"New Orleans ... New Orleans, next stop," the conductor announced.

Andrew and Danny looked up from their game as Mr. Anderson walked through the club car.

"Less than eighteen hours and we'll be in Miami," Danny said.

"Hurrah, I've had about enough of this train business," Andrew said

"Ditto, it sure gets old fast ... like everything moving all the time. Must be around four o'clock."

They'd watched the landscape change all day, the swamps, the cypress trees, the swamps ... and still they didn't see one single alligator. They'd had a conversation with a man who claimed you could see the gators teeming out there in the swamps. The boys had spent an hour peering through the windows before they figured out the man was pulling their leg.

The only gators they had seen were on billboards advertising 'Gator Land'...'Gator Alley'...'Gator Swamp,' but nothing of the real variety. There were alligators in Florida and they promised to go find themselves a few.

New Orleans was another long stopover but neither of them felt like a walk in the heat outside the cars. Besides, it was raining out there and the dark clouds overhead looked ominous.

They retired to their compartment knowing that dinner was only two hours away; one of the moms would come find them. Danny didn't want to read and Andrew wasn't inclined to draw. It was too early for any more sexual activity ... what could they do?

"We could do another sink bath or take a nap, what do you want to do?" Andrew asked.

"All we do is sleep and I don't feel dirty yet. I want to bathe before we go to bed so my smelly feet don't drive you bonkers."

"That's considerate of you. How about a story?" Andrew suggested.

"Ya, how about one? You know all about me ... I know little about you. I bet there are some delicious things you don't want to tell me," Danny laughed.

"Um ... well you know about Jerry, that was the biggie. Ok, I'll tell you about my mates at school ... bunch of wankers the lot. But some real gems in there too, I had few close friends."

"Freddy was probably the closest, but he was always in trouble. We had to wear uniforms to school, you know, button down shirt, a tie, dressy pants ... Freddy just never got it right. All the time he was unbuttoned, dirty tie, scruffy pants, stains on his knees and what I quickly identified as cum on the tails of his shirt. Anything like that got the teachers after him day after day."

"I thought maybe he was dyslexic, like thinking backwards all the time, couldn't get the right kit together, but not so. It seems Freddy just wouldn't change, but he was a dear. So we dodged out one day at lunch and took a walk to his house. Well if you must know, he wanted a smoke, cigarettes mind you, not weed."

"We'd walked like four miles and I knew we weren't going to make it back in time for the bell, but we kept on. Seems he lived closer to the school but that we had to take this long ways round for some reason. He just wouldn't tell me what it was for."

"So we get to his house and he feeds me chips and soda while he smokes out on the deck next to his dad's barby grill. Seems that's where his dad smokes so another butt in the tray won't matter, his mum is violently against smoking."

"We're already late for the afternoon session so we go up to his room and mess around on his bed. Ya, Freddy and I wanked together on occasion, he had a right big willy and he shot off quite well which I hadn't gotten around to doing yet."

"I see the inside of his closet and there are at least three other uniforms in there, all spanking new looking. And here was Freddy in his messed up one looking like hell and sure to get the paddle once again. I was confused, but we had to get back ... well after he had another smoke."

"So we start to walk back and I realized where we were and said if we went down past the shops we would come out right behind the school. Freddy said we couldn't go that way and I said right, we have to or be seriously late. He didn't want to go and so I sorta dragged his arse along."

"We get down to the shopping center and beside it is a garage. Out front sits this old man with a cane, I thought he was blind from the looks of him. Freddy gives me a look and starts to walk on past when the old man yells."

"Freddy ... get your ass over here, boy."

"Freddy seems like he is about to run but then he goes over to the man. I lay back, not really sure what is happening. The man says something about twice in the same day will give him great pleasure. And then he proceeds to snap his cane across Freddy's bottom a few good whacks."

