This comment really should have made it's way onto the page back in the first chapter, for without this guy my work would be a shadow of itself. So Wayne, here's to you for all the hours of editing, the comments, both lauditory and critical, without which the readers would not have such a polished story ... I give you my thanks for the work and the friendship.

A boy's life is made up of moments, some to be remembered, others to forget. This is a chapter about contrasts in the lives of several characters. In the scheme of things there are no small players in this story, each character has a role to enact.

Chris James

"Tim ... ?" Tom said from the doorway, "Adam says there's a problem."

Tim was sitting on his bed, head down, face covered by his hands. When he withdrew them he heard Tom gasp. "My stepfather isn't a reasonable man," Tim said.

Tom walked over and pulled the chair out from Adam's desk and sat in front of the boy. "You want to tell me what this is all about?" He asked.

"I ... well, I told my best lady friend that I was ... that I loved Adam. That didn't go the way I thought it would, seems she thought we were something special." Tim sighed. "Well then I drove home all upset and hit this telephone pole."

"I didn't think you were old enough to have a license?" Tom said.

"Yeah, well about that ... I don't. It was two in the morning and I just snagged my mom's keys and took the car to Jeanette's house. I've been driving since I was twelve, but I never hit anything before."

"I imagine your stepfather was upset, is that why he hit you?"

Tim nodded at first, and then shook his head. "No ... he hit me because I'm a fag." Tim stood up and walked over to the mirror hanging on the wall above his dresser. "It looks pretty bad, doesn't it? I don't want the other students laughing at me."

"And why would they laugh?" Tom asked. "You know that's not how we work around here."

"Jeanette called my stepbrother and told him I was a fag. The bastard told Dad, he always tells, anything to get me in trouble ... he's only my stepbrother."

"So your stepfather just hit you and called you a fag?"

"Yeah, my sister was there, she screamed at him and he locked her in her room. She's punished for defending me, I want to kill him," Tim said.

"You live in Lowell, don't you?" Tom asked.

"Yeah ... why?" Tim asked.

"I have friends there ... gay friends. Massachusetts has some of the strictest hate crimes laws in the country, what your stepfather did was illegal. That means you can press charges against him, he'll be arrested."

"And then what happens to my mom, he'll go to jail and she'll be without support ... it won't work. He's already going to stop paying my tuition here ... I'm screwed," Tim said.

"We'll deal with that ... but you said you loved Adam, when did that happen? I didn't think you were gay."

"I don't know. I can't be gay, look at all the crap that happens to gay kids. At least I don't want to be gay ... I just don't know what I think anymore," Tim said. He looked up at Tom and frowned. "How do I know if I'm gay?"

"Being in love with another boy is a beginning, what makes you feel that way?" Tom asked.

"He's ... Adam is just so perfect. I never met anyone like him. It's like he cares about me, he does small things for me. I didn't know what kind of roomie I would get here, but Adam went out of his way to make me feel comfortable. Doesn't that mean I'm gay?"

"No ... that's just a piece of the puzzle, maybe you just have a crush on him. That happens when you idolize someone, you want to be like him but it doesn't have to be a sexual attraction."

"I don't know anything about sex except ... well, I can't tell you that," Tim said.

Tom nodded. "Would it help if I took my teacher hat off? We could be just two friends and anything you say would remain between us, would that work?"

"Uh ... maybe. I don't want to get anyone in trouble if I say something against the rules. Would you ignore that?" Tim asked.

"Yes, but then maybe we better not talk here, will you come over to my house?" Tom asked.

"I ... I don't want anyone to see me ... see my face."

"That's going to be rather hard to hide without a mask." Tom said.

Tim picked up his knit hat and unrolled it; it was actually a ski mask. "Can I wear this?"

Tom smiled. "Yes, you may ... for now anyways"

The hall of the dorm was empty, everyone was down at breakfast. Tim followed out the doors and across campus to Tom's house. They entered at the kitchen door and took off their boots. Jack was in the kitchen and looked up.

"You back already?" He asked, giving Tim a second glance as he pulled off the ski mask. A glance from Tom told him not to ask and so he didn't, going back to the stove where he was making scrambled eggs.

"Yes, I brought company for breakfast," Tom said. "Have a seat, Tim."

Tom brought the boy a glass of juice and sat down at his own place. Jack served up eggs and bacon, the toast was already on the table.

"You go ahead and eat, I have to shower so I'll be back in a while," Jack said, and he left the room.

Tom nodded, knowing Jack would stay out of the kitchen until he was invited back. Tim wasn't the first troubled boy to find refuge at their table.

"Go ahead and eat, we'll talk when you're ready," Tom said.

"I don't want to be late for Elias' class ... " Tim began.

"I think you'll be excused ... we need to talk."

"Yeah ... OK," Tim sighed.

They ate in silence for a while, Tom wasn't about to push, Tim would speak when he felt inclined. So young and so much trouble, Tom thought. He was an attractive boy, fairly mature by freshman standards. Bradford seemed a good choice if the boy wanted to go on to college and make something of himself. The stepfather was an unfortunate issue, but there were ways of dealing with men like that.

"I don't know what Adam thinks about me ... I mean the love thing. I mean we fool around on the dorm, I'm sure you already know about that," Tim said.

Tom smiled. "The little circles after lights out? Oh yeah, we know about that. I guess we just decided to let it happen, boys need some kind of outlet ... it's a tradition I hear."

"The gay boys don't go to them, Adam says. I think they feel it would make the straight boys uncomfortable. I've been to a few just to see what it was like," Tim said.

"Were you comfortable with that?"

"I don't know how to answer that. I mean someone usually has some naked pictures of women, that stuff never did anything for me even before I went into a circle. It all seems kinda silly to me."

"But if you went I imagine you participated, so what did you look at for inspiration?" Tom asked.

"I looked at ... I looked at the boys I guess. I never saw that many penises at one time before, at least not one's that were hard. It was a turn on."

