The Poker Club:: Julian's Private Scrapbook Part 2

By Eldot

Eldot continues his five part romp at Camp Walker that began with Barr's Meadow. Julian's main objective, conquering his scoutmaster's heart, is unchanged, but he learns that it will take much longer than he planned. Meanwhile, he learns what he can from the other scouts. He works hard at his new job as assistant scribe.
The romance between Tom and Nick is the major focus of Part 2. Distractions, challenges and obstacles occur along the way. Of course, those just happen to come in the guise of yet other characters that wish to romp with Tom.
First among these is the exotic Geoff Staples, a sophisticated and savvy lad from the west coast and Hawaii. He is an experienced urban fox loose in a country chicken coop. He is witty, adventuresome, and outrageously daring. He and his two friends from Atlanta have a special Poker Clubthat's strip pokerand they lure Tom into a game.
The sophistication of that scene is contrasted with several others during the three days that constitute the time frame of Julian's Private Scrapbook, Part 2.
Like a second son, the second part in a series has a mix of advantages and disadvantages. As long as the reader keeps this in mind, there is no reason for disappointment.
The big advantage is not having to spend so much time introducing and describing. The action gets started early on, and there is room for lots more.
The disadvantage is for readers who didn't read the first book or who have largely forgotten it. There are some built in helps for that in Part 2. A synopsis of part one is provided at the end of the book. The Index of Characters is purposely expanded to include a brief notation about events of importance to the character in Part 1. These do not equal a full reading, but they do provide an idea of what has happened to the individual.
Being the second in a family of five is similar to another task that faces The Poker Club. Number two son has to share with number one the burden of setting an example for the next book; there are others coming along.
Still, the fun and insights of Part 2 certainly stand on their own.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 12, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477118368

Eldot

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The Poker Club

Julian’s Private Scrapbook Part 2

a summer fantasy

by

Eldot

The Troop Nine Chronicles, Year 1

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Copyright © 2012 by Diphra Enterprises.

www.diphra.com

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Rev. date: 05/01/2014 

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

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The Poker Club: Julian’s Private Scrapbook, Part Two

Eldot

Xlibris, 279 pages, (paperback) $15.99, 978-1-4771-1834-4

(Reviewed: March, 2014)

This unusual novel is sure to cause controversy for its subject matter. The second in a projected five-novel series, the book takes place at a scout camp during the summer of 1962, and follows several groups of boys as they form friendships, learn new skills, and fall in love. Much of the book concerns their various sexual explorations; indeed, the Poker Club of the title refers to one group's method of beginning such activities - and the author is careful to note on the back cover that the book is meant for mature readers.

In between the sex, several plotlines start to form. Julian, who has a crush on his scoutmaster Mark, learns more about life matters while interacting with his fellow scouts. Tom, an older boy who has been with many other boys, finds himself falling for Nick, one of his earlier conquests and now a friend. Geoff, a co-founder of the Poker Club, recruits other scouts to join in the fun, including Tom and Nick.

While the extensive explicit sex scenes can feel somewhat exploitative, generally they are handled well, combining experience with innocence in an endearing way. Julian in particular, while certainly experienced in some sexual matters, still has much to learn. His sweet, innocent looks make Mark and the other scouts want to protect him from such things, so that, for instance, while a remark about choice buns makes Julian curious about what that means, he doesn’t learn the answer until nearly the end of the book.

 The developing relationship between Tom and Nick is also fascinating; in the previous book, Tom hoped to seduce Julian but now only wants to be with Nick and feels guilty for his earlier pursuits.

The author includes a summary of the first novel along with maps of all locations. If readers are open to the subject matter, they will find intriguing insights into the complex world of boys in this unique novel.

Also available in hardcover and ebook.

Contents

First… a word from the author

Tuesday

1 Morning in the cabin

2 Breakfast surprises

3 Sunburn treatment

4 Recruiting Tom

5 The Poker Club

6 New faces at the morning free swim

7 Free swimming continues

8 Afternoon developments

9 Mark gets a helping hand

10 Second troop campfire

11 Lumpy Louise

12 Tom and Nick, again

Wednesday

13 Gatekeepers

14 Poker meeting two

15 The snorkel

16 Geoff and Danny

17 After archery

18 Sid’s cabin adventure

19 After the campfire

20 Late night

Thursday

21 Breakfast news

22 The office on the platform

23 Forestry discoveries

24 Jack and his basket

25 Musical fruit

26 Winding down

Maps and floor plans

Second Floor, HQ

Camp Walker

Waterfront Map

Headquarters Building

Barr’s Meadow Map

Back of the book extras

Preface: Little J and Roger

a word from Eldot about the style . . .