"Ok, I was not going to allow some guy to beat on one of my friends, especially some old man from whom Freddy could certainly run away. I went over and snatched the cane away and threw it down, tugging on Freddy's shoulder to get him away from the man."

"But Freddy resisted and told me he had to stay. The man picked up his cane and gave me a bad look, then he smacked Freddy again and the boy fell down in the dirt and grease of the yard. I yelled at the guy to stop or I was going to call the constable. He smiled and said I should just go on then and call them, but that Freddy would be upset."

"Freddy got five slaps with that cane and then the man sat down again like nothing was amiss. Freddy stood up, brushed himself off and said we could go. I said no, the man needed to be arrested. And then that's when the man told Freddy to go on and tell me."

"Tell me what I couldn't imagine. So Freddy began to get angry, not at the man but at himself. He called himself some pretty harsh names and in the midst of that tirade the story came out."

"Freddy had slipped in the garage a few months back when no one was there. He'd helped himself to some of the candy on the counter, a few of the pennies in the collection jar for the Orphan's Fund and then discovered a few girlie magazines under the counter. So he sat himself down for a wank and was just in the process of making a mess when the old man came in from the back room where he had been sleeping."

"Here's Freddy, pants down, going at it, his mouth full of candy and the pennies bouncing all over the floor when the man catches him. The man was all for calling the coppers but Freddy pleads his case and says he'll pay for everything. They strike a bargain on the spot."

"Freddy agrees to a caning every morning on the way to school, which I understood the old man seemed to enjoy, and the guy won't call the police or tell his mother what he did. The old man nods his head and smiles, saying Freddy has been keeping up his end of the bargain so far, did I want to spoil it?"

"It was then that I noticed that Freddy was fully erect in his pants and that there was a dampness spreading across his fly. The boy had messed himself and I could smell the sperms. I realized that the beating had aroused him to the point of ejaculation and it felt strange to know this."

"So to end this story, Freddy and I go back to school and the headmaster gives us both a paddling, but only Freddy has a smile on his face when the man is done. I tell you, it changed the way I thought of the boy after that. Whenever we wanked I used to spank his bottom which seemed to greatly increase the outcome for him."

"Ok, Freddy sounds too weird, he enjoyed the spankings and it turned him on ... but you spanking him. Andrew how could you?"

"Mostly because when I did Freddy would blow me afterwards. And the old man was in with it too, he and Freddy used to get together on the weekends. The man would spank him with a rolled up porn magazine and Freddy would blow the guy. From his point of view they had a good thing going," Andrew said.

"That's plain sick. The guy was molesting him and getting away with it."

"But it's what Freddy wanted; I understand that, I did the same with Jerry. I know it's probably wrong, even illegal, but when you find something that works for you, I mean really gets you off ... it's irresistible."

"Doesn't make it right. I know there were adults looking at me when I went to the park; I think all kids get that feeling. But you can walk away from it, you have to," Danny said. "You spanking Freddy is something different, weird maybe, but then that's what you guys decided to do with your sexual play."

"Well it was fine for him; I am not keen to get spanked. Dad used to do it, Mum never has," Andrew said.

"And here you've turned out to be such a fine young man. Mom spanked me a few times when I was little, but only with her hand. And when I was done crying she held me and said she loved me. I never hated her for that, I probably deserved it."

"I love you too, will you spank me now?"

"It's not funny. I think parents should be able to spank their kids," Danny said. "It's like a ritual and once it's over you know they still love you, it wasn't about hate at all."

"Ok, if I'm bad will you spank me and then love me?" Andrew said with a laugh.

"You're impossible. I'll tell your mom if you need a spanking." They both laughed at that.

New Orleans was behind them and they traveled east. At one point Danny looked out the window and called for Andrew's attention. "I think that's the ocean out there ... um, the Gulf of Mexico, but still an ocean."

"Keen, we should be in Florida soon," Andrew said.

"Yeah, one more night and we get to Miami for lunch. Did you travel far in Australia?"

