Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 A tale from krisnjamie.  This is a work of fiction, enjoy it or not but
don't get heated.  It involves themes of a sexual nature.  Some of those
themes may sit uncomfortably with you.  If in doubt don't read it.

   I love to get feedback from readers and hear from friends old or new. 
Feel free to email me knjfriend(at)yahoo.co.uk

   Description/codes - slow gentle exploration - bb, bbg.

   Kellerton Park was a school for boys.  Not just any school but one of
the most exclusive schools in England.

   Boasting almost 200 years of history, tradition and academic excellence
it catered for a mere handful of boys in each age group from 11 to 18.  The
actual numbers depended upon the admissions for the year but generally
there were fewer than 12 boys in each year.

   What did they have in common?  Well, apart from wealthy families capable
of paying the extortionate fees (in the main) they had to be either from
the families of previous students or personally recommended by a past
student.

   Generally then, the boys came from the most respected families in the
land.

   The school itself was born out of an old manor.  Within the grounds was
every conceivable facility for a traditional boys school.  The perimeter
was guarded by the best security system money could buy and the fact that
the school did not publicise its existence meant that it attracted little
significant attention.  There had been no breach of security at Kellerton
for more than 50 years - even Buckingham Palace couldn't match that boast.

   Kellerton was a boarding school.  Everybody boarded, the students, the
teaching staff and the ancillary staff all had accommodation within the
walls and, during term time at least, few ventured out of the grounds and
certainly not without written permissions and a very good reason.

   It was to this close knit environment that Mike Tanner brought his new
bride.  At 25 and 23 this would be their first and, as it happened, last
post together.  Mike took on a role as grounds man and handyman and Joy
acted as assistant housekeeper.  They were given a compact but comfortable
apartment in the accommodation block built behind the main manor house.

   The main school was contained within that manor house.  It housed the
classrooms, laboratories, staff and pupil lounges and the student rooms. 
Close by were the purpose built gymnasium, pool complex and the kitchens
and dining halls.

   The dining halls had been built in the style of the manor so that whilst
the external appearance was modern and angular, the internal was
deliberately darkened with oak panelling and leather upholstered seating.

   The student accommodation, in the main building, was organised by year
group.  The youngest boys shared up to 4 to a room.  By 14 the boys were
down to just 2 to a room and the 16 to 18 year olds had their own rooms,
each with small en suite bathroom facilities.

   Within each year group cluster was a small room to be occupied by
whichever member of staff was responsible for the boys on that particular
night.

   Rules and regulations were strictly enforced and, apart from the usual
school boy pranks, there was little disquiet.  He population, students and
staff, got on with their respective lives and roles without complaint.

   Because of the reputation for excellence as well as the discretion and
security afforded within the high walls the school did attract a few
foreign students, usually for a year or two, whilst their parents were
unable to provide secure and regular education.  This might be from a minor
royal family whose country was undergoing a certain degree of political
turbulence, or from a high level diplomat moving to take up a post in a
less attractive part of the world.  Even then these boys had to come with a
personal recommendation from a past student.

   The school did meet its politically correct obligations to offer
education to those less fortunate pupils by providing bursaries where
necessary.  Inevitably, this was engineered to ensure that those bursaries
went to some deserving boy who would have qualified for a place anyway had
his family not fallen on hard times and thus the family group, for that was
how it was perceived, was kept pure and unsullied by "ordinary" children.

   Two years into the job Mike had the unenviable task of seeking a meeting
with the headmaster to explain his wife's first pregnancy.  He was
pleasantly surprised when the head congratulated him, suggested that the
family would move to one of the cottages in the grounds and confirmed that
Mrs Miller would no longer be required to work.

   Mike had started to protest that his wife would be able to get back to
work quickly after the birth but the head had simply stated that a child
needed its mother and that salaries would be internally adjusted to ensure
that the family was no worse off.

   That was how it was.  Once you were in, accepted and trusted, you were
looked after.  Salaries were considerably higher than in most other
educational establishments and the accommodation came effectively free. 
Thus staff saved hard for the holiday and their retirement although even
retirement was often accommodated with a smaller cottage within the
grounds.

   Almost a year after Thomas was born Joy gave birth to a girl, Kelly and,
just has had happened after Thomas' birth, she arrived home from the
hospital to a cottage full of flowers and a note confirming that meals
would be delivered from the main kitchen for the next two weeks.

   It was difficult to envisage ever giving all of this up and that, of
course, was exactly the point.

   Thomas was 10 and Kelly 9 when it all changed.

   Just before the end of the school year a foreign pupil from one of those
smaller European states suddenly rebelled against his wealth and privilege
and that of his family.  The rebellion took the form of a rooftop protest
designed to attract the media to his cause.  Nothing happened immediately
as the media was hardly aware of the school let alone a teenage boy sitting
on the roof shouting slogans in heavily accented English.  Unfortunately,
the boy quickly realised that he was being ignored and his blood boiled
faster than his brain worked.

   After hurling a few roofing slates down at the small group of staff
below the boy had displayed a small steel lighter and promised to set light
to the roof.  That couldn't be allowed and Mike and another member of the
ground staff had volunteered to "encourage" the boy to end his protest.

   It all went well.  Mike engaged the boy in conversation whilst his
friend Alex slipped around behind, grabbed the startled boy and marched him
along the wide parapet between the roof slates and the low roof wall
towards the access point where Mike was waiting.  It should have been all
over then and nobody ever really knew what caused Mike to trip and dive
headlong over the wall to crash on to the gravel below.

   Joy was, naturally, inconsoleable.  School was closed early for the
summer and the staff rallied around the new widow to meet the needs of her
and the children until her brain started to function again.  It too almost
three weeks before she felt able to step outside of the cottage.  The
children had fared a little better.  With plenty of company and attention
they had shown signs of getting back to near normality quite quickly.  Of
course things would set them off from time to time but children are
generally resilient things and their main concern was for their mother.

   The Health & Safety inspections and subsequent Coroners Court heard
evidence from Alex and the staff who had been "visually surveying the
exterior of the building." The Foreign student had not been in the country
for more than a few hours after the incident.  A verdict of Accidental
Death was recorded.

   When Joy did finally leave the cottage it was to call on the head master
and ask if she might be given a little longer in the cottage so that she
could find suitable accommodation.

   The head, Malcolm Richards, had a reputation as a hard but fair man and
Joy was convinced that if she promised to be out by the start of the new
school year he would agree to the extra time she was requesting.

   "Mrs Tanner, I don't think you understand the situation here" Malcolm
Richards started.

   Joy went to interrupt and plead her case but the man held up a hand and
fixed her with a cold stare.

   "There is" he went on "No question about it.  You and the children are
part of the Kellerton family.  Your husband died in the service of this
school.  There is no question of you ever having to leave - unless of
course that is your wish."

