No Means No

by Rob Warr

Chapter 3

Healing

There was a sort of healing that went along with confiding in someone and confronting my attacker, and after that, things seemed to get better for me. I still harbored the guilt of keeping perhaps the biggest secret of my life from my parents, but I felt that was one secret I could never reveal to them. Maybe I was being unfair, assuming the worst, and that they would want to have Brian prosecuted, but I just couldn't take that chance.

Yes, what Brian had done to me was horrible, and it was something I would have to live with for the rest of my life, but I felt that confronting him and warning him was enough for now. Rick seemed to agree, although there were times when we'd see Brian in the halls or other places, that Rick looked as if he'd like to deliver that can of whoop ass he'd said he had ready for him.

As for Rick and me, we became closer after that, mostly because I had trusted him enough to tell him what had happened to me. He said my confiding in him was the most touching thing he'd ever had happen to him, and that he felt as if he knew me even better, having shared my pain.

As days turned into weeks, we became even closer, and I guess you could say we were dating now. Though not officially a couple, other kids had begun to notice that we spent a lot of time together, though no one called us on it. It wasn't unusual at our age to have a bestie and spend a lot of time with them, just as I had with Brian, although a few boys were now beginning to discover girls.

On Christmas Eve, Rick came over and we exchanged gifts, had a nice dinner, and watched Christmas movies with my folks. My folks had come to accept and to love Rick almost as much as I did, and my mom supported our relationship in every way possible. She was our wheels when we needed to go somewhere, and though we didn't call it dating, I guess you could say that was really what it was. We'd go to the movies, the mall, the arcade, or play miniature golf if the weather was good. We both loved sci-fi and action movies and we saw a lot of those over Christmas break.

Christmas day we spent with our families, but we texted back and forth, even sending pics of what we were eating or what gifts we'd received from our families. However, as much as I was enjoying my new found friendship with Rick, occasionally I would think of Brian and wonder what he was doing.

Past Christmases we had spent a lot of time together, and almost every night during Christmas break one of us would sleep over at the other's house. I often wondered, did Brian miss me as much as I missed him, and...did his dad miss me as well? I sort of missed his dad, who had always been nice to me, and I still wondered what excuse Brian had given him for our 'breakup'.

Despite Rick and I growing closer over the last month or so, we had yet to have a sleepover, mostly because of my experience at the last one, but Rick never pressed me. He was very kind and understanding, and when I would occasionally get into one of my sad moods, he'd hold my hand or give me a hug, and I felt like things would be all right again.

So, knowing what a great friend Rick was, and feeling that I could trust him with my life now, I made the next move.

"Rick, umm...do you think your folks would let you sleep over New Year's Eve?" I managed to spit out, my face reddening at the implications, though I had nothing more in mind than the usual hand-holding and occasional hug or kiss.

"Are you sure?" Rick said excitedly, then he seemed to cool his jets a little, "I mean, I understand if you're not ready for that, yet."

I sighed, "I've been thinking about this for a while now. I think it's time I moved on and got back to living, like I used to. Sleepovers were a big thing with...with, well...you know, and I remember how great they were, and...I want us to have that too."

"I love you so much," Rick said, wiping a tear from his eye, "of course I'll sleep over. My folks were going to this party anyway, so that will work out great. It will keep me from having to go to my aunt's house."

"Great, can you call them now? I'd really like to know before I ask my folks, but I just know they'll agree. We're celebrating New Year's Eve here at home, and well...they might even let us have a sip of Champagne," I said grinning.

"Awesome, sure, hold on," Rick said pulling his phone out and making the call.

I could only hear his end, but when he gave me an enthusiastic thumbs up I knew we were on for the sleepover. I was torn between relief and fear, however, I was determined to do this, no matter what.

My mom was almost as excited as I was about Rick sleeping over, and she gave me a big hug and a kiss on the forehead, then gave Rick a hug as well.

"Sorry about my mom," I said rolling my eyes once we were back in my room, "she still thinks we're boyfriends," I said, eying Rick for his reaction.

He was quiet for a moment, then he chuckled, "Well, we are, sorta, aren't we?"

"Well, I dunno, we've never really talked about it, or made it official..."

"Yeah, you're right. Maybe we can talk about that some more when I sleepover."

New Year's Eve, Rick's folks dropped him off about 6 o'clock, and I was waiting for him with apprehension mixed with joy. I knew I was being silly, this was Rick, the boy I'd, dare I say it, come to love over the last month or so, and I knew he was no danger to me. But then I'd thought the same thing about Brian, until he was.