"Oh yeah, we went out into the bush a few times, all the way to Uluru Park ... um, Ayres Rock on one trip. That's halfway cross the continent. Big damn rock sticking up in the middle of nowhere, but the Aboriginals think it's sacred.

"It's a long ways by road so we flew in a small plane like the tourists do; I met some Americans there from New York. Once they discovered that I was a native they asked me all kinds of questions. Mostly they were interested in roos and wallabys which we never saw, pretty shy animals."

"I know that rock you mean, big damn thing out in the desert," Danny said.

"Yeah, the bush country isn't all desert, lots of plants and things. Most of the people in Australia live along the coast. Out in the bush it's pretty harsh living I understand, and not for me. Brisbane is a coastal city; there are some wicked beaches there."

"Florida has lots of sand too, probably more beaches than California. Did you ever do any art work with sand?" Danny asked.

"Oh, you mean like sand castles? No, but I did see this contest they had on the beach, guys were making huge sculptures and they gave away prizes. I'm not much at sculpting, or anything to do with clay, I stick to water color and oils," Andrew said.

"You must have started young to be this good now, how old were you when you did your first art work?"

Andrew laughed. "I drew on my bedroom wall when I was standing up in my crib. My dad was pissed, but it was only chalk, it came right off. I was maybe two at the time. My first real artwork was at pre-school, the teacher freaked out. "

"Oh God, what was it ... a nude?"

Andrew stuck out his tongue. "Poop on you, it was a flower ... and a very nice one at that. They gave me coloring books like all kids that age but I wouldn't use them, I wanted blank paper. And crayons were terrible, they smeared and all that crap, I demanded colored pencils.

"My mum bought me all that stuff and I don't think the school was happy with her decision until I drew that flower. She says they still have it hanging in the front office. Then there was Mr. Yamamoto, the art teacher when I was in primary school. It was a public school ... um, that means a private school here in the States.

"He was the art teacher who saw my work first, and he immediately wanted to give me private lessons. Nice Japanese man, good artist too. He taught me all about water colors and ink, that's still my favorite format."

"So your art started with flowers, nature stuff ... when did you graduate to people?" Danny asked.

"Yamamoto took his class to the Queensland gallery downtown and I saw all kinds of new things there. They had impressionistic paintings, copies of famous French artists from the Paris school and then some English stuff which were mostly portraits.

"I could tell that painting people would be a huge challenge. Faces are all so different, just getting the expressions right would take a lot of skill. Yamamoto taught me about anatomy, posing people, facial structure; all while I was between the age of six and ten ... he was a wizard."

"You told me you painted your mom, when was that?" Danny asked.

"Two years ago, I was eleven. I had been sketching her all along; I have dozens of drawings of her face ... even a few of her boobs."

"Nasty boy ... she let you?"

"Sure, I asked. See I had this idea and it backfired. I was going to do this nude of her and give it to dad as a present. Don't ask me why, maybe I thought it would solve their problems. So I did the sketch, made a watercolor from it and gave it to dad."

Andrew paused there and a sad look came over his face. "I framed it and everything before I wrapped it up. He gave me this curious look as he tore off the paper and then he just stared at it. Next thing I knew he slammed it on the table breaking the frame until he could get his hands on the paper ... then he tore it into pieces."

There were tears in Andrew's eyes. "He slapped me across he face and said I was wicked. Not naughty mind you, but wicked ... and that only a little pervert like me would enjoy doing art like this. I ran to my room and cried until mum came home.

"She took one look at the welt on my face and threw him out of the house. He didn't want to leave and she called the coppers so finally he did." Andrew's tears streaked his face, "I haven't seen him since then."

Danny held the boy and let him cry. What an awful creature the father, he didn't recognize the boy as anything valuable when there was so much talent, so much good in his heart. Danny was sure his father never would have hit him like that, but then he never knew his dad. He certainly would never have drawn a nude of his mother in the first place.

