Wine Country

Disclaimer: The following is a work of fiction. If you are averse to anything gay, please go elsewhere.

Author's Note: This is the eighth chapter in a novel length work about Jevin, Nick, Jack their friends and families. If you have any comments please, please let me know at my e-mail address: cutter57@hotmail.com. Take a few minutes and let me know if I should continue this saga.

WINE COUNTRY

Copyright 1999 by Robert J. Cutter - All Rights Reserved

The author retains all rights to this story. It is not permissible to distribute it to any newsgroups and/or other web sites without the express written consent and permission of the author.

For My Wonderful Aussie Man, Brian

Chapter 8 - Of Truth, Revelations and Disasters

On Monday morning Jack Turner made sure he arrived at his auto repair shop very early. He wanted to be absolutely positive that he was the first one there and definitely before his nephew Nick or his secretary/clerk Rhonda arrived. He needed privacy today - total, complete and undivided privacy. Today more than any day in his life he needed to be alone and to think to be able to think clearly with no distractions.

Actually, to tell the truth, what he need most of all was not to think. He needed to force any thought of the Mayfair Grille, Santa Rosa, Jevin and last weekend out of his mind and to pretend that they had never happened.

He had also decided to get to the shop very early because he knew Jevin would be calling the house as soon as he awoke. Jack's telephone had already rung once this morning and he had not answering it. He absolutely and positively did not want to speak to Jevin Wilkenson.

"God! What a shit-eating fucked up night it's been," Jack thought. He had gotten no sleep at all, except when he fell asleep on the floor and that was from sheer exhaustion. Pictures of Jevin's beautiful face and body were constantly threading through his consciousness. Still, every time he even said the name in his head, or thought of Santa Rosa or of anything beautiful, the feelings returned - overpowering emotions...thoughts...images...dreams.

Jack knew he needed to divert his attention to business matters. And help him forget all about Jevin...and the weekend...that fabulous weekend...the weekend. He had to find something that would keep him in his office all day and that would keep him busy; that meant keeping his mind occupied and away from thoughts of the weekend.

He decided to check the books of the company and the computerized inventory system. Yes, checking the books would keep him busy for a good long time - he wouldn't be able to understand a fucking thing so it would occupy his time. Sid Goodman did all his accounting work and that of the business. Jack could not get into the programs or the files to change them - but he could look at them and this is what he wanted to do today. This is absolutely what he wanted to do today; he had convinced himself of this.

He turned off the ringer on the phone so he would not hear anything that would be happening in the office. And check the company records is exactly what he did - for about ten minutes. When Rhonda came into her office at her usual 7:30 starting time, Jack stuck his head in and told his secretary that he was not to be disturbed short of an severe earthquake. And that went for everybody, including Nick. Rhonda, a local girl who had worked for Jack since he bought the business, could not recall ever seeing him in such a foul mood.

Jack sat down at his desk again and thought he'd play one or two computer games before looking at the books in detail. He called up a solitaire game he particularly fond of and began to play. Suddenly there was a loud banging on the door - and Jack practically jumped out of his chair - so great was the shock.

"Uncle Jack, Uncle Jack," came Nick's very loud voice through the heavy wooden door. "Uncle Jack, please let me in." Nick thought it very strange; he could never remember Jack locking the door to his office before.

"Go 'way, Nick!" Jack shouted in a very loud voice. He looked at the clock on his desk; almost two hours had passed since he had sat down. "Go 'way!" he shouted again. He must have fallen asleep and Nicky woke him up. "Nicky, please leave me alone," Jack said in a much more civilized tone. "I need to be alone this morning."

"Uncle Jack, everyone's worried about you. Please let me in. Let's talk...please...let me in."

Jack slowly walked to the door and hesitantly unlocked it. Nick was standing there in his work overalls and looked very solemn and concerned. "Let me get us some coffee, okay uncle?"