I wasn't about to let Brian ruin things tonight though, and anyway, we'd be with my folks most of the night till we toasted in the New Year, then it would be off to bed. That caused a few butterflies in my stomach, but I figured we'd be so tired by then that sleep would come quickly.

My room had a queen-sized bed, and I'd never considered any other arrangement than Rick sleeping with me. That was how Brian and I always did it, and I saw no reason to change things now. Even if we did have a perfectly fine guest room, I wanted Rick right there with me. Was I trying to prove something? I wondered, or was I just attempting to preserve a sense of normalcy in my life? Maybe I did need to see a shrink, I chuckled to myself.

Mom seemed especially happy to see Rick, and Dad was his usual cheerful, friendly self. Rick had often confided to me that he was really comfortable around our family, and I could see why after having spent time with his parents.

Since it was still early, we headed outside to play with my dog, Bones, then wound up tossing a ball around till dinner time. Since we'd be having some snacks later, mom had fixed a huge sub on a loaf of French bread then cut it into eight pieces, two each. We also had bowls of her broccoli cheese soup, which was epic. Even Rick, who said he wasn't much on broccoli, loved it, and kept complimenting my mom.

We wouldn't start the official countdown till ten o'clock, so Rick and I were free to play video games or watch TV, but I had another idea. I surprised my folks by asking them if they would play a board game with us, and they easily agreed.

I'd already discussed this with Rick, who said it sounded like fun, and we actually wound up playing both Sorry and Clue, then, when my folks got tired of playing, Rick and I played a card game.

Around nine, mom suggested that if we planned to shower, that now was the time, but I had showered earlier and told her I didn't need another one. Rick, however, said he'd been in such a hurry to get to my house that he hadn't had time to shower and would love to have one to help him relax.

We went to my room and he grabbed some clean clothes and his toothbrush and I walked him to the bathroom. Once inside, I handed him a towel and wash cloth, and showed him where the soap and shampoo were. I left him to do his thing, closing the door behind me, and went to my room to wait.

I couldn't help but think about Rick in there, naked, the water cascading down his smooth, well-defined body, and I have to admit, I got a little hard. So far Rick and I had done nothing more sensual than kissing, but that was mostly my fault. I knew Rick wanted more, and so did I, I just wasn't ready, yet. Then I had a horrible thought: Would Rick think tonight was about me finally giving in and having sex? No, surely not, he'd promised to let me lead, and at my own pace. Well, if he was going to let me lead, then I had nothing to worry about, because I had nothing sexual in mind, at least not at the moment.

Rick emerged, still toweling his hair, but fully dressed now in khaki shorts and an orange and tan striped shirt. He looked good, and I couldn't help but admire his body as his towel suddenly covered his eyes as he dried his hair. He was not only cute, but had a body that any girl or boy would sit up and take notice of. Once or twice at his house, I'd gotten a peek at his upper body while he was changing shirts, and I had to admit, he was a lot more buff than most boys our age. I knew he didn't work out, but he was pretty active, as was I, and didn't just sit around playing video games all day. In fact, he and I did a lot of walking together, holding hands when we could safely get away with it, and I guessed that was good exercise, for both of us.

"I like your body wash, it smells like you," he said grinning, "or should I say, you smell like it?"

"Now, you'll smell like me. That will be confusing," I joked.

"It doesn't cover your natural scent though," he said staring me right in the eyes, "and I really like your natural scent."

"What do you mean, like my BO?" I laughed.

"Nah, your natural scent, like those pheromones you give off or something."

"O...kaaay," I chuckled, "I like your scent too...manly."

He laughed, "Yeah, we're both pretty manly...for teenagers."

"I think I might take a shower after all," I said hopping up from my bed, "I'm sure I sweated a bit outside earlier, and I probably smell like dog slobbers too."

"I'm sure you smell just fine, but it's your call. I'll just check out your mags while you shower."

"Sure, help yourself. I have Popular Science, Natural Geographic, and a few others. My folks give them to me when they're finished with them. Some of the pics and articles are pretty interesting."

"I never knew a boy who had magazines in their room before, well...at least not magazines that weren't dirty," Rick chuckled.

"I don't have any of those," I said blushing, "in fact, I've never even seen one."

"Me either, all the porn I've seen has been online," he chuckled.

"Yeah, well...gotta grab some clothes," I said blushing bright red.