"Does it bother you to shower with the guys?"

"No, that doesn't turn me on ... I'm too afraid to think about it," Tim said. "I would die if someone caught me boning up in the showers."

"Erections are perfectly natural, it doesn't mean a thing," Tom said. "So what do you think about in your private times?"

"You mean when I jerk off? Um, I think about Adam a lot, I've seen him naked lots of times."

"Are these thoughts romantic or just sexual?" Tom asked.

"Both really, I'd love to make out with him, but I never kissed anyone before. Am I gay?"

"There's no easy answer to that question. Gay isn't just something you become; it's a feeling, something you discover about yourself. As you grow up a boy discovers all kinds of things about himself. Sexual attraction is pretty intense at your age, your body demands attention. But don't confuse being excited by a bunch of naked boys with being gay, there's a lot more to the equation."

Tom smiled. "I understood my difference when I was very young, and fortunately so did my mother. Some parents are just grateful to have smart responsible children, their sexual orientation doesn't matter, and love overcomes all. I'm sorry your parents don't feel up to the task of understanding you. But don't think yourself gay just because you have feelings for Adam."

"I just wish ... well, I wish he'd make love to me so I'd know if the feelings are real," Tim said.

Tom shook his head. "He won't, and not because he doesn't like you but because he does. I know Adam pretty well; he would think that was a bad way for you to find out. Just having sex with a guy doesn't prove you're gay either. Sex without love is meaningless, Tim. All that ever proves is that you're driven to express the feelings by your body and your mind doesn't learn anything."

"So ... you mean there's no answer?"

"Sure there is, just don't look in your pants for the solution. Some of the things you've expressed could mean you're gay, but the picture is incomplete, it takes time to assemble. Right now I think you have other issues in your life, you don't have to be gay tomorrow or the next day, do you?"

Tim smiled ... the first one the boy had shown all morning. "No, I suppose not."

"You'll go on thinking about being gay, and it might even make you self conscious around other boys. You can talk to Adam about your feelings but I don't think you're ready to openly declare yourself. You don't have to now, let's wait and see what happens."

"But my stepfather ... "

"The man abused you, Tim, I can't allow that to go unnoticed and unreported," Tom said.

"My Mom will freak out," Tim said.

"Not if she loves you, I'll talk to her if you want. But I need to report this to the authorities, it's my responsibility to protect you," Tom said.

"My stepfather is gonna be so pissed off ... "

"No, Tim ... he's going to jail," Tom said.

William McGovern drove onto the Bradford campus the following Monday. A lot of students stopped on their way between classes to gawk at the Massachusetts State Police car. Even if it was unmarked it was obviously a cop car, the antennas said that much and the license plates spelled it out.

Tim was called out of class and met the detective in Thorne's living room, Tom was there as well. The boy shook hands with the man in the suit and looked at Tom for reassurance.

"Tim Warner, meet Lieutenant McGovern, he's a detective with the Massachusetts State Police," Tom said.

Tim looked nervous and so Tom sat the boy on the couch beside him as Thorne and McGovern took chairs facing them.

"First off, let me say that Billy and I went to school together, high school in fact. He grew up in my neighborhood and I'd like to think we were close friends for many years back then," Tom said.

"We were ... and still are," McGovern said with a smile. "Don't be nervous young man; I'm here on your behalf."

"I ... I just never met a policeman before," Tim said in a quiet voice.

"That's fine, I'm just a public servant and I'm here to serve you today. I'm sorry the situation in your home causes me to be here. A boy like you has better things to do than deal with issues like this. I hope I'm not keeping you from an important class."

Tim nodded. "Only math, that's my best subject anyways."

"Good. So how about you tell me exactly what happened over Thanksgiving while you were at home on vacation," McGovern said.

"I ... well, I snuck out of the house to go see this girl who is ... was my friend. It didn't go so well because ... I told her I had this crush on a boy here at school. Do I have to tell you his name?" Tim asked.

"No, it isn't necessary. So you told her you liked this boy, what did she do?"

"She called me a fag and then after I left she phoned my stepbrother and told him I was queer. I sorta complicated things on my way home, I crashed my mom's car into a pole ... now I suppose I'll get arrested for that," Tim said.

"Was anyone injured?" McGovern asked.

"No sir, it was two in the morning, no one was on the street," Tim said.

"I think we can overlook that considering the circumstances, so what happened when you got home?"

"My stepfather was waiting for me, the whole house was up. I walked in the kitchen door and my sister was there with my stepfather and he started yelling at me. It wasn't until he called me a fag that I knew he wasn't just mad about the car. My sister yelled at him to shut up and he smacked her, and told her to go to her room. Then he turned on me and asked me ... um, what he said wasn't very nice."

"Go ahead, exactly what did he say?" McGovern asked.

"He asked which of my faggot friends I was ... was out fucking. He doesn't like any of my friends but none of them are gay, not that I know of. And then he punched me in the face and I fell down. I was crying because it hurt and my sister was yelling at him to stop, I don't know where my Mom was hiding, sometimes he smacks her too.

"But my sister refused to leave me alone with him and he dragged her down the hall and locked her bedroom door, then he did the same to me. See, all our bedrooms have locks on the outside; he's done that stuff before when he wants to punish us."

"He locks you kids in your rooms? What if there's an emergency, how would you get out of the house?" McGovern asked.

"We can't, he has bars on the windows too," Tim said.

"How old is your sister, Tim?" Tom asked.

"She's twelve."

"How did you get back to school?" McGovern asked.

"My mother unlocked the door to my room after he went to work, I already had a bus ticket to come back here so walked to the bus station and left. I'm sorry for all this trouble, but I'm worried about my Mom and my sister," Tim said.

McGovern pulled out a small notebook and a pen, handing them to Tim. "Write down your stepfather's name and address, where he works if you know that as well."

