The boy looked so handsome in his cap and gown. Ben smiled and acknowledged Gene's wave as the graduating seniors from Southeast walked down the aisle of the auditorium. He felt his mother clutch at his arm for support as the audience of parents and friends stood to applaud.

Gene and Dean couldn't wipe the grins off their faces as they took their seats facing the crowd. There was no doubt in Ben's mind that the twins were the handsomest young men on that stage. He looked over at Brad who gave him a thumbs up. Yes, they had both accomplished something, the boys were graduating.

Dean was off to State on a wrestling scholarship, and Gene ... Gene was still undecided. School had meant a lot of stress and hard work the past two years, he wasn't in any hurry to return to that come fall. Ben had been comfortable with the decision; he understood the underlying issues better than anyone.

The previous summer at Camp Stillwater had forged a compassionate and caring person; Gene had come home a different person. Ben recognized the symptoms, he'd been through the very same feelings, and it was now his career.

He had waited up that Friday night, Gene's first weekend home in two weeks. He'd made all sorts of plans for their first night together; it would be a weekend of love. But the door had opened and Gene threw his arms around Ben, kissing and hugging like they had been apart for years. Then Gene turned around and introduced Ben to Lee.

Tom had not said there were any other gay members of the counseling staff, but Gene had found the one and only besides himself. Her name was Leslie, but she preferred to be called Lee. Gene's first new gay friend was a lesbian.

Ben could have been upset, but he wasn't. Plans were made to be changed and they were. If Gene thought enough of the girl to bring her home there had to be a reason...and there was. Lee was a smart kid, just turned nineteen this year and Ben might even say she was pretty ... or would she prefer handsome?

Ben was aware from the start that Lee knew everything about his relationship with Gene, and that was fine. But from the moment she opened her mouth Ben understood that trust was implicit in the relationship she wanted with him. Gene had fostered that and as they sat down to get comfortable the boy slid into his lap as if to say there would be nothing hidden from anyone.

Lee had been a foster kid for most of her life and that meant years of moving around from home to home, more than a little physical abuse and entirely too much sexual abuse. Ben knew the profile only too well. What was less surprising was Gene's reaction; he felt the need to help the girl.

It was something Ben had wanted to see. The whole camp experience had been geared to help Gene find a calling in life ... and here it was. The boy had natural empathy for the feelings of others, and better yet, he was determined to make positive changes where needed.

Lee was working her way through community college and studying to be a nurse. It was the only way she could think of helping people in need. Ben could see why Gene had cultivated the friendship, she had a plan. The girl would make a good role model.

Ben looked down the row of auditorium seats at his father and Tom. This reunion of old friends had made them all happy, especially Gene. He was so pleased that Mom and Dad had come up for the graduation, but then they wouldn't have missed it for the world, and neither would Tom.

Sitting beside his mother was Lee who had taken a day off of her classes to attend. That first summer and every weekend thereafter, Ben had welcomed her into their home. They had amazing discussions around the kitchen table on every subject imaginable. These were moments that inspired Gene and Ben discovered why the boy had become such close friends with the girl.

His school work took on a new tone. The papers he wrote for English class became great works about social injustice and the need for reform. His grades shot through the roof and just before graduation he became third highest on the honor roll.

But he was still the same loving Gene when he rushed into Ben's arms at night. Lee felt perfectly comfortable down the hall in their guest room, even though she knew what was happening in Ben's room. She told them she envied that love, but she wasn't ready yet, her career came first.

The graduation program began with prayers, speeches and admonishments to the graduates who were about to take their place in the world. But finally the words were over and the diplomas were wheeled on stage. Ben felt his mother take his hand as the roll call began. He had looked in the program; Gene was number thirty-two, right after his brother.

And finally the moment was upon them as Principal DeWitt announced, "Dean Andrew Carr." And the boy stepped up to receive his degree. Ben and the family stood to applaud, but Brad was beaming.

"Eugene Michael Carr," DeWitt announced and they all clapped as Gene took his diploma and then gave DeWitt a huge hug of thanks. The audience loved it and the applause was filled with laughter as DeWitt hugged back. Dean had not left and the brothers fell into one another's arms and flashed the victory sign before leaving the stage.

Ben's mother smiled and gave him a kiss. "You did good, he looks so proud."

They filed out into the lobby to wait amidst the crowd. But then the boys were both there, appearing through the crowd and acknowledging the well wishers along the way. Gene handed Ben his diploma and his hat before throwing his arms around Mom for a kiss. Lee got hers and they danced around a bit before it all dissolved in laughter.

But finally Gene stood before Ben, his eyes filled with love. "You did this, you made it happen," He said.

Ben smiled. "I just got you started; it isn't over yet, sweetie."

Gene grinned. "It never ends, does it?"

Ben hugged the boy, feeling so proud, so in love. And he whispered in Gene's ear. "This is just another beginning."

And they walked off to the parking lot arm in arm, surrounded by family and friends ... for that is where life begins.


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"Gene" Copyright © 27 September 2008 Chris James. All rights reserved.
    This work may not be duplicated in any form (physical, electronic, audio, or otherwise) without the author's written permission. All applicable copyright laws apply. All individuals depicted are fictional with any resemblance to real persons being purely coincidental.

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