I left Rick to thumb through my mags and headed to the shower. Subconsciously, I latched the bathroom door, even though I was sure Rick wouldn't try to enter without my permission. As I stripped off my clothes, I couldn't help but think that only minutes earlier Rick had stood here naked, and a shiver ran through my body.

I hopped in the shower and turned the water on, a little cooler than I usually do, and let it run through my hair and down my body. It felt good, and revitalizing, and by the time I'd soaped up and rinsed off, I felt great.

I dried slowly, making sure to get every inch of my body dried before attempting to put on my clothes. Once dressed, I rejoined Rick, who seemed to be engrossed in an article in Nat Geo.

"Ogling the naked native pics?" I teased.

"Nah, reading about the rising temp of the seas. Scary stuff," he said laying the magazine down, "if we don't start fixing things, you and I may not have a world left to live in, let alone our kids."

"Oh, are you planning on having kids?" I said, completely blowing off his concerns about our doomed planet.

"What?" Oh, I don't know. I wouldn't mind, even if I wind up marrying a guy...we could adopt or use a surrogate or something."

"Who you planning on marrying?" I said sitting down next to him.

"Huh, well...I don't know. Are you proposing?" he teased.

"I think we're a little young for marriage, but I've been thinking about the boyfriend thing since we talked about it earlier."

"You have," he said sounding interested.

"Yeah, if some boy asked, I might say yes."

"Wait, some boy? Is there someone else?" he teased.

I sighed, "You, you...you're the boy."

"I knew that," Rick laughed, "well...Danny Graham, would you, I mean, will you be my boyfriend?"

"I'll think about it," I said, then seeing his fallen face I laughed, "I thought about it. The answer is...YES! I can't believe it took you this long to ask me."

Rick just shook his head, "I was taking it slow," he sighed, "letting you lead, remember?"

"I'm just bustin' your balls," I laughed, "I appreciate you being patient, but this was a big step for me...for us."

"Yeah, I feel like I should have gotten you a ring or something..."

"Well, maybe we can buy each other something to seal the deal, maybe not a ring, maybe a necklace or bracelet or something..."

"Yeah, yeah...that would be cool. Next time we go to the mall, we'll check out the jewelry store, okay?"

"Yeah, well...it's almost time to start the countdown, are you ready to join the rents?'

"Yeah, but first, this..." he said, then, leaning in and delivering a long wet kiss, he added, "I thought we should seal our relationship with a kiss."

"Boys," mom suddenly said from my doorway. I hadn't bothered to close the door this time, and I wasn't sure if mom had witnessed our kiss or not, but I really didn't care, "It's time, are you ready?"

"Yeah, mom, coming," I said, then almost giggled at the double meaning of those words.

"All right, Danny, would you mind helping me with the snacks?" my mom asked as we headed downstairs, "Rick, why don't you join my husband, he's getting things set up in the family room."

I figured mom was separating us so she could talk to me, and I wondered if that was a good thing, or a bad thing. I would soon find out.

"Grab the dip out of the fridge, dear," she said as we entered the kitchen.

Once I had that grueling task completed, she handed me a snack tray of chips and told me to fill the bowls attached to it with dip.

I kept waiting for her to tell me what was on her mind, then just when I was about to ask her what was up, she began. "Honey, I saw...the kiss," she said softly, "and I thought it was sweet. I just wanted you to know that, tonight, when we toast in the New Year, that if you and Rick want to share a kiss, that's fine."

"Really?" I said, shocked that this wasn't going to be a lecture about appropriate behavior for 13-year-old boys.

"Yes, your father and I will be...kissing," she chuckled, "and...I assume you and Rick are boyfriends now?"

"Actually, we only decided on that today. He asked me just before you came in, and when I said yes, he gave me a kiss. That's what you saw."

"Oh, how wonderful," my mom said giving me a hug.

"You, you're okay with it?" I sputtered.

"Well, of course," she said pulling back a little, "Well, I think you might be a little young for some things, but I'd feel the same way if it was a girl you had a crush on. You know what's appropriate and what's not, and I trust you to be discrete."

"Thanks, mom," I said, unable to hold back the tears, "you've been so great, you and dad both. I'm so lucky to have you for parents."

"Oh, honey. We love you, and all we want is for you to be happy. Who you love is not what's important, it's how you live your life and how you treat others. Rick is a very lucky boy to have found you."

"Thanks," I said wiping at my eyes, "I think so too," I added with a chuckle, "but I'm lucky too, he's the best."

"Now, grab that plate of finger sandwiches out of the fridge and let's get this party started," mom laughed.

