In the following story, all of the characters are totally fictive and the setting is real. For whomever it would be illegal, immoral or prohibited for any other reason whatsoever to read a story about love between two young men is kindly requested to refrain from continuing. A free picture album illustrating this story (pdf) is available upon request at marin.giustinian@laposte.net. Please remember to help Nifty stay online by sending your contribution. This being said, I hope you enjoy the tale.
MIRRORS part 1 of 3
by Marin Giustinian
Nowadays in Poolewe, Wester Ross, Scotland
INTRODUCTION
Caelan MacKenzie, 17, was the second of Paul and Emily MacKenzie's two sons. They owned a farm located on the outskirts of Poolewe, a coastal village in Wester Ross, Scotland. Their comfortable, traditional Scottish farmhouse had been in the MacKenzie family since 1776 when the family became owners of their home and land.
Caelan lived with his parents on the farm and did his share of the chores. He enjoyed a room for himself since his big brother, Gregory, also working on the farm, moved with his betrothed into a cottage on the edge of the village. Emily had inherited the cottage from her mother just a few years previous.
During his spare time last summer, following the plans he found on the internet, Caelan built a plywood skiff. In fact it was what you call a 'cajun pirogue' from Louisiana. <www.cajunsecret.com> He enjoyed fishing and above all, roaming around the islands in the loch. Ever since a lad, he felt that something special lingered in them for him.
Benson Miller, 16, was the son of the new primary school teacher in the village. He lived alone with her after the divorce of his parents. He was born and raised in Leeds, England, and as a child, he entered school with a year ahead of the others, having already learned with his mother how to read, write, and count.
He grew up in a world of books, internet and daydreams. His father ran a bookshop, specialising in rare editions. The divorce was like a silent blow to Ben. When it was pronounced, he became even more withdrawn than usual. He wasn't exactly shy, but almost. He kept to himself, read, dreamt, and escaped into a kind of fantasy world of his own. When his mother was offered a primary school class to teach in Poolewe, she accepted and Ben was relieved to follow her, glad to leave Leeds and the aimless melancholy that clung to him there.
He and his father never really got along. Ben was definitely not the young athletic, outgoing, manly lad his father expected of a son and it suited Ben quite well to live far away from him, up in the Highlands, away from the city, the shop and the crowded streets. Ben's mother was a very liberal woman and accorded him all the freedom she deemed necessary for a young man coming of age. She accepted him as he was. Ben needed nothing more in order to grow and be loved.
THE STORY
It's always a bit exciting, the first day of high school after the summer. New teachers, perhaps new faces, friends, and even a schedule are nice. There's a kind of security in a schedule...
In the Gairloch High School, pupils came from the farms and villages miles around. Ben's bus passed by Poolewe at 8:30 AM. He was nervous as he waited in the shelter by the only shop in the village. In spite of the drizzle, the other pupils were excited, especially two young girls giggling as they waited, obviously attending high school for the first time. As usual, Ben kept to himself. He had dressed a bit for the occasion and had taken good care of himself, especially his hair. He liked to feel he was moderately stylish with rather exaggerated bangs falling over his left eye. He also felt it protected him some, like a kind of mask or a veil...
The bus arrived. As he got on, nodding at the driver, showing his pass, the talk and laughter of the other pupils already seated in the back suddenly hushed. Ben felt everybody's eyes on him. He quickly plopped down in the first available seat alone, second row by the window, up front where nobody wanted to ride, and the chatter started up again. He gazed steadfastly out of the window into the foggy mist as the bus drove off. He was scared to death!
Several minutes later, the bus stopped to let Caelan climb aboard. For Caelan, the bus had been a regular routine ever since he was twelve: the walk up the narrow road to the highway, the wait for the bus at the stop, climbing aboard and greeting his classmates, etc.
He was well groomed for this last year in high school, even shaved with a splash of cologne on his cheeks. His backpack sagged, nearly empty, soon to be filled with books!
He scanned the bus, waving at his friends, glanced at Ben on his way back to join the other seniors in the rear.
During the mid-morning interval, Ben secluded himself to study his schedule. After lunch, intrigued by the special looks of this new classmate, Caelan decided to introduce himself and try to get to know him some. New faces are so rare outside of the tourist season!
