Published: 25 Dec 2016

Luke trudged home, lugging the packets of meat given to him by the two teens that mysteriously were able to best his large step-brothers. He was tired from having been forced to stay up all night by his step-brothers, Bruce and Chuck, and the packages of elk meat felt like a two ton load of bricks.

As he plodded along, Luke’s mind traveled back over the events in his life and it seemed to him he always had bad luck. His dad was killed in a mining accident when he was six. He inherited his mom’s slender build rather than his dad’s braun. His mom’s string of boyfriends lived to make his life miserable in one way or another. The latest by having two teenage sons who were overweight and bullies to boot.

Luke paused to adjust the packages yet again, trying to find an easier way to carry the heavy load. His thin build was made worse by lack of nourishment over the years since his father died. It wasn’t easy living on what his mom made waitressing at the local diner.

The problem wasn’t helped any by the series of boyfriends either. Instead of helping they usually made the problem worse. One by incessant drinking, another by chain smoking and drinking and one by gambling at cards. He thought he was better than he actually was. In the beginning he took an interest in Luke and taught him how to play poker but after losing four hands in a row to Luke his tune changed.

The last boyfriend with the teenage sons brought in plenty of money for food, but his boys got first choice and Luke got what was left. Sometimes there wasn’t anything left and with his mom at the diner nearly every night no one who knew cared that he went hungry.

Luke looked up momentarily when he noticed he had finally entered the small town where he lived. Thank goodness, he thought, only four more blocks to go.

Still musing over his rotten luck in life, Luke paid little attention to his surroundings as his feet knew the way home without need for thought. After two blocks he turned the corner down Henry Street and stumbled over loose gravel in the road.

When he tried to catch himself, the heavy load caused him to fall head first. Before he hit the ground his face connected with tight hard abs and strong hands caught him by the shoulders. He looked up into the eyes of his worst nightmare (not counting Bruce and Chuck). It was the star of the basketball team, Grant Jackson, whose father owned half the town.

As soon as Luke had his feet under him again he mumbled a quick, “Sorry,” adjusted the elk meat and hurried around Grant towards home almost stumbling again in his haste.

“Do you need some . .” Grant started to ask ending with an almost whispered, “help?”

Grant continued to watch Luke struggle down the street thinking, ‘I hope he makes it alright.’ When he had disappeared around the next corner another thought came to Grant; ‘Funny! That’s the first time in over a year Bruce or Chuck haven’t been with Luke usually making fun of him.’ As he turned back to help his dad finish loading supplies in the back of the truck, Grant had one last thought cross his mind, ‘Luke has the most soulful blue eyes.’

Those blue eyes swam with tears as Luke straggled into his house mentally cursing his bad luck. He hoped his baggy jeans hid the semi-boner he popped when he realized he had face-planted into Grant’s perfect body. The six foot three inch high school basketball star was Luke’s main jack-off fantasy. Thankfully he got away before Grant slammed him for running into him.

“Mom! You here?” called Luke setting the packages of meat on the kitchen table.

“Luke! Honey! You’re here!” his mom called back as she made her way to the kitchen. “Thank goodness! I didn’t know what to think after that weird phone call Bill got from Bruce. I was afraid something had happened to ya.”

“I’m fine, ma,” Luke assured his mom as she wrapped her arms around his skinny waist. “I guess they’ll all be back later tonight?” Especially if Luke’s luck went as usual; all bad.

“Naw, I don’t think so,” answered his mom releasing him and turning to the stove. “He grabbed a bunch a clothes for the three of ’em and left. Not sure they’s comin’ back at all. You hungry?”

Luke’s head shot up in surprise; could his luck be changing after all? “Yeah, ma,” replied Luke opening the packages laid out on the table. “Some friends helped me get some elk meat fer us.”

Luke’s mom, Nancy, turned to look at the meat and was delighted to see that part of it had already been cooked. She grabbed a few strips of it saying, “This is great! This will turn the veggies into a right nice soup fer us. I’ll throw some cornbread in the oven too.”

Once the soup was going and the cornbread was in the oven Nancy helped Luke get the elk ready for the big freezer. They would have plenty of meat for some time. Again the stray thought that his luck might be improving went through Luke’s mind until he remembered who he had run into on the way home. There was sure to be hell to pay for that.

When they had put all the meat away his mom told Luke it would still be about ten minutes before supper was ready. He hurried to his room for fresh clothes and then to the bathroom for a super fast shower. Nancy was just setting steaming bowls of soup on the table when he made it back to the kitchen feeling more human. A good meal completed the feeling.

Sunday Luke and his mom cleaned the house, had the rest of the soup and cornbread for lunch then Nancy cooked elk steaks and baked potatoes for supper. Luke hadn’t eaten so well in many years. Luke hoped his luck really had changed but there was school tomorrow and Grant Jackson to face.

Luke’s first choice would be to avoid Grant altogether but in a high school of only one hundred fifty to one hundred seventy students including seventh and eighth grades that wasn’t possible. In fact, they shared four classes out of six periods. Second option was to ignore him and hope for the best.

For his part Grant spent the rest of the weekend trying not to dwell on the liquid pools of blue and the feel of those bony shoulders under his hands. Then his mind would switch to the quick glimpse he got of the bruised skin beneath the too big sweatshirt and the lack of a t-shirt in this cold weather. Both set off his anger at what the guy had endured.

Grant was angry at fate, the brothers, Bruce and Chuck, whom he was sure caused the bruises and at himself for not noticing and doing something to help. He’d change that mistake right now but wasn’t sure how to go about it.

Sunday afternoon Grant shook his head for about the hundredth time trying to get the dilemma of Luke out of his head. How did this guy get under his skin so quickly and why hadn’t it occurred sooner? It’s not like the two of them hadn’t known each other most of their lives.

The tall senior had known he preferred guys to gals for several years and had confided in his dad two years ago. It had been nerve-wracking but after four days of hunting and fishing, his dad came back and accepted it. He even hugged Grant before putting his rifles and rods away. Grant went looking for his dad now hoping he’d have some advice on how to proceed.

“Hey, son,” greeted Earl Jackson when Grant found his dad tinkering in the garage. “What’s up? You’re usually glued to the TV set about now.”

“Uh, yeah. I’ve got a problem. Several actually,” Grant admitted reluctantly even though it was the reason he sought out his dad.

“Okay. Start with the biggest or hardest one first and we’ll see what we can do,” Earl spoke as he wiped his hands and turned to face his son. “Shoot.”

“Um. Okay, Uh,” Grant had trouble getting started. “Hardest or biggest first. Okay. Dad, what do you do when you know somebody needs something and you have the means to provide but you’re pretty sure they won’t just accept charity?”

“Wow! You don’t hold back on the tough ones, huh?” chuckled his dad. After a couple moments of thought Earl replied, “Since it’s November and Christmas is just around the corner you could try the old Secret Santa routine. That’s probably the best way to go.”

“Yeah, that should work,” Grant said excitedly. “He shouldn’t have a problem . . uh . crap!”

“He?” asked his dad with a smirk. “Is this about more than just someone in need?”

Grant’s face turned bright red but he slowly nodded and answered, “Yeah. The rest of the problems involve him. How do you know if you’re falling in love? How do you find out if the other person is gay and possibly interested? How do I get him to trust me? He hasn’t been treated well lately and I’m big like the ones bullying him. What do I do?”