I know, some kids would say it was lame, but Rick and I truly enjoyed that evening with my parents. As we watched Rockin' New Year's Eve, or whatever it was called, we snacked, talked, and joked around, and genuinely had a good time. I'd always liked spending time with my folks, and after the ordeal with Brian, and before Rick had come along, they'd been my greatest source of comfort. But even now, Rick and I enjoyed watching a movie with them or playing a board game, as we had that evening.

I looked around the room and saw my mom, engaged in a conversation with Rick, each of them very comfortable in the other's company. Mom was a very pretty woman and still had her girlish figure as she called it, and to me she was the most beautiful, kind, and loving woman in the world. Then there was dad. Dad was handsome and took good care of his body. Oh, he wasn't a body builder or anything, but he wasn't fat or lazy, and he ate sensibly, most of the time. He was not like a lot of dads, who left the nurturing of his children up to his wife, and was actively involved in my life. He was always there for me when I needed him, a rock, who took care of me and mom and never hesitated to say, I love you, or administer a hug as needed.

Then there was Rick. Looking at him now, laughing and talking with mom I realized just how special he was to me. Not only was he cute, smart, witty, and sensitive, he was also one of the most loving and understanding people I had ever met. I was indeed lucky to have met him, and I vowed not to take for granted just how wonderful he was as we went forward.

Dad said something to me about then, and I forgot my wool-gathering and enjoyed sparring with him for a few minutes, till we moved on to the next thing.

The time passed, and it was almost time for the ball to drop. As the minutes ticked away, we held our plastic Champagne glasses high and counted down with the announcer.

"Five, four, three, two, one, Yaaaay! Happy New Year!!""

We clinked our glasses together and Dad made a toast, "To the New Year, may it bring us happiness and love," and we sipped from our glasses.

Dad inched his way over to mom and kissed her quickly, then, following his lead, I grabbed Rick and gave him a quick buss on the mouth. The look of shock, and his beet red face caused me to laugh, but mom and dad just smiled.

"Happy New Year, boyfriend," I said giving him my brightest smile.

"Happy New Year," he said, still somewhat shocked, but recovering nicely, "boyfriend. Boy, that sure sounds good," he added grinning.

We finished the last few drops of our Champagne, and by then mom and dad had started to make their exit. There was still a little bit of food left, but mom said she'd worry about it in the morning and she and dad headed for the stairs.

"Goodnight, boys," was the last thing mom said before they disappeared up the stairs.

Then from above, dad added, "Goodnight, guys, don't stay up too late."

Rick and I both yelled goodnight, but by then they were already down the hall.

"Boy, they sure were in a hurry," I said.

Rick giggled, "Maybe they're gonna make love."

"Ewww, don't say things like that," I joked, "but seriously, I'm glad they're still in love and all. I don't have to worry about them splitting up this way."

"Yeah, same for my folks. Well, shall we go up to your room."

I had a great idea then, "Would you mind helping me clear away the snacks and stuff? That way mom won't have to worry about it tomorrow."

"That's sweet," Rick said smiling warmly, "of course I will. She'll be so surprised."

It only took a few minutes to clear away the mess, most of it going in the trash, and when we were done, I gave Rick a kiss on the cheek and thanked him for his help.

"You're welcome. Now, can we go to bed? I'm beat."

"Sure, umm...I just sleep in my undies, is that okay? I don't even own a pair of pajamas."

Rick made a snorting noise, "Pajamas, I don't need no stinkin' pajamas," he said in a funny voice, causing me to laugh, "I usually sleep naked at home, but I brought a pair of boxers for tonight, since you're so adorably shy."

"I'm not shy, just...careful," I said, "my last sleepover wasn't much fun."

"Ouch, sorry," Rick said, "well, you don't have to worry about me, and I hope you know that by now."

"I do, I trust you," I said as we finally made it to my room, "I get the side by the closet door," I said quickly.

Rick laughed, "Is that like yelling 'shotgun' when it's a car ride?"

"Just sayin', I get disoriented if I don't sleep on the same side of a bed. Even at Brian's I slept on that side." I was encouraged that I'd been able to share that factoid without becoming depressed again, and I think Rick understood the significance of that as well.

"It's okay to talk about the good stuff. It wasn't all bad, right?"

"Nah, it was good...mostly. I said as I undressed down to my silk boxers and climbed into bed, "is it crazy that I still miss him?"

"No, not at all," Rick said softly.