Jack just nodded and slowly walked back to his desk. He turned off the computer and slumped back in his chair. Nick came back into the office followed by Rhonda carrying the two cups of coffee. Jack was just sitting without moving. Nick noticed that Jack had not shaved this morning; that was so unusual since Jack maintained such a professional appearance at all times and expected his employees to do the same.

After Rhonda had left, Nick asked, "Uncle Jack, would you...could you tell me what's bothering you so much?" Jack just waved his had in a dismissal movement. "I'm not going to take that for an answer, Jack. Everybody's noticed what's been going on this morning." Jack looked up with a questioning and hurt expression on his face. It was very unlike Nick to call him just "Jack" without the appellation "uncle". He was certain that Nick was extremely pissed at him.

"Jack, there is very little work going on in the shop right now because everyone is standing around, drinking coffee or Cokes and wondering what the hell is happening to you. Are you having a breakdown or something?" Jack shook his head slowly and, it seemed to Nick, a bit uncertainly. "Okay, if you're not having a breakdown then what is it? Are you ill?" Jack nodded. "You're ill?" Nick asked with real concern in his voice. "What is it?" Jack shook his head. "You're not going to tell me?"

Jack shook his head again. He spoke in a very low voice. "I'm not sick, Nicky." He paused and took a deep breath. "But...but...I do think I'm having a breakdown."

Nick was stunned into silence. His mouth dropped opened. "W-w-w-hat? You've having a breakdown? A breakdown? What in the world has happened?"

Jack turned away and faced a corner of the office looking at nothing in particular. He tried to collect himself. He took a sip of coffee. "Nick, when I told you last night that nothing happened...over the weekend I was.er.lying. I'm sorry. Something did...h-h-happen...this weekend and..."

Nick was silent and wanted Jack to tell the detail at his own pace - he surmised that it was very painful for Jack to talk about it - whatever "it" was. "Okay, Uncle Jack, just take it slowly and easily...and please tell me what happened...and why it's having such a terrible effect...why it's taking such a terrible toll on you."

Jack turned to face Nick again, let out deep breath and nodded. "I met someone this weekend in Santa Rosa and..."

Just then there was a knock on the door from Rhonda's office; she stepped into Jack's office without say anything. She looked at Jack and Nick sitting across the desk from each other as they did every day at lunchtime. But this was different; there was a distinct whiff of tension in the air between the two men.

"Yes, Rhonda, what is it?" Nick asked.

"Excuse me Nick...and Jack...but there is a young man here...uh...outside the shop and he wants to speak to Jack. He's very insistent." Rhonda was speaking very softly as if she didn't want anyone to hear what she said. "And he says it's very important."

"Do you know him, Rhonda?" Nick asked.

She shook her head. "No, I've never seen him before. He say his name is Jaime...or Joel...or something..."

"Jevin?" asked Jack in a very shaky voice.

"Yeah, that's it - Jevin!"

"Who's Jevin?" Nick questioned.

"Jevin's the...person...the person I met in..." Jack became all choked up and could not continue speaking. He just waved his hand at Rhonda and she left the office. "What the fuck is he doin' here? Why did he show up? Oh shit, I was afraid this'd happen!"

"Jack, just take it easy; please, take it easy. Do you want me to go out and tell him that..."

"No! Don't go see him and don't tell him anything!" Jack said very sharply.

"Okay," Nicky said obviously hurt by Jack's sudden outburst.

Jack looked up at him and tears were running down his cheeks. Jack started to sob loudly and his whole body began to convulse with sobs. Nick could not remember seeing Jack cry like this since that day...that day...so long ago now...in the hospital...in the hospital in Davis. "Oh, Nicky, I did such a damned fool thing over the weekend. And I'm in such...trouble because of it...I'm such an old fool..."

"W-w-what? What did you do?" Nick inquired with real concern and worry in his voice.

Jack spoke in very hushed tones, barely above a whisper. "Oh, Nicky. I...I think I fell in...in love."