"Hi! You're new, and I see that we share the same classes in S6. My name's Caelan MacKenzie. I spotted you on the bus this morning" he said, greeting Ben.
Ben blushed, of course, then smiled and replied, "Ben Miller. I've just moved to Poolewe with my mother. She teaches at the primary school."
"And where were you before?"
"Leeds... Leeds, England..."
"New to Scotland then."
"Yeah... new."
The bell rang.
"See you on the bus then..." replied Caelan as they hurried back in.
They were fascinated by each other as they exchanged glances and quick smiles during the two following classes.
Once back on the bus, Ben immediately claimed the same seat, the one by himself he had taken in the morning. Caelan hurried to climb in just behind him, dashing in front of his mates. He sat down beside Ben, asking, "Do you mind if I sit with you?"
"If you want..."
Caelan was always very outgoing, a friendly, open lad and just a wee bit nosey. He started talking about the day they had just spent. He didn't stop asking Ben questions, just to pry a little and start up a conversation. Ben was a bit overwhelmed by Caelan's attention. He answered as briefly as possible the questions about his former schools, his age, his impressions of the high school, the teachers.
As the bus pulled to a stop to let Caelan off, he patted Ben's knee, saying, "Save me a seat tomorrow morning. I do want us to get to know each other better... and be friends! Bye!"
He waved to the back of the bus and hopped off.
Ben curled up in his seat and smiled deep down inside. He suddenly felt much better... even good, as the bus lumbered its way on down the highway.
During the following days and weeks, Ben and Caelan became quite close. It was evident that there was a mutual attraction for each other in spite of their differences. Caelan was blond, cordial, smiling and very physical, a typical farm lad full of brand new hormones. Ben on the other hand was slim, a bit pale, with very delicate features, deep blue, expectant eyes, and nearly jet black hair. His smile was rare, but when it happened, he beamed. His slim fingers were much more accustomed to turning pages than handling a shovel or a hayfork.
Both fellows were proud of their unblemished complexion, a rarity for young males of their age. That was the one thing they had in common: they sort of glowed... especially when they were together.
Caelan introduced Ben to his friends but Ben seemed to find an excuse to not hang out with them. Caelan respected that, never really insisting. He didn't understand that Ben preferred being alone. For Caelan and the others, Ben's Queen's English and polite demeanour were a real contrast to their rather rustic ways. However, they noted that Ben was also very smart, without being arrogant nor snobbish. In fact, he was quite unique -- almost naive. This fascinated Caelan to no end!
When the load of schoolwork became more intense, at least for Caelan, he asked Ben to come home with him and help him out some.
"Please, Ben... I don't know how to handle this essay I've been assigned. Give me just an hour to get me going... my brother can drive you back. He lives in the village like you," begged Caelan.
Ben had already talked about Caelan with his mother, so when he called to say he would be delayed and why, she simply thanked him for calling, glad to hear that he was getting involved with at least one other classmate.
Ben impressed Caelan's family. They were discreetly proud that their son had found such a well mannered friend of his own age. Only Caelan's mother found it strange that the lad and his mother never attended any church in the village. When she mentioned it, Caelan replied, "Mum, maybe they are atheists..."
She quipped back, "Impossible! That bonnie lad is too... too becoming, too beautiful to not believe in God... poor soul!"
That comment struck Caelan, forcing him to admit that beauty did have something sacred about it. He also had to admit that Ben was more than becoming or handsome -- he was simply, almost strangely, as his mother said, beautiful.
It was a balmy, bright mid-September, Friday afternoon when, on the bus leaving school, Caelan mentioned to Ben, "Listen, I'm going to take my little skiff out and roam around some on the loch tomorrow. It's too sunny to not enjoy being on the water before winter falls on us. I love being outdoors. If you want, I'd be happy for you to come along with me. The loch's lovely this time of year. Maybe we can go over to an island or two. There are sixty-six to be discovered at only an hour's distance from the farm... Would you like that?"
Ben was wide-eyed as he looked at Caelan. Then he smiled and replied, "Yes, I would! I would very much!"
"Great! Can your mother drive you over in the morning?"
"I can walk. I like to walk. What time should I show up?"
"Nine... nine-thirty... I'll have my Mum pack us a lunch. Tell your mother that we'll be back before nightfall."