   Joy was dumstruck.  She wiped away the tears that threatened to
overwhelm her and forced her mouth shut.

   "Mrs Tanner, Joy if I may, I have been discussing matters with the
Governors.  I had planned to visit you but didn't want to intrude but that
is rather beside the point.  What is proposed" he coughed gently "what is
proposed is that you accept a role as substitute." He saw the question in
her eyes and hurried on "You will be a substitute for any of the non
teaching roles that you are qualified for.  As such you will be, umm, "on
Call" throughout the school terms to fill in where, for instance, illness
necessitates extra help in the kitchen, or in the office or even, as an
escort should a boy need to visit the dentist etc.  On that basis, the
Governors have confirmed that the overall income to you and your family
will not alter.  You will continue to benefit from the pension scheme and
the private medical insurances and you will, naturally enough, stay in the
cottage."

   "Mr Richards" Joy blubbed " I...  I don't know what to say"

   "Well, I sincerely hope that you will accept the position Joy.  There is
one other thing though."

   Joy Tanner looked at him, expecting a catch.

   "Well, we would like to offer Thomas a fully paid place in the school
when he achieves 11.  We can't offer the same for Kelly of course, but we
will offer financial assistance should you decide to send her to a private
girls school."

   "Oh Mr Richards.  I don't know how to thank you." Blurted Joy

   "Well now, I think that maybe just seeing you smile again will be thanks
enough.  If Kelly isn't to go to a private school and you decide on the
local town establishment instead then I will, of course, offer access to
the staff for any additional tuition that the girl might benefit from. 
Like I said Joy, you and the children are part of Kellerton, I do hope that
you will stay."

   And so it was that Joy Tanner continued to live quietly in the grounds
of that ancient school.  Occasionally she was called upon to escort a boy
outside of the walls, or to help out in the kitchens or offices but
generally she was paid well to look after her children and spread the
gospel amongst the other converts during the periodic meeting of parents
and staff.

   Thomas and Kelly were delighted to be staying, after all they had known
no other home, but Thomas was worried about leaving his friends in the
state school system when the time came and it was this concern that Joy
voiced to Malcolm Richards when he visited a few days later.

   The head thought quietly for a few minutes.  "I suggest, if you agree,
that we start to introduce Thomas to the school sooner rather than later."

   Joy looked at him and he continued.

   "I suggest that Thomas joins I some of the new joiners activities, makes
some friends and then starts to mix with the boys at weekends etc.  That
way the whole thing won't seem so alien to him.  What do you say?"

   "I'm not sure" replied Joy Tanner hesitantly "I'd hate to treat Thomas
and Kelly differently and I'm well aware that Kelly can't join in the same
way."

   "That might not be such a problem" suggested the head "Kelly is what, 9?
I don't see why she can't join in with some of the social events if she
wants to.  I have no doubt that she will soon tire of the boys' silliness
anyway."

   That agreed between them it was left to Joy to explain to her children.
Thomas still wasn't convinced but Kelly excitedly promised her older
brother that she would go and keep him company.

   During the week prior to school commencing properly some of the existing
students drifted in.  The rule was that everybody had to be on site by the
Friday so that the first "event" would be a brief assembly and the weekend.
New boys were required to arrive between 9.30 and 11.30 on the Friday
morning.

   It was mid morning Wednesday when Matt Armstrong drove into the security
checkpoint at the main gate with his young charge in the passenger seat. 
Once papers had been checked and confirmed they were waved through and Matt
drove the car up the familiar driveway and parked as close as he could to
the main entrance.

   "Go on up Joel" he said to the boy "I'll get your luggage brought up."

   Joel Hutton smiled and slipped out of the car and up the steps to the
main door.  The boy was quite tall for twelve and, despite the crisp grey
suit and polished black shoes it was his unruly mop of jet black hair that
anybody noticed first.  The boy pushed through the heavy doors and marched
up the short corridor, his heels clicking against the flagstone floor.

   He was just about to ping the bell at the office window when Mrs Johnson
arrived, slid open the glass and officiously asked for his name and date of
birth.

   Mrs Johnson made a point of know all of the young men who passed through
her reception.  She made a point of knowing the weaknesses, their favourite
foods and, as far as possible, where their parents might be at any
particular time.  She wasn't about to let the boys know that she cared in
any way though and each and every one went through the name and date of
birth interrogation.

   Joel laughed at her stern face, quickly gave the requested information
and waited whilst she contrived to leaf through the papers in her hand.

   "So Mrs J" laughed the boy "Which room am I in and who have I got?"

   "Ah yes....  Mr Hutton - you'll be in room 3, ground floor.  You are
sharing with Mr Farley and two of the new boys.  Do you have baggage?"

   Joel motioned over his shoulder where Matt had deposited two suitcases
and was now fighting with a significantly sized trunk.

   "Ah yes" said Mrs Johnson "I'll have your bags sent to your room -
perhaps when you have unpacked you will let me know and I'll have the
porters take them to storage.  In the meantime, when you have a minute the
head would like a word.  Will your guest be staying for luncheon?" she
enquired as Matt arrived at the boys elbow.

   Joel looked at his friend and protector.  "Poor old Matt has put up with
nothing but me for company for the past three days.  I'll bet that he would
much prefer that I send him on his way - I couldn't help but notice how his
eyes were drawn to the pub in the village." He finished with a twinkle in
his deep blue eyes.

   "Cheeky cub" growled Matt Armstrong with affection.

   "Very well" interrupted Mrs Johnson "In that case may I tell the head
master that you will be with him shortly?"

   "Yes that's fine Mrs J - I'll just see Matt off the premises and go
straight along."

   Joel waved as the car crunched over the gravel, slipped over a speed
hump and disappeared down the drive once more before he turned and made his
way towards the head's study.

   He knocked and waited to be invited in.

   "Ah Joel" started Mr Richards "Good of you to be so prompt - do take a
seat."

   And so the head relayed a brief history of the events that had followed
the "accident" at the end of the last school year and his decision that
Thomas should be introduced to the school well ahead of his planned
official joining twelve months hence.  Joel listened respectfully.

   "What I need Joel" said the head "Is a boy I can trust to protect young
Thomas during those first introductions, show him the ropes and make sure
that any pranks don't get out of hand.  Would you be prepared to do that
for me?"

   "I'm quite happy to try sir.  Could I have an opportunity to ask for a
replacement if we were simply not to get along?"

   "That, young man" replied the head "is exactly the attitude I had hoped
for from a boy of your calibre.  I have little doubt that you will find the
boy likeable enough but my door is always open should that prove not to be
the case."

   That agreed Mr Richards arranged to collect Joel a little later and walk
over to the cottage with him to introduce him to the family.