Andrew and his mother had a special bond, which was apparent. Maybe she was too free and easy with her son, but the boy had grown up just fine. Danny held on until Andrew stopped crying.

"I'm sorry," Andrew said, wiping his face.

"I'm sorry too, what a terrible thing to happen. Maybe it would be best if we both just stay out of grown up things until we get older. I don't think my father would ever have hit me like that," Danny said.

Andrew smiled, "Mum got him back real good this time ... I never want to see him again."

"So don't, it's your choice now. We both have a new life waiting in Florida. I for one am going to make the most of it."

Andrew drew close and kissed him, Danny responded and they lay back on the cushions. It was nice like this, holding on and kissing. Danny knew that life was going to be so different now, Andrew would assure that. A new place, new home and a new love ... couldn't get much better than this.

They sat for dinner and watched the lights of Tallahassee come on as the sun set. They would be in Jacksonville during the night where their sleeper cars would be added to the southbound train. By dawn they would be in mid-state, with Miami six hours further on.

Conversation at the table was about living in Florida and the boy's ears paid close attention.

"Andy's Uncle Ronny has a condo on the beach. Always knew my brother would come in handy like this someday," Elisabeth said. "But he's all alone since his wife passed on three years ago; she was only forty-eight, poor dear. But Ron said he's been enjoying life, met some new people through his work."

"What does he do?" Alice asked.

"Investment banker, stoggy stuff I imagine, country club and all that. But he'll help us find a place right soon after we get there. I sold the Brisbane house for a nice sum, which was a comfort. How long has your aunt lived in Florida?"

"Rita is a native, not too many of those I imagine," Alice said. "She married my father's brother back in the thirties, right after the Great Depression. That man saved every extra penny he had and Rita did the investing. She doesn't have a thing to worry about now, except which cruise she'll take this year."

"I want to retire in comfort, that's why Andy has to become a famous artist. Then he can support me in my old age." Elisabeth ruffed up the boy's hair. "Listen to me boy; your mum is talking about your future."

The women laughed and Andrew feigned boredom with a yawn, but then he giggled. "So what does Alicia have to do for you?"

"She'll marry a prince and live happily ever after," Elisabeth said. Alicia sat up and smiled with ice cream on her face. Life was good at six years of age. The little one had come late in the marriage even though Elisabeth swore she'd never have another child with that bastard husband. But she had two delightful children, he was the loser.

"Well I imagine Rita will welcome our presence. I'm not sure we can afford to live anywhere else, and besides the surgery, I really came down to watch after her. She turns eighty-seven this year."

"Then she needs you, her life must be difficult," Elisabeth said.

"No too difficult I'm sure. She has a housekeeper and a driver on call; the photos of the new house make it look enormous. I just hope Danny doesn't get lost on the way to the bathroom."

"Aw, Mom. She's been saying that since I was four and I had that little accident." Danny said, looking at his mother. "Go on and tell them, you tell everyone else about it."

Alice smiled. "He was four and had a little accident in the living room. He told me he couldn't find the bathroom so he peed on the carpet."

Danny smiled and looked at Andrew. "Whew, glad that's over with. Go on, you can laugh now."

Andrew smiled, "Nope, it's cute."

"Bravo," Alice said, "That's what I always tell him too."

"Oh great, now you're on her side," Danny said.

"Good idea, Andrew can be my partner for Bridge, did you being the cards?" Alice said.

The boys groaned, they were really beginning to hate that game. They played for a few hours and Alice and Andrew came out on top. Danny kept confusing his opening bids, leaving himself and his partner in the hole. Elisabeth didn't mind, it was all for fun.

They retired to their compartments around ten. Breakfast would be at eight and three hours later they would arrive in Miami. That was the best thing Danny had heard all day.