Tim wrote for a few minutes and handed the notebook back. "What's going to happen?" He asked.

McGovern nodded. "This is pretty serious; your stepfather is in a lot of trouble. I'm going to call ahead and get a warrant for his arrest which I will personally serve on him at work. Is your mother home during the day?"

"Yes, she isn't working now, she ought to be home," Tim said.

"It will take me about three hours to get back to Lowell, I want you to call your mother around three o'clock and tell her what we discussed. Your father won't be coming home this evening."

"Oh ... I should go home then; she's going to freak out."

"Dr. Thorne, can we accomidate the detective?" Tom asked.

Thorne nodded. "Under the circumstances I'd say yes."

"Tim, you ride back home with the Lieutenant and see about your mother and sister. I'm sure we can get you some help from the county on this, can't we Billy?" Tom asked.

"Yes, I'll call that in as well, we have a community services unit."

Tom turned to Tim and hugged the boy. "You go home and deal with these problems; we'll be here when you're done with all this so hurry back."

They all stood up and Dr. Thorne put a hand on Tim's shoulder. "You let us worry about the school, we want you here Tim, and you belong here. Nothing will keep you out of Bradford; there will always be a place here for you."

Tim followed McGovern out to his car and Tom walked along. "Do you need anything from your room?"

"No ... I kinda left home in a hurry, my stuff is all there. Just ... well just tell Adam good bye for me, will you?" Tim asked.

"How about I just tell him you'll be back soon, OK?"

Tim smiled. "Yeah ... thank you." And with that Tim gave Tom a hug before getting into the passenger seat of the police car. Tom shook hands with Billy.

"Thank you for taking care of this," Tom said.

"What are friends for?" Billy said. "You folks certainly have a good thing going here. You take good care of the boys it seems, I like that."

"Come visit anytime, I'm just too busy to leave," Tom said.

"Yeah, I can see that. You deal with the good guys, I only get the bad. We each have a job to do, I might just enjoy taking care of this one," Billy said.

"Even good places like Lowell have bad people. Thanks for all your help."

"Talk to you later, Tom."

"Bye, Billy."

Adam was surprised when Tom cornered him at lunch to pass along Tim's words.

"Will he be back?" Adam asked.

"Yes, he needs us," Tom replied.

"I love that boy," Adam said.

"Oh? I didn't know."

"Not like love kinda love, I just care about him a whole lot," Adam said. "I already have a boyfriend ... he doesn't go here."

"Well you go on loving Tim; he needs a good friend like you."

Adam smiled. "Thanks, Tom."

It was three days before Tim returned, this time in his mother's car and she was driving. Adam saw them pull on campus and noted the dent in the left front corner, it wasn't too bad. Tim met him on the sidewalk and helped wrestle the bags out of the trunk. Then Mrs. Warner drove over to Dr. Thorne's house.

Tim's face was still pretty black and blue from the bruises, but his face was lit up with a huge smile. "Miss me?" Tim asked once they managed to drag the bags down the hall to their room.

"Miss you, hell no. I had the room to myself without your stinky feet in my face all the time," Adam said. "Of course I missed you, what a silly question."

"Everything at home is upside down," Tim said. "My father is in jail, my aunt and her husband are staying with my mom for a while and my sister is in love with her first boyfriend. But best of all, my asshole stepbrother moved in with his grandmother in Boston now that his daddy is out of the picture.

"Is your mom OK with all this?" Adam asked.

"Yeah, she's fine now that she knows he won't be coming back. The judge refused him bail, says he's a threat to the children in town. They charged him with assault on me and my sister, child abuse and child endangerment, he's facing twenty years for that. But best of all, they said what he did was a hate crime because he called me a fag, that gets him another ten years."

"They think you're gay?"

"Yeah ... I kinda think I am too. I'd fall in love with you for real if you didn't have Renny, but I didn't tell anyone about that either, that's between us," Tim said.

"Thank you for that," Adam said. "So, we need to find you a boyfriend, huh?"

"No ... not right away. Tom's right, I need to think about this for a while. Meanwhile, I have you as my best friend, who could ask for anything better?"

Tim wasn't surprised when Adam hugged him, and then there was the laughter in the hall.

"Get a room, guys" and "Lord, is the whole dorm gay?" were just a few of the friendly comments. Yes, it was good to be back, Tim thought.

With the approaching Christmas holiday the classes became more intense and the chorus practiced for their annual performance. Jessie was a bit sad, this would be his last holiday concert and the tension of coming exams didn't help. His grades had to be perfect, Julliard demanded excellence. The thoughts of the impending audition were pushed aside, it would all work out now that he knew what to expect.

And so it was a surprise when Neil drove them home one Thursday afternoon and there was a Mercedes in the driveway with New York plates. Neil grinned, he was in on the secret and Jessie punched his arm.

"OK, who is it, I can tell you already know," Jessie said.

"Just a friend of ours come for a visit," Neil said.

Renny had seemed happy to see the music man since it was Wolfgang who had made their art show in the city such a success. He showed off his new paintings, ones he had begun under the direction of Tobias Ruffin, his new art teacher. They'd only had four lessons so far but the man was showing him new things each time. It didn't take Renny long to discover the man to be an artistic genius, retirement had only allowed Tobias to spend hours creating magnificent works.

But Renny had taken the sketch of Adam and turned it into a work on canvas, his first painting in oils. And because he knew the subject so well Tobias had marveled at the transformation from pencil to paint. Renny was inspired and it showed in his work, but he had never shown it to anyone until now.

Wolfgang studied each piece of art for some moments, and then said something to himself in German before moving on to the next. When he was done he took the boy over to the couch and sat down with Renny in his arms.

"You have great promise; these are wonderful for someone so young. I have seen hundreds of paintings in galleries across the world and I will tell you this. Someday your art will hang in such places, I see this in your future."

