Chapter Twenty-Five
Dean finished the painting of Todd and was even invited to the anniversary party, where he met the entire Hampton Family. In fact, Dean went sailing several times with Todd and his parents and sister. Ellen invited Todd to Adam's 14th birthday party, where he seemed to fit right in with the entire family. Bobby took several pictures and emailed them to Sam.
Over in India, Sam opened his email from his dad and was extremely homesick. He has been here for almost three months and was very unhappy. Richard insisted they stay home every night, and that leaves no time to meet anyone. Sam had a genuine smile as he was looking at each picture, but in one, there was someone in the background kissing Dean. He enlarged the photo and it was Dean kissing Todd Hampton.
Sam was incredibly overwhelmed, he had to brace himself. He kept examining the photograph over and over, but the evidence was clear. Oh man, what have I done! I pushed Dean into another man's arm and I'm over here in hell! Sam wept quietly and deleted the picture, so that Richard will never know that his heart had been completely shattered.
Dean had been dying to ask Todd about his relationship with Richard, but was concerned about how he might react. One night at dinner, Todd mentioned that he received an email from Richard.
A very curious Dean replied, "Oh really, what did Dick say?"
Todd chuckled, "He says that he misses you." Both guys are snorting like piglets. The swimmer continued, "He just said that India was the most beautiful place on earth and the he and Sam are meeting really interesting people."
"That's nice; anything else?"
"Yeah, he liked your first poster and said that Sam liked it too."
"Can I ask you something, uh?" Dean cleared his throat, "Did Richard ever become violent with you?"
Todd smile instantly turned into a deep look of concern, but didn't say anything, causing Dean to take his answer as a yes. "Todd, if he did hurt you, I need to know. Richard has been abusing Sam for some time and he won't leave him. If you tell me how you did, then maybe I could help Sam." Dean held his hands in the crowded restaurant, but Todd jerked them back.
"This is so embarrassing to talk about it now, can we wait until later?"
"Sure buddy, but I need to know." Dean stated, changing the subject, "I think I'm gonna order a vanilla shake, apple pie and a dozen chocolate chip cookies for dessert. What are you getting?"
"Wow Dean, that's a lot of food! Can we just share?" The swimmer asked. "And what about your diet that you are always gloating about?"
"Dude, I keep telling you and everyone that I can go of it for special occasion."
"What's so special about tonight?"
"I'm having dinner with the #1 swimmer of last year, plus he was voted one of the hottest, most eligible bachelors in Nebraska."
Todd shook his head in perplex and laughed as Dean ordered all that food and more to go. It was extremely embarrassing when he asked for whip cream in a doggy bag. The server looked at them and giggled as she wrote it down, knowing that it was going to be used in foreplay.
After a night of passionate and wild sex in the guest house on Todd's parents' property, Dean awoke the next morning to his lover cooking. Actually he was burning several items and the smoke detector went off, so they opened all windows and doors to drive the smoke out. Dean was laughing the whole time as Todd looked like a little boy who got caught doing something he shouldn't have.
"Well Dean, are you hungry?"
"Yeah I am, but not for that." Dean chuckled, pointing to the plate. "Are those runny things eggs and is that burnt leather supposed to be toast?"
"No, those are waffles." Dean was laughing incredibly hard that he fell onto the sofa. Todd joined him and they cuddle. As Dean was holding him tight, "Listen Todd, that was a very good attempt, but promise me that you will stay out of the kitchen, you know for everyone's safety."
Todd had a weak laugh, "I was trying to make something special for our upcoming talk…about Richard." Todd replied, sitting up and making eye contact with the man who just made him feel special hours before. "I want to tell you that I was in a violent sexual relationship with Richard. I'm so embarrassed, because I knew better and I kept letting it happen. He would always apologize and made me think it was my fault, so I forgave him. My parents tried to help, but I wouldn't listen, however, they never gave up. One night he forced me onto the bed, but I managed to get away and locked myself into the bathroom. He broke in and we fought…I uh, actually fought back this time and he fell. There was blood everywhere and I called 911… they uh, took him to the hospital. I was about to give an official statement when his parents arrived and told me that I was going to be charged for attempted murder! My dad eventually told me not to say anything and I moved out. Richard pleaded with me to help him, so he enrolled into a facility to work out his anger." Todd now looked down, "I really thought it worked and we became good friends. I would have never let anyone else get into a relationship with him, if he was still that way. If Sam got hurt, it's my fault, because I should have pressed charges."
