Trucker and Pup

by Drew Hunt

  “Not again! Don’t you think I’ve got enough to do, without having to clean up after you?” She stubbed out her cigarette, rose from her chair and reached for the wet linen.

  “It’s okay, Mum, I can do it. Please just, please go and sit back down.”

  Simon was close to tears, but was determined not to give his mother the satisfaction of letting her see she’d upset him. Concentrating hard on the great time he was going to have with his uncle later that night, Simon bundled the sheets into the washer, added powder and set it going.

  After hurriedly downing a bowl of cereal, communicating as little as he could with his mother, Simon set out for school.

  “Now, children,” Simon’s form teacher said after the register had been taken, “Does anyone know what today is?”

  A number of hands went up—although Simon knew, he didn’t want to draw attention to himself—so he kept his hand down.

  “Yes, Bobby,” the teacher pointed to one of Simon’s friends.

  “Miss, Miss, it’s when we burn the guy and let off loads of bangers and stuff.”

  “Yes, that’s right, but does anyone know who ‘the guy’ is meant to be?”

  Fewer hands went up this time.

  “Miss, it’s Guy Fawkes, he tried to blow up the king,” a girl on the front row called out.

  “That’s right, Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators hid a lot of gunpowder in the cellars under the House Of Lords on the fifth of November 1605. Back then, anyone who was Roman Catholic wasn’t treated very well by the government, so Guy Fawkes and some of his friends thought they’d try and kill the king and senior members of the government.”

  “But they didn’t do it, Miss, did they?” the same girl asked.

  “No, because someone found out about it, they searched the cellars, found the gunpowder as well as Guy Fawkes.”

  Simon was disappointed the teacher didn’t go on to mention that Fawkes and his mates were tortured till they died. Squirming in his chair, Simon thought what it’d be like to watch someone being hung, drawn and quartered.

  The class then had to repeat the rhyme ‘Remember remember the fifth of November, gunpowder treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot.’

  “Now, does anyone know what’s inside a firework?”

  A few hands went up, but again Simon couldn’t be bothered. Ever since his Uncle Joey had promised to take him to the bonfire, he’d looked up the subject on his computer.

  “They’ve got gunpowder in ’em, Miss.”

  “That’s right. And we set them off to show that the gunpowder plot was discovered.”

  The teacher then droned on about how fireworks were dangerous, and how they had to be handled by a grownup and…

  * * * *

  The familiar roar of an approaching motorbike engine broke into Simon’s thoughts. As he watched the single headlamp coming down the street, his spirits soared.

  Racing down the stairs, ignoring his mother’s protests not to run, Simon flung open the front door, and launched himself at his idol, who was dismounting from his motorcycle.

  “Sorry we’re a bit late, Champ,” Joey said, picking his nephew up and spinning him around.

  “I thought you’d forgotten,” Simon found himself close to tears.

  “Hey, I’d never forget my favourite nephew.” Joey gave Simon a tight squeeze before turning back to his bike. “I want you to meet Kevin. He’s a good friend of mine from work.”

  The smaller man got off the back of the bike, took off his helmet, and waved shyly at Simon. Even in the dim light cast by the nearby street lamps, Simon could see the man’s face was covered in bruises.

  “Do you drive a big lorry like my Uncle Joey does? He let me sit in his cab once. It was really rad.”

  “Um, no. I work in the offices,” the soft spoken man said, dipping his head.

  “Come on, we best get the car keys from your mum and be on our way,” Joey said, carrying his nephew to the house and depositing him in the kitchen.

  “Evening, sis.”

  “You’re late! He’s been moping round the place for the past half hour waiting for you.”

  “Yeah, sorry about that, Champ, we got held up,” Joey said to Simon, totally ignoring his sister.

  “Can Simon sleep at your place tonight, Keith just called and said we’d be out pretty late, and…”

  “Can I? That’d be ace!” Simon yelled, jumping up and down.

  Tonight’s turning out okay after all, he thought.

  Joey frowned, looked at his friend, then turned back to Carole. “I wish you’d have given me more notice. I kind of had plans tonight.”