"I've never been punting before!" exclaimed Ben, with a new note of excitement in his voice!
Caelan laughed... "Listen, my boat's a kind of canoe, not a punt. We use paddles and not poles to move it around."
"I see... well, more or less. I've never paddled either..." added Ben.
"With me, you'll catch on fast!"
All was settled with Ben's mother, delighted to see her son going out to have some fun. Gregory agreed to take care of Caelan's chores for the day and Mrs. MacKenzie was worried about what Ben would like for his sandwich and thermos of soup.
That evening, Ben was excited beyond description. It didn't show, but deep down inside he was jubilating and panicking at the same time. Being an only child and never having had what one could call a 'best friend', he couldn't relate to what a real relationship could be like. Yet, now he felt deep emotions when he thought of Caelan and he didn't know how to handle them. Also, he was afraid to disappoint Caelan by being too clumsy on the skiff... or even falling overboard. Then suddenly remembering that gloves would be useful for paddling, he dug in one of his drawers and fetched a pair, mumbling to himself, "At least, with these, I won't get blisters!" He finally fell asleep, hugging the pillow with Caelan still lingering on his mind.
As for Caelan, he cleaned out the boat, checked the paddles, and even aired out two life jackets, just to please his mother. "I hope he knows how to swim..." he uttered to himself...
Once in bed, he absentmindedly began to rub his cock as he was thinking of Ben. When he felt like he wanted a wank, he stopped, almost shocked... "Would I be turning gay?"
Then shrugging off the question, he mumbled, "Oh what the hell! Ben's cute, and we aren't fairies!" Then a comment of another mate of his came to mind, "Are you two in love? You're always together!"
He remembered that he had curtly replied saying, "Are you jealous?"
That made him smile as he joyfully enjoyed a much needed wank, fantasising about Ben, stark naked, paddling his skiff... He sighed as the enjoyable, happy end happened, and as he wiped himself clean, he uttered, "That was a good one!" and immediately fell asleep.
At nine on the dot, Ben showed up with his backpack, ready to go. Caelan saw him coming down the road and ran out to meet him.
"Mum's just finishing the sandwiches. Come on in," hailed Caelan as Ben passed the gate.
Mrs. MacKenzie handed the boys their picnic sack with a broad smile, saying, "Glad to see you lads going out together for some fun and fresh air! Have a nice day! The weather's lovely... and be careful... I want both of you with your life jackets on! Am I understood?"
"Quite clearly, Mum. We'll be careful... don't fret! See you this evening."
And off they hurried, hastily walking down the road to the loch side with the paddles and life jackets under their arms. Caelan's boat was pulled up on the pebbled beach, solidly tied to the gigantic ash tree that reigned there.
"You said you made that yourself? She's lovely!"
"Yeah... I found the plans on the internet. An American site from Louisiana. My brother helped me build her. I enjoyed working on her in the shed last winter. During the summer, I didn't have much time to take her out on the loch. Too much work on the farm, and Mum's B&B was really busy this year. I mostly help her with that. Come on, let's load up and get underway. I'm glad to get back on the water... and do it with you!"
Ben blushed. Caelan gave Ben a brief lesson on paddling, how to change sides without splashing everybody and above all how to feather the paddle, reach forward and pull it through the water.
"That's a lot to think about," commented Ben.
"You'll pick up fast, I'm sure! Now take off your shoes and socks, stash them in the pirogue, and roll up the cuffs of your jeans. We're going to push the boat in the water."
Once the bow of the skiff was afloat, Caelan held on as Ben climbed in and slid up front. Then he put a foot in, gave a push and climbed in himself. At last, they were underway!
With each stroke, Ben became a bit more hardy, stretching his movement a little further each time. The pirogue was well balanced and after a minute or two, they were moving quite nicely through the silky, gleaming waters. No wind, no waves, flat, mirrored calm... perfect for a first time.
Caelan shouted out, "You're great! Your stroke is really beautiful, Ben!"
Ben smiled, happy as he could be. It wasn't only the effort that made his heart beat so hard. It was also hearing Caelan's admiration that gave him a sudden surge of self-confidence.
Later on, Caelan exclaimed, "Wow! This is wonderful! Much easier when we're two! You've got a powerful stroke Ben. Look how we're flying. It's almost like dancing, like skipping on water! I'm sure we're splitting water up front!"
