
THE MEASURE OF MAN

An Epic by Gil Gamesh

Chapter Sixty

As for you, Gilgamesh, fill your belly with good things; day and night, night and day, dance and be merry, feast and rejoice. Let your clothes be fresh, bathe yourself in water, cherish the little child that holds your hand, and make your wife happy in your embrace; for this too is the measure of man.


CAST OF CHARACTERS:
Arial Stuart, 16; Kerry Stuart, 12 ; Kenjiro Daniels, 15; Nicole Whittaker, 15

TELLING THE STORY
Kerry Stuart

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(KERRY)

Kenjiro and I were eating lunch in the school cafeteria on Tuesday when a pack of jocks walked by. One of them, Aaron Davis, said it again.

Hey, little pussy, how ya doin? Did you hurt your sweet little hand hitting Jerome?

I didnt say anything as usual. I just smiled at him and then turned back and started talking to Kenjiro again.

What was that about? he asked.

Nothing, just another stupid jock, thinks hes something.

Why did he call you a little pussy?

Shit, he calls me worse than that sometimes. He says Im nothing but a smart-ass little girl, sucking up to all the teachers.

Fuck him! Are you going to let him get away with it?

I dont care, Ken-chan. I think Im already more of a man than hell ever be. Hes not worth worrying about.

Kenjiro started eating again. The mystery meat was supposed to be meatloaf but it sure as hell wasnt like Moms. I watched him and I could almost see the wheels turning in his head. He was thinking about something and I knew it was about Aaron Davis and his stupid remark. When he started smiling, I looked for the light bulb over his head.

Ive got it, he said.

Got what, meatloaf diarrhea?

Yeah, diarrhea of the brain. Youre going to challenge him to a duel.

Like hell, I am, I said. Hell kill me.

Kenjiro just shook his head yes. I shook my head no. He shook his head yes. I shook my head no and gave him the finger. He leaned over closer to me, pushed my hand down, and smiled.

Look, Ive got an idea for something thatll really shut him up. Let me check out something and Ill tell you about it tomorrow.

Im not getting in any more trouble with jocks, Ken-chan. Weve just got one more week of classes and then three days of finals. Nobody blamed me for hitting Jerome but Im staying out of trouble for the next couple of weeks.

You wont get in trouble. Trust me. Waitll you hear my plan. Youre gonna love it.

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I didnt see him the next day at school until I went to the Chew and Choke for lunch. He was waiting in the hall outside the cafeteria. We went through the line and then grabbed one of the small tables against the wall that held just two people.

You really are going to love it, he said. One of the jocks owed me for helping him with his computer. I called him and found out what I needed to know. Youre gonna challenge Mr. Aaron Asshole Davis to a duel. Im going to be your second and Davis can get him one. Were going to get Grizzly to be the referee. Well let Grizzly in on it. Hell love it too.

I sat and looked at him and ate my gooey slice of Friday pizza. I couldnt believe hed get me into something where Id get hurt or get in trouble. Would he? Maybe he would. What the fuck? Who knows?

Ill kill you if you get me in trouble again, I said.

Shit, Kerry, were friends. Im not gonna get you in trouble.

Yeah, sure you wont. Whats your plan?

He told me. I loved it. We talked about how to set it up. Over the next few days, two demented geniuses put together the plan and set up everything. I challenged Aaron the following Monday. We held the duel in one of the boys bathrooms Tuesday. I loved every minute of it. I won the duel.

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On Friday, the last day of classes, I had honors trigonometry with Mr. OReilly, the one the students call Mr. OReally, just before lunch. We had gotten along so well fall semester in honors analytical geometry, I made sure I got his trig class in the spring. When the class was over, he pulled me aside as I started to leave and asked me if Id go to his office so we could talk. I didnt suspect anything bad; I thought he wanted to talk to me about what I had done in his course.

Mr. OReilly was one of the math teachers Id been working with about math courses to take. Id made an A in his honors geometry class fall semester and I had another A going in honors trig. I wanted to take all of the math the school offered and we couldnt see where to fit them all in. Hed agreed to help me do two of the easy ones on my own and all I had to do was take the same tests everybody else took

When we walked into his cubicle, Mrs. Redford, my English teacher, was sitting in one chair and the school principal, Mrs. Frazier, was sitting in another. After the jock trouble fall semester, she talked to me lots and she always smiled and nodded or waved when she saw me. There were two empty chairs - one opposite Mrs. Frazier and one behind the desk. I stopped dead in my tracks.

Come in and sit down, Kerry, Mrs. Frazier said. I got you a turkey club sandwich and a pint of milk for lunch. Will that be OK?

Mr. OReilly sat down in the chair behind the desk and started taking food out a big brown bag. That left one chair. I was trapped. I knew Id been set up. But something smelled good and I was hungry. I took a deep breath and sat down. 

Howre you doing with statistics, Kerry? he asked.

Im doing fine, Sir. My half-brother Stuarts letting me help him with some research hes doing for the University. Hes teaching me what to do with different statistical tools and were figuring out what we need to do with some data hes analyzing.

Youre studying statistics, Kerry? Mrs. Frazier said. I didnt think we offered statistics. Thats a college course, isnt it?