"It will? Oh, you're just being silly," Renny said.

"I am not, I know such things. We Germans have a great understanding of the human spirit, you will go far. Now this boy in the painting is a handsome creature. He is something special to you I think."

Renny blushed and nodded. "Good," Wolfgang said. "Nothing inspires greatness like passion, you see it in my music, and I see it in your art. So now you must make a decision for me. I have spoken to your mother about the summer and she agrees; now all I need is your answer."

Renny was puzzled. "What's the question?"

"It is in two parts. First, would you be willing to sell your art, The Pigeon Man?"

Renny gasped. "Someone wants to buy it? But how ... when did they see it?"

Wolfgang smiled. "I showed them the photos, they have never seen the original but they want it."

"Who ... where would it hang?" Renny asked.

"Ahh, this is most important. The Berlin Music Conservatory has a huge space. It will bring your painting inspired by music back to a great home of such music. This is fate calling to you; it will be seen by millions of people over the years."

"No way ... they really want it?" Renny asked.

"Yes ... if the price is right they will take it."

"Oh ... but I have no idea what its worth ... can you help me?"

"I can do this," Wolfgang said. "I will ask some friends, and now for the second part of my request. Would you be willing to travel in Europe with me this summer?"

"Europe ... the whole summer?" Renny yelled. "Wow, I never thought ... Oh, Adam."

"Your friend in the painting? Yes, I wondered if you would leave him behind ... but this is not necessary. Your mother agrees, he may come along as well."

"He can? Oh, Wolfey ... I love you," Renny screamed, and threw himself in Wolfgang's arms. Nora walked out from the kitchen and smiled at the little scene before her.

"So I guess you asked him?" She said.

Wolfgang looked up from the couch and smiled. "I did, this is his answer."

And twenty minutes later Wolfgang opened the door to greet Jessie. Renny was already upstairs on the phone calling Adam at the dorm while Nora and the boys sat down in the living room with Wolfgang.

"So what brings you here?" Jessie asked.

"Nora was so kind to invite me, and I am on vacation from work until after Christmas. I have a most wonderful assistant now; he does simply everything when I am away."

"I have the audition in mid-January," Jessie said. "How long can you stay?"

Wolfgang smiled. "Until mid-January I believe, and then I will have to return for the jury duty."

"I hope I'm not on your list," Jessie said.

"You were, but I had you moved to Billy's list, my assistant sits in on that one as well," Wolfgang replied.

"No favoritism, please," Jessie said.

"None will be given, you will do just fine, and we have time to work."

"Thank you," Jessie said.

They all went out to dinner and Renny was so excited and a little worried, he didn't know what Adam's parents would say. But Nora smiled in that motherly sort of way, she already knew the answer ... and it was a good one.

Wolfgang had asked her the week before if Renny might like to visit the galleries in Paris and Berlin, he would be over there making arrangements for the symphony tour. It would be a wonderful opportunity for the boy and would even count as credit for his home school program, there was no way she could refuse. And then she had told Wolfgang about Adam.

He was not surprised at Renny's need, just her reaction to it.

"In my culture such relationships are normal, boys of that age will chose a partner to explore the depths of their feelings," He explained.

"I just feel he is too young, that's all. Adam is a kind and considerate boy, at least he chose well," Nora said.

"As I would expect," Wolfgang replied. "Your new son is a remarkable creature, he has been forced to adapt in life when the choices were not his to make. Now he can make the choices himself, it is to be expected."

And so Nora had called Adam's mother with the request. She knew it would be better for Renny if he had another boy along, and at least Adam was familiar with the cities they would visit. The chat they had was cordial and of course Nora confessed that Adam hadn't even been asked yet.

But overall there was acceptance and an exchange of information. Nora explained about Wolfgang and her son, and then they promised to discuss it further as the time approached. It was at this point in the conversation that Barbara Marshall asked the most critical question.

"I'm sure you've spent more time this fall with my son than I have, have you noticed any changes in him?"

"Changes?" Nora asked. "Neil is a bit older but he went through a lot of changes at that age."

"No, I understand adolescence makes changes," Barbara said. "I just get this feeling he's suddenly more content with his life, it comes across in his phone calls and email. Are you aware of anything new in his life?"

"It might be just the school; those people really know how to get into the minds of the boys. Neil will graduate this year, but I've watched the transformation Bradford made and I'm very grateful."

"Yes, Adam has mentioned Neil. Renny is the artist, the one going to Europe."

"Yes, Renny was just adopted a short time ago," Nora said.

"Well Adam talks about him a lot, and there's just something, some emotional content in our conversations," Barbara said.

"Does Adam have any siblings, a younger brother perhaps?"

"No, maybe that's it ... I'm sorry we never gave him a younger brother. I think it's good that he's close to your boys. Frankly life in this family is hectic; my husband's job almost guarantees that."

"Adam seems very proud of his father's work, he's even thinking of a career in that area," Nora said.

"Yes, we've discussed that as well," Barbara said. "Adam is a sensitive boy; he was greatly affected by what he saw in Africa. It wasn't all bad, but some of it was bad enough. We can't shield him from the harsh realities of the world; I just wish he hadn't seen some of those things at such a young age."

"Renny is sensitive as well, maybe that's why they accept one another," Nora said. And then she went on to discuss how Renny had come into their lives, being brutally honest, and even mentioning her newest son was gay.

She was sure Barbara needed to know these things if Adam was going to spend a summer traveling with Renny. The woman might not have a clue about her own son's feelings but this would open the door to future understanding.

"I think it was very brave of you, he sounds like a wonderful child," Barbara said. And then Nora heard her pause. "My brother is gay," She finally said.

"It isn't an issue with me; he was just a child in need. I think being gay is all a part of his expression of life," Nora said.

"Yes, Bob is very close to me ... I was the first one to find out. He lives in Los Angles with a wonderful man; I think they're very happy. I'm very glad to hear you're supportive of your son."

