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Thomas' Story: Cumin' of Age

by T. F. Yank

----------------------------[ Disclaimer ]-----------------------
The following story is purely fictitious. Any resemblance to real
life simply means I got lucky. It contains consensual and non-
consensual sex between minors (High School). If such things offend
you, please hit 'N' or however you abort reading messages on your
system.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

-- Chapter Twenty-Seven

Thomas had left home extra early, so he could be sure he didn't miss the
girls on their way to school. It was for that reason, he was surprised to
see Louanne already waiting for him at her corner. As he drew closer, he
could tell she had been crying.

"Are you okay?" he asked, once he reached her.

"Oh Tommy," she sobbed, as she threw her arms around him.

"What's wrong, Lou?"

"It's Debbie."

"Debbie? What wrong with Debbie?"

"She's . . . she's . . ." Louanne started crying, and was unable to say
anything else.

"Let's get you home," Thomas suggested, as he led her back to her house.

Mrs. Raster met them at the door, still dressed in her housecoat. "Poor
baby," she said, taking Louanne into her arms. She turned and led her into
the house.

Thomas stood there, uncertain what to do until Mrs, Raster called for him
to come in.

He followed them into the living room, still wondering what was going on.

"Please sit down, Thomas," Mrs. Raster said. "I have some bad news for you
about Debbie."

"And it's all my fault," Louanne cried.

"It's not your fault. You had nothing to do with it," her step-mother said.

"It is my fault. If I hadn't been failing history, Tommy wouldn't have been
tutoring me last night. He would have been with her instead. And it would
never have happened."

Louanne started to cry hysterically. Her step-mother asked Thomas to wait
until she could put Louanne to bed. Thomas watched them go upstairs. He
wondered what was going on. Obviously something terrible had happened to
Debbie. But what? What wouldn't have happened if he had been with Debbie
last night?

Mrs. Raster returned to the living room a few minutes later. "I gave her
something to help her sleep. She'll be better after she gets some rest."

"If there's anything I can do?" Thomas asked.

"I hope you're strong," Mrs. Raster said, rather cryptically.

"Well, I do lift weights," Thomas answered, not quite understanding what
his strength had to do with anything.

Mrs. Raster smiled weakly. "That's not quite what I meant. Louanne tells me
you and Debbie have been seeing each other? Kind of going out together?"

"Well, we only went out once. But I see her every day at school and stuff
like that. She kinda got grounded, and I've been busy at night tutoring
Louanne."

"Yes, I know. You really like her, don't you?"

"I guess I do. I know you probably think we're too young for stuff like
this. But I love her very much. And I think she loves me, too."

Thomas saw tears in Mrs. Raster's eyes. For a moment, he was frightened she
would start crying like Louanne had.

"No. I don't think you two are too young for love," she said, sadly. "It
will just make this all the more painful."

"What? Please tell me what's going on. Is Debbie okay? Where is she?" he
asked, feeling fear grow in his heart.

"This is going to be difficult enough. Please try to remain calm, Thomas."

"I will. But please tell me what's happened to Debbie. Please!"

"Sometime last night, someone attacked her. They beat her terribly. And
worse, it appears they raped her."

Thomas let out a cry, "No!" He jumped up, and ran to the door.

Mrs. Raster was right behind him. Before he could get the door open, she
took him in her arms. Holding him tightly, she led him back to the living
room.

"Now Thomas, running away won't help. Try to calm down, and I'll tell you
all I know about what happened." she said, soothingly.

He wanted to say he hadn't been running away. He had been running to
Debbie. Only he didn't know where she was.

"Debbie's father called here around 10 last night, quite frantic. Seems
Debbie had gone out after supper and still hadn't come home. He asked if
Louanne might know where Debbie had gone. Or, if Louanne knew if she was
seeing some boy."

Thomas stiffened at that. Sensing his tension, Mrs. Raster said, "Don't
worry. Louanne didn't say anything about you. Not then anyway. She told me
later, but I haven't told anyone either."

Thomas relaxed as Mrs. Raster continued.

"I offered to go out and look for her. But he said something about it not
be necessary, and hung up. Worried, I called him back just before I went up
to bed. I was surprised, and very worried, when a policeman answered the
phone."

"He wouldn't give me any information. All he would say was that Bert,
that's Debbie's father, couldn't come to the phone. Frightened, I grabbed
my coat and ran over to his house."

"Bert wasn't home. There was this young police officer. At first, he
refused to say anything. But when I told him I was a close personal friend
of the family, and how Bert had called me earlier worried about Debbie, he
finally admitted that Debbie was in the hospital. He said that someone had
attacked her."

"I must have become hysterical. The next thing I remember is sitting on the
couch in their living room, and the young officer holding a box of kleenex
out to me. I begged the officer to tell me what had happened. He was
reluctant at first, but after considerable pleading on my part, he
relented."

"He told me how someone had found her wandering around naked. She seemed
dazed, and kept muttering, 'Please no more' over and over again. She was
covered with bruises and was bleeding from several cuts. The good person
who found her, rushed her to the Hospital."

"Bert had already called the hospital and the police to report Debbie
missing. So when she was admitted to the emergency room, they immediately
recognized her from the description her father had given. He couldn't tell
me anything about her condition. He was simply watching the house, while
Bert was at the hospital".

"Something about him being there, in case whoever attacked her came back
there looking for her. I had regained my composure by then, and thanked him
for the information. I hurried home."

"I have several friends who work at the hospital. I called one of them as
soon as I got home to see if he could tell me more about Debbie's
condition. He told me that they had her sedated. And that she would,
eventually, be okay physically. But the doctors were more concerned about
her mental health."

"I asked him to let me know any further developments, and if I could be of
any help. As I hung up, I saw Louanne behind me. She was as pale as a
ghost. It was then I realized, in shock, I must have repeated some of what
my friend had said. And Louanne had heard."

"I spent the better part of the night trying to calm Louanne down. And I
tried to get her to stay in bed this morning. But she insisted that she had
to be there, in case you came by."

Thomas sat there, his body trembling. He fought a losing battle, trying to
keep from crying. Tears welled up in his eyes, blurring the room before
him.

"Go ahead and cry," Mrs. Raster said softly, as she held him. He broke down
and cried uncontrollably. She stroked his hair lightly, as she said,
"Sometimes that's the only way to let the pain out."

He didn't know how long he sat there, his head pressed against her
shoulder. He had never cried that hard before in his life. He had never
felt so much pain in his heart. He fought to control his tears. He broke
from her gentle arms and jumped up.

"I have to go. I have to . . ."

"Please Thomas," she said, taking hold of his hand. "Where are you going?"

"I have to go see Debbie. She needs me. There has to be something I can do.
I feel so helpless."

He turned his face away from her, as tears again streamed down his cheeks.

"Please Thomas, sit down. You can't go to Debbie. They don't allow someone
your age to visit patients without an adult. Besides, Debbie is in no
condition to see you right now."

"But I have to see her," he sobbed.

"I know you do. Look, I have already promised Louanne that I'd take her up
to see Debbie this afternoon. That is if Debbie is allowed visitors. You
could come with us, if you wanted to."

"Could I? Oh, thank you. I'd really like to go, if I could. When would we
go?"

"Well, it all depends on whether they allow her any visitors. But I
promised Louanne that I'd take her after lunch. But only if Debbie's
doctors say it's alright."

"They have to. They just have to. I can't stand the thought if her being
there all alone."

"I think maybe you had better go home. I'll call you when I find out if we
will be allowed to see her. And besides, you aren't in any shape to go to
school today. So why don't you go home?"

"Yeah, I guess I should. But you won't forget to call me? You have my
number, don't you?"

"Yes, Thomas, I have it. And I promise I'll call you the moment I know
anything. Now, go on home."

Thomas thanked her again, and headed home. He hoped no one saw him, as he
continued to cry thinking about poor Debbie.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rodger hurried to Dale's house. He was still high after last night. But he
had to make sure the fucking fag didn't open his mouth. He knocked on the
front door, waiting for someone to answer. Dale's mother came to the door.

"Good morning Rodger. How are you today?"

"Great, Mrs. B. Is Dale ready for school?"

"He's still in bed. The poor boy was up half the night, sick to his
stomach. I guess he picked up a flu bug, or something. He's still quite
pale this morning. I thought it would be best if he just rested in bed
today."

"That's too bad. I hope he gets better soon. Maybe I could see him for a
minute? See if he needs anything from his locker? I can pick up his
homework, and drop it off after school, if you'd like?"

"That would be great. You're always so considerate. Go on up, I'm sure Dale
would be happy to see you."

Rodger went up to Dale's room. Closing the door behind him, he gazed at
Dale. He was sleeping. Rodger walked quietly to the side of the bed and
reached out to touch his face.

Dale's eyes flew open in panic. Seeing Rodger, he tried to move away.

"Not feeling to well this morning?" Rodger asked.

"Christ, Rodger, you scared the shit out of me. And no, I'm not feeling
well. My Mom thinks I should stay home."

"I `o too," Rodger said. "That way, I'll know you can't open your fucking
mouth and squeal."

"I wouldn't do that. Shit, if I did, they'd toss my ass in jail, and throw
away the key."

"Just remember that. And if that happens, I'll find away to kill you. You
keep your mouth shut and you have nothing to worry about."

"Honest, Rodger. I won't tell anyone."

"Good. I'll stop by after school to drop off your homework. And to see how
you're doing. And maybe we can talk about how you can put to use what you
learned last night. Think it's high time that bitch of yours, Sandy,
started putting out a little."

"Hey! Leave her out of this."

"Or you'll do what? Squeal? Go ahead. And after I kill you, I'll still fuck
your girlfriend. Bet she begs for it like the slut did last night."

"Get out of here," Dale screamed. "You're fucking crazy!"

Rodger laughed. "Maybe you better remember that. Cause if I'm really crazy,
you know I'll do what I promise." Still laughing, he went back down stairs.

"Well it looks as you two had a few laughs," Dale's mother said. "I'm glad
you took the time to cheer him up. But you better hurry if you don't want
to be late for school."

"Thanks, Mrs. B. I'll see you after school." Rodger continued to laugh as
he headed to school. He felt great.

-- Chapter Twenty-Eight

As Thomas approached his house, he wondered if his mother had left for work
yet.

He went around back, and wiped his eyes on his jacket sleeve. He hoped he
didn't look too bad, as he went in.

"Mom?" he called.

"Thomas? Is that you? I thought you were on your way to school. Is
something wrong?" his mother answered, as she came rushing to the back
door. "My God, Thomas, what's the matter? You've been crying. Are you
hurt?"

"I'm okay, Mom. I didn't hurt myself."

"But you're upset. What's the matter? You've been crying for a reason."

"I kinda got some bad news. And I guess I was pretty upset. But I'm okay
now, really."

"Bad news? What bad news?" his mother asked, concerned.

"I just found out that . . . er . . . a friend is in the hospital. I guess
it kinda shook me up a bit."

"In the hospital? Who? Please Thomas, who's in the hospital and why?"

"Well, a girl from my class was raped last night and . . ."

"Raped? Who was it?"

"I'm not sure if you know her. Debbie? Debbie Williams? She lives over on
Yorkshire Drive."

"Oh that one," his mother said. "Doesn't surprise me in the least. She
always dressed and acted like a little tramp."

Thomas was shocked by his mother's words.

"You shouldn't concern yourself about girls like her," his mother
continued. "They only get what they ask for. Daughters of Satan draw the
worst."

"My god, she was attacked, raped. How can you say that? She was a good
girl."

"Now Thomas. There are still things you have to learn. Things you don't
fully understand. Little tramps like that practically go around asking to
be treated that way. Why else do they paint their faces, and dress to show
off their evil bodies."

"It's all well and good, you being concerned for this girl. But when you're
older, you'll realize that some people are just down right sinful."

"You don't know her, Mom. She's not like that at all."

"And how would you know? Surely you don't associate with girls like her?"

"Well I . . . er . . . I know her from school," he answered. Suddenly, he
was afraid of what she would say if she knew about him and Debbie.

"You really shouldn't have anything to do with such trash."

"She's not trash," he protested.

"Don't contradict me, young man. Of course she's trash. Why else would
someone do what they did? She probably led the poor fool on, teasing him,
until he could do nothing else."

"No, you're wrong. She isn't like that at all. She's sweet and kind. She'd
never do anything like that."

"My poor Thomas. Someday you'll see there are evil people in the world. And
you must always be on your guard against them. For they are the children of
Satan. Their only purpose to entice good people like us away from God."

He fought hard to keep from crying again. He felt frustrated not being able
to explain to his mother about Debbie.

"Now I want you to forget about this girl. She got what she deserved. No
more, no less. God punishes those who disobey his Commandments," his mother
said as she took her handkerchief and wiped his face.

Thomas jerked away from her touch. He looked at his mother, and anger
filled him. "You don't know what you're talking about. Debbie isn't like
that at all. She's a good girl. And she's my girlfriend," he said. He
stared at her defiantly.

"Your what? You're not serious. You're much too young for anything like
that. I forbid it."

"You can't forbid it. It is. We are. We love each other. Something you've
forgotten all about, if you even knew how," he challenged.

"How dare you talk to me like that," she exclaimed, slapping his face.
"What do you know of love? What do you know of the sacrifices? The pain?
You know nothing," she screamed at him.

"You're half right. In this house, I never learned anything about love.
Just hatred and bitterness. Debbie showed me what love's all about. All you
ever showed me was how to condemn, how to judge. She's shown me kindness.
And how to enjoy life," Thomas replied softly. He turned to leave.

"Where do you think you're going, young man? Get back here. I want a full
apology for the disgusting way you are acting."

Thomas walked slowly out the door. His mind flooded with emotions-- fear,
anger and pain. He knew if he looked back at her, he would lose everything.

"Get back here at once," she yelled at him. "You can't leave me like this.
You ungrateful child. Just like your father. Enticed by the Devil's slut.
Seduced by the spread legs of his whore."

Once Thomas turned the corner of the house, he broke into a run. His
mother's screams broke the stillness of the quiet morning.

"You can't leave me alone like this. I'm your mother. Please Thomas, come
back."

He covered his ears with his hands to block out her words. Tears flowed
from his eyes, blinding him. But he couldn't go back. His Debbie needed
him. And he knew that she was good. His mother was wrong.