Nick, who had been sitting on the edge of the chair just flopped back and let out a long breath of air that he had been holding. He was silent. Everything was silent; Nick could hear Jack's sobbing very clearly and insistently. "Let me understand...get this all straight in my mind. You think you fell in love over the weekend." Jack nodded. "And this has gotten you into trouble." Jack nodded again. "Falling in love has gotten you into trouble," Nick said matter-of-factly. Jack nodded again. "Uncle Jack, I think I heard everything correctly. I cannot understand how falling in love can get you into trouble. How?"

"Nick, he's only eighteen. He's only eighteen goddamned years old."

"All right! He's eighteen years old. Honestly! What's that got to do with it?"

"I'm forty-two! Forty-two! I'm a fuckin' old man and he's only a teenager - a boy!"

"He's not a boy, uncle. He's an adult. According to the law he's and adult and..."

"Fuck the law! He's a boy!" Jack was speaking rather loudly now and with great determination and emphasis. "All my goddamned life I try to find someone who could...who could be a partner to me...for me. I tried women for years.almost got married once." Jack paused here and gave Nick a strange look. "And then I tried men, as I'm sure you are well aware of." Nick looked away from Jack's blazing eyes. "You know that, don't you, Nicky?"

Nick slowly nodded his head and looked directly at Jack. "Yes, Uncle Jack, I know that."

"So I was with men exclusively and I always wanted to find someone who need me and that I loved. Now, that I'm approaching old age, I go ahead and fall in love with...with a boy! What a fuckin' joke on me. It has to be a cosmic joke; that's what it is! What an asshole I am! What a fuckin' shitheel I am! And, shit! What a miserable coward I am!"

They both sat silently. Neither moved and barely breathed. Jack would occasionally sob; he held his head in his hands. The stillness was almost eerie. Nick wanted to say something but was afraid of another outburst by Jack. They sat this way for about ten minutes.

Rhonda knocked on the door again. "Jack, that young man is still here and says that he has to speak to you." Jack just shook his head.

"Nick, I haven't the courage to go out and speak to him. Could you..."

"Uncle, if you'd like I could go out and see what he wants and maybe I can get rid of him?"

Jack just looked up; his eyes were all red and Rhonda gasped audibly. He nodded. "Nicky your schedule is light today...so why don't you take him to the house and speak to him there. I think it'd be better than doin' it here." Nick rose and was ready to leave the office with Rhonda. "Nick, just try to calm him down and tell him that I'll join you in about...I'll join you in time for lunch. Okay?"

"Okay, but what do I say to him?"

"Just tell him that I'm sorry...and that we'll talk about everything when I get there. Okay?"

"I guess so...but...never mind."

Nick walked out of Jack's office and into Rhonda's adjacent small office. "Where is he, Rhonda?"

"He's sitting outside in his car. It's that red Jeep Cherokee over there," she said pointing out Jevin's vehicle.

Nick walked out of the office and slowly went up to the car where Jevin was sitting and staring straight ahead, as if in a trance. Nick tapped lightly on a window and Jevin jumped at the noise. He rolled it down and looked quizzically at Nick. Nick smiled and looked at the young man. "Jevin? Hi Jevin. I'm Nick Turner, Jack's nephew. Jack is very busy now and cannot see you...uh...something about taxes with his accountant." Jevin look directly into Nick's eyes. "This kid looks totally miserable," Nick thought to himself. "Would you like to come to the house and wait for him there? It's only about ten minutes away and you can follow me. Jack said he will join us for lunch. Would that be okay with you?"

"Yeah, sure, Nick, that would be okay," Jevin said with no enthusiasm in his voice. "Are you sure that Jack will join us there?"

"That's what he told me. I'm the aqua and white Chevy Belair over there - see next to the telephone booth? Follow me, okay?"

Jevin nodded and watched Nick walk to his car and get into the automobile. Jevin followed that classic car to Jack's house.

Nick pulled the Chevy into the garage and Jevin parked his vehicle on the street. He got out of the Jeep and walked up to the front door of the house. He looked around; it seemed to be a very big place and the front was beautifully tended and landscaped. Nick opened the front door and Jevin went inside.

"Welcome to our home, Jevin. Jack's and mine. We live here together. I don't know if..."

