This is a work of pure fiction, but based on the author's feelings, beliefs, and in some cases, experience. Come to think of it -- it might not be all that pure! There may be graphic sexual encounters at times between men, so if this offends you, you are invited to retreat. If you are too young or it is otherwise illegal for you to be reading this kind if story, shame on you for reading it - - please stop here. If not, - - ENJOY!
Cast of characters:
Brian Weber -- That's me! Deena -- my wife Ronny -- my son. Chris Willows -- kid in bathroom. Mike Riggs -- new friend. Chanelle LeBelle -- Ronny's girlfriend. Gary Foosdorf -- Mike's friend Dmitri Polczek-- Neighbor Ericka -- Dmitri's wife Alexandra -- Dmitri's daughter Muhammad Zarindast -- Friend Stan -- Muhammad's Afghan hound. Kohfi -- 30 year old Persian Freedom Contender Mick Azerov -- 26 year old American Freedom Contender Ammad -- 45 year old Iraqi Freedom Contender Keyvan & Sohrab -- Iranian boys.
From Chapter 13:
"I'm sorry, Ron. I didn't mean to piss you off. And like your dad, I DON'T want you to be gay. And I'm glad you reacted that way." Gary rubbed his still aching balls. "Well MOST of me is glad!" he said with a smile. "You DID get me good. But I just -- also -- don't want you to ever wonder about it -- and be confused -- like I was for so many years. But it's definitely better -- easier -- to be straight -- in today's world. I am sorry that I pushed you so far. Forgive me?"
Gary got up and offered his hand. Ronny looked at him suspiciously. "I'm not kidding this time, Ron. I AM sorry and I really do want you to forgive me."
Ron took his hand. Gary made to shake it but Ronny pulled him in to a close warm hug. "Maybe I overreacted. If so, I'm sorry." Said Ronny. And then Ronny kissed Gary -- on the cheek. "I LIKE having an older brother!" He laid his face on Gary's shoulder and hugged him again.
"And I like having you to abuse!" Quipped Gary. They both laughed. I smiled knowingly.
Chapter 14
"Um -- speaking of that - - there`s something I've been worried about telling you." Said Ronny, his demeanor changing completely. "And now, after breakfast this morning, I'm a little worried."
"Worried about what, Son?" I said.
"Did I screw something up?" Asked Gary.
"Well, - um -- maybe not you -- exactly. I think I may have screwed myself." He paused, then, "Well -- we had an announcement."
"Ohh -- that's right! Mick said something on the phone!" Said Gary, nearly salivating.
"Dad, we were going to tell you at breakfast -- I guess Mick wanted to butter you up first -- or something. But then one thing led to another and -- I guess he didn't feel like -- um - " Ronny looked at the floor, embarrassed.
"What is it, Ron?" I said.
"I totally screwed things up at breakfast, didn't I?" Said Gary, looking totally chagrinned.
"No!" Said Ronny. "He -- I mean we -- that is -- it was my fault. I shouldn't have been making light of you two -- and your -- um -- pre-breakfast `course' -- this morning. I guess Mick doesn't take it so lightly."
"We knew you were joking, Bro." Said Gary.
"Ronny -- you're only 18. What can anyone - " I started.
"Shit!" Exclaimed Ronny. "I'm trying to tell you something -- but -- you won't let me -- I mean -- I can't -- oh crap!" He said and he ran into his room and slammed the door..
Gary ran after him. "Gary! Stop!" I ordered.
Gary stopped and looked back, and -- looked very hurt that I spoke to him that way. "Gary -- I'm sorry, but -- Ron hasn't reacted in this way for -- well, at least a year. It's best just to let him be." I smiled. "Gary -- most of the time Ronny acts like an adult -- but he still reverts back to the little boy sometimes. Not as often as he used to, but -- he IS still a teenager -- and I can remember that age -- even 18. Sometimes I felt like the world owed me respect -- and I acted like a man -- like Ronny does -- MOST of the time.
"But then once in awhile, a guy that age just -- can't sustain the façade any longer and has a meltdown. He'll tell us what's bothering him -- when he gets over it. He's extremely embarrassed right now. And you going in to him will only exacerbate his humiliation."
"Yeah, I can kind of remember that -- well, maybe when I was sixteen. I had to grow up too fast."
"Well, luckily -- I think -- Ronny hasn't. If anything, our close relationship may have kept him sheltered longer."