The school doesnt, Maam. Mr. OReallys helping me learn some of it on my own. He loaned me a couple of books and hes helping me when I get stuck on something.

OReally? Mrs. Frazier asked.

Yes, Maam.

Nobody said anything for a minute, just sitting there smiling, and I finally realized what Id done. I looked at Mr. OReilly and he just shook his head and smiled.

OReilly, Kerry, he said. My names OReilly.

I know. Im sorry, sir, I said. I wished I could crawl under the chair. Id never called him OReally to his face and I guess Id said it because thats what so many students called him. He was a nice guy and hed gone out of his way to help me. I hoped I hadnt blown it.   

I hope you dont mind having lunch with me and Sarah and Andy, Mrs. Frazier said. I wanted to talk to you and I didnt want you to have to come to my office. I thought it might be best if we just kept this confidential.

Am I in trouble? I asked.

No, no, youre not in trouble, she answered. Sarah says she and you are good friends. She says youll tell me the truth about something. Will you?

I looked at Mrs. Redford. She was taking the sandwiches from Mr. OReilly and putting them on plastic plates. I could smell bacon and something like a fruit cobbler.

What?

Weve heard rumors about you being in some sort of duel last Tuesday. There are different versions depending on whos telling it. We need to clear it up before school is over. We thought you might help us understand what happened.

Shi..jeeze, I said. I let my breath out and slumped down in the chair a little. Not in trouble? It sure as hell sounded like trouble to me. I hated to do it but I had to kill Kenjiro.

Would you like to have your sandwich before we talk, Kerry? Mrs. Frazier asked. Im hungry and Ill bet you are too. My boys always were when they were your age.

Am I in trouble? I asked again.

Mrs. Frazier smiled at me and shook her head. Kerry, I told you youre not in trouble. I just like to know whats going on in my school. When I can, I like to stop trouble before it starts.

Mrs. Redford was holding out a paper plate with a sandwich toward me. I reached over and took it. The wrapper around the sandwich said Mama Dora. I knew it would be good. Anything from there always was. 

Do I smell some kind of fruit cobbler? I asked. I wanted time to think.

Mr. OReilly reached in the bag, brought out four big covered bowls, and put them on the desk. I knew Id smelled it.

We've got two peach, one blackberry, and one apple, he said. Which do you want, Mrs. Frazier?

Theyre all good, she said. Let Kerry choose first.

Can IMay I have the blackberry? I asked. Mrs. Redford pushed it toward me on the desk. Mr. OReilly reached in the bag again and held out a pint container of milk for me.

We sat and ate without talking for a while. I finished my sandwich and cobbler and milk. Mrs. Frazier ate about half her peach cobbler and then looked at me.

Kerry, I cant eat any more. If you dont mind eating after me, would you like to finish my peach cobbler?

I knew I was being set up. They were being too nice to me. I decided Id better cooperate. Mrs. Frazier waited until Id finished her cobbler.

Now, Kerry, perhaps you can tell me all about this duel I keep hearing about. Ive heard three or four different versions.

I tried to think how to tell her and keep it clean at the same time. I decided I couldnt. I looked at Mrs. Redford. Id talked with her once about something and she hadnt fussed at me about keeping it clean. She saw me looking at her and she smiled at me and nodded.

You can tell me, Kerry, Mrs. Frazier said. Ive raised two boys. Theres not much I havent heard. Just tell it like youd tell one of your friends.

You wont get mad at me if its kind of dirty, will you?

I dont think it can be any worse than what I hear in the hall every day, can it?

Well, it started when Aaron Davis kept calling me a little pussy.

I looked at the three of them. They didnt seem shocked or offended.

Well, go on, Mrs. Frazier said.

He called me that Thursday of last week when I was eating with Ken-chan; thats Kenjiro Daniels. We came up with a way to make him shut up.

Why do you call him Ken-chan? Mrs. Frazier asked.

In Japan they change the name like that when theyre talking to friends. The chan part means hes my friend.

I didnt know that, she said. What did you do?

This was the part I didnt want to talk about but I didnt see any way out of it.

Well, you know guys are kind of sensitive about how big theiryou know... their

Mrs. Frazier interrupted me.

You can say penis, Kerry. You can say dick if you want to. My boys said it.

I decided to go for it. Well, guysre sensitive about how big their dick is. If you want to put a guy down, you accuse him of having a little dick. You can even say he doesnt even have one and thats what Aaron was doing when he called me a pussy.

From what Ive heard, you showed him up, Mr. OReilly said. Is that right?

Yes, Sir. Kenjiro knows mines kind of big, at least, kind of big for my age. He said it was probably bigger than Aarons and I ought to dare him to, you know, see whose was bigger. We came up with the idea of a duel.

I heard you even had seconds and a referee; is that right? Mrs. Frazier asked.

Yes, Maam. Kenjiro was my second and some guy I didnt know was Aarons. We got Grizzly to be the referee because nobody messes with him.

What was Grizzly doing with the yardstick? Mrs. Redford asked.

I looked at her and it looked like she was trying to keep from laughing.

I told him to bring a ruler. He said he couldnt find one except for the yardstick.

Somebody told me Aaron thought youd challenged him to some sort of real duel, Mrs. Frazier said. I heard you challenged him to a duel in front of his friends last Monday and said, since you were smaller, youd get to choose the weapons and hed have to meet you in the boys bathroom or else he was chicken and hed have to apologize.