He felt guilty about the way he had treated his mother. But he knew in his
heart, she was wrong. Debbie was not trash, nor a child of the Devil. If
anyone was, he was. It was he who couldn't control his urges.

But he realized that right now, he was only worried about Debbie. He knew
she needed him. Needed someone to hold her, and tell her she was loved. His
heart ached with the need to be with her.

He continued to run, not aware of his surroundings. Finally, he could run
no further. His heart was pounding against his ribs as his lungs fought for
air. He looked around, and was surprised to discover he was in the park. In
front of him was the grove of pine trees where he and Debbie had spent
their first time together.

Glancing around to make certain no one was watching, he scrambled beneath
the low branches. Once within the protective ring of trees, he lay down on
the bed of pine needles. His gaze took in every detail, comparing it to the
first time he had been here.

Tears blurred his vision as he remembered how sweet Debbie had been that
night. And how pretty she had looked in the dim light as she had removed
her clothing. He remembered how frightened he had felt. How unsure he had
been, until she showed him what to do. And the feelings she had stirred in
him, when she first touched him. How his heart nearly burst when she told
him how he wasn't like other guys she had dated.

She had been everything he ever dreamed a girl would be. She had been soft,
gentle, and understanding. Her patience with his inexperience was something
he never expected. Obviously she knew so much more than he did. Yet, she
never made fun of him.

The feel of her skin against his, her sweet taste, they were more than
anything he ever imagined. Even his wildest dreams had not prepared him for
the feel of her lips and mouth on his penis. Her willingness, no, her
eagerness to please was something that at first frightened him.

But he soon realized it was merely her way of showing affection. And he was
too willing to return those feelings in the same manner. He remembered the
afternoon at Louanne's house. The moment when he finally realized he loved
her.

Even now he did not doubt it was the physical relationship at first which
had prompted him to tell her he loved her. But having said the words, it
was as if some barrier inside of him had been broken. Somehow she had freed
his heart from whatever had made it impossible for him to feel love.

And in that instant, he did love. For the first time in his life, he knew
what it was to love, and be loved. Seeing her there pleading with him,
offering herself to him, had made him realize he did love her. Not because
of what she had promised if he said it. But because she would make that
sacrifice simply for love.

She'd shown him what it was like to be totally unselfish. To want someone
so much, you'd do anything for them. And at that moment, he wanted to do
everything he could for her. Not to her. But for her. He wanted to protect
her and make her happy. And he wanted to spend the rest of his life with
her.

But when she needed him most, he hadn't been there. His hands beat against
the ground in anger. "Where was I when she needed me?", his mind cried out.
He buried his face in his arms and cried.

-- Chapter Twenty-Nine

Thomas lay there, lost in memories and emotions until the sun moved
directly overhead. Noticing its position, he glanced at his watch. "Damn,"
he thought, "It's lunchtime. Mrs. Raster said she and Louanne would be
going to the hospital after lunch."

He scrambled through the trees again, not caring if anyone saw him. He ran
as fast as he could to Louanne's house, hoping they had not left yet.
Arriving at the house, his panic subsided upon seeing the car still in the
driveway. Breathless, he rang the bell.

"My god Thomas, you look terrible," Mrs. Raster said, opening the door. "I
tried calling your house, but there was no answer. I was starting to worry
something had happened to you."

"I'm okay," he replied. "I kinda just walked around this morning, thinking.
I only just realized the time, and rushed over here."

"But I thought you said you were going home this morning?" she asked, still
concerned.

"I needed some time to think. And I always think better when I'm walking,"
he lied in reply. He just couldn't tell her about the argument with his
mother.

"Well, I was just fixing lunch. Why don't you join us? After, I'll call the
hospital to make sure they'll let us visit Debbie."

Thomas agreed and followed her to the kitchen. He found Louanne sitting
there, still looking as if she had only stopped crying.

"Oh Thomas," she said, jumping up to go to him. She wrapped her arms around
him and hugged him tightly.

"It's okay, Lou. Everything will be okay," he said, hoping it was true.

Mrs. Raster served lunch, and the three of them ate in silence. Once the
lunch dishes were cleared away, they left for the hospital. Louanne held
Thomas' hand. She squeezed so tightly, it hurt. But he didn't dare break
the contact, afraid she would start crying again.

At the hospital, Mrs. Raster went to the reception desk. Obtaining the room
number, she led them to the elevators. Thomas felt uncomfortable being in
the hospital. He didn't like the smell and all the sick people walking
around in hospital gowns. Or worse, moving around in wheel chairs. If he
wasn't seeing Debbie, he'd never come here.

As they stepped out of the elevator, Thomas saw Debbie's father sitting
outside one of the rooms. The man looked tired, his shoulders slumped, his
face drawn. Hearing them approached, he looked up. Seeing Mrs. Raster, he
stood and moved slowly toward her.

"Oh Bert. I'm so sorry," she said, embracing him. "How is Debbie?"

"Oh Sue, I'm going crazy. My baby is in there, hurt. And somewhere out
there, some animal is roaming around free. If I could just get my hands on
the bastard."

"Let the police do their job. Your place is here with her. How is she?"

"The doctors say she'll be okay, physically. The bastard cut her real good
with a knife or something. She has a cracked rib, and a ton of bruises. But
the doctors say there's nothing too serious, physically. But mentally? I
dunno. She's suffering from shock. They've had shrinks going in and out of
there all day long. Basically, they're keeping her quiet. Sometimes she
gets so upset, they give her a shot to quiet her down."

"Has she said anything about what happened? Or who did this to her?"

"No. Every time they try to get her to talk about it, she gets upset.
That's when they end up giving her the shot. If she'd only tell them who it
was. So we could catch the son of a bitch. If I can get my hands on him,
he'll never . . ."

"Calm down Bert. Getting yourself all worked up won't help Debbie. I know
it's hard, but you need to be here when she needs you."

"Oh Sue. I know you're right. But I feel so helpless. I can't do anything
for her. And I can't do anything about finding that bastard."

Bert noticed Thomas and Louanne for the first time. "Who's he?" he said,
indicating Thomas.

Sue motioned Thomas to come closer. "This is Thomas Wright. He's a good
friend of Louanne and Debbie. Thomas, this is Mr. Williams, Debbie's
father."

Thomas was nervous. Not sure what to do, he simply said "Sir", and offered
his hand.

"A friend of Debbie's?" Bert said as he shook Thomas' hand. "Can't say I
remember her mentioning you. But then again, she never did say much about
her friends to me. Has she known you long?"

"Well, er . . ." Thomas stammered.

Mrs. Raster came to his rescue. "He goes to school with the girls. Matter
of fact, he's tutoring Louanne in history. I asked him to come along so he
could keep Louanne company."

"Oh," Bert replied, not really listening.

"Do you think it would be okay if the kids looked in on Debbie? Louanne
really wants to see her."

"I dunno. I think she's still sleeping."

"We won't wake her, sir," Thomas said.

"Oh please, Mr. Williams," Louanne begged.

"Why don't you and I go get a coffee, or something?" Mrs Raster suggested.
"The kids won't disturb her, I'm sure. And you look as if you could do with
a change of scenery."

Bert reluctantly agreed, and allowed Sue to lead him to the elevators.
Thomas and Louanne quietly entered Debbie's room. They stepped around a
privacy curtain to see Debbie lying there, sleeping.

"My God," Louanne cried out, seeing Debbie. She buried her face against
Thomas' chest, and started to sob. He held her tightly, trying to comfort
her.

He was shocked seeing Debbie like this. She had tubes sticking in her arm.
Her face was badly bruised, her lips swollen and cut. He could see a
bandage on one shoulder, peeking out from her hospital gown. Even her knees
were badly scraped. He shuddered to think how she got all those injuries.

"Who could have done that to her?" Louanne whispered in horror. "How could
anyone be that mean, that cruel?"

Thomas couldn't answer her. He knew if he tried to speak, he'd start
crying. He understood the anger he had heard in Mr. William's voice. He'd
kill whoever did this, if he could, too. Even in sleep, Debbie's expression
was one of terror. As if she could still see the animal who did this to
her.

Silently, they stood at the foot of her bed. Thomas relaxed his hold on
Louanne when he realized, in his anger, he was squeezing her. But, as if in
answer to his feelings, she hugged him even more tightly.

Sue Raster came to into the room. She hugged both of them as she gazed upon
Debbie's sleeping form. She gently pushed them out of the room, saying,
once they were in the hall, "We really have to go. Don't want to over stay
our welcome."

"But Mom, I want to stay with her," Louanne said.

"I'll bring you both up again tomorrow," her mother responded. "There's
nothing we can do for her right now. Besides, I think the doctors want to
see her."

Walking to where Debbie's father sat, she said, "We're going now, Bert. You
really should go home and get some sleep. It won't do her any good if you
make yourself sick."

"I can't, Sue. I wouldn't be able to sleep any better at home. And at least
here, I can see her, be near her."

"Well, if I can do anything, you just call me. And we'll stop by tomorrow,
again. If either of you need anything . . ."

Standing, and giving her a hug, he said, "Thanks Sue. I'll be okay. I'll
see you tomorrow." He hugged Louanne and shook Thomas' hand. "You kids take
care. And don't worry too much. She'll get better. Sweet God, she has to
get better."

Driving home from the hospital, they sat silently, each lost in thought.
When they arrived at Louanne's house, her mother invited Thomas to come in.
He said he had better be getting home.

"You're coming back tomorrow, aren't you?" Louanne asked.

"Sure. What time do you want me to come over?"

"Well, you could come over in the morning. Mom? What time are we going to
the hospital?"

"I have several things I have to do tomorrow. And I think you two should go
to school tomorrow. You don't want to miss too much."

"But Mom, I wanna be with Debbie," Louanne protested.

"You can't spend all day at the hospital with her. And I can't take you up
there until late afternoon at the earliest. No. I think you'd be better off
going to school. Get your mind off this tragedy. I'll take the two of you
up to visit her after school."

Louanne looked very unhappy. But Thomas didn't want to spend another day
wandering around like he had today.

"I'll meet you here tomorrow, and walk you to school," he said. "Then
after, we can come back here to wait for your mother. Okay?"

Louanne reluctantly agreed, seeing she really had no other choice. Mrs.
Raster asked Thomas if he wanted to stay for supper. Thomas thanked her,
but said he really should be getting home. He thought to himself, he still
had his mother to face. And he wasn't really looking forward to that.

Saying good bye, he headed home. He was thankful that it was still too
early for his mother to be home from work. Nervously, he wondered if she
had gone to work? Would she be waiting for him?

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"Thomas' Story: Cumin' of Age" Chapters 26 thru 29 - by T. F. Yank
Copyright (c) 1991, 1993 by DEH Enterprises. All Rights Reserved.
Permission is granted to distribute in electonic format, unaltered
and un-edited with this copyright statement intact. Hardcopies are
limited to single printing for private, non-profit use only.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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| \*/ "I'd buy you a green dress, but not a |
| Flying Yank | real green dress. That's cruel." |
| --------- + 'If I had a million Dollars' |
| yank@mala.proteus.qc.ca / \ -- Bare Naked Ladies |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------


Thomas' Story: Cumin' of Age

by T. F. Yank

-- Chapter Thirty

There was no one home when he got there. He was relieved he didn't have to
answer any of his mother's questions just yet. He headed up to his room and
laid upon the bed.

He remembered how pitiful Debbie had looked. He tried to imagine what kind
of animal could have done such a thing. He worried about how something like
this might change Debbie. Change the way she felt about him. Change how
they felt about each other.

He had heard stories about girls who were raped. How they couldn't stand to
have a man touch them again. And how the boyfriends sometimes didn't want
anything more to do with the girl. Almost as if she was somehow the cause
of what had happened.

He was horrified by what had happened to Debbie. But he didn't feel
horrified of her. He wanted more than ever just to hold her, let her know
he cared for her. He wanted to take the horrible memories from her. He
wished he could simply hold and kiss her, and by doing so, make the pain go
away.

He wondered about what would happen to them when Debbie left the hospital.
Could they go back to the way things were? He didn't think so. He was sure
she couldn't. How could she be so trusting and carefree after having lived
through that nightmare.

Somehow, he had to show her that the entire world was not like that. That
the world could be a warm and loving place. And there were still people in
this world who could be gentle and caring.

He laid there, wondering how he would do all that. Lost in thought, he
didn't hear the knock on his door, nor notice it opening.

"Thomas? Are you okay?" his mother asked, entering his room. Startled by
her voice, he sat up.

"Are you okay? Can I get you something?" she asked, concerned.

"I'm okay. I was just thinking," he answered, feeling very uncomfortable.

"Did you go to school today?"

"No. I spent most of the day over at Louanne Raster's house. Her mother
took us to see Debbie up at the hospital after lunch."

"Is the girl going to be all right?"

"I dunno, Mom. Mr. Williams said the doctors weren't sure. They said that
physically, she would be okay. But they're worried about her mental
health."

"Oh sweetheart. I'm so sorry about this morning. I didn't know. When I
heard at work how horrible it must have been for her, I . . ."

"Please Mom, not now."

"But Thomas. I was such a fool this morning. I just want to . . ."

"I can't talk about it now. Please? I just want to be alone. I said some
pretty mean things to you, too, and I'm sorry I did. But right now, I just
need to be alone."

His mother reached out to touch him, her hand stopping just short of making
contact.

"I'm sorry, baby," she said as her hand dropped to her side. "Think you'll
be wanting supper, later?"

Thomas fell back on the bed, his eyes staring at the ceiling. "I dunno," he
replied. His mother left, silently closing the door behind her.

Evening came, and still Thomas could not bring himself to leave his room.
He heard his mother climbing the stairs, and realized it was late. He
pretended to be asleep when she entered his room.

She stood beside his bed for a moment, watching him. Leaning over, she
softly kissed his forehead. She took a blanket from the bottom of his bed,
and gently covered him. He heard her slip from the room, leaving him alone
in the darkness.

When he awoke the next morning, he didn't remember when he had finally
fallen asleep. He felt groggy, as if he hadn't slept very well. And he had
faint recollections of dreams, horrible dreams. But the harder he tried to
remember their details, the more they faded into nothingness.