“Damn, Grant. I just thought you started with the hardest,” stated Earl as he plopped back against the workbench behind him. “Do I know him? Strike that; don’t need to know right now. What makes you think you’re falling for him?”

“I can’t get the picture of his blue eyes out of my head,” Grant replied earnestly. “Or the feel of his shoulders under my hands. I want to hold him and protect him.”

“Whoowee! You’ve got it bad!” Earl smiled at his son. “Well, that was an easy one. Now for the next easiest. It takes time for him to trust you and it will take some effort on your part so he can see you can be trusted.”

“That makes sense,” admitted Grant nodding in agreement. “I can work on that. What about the last one?”

“That’s the toughest one,” voiced his dad with a bit of worry. “You have to be sure about this. It’s a big step to tell a body your secret. You got to decide if you can trust him if he ain’t the same as you. It could turn out real bad for you.”

“I’ll start working on being his Secret Santa and gaining his trust: hopefully his friendship first,” decided Grant. “Then maybe I’ll have a clue about whether to trust him with knowing I’m gay and like him.”

“Let me know how things go. Particularly if you need any help,” added his dad turning back to his workbench and the project he had spread out there.

“Sure thing, dad. And thanks,” Grant said as he left the garage to make his plans.

Luke shivered after crawling out of bed; the small electric heater in his room barely kept the room above freezing. A warm shower helped, then he threw on the warmest clothes he had which was another pair of jeans and an oversized sweatshirt but no undershirt. He looked for one in Chuck’s room and then in Bruce’s, but the only clean ones he found were even bigger than the sweatshirt he had on. He did find a light jacket and slipped it on before leaving the house for school.

First period, American History, was no problem for Luke since it was one of two classes that he didn’t share with Grant. He had trouble paying attention today with his mind flicking over to what he would do in Language Arts, his next class, when Grant would be in the room.

When the bell rang Luke walked quickly to Room 203, scanned the room thinking of where Grant usually sat and chose a desk on the opposite side of the classroom. He put his head down to wait for class to begin. Luke felt as well as heard a large body plop into the desk beside him. Sneaking a peek under his arm Luke was dismayed to find it was Grant Jackson right beside him. Why did he change where he sits?

Grant was both nervous and excited as he headed to second period; Luke would be there. He first started towards his usual seat then paused to look around the room. Grant almost missed seeing Luke with his head down in his arms but changed directions to sit in the row beside him after spotting him.

The jock, basketball star who had faced larger opponents on the court without batting an eye couldn’t summon the nerve to speak to a skinny boy with his head laid on his desk. He looked over several times trying to find the guts to just say hello but failed.

“Hey, Grant,” intruded Jerry, a tall thin member of the basketball team. “What’s with the move?”

“Just felt like it,” answered Grant with a sigh and a last look at Luke’s still form.

“You ready to kick some butt?” asked Jerry.

Hearing that question Luke could no longer hold back the tremors he had quelled since Grant sat down. He kept his head down not wanting to know when the blows started and almost missed Grant’s answer.

“You know it,” Grant replied excitedly. “Can’t wait for b-ball season to start! We’re gonna make the playoffs this year for sure.”

Luke was relieved to hear they were talking about the upcoming basketball season and raised his head up just as Mr. Hilliard called the class to order putting an end to all conversation. Rushing out of the room when the bell rang Luke hid until he was almost late for his third period class, Calculus, which he also shared with Grant.

The tall blond looked around the room for Luke but had to settle for his usual spot by the windows about halfway down the row. Luke slipped in right before the late bell rang and took the only place available; front and center.

In every subject they had in common Luke did everything he could to avoid being near or having contact with Grant. For his part Grant was getting increasingly frustrated that he was making no headway to get to know Luke and wasn’t close to earning his trust.

Halfway through November Grant decided to take things into his own hands instead of waiting for an opportunity. First he talked to the chemistry teacher, Mr. Muncie, who just happened to be the basketball coach into changing lab partners. His reasoning was to help a couple of teammates who were struggling but Grant made sure he got paired with Luke. Now he had a reason to talk to the boy with the mesmerising blue eyes.

The next move he had some help with when varsity ball players were asked to assist the P.E. teachers. Grant had a study hall in the last period of the day and when he checked Luke’s schedule he was in the last P.E. class. Perfect!

Luke was beginning to think his luck really had changed for the better. For two weeks he had been able to stay clear of Grant who had apparently forgotten the incident on the street. Then the third week of November his chemistry teacher announced a shuffling of lab partners. When his name was matched to Grant’s he knew his old string of bad luck was back.

Luke slowly made his way to the assigned lab table when the teacher sent them to work with their new partners. Grant was waiting on him with a smile. Luke hoped it was a friendly one.

“Hey, partner,” greeted the jock trying to sound warm and welcoming. “Looks like we’ll be working together now.”

“Huh? Oh. Yeah,” was Luke’s brilliant response before lowering his head and setting up the lab station.

Grant tried, without success, to engage Luke in conversation while they worked. The longest answers he received were centered on chemistry while everything else consisted of single word replies.

When the bell rang signaling the end of the period, Luke was relieved to have survived being in such close proximity to the blond hunk. Only one more period until the end of the day and Grant wasn’t in this class.

Luke had purposefully left P.E. until senior year and made sure he got it last period so he wouldn’t be required to shower at school. That was the last thing he wanted to do once he figured out he liked boys over girls.

Having rushed through changing into his shorts and t-shirt Luke hit the gym and stopped dead in his tracks so fast the boy behind him nearly knocked him down. There standing, talking to Coach West was none other than Grant Jackson. In his P.E. class!

Coach West blew his whistle gathering the boys around him and began talking. “In case anyone doesn’t know him; this is Grant Jackson. I asked for volunteers from the varsity ball teams to help my classes and he agreed to be my assistant for this period.”

Now Luke was sure his bad luck was back in full force. It was bound and determined to cause him to make a fool of himself in front of Grant.

“I’m going to split the class into five groups of four people,” the coach went on. There will be four stations here in the gym and the fifth group will go with Grant to the weight room.”

Luke tried to be invisible in his group and be assigned to one of the stations in the gym but his luck struck again. Grant walked over to them and said, “I’ll take this group, Coach.”

“Okay,” answered the coach turning to the four remaining groups. “Each group take a different corner of the gym and I’ll come show you what to do. Grant, be sure to teach them proper technique and safety.”

“Right, Coach. Com’on guys.”

Grant led them to the weight room just off the gym with Luke lagging behind in dread. Inside the room, Grant went over some safety rules about spotting and not trying too much weight to start, among others. Then he sent each boy to a different piece of equipment.

The skinny teen took the bench for chest presses and waited to be shown how to do it. Luke didn’t wait long; Grant started with him laying Luke back on the bench and having him scoot into the proper position. Then Grant placed his hands on the bar and taught Luke the correct grip.

Next he held the bar as he had Luke lower then raise it so he would know the technique. Finished with teaching the chest press, Grant directed Luke to do ten repetitions while he went to the other three students. At first Luke was miffed at there being no weights on the bar until he looked around and saw that Grant had not loaded weight on anybody’s equipment. Luke had thought it was because he was so skinny but when one of the other boys asked Grant explained it was for them to learn how to lift without hurting themselves.

When he had finished with the fourth teen Grant came back to Luke at the bench and asked, “How was it?”

