The following story is a work of gay fiction. If you are offended by the subject matter, or if you are too young, please exit now. This story is the property of the author and may not be reproduced without permission. John Tucker, JETjt@aol.com.
SUPER JEFF
Chapter Eight
Jeff's POV
My mouth dropped open. We hadn't been here an hour and already we'd outed ourselves. Yikes! I took a second look. Wow! I forgot my embarrassment. Was that guy cute, or what?
Chris and I stepped away from each other revealing for our newcomer a view of the large bulges straining the zippers holding closed the fly openings in our shorts. Seeing his eyes again dart downward taking in this view, accompanied by a smile appearing on his lips, my shock completely disappeared, though Chris' face was blood red at being caught.
"I see you're enjoying the comforts of the camp," the handsome young man began. "I'm sorry to intrude. My name is Jamie Farmer. I'm the Head Counselor here."
I turned, approached our boss and extended my hand. "Hi, I'm Jeff Richards, and `Bashful' there is my boyfriend Chris Parker. We're your new Counselors."
"Glad to meet you two," Jamie said. "You don't know how your arrival has `saved the day.' It looked for a while that Carl was going to have to be a cabin Counselor."
He laughed at the thought.
"We're happy to be of help," I said as Chris joined my side and offered his handshake.
"The Counselor's meeting will be starting soon," Jamie informed us. "You'll learn more of your duties there, and since you're last minute arrivals, please feel free to call on me if you have any questions."
"Thanks," Chris replied, fully recovered from his earlier embarrassment. "I'm sure we'll have several."
"I'll see you over at the hall then," Jamie said, stepping back into the hallway in preparation for leaving. "I hope you enjoy your work here. It's a very rewarding experience." Then lowering his voice he said, "Oh, and if the campers are here, make sure you lock your door and pull the curtains if you need some `private time.' Officially the Camp more than frowns on any romantic displays of affection between Counselors, male or female."
"Thanks for the `heads up' Jamie. We'll be more than cautious," I said as he disappeared down the hallway heading back to the Hall with a perfunctory "Bye."
When we heard the door slam, we breathed a sigh of relief.
"Whew! I'm glad he's one of us," I exclaimed. "It would be a bit hard to explain how we'd been fired before we met the first camper."
"I thought we were dead meat," Chris said with a sigh of relief.
"Hey, we'd better get our stuff. It wouldn't look good if we were late to our first meeting too. Besides, we haven't the foggiest idea what we're supposed to do," I said glancing at my watch.
"You're right. We'd better get moving," he agreed.
We took off on the trot back to the pick-up. As we approached the truck another pickup, a Ford 150 pulled up and parked nearby. Grabbing our bags from the back we were quickly loaded up to haul our stuff as the two guys who were in the truck approached.
"Hey!" The taller of the two said with a smile. "You guys must be the newbies. I'm Jake Johnston and shortie here is Pat Taylor. We're counselors here too. We've got the 13 & 14's and we're in cabins 7 and 8."
"Nice to meet you Jake, Pat," I said dropping the luggage I was carrying and offering my hand to shake. "I'm Jeff and this is Chris. We've got the 14 and 15 year olds, and we're in cabins 9 and 10."
Handshakes were exchanged as well as greetings.
"I hate to say `hi' and run," I said, "but there's a counselors' meeting in 10 minutes and we still need to stash our stuff."
"We do too," Pat said turning to the truck. "We'll see you inside."
"Nice to meet you^Å. Laterz," Chris said as he bent over to pick up again his gear.
"Take care guys," I echoed, repeating Chris' motions.
Ten minutes later we were opening the door to the hall where we'd had lunch. Inside we saw several guys milling around talking and laughing. We headed toward them when Carl appeared and said in a loud voice. "Everyone take your seats."
The hubbub of conversation quickly died as the guys took seats at three of the picnic-type tables. Another table was taken by adults. We recognized Frank and Betty Charles.
"If any of you don't know me, I'm the Director of the camp, Carl Jepperson," he began with a smile. "I'd like to welcome you all to Bear Camp and just say that if all else fails; my door is open to you at any time. This camp has been run successfully for around 50 years and helped many youngsters to have a new, fulfilling adventure in their young lives. Your first job is the safety and wellbeing of those in your care. Your second job is to provide leadership and guidance to your charges so that this camping experience is both educational and fun. Last, I hope that you enjoy the experience of being leaders and have fun. Don't get the order of these three things mixed up. That will only lead to trouble, both for you and for the Boys and Girls Clubs. You all will be given Counselor's packets. Read and know the contents of the information given to you. Ignorance of the rules about what is and isn't permitted is no excuse. I expect that information to be ironed into your brains. We try to run a pretty laid-back camp here, but knowing the line between acceptable and unacceptable behavior is a must."