  “You’re always telling me you don’t get to spend enough time with him,” she said, pointing at Simon, “So now’s your chance.” Turning towards her son, Carole continued, “Go and pack a bag. You best take that rubber sheet, too. I don’t want a repeat of last night’s bed wetting.”

  Simon’s mouth opened in horror. He could feel his face drain of all its colour. How could she? Simon ran out of the room and tore up the stairs.

  Flinging himself on top of his bed, Simon let his misery overtake him. His uncle, the man he loved more than any other man alive, wouldn’t want anything to do with him now. How could she! Simon felt his whole world crumbling around him.

  * * * *

  “God, Carole, you’re such a fucking bitch!” Joey felt his fists clenching.

  “Don’t you bloody talk to me like that!”

  “You’re not fit to have a kid like our Simon. I’ll never know how such an evil, uptight, self-centred cow like you ever gave birth to such a sweet kid.”

  The next thing Joey was aware of was a stinging pain on his left cheek. He heard Kevin gasp in alarm. Feeling his resolve not to give his sister a well deserved slap weakening, Joey spun on his heel and slowly made his way upstairs. Hearing Simon’s sobs from across the landing, Joey quickened his pace, and pushed open the door to Simon’s room. Sitting himself on the bed next to the weeping boy, Joey tried to calm his own raging emotions.

  Simon lay on his bed, his face turned towards the wall. However, Joey could tell the boy was making an effort to stop crying.

  “You might as well go home, it’s all spoiled now,” the voice, hoarse from crying, said.

  “No, Champ, I’m not going anywhere.” Joey started to rub circles on Simon’s back. “What your mum said was unforgivable, but, you know it doesn’t make any difference to me. Most little boys, and probably most little girls, too, have accidents now and then. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

  “It doesn’t happen much, honest it doesn’t.”

  Joey could tell Simon was getting worked up again. “It’s okay, Champ. I believe you.”

  “You don’t hate me?” The plaintive question tugged at Joey’s heart strings.

  Joey shook his head. “I could never hate you. I love you, I’ll always love you.”

  Simon turned round, his blue eyes swimming with tears and gazed lovingly up at his uncle. “You sure?”

  Nodding, Joey held out his arms, Simon leaping into them.

  “I wish I could come and live with you all the time. I know you’d love me and not shout at me like mum always does. I don’t think she loves me any more. I think I remind her too much of Dad.”

  Joey couldn’t speak. Deep down he knew there was some truth in his nephew’s words. Tightening his hold, Joey began to rock the boy in his arms.

  A whistling noise, followed by a loud bang, reminded Joey why he was there. “Go on, get that bag packed, then we can blow this pop stand.”

  Simon giggled, the sound causing Joey to smile.

  Simon gathered together a few items, including a couple of hand-held electronic games, and stuffed them into his backpack.

  “Erm, what about that rubber sheet?” Simon asked hesitantly.

  Joey knew he was being tested. I’ve got to show him that I trust him, he thought. “Nah, leave it here.”

  Simon’s f
ace lit up.

  “Got everything?” Joey asked, standing up and approaching the bedroom door.

  “Yeah, think so.”

  Turning back to face his nephew, Joey had an idea. “Will you do me a big favour?”

  Simon nodded, beaming at being treated like a grown up.

  “You’ve seen the bruises on my friend Kevin’s face?”

  “Yeah, did someone hit him or something?”

  “Yeah, and he’s still really unhappy about it, so will you be nice to him and try to cheer him up?”

  “’Course I will. Why did they hit him?”

  Joey paused, knowing he couldn’t go into detail. “The man who hit him used to work at Parker’s, and he thought Kevin had done something to get him into trouble. But please don’t ask him about it though, ’cause it’ll upset him. Okay?”

  “Okay.”

  * * * *

  “Did you see that one, Uncle Joey? Wasn’t it pretty?”

  “Yeah, Champ, a real whopper.” Joey shifted his gaze from the fireworks exploding in the pitch black sky, to watch the excited expression on Simon’s face.

  Joey then sneaked a peek over at his lover, who was also looking up enjoying the pyrotechnics. He couldn’t help the sense of satisfaction and contentment at knowing his pup was outside having a good time. Best of all, the two most important men in his life seemed to be getting on okay. Kevin had been hesitant at first. Joey knew it always took time for Kevin to warm to someone new.