"The move here has been difficult for him, I'm so glad Adam gets to spend some time with him," Nora said. "I just want him to have a normal life and grow into his realization as a fine gay man."

"If I'm lucky I may get to see them both this summer, there's a UN conference in Paris this July. I'd like to meet your son, he's very lucky to have you," Barbara said.

"Thank you, at least we have time to plan this all out," Nora said. And then she sighed after they had said goodbye. Barbara may not have a clue about Adam's feelings but when she did it would be accepted for what it was, nothing could please her more.

The boys had kept to their promise; they had not slept together under her roof. With Adam over at the house every weekend even Neil had calmed down about the relationship and that had brought him back close to Renny.

In many ways she knew it wasn't fair to have Adam sleeping in the guest room across the hall from the boy he loved, and then Wolfgang had called. He would need the guest room, what would she do with Adam? Maybe it was time to trust them once again.

Friday arrived and Renny had Wolfgang drive him to Whitefield to meet his art teacher. It gave Nora a chance to finish the details of the birthday party, for on Sunday Renny would become a teenager. Neil and Jessie were busy studying, exam week was upon them and nothing could disturb that, not even Wolfgang's presence.

Renny would think he could not be surprised for his birthday; he had been talking about it for weeks. Adam would come that evening after school and Nora decided to put the boy up in Renny's room for the weekend. It would all work out, Adam had to study too, but he didn't seem the least bit concerned about his exams and Nora wondered why.

Mrs. Briggs, the caterer in Littleton, had planned a magnificent birthday cake and Nora approved. It would be delivered along with the food on Sunday at two in the afternoon. But Nora had puzzled for months about a suitable present for the boy and come to the conclusion that she knew nothing about what teenagers wanted these days.

She'd bought him a suit to wear to the Christmas concert, and some other clothes, but that's when she had decided to do something special. Renny had no friends to attend his party, but she could take care of that, and so she had made phone calls.

Wolfgang had expected Renny's art teacher to be an exceptional man but what he saw was a quiet spoken elderly man with tiny spectacles perched on his nose.

"Tobias, this is my friend ... my Uncle Wolfgang," Renny said with a smile.

Wolfgang was touched by the boy naming him uncle, even if it was honorary, and he sat back to watch the lesson. It was obvious by the art underway in the studio that Tobias was quite the accomplished artist, but the tone of the lesson was even more astounding.

Renny might be a young boy but Tobias treated him as an equal. And for two hours Wolfgang watched as Renny was guided in constructing and deconstructing the painting of a horse. The use of oils was new to the boy and the technique used to master it was complicated. But even so Wolfgang could see the boy had a gift and Tobias knew it.

In the application of the medium there were moments of painting, then scraping then more painting. The blending of the paints was a series of simple moves that tried the patience of the artist. In this Wolfgang could detect the subtlety of the details, the musician inside of himself recognizing the crafting of something grand. Painting was much like composing music as the first steps were not always easy, but the form would eventually emerge.

And once his guidance was not needed Tobias stood back and watched as Renny made his moves.

"He has great promise for one so young," Tobias said. "He's so easy to teach, so willing to learn."

"You have experience with other young painters?" Wolfgang asked.

"Dozens, but none like Renny ... his mind is made for this."

"Age is no barrier to genius," Wolfgang said. "Mozart was much younger than this when he began composing."

"Renny showed me the photos of your concert in the park, that was a stoke of genius ... yours I believe," Tobias said.

Wolfgang smiled at the compliment. "Genius at his age often needs encouragement, I did what I could. Did he tell you about the painting? My friends at the Berlin Conservatory want to purchase it from him."

"The original?" Tobias asked. "They used a casein based paint, dries quickly, but its base is made with milk ... it will fade out in time unless it is sealed properly. The Egyptians used it a lot, now it's a staple for scenery painting and artists who shy away from oils. It will need some preparation if they're going to hang it for long."

"Goodness, you know a lot about this paint."

"Tools of the trade, I have to. But Renny said they left it hang out to dry and that's a good thing. It had a chance to seal itself and become hardened. A careful application of clear casein would do it a whole lot of good."

"Do you know people who can do this?" Wolfgang asked.

"Renny and I can do it if you like. It might give him a chance to detail some things if he wants, improve the overall look," Tobias said.

"I would make sure you were paid well for your work," Wolfgang said.

"Money? I got plenty of that, it's about the art not the payment. This boy is going to be worth millions some day because of his talent, I'll be happy just to have a hand in that. You know what his piece is worth?"

"No, I need to ask around ... I have no idea how to calculate the value."

"A painting is valued by the name of the artist or the subject. To Renny it was all just so much fun," Tobias chuckled. "Of course having his work hang in such a prestigious place won't hurt his reputation one bit, it ought to be appraised to get a just value set on it."

Wolfgang nodded. "And I suppose you know just who might do this?"

"In New York? Yes, I know a few appraisers, used to do it myself for the museum in Boston. But it won't be fair for me to get involved in that, I have a vested interest in the artist."

"Do you have any idea what it might be worth asking?" Wolfgang asked.

"Cleaned up a bit, with the detail Renny has expressed ... I'd say about a quarter million, maybe less after I see it," Tobias said.

Wolfgang nodded and then smiled. "About that I was hoping, let's not tell the boy."

Tobias nodded. "Mums the word." And then he went back over to advise Renny.

Nora was stunned at the immense amount of money involved. "I can't believe anyone would pay a thirteen year old boy a quarter million for a painting," She said.

Wolfgang laughed. "My dear, they will consider it a bargain. In the next twenty years he may command such a fee for a small painting, they will have his first, and that will be quite a coup."

"Oh My God ... we can't tell him," Nora said. "Not yet anyway."

"My thoughts exactly, no need to distract him at this point. Tobias is a grand gentleman, a great choice as a teacher."