"Now with that said, I'd like to introduce you to the others of the staff. First I'd like to introduce Mrs. Charles, the office manager." She stood up to a round of applause. "Next is Frank Doolittle who is in charge of our kitchen and this building. If you have any questions about the meals, or the use of this building, Frank's the man." More applause was generated by the counselors. "Next is Sherry Jones our nurse. If there are accidents or illness, she's the one to see." Then there is Tom Sherlock, who is in charge of facilities here. If you have a problem with your cabin, or any other of our facilities, including the grounds, see Tom." More applause. "Next I'd like to introduce you to the two guys you'll be working with most closely. First is Eric Jackson, our Program Director. He plans out the activities for all of the groups. He is also in charge of our special activities. Under his guidance is our Athletic Manager, Bill Thompson, and our Arts and Crafts Manager, Sarah McDermott. You'll hear more from each of them later." Another round of applause filled the lodge."
"Now, finally, I'd like to introduce Jamie Farmer our Head Counselor. He is the guy that all of you are working for. If you have any problems or have any questions, he's the guy with the answers. What he says goes."
I looked at Chris as we applauded. It was clear that we recognized immediately the cute guy who had caught us kissing.
"Now with the introductions complete, I'd like to thank you again for joining us this summer. I'll now turn the floor over to Jamie."
The counselors all clapped as Carl sat down at the staff table while Jamie assumed the floor.
"I'd like to add my welcome to Carl's. I'm sure we'll have some challenges ahead this summer, but we'll have fun too. I'd like to first have each of you stand, one-at-a-time and introduce yourselves. Then I'll hand out our Counselor's Packets, and go over a few things^Å."
Each of the counselors stood, including Chris and me, giving our names and the city where we lived and our cabin number. Of the counselors, therere about half who were very good looking. The others were pleasant looking but wouldn't turn any heads when walking into a room. It was fun to guess the personality of each as they stood and spoke. There were a couple besides Jake and Pat that I was interested in getting to know better. I took special note of a guy named Sam Parker when he said that he was in cabin 6. He was not particularly attractive, but seemed to have a pleasant look and personality.
Once the introductions were finished, the packets were handed out, and Jamie began to go over the rules and what was expected of us. Then Eric took the floor and discussed the activities schedule. Three-quarters of an hour had passed since Carl had first begun when the meeting was adjourned. As we arose to leave, it was announced that the buses would be arriving in less than an hour and we were instructed to be back at the lodge by three o'clock to greet our charges. We were then dismissed.
Jake and Pat stood and joined Chris and me.
"I've heard that same spiel for the last three years," Pat said. "I could just about give all the speeches from memory.
"You've been a counselor here for three years?" Chris asked in astonishment.
"Yeah, lucky me," Pat replied. "Of course this is where Jake and I first met. We've been best friends ever since, so I can't complain."
"I didn't catch where you live when you introduced yourself. Do you live near each other when you're not up here?" I asked.
"Only if you call Burbank and Whittier `close'," Pat answered. "It was tough after the first summer when neither of us had cars. We managed to get together about once a month anyway. Then after the second summer, my parents moved from Burbank to Pomona, and it became a lot easier as we now live only 5 miles apart. Do you guys live close to each other?"
I looked at Chris, wondering how much I should tell. He beat me to the punch by replying, "Yeah, practically in each other's pockets."
"Whereabouts?" Jake inquired. "I forgot too."
"Palos Verdes," I replied.
Pat and Jake's eyebrows rose.
"Oh, rich guys, huh?" Jake challenged.
"Would rich guys drive that truck?" I said quickly pointing toward the parking lot.
"Sorry, I guess I was jumping to conclusions," Jake apologized.
"Hey no sweat," I added not wanting the impression turning into an outright lie. "Our parents do alright, I guess, but we wouldn't brag about it."
"I think we should go unpack," Chris interjected, wanting to change the subject.
"Good idea, Chris. Let's go set up home sweet home."
"You'll be plenty tired of it by the end of the summer," Pat advised.
"We're only staying for the first session," Chris responded. "We're just taking the places of a guy that got hurt and one that took him home."