"Oh -- for sure! I envy the relationship that you have with your boy."
"Well, anyway -- when he gets like this, I can't say anything to fix it for him. He has to just work it out. And -- of course having a meltdown in front of you is gonna be extra hard for him to come back from -- I think."
"Could I have done anything different?, Bri?"
"I don't think you did anything wrong -- at all."
"I was pushing him -- them -- about the gay thing. I know that if anyone did that to me at 18, I would have freaked."
"But then -- you WERE gay -- and probably at that time you were fighting about it with yourself."
"Your right -- but mostly that came more like when I was 16. But still, by 18, I didn't want anyone else to know."
"I repeat -- I don't think that's Ron's problem. I don't think either he or Mick are close to being gay. But Ronny may be upset if he thinks his friendship with Mick is jeopardized. And Gary -- I'm pretty sure he doesn't blame you. If he did he wouldn't be so upset -- with himself."
"I'm glad YOU understand him!" Said Gary.
Ronny's door opened. "Dad -- can you come in here?" Ron looked directly at Gary -- as I did -- and saw the disappointed look on his face. Ronny's shoulders slumped -- as in defeat -- he said, "Oh, never mind. I'll come out there."
"You want me to go somewhere else?" Asked Gary.
"No!" retorted Ronny. "I mean -- I guess not. Gary I'm sorry I freaked out and mostly -- I'm sorry you had to see it. Sometimes I just - "
"It's okay, little brother. It's okay. Don't forget -- I was your age -- not long ago. Sometimes I still feel that way."
"I feel like such an idiot. And not only because of you guys. I made such an ass of myself this morning! I'm sorry if I embarrassed you. Seems like I've humiliated myself and you in front of the three guys I love the most."
"Three?" Said both Gary and I together.
"You two and Mick -- of course! Was anyone else there?"
"You -- you love Mick?" I marveled.
"Dad! We were gonna tell you -- but -- now I may have fucked that up!"
"Ronny!" I said, out of habit.
"Sorry, Dad. I mean -- now he may have changed his mind." He made a sour face and added, "I'm such a shit-head sometimes!"
"I think you're a little hard on yourself." Said Gary.
"I outed you two at breakfast -- and made an ass of myself!"
"It's not as if he didn't already know about us, Ron." I said.
"But he didn't need to hear the details!"
"There were no details, Son." I said. It was all I could do not to throw myself on him and either smother him with kisses or hold him like I did when he was younger -- to make it better. It was also hard to NOT ask him what it was they were going to announce to us. But I walked to him and put my arms out. He -- at first reluctantly -- in front of Gary -- put his arms around my neck and then his head on my shoulder.
Gary looked awkward -- until I motioned him with my eyes to join us. He came behind Ron and closed in with a warm hug on Ronny's other side. Ronny put his hand down, and grabbed Gary's, holding it and pulling it around back of me. Ronny sighed audibly, and just held us for about two minutes. Then he said, "Thanks, Dad," and kissed my lips. Then he turned and kissed Gary -- on the lips too.
"I gotta call Mick. To see if we're still on."
"On?" Gary said.
"I -- I'll tell you later -- if it works out."
Ronny pulled out his phone and went back to his room.
"Hey." Said Mick.
"Are you pissed?" Asked Ron.
"Um - about what, Dude?"
"All that crap that went on at breakfast."
"Pissed? Hell no! I'm not sure I'll ever get used to your candor with your dad, but we're solid -- aren't we?"
"I -- I hope so." Ron said.
"Dude! After all we've been through -- you're not sure? Ron -- okay -- I guess I gotta give you some slack. But seriously, Ron! I know you love me and -- I don't take that lightly. I love you too."
"But you seemed perturbed when you left us this morning. So you're telling me -- we're still on?"
"Yeah, Ronny -- we're still on. I'm sorry if I worried you, but -- Dude! We're adults here. I'm not going to let a little crap-talk ruin what we have."
"I just -- feel so -- so - - stupid." Said Ronny.
"Don't! Dude, you're only 18 -- I sometimes have to remind myself of that, because most of the time you act so much more mature. But you know what, Ronny?"
"What?"
"One of the things that I love about you -- the most -- is that you're so young. You help me stay that way! I mean -- as far as I am concerned -- you and I are solid forever, Dude. You make me feel good about myself."
"Mick?"
"Yeah?"
"I love you, too."