"Yeah, Jack told me about that." Jevin looked around the main entrance hall - it was beautifully and tastefully decorated with skylights letting in the light. Jevin turned to face Nick - and for the first time noticed Nick in his entirety. He was a very good-looking young man with the exact same coloring as Jack. Jevin managed to keep his left arm behind his back.

Jevin noticed that Nick walked with a peculiar gait. He seemed to be lame but it was not that. Then he remembered how leg amputees walked in the rehabilitation center. Jevin was sure that Nick was a lower extremity amputee. "Nick, are you an...you know, are you...are you by any chance an amp?"

"Ah! I see you've finally noticed my...er...condition, Jevin. Yes, I am. But how did you know?"

"I remembered from rehab how double leg amps walked. You've lost both your legs, haven't you?"

"Yes, both of my legs were amputated above the knees. Results of a horrific school bus accident when I was in high school." Jevin was stunned.shocked.and a little delighted. He also found he was absolutely speechless. He just stood in that foyer with his mouth opened, gaping and staring at Nick. Jevin brought his arm out from behind his back and held it up for Nick to see. "Well, Jevin, now I know how you were familiar with rehab."

Nick undid the belt from his jeans and sat down on a bench in the foyer. "Here, let me show me my legs." He lowered his pants to the floor, giving Jevin a complete view of his prostheses. "What about you? How'd you lose your hand?"

Jevin just nodded slightly; he had still not found his voice. He swallowed hard. "I...er...lost it." He quickly corrected himself. "It was amputated when I was...uh...ten when I was in a bike and truck accident. I didn't lose anything - they took it from me!" Jevin was noticeably agitated and began rubbing his arm stump through the material of his shirt. He walked a little close to Nick. "I have a myoelectric prosthetic hand but I didn't wear it today 'cause my stump...uh...my stump was scratched and it's a bit uncomfortable putting it on." Jevin returned the subject to Nick's legs. "Your legs look great and you walk extremely well."

"Thanks. I'm not the only amp in the family. When I was in rehab my youngest sister met a young kid there who had both his arms completely pulled out by some farm machinery. Complete bilateral shoulder disarticulations. She continued to see him off and on for years. I never thought anything would come of it, but they eventually fell in love and now they're married, live down in San Jose and have three kids."

"So your family is pretty used to having amps around?"

"Yeah, I'd say so," Nick responded.

Nick redressed and led Jevin into the kitchen when he began to prepare lunch. Jevin stood next to Nick and helped him as best he could. He was amazed and wonderfully delighted at Nick's proficiency in the kitchen and by his seemingly wonderful, sunny personality.

They spoke while preparing the salad and cold salmon with lemon-basil mayonnaise. "I gather you met my Uncle Jack this last weekend?"

"Yes, we met Saturday night at the Mayfair Grille.and we spent the rest of the weekend together. It was very wonderful.I loved it a lot and I was so very happy. Everything seemed so good and seemed so right and I was sure it would continue to be..but..."

"I understand, Jevin. I really do understand completely. Jack can be...well let's just say that Jack can be difficult." They were both silent again.

"What do you mean by 'difficult"? Jevin asked.

Nick stopped what he was doing and looked straight ahead, staring out the window. It was a dark and raw day. He sighed heavily. "Let me explain something. Uncle Jack was like a father to me; my own father was a real miserable bastard. He's Jack's oldest brother." He paused, remembering those years in Fresno. "Anyway, in those days Uncle Jack has a whole succession of girls friends and we all went everywhere together."

"He told me all about that time." Jevin interjected.

"The really weird thing is that today, this very morning, after all these years, he finally admitted to me that he is gay." Nick sighed deeply again. "He finally admitted it. It took him all this time to come out and finally say it." Nick looked at Jevin. "And I think you are the reason, Jevin."

"I'm the reason? What do you mean?"

"Well, I think that he may finally be getting...uh...serious about someone in his life."

Jevin stared opened mouth at Nick. "Then why the hell didn't he call me if he's getting serious?"