"I guess I knew that," Pat said slapping himself on the head. "I suppose I was just wishing you were staying longer. We seem to hit if off pretty well. Dennis and Tom are kinda jerks and you aren't, so I'll be sorry to see you guys leave."
"You don't know us that well yet," I laughed, `but thanks for the thought. We'll catch you guys around."
"Yeah, we'll have to compare schedules and see if we can find some time away from our `charges', as Carl would say," Chris added with a smile.
"There will be time," Jake revealed. "There are times when the kids are involved with sports or crafts, and other times where they have free time. When they have free time, we do too. This age group is in many ways easier than the younger kids that will be here second session. They're pretty self sufficient. That's not all good, but at least you don't have to worry about them wandering off, falling in the lake and drowning. Well, we'll see you later."
"Bye," Chris and I said in unison as we turned toward the door and headed for our cabins.
Chris and I hurried to our cabins, splitting up so we could unpack and get ready for our new arrivals. After unpacking, I made up my bed, and then I took out the Counselor's manual and read it. Looking into the packet, I also found the schedule of activities for my group, a welcoming speech we were to read to our campers, and a listing of each of the campers assigned to me. I read that list twice, memorizing the names, then I memorized the welcoming speech. Now I was ready. All I'd have to do is to place the names on the list with the faces. I had just finished when Chris appeared in my doorway.
"I think we'd better get over to the hall," he advised. "The buses should arrive at any minute."
"Let's go," I agreed, putting the packet on my small table.
Five minutes later we were in the hall with the other counselors. Three tables had been set up to check in the campers. Jamie directed us to take our places around the room when the buses arrived, under the signs with our cabin numbers. We then sat down to wait.
We didn't wait long. Within 10 minutes the first bus arrived, honking its horn as it stopped. The bus unloaded and the kids were directed to the hall where we awaited. No sooner had the last camper stepped through the door than we heard the second bus's horn, announcing its arrival. The campers were directed to the registration table, where their names were checked off, then redirected further to their cabin counselors, us. We tried to keep our groups from wandering off as the process was completed. After being told that all names were checked off, we led the boys, (who were hardly younger than we were) to the buses to get their gear which had been unloaded, then on to our cabins. Stopping outside my cabin, I held up my hand, signaling that I wanted to speak before we entered. The boys set down their burdens and turned to me, finally quieting down.
"Hi guys," I began, without notes. "I'd like to welcome you to cabin 9, the Grizzly Cabin. All the cabins are named after Bears, and you lucky ones are the Grizzly Bears. You're lucky too to have me as your Counselor," I added extemporaneously this bit, which was not on the speech I'd memorized. "My name is S.J. or Jeff, if you prefer. You and I are gonna become good friends. We'll have lots of fun and do lots of things in the next three weeks." I left the script completely and continued. "Ya see I'm a pretty easy guy. I like to have fun. We can all have fun if we remember just a few things. First, I'm the boss. I'm a fun boss unless we disagree, or you don't do as instructed. Second, we have scheduled activities. We expect you to be on time and be ready to participate. Third, we have plenty of free time for you to visit with others or go wandering around. Just be back when you're supposed to be. Finally, and in my book, most important, we need to respect each other. That means that we have to understand that we're all different. Some are a different color, come from a different school, come from a different land, or are different from you in beliefs or background. We have to accept those differences with kindness and consideration, not with scorn or teasing. I'm pretty tough on people who pick on other people. If you don't think I mean it, just try me on. You won't like the results.
"I may just do that," a tall black camper mumbled. I looked at him squarely in the eyes.
"Anytime Son," I said. "I'll try not to break anything on you." My self-assurance must have convinced the youth that now was not the time for a confrontation.
"Maybe later," he said quietly, then closed his mouth.
"Now guys, I want you to go in and choose beds."
The guys started moving toward the door.
"Wait. I don't want any hassles," I said. "You'll draw numbers for the order in which you'll go into the cabin." I pulled a plastic baggie from my pocket. Inside of this zipped pouch were 8 numbers on small pieces of paper. I unzipped it, and dumped the numbered pieces into my cap, which I'd removed from my head and turned upside down.
"Everyone, take a number," I ordered, holding the hat up so that the shortest camper could reach it, but the tallest couldn't see inside. Once everyone had a number, I called out, "one" then waited until `one' was at the door. "Two." I called out second. I continued calling numbers slowly until each camper was inside. I followed.