"Yes, he is all of that," Nora replied.

Nora arrived home after her arrangements were made, the guests would arrive on Saturday evening at the hotel, and the ballroom would be theirs all day on Sunday. The special guest would fly into Franconia on Sunday morning and she was sending Neil and Jessie to pick him up.

Renny had never met his grandfather and Nora felt it was time. Her father had been surprised at the adoption until he heard the whole story, then he understood his daughter's need. But rather than have Renny whisked off to Lansing for Christmas Nora felt it was time to have their family celebration in New Bridge. And bringing her father to New Hampshire was all part of that deal.

Renny was happy to see Adam when the boys came back from school, and he enjoyed introducing him to Wolfgang. One look told Wolfgang everything he wanted to know about this boy, he was more beautiful than his painting. It was easy to see the adoration in the boy's eyes when they looked at one another, young love was to be admired. Renny had made an excellent choice, and it wasn't just about the beauty.

They sat in the living room and talked, giving Wolfgang a chance to explore Adam's mind. He had taught so many young men about music, and that had allowed him to appraise the student's mind as well. What he saw and heard in just a short while left him with a solid opinion about Adam. Renny might be a true genius in his art, but he had met his match in Adam ... the boy was brilliant.

But it wasn't until after dinner and all the boys had retired that Wolfgang sat down with Nora and a brandy to discuss the boys themselves.

"So what do you think of Adam?" Nora asked.

"A beautiful young man, yes ... but there is more to him than meets the eye. Do you know about his family?"

"No, not really ... I've spoken with his mother."

Wolfgang smiled. "Jonathan Marshall is one of the preeminent brains in our country, no, in the world. I believe his son has inherited that brilliance as well. They come from cultured stock, very wealthy ... obscenely wealthy in fact, not many know that fact. They support the symphony and I've met them personally."

"Oh ... Adam seems like such a quiet boy, I had no idea ... "

"Yes, the mark of true genius, he will never declare his abilities and suffer others to feel lesser than himself. I suppose if we could give him an IQ test it would be off the charts, I can see the mind at work behind those eyes."

"Well ... this explains a lot. I was wondering why he doesn't seem concerned about his exams. Goodness, do you think Renny knows?"

"Probably not ... what purpose would it serve? They share love based upon mutual need, but this means that Adam is well prepared to assure their continued success if that is what he wishes."

Nora smiled. "I know it's silly of me, but I've enjoyed watching their romance develop, it's so sweet. I haven't told you; they agreed not to sleep together for the sake of their relationship, it was a condition of my acceptance."

Wolfgang smiled. "And I bet Adam agreed right away."

"Yes ... yes he did. He spoke very well in defense of what they had begun. I was probably no match for his mind, was I?"

Wolfgang laughed. "He's still a fifteen year old boy, brilliant or not he still has so much to learn about life ... he is no match for you, my dear lady. Now I am looking forward to taking them to Europe ... "

Nora would manage to sneak away on Saturday afternoon to make sure the guests had all arrived and were settled in. It took eight rooms to handle them all, but she willingly shouldered the expense of housing and feeding them for three days just to give Renny the best surprise of his life. So far all the boy knew was that they were going out to dinner for his birthday on Sunday.

Renny spent the day sketching while Wolfgang entertained him with music. Neil and Jessie were cloistered with their books. For Adam it was a time of joy because he understood the dynamic of Renny and this older man, the music and the art, they were joined together.

His mother had tried to make him study music, but he had resisted. It was all varied mathematical formulas that came out as tones. Once he discovered that it wasn't as interesting anymore. What he did admire was people and the way they interacted. Adam had spent a lot of his youth in conversation with people, some of them very strange to his way of thinking.

He was aware that Nora was planning something for the birthday and that Renny was unaware of the undercurrent of activity going on around him. Nora needed him to be a distraction, so Adam played that role just to see what the surprise would be. By Saturday night they were in bed with only a few hours left until the much awaited day.

"I can't sleep," Renny said, after tossing around for a while.

"Is it my presence?" Adam asked, knowing full well what kept the boy awake. "I'll sleep on the floor then." He said, teasing of course.

"No you will not. If Mom is going to allow us in bed together then I want all of you I am allowed to touch," Renny said.

"I love you too. Think you'll enjoy being a teenager?"

"As opposed to what? I haven't been a child for quite some time," Renny replied.

"I understand that ... I meant as a milestone in your life."

"The bigger milestone isn't my age; it's you and this family. If Neil hadn't chosen to work at the hostel I wouldn't be here."

"Random chaos theory, nothing that moves is without purpose," Adam said.

"You mean it was more than just good luck?"

"That's an easier way to define it I suppose, but there are great forces at work in the universe, we really don't understand them at all, but they exist."

"You're really smart ... why did you fall for a guy like me?" Renny asked.

"Because smart isn't always loveable like you. Artistically you're a frickin genius; the rest of your knowledge will catch up in time. Do you think teenagers talk about this kind of thing all the time? No, I don't think so, we're different," Adam said.

"I like being different with you ... it makes me horny."

"I knew you were going to say that, see how smart I am?" Adam laughed.

"Being in love makes all the difference in the world to me. I feel inspired."

"Uh oh, are we about to break that promise?"

Renny giggled. "Mom said we can't have sex under her roof, so what can two smart boys do to overcome that. What is sex?"

"The former President said that blow jobs weren't sex, should we trust his judgment?" Adam asked.

"Wow ... millions of people voted for him I bet, didn't that mean they trusted him?"

"Yes, I suppose it did. So if blow jobs aren't sex ... "

"See, I knew we could figure out a way around the promise ... me first," Renny said.

Adam felt more than a little guilty, but Renny's actions quickly made that fade away. He even managed to swivel around so they could both not have sex. It had been a full week since that quick bit of anal intercourse in the back of Neil's Jeep. Thankfully the parking lot at McDonalds was filled with empty cars and Neil had to stand in line just long enough for Renny to get what he needed.