He got ready for school, and headed downstairs. His mother was already in
the kitchen making breakfast.

"Good morning," she said to him. "Your breakfast will be ready in a
minute."

"I'm not really hungry. I'll just . . ."

"Now you listen to me, young man. I know you're upset. You want so much to
help that poor girl. But you won't be helping if you make yourself sick.
Now you'll sit down there and eat what I put in front of you."

Thomas had hoped he could avoid this. He still didn't want to talk to his
mother about Debbie, about their relationship. And he felt very guilty
about how he had behaved yesterday. But he knew from her tone of voice, she
wouldn't tolerate his refusal.

Sitting down, he said, "Mom, about yesterday. I'm sorry."

"Never mind about that. You just eat," his mother replied, placing his
breakfast before him. Sitting opposite him, she said, "Now I have a few
things I want to say to you. I had all day yesterday to think this over,
and I realize I was wrong."

"Now, before you go jumping to the wrong conclusion, I still believe you're
too young to be involved in the kind of relationship you told me about. But
I can remember what it was like the first time I fell in love. And I was
wrong to judge that poor girl the way I did. I really do believe there is
too much evil in this world. And that Satan is the root of it."

"But I was wrong to assume that girl, what was her name? Debbie? Well, I
was wrong to assume that she was bad. And I was wrong to believe you
couldn't think you were in love."

"I've tried to protect you from the evil that surrounds us. Maybe I've
tried too hard. And I know I have to learn to trust you. Trust what you do.
I can't be there all the time. And you have to learn what's right and wrong
for yourself."

"I realize you spoke to me in anger. And I didn't give you much of a chance
to explain. No, that's not right. You tried to explain, I wasn't listening.
Now I'm not promising that I'll change. But I will try to be more
understanding."

"I have had to live with much pain and disappointment in my life. But I
want you to know that you have never been the cause of my suffering. So you
go see that girlfriend of yours. And know that I am happy that you've found
someone. I just wish this thing had never happened to the poor girl."

Thomas sat there, his mouth opened in astonishment. His mother had never
talked to him like this before. He didn't know what to say.

"You better hurry up and finish eating, or you'll be late for school. And
if Mrs. Raster can't take you and Louanne up to visit Debbie this
afternoon, I'll take you. Call me at work, and if necessary, I take off
early."

Thomas jumped up and went to his mother. Wrapping his arms around her, he
said, "I love you, Mom."

"Never mind that now. And don't leave your dirty dishes there for me to
clean up. There is no maid service in this house. And hurry up, or you'll
be late for school."

Thomas quickly placed his breakfast dishes in the dishwasher and collected
his school books. He headed for the door.

"And just what do you think you're going, young man?" his mother called to
him. "Where is my kiss?"

He raced back to where she sat, and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around
him and gave him a hug.

"Remember sweetheart, I do love you. I have always loved you."

He could see her eyes were moist, and was about to say something when she
pushed him away.

"Now go on. Hurry up. I'll see you tonight."

He gave her one last hug, and left. He found himself humming a tune as he
hurried to Louanne's house. It felt good knowing he and his mother had made
up. Now he could concentrate on Debbie and her problem.

Arriving at the corner near Louanne's house, he was surprised she wasn't
there waiting for him. He wondered if she had changed her mind about going
to school. Or worse, what if something had happened to Debbie? He ran to
her house and rang the bell. Louanne answered the door, carrying her books.

"Sorry. I'm running late this morning," she said.

"Is Debbie okay?" he asked, concerned.

"No change. Mom talked to her dad, last night."

"When you weren't waiting for me at the corner, I thought something had
happened."

"Oh Tommy, I'm sorry. It's just that my mom had to leave early. And I kinda
lost track of the time. I wish I didn't have to go to school today. But I
promised her I would. Mom said she'd be back before we get home from
school. She'll take us up to see Debbie then."

"Well, we better get moving then," he said.

The happiness he had felt with his mother was dampened as he again thought
about Debbie. He and Louanne walked to school, each too busy with their own
thoughts to talk.

-- Chapter Thirty-One

Thomas thought the day would never end. Ever since he and Lou had arrived
at school, they had been bombarded with questions about Debbie. And he just
couldn't concentrate on what went on in the classroom. He was glad it was
gym period. At least here, he didn't have to pay attention to what the
teacher was trying to say.

While he changed into his gym uniform he heard several guys, in the next
row of lockers, talking about what had happened to Debbie.

". . . and I heard my mom saying to my dad that the guy had used a knife."

"Must have been some really fucked up weirdo to have to do shit like that."

"I can't understand why anyone would rape a girl. I mean there's enough
around who would do it willingly. You don't force some chick like that."

"Why do you think it was rape?"

Thomas recognized Rodger's voice.

"But everyone says it was rape. What else would you call it?"

"I dunno. I can't see Debbie refusing someone. Shit, we all know how easy
she is," Rodger replied. "Remember what Billy Jenkins said about her."

"He never said she fucked. Just that she'd gave good head. Seems to me if
the girl don't wanna fuck, and someone forces her, that's rape. How else do
you explain how she got beaten up like that. And stabbed, besides."

"That's easy," Rodger replied with a chuckle. "We all remember the time her
old man caught her and Billy. He beat the shit out of her so bad, she was
off school for a week. I figure he caught her fucking someone the other
night, and really fixed her this time. And then after, he got scared and
told the police she was raped."

"I guess you could be right. But that still doesn't explain the knife
wounds. And besides, she seeing Weird Tom. And somehow, I just can't
picture the two of them fucking."

Rodger laughed at that. "True, that fag would be lucky if he could even
figure out what to do with his cock. But I can tell you the chick fucks.
And like a champ too. Both Dale and I have had our cocks up her hot cunt."

"No shit? She really fucks? No shit!"

"No shit," Rodger replied. "And boy is she hot, too. She'll do anything you
want. Even begs for it. Shit, she's a fucking nympho. Can't get enough of
it."

Thomas didn't know why Rodger was saying these terrible things about
Debbie. Obviously, Rodger was lying. He couldn't take any more of this, and
walked around the locker to confront Rodger.

"You're a liar," he said to Rodger.

"Well, lookie here, if it ain't the weirdo fag himself. And how would you
know if I was lying or not?"

"I know Debbie. And I know she would never do stuff like that."

"You don't know shit. And you certainly don't know your slutty girlfriend
that well. Shit, you must be the only guy that ain't fucking her. Did you
know she like to suck cock? Did you know she begged to be fucked? Did you
know she begged to be fucked in the ass, too?"

Thomas couldn't take any more. He moved closer to Rodger and said, "You're
lying. I know you are. Take it back. Take all those lies back!"

Rodger laughed. "And if I don't? What are you going to do? You ain't man
enough to fuck your own girl. Not man enough, so she has to go around
fucking any cock she can get her hands on."

Thomas shoved Rodger against the lockers. "You're lying. She isn't like
that at all."

Rodger came away from the locker, and threw a punch that caught Thomas
across the mouth. Thomas staggered back from the force of the blow.

"Think you're man enough to take me on, fag? Comon, try it."

Rodger grabbed Thomas and threw him against the lockers. Thomas fell into
an open locker, and became entangled in the clothes. He struggled to free
himself. Rodger slammed against the locker door, catching Thomas across the
back.

Thomas pushed hard against the door, trying to gain some breathing room.
The door gave, and he moved slowly backward, trying to catch his breath.
Before he could free himself completely, Rodger again slammed the door on
him.

Pain shot up his arm as it was caught between the door and the edge of the
locker. He heard a sharp crack, and knew the bone was broken. Tears came to
his eyes caused by the excruciating pain. He shoved against the door, at
last freeing himself. He leaned back against the locker for support,
clutching his broken arm.

Rodger stood before him. "Comon fag. Show us what a real man you are. Maybe
you'd rather suck cock?"

Thomas tried to push himself off the locker. As he moved forward, Rodger
punched him in the stomach. And again the wind was knocked out of him.
Thomas noticed a crowd had gathered at either end of the row, but no one
made a move to stop what was going on.

Rodger reached behind him and suddenly a knife appeared in his hand. "Comon
fag. Let's see if you suck cock as good as your girlfriend, the slut. Maybe
you need a bit of persuading with Snake. It certainly made her more
willing."

Thomas heard what Rodger said. But his mind refused to understand. Rodger?
Rodger was the one? His best friend was the one who had raped his
girlfriend. He felt anger explode inside him. Bracing himself against the
locker, his foot kicked out, catching Rodger's wrist. The knife flew from
Rodger's hand, as he screamed in pain.

"You broke my fucking wrist, you fucking bastard. I'm going to fucking kill
you."

"You aren't going to hurt anyone, any more," Thomas said in a low voice,
moving closer to where Rodger stood clutching his wrist. He backhanded
Rodger across the face with all his strength. He continued to follow
Rodger, hitting him again and again until Rodger fell to the floor, almost
unconscious.

And even then, Thomas couldn't stop. His foot lashed out, catching Rodger
in the stomach. Again he kicked, this time catching the ribs. The force of
the last kick caused Rodger to rolled over onto his back. Thomas moved
until he was standing over the fallen body. He calmly lashed out with the
toe of his shoe, catching Rodger hard between the legs. Before Rodger could
do anything, Thomas brought his foot down hard, grinding his heel into the
groin.

Someone grabbed Thomas from behind and pulled him away from the now still
body. Pain enveloped him as hands roughly pulled on his broken arm. He
slumped against whoever was holding him, and passed out.

-- Chapter Thirty-Two

When Thomas regained consciousness, he found himself lying on a bed in the
Nurse's office. Behind the nurse, stood the principal and two uniformed
policemen. They had put a splint on his broken arm, and bandaged his
bruised, and now swollen, knuckles.

He thought it was funny that his hand hurt more than his arm. He groaned as
he tried to lift his head. "God, I hurt," he thought.

"Is he awake?" asked the principal.

"Please, Mr Fenton," said the nurse, "the poor boy has been through so
much. He needs quiet. And we should get him to the hospital to have that
arm x-rayed."

"There's plenty of time for that, ma'am," one of the police officers said,
moving closer to Thomas. "Son? Can you hear me?"

"Please," protested the nurse. "Can't your questions wait until later? I
just gave him a sedative to help the pain."

Ignoring her, the policeman again spoke to Thomas, "Son, do you understand
me?"

Thomas just wanted to sink back into oblivion. But the policeman was
persistent and continued to question him.

"Son, you have to help us. Why did you attack that boy?"

"Because he did it," mumbled Thomas.

"Did what? What did he do?"

"He did that terrible thing to Debbie. I love Debbie."

"We all love Debbie. But what did he do to her?"

"He was the one who raped her."

"How do you know that? Did he tell you that?"

"Yeah."

"What did he say, son. Come on, don't flake out on us now."

"He said he stuck her with that knife. He called it snake."

"Called what snake?"

"The knife. He called the knife snake. And he said he used it on Debbie to
make her do those horrible things."

"And did he say anything about there being anyone else there?"

"I gotta go to her. She needs me. I gotta protect her from him."

"It's okay, son. He isn't going to hurt anyone else, we promise. But did he
say if someone else was there when it happened?"

"He mentioned Dale."

"Dale? Dale who?"

"I suspect I know who he's talking about," the principal offered. "I don't
believe Dale is at school today, but I can get you his address."

"Good," replied the officer. "Don't worry son, your girlfriend is safe. And
soon you'll be taken to the hospital to have that arm checked out."

The second policeman asked the principal to show him Dale's address. He
said to his partner, "I call this in from the office. Central will send a
car to pick up this Dale character."

"Okay," replied his partner. "And then we can take that one to the
hospital," indicating the still unconscious form of Rodger, laying on
another bed in the room.

Thomas noticed Rodger, and tried to get up. The officer placed a hand upon
Thomas' chest and gently pushed him back down.

"Don't worry kid. He ain't going any where under his own power for quite
awhile. You really punished him good. You just worry about getting yourself
better so you can see that girlfriend of yours."

Turning to the nurse, he said, "I'd take him in my car, but I don't have
the room with the other one. I'll have Central dispatch an ambulance for
this kid."

The nurse agreed, and after telling Thomas not to move, she went to help
the officer move Rodger onto a gurney. Thomas heard they take Rodger from
the room, and then he slipped once more into sweet oblivion.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thomas again drifted upward to awareness. He opened his eyes and tried to
focus. But it took too much effort. Slowly he became aware of his body. His
arm throbbed lightly, and felt very stiff. His knuckles burned. He tried to
recognize the smells and sounds around him. Slowly, he realized he was in a
hospital.

Again he opened his eyes, and successfully focused on his surroundings. He
saw he was in a bed surrounded by those privacy curtains. Turning his head
slightly, he saw his mother sitting by his bed. She smiled, and lovingly
caressed his face.

"Are you feeling okay?" she asked.

He tried to reply, but had trouble making his mouth work.

"Just rest," she said. "The doctor said it would take you a while to fully
regain consciousness."

He managed to get his lips to move and croaked, "Water."

His mother gently lifted his head, and placed a glass against his lips. He
tried to sip, but most of the water ran down his chin. Again he tried, and
this time managed to get a mouthful. The fog was clearing from his brain,
and he felt the pain in his arm more sharply.

He let out a low moan, and his mother lowered his head to the pillow. The
curtain parted as a young doctor entered.

"I see we've returned to the living. How do you feel?" the doctor asked.

"Terrible," Thomas groaned.

"Well, we'll do something about the pain, in a minute. But first, I want to
check you over. Think you can sit up?"

Thomas tried to, but only managed to lift his head off the pillow.

"Here, I'll help," the doctor said, gently helping Thomas into a sitting
position.

The doctor checked Thomas's pulse and heart beat. He then shone a light
into his eyes.

"Well I guess you'll live. You'll have a bit of pain for the next couple of
days. But we'll give you something for when it gets too bad. Actually you
had a pretty bad break there."

"You fractured both the radius and the ulna, the two big bones in your
forearm. You'll have to wear that cast for at least a month, more likely 6
weeks. Fractures can be more painful than complete breaks, sometimes. But
you're still young, and will heal quickly."