"You'll see on your bed a pillow, two sheets and a blanket," I said loudly after I got the guys to again quiet down inside. "Stow your gear, make your beds, then it's free time until chow, which will be at 6 o'clock at the hall where we met. We'll sit together at our cabin's table. Look for it when you get there. Oh, and the bathroom is across the hall from me. I live right there," I said pointing to my room. "I'll be in my room for a while in case any of you need to see me."
I left the large room and retreated into my own small room.
I dug into my backpack and pulled out my MP3 player, selected some music that I enjoyed, then lay down on my newly-made bed, stretching out as tiredness crept in. I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew I awoke to a knocking on my door.
"Come in," I said tiredly but with enough volume that I didn't expect to have to get up.
"Hi Babe," Chris said cheerfully. "All my guys are out exploring and from the looks of it yours are too. I was getting bored."
"Gosh Chris I'm sorry. I have most of the audio equipment with me. I should have at least given you the CD player."
"It's not a problem, SJ. I just missed you, I guess."
I smiled. I knew that I missed Chris too. We had become incredibly close in just a few short days. It was hard to believe that a week ago I didn't know he existed. Now we were joined at the hip, and I was enjoying every minute. I'm not sure what came over me.
"Earth to SJ!" Chris said with a pretend microphone in his hand.
"Oh, sorry," I said with a start, "Guess I just zoned out."
"You're forgiven Babe," Chris said. "I'd kinda like to look around. You wanna go with?"
"Sure," I replied as I coaxed my relaxed body into movement resulting in my sitting up and putting my feet on the floor. "I'll just put my shoes back on and we'll go.
"Let me help you," Chris offered kneeling.
"For Christ sake!" I said with an irritated tone, "I can put my own shoes on!"
Chris jumped back as if he'd been shot.
"I'm sorry," he apologized. "I just thought I'd try a little `foot action'. I didn't mean to imply that you're helpless." His hanging head quickly made me realize that I'd been a fool to shoot off my mouth like that.
I reached down and pulled him to me.
"I'm sorry Chris. I didn't mean to blast out like that. I feel like an ass. Besides, if I'd known that you wanted to get frisky, I would have had the opposite reaction. I might have even jumped your bones right here in front of God and all the campers."
I kissed Chris gently on the lips.
"Am I forgiven Babe?" I asked. "I promise not to do that again."
"I guess so," he said with reluctance. I could tell that I had hurt him and that it would take a little time for him to really get comfortable again.
"I won't push it," I said. "I just hope you don't hold my stupidity against me. I'd rather hold you against me."
He smiled at my attempt at humor.
"I'd like that," he said, as he backed away. "Now put on your shoes and let's go."
"Yes sir," I obeyed.
Chris' POV
I shouldn't be so wounded,' I admonished myself in my thoughts as Jeff hurriedly put on his shoes. I've been so jumpy though since my natural Dad had yelled at me before he threw me out. I guess that Jeff's yelling was just so unexpected. Don't fuck up a good thing by acting like a baby," I concluded my thoughts, just as Jeff stood up. I smiled and offered my hand. He pulled me to him again and kissed me lightly.
"Am I really forgiven?' he begged.
"Yes, I'm sorry I acted like a kid," I apologized .
"Let's just put it behind us and go on," he advised. "I'm sure we'll have bigger things than that come up, but as long as we can depend on each other's love, knowing that we each want what's best for the other, then I think we can weather any storm."
"How did you get so smart?" I asked in a half-kidding tone.
"English class," he replied with a grin.
I laughed out loud at his reply.
"Come on let's go," he said dropping my hand, opening the door, and indicating that I was to go first.
"Thanks," I said walking through the opening and heading toward the outside.
We had just left the cabin and hadn't traveled 50 yards when we saw a circle of guys watching what appeared to be a fight. We rushed over and pushed our way through.
In the center were two guys with fists raised. The smaller one had fear in his eyes and was obviously losing. Jeff jumped in the middle. It was apparent that at least the bigger one was from his cabin.
"Collins! Enough!" Jeff screamed at the larger boy, a black boy who was two inches taller than Jeff and outweighed him by probably 40 pounds.
"Fuck you!" Collins replied. "Get out of the way, I'm going to kick his pansy ass!"
"You'll have to go through me," Jeff answered staring at the larger youth, as two of the campers pulled back the smaller of the fighters, a slight Hispanic boy who couldn't have weighed 130 pound with all his clothes on.
"Keep out of my business," Collins warned.
"Your picking on a smaller camper made it my business," Jeff replied.