   Joel found a few boys still in the dining room and joined them for a
light lunch before going to his room to unpack.  He was the first to arrive
and chose the bed nearest the window.  Each of the four beds had their own
"space".  Apart from the bed there was a small bedside table, a wardrobe
and a foot locker.  On the opposite wall there were four desks, one for
each occupant, roughly in line with the bed spaces.  All of the junior
rooms were laid out in the same way.

   That evening Joel was introduced first to Mrs Tanner, who he greeted
politely and drew tears when he formally offered his condolences, and then
to Kelly and finally to a very quiet Thomas.

   As he shook the younger boys hand he peered deep into his eyes and
smiled his best smile.  Thomas brightened almost immediately.

   The visit was over quickly but Joel made a point of inviting Thomas to
join him in the school for lunch the following day.  Kelly coughed and she
too was promptly invited.

   That night Joel lay in his bed, alone in a room designed for four, and
considered the children.

   Kelly was tall for her age.  She had long blond hair, hazel eyes and
legs that, had his father been there, would have been described as going
right up to her bum.  Joel smiled at the memory of his father and just
briefly wondered if his parents would be alright in the particular part of
strife torn Africa that they currently inhabited.  He banished the thought
and moved to consider Thomas.  He laughed to himself then.  Thomas was
exactly like Kelly, shoulder length blond hair, tall and long legged.  The
final thought brought him up short - Thomas was, somehow, slightly
prettier.

   The following morning just after 11.00 the tannoy sounded.

   "Attention please" came Mrs Johnson's voice over the airwaves "Would Mr
Joel Hutton please report to reception."

   Joel left his room and made his way to reception to greet his rather
early guests.

   "Hi Thomas, hi Kelly" he shouted as he approached.  "It's a little early
for lunch, why don't you come to my room - that way you'll know how to find
me and won't have to bother Mrs J in the future." He winked at the lady
behind the glass who hurriedly busied herself with another important task.

   The trio made their way to the room and then Joel gave them a tour of
other parts of the school.

   "And this" he said proudly as they rounded the corner to the pool
complex

   "Is the swimming pool" burst out Kelly and then, seeing the look on
Joel's face "Don't forget we live here all year round.  When you lot aren't
here we can use the pool and stuff too."

   "I hadn't thought of that" Joel admitted "well maybe a swim before lunch
then"

   The Tanner children excused themselves and dashed back to the cottage
for swimming gear.  By the time they returned Joel was already in the
water, his tanned muscular frame powering him up the centre of the
otherwise deserted pool.

   Kelly joined him first with Thomas just a few moments behind his sister.
Quickly serious swimming was abandoned in favour of a straightforward
splashing contest and then, tired and hungry the trio trooped out of the
pool.

   "ah hah!" said Joel "Now I see a problem." The Tanner children looked at
him and he went on "ah-hem, well this being an all boys school there is but
one changing room!  I suggest that you go first Kelly and Thomas and I will
stand guard until you are dressed."

   Kelly giggled as the boy ceremoniously bowed as she skipped past him. 
She changed quickly and then waited outside for the boys to follow suit
before the trio tramped off to the dining hall.

   Joel acknowledged a few of his peers as he entered the hall with his
young charges but steered Kelly and Thomas to a separate and quieter table
off to one side.

   "You have menus?" queried Kelly

   Joel looked bemused

   "I mean you have choices, I mean we get to choose but not like this... I
mean...."

   Joel laughed her to silence.  "Of course we get menus and you might as
well take advantage of it whilst you can.  During term times we have to
book in advance so that the kitchens can cope with all of us at once but
during weekends and holidays its rather more relaxed."

   Pretty soon the three were chatting amiably as they ate their respective
meals.

   Joel explained that after the Friday assembly there was an informal
party in the dining hall where all the new boys got to meet the boys that
they would be sharing with before the older boys joined in later.  Then
there would be a few games, designed to make people join in and feel at
home before the call for bed at around 9.30.

   "Usually bed is later at weekends but for the first night it always
takes an age to get the newbies settled so we all troop off early." Joel
explained "You two are invited to the party as my guests."

   As they left the dining all Thomas slowed and allowed his sister to get
a few feet ahead.  Joel had slowed with him anticipating the quiet boy's
wish to speak.

   "Thanks Joel.  Thanks for doing this, I know the head made you." Thomas
whispered.  "Correction" announced Joel "the head asked me to look out for
you for a bit, that's all.  Now don't be soft, you're not so bad."

   The conversation ended abruptly as another boy raced up, punched Joel
good naturedly on the shoulder and announced "Seems like it's you and me
against the newbies then J"

   "Oww" replied Joel rubbing his shoulder "Kelly, Thomas, let me introduce
you to my room mate Mike Farley.  Mike, Thomas will be joining the school
next year an the head wants him to have a chance to get to know us all a
bit so he's with me for the next few days at least."

   Mike Farley looked him up and down before turning his gaze to Kelly
"And" he said theatrically "What of fair maiden yonder?"

   "Shut up Mike" said Joel "You are an idiot, Kelly is Thomas' sister."

   Kelly meanwhile had simply blushed gently.

   "Well" said Mike "Pleased to meet you both.  Any friend of Joel's etc.
etc.  So what are we doing now?"

   Suddenly there were four friends wandering the corridors, exchanging
greetings with returning boys and sharing jokes and titbits of information
or gossip about many of the older boys and some of the staff.

   "so whadya think?" Kelly asked her brother as they walked back towards
the cottage "ready to be a toff?"

   "I don't think you have to be a toff Kell" her brother replied
sheepishly

   "Naw but it helps" she smirked.

   The Friday afternoon assembly took its usual form.  The head addressed
the assembled boys, welcomed the new joiners and offered a brief history of
the school as well as a run through of the primary rules and obligations.
He also explained about the party that evening, the games day on Saturday
and the Sunday evening service for those who wished to attend.

   He then solemnly reminded the boys of the tragic death of Mike Tanner
and explained how grateful and happy the school was that Mrs Tanner would
be staying on.  He also explained that the Tanner children would be joining
in with the icebreaking events and that he both hoped and expected that the
boys would offer them support and friendship.  Those boys who had been at
the school previously knew what was expected of them and gave a rousing
cheer to the idea.  The newbies nervously shuffled their feet.

   After the assembly the room assignments were handed out.  Joel and Mike
were introduced to Peter Hawthorn and Simon Reston who both appeared to be
fairly typical, frightened 11 year olds.  Remembering their own fears from
the start of the previous year the two older boys greeted them warmly as
they themselves had been greeted in the past.

   The older boys showed them around the school, filled in a bit more about
the rules and traditions and made sure that they felt part of a group as
best they could.  After all, exactly the same courtesy had been shown to
each of them last year.

   The party on that Friday evening went well.  A few minor squabbles but
nothing serious enough for staff to get involved, a few tears and vast
quantities of unhealthy food and riotous games.

   With the addition of Thomas and Kelly the group became 6, all of whom
got on well.