He had stripped off his shirt and I couldn't help but admire his upper body and smooth skin. Then, when he dropped his shorts, my eyes automatically went to his middle. I swallowed hard as I noticed the lump there, and I wondered: was he semi-hard, or just well hung?

He climbed into bed then and pulled the covers over us both, saving me from the temptation that his body presented to my hormone driven teenage libido. I hadn't jerked off since last night, and suddenly I wished I'd done it in the shower earlier. That brought up a new question and accompanying image, had Rick jerked off in there earlier?

"Your bed feels good," Rick said, drawing me out of my thoughts.

"It's actually mom and dad's old mattress. They got one of those Purple Mattresses, but this one was only a year or so old."

"So, this is where your mom and dad did it?" Rick teased.

"Oh my God, why did you have to bring that up?" I said, pretending to be incensed by his question. Actually, I had realized that long ago, and accepted it without trying to analyze it. It was what it was, and I loved this used, but definitely bigger and better mattress.

"Sorry, I guess you've made some memories yourself here, you and your hand," he teased, seeing right through me as always.

"Yes, my hand and I have had some fun here," I said, then blushed, and even though he couldn't see me, I was sure he could hear the embarrassment in my voice.

He was quiet for a moment, then he rolled onto his side, and in the near darkness I could just make out his face.

"I want you to know that if, and when you get ready to...you know, do more, I'm ready too. I won't push, but I just wanted you to know that you don't have to worry about whether I'm ready or not, cause I am always ready. Wait, that didn't come out quite right..."

"It's okay, I understand," I said laying a hand on his shoulder, "I'm the holdup, I understand. But, I think when I, when we're, ready, we'll know it."

"Yeah, it should def be mutual, and spontaneous, don't you think? Not planned or anything?"

"Yeah, like this..." I said softly, leaning in to kiss him.

I'd meant it to be just a quick sweet kiss, but soon we were swapping tongues and other parts of our bodies were getting involved. When I felt his hardness pressing into my hip, however, I broke off the kiss and rolled my head back onto my pillow.

"Sorry," Rick whispered, "I can't help it. I'm sorry."

"Don't be, I'm hard too," I sighed, "I'm just...afraid."

"You don't have to be, but I promise, I won't try anything. I just want to hold you, and to kiss you, and to keep you safe."

"I know, and I love that about you, but it's not fair to you. You deserve more," I said near tears now.

"No, no...you're perfect, and I don't care about that other stuff. When you're ready that will be great, but for now, what we have is fine too."

"Promise," I pouted as I rolled onto my side facing him, "can we just snuggle?"

"I'd love that," Rick said rolling over to meet me halfway.

For a while only our upper bodies touched as we resumed the kiss and relaxed into each other's arms. However, eventually our lower bodies took over, and before long we were pressing urgently against one another.

"I'm sorry," Rick panted.

"No, don't be," I panted back as I desperately pressed into him, then attacked his lips with my own.

No words were spoken, only the sounds of our muffled cries into each other's mouths filled the air as we came closer and closer to release. I wanted it so badly, and for that moment in time, all my fears and misgivings disappeared as my primal urges took over and I let myself go.

Rick, who had been uncertain at first, let me lead the way, but soon he too was pressing against me, desperately chasing that feeling that our young teenage bodies craved so badly.

When it came, it came like a train wreck. As our orgasms hit, our bodies convulsed and our lips parted as we cried out and then began to pant as if we'd just ran a mile. The feeling coursed through my body as if I'd stepped on a live wire, going on and on, and on, till I fell back, exhausted, spent, and quite wet from our simultaneous explosion.

Even post orgasmic, Rick's first concern was me.

"Are you okay?" he whispered as he kissed my cheek softly.

"Fine," I sighed contentedly, "no, better than fine, perfect," I sighed, "that was incredible, and I wasn't scared at all."

"I'm glad," Rick said kissing my nose, "but...we're kind of a mess now."

I laughed, "Best mess I've ever made. Let's just lay here a minute, then we can go clean up."

You might think that after New Year's Eve, Rick and I had sex every chance we got. However, the truth was: once we were back in school and living our busy everyday lives again, the opportunities for such intimacy were limited. We did manage some alone time at his house or mine, but kissing and snuggling was as far as our intimacy went for the first several weeks after that wonderful night that began the New Year for us.

Toward the middle of January, however, another opportunity came up that we hadn't expected. The third Monday of the month we had a holiday from school for a statewide teacher's meeting. That meant we had Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday off, and Rick and I decided to make plans to spend at least part of it together.