Now they were both quickly overcome with the passion and Adam got a delicious mouthful of love Renny style. They came within moments of one another, groaning softly less they awaken Wolfgang across the hall. It wasn't everything they wanted, but it was enough, and Renny quickly fell asleep afterwards.

'Why did you fall for a guy like me?' Renny had asked, but Adam knew the answer to that, he needed to. He had struggled to be normal most of his life, it was hard when he was smarter than most of his teachers. Love with Renny was simplicity itself; it pulled him in like a strong magnetic force.

He could be loving and smart at the same time, he was beginning to see that now. Brilliance had kept him from being socially adept; he just didn't fit in around most kids. Bradford had provided him with a challenge and he had welcomed it. But in one night with Renny he had discovered a whole new way to look at his life, he was really gay. It was something his Uncle Bob would understand, something he could never discuss with the man ... until now.

So the feelings had languished inside until Renny blew open his closet door, how could he not love the boy? Just discovering that he was accepted as gay by Neil, Jessie, Red ... all the gay boys ... well, it made him feel his self worth. And Tim ... wonderful and loveable Tim. Their moments of quiet sexual sharing had been sweetness itself, even if the boy had pretended to be straight.

There was just so much Tim had held inside, Adam recognized a lot of that in himself at the time. But even if all they did was masturbate he could feel Tim's eyes appraising him, there was something deeper that needed to come out. And now it had.

Renny mumbled in his sleep, talking to himself in his dreams. It was endearing, for sometimes the boy spoke his name. Just to be adored was ego food like he had never tasted before; it was also humbling beyond belief. It was hard to believe now, but his IQ had held him back from understanding this desire to be with one person for life.

Oh his parents had plans for him he was sure, but they would be surprised. His father bragged about his genius of a son to his cronies, and most of them had been solicitous. Like father, like son ... well no, he wasn't, the joke was on them. His mind was different than his father's and in some ways better, sharper. Adam knew all he needed was the experience of life to make him wiser ... and it all began with Renny.

Breakfast was late, at least for the boys. The adults had been up for hours when Renny finally awoke and yelled. "I'm a teenager!" Adam laughed himself awake, surprised at how easily they had slept in. But now Renny was dragging him out of bed and into the shower, they celebrated by having some more of that 'not sex.'

Nora reminded them they had to be dressed and ready by one o'clock, the luncheon was at two. Renny still didn't have a clue, but Adam saw Nora exchange a glance with Wolfgang. Neil and Jessie hugged the boy and said they had to run an errand at noon, so they wolfed down breakfast and headed for the shower.

Wolfgang played Renny some happy music as he called it, some of it funny variations on the Happy Birthday song.

"I stole that from Victor Borge, a great pianist in his time, but a funny man all the same. He used to play simple songs we all knew so well as if maybe the famous composers of history had written them ... terribly funny to me as a young music student."

And with that he launched into Mary Had a Little Lamb as if Mozart had composed it. Renny soon got the humor and laughed as Wolfgang played the variations. But soon it was time for them to dress up and get going, Adam pulled his suit out of the closet.

"Wow, nice threads," Renny said when he saw the coat.

Adam nodded, hiding the Armani label. "Yeah, my Mom picked it out."

"Must be some fancy place, I never get this dressed up to eat," Renny said.

"But you only turn thirteen once, don't worry about it."

Wolfgang drove them in his Mercedes, and Renny sat in back with Adam.

"Nice car," Renny said.

Wolfgang looked up in the rear view mirror. "You become a famous artist and you can afford a dozen of these."

"Really, you think?"

The Thayer Hotel was all but empty this time of year; it would all be different at the end of the week when the Bradford crowd started to arrive for the Christmas concert. Nora directed them to the front lobby and Wolfgang found a parking place right up front.

"Hey, that's Neil's Jeep," Renny said.

"Yes, dear ... he's meeting us here," Nora said. That meant her father had safely arrived, the surprise was only moments away.

"I hope they have lasagna on the menu," Renny said, "That's my favorite."

"Im sure they do," Adam said, giving Nora a wink.

She looked back at the boy and smiled. Of course, he had this all figured out, Wolfgang was right. They stepped in the lobby and Nora smiled at the manager who knew her very well by now.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Dennison ... party of four?"

"Yes, we have a reservation for six," Nora replied, maintaining the charade.

"Right this way, if you please."

They followed the man down the hall and Adam slipped his hand into Renny's. The boy smiled up at him as they approached a doorway. The manager opened the door and everyone inside yelled "Surprise!"

Renny stood stunned at the sea of faces before him, pulling himself a little closer to Adam and leaning on him for support. And then it hit him and he started to laugh.

"Oh My God," Renny screamed.

The Dubois families, Mickey, Tim and a host of kids from the hostel were there. Red and Steve, Alan and Dillon, even Tyrone and Brent ... all the Bradford boys he had met. Tobias was there standing beside Neil and Jessie, amidst the balloons and streamers. The sea of faces was overwhelming.

"Oh My God," Renny said again, and then he was mobbed by all his friends from the city.

Wolfgang was the first to walk over to a table where Robert Elkins sat. "Hello Wolfey, how are you?" Robert asked.

"Just fine, Robert ... how was your flight?"

"Smooth, just the way I like it. So, have you been enjoying my new grandson?"

"He's a delight, Robert ... a wonderful boy," Wolfgang replied.

"This sure is a bother for just a birthday party," Robert said.

"He can afford it, he'll be rich very soon," Wolfgang laughed.

"Hope so, it cost me a pretty penny just to get here."

"Don't be a grumpy old man, Robert. Just bask in the warmth of his affection; I'm sure he'll learn to love you just as I do."

Renny finally came over to the table, and he was still holding on to Adam's hand.

"This is all wonderful, Wolfey ... and I bet you knew all about it," Renny said.