   Just before 9.30 the head appeared at their table.

   "Joel, would you be so kind as to see Thomas and Kelly home.  I'll see
that your room monitor is aware that you have permission to be outside of
the building after time."

   The trio left the hall with the rest of the boys and then peeled off
down the corridor to the main doors.

   "Honestly Joel" squealed an over-excited Kelly "We can find our own way
home, you don't have to bother."

   "Just doing my duty mi'lady" replied Joel with mock grandeur.

   Kelly skipped ahead as they went through the grounds and Thomas took the
opportunity to once again thank the boy.  His thanks were brushed aside, as
were his attempts to explain his shyness and the boys walked on in silence.

   The weekend continued exactly how it was supposed to.  Most of the
gentle sadness of boys away for the first time was dealt with on that
Friday evening.  Some lingered on until though Saturday but by Sunday all
the new boys had some friends they could rely on, stories they could write
to their parents about and often, bruises from one or other rough and
tumble.

   Thomas and Kelly had also been accepted as part of the school society.
Kelly had more bruises but then she was always first into the bundle during
most of the games.  By the time the lights went out on Sunday evening all
was well with the world - at least as far as the young people were aware.

   On Monday the Tanner children went off to the local primary school as
they always had and the "toffs" as Kelly still insisted on calling them
started their new academic year.

   Weekends at Kellerton generally began after the "homework" period on
Friday.  It wasn't compulsory but attendance was encouraged as it often
meant that all the weeks work could be caught up on, leaving the weekend
free for more pleasurable activities.  That lasted from 4.30 to 6.30 when
the dining hall opened and it was then that Thomas and Kelly usually met up
with Joel and company.  They would stay part of the school body until
Sunday afternoon, which they always spent with their mother.

   Over the weeks they became quite relaxed about their membership of this
elite club and often would go their separate ways.  Kelly seeking out the
more physical challenges of 6 a side football, touch rugby or swimming
somewhat more often than her older brother.  Always it was the same.  If
the girl needed privacy to change the various boys would stand guard and
let her go first.

   During the same period Thomas became part of Joel's shadow.  Where Joel
was, Thomas was.  What Joel did, Thomas did.  If Joel disliked the
arrangement in any way he never said, not even when the head asked him how
it was going from time to time.

   When the Christmas holidays appeared on the horizon Joel was one of a
handful of boys who would not be leaving Kellerton.  In his case, it simply
wasn't worth the time and trouble to get to central Africa merely to turn
around and come back.  A fact the boy had accepted the year before.

   Christmas at Kellerton was a family affair.  The staff who had remained
on the premises, including Mrs Tanner and Mrs Johnson were al invited to
the main celebrations in the school.

   All of the adults - even the head - helped with the preparation of food
for the period and a total of 23 adults and children sat down to a
Christmas feast that year.

   After the meal the party broke up into small groups and Joel and Thomas
found themselves in room 3 ground floor.  A room now sadly deserted save
for Joel.

   "I didn't get you anything" apologised Thomas "I couldn't think of
anything that I could afford that you would want."

   "Don't be silly Tommy" replied Joel quietly "I didn't expect you to get
me anything, even though I'm not that hard to please!" he grinned at his
young friend "'sides I didn't get you anything either - thought it might
embarrass you."

   "That's ok" whispered Thomas "but it wouldn't have."

   "Can I say something?" asked the older boy

   Thomas nodded

   "Promise you won't get silly or angry or anything." He went on

   "Well I can't promise.  It depends what you say!" laughed Thomas

   Joel laughed back

   "Tommy - you don't mind me calling you Tommy do you?"

   "You're the only one who calls me Tommy.  I don't mind, it's kinda nice.
Is that what you wanted to ask?"

   Joel laughed again.  "No, I just thought of that as I was going along."
He hesitated and then took a deep breath "You do know how pretty your
sister is right?"

   "Oh yuck Joel, maybe you should be talking to Kelly!"

   "No, wait, listen.  I, er, I just wanted to, um, say...  well, er, I
think you're prettier."

   "Thanks, I guess" replied a puzzled Thomas.

   "Have you ever kissed a girl?" asked Joel

   "No and ESPECIALLY NOT MY SISTER" growled Thomas.

   There was a slightly awkward silence for a moment which Joel eventually
broke.

   "Tommy" he waited for the nod to proceed "Tommy, can I kiss you?" he
hurried out.

   Thomas looked his feet.  He moved them around as his mind processed the
words.  Looking up he studied the face of his hero, allowed his gaze to
wash over the unruly mop of jet black hair and finally settle on the deep
blue eyes twinkling under the fringe.

   "I suppose it would be ok" Thomas finally said

   "You sure" enquired Joel

   Thomas nodded and then as the older boy moved towards him a pace he
asked "have you kissed a boy before?"

   "No Tommy, I've never kissed anybody before." Whispered Joel as his lips
brushed the younger boys.  The second attempt lingered longer.  There was
no third try as running footsteps signalled the approach of Kelly and the
boys moved apart.

   A couple of days later whilst Mrs Tanner was helping out in the office
Thomas announced that he wasn't feeling well and went off to his room. 
Kelly thought better of wandering over to the school without her brother
and contented herself with a video game in her own room.

   It was some time later that she heard the front door close and bounded
down the stairs to greet her mother.  Her mother wasn't their and the
surprised girl checked on her brother to find the room empty.

   She didn't mention his disappearing act later that evening or even when
he pulled the same trick the next day.  On the third day she waited for the
door catch to sound and then quietly slipped out behind Thomas.

   He didn't go to the school but rather down to the lake where the boys
would be allowed to practise sailing and canoeing in the spring and their,
under the watchful eyes of his sister, Thomas met Joel and they walked,
hand in hand, around the waters edge.

   She witnessed the occasional embrace, the intertwined fingers and a kiss
or two.  She watched as Joel ran his fingers through her brothers long hair
and she shivered both from the cold and the excitement of it all.

   As the boys turned for home she scampered away unseen.

   Kelly kept her secret for the rest of the academic year.  It was only
Kelly who really understood how depressed her brother was when Matt
Armstrong arrived to whisk Joel off to Africa for the summer.  It was also
Kelly who understood his impatient excitement as he tore at the first
letter addressed to him with a foreign stamp on it.

   The letters between the boys weren't frequent.  It took a long time for
post too and from Africa, but Thomas religiously replied to each and every
one except the last which simply details the date and approximate time of
Joel's return to Kellerton.

   Kelly was already back at school before the first signs of boys
returning to Kellerton.  As Thomas would be joining the new school he was
forced to spend his days alone, but impatiently waiting for term to start
an his friend to return.

   On the appointed day he meandered down the long driveway to the main
gates well before the estimated 11 o'clock arrival time.  He sat with the
security guards in their tiny but comfortable office and drank sweet tea as
he waited.