Since he'd stayed over at my house New Year's Eve, he suggested he ask his folks about me sleeping over, Friday and Saturday night, then going to church with them on Sunday. I was pretty sure my folks would agree, since they now loved and trusted Rick as much as I did. My folks and Rick's folks had hit it off right away as well, and our moms had been trying to work out a time when we could all get together for dinner.

Well, as luck would have it, that time had come, and it fell right into step with Rick's plans to have me over for the weekend. Thursday, Rick found me at my locker that morning, and with a big smile, told me the good news.

"Guess what?"

"You're really a girl?" I joked.

"How can you say that after seeing my fabulous bod?" he snickered, "guess again, no wait...I'll just tell you. Your folks and you are invited over to our house Friday night for dinner, then...you're invited to spend the night...and Saturday night too, if your folks say it's okay."

"Wow, how did you manage that?"

"I didn't, well, not the dinner part. Our moms have been trying to work something out for a while now."

"Yeah, I heard my mom say something about that the other day. Man, that's great. I know my folks will be cool with it, but it's almost scary how well things are working out," I mused.

"Yeah, well...even if they hadn't been planning the dinner, I could have had you over at least one night."

"Great, so...my mom knows about the invite to spend both nights, or no?"

"Yeah, I think so. My mom talked like it was all set up."

"I wonder why mom didn't mention it this morning..."

"Maybe she's keeping it as a surprise," he chuckled.

"Yeah, or...they're leaving me home," I joked.

"Ha ha, good one," Rick said shaking his head, "if they did, I'd be at your door as soon as they drove away."

"Oh, and what would you do?" I teased.

He is so cute when he blushes, "Well, first thing, I'd take you in my arms and kiss you."

"And..."

"And...the rest would be spontaneous," he said grinning.

"Come on, we gotta get to class. Man, I can't wait to get home and hear the great news I've already got," I laughed.

"Gotten, it's gotten," Rick said cracking a smile.

"Yes, Mr. Grammar," I said shaking my head.

Later, that afternoon at home, I burst through the door and slammed my backpack down on the dining room floor, "Mom, I'm home."

"Oh, I thought it was a herd of buffalo," she joked, "how was your day?'

"Very interesting, actually. Is there something you'd like to tell me?" I said grinning.

"Maybe," she said looking smug, "what have you heard?"

"Oh, not much. So...is there something going on...say, tomorrow night?"

"Like what, dear?" she said trying to look serious, but I could tell from her shit-eating grin that she was just bustin' my balls.

"Like, what are we having for dinner?" I said, grabbing an apple and biting into it.

"I'm guessing Rick told you we've been invited to dinner at his house," she finally admitted.

"Yup, and...that I could sleep over Friday and Saturday night," I said hopefully.

"Friday, for sure. Saturday is still up in the air," she said giving me a measured look.

"Why? Are we doing something that night?"

"No, not that I know of. I just think two nights is excessive, considering you and Rick haven't known each other all that long."

"Mom, we're boy..." I said, then stopped dead in my tracks, "is this because we're boyfriends now? Don't you trust us. Geesh, mom, what can we do in two nights that we can't do in one night?"

She laughed, "Good point, but that's not the reason. Let's just see how things go Friday night, okay?" she said not explaining further.

I knew it was pointless to argue, but I was still hoping for the best. Once I was there and Rick's folks saw what a wonderful, well-behaved boy I was, they'd be thrilled to have me stay over another night. Well, that was my plan anyway.

"All right, mom. You and dad know best," I said giving her a sad look.

She shook her head and smiled, "You and those puppy dog eyes," they always worked when you were little, not so much today," she chuckled.

I had to smile then, and when she gave me a kiss on the forehead, I had a very good feeling that despite what she'd just said, I was going to get my way after all.

I finished my snack and went to my room to change and do my homework, without being told, and later I had dinner with my folks. This was evidently the first dad had heard of the dinner, but he was easy, and said it sounded like fun. When I mentioned that I'd be sleeping over Friday, and maybe Saturday, he gave mom a look, and I noticed her blush a bit. Wow, what was happening? Was he thinking about two romantic evenings alone with his wife? If so, things were guaranteed to go my way.

I called Rick after dinner and told him about my conversation with my mom, but he said not to worry, and that his mom would handle things from here on out. I asked him what that meant, and he just laughed, "I've already convinced my folks and now it's up to yours, well probably up to your mom, and my mom knows how to deal with this kind of situation, so...bring enough clothes for two days, and for Church on Sunday."

Rick was right, of course, but I'll save the weekend fun for the next chapter.