Luke was surprised by the question and even more surprised after considering and realizing his answer. “It felt good! I like it!”

“Good!” said Grant with a smile. “Now, let’s up the ante.” The b-ball jock added five pound weights to each side of the bar, directed Luke to do ten more reps and went on to the others.

After making a round to the others Grant returned to Luke again. “Still feeling good?”

Grinning like a cheshire cat Luke nodded in answer to the question. Outward Grant just smiled but inside he was jumping up and down. He had finally made a connection with the boy whose smile was almost as beautiful as his eyes.

“Try this for another set of ten,” Grant recommended as he put two more five pound weights on the bar and made his rounds to the rest of the group.

When all four had completed three sets Grant had them rotate to a new piece of equipment and repeated the process. After the third set this time the bell rang signaling the end of the class and the school day.

“Good job, guys,” extolled Grant as he followed them out of the room.

Luke rushed to the locker room, threw on his sweatshirt and jeans and hurried home. Sitting on the steps to the kitchen door was a package wrapped liked a Christmas present. Luke bent down to pick it up and saw a large tag with his name on it and the words, ‘From your Secret Santa.’

He carried it into the kitchen, set it on the table and stared at it wondering who could have left it. Curiosity about the contents won out over trying to scry who it was from and Luke tore the paper from the box and opened it. Inside was a package of six plain white t-shirts in his size and underneath that was a royal blue pocket t-shirt and a sky blue pocket t-shirt both of which were the correct size.

The skinny, blue-eyed teen hugged the new clothes to his chest with tears welling in those eyes and wondered again who could have left them. His mother? One of his teachers?

He carried the new shirts to his room and carefully, almost to the point of reverence, placed the folded clothes in the second from the top dresser drawer. He gently ran his hands over them one last time before sliding the drawer closed.

“Luke, you home?” called his mom as she closed the kitchen door. “I got a short break so I brought some food from the diner.”

“Hey, mom. Thanks,” replied Luke coming into the kitchen. “When you got to go back?”

“I can sit and eat a bit with ya then gotta get back,” answered his mom while staring at the torn wrapping paper and empty box. “What’s all this?”

“I was gonna ask you about it,” Luke returned. “It wasn’t you then?”

“No, wasn’t me,” avowed Nancy laying their food out on the table. “What’id ya get?”

“T-shirts that fit,” said Luke, right before stuffing a forkful of the spaghetti in front of him into his mouth.

His mom finished chewing and swallowing the much smaller bite she had taken before stating, “But you have shirts that fit. Don’t you?”

“Mmmm, this is good. It tastes like your sauce,” Luke spoke between bites.

“Don’t go changin’ the subject or try butterin’ me up. I want a straight answer,” insisted his mom. “Put your fork down and talk.”

“The only clothes I have that fit right are the two pair of jeans I bought with the money I got from helping Ol’ Man Howard last summer,” the teen spit out in a rush with tears threatening to spill out of his eyes.

“But . . how? Bill always took you with him when they went clothes shopping and you always came back carrying bags,” his mom spoke with a tone of confusion in her voice.

“Yeah, mom, you’re right,” Luke declared his voice dripping with sarcasm. “I was always ordered to go and was always ordered to carry Bruce and Chuck’s bags for them. Nothing was ever bought for me.”

“Oh, Luke! I’m so sorry,” exclaimed Nancy tearing up herself now. “Bill told me he was taking care of your needs.”

“Well, I did get clothes. Bruce and Chuck’s castoffs that were about two sizes too big.”

Nancy looked at her watch. “I’ve got to hurry. Let’s eat and we’ll discuss this more later.”

When she finished her portion Luke’s mom rose from her chair, disposed of the styrofoam, kissed Luke on top of his head and admonished, “Make sure your homework is done and don’t stay up too late. I gotta close tonight.”

Okay, mom,” mumbled Luke with his mouth full of food.

The next day at school Luke was disappointed to learn that his group wouldn’t be in the weight room again. Grant gave a friendly laugh and assured him they would lift weights again on Wednesday and on Friday.

Luke began to loosen up a little bit around Grant near the end of the week and even conversed about something other than their chemistry lab work once or twice. He was still skittish because there was a lot of past abuse from his ‘step-brothers’ to overcome.

Grant was overjoyed but kept his cool. He was making progress at least with the boy he wanted to know all about. Looking Luke over Grant decided what the next surprise from Secret Santa was going to be.

Nancy’s and Luke’s discussion got put off until the weekend. Saturday after breakfast as they sat at the table with cups of steaming coffee in front of them Luke’s mom broached the sensitive subject.

“So, you said the only clothes Bill gave you was his boys’ old stuff,” she started in a no nonsense tone. “What else went on that I didn’t know about?”

Luke looked straight ahead and blew on his coffee to cool it, trying to decide what to say.

“Everything, Luke.” Then her tone softened, “I have to know how else you were mistreated that I should’ve picked up on.”

“I didn’t want to mess things up for you so I kept quiet.”

“What else, Luke,” Nancy demanded softly.

‘I . . uh . . didn’t always get anything to eat ‘cept at school. And . . . um,” Luke couldn’t bring himself to say more so he slowly lifted up his shirts revealing the yellowing bruises on his torso.

His mom gasped, “Oh, Luke! Did . . did Bill . . .?”

“No, mom. It was Bruce and Chuck when I didn’t follow their orders fast enough or good enough to suit them.”

“My poor boy! I’m so sorry! How did I not see?”

Luke gave a bitter chuckle, “They had just enough brains to not hit anywhere that wasn’t hidden by clothing.”

“Well, I’ve got half a mind to call Bill and . .”

“No, mom, don’t. As long as they never come back I’ll be fine,” insisted Luke before changing the subject. “Do you have to go to the diner today?”

“Yeah,” sighed his mom. “But just for a lil while. The owner wants to talk with me.”

“Hope he gives you a raise. You deserve it,” Luke offered his opinion while rising from his chair. “I’m gonna take the axe, saw and wagon and get us some more firewood. It’ll start gettin’ plumb freezin’ soon.”

“Okay, but be careful. And take a couple of rolls and some of that elk meat with you.”

Monday at school was a regular day. Luke nearly fell asleep in American History but in Language Arts Grant and Jerry sat near him again and included him in their conversation. Since he knew almost nothing about basketball Luke didn’t have much to contribute.

“Sorry we bored you with all the basketball talk,” Grant apologized after they had gotten settled at their lab table in chemistry class.

“You didn’t bore me. I just don’t know anything ’bout basketball but it was interesting to listen to,” explained Luke setting out their lab notes.

“You gotta come watch us, dude,” exclaimed Grant then all talking ceased as the teacher began checking notebooks.

In gym it was Luke’s groups’ turn in the weight room again. Grant didn’t have to do very much as the teens were getting used to how to lift correctly. He did have to make Luke take some weight off the press bar after seeing him struggling. He was still sore from sawing and chopping wood all day Saturday. Grant explained that he should always use less weight if he has done something strenuous like chopping wood.

Luke sauntered home physically feeling better after the workout thanks to Grant’s instructions and was in the best mood he’d had in a long time. Still in the deepest recesses of his thoughts was the fear his old rotten luck would rear its ugly head again.

As he neared his house Luke saw another package sitting on the doorstep. He jogged the rest of the way, picked up the Christmas present bag and opened the door. Inside he set the bag on the kitchen table, laid out his homework, took the rest to his room and returned to the kitchen. Again there was a tag with his name and again it was signed from Secret Santa.

