Nogales, Arizona is anything but a quaint little town, CJ thought. The place was actually two small cities straddling the border. Mexico seemed to have spread its way across the line into North America like a shotgun blast. The American side was teaming with cars, bars, junk shops and everything the little town could do to accommodate the influx of tourists. Lord knows what's on the other side, he thought, probably more of the same only in Spanish.

They left the bus in a parking lot at the Siesta Motel under the watchful eye of the hotel manager. CJ had ordered a cab to run them on the various errands around town and the driver who met them turned out to be a young Swede. In a world of brown Hispanic faces, Sven was a Nordic standout. He spoke English very well and cussed up a storm in Spanish at the other drivers on the road. He laughed and told them that driving here was like being a Kamikaze pilot, how international it all seemed.

Matt was off to shop for clothing. The need for appropriate south of the border apparel was something they had all discussed since leaving Cameron. CJ, with Miguel in tow, was off to the Mexican consulate on Terrace Avenue

The official at the reception desk gave CJ a stack of forms to fill out, a list of restricted items and the usual legal stuff. He had already bought an insurance policy allowing them to drive the bus in Mexico, it wasn't cheap but he was warned it might come in handy. Sitting at one of the tables in the waiting room, he began to fill out forms.

"Miguel, do you have any form of identification?"

"Yes, my driver's license and social security card. Is that all I need?"

"Says here that Mexican law requires a minor to have a notarized letter from a parent, or guardian that allows you to travel in Mexico. Since we're going to your father let's just see what they have to say about that. Any other suggestions that might help solve the problem? Would you have any legal documents with your father's name on them?"

Miguel went back out to the waiting cab to retrieve his backpack which held all his papers. He was gone for some time, but CJ was busy filling in the forms and didn't notice. Finally the boy returned and digging deep, he found the large wallet with all his papers. With a smile he handed CJ an official looking document, the cover of which held the Great Seal of the State of Wisconsin.

"Mom gave me this before she died, I didn't even know she was doing this until her lawyer took me before a judge, it's all nice and legal."

CJ read the letter from the lawyer and then glanced through the court document. His eyebrows rose as he saw that the boy's mother and the State of Wisconsin had granted Miguel his majority. A neat little package...Miguel was legally an adult in the US of A.

"Well, that's a relief, no problem with customs for you. Better yet, just let me do all the talking. It does list your father as a Mexican national, Carlos Alvarez, that should help get your visa easily," CJ said.

With a triple stamped and approved FMT tourist card in his hands, CJ was told the permits were good for six months of living across the border. It seemed like much too long a time, but then the Mexican authorities wanted you to stay a long time and spend those Yankee dollars, and he couldn't blame them.

CJ had also been given an appointment for the following morning by the desk clerk. He was told an Assistant Consulate representative would need to discuss the bus and Miguel's status. The official assured him it was only a formality, but CJ wondered what the meeting was really all about?

They returned to the Siesta in time to meet Matt who had decked himself out in tan shirt and shorts. The safari look was in it seemed and CJ decided all he needed was a pith helmet to look like Dr. Livingstone venturing into the jungles. Since the temperature was expected to reach into the upper nineties or higher along the coast where they were headed, CJ promised Miguel that they would hit the shops themselves in the morning before the consulate.

He left Miguel sitting with Matt, ever hopeful that they would behave themselves. As he walked towards his room he saw Sven's taxi parked at the end of the building and made a detour.

"Hey Sven, still waiting for business?" CJ asked.

"No sir, I was hoping you might be needing me later this evening."

"What do you recommend?"

"I know some good places to eat across the border, are you interested?" Sven asked, "The crossing will be easier if you use my taxi."

"I see...well guess we have to eat so we'll take you up on the restaurant, how about seven o'clock, sound alright?

"Yes sir, I'll be here. Will the others be coming with you?"

"Sure, there will be three of us."

CJ could see Sven had something else to say so he smiled and waited.