"You're asking for it," Collins said as he threatened his Counselor.
"We don't need to settle this with fists," Jeff offered. "We can sit down and talk it out."
"That fag touched me!" the larger youth said accusingly.
"I was pushed into him," the voice from behind Jeff said.
"He was pushed," Jeff repeated.
"I don't give a fuck. The bastard shouldn't be breathing the same air as me. That faggy shit might be catching."
"That's ridiculous," Jeff explained. "Even if he was gay, and I'm not sure how you'd know, I can assure you that homosexuality is not catching."
"I ain't gonna argue. I'm jus' gonna whup his ass. Maybe I can beat them thoughts outta his skull. Who knows? He might jus' come after me while I'm asleep."
"Well, I guess you could just yell for help," Jeff advised with a grin.
"I don't need no help to make short work out o' that piece o' shit," Collins said.
"Collins. I won't stand for that kind of talk or attitude," Jeff declared. "I told you guys that outside the cabin."
"And I tol' you that I might just prove different."
"You're welcome to try, here and now," Jeff said. "I'd hate to embarrass you though."
"We'll see about that!" Collins shouted as he rushed Jeff, fists raised.
With lightning-fast moves, Jeff stepped aside, dodging the flailing black fists.
"Come on and fight!" Collins challenged. "You keep dancing away like some kinda sissy!"
Suddenly Collins opened his arms like a bear on a charge, and rushed his smaller, but older opponent. As he got near, Jeff grabbed one of Collins' arms, made a dodging and twisting move, throwing the larger youth over his back and shoulders and onto the ground. Collins landed with a thud on his back, the wind knocked out of him. He gasped for air. Jeff knelt beside him as he recovered. The fight had gone out of the youth, but not the antagonism.
"You lucky fucker! I must have slipped," the dark skinned youth explained, mostly for the benefit of the onlookers.
"Whatever," Jeff replied, not challenging the larger boy. The onlookers knew the truth. They had seen it with their own eyes. "Are you alright?"
"Shit, a little slip like that couldn't hurt me," boasted Collins.
"I'm glad," Jeff said with a smile as he jumped to his feet and offered a hand-up to the youth still on the ground.
"I don't need no help from you," Collins said as he refused Jeff's gesture, instead rolling over and unsteadily regaining his feet solo.
"I'm saying this for the last time Collins. Learn to get along or suffer the consequences. We're here to have fun, not a war."
"I'm here because it was an easy way for my Momma t' git rid of me for three weeks, for free," rejoined the black youth, "but nobody challenges me on my turf, and I'm claiming this camp as my turf."
"That remains to be seen Son," commented Jeff. "Let's just say that in my cabin I'm the one that calls the shots. Don't challenge me. You'll lose. We can be friends or not, it's up to you."
"I ain't got no frien's," Collins declared.
"I'm offering to be your friend," Jeff stated. "I think others would too, if you weren't so threatening."
"I don't want no frien's."
"Everyone wants friends," Jeff replied. "Just know that I'm offering. If you want to talk or just hang out, that's okay with me. If not it's your loss. Now I'd suggest you go get cleaned up. It won't be long now until chow. Catch ya later."
Jeff turned, and I followed him away as the crowd dispersed. The excitement was over.
"I think you handled that well," I praised the object of my affection.
"I handled it like shit," Jeff countered. "I should have never let it get to the place where he tried to take a swing at me."
"It's not that he was a paragon of reason," I differed. "As it turned out, he just got a bit dirty and his pride was hurt."
"I didn't want to do it that way though," Jeff said. "Violence answered with violence is a loser's way out."
"I'm afraid you're a bit of an idealist," I mused. "Bullies need to learn that there's always somebody who can clean their clocks, whether he's bigger or not. As they say, `It's not the size of the dog in the fight; it's the size of the fight in the dog."
"I just don't think that fighting is an acceptable answer," Jeff theorized. "There has to be a better way."
"I'm surprised you say that with all the karate stuff you take."
"The karate equips you to fight. Reason makes it unnecessary. I'm a man of reason."
"I wish you luck," I said. "I'm not sure you'll convince Collins though."
"As I said before," Jeff declared, "That remains to be seen, and I don't give up easily."
You want to go down and take a look at the lake?" I asked.
"Sure, but we'll have to hurry," he said as we turned toward the lake and began to descend the slope. "It's only about an hour to dinner, and I'd like to sit with the guys in my cabin. I want to get to know them."