That was pretty close. Id actually told Aaron hed be chicken shit if he didnt meet me.

Yes, Maam. Thats about right.

Well, what happened in the bathroom, Kerry?

Nothing, Maam. Grizzly got us back to back and said we had to take three steps and then turn around. Aaron asked me what we were going to use for weapons and Grizzly told him we were going to use our dicks. He said when we turned around we had to drop our pants and hed check to see who had the biggest one.

And did Aaron do it?

Yes, Maam. He did it. He didnt want to but he did it. He conceded and said Grizzly didnt have to use the yardstick. After we pulled our pants back up, he apologized for what hed been saying and even shook my hand.

I heard you even had witnesses lined up, Mrs. Redford said.

Yes, Maam. We made sure we had some guys we knew we could trust. Grizzly let four of them in the bathroom with us.

Kerry, theres something I dont understand, Mrs. Frazier said. What if youd lost the duel? What would Aaron have done then?

I didnt see any need to tell them how Kenjiro had said we could make sure Aarons dick was smaller. He told me a guys dick always got smaller when he was anxious about something. He said it was part of the fight or flight response and staying in that state for a long time induced anxiety. So we decided on the duel and then made it worse by not telling Aaron what the weapons would be. He had to come to the boys bathroom not knowing what he was facing.

I really didnt think I needed to tell them Id cheated a little. Kenjiro told me the duel might be close and we decided Id get to the bathroom a little ahead of Aaron and get ready. I pretended I had to piss and I went in one of the toilet stalls and stroked my dick until it was almost hard. I knew itd hold its size for a while unless I jacked off and it was probably close to five inches when I pulled my briefs down. I thought Aaron was going to chicken out when he saw my dick but he pulled his shorts down too. I had him beat by an inch or so.

 I knew I wasnt going to lose, Mrs. Frazier. Kenjiro knew a jock who owed him a favor. He called him and told him what we were thinking of doing and asked him how big Aaronsyou know, his dick was. Then he made him promise not to tell anybody ahead of time. He was one of the witnesses.

Mrs. Frazier and Mrs. Redford were both smiling so big I knew they were getting a kick out of it. Mr. OReilly was trying to act like it wasnt funny to him. I tried to act serious but finally I couldnt help but smile too.

Mrs. Frazier shook her head. Kerry, what am I going to do with you? Am I going to have to put up with stuff like this for three more years?

No, Maam. Just two, I said.

She looked puzzled. Why just two? she asked.

Well, Id like to graduate in about three years so I can start to college when Im fifteen. Can I do it?

Mrs. Redford smiled at me and shook her head too. You probably can, Kerry; you probably can, she said.

Kerry, if you do that, your parents will have three kids in college at once, Mr. OReilly said. Thats a big financial drain. Why dont you slow down and stay with us for four years?

Mom and Dad are already helping us plan. Theyve already got college investments for us. Moms the financial wizard. We think well be OK. Were all going to the university here and keep living at home. Kavans going to keep working part time at Manchester Landscaping. Arials going to be working with Brad on a research grant his Dads got. By the time I graduate from high school, maybe I can find something to help out.

Well, if anybody can do it, I guess you can, Mrs. Redford said.  

My half-brother, Stuart, hes already got a Ph.D. in chemistry. He wants me to start planning on scholarships, especially in the sciences. He thinks I could get one at his alma mater if I go there for a Ph.D.

Kerry, you do remember Im an English teacher, Mrs. Frazier said. 

I knew she was. I didnt understand why she reminded me. Then it dawned on me. I used my hand to erase an imaginary blackboard and then wrote on it.

My half-brother, Stuart, has a Ph.D. in chemistry. How many times do you want me to write it? I asked. 

She just grinned and shook her head again.

Have you already chosen your major in college, Kerry? Mr. OReilly asked. From the look on his face, I couldnt decide whether he was being incredulous or sarcastic.

No, Sir, just something in the sciences. I dont want to major in English.  I looked at Mrs. Frazier when I said it and she shook her head again. 

Mrs. Frazier wasnt quite through. I think we need to get this committee meeting back on track. Kerry, from the way you describe it, nobody touched anybody elses penis. Is that correct?

Yes, Maam. We made sure that couldnt happen when we planned it. If Grizzly had used the yardstick, we had to hold our own penis.

And neither of you had an erection or engaged in any sort of sexual activity? Mr. OReilly asked.

No, Sir! I said. Mine was hanging down. I dont think Aaron had a harI mean, an erection. I didnt touch mine and Aaron didnt touch his while I was watching.

Did you just have guys for witnesses? Mrs. Redford asked. From the way some of the girls talk, it sounds like they were witnesses for the duel.

No, Maam, I said. It was just us guys. 

Mrs. Frazier looked at Mrs. Redford and then at Mr. OReilly. They all still looked like they were about to bust out laughing.

Mrs. Redford, Mr. OReilly, youre both on the student disciplinary committee. Can you think of anything in the student conduct handbook that says boys cant expose themselves, that is, pull their pants down, as long as theyre in the boys bathroom?

No, Maam, Mrs. Redford said. I believe thats where theyre supposed to do it, isnt it?