"I was just wondering, about the young man, sir…we had a conversation this afternoon and he asked me if there were any gay bars in town. I told him no, I was sure there wasn't such a thing here. I just wanted to urge you, be cautious when speaking of such matters around here. You seem like nice people but the locals are not so understanding of these things. It does not bother me, you see, my brother is homosexual and we are very close. I would not wish to see any harm come to you."

That was quite a speech from the young Swede, and CJ was grateful to have heard that Miguel had been asking all the wrong questions again. I am going to kill that little brat, he thought.

After a cool shower and a little baby powder in all the right places, CJ returned to Matt's room and found the two actually holding a conversation. Matt smiled and Miguel blushed.

"Right, I feel like spanking a young boy I know," CJ said, "I just had a friendly chat with Sven...it seems someone was asking him about gay bars. Wonder how he knew about us? Miguel?"

"Uh, oh...sorry, but he seemed to know where my head is at, knew right away that we were gay. I didn't mean to ask him, I remember what you said about being careful."

"He told me his brother is gay," CJ said. "Sven has no problems with it but he said the locals do so be careful who you talk to from now on."

He was mad at the boy. Didn't Miguel realize the risk he and Matt were taking on his behalf? As he stormed from the room he could hear Matt giving the kid a tongue lashing. Good, that's were the discipline needs to come from; the boy was Matt's investment.

They made their first trip across the border for dinner. Sven's cab was quickly passed through the checkpoint after just a brief glimpse at their passports and visas. The place they chose was the El Cid, and since Sven recommended it, CJ invited him to join them. The seafood was wonderful and the mariachis loud so they had a hell of a time talking above the din.

Sven had come to the US for college in California and was driving the cab under the table on his student visa. He loved the desert and the Hispanic culture; he thought they were the happiest of people. They ate and drank the evening away and it was late when they re-crossed the border. CJ opted for a good nights sleep but Matt and Miguel were off to their room for another round of all night bliss.

"Lord Matt, you seem to be running in place a lot these days, you look exhausted."

CJ held back a chuckle as he downed his second cup of coffee. Matt looked barely awake at the breakfast table.

"I'm too old for this shit, CJ, but I can't resist like I used to. At least I let him sleep in."

"Well keep an eye on him, please. We don't need any further drama before we cross the border."

CJ took a taxi from the stand on the corner, figuring Sven must still be in bed after his late night. Arriving at the consulate at the exact time of the appointment he was still asked to wait a few minutes which dragged out to almost an hour.

At eleven o'clock, a short, well-dressed man appeared and ushered him into a crowded office. CJ immediately noticed the smell of paint mingled with the clutter in the room. The gentleman introduced himself as Inspector Juarez.

"I am so sorry to have kept you waiting, Mr. James, they are painting my office next door and I had to push the accountant out of here, my apologies for the delay."

"I understand perfectly. It's difficult to present a professional appearance with ladders and drop cloths all over the place."

"Thank goodness, you are so understanding. I have been reviewing the purpose of your trip to our country. It says on your application that you are visiting for holiday and I see you are driving a large bus. I must be honest, Mr. James, we are quite concerned about smuggling operations here around the border. I hope you are prepared to have your vehicle thoroughly inspected. It's possible that you may be stopped by many military patrols during your trip."

"Really?" CJ said, "I didn't know the bus would cause such problems. We brought it just because we like our creature comforts on the road."

"I see, you certainly are entitled to that much…and this Miguel Alvarez, what relation is he to you?" Juarez asked.

"None, we're just friends. His father is a Mexican citizen and when his mother died several months ago, Miguel decided to come here seeking his father. I am just his transportation to Hermosillo where he expects to find his father."

"So he may be staying in this country? Do you know the father's name?"

"That would be Carlos Alvarez; he's some kind of government official I think. Miguel is a bright, young man, Inspector. Although he's young, he now has legal status as an adult in the US and if his father can be found I am sure they will take all the proper steps if he decides to stay here."

"Carlos Alvarez," the Inspector said aloud, "there is such an official in Sonora, a very important one. Do you wish for me to contact his office and see if this is his son?"