  “Can I have a baked potato, Uncle Joey?”

  Simon had been asking for various things throughout the evening, Joey knew he ought to try and curb the requests, but knowing the kid hadn’t had a good day, he relented. “You sure you can fit one in? You’ve eaten loads already.”

  “I’m sure. Mum says I’m a bottomless pit.”

  “I think she’s right. Go on then.” Simon treated Joey to a hug “But that’s all for tonight, I don’t want you throwing up in the car on the way home, okay?” Joey took a step forward, but Simon remained where he was.

  “I want Uncle Kevin to take me.” Simon looked pleadingly up at Kevin, who instantly melted.

  “Uh, well, if you’re sure,” Kevin said.

  “I am. Come on.” Simon reached out and grabbed Kevin’s hand, leading him away. Joey was touched at his nephew’s gesture. Kevin had been quiet all evening. This was Simon’s way of fulfilling his promise to cheer Kevin up. Joey smiled as he watched the two retreating figures, Kevin only a head taller than his eight-year-old companion.

  Although Joey was looking forward to spending the whole evening and night with his nephew, he knew he’d miss Kevin terribly. They hadn’t spent a night apart since their whirlwind romance had begun. Joey felt a twinge of pain at how he had to compartmentalise the different elements of his life. He had been looking forward to undressing Kevin later, and maybe having him wear his new leather jacket as they fucked. Joey had realised they’d be passing a clothing warehouse that specialised in leather goods on the way to his sister’s place, so they’d set off a bit early to check it out. Kevin had been a bit resistant at first. No doubt the price-tags had put him off. He wasn’t all that mollified when Joey told him that his sir was paying.

  Kevin had looked at and tried on various jackets, Joey having to hide his erection. The little bloke had looked fucking awesome clad in shiny black leather. However, Kevin hadn’t seemed overly enthusiastic about any of the jackets he tried.

  “Come on, Pup, you looked really hot in that last one. What was wrong with it?”

  “Um, nothing I suppose.” Kevin had looked at Joey, an unspoken question on his face.

  “Come on, out with it. I told you not to worry about how much they cost.”

  “No, Sir, it’s not that.”

  After a moments silence, Joey had asked, “Well, what is it then?” he’d known he was sounding impatient, which would guarantee that Kevin would clam up. “Sorry, Pup, but we can’t hang about much longer.”

  “Well, um, Sir, it’s just,” Kevin had stared hard at Joey. “Um, would it be okay if I, um, had a jacket that matched yours?”

  Shit! Joey had slapped his forehead, Why the fuck didn’t I think of that? Not caring they were in public—albeit a virtually deserted warehouse—Joey had kissed Kevin on the lips, his heart fit to burst that his man wanted to look like him.

  “Uncle Kevin bought me a hot dog as well, that was okay wasn’t it?” Simon asked, approaching Joey.

  Kevin received a stern look from Joey, causing the younger man’s face to fall. Joey chastised himself, Kevin hadn’t had that many things to smile about recently.

  When Simon became distracted by his food, Joey put an arm around Kevin’s shoulder and leaned in to whisper, “Sorry, Pup. Of course I don’t mind that you wanted to give Simon a treat. Hell, if anyone’s guilty of over-indulging the little sod, it’s me.”

  Kevin lifted his head and gave Joey a small smile.

  Feeling bold, not to say horny, Joey glanced quickly around before dropping his arm from his lover’s shoulders and pinching Kevin’s arse. Kevin started in alarm and shot Joey a look.

  Leaning in close, Joey said, “I couldn’t resist. You are one fucking hot man in that new jacket, you know? And you’re turning me on so fucking much.” Grabbing Kevin’s hand, Joey moved it towards his crotch. “Wanna feel how much?”

  Kevin jerked his hand away and shot Joey another look. Joey merely grinned lasciviously.

  * * * *

  Although Kevin was forced to admit he was enjoying himself being outdoors and on a sort of a date with his sir, he wasn’t sorry when they stopped letting off the fireworks. Sniffing, Kevin thought he could detect the smell of roasting chestnuts. He hadn’t had them in years, and the smell was making his mouth water.

  “Simon, do you want to share a bag of chestnuts with me?” Kevin had been delighted at what a great kid Simon had turned out to be.

  “Can I?” He looked first at Kevin then at his uncle.

  “Go on then,” Joey said, shrugging his shoulders.

  Though Simon didn’t reach for Kevin’s hand straight away, he felt the need of it when they approached a crowd of people who had gathered around the various food sellers. Though Kevin never thought of himself as paternal, he wouldn’t have minded having a kid if he was like Simon.

  As they queued, Simon seemed to spot someone he knew, resulting in him letting go of Kevin’s hand before hailing his friend.

  “Bobby, over here.”

  When the boy, a little more sturdily built than Simon, approached, Kevin could see that the newcomer’s face was smeared with candy floss and tomato ketchup. Simon didn’t hesitate in pointing out the fact.

  “Sorry,” Bobby said, dabbing at his face, “I came with my dad and Uncle Stephen.” He pointed to two men in the crowd.

  “This is my Uncle Kevin,” Simon said. “He and Uncle Joey brought me.”

  Kevin was delighted to be raised to the status of an honorary uncle.

  “Cool,” Bobby said.

  Once Kevin reached the head of the queue, he ended up buying three bags of chestnuts, handing one to Bobby.

  After speaking with his dad and uncle, Bobby followed Kevin and Simon back to Joey. The wind had gotten up, and despite the protection that his new jacket afforded him, Kevin’s teeth had begun to chatter.

  As soon as the group reached Joey, the older man said, “Come on, we’re moving a bit nearer the fire to get warm.”

  As they walked, Joey casually slung an arm around both Kevin and his nephew’s shoulders. Kevin couldn’t help thinking that their threesome—the strong and protective Joey in the middle—formed a perfect little group.

  Bobby stuck close to Kevin, Simon and especially to Joey for the rest of the evening. When Simon began to hide his yawns—despite his protests that he wasn’t tired—Joey decided they ought to call it a night.

  “We best find your dad. Where did you say he’d gone?” Joey asked, putting a hand on Bobby’s shoulder.

&nbs
p; Kevin saw the worshipful look Bobby gave Joey.

  “Probably the beer tent.”

  The crowds had diminished quite a bit, so it didn’t take them long to track down Bobby’s father, who looked a bit the worse for drink. Fortunately his companion seemed far more sober. After dropping Bobby off, Joey resumed his position at the centre of his little group, pulling both Kevin and Simon close to his body for warmth.

  * * * *

  “Don’t let anyone in the car. I’ll only be a minute,” Joey said to Simon when he’d pulled up outside Kevin’s block of bed-sits.

  “No probs, Uncle Joey,” Simon said, snuggling further into the front passenger seat which he’d snagged before they’d set off.

  “Honestly, there’s no need,” Kevin said, unclipping his seatbelt.

  Joey climbed out of the car. He wanted to make sure his pup got to his room safe and sound, not to mention the fact that he was burning to give Kevin a huge soppy kiss goodnight. Knowing he would have to be quick about it, Joey hurried Kevin up the stairs.

  “Fuck! I’ve wanted to get my hands on your awesome bod all evening.” Joey pressed Kevin against the closed door. Forcing Kevin’s mouth open with his tongue, Joey licked, sucked and ate hungrily on Kevin’s lips. Withdrawing to take in a much needed breath, he said, “God, I needed that.”

  “Uh,” Kevin said, looking up at Joey with unfocused eyes.

  “You sure you’ll be okay on your own? I could have murdered our Carole for pushing our Simon onto me for the whole night.”

  “It’s okay, Sir, you need to spend time with him, he worships the ground you walk on, you know.”

  “Rubbish. It’s just that I’m the only adult bloke who pays him any attention.”

  “Sorry, Sir, but you’re wrong. That kid idolises you.” Kevin dropped his gaze. “I should know, ’cause I feel the same way.”

  That earned Kevin another kiss, Joey having to raise the man’s chin to deliver it.

  “And that other kid, Bobby, he’s not far behind either.” Kevin was breathless.