Their final night together on the train was a happy occasion. There would be nights in a bed that didn't rock back and forth and feel every bump in the old track bed. They undressed and went through the sink bath routine once again for the last time. Danny paid special attention to his feet which he could smell the minute he took his shoes off. Andrew had no such problem.

"Mom says it's because I am maturing, I sweat from every pore now," Danny said.

"Makes sense, you're a hairy beast already," Andrew giggled.

"Your turn is coming, I need deodorant after a shower or my pits stink. Wish we had something better than these tiny bars of white soap."

"We'll both get a proper shower tomorrow, I can't wait ... I adore hot water," Andrew got this heavenly look on his face and pretended to be luxuriating under a shower head. Danny slapped his ass with a wet wash cloth.

"You go to your uncle's and I go to Rita's ... how long before I see you again" Danny asked.

"Mum said your mother would go right in for surgery. I would think all of two days at most. I'll push a bit on my end, you do the same. Whatever works, I'll come to your aunt's if you want."

"We'll figure it out, not to worry," Danny said. "I have to be quick before you find some hot guy out there on the beach."

Andrew paused and turned, placing a hand on Danny's chest. "Those days are over, I have what I want. I love you ... no one takes your place."

Danny smiled and kissed the boy. What a romantic Andrew was, Danny saw that at every turn. He wasn't afraid of losing this one. They dried themselves off and exited the tiny bathroom, securing the door so it wouldn't slam around all night long.

They lay under the covers, thoughts percolating in their minds, but neither of them spoke. They touched, and hugged ... and in the silence of their room they fell blissfully asleep. The train rattled on through the night, passing through sleepy little towns in the Florida panhandle.

It was dark when Danny awoke to ... silence, their movement had stopped. He lay quietly, his mind attempting to figure out what was happening. There was a bump which shook the car and they rolled for less than a minute, stopping again with another bump.

Jacksonville, they were joined up with another train to head south. He heard Andrew's measured breathing and knew he should just go back to sleep. But so much had happened, so many good things. Here in his arms was the best thing of all.

His life would change now, it had already begun. Miami would be a chance to start over, and this time he wouldn't be alone. His short time with Andrew had given him a whole new outlook on life. His mother was a changed person, and Mrs. Mallory was the nicest lady he'd ever met.

Another bump, a bigger one and the train started to roll forward. He felt Andrew move and realized the boy was awake too.

"We're headed south now ... Miami here we come," Danny said.

"Good ... what time is it?" Andrew asked.

"Late, maybe two in the morning."

"Oh, we fell asleep ... I was just thinking about you and then I was out. I didn't even kiss you goodnight."

Danny leaned over and kissed Andrew behind the ear, and then on his neck. "Go back to sleep. We'll have plenty of time to make out when you wake up."

Andrew smiled, then rolled over and they kissed. The boy was so tender, so damn sexy it was a wonder they did anything except have sex.

"I love you ... you going back to sleep?"

Danny sighed; he really should, if only his mind would cooperate. "I'll sleep if you do...I love you too." They snuggled down together and drifted off.

Andrew responded to the soft knocking at their door the following morning. He noticed the sun was up as he slid out of bed. Stooping to grab his boxers, he pulled them on before opening the door.

"Good morning, Dear," His mother said. "We're going to breakfast in the dining car; do you want to join us?"

"Yes Mum, fantastic idea." He looked back at the bed realizing that Danny was sprawled naked, the covers off and everything on display. His mother reached out and patted his cheek

"Lucky sod," was all his mother had to say and Andrew blushed several shades of red. But at the same time he was proud, her approval meant everything.

"Join you in a few," Andrew said and he heard her chuckle as he slid the door closed.

She was right, he was a lucky sod. Looking down at the sleeping form he felt the warmth of emotion sweep over him. Danny was beautiful like this, an amazing creature. He knew if the mothers weren't waiting he would pounce on the boy and have his way. But that body belonged to him now, he didn't have to be anxious about it. Well maybe a little tease to wake the boy might be nice.

