The Secret Catamite Bk 1, The Book of Daniel

by Patrick C Notchtree

  "You'll be OK, both of you, won't you?"

  "Yes, of course Mum," said Frances.

  "Be on your best behaviour Simon, won't you," said Mum.

  "Of course I will," said Simon indignantly.

  "And you've both got keys in case you need anything, but make sure you lock up again afterwards."

  "Yes, Mum," replied both together.

  Simon was used to going straight to Daniel's after school to spend time with him and do homework. But this night it had a special sweetness. They would be together all night! Daniel let them both in, and as usual his first job was to check the Aga, and then they went up to Daniel's room. There was a camp bed made up next to Daniel's big bed. They hung up their school uniforms together, two green blazers, two pairs of grey trousers.

  "Do you want it now, or shall we wait until tonight?" asked Simon.

  "Do you want to wait?"

  "No," said Simon. "I just thought … I'm not sure what I thought, what with me staying here."

  "Both then," said Daniel, and he kissed Simon, they hugged and rolled over on to the bed, each pulling the remaining clothes off the other and making love, lost in their union, enveloped in mutual ecstacy.

  Simon had already left some more casual clothes to change into so they got dressed, and started the homework. Later Mrs Gray came home, and they were called down for tea.

  "I remembered you don't eat cheese, Simon, so I hope this is all right."

  "It's fine, thank you. It's very good of you to remember things like that," said Simon with genuine feeling.

  "It's no trouble at all, Simon," she said, thinking what nice manners he had.

  After tea, Daniel announced, "We've both got rather a lot of homework, so as soon as I've done piano, we'll just go back up if that's OK."

  "Of course, love," said Mrs Gray. "I'll clear away, Dad and Louise will be back later anyway."

  Daniel motioned Simon to follow and led the way to the back room and the piano.

  "Rachmaninoff prelude?" suggested Simon.

  "Something more cheerful tonight, I think," said Daniel smiling. "Chopin maybe, but first some exercises."

  Daniel played a series of scales, each more complex than the last, encompassing almost the whole keyboard with both hands. He then moved on to play a series of pieces with Simon turning for him, some Chopin, but of course some Rachmaninoff after all, but not the dark Prelude in C sharp minor. Instead his Prelude in G minor, Op 23 No. 5 and unusually for Daniel, Mozart, the Piano Sonata no, 15 in C Major. Simon knew this because he was turning the pages and it was helpfully printed at the top of the first page.

  Simon watched as Daniel's hands, those strong yet sensitive hands, swept across the keyboard, at times so fast Simon found it hard to see individual fingering, especially in the G minor. He had watched Daniel's skill grow over the years to the point where he could now tackle even the most demanding of pieces.

  After the Mozart, Daniel stopped and turned to Simon.

  "You see how different the Mozart is from the Rachmaninoff?" he said.

  "Yes, there seems somehow less of it. Less full in a way."

  "Pianos in Mozart's day were much lighter than modern pianos, so I suppose that's why the music has a lighter feel. Good though."

  "But you like Rachmaninoff better?"

  "Yes, he's my favourite. I've got something to tell you."

  "What?"

  "I've passed my grade 8 piano exam." Daniel sat looking for Simon's reaction. Simon had heard of these grades before, and so assumed that this was good news.

  "That's good, is it?" he asked cautiously.

  "It's more than good, Simon. Not many kids my age get grade 8!"

  "For once, he's not boasting," said Mrs Gray passing the door with pride in her voice. "I was in my twenties before I reached that kind of standard. It is very good, Simon."

  Daniel beamed with pleasure. Simon wanted to reach out and hug him, but contented himself with a pat on the shoulder.

  "Well done, Daniel. I've always said you were good."

  "Thanks, Simon," said Daniel, pleased. Then to Simon's astonishment he suddenly launched into a piano version of "Only the Lonely", Roy Orbison's number one hit. Laughing, Simon joined in with Daniel's left hand.

  "Dum-dum-dum-dumdy-doo-wah"

  "There. What did you think of that?" asked Daniel, amused by Simon's surprise.