"If you're feeling up to it, you have a couple of visitors to see you. And
when you're feeling a bit more sturdy on your feet, you can leave. But we
want you back tomorrow to check on that cast. And we'll want you to come
back in 4 weeks for another x-ray."

"Don't worry, he'll be okay," the doctor said to Thomas' mother. "He's made
of some pretty tough stuff. I'll go see about that pain killer. And before
you leave, I'll write you a prescription for some that you can give him at
home. I'd recommend he stay home for a few days to rest. But after that,
there's no reason he can't return to school. Or any other activity that
doesn't require the use of that arm."

No sooner had the doctor left, when the curtain opened again. It was the
policeman who had spoken to Thomas at the school.

"I won't stay long," he said. "Just wanted to see how you were doing. And
to let you know that we laid charges against that kid, Rodger, and his
friend. When my partner went to question him, the second kid confessed
everything. And when we confronted Rodger with Dale's confession, he also
confessed."

"So all we need now is to wait for Rodger to get well enough to stand
trial. You did a pretty good job on him. He's got a couple of cracked ribs,
a fractured jaw, and a real pretty smile now that he's missing a few
teeth."

"Doctors think they can save his, er . . ." The policeman glanced
sheepishly at Thomas's mother. "They think they can save the family jewels,
if you know what I mean. But they ain't too sure if he'll ever father too
many off-spring. Seeing how he turned out, I can't say that would be much
of a loss to humanity."

"Anyhow, like I said, I just wanted to see how you were doing. So I won't
bother you much longer. Oh, by the way. Seeing as they confessed to
everything, you probably won't be needed for the trial. Just thought you'd
like to know. You take of yourself."

As the officer left, the doctor returned.

"Well, I'll just give you this shot, and then you can see the rest of your
visitors."

"What is it?" Thomas asked.

"Just a pain killer," replied the doctor.

"No. I'm okay. I don't like the way it makes me feel," Thomas protested.

"Are you're sure? You don't need to play the hero, you know."

"I really don't like the way it makes me feel. And the pain isn't that bad,
now," Thomas said.

"Well, if you're sure. But make sure you get this prescription filled. Take
a couple of them before you go to sleep. During the day, take two, as
needed. There is going to be pain. So let the medication help you, when you
need it. Remember, we want to see you again tomorrow."

Mrs. Wright took the prescription from the doctor, and thanked him for all
he had done.

"Are you feeling well enough to receive some more visitors?" the doctor
asked Thomas.

"More visitors?" asked Thomas.

"Seems you have two good looking women out there, just dying to see you.
Someday, when you have a chance, you'll have to explain to me your secret,"
the doctor chuckled. "Should I send them away, so you can rest?"

"No. Don't. I guess I'm feeling well enough."

"Okay. But don't forget to take those pills before you go to sleep
tonight," the doctor said as he left.

"Don't strain yourself, Thomas," his mother said, caressing his face. "If
this is becoming too much . . ."

"I'm okay mom, really," he replied. He was a bit embarrassed by her display
of affection.

The curtain again parted, as Louanne came running in. Thomas could see her
mother behind her.

"Oh Thomas, I was so worried when I heard they had to take you to the
hospital," she said as she tried to hug him.

He let out a groan of pain as she accidentally jostled his broken arm.

"Oh god, what did I do? I'm sorry," she cried, pushing away from him.

"It's okay, dear," Thomas' mother said. "We just have to be careful of his
arm.  How are you, Mrs. Raster?" she asked.

"Please call me Sue," she replied. "We were so worried about Thomas. When
Louanne told me what he had done, and that he was taken to the hospital, I
was as frightened as she. But when we arrived, and the doctor explained
that Thomas was going to be all right, I felt a lot better. And how are you
holding up? Is there anything I can do?"

"I've had better days," Edna Wright answered with a smile. "But we'll be
going home soon. As soon as Thomas feels up to it, and I can call for a
taxi."

"Please let me give you a lift," Sue offered.

"Oh, we couldn't impose, really."

"Please. We are going that way, anyway. And there's plenty of room in the
car. Doesn't make any sense, you two taking a cab."

"Well, if you're sure it wouldn't be any trouble. I don't want to keep you
waiting."

"We still want to check in on Debbie. I wonder if they told her yet all
that has happened?"

"Can I go, too?" Thomas asked.

"You heard the doctor, Thomas. He said you were to rest," his mother said.

"But I'm fine, really I am. And you already said I could this morning."

"That was before you were hurt," she replied. But when she saw the
disappointed look on his face, she relented and said, "Well, if you promise
not to tire yourself too much."

"Thanks, mom," Thomas said, nearly jumping out of the bed.

"You be careful, young man. My heart has had enough excitement for one
day," his mother scolded as she held out a hand to steady him.

"I'll make sure he's careful," Louanne offered, helping him put his broken
arm in a sling. Taking hold of his good arm, she led him out of the room
and headed to the elevators.

Thomas thought the elevator would never get to the right floor. He also
wondered if they had told Debbie what had happened. And whether knowing
that Rodger was now in custody, would help her get better any faster.

As they stepped out of the elevator, Thomas again saw Debbie's father
sitting outside her room. He felt awkward about meeting the man, but
Louanne was pulling him forward.

Bert Williams noticed them approaching, and went to meet them. He offered
his hand to Thomas, and said, "Don't know how I can ever repay you, but I'm
mighty thankful for what you did."

Thomas blushed as he shook hands. "I didn't really do all that much. I..."

"Don't be modest, young man. The police told me everything. I'm sorry you
got hurt. But that was a damn good thing you did. You should be proud."

Sue Raster introduced Edna, and asked how Debbie was doing.

"Doctors say she'll be fine. She was awake when the police came. And when
she was told about what Thomas did, and how that bastard, Rodger, had been
caught, she broke down and told the social worker everything that had
happened to her."

"Afterward, she just cried. I was worried when it seemed as if she'd never
stop. But they said it was a normal reaction to having held it in for so
long.

"She started calling your name, Thomas. But when they told her you were
hurt, and were in fact in the hospital too, she became hysterical. They
just gave her another sedative about a half hour before you arrived. I
think she's sleeping now. But if you want, you and Louanne can go in to see
her."

Louanne pulled Thomas into the room. Debbie really didn't look any better
than she had yesterday. But Thomas noticed that the look of terror was
gone. She seemed to be sleeping peacefully.

"I still can't believe it," Louanne said. "I knew he could get rough
sometimes. But to do something like this. How could I have ever thought I
loved him?"

"Who knows what went on in his mind," Thomas said. "He was my best friend
for years. Even when I heard him say it, I still had trouble believing it
was him."

"Maybe if I had been more willing," Louanne said, softly. "You know, maybe
if I hadn't refused to . . ."

"And maybe it would have been you lying there, instead of Debbie. You can't
blame yourself. Rodger's sick, very sick. I don't think any of us could
have prevented what happened. But maybe now, he'll find the help he needs."

Louanne placed an arm around his waist, and rested her head on his
shoulder. "But why did it have to happen to her. All she ever wanted was to
make people happy, to have people like her."

Thomas placed his good arm around Louanne's shoulder, and gave her a gentle
hug. "I don't know," he answered. "I don't think we'll ever know."

Sue Raster entered the room. Speaking in a whisper, for fear of disturbing
Debbie, she said, "We better get going, sweet heart. Thomas should be
resting. And we don't want to wake Debbie. She needs sleep to help repair
the damage to her body, and her mind."

When they were again in the hall, Bert Williams said, "I'd appreciate it if
you two kids could come back here tomorrow. I think Debbie would be happy
to see you two. Particularly you, Thomas."

Edna spoke up. "Well, Thomas has to come back tomorrow so they can check
his cast. I can pick up Louanne on the way."

Sue Raster interrupted, "But I have the car. Maybe it would be better, if .
. ."

"I have a car, too. I don't use it to get to work, normally. I was at work
when the school called and said Thomas had been taken to the hospital. I
grabbed a cab, knowing I'd have to take another one to get home. But,
really, it would be no trouble to pick Louanne up tomorrow."

Promising to see Debbie the next day, they left. On the ride home, the
grown-ups sat in the front, leaving Louanne and Thomas alone in the back
seat. Louanne moved close to Thomas, and rested her head on his shoulder.
Enjoying the feel of her against him, he felt a twinge of guilt.

-- Chapter Thirty-Three

Thomas had been impatient, waiting for a doctor to check out his cast. But
at least now that was over. According to the doctor, everything was okay.
He didn't have to come back for a month.

Today, it was he who pulled Louanne along, madden by her seemingly slow
pace. He urged his mother to hurry up, as they left the elevator.

"I don't understand why we have to hurry so. It's not as if the poor girl
is going somewhere. I'm sure she's waiting in her room for us," his mother
teased.

Thomas ignored his mother as he hurried to Debbie's room. He was surprised
not to see Mr. Williams sitting outside her door. For a moment, he was
afraid something bad had happened.

But once at the door, he saw Mr. Williams standing at the side of Debbie's
bed. Debbie was sitting up, and her face broke into a big smile when she
saw them.

"Tommy! Lou! God, am I glad to see you two," she exclaimed. Louanne ran to
her, and threw her arms around her. Debbie flinched, and said, "Hey, be
careful. The doctor said I have a couple of cracked ribs. Guess I'm still a
bit tender."

Louanne let go and started stammering her apologies.

Thomas laughed, saying, "She has a nasty habit of doing stuff like that. I
think she just likes to hurt people. She did the same thing to me,
yesterday."

Debbie's father said something about leaving them alone, and left the room.
Debbie looked better today. The bruises had turned a sickly yellow, but the
raw redness around her neck, and on her arms, had faded to a deep pink. The
swelling of her lips had also gone down.

Debbie reached out for Thomas, asking, "How's the arm?"

Louanne moved back to allow Thomas to come closer.

"Well, the doctors say it should be good as new in another 4 to 6 weeks."
Thomas replied.

Debbie reached up and pulled his face closer to her. Her lips brushed his
cheek as she wrapped an arm tightly around him.

"I'm so sorry, Tommy. I never meant for you to get hurt. I never meant for
all this to happen."

Thomas tried to return her embrace, but his cast got in the way.

"Maybe I should wait outside," Louanne offered.

"No!" Debbie exclaimed. "I need to talk to you."

"Well, I could come back later." Louanne suggested.

"No, I want to talk to you first. And then I want to talk to Tommy. Tommy,
could you wait outside for few minutes? I really have to talk to Lou
alone."

"Sure," he answered, uncertain. When Debbie offered no further explanation,
he reluctantly left the room.

His mom and Bert were seated near the elevators, talking. He waved to them,
and walked to the other end of the hall. He was feeling disappointed. He
didn't know why he felt angry at Debbie for asking him to leave.

He had wanted to see her so badly. But he really didn't know what he wanted
to say to her. No, that's wasn't right. He knew what he wanted to say. He
just wasn't sure how to say it.

He wanted to tell her how much he loved her. How he felt sorry about what
happened to her. And how he didn't care. No, that wasn't right either.

He did care about what happened. But he wanted her to know that he still
loved her, despite what happened. He just wished there was some way he
could ease her pain. Some way, he could make all this go away, so it could
be like it was before.

But he knew it would never be like that again. He had changed. And he
couldn't imagine Debbie hadn't changed, too. "God," he thought, "why did
this have to happen?"

Lost in thought, he didn't hear his mother approach.

"Thomas, are you okay?"

"Er . . . sure, mom. I was just thinking."

"Have you talked to Debbie?"

"Not yet. She kinda wanted to talk to Louanne first, so I came out here."

"Well, just remember, things do have a way of working themselves out. We
don't always understand, but God is looking out for us."

Thomas didn't understand what his mother was talking about. And he felt
awkward as she hugged him and kissed the top of his head. Glancing down the
hall, he saw Louanne run from Debbie's room, crying.

Breaking from his mother's embrace, he hurried toward Louanne. He saw her
run into Debbie's father's arms. As he came abreast of Debbie's room,
Debbie called his name.

"Thomas?"

He hesitated, torn between going to Louanne and seeing Debbie. His mother,
having followed him, pushed him toward Debbie's room. "Go on. Debbie needs
to talk to you. Don't worry. Louanne will be alright. Go on, now."

He was confused. Everyone seemed to know what was going on, but him. Debbie
again called his name, and he went to her.

She was sitting on the edge of the bed. It was obvious that she had been
crying too. He noticed, for the first time, she wasn't wearing the standard
hospital gown. Instead she wore a cute yellow baby-doll nightie. He could
make out the tape binding her ribs.

And he saw more. He saw her breasts straining against the thin fabric, her
nipples, dark shadows beneath the pale yellow. He saw the tender shape of
her thighs as they met, and the mass of pubic hair contained within her
briefs.

He felt a stirring in his groin, and a twinge of guilt that he should be
having such feeling here and now. Ashamed, he stood a small distance from
her. He could not meet her gaze and looked down at his feet.

"Please Thomas, don't do that. Look at me."

Slowly he lifted his gaze. Debbie had gotten off the bed and taken several
steps toward him.

"Am I that ugly, you can't look at me?" she asked. "Is what I did so
repulsive, you can't stand to see me?"

"No, that's not it," he stammered. Feeling even more uncomfortable, he
shifted on his feet.

"Is it because I'm not a virgin any more? Because I'm soiled goods, now?"

"No. I wasn't thinking anything like that. It doesn't matter that you're
not a virgin."

"You say that now. But can you still love me? Will you still love me, once
you know what happened. Once you know what I did."

"You didn't do anything. It was Rodger."

"No it wasn't, not completely. I guess I'm as much to blame as he is."

"No! How can you say that. You're just upset and don't know what you're
talking about."

"I know what I'm talking about. I've been lying here for the past two days,
thinking about nothing else. I wanted him to do it. Not like he did, but I
wanted him to fuck me just the same."

"I don't understand," Thomas explained, confused. "And I don't think you
do, either. It's just a reaction to what happened. Anyhow, let's not talk
about it now. I just want to be with you."

"We have to talk about it now. We won't have another chance."

"What do you mean we won't have another chance? We can talk all you want,
once you're home."

"No, we won't. But I don't want to talk about that now. Right now I want to
tell you what happened. I want you to know how it happened. I need you to
know."

Thomas was frightened by the urgency in her voice.

Debbie stood there, her arms held out to him. "Hold me please?"