"No, that won't be necessary. The father and son haven't seen each other in years, the parents were divorced. I think the boy needs to find this man in his own way; their relationship may depend upon it. I'm afraid that the reunion will be difficult for them both."

Juarez smiled, "That is often the case, but I congratulate you on being able to reunite the boy with his father. Our youth seem to flee the country like mice leaving the ship these days. It will be good to welcome one of them home. My own son has left to seek his fortunes in California and I fear for the well being of my grandchildren. The stories we hear of violence in your cities is shocking, but enough about my personal affairs, do you have a destination in mind for your vacation?"

"Well, I read about the beaches and fishing in San Carlos, we might stay several weeks if we can," CJ said.

"A good choice and a most beautiful place, excellent fishing," Juarez said. He seemed to have warmed to CJ now and this was proven by his next act of friendship.

"I will give you a letter, Mr. James," the Inspector said. "It will help you with the Army when you are stopped. They can be most disagreeable at times, but it is a nasty work they do and most necessary. If you will but wait downstairs for a few minutes I will have my lieutenant type it up for you. Have a successful trip, Mr. James. I hope you each find what you are seeking on your trip."

They parted amiably and CJ waited downstairs for his letter. He wasn't stupid. Juarez was no consulate official at all. He'd let slip that a lieutenant would type up the letter, I'll bet its Colonel Juarez I just met. He must know a lot more about Miguel's father than we do. Maybe the father really is some kind of high official? Ten bucks says that the Inspector is really Military Intelligence or something like that. Great, they thought we might be drug smugglers.

Back at the hotel, he rounded up the guys and loaded the bus. Time to be safely across the border before anyone changed their minds and discovered that three more gays were loose in Mexico. They waited in a line of vehicles crossing the border and were told by the official that they must stop at the tourist registration center down the road.

CJ wheeled the bus into the stream of cars waiting at the center. A policeman politely asked that they pull over to the side and CJ knew they were about to be strip searched, bus and all. Uniformed men climbed into the bus and began to search everything, opening each cabinet and door. CJ and his friends stepped off the bus and were confronted by an officer, he was definitely military looking.

"Your papers please. May I ask if there is anything you wish to declare about the contents of your vehicle?"

CJ could only smile and handed over their visas and the letter from Inspector Juarez, just to see what would happen. The officer looked the paper over carefully and CJ watched his body stiffen. Leaning into the door of the bus he barked an order which brought the inspecting team off the bus and they quickly moved to the next vehicle in line. The officer stamped their passports and travel documents, handing them back with a smile.

"Thank you sir, enjoy your stay in Mexico."

That was it, Matt and CJ gave each other a look and the three of them quickly boarded the bus and closed the doors.

"Boy, that was quick," Matt said," I thought we would be searched top to bottom. Hell, at first they acted like we were criminals or something." He fired up the engine and pulled out into the slow moving traffic. CJ motioned to Miguel.

"Ok, I know you speak Spanish, let's hope you can read it too."

"Hey, you think I got this dark skin for the fun of it? I actually spoke Spanish before I learned English," Miguel said.

"Sorry guy, just tell me what this letter says," CJ said.

Miguel slowly read the Inspector's letter and softly whistled, "This requests, no…this commands is more like it, that all forces of the Mexican police and military cooperate fully with Mr. Chris James and company over the next six months in his travels within the country. Damn, CJ, who is this Juarez guy?"

He showed them the letterhead with the Great Seal of the Mexican government at the top and a military insignia at the bottom. The writing was all in Spanish but the symbols said it all.

"I didn't even look at it back there, it does look impressive though. My guess is that Juarez is military intelligence or something like that. Very nice guy actually," CJ said.

"Boy, partner...you sure have a way with authority," Matt laughed.

They whisked down the four lane blacktop towards Hermosillo and CJ had his nose in the guide book when Miguel called his name.

"Hey CJ, look at the van passing us on the left....cutie alert."