Andrew leaned down and tickled the end of Danny's cock with his tongue. That brought about an immediate change, the organ swelling and flopping up onto the boy's belly. Andrew followed the move, his mouth encircling the head as he slid it back into his throat.

"Hmmm, don't stop there," Danny said as Andrew pulled back.

"We don't have time; the ladies are waiting in the dining car."

"Aww God, what a tease," Danny moaned. His hand went down to cover his stiffness as he rolled out of bed.

Danny went off to pee while Andrew rummaged through his bag for some clothing. The toilet flushed and Danny returned, his cock still hard as could be.

"See what you've done? Maybe we ought to skip breakfast," Danny said.

"Ya right, try explaining that one to your mother," Andrew laughed.

"I'll get you back later," Danny said. He pulled on his briefs and the bulge seemed to stretch the fabric to the breaking point. It wasn't much better when he pulled up his jeans.

"My Mum saw you naked when she opened the door," Andrew said.

"What? Oh God, what did she say?" Danny said. Andrew's comment was having the expected effect, he was going soft.

"She said it was too bad you were gay," Andrew said with a straight face.

"Oh no, she didn't?"

"Ya. I suppose if you ever get tired of me you can get something going with her."

Danny laughed. "Thank God, now I know you're lying. Did she really see me ... all of me?"

Andrew giggled. "Just the best parts."

Danny blushed; it would be difficult to face Mrs. Mallory after this. They walked up to the dining car passing the conductor along the way.

"Morning boys. We'll be in Miami in about three hours, have a good night?"

Danny could not look the man in the eye, did he know something? Andrew greeted Mr. Anderson with his usual enthusiasm and smiled. They walked into the dining car and saw the women sitting at a nearby table.

"Morning, sweetie," Danny's mother said," Sleep well?"

"Yes, I woke only when they changed the train cars around."

Andrew's mother smiled. "Yes, that woke us too. All of a sudden it became quiet; I think that's what did it."

"Well tonight we get to sleep in a real bed, Thank God." Alice said. "Sit down, let's order you some breakfast."

It was easily ten minutes before Danny could look at Andrew's mother, but when he did he saw nothing in her eyes to feel ashamed about. Ok, she'd seen him naked; just wait until Andrew was finished with that painting, nothing to hide. Of course he hadn't even seen the sketch, and he wondered if Andrew would show it to him.

Danny's mother said they should get washed up after breakfast and put on some nice clothes before meeting Rita at the station. Andrew wondered if his uncle was meeting them but his mother said she doubted it, this was a work day for the man.

"Can Aunt Rita give them a rie?" Danny asked.

"I don't know, but I'll ask her," Alice replied.

"Oh no, don't go out of your way," Elisabeth said, "We'll grab a taxi."

"No Dear, if they have the room I'm sure Rita won't mind, we just have a lot of baggage I suppose. Besides, I think Danny would like to see where you'll be staying."

Alice could almost feel the anxiety of separation falling between the boys. Just knowing where Andrew lived would certainly help Danny feel better. She wasn't sure when they would see one another again, it might be days. Just knowing she was concerned would help Danny understand that she was supportive of his new friend.

What did one call two teenage boys in love ... lovers? Boyfriends? It had hardly seemed necessary to think about that before, but she had to now. Her son had chosen a partner, an exceptional boy at that, and she could only feel what any mother could, she had to make it work for him.

She and Elisabeth had been up late talking about their sons' future. The fact that they were both gifted meant their needs were important and education was a priority. Alice had never thought about putting Danny in a private school before, but this was all going to change. Having Elisabeth's support, Alice knew they would try and find a place that both boys could attend. Keeping them together seemed to be the only practical solution.

Individually they would struggle for many reasons, not the least of which was the gay side of their lives. Elisabeth had convinced her that being gay wasn't the whole part of a person, just a sexual preference. It was hard enough for one boy to struggle with the feelings, as a couple these boys would need careful guidance.

