Chapter Eleven was intended to be the last chapter of this story. But it didn't work out that way. I had started to write the Epilogue when I heard from so many of my readers that the story must go on. I talked with Bart and although he was very emotional about what happened next in their lives, he agreed to share it with us. Just when life is going so well, it can take a turn quickly.
This is a fictional tale of sexual relationship between two teenage boys. The characters are made up and are not based on any person, living or dead. You must be eighteen to read this story. If it is against the law where you are to read stories like this you are kindly requested to leave and not read this story. It is only a fictional story for your reading pleasure.
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You're Not Better Than Me
Chapter Twelve
With Christmas and New Year's Day behind them, the winter doldrums had set in. The late sunrises and early sunsets meant going to school in the dark and getting home with little daylight left to the day. It was dark when Eric got out of work, arriving home feeling like he had put in a 12 hour day. Bart and his mother were feeling the effects the winter climate as well. The only high point to the week was the Friday night pizza suppers at Bart's house. His mother would order the pizza while Bart built a roaring fire in the fireplace. They would sit in front of the fire and enjoy their pizza, a different topping every week.
"Do you realize, Mother, this is the first time I can ever remember enjoying the fire in the living room?" Bart stated. "Let alone being able to eat food in here as well."
"Yes dear, we never really took advantage to use this house to its full potential. I sat in front of a fire or two but not very often. We typically only lit a fire to add ambiance when your Father was trying to impress invited guests here to discuss his latest get rich quick scheme."
"Pizza, a fire and the two of you," Eric spoke up, "That's all the richness I need."
Saturday mornings they would tend to the flowers in the solarium. They had install grow lights to imitate sunlight but the flowers were too smart for them and slowed their growth, waiting for the longer days and the warm of real sunlight.
Bart and his Mother were dropping Eric off at home when Bart asked a surprising question.
"Eric, would you ask your parents if I would be allowed to attend church with you tomorrow morning."
"Of course you can. I don't even have to ask."
"Is that alright with you, Mother?" Bart asked.
"Certainly. But can I ask why?"
"I have been feeling so depressed lately due to the winter weather that I thought maybe going to church would life my spirits."
"Why Bartholomew, that is a wonderful idea. Eric, could you ask your parents if both Bart and I might accompany you to church tomorrow morning. It will be the first time I have been to church since the funeral."
"Church starts at 10:00. You can meet us here or go directly to the church," Eric replied with enthusiasm.
"Wonderful. Tell you parents I will make reservations at our favorite restaurant and we will all go out to eat, my treat or course," Bart's Mother offered.
"That's not necessary," Eric objected.
"Eric, you remember the outcome of Ed trying to refuse my Mother's tip? Just graciously accept her invitation before she has to resort to violence," Bart giggled.
"Oh Bartholomew, I would never so such a thing. I would just get behind them and push their car all the way to the restaurant," she smiled.
Eric went in the house and hollered for his mother.
"Mom, we going to church in the morning!"
"Yes, I know. We always go to church on Sunday morning."
"No, I mean all of us, the four of us and Bart and his Mother!"
"Bart and his Mother want to attend church with us?"
"They have been as depressed as everyone else these days and thought going to church might make them feel better. It was Bart's idea. I told him it would be okay. Then his Mother wants to take us all out to eat at her favorite restaurant."
"I'm not sure about that. If it's her favorite place I'm sure it's expensive."
"No, she said it was her treat."
"We can't mooch a meal off her. We'll pay for ourselves, one way or another."
Eric told them about Ed and the $50 tip. He explained it would insult her if the family didn't accept her invitation. His parents finally agreed.
When Pete got home that night, his father told him about the arrangement for church the next morning. Pete looked at Eric and commented,
"Okay but can I sit on the other side of the church?"
"Now don't start up again with your issues with Eric and Bart," his father admonished him.
It's no that. I don't want to be next to them when the roof of the church falls in when God tries to smite these sinners," he laughed.
Eric cursed his brother, all in jest, and ran over and tackled him, wrestling him to the floor. Pete quickly gained the advantage and rolled on top of Eric, sitting on his stomach, both of them laughing at each other. Pete began to tickle Eric until he cried 'uncle'.