"I know that. And I hope you know I feel the same. And sometimes I feel like your dad -- is like my own. I mean -- well -- Dad isn't gay or anything. And believe me -- if he somehow found out that I am gay -- he'd flip out. But your dad -- he doesn't care -- about whether you or I am gay or straight. And I have a feeling that even if he was straight -- it still wouldn't matter to him. Dude, I really respect your dad."
"It WOULD matter to him." Said Ronny.
"Huh?"
"He wants us to be straight. He just told me that -- and Mick too. They'd be awfully disappointed if they found out that you and I were gay."
"That's surprising." Said Mick.
"They just don't want us to go through what they have."
"Oh. Okay, I guess that makes sense. Um -- did you tell them yet?"
"No. I didn't want to upset them if it wasn't gonna happen."
"Okay, so now that you know -- will you tell them? I hate keeping this a secret. But mostly, I want you to move in."
"I know. Me too. I know Mick will give me a bad time. He thinks that he knows that we're gay!"
"He can think what he wants. Nothing's gonna make me prefer a butt-hole to a vagina. And besides - "
Mick paused a bit too long. "What?" Asked Ronny.
"I can't see me living with an ass hole! If we WERE gay, I'd HAVE to be the top, and so I'd literally be thinking of your ass hole all the time -- wouldn't I?"
"I don't think they see it that way." Said Ronny, laughing. "And besides, if we WERE gay, I'd be the top!"
"Don't be an ass hole, Dude!" Now they both were having fun with it.
"Au contraire! I wouldn't be the ass hole!"
"Then don't be a dick!" Said Mick, hardly able to talk with the laughing.
"Okay," Said Ronny. "I'll tell them tonight, I promise."
"Then call me back, so I'll know. I'm getting horny for your mouth." Said Mick, laughing again.
"Huh?"
"You ARE planning to suck my dick when I need it - - right?"
"In your dreams! I don't suck, be sucked or be fucked -- by any guy -- even if you DO love me."
"Didn't your daddy teach you ANYthing?" Laughed Mick
"I'll call you later."
When Ronny came back out to the living room, he was wiping tears from his eyes. "You okay, Son?"
"Who? Me? Haha! Yeah! That Mick is so funny!"
"So are we to gather that everything went okay -- between you two?" Asked Gary.
"What? Oh! Yeah! I was just being paranoid. Um -- well -- I have to tell you something." Said Ronny, suddenly serious.
"What's that, Son?"
"Pop, Mick and I are moving in together."
"Oh. Wow!" I said.
"WHY!!??" Asked Gary.
"Well, we're really close and -- you know -- best friends and stuff -- and -- Mick doesn't feel like he's ready to settle down -- you know, like -- with a wife and all, but -- he's just tired of living by himself."
"And so," said Gary, "to help Mick not feel lonely, you're going to break your dad's heart?" Gary sounded angry.
"No -- it's okay, Gary. Ronny's 18. If he's ready to move out -- then he needs to do it." I said. But my heart wasn't in it. I felt like something inside me was dying.
"I -- I mean -- Dad?" Said Ronny, looking now not sure at all -- of his earlier resolve.
"I expect every dad -- and mom -- has to face this one day. Of course I want you to stay with me -- forever. But I know that's not -- um -- practical."
"Speaking of practical," said Gary, "How were you going to support yourself? And are you skipping out on school? Living out -- you will find -- is very expensive -- and supporting yourself -- very time consuming. Believe me -- I've done it for twelve years. I had to get out as soon as I was of age. You don't have to. I dunno, but -- I wish my dad had been open to supporting me -- while I went to school. That was hard!"
"And yet," I said to Gary, "You seem to be just fine. It worked out, didn't it?"
"Who's side are you on, Bri?!!" exclaimed. Gary, passionately.
Both Ronny and I looked at Gary as if he were a space alien.
"I'm a little confused, Gary." Said Ronny, a little perturbed.
Already I could see the embarrassment on Gary's face. "Well, I -- uh - "
"I expected my dad to be the one to -- to -- well, object, but you seem to be freaking out. What gives?"
I couldn't have said it better, so I didn't add anything. But I WAS feeling a little sorry for my lover.
"I -- uh -- I - " Gary stammered. Tears sprang to his eyes.
"What's going on, Sweetheart?" I said.
Where the "sweetheart" came from I dunno! That got an immediate response form both of them. Gary's mouth dropped momentarily and Ronny looked like I had just slapped him. That's my pet name for Ronny!