"Renny ... this is your grandfather, Robert Elkins," Wolfgang said.

Renny was shocked, and he looked up at Nora who stood by watching the drama unfold, she nodded at him. He knew he had a grandfather now, Nora had been to visit the man, but here he was in person.

"My grandfather ... hello sir," Renny said, still in a bit of shock from all this attention. And then he leaned down and gave Robert a hug. Wolfgang smiled at the old man's discomfort, it was about time someone broke down that wall, and Renny was the perfect choice.

Robert finally relinquished his cold demeanor and patted the boy's back. Renny stood up and smiled. "Thank you," He said. "Wow, I have a grandfather."

"Just don't be calling me Grandpa or anything silly like that," Robert said.

"No, sir, I would never disrespect you."

"Good, about time someone in this family treated me right."

"If someone is mean you just tell me, I'll punch their lights out," Renny said.

Robert smiled and then laughed. "I bet you would, my boy. Where's Nora?"

"Right here, Dad," She said.

He looked up at her and nodded. "You did good ... now where's that special luncheon you promised me?"

"Coming right up," Nora replied.

Renny took a seat beside his Grandfather and Adam sat on the other side. "Grandfather, this is Adam," Renny said, unsure what to say next.

Robert looked across at the boy and then leaned down as if to whisper in Renny's ear, but everyone at the table heard what he said. "I hear he's a very special person to you, that's just fine by me."

The lunch was served and Renny got up from the table and moved around the room to talk with everyone. Nora smiled as the boy made his rounds, seems her little artist was a diplomat as well. Renny paid a great deal of attention to Robert, he was proud to have a grandfather Nora noticed, and it made her happy for them both.

After the lunch there was a cake and everyone sang to the boy. And then there were presents. Nora had given each boy and girl from the hostel a twenty dollar bill, sending them to the mall across the street from the hotel last night for presents. She may not have known what Renny would like, but she was sure these kids would.

He got music CD's from most of the kids, and a means to play them from Mickey and Tim. The Dubois family gave Renny a wonderful box of brushes and paints, a sweet gesture considering how expensive art supplies were. The Bradford boys all gave Renny small items as did Tobias, but Robert produced an envelope and handed it to the boy when they had a quiet moment together.

"I never know what to give grandchildren for their birthdays. Guess I'm just too old to know what boys like these days."

"Oh Grandfather, you didn't have to give me anything ... you came to see me, that's all that matters."

Robert hugged the boy as Nora and Neil watched from across the table. Finally someone had gotten through to the old man, it was wonderful to see. Renny opened the envelope and looked down at the long embossed paper inside.

"What is it?" He asked.

"It's the start of your first million dollars," Robert said. "That's a US Government Savings Bond, you ask your mother to put it away for you and someday soon it will be worth quite a bit more."

"Wow, it says five thousand dollars ... is it really worth that much?"

"It will be in a few years, you just have to hold on to it," Robert said.

"I ... I never had so much before," Renny said, and now there were tears in his eyes. "How can you give me so much?"

Robert pulled the boy to his side and Renny slid an arm on the old man's shoulder. "You're a part of my family now; we have to take care of each other. One of these days I won't be around anymore and maybe you'll be in charge of the family, I have to make sure you have the resources to do that.

"It isn't just us, there are a whole lot of people that work for us too, and we're responsible for each of them. That makes them kinda like family too, and there are thousands of them all across the country. They're good to me and they'll have to be good to you when the time comes. But don't worry yourself about that now; you'll have Nora and Neil to guide you when the time comes."

"I ... well, I guess I understand ... its complicated isn't it?"

"Very complicated, I have men to advise me how to do it right."

"OK, I'll ask them when the time comes," Renny said.

"That's a smart boy, you do that. Now where's that second piece of cake I asked for?"

Renny giggled and ran off to cut his grandfather the cake. Adam sat there smiling.

"Did I do something funny?" Robert asked, staring at the boy.

"No sir, I think you did everything just about right," Adam replied.

"Oh you think so, what makes you so smart?" Robert asked.

Adam laughed. "My Grandfather did, I have his genes."

Robert joined Adam in the laughter that followed.

"You'll go far in this world," Robert said, still chuckling.

"Thank you," Adam replied.

The party lasted until six, and then the kids took over the hotel. There was an indoor swimming pool which some of the kids enjoyed. There was also lots of action in the game room since not all of Nora's money had been spent on presents. The entire hotel management was glad when Mickey rounded up her charges and led them off to their rooms.

They would all meet back here for breakfast, but first Renny escorted his Grandfather up to his room. "Good night, my boy ... I'll see you in the morning," Robert said.

"Good night to you Grandfather, sleep well." And Renny kissed his cheek. Robert went to bed with a smile on his face.

Nora and Wolfgang were waiting in the lobby when Renny returned. Adam walked in a few minutes later after seeing the boys off to the Bradford campus.

"Whew," Renny sighed, "What a day, Mom ... bet you're glad I only turn thirteen once."

Nora laughed, "Yes, I sure am. And I've come to a conclusion while it's still your birthday." And then she handed Renny a key. "I'm sure some of your friends would be happy if you stayed here tonight so you could be close to them, I got you a room."

"I'll stay here, but what about Adam?"

"Adam may stay as well," Nora said. "You boys have a quiet night and get some rest if you can. Neil will come by and get Adam in the morning before school; we'll go to breakfast with the others."

"Oh, Mom," Renny said, his smile could have lit up the whole lobby.

"Happy Birthday, Renny ... I love you very much," Nora said.

They hugged for the longest time before Nora and Wolfgang left. Renny stood there watching them leave, and then he grinned. "You know what this means don't you?"

"Yeah ... we're not under her roof anymore," Adam replied.


On to Chapter Fifteen

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"Seasons for the Boy" Copyright © 13 April 2009 Chris James. All rights reserved.
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