Super Jeff

The following story is gay fiction. If the subject matter is offensive to you or you are too young, please exit now. This work is the property of the author and may not be duplicated without permission. JETjt@aol.com John Tucker

SUPER JEFF

Chapter Thirteen

Jeff had had a restless night. The news of his parents' abduction and of his friend's death lay heavily on his mind. He'd assured Chris that he'd be fine and asked that they sleep alone in their respective rooms because he wanted to think. Though disappointed, Chris agreed. Jeff tossed and turned, unable to put his mind in a state where he could rest. By 2 AM, with no sleep he gave up. Hoisting himself out of bed he descended the grand staircase and headed for the kitchen. As he approached he saw light streaming from underneath the door. Pushing the door open, he found Chris sitting at the counter drinking milk with a pile of Frank's cookies before him.

"Couldn't sleep either, huh?" he asked his friend and lover.

"No," Chris admitted. "I'm not sure whether it's all the bad news or just missing you that's got me bothered. I can't seem to get my mind to relax."

"I feel the same way, Babe," Jeff agreed. "I just want to cry, and I've never done that before."

"It's understandable Jeff," said Chris. "You've never faced such a loss before."

"I'm beginning to understand for the first time how you felt when you left home," Jeff acknowledged. "I just can't imagine what life would be like without my parents."

"At least they love you and, there's still a probability that they'll return. You can be sure though, that I'll be there for you like you've been for me. We'll face the bad times together."

Jeff sniffed as his eyes filled with tears. "I don't know what I'd do without you Chris. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. I just know that I can't be alone tonight. Will you sleep with me?" Jeff practically begged.

"You know I will, Jeff, now and for as long as you want," replied Chris with a look of love shining in his eyes.

"Then we'd better move your stuff into my room in the morning," Jeff replied. "I don't really understand why I asked you to stay in your room anyway."

"Sometimes in grief you want to be alone, I guess," Chris theorized. "There's nothing wrong with that."

"When my parents get back, I'm going to tell them that we're boyfriends and that I'm in love with you."

"I guess if we're really going to be boyfriends you'd better tell me first," Chris chided his lover with a huge smile.

Jeff shook his head, trying to clear his mind into straight thinking.

"I'm sorry," he said apologizing. "I guess I never got around to saying the right words. I'm not even positive I really had decided on the commitment until I said the word just now."

He hung his head.

"Jeff, Baby," Chris said as he arose and took Jeff into his arms, "I've so wanted to hear you say those words. I know the commitment I feel, but wasn't sure you felt as strongly toward me. I thought you might not want to be tied down."

"Chris, let me say all the words now so that there can be no misunderstanding," Jeff said tenderly. "I've told you that I'm in love with you. Now, I'm telling you that I want you for my partner and lover from now until the day I die."

Tears of joy fell from Chris' eyes.

"I'm in love with you too Jeff. I'll always love you. I'm the luckiest guy on earth since you love me too. I'll never leave you. You can take that to the bank." Chris declared aloud.

Jeff moved in on Chris' lips. The kiss they offered was not one bred of passion, but of caring and giving. The tenderness that was exchanged was meant to heal. It was meant as a life-commitment to each other that circumstances could never change. It was a platform from which to build a life of happiness and fulfillment. When at last they separated, they looked into each other's gaze. Then Jeff grinned and let out an unexpected snicker.

"To the bank?" Jeff giggled as he gave Chris a light punch on the arm.

"Well you know what I meant," Chris said, joining in the laughter as he visualized them walking together into the bank carrying a big sign that said, "Chris commits himself to Jeff."

After they got over the giggles, Chris turned to Jeff and asked, "Would you like a snack before we go to our room?"

"Not really now, thanks" Jeff answered with a smile. "I just want you. With your arms around me, maybe I can sleep. If not, I can at least be comforted by the guy I love."

"Let's go then," Chris suggested with a wink. "I really hated sleeping alone."