"Dear, would you come see what your two adolescent children are doing," Eric's father called to his wife.
She came in the living room and saw the boys laughing and wrestling on the floor.
"Life as we know it," she smiled.
Bart and his Mother picked up Eric and his family in the limo Sunday morning to go to church. As they were walking out of the house, Pete joked that the only time a limo shows up at a church is a funeral or a wedding. No body died, so he hoped people wouldn't think Eric and Bart were getting married. His mother glared at him and shook her head. Eric saw the humor and replied,
"Not for a couple more years yet. We want to finish high school first."
His mother glared at him and pushed them out the door and towards the car.
After the service, the preacher shook hands with everyone as Eric's father introduced him to Bart and his family. Then it was off to eat at the fanciest restaurant in town.
"I hope you like it here. I love coming here. Bart's Father took me here when we first moved to town. I have great memories and don't get to come back here very often. I am glad I can share the experience with you."
The maitre d' greeted Bart's Mother by name and seated them at the best table in the house. He made them feel like they were the only ones in the restaurant. The waiter came over and introduced himself, as did the wine steward. Bart and his Mother may have been used to this kind of treatment but it was overwhelming for Eric and his family.
Bart's Mother sat next to Pete so she could talk to him and get better aquainted. She reached her hand over and placed it on Pete's arm.
"So, Peter, how are you doing these days."
"I'm fine, thank you for asking."
"Okay, that was the politically correct answer, now tell me how you are really doing. You have had a raw deal and a difficult time the last few months."
Pete looked at her, not feeling comfortable opening up to someone he had just met.
"Eric tells me that you are doing better but you may still have a bad day here and there. The fact that Eric is not a raving lunatic with everything he and Bart have been through goes to the fine job your parent shave done raising you. All of my boys are emotionally strong and grounded."
"All of your boys? I thought Bart was an only child?"
"He was. Until I unofficially adopted you and Eric as my part time boys," she laughed. "I always look after my boys so if there is ever anything I can do for you, just ask."
"Thank you. I will keep that in mind."
They enjoyed a fabulous meal and returned home happy and content.
A week passed and Eric's father got a call one evening from a lawyer.
"Good evening Mr. Brown. This is Joshua Clinton of the law firm Clinton, Barrows and Peterson," he introduced himself. "You are the father of Peter Brown, is that right?"
"Yes, I am. What is this about?"
"I have a young client whose case was heard before the same judge as your son. My client received a judgement way in excess of his misdeeds. I have been looking into this judge's record and he has a history of abusing his power as a judge with his verdicts and his sentencing. With you permission I would like to add your son's case to the list I have to try and bring him before a judicial review board. If I am successful, then I will try and get your son's verdict over turned."
"That would be wonderful but we don't have the money for that. Peter had to rely on a public defender when he went to court."
"That is typically the judge's pattern. Defendants with public defenders often get a more severe outcome and almost never a plea deal. This would be pro bono with no cost to you or Peter. I hope you will let me add your son's case to my list."
"I don't know what to say. That would be wonderful, as long as there will be no repercussions that would come back on him."
"I assure you that won't happen. I will get some papers together and stop by to have you and Peter sign them. Have a good evening."
"Thank you very much."
He got up and ran into the kitchen.
"Pete, come here, quick," he yelled.
"What's the matter?" his wife asked.
"I just got a call from a lawyer. You'll never guess what he told me."
"Hey dad, what's up?"
He explained the phone call and told Pete there was a good chance his conviction would be overturned.
"The court screwed me once so you'll pardon me if I don't get too excited," Pete said and went back upstairs to his room.
Eric had overheard the conversation from the other room.
"Do you really think he can do what he says?" Eric asked his parents.
"I have no idea. He seemed very confident. I'm not sure why he picked Eric's case but if he can do it and it doesn't cost us anything, I'm all for it." Eric's father said.
"Me too. That would really help getting Pete back to normal again."
Friday night rolled around and Eric was at Bart's house as usual. The doorbell rang for the pizza delivery. Bart's Mother answered the door so she could give Ed his big tip while Bart and Eric set out plates and drinks. Bart answered the telephone when it rang and hollered to his Mother.
"Mother, there is an Attorney Clinton on the phone. He would like to speak with you if you are available."