   Two false alarms later and one of his burly companions indicated the car
approaching.  Thomas leapt to his feet and rushed out just behind the
security officer.  He witnessed the gentle banter between the guard and the
now familiar Matt Armstrong and watched as the gates swung open and the
sleek black car slipped through to come to a rest a few feet up the drive.

   The rear door flew open and Joel burst into the light to meet Thomas
halfway.  Matt Armstrong simply leaned against the drivers door watching
the two friends greet each other.  Pretty soon Joel led Thomas back to the
car and the two boys clambered into the rear seats for the final short
stretch of the journey.  p Matt studied the new boy in the rear view mirror
and didn't turn around again until the car drew up in front of the main
entrance to the grand building.  Then he swivelled in his seat as Joel made
the formal introductions.

   "Matt Armstrong meet Thomas Tanner - Thomas, this is Matt." He
announced.

   "Pleased to meet you Mr Tanner" said Matt

   "Pleased to meet you too" replied the boy shakily "but you can call me
Thomas."

   Matt looked at Joel "You were right Joel, the boy is just as sweet as
you promised.  Come on, let's get you unloaded.

   Thomas accompanied Joel to the now familiar theatrics of Mrs Johnson at
reception.  As usual Joel was asked for his name and date of birth and, as
usual, the kindly lady took her time scanning pages before acknowledging
his right to be there and advising him of his room details.

   "Hey Mrs J" said Joel "Where is Thomas billeted then?"

   Mrs Johnson pretended to have just noticed Thomas.  "That would be
Thomas......."

   "Tanner" Thomas filled in and then also added his date of birth.

   Mrs Johnson gave one of her brief smiles.  "That would be room 3, ground
floor with Peter Hawthorn and Simon Reston and one other new boy." She
announced.

   "That's my old room from last year Thomas, at least you'll know your way
to and fro and you know Peter and Simon too" smiled Joel.  "Have you packed
yet?"

   "No" replied Thomas "I have to arrive on Friday like everybody else!"

   Joel laughed and the two boys went back to say goodbye to Matt Armstrong
before heading off to find Joel's new room for the year.  In fact the room
was only a short distance from the room that Thomas had been assigned to,
across the hall and in the opposite wing.  Still on the ground floor.

   "How's Kelly" asked Joel as he unpacked

   Thomas was sitting on one of the desks behind Joel watching the boy as
he moved about his area of the four bedded room.  "She's fine.  A bit
peeved that I get so much longer off school but ok otherwise."

   Joel laughed and finished his unpacking.

   "Joel?" started the younger boy.  Joel turned to face his friend.

   "What did you tell Matt about me?" he went on.

   Joel thought for a moment.

   "I told him" he said quietly "that you were my best friend and that you
had a really pretty sister.  I also told him that you were just as pretty."

   "YOU DIDN'T" squealed Thomas.

   "Listen Tommy, Matt has looked out for me since, well since forever. 
For as long as I can remember Matt has been there to pick me up when I fell
over, make sure I brush my teeth and make sure I get fed regularly.  There
was no way that I could keep you a secret, he would have known."

   "Does he know that we, umm, kiss?"

   "uh-huh" nodded Joel

   "and he doesn't mind?"

   "Tommy, this is kinda difficult." Strated Joel

   "Go on" replied Thomas

   "Look, I'm not gay or anything.  I like girls - I like your sister"

   "Sooooo" encouraged Thomas

   "Tommy, you're just as pretty as any girl, I like you `cos you're so
pretty.  Pretty on the inside as well as on the outside."

   "You mean" replied Thomas slowly "that you think of me as a girl?"

   "Would you mind?" asked Joel

   "I don't suppose so." Replied Thomas quietly.

   The following embrace was broken at the sound of footsteps outside,
followed by a rap on the door.

   "Come in" called out Joel.

   Malcolm Richards, the head master entered the room.

   "Ah Thomas, I didn't expect to find you here.  Would you mind giving me
a few minutes with Mr Hutton here." He asked

   "No Sir, I'd probably better be getting back anyway.  Would it be ok if
I invited Joel for tea at the cottage this evening?"

   "I assume that you have checked this with your mother?"

   Thomas nodded.

   "well then" continued Mr Richards "I have no objection as term has not
yet started."

   The boys exchanged timings and Thomas scurried away.

   "Is all well Joel?" as Mr Richards after they were alone.

   "I think so sir." The boy replied.

   "I didn't mean for you to act as permanent guard for the boy, I'm aware
that it might be trying as you get older."

   "Not a problem sir, Thomas has become a friend - he's quite old for his
age, if you get my meaning."

   "Indeed, well so long as you know that you can talk to me if it does
become a problem."

   "Of course sir, thank you."

   Joel was left to his own ends for the short period between then and the
appointed teatime invitation.  Shortly before 6.30 he made his way across
the grounds towards the cottage where the Tanner family lived.  He didn't
get as far as the front door before it flew open and a slightly smaller
version of Thomas flew down the path and wrapped herself around him.

   Kelly then proceeded to drag the boy towards the door with significant
pace and, having successfully captured her quarry, she took the opportunity
of a formal introduction to her mother.

   "Don't be silly Kelly" scolded Mrs Tanner "I've met Joel before, and do
let the poor boy go - Joel I'm so sorry but she has been so excited to see
you again."

   "That's ok Mrs Tanner, I'm pleased to see her and Thomas too" he laughed

   The traditional Friday evening party and games icebreaker came along
soon enough and Thomas was formally consigned to life as a Kellerton
boarder.  Difficult though it might be, the agreement was that he would
have no contact with his sister and mother save for one Sunday a month. 
Otherwise there was a concern that he would cause jealousy amongst some of
the other new boys and not fully benefit from immersing himself in the
school regime.

   It took an age for the first Sunday to arrive and both Kelly and his
mother were waiting anxiously at the door when Thomas finally appeared in
view to enjoy a traditional Sunday roast with them.

   They could both see the difference in the boy.  He was calmer, more self
assured and, despite it only having been four weeks, he seemed bigger
somehow.

   After lunch he sat and talked to them for a while before announcing that
he had to be getting back.  Much whining and pleading later and Kelly was
allowed to walk back part of the way with him.  Mrs Tanner watched them
leave through the lounge window, gentle tears glistening on her cheeks.

   "So" asked his sister loudly "are you and Joel still an item?"

   Thomas turned on her with a horrified expression as he simultaneously
scanned the immediate vicinity for anybody that might have overheard the
girl.

   "What are you talking about Kelly?" he said with as steady a voice as he
could find.

   "Don't be silly Thomas, I'm not gonna tell but I saw you together down
at the lake and stuff.  It's kinda obvious once you see a couple of boys
kissing.  Pity such a good looking boy is queer though" she continued
winking at her older brother mischievously.

   Thomas reddened and slowed his pace a little.