Dean put his hand on Todd's back, rubbing it in a continuing circle. "No, it's nobody's fault but his. You were a victim and he used you, because he knows how to work you. But at least you got away and he can never hurt you again."
"Yeah, but what about Sam?"
"Would you mind if I tell Bobby and Ellen, because maybe they could tell Sam and that would be an eye-opener for him, I hope."
"No please don't tell them! I don't want them to know that I was a weak rape victim, because I'm not that way anymore."
Dean stood up, pacing for a few moments and sat back down next to Todd. "Richard raped you?" Todd nodded and started to weep. "Its okay, I will never tell anyone and I will keep you safe from him." Now I wished that I killed that bastard!
After almost thirty minutes of holding him, Dean's stomach let out a huge growl and both men laughed, "Well, I better make us breakfast before the wild beast inside of me fights his way out."
Todd shook his head, "How can you be hungry after all that food that you ate?"
"Duh, I worked it off by…" Dean was demonstrating how they had sex and Todd covered his eyes, "Oh man, just stop already and make the damn food."
Dean made a promise, but if Sam is in danger, he would break it.
They would sometimes talk about the abuse, but mainly Dean could just see the pain in Todd's eyes, therefore he never pushed.
Adam and the twins went to Mount Emperor Mountain Ranch in Kansas, while Dean and Todd took off on a camping trip with Lilith. Actually the three of them spent a great deal of time together and became close. The two lovers shared a tent, while she complained about her small one.
"You know Lilith, you could always join us." Dean stated with a smirk.
"Sure, I really want to have a Ménage à trois with two gay dudes."
Dean chuckled, "Yeah that's right, you're into chicks. But, try a penis once and you might like it. I'm willing to do you…uh, for the greater good. I will make a complete woman out of ya." Dean and Todd are laughing as she gave them a disgusting look.
"You know what, I think I'm good. And what a polite invitation to make me into a complete woman, by doing me. You're both assholes and today I am proud to be a lesbian."
"Hey, let's go skinny dipping!" Dean proposed in a teasing voice.
"No! No way am I taking off my clothes in front of you pigs."
"Chill out Lil, I think Dean has a great suggestion." Todd replied as he was taking off his shirt.
All three jump into the lake naked and are splashing and having fun. Todd playfully grabbed Dean and they end up having sex in front of her. Lilith was appalled at first, but ended up enjoying it.
When they returned home a week later, Dean cannot believe how fast the summer went and that he was due to return to campus next week. The twins are back from camp and Dean received a blow from Emma. She explained to him what happened to her at a make-out party. "I kissed several people and I really like making-out with girls better."
Dean was in shock and all he could say was, "Huh?"
"I'm telling you that I kissed a girl and I liked it." She was singing like Katy Perry.
"What in the hell are you telling me?"
"Chill brother, I'm telling you, again that I kissed several people and I really like making-out with girls better."
"But you are so young…"
Emma interrupted him, "You can't be serious! How old were you when you first kissed?" But she suddenly realized what she had asked, "I didn't mean it and I am so sorry."
Dean hugged and sat next to her on the bed. "Honey, were you pressured or something?"
The soon to be fifteen year old giggled, "No, I wasn't peer-pressured into kissing half the camp. I was curious and wanted to experiment…I uh, found it very gratifying."
Her older brother just sat there and kept rubbing his forehead, as she continued. "When did you know that you were gay?"
"I'm not gay…don't ask me that."
"Okay, when did you know that you were bi-sexual?"
Dean continued to rub his forehead and quietly answered, "I have only been deeply in love once, so that is when the world changed for me."
"That really didn't answer my question, but I think I know what you mean. There is this classmate of mine that I am going to ask on a date. Her name is Robin and she has long red hair with porcelain skin."
"Oh little sis, you are gonna drive our grandparents straight to AA."
They sat there and laughed, but Dean made her promise not to have sex with anyone and she agreed, because she doesn't want to have a baby like her mom did at her age.
Over in India, Richard parents flew in and they took sides when the couple had an argument. Sam was punched in the nose by his boyfriend, who then took off with his father.