With that, the two of them fell in sync and you could hear the tiny splashes under the bow as they cut through the ripples.
In way less than an hour they left behind the first island and were rounding the second. There, they slowed down, both a bit out of breath and dripping with sweat.
"I'm taking my shirt off, Ben! You wore me out!"
"Me too! This is fantastic, Caelan! I felt us working together like real partners!"
"We are real partners!"
There reigned a kind of hushed atmosphere in the narrow straights between the islands. The world was undisturbed. The tall trees reflected their majesty in the water. The heather in some spots, was still in blossom. They crept along, startling the birds as they flapped away, shrieking overhead. Sparks of sun glittered on the water as a breeze, from time to time, caressed them.
They came across a sandy slope and decided to beach. Once ashore on one of the larger islands, they both sat, then reclined, propped up on their elbows soaking in the sun.
"That was so much fun, Caelan! I love it here! It's great to be with you on such a rare sunny day... and not on the bus, nor in school. I'm really, really happy!" Ben stated quite calmly, turning his eyes, looking into Caelan's.
Caelan sort of giggled, looked down at his feet and uttered, "I'm glad to be here with you too."
Then he jumped up, saying, "Let's go look around."
He held out his hand. Ben grabbed it. Caelan jerked him up, Ben was caught off balance, falling against Caelan's bare chest. There was a split second of immobile hesitation, then they both laughed, grabbing each other in a furtive, skin-to-skin hug. They gasped, and backed off, blushing.
"Let's grab our lunch and walk around some!" exclaimed Caelan.
As they explored, Caelan explained that the woods there were the remains of the vast forests that once covered Scotland, the Caledonian forest. He explained that human action had destroyed the original forest, cutting trees for charcoal, for timber, shipbuilding, munition crates, etc. Then the sheep took over, eating the saplings and little by little the Highlands became barren. On the islands in the freshwater lochs, the trees were left alone and the sheep never grazed there. They were a kind of prehistoric refuge...
"This is what our land looked like in the heathen times, when people worshiped the gods of nature instead of profit and the one God in heaven," commented Caelan.
"So paradise is pagan..." mused Ben.
"So to speak. Tell me, do you believe in God, Ben?"
"My parents say that religion is a hoax. They never said anything about God..."
"But you, deep down inside... what do you believe?"
"I believe in happiness, in goodness, in beauty, in everything that's like poetry... like friendship... like this!" he declared, waving his hand over the loch, "I guess I'm just a pagan and didn't know it."
"Never say that in front of my mother! She would have a stroke!"
"And you, Caelan? How do you stand concerning God?"
"I really don't know... "
"Well, don't let God spoil a wonderful moment, here in pagan country! Ha!" joked Ben as he skipped away.
"Hey! Wait for me! I've got the lunch!"
"Look! There's a little loch. That's funny, here in an island in a loch there's a tiny loch with a wee island in it!" exclaimed Ben as he slowed down.
They stopped there to enjoy their lunch. Dragonflies danced in the air, a faint perfume of heather and wetland hovered in the breeze. The moment, the light, the scents, were like suspended in time, almost magic.
"I'm sure there are fairies here. Can't you feel their presence?" remarked Ben.
"Are you talking about us?" bantered Caelan.
"Oh! Shut up! I'm talking about REAL fairies, like in Shakespeare and not the others, the ones with limp wrists and lisps when they talk. I don't mind them. If that's their thing, why not? But those fairies are not the ones I mean!"
"You know, now that you mention it, you're like a genuine, legendary fairy prince, just like I used to see in the picture books, a prince of nature, a sort of overgrown elf... Hanging out with you is gonna make me become daft!"
"So what?"
"Yeah, you're right! Be me daft or not-- it doesn't matter!"
After lunch, they paddled over to another group of islands. Among them, there was one a bit higher than the others, covered with oak.
Caelan mentioned, "That's Isle Maree. It's special. It's spooky."
"What's spooky about it?" asked Ben.
Caelan thought a moment and then replied, "It's a sacred place... There's a wish tree there and people stick coins in the bark of the trees. Queen Victoria even hammered one in a tree over there, they say. There are gravestones and the ruins of a chapel. They say druids planted the oaks and later, in the ancient Christian times, a hermit, a kind of saint came to live there. The legend says that there was a holy well and the waters of it cured crazy people... "
"Maybe we should go there then... It might be of some help to you since you feel you're becoming a bit daft... Ha!"