   "look Kelly, we're just good friends and Joel isn't gay, he likes girls,
he even likes you."

   "Just good friends, right!  - He likes me?"

   "Look, just keep quiet about all of this huh.  I'll talk to you some
more next time.  I have to go." And Thomas sprinted away across the grass.

   It was a couple of days before Thomas could talk to Joel.  The two year
age gap meant that they had little time to spend with each other except at
weekends and on some evenings when they might get out for a walk together.

   He reported his unsettling conversation to Joel on one of the few
moments they had in private.  Joel was surprisingly unflustered by the
revelation that they had been seen and even suggested that it might be
helpful if Kelly was on their side in the future.

   Thomas wasn't so sure but relaxed a little as the older boy ruffled his
hair and kissed him a gentle goodnight.

   In fact they didn't wait until the next official Sunday visit.  The
following Sunday Joel suddenly appeared alongside Thomas as he was heading
in to lunch.

   "Did you have breakfast?" the older boy enquired.

   Thomas nodded.

   "Good then you can miss lunch" Joel went on as he took Thomas by the
elbow and turned him smartly away from the stream of boys heading off to
the dining hall.

   "Where are we going" hissed Thomas as Joel marched along at speed.

   "We're slipping off the radar for a bit.  We need to chat to Kelly."
Replied Joel.

   Thomas knew that they would be in trouble if caught with Kelly but took
one look at the determination on Joel's face and decided not to argue.

   The boys slipped out of a side entrance and walked around the building
before heading out into the park grounds.  Joel had deliberately set a
course directly opposite to the route to the Tanner cottage and now, out of
sight o the main school building, he swung around to head in that general
direction.

   In fact, the boys got lucky and came across a slightly bored Kelly
idling her time away on a rope swing well away from the cottage.

   She hurried to them excitedly and had to be quietened down quickly.

   That achieved the threesome sat down and talked.  The first order of the
day was for Joel to elicit a promise that the girl would say nothing to
anybody.  Then he went on to explain himself, much as he had done to
Thomas. He tried, with some difficulty, to explain that he liked girls and
not boys but simply found Thomas to be attractive.  Questions followed and
the two boys found themselves embarrassed as the 10 year old girl asked
them for very personal details and was disinclined to believe that they had
not so much as looked at each others genitals.  So much so that Thomas got
up and wandered away on the pretext of keeping watch.

   "look" said Joel finally "All we have done is kissed a few times.  I'd
do the same t you if you were older."

   "I am" replied Kelly firmly

   "You are what?" queried Joel

   "I'm older.  I'm the same age as Thomas was the first time you kissed
him."

   Joel laughed, "Yes I suppose that you are!"

   It seemed, as the two boys made their slow circular route back to the
school, that whilst they had confirmation of the girls silence, they had
little else.  Both boys had to admit that they had been given a verbal
beating by Kelly and were more than a little unsure as to how or why they
had agreed to meet her, same time, same place, next week.

   That second week Kelly was waiting for them when they arrived.

   "C'mon" she rushed "Mum's out - follow me."

   Pretty soon, against the boys better judgement, they were all ensconced
in the lounge at the cottage drinking coke.

   "So" started Kelly "Joel thinks we're both pretty huh?"

   Thomas nodded and Joel followed suit.

   "Which is the prettier?" she asked

   Joel shifted uncomfortably.  "well Thomas I suppose" he finally stated.

   "Wanna test that?" the girl asked

   "How exactly?" asked Joel

   "Well pretty much we stand side by side and you have to judge"

   "No need" replied the boy "I already know - I said so."

   "I bet it's not that easy my way."

   "What way is that?" challenged Joel

   "ah-hah!" squealed Kelly "You won't know if you don't agree."

   "I'm confused" whispered Thomas as he allowed his sister to pull him off
the sofa and drag him out of the room.

   Moments later a loud Thomas shouted "NO WAY!" and a triumphant Kelly
dragged him back into the room.

   "See Joel, he's afraid of my test" she stated

   "What test?" the older boy queried

   "It's a secret" replied the girl.

   Joel looked at Thomas.

   "She wants us both to wear bikinis so that you can choose properly"
Thomas explained with a certain degree of exasperation.

   "And you don't want to" Joel surmised

   "You mean you want me to?" Thomas asked slightly shocked.

   Joel looked at his watch.  "Do we have time?"

   "Yup, but only if we start right now" squealed an excited Kelly.

   "Jeez Joel, I can't wear one of my sisters bikinis." Hissed Thomas as
Kelly dragged him off towards the stairs.

   Joel laughed and waved to him as he went.

   A little time later Kelly shouted down that Joel was to close his eyes.
He did so and listened to the sound of the two siblings making their way
down the stairs and back to the lounge.

   "Ok, you can open them now" said Kelly.

   Joel opened his eyes.  He blinked them back into focus and rested on the
two bikini clad bodies with their backs to him a few feet away.

   Joel knew instantly which was which.  Thomas was a little taller and his
hair was a little shorter but other than that, from the back at least,
there was little to tell them apart.  For a moment the boy simply feasted
his eyes on the long slender legs leading up to those two pairs of firm
buttocks, slim waists and firm square shoulders.

   There was a slight catch in his voice when he asked them to turn around.

   Kelly and Thomas turned in almost perfect unison and Joel swallowed as
he looked at the two bodies before him.

   The added bulge in the briefs that Thomas wore gave him away as a boy
but otherwise he was as close to perfect as he could be.  Kelly would be
quite a catch too as far as Joel was concerned, although he was well aware
of her age, or lack of it, compared to him.

   "Well?" demanded Kelly

   Joel struggled to find his voice.

   "It is close" he started "You're both so fucking gorgeous"

   Kelly's eyes went wide - she had never heard Joel swear before.  For
that matter neither had Thomas who now stood, quietly comfortable in a
borrowed bikini that was just a little tight on him.

   "You have to choose Joel" Kelly whined

   The boy looked at them some more, not really wanting the time to move
on. Finally he spoke.

   "I still choose Thomas" he whispered.

   The slight scowl that danced across Kelly's face before slipping into
the shadows mirrored the brief but obvious joy and pride that Thomas had
within him right then.  The boys looked at each other and it was a few
moments before Joel noticed that Kelly had gone back upstairs, presumably
to dress.

   "Come here" he said to Thomas.  "Sit on my knee"

   Thomas giggled but did as he was bid and slipped onto Joel's knee.  He
felt the older boys arms wrap around him and his hands moving over skin and
fabric and he relaxed into the moment.

   "Mum will be here on 15 minutes or less" Kelly stated as she flopped
onto the sofa next to the boys.

   That was it.  Like a firework with a short fuse Thomas bounded up the
stairs to recover his clothing.

   "How close?" came the slightly petulant question from Kelly.

   "Very close, very, very close.  Maybe you wore too much" Joel chided as
Kelly stuck her tongue out at him.