Synopsis of Part 1: Barr’s Meadow

Site Descriptions

Glossary for terms in Julian’s Private Scrapbook, Part Two

Song Credits

Camp Walker Staff [June 1962]

Troop 9 Mark Schaefer, Scoutmaster

a word about the author

Key to symbols

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Wistfully, to DCH: twenty years too soon, but incredible anyway.

—Eldot

Author’s note: The Poker Club a sequel. It begins in the morning following the day that concludes Barr’s Meadow. Contextual clues about Part 1 are inserted occasionally, but repetition of previous material is avoided. In the event that the reader did not experience Barr’s Meadow, or would value a refresher, it is strongly recommended to read the synopsis that has been provided as an appendix, as well as the Preface to the series. Detailed descriptions of Camp Walker and Barr’s Meadow from Part 1 are included as well. These may not be absolutely essential, but they will answer most questions that are likely to arise.

Maps and floor plans from Part 1 are inserted in places where they could enhance the Part 2 story. The glossary and index include information about Part 2 characters and entities that were introduced and developed in Part 1.

These parts can be enjoyed individually or as a series, arranged sequentially. Each part builds upon what has gone before. Barr’s Meadow is the foundation, and is fundamental in establishing the primary characters and issues that govern all the parts.

The placement of this story in a scout camp has not been made with permission. The story is not about any organization or its activities, goals, or personnel. It is about specific fictional characters and what is happening in their lives, primarily outside of the scouting domain. Presumably much of what the characters do would not be approved or condoned by any scout organization, and nowhere is such a thing suggested or inferred. But the scouting enterprise is so universal and ubiquitous that scout camp has become nearly generic in our culture. It is a logical setting in which to focus on these characters’ lives. The scout organizations in this story, entirely fictional as well, are depicted with respect, admiration and credibility whenever and wherever they are mentioned.

Julian’s Private Scrapbook is a work of fiction. Though its origin is in true life experience, it is not a memoir. Similarities to actual persons and places have been systematically modified to eliminate any basis for recognition. Some of the places exist, but are used fictitiously.

Publisher’s Note:

This book is a revision of Little J and Roger, Book Two. It is intended for a mature audience. The subject is hugely controversial and sensitive. It is not written to serve or encourage prurient interests; it contains no pornography or graphic language, but there are several intimate male/male passages. Readers who are offended by that should not read this book. All the characters in the story were 62 years of age or older at the time the story was written in 2010.

Novels in the Julian’s Private Scrapbook series:

Barr’s Meadow

The Poker Club

The Shooting Gallery

Thunder and Lightning

The Champions

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First… a word from the author

The intent of this series has always been to shed light on a subject that is generally regarded as taboo. It is nearly commonplace for a young person to develop a crush on a coach, teacher, scoutmaster, priest—or a relative, cousin, or neighbor. The object of affection does not need to be in a position of authority, but he or she often is. What has remained largely in the dark and unaddressed is the adolescent’s perspective in a coming of age story that involves this social taboo.

The story too often told is one of tragic loss, cruelty, melodrama or perversion. Often it is a morality story, told by sage minds to instruct or scold; they would prefer to manipulate and control society rather than help it grow and become whole. Or, they are profiteers that seek sensational material in order to maximize sales. Sometimes one encounters a memoir that is tender, special and sympathetic. Those come closest to dealing directly with the subject. Perhaps that is because they are fact based and not doctrinaire morality tales, sensationalistic exploitation, or worse yet, aimed at the prurient marketplace.

Meanwhile, what is behind the latest story of teen suicide we see in the media? That question is never addressed—it too is largely a taboo area. The recent campaigns to deal with bullying are welcome, but they are after the fact for many, and they sidestep one of the core issues. Why has this youth fallen in love with the wrong person? That question is not allowed. How then, can it be answered? With the pointed finger of blind prejudice. The youth is condemned outright without trial or chance to offer a defense.

Often the victims have done nothing at all other than be born. They are presumed guilty because they surely will be eventually. The doctrine of original sin has been perverted and loosed on society. It is applied sanctimoniously without regulation or supervision.

Society has not allowed itself to look through the eyes of the adolescent at the needs and drives they feel. That has been outsourced to the clinical psychologists; society generally prefers to avoid it—simply wait it out and hope for the best. It is dealt with by meaningless phrases like You’ll grow out of this… or Take my word for it; one day you’ll understand… or This is for your own good…

Nothing is more annoying than being patronized. The good intent is compromised by the personal offense it gives. It is a form of cowardice. The recipient, regardless of age, is ill served—and they realize that at some point. They may forgive it eventually, making excuses or allowances—or they may resent it bitterly. The point is, the unexplained problem does not always go away; it could fester into something even more difficult or impossible to manage.