CJ glanced out the window and sure enough there was a van with several young men inside. The one in the back looked over at the bus as they flew past, what a cutie indeed. Long blonde hair flying, the boy tossed his head as the air stream whipped it up. The face was burned and beautiful, a quick glimpse left CJ with the impression there were definitely some real good genes in that family. CJ shifted to get a better view and found Miguel pressing in close beside him.

"Hey, stop drooling on the windows back there you two, I just cleaned them yesterday," Matt yelled.

"The van has the name of some school on the side, and I saw Connecticut plates, want to check it out?" Miguel asked.

"Not really, I'm all for forgetting about strange boys and concentrating on finding your father. Let's just have a good time," CJ said.

No sooner had he spoken these words than the van surged ahead and the boys were gone from sight anyway. Matt guessed aloud that there was enough fuel for the day's ride and they passed up the filling stations along the road. With only a few dollars in tolls they flew all the way to Hermosillo and in the late afternoon, long before sunset, they pulled into town.

This was the state capital and the government buildings were new but the town itself looked very old. CJ really liked the Spanish architecture and wanted to walk in the plazas they drove past. The streets were teeming this afternoon, the sounds of music floated on the breeze along with the smell of flowers and food.

"Don't eat the food from street vendors, guys. The guidebook says it isn't healthy unless you're a local," CJ warned.

"And don't drink the water," Miguel added.

"Come on guys, we have three hundred gallons of good old Cameron well water in the tank," CJ said. "If we shower in the motel, there will be lots of drinking water to spare."

"I just want a pool to keep me cool," Miguel said.

Matt laughed, "And show off your hot little body, do you suppose they wear thong bathing suits here?"

CJ smiled, "Don't know, but let's find out."

They chose the Araiza, a nice sprawling motel with a large pool and even a bar at poolside. As always, CJ went for the room reservations. They sequestered the bus in a back lot, well off the main highway, and found their rooms. CJ donned his new tropical outfit and admired himself in the mirror one last time before setting off to Matt's room. As expected, Miguel was still in the shower and they had to wait. There must be a formula that could predict how long a young queen takes to bathe, CJ thought.

After Miguel was dressed and ready, they decided to take a cab downtown for the sights. In ten minutes they were in the middle of town and standing in the plaza that fronted the main post office. They had chosen a restaurant for dinner but realized it was much too early by Mexican standards to eat such a heavy meal, so they walked around the city admiring the sights.

Despite his earlier comments about not looking at the boys, CJ was stunned at their numbers and natural curiosity towards the wandering tourists. Miguel got into a conversation with two young guys. One of them looked just about his own age. They had well worn skateboards and were dressed like teenagers everywhere, jeans and t-shirts. As they moved on Miguel turned to Matt.

"They tried to sell me dope. I said no thanks."

"Good, that's a headache we don't need down here," Matt said, "I imagine the cops are probably watching every move they make."

CJ decided to sit on a bench in the shade of the church bell tower which dominated the plaza, and just enjoy the cool evening breeze. The fading sun left deep contrasting shadows, breaking the fronts of the buildings in wonderful patterns. He could see a number of American and other foreign looking tourists sitting about enjoying the same view. Matt and Miguel had now gone across the plaza to the hotel to find a phone book. It seemed the most logical way to find Mr. Alvarez, whoever he might turn out to be.

As CJ sat there, two skateboarders came towards him and tried to strike up a conversation. CJ's lack of Spanish and their small ability with English left them all frustrated. The taller one was trying to make a point it seemed, but CJ couldn't understand a word. The smaller kid was actually playing pocket pool and squeezing his trouser snake at every chance he got. This had to be a come on and it made him smile. The boy looked up innocently and caught the glance, CJ almost laughed out loud at the impertinence of the young con artist. Taking a hand from his pocket, the boy squeezed his crotch and said something in Spanish. The older boy was startled but turned to CJ and in halting English asked.

"My friend, he says...do you like?"

"Oh Lordy," CJ said. "What to reply? I know a kid in the US named Randy I ought to introduce you to...but then you don't understand a word of this do you?"