He went to her, and wrapped his good arm around her. She hugged him tightly
to her, his cast caught between them.

"Kiss me?"

He kissed her lightly on the cheek.

"No, damn it. Kiss me!" she said, turning her face until their lips met.

He lightly brushed his lips against hers, afraid of hurting her. But she
was not satisfied. She crushed her mouth against his, her tongue forcing
its way into his mouth.

He was aware of her breasts crushed against his chest. Her hips ground
against his. Her hands grasped his buttocks and pulled him even tighter
against her. His penis hardened in reaction, and unconsciously, his hand
went to her breast.

Breaking the kiss, she moaned, "God, that feels good. If you only knew how
much it means to me to feel like this again. Without pain. Without fear.
Please, don't stop holding me like this."

"I'll always hold you like this," he replied.

"If it could only be," she said cryptically. "But we don't have much time.
I still need to tell you what happened."

"I don't know why you keep saying that. We have all the time we need. And I
really don't want to know what happened."

"You have to. I want you to understand, so you don't go on blaming
yourself. There was nothing you could have done to prevent what happened."

Thomas started to protest, but Debbie covered his mouth with hers. They
kissed passionately, their tongues performing a sensual dance.

Once again breaking the kiss, Debbie continued, "I wanted it to happen. No,
let me finish before you say anything. It started out innocently enough. I
just wanted Lou and him to get back together. I knew she still loved him.
What I didn't know was how crazy he was."

"I've been spending a lot of time with social workers and therapists here.
And, I've come to realize that I have some problems I still need to work
on. And they are not all related to the rape."

"I guess I really knew what I was doing, but I refused to admit it to
myself. Being popular meant a lot to me. I would do just about anything so
I could be popular. I used sex. I refused to realize that by doing so, I
was gaining a reputation of being easy, instead of becoming more popular."

"I couldn't see, no that's not right, I refused to see that the guys only
went out with me as long as I gave them what they wanted. And once they got
all I'd give them, they dropped me for other girls, good girls."

"You were the first guy I ever went out with who wasn't popular. And even
then, I felt I had to use sex to keep you. Oh, I know you swore it didn't
matter. But I was afraid I'd lose you otherwise."

"But then this thing happened with Lou and Rodger. And suddenly, I started
dreaming of what it would be like if I was going out with Rodger. I even
fantasized that he and I made love. I was so sure that if I did all the
things he couldn't get Louanne to do, he would fall madly in love with me."

"And then he met me after school on wednesday to set up our meeting to
discuss his problem with Lou. It was incredible. I turned him on. Me! He
fought for control. He thought I expected something in return for my help.
I didn't. Not then anyways. But that night, I dreamed he made love to me,
and I wanted it bad."

"And then Thursday . . ."

Thomas felt a shiver run through her body as she remembered. He clasped her
more tightly and waited for her to continue.

"When we first got there, he was so sweet. And when we touched, it was
everything that I had dreamed about. If he hadn't gone crazy, I would have
let him do anything he wanted, willingly. God, I wanted to. I might have
even made love to Dale, too, if Rodger had asked."

"That's why I'm as much to blame as he is for what happened. If I hadn't
tried to come on to him like that, if I hadn't wanted him so much, maybe
none of this would have happened. I can understand if you hate me. I
deserve it."

Thomas was shocked by Debbie's confession. His feelings were in a turmoil.
She had wanted to make love to Rodger, even though she said she was in love
him. He was angry. She had betrayed him.

But he remembered how he had imagined what it would be like with Louanne.
Wasn't it almost the same thing? True, he never did anything about it,
whereas Debbie did. But had she really? Wasn't it still Rodger who was to
blame?

"We all dream about someone else," he thought. "But we don't usually get
the chance to test our dreams. Rodger knew Debbie was my girlfriend. And he
was supposed to be trying to get back with Lou."

Thomas remembered the conversation he had overheard between Rodger and
Dale. He suddenly realized Rodger had planned everything right from the
beginning. Rodger played upon Debbie's weakness. He didn't want Debbie's
help to get back with Louanne. He wanted Debbie.

"I think you're just confused," Thomas said, stroking her hair. "Someday,
you'll realize, that despite what you thought you wanted, it was really
Rodger who was to blame. He simply used you, and your feelings. I don't
hate you. I love you. And I always will."

Tears streamed down Debbie's cheek as she buried her face in his neck.

"Oh, Tommy. If only I wasn't going away. I need you so much."

"Going away?" he exclaimed. "When ? Where?"

"That's what I didn't want to tell you. I'm leaving tomorrow. The doctors
say I'm okay enough to travel. My father has arranged for me to go live
with my aunt in California. They even arranged for me to continue therapy
out there. Dad'll follow as soon as he can get a transfer to his company's
plant out there."

Thomas looked at her in disbelief. But before he could say anything, his
mother came to the door.

"Thomas, we have to be leaving soon. Don't want to over-tire Debbie now, do
we?"

"Just a few minutes more, please?" Debbie asked. "I'm not tired, and I
still have some things to say to Thomas."

"Well, okay, if you're sure you're feeling okay. But we still have to be
getting home soon."

Debbie waited until Mrs. Wright had left them alone. Thomas started to
speak, but she hushed him.

"Look, we don't have much time. I want you to do something for me."

"You can't leave. Not now. What about us?" Thomas protested.

"There isn't any us any more. I've got to go away, and you've got to
continue your life here. I don't like it, but we aren't being given a
choice. I'll write to you. And maybe someday, I'll come back to visit you
and Lou."

"But I really don't want to live here any more. Not with people looking at
me, and remembering what happened. I need some place new. Some place where
I can get my life back together again. Some place where I can start trying
to change the way I am."

"I love you too, Thomas. But I can't stay here. So the first thing you have
to do for me, is let me go. Leaving is hard enough. Knowing you're upset
only makes it worse."

"I can't do that. I don't want you to leave. Oh, I realize why you have to
leave. And maybe another time, I'd even agree with you. But it ain't fair."

"Well, I've learned that a lot of things in life ain't fair," Debbie
replied, gently. "But I need to hear you say I can leave. I need to hear
you say you want me to leave."

Thomas fought the tears he knew were starting. He understood Debbie would
never get better mentally unless she left. Reluctantly, he said, "Yes, you
should leave here. I want you to leave if that's what it takes for you to
be happy, again."

Debbie hugged him and said, "Thank you. And there is one other thing I want
you to promise."

"Please, Debbie. No more. I don't think I can agree to more."

"Just this. Louanne. She's suffered as much as the rest of us. She loved
him. And she thinks she's to blame for what happened, too."

"Lou? But she didn't do anything."

"You know that. And I know that. But she thinks that if she had let Rodger
do what he wanted with her, he wouldn't have done what he did to me."

"I already told her that was ridiculous. If she hadn't refused him, it
might have been her, instead of you."

"Look, Lou has her problems, too. She only ever had one good relationship,
and he moved away before it really started. She's never known how beautiful
it can be between two people. Like it was with us."

"Okay, so she's as screwed up as the rest of us. What can I do about that?"

"I want you to show her how beautiful it can be."

"What? You want me to do what?"

"I want you to do to her what you and I did. I want you to do more, I want
you to make love to her. Show her how gentle it can be. Show her what it's
like to experience an orgasm, not once, but many times. I want you to show
her that there are guys out there who really do care. That there are guys
out there who can be loving, and not just selfish."

"I can't do that. I mean . . ."

"I'm asking you to do this because you love me. I love both of you. And I
want both of you to be happy."

"I can't, Debbie. You can't know what you're asking me to do. It isn't
something you just turn on or off."

"I know you find her attractive. It can't be that hard. Just think about
it. Louanne promised she would."

"She would? You told her about this? How could you, Debbie?"

"Please Thomas, don't be angry with me. This is the last time we'll see
each other for a long time. I just want us all to be happy."

"Thomas? We have to be going," his mother called from the hall.

"Shit! There's so much more I want to say," Thomas said. "What time are you
leaving tomorrow? I'll try to get here before that."

"No. I can't go through saying good-bye a second time. Please Thomas, think
about what I asked you. Louanne has my new address. Write to me often. Now
give me one last kiss."

He no longer fought the tears. He held her as tight as he could, not
wanting to ever let her go. Their mouths connected, and he lost himself in
their embrace.

A hand touched his shoulder. "Please, Thomas, we really have to be going.
Don't make it any tougher on yourself than it already is."

He ignored his mother. But Debbie slowly pushed him away. His mother pulled
him gently from the room as he tried to cling to Debbie's hand. But Debbie
wouldn't follow, and he was finally forced to let go.

Debbie stood there, tears falling like rain down her face. "Good- bye
Thomas. I love you. I'll always love you."

Thomas broke from his mother's grasp. He ran toward the elevators, avoiding
Louanne as she reached out to him. Realizing that the elevator wasn't
anywhere near this floor, he took off for the stairs. He tore madly down
the stairs, slamming into walls as he rounded each landing. He wished the
physical pain would somehow blot out the pain in his heart.

Reaching the ground floor, he rushed out of the building and started
running. His mind screamed out his anguish as he continued to punish his
body. Finally, he could run no more. He was at last numb. Realizing he had
run quite some distance from the hospital, he started walking toward home.

Confused, he tried to understand what had happened. He had been so happy.
Now, he wasn't sure if he would ever feel happy again. Was it really only
ten days ago, he and Debbie had first met? Ten days that had turned his
world up side down. Twice. Once, when he had fallen in love. And now in his
loss of her.

He didn't notice the car, until he heard Louanne calling him. Turning, he
was surprised to see them. Slowly, he got in, and sat there silently. The
others, sensing his hurt, also sat there, saying nothing.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Thomas' Story: Cumin' of Age" Chapters 30 thru 33 - by T. F. Yank
Copyright (c) 1991, 1993 by DEH Enterprises. All Rights Reserved.
Permission is granted to distribute in electonic format, unaltered
and un-edited with this copyright statement intact. Hardcopies are
limited to single printing for private, non-profit use only.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------


Thomas' Story: Cumin' of Age

by T. F. Yank

-- Chapter Thirty-Four

He woke early the next morning. He thought he might be able to walk to the
hospital before Debbie left. He just had to see her one more time.

Quickly getting dressed, he quietly left the house, and started walking.
Realizing it would take forever to get there at his present pace, he
started to run. He ignored the pain in his arm, caused by his feet slamming
against the pavement.

Finally, after an eternity had passed, he arrived at the front of the
hospital. Entering the building, he went to the information desk and asked
if Debbie had left yet. The lady answered he had just missed her. He ran
back outside and headed for the parking lot.

Just as he turned the corner of the building, he saw her father's car. It
was just turning onto the street and heading away. He started running after
it. His heart skipped a beat when he saw it stop at a traffic light, and he
put on a burst of speed.

He started screaming her name, as he ran. "Debbie! Debbie! DEBBI- E-E-E!"
Before he had covered half the distance, the light changed, and the car
pulled away. Frustrated and winded, he came to a halt, his lungs gulping
air.

He would never be sure it wasn't just his imagination, but he thought he
saw Debbie's face in the car window, her hand raised in good-bye. He stood
there, long after the car had disappeared from sight, tears running down
his cheeks.

Not wanting to go home, he started walking. He wasn't aware of where he was
until he found himself once again in the park. He quickly sought the
solitude of that private place Debbie had shown him.

Lying on the pine needles, he relived the memories of the past ten days. He
remembered her soft smiles, her light laughter. The feel of her hair
against his face, and the warmth of her embrace. Alone, he allowed all the
pain and loneliness to wash over him, to cleanse his tortured heart.

He must have fallen asleep, because the next think he knew he was being
gently shaken awake.

"Thomas. Thomas, are you okay?"

Opening his eyes, he only saw a darkened silhouette against the bright
mid-day sky. It took a moment before he recognized the voice.

"Thomas, are you okay?"

"Hi Lou. Guess I fell asleep. What are you doing here?"

Louanne helped him to a sitting position, taking care not to hurt his arm.
"Your mother is frantic, worrying about you. She's called my house at least
a dozen times this morning, wanting to know if you had shown up at our
place."

"I didn't mean to upset her. I tried to see Debbie before she left. But I
was too late. After, I just wanted to be alone. How did you know about this
place, and that I'd be here?"

"Oh, I've known about this place for a long time. Debbie and I really didn't
keep secrets from one another. And I remembered the time we first went to
see Debbie in the hospital. You had taken off by yourself somewhere that
morning, too."

"I remembered thinking you had probably come here when I noticed the pine
needles in your hair that day. So I thought I'd check this place out today,
in case you came here again. And here you are."

"Well, I guess I had better get home and let my mother know I'm okay. I
didn't mean to cause everyone so much trouble. I just needed to be alone
for awhile. I needed some time to sort of my thoughts and feelings."

"That's okay. It wasn't any trouble for me. Matter of fact, I've been
wanting to talk to you."

Thomas suddenly remembered Debbie asking him to make love to Louanne. He
had hoped he could avoid Louanne, but realized that sooner or later, the
topic had to come up.

"Look, Lou. I know what Debbie wants us to do, but I . . ."

"No. Please. Let me go first," she interrupted him. "Debbie told me what
she was going to ask you to do. She made me promise that I would do it.
Allow you to make out with me. She also made me promise to make love to
you, since she wouldn't be here to do it herself."

"But she can't make you do any of that," Thomas protested.

"Okay, maybe make me is the wrong expression. But it doesn't matter. I want
to. For what you did for her. And for what you did for me."

"Did for you? I didn't do anything for you. Hell, I didn't do much for
Debbie, for that matter. I didn't stop what happened. I didn't do
anything."

"That's not true. Even before that terrible thing happened, you did a lot
for her. You showed her she could be someone special. You showed her how
beautiful it could be to be loved."

"Oh, so now you admit that I might have loved her? I wasn't just trying to
use her? Or just after sex?"

"Okay, so I was wrong. I admit it. But I really care for Debbie, and was
afraid you were like all the other guys she had seen. I didn't want her to
be hurt, that's all."

"Well, it doesn't really matter any more, does it?" Thomas asked bitterly.
"She was hurt. God, was she hurt. But she's gone now. And whether I really
love her, or not, doesn't make much difference now."

