend it. In order to spare Eaton and Casey the pain of
being a part of all this, Larry had left them with some close friends in
Toronto, but promised to bring them on a trip later in the summer, so Mikey
could see them again, and renew his friendship with his buds. Oh, and he
told Billy the same thing. After all, Joey's little brother had the same
rights as did Mikey ... for sure!

Of course Billy and Mikey asked how everything up in Toronto was going, to
which Larry gave a very extensive positive report ... including the fact
that the Episcopal Church in Canada had a different name, The United Church
of Canada, but stood for the same things as did the one down here ... and
that there was an area in town not too far from his place that was actually
a gay center of activity ( The Village ) ... and is almost exclusively
inhabited by gay residents; and is the friendliest place he'd ever
encountered. ) He added the fact that gay marriage is 100 % legal with all
full marriage rights There's also a huge building in Toronto called the
519, which serves as a community centre for many many LGBT issues. Then
there is a church: The Metropolitan Community Church that is a VERY gay
congregation, and was the first church in Canada to perform a gay marriage.

Kor broke into Larry's comments by telling the boys they ought to come to
Toronto for a visit during the summer, and find out for themselves how open
and wonderful it is to be in a city where a `gay' can be who he is, and
really be accepted ... and that Casey and Eaton love it up there, even
though they're not quite old enough to be involved in the public
activities. And speaking of Casey and Eaton ... "they sure miss you two
terribly", he added.

Just then, Frank got a phone call ...

      "Hello, Mr. J.?  This is Joseph Martin ... Student Body Pres.,
remember?"

      "Of course, Joseph. What's on your mind tonight?"

      "Did I hear that Mr. Freeburg was going to be in town this week?"

      "Boy, does news travel fast!  Yes ... in fact, he's here right now."

      "May I speak to him a minute, please, Sir?"

      (Hand over mouthpiece...)  "Uh, Larry ... you feel like speaking with
our Student Body President? If not, I can say you stepped out a minute."

      "What the heck! The whole world will know I'm here by tomorrow
anyway...put him on!"

      "Mr. Freeburg?"  "Yes! Nice to hear from you, Joseph."

      "Thanks, Sir ...surprised to hear you remember me. Pleases me a lot,
Sir. The reason I wanted to speak to you is to ask you if you'll be here
for the graduation ceremony."

      "Uh ... I wasn't planning to show up. I didn't want to shake up
anyone on such an important day."

      "Shake us up? Heck ... we were going to call you in Toronto and ask
if you could come anyway. Our Senior Class wanted you to be here if it was
at all possible. So many of us had you as a teacher...and friend. It would
mean a lot to many of us, Sir."

      "Well, if Mr. Jacobs approves it, I suppose I'd like to be
there. I'll discuss it with him, and we will see."

      "That's so cool. I'll wait to tell the class until you
confirm. Thanks, Mr. F. Later!"  **************Click**************

      "So ... Frank, he wants me to attend the graduation ceremonies. Any
problem if I do?"

      "And just why would that be a problem, Larry? I might even have you
assist in the handing out of diplomas. So many of the graduates think the
world of you. In fact, I insist on it. Even the community would appreciate
seeing you again. Consider it an assignment!"

      "I would be more than honored to share in my kids' commencement. I
just figured since I left, there might be some feelings caused for the new
music teacher if I ..."

      "Nonsense, Lar ... you're not directing her band, so ... no conflict!
Enough said!"

Just about then, Billy, Freddie, Timmy and Mikey all invited Korey out to
go see a movie or find something else fun ( like miniature golf, bowling,
or an arcade, maybe) to do. Of course, Kor was still young enough to enjoy
the boys' company, and so he went out with them ... which left Frank and
Larry alone for the evening. Frank took the opportunity to get something
off his chest that had bothered him for a few weeks now ... knowing Larry
would certainly understand the inner conflict that Frank was dealing with
...

      "Lar?  Uh ... this is gonna sound real strange to you, I know, but
... I've been fighting myself for weeks now, and I need some help! May I
ask you for some advice?"

      "Absolutely, Frank. Anything for you ... you've been my right hand
man through a lot of my own struggles. If I can return the favor, I'd be
truly pleased to do so."

      "The battle I've been fighting lately may have been inside me from a
long time ago, but I guess it was suppressed and shut away so it never
bothered me till recently. But when I took in Tim as a foster son, old
things began flooding my head again. In fact, the night I allowed all four
buddies to camp out in the back yard ... I couldn't pull myself away from
the window. I was not only hearing some pretty interesting things coming
from the tents, but I almost wished I was down there with them. God, Lar
... I was married and have a grown son ... I'm a school Principal. This is
scary, Man. I'm beside myself."

      "Frank ... Frank ... we all have inner feelings. That doesn't mean we
ever act on them! I made a choice to respond to Kor ... and we have made a
choice together to continue to enjoy our action to its fullest. You have
made the choice to stay exactly as you have been ... what we all call
`straight' ... and that's perfectly fine, too. Every now and then, each
person has doubts, usually caused by situations shoving input into his
head. You have been so involved in this club set-up and the prosecution of
the guys that hurt Joey ... hell, it's no wonder the topic is pressing your
every thought. Thought brings questions, and questions bring doubt that can
shake even the most solid thinker. Let the dust settle before you even
consider having a real problem. After all, you have never even attempted to
get a guy of any age in bed...right?"

      (A long and silent pause...) "Uh ... I did have an uncle that I loved
and almost worshipped ... until when I was 12, came to my room one night
and crawled in bed with me ... and showed me how much he cared for me as
his favorite nephew. And this interaction lasted at least a year and a half
before we got caught, and he was jailed for about ten years. Larry ... I
missed those times after he got put away. It took me until I was 16 before
I dealt with those desires and shoved them so deep that I could start going
with girls and eventually marry one. I swore right then that I would never
ever cause another young boy to have to deal with that pain. And I have
never even thought about a kid...or an adult male for that matter ... as an
object of sexual behavior. I truly love my own son, but in the proper way,
even though I had to help him through his own struggles."