The older boy spoke rapidly to his younger companion and they both shrugged. The taller boy slapped down his board and rode off towards the far side of the plaza. The younger one smiled at CJ and moved closer peering up at his face. CJ pretended to examine the skateboard but the younger one cut right to the chase and put his hand on CJ's knee.

CJ couldn't understand what the kid wanted him to do, but the boy gestured with his head towards the church and he shook his head to convey a solid no. The boy shrugged and then smiled. CJ knew he wanted a tip and gave him an American dollar. The kid stuck out his hand and they shook. He laughed and slapped his skateboard down on the street and took off. CJ watched and saw the kid turn to wave, and then the boy gave him the finger.

He was still chuckling at the kid's audacity when Matt and Miguel returned, no luck in the phone book. They searched for a cab and hailed one at the end of the plaza, now it was time for dinner. As they drove off, CJ saw the two boys talking with another man, unbelievable.

Their disappointment at not finding a clue about Miguel's father was apparent to CJ. He suggested that they could either visit the local police or possibly the central post office might be the better choice, this they could do the following morning.

The frustrated pair strolled off to their room after dinner so CJ decided to see if the bar was still open by the pool. The temperature had plunged into the low-eighties and a tall, daiquiri sounded like a good idea. There were still a few patrons at the bar and they were definitely open for business, with two bartenders serving.

Daiquiri in hand, CJ sat himself poolside, enjoying the solitude, and yet again his thoughts turned to Blake. God, it's been barely forty-eight hours and I still hurt. The pain of separation he felt constantly since leaving Cameron. Blake was probably sitting on their rock staring across the desert tonight with tears in his eyes. Wish I was there for you, boy.

He'd been having these guilty feelings all day too, maybe he should have stayed and let Matt bring Miguel down here by himself. But no, Matt needed him now more than ever. When they found Carlos Alvarez there was going to be an emotional tear between Matt and his new love, he couldn't let his friends go through that alone.

Shit, I'm the one who feels alone tonight. Closing his eyes, CJ reached out for Blake and felt the boy's warmth; the spirit of his young eagle was still there and always would be. He felt a wave of grief wash over him. I love you, boy.

Surrounding the pool was a chain link fence, separating the pool area from the short lawn that edged along the parking lot. From over his shoulder, almost directly behind the chair in which he sat, CJ heard a door slam and several voices. Turning his head around to look back he saw the van, the school van that had passed them earlier in the trip. Come on you pervert, CJ thought, you're pining for Blake. It really was disgusting to realize, but he wanted to see the blonde boy up close.

The van emptied and through the webbing of his lounge chair CJ did see the blonde boy standing there in all his glory. Except that he didn't look so glorious now, he looked pissed off in fact. There were five of them altogether, talking amongst themselves and since they were not more than fifteen feet away through the fence, he could hear every word.

"Only two rooms left guys, somebody has to sleep on the floor again. Wonder who that's going to be?" A voice said.

"Ok, Thomas you get to take the floor," another voice spoke. This was followed by general laughter.

"Shit, then I'd rather sleep in the van tonight," the final voice spoke. CJ's ears strained to hear...who was sleeping in the van? Oh, please...be him.

And it was. He turned to peek again and saw the blonde stay with the van while the others walked off with their baggage. Thomas, finally the face had a name. CJ eased back in his chair. The gate was nearby and he knew the boy would have to use the bathroom in the changing room sometime, right?

The clock ticked away and he thought...why am I doing this? Momentarily he realized this focus on Thomas had banished the feelings about Blake. Am I that easily fooled?

About twenty minutes later, Thomas let himself through the gate on his way to the pool's bathroom. He was wearing tan shorts and a black T-shirt with thongs on his feet. The long hair, parted in the middle, flowed like strands of gold down his back, past a strong pair of shoulders. He looks all of sixteen, CJ thought. He's just a young boy, maybe too young.

Thomas exited the bathroom and stopped by the end of the pool, sitting in a chair not too far from his admirer. The bar was quiet now, most of the patrons had already left, and the pool area sparkled in a surreal glow from the lights under the water. CJ waved at the kid, who nodded back. The moment had just the right feel so he called in a loud voice.