The Julian’s Private Scrapbook series takes an unusual approach to confronting this social quandary: it is a romantic comedy. Throw out the villains and bullies and the prejudices that constrict the blood vessels feeding the social cranium—take a look at life afresh. Maybe if we look at life without the standard societal dressings and assumptions, we can learn something that will help us get beyond this unpleasant and hostile defect in our culture. We can rediscover what in life is beautiful and natural and fun.

Unintended consequences?

a gateway question for the second edition

Since this series first appeared there has been a mixed response. One, though, brought pause… and it seemed wise to take a second look at how the subject has been treated. The notion that these books could in any way encourage persons who are predators or who use their position or power to abuse underage persons is appalling. That is the unintended consequence question. It has caused this special preface to be written. In addition, various textual revisions are being made. As they are completed, the next edition has them in place. This is the second in the five part series to be revised. The original edition will remain available until all five books in the Little J and Roger series have been revised to become titles in Julian’s Private Scrapbook. The LJR edition will remain available in eBook format at the publisher’s website.

It is not possible of course to guard against everything. There are wildly diverging tastes and interests. To accommodate them all is impossible. There are those that regard bare ankles as obscene—others find them arousing; they are neither to most people. But this series has no special agenda other than to help, and to inform by looking at that taboo head on. It does so by using comedy and everyday foibles, and it tries always to be honest as well as entertaining. That means it walks a fine line somewhere between the bare ankle and the style of sock fashioned to cover it.

The reader will have to decide for himself whether to read some of the passages. Everyone has his own line, ultimately. If it isn’t to your liking, skip to the next scene or put it away.

The Preface to the first edition has been retained, however; it is included in the supplementary materials at the back of the book.

Readers new to the series would benefit from reading the note about style, also at the back.

—Eldot

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Tuesday

Day 3

1   Morning in the cabin

2   Breakfast surprises

3   Sunburn treatment

4   Recruiting Tom

5   The Poker Club

6   New faces at the lake

7   Free swimming continues

8   Afternoon developments

9   Mark gets a helping hand

10   Second troop campfire

11   Lumpy Louise

12   Tom and Nick, again

Scoutmaster’s Cabin

Second Floor, HQ

Camp Walker Map

Waterfront Map

Headquarters Building

Barr’s Meadow Map

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Julian’s Private Scrapbook

Third Day, Tuesday

Summer 1962: the third day of the two-week scout camp begins. Last night Julian watched Mark shaving, fulfilling a wish he’d nursed for more than a year. The final event of Part 1 was the fulfillment of Nick’s longstanding wish to do unto Tom as he did to others. It was a milestone in their relationship that neither expected. These two relationships in Troop Nine remain the central interest, but new characters and stories are woven into the narrative during the three days of Part 2.

Today we meet Geoff Staples, a transplant from the west coast. His British father and Cambodian mother have provided him with a unique heritage and background. He, Jack Haley and Brian Rogers are from the suburbs of Atlanta. They have a very special and exclusive club.

Introducing Casey Snyder and Robin Simmons from Troop Nine. Like several others, they’ve had the dubious honor of being broken in by Tom Dawson. They are drawn into Tom’s newly discovered club.

We meet Bruce Ruggles, the seriously overweight Second Class scout who was introduced briefly in Part 1. He and Julian were volunteer victims for the Lifesaving merit badge test.

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1 Morning in the cabin

The finches and cardinals began their cheerful songs just before daylight arrived. They seemed to be coaxing the Sun to hurry and peek over the horizon. Mark had been hearing their antiphonal chorus for a while, becoming conscious gradually. This was unusual. Normally, he awoke with a start, raring to go. I’m not used to this mattress yet. It forced him to wake up at odd times during the night because he’d developed a sore spot someplace. The lumps were irregular and didn’t move out of the way when he shifted around in his sleep. Maybe they have something in the warehouse. It’s worth checking. Put that on your list, Mark.

He checked the clock. It’s early! An hour and a half almost before I have to be up and at ’em. He wasn’t inclined to go back to sleep—doing that usually made him sluggish the rest of the day.

Whatever I do, I need to be quiet about it. There’s no point in waking Julian early. Boys need their winks. Mark smiled, recalling last night just before lights out. Julian asked if he could watch me shave. What a surprise that was. I’d been so preoccupied with the idea that he might ask something inappropriate, I forgot the obvious. All he wanted was to see what any adolescent boy wants. He’s never had an adult male in his life. Francine confided that she had never shared anything with him about his father. It must have been an unpleasant divorce.

Seeing Julian’s facial stretches as he watched me shave was priceless. He’s a few years away from needing to shave… but learning how wasn’t why Julian needed to see it. He has a blank area in his life. I can’t fill it, of course—but I can certainly do my part. Julian was so entranced. The lesson to take home, Mark, is that you better stop making judgments and assumptions. Julian’s got more blank spaces to fill; you need to be on hand to help.

He could ignore the demands of his bladder no longer. He sat up and looked over to the cot… too dark to see for sure, but Julian must be asleep. He flipped back the covers and swung around. The cabin floor isn’t as cold this morning. He walked to the bathroom.

He was skilled at being silent; closing the door helped. He shut his eyes and flipped the light switch. That enabled him to control the blast that always came from the world’s brightest overhead light. He proceeded with the daily routine. Easier today… Unlike most mornings, he had not awoken with an erection. After flushing, he waited for the water tank to fill before opening the door. The water pump kicked in, but it was nearly inaudible.

Quietly he stepped over to the cot and checked on Julian—still sound asleep. Mark was a mix of feelings. It was comforting to see him there, safe and sound. There’s no need to disturb him… the early hour provided an opportunity: a good morning run is what I need.

Scoutmaster’s Cabin

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He gathered up his jogging sweats, shoes and socks… he had put everything out on the counter yesterday, but didn’t get the opportunity to run. He stepped outside and closed the door quietly. Fortunately, neither door squeaks. One spot on the floor and the bureau drawers are the only noisemakers in the cabin. Still, dressing outside would ensure the silence inside. He dressed and set out down the main trail for a run. Two or three miles will be good. Yesterday was a bust for exercise, other than swimming certification. I need this.

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Julian’s Dream

. . . walking down the path with Justin looking at different plants. how odd… Justin is nude, except for his kerchief. oh… look at his buns. they change shape as he walks. the dents in the sides are interesting. the archery range is ahead… look… a row of scouts, drawing their bows. they all have bare buns too. that’s good, because I just noticed that I’m nude too. we’re supposed to be nude only at swimming. nobody seems to mind… look at all the buns in a row. should I ask Justin if any of them are Choice? Justin disappeared. Danny’s there instead, bending over to pick a flower. his dents disappear when he bends over, and come back when he stands up. Danny probably has Choice Buns. what if I step up and stroke them… what would they feel like if I was pressing my hand on them when the dents disappear? maybe I’ll try that later. for now, I’ll draw pictures of them in my tablet. oh… somebody already drew a lot of buns. some of them look weird. did I draw these? flip to a blank page and start some new ones. pencil is missing all of a sudden. where did I leave it? maybe it fell on the ground. better search… oo-ee… need to go to the bathroom now. it’s a long way to the cabin. there’s a tree… oh-oh. somebody else is there already. darn. where’s another… they’re all so far away. can’t hold it much longer. what if I have to go right here in the path…

Julian awoke suddenly. I’m just about to wet the bed! He sat up quickly… where? It took a few seconds to remember where he was. Yow! He threw off the sleeping bag and raced to the bathroom. He got there just in time, too. Oh gosh! I have to do a number two! He closed the door quick.

When he had completed his task, he carefully came back into the room. Enough light peeked through the curtains over the table to reveal that Mark wasn’t there—what a lucky thing. I didn’t even look on the way; I prob’ly would have woken him up. He fanned the door back and forth, attempting to clear the air. There’s no fan; he wanted it to be okay by the time Mark came back. Hmm. Where is he, anyway? He looked at the clock… still plenty early, about fifteen minutes before I have to go help Danny fix breakfast. He walked back into the bathroom and whiffed the air. Better. He fanned the door some more; we need to get some Air Wick in here.

The air is kinda chilly; he rubbed his arms and scurried over to the door; maybe Mark is out there. He poked his head out and looked back and forth: there he is, jogging up the trail! He has a headband on… sleeves pushed up to the elbows. His feet make a soft plopping sound when they land. Man, he looks so cool. Brrr! A sudden breeze got him; he had turned into a solid goose bump! He shut the door and raced back to the cot.

He wrapped himself in the cover blanket and rubbed his arms. He climbed onto the cot and sat Indian style. It feels funny to sit on the cot this way. He scootched to get comfy and turned to watch the door. I want to see Mark