Gary swallowed hard and continued. "I guess I am feeling deprived somehow. I never had a brother -- and I'll sure as hell never have a son. You were -- erm -- ARE -- kind of -- both to me. I guess I was just being selfish. I mean if your dad has no objections, how can I - "
"I didn't say that." I interjected. "it just seemed incongruous for you to have such a strong feeling about it. I guess I kind of understand -- now -- how you feel."
I then changed gears and turned to Ronny. "Ron," I said, (I call him that when I want him to be more mature) "I have a suggestion -- and it's only that: a suggestion. Maybe you were trying to give me and Gary more privacy or - - maybe you and Mick -- wanted -- er - wanted more privacy -- or something." I felt a little uneasy about the implications of that.
"But -- Gary and I will soon have our own lair downstairs, and -- if Mick is -- open to it -- and you too, of course -- maybe you two would like to come live here. If we took out the King bed, your room would easily accommodate one of those double/twin bunk beds, plus another twin if you wanted another friend to -- um -- stay over -- or something. I dunno -- it's just a suggestion."
Ronny looked perplexed -- at first. Then he broke out in a smile. "I'll mention that to Mick!" He said, talking very fast. "Oh, dad -- Gary -- you don't know him like I do. He is such a great guy -- and we have become almost like bro -- well -- best friends!"
A slight hurt look may have crossed Gary's face, but if so he countered it well and immediately recovered. He smiled, and said, "Wow! Um -- do you think he'd go for it?"
"Part of me feels he would. He is always saying how jealous he is of you and me, Pop."
Both Gary and I chimed, "Jealous?"
"Aw, c'mon, guys! Stop making more of everything than it is! He just wishes he had a relationship like that with his dad."
"I knew that!" Said Gary, mockingly defensive.
"Sorry." I said, truly repentant.
"Look, Pop -- Gary -- your idea sounds like a dream to me, but I dunno what Mick will say."
"He -- um -- you -- I mean -- never mind." Said Gary with a chagrinned look.
"Why? What were you gonna say, Bro?" Said Ronny.
Gary looked up, clearly pleased that Ronny had called him "Bro".
"Nothing, really. (Sigh) I just thought you could mention to him that it could -- but -- never mind -- it isn't for me to say."
"That's silly, Gary. You've said too much to just leave it there." Said Ronny.
"It's not that -- it's - - well, it's not my place to -- to -- I mean -- that would be up to your dad!" He was frustrated that he couldn't seem to articulate what he wanted to say.
"What would be up to me, Gary?" I asked.
"Oh -- I was gonna suggest that it could cost him less to stay here, but then I realized -- this is your place. I can't tell you how much you would charge Mick to stay here."
"Yeah -- Ron -- tell him that!" I said. I smiled and touched my lover's arm and drew my finger down his hairy forearm. He looked at me ever so gratefully and - - lovingly.
"I'll call him right now!" Said Ronny, obviously excited about the possibility of both Mick and him staying here. He went to his room to call.
When Ronny returned from his room he was al smiles. "He likes it! One of the reasons -- not the most important, but anyway, one of the reasons he wants to stay together is that things are getting tight for him. It'll cost more in gas for the commute, but maybe he'll save enough in rent to more than make up for it."
"We'll make sure he will." I confirmed.
"Yess!" Said Ronny.
"Hello, Mo." I said. I received a call from Mo the next morning, at work.
"Hello, my friend! I understand that our friend Mick will be coming to live with you."
"Word gets around fast, doesn't it!" I marveled. "We only invited him yesterday."
"Yes, so he told me. I like your proposition. I never liked that place he called an apartment. It made me uncomfortable being there."
"I -- ahem -- I'm glad you -- er -- approve. I suppose you are calling about the boys. Will you be bringing them back as planned -- tomorrow?"
"Yes -- I will, but -- that's not why I called."
"Oh. What's up?" I asked.
"I am somewhat fearful of offending you, my friend, and that is the last thing I would like to do. You know how I feel about Ronny. He is -- no offense -- like a son to me. I will be ever grateful to him for what he has done for my project.
"As you may well imagine, I also feel indebted to all of you -- including Gary and -- well, because of his part in it -- especially Mick."
"I think I am learning a little about your methods of offending, Mo. And I appreciate your sensibilities. How did you want to `offend' us this time?"
"I have a proposal and -- a request."
"How may we help you, Mo?"