Mrs. Wentworth stayed behind and attended to Sam's broken nose. "You caused this and you should apologize to my son. You know he has a temper, but yet you talked back to him and that is why you were punished." She paused, "Sam, you should be ashamed of yourself."
Sam took the ice pack from her hand, "Yeah, Mrs. Wentworth, I am ashamed that I moved far away to be with your bully of a son. This is your fault, not mine! You raised that intimidating, spoiled brat and I'm leaving before one of us dies!"
She slapped him across the face, "Sit down Sam Singer and you will apologize to my son! Or there will be hell to pay! You're the selfish, spoiled brat and you will learn to respect the man that you love or you'll be sorry! I should know, because I have been there many times. So just be quiet and do what you are told."
Sam suddenly saw what the piece of the puzzle was missing. Richard was obviously raised in a spouse-abused relationship and probably did not know any better. Sam wanted to reach out and assist the helpless mother, but she gave a defiant look.
When Richard and his father returned, Sam begged for mercy and was for given. But this was not the last of it, because he was going to try therapy again for Richard and himself.
On the other side of the world, Dean got ready for his last year at NSU and moved Todd and Lilith into his townhouse. They spent a great deal of time together and talked about the future. Lilith was going to law school at Stanford, while Todd was going to medical school at Yale. But Dean's only future plan was to enter culinary school near Palo Alto, so he could be with Sam. Todd asked Dean if he wanted to be with him, but he never gave a clear answer, because he knew that they would grow apart. For now, the subject was dropped.
Dean was now a member of GLERA and often spoke at rallies. However, he never called him self gay or bi-sexual. He also hit it off with one of Todd's exes, Cody McClellan and the three of them often drove to the events together. Cody is 5' 10" tall, has copper colored hair with warm brown eyes and several tattoos.
One night after a very successful event for GLERA in Dallas, the three men had to pull into a cheap motel along the interstate due to excessive rain and fog. They went to check-in and discovered that there was only one room left with a king-size bed, but agreed to take it since they were wet, cold and tired.
The small room had red and white stripe wall paper, two chairs and a round table facing a black and white television. Todd walked into the bathroom and complained that it wasn't that clean, but Dean explained that it was better than some places that he used to stay at when he was younger. Cody took a shower first and then Dean, who wanted Todd to join him, but declined, stating that he was going to just wash up. It was getting late and as a result, the three young men sat on the bed and began to watch tv, when the sound went out.
Dean tried to fix it, but no luck. "Well, you wanna play cards or something?"
"Yeah, how about strip poker?" Cody suggested.
Dean looked at Todd who shrugged his shoulders and they set up the cards. Dean won the first five games, until Cody realized that they have been hustled. They then played blackjack, however, Dean won three games in a row.
"Dude, this isn't fair. You're the only one who hasn't taken anything off yet and I'm down to my boxers." Cody complained, "You have my rings, watch, socks, everything, so can we play something else?"
"Sure Cody, how about Hearts or Old Maid?"
"Very funny, but I'm serious Dean. I wanna see you naked and I can't do that if you are winning every hand."
"Well, why didn't you say so?" Dean stood up from the bed and pulled of his t-shirt, all while giving a beaming smile. He took Cody's left hand and had him rub it all over Dean's abdomen.
Cody liked this very much and started to move his hands down to unbutton the tight jeans that Dean was wearing. Todd unwrapped several lubricated condoms, handed them each one, while he took the last one. Cody tried to push the card hustler onto the bed, but he was stronger and before the copper-headed muscle man knew it, Dean was already inside him.
Dean motioned for Todd to come behind him and they were now riding each other. They took turns doing one another and each had several orgasms. Dean enjoyed watching Todd thrust his penis into Cody, as he was jerking himself off.
Ultimately, they had to take a break because the power went off due to the electrical storm and they needed energy fuel. Dean got himself dressed and went to the vending machines, where in the shadows, he saw a figure of Sam. What the hell! I almost gave myself a heart attack, thinking that was Sam. Why in the hell am I still thinking about that bitch? Right now he would be calling me jerk and I miss that. I'm here having sex with two guys, yet my stupid mind is wandering about Sam…again. If I don't do something about this, I'm gonna end back in the nut house.
Dean dialed Sam's number and he was going to confess his love again and won't take a negative remark.
"Hello."