"That's not true. Your loving her does make a difference. She knows you
still love her, and knowing that someone can still love her will help her
get over this faster. And, in a way, your love for Debbie made a difference
to me, too."

"To you? I don't understand," Thomas said.

"Yes, to me. It showed me real love is possible. Not just the kinda thing I
had with Rodger. But something special, like you and Debbie have. It kinda
helps me believe there's still hope for me, too."

Thomas didn't know what to say. He got up and brushed off his clothing. As
an after thought, he ran his hand through his hair.

"Look, I just wanted to say, that I am willing to do what Debbie asked us
to do. You just tell me when. That is if you want to?" Louanne said, her
eyes downcast.

"Look, Lou. I think you're a good looking girl and all, but I just can't do
it. It doesn't seem right. I mean, I love Debbie and . . ."

"Hey, that's okay," snapped Louanne. "We wouldn't want you to do anything
you didn't feel right about. I think you better hurry up and get home,
before your mother calls the cops, or something."

Before Thomas could say anything, Louanne left the grove of trees, leaving
him alone. He thought she was angry, but couldn't understand what happened
to make her that way. Must simply be his confused state of mind.

He went home. He sat quietly through his mother's lecture about missing
church services, and how such things would surely send his soul to Hell. He
realized her anger was simply hiding her fear. He made a special effort to
be extra helpful around the house.

-- Chapter Thirty-Five

Even though he knew Debbie wouldn't be there, his heart felt a twinge of
pain when he saw Louanne waiting at the corner, alone. Actually, after the
way Louanne had acted yesterday, he was a bit surprised to see her waiting.

"Hi, Tommy. Thought we could still walk to school together. If you don't
mind, that is."

"Why should I mind? Actually, it's nice to have someone to talk to."

"Well, after yesterday, I wasn't sure if you'd even want to see me again.
Are you coming over tonight to tutor me, still?"

"Of course, I'm still tutoring you. Why wouldn't I? You still need help in
history. And about yesterday, I don't know what I did to get you so upset,
but I'm sorry."

"Oh, forget it. Just forget it, okay!" Louanne snapped.

"What did I do now?" he thought. "She's angry with me again, just like
yesterday."

But he was afraid to ask Louanne what was bothering her. Instead, he said,
"Are you ready for the history test today?"

"I dunno. I tried to study last night, but I had trouble keeping my mind on
the subject."

"Well, we can review the stuff now. And if you want, we can meet at
lunchtime to go over it again."

"I dunno about lunchtime. We'll see. But maybe you can explain to me what
the economical effects of the second crusades had to do with the lessening
of the monarchy powers."

They continued to school, reviewing the subject they would be tested on
later that day.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

At lunchtime, Thomas looked for Louanne. But she was nowhere to be found.
He felt disappointment, but wasn't sure why. Maybe he had just become used
to seeing her with Debbie so often.

The test in history wasn't any challenge for him. He quickly finished, and
found himself staring at Louanne's back. He wondered how she was making out
with the test. When he realized that he was staring at the way her hair
seemed to curl upon the nape of her neck, he quickly looked away.

He walked her home, making sure they only discussed the test. And said he'd
see her later that evening to continue their studying.

He felt uncomfortable when he came over later, and was happy when he at
last left. Later that night, as he read a book, he kept having visions of
Louanne.

"This is ridiculous," he thought. "She's only a friend. Nothing more." But
sleep was a long time coming that night.

The next two days passed in the same manner. He walked her to and from
school each day. He never saw her at lunchtime. And each night, he spent
two hours with her going over class work for history. And the time he did
spend with her was making him feel more uncomfortable.

Thursday was the same. At least it was until history class. They were given
back the test they had taken on monday. He got his usual A+. He wondered
what mark Louanne received. It must have been good, because Mrs. Whalen had
said something to Louanne about being very pleased.

After class, he made his way to the door of the classroom. Louanne was
waiting, obviously excited. Before he could ask what mark she had gotten,
she wrapped her arms around him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"I got a B+. Me! A B+! I can't believe it. Oh Tommy, thank you. Thank you
so much!"

Thomas was having trouble balancing his school books in one arm, as his
cast was caught between him and Louanne. And he was kinda embarrassed by
her actions. But he finally managed to break away from her.

"Good for you. See, I told you, you could do it. I guess you can't wait to
show the test to your mother."

Walking home, he found he enjoyed her excited babble. She never stopped for
a minute, talking about how proud her mother was going to be, and how she
would do even better on the next test. He was sorry he wouldn't be there to
see Mrs. Raster's reaction, but he had promised his mother he'd start
dinner early today, since she had to go out that night. Something about a
meeting at the church.

Later that evening he arrived at Louanne's house. She met him at the door
with a cake. The words 'Thanks Thomas' were written on it.

"Mom was so proud when she saw that test. She insisted we bake you this
cake as a way to say thanks for all your help. We didn't know what your
favorite flavour was, so we made mine, instead. She had to go out tonight,
but she said I wasn't to eat it all myself. So you're gonna have to help
me."

"Well, I'll have a piece, sure. But I don't think I can eat too much of it.
I'm still kinda stuff from dinner."

"Oh, goody," Louanne said, with a mischievous grin. "I'll just have to make
the supreme sacrifice, and pig out on the rest."

Laughing at her antics, Thomas allowed Louanne to lead him down to the
basement. She had already laid out plates and stuff on the coffee table in
front of the couch. Once Thomas was seated, she cut him a large piece of
cake, and handed it to him.

"Shit, I forget the drinks. I'll be right back," Louanne said, running up
the stairs.

Thomas was having trouble eating. With only one good hand, it was difficult
balancing the plate on his legs, and trying to cut a piece with his fork at
the same time.

Louanne returned with the drinks. Seeing his predicament, she said, "Oh
poor baby. Here, let mommy help you."

Flopping down on the couch next to him, she nearly cause him to knock the
plate from his lap. Taking the fork from his hand, she took a large piece
of cake and brought it to his mouth.

"Choo-Choo. Here comes the train. Now open the tunnel," she said as she
pushed the cake against his mouth.

Thomas opened his mouth wide and Louanne forced the cake in. In the
process, some of the icing smeared on his chin. Before Thomas had a chance
to swallow what he already had in his mouth, Louanne held another piece in
front of his face.

"Here comes the airplane. Better open the hangar doors, before it crashes
into the mountain side."

Thomas quickly swallowed and opened his mouth. Louanne was making sounds
like an airplane as she moved the piece of cake erratically in front of
him. He tried to turn his head to match her movements, but she managed to
catch his nose with the cake instead.

"Ouch," Thomas exclaimed as the tines of the fork dug into his cheek.

"Oops, sorry. I had better get rid of the weapon."

Louanne placed the fork on the table, and tore off another piece of cake
with her fingers. She raised her hand high and circled the piece of cake
above Thomas' head.

"Bombing run. Bombing run. Open the bomb bay doors," she said laughingly.

"Please, Lou. No more. I can't eat another bite," Thomas pleaded.

"You don't like my cake? After all the trouble I went to make it?"

"No. I like it, really I do. I just can't eat another bite, that's all."

Louanne smashed the piece of cake in her hand against his mouth, squishing
it across his chin. "Not good enough, is it?" she said, laughing.

"I'll get you for that one," Thomas said, grabbing a piece of cake and
pushing it into Louanne's face.

"No more. I give," she exclaimed trying to wipe the cake off her face.

"Ha! You can dish it out, but can't take it. Now, it's my turn. Let's see
how much cake you can eat."

He tore off another piece, and forced it between her lips. Before she
swallowed it, he pushed another piece in. Louanne tried to avoid his
fingers by turning her face away, but he simply smeared the cake on
whatever part of her face he came in contact with.

Soon her face was covered in cake and icing. His plate was empty. He sat
there laughing as she tried to wipe the cake off herself. She'd wipe off
some icing and then lick it off her fingers.

"Gotta admit, that was good cake," she said, grinning. "Here let me help
you clean that mess off your face."

She took a napkin and started to wipe his chin. Leaning closer, she licked
some icing off his nose.

"Yum. That's tastes good. And we sure don't want all this yummy icing to go
to waste," she said as she continued licking his face.

Soon her licks turned to kisses. Thomas sat there, uncertain what to do. He
didn't want to offend her. But when she covered his mouth with hers, he
couldn't take any more.

Pushing her away, he said, "Please, Lou. Don't. Don't ruin this."

She reacted as if he had slapped her. She looked hard at him for a moment,
and then moved away. She sat at the other end of the couch, and starting
crying.

"Damn, why do they always have to cry like that," he thought.

"Please Lou. Don't cry. I'm sorry, but I can't. I just can't do anything
like that."

"Oh don't worry. It's not your fault," she said. "It's me."

"You?" Thomas asked.

"Yeah, me. I don't know what it is, but somehow I always end up screwing
things up. Either I scare them away like you and Gary. Or I drive them
crazy like Rodger."

"Hey, you had nothing to do with Rodger ending up like that."

"Didn't I? If I could have found a way to keep him satisfied, he wouldn't
have done what he did."

"Stop that! We've already had this talk. Rodger was sick for a long time.
You're just lucky you weren't the victim."

"Yeah, I wasn't even good enough for a sicko. I end up scaring them all
away from me."

"Listen to yourself. You're actually upset because Rodger didn't get funny
with you? And you aren't scaring me away. It's just that I can't do
something like that, on demand. And I don't know about your relationship
with this Gary, but I thought you two stopped seeing one another because
his family moved away. That doesn't sound like you scared him away."

"Now you're sounding like Debbie. She always said my problem was I couldn't
let myself go. That I was too uptight, too inhibited. As if sex was the
answer to everything. Look where it got her."

"That's not fair. Sex, normal sex, had nothing to do with what happened to
her. But you're right, sex is not the answer to everything. God, I can't
believe I'm saying this. Before Debbie, I never had sex. Now, all of a
sudden, I'm an expert?"

"But Debbie said you were the best. That with you, it was something really
beautiful."

"Well, it was for me. I don't know that I'm any different from other guys.
Everything I did with Debbie was the first time for me. She knew so much
more than I did. She was the one who showed me what to do. I just tried to
do it right, that's all. I did it to make her feel good, make her feel
happy."

"Sounds to me like that would make you different from most guys I know.
Rodger was only interested in what I could do for him. He didn't care if I
had needs too. Even Gary was that way. And the few guys I dated before
Rodger only wanted to grab a free feel. Debbie was lucky finding you."

"I can't speak for other guys. But I can't see why they'd want to be that
way. I mean, if I learned one thing from Debbie, it was the happier I made
her, the harder she tried to make me happy in return."

"And why can't you do the same for me?"

"You don't understand. I love Debbie. And you're her best friend. It isn't
right."

"You didn't love her the first time you two made out. I bet you didn't even
really like her that much, the first time, did you?"

"Well no. Actually I was kinda frightened of her the first night. She came
on so strong, and so fast, I didn't know what was happening. And the
feelings. God, it felt so wonderful."

"So why can't we do the same things?"

"You still don't understand. I admit I liked the sex, and the pleasure. But
I also learned it becomes even better when you like the person. And it
becomes something else completely when you love the person. To go back to
having just sex, kinda cheapens everything. I couldn't do that to you, or
myself."

Louanne got up from the couch, and stood in front of him. "Do you like me?"

"Sure. But that isn't the same."

"Do you find me attractive?"

Thomas felt himself blush, remembering the thoughts he had of Louanne, and
turned his face from her.

"Do you think I'm too small?" she said, indicating her breasts. Touching
her hips, she added, "Too skinny? Am I really that ugly?"

"No. You're not ugly."

"But you don't find me attractive."

"You're very attractive. That's has nothing to do with it."

"Then what's the problem? You said you had to like the person. And you
admit you like me. You like the way I look. What else do you need?"

"You're her best friend. Don't you understand? I love her. How could I do
something with her best friend?"

"Thomas, this is hard on both of us, but she's gone. She ain't never coming
back. We only have each other left. But that isn't it either. I want to do
this for me. Not because she asked us to do it. But because I have to find
out if there's something wrong with me. Or, like Debbie said, I've just
been unlucky in meeting the right guy."

Thomas looked up at her. God, she was beautiful. The way her hair framed
her face, giving her an impish quality. Her eyes, so big and round, as if
she looked in wonder at all she saw. Her small mouth, with those full lips
he wished he could taste. He wanted to say something, but he seemed to have
lost his voice.

"I don't want us to do this because Debbie asked us to. I don't want her
presence here interfering. I want this to be something just for us. No,
that's not true either. I want this for myself, just myself. I want to just
once know what it supposed to feel like."

Taking his hand, she pulled him from the couch. "I don't care if it's
cheap. Just do it for me, please Thomas?"

-- Chapter Thirty-Six

Thomas stood facing Louanne, his eyes held captive by hers. He didn't move
as her face came closer. He realized that he wanted this as much as she
did. And he knew it could never be cheap

Her lips brushed against his, sending a shiver through his body. His lips
parted as her tongue pushed between them. He couldn't help chuckling as he
tasted icing on her lips. But Louanne didn't seem to have heard.

Their bodies never touched, just their mouths. He tried to be gentle, not
wanting to frighten her, but he could feel himself reacting. At first, he
found himself comparing kissing Louanne to kissing Debbie. But when he felt
Louanne's hand on his chest, all thoughts of Debbie disappeared.

He wrapped his good arm around her, and pulled her closer. He broke the
kiss so he could explore her face with his lips and tongue. He loved the
texture of her small button nose, and playfully, he gave it a little nip.

Louanne pulled his mouth back to hers and kissed him. Her hand went to his
shirt and unbuttoned it. After pulling it from his pants, she tried to push
it off his shoulders, but the cast got in the way. Thomas helped her pull
the sleeve over the cast.

Louanne's hands returned to exploring his chest. Her mouth closed on one of
his nipples, and he involuntarily drew in a deep breath. He could feel his
now erect penis straining against the confines of his pants.

Louanne's hands dropped to his belt. She tugged on it until she had it
open. She then opened his pants and pushed them downward. Thomas reached
out to touch her breast. He marvelled at how firm it felt through her
clothing. He reached down and tried to pull her top up.

"No!" Louanne said. "Not yet."