"I would like to alter the plans for your home remodel -- to include an extra room -- upstairs -- for Mick. I have already talked to him about it. Rest assured I knew nothing of his move, but he volunteered that to me as we talked of other things last night. I want to ask a very big favor of you, besides -- I hope -- helping make Mick's move easier."
"You know there is little that I would deny you, mo. You have done so much for us."
"And you owe me nothing! And please tell me if this is too much of an imposition. I realize how it could be -- for a home with 6 men to be living -- in close quarters -- to accept a woman into their sanctuary -- even for a short time."
"A woman?"
"Yes. My horses will be arriving almost momentarily, and their trainer needs a place to stay until I can make better -- more appropriate accommodations for her. I was hoping that Michele will be able to stay close to the horses -- for a short time. I am not so far away, actually -- but it would not be appropriate for her to stay here because you see -- she is my fiancée."
"Ahh -- haaa." I said. "This is not a complete surprise. It was until a couple weeks ago -- when Keyvan mentioned it. It still seems odd that you met me the first time -- on 20th and K Streets -- at a gay club."
"I had hoped to find allies for my quest there. And -- obviously I did. I am sorry for the deception. But there is more that you need to know before she comes."
"Oh?"
"I was aware that Keyvan let my secret out of the bag -- because he told me. Both of the boys know of this thing. And the reason they know is -- they are my fiancée's brothers."
My heart nearly jumped up into my throat. I was stunned. "So -- I guess I may presume" Mo continued, after my silence, "that this secret my future brothers-in-law have kept." I could hear the smile in his voice.
After even more silence, Mo said -- in a rare instance of familiarity, "I guess I gotcha!" He laughed, because he knew how foreign it sounded in his thick British/Persian accent.
But then he was all business again. "So -- do you understand? Do you agree to do me this favor?"
"Have you already told Mick about it?" I asked.
"Not exactly. He does know that I am to be married next month. And -- I'm sorry, but he also was sworn to secrecy of my relationship to your two wards. I hope this is not a problem. You may see now why it is so important to me to see that they do well in school."
"Indeed. You have to make a good impression on your father-in-law!"
"I am afraid it is too late for that. He would have cut out his own eyes if he thought that this would cleanse him of this thing. He would like to see me dead, for my part in his sons' escape. He would have eliminated his own sons -- if it were not for his wife -- and their mother. As long as those boys are alive, he carried their guilt."
"Guilt??!! What guilt? THEIR guilt??!! He was the one who used his son's as - "
"I am aware of all that, as well. But you must understand. In that culture, a man has power of life and death over his family. His wife, his daughter, his sons -- all are his personal property to dispose of as he pleases. I must say no more for reasons that may someday make even more sense to you. Please accept this much as all I can say. I fear I have said too much, already."
"Mo, all you have asked for will be agreeable to us. And when you are married, the room will be good for Ronny and Mick to use."
"It will not be that long. I cannot say more at this time. My architect will be at your home tomorrow in the morning. Will anyone be there to allow him access to the inside of your home?"
"Ronny can be here."
"I hate to bother him from his life."
"He would be happy to do it, Mo."
"I know that. It is why I must not take advantage of him."
"He will be here. The boys all started at the college yesterday. He and the boys tried to align their class times. At least for the first part of the semester, he will be taking the boys with him to school."
"Is there something wrong with the car that I brought?"
"No, but apparently driving does not come naturally to all teens -- as I thought. Keyvan will be practicing some more."
"How is it that he practices?"
"Haha! I take him out around our neighborhood."
"I am sorry if this had impacted your time, Brian. That was not my intention."
"I knew what I was getting into when I took the boys. Teens are -- fun -- but a lot of work!"
"Yes -- if it is done correctly. I believe too many don't want to invest the time -- as is evident that you did -- for your son."
"I'll take that as a compliment. Thanks, Mo!" I quipped.
"It is also why I chose you for my brothers-in-law. I will see you tomorrow afternoon, my friend."
"Yes! Bye Mo!"
Obviously he is trying to protect someone from something.
When I came home from work the next day, Ronny and Mick were riding, and Mo's car was parked in our turn-around. Both our dogs, accompanied by Stan, ran to meet me with barks and smiles only a happy dog can accomplish. I came into the house and Mo was there with the boys and the architect was at the kitchen table, making sketches on the drawings.
I sidled up to him and looked at the designs. "I hope this meets with your approval, Brian." Said Mo.