Finding a school that would adapt to their needs was paramount. They were both sure there were several schools that would welcome two boys with artistic ability and good grades, and of course the tuition would be stiff. Rita could handle that with ease, she'd already made such a commitment. Alice had been shocked when she found out how much Elisabeth had stashed away.

After breakfast they returned to Alice's compartment, it was time to tell the boys what they had planned.

"Alice and I have been up half the night, I'm afraid," Elisabeth began. "It seems we have a task ahead of us. The surgery will keep your mother in bed for a while Danny, and so you will stay with us until she feels better. I think that means you boys will only be apart for a day or two, however long it takes to get us settled in."

"Meanwhile, Alice and I have decided that you two ought to be at the same school together." Both boys seemed terribly excited by now; this was all turning out grand. "But that means we have to trust you to do what is right.

"Being gay means being in control of your emotions at all times when around others. Being in love makes that difficult. Love is not an exclusive feeling that you boys discovered. Danny, your mother and I have both been through difficult times because of love; we understand quite well what you're facing.

"But being male and gay adds a new dimension to the issue; you will not find a lot of support for your feelings amongst your classmates. So being the best of friends at all times, it will take constant attention to your behavior around one another. One kiss in the wrong place and I am sure there will be problems. Who you are to one another at home is different than the image you have to present in public. Neither of us wants to see you hurt by this. Alice?"

Danny's mother smiled. "I don't think I would be a very good mother if I didn't say I was worried about this relationship. But the more I think of it the better I feel. What you share is unique, and I'm not just talking about love."

"The both of you have talent and you deserve the chance to excel in school. We're going to find a private academy that will allow you to flourish and develop. It might take some work but we both feel you deserve it."

Her eyes grew soft and teary, the smile a little less bright. "I know this sounds silly, but I have enjoyed watching you two together, and seeing the love develop. Nothing has been more important in my life than seeing Danny grow up and realize his potential, but now that all changes ... now I include Andrew in my thoughts."

Andrew was the first to reach out to her and Danny was a quick second behind. Alice was in tears now and as both boys hugged her Elisabeth moved over to join them. It was the moment they all knew that by joining their hearts and minds, Danny and Andrew had joined their families as well.

They talked for some time about schools and what the boys expected from their educations. None of them knew of any one place in particular, Miami was a strange city to them all. But they would soon find the right place or Elisabeth vowed they would get home schooling.

"Miami ... Miami next stop, final stop is ... Miami." Mr. Anderson called out as he walked down the corridor.

"Oh My God, we haven't packed up yet," Andrew laughed.

"We just went through Fort Lauderdale, we have time," Danny said.

"You go pack up, the porter will be around to get the luggage," Alice said. "Now scoot."

The boys laughed all the way back to their compartment.

"We'll be in the same school, how keen is that?" Andrew asked.

"Awesome, that's the best," Danny said.

They threw their stuff into their bags and made sure nothing was left behind. All of a sudden they both stopped and smiled.

"This wasn't so bad after all," Andrew said.

"It was along ride, but I found out something I didn't know before," Danny said.

"And what's that?"

"I discovered that I could love someone and be loved in return. I'll never forget what I found on this trip ... never."

They stood in the window of their tiny compartment and watched the cars on the highway. People were standing at the railroad crossings or sitting in their cars waiting for the train to pass. The train was definitely slowing down now in it's approach to the station.

Danny turned and they hugged, lips finding one another in an expression of their immense joy. The world was sliding by outside but neither of them noticed. They kissed so that the whole world might see what love meant in their hearts.

"Miami ... Miami, end of the line ... Miami," The conductor sang out. Their journey was over ... or was it just beginning?


On to Chapter Seven

Back to Chapter Five

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"Artificial Sky" Copyright © 30 Nov 2008 by Chris James. All rights reserved.
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