   The boys slipped out of the cottage and back to the main school unseen.

   Thomas was desperate to ask Joel if he had told the truth about who was
prettiest and Joel knew it.  It didn't happen though and finally Joel had
simply asked

   "Tommy, will you dress up for me like that again sometime?"

   A huge smile and a peck on the cheek was the only answer necessary as
the boys went their separate ways to spend a normal Sunday evening in their
rooms, or in the lounges at Kellerton.

   The final Sunday visit before the end of term Thomas finally broached
the subject of Christmas.  Kelly managed to stifle grins and giggles as the
boy explained to his mother that Joel wouldn't be seeing his parents at
Christmas and asked if he could possibly stay with them.  Permission
obtained Thomas found the courage to invite Joel himself and was overjoyed
when the boy said that he would talk to the head and get permission.

   The head delayed matters just long enough to talk both to Mrs Tanner and
Mr Hutton (by telephone) and then happily agreed to the boy spending a more
normal family Christmas with the Tanner's.  Of course all would be
"welcome" at the Kellerton Christmas lunch anyway.

   As is the way with expensive private schools, the term finished earlier
that at Kelly's school and the boys would also start back a little later.
Kelly was a little put out by this but felt compensated by having both her
brother and Joel around during the evenings.

   On the very first day that Kelly joined them on holiday there was a rap
on the door at around 9.30.  Mrs Tanner answered the door and the children,
still eating breakfast in the kitchen, heard nothing but muffled words. 
All heads turned as Mrs Tanner led Matt Armstrong into the kitchen.

   "Matt!" exclaimed Joel "What are you doing around here?"

   "Well" said the tall well built man "I was in the country anyway and
your father suggested that Mrs Tanner might need some errands run."

   "I'm sorry Joel" said Mrs Tanner "I did explain that we were well taken
care off"

   Joel laughed off her concern.

   "Don't worry Mrs Tanner, I doubt that what Matt considers errands is the
same as what you consider errands." He turned to his long term guide and
protector.  "What did you have in mind Matt?"

   "Well, with Mrs Tanners' approva, naturally, I thought that I might take
you lot off to do some Christmas shopping and then on to the pantomime in
town." He turned to Mrs Tanner "You're welcome to come along too if you
would like to." He finished

   "Can we mum?" squealed Kelly

   Mrs Tanner ignored her daughter with practised ease.

   "Are you sure that you have the time for this Mr Armstrong?"

   The man smiled at her "Joel Hutton has been my main job since he was
about 3.  It helps that I like young people and that Joel and I get along
very well.  Honestly, I'd love to take them off your hands for the day."

   "All of them" queried Mrs Tanner "Even this noisy badly behaved thing?"
she asked indicating Kelly

   "MUM!" the girl squealed indignantly

   "Well" said Matt pretending to give the matter some thought "I could tie
her up and leave her in the boot of the car"

   Mrs Tanner laughed, Kelly went quiet and Joel almost fell off his chair.

   "Finish your breakfast and then go get cleaned up kids" smiled Mrs
Tanner as she turned to Matt "fancy a coffee whilst they get ready?"

   "That would be very welcome" said Matt as he pulled out a chair.

   Mrs Tanner was still barking instructions, particularly at her daughter,
as the car door closed.  A quick wave from Matt and he too climbed in and
shut the door.  The engine started and the car purred down the lane towards
the main school and the drive to the main gates.

   There was a brief exchange of banter at the gates and then they were
off. Matt up front and the three children in the rear.

   They started with lunch.  Kelly was awestruck as they dawdled in to what
she considered a true "toffs" restaurant fully expecting to be asked to
leave almost immediately.  In fact the group were greeted warmly, offered a
choice of tables (which Matt decided upon) and each had a large leather
bound menu placed in front of them.

   Mat encouraged them, particularly the Tanner children, to order whatever
they wanted and then indulged himself with a light salad so that he could
watch the joyful innocent interaction between the three of them.

   Lunch over the shopping began.  Thomas was horrified when a small clutch
of notes was placed in his hand.

   "Thank you but I can't possibly........."

   "Don't make me angry" said Matt "You wouldn't like me when I'm angry" he
grinned "take the money and enjoy it.  It's the Hutton's way of saying
sorry we can't be here."

   "He's right" announced Joel "Mum and Dad would want us to have a good
time."

   Presents were bought, jokes exchanged and the group fund themselves back
again at the restaurant.

   "Where is everybody?" asked Kelly as they entered the deserted dining
area

   "They opened a bit early for us so we could get to the panto in plenty
of time" explained Matt quietly.

   "They opened just for us?" exclaimed a wide eyed girl.  Thomas kept
quiet and simply enjoyed the experience.

   From the restaurant they went to the local theatre and laughed their way
through "Jack & the Beanstalk" There were lots of references to the
principal boy being a girl, which Matt didn't quite catch, but caused
Thomas a certain amount of blushing and then he delivered them home.

   Mrs Tanner was also shocked as the bags that the children returned with,
including many that she wasn't allowed to see inside.  Matt came in
carrying a large wicker hamper and dumped it on the table "so that you
won't have to spend all your time in the kitchen" he explained.

   Mrs Tanners protests were stifled with phrases like

   "We're all so pleased that Joel will have a nice family to spend
Christmas with"

   "Honestly, it's all covered by expenses"

   and the classic

   "well if you can't do it at Christmas......"

   Eventually Matt said his goodbyes, gave Joel a big hug and left with a
promise to be back for Easter.

   Matt, it seemed, was destined to be travelling for much of the Christmas
holiday.

   Christmas day started with a flurry of wrapping paper.  Presents were
handed out by and for everybody.

   Mrs Tanner spent much of her time exclaiming "you shouldn't have - it's
lovely" the kids were a bit more honest and excitable.

   Lunch occurred in the main school dining hall and included all those
boys not away for the holidays and those staff who chose to stay on the
premises.  As usual, all the adults mucked in with the kitchen duties and
everybody had a fine time.

   By 10.00 pm Mrs Tanner sat quietly in her lounge with a large cognac and
tears in her eyes as she remembered her husband.  She had packed the kids
off to bed moments before but didn't really expect them to settle down too
soon.

   In fact, Kelly had been at fever pitch all day and was asleep within
minutes.

   The boys talked quietly across the brief divide between their beds.

   "umm, I do have one more gift for you Tommy" said Joel quietly.  He
tossed the simply wrapped package over to his friends' bed.  Thomas caught
it, glanced briefly at Joel and tore the paper open.

   "I didn't see you buy this" whispered Thomas as he held up the handful
of material that formed a little yellow bikini.

   Joel sniggered "Matt got it for me, he said he hoped it would fit you"

   "You told Matt that it was for me?" exclaimed Joel eyes wide.

   "Yeah, he reckoned it was more of a present for me than for you.  You
gonna try it on?"