I believe that sort of behavior is entirely proper in the circumstances, Mrs. Frazier, Mr. OReilly said, looking straight at me. I think we can conclude that there are no reasons to charge Kerry with any violation of the student conduct code.

I put my hands on the arms of the chair and started to stand up. I didnt even know anything like that was being considered.

May I go now? I asked. I looked at Mrs. Frazier when I said it. 

Not yet, Kerry, Mrs. Frazier said. Ive got something else I want to talk to you about.

I slumped back down and looked at them. Jeeze, what now? I said, and they all three started laughing.

Andy, would you mind if I used your office for a few more minutes to talk to Kerry, Mrs. Frazier said. I think the committees adjourned unless one of you has some more questions for Kerry.

Oh, I dont really have any thing else to ask him, Mr. OReilly said, looking straight at me and smiling. Youre welcome to use my cubbyhole as long as you need it.

I dont either, really, Mrs. Redford said. 

They both left and I heard them whispering and laughing as they went out. Mr. OReilly patted me on the shoulder as he walked past and Mrs. Redford mussed up my hair.

Did you really just have a meeting of the student disciplinary committee? I asked Mrs. Frazier. Are you mad at me for what I did?

Yes, Kerry, we had a meeting, she said, smiling at me. There are five members of the committee. We had a quorum with three. We just wanted to make sure thered be no trouble because of your duel. And Im not mad at you.
 
Ill try not to cause any more problems, Maam, I said. At least not for the rest of the school year.

Kerry, youre not causing problems, she said. When I go home tonight, Ill have a huge smile on my face when I tell my husband about this. Hell get as big a kick out of it as I have. And youd better not tell anybody I said that.

Yes, Maam.

Ive got a couple of other things I want to ask you about, she said. Theres a modeling and advertising agency the school has worked with for quite a few years. Theyve got a client that wants about a half dozen young kids to work for them as models. Therell be a year-long contract and lots of work. Do you think youd be interested? It might turn into a good way to earn something for college.

I dont know, Maam. I dont know enough about it to give you an answer.

I dont expect you to say yes or no right now. Ill give you their brochure describing what the models will be doing. You can think about it and talk to your parents. If youre interested, Ill put you on the list. When Ive got about twenty names, Ill call a meeting with Mr. DeMaria. Hes in charge of the account.

I thought you said they want a half-dozen kids.

Yes, thats right. Theyll work with everybody on the list for a while and then select the ones they want. I can put you on the list but it will be up to Mr. DeMaria as to whos picked.

Hes not gay, is he? I asked. I knew that was stupid as soon as I said it.

I dont think so, Kerry. If he is, hes got Mrs. DeMaria fooled. Shes a friend of mine and I dont think shes easy to fool. Why do you ask?

I guess I thought lots of models were gay. Some of those TV programs make it look like theyre all gay.

Thats not the real world, Kerry. My youngest son, Dan, is working as a model. He got his start when he was in high school here. Hes in college now studying architecture and modeling for a big New York agency. Hes cutting quite a swath through the female ranks. Every time he comes home, hes got a new conquest.

Im sorry, Maam. I should have kept my mouth shut. I told you I dont know that much about modeling.

Kerry, Dans earning enough modeling to make your head swim. He makes more than I do and hes working part time. You should see the sports car he drives.

Well, that part sounds interesting. Id love to have some good wheels.

OK. Come by the office and ask my secretary for the brochure. Talk to your parents and see what they think. Ill talk to them too before you go on the list. Im going to talk to Arial and Brad too and see if theyd be interested. Dont tell Arial, OK?

Yes, Maam. Why do you think wed make good models?

Youre all tall and thin and quite photogenic. Arials one of the most beautiful young girls Ive ever seen. Youre not too bad yourself for a boy. Your smile and your eyes are your best features. Brads got a great body and face for modeling.

He doesnt think hes good looking. He says hes skinny and his face is kind of mixed up. Hes told me he doesnt know why Arial wants him for a boyfriend when she could have anybody she wants.

Kerry, hes a very good-looking young man. Hes thin but hes got an athletic-looking body. His face isnt beautiful like yours but its warm and intelligent looking. Hes a lot like my son, Dan. 

You said the schools worked with the agency for years. Why does the school do it?

The DeMarias have sort of adopted us. The school will be used as a background in most of the photos. We give them logistical help. In return, Mrs. DeMaria teaches a one-semester course for us every year. They also give us a lot of freebies in things like advertising and printing and hire a lot of our students to do the dirty work.

Whats dirty work? I dont want to do anything like that.

Not that kind of dirty, Kerry. I dont know what the agency calls it. Its just part-time work for our kids. Its doing things like carrying equipment, setting up, helping with anything thats needed, cleaning up when theyre through. They make quite a mess.

What would I be doing?

Modeling clothes. The account is with a big department store chain. In any one photo shoot, you might have to change clothes a couple of dozen times.

What kind of clothes? Good stuff? Mom doesnt like it when I ask for some of the designer-label stuff.

Well, thats exactly what it is, Kerry. It wont be ads for generic jeans and underwear. Itll be for the high-price labels so many kids think theyve got to have to fit in.

Id have to model underwear?