"Sam, it's…" Dean was cut off by the remaining sentence of the recording. "This particular network is down, please hang up and try again later. Thank you for your patience. This has been a recording. Hello. Unfortunately this particular network is down…" Dean disconnected and tried again, but no luck. He then buys the snacks and drinks and was headed back into the room, but was not sure that he wanted to continue the sex marathon.
Cody was sitting shirtless on the bed, while Todd was dressed standing. "Damn Dean, what took you so long, I was just coming to get you?"
"Sorry guys, but those vending machines were very temperamental." Dean replied as he layed the items on the table. They ate and drank everything and just looked at each other, then Dean spoke, "I hate to end this exciting night at this beautiful establishment." Dean was now pointing around the room, "But since I am the driver, I need some sleep. So would you mind if I call it a night, but you guys can continue to…" Dean was demonstrating how they had sex and Todd covered his eyes, "Oh man, I told you to stop doing that."
All three guys eventually fell asleep and were awaken by the beautiful sunrise peering through the cheap curtains. They got dressed and headed back to the townhouse, where Cody often joined them in three-way sex.
The holidays were approaching and Bobby was off to see Sam in India with Adam, much to Ellen's protest. But the day before they were to leave, Sam called his father and asked him to come alone, therefore, he did.
Dean knew that something was up and he volunteered to drive Bobby to the airport. "Bobby, I need to tell you something in private and please don't repeat this to anyone but Sam. Todd was in a violent relationship with Richard a few years back and he often beat and raped him. He eventually got away by fighting back, but I need ya to tell Sam this and maybe he will leave that monster."
Bobby had a concern, "Do you think Sam has been raped?"
"I honestly don't know, but I hope not. Please just get there and talk some sense into him. And you should also know that grandfather has hired undercover security to watch them in India, so if you run into problems, he said for you to call this number and they will help." Dean handed him the card and Bobby exited to the main gate.
Emily had everyone join them at her house for the Thanksgiving feast, including Todd and his family. They had a professional photographer take several pictures for an upcoming spread in the international magazine, Food & Family and would also print several photos online too.
An eager Bobby met a driver that Richard sent at the airport to take him to see his son. Once Bobby arrived, both young men are happy to see him and Richard helped him inside. Sam showed his father around as Richard explained that they are eating in tonight, so Bobby can get over his jet lag. The night rolled on with lots of talking, eating and laughing, causing Bobby to think that Dean might have been overeating.
Bobby's phone was ringing, "Oh balls, it's my mom and I forgot to call her when I landed and she's gonna be pissed." Sam and Richard were laughing because Bobby was getting yelled at by his mommy. He then handed the phone to his son, "Grammy wants to speak with you." Sam was listening to her and after twenty minutes they decided to end the call.
"Grammy says that we need to log onto Food & Family International to see pictures of their Thanksgiving at Grandmother's house."
"My mom actually gave you a web site address?"
Sam chuckled, "No dad, it was Charlie who said it. Grammy just held up the phone to him." All three are laughing about that sweet old woman. Sam pulled up the pictures and he could not believe that Dean invited Todd's whole family to be with him. Richard noticed the shocked factor on his lover's face, but used it to his advantage.
"So, I guess everything that I heard about Todd and Dean is true then. It must be serious if the Hamptons like Dean."
"Yeah and didn't you once date Todd?" Bobby curiously asked.
"Yes Sir, we lived together several years ago and we are still friends."
"Why did you break up?"
"Dad!"
"No Sam, its okay." Richard responded, "I found out that he was sleeping with someone else and he broke up with me."
Bobby nodded, but felt like he had been given a load of bullshit. He decided to get Sam alone. "Richard, I hate to bother you, but I really need a beer or two."
"Sorry Sir, but we don't have any. I can buy you some tomorrow though."
"Richard, would you mind going out now to buy it. I'm a little jumpy from the damn turbulence from that idjit plane ride."
Richard glanced at Sam, "Okay, but I will be back in no time. And Sam will help you get settled in."
Bobby lightly smacked him in the back and smiled, "Thanks son, you're the best host."
Richard smiled back and started to leave.
"Oh and Richard, bring back some chips and pretzels too." Bobby said. "And none of that damn lite beer either."
Richard snorted, taking his keys off the mantle.
Bobby waited until the coast was clear, "Okay Sam, lets get you the hell out of here!"