"Nice night."

"What?" Thomas replied.

CJ slowly rose and walked towards the boy.

"I said it was a nice night, are you staying here? I saw you this afternoon, didn't I?" CJ said.

"You saw me? Where?" the boy replied.

"Your van passed by that blue bus today, remember? I was inside," CJ said.

"Oh, yes...the bus. Was that your bus?"

"Yes, that's what I said," CJ replied, thinking, at least we have something to talk about now.

"Sorry," the boy said, "I'm a little tired after the trip. Are you on holiday?"

"Yeah, down here on a little vacation but that bus makes the trip more enjoyable."

"I noticed the fancy antennas on the roof, you guys must have some sophisticated equipment in there," the boy said.

"Actually we're spies for the CIA. But I'm sure you don't believe that, just kidding. The antenna is for the television and mobile phone. I'm CJ, by the way."

"Interesting. I'm Thomas."

"What brings you to Mexico, Thomas? I'm not trying to be nosey but you look and talk like New England."

"Good guess," Thomas said. "We're on intercession, our senior field trip from Amberson Regency Prep School in Connecticut, real snobby place, ya know the type? Good old ARPS, better known as Anal Retentive Prep School. An all boys school that really sucks."

They laughed at the joke together. CJ was still standing by the edge of the pool admiring the boy's face and wondering. Where am I trying to go with this? He's a senior?

"I went to private school too, about a hundred years ago, nothing changes. I hate to be asking all the questions though, sorry, would you like to have something to drink?" CJ said.

"What are you having?"

"A daiquiri, strawberry I believe, much too sweet," CJ said.

"Hmm, don't suppose you'd buy one for me?" Thomas said.

"I'd be delighted to accommodate you Thomas, but you don't look a day over sixteen. I must be wrong though, you're a senior."

"I get that all the time, I'm eighteen. Maybe I should cut my hair to look older."

"Oh, that would be a shame, it becomes you," CJ said.

What a blatant admission, CJ thought as he strode to the bar and ordered two more daiquiris. The pool was closing shortly the bartender reminded him. He returned with the drinks and a thought.

"Thomas, we're being booted out of here, they're closing. We have a choice though, either my room or the bus, up to you," CJ said.

"Can I see the bus? Be nice to see what gadgets the CIA is using this year," the boy replied with a wicked smile.

CJ led him across the heat baked asphalt towards the bus parked way over in the dark corner of the lot. He fumbled with the security keypad, finally punching in the code and the door whooshed open and the alarm disarmed itself. Switching on the low running lights inside, CJ climbed the steps with the boy behind him. The living quarters were impressive, CJ thought, at least to a high school boy. At a glance, Thomas took in the seating, video gear and stereo.

"Looks like you do travel in style," the boy offered.

"Had to go this way, it impresses the locals, ya know, and I'll be damned if I could go cross country in a small van like you guys did. Were you seriously going to sleep in that van tonight?"

"Oh, you heard that. Yeah, I get stuck this way all the time. Rudy and his friends are major jerks. I'm just a nobody to them. It doesn't matter."

"Hmm, what made you decide to ride all the way to Mexico with that crowd?" CJ asked.

"Well, I came because I'm studying Native culture. The Yacqui Indians are indigenous to the Hermosillo area and the Opata Seri are still living along the coast. Rudy and his buddies are just looking to have a good time. I want to be an anthropologist."

"Really? What a great career choice. I guess this is the place to be then?"

"Sure is, Hermosillo has quite a museum at the University. I was hoping to get down to the coast too but Rudy thinks that might be a bore. They're more interested in finding a bar that will serve them. Actually, that's pretty funny, since here I sit with a daiquiri in hand."

"You should tell him they have great fishing down at San Carlos and it's probably one of the best windsurfing sites in Mexico," CJ said.

Thomas set his empty glass on the counter and took a seat on the couch while listening attentively to CJ's comments.