   "Now?"

   Joel nodded excitedly.

   Thomas sat up in bed and tugged off his pyjama top.  Then he reached
under the sheets and wriggled out of his pyjama bottoms.  He hesitated for
a moment.  He'd never been naked in front of Joel before.  He'd never been
naked in front of any boy, or girl for that matter.

   Thomas carefully tied the sides of the bikini bottom together as best he
could and under cover of the duvet he tugged the bottoms into place before
turning his attention to the top.

   "Don't worry about the top" hissed Joel "You don't have any tits"

   Both boys laughed at that.

   "C'mon then" whispered Joel "show me"

   Thomas swung his legs over the side of the bed, pulled back the covers
and stood to display himself in his new bright yellow bikini bottoms.

   "Come here" commanded Joel lifting his own duvet.

   Thomas padded across the room and slipped in to his friends bed.

   Downstairs Mrs Tanner listened to the footsteps between her own sobs. 
"Boys" she thought "They'll be asleep soon."

   Thomas lay on his side, his back to Joel who traced patterns on his
shoulder with his finger tips.  Thomas held his breath as the patterns
moved onto his back and then down lower and lower.  The patterns felt quite
different through the taut material of the bikini bottoms though.

   A gasp from Thomas signalled the untying of the bikini and soon a small
hand palmed his buttock before slipping around the front to undertake a
finger tip examination of a rapidly growing erection.  Thomas woke sometime
before the dawn.  He extricated himself from Joel's embrace, allowed the
half tied bikini bottoms to fall away as he crossed the room and, after
reclaiming his pyjamas and hiding the bikini and tell tale wrapping paper,
slipped into his own bed and back to the land of nod.

   The boys were woken the following morning by Kelly who burst in just
ahead of Mrs Tanner.

   "Kelly!" she scolded "You should knock before you enter the boys room"

   "I did mum" came the reply

   "Yes but you didn't wait for an answer" said her mother in exasperation.

   "Not to worry Mrs Tanner" said a sleepy Joel

   "You boys were up late" she replied "It's no wonder that you're tired
this morning"

   "Sorry mum" said Thomas "did we disturb you?"

   "No don't worry about it - you may as well make the most of the
holidays." Replied Mrs Tanner.

   "Listen boys, there's been a small accident at the school.  One of the
teachers, Mr Watson, has had a fall and may have broken his ankle.  The
head is taking him to the hospital to get it x-rayed and has asked if I can
spend some time at the school to supervise the few boys who are there.  I
did mention that I had you here and he thought that you were more
responsible and trustworthy than the lot at the school!  Are you happy to
be left alone for a few hours?  You can contact me on the phone if you need
me."

   The trio assured her that all would be well and that they could be
relied upon and Mrs Tanner finally left after demanding an assurance from
Kelly that she would leave the boys alone to get dressed.

   The front door clicked into place and Kelly started.

   "So big brother, what was in this?" she asked as she brandished the
wrapping paper that Thomas had shoved under the bed.

   Thomas looked at Joel who shrugged his shoulders.

   "Joel bought me an extra present" he stated "He bought me a bikini" he
offered before the girl could try and force the information out of him.

   "Wow" she exclaimed "can I see it"

   Thomas delved under his pillow and drew out the scraps of yellow
material held together with thinner strips of yellow.

   "Can I see it on" she asked excitedly

   "Yeah me too" called Joel from his bed

   Thomas blushed

   "ok, ok but you have to go out of the room whilst I dress" Thomas
finally said to his sister.

   She was gone in a flash.

   Thomas started the wriggle out of his pyjamas as he had the night
before.

   "Don't be shy Tommy, let me watch this time" whispered Joel.

   Thomas blushed some more but did slip out of the protection of his bed
to undress before his friend.  Pyjamas discarded he even managed to stand
still for a few seconds to let Joel see all of him before he stepped into
the half done up bikini bottoms.

   Joel slipped out of his own bed and took control of retying the sections
he had undone the night before and then helped the boy to fathom the top
and fix it in place.

   Joel pulled Thomas onto his knee as he called out Kelly to come in.  She
gasped as she saw her brother sitting on the other boys lap and he quickly
rose to stand before the audience so recently doubled in size.

   "that's really nice Thomas - don't go anywhere" said Kelly as she dashed
back out of the room.

   Kelly re-entered at whirlwind speed a few moments later.  Her previous
attire had been replaced by her own bikini and she stood next to her
brother before their house guest.

   "Has he seen you without the top on?" she asked Thomas.

   He nodded.

   "Take it off again then" she instructed.

   Thomas looked at her with questions in his eyes but did as he was bid,
tossing the yellow material on to his bed.

   Joel looked from one sibling to the next, read the unspoken question and
pointed at joel with a smile on his lips.

   Kelly huffed and started to move.  By the time the boys knew what was
happening her own bikini top landed next to Thomas' and she stood proudly
displaying her near non existent breasts.

   In fact, as Joel pointed out, there was a slight swelling and her
nipples were much darker than Thomas'.

   When the older boy stood and rubbed his hands across Thomas' right
breast and Kelly's left breast at the same time he noticed that her nipples
enlarged faster and further than the boys.

   Thomas was unsure about this but held his ground as his friend stroked
his chest as well as his sisters.  Kelly was happy to be examined in this
way and she stuck out her chest as far as she could to encourage and
accommodate the boy.

   Thomas went to speak when he felt the hand slip down to his stomach and
realised that the same would be happening with his sister, but a look from
Joel stifled his words and, instead, he closed his eyes as that hand
explored his body in the sunlight.

   Thomas was aware of his erection.  Aware that it was straining against
the brief yellow bikini bottoms and that it would be even more
uncomfortable if Joel started to touch him as he had last night.  He wanted
to be touched though.  He was happy to sacrifice his sister to that touch
if he was touched at the same time.  Warmth enveloped his erection and it
surged against the cloth.

   Kelly had held her breath from the moment the hand had travelled past
her navel.  Now she could feel his hand hot through the bikini bottoms as
he cupped her and stroked her with his thumb.  She parted her legs just a
touch more and his hand settled better into place.

   She felt him lean forward to whisper in her ear at exactly the same time
as he whispered to Joel.

   "Undo the strings - pull the bow"

   Thomas didn't hesitate and his hands moved to either side of his yellow
bikini bottoms even as his sister tugged at the strings of her own bikini.
The two pieces of clothe were discarded at the same time and a dark haired
boy stood cupping the genitals of two long legged blonds as the early
morning sun streamed in the window behind him.

   As Joel slipped his fingers around Thomas' erection his other hand
slipped one finger just inside the young girls outer lips.  Both Tanner
children gasped, both opened their eyes and both fixed on what was
happening to the other.

   Slowly Kelly reached out and took her brothers hand as Joel softly
masturbated them both.