  "Brilliant, as always. I wish I could play the piano, properly, I mean."

  "You do OK," said Daniel. "Come on, homework."

  They went back up to Daniel's room and worked together on Daniel's desk as so many times before. His father put his head round the door to say hello.

  "Are you two all right?"

  "Hello, Dad," responded Daniel, eagerly, and got up from his chair to give his Dad a hug, genuinely pleased to see him. Simon watched this, the contrast not lost on him.

  "OK, I'll leave you two to your homework then," said Mr Gray, and left.

  When they finished, Daniel said, "Do you want to go downstairs and watch TV, or just stay up here?"

  "Up to you," said Simon, but really wanting to stay so he had Daniel's company to himself.

  "Let's stay here then," said Daniel, glad that Simon hadn't opted to go downstairs, as he wanted Simon's company to himself.

  So they stayed and talked, risking the occasional (fully dressed) hug and kiss. Just being together in deep companionship.

  A call came from downstairs. "Supper, boys!"

  They went downstairs to the big kitchen, Simon thinking how warm the house was, the kitchen especially because of the Aga. There was a coal fire burning in the sitting room, but Simon wondered if that was really needed. Louise came in and said hello, and then went out again. After their light supper, they said good night and went back to the bedroom.

  "You go to the bathroom first," said Daniel, so Simon did, returning to find Daniel in pyjamas.

  "I'll go now. Better get in the camp bed," he said.

  A bit disappointed, Simon climbed into the camp bed. Not the most comfortable he had ever slept in. Daniel came back from the bathroom, and laughed.

  "You really did! Idiot," he smiled. But then he had a thought. "Actually, better stay there for the moment." He climbed into his own big bed.

  Soon, there was a knock at the door. "Are you two all right in there?" asked Mrs Gray.

  "It's OK Mum, come in," said Daniel.

  Mrs Gray's head appeared round the door. "Are you comfortable, Simon?"

  "Yes, thank you, it's fine," said Simon politely.

  "Good night, then," said Mrs Gray.

  The door closed. Daniel wriggled about in the bed and then dropped his pyjama trousers on Simon's head. Simon grinned back, and in response to Daniel's beckoning, slipped into the big bed with him. Daniel removed his own pyjama top and then Simon's pyjamas.

  "I can't believe we can spend the whole night like this together," said Daniel. "I've wanted to for ages."

  "It's super, isn't it," agreed Simon.

  Unhurried, and wary of noise, they held each other, kissed and made love until they fell asleep, still in each other's arms.

  Simon woke first, in the dim light he could see Daniel's sleeping face close to his, feel his gentle breathing, the warmth, the scent of his body. Simon just watched, enraptured, savouring the moment. He could not ever remember being so happy.

  In the event, Mum was away three nights on her visit to Bilthaven. Three wonderful nights of unbelievable sensuality, closeness and happiness. The spectre of any move forgotten for the time being. But it came to an end. Mum returned from Bilthaven and he returned home. Simon had learned a bit about Bilthaven in history. The industrial revolution, a place of big factories, heavy industry. A seaport. He put it out of his mind.

  An air of gloom hung over the household, from which Simon escaped to Daniel at every opportunity. Mum was quiet, but it seemed as though a move to Bilthaven looked more likely. But Simon felt secure in that Mum would not move him before his GCEs, the
y were too important. That was over a year away, and beyond that Simon could not think. Just concentrate on the next year or so. This November morning Mum was still in bed, while Simon was up and getting his breakfast. He grabbed his blazer, and went back upstairs to say goodbye to Mum.

  "I'm off, Mum," he said, standing in Mum's bedroom doorway.

  "All right love, see you tonight, " said Mum, dully.

  On impulse, Simon asked, "Do you know when we're moving? Only I would need time to sort things out at school, there are records and that sort of thing."

  Mum was quiet for a moment. Then, "Yes, I suppose you do. Two weeks today. We go two weeks today."

  Simon was rooted to the spot, in shock. Two weeks! Just two weeks! His heart raced, this was horrible. Unbelievable. Daniel!

  "What about my GCEs?" he asked shakily.