"That's a good idea," I agreed as I walked beside him, "at least for a few days."
"How well did your guys settle in?" Jeff asked.
"Pretty well until we got inside," I replied. There were the usual arguments about who got which bed. I had to step in. How about your guys?"
"Not a problem," he said. "I made them draw numbers outside and let them in by-the-numbers. A couple of them swapped around afterward to be near a friend, but that was voluntary. I left them to unpack or roam around or whatever. Except for my friend Collins, they seem like a pretty nice bunch."
"One bad apple spoils the bunch," I philosophized.
"It can," Jeff agreed. "It's up to me to see that it doesn't happen. If I have to, I'll send Collins home, but that's a last resort."
"I can see how you'd think it was your fault," I sympathized, "but you have to remember that it's hard to change someone in only three weeks."
"It doesn't hurt to try," Jeff said.
"No, but don't blame yourself if it doesn't work. You didn't give Collins the chip on his shoulder."
"I think he has problems that he needs to let out," Jeff theorized. "Most bullies are either insecure, lonely, or have been abused themselves and think that being abusive is the sign of being an adult. I think if I can get him to open up, either to me or to someone else, we can do something to change his attitude problem."
"Just don't let him screw up everyone's camping experience."
"Don't worry Babe. I'm going to keep him in my sights," Jeff promised.
We arrived at the lake and looked around. There was a beach where swimming could occur and a dock with a dockside building, where watercraft appeared to be kept. The area was clean and the water clear. The fresh mountain breeze was different from the ocean breeze that we were used to. The air was dryer, and filled with the smell of the pine trees that surrounded the lake. There were trash receptacles about every 200' along the tree line. We'd have to remind our campers about keeping things neat and clean.
After 30 minutes of strolling along the waterfront we decided that it was time to return to the camp, so we headed back up the hill. We stopped by our cabins just for a quick pit-stop and Jeff picked up a small Grizzlies' sign he made. I saw what he had planned and asked him if he'd make me one too for my Polars'. He took the sign he was holding and moved it. Behind it I could see the sign he'd already made for me. I rewarded him with a quick kiss and a word of thanks. We then left his cabin and continued on to the dining hall. We were 10 minutes early but already campers were lined up at the door. We slipped around to the kitchen door and entered the building, passing through the busy kitchen and out into the large dining area. Picking out two tables next to each other we set up our signs.
At 5:55, Frank appeared from the kitchen and went to the entry doors, unlocking them. As the kids rushed in, he shouted, "FIND A TABLE AND BE SEATED!" He kept repeating the message as the 80 campers trooped in. Seeing our signs, the "bears" from Jeff's and my cabins were soon seated with us. I looked over at Jeff's table and saw that he was seated next to Collins.
Carl appeared on the small podium where he could be seen by everyone. He raised his hands for silence. It took a minute, but eventually the room became quite.
"Gentlemen," Carl began. "This evening is our first one together. Normally at this time we will have some announcements or a program for the day. It may happen before or after we eat. In order not to overwhelm the servers, you will serve yourselves cafeteria style, in order of cabin. We will vary the order nightly so that Cabin 1 is not always first. We will announce the cabin number, then those from that cabin can join the line. Until then please remain seated. Once everyone is served seconds will be available for those who are still hungry. There is only one announcement tonight. Light's out is at 9:30. Be sure you're in your cabin. I'm sure you're all starving, so now Cabin 1 may go to the line.
The cabin one boys got up quickly and almost ran to the food line. So it continued until all the boys were served and busily chatting away as they shoveled their dinners into their mouths.
Jeff and I were seated facing each other but a table away. During the course of the meal, I saw him engaged in conversation and laughter with all the boys at the table. As the boys made their way to dessert, I saw Collins and Jeff talking to each other. It wasn't with raised voices like before. As the boys finished they took their trays and dirty dishes to the window, dumping any unfinished food and paper goods, into the trash can, then most exited the building. My boys had nearly all left when Jeff and Collins stood up. I grabbed my tray and met them at the window.
"Chris, after you dump your things, can we talk for a minute?" Jeff asked.
"Sure SJ," I replied and quickly performed the task. Jeff had moved away from Collins and was standing alone. I stepped over to him.
"Uh Babe," he began. "I'm not going to go with you now. I'm not sure what's on his mind, but Collins wants to talk. I'll come by your room later when we finish."
"Sure Jeff," I said in surprise. "Good luck."
I flashed a smile at Collins, then another at Jeff, and turning, left the building.