      "Exactly my point, Frank ... it's not your mode of operation, but
just pressures from all that has gone on around you lately bringing old
feelings up to be dealt with. All you probably need to do is to stand firm
on your convictions, and they will all disappear again."

      "I hope you're right, Lar ... I really do ... but I have more doubt
than trust in my decisions at the moment! I know I don't want to grab Tim
and his buddies, and rape them! Hell...that's an easy one! But Lar ... uh
..."

(Frank leans forward and plants a kiss on Larry's lips, and then pulls back
as if he had been shot in the heart by his own rifle...)

      "Uh ... Oh God...see what I mean! Forgive me, Lar ... I don't know
why I did that, or where it came from...honest!"

      "Forgive what, Frank? There's nothing to forgive. We have been close
friends for years. We have helped each other out of jams many times. We
almost feel like family, and family loves its members. There's nothing
wrong with expressing love between family members. Kisses don't mean that
sex is going to follow. I don't feel a bit violated...so, don't you feel
guilty for showing me that you care."

      "But Lar ... I'm not that sure that I don't want more to
happen. That's my point!"

      "And if it does?  So what! And if it doesn't? So what, too! It
doesn't have to be decided this second! All you need to know right now is
that you did nothing wrong, and it changes nothing between us as friends
... or like I said, as family! I do promise you, though, that I'll be right
beside you as you clear things in your own mind. I'll listen, make
suggestions, and support you in anything you decide...as long as it's your
own decision...and not something pressured on you by environment or persons
around you. Is that clear?"

      "God, Lar ... that means so much to hear you say that! I almost feel
like giving you another kiss!"

      "Well then ... like I said, if it's your choice...do it, Man!"

(KIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSS...)  "Uh ... I kind'a liked that, Lar!"

      "Don't ever think I didn't!"  (Huge smile...)  "So now, I better call
your student body president back and tell him I'll be there for the
ceremony! Shall I fix us both a drink, Frank?"

      "Yeah ... I could use one right about now!"

Graduation night arrives, and the entire community is in attendance. The
Theater complex is full to overflowing! Not only the auditorium, but the
little theater as well, hooked in by TV monitors, is packed as well. It's
probably safe to say that this turn out was sparked by two things ... the
new interest in student body affairs caused by the club, and the fact that
the town buzzed over Mr. Freeburg being in attendance as well. Even though
he had been gone for a full year, the people still revered him and wanted
to see him again to show their love for him and what he had meant to their
children.

The sounds of "Pomp and Circumstance" hit the air ... the Junior Class
floral garland color guard lined the theater aisles, as tradition had
continued for 50 years of school history ... the Seniors marched
majestically to their stage of honor ... the faculty and dignitaries made
their way to the platform ... the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of
the Star Spangled Banner, as well as an Invocation proceeded with
absolutely no need of apologies ... and the proper introductions of all the
evening's participants solidified the importance of the night's event.

The audience listened attentively as The Chairman of the School Board made
his comments, and the Valedictorian gave a stirring and challenging speech
to her classmates as they aimed their lives toward new heights to follow.
But then ... The Senior Class President stood and made his way to the
microphone to announce the class's gift to the School that would place
something special on campus to remember the Class of 2008 had been there
and had made a difference to school life ...

      "Mr. Jacobs, members of the School Board, Mr. Mayor, and all our
special guests this evening ... The class of 2008 spent many hours
scratching its brains to decide what would be the best gift to present
tonight.  Trophy cases have been given in the past, and so have senior
benches, score boards for sports events, and a lot of other things that
have fulfilled needs of the school or encouraged new students to get
involved in school spirit. Nothing seemed to unite us ... until one idea
hit us like an earthquake. I happen to feel that maybe a little bit of
divine wisdom fell, and when we listened to it, a unanimous decision was
reached. What we are giving the school tonight may seem like just a plaque
... but what's on this plaque is far bigger and more meaningful that
anything else we as a class could do. The School Board already knows what
is inscribed on it, because we could not have received approval
otherwise. Now, as I read the plaque to you, the members of our entire
community, I ask Mr. Freeburg to stand next to me and accept the plaque on
behalf of our student body...past, present and
future...Mr. Freeburg...please come!  Thank you for joining me, Sir!  And
now the plaque..."

      "This plaque, and the School Board Members in office at this point in
time declare herein that the Performing Arts Building be from this time on
known as:
   `The Lawrence Freeburg P.A. Center' and that the main theater itself be
dedicated to the memory of `Joseph Matthews' who gave his life for the
betterment and unity of our student body. (The Class of 2008)."

Needless to say...the audience exploded with approval. Larry, however,
almost collapsed from hearing the announcement. Frank came up along side
Lary to support him until he regained his composure enough to accept the
plaque as thunderous applause continued.

Mr. Jacobs took the microphone and the all important words were heard ...

      "And now, Mr.Board Chairman ... I present to you the Class of 2008
..."

The class stood and turned toward the podium for the traditional walk of
receiving diplomas, as the Board Chair and Mr. Freeburg took their places
to hand each Graduate that most important document of achievement.

From this point on ... is a whole `nuther' story!  A summer in Toronto for
Larry and his boys ... being visited by Frank and his foster son's group of
buddies; Maybe the entire summer should be kept for you to imagine! I'll
make up my mind later about that!  All I will tell you right now is that it
was this summer that Frank cleared his mind of all indecision.

		       ********** THE END *********