Another bedroom, even larger than Ronny's, was sketched in, with another bathroom between for them to share.
"Michele will never see this room -- of course unless she comes to see her brothers." Said Mo. "She and the horses will be here tomorrow. Have you figured out where she will stay?"
"Actually I thought about renting a motor home so she can have the privacy she deserves." I said.
"Wonderful idea! I will send one out in the morning."
I started to protest -- for all the good it would have done, when,
"Michele? What about Michele?" Asked Sohrab.
"She will be coming tomorrow." Said Mo.
Both boys quickly looked concerned at me.
"Yes, I have told Brian about Michele and also that she is to marry me."
"Did you show Dad how beautiful our sister is?"
"I have only just told him about her." Said Mo.
Sohrab ran to Ronny's bedroom, and returned with a picture. It was of a very dark young woman, with blue eyes, and in a very colorful array of robes, plus head dress. About all that could be seen were here eyes, and they were stunning.
"This is your bride?"
"I assume it is." Said Mo, looking away. I gave him a concerned look. "I don't want to look upon her -- even her image -- until I see her tomorrow." He paused and got a far away, but very calm and sweet look about him. "Mick will be with me when I meet the plane. It is a charter plane, made especially to transport horses. It is nearly all stainless steel inside, so that it may be easily power-washed out.
"Will Michelle be on the same plane?" I asked.
"Oh yes. She will pacify the horses during takeoff and landing, or other turbulent times. There are human quarters on board as well, but I know she will prefer to be with the horses."
"I hope that we will be seeing a lot of you and Michele in the future."
"You may count on it. Something else you may like to know. I will also be buying the home that is across the street from your mailbox."
"You mean the Kileys place? That's been on the market forever! Will you be moving the horses over there? They have a riding/training paddock, you know."
"I am aware of that. No I will not be removing the horses any time soon. I will still be traveling often, and Michele will of course be accompanying me. And we will want the boys to still take care of the horses. It will be more convenient here -- if that is still satisfactory."
"Oh, by all means! Some of their chores are grunt work, but they love the horses and they don't complain." I replied.
"That is good. I love America, but some of the youth are -- spoiled." Said Mo.
"You are right about that, Mo. There is an elusive, happy medium between the spoiled, lazy, disrespectful youth of America and the strictly obedient muslin youth who will blow himself up in a shopping mall if asked to."
After a moment of silence, Mo said, "You are right, Friend. Citing stereotypes doesn't serve to unite. I apologize for insulting your culture. It seems to me that you have found that elusive happy medium -- in raising a son that would be the pride of any father."
"Thanks, Mo. I only treated him with respect and as intelligent. And I expected the same in return. I do the same with these two." Both Keyvan and Sohrab grinned. "And they are learning."
"I think it helps having Ronny there as an example, too. This is another reason I would like Ronny to stay with you. Where is he today?"
"He is out riding with Mick. They will be back for dinner. You will stay, of course."
"I would be honored, but I have a previous engagement. But tomorrow, I will be here with Michele and my horses. I would be honored if you and your family would join me and Michelle -- and her companion -- at the Sequoia tomorrow night. I have heard good things about this restaurant."
I nodded my consent. "I will ask Ron and Mick when they get back -- and Gary when he gets here."
"Mick already is aware of this. He will bring the women here from the airport. I must be involved getting clearance for the horses." Said Mo. "They will be here on extended visas. I will work at getting them permanent residence later."
"Just get them married to American horses!" I quipped. "That should do it!"
In another rare departure into mirth, Mo said, "No, I thought I'd get them temporary education visas, then they can get lost in the system and become equestrian terrorists!"
"You are becoming more Americanized every day, Mo!" I teased.
"Well, now, you don't have to come at me with insults!" he laughed.
"It's so good to see you lighten up a little, Mo! You are always so serious."
"Thank you for letting me relax a little. I won't be truly at ease until my fiancée and her -- her -- erm -- companion - are safely on the ground and away from -- um - " He stopped a moment to collect himself. "So -- you will be sure to tell all the others about tomorrow night?" He said, his eyes glassy.
"I have another request." Said Mo. "I wish to leave Stan here for the night and tomorrow. He will be no bother. He is very well - "
"Mo -- we all love Stan. I can't think of another dog that is as well behaved as Stan is. The boys love him as if he were their own."
"Thank you, Brian. You are one of the kindest men I know. We will see you tomorrow night at 8:00."