"Windsurfing, cool. That ought to convince him to take a ride to the coast. Thanks for the suggestion, CJ."

"Yes sir, we're headed to San Carlos ourselves," CJ said. "Maybe you could show me some of these native sites. I don't know much about these southern native people, I'm more experienced with the Native Americans up north."

"Really, do you know a lot about Native Americans?"

"I'm well aquatinted, you might say," CJ replied. Blake again, damn. I haven't thought about the boy in the last hour. The interior of the bus was still warm and CJ hoped it might cool off if he opened a few windows. He turned on a lamp while he was up, the better to see just what this boy looked like up close. Thomas was still uncomfortably warm and took off his shirt.

"Want me to switch on the air conditioning? I'd have to start up the generator first." CJ said.

"I suppose we might as well get used to the heat. I heard it gets to be a hundred and fifteen in the shade here during the summer," Thomas said.

"Great, us Yankee types are in for a roasting then, I'm from Maryland."

"I was down there a few years ago," Thomas said. "We went sailing on the Chesapeake Bay."

"Beautiful isn't it?" CJ replied. Just like you, he thought, a great body. A slight downy fur covered the boy's legs and he noticed the hair got sparser the further up that torso you went. Thomas' nipples were a deep brown and his skin looked like the boy had been spending all his spare time in the sun. The blonde hair made a contrasting splash of color and looked pale against the boy's chest and shoulders. Thomas flexed his muscles and rubbed his neck, the hair flowing down across his face. He tossed his head to sweep it back and CJ heard the crack across the room.

"Ouch, man that hurt," Thomas groaned.

"Was that your neck?" CJ asked.

"Yeah, I fell asleep in the van today, must have a kink in it."

CJ went and sat next to the boy on the couch and put his hands on the source of trouble. He manipulated the muscles and Thomas leaned forward. CJ swept the boy's hair out of his way and massaged the neck and shoulders. He could feel Thomas relax as he worked those strained muscles, fingers probing deeply to the underlying cause of the distress.

"Oh yes," Thomas moaned. "Damn, you hit the spot perfectly."

"It still feels pretty kinked up in there, maybe you should take a hot bath and relax. I think we have some Epson salts in the kitchen."

"A bath? You guys have a bathtub in here?"

"No, silly boy, in my motel room. I'll even let you sleep in the other bed tonight if you want. That would feel a lot better than the van and a whole lot cooler too," CJ said.

"Thanks, but I don't want to impose."

"No imposition intended. I'm just the kind of guy who likes to share what he can. It's your choice."

Thomas smiled. "Then I accept."

CJ grabbed the carton of salts from the kitchen cabinet and led the shirtless boy across the deserted parking lot to his room and unlocked the door. They cranked the air conditioning and CJ ran the bath water for the boy, adding a few cups of the salts.

"Ever use this stuff before?" he asked.

"No, what does it do?" Thomas said.

"You just soak in it and the salts seem to draw the pain out from your sore muscles, damned if I know why, but it works."

Thomas only had his shorts on and went into the bathroom, shutting the door. CJ stood outside until he heard water splash and Thomas settle himself into the tub.

"Hey, it's hot as hell," the boy cried.

"Good, just relax and lay back to soak your neck and shoulders."

It got quiet in there and for five minutes CJ paced up and down the room. Enough, he thought, I can't stand it. He went over and gently knocked on the door.

"May I come in a minute?"

"Uh, ok," the boy said.

CJ opened the door and the boy was spread out naked in the tub, his hands covering his crotch.

"How's the neck feel now?" CJ asked.

"I can't feel nothin...I feel like I've been boiled all over."

CJ laughed and sat on the edge of the tub encouraging Thomas to sit up so he could begin massaging the neck again. The boy was enjoying the rub down, his wet hair hanging across his chest as CJ kneaded his smooth flesh. As Thomas relaxed his hands began to drift away from his crotch and CJ got a glimpse of the boy's cock. Was it still soft or was that an erection? Goodness, he realized, it was damn near hard and yet so… small, maybe four inches at most. The poor kid has a tiny cock…must be the price for all that beauty. Damn, now he felt sorry for the boy, he must have an embarrassing sex life. CJ ceased the massage and Thomas quickly covered his budding erection with his left hand as he lay back in the water.