Yes, Kerry, but thats only a small part of what youd be modeling. You dont mind being seen in your underwear, do you? The guys and girls have different changing rooms but youll be in your underwear a lot around other guys.

No, Maam. I dont think that would be a problem. I might have a problem if I had to change with the girls.

Like the one you had in Mrs. Redfords class? she asked, with a big grin.

DaI mean Did she tell you about that?

Yes, Kerry. She told me. Its nothing bad. She loves to have you in her class. Shes very fond of you. She says youre probably the best student shes ever had.

I dont know. I dont mean to do anything bad, Mrs. Frazier. Some of the girls love to tease me, see if they can make me get, you know, aroused. I wish theyd just leave me alone. I cant help it.

I know, Kerry. Remember, Ive got two sons. They used to tell me about all their problems. Dan got teased just like theyre teasing you. It just means they like you. Theyre attracted to you, you know.

You think so?

Yes, Kerry, I know so. I know a great deal about what goes on in my school. Most of the girls are your admirers. I imagine youll start cutting a swath through your fans sooner or later.

Damn, I hope so.

Watch your language, Kerry. Ive got something else I want to talk to you about. Do you have any interest in drama, things like acting, singing, dancing?

Yeah, some, I guess. Im meeting with the group thats going to do the school musical. I may be in it if I they decide I can do OK with singing and dancing. Its fun so far.

The musicals going to be based on a movie, she said. Do you know which one?

I didnt want to tell her that nobody would let me in on that until they decided I was good enough to be in the cast for the production. I hoped she would tell me if I acted dumb.  

No, Maam, just something about the Fifties.

The students put on some sort of production every year, Kerry, usually in March or April. For next year, theyre tackling their most ambitious project yet. Theyre writing a musical version of the Porkys movie. Do you know that one?

Yes, Maam. Thats a classic teen-age raunch movie. I guess all kids know it. Like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Risky Business.

Well, theyre talking about writing their own version, clean enough so the school can approve it. Itll use a lot of the old Fifties songs and the kids will lip-sync some of those and sing some. Theyll write some original ones and theyll sing all of those. Theyll be dancing like they did in the Fifties, whatever that was. Theyre talking about involving as many students as possible, maybe even using the choral group and the different instrumental groups and the school band. Its going to be a huge production if we can pull it off.

I was wondering why they were starting with it now. I guess it takes a lot of work, doesnt it?

Kerry, it takes a year to mount their usual production. In this case, well have to get copyright permission for the movie and the songs. The songs are no problem; the movie is but I think well be OK there too.

I dont know what I can do in something like that. I can dance some and Im having fun trying to learn. Im even trying to sing.

Kerry, Ive seen you in the cafeteria with Nicole Whittaker. Shes one of the main ones working on getting it organized. They all want you in it. She says shell teach you how to dance.

I didnt know anybody had talked to Mrs. Frazier about me being in the musical. She made it sound like they wanted me for something specific.

Whos they? You mean, they asked you about me being in it?

Yes, Kerry. They asked for my help. They want you to play Peewee.

Oh, shit, that was one of the central characters. My heart started beating faster.

Damn, I cant do that, Mrs. Frazier.

Kerry, I told you to watch your language. I hear worse everyday but Im supposed to tell you not to do it.

Im sorry. It just slipped out.

Kerry, do you know why he was called Peewee in the movie?

Yes, Maam. He got that nickname because of the size of hisyou know.

Yes, Kerry. I know. And everybody will know youre not really a peewee, especially after your duel. Maybe you dont exactly fit the part but, if you can keep your pants up, you can do it. The students will love it if you play the role. Think about it.

I was too confused to know what to do. It sounded like somebody had been pulling strings to get me in the musical to do Peewee. I had been thinking they just wanted me to do some little role.

I dont know, Mrs. Frazier. Ive got too much to think about. I dont know whether I could do it or not.

Kerry, there will be a bunch of the faculty in it. Theyve asked me to be in it too. I may take one of the lead female roles.

Who? What do you mean? They want you to playMrs. Whatshername?

Mrs. Ballbreaker.

No, Maam, Mrs. Ballbricker.

Kerry, you didnt have to say Mrs. Whatshername.

 Well, you just told me to watch my language.

Theyre writing something they call Ballbrickers soliloquy for the scene where she meets with the other coaches and the principal in his office. They want me to recite it, maybe even sing it.

Yeah, thats a great scene.

Do you know any of the old Fifties songs? I dont know what you kids are listening to today.

No, Maam. Dad likes classical stuff. Arial likes stuff she calls Salsa so she can dance to it. She makes me dance with her sometimes. 

Yackity yack, don't talk back.

I didnt know what Id said this time. I hadnt cussed and I was trying to be polite to her.

Yes, Maam, Im sorry.

No, Kerry. Thats a song from the Fifties by the Coasters. Theres a line which goes yackity yack, don't talk back. Have you ever heard it?

I dont guess so.

Why is everybody always picking on me?

Shit, I couldnt keep up with her. That was one of the songs I'd heard at Nicole's house. Yeah, it seemed like everybody was picking on me. What was anybody doing to her? I didnt know what to say.

Thats a line from another Coasters song, Charlie Brown, she said. Its one they want you to lip-sync.

Was she calling me Charlie Brown? I'm not like the kid in Peanuts, am I? I was even more confused.