• • • Jeff's eyes opened and he groggily looked at his bedside clock. Seeing that it was only 6 AM he carefully stretched, trying not to disturb Chris who had pulled mere inches away during their slumber. Surprised that his normal morning woody was absent, Jeff still had to empty his bladder. As he gently rolled from the bed and stood, he realized that the traumatic news of the day before was probably the culprit causing his flaccid organ. The thought of the report they'd received from the Government roared back into his mind as he unconsciously took care of his bodily need. Turning he returned to the bedroom to find Chris looking up at him as he approached.

"Morning Lover," Chris said as he approached. "Next!" he said eyeing the bathroom.

"It's all yours Babe," Jeff answered, trying to get his mind off the previous subject. "Would you run with me this morning?"

"Of course Jeff, don't I always?"

"Sure Babe, but I want you to know that you don't have to."

"I know I don't show much enthusiasm," Chris said with a wink as he passed Jeff on the way to the bathroom, "but since we started running together I've gotten used to seeing that cute ass and lovely basket bouncing around and now I'm hooked."

"I'm happy to accommodate you," Jeff obliged, shaking his ass when he saw Chris looking back, "But today I'm going to pick up the pace. I need some physical exertion to get rid of the burden that's racing through my mind. Maybe when we get back, I'll be ready to face going to Washington."

Chris finished `bleeding the lizard,' and came back into the room to find Jeff almost ready to run.

"Give me a second Babe and I'll be ready," Chris said as left the room for his own.

"Take your time," Jeff said loudly as he finished tying his shoes. "We should have more than an hour to get ready and eat breakfast when we get back before they pick us up. We're mostly packed, so it shouldn't take long."

Two minutes later Chris reappeared.

"Let's go," he said to Jeff who was lying back on the bed.

"K," Jeff responded as he got to his feet. "Let's stop by the kitchen and get some O.J. I could use a little energy boost."

The run was hard. Chris had never seen Jeff run with such speed and determination. Jeff soon pulled ahead, running at a pace that Chris couldn't match. It was as if he was driven to expend all his energy into the run. When Jeff had outpaced Chris by a half a block, Chris quit trying to keep up and slowed his pace to one he felt he could sustain for the entire 5 miles. When Chris slowed down, a grey sedan carrying two suited men passed him, keeping a half-block behind Jeff. By the time Chris approached the park where he had met Jeff, he saw Jeff emerging on the homeward leg. When Jeff passed, almost ignoring Chris, Chris slowed then reversed course, knowing that it was more important to be near Jeff when they got home than taking the ¼ mile loop through the park. Chris trailed behind his partner, again picking up the pace to keep him near, but Jeff's pace soon had Chris gasping for breath. The car again passed Chris, tailing his partner. Knowing that it was futile to try to keep up, Chris slowed to a walk, regaining his breath before taking off in pursuit of his disappearing partner who by this time was three blocks ahead. 20 minutes later when Chris arrived at the gate to the property, Jeff had already passed through and it had again closed. Since Jeff had carried the gate opener, Chris was locked out. He pressed the speaker button at the gate's entry and waited, again recovering his breath. He noticed the sedan parked nearby. Soon the gate swung open, allowing him to enter. Chris jogged through the gate to the front door. Turning toward the kitchen where he expected to find Jeff replenishing the fluids his body had lost on the run, he was surprised to find Jeff on the phone, standing with glazed eyes and an incoherent look on his face.

"Yes Sir," Jeff mumbled. "Thank you for calling."

He hung up the phone, then stood in a daze, not moving.

"Who was on the phone Jeff?" Chris asked, stepping to his side.

Jeff muttered the answer, "The President."

With a feeling of sudden dread, Chris asked, "What did he say?"

"They're gone. They were murdered."

Tears filled Chris' eyes.

"Oh Baby," he said wrapping his arms around Jeff, "I'm so sorry."

Jeff didn't reply, but simply pulled back and stumbled away in a daze. Going into the family room he sat down in a large chair, staring ahead into nothingness.

Chris stood in bewilderment that Jeff had refused his sympathies. He watched Jeff disappear through the doorway and decided that, in spite of the rejection he felt, he needed to be with his partner in his time of grief. Before Chris could follow, Frank entered the kitchen.