Using a knife from the drawer he sliced the tape holding the top of the bag closed. Pulling it open and peering inside he found two sweatshirts folded neatly. There was a gray one and a beautiful medium blue and both were better fitting than the ones left by Bruce and Chuck.

There was still no clue as to who this mysterious Secret Santa was. Luke’s mother, Nancy, still insisted it wasn’t her and although at first he thought it might be a teacher from school, the presents were waiting on him when he got home and weren’t there when he left in the mornings.

Tuesday and Wednesday flew by much the same as Monday then it was Thanksgiving weekend. With some of the bills having been already paid up by Bill before he and his boys took off Nancy was able to buy a small turkey breast for her and Luke. Together Thursday morning the mother and son started cooking for their midday meal.

First they had to bake a pan of cornbread so Nancy could make her cornbread dressing. After that the pumpkin pies went into the oven. On the stove water was started boiling for macaroni and cheese while Luke peeled a batch of potatoes to be cooked then mashed. When the pies were done the turkey breast went into the oven and Nancy crumbled the cooled cornbread getting it ready to be combined with bits of turkey and the juices from the roasted bird. Green beans and corn would round out the menu but they wouldn’t be started until the dressing went into the oven.

Everything was finished and on the table between twelve thirty and one o’clock. Luke poured two glasses of tea, placed them on the table and seated his mom. She asked him to say the blessing before he sat in his chair.

“Dear Lord, I come to you to give thanks for the many blessings you’ve given this year. For the food we have to eat. For my mom who loves me and for my new friend, Grant. Amen.”

As they loaded their plates with food Nancy asked, “Who is this new friend named Grant? It’s not Grant Jackson is it?”

“Yeah, mom. Why?” asked Luke spearing a couple slices of turkey.

“Just be careful, Luke,” admonished his mom putting a spoonful of corn on her plate. “He’s from a prominent family around town. I hope he isn’t setting you up for something. His dad owns the diner and a few other places in town.”

“I don’t think he’s like that,” returned Luke setting the bowl of mashed potatoes back on the table. “He’s in almost all my classes. In fact, he is my chem lab partner and he helps coach with gym class. He’s been very nice so far.”

“Well, he has always been pleasant when he comes in the diner,” admitted Nancy loading her fork with dressing. “Just be careful.”

“Okay, mom.” Luke agreed then lit into the heaps of food on his plate.

The two ate their Thanksgiving dinner mostly in silence only making small talk about the food, job, school and the coming holiday. Christmas was only a month away!

When they had finished eating Nancy tried to find out what Luke wanted for Christmas but Luke knowing they really didn’t have extra money was noncommittal and hemmed and hawed around the question.

Working smoothly as a team, the mother and son duo soon had leftovers stowed in the refrigerator for future meals, the table cleared and dishes cleaned and drying in the dish drainer. Nancy went into her bedroom to the little desk in the corner to work on a budget and hopefully find a way to provide a Christmas for Luke. He headed for the living room hoping against hope that at least one channel would come in enough for him to watch some football on TV.

Friday morning Luke and his mother slept in for a little while but it wasn’t long before Luke rose, started the coffee pot and dressed warmly. After a cup of coffee with milk and sugar and a quick breakfast Luke told his mom who was just entering the kitchen that he was going to the woods. Seeing him with the saw, axe and wagon she assumed he was after more firewood.

Luke spent over an hour searching the forest for just the right tree. When he found one he thought was perfect he used up a good fifteen minutes clearing an area for it to fall on. Then he trimmed the bottom of the trunk to have space to chop and saw through it making it fall into the spot he had made for it.

Having accomplished this he now had to lift the tree onto his wagon. Using a couple of fallen limbs, he chocked the wheels so the wagon wouldn’t move as he struggled to get enough of the tree on it to keep it from dragging on the ground. The wagon was barely large enough to hold the evergreen off the ground.

He removed the chocks and pulled on the handle of the wagon slowly getting to move through the trees toward town. Luke was pretty sure if it weren’t for the weight training in gym class he would never have been able to get the tree home. However, after many slips, bumps and breaks to rest, another hour later Luke was finally on his street.

Grant happened to see Luke turn the corner onto his street as he drove through town. He pulled into a driveway, turned around and slowly followed at a distance. His admiration for the skinny teen went up another notch as he watched the determination of the boy struggling to pull the overloaded wagon.

Luke was so engrossed in the power and strength needed to make the last several yards as his body was beginning to give out, he never knew he was being followed. With just about the last ounce of umphf he had Luke parked the wagon at the front door that led into the living room.

Leaning on the doorjamb looking from the tree to the door Luke tried to figure out how he would get it inside while already exhausted. His mom wasn’t any bigger than he was so wouldn’t be much help. A familiar voice broke his contemplations.

“Need some help with that?”

Luke’s head jerked in surprise to find Grant standing there with his hands on his hips and a big grin on his face.

“Yeah, thanks! That would be great!” Luke enthused then got suspicious. “Wait! How’d you happen to be here right when I needed help? You stalkin’ me or somethin’?”

“No! Nothing like that.” Grant lost the grin but kept a warm smile. “I was drivin’ through town when I saw you draggin’ that tree with your wagon. I thought you might have trouble gettin’ it inside.”

“Oh, so you think I’m a wimp,” Luke said dejectedly.

“Not at all, Luke,” Grant all but shouted. “I’m actually impressed that you got it here. It couldn’t have been easy and I could see how tired you were gettin.’ You’re even tougher than I already thought.”

“Really?!”

“Yeah!”

“Sorry, but I haven’t had good luck with other teens.”

“I know and I’m sorry.”

“Why are you sorry you haven’t been mean to me or bullied me?” Luke spoke baffled by Grant’s apologizing.

“No, but I didn’t stop it either and I should’ve!”

“Why? We weren’t friends then.” Luke still couldn’t figure out why Grant felt responsible.

“Should’ve been. We’ve only gone to school together forever,” returned Grant. “We were even in the same kindergarten class, remember?”

“Yeah but then there were only two kindergarten classes that year,” chuckled Luke. “Had a fifty/ fifty chance of bein’ in the same class.”

“I can’t recall if we were in any other classes together,” a thoughtful Grant reminisced before shaking his head. “Let’s get this tree in and up!”

“Yeah, I’m about wiped out,” agreed Luke.

“How ya wanna do this?”

“Why don’t you grab the bottom, heavy end and I’ll get the top,” suggested Luke. “You lead the way through the door so it won’t damage the tree too much. Then we can just lay it in the floor or you can hold it if you want while I find the tree stand.”

“Alright. Let’s do this.”

Even with the two of them it wasn’t an easy job pushing the pine through the door but they managed without losing very many limbs or needles. Grant set his end down and helped Luke raise it upright then held it while Luke searched his mom’s closet.

It only took him a few minutes to locate the stand then he knelt down to screw the bolts into place while Grant stood next to him keeping the tree steady. Luke tried to concentrate on the job at hand and not on how close he was to the handsome jock’s private area. He was mostly successful and only chubbed up a little and Grant seemed to not notice.

Luke quickly stood when he was finished and checked the tree for shape and fullness. He only had to trim a couple of places to get it to his satisfaction. More in control down below he turned to Grant, “Thanks for your help! Want some iced tea or I can start the coffee pot?”