Sheez, maybe I can do that. Whatever.

Have you got internet access at home?

She stood up so I did too. I hoped we were about through talking.

Yes, Maam. Ive got my own computer.

Look those songs up tonight. See if you can download them. Just imagine how the audience will respond when you lip-sync the line about picking on me. The audience will love it.

Oh, boy, I should have never let Mr. OReilly talk me into coming in here today.

Why, Kerry?

I get bushwhacked by the disciplinary committee and Im supposed to go out modeling clothes and singing and dancing. Ive got too much to think about.

She put her arm around me and pulled my head down to her and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek.

Kerry, if youll do Peewee, Ill do Mrs. Ballbricker. Itll be fun. Id love to do it. How about it?

I didnt know what to say. I just took a deep breath and then nodded. I couldnt even remember what class I was supposed to go to and I knew I was probably late.

During my afternoon classes, I tried to pay attention, especially when my teachers talked about what would be on the final exams, but all I could think about was what had happened during the day. I tried to sort it all out and think about what I wanted to do, not what somebody else wanted me to do. When I thought about what they wanted and the way theyd kept it from me, I started to get pissed, royally pissed, and I was ready to tell them to go fuck themselves, or maybe just tell them to shove it. One minute Id be ready to quit the production before I ever really got in it. The next Id think about how much fun it was trying to do a dance routine with Nicole and the way I felt when the guys and gals said I was doing great. Maybe I could do the dancing but the singing, boy, thats something else. Maybe the best thing would be just to be quiet about what Id learned and see what happened. But, damn, I was pissed at Nicole and the others, yanking my chain like that, pretending they were just trying to see if I could dance well enough to be in the production, not one fucking hint they wanted me to play Peewee. Damn, she could at least have been honest with me.

When school let out, Arial was waiting for me at our bus stop and we got on the bus and sat together. She wanted to talk as usual but I didnt for a change. I kept thinking about the meeting with the disciplinary committee, a little about the modeling possibility, and a lot about the school musical. I guess Arial wondered where I was because she put her hand on my leg and pinched me.

I looked over at her. She was looking straight ahead and acting like it wasnt her who pinched me. I glanced down and caught a flash of light blue in her shirt. She had on a little shirt that buttoned down the front and it was unbuttoned some at the top. I saw the smooth curve of her breast and the light blue of her brassiere. It made me think of what happened the night Kavan and I had gone for a walk with Dad.

<><><>

When we came back from walking with Dad, Kavan disappeared to tell Kathryn what she should do about going to New York. Dad started talking to Mom in a low voice like he didnt want me to hear. I didnt see Arial so I assumed she was in her room reading. I went in my room and started to do something on my computer but I couldnt think of anything I wanted to do. I decided to do my brush and flush and then read a while. Nights were still a little cool so I put on some boxer shorts and a t-shirt and some white socks to keep my feet warm. I got a book and sat down in my computer chair but I didnt want to read either. I just sat there and thought about things.

After a while, I heard Arial showering and doing her brush and flush. The bathroom door opened and then she tapped a couple of times on my door. When she came in, she was ready for bed too. She had on white socks, white panties, and a white t-shirt. She never wore anything underneath that at night and I could see her nipples poking the shirt. I sat up straight in my chair and held out my hand to her.

What do you want, little boy? she whispered.

A hug, thats all, just a hug, I whispered back.

She let me pull her up between my legs and I wrapped my arms around her with my hands on her back and pulled her closer. I turned my face sideways and nestled my head between her breasts. She put her hands behind my head and held me. I shut my eyes and breathed in the clean girl smell of her. I decided that this was what I wanted. I could feel her chest rising and falling and my breathing settled into sync with hers.

Mom and Dad were doing this in the kitchen tonight after dinner, I said.

What?

Just this. Mom was holding Dads head to her breasts and they both had their eyes closed. Kavan was standing there watching them. I walked in with my mouth running and they broke it off. I wish I hadnt disturbed them.

It is nice, isnt it?

It was nice. I didnt want to let her go. I didnt want to do anything with her except be close. I just wanted to be held against her breasts.

Is something bothering you, Kerry?

I took a deep breath and let it out. I dont know. Ive just been thinking about things and trying to decide what to do. Sometimes I dont know what the right thing to do is.

Are you talking about sex? Maybe with Nicole.

Its not just about sex, Arial. Its about love and wanting to be loved and not wanting to hurt her and wanting to make her happy. Its just all mixed up. I just want to do whats right.

Kerry, maybe you are doing whats right, she said. Youre thinking about somebody else. Youre not trying to push her into doing something with you. If you were like most guys your age youd probably just want to get your dick in her pussy and never think about the rest of her. Did you do something else with her? I mean, besides kissing her. 

I guess so. A little. When we had the pool party, I came in the house with her to use the bathroom.

I saw you leave together. You were holding her hand going up the stairs. Did you use it together?

No, I didnt mean that. I let her go first and then I used it. When I came out, she was standing here in my room looking around. Im glad it was kind of dark so she didnt see the mess. I kissed her and put my hand on her breast. I was kind of afraid shed slap me but she didnt.

What did she do? she asked.

She just smiled at me and moved my hand off. Then she pulled her top up, took both my hands, and put them on her breasts. Maybe you think youve got little breasts but hers arent as big as yours.