"I will be right with him."
She came into the kitchen and put the pizza on the table. She took the phone and went into the living room. Eric recognized the name and moved closer to the door so he could ease drop on the call.
"Yes, thank you Joshua. I appreciate what you are doing. Of course, these arrangements will be strictly between you and I. Yes, I was wondering how the probate is coming along. No, one more month is fine. Thank you for calling."
She came back into the room and sat down at the table. Bart excused himself to go take a piss. Eric took this opportunity to speak to Bart's Mother privately.
"I overheard the name of the lawyer on the phone. In a strange coincidence a lawyer by the same name called our house the other day and offered to help overturn Pete's case. He said it was pro bono. And now you get a call from a lawyer with the same name. Some coincidence, huh?"
"Yes, Eric the world can be full of coincidences. Take tonight for example. I ordered too much pizza for me to eat all by myself. And by coincidence, you and my son show up just in time to help me."
"But we were going to be here anyway so it was prearranged and not really a coincidence, wouldn't you say?"
"I suppose. But the reason behind the coincidence is not what really matters, is it? It is the outcome that counts. So let us eat our pizza before it gets cold and put this talk of lawyers and coincidences behind us, shall we?" she winked and pressed her hand onto Eric's.
"Thank you so much. For the pizza I mean," he replied with a wink of his own.
Bart came back in the kitchen and sat down.
"So what were you talking about while I was gone," he asked.
"We had a very philosophical discussion about pizza," his Mother told him.
"I would have never imagined there was anything philosophical about pizza."
"You are right. So Eric and I both concluded there was really nothing philosophical about it so just enjoy it. Right Eric?"
"You are exactly right. Pass me a piece please, Bart."
Bart was still a little confused but shrugged his shoulders and let it pass. The pizza was too good to let it get cold.
The boys went upstairs after they are and got ready for bed. That simply meant a bathroom trip and stripping off their clothes. Eric was still feeling guilty about keeping his conversation with Bart's Mother a secret. They got into bed and cuddled and kissed gently.
"Eric, I have something I want to tell you and I hope you do not take it the wrong way."
"You can tell me anything."
"Actually I can not. And that is the jist of what I want to say. We promised not to keep secrets from each other," Bart began.
"Let me explain," Eric tried to say but was cut off by Bart.
"I fully intend to not keep secrets from you nor would I expect you to keep secrets from me, ones that concern us. But there will be things that happen that do not affect both of us and there is no need to feel the need to share that information. I know you and my mother were talking about something other than a philosophical discussion of pizza when I can back into the kitchen. You nor my Mother obviously did not want to include me. That is fine."
"It's just that . . ."
"No explanation is necessary."
The boys got into bed and cuddle. Eric felt guilty that he had not told Bart about Pete and the lawyer. But Bart's Mother's metaphor about the pizza made it clear to Eric that she didn't want anyone to know what she had done. It was her secret and Eric felt he owed it to her to keep the secret more than he did to share it with Bart.
"Can we just stay like this tonight and not have sex?" Eric asked timidly.
"Of course we can. We can do anything you like."
The two boys drifted off to sleep in one another's arms. The next morning was unusually quiet at the breakfast table.
"Are you boys feeling okay?" she asked.
"Yes, Mother, just tired," Bart replied, while Eric lowered his head.
"I certainly do not mean to pry but I think it is more than that," she noted.
"We were just discussing boundaries last night, that is all," Bart explained.
His Mother was a very wise and intuitive mother.
"So I can assume this has something to so with the conversation Eric and I were having last night?"
"What you were discussing with Eric is between the two of you and none of my business," Bart stated curtly.
"If it caused friction between the two of you then I should explain."
"No need, Mother."
"I am going to anyway. Eric has been kept my confidence as I had expected he would so I am going to ask the same of you, Bart."
She went on to explain her involvement with the lawyer who spoke with Pete. She knew Eric's family couldn't afford a high priced law firm and they wouldn't accept her offer to help. They don't do charity.
"Oh Eric, please forgive me. You were right. This had nothing to do with me and I should have trusted you. I will know better in the future."
"I had not planned on telling Eric, Bart, but he is one smart young man. When he heard you mention the lawyer's name he put two and two together and figured it out on his own. This conversation will never leave this kitchen, is that understood?" she said firmly.