"Hope that feels better, Thomas. What are you hiding down there? Don't feel bad, it's normal to get an erection during massage."

Thomas was already red from the salts so it was hard to tell if he blushed, but the strain in his voice said it all.

"Tell me, CJ, you know a lot about the human body it seems, is this normal?"

He uncovered his crotch and the cock stood in full erection but only about four inches long and small in girth. Poor Thomas had a look of total resignation on his face now, what could he say to the boy?

"In truth, Thomas, it's what you were given, ok? I've seen eleven year old boys with six inch cocks and twenty-five year old guys with less equipment than you possess. In my experience, it's not the size that matters but how it's used."

"I can't even take a shower in the locker room, they laugh at me. Rudy thinks its real funny, that's why I volunteered to sleep in the van. I just don't want them seeing me naked."

"You have a fine, healthy and very beautiful body, Thomas. You keep fit and take good care of yourself and someone special will love you. Don't let the size of your cock rule the way you lead your life. That would be a tragic mistake."

Thomas stood up now and CJ handed him a towel. The boy was mute as he dried himself, no longer trying to hide his shame. CJ led him into the other room and sat him down on the bed, the towel wrapped around his waist.

"Do you have a steady girlfriend?" CJ asked.

"You must be kidding, I just couldn't. I've been out with a few girls but I never tried anything. I...went out with a girl when I was fifteen, at home in Vermont. She wanted to do it and since it was my first time, I didn't know shit. She pulled down my pants and laughed at me, my cock was too small, she said, it wouldn't work. I've been afraid to try it again."

Thomas was very upset and CJ didn't want to push him too hard but the boy just kept talking about the cruelty of others. His embarrassment in the shower room at the hands of Rudy and his cronies who did everything to harass him was probably the worst part of the story.

"Have you ever thought that having sex with someone is not always about penetration? Most guys forget that what happens before that is much more important," CJ said.

"You mean the kissing and petting stuff?"

"Sure, and more. Right now your sexual experience is strictly jerking off. Now don't go getting embarrassed on me, all guys beat their meat. Rudy is probably whacking his cock right now and messing up the sheets in his motel room."

Thomas laughed at the thought. Good, lighten up kid, CJ thought.

"He's a real ladies man, so he says," Thomas said.

"Yeah, right, probably cums in his shorts before she gets her skirt off. Look, I apologize for talking like this. I was taken by your handsome good looks from the moment I set eyes on you today."

"So you think I'm handsome, great, now I have guys attracted to me."

"Please, everyone should be attracted to you, you're great looking. The long blonde hair, nice muscles, you mean the girls don't tell you this? Am I the only guy that ever told you that you're handsome?"

"Yes. I don't have anything against gays, ok? But I'm not gay and it makes me uncomfortable."

"Then I won't say another word. I could never be a threat to you, Thomas. I've already given my heart to someone."

"Then I'm happy for you, they must be very lucky."

"It's gonna happen for you, Thomas, trust me. The world won't be able to resist once they find out what a special person you really are."

Thomas smiled. "Maybe I ought to hire you to sing my praises?"

"You won't have to, but I will be your friend."

"Deal," and then Thomas yawned.

"Guess it's bed time...we're both tired."

Thomas dropped the towel on the floor and crawled in his bed. CJ undressed and turned out the light.

"Good night," Thomas said. "Thanks for letting me sleep in your room."

"My pleasure, good night yourself."

CJ lay there and almost laughed out loud. My God, I do love Blake. He couldn't think of another reason that he would have allowed such a handsome young man to crawl naked into the next bed and not done something about it. Sleep well, Thomas, he thought. You're quite safe here with me.


On to Chapter Eleven

Back to Chapter Nine

Chapter Index

Chris James Home Page