"I just saw Jeff," he declared to Chris "What happened to him?"

"Pop and Dr. Mel are dead. They were murdered in England," Chris answered with tears flowing down his cheeks. "I don't know any more. Jeff got a call from the President."

"The poor kid," Frank said with true sadness in his voice. "I hope you guys know that you can count on me for anything."

"Thanks Frank," Chris said. "I've got to go to Jeff. I'm sure there will be more calls. Take them if you would. I don't think Jeff is in any shape to talk to anyone now."

"I won't bother him unless it's critical," Frank promised. "Go to your friend."

Chris left the kitchen, finding Jeff where he'd seated himself, still staring at the walls. Chris knelt down on the floor in front of Jeff, bending his torso over Jeff's knees and burying his head in Jeff's lap. Tears poured from his eyes, as he added his own sense of loss to the loss he knew Jeff was feeling. After 10 minutes had passed, he felt Jeff's hand on his head. Rising up he looked at his partner.

"Guess we won't be going to Washington," Jeff said without emotion.

"No, I'm sure we won't Jeff," Chris replied. "What do we do now?"

"I'd better call Dad's lawyer Ed. I'm sure he knows what Dad would have wanted."

"Can I call him for you?" Chris asked.

"No, I'll do it," Jeff replied woodenly.

"When you're done with him, I think we should both shower," Chris suggested as he pulled back, balancing on his knees. "We're still sweaty from the run, and I'm sure that people will be here before too long."

"Okay," Jeff said, his voice speaking in a monotone. "You go on up, and I'll be up after I talk to Ed."

"I'll stay with you if you want," Chris offered.

"No Chris. I'll be alright," Jeff assured his mate unconvincingly, "I'll be up in a minute."

"Whatever you want, Jeff. Just know that I'm here for you."

"I know Chris, I know."

• • • An hour later, Chris ascended the stairs toward Jeff's room. Thirty minutes before Ed Macgregor had arrived and met Frank, who then retrieved Chris from Jeff's side. After shaking hands with the family lawyer, Chris explained that Jeff was lying on his bed, in a comatose state, barely able to comprehend what was going on around him. After assuring both men that the elder Richard's had planned well in advance for he and his wife's possible demise, he told Chris that he, their lawyer, had been asked by Jeff's parents to take care of all funeral and estate arrangements according to their wishes.

Chris was glad that Jeff would not have to take on that burden and expressed his thanks to the lawyer. Ed asked that all calls received at the house be screened by Frank and forwarded to him, for the time being. He said that when Jeff had recovered from the shock of the dreadful news, he was free to alter Ed's request. Ed pledged that Jeff and Amanda's welfare and privacy for now would be top priority for his firm and for himself personally. Handing his card to Chris, he requested that Chris call him when Jeff was up to meeting. At that time Ed would inform Jeff about the plans for the funeral and details about his parent's will.

Chris thanked the lawyer as the older man turned to go.

"I'll be at my office all day," Ed promised. "If you need anything, anything at all, just call. I'll also find out what's happening with Amanda and let you know when she'll be arriving. I'll see that she's picked up when she arrives."

"Thanks Mr. Macgregor," Chris said gratefully. "Keep in touch."

The lawyer exited through the front door to his car which was sitting in the circular drive.

"Do you think that Jeff would eat anything?" Frank asked.

"I doubt it, but we should try to get him to," Chris answered.

"How about if I make some warm sweet rolls and bring them up with some milk and juices on a tray," suggested Frank.

"That would be great," acknowledged Chris. "If he wants more, I'll let you know. We'll probably come downstairs if he does."

Chris turned, as Frank headed for the kitchen, and started back toward the stairs leading to Jeff's and his room.

JEFF'S POV

It was unreal. I couldn't think clearly and could only accomplish the most rudimentary and necessary tasks. How could they be gone?' I asked myself over and over. Granted it would be hard to characterize my parents as pals', yet they were always there for me, bigger than life. There was never any question that they cared for me, and now with Chris so recently entering our lives, there was a chance for a closer relationship with them. My mind was a cloud and I couldn't see beyond my own misery. I don't know why I couldn't cry. It's as if my mind refused to accept the fact that they would come back, but in a box. Chris hovered over me, making sure that I had time to accept the inevitable without being forced into it before I was ready.