"Yes Mother, we will only talk about this in the living room, the solarium, the . . ."
Bart received a swat on his arm.
"Eric, you are a bad influence on my son. He would never talk back to me like that before he met you," she joked but with a stern look on her face.
Eric and Bart both thought they were in trouble.
"Thank you Eric, I like the new and improved Bart," she laughed as she sat down to eat.
Everyone agreed it was behind them. Whether they understood it or not, Eric and Bart's relationship had reached a new milestone. As much as their lives had become so intertwined, they recognized that they still needed some personal space occasionally. Rather than cause conflict and hard feelings, they developed respect for one another as individuals by setting some boundaries.
When they finished with breakfast, Bart announced that he really was tired and wanted to go upstairs for a short nap before they began their chores in the solarium.
"You know, Bart, I think you're right. I could use a quick nap as well."
"The release of tension can bring relaxation and satisfaction. Now that this is resolved it will release some tension between the two of you. I am sure you both will feel better."
'The release of tension?' 'Relaxation and satisfaction'? Was she talking in suggestive innuendoes again Eric wondered. Either way he didn't care, he just wanted to go and enjoy that release. He and Bart headed upstairs.
"I'm not really that tired now, are you?" Eric asked.
"I am not tired but I would like to get in bed," Bart replied with a sly grin.
By the time the boys had removed their clothes, both were sporting raging hardons. They jumped on the bed and embraced one another, rubbing their warm bodies and stiff members together. A few light kisses gave way to some hard, passionate making out. Bart finally broke the kiss and pulled his head back to look at Eric.
"Saturday is quickly becoming my favorite day of the week."
"Any day I'm with you is my favorite day no matter where we are or what we are doing. Of course, doing this just makes it so much better," Eric replied and resumed kissing.
Bart moved his mouth to Eric's nipples, licking and playing with them with his tongue. Then he moved to his belly button, causing Eric to giggle.
"Shh, we are supposed to be napping, remember?" Bart reminded him.
"Do you really think your Mother bought that story that we were tired and that's why we came back to your room?"
Bart reached up and pinched one of Eric's nipples.
"Ouch!"
"Shh! Just be quiet and enjoy it" Bart said then stuck out his tongue and wiggled it.
Bart moved down lowered and aimed Eric's boner at his mouth. He drooled on the tip and spread his spit down the length of the shaft. He was just starting to get busy when Eric interrupted him.
"We shouldn't take too long, Let me spin around so we can do this together," Eric suggested.
"Very well."
The boys lay side by side, head to cock and went to giving each other a superb morning blow job, filling each other's mouths with cum. They rolled to their sides and lay on their backs, holding hands and looking up at the ceiling, both with the smiles of contentment on their faces.
"It's getting late, boys, time to get up," Bart Mother yelled through the closed door.
Both boys looked at each other's semi rigid cocks, and giggled.
"We are up, Mother. We are just trying to determine our wardrobe for the day," Bart said, trying not to laugh.
"Work clothes are fine. Spring will be here before you know it and we have to have the flowers ready to transplant to the gardens. We have a lot to do in the solarium today. By supper time you will both be very dirty boys," she promised and off she went down the hall.
"Should we tell her we already are very dirty boys?" Eric laughed.
"We can get dirty again as we clean up in the shower this evening," Bart smirked.
They came out of Bart's room wearing some overalls that his Mother had bought for Bart. They knew they would be working up a sweat so they went commando and didn't wear anything under he overalls. The boys worked hard all morning along side Bart's Mother. She went and made sandwiches for lunch and called them when they were ready.
"You boys are getting a considerable amount of work done this morning. I think I would like to take you out to supper to thank you."
"I will have to call my mother and get permission. She usually expects me home for supper Saturday night," Eric spoke up.
"Do you think your parents and your brother would like to join us, my treat of course?"
"I will ask."
Eric called his mother and asked if they would like to go out to eat with them.
"I was just about to start a roast for supper but that can wait until tomorrow. Pete has a date so he won't make it but your father and I would love to."
"Great. Bart's Mother said it is her treat but she wants you and dad to pick your favorite restaurant.
