It was growing light as Berto awoke after a fitful nights sleep. Ben had brought him here and stayed with him until the nurses made him leave the night before. As he looked around the sanitary hospital room, he began reflecting upon the surgery he would be undergoing in a few short hours, and his life in general. His earliest memories were of sun-filled days in his childhood home in the small town of Santa Rosalia. As a small child he lived with his Mama in the house of his Tia Rosa.

The first contact that I had with David was on the Gay Universe chat line. It was really kind of a fluke. It was a slow day a work and I logged on just to see what was on the message boards, saw the "chat" button and said, "What the heck?" It was a pretty active day and I was having trouble keeping up with what the other guys were posting and typing replies when I got a private message from

From time to time during the night one or the other of us would stir and wake the other and we would exchange sleepy kisses to shoulders, necks, foreheads or eyelids. When the alarm went off, we both got up slowly and went into the bathroom. One of us brushed our teeth while the other peed, thee we switched places. We returned to the bed and fell into each others arms, kissing and touching, holding to each other. We made love once again and then we had to hurry up and shower.

"Jose, you should have told me you were bringing the son of Don Chavez to our home." His mother told him. "Mama, please calm down. I could not call you because we have no telephone. Besides, I wanted to surprise you." Jose replied. "You certainly did that. He must think we are paupers. I imagine he lives in a casa grande with many fine things. I hope he is not too uncomfortable here. I must prepare something special for our supper." Mama, it is alright.

"Did they feed you this morning?" Ben asked. Berto shook his head. "Miguel told me I could not eat until after the operation. It is okay, though, because I am not very hungry." Ben nodded his understanding. "Has Miguel been in to see you yet? Has your surgeon?" "No, not yet. The nurse came in very early to measure my temperature and blood pressure. You are the first one to see me this morning." Ben looked lovingly down at Berto.

They were awakened by a soft tapping at the door. "Enrique, Jose... may I come in?" Carlas voice came to them through the heavy wooden door. Enrique pulled the covers over his and Joses naked bodies. "Si, Carlita. I am awake." Carla opened the door and entered. Her gaze caught the clothing piled on the floor and her nostrils flared at the unmistakable smell of male sex, but she gave no outward appearance that she noticed either.

"Then these thoughts and feelings you have had for me are not evil, Jose." Enrique smiled at him reassuringly. "They are natural, mi amigo. I am glad you have these feelings for me." Jose was dumbfounded. "You are?" Enrique nodded. "Si. Do you know why?" Jose remained silent and shook his head, looking into Enriques eyes for understanding. "Because I have the same feelings for you, Jose." He reached over and took Joses hands in his. Enrique felt his hesitation.

He was having those shameful thoughts again. Padre Pedro would be so disappointed in him. He looked up automatically. "Que?" he muttered. "Are you in my Political Science class?" He said again. Jose finally recognized him. It was HIM! The guy he had been watching and fantasizing about all week. He had seen him on campus several times and he was, indeed, in his Political Science class.

Ben found his friends in the small waiting room. They were sipping coffee from large Styrofoam cups and talking quietly. When they saw him come into the room, Jose handed him a cup of his own and Ricky motioned for him to sit between them on the couch. "You must not worry, Ben." Ricky reassured him. "Miguel is watching out for him, and the surgeon is the very finest. Berto will be just fine." Ben received a comforting hug from his handsome friend.

I left early on Friday morning. I had taken the day off from work and headed up to Myrtle Beach at about :. The weather could not have been any better. I got to my ultimate destination, The Triangle Gym, just before oclock. I parked my car out front, grabbed my gym bag and got a room. It helps if you know what the layout of this place is. You walk into a fairly good-sized weight room.