I was lying on our bed, having showered less than an hour before, when Chris came back into the room. I wasn't sleepy, but the muscles in my legs reminded me of the ordeal I'd put them through an hour or so earlier. I stared at the wall opposite my bed. I knew Chris had arrived, but gave no sign of recognition.

"How're you doing Babe?" Chris asked as he sat down on the bed beside me.

"Okay I guess," I managed to answer in my monotone voice, while still staring across the room.

Chris took my hand.

"The grief will pass," he assured me.

"What grief? I feel no grief," I answered. "What's wrong with me?"

"It's just shock, Jeff," Chris diagnosed. "Ed was here. He will take care of the funeral arrangements. He'll also find out when Amanda will arrive home."

I'd forgotten about her. Of course she'd be coming home. Somehow I didn't know if I could face her. I knew I had to, but still^Å."

"Ed will also find out the details about when Pop and Dr. Mel's bodies will arrive too. He said he'd call and keep us informed what's happening."

"Fine," was all I could say, just responding without really comprehending. I didn't want to think about it.

I heard a knock on my door and the door open. Chris stood and walked toward the door, taking a tray from Frank. After they exchanged a quiet word, Frank left.

"You should try to eat," Chris said as he set a tray on the table beside my bed. I could smell the aroma of hot sweet rolls, but my stomach refused to respond.

"I'm not hungry," I stated simply as Jeff again sat on the bed and placed his hand once more over mine, giving it a squeeze.

"Would you like to go for a walk, or get away for awhile?" Chris asked.

"No," I responded woodenly. "I don't feel like doing anything."

Out of the corner of my eye I could see the worry on Chris' face. He didn't know what to do.

"Do you want me here with you?" he asked sadly.

"No."

Tears came to his eyes as he removed his hand from mine.

"Alright Jeff," he said, his voice cracking. "I'm here for you when you want me."

"I don't want anything now. Just leave me alone."

Chris sadly arose, looked at me with resignation and then left the room.

Another hour passed. I had barely moved a muscle. Several times I heard the phone ring, but somehow I had no curiosity. Someone else took care of the intruders. The phone rang again, but I ignored it. It quickly stopped ringing, ending it's annoyance to my state of nothingness. A few minutes passed. The door opened and Chris reappeared.

"It's for you," he said.

I shook my head `no'.

"It's Ben."

Ben?' I thought fuzzily. Ben who?'

"Ben Collins from camp," Chris clarified, seeing my confusion. "He's crying."

`Why can't I cry,' my mind immediately reacted.

"You told him to call you if he needed you," Chris reminded me when I didn't respond.

Something in my mind forced me into consciousness.

"Can't you talk to him?" I asked, not ready to face the world.

"He'll only talk to you," Chris lied.

Something in me stirred. My mind began to clear as I visualized the dark troublemaker who had become my favorite at camp.

"I'll talk to him," I said as I swung my feet from the bed, leaned forward and reached for the phone.

"Ben, this is Jeff," I said simply. "What's wrong?"

"Jeff," Ben cried in anguish. "They threw me out and I don't know what to do."

"Your parents threw you out?" I asked, suddenly becoming fully alert. "Why?"

"They said I was gay," confessed the youth. "My dad came after me and woulda killed me if I hadn't run. While I escaped he yelled at me to never come back."

"That's terrible," I said, expressing the sympathy for the young man that I couldn't yet feel for myself."

"Where are you?"

"I'm at Jon's. My friends told my brother that I was gay and he went to my parents. Since they outed me I couldn't go to any of them. It was only 5 miles to Jon's so I walked."

"When did this happen?" I asked.

"Last night. Jon's mom let me sleep here but I can't stay. They got a tiny place and she's on welfare. I don't think she likes black people very much neither, though she didn't say so. You can just tell though."

"Do you have anywhere else you can go, like a friend or a relative?"

I could hear Ben crying, then sniffing his runny nose.

"No, there's only the streets," Ben weakly declared with a resignation to his fate.

"We'll be there within the hour," I said with determination.

Chris, who was listening, looked at me like I'd lost my mind.

"Thanks Jeff. I'm sorry t'have t'bother you. I know you got your own troubles."

"We'll get though it," I replied. "I'm going to give Chris the phone so I can get dressed. Give him Jon's address and phone number. We'll see you soon."

"Okay and thanks again."

"Here's Chris," I said as I handed the receiver to Chris who'd snatched a pen and pad from beside the phone cradle.

Chris said, "Go ahead," and began to scribble while Ben recited the information as Jon gave it to him.

I moved to my closet and began to dress for the trip. When Chris had finished and said goodbye to Ben, I said, "Go to the computer and punch up Mapquest. Put in the address and print out a couple or three maps, one close, one farther away and one even farther showing the nearest freeways.

Chris did as I asked and slowly began working with the site with which he had no experience. Once I finished dressing, I went to my desk where he was struggling with my request.

"I'll do it Babe," I said. He scooted back the chair and relinquished it to me. "Get ready to go," I instructed as I typed the keys.

"I just need to take a leak," he said, heading toward our bathroom.

By the time he was back, I had the three copies and was looking at them, deciding which route to take.

"I don't think I'm a good enough driver to drive the freeways," Chris admitted.

"I'll drive," I stated.

"But^Å"

"No `buts! I'm fine now," I declared with determination.

"If you're sure^Å.."

"If you are concerned, stay home," I almost snarled, showing my irritation at being challenged.

Instantly I could see that I'd hurt his feelings. Suddenly I remembered that I'd sent him away earlier. I knew that I'd fucked up and I needed Chris to know it.

"I'm sorry Chris. I shouldn't have said that. Of course I want you with me, now and always."

Chris smiled as the hurt disappeared. "I was hoping you'd say that. I wasn't afraid for me."

"I know Babe," I said. "Let's go. We'll have to take one of the Panzers."

"Panzers?" he asked.

"Yeah, Dad or Mom's.^Å Mercedes land barges," I replied, pausing momentarily at the mention of my folks, then shrugging it off.

I grabbed my cell phone and began my trip to the garage with Chris in tow. On the way, we stopped in the kitchen and told Frank that we were going to L.A. and might be bringing back a guest. Frank's face registered surprise but he simply nodded and said, "I'll make sure a guest room is ready. When will you return?"

"Probably within three hours," I guessed. "If Ed or anyone calls that I need to speak to, just give them my cell number. We'll take Dad's car."

I saw Frank look at Chris and give him a grin that led me to believe there was a conspiracy going that I wasn't aware of. I ignored the thought with a wave to Frank and headed for the garage after snatching up a spare set of keys to the Mercedes from hooks near the garage door. Climbing into the silver luxury car, I adjusted the driver's seat and mirrors while Chris was strapping himself in. I did likewise then pushed the button to open the garage door and started the engine. In less than a minute we were off the property and headed down the hill toward the freeway that would take us to L.A.

Forty minutes later we were entering Jon's neighborhood. The trip down had been uneventful, yet informative as Chris cautiously brought me up to date on what was happening from Ed, Dad's lawyer. The bodies of my parents were ready to leave Britain and should arrive late Tuesday evening. Sometime on Wednesday, we needed to visit the funeral home to go over the plans for the funeral. It was difficult for me to hear, but I managed to not slip back into my catatonic state. Chris also reported that Amanda would be arriving late this afternoon. I was not sure if that was good news or not. I just knew that it would be necessary. In a way, it was reassuring to know that I was not the only one suffering, but our shaky relationship before she left for school left doubts in my mind as to whether or not we'd come together as one mind during this crisis.

Chris was holding the maps, following our process. The car was equipped with a satellite mapping system, but I'd never learned how to use it since I rarely drove the car. As we got near we saw that the small houses along the route were in desperate need of paint and repair, and the yards and streets were covered with litter, abandoned vehicles, and discarded furniture. The kids playing on the street and the adults outside looked at our slow moving car like we were something from a different world. In a way we were. The shiny silver Mercedes stuck out like a silver dollar in a mud hole.

"Wow," Chris remarked. "I though I had it bad," he said shaking his head. "At least my parents' yard and neighborhood was clean and the houses didn't look ready to fall down. Compared to your house, this is like going from heaven into hell. I don't know how people can live like this."

"It's what happens when there is desperation and no pride," I observed. "I suspect that many of the places look even worse inside."

"There it is," Chris said pointing to a white house with peeling paint and faded green trim. The house looked like the others around it, no better but no worse than its neighbors. I pulled the car to the curb and turned off the engine. As we unbuckled our seatbelts, the door opened and Ben and Jon appeared. We climbed out of the car and began to move toward them as they came to meet us midway.

"Hi Guys," I said offering open arms for the hugs I wanted to exchange. My offer was accepted and after a hello from Jon and a relieved hug from Ben, they turned their greetings toward Chris, offering their handshakes.

"Would you like to go somewhere so we can talk?" I asked.

"Er^Å yeah," Jon replied. "It would be better."

We turned back to the car which I remotely unlocked with the key fob, and told the guys to climb in the back.

"Man! These are some wheels," Jon commented as he climbed in.

"This was my Dad's car," was my only comment. "I thought we'd need something bigger than that little pickup. Is there a place not too far from here where we could go and maybe get something to eat?"

"There's a Denny's at the freeway," Jon suggested. "There's a Mickey Dee's near there too. Just turn around and go back the way you came."

"I remember them," Chris said, pulling out the maps again.

In less than 10 minutes we were entering the Denny's restaurant. "Four please," I told the lady who was seating patrons. She guided us to a booth, placing four menus on the table. Quickly a serving lady arrived asking for our drink orders.

"It's my treat, guys," I made clear. "Order whatever you want."

After placing our drink selections we began looking at the menus trying to decide what we wanted to eat. After a few minutes our drinks arrived and the server got her pad ready for our orders. "I'll have the deluxe burger plate special," I said first just so that it wouldn't put the younger guys on the spot. I still was not very hungry.

"That sounds good to me," Chris agreed.

"Me too," echoed the two younger guys.

"Could we get two side orders of onion rings first," I asked.

"Coming right up," she said with a smile. "Anything else?"

"We might have dessert," I informed her. "We'll decide later."

"Very good. The brochure there," she said pointing, "has the selections."

"Thank you," I responded as she left to place our selections with the kitchen.

The lunch order taken care of, I decided that we'd better discuss the matter at hand.

"Ben," I said. "Since you have nowhere else to go at present, I think you should come home with us, at least until we see if this thing with your parents will blow over."

"Can ya do that?" Ben asked. "I mean^Å uh^Å. Chris told me about your parents. I'm real sorry for ya, and I don't wants ta be a bother."

"Thanks Ben," I replied stoically. "I really don't know what's going to happen with us, but for now I'm sure it will be okay. My parents always let me make my own decisions. I see no reason that it should change."

"I really feel awful askin' ya ta help me now though. Maybe I could stay with Chris."

"Chris and I live together," I informed the young couple.

The surprise was evident on both their faces.

"Like brothers?" Jon asked, though I'm sure he knew it was more than that.

"Yes, and as partners," I replied, smiling proudly at Chris. "Chris and I are together, now and forever."

"Damn! Are you guys lucky!" Ben responded with enthusiasm. He looked at Jon. I could see the envy in their eyes.

"Don't worry," I said with a reassuring grin. "I'm sure that Jon is not going to get left in the cold while you come to stay with us."

Ben smiled then expressed his gratitude.

"That's good, I sure don't want him to be cold," he grinned with love and a hint of lust showing in his eyes. "I can't thank ya enough."

"I know what it's like to be alone," Chris added. "It's not something we could allow, at least with our friends."

The look of worry left Ben's face. I knew that he trusted us. I crossed my fingers hoping against hope that I was up to delivering on that trust.