She dropped to her knees in front of him and removed his shoes and socks.
She then pulled hi pants free. She slowly lowered his briefs revealing his
shaft, fully aroused. Thomas quickly stepped out of them and kicked them
aside. He tried to reach out to caress her hair, but Lou simply moved away.

She reached out and grasped his enlarged shaft. One hand cupped his
testicles as if she was weighing them. She lightly ran a finger tip along
the length of his penis. Then she sat back on her heels to watched it
quiver in response.

Thomas' breathing was becoming more rapid. His heart pounded against his
ribs. He tried to swallow, but it was as if his throat had turned into a
arid desert. He wanted to feel her. He wanted to feel her flesh pressed
hard against his.

Louanne stood, and moved away from him. She kicked off her shoes. Then
grabbing her top, she slowly pulled it over her head. She reached back and
undid her bra, letting it slowly fall away from her breasts. She gently
lifted them as if offering them to him. When she let them go, he enjoyed
the way they seemed to giggle unrestrained.

She undid her pants, and lowered them to her feet. She stepped out of them
and kicked them aside. She stood in front of him, clad only in her panties.

"Turn around," she said to him. "I want to see all of you."

Thomas felt foolish, but things had gone too far for him to refuse now. He
slowly turned in circle. Once he was fully around, he saw her lying on the
floor, totally naked. Her eyes never left him as she motioned him to come
to her.

He stood at her feet, his eyes drinking her in. From her small, but firm,
breasts to her auburn covered vagina, she was absolutely perfect. He took a
deep breath, trying to steady his shaking legs. He sank to his knees at her
feet, waiting for her to make the next move.

She raised her hands to him, saying, "Show me. Show me how beautiful it can
be. Please?"

He scrambled on his knees until he was beside her. He lowered himself down,
and cursed his damn broken arm for being so useless. Using his good arm to
prop himself up, trying to keep the cast out of his way, he leaned over and
started kissing her face.

He loved the feel of her hair against his cheek. He lightly kissed her
forehead, and moved down to pay homage to those eyes. He tried to cup her
face with his hand, but he had to hold the cast in an awkward position.

He continued his journey down her face. He wished he could use his hands,
but the one with the cast was useless. And he need to prop himself up with
his good arm. He wondered if Louanne cared. She just lay there, her eyes
closed, her hands at her side. Well, he'd do best he could.

His mouth found hers, and his tongue lightly traced its outline. Her lips
parted when they felt his tongue. But he merely teased, moving his tongue
rapidly in and out, avoiding contact with her tongue. She raised her head
slightly. But he moved away from those lips and kissed her chin.

His mouth moved to her neck and he fell in love with the small hollow at
its base. The silky texture added to the sweet taste. He lightly ran the
tip of his tongue out one shoulder, and then the other, only to return to
that special little hollow.

He squirmed his body down lower so he could reach her chest. Again his
tongue and lips caressed and teased her flesh. He avoided her nipples until
he could no longer restrain himself.

He lightly touched a nipple with the tip of his tongue. A slight shiver was
the first indication he had that Louanne was feeling anything. To make sure
it wasn't just his imagination, he again flicked his tongue against the
nipple. Again he felt her shiver.

He moved his attention to the other nipple, and did the same thing. Louanne
arched her back, pushing her breast upward against his mouth. He took the
nipple into his mouth and gently sucked it. His tongue lashed it rapidly,
and he could feel it grow in his mouth. He continued to lavish attention on
this tender morsel, until he heard soft moan.

He became more aggressive in his attention to her breasts. He took whole
mouthfuls of her flesh and sucked it. He pressed his face hard against her
tender skin, unable to get enough of the feel of her. His teeth gently
nipped her flesh, and his tongue covered it in moisture.

Louanne was no longer lying still. Her body squirmed beneath him as soft
moans escaped her* Her hands wrapped themselves in his hair as she pressed
his face tighter against her breasts.

Thomas was content to stay where he was forever. But soon he felt Louanne
pushing him further downward. His mouth let a trail of burning kisses as it
crossed over her stomach. He stayed his travel momentarily to pay homage to
her delicate navel. But Louanne's impatience didn't allow him to stay there
longer.

Again he was forced to reposition his body. He lay with his face on her
thigh. His mouth kissed and tasted her firm thighs. He was amazed at how
smooth her flesh was. But again, Louanne did not allow him to dally, as she
pulled his head higher. He found himself staring at her vagina.

He smelt her musk, and was happy to know she was aroused. He tasted her
hair and enjoyed the silkiness. Louanne widened her legs, and pulled on his
hair until his face was buried between them.

Thomas slipped his good arm underneath her hips and raised her until she
had to turn sideways. Lowering himself onto his back, he pulled on her
thigh until she forced to straddle his face. Now at least, he was able to
use his hand.

He reached up and grasped her buttocks, forcing her lower, until his mouth
connected with her vagina. He forced his tongue between her vaginal lips,
and took a long, slow lick, covering as much of the hot, pulsating flesh as
he could.

"Oh . . .God . . . yes!" Louanne groaned. She ground her vagina hard
against his mouth.

Spurred on by her reaction, Thomas rapidly moved his tongue in and out as
Louanne moved her hips in response. He reached up and grasped a breast with
his good hand, kneading it. His tongue moved upward and found her clit.

Gently at first, and then more aggressively, he flicked his tongue across
the little pearl of flesh. When it became larger and more rigid, he took it
into his mouth and sucked it. But his tongue never stopped its attack on
it.

Louanne grabbed his hand and squeezed it tightly against her breast. Her
breathing was ragged as she whimpered, "Oh yes. Please just a little more.
God, I'm going crazy."

Thomas wouldn't have quit for anything. He felt her thighs tighten against
his face. He tried to bury his face deeper between her legs. Her hips were
thrashing now, and he was forced to remove his hand from her breast and
hold on to her waist.

"Yes. Yes! My God, it's happening," Louanne cried out as Thomas felt her
vaginal muscles contract. He continued kissing and licking her clit until
she finally stopped moving. Even then, he didn't stop until she rolled off
him.

He raised himself on his good arm, and looked at her. Louanne lay on her
back, her legs squeezed tightly together, her chest heaving. He moved until
he was level with her face, leaned over and kissed her. Her arms wrapped
around him, pulling him on top of her.

"Are you okay?" he asked her.

"Oh god, yes. Is it always like that?"

"I dunno. Debbie always seem to think it was pretty good. Did it really
feel good to you?"

"I've never felt anything like it. It's like my whole body has turned to
rubber. I don't think I can even move. Not that I want to. I can still feel
the spasms in my legs when I squeeze them together. God, you were good. Now
I know why Debbie was so madly in love with you."

Thomas blushed. He liked doing it okay, but afterward, all the girls seemed
to want to talk about was how good he was. Hell, other guys had to be doing
the same thing, didn't they?

"Do you think we could do it again?" Louanne asked.

"Sure. If you want to," Thomas said, kissing her.

"Can we do just that? I mean, it feels good when you kiss me all over, but
. . ."

"Hey, whatever you want," Thomas said, laughing. "Just hope I haven't
spoiled you for other things."

"Well, I like the other things to start. But I'm still hot from the first
time, and . . ."

"Don't worry. Debbie liked me doing just that too. Nothing wrong with it.
But do you mind if I lie down again. It's kinda difficult with the cast,
otherwise."

Louanne slowly raised herself into a sitting position. Smiling, she said,
"Oh, you can just lie there, like that. I'll just get myself into a more
comfortable position, too.

She placed her hands on either side of his head and moved until she was
sitting on his chest. Thomas was having a difficult time breathing with her
weight, and was happy when she raised herself to her knees.

"No, that won't work. Here, let me try this way," she said as she crawled
over Thomas' head.

He followed her with his eyes and watched as she turned around. Again she
crawled over him, stopping to lower her head to kiss his mouth. Before
Thomas could react, she moved on until her hips were above his face.

"This should be better," she said, as she spread her legs wider and slowly
lowered her hips.

Thomas watched her vagina descend. Opening his mouth wide, and raising his
head, he met her downward motion with his tongue. Louanne gasped at the
first contact as he pushed his tongue deep within her vaginal opening.

"Oh god, yes. Just like that," she moaned.

He needed no encouragement. His hand cupped her buttocks and drew them down
as he lowered his head to the floor. She was still wet from before, and he
could feel her slickness cover his mouth. His tongue sought her clit.

"No, please not that. Not yet. I want to feel your mouth first. I want your
tongue in me. I want you to . . . er . . . I want . . ."

Louanne hesitated, as if she was uncertain how to say what she wanted him
to do. Thomas took this opportunity to shove his tongue deep inside her. He
moved his rigid tongue rapidly in and out. A low moan from Louanne
confirmed to him that was what she wanted.

"Yes! Yes. Fuck me with it. Fuck me with your tongue," she groaned as her
hips moved up and down, matching the rhythm of his tongue.

Thomas faltered in his attention to her hot lovebox when he felt hands
grasp his shaft. It was his turn to moan. She continued to milk his shaft
as she rubbed her vagina against his working mouth.

Thomas couldn't take much more. It had been too long since he had any
relief. And all this playing with Louanne was driving him beyond the point
of no return.

Suddenly, he felt a warm mouth swallow his swollen gland. Louanne shifted
above him until his mouth was over her clit. He immediately started licking
the little knob as his hips lifted off the floor.

Louanne's tongue was driving him crazy. He matched her lick for lick, as he
felt his testicles swell. Knowing he couldn't last much longer, he threw
himself into bringing her to orgasm.

The room filled with their moans, and the wet slurping sounds of their
love-making. Thomas ignored the discomfort caused by Louanne's thighs
tightening against his face, as she pressed her clit tighter against his
mouth.

He felt the molten fluid burst upward and out his throbbing shaft, but he
dared not stop his ministrations to her clit. He could feel Louanne's
throat working hard to swallow as he came. He cursed himself for being so
weak, for not being able to last until she came, too.

But he did not have long to wait. Her mouth still sucking him, she moved
her hips faster. He could hear her muffled moans grow louder as she
frantically rubbed herself against his mouth. A shiver seemed to run
through her body as she lifted her head from his lap.

"Yes. Yes! YES!" she cried.

Her body stilled. He watched as every muscle in her body went rigid. He was
afraid somehow he had hurt her as she let out a shriek. Before he could say
anything, she again rubbed her vagina against his mouth.

Slowly, she moved so his mouth covered the entire slit. He showered kisses
all over the hot slick skin, his tongue gently licking the moisture.

"No more!" she pleaded, raising her hips from his face. She moved until
they were face to face, and lowered her lips to his.

He could see where his semen had dribbled down her chin, and feeling very
wicked, he licked it. Her tongue licked her own juices from his chin before
she covered his mouth with hers. His hand went to her firm breast, and
gently kneaded the enlarged nipple.

They kissed for a long time before finally breaking apart. Thomas gazed up
into her eyes and was taken back to see tears starting to form.

"Are you okay? Did I hurt you?" he asked, concerned.

"Everything is beautiful," Louanne replied, almost absentmindedly.

"They cry when they're sad," he thought, "and they cry when everything is
okay. How are you ever suppose to understand them?"

"Well, I'm sorry I didn't have better control," he apologized.

"Better control?" she asked.

"Well, yeah," he said, sheepishly. "I mean, I should have been able to
restrain myself better, and not . . . er . . . cum in your mouth?" he added
timidly. He was a bit taken back when Louanne started to laugh.

"Well, Debbie was right about that, too. It is a lot less messy when you
swallow it," Louanne said with a big grin.

"Oh yeah," he teased, "and what else was she right about?"

"Oh, just that you had the greatest mouth in the world," Louanne said,
kissing him.

"Okay, okay," he protested, pushing her away.

Louanne pushed herself up on one arm and looked down at him. He felt
uncomfortable under her gaze. He wasn't certain what they should do next.
He thought he should probably leave, but really didn't want to. He was
surprised to find that he enjoyed himself as much with Louanne as he had
with Debbie.

He immediately felt guilty at that thought. But Debbie had wanted him to do
this, hadn't she? So he wasn't really cheating on her, was he?

"God, you're beautiful," Louanne said as she ran a hand over his chest.
Thomas squirmed at her touch. "I thought so ever since the first time I saw
you naked."

Thomas felt himself blushing, and wished there was somewhere he could hide.

"Do you remember teasing me?" she asked. "When Debbie had to go answer the
phone?"

Thomas, his voice suddenly gone, managed to shake his head yes.

"I watched you move, naked, and thought I would faint. I couldn't take my
eyes off your hand as it milked your cock. And when you offered it to me, I
had all I could do to keep myself from grabbing it."

"And then later, when you grabbed Debbie and started to eat her. You knew I
was there watching, didn't you?"

Again, he could do no more then nod his head.

"God, how I wished it was me you were doing it to. I had to force myself up
the stairs to get away from you two. Even up there, all I could hear were
her moans as you drove her crazy."

"And after you walked around, naked, tempting me. I hated you at that
moment." Her hand moved down his chest, across his stomach, until it held
his semi-erect penis.

"But now, I have you all to myself. I don't have to restrain myself any
longer. God, I love it!"

Bending forward, she kissed the tip of his shaft. Thomas wasn't sure how to
take what Louanne had just confessed to. He had dreamed of her, too. Had
wondered what it would be like with her.

Her oral attention to his now hardening shaft made it difficult to think
straight. His hips raised in an effort to push his shaft deeper between her
lips. Her tongue lashed the head of his shaft as her hands gently massaged
his testicles. His mind sank beneath the waves of pleasure, her mouth
becoming his entire world.

Louanne, reluctantly, pushed herself from his lap. Her hand lingered for a
moment, gently caressing the throbbing rod, and then retreated.

"We still have one more thing to do for Debbie," she said, suddenly
becoming very business-like. "But I don't want to do it here. No. Not here.
Comon," she said, indicating he should follow her.

He watched her hurry to the stairs. He didn't understand what she was
talking about. Debbie hadn't said anything else to him. Hadn't he already
made her come twice? What else did Debbie want them to do?

"Comon," Louanne called to him, waiting at the foot of the stairs.

Slowly he got to his feet and went to her. She took his hand and led him
upstairs.

"But what if your mother comes home?" he asked, suddenly frightened by the
prospect.