Is that all you did?

Yeah, she let me hold her breasts for just a few seconds and then she put her top back in place and we came back to the pool.

Did you get a hard-on?

Yeah, we were standing up against each other and I know she could feel it. It was as hard as it could get in that damn Speedo. I thought I would rip out.

Is that why you dived in the pool as soon as you came back to the party, to get cooled off?

 Yeah.

Kerry, she wants the same thing you do. Just let her take the lead. Its like a dance. You can let her lead sometimes, cant you?

<><><>

Arial pinched me again and I realized the bus was almost full and Nicole was getting on. She usually tried to sit up front because she got off first. Id asked her about it and she had said she didnt like to have to run the gauntlet. When she saw me she smiled and winked at me and then sat with a girl who had saved her a seat.  

I sat there looking at the back of her head, thinking about how much I liked dancing with her, touching her, smelling her, even when she got sweaty, and then how it felt when she kissed me. Just thinking about what she did with her tongue made my dick take notice. Id felt like a damn fool when I put three of the rubbers Dad gave me in my backpack. No way was I really going to get to use them with her. When the bus turned onto her street, I made up my mind what I wanted to do. 

When Nicole started toward the door, I told Arial Id be home later and followed Nicole out the door of the bus. A bunch of kids got off and she didnt even notice me. Shed already started walking toward her house by the time I saw her. I ran after her and called her name. She turned toward me and waited.

Kerry, what are you doing here? Were not practicing anymore until after finals are over.

I know, I said. I want to talk to you.

Well, nobodys at home at my house. Im not supposed to invite any guys in when Im there by myself.

I need to talk to you, I said. It wont take long. We can do it on the front porch.

Oh, I guess itll be OK. Mom knows you. You arent going to try anything; are you?

I told you, I just want to talk to you. You havent been honest with me about me being in Porkys.

She stopped, looked at me for a minute, then took my hand and started walking again. She didnt say anything so I didnt say anything else. I didnt want to let her know I was mad at her. Maybe I wasnt really mad but I didnt like the way the group had kept everything from me.

When we went in the house, she said she wanted to change clothes and use the bathroom. She said I could use the bathroom the guys used when we were practicing and I could wait for her in the kitchen. I didnt really need to go bad but I decided Id do it anyway. I dropped my backpack on the floor in the entry hall and went to shake the dew off my lily.

Afterwards, I sat down at the bar in the kitchen and waited for her. She came back in a few minutes, barefooted, in a knit shirt and shorts. I could tell she didnt have a bra on but Id already seen her like that when we were practicing. She had small breasts, even smaller than Arials, and her nipples were just little bumps under the shirt. I could tell shed washed her face and all her make up was gone. She was just as beautiful without it, maybe even more beautiful. 

She got a soft drink, a couple of glasses with ice, and we sat and drank and looked at each other.

Why do you think I havent been honest with you, Kerry? she asked. Who told you we were going to do a musical version of Porky's?

Im not going to tell you who told me, I said. All of you want me to play Peewee, dont you? Why didnt you tell me that?

Kerry, we havent been dishonest with you. We do want you to play Peewee. One of the girls said youd be perfect for the role even if you werent short like the movie Peewee. We just didnt know whether you could sing or dance. We wanted to see if you could before we told you.

I just looked at her, trying to think like the others would think when somebody said Id be perfect for the role. Maybe it would make sense to check me out carefully if I was being considered to play Peewee.

Kerry, the role of Peewee is the most important one in our musical, she said. If we dont have somebody good for that, the whole thing might flop. Cant you see that?

Yeah, I guess so. But why werent you all straight with me? Maybe I cant sing and dance good enough. Shit, Im not going to cry if I dont get to play Peewee. 

Kerry, the group decides how they want to handle things. Its not just me. They didnt want to hurt you by saying they wanted you for Peewee and then telling you sorry youre not good enough. The group has to make the decision, not me.

Well, have they decided yet? Am I good enough? Whens somebody going to tell me?

No, we havent decided yet. So far, youre perfect. Ive never danced with anybody like you. Lots of guys are like, well, like theyve got their feet in buckets of concrete. Youre like...I dont knowlike somebody who was born dancing. When I dance with you, its like I know exactly how youre going to move and Im connected to you. I love that feeling, dancing with you.

Yeah, me too. I guess I feel the same way, like Im connected to you. Its funny. I just look in your eyes and I can see whether Im doing something right. You sort of smile with your eyes.

When you did that dance routine with me after Bob and I showed you how just once, the group couldnt believe what you did. Bob said you changed some of it and made it better than hed done it. Then when you danced my part with Bob, they were blown away. They thought it was incredible. Youve got a great natural ability for dance, Kerry.

So you think they might want me? What if I cant sing?

Thats not as important. You dont need to be a great singer too. Peewee is supposed to be just a high school kid, not an opera star. But there is one way youre dont exactly fit the role.

Whats that?

You know why hes called Peewee in the movie, dont you?

Yeah, cause hes got a little dick. Whats that got to do with it? Nobodys going to see mine.

I heard about your duel with Aaron Davis last Tuesday, Nicole said. The whole schools heard about it.