  "I'm sorry if it's come as a shock," said Mum. "They have good schools there. You'll be all right."

  "I won't! I won't be all right!" he shouted.

  Simon turned and ran downstairs, slamming the front door behind him. Daniel was waiting on the corner.

  "Come on, slowcoach," he said, cheerily. "We'll miss the bus."

  "Two weeks, Daniel. We're moving in two weeks!"

  The shock registered on Daniel's face. "O Jesus, Simon! Just two weeks? What will we do?"

  "Have a bloody good time in the next two weeks, that's one thing. Every night!" said Simon angrily.

  "You bet," said Daniel. "But then what?"

  "I don't know, Daniel. Come on, we'll be late."

  The two boys spent every possible moment together for the rest of that November, expressing their as yet unspoken but deeply felt love in physical, sexual, emotional ways. Their lovemaking was the more frequent, varied and passionate, borne of desperation. There were tears on both sides as each tried to come to terms with their impending separation.

  1960/11 North!

  The day before departure, so many things had been packed away, ready for the van to come. Only those things needed for overnight, which would be carried in the car, and the items being left behind for Dad when he returned to live alone in the house, were not being packed away. Simon's bed was ready for the van, but he would use his sleeping bag that last night. To his annoyance, he was sent to school on that day, so Mum could concentrate on getting ready. But at least it was another journey to and from school with Daniel.

  The last night in their old house arrived too quickly, the house where Simon had lived for the first fourteen years and three months of his life. He came home to find the removal van had been, their stuff was already on its way to Bilthaven.

  "I'm going back round to see Daniel," said Simon after bolting down his tea and dumping his school uniform, it occurred to him for the last time.

  "OK love," said Mum. "Try not to be too late back, we want to make an early start." Simon left without another word, feelings of fear, uncertainty and anger running through him. He ran round to Daniel's in the November drizzle. Please be in! He knocked on the back door.

  "Come in, Simon," said Mrs Gray, cheerily. "Daniel thought you'd be round. He's in his room I think. Daniel! Simon's here!"

  "Send him up," came Daniel's voice. To Mrs Gray's nod, Simon went through to the hall and hung up his damp jacket.

  "Hello Simon," said Louise. "Tomorrow's the big day then?"

  "Yes, 'fraid so," said Simon, glumly.

  "I hope it goes OK. Daniel's waiting for you I think," she said, with a smile. Simon ran up the stairs to Daniel's room. He was at his desk, but got up when Simon came in.

  "Shut the door," he said. Simon did, and there they stood for a moment facing each other. Simon felt the emotion welling up in him, which of course Daniel noticed. He came to Simon and put his arms round him and they hugged tightly.

  "It's so unfair," said Simon.

  "I know, I know."

  "Why do I have to go? It's rotten."

  "I suppose they couldn’t work things out together."

  "But why so far away?"

  "You can come and stay in the holidays and that. Perhaps I can come and visit the frozen north too."

  "Yes, please do. I'd love that. I may be coming back to see my Dad as well."

  And so the two friends sat and talked, Simon making sure Daniel had his new address, but the unspoken undercurrent was there, waiting to surface. In the end it was Simon.

  "I want it. I want us to do it again before I go."

  "I know. Me too. But where? How can we?" wondered Daniel.

  "It's too cold and wet outside, and where could we go anyway?"

  "And my Mum and Louise are in."

  "Where's your Dad?"

  "Working late. Some case or other." Daniel sat on the edge of the big bed and pulled Simon down next to him.

  "OK, now," said Daniel. "What the hell, I don't care." He got up and opened his bedroom door.

  "Mum, we're talking for a while," he called down.

  "Right Daniel," Simon heard her reply from downstairs. "I expect you've a lot to get sorted out."

  Daniel closed the door and turned the lock.

  "What if she comes up?" asked Simon, anxiously.

  "She's watching telly. Lie down, you. I want you," said Daniel, smiling. Simon did so, arousal coursing through his body. Gently, lovingly, Daniel removed Simon's clothing, Simon feeling his nakedness coming and the eroticism of being undressed, and when Simon tried to respond, Daniel shook his head.