"Oh, she won't be home for hours yet. We have all the time we need."

Thomas wasn't certain what Louanne had in mind, but felt better knowing he
didn't have to worry about Mrs. Raster walking in on him like this. Louanne
led him through the kitchen to the dining room. She then led him to the
second floor.

"Here we are," she said, pushing him into a room.

Thomas looked around. He was in a bedroom. He assumed it was Louanne's. He
glanced uncomfortably at the bed. Louanne motioned him to the bed.

"I dunno, Lou," he said. "Maybe we shouldn't be in here like this."

"Why not? I figure it's gotta be a lot more comfortable than the floor
downstairs."

"But things might happen," he stammered. "And I wouldn't want to . . ."

"I certainly hope things happen," she said with a grin. "Debbie made me
promise to do what she wasn't able to."

"I don't understand," he said, afraid he did.

"Debbie told me she planned on making love to you that friday night. But
she never had the chance."

"She couldn't do that. She was still a virgin," Thomas protested.

"Yes, she was. But only because she hadn't found anyone she really wanted
to do it with. No one that is, until she met you."

"But you don't do stuff like that before you get married. It isn't right!"

"Oh, you don't, do you? And what happens if you do? Do you go to Hell?"
Louanne taunted him.

"Only bad girls do stuff like that. Brides of Satan, my mother calls them."

"So now I'm a bride of the devil, am I? You know I'm not a virgin. Debbie
said she told you about me and Gary."

"No, I didn't mean that about you. I . . . er . . ."

"And you're so holy, too,? I mean after what you did with Debbie. What you
did with me, today? Guess that makes you a bridegroom of the devil?"

"Look, I dunno any more," Thomas said, uncertain. "I know you ain't suppose
to mess around like this. But it didn't feel wrong when I did it with
Debbie. I loved her."

"But it feels wrong with me? You sure didn't seem to mind when you came in
my mouth earlier."

"No. It wasn't like that at all. I mean . . .

"Look, I still have one last promise to keep to Debbie. You can either get
in that bed, or you can leave. You wanna fuck, or don't you?"

Thomas was horrified by the change in her. He didn't understand why she was
acting this way. One moment, she really seemed to like him. The next, she
seemed so cold, so hard.

He stared at her for a moment, hoping she would say something to explain
what was happening. She stood there, her chest heaving, and returned his
stare. It was almost as if she was challenging him to do something. If he
could only figure out what.

He turned away from her, and started down the stairs. He couldn't do what
she was asking. He simply couldn't.

-- Chapter Thirty-Seven

As Thomas descended to the basement to get his clothes, he heard Debbie's
voice.

"Louanne's suffered as much as the rest of us . . . Lou has her problems .
. . She's never known how beautiful it can be between two people . . . I
want you to make love to her . . . Show her there are guys out there who
can be loving, and not just selfish . . . I'm asking you to do this because
you love me."

He gathered up his clothing. Seeing Louanne's clothing nearby, he bent and
picked them up, too. His mind was in a turmoil. How could Debbie expect him
to do something like that?

He saw Louanne lying naked before him. He remembered the feel of her body
against his. God, how he wanted her. But it was wrong.

"Was it?" he wondered. "Was it really wrong to give someone else some
happiness?" He started walking back upstairs, carrying the clothing. "Maybe
Debbie's right. It can't be wrong to want to make someone else happy."

He went up to Louanne's room. Entering, he saw her lying on the bed,
sobbing. Quietly, he walked to her, leaned over, and caressed her bare
back. He felt her stiffen under his touch.

"Decided to come back, did you?" she said, refusing to face him.

"I'm sorry, Lou. Really I am."

"You're sorry? That's a laugh. What the fuck do you have to be sorry about?
You did what you promised Debbie you'd do. You made me come."

"I'm sorry I hurt you. I didn't mean to."

"Hurt me? Hell, you couldn't hurt me. I've been hurt by pros."

"I know you've been hurt. And somehow, I want to make that up to you."

"Oh, I get it. You decided you wanted to fuck, after all. Finally gonna let
that prick do your thinking for you?"

"No. I don't wanna fuck as you put it. But I do want to make love to you."

"Make love? Is that what you call it? You figure just because you tell a
girl you love her, she's gonna spread her legs for you? Sure why not. So
say it. Tell me you love me."

"No, I don't love you. I want to make love to you. To show you it can be
something special. Just like Debbie said it could be."

"Oh, so now you feel sorry for me. You're gonna fuck me out of pity?"

"Yes, I feel sorry for you. Sorry because you were hurt by all this. And I
feel sorry for Debbie because of what happened to her. And for myself,
because I wasn't able to do anything to prevent this mess. But now, I can
do something. Something right."

Louanne turned over and looked up at him. She wiped the tears from her eyes
as she sat up. Thomas sat on the bed next to her.

"I was supposed to do this with you because Debbie wanted me to," Thomas
added. "And I couldn't. But now, I don't want to do it for her. I want to
do it for you. And for me."

"I won't say I love you. I don't. I don't even know if I can love you. I
like you. A lot. And I want you. And I don't care if it's wrong, or not. I
know I'm scared. And I think you're scared, too."

Thomas reached out and caressed her cheek. Louanne gave a small cry and
wrapped her arms around him.

"I've never done anything like this. I don't know exactly what to do," he
continued. "Oh, I know how it's suppose to be done. But I want it to be
good for you. So, you'll have to help me."

Louanne put her finger to his lips. "Shush, don't worry. We can learn
together. Come lie down here next to me."

They lay side by side, looking into each other's eyes. Thomas made the
first move, taking Louanne's breast and bringing it to his lips. Lightly,
he ran his tongue over the nipple until it responded.

Louanne reacted by wrapping her fingers in his hair and pushing his face
tighter against her breast. She gently took his hand and drew it down
between her legs. He gently fingered her slit, seeking her clit.

Louanne raised one leg allowing him better access. She covered the top of
his head with kisses as she squirmed under his touch. Her hand sought his
penis and gently stroked it.

Thomas wished he had two good hands, as he raised his face from her breast
and sought her mouth. He gently forced a finger deep into her vagina and
started moving it in and out. Louanne sucked on his tongue, one hand
lightly scratching his back, as the other now firmly grasped his shaft.

Her hips moved in response to his hand at her vagina. He could feel her
wetness. He used his thumb to gently tease her clitoris as his finger
delved deeper into her vaginal opening.

Louanne threw her leg over his hip, drawing him closer. Her hand guided his
fully erect member to her pulsating nether lips, pushing his hand aside.
Slowly, she rubbed his shaft the full length of her opening.

Thomas shuddered as her warm, wet vaginal lips seemed to suck the tip of
his shaft deeper. His hand returned to her breasts as he smashed his mouth
hard against hers.

They lay clinging to one another. Thomas found himself gulping for air, his
heart crashing against his rib cage. It was as if someone had turn the heat
on. His entire body was on fire.

Louanne pressed against his shoulder, forcing him to his back. She rolled
with him until she straddled his hips. Guiding his shaft to her opening,
she lowered herself slowly.

Her eyes widened, as she took him completely. Once he was deep inside her,
she raised herself until only the tip of his swollen gland was in her. Then
she dropped back on him, taking his full length all at once.

Thomas found himself raising his hips in attempt to push himself in deeper.
The feeling of raw pleasure was like nothing he had ever known before. Each
time Louanne pushed herself down on him, ripples of pleasure crashed
through his entire body.

He watched Louanne, her eyes closed. Her face contorting as she softly
moaned. She pushed herself upright, her hands pressing hard against his
stomach. It was as if she had tightened the already vise- like grip with
which her vagina held his penis.

Slowly she increased the speed of her movements. Thomas again raised his
hips in rhythm with her. He raised his hand to her breast. Louanne grabbed
his hand with both of hers, and pressed it hard against her chast.

"Yes. God, yes," she cried, falling forward. Her hips crashed franticly
against his, again and again, as her movements became more urgent. She
buried her face against his neck, as she whimpered, "God, it's happening
again."

Thomas could no longer match her movements. He lay there, allowing her
complete control of their lovemaking. He squirmed uncomfortably as she bit
into his shoulder.

Louanne pushed herself up, her body slamming back on his shaft. Her eyes
shut tight, she bit her lip in an attempt to hold back the scream that was
building inside her.

Thomas felt his testicles contract, and knew he was about to come. He
rammed himself deeper between her legs, as he was determined to get every
ounce of pleasure he could.

Thomas's added effort proved too much for Louanne. Digging her nails into
his chest, she uttered a piercing scream, and slammed down hard on him.
Thomas continued to thrust into her, his cum erupting from him. He thought
he'd never stop cumming.

At last, their movements slowed. Louanne again fell upon him, her lips
kissing his chest, her hands touching, rubbing him. He lay there,
exhausted. It was his turn to feel as if his limbs had turned to rubber. He
had no idea it could be this good.

Louanne lifted her face from his chest, and gave him an impish smile.
"Oooh, that was good. For two people not quite sure what to do, I think
that was very good." She gave her ass a wiggle, sending shivers through
him.

Suddenly a thought struck him, "My God, what if she gets pregnant?"

Seeing the startled look on his face, Louanne asked what was wrong. When he
told her, she laughed.

"Oh, it's okay. I'm on the pill. Mind you, it's a little late to worry
about that now."

Thomas was ashamed. He should have thought about that. Well, it wouldn't
happen next time. Well, if there was a next time.

Seeing he was upset, Louanne pulled herself up, and kissed him. "Hey,
really it's okay. I wouldn't have let anything happen if I hadn't taken
some kind of precaution."

"Yeah, but I should have . . ."

"Oh, forget it," she teased. "Debbie said you'd get carried away, feeling
guilty afterwards."

"Debbie seems to have told you everything," he said, feeling slightly
resentful.

"Yeah, she did. But I never thought it would be as good as she said. Or
that you'd be as great as she said."

Thomas just pulled her tighter to him. There was no sense in trying to
figure these girl out. They had all the answers, no matter what you tried.

He laid there, feeling like he'd never move again. He liked the feeling of
her body snuggled against his. His hand reached out and caressed her
breasts, as she nuzzled his neck.

He took the time to review what had happened to him in these past few
weeks. He may have been late in discovering girls and sex, but he sure had
made up for it, fast.

He thought about Louanne. He knew he didn't love her. Not like he did
Debbie. He use to think he'd only make love to someone he loved. And then
only after he was married.

But he'd probably never see Debbie again. And he never did get to make love
to her. He was sure Louanne only did it because Debbie asked her. To make
up for Debbie not being able to do it herself.

He compared the two girls. Debbie was always talking, telling him what she
wanted him to do. Lou, on the other hand, didn't talk as much. But boy, did
she scream when it was almost over.

Debbie seemed to have more experience. But with Lou, for some reason, it
seemed better, more intense. He didn't mean to knock Debbie, but he did
like fooling around with Lou better. But after this, he'd probably never
have another chance, anyways.

He suddenly thought about Sandy, Dale's girlfriend. She'd be all alone now,
what with Dale being sent away for his part in what happened to Debbie. She
wasn't as cute as Louanne, but maybe she might be interested in going out.

And then there was that girl, Erika in math class. She was cute. He always
wondered what it would be like to touch her big breasts. If nothing else,
he did have both Debbie and Louanne to thank for showing him what girls and
sex was all about.

Louanne stirred in his arms, and he leaned over to kiss her. She returned
his kiss briefly and then pushed herself up onto her elbows.

Looking him straight in the eyes, she said, "Well I guess we both kept our
promises to Debbie. I mean, you showed me what it was like to really come.
And I introduced you to making love."

Thomas had been dreading this moment. Like Lou said, they had done what
Debbie had made them promise they would do. There really wasn't any reason
for him to hang around. Reluctantly he tried to sit up.

"Hey! Where do you think you're going?" Louanne asked.

"Well, like you said, we did what we promised to do. I figured I should
leave now. I really want to thank you and . . ."

"You want to thank me? Thank me? You figure you got your rocks off, so now
you just up and leave?"

"Now what did I do?" he thought. To Louanne he said, "That's not it at all.
I just thought you'd want me to leave."

"Want you to leave? Why would I want that? I want you to stay."

"You do? But I don't . . ."

"Seeing what we did was for Debbie, I thought we might do something just
for us."

"Gee. But I don't love you. I mean, I like you a lot. I liked what we did a
lot, too. But I can't lie to you and say I love you."

"I don't love you either. Least not yet. Maybe never. But I like you. And I
definitely liked what we did. And I want to do it again, just for us. Not
because we promised someone else that we would. Don't you want to do it
again?"

"God, yes!" Thomas exclaimed, and then felt himself blush. "But I don't
know if I could do it again. I mean, not right away."

"Oh, I think I can help you there," Louanne said as she moved down his
body.

Thomas watched her position herself between his legs. Her hands gently
grasped his limp shaft as her lips started to kiss it. He was afraid
nothing she could do would help, but it did feel good, so he didn't say
anything.

Enjoying the feel of her mouth on his penis, his thoughts wandered to
Sandy. He remembered how she had played with Dale's penis in the movie. And
how Dale said she wouldn't suck him off. He wondered how Sandy would react
if he made her come like he had Debbie and Louanne.

He felt a tightening in his groin and was amazed to see himself fully
erect.

Louanne raised her face from his lap and grinned. "Looks like this little
guy is ready to party again." She moved forward until she was positioned
over the erect member, and slowly lowered herself upon it.

"Mom's outta town two days this week," she said as she started moving up
and down on his shaft. "Don't think we're going to get much history done
this week," she added with a chuckle.

Forgetting the other girls momentarily, Thomas responded by reaching for
her breasts as they jiggled with her rapidly increasing movements.

-- The End --

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Thomas' Story: Cumin' of Age" Chapters 34 thru 37 by T. F. Yank
Copyright (c) 1991, 1993 by DEH Enterprises. All Rights Reserved.
Permission is granted to distribute in electonic format, unaltered
and un-edited with this copyright statement intact. Hardcopies are
limited to single printing for private, non-profit use only.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
| \*/ "I'd buy you a green dress, but not a |
| Flying Yank | real green dress. That's cruel." |
| --------- + 'If I had a million Dollars' |
| yank@mala.proteus.qc.ca / \ -- Bare Naked Ladies |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------




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