Yeah, thats the way Kenjiro and I planned it. Thats why we got witnesses we knew couldnt keep it to themselves.

You are so bad, Kerry. Poor Aaron is getting teased to death.

Well, maybe he shouldnt have called me a little pussy, I said.

What if youd lost the duel? she asked.

I was pretty sure I wouldnt. The whole thing was rigged.

She sat and looked at me for a minute. I guess she was trying to figure out how I could rig something like that.

Youve got to tell me how. Im dying to know what you did.

I told her everything: how we found out how big Aarons dick was, how we made him anxious, how I primed my dick ahead of time, how Grizzly was in on all of it, and how we got the blabbermouth witnesses. She was grinning as wide as Mrs. Redford by the time I got through.

She reached out her left hand across the table toward me and I laced my fingers through hers. Hers were long and slim, about like mine, except I didnt have red polish on mine. We both sat looking at our hands and then we made a church together, a lop-sided one because my fingers were longer, and let our thumbs play with each other.

Kerry, please dont be mad at me, she said. I like you. Maybe I like you too much. I wouldnt do anything to hurt you.

Im not mad, Nicole. Im not mad at anybody, I guess. I like the idea of being in the musical, dancing, especially with you. I just dont know whether I want to be Peewee. What if Im not good enough?

Then well tell you, Kerry. So far, everybody wants you. I do. I think youve got the part if you want it. Just wait and let the group decide.

I held out my left hand toward her, palm open, and she put her right hand in it. I closed my fingers around her hand. It felt light and small and soft inside my hand. I looked up into her eyes and felt connected to her again.

If I play Peewee, do I get to dance with you? I whispered.

She smiled at me, with her eyes as well as her mouth. 

Yes. Before the musical is over, Im your girlfriend. We even get each others cherry. Thats not exactly the way it was in the movie but were going to change it.

Well, I guess that rules me out then, I said, grinning at her. Somebodys already got mine.

Her face changed and she looked at me like she couldnt believe it.

Youre kidding me!

I shook my head.

Youve already done it with a girl?

Yeah, but dont ask me anything else. I wont talk about it.  

She smiled and then slipped into a giggle.

I guess I cant play your girl then, cause somebodys already got mine too.

Youre kidding me!

She laughed, pulled her hand out of mine, and pushed mine down on the table. She put her hand on top of mine and sat looking at it.

Its funny, she said, almost whispering. Youre just a little taller than me and maybe weigh a little more but your hands so much bigger than mine.

Im going to be a big guy some day.

But youre not even a teenager yet.

Ill be thirteen in three months, Nicole. Im not exactly a little kid.

She grinned. Yeah, well, the whole school knows that.

I held my hands up, fingers spread wide, and she put hers, palm to palm, against mine. Her fingers werent as long as mine. She laced her fingers through mine again and we sat opposite each other, both our hands palm to palm, fingers laced together.

I wont fall in love with you, Nicole, I whispered. But dont ask me not to like you.

I wont, Kerry. I like you too.

I like touching you, even if its just hands.

Me too.

What happens when Peewee and the girl get each others cherries? I asked. How does it happen in the musical?

Her eyes almost closed; her face looked sort of dreamy.

Theyre at a dance. The stage is full of couples dancing, just slow dancing. Everybodys close together, some still moving, some standing still, just swaying. Peewee and his girl are in the center of the stage and at first all the lights are on. The lights dim and then a spotlight finds Peewee and his girl. The other lights gradually go out and all the other couples slowly leave the stage. Peewee and his girl slow down and then stop, just holding each other. At the very end, they kiss and the spotlight goes out.

Well, when do they do it?

Thats it, Kerry. Youre supposed to know theyre going to do it when all the lights go out. Thats what weve got to make the audience believe.
 
Damn, thats not very sexy. Is that the way it was in the Fifties?

I dont know, Kerry. Mrs. Frazier made us promise wed keep it clean enough so we wouldnt cause any problems. She said she was risking a lot letting us do Porky's. She said we had to keep in mind what all the parents and the school board and people like preachers would think. She says itll be more romantic if were not too explicit.

Just so we dont let them know what were really like, huh, so they can go on believing we dont ever think about sex, dont know anything about sex, ...and dont need to know anything about sex.

I guess so.

Are you going to let me rehearse that scene with you?

Were trying to pick out a song now. Its got to be a romantic Fifties song. Ive listened to a bunch of songs and picked out a few that I think would be good. One of the guys is doing the same thing. The whole group will listen to the ones we choose and then pick out one.

Nicole, I want to do it.

Now?

No, I dont mean now. I mean I want to play Peewee. What did you think I meant?

What do girls usually think when a guy says he wants to do it?

Oh, shit, that wasnt what I meant.

Would you like to try the slow dancing scene with me?

Yeah! Can we try it when we rehearse next week?

I mean now.

Huh? How can we?

Well, the others arent here but we can imagine them. Ive got the CDs down in the basement where we practice. Thats where Mom makes me listen. She says she likes the music but doowop gets old after a while.

Whats doowop?

Thats what they called some of the music from the Fifties.

Whats your favorite song?

She stood up so I did too.
 
Its called A Kiss from Your Lips by a group called the Flamingos. Want to hear it?

Yeah! Lets go.


TO BE CONTINUED:
