Numeric ID: 7
Date Received: 12 APR 2000
Idea From: Teddy
Written By: Teddy and Ellen
Email To: stonedponeys@hotmail.com


     I wandered towards the door more stable than I had been. I figured
out, though, that it would be Steve, who had not been with Jim since
before his father arrived.  Too bad he wasn't here...

     I swung the door open, saying, "Hey Steve-"  At that moment I
realized it wasn't Steve but Jim's father.

     My voice went up three octaves, my knees buckled and I almost
fainted.

     Jim's dad quickly steadied and assisted me to the nearest chair,
saying, "Stephanie, you're still too weak to be running around like
that."

     My hands and knees were shaking.  I knew he would see through this
charade...  After he returned with a glass of water, he waited, holding
my hand, until some color returned to my face.  Then told me why he was
there.

     "Stephanie, this weekend has been the first time in years that Jim
and I were able to talk and actually communicate.  He has never seemed
happier in his life."

     This was the last thing I was expecting, but what was he leading up
to?

     He continued " I just know that you have made this difference in
his life, and therefore mine".

     "Oh, no," I said back, thinking how bad he'd got it wrong.  He
ignored me.

     "Ever since we went out last night and I saw how much you love my
son, I have been thinking of a way to make both of you happy and bring me
even closer to Jim.  Jim mentioned that you don't have much money and you
will be staying at school over the summer.  What I was thinking is that
I want you to come down to the ranch for the summer. This way you can
recover from this illness in a proper environment, stay near Jim all
summer, and help Jim and I forge a stronger relationship."

      I was stunned, not knowing what to stay and my voice cracked as I
started to babble, trying to stall until I could come up with something.

     Before I could, he added, "I'll be meeting Jim in ten minutes at my
hotel, I would like to surprise him with this, please say yes and I
would forever be in debt to you."

     Now what could I say? I thought that as soon as the words would
home out of my mouth he would know Stephanie was not a woman.  I tried
to speak, but my throat was still sore, making my voice sound so squeaky
it actually came out feminine.  "But, I really don't want to intrude,
and I have to take a class, I mean two classes over the summer-"

     "Stephanie, you're gonna need to rest for the next couple of weeks
and won't be able to attend anyway. This is something Jim and I need,
something that would make him a better husband for you."

     Husband?!  Now I was sick, my head was still spinning and I said,
"Back to the ranch with you and Jim?"

     Just as the word 'Jim' had come out of my mouth, who should
suddenly walk through the front door - I guess I forgot to lock it - but
Jim, with Steve right behind.

     Jim was apparently surprised to see his father supporting me on a
chair in the kitchen, because he said in a somewhat nasty tone, "What
are you doing here? We are supposed to be meeting at your Hotel in 10
minutes!"

     Jim's dad, at first taken aback, started to recount the discussion
we had just completed and with an air of joy in his voice told Jim how
great it would be having Jim and his beautiful and loving girl friend at
the family homestead for the summer.

     I desperately wanted to die, but I hadn't managed when I had mono,
and I couldn't do it now either.  Damnit!

     At this point Jim told his father that they needed to talk
privately, then escorted him into the bedroom and closed the door.

     I stared at Steve who had a frightened look on his face, but
neither of us said a word during the next 20 minutes.  He just grabbed
my hand and we sat there, waiting for Hell to break loose...

     Suddenly the bedroom door opened and they both came out.  It was
apparent that Jim had been crying and maybe even his dad.

     Jim then started to recant the discussion that just occurred.

     "I told my dad everything; about my homosexuality, my life with
Steve, and about my good friend Stephanie."  Selfishly, I was glad that
my real name hadn't been mentioned in this.

     At that moment Jim's dad chimed in.  "I listened to what my son had
to say, not understanding it all, or in agreement with the direction his
life has taken, but there has been a change in him, one that has brought
us closer together.  Steve, this obviously has much to do with you and I
would appreciate if you and Jim would visit for the summer so the three
of us could figure this out and maybe become a close family again."

     I never saw an expression change so quickly, as Steve's face
changed from utter fear to joy and happiness.

     Jim and his dad hugged, bringing tears once again to their eyes,
and even a drop or two to mine. Then Jim reminded his dad that there was
a plane to catch.

     As they were leaving the apartment Jim's father turned to me, gave
me a hug and a kiss, and said I would always be welcome back in Texas,
before turning around and walking out the door.