"Because that's the way Jack is. He has to analyze everything to death. He thinks and thinks and thinks instead of going along with his basic instincts. Then his neuroses begin to take over and he starts looking at things from strictly the negative side...instead of from the positive side. He thinks 'why not' instead of 'why'."

They were both silent again. "I'm really sorry I created such a problem by coming here today, Nick; I really am. But I couldn't help myself." Jevin started to tear up and went over to the eating area and sat down. "I'm so sorry. But I had such a miserable night - I didn't sleep at all. Jack didn't call like he said he would and I...I...just knew.that there was something bothering...him and..." Jevin's voiced trailed off into sobbing.

"You just knew what, Jevin?"

Jevin swallowed hard and coughed slightly. "I just knew that Jack had made a conscious decision not to call me because he...because...he thinks he's too old for me."

"Well, this kid has certainly made a direct hit," Nick thought to himself. "How old are you, Jevin?"

"I'm eighteen." Jevin was silent except for the sobbing. He removed a handkerchief from his pocket, blew his nose and wiped his eyes. "That's not too young, is it? I mean, Nick, why should my age make a difference? I thought the important thing was that two people were...you know, that they were compatible...and that they...really liked each other and..."

"That's usually the case, Jevin, but you are absolutely correct; Jack has developed a very bad age hang-up...and he's had it for a while now. I don't know why and he's never explained it to me. It's just there and I know it's eating away at him. He sees everything in terms of age. He constantly refers to himself as an old man."

"I'd thought we'd gotten through that...because we discussed it openly and frankly. But it's obvious that it's still so very, very big...and it's possibly an impenetrable barrier between us. Shit!"

Both men fell into silence again. Jevin helped Nick set the table in the beautiful greenhouse-like eating area with some very spectacular views of mountains and dormant vineyards in the distance. When both men heard a car pull up into the driveway, they stared at each other for a few seconds and then looked away.

Jack walked into the kitchen from the garage. His head was down and he was moving very slowly; he was shuffling his feet as he moved. Jevin stood up and look at Jack; tears were beginning to form in Jevin's eyes and he tried desperately to hold them back.

"Lunch is ready, Uncle Jack, if you want to eat now. Or maybe.maybe you would like to talk instead."

"Hello, Jack," Jevin said in a very low voice; his voice was tinged with tears. "It's good to see you."

"Hello, Jevin," Jack replied softly. "It's nice to see you too." He raised his head and looked directly at Jevin. It was like an emotional tsunami. Both men began to cry uncontrollably. They sat down at convenient chairs. They both continued to cry separately.

Jack wiped his eyes and blew his nose. "I think I'll eat now, Nick. I have to get back to the shop quickly."

Jevin gave Jack a very sharp look that Nick read perfectly. "Jack, there is no need to rush. Things are actually pretty quiet today. Eat lunch and then...then relax for a while...and speak to Jevin."

Jack glanced quickly at Jevin and began to eat his salad. After eating half the salad, Jack dropped his fork abruptly, stood up and walked quickly out of the kitchen area. Jevin and Nick looked at each other; they heard a door slammed.

Nick rose and went to Jack's bedroom. He tapped on the door. "Uncle Jack...Uncle Jack. We must - and I repeat - we must talk."

"Go away Nick," Jack shouted from his bedroom. "I made a fuckin' mistake earlier today when I let you in my office. I'm not makin' that mistake again!"

"Jack, you cannot barricade yourself in your bedroom...or your office...forever. You have to...you need to speak to Jevin and resolve your differences. But first, you must be able to speak to me and let me tell you about..."

"There are no differences! I don't want to see him or speak to him - that's all!

Nick heard the front door slam - it had such a distinctive sound that there was no doubt about what had happened. He walked quickly to the front door just in time to see Jevin get into his vehicle and drive quickly away. Nick went back to the kitchen and began clearing away the dishes from the abortive luncheon. After he had cleaned up the kitchen and put away the leftovers he drove to the shop and resumed his work.

Jevin was feeling particularly miserable on Monday evening. What a fucked up day this had been! He had been totally rejected by Jack - totally! Nothing was left of a relationship that for little more than a day had held out so much promise - so much promise and so much hope.

When he had returned to his apartment after the hellish drive back to Santa Rosa, Jevin just flung himself on his bed and cried. What was he going to do now? He had no idea! Should he try calling Jack? NO! Jack had made it perfectly clear that he never wanted to see him again...or even speak to him again. So much for a plan.

He ate practically nothing for dinner (a few slices of American cheese and a Coke); he undressed completely and stretched out on his bed. He was staring at his badly scratched arm stump and wallowing in self-pity. "This goddamned, fucking stump!" he kept repeating over and over to himself. "What a pathetic excuse of a person I am. I'm not even whole!" He knew he had to snap himself out of this state but he didn't know how. He had missed one full day of classes including Professor Pollack's very important computer lab.

Images of Jack appeared before him and every time he could see Jack's face clearly it seemed to have a mocking smile on it. He thought back to the wonderful weekend they had had together - and the incredible sex they had on this very bed. They had done everything in the short period of that weekend...and everything had seemed so absolutely right...

Jevin realized that he was rubbing his cock and balls with his arm stump, and that it felt very, very good. It felt better than very good; it felt great! Jevin had never masturbated himself using just his arm stump. Without a hand, how could he grasp his cock?

But now he had a different feeling; it was so incredibly soothing rubbing his stump up and down the length of his shaft. It was equally enthralling rubbing his dangling balls with that same stump. Jevin was getting quite excited and he was basking in the feeling of relaxed excitement that was washing over his entire body.

He was now ready to try something else; all or nothing, he figured. He moved his stump until it was down further and moving around his hole. It was exciting; really exciting. And now he was really getting very hot. He kept his arm stump at his asshole and balls and moved his right hand up to his cack and grasped it lightly.

In this way he was able to bring himself to a shattering climax, the best he'd ever had by his own hand. He was panting hard and sweating quite freely; he really felt great, too. He had come all over his lower abdomen and it was starting to feel cool on his skin. With his hand still on his cock, but his stump grazing his nipple, Jevin fell asleep. It was a deep, satisfying and renewing sleep; one that he desperately needed and had longed for.

The ringing of the telephone woke Jevin. He debated whether to pick it up or not. He dreaded the possibility that it could be Nick...or even Jack.

It was very comforting to hear his sister Jennifer's voice on the other end. Jen was always ready to listen to his problems and tonight he certainly had plenty of them. She also was incredibly intuitive and knew just the right things to say and the right advice to give - and when to give it. He knew that Jennifer suspected that he was gay - it was just something she once said and how she once made reference to Owen Lyons and his "lifestyle".

After some preliminary chitchat and the story of Jennifer's latest boyfriend, she asked, "So, how are things, big brother?"

"Okay, I suppose."

"Are you sure, Jev? I know that usually means things are really screwed up or are progressing in that direction. So give!"

Jevin was silent for a few seconds. "Jen, a while back you made some reference to Owen and some of his friends and his lifestyle and I was wondering..."

Jennifer interrupted. "Jevin, I'm not going to hassle you or tease you or do anything else, okay? But if you are asking if I know you're gay or suspect that you're gay, then the answer is yes. Jevin, I think that I've know you're gay since you were about twelve."

"How did you know?"

"How did I know....how did I know. That's very difficult to answer. I sort of suspected by some of your actions and conversations and interests. I didn't really know until you began seeing Owen Lyons on a regular basis. Before that I only suspected."

"Action? What actions?"

"I don't know. You certainly did not act effeminate. But some of the things you said, your lack of steady friends.at first I thought it was because of, you know, your hand. But when you started playing tennis every week with Owen.well, then I was pretty sure."

Jevin was quiet, then said softly into the mouthpiece, "You're right, Jen. I am gay."

"There! That wasn't too difficult, was it?"

"Jen, it's totally tearing me up." Jevin began to cry.