It was all set. Back to work after lunch and everything on the list of chores for the day was completed by mid afternoon.
"You boys stink! A well deserved stink, but an offensive odor none the less. Go take a shower and get cleaned up for supper."
The boys scampered up stairs, looking forward to a hot soapy shower together. They stripped off their overalls and headed for the bathroom. The water was hot, the soap was plentiful and the shower was filled with two horny boys. After washing up, Bart was the first to start some groping and kissing. Eric followed right along. Eric turned to face the front of the shower and bent over, pushing his ass out to Bart.
"No, I have a better idea. Face me and sit down," Bart told Eric.
Eric assumed he was getting in a position to suck Bart. Instead, Bart sat down in the other side of the shower facing Eric.
"I like the view but now what?" Eric asked.
Bart grabbed the bottle of hair condition and squirted some on the bottom of the shower. Then he took Eric's hands and pulled him into the puddle, making his slide along the shower floor on his ass. Bart squirted some more conditioner and slid his ass back and forth. He used Eric's hands to pull him tight to him, their cocks poking into each other. They kissed and hugged, sliding their asses back and forth on the slippery shower floor, their cocks playing a variation of the game Sword Fight. Eric squirted some conditioner on their cocks, grabbing both at the same time and working his hand up and down. His legs were on top of Bart's so he lifted himself so he could sit on Bart's lap. Eric reached between his legs and aimed Bart's stiff cock at his anal entrance and slowly lowered himself down on it.
"Mmm, I like this idea of yours," Eric purred.
"I have been thinking about this all day, trying to hide my boner from my Mother. These overalls as baggy but they still show more than I wish to show when I am around my Mother."
Eric started flexing his hips to help with raise and lower himself on Bart's cock. The slipperiness made it difficult for Eric to maintain his balance on Bart's lap so Bart hugged him tight and thrust up as Eric sat down. They began to make out passionately as the heat in their loins was building. Bart's thoughts all days of this happening pushed him close to the edge.
"Stop! Hold still for a minute or I m going to cum," Bart declared as he froze in place.
"You mean you don't want me to do this?" Eric asked as he tightened his ass and giggled up and down.
"Ah, fuck!" Bart growled, trying not to be too loud as he shot his load, spurt after spurt into Eric. "I told you to hold still. I wanted it to last as long as possible."
"I know, but we can't keep your Mother waiting too long. Next time we will have more time."
Bart agreed and took Eric's slippery cock in his hand.
"Your turn."
"No, that will wait until next time. I can be the one spending a whole day thinking about what we will do together," Eric said as he pushed Bart's hand away.
The boys let the shower water rinse the conditioner off the shower floor before they tried to stand up. Then they finished washing, dried off and dressed for supper.
Bart's Mother drove the Suburban over to pick up Eric's parents.
"Where to?" she asked.
"We couldn't decide so we thought we'd leave it up to you."
"No, just pick where you would normally take the family out to eat on a Saturday night."
"Well, that would be Brinkley's Family Restaurant. Good food but not very fancy. I'm nor sure you'd like it."
"You had me at 'good food'. Which way?"
They were met as they entered by the hostess who greeted Eric's parents by name.
"Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Brown. Glad you could join us this evening. I see you have brought guests with you tonight."
"Yes, this is my son's friend, Bart and his Mother, Mrs. . . . . ."
Bart's Mother interrupted him before he could say her last name.
"Just call me Carol," she smiled and put her hand out to shake hands with the hostess.
"Very glad to make your acquaintance, Carol. Let me show you to your usual table."
They were seated and the waitress brought menus. She took the drink order and would returned shortly to take their food order. Bart's Mother surprised Eric's parents when she ordered a large root beer soda with lots of ice instead of a cocktail.
"The colder the root beer, the better it tastes," she commented.
When the waitress came to take the food order, Carol asked if the Shepherd's Pie was made with corn or peas. She answered corn.
"Excellent. I'll have that, please."
"They have a varied offering of steaks and seafood as well," Eric's father suggested.
"I haven't had Shepherd's Pie since I was growing up in Oregon. I'm looking forward to enjoying it again."