“It was my pleasure!” Grant replied with a huge smile. “I could do with a glass of ice water, if that’s okay?”

“Sure! Com’on to the kitchen.” Luke led the way and indicated the table, “Have a seat while I get your water.”

Grant sat and scanned the kitchen much as he had the living room while Luke got out glasses filled them with ice then filled one from the faucet and the other from a jug in the refrigerator. The star athlete from a well-off family noticed the furniture was older and the fashion outdated but it was in good condition, clean and obviously had been taken care of. Looking around once more Grant came to the conclusion that it felt ‘comfortable.’

He was startled out of his reflections by the sound of a glass being set on the table in front of him. Another was placed opposite and Luke sat in the chair across from him.

“I know it’s not what you’re used to,” started Luke but he was cut off before he could say more.

“It’s fine,” interrupted Grant. “Very nice. It makes me feel more comfortable than all but one or two rooms at our house.”

“It is getting to be comfy again,” admitted Luke with a sigh.

“I guess it wasn’t with Bruce and Chuck harassing you.”

“What they did went beyond just harassment. They used to . . well . . it was worse.”

“I should have protected you,” started Grant.

“But you did,” interjected Luke cutting him off.

“Huh?”

“Back in elementary school.”

“I remember having kindergarten with you but I can’t remember seeing you after that. I know you were still here but it’s like you became invisible,” complained Grant before taking a swig of his water.

“I kinda did after dad was killed when the mine collapsed,” Luke practically whispered. “I became withdrawn and it got worse with each boyfriend of mom’s that didn’t want me around. I soon thought nobody wanted me around.”

“But I did,” said Grant forcefully. “At least in kindergarten. I wanted to be your friend and you acted like you wanted to be my friend.”

“I did. I was your friend,” returned Luke. “But nobody, not even you, came to see me after the funeral.”

“I wanted to but I was told you needed time to deal with your loss. Then I never saw you until . . . uh . . until recently. So, when did I protect you?”

“I believe it was in fifth grade. I was having a bad day and had been crying. I went into the restroom to clean my face when a couple of kids came in and found me there. They started in on me and soon were hitting me pretty hard. You came in and pulled them off me and threatened them.”

“THAT WAS YOU!?” Grant nearly shouted. “I remember that day. The kid wouldn’t let me help them up or even look up. I sent one of my friends to get a teacher.”

“And stayed right beside me even though I wouldn’t let you touch me,” Luke spoke through tears. “You stayed until one of the gym teachers came and carried me to the nurse.”

“I still can’t believe I didn’t realize it was you,” exclaimed Grant then glancing at his watch.

“I tended to keep hidden,” Luke explained.

“Woah! Look at the time! I gotta go!” Grant jumped up, took his glass to the sink and headed toward the living room.

“Hold on, Grant!” Luke intervened. “There’s a door here you can use.” Luke pointed to the door he and his mom used the most at the end of the kitchen.

“Thanks,” said Grant as he changed directions. “See ya later!”

“Thank you for helping. Don’t know how I’d gotten that tree up without ya,” Luke acknowledged. “See ya at school!”

About thirty minutes later Nancy came through the kitchen door and plopped down at the table. Luke stuck his head in from the living room where he was laying out the boxes of ornaments for the tree.

“I didn’t know you had to work today,” he said coming on in. “Want some tea or coffee?”

“Tea would be good. Thanks,” When Luke set the glass in front of her Nancy spoke again, “Sit down, Luke. We need to talk.”

“Anything wrong?” asked Luke as he sat across from his mom.

“No. Not at all. Just some changes that could be very good.”

“Okay. Why do we need to talk then?” Luke looked confused.

“If I accept the proposals, you could be here alone at night more often. I sometimes wouldn’t get home until very late.”

“Mom, I’m seventeen almost eighteen. I think I’ll be alright,” exclaimed Luke indignantly.

“I’m not worried about you taking care of yourself. I just hate you being so alone all the time.”

“I’m used to it but I could have a friend over some of the time if it’ll make you feel better. I don’t want you giving up a chance to do better because you’re worried about me.”

“Like who, Luke?” asked Nancy earnestly. “You’ve not had any friends to speak of since . . well I can’t remember when.”

“I could ask Grant. He was here earlier today. He helped me with . . uh something.”

“Grant Jackson was here? Mr, Jackson is who I’ve been meeting with. He owns the diner.”

“So?”

“What if he tells his dad what our house is like?” worried Luke’s mom. “He could withdraw his offer.”

“Mom! You’re worrying over nothing,” assured Luke smiling. “Grant said it felt comfortable here. I’m pretty sure he liked being here.”

“Oh, good,” Nancy sighed with relief. “I really want this to work out.”

“Tell me what it is.”

“Well, there’s a couple of things,” she began excitedly. “First, you know when you said it tasted like my spaghetti sauce the other day? That’s because it was. I’m getting to do some of the cooking now; not just waiting tables. The other thing is, he’s opening a new restaurant over in Pinoak City and he wants me to be the head hostess. That’s why I would be late getting home some nights.”

“That’s great, mom! I’m so proud of you!” gushed Luke rising from his seat. “Now come to the living room. I’ve got a surprise!”

Luke led the way into the living room to show off the tree he had labored to bring home. Nancy oohed and ahhed over it and Luke revealed that this was what Grant had helped him with. Together they decorated the tree then stood back and admired their handiwork.

Saturday, Luke was back in the woods cutting trees for firewood again. On his way back to the house he was spotted by Grant again, but this time Luke saw him too, and waved. When he arrived at his house Grant was there waiting on him and together they unloaded the wagon stacking the firewood with the wood already there.

“Now I know you’re stalking me,” Luke declared when they had finished.

Grant froze, unsure what to say, until he looked at the big smile on Luke’s face and knew he was teasing. Then he heaved a sigh of relief.

“You gonna make a habit of showing up whenever I have a loaded wagon?” Luke continued his teasing.

“Maybe,” Grant was deliberately vague. “Or maybe I just wanted to try your tea this time.”

With a grin and a hand flourish Luke offered, “Come in, then, and I’ll get you a glass.”

“Thank you kind sir,” Grant bowed and the two went in the kitchen where they drank iced tea and chatted aimlessly about school, football and basketball.

The next week at school was a normal week; they had classes, worked out in gym class, had basketball practices, and did homework. On Friday, near the end of their lab time in chemistry, Coach Muncie announced a chemistry project that was to be completed with their lab partner. It would require a lot of research, setting up an experiment and reporting the results.

Grant was elated to hear the news, since it meant working even more with the blue-eyed teen he was interested in. Luke, however, took the news with mixed feelings. He liked Grant and working with him was not a problem, as long as his groin behaved. Besides being afraid of revealing his feelings for the hot jock, Luke didn’t have the means to do the research except to go to the town library which was not up to date with its selections.

Grant saw the wary look on Luke’s face and wandered about the cause. As they went from chemistry to the locker room to get ready for P.E. Grant brought it up. “Why the worried look after Coach announced the project? I thought we were working good together.”

“Yeah, I guess we are.” Luke said hesitantly. “It’s just I don’t have the internet or even a computer to do the research and our library sucks.”

“Oh, that’s okay. We can do it at my house or I can drive us over to Pinoak City to their library,” suggested Grant brightly.

“I guess that’ll be okay. I just want to feel I’m doing my share.”