  "No, I'll do it," he said and quickly undressed, dropping his clothes on the floor until he too was naked, standing looking at Simon, each taking in the other's admired form. He joined Simon on the bed, and they kissed, tentatively at first, then with sudden passion as they explored and probed each other's well-known body, forgetful of all else, their surroundings, time passing and the parting to come. Over the years, they had learned each other's most erotic stimuli, experts on the erogenous needs of the teenage male, so they were entwined, locked, fused, flesh against warm flesh, using all their bodies, hands, mouths, thighs, a writhing decapod, until both were spent, each at the doing of the other. Breathless, they lay together, Simon refusing to allow Daniel to withdraw, holding fast, frightened to let go in case they would never touch again.

  "What time are you going?" asked Daniel eventually.

  "Not sure. An early start Mum said."

  "I'll come and see you off."

  "Thanks." And then there seemed little left to say. So they just remained, holding, trying to make the precious time last just a little longer.

  "I want to lie like this with you forever," said Simon, trying to imprint on his mind the warm strength of Daniel next to him so that he would never forget how it felt.

  "Me too. But it might be a bit awkward, food and that, never mind missing school," Daniel joked, but tightening his hold on Simon, he too trying to store the memory.

  After some time, Simon reached forward and kissed Daniel gently. "Again, please, again. Can you?"

  "You bet," said Daniel. “This?” he asked, holding the Vaseline jar. Simon nodded.

  “How, this time?” asked Daniel.

  “I want to see you,” said Simon.

  So Daniel lifted Simon’s legs to his shoulders and pulled Simon's lips into his fiercely, and gripping his younger friend, their lovemaking the second time was if anything stronger and more ferocious than before. All the violent but largely unspoken feelings for each other finding expression now in the fusion of their beings, reckless love determined by the deadline of the morrow, Daniel now arched over his lover as so many times before until once more exhausted, his precious seed within Simon, both used up, they lay panting.

  "I don't know what I'll do," said Simon, remembering the next day.

  "You'll be OK, you'll make friends," comforted Daniel.

  "Not like you. You know me better than anyone in the world."

  "You know me better than anyone. And you'll still have me," said Daniel, tapping Simon's chest twice. "There's trains I assume? Unless it's sti
ll all pony and trap stuff up there!"

  Simon had to smile.

  But then there was the sound of the door handle, followed by a knock on the door.

  "Daniel, are you all right? What's going on?" It was Mrs Gray. Simon's heart pounded, Daniel froze. But then recovered.

  "It's OK, Mum, Simon and I were just mucking about."

  "Why is your door locked?"

  "Mum, I am sixteen," countered Daniel, looking at Simon's scared face. Listening for a reaction the other side of the door.

  "Well, Simon's fourteen. And I think perhaps it's getting a bit late. He will need to be up early."

  "OK, Mum, we'll be down soon."

  "Are you going to open this door or not?"

  "No, Mum," said Daniel, firmly. Strong Daniel.

  "Why not?"

  "Jesus!" whispered Daniel quietly. And then louder, "Because we're both stark naked in bed."

  Simon gasped, his body now racing at fever pitch. Outside the door, there was a pause, and then the sense of Mrs Gray moving away and going downstairs.

  "Why did you say that?" asked Simon, sitting up on the bed.

  "I think she'd guessed anyway. We probably made too much noise. What difference can it make now? You'll be gone tomorrow."

  "But what about you?"

  "I'll be OK. You know I will." And somehow, Simon knew he would be. "Come on, get dressed. Let's go down and tell them," said Daniel.

  "How can we? What will they think? And isn't two boys, I mean, it's against the law or something isn't it?"

  "We've always known that, so nothing new there."

  "Yes, but not when just we knew."

  "Get dressed."

  "A minute," said Simon. "I want to remember you." He reached out and ran his hands over Daniel's smooth, athletic body, memories flooding back, times in the den, out on their bike rides, scout camps, being pulled from the lido, in this very bed. So much, so long. Tears rolled down Simon's face, and then Daniel too, so uncharacteristically, was in tears too. They held each other for a last time, and then silently, the two boys got dressed.