"No. Don't joke... I do not want to go there. Too many ghosts! Bad vibrations, I'm sure."
Ben said, "But if there's a saint, it should be good..."
"He wasn't a pagan saint!"
"Okay, we don't go there then."
Right in the heart of the archipelago, there was a small island with a special feeling to it. The majesty of Slioch, the highest mountain around the loch, seemed to protect it in the background behind the tall trees.
"Let's stop over there, Caelan!"
"As you like."
As soon as they put foot on the shore, they hushed, seized by a strange emotion. They walked around in silence. Pines and birch grew together through an undergrowth of heather... no ferns nor brambles.
"This is one happy little island, isn't it, Caelan!" whispered Ben, "I feel that the pagans performed magic here. I could stay here, maybe not forever, but for a long time, at any rate, spend a night or two here, fish and just soak in the beauty... the spirit of the island, of the loch."
Without hesitating, not even a second, Caelan replied, "Let's do it then, Ben. Why don't we come camp here during the autumn break next month? We've got two weeks off. It's not mid winter yet and..."
"Do you have a tent? I don't..." interrupted Ben.
"No, but we can make one. I've seen how they made tents thousands of years ago. In America, they call them teepees. In Scandinavia they call them lavvu tents. The Sami of Finland and Sweden live in them. With poles and a tarp, we can make one and even build a little fire inside, hang a pot or a kettle over it, cook and make tea."
"Would you really want to do that with me?" asked Ben, obviously touched by what Caelan was proposing.
"Only with you, Ben!"
Ben blushed and then giggled, "We'll need good, arctic sleeping bags! I get chilled really fast!"
"So, if I understand, then you agree! Oh, yes! Let's do it, Ben! Let's camp here, on our own little island! I'll have to ask Greg if he can handle my chores on the farm for a few days. I'm sure he'll agree... and... Wow, did you see that fish jump over there.
At the same time, another jumped nearby!
"Looks like the fairies and the gods are giving their approval for us to come!" stated Ben.
"Ben, they're showing us that we won't starve!"
They excitedly planned their upcoming autumn adventure, making the island, their island, their own personal hideaway. They said they should wait until Caelan spoke with his brother before asking their parents' permission. Both were silently savouring the idea of their adventure as they paddled, returning to the farm.
When they arrived, Ben rang up his mother who drove up in just a matter of minutes later. Ben introduced her to Emily MacKenzie and she admitted that, between mothers, she had been scared to death. Now that the boys were back, she felt relieved and glad to see them so happy!
"I know exactly what you mean, Ann!"
Caelan argued back, teasing a little, "You are impossible, both of you. Trust us, Mum! After all, we're good stuff... you're the ones who made us!"
"Hush up, you flatterer!" interjected Mrs. MacKenzie.
Ben spoke up to his mother, "Caelan taught me how to paddle. I can even do the J-stroke..."
Caelan quipped back, "Yes, that's right! And now my best friend here can handle the boat almost as well I do."
Ben exclaimed, "Almost?"
"Well..."
Emily interrupted by saying, "That's enough of that! Listen, Ann, I'd like for the both of you to come over for dinner one evening and meet Paul MacKenzie and my other son, Gregory, with his... his, let's say, promised one."
"Oh, yes!" shouted Ben!
Ann looked a bit confused but obviously couldn't refuse...
As the two ladies were settling on a date for the dinner, the boys walked outside.
"That was the best day I've ever spent, Caelan! Thank you again and again! Also, I'm glad to hear that I'm your best friend."
"That you are, Ben! You don't mind me saying so, do you?"
"Not at all! You are my best friend, too, Caelan... my very best."
Ann called out, "Come on Benson, we've got to go home!"
"See you Monday, on the bus, Caelan."
They hugged. Ann smiled. For the first time, she saw her son and a friend, tapping each other on the back.
As they were driving back, she quietly said, "It's a joy seeing how happy you are now, Benson. Caelan's a fine lad."
"More than fine, mother!"
"You can call me 'Mum' if you want."