“Not a problem. You can take the lead on our research; I’ll provide the means of doing it,” Grant offered hoping Luke would agree.

“Okay, I reckon that’ll work,” agreed Luke as they reached the locker room.

They went to their respective lockers, changed, went to the weight room and did their workout. After they had changed back to regular clothes and were headed out the door Grant called out, “I’ll come pick you up tomorrow unless you’ve got to chop more wood, okay?”

“Sure, Grant. See ya then.”

They met for a couple of hours on Saturday, settled on a direction for their project and started their research.

Monday started much the same as the last week had except Grant seemed rushed at lunch time. Luke didn’t think twice about it as they walked to chemistry class. After gym class they parted for their own homes with plans to meet after school Tuesday for more work on their chemistry project.

As he got close to home, Luke could see a package wrapped in Christmas paper sitting outside the door. It had been awhile and he figured his Secret Santa had stopped. Luke increased his pace, hoisted the package up when he got there and let himself into the kitchen.

Once inside he set the present on the table then put his school stuff in his room. Back in the kitchen he gave the package a thorough going over, but still, the only thing he knew was that it came from his Secret Santa. Opening the gift he found more clothes; this time there were two long sleeve henleys and again one was blue. The other one was a medium brown about like his coffee when there wasn’t enough milk for him to make it as light as he liked.

The next day at school Luke kept watching the door to the Language Arts room wondering when Grant would get there. The closer it got to the late bell the antsier Luke got.

“Dude. What’s up?” asked Jerry from the desk behind the empty one Grant usually sat in.

“Where’s Grant?” Luke questioned anxiously in response. “We’re supposed to get together this afternoon.”

“Hey, fag! Afraid you’ll be stood up,” sneered a kid two seats behind Luke. “I’ve seen how ya stare when the guy ain’t lookin.'”

Luke froze with fear his face a mask of horror. He couldn’t look in Jerry’s direction lest he reveal the truth of his feelings for Grant.

“Yeah, I can tell,” sneered the teen more. “Don’t know how he stands to have you around.”

In a panic with tears starting to fall Luke rushed from the room ignoring the inquiry by Mr. Hilliard. Jerry did reply to the look he got as he rose to follow after Luke.

“He’s not been feeling too good today. I’ll go check on him.”

Mr. Hilliard nodded his consent then called the rest of the class to order and started the day’s lesson. Jerry grabbed his and Luke’s backpacks and hurried to try to catch up with Luke.

The slender teen wanted to run out of the school completely but couldn’t bring himself to do it. Instead he ran into the boy’s bathroom closest to the door. Jerry’s longer stride allowed him to catch a glimpse of Luke as he went around the corner and then to see the door to the bathroom swing closed. Since he knew where Luke was Jerry slowed down to calm himself because he really wanted to punch the boy who harassed his friend and to figure out what to say.

Jerry was pretty sure the rude kid had hit the nail on the head. Luke watched Grant with the same look Jerry had for Melissa Medford. Grant either didn’t notice or didn’t care and Jerry had no problem with Luke if he was gay, bi or straight. He was a nice guy who’d had some crappy stuff happen in his life. Also Luke never gave Jerry grief when he had trouble getting something in class.

Now at the door Jerry paused to gather himself then pushed into the bathroom. Luke’s head jerked up with panic still etched into his face.

“You come to yell at me or beat me now?” bellowed Luke. “Don’t worry, I won’t bother or talk to you or Grant ever again.” Then he turned away hoping that would be the end of it.

Instead Luke felt hands on his shoulders turning him around to face Grant’s friend and teammate. He flinched with his eyes closed waiting for the blows to land.

“What?” Jerry asked calmly. “We not good enough to be your friend anymore?”

With a confused look Luke opened his eyes with understanding of what Jerry said coming slowly.

“You . . . you still want to be my friend? Even after what that guy said?” Luke was having trouble believing his bad luck hadn’t finally raised its ugly head.

“I don’t care what he said and I doubt Grant will either.”

“What if he’s right? What if I have been looking at Grant like he said?” Luke continued to question. “What if I am gay?”

“I kinda thought you might be already. I’ve seen how you look at Grant,” answered Jerry in a quiet, kind manner. “I have no idea if Grant has noticed or cares but he doesn’t give his friendship lightly.”

“You can’t tell him!” exclaimed Luke worriedly. “Not a word. Please!”

“What’ll ya do t’keep me quiet?” Jerry said meaning it as a kind of joke but really needing Luke’s help with an English assignment. Then he saw the look of abject terror on Luke’s face and realized it was a stupid move that the frightened teen wasn’t ready for.

“No! No! No! I’m so sorry, Luke,” apologized Jerry profusely. “That’s not what I meant at all. I need your help on our research paper in English class. I’m totally lost.”

Luke’s legs gave out and he slid down the wall to the bathroom floor as he grasped the fact he was not being asked to provide sexual release. Jerry reached down and lifted Luke to his feet and held him up until he could stand on his own. Then he hugged the thin boy close and whispered, “I’m sorry,” one more time.

The basketball player waited while Luke refreshed his face, handed him his backpack, and walked him to his next class. As they approached the room Grant met them at the door.

“Where were you two during Language class?” inquired Grant. “I got held up in World History and was late to class.”

Luke’s mouth opened and shut like a fish out of water as his mind went blank as to how to answer the question.

Thankfully, Jerry came to his rescue. “Luke felt a bit sick and I accompanied him to the bathroom and stayed with him until he was better. Now I can hand him off to you. See ye ’round, Luke.”

“Thanks for everything, Jerry,” returned Luke bumping Jerry’s offered fist. “We’ll get together to discuss your research paper later.”

“Thanks!”

“You okay now?” queried Grant with some concern.

“Much better. Let’s get to our seats.”

The rest of the week was uneventful after Jerry and a couple more members of the basketball team he recruited had a small ‘talk’ with the loud-mouthed student in their Language Arts class. On Saturday, Luke went to Jerry’s house and got him sorted on his research paper, then cut some firewood where he was joined by Grant again when he got home and finally the two went to Grant’s house to work on their chemistry experiment.

It was now two weeks until Christmas and this would be the last full week of school. It started off well although there wasn’t another package on his door stoop Monday afternoon. Luke laughed at himself for feeling a little bit disappointed and reminded himself he had received plenty already.

The following days were going well; Grant’s and Luke’s experiment was coming along, Jerry was making good progress on his research paper and Luke was beginning to enjoy P.E. for the first time ever. Everyone was boning up for midterm exams next week.

By Friday they were all ready for a break and Luke was glad it was a weight training day for his group. It would help relieve the stress of cramming for next week’s tests. Luke was working his thighs today on the leg press when Grant came by to check his progress.

Grant laid a hand on top of Luke’s thigh to feel the muscles working. Luke bit his lip and thought of everything he could think of to ignore Grant touching him. Just then one of the other students called out a question for Grant. As he turned his attention and his body to the other student he unknowingly ran his hand up Luke’s leg. That was all she wrote for Luke and his shorts grew a decent sized tent.

Although Grant wasn’t paying attention, Danny a sophomore in the class, was and he loudly proclaimed, “You a fag? Cause you just popped a big boner!”

Luke’s entire body turned beet red and he wished he could sink right through the floor. The noisy exclamation grabbed Grant’s attention and he turned back toward Luke. His face flushed a brilliant red when he discovered where his hand had gotten to. Grant jerked his hand back and started to apologize when the room erupted in laughter.

His words stuck in his throat when Grant saw the look of pure devastation on Luke’s face as he jumped off the exercise machine and darted out the door. Luke was so distraught he ran straight home in his workout clothes of shorts and t-shirt in spite of the frigid weather. Grant confronted the three students left with a face made even redder with growing anger.

“That was uncalled for,” he hissed in a low menacing tone. “Let me run my hand up your thigh and see what happens to you. I wasn’t watching what I was doing when Cal asked for my help.”

“You a fag, too?” asked Danny not knowing how close he was to setting off the large senior facing him.

“Whether or not me or Luke are gay is none of your business,” returned Grant in the same low voice. “And if I hear you referring to someone as ‘fag’ again you will be reported. Now everybody out! we’re done here.”

Grant explained the situation to Coach West who summoned Danny and the others to him. He sentenced them all to doing push-ups; twenty each to the two boys that laughed.

Danny looked at the coach and asked, “How many for me? You didn’t say.”

“Just get started. I’ll tell you when you’re done,” snarled Coach West.

Danny started to say more but catching the expression on the coach’s face closed his mouth and dropped to the floor.

Grant hurried to the locker room hoping to catch Luke before he left but when he got there he found Luke’s backpack and street clothes still there. He quickly changed, gathered Luke’s stuff and drove to his house. No one answered the door after he had knocked several times so Grant sadly set the backpack on the steps and hurried back to school for basketball practice.

After basketball practice Grant offered Jerry a ride home and relayed all that had happened during the gym class.

“Be patient and let him know you still want to be his friend when you get the chance,” advised Jerry.

“Thanks for listening and for the advice. See ya Monday.”

Saturday Grant drove by Luke’s house several times before he got up enough nerve to stop and knock on the door. He waited nervously to see if it would be answered. When the door opened Grant was faced with Nancy Lewis and she didn’t look happy.

“Why are you here? Haven’t you done enough?” accused Luke’s mom with her hands planted on her hips.

“I need to apologize to Luke. Is he here?” Grant pleaded. “It was an accident that caused the problem. I didn’t mean to do it. I definitely didn’t want Luke made fun of. He’s my friend or was. I hope he’ll still consider me a friend. So, I really need to see him. Please?”

Nancy softened her stance after listening to the young man pour out his heart. “Sorry, Grant, but he isn’t here right now. He said something about helping with someone’s research paper. Give him time for this to blow over and he should listen to you then.”

“Thanks, Mrs Lewis. It’s good he’s with Jerry. He’s a good guy,” ascertained Grant turning to leave. “I’ll see him at school Monday.”

Across town Jerry was hearing the gym class story again, this time from Luke’s viewpoint. He listened attentively never hinting that he had already heard the story. Jerry had trouble grasping school sometimes but he knew people and he knew Luke needed to tell what happened to get past the embarrassment.

“Why would Grant do something like that? I thought we were friends,” Luke finished.

“I’m pretty sure Grant didn’t do it on purpose and he feels really bad about it,” replied Jerry as he reached into the bottom drawer of his desk. “In fact, I know he would undo it if he could because he told me when he drove me home after basketball practice. You know he’s the one who left your stuff at your house, right? Anyway, here, these will help.”

Jerry handed Luke two plastic-wrapped packages that he had removed from his desk drawer. Luke looked confused until he saw what was in the packages then his face turned red for yet another time. In his hands were two jockstraps.

“It’s what us jocks wear. Keeps everything tucked where it’s supposed to be and embarrassing things don’t pop up,” explained Jerry with a chuckle.

Jerry’s humorous and light-hearted treatment of the ordeal started to upset Luke then he noticed his embarrassment was gone. Relieved to know he would survive and this would pass Luke began to chuckle which gradually grew into full out belly laughs. Jerry grinned and chuckled along until Luke had laughed himself out.

“Thanks, Jerry,” Luke smiled warmly. “I guess I can cross you off the list of possible Secret Santas otherwise these would have been wrapped and sitting outside my kitchen on Monday.”

After picking his chin off the floor Jerry burst out laughing at Luke’s attempt at humor so soon.

“Hey! Aren’t you suppose to be helping with a research paper?” Jerry proclaimed with mock seriousness.

The two friends settled down and got almost to the end of Jerry’s paper by the time Luke had to head home.

Monday morning dawned bright, sunny and freezing Luke was not looking forward to walking to school but he couldn’t miss because half his classes had exams today. He bundled as best he could, stepped outside and was frightened half to death by the truck horn blaring right behind him. He turned to see Grant at the wheel and Jerry’s smiling face on the passenger side.

They beckoned him to the truck and Jerry opened the door on his side. Luke ran over and jumped in beside Jerry. “Thanks, guys! It’s cold enough to freeze your balls off!”

“Can’t let that happen to our bud!” rejoined Jerry making room for Luke.

“Am I forgiven?” asked Grant hopefully.

“You’re on probation,” answered Luke solemnly. “I don’t think you meant to do anything but I’ve been hurt too many times in the past.”

Grant nodded and the three teens rode to school in silence. Periods one, three and five had exams today. Luke flew through his exams feeling good about how he did but he was very ready to release some stress lifting weights. His only concerned were the other boys in his group and how they would treat him.

He changed quickly donning one of his new jockstraps and headed to the weight room. The two boys that had laughed met him at the door with apologies and fist bumps but Danny wasn’t there. Grant arrived a minute later with a new kid in tow. Coach had taken Danny out of their group. Luke had a very satisfying workout.

After changing he started walking toward his house when Grant drove up beside him. “Want a ride home?”

“Sure, thanks,” smiled Luke thinking maybe things would be okay after all.

He waved bye to Grant after hopping out of the truck.

“I’ll pick you up in the morning!” yelled Grant as he took off for his own home.

Tuesday exams were in periods two, four and six. Again Luke felt he did well on his tests and had a pleasant workout before being dropped off by Grant. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve.

It was extra cold in the house when Luke woke up and when he checked the fire had nearly gone out during the night. He bundled up tightly to rush out to the woodpile for more firewood. Shoving the door open Luke was met with resistance, a yelp and the sound of a body falling.

He carefully squeezed out the door to see what was going on. Luke couldn’t believe what he found. There was another Christmas wrapped package and Grant Jackson sprawled out in the yard. Luke stood stock still taking in the fact that the teen he thought was his friend was the one secretly leaving presents. Grant groggily sat up and tried to focus on the teen standing in front of him.

“I thought you were my friend but I guess you were just being nice so you could see what the poor, little gay boy needed. Then you could buy it, leave it anonymously and feel all good about yourself,” yelled Luke with tears in his eyes. “You can go on now. You’ve done your ‘good deed’ for this year.”

Luke turned and rushed back to the kitchen door having trouble finding it through the tears.

“No! Wait!” called Grant as he stumbled to his feet. “It’s not like that at all! Luke! Wait!”

Thanks to his long legs Grant was barely able to get there before Luke could slam the door closed. He slipped through the door and grabbed hold of the struggling Luke.

“Will you stop and listen! Please,” begged Grant. “I got you those things because you needed them and I like you. I hated seeing you always so cold and . . wait . . did you say you’re gay?”

“Yeah! I figured Jerry told you all about me and you’ns had a big laugh about it.”

“Jerry never said anything,” refuted Grant. “He wouldn’t if you asked him not to. He didn’t tell me but I hoped especially after what happened in gym class although I am sorry they made fun of you.”

Luke stopped grappling with the bigger, stronger teen and stared, “You h-h-oped I was gay? Why?”

“I told you. I like you,”answered Grant loosening his grip but not letting go of the thin teen. “I’ve been falling for ya ever since that day in the street when you tripped and I caught you.”

“You’re puttin’ me on,” accused Luke leaning away from Grant but not being able to leave.

“No, I’m not,” Grant replied softly and pulled the blue-eyed boy to him. He kept a hand on his back but the other went to the back of Luke’s neck and brought him close enough to kiss gently but firmly on the lips.

At first Luke stiffened but as the kissed progressed he melted into the boy holding onto him. He couldn’t believe his fantasy boy was making out with him. Suddenly he pushed away wildly.

“Stop! You’re just settin’ me up to get made fun of again. You can’t be gay.”

Grant released his hold and let Luke take a step back. “Well, I am gay. If you don’t believe me check this.” With that Grant grabbed Luke’s hand and placed it on his crotch.

Luke’s eyes got big as saucers as he felt the hard piece of flesh in Grant’s jeans.

“Yeah, you caused that, Luke. You’ve been causin’ that for almost two months now,” admitted Grant. “I want to be with you.”

“Really!”

“Yes, Luke, really.”

“Hold me, please.”

“Thought you’d never ask,” said Grant as he wrapped Luke in his strong arms and held him close, then he began to rub one hand up and down the slender youth’s back.

Luke secured his arms around Grant’s waist and held on as his legs nearly collapsed from the euphoria running through his body. The embracing boys were jolted back to reality when they heard movement in the back of the house.

“Luke! You up?” called Nancy while getting dressed. “What’s goin’ on?”

“Yeah, I’m up. Nothin’s goin’ on, mom,” Luke replied loudly then whispered, “Quick, get in my room!” Grant shrugged to show his confusion.

“What was all that noise, then?” yelled his mom again.

“Go, go. Mom don’t know,” Luke hissed at the jock who finally understood the problem and tiptoed to Luke’s bedroom. “I was headed out to get some firewood and tripped over another present from the Secret Santa.”

Luke hurriedly retrieved the package and placed it on the table then went out for the firewood that had been all but forgotten. When returned with the wood his mom had just entered the kitchen and was starting the coffee pot.

You’d better get some of that wood on before the fire goes completely out,” suggested Nancy. “Then come open this present and see what you got this time.”

“Okay, mom.”

When he returned to the kitchen His mom placed a mug of hot coffee on the table for him. They sat together quietly enjoying their coffee for a few minutes then Luke cleared his throat.

“Mom, I need to tell you something . . . about me,” Luke began then stopped to gauge his mom’s reaction. There wasn’t any so he went ahead. ” Uh . . um . . I’m . . uh . . gay. There I’ve said it.”

“Okay,” replied Nancy calmly.

“What’d’ya mean okay? I just told you your only son is gay.”

“Yes and I’m your mom. I kinda thought you might be since you’ve never shown the slightest interest in girls,” rejoined his mom still calm. “I am glad you told me. Is there a certain someone you’re interested in?”

“Yes,” Luke answered blushing.

“Does he like you?”

“Yes, mom,” his blush deepening.

“Good. Now, it’s obvious I’m not going to throw a fit or throw you out of the house so tell Grant he can come out of your room,” Nancy chuckled at the look on her son’s face when she dropped that bomb on him.

“H-how . . how did you know?”

Nancy laughed again, “I saw his truck in the window when I came through the living room.”

“Come on out here, Grant!” called Luke.

“Hey, Mrs. Lewis,” greeted the tall teen as he entered the kitchen. He walked over to stand behind Luke with his hands resting on the boy’s shoulders. “I’ve got two things to ask you. First, may I have your permission to date your son?” Nancy nodded her agreement. “Thanks and second, Dad wants me to invite you to dinner tomorrow. Both of you. Can you come, please?”

“Yes, we’ll be there, What time?” answered Nancy smiling.

“I’ll have to check with Dad and he’ll want to see what time you want to do it. Whether you want to do lunchtime or supper time,”

“Tomorrow we don’t have much goin’ on. We’ll do breakfast together and that’s pretty much it. So lunch works for us. Say early afternoon?” explained Nancy watching her son’s reactions. “I have a feeling Luke will want to spend as long as he can there.”

‘I’ll tell Dad and let you know,” replied Grant then he noticed the present still laying unopened on the kitchen table. “Hey! You haven’t opened your gift!”

“Now that I know it’s from you I was gonna wait ’til tomorrow,” Luke averred.

“Naw, I wanna see ya open it,” argued Grant. “Besides I have another one for you to open tomorrow.”

“Grant, that’s too much,” protested Luke rising from his chair and turning to face his new boyfriend. “Plus I don’t have anything for you.”

“Just agreeing to go with me is enough,” Grant started saying until Luke shook his head at him. “Okay, then, when I was in your room waiting I noticed some wood carvings. Did you do them?” Getting a nod from Luke he continued, “How’s about you do one for me? I’d prefer to have something you made and those are pretty good. I know you probably can’t carve one completely by tomorrow but you could wrap up what you have then finish it later?”

“Hmmmmm, that will work, I think,” said Luke with a twinkle in his eye.

“Can I borrow Luke, Mrs Lewis? We gotta go see Jerry then we’ll stop by to talk to my dad and make plans for tomorrow. Let’s go!”

“Okay, Grant, keep your shirt on . . at least for now . . he, he,” admonished Luke with a giggle. “But you gotta bring me back here in time to work on your present.”

They made their rounds to see Jerry and Grant’s dad, Earl Jackson. Jerry was surprised at first when he was told the news then he was stoked for his two friends. Earl thought the afternoon would be great and suggested one thirty. Finally they were back at Luke’s house sitting in Grant’s truck saying goodbye. After one more kiss Luke jumped out calling out, “See ya tomorrow! Merry Christmas!” Grant blew his horn as he pulled away.

It was about three in the afternoon, the Jackson’s and the Lewis’ were stuffed with Christmas dinner. The adults were still sitting at the dining room table but Grant and Luke gone to down to the den in the basement. They exchanged their presents. Luke got a brand new, blue, fleece-lined jacket that would keep him warm when he wasn’t with Grant.

Grant couldn’t believe his present when he opened it and took out the perfectly carved figure in the classic dunk pose holding a basketball.

“How did you do this in one night?” he asked with awe. “It’s perfect!”

“Actually, I didn’t,” admitted Luke smiling from ear to ear from Grant’s attitude toward his gift. “I had started it the weekend after I ran into you on the street. I remembered it after you asking for a carving for Christmas. It didn’t take much to finish it, sand it and oil it. I’m glad you like it.”

“Like it! I love it!” exclaimed Grant with exuberance. “Wait’ll the guys see it they’ll wish they had one.”

They sat snuggled together on the couch watching the Celtics play the Knicks with Grant explaining different aspects of the game for Luke. They had been quiet for a few minutes when Luke quietly announced, “This is the best Christmas gift right here. Just sharing quiet time with you.”

Grant couldn’t have agreed more as he pulled the slender blue-eyed teen tighter against him. Luke’s last thought as he fell asleep cuddled with his favorite jock was that his luck had truly changed.