"Jev, Jev? Why is it tearing you up? Nothing has changed! Absolutely nothing! The only thing that has changed is that we're being honest with each other and things are now in the open. You are still my big brother and please, please believe me when I say that I love you as much as ever and that this makes absolutely no difference in out relationship. Jev? Are you listening?"

"Yeah, Jen I am," Jevin muttered through his sobs.

"Okay! Please calm down and try to tell me what happened this weekend and why it's having such a terrible effect on you.

Jevin then proceeded to tell Jennifer everything. He really spilled his guts and told her absolutely every detail of the things that happened over the weekend, down to the cute little nicknames he and Jack had for each other. Then he told her of the horrible and shattering events of today. Jennifer listened patiently to Jevin's rantings and tantrums and when he was through she decided to give him only one piece of advice.

"Jev, I need to say something. Are you listening?" Jevin managed to mumble a "yes" through his tears and bawling. "Okay, now listen. Are you listening?"

"Yeah, I'm listening Jen!"

"Okay. I've heard what you've told me and the situation is that you think you think you've fallen in love with this guy. Despite what he might or might not have said he doesn't see it that way. You may see it that way - that it's love. But he doesn't. He sees it as a weekend of fun and games and now it's over. He completely believes that he is much too old for you and that you really do not want him because of his age. He cannot understand how you, an eighteen years old boy - and that's what he really thinks you are, a BOY! - could possibly be interested in him let alone fall in love with such an old man. That's how he sees himself - as an old man."

"That's not true Jen."

"Then what is true, Jevin? Tell me!"

Jevin was silent except for an occasional sob. Jennifer spoke softly. "You are a wonderful brother and have always been there when I needed help or advice. Now I am giving you some - whatever you had with this man, it is now over and you need to return to your priorities. The number one priority right now is school. You need to put your full time energies into your work. You are so brilliant, Jev, I envy you. You have a great, great future ahead; just concentrate on what needs to be done." She paused again. "You know I'm right, don't you?"

"Yeah, you're right, Jen. You're right," Jevin said in a low voice. Then a little louder, "You are completely right!"

"And you're going to concentrate on your work?"

"Yes, it's going to get one hundred percent of my time and energy. Thanks Jen. I knew I could count on you for helping me see things...see things properly and in the right perspective. How did my younger sister become so right and so intelligent when it comes to people and relationships?"

"Well, to start with, I had you as an older brother. That definitely helped."

Jack stayed in his room for the remainder of the day, not even venturing out when Nick called him for dinner. He slept, watched television and paced. That's what he did most - pace up and down his room. All he could think about was Jevin and how he had hurt that wonderful boy. That was the crux of the problem wasn't it? That Jevin was just a boy - an eighteen-year-old boy. How could he even think seriously about having an established relationship with such a young person?

Yet...yet....yet it had been such a satisfying weekend - such an exhilarating experience. Jevin had been such a wonderful lover and such a great person to talk to and be with. Shit! Shit! Shit! Why did he have to be only eighteen years old? Shit!

Jack fell into a fitful sleep of recurring dreams - of recurring nightmares.

And what nightmares they were! It was like the scene with the witches in "Macbeth" where Macbeth goes to the old crones and they show him a line of kings. Only for Jack it was a line of his former lovers. Each and every one showed up, dressed head to toe in his own peculiar style. The last one to come out was wearing a mask, however, and he wasn't dressed at all. Jack recognized the beautiful body of Jevin and noticed that his left arm was held behind his back, the way Jack first saw Jevin naked. Jevin walked slowly up to Jack and removed his mask. He smiled a soft, warm smile and Jack returned it. Jevin leaned over and gave Jack a soft, warm kiss on the mouth.

Jevin began to move his left arm from behind his back - and it wasn't an arm at all, just an enormous knife that grew from his left shoulder - and he raised it up over Jack's head and brought it down very suddenly. There was blood spurting from what had been Jack's head, and there was hair and scalp and pieces of brain and skin everywhere.

Jack woke up screaming and absolutely terrified!

The End of Chapter 8