"Okay, Mum! What's for supper?"
Ann Cauley-Miller had fun choosing a nice skirt and sweater to go for the evening at the Mackenzie's. It was her first invitation in the village and she definitely wanted to make a good impression. The MacKenzies were well known, and enjoyed a very respectable reputation. As for Ben, he was very proud of his mother. Also, he was happy to spend an evening with Caelan. Gregory had immediately agreed to replace his brother while they were on the loch, so now was the occasion to present their project of camping on the islands.
Ben hopped out of the car and opened the gate. All the outside lights were on, and the scent of a peat fire lingered in the evening air, giving the house and grounds a homey, welcoming atmosphere. Emily met them at the door, took their wraps and ushered them into the warm drawing room. It wasn't by any means posh, but well furnished and perfectly spotless. Paul and Gregory MacKenzie stood as they entered. Ann was surprised to see Helen, the young lady who worked as an assistant in the Primary School there too. It so happened that she was Gregory's girlfriend, betrothed and soon-to-be bride.
While polite presentations were being made, Caelan rushed into the room, excusing himself for showing up late. Ben beamed as his friend ran up next to him, whispering, "Cross your fingers, mate!"
Ann, having spoken with the many customers in her ex-husband's bookshop, was quite good at making conversation and was genuinely interested in the MacKenzies' farm, their work, their way of life. She had never been around farmers and was eager, as always, to learn. The farm wasn't what you could call an estate, but it kept the family far from being in need. Of course, Caelan's father and big brother were more than happy to talk about the property. It had been in the MacKenzie family ever since 1776. They joked about the family's change from crofters to full-fledged owners the same year as the colonies in America broke away from English rule. That remark was a clear allusion to their standpoint on Scottish independence.
As the menfolk and Ann chatted, Helen helped in the kitchen and the boys whispered in their corner, rehearsing the presentation of their project.
Emily announced that dinner was ready. The meal was delicious, a bit too copious for Ann. The lads finished their bowls of fish soup in a flash and even accepted seconds of the roast. After dessert, Caelan asked his father if he could say something to all around the table.
His father politely replied, "We're listening. What do you have to say, my boy?"
"First of all, I want to say that I'm very happy to have a new friend here with us and happy to know his mother better..."
Ann interrupted, saying, "That's very elegant of you to say so, Caelan, and we are happy to consider you, as well as your family, as new friends, too."
Smiles were exchanged and Caelan continued.
"Also, Ben and I have a project for which we need your permission. When we went together to the islands with my little boat, we thought it would be great to go camping for a few days during the autumn break. We plan to make a four seasons tarp tent in which we can light a fire and hang a stew pot, a kettle and a lantern and live the experience of our ancient ancestors."
Gregory immediately spoke up, saying, "Caelan asked me to replace him for his chores while they would be away -- and of course, I accepted."
"That's very nice of you, Greg!" commented Paul. The two mothers exchanged a worried glance as Ben spoke up.
"We'll simply need two winter sleeping bags, a big tarp, and several sacks of peat..."
Paul spoke up, "No problem, Benson... And let me congratulate both of you for that idea! When I was a lad, I too loved to roam the islands. It's a part of growing up here. Gregory, however, never went, but now that Caelan and his best friend want to go, I definitely do approve!"
"I don't fancy going out on the water... That's all, Dad..." added Gregory.
"You're like your mother, Greg! Ha!"
"There's no harm to that, Paul MacKenzie! -- Ann, I guess we have to approve too, don't we? All I ask of you boys is to keep dry and stay warm! We can't have you coming down with pneumonia for your last year in school!" exhorted Mrs. MacKenzie.
Ann replied, "I agree, Emily, and I must say that I'm proud of you two taking on such a project. Ben never has been much of an outdoors boy, but ever since your excursion to the islands, he's not the same."
"Ladies, you must know that boys -- and later on, we men, always need a getaway place!" proclaimed Paul, winking at the lads.
The evening ended early but well. Everybody was happy, especially Caelan and Ben.
In the car going back, Ann said to her son, "In Leeds, you didn't have any friends to speak of... With Caelan, you've caught up! Wonderful people."
"Thanks for bringing me to Poolewe, Mum!"
A free picture album illustrating this story (pdf) is available upon request at marin.giustinian@laposte.net.