"Are we meeting at the restaurant?"
"Oh no. We cannot do that. It would be too hard on the boys. To see their - - their -- sister -- and -- and --you know -- will be hard at first. I don't want to embarrass them in a public place. Good bye my friend."
Mo left quickly. I had the feeling that he was having trouble holding it together. Obviously there was more to this reunion than I understood.
As soon as Gary was home -- and also Ronny and Mick returned from riding -- I told them of the news. Keyvan and Sohrab were more excited than I had ever seen them.
When Ronny and the boys came home from school -- it happened to be a short day for them that day -- there was a package waiting for the boys. They excitedly opened it and there were several very fine outfits for them to pick from -- to wear to dinner. They each chose what their favorites would be and went to Ronny's room, where he was sitting at the computer.
"Oh no, Guys!" Ronny said. "You really should clean up before putting on the new clothing!"
"We have not been working yet today!" Protested Keyvan.
"Okay -- I promised Dad a few weeks ago that I would talk to you about something."
Ronny told me about this later, because I was not yet home from work. The boys recoiled at the thought of a second bath. They had never used the shower, always preferring the tub. Ronny recounted for me:
"Guys, I have taken you to school for the past two days -- and I have to tell you something."
"Have we been bad?" Asked Sohrab.
"No -- nothing like that. It's a cultural thing. You must take better care to bathe your bodies. I have seen you. You barely get in the bath and then you get out and dry off. You don't use soap. Look at your towels."
"Dad, you know what their towels look like. They looked and gave me a blank stare. I told them:"
"Your towels are very dirty. Look at mine. I have used it for two weeks."
"That towel has been used?" asked Keyvan.
"Yes -- every day. You have to get the dirt off you when you bathe. You know -- with soap -- BEFORE you dry off."
"Dad -- they both gave me that blank stare again! So I did what I had to do! I showed them how to wash themselves and take shower. The hardest thing was the toilet thing."
"The toilet thing?" I said.
"Don't tell me you never smelled their -- um -- poopy smell!"
"I guess I got used to it."
"Nuh-uh!" said Ronny. "Well, anyway, I talked to them about that too."
"Good grief, Ronny -- what did you say?"
"I told them -- and then showed them -- about wiping their butts after using the toilet."
"So you taught them to wipe their butts and how to clean their bodies. Anything else?"
"Yes. I let each of them -- after I was sure they were thoroughly clean -- use my deodorant. They actually liked that. They kept smelling their pits -- and each others -- even after getting dressed, they kept smelling themselves -- and each other."
"They didn't try to smell you, huh?" I chuckled.
"I don't think it occurred to them."
Anyway, by the time Gary and I got home from work, the boys shined as never before. I had taught them about tooth and mouth care soon after they moved in. They looked better than I'd ever seen them. They always had the dirty good looks that I saw all over Tehran. Now they just had the good looks!
They could talk of little else than seeing their sister. Unlike me, they were not in the least curious about her traveling companion.
When the big hummer rolled into the circle drive, the boys sprang up and ran for the door, then stopped cold and ran to the bathroom and checked out their hair and face -- then smelled their pits again and each other, as well! Then they ran to the door again and waited for the bell.
Gary said, "Don't you boys think it would be more appropriate for your dad to answer the door?"
They stepped back and the doorbell rang. They both jumped like they'd been shocked. I opened the door and Mick was standing there with the two women behind them. He stepped aside and said, "Michele, this is Brian Weber." I took her hand and kissed it -- not knowing anything else to do.
"Michele, this is Ronny -- whom you have heard so much about from Mo. And this is Brian's partner, Gary." Gary followed my lead. "And -- I believe you know these two movie stars over there."
Michele stepped in the room, where it was not so bright, and looked at her brothers. She wasn't quite sure at first but then she shrieked, "Keyvan!! Sowwy! You really DO look like movie stars!" They were all over each other kissing and hugging.
Quietly, the other woman entered. I started to say something, but Mick quietly shushed me. She was clothed from head to toe in black -- only her eyes were visible, and those she kept down. She silently walked over to the boys and raised her head, and swept away the veil on her face.
Each boy was dumbstruck. Tears came streaming down their faces. Their mother gathered them both in her embrace and smothered them with kisses. Now I understood why Mo wanted this to happen in private.
Notes: Comments are always welcome. To Steve at stevethomas535@hotmail.com. Thanks and -- love, Steve