Over the course of dinner, Carol told Eric's parent about her humble upbringing and her Father's delivery business. She didn't get into too many details about her wealth, trying to keep the evening about getting to know each other better rather than putting on airs. The boys had heard all this before so when they finished eating they asked to be excused to go play the video games in the back room.
"We want to thank you for sharing all of that with us. We have no idea." Eric's father told her.
"Yes, my husband was all about his image and how he felt he was better than anyone else. Unfortunately that attitude rubbed off on Bart. That is until he and Eric became friends. He is like a totally different person, a better person than I could have ever hoped for," Carol confided. "I wanted to talk to you and your husband now that the boys are not here. May I ask you for some personal advice?"
"Of course. What is on your mind?"
"It has not been that long since my husband passed but we were fairly distant with each other for years. I am considering dating again and I wondered if you thought it would be too soon?"
"That is something that only you can answer. If you feel that you are ready, then it's not too soon. You have to do what you feel is right for you, not what anyone else thinks" Eric's mother told her. "Have you spoken to Bart about how he would feel about this?"
"No, I have not. I am not sure how to approach it with him or what he will say."
"Bart is very mature for his age. Not having a close relationship with his Father will make him more inclined to accept a new man in your life. Just be up front with him and let him think about it for a few days to see if he will accept the idea."
"Thank you so much. I have been as nervous as a schoolgirl just thinking about this. I will talk to Bart tomorrow. Now, who's for dessert. That Shepherd's Pie was delicious and I think I would like a strawberry shortcake to finish off," she laughed.
Carol dropped off Eric and his parents and headed home with Bart.
"Mother, I had a wonderful time this evening. I trust you did as well?" Bart asked as she drove.
"Bart, this evening was the best night out I have had in I can not remember how long. Eric's parents are wonderful people. I can see where Eric gets his personality from."
"I am so glad. I have been worried about you being lonesome since Father passed. Getting out will do you good."
"I am happy to hear you say that. I have something I want to discuss with you," she started. "I have been considering dating someone and I want to know how you feel about that."
"Do you have someone in mind?"
"No, I wanted to talk to you first. Think about it and let me know in a day or two."
"I can answer you right now.'
Carol was bracing for some strong resistance from Bart but didn't interrupt him.
"I think it is a splendid idea. You are still a young and vibrate woman with much to offer. I have Eric and it pains me to think of you all alone when I am not around. Just do me one favor if you would."
"And what might that be?"
"Just be a little more judicious in making your choice this time," Bart snickered.
"Like when I was in high school, I will have to bring my prospective date home for your approval?" she laughed before giving Bart a love smack to the back of this head.
Spring was around the corner with an occasional warm day now and then. Bart and Eric had spent their usual after school outing at the Botanical Garden. They went to thank the caretaker but she was busy in the orchid room showing off the flowers to some guest. The boys just waved through the window and left the building. They were early for their ride so they strolled towards the small park along side the pond near the garden. They had no sooner near the lake than they heard a woman's voice screaming.
"Please, someone help! My boy is drowning! Please save him!" the panicked voice was shouting over and over.
The boys ran over to where she was standing on the shore and looked where she was pointing. He young boy had ventured out onto the ice covered pond and had fallen through a thin spot in the ice, weakened by the warm sun that day. Eric didn't hesitate and lay down on the ice to spread his weight and pulled himself to where the boy was flailing frantically in the icy water. He reached the boy and extended his hand to pull him out but before he made contact the ice under him cracked and he dropped into the water. He reached and grabbed the boy, helding onto him, trying desperately to pull them out. The ice kept breaking away as he tried to pull them to safety until the cold water cramped his muscles.
"Hold on Eric, I am coming out there!" Bart yelled.
"No, don't! The ice keeps breaking. Find a rope or something to pull us out."
"Hang on, I will be right back!"
Bart's mind was scrambling where would he find a rope. He stood helpless on the shore, watching as Eric and the young boy were huddled together, their heads slipping under water and then coming back up again.
Bart was watching his best friend, his boyfriend, his true love, as his life was slipping away in that icy grave. There was nothing he or anyone else could do about it. Tears flowed down his face and he cried out in agony,
"ERIC!!"
Thank you for staying with Eric and Bart. I am working on the next chapter already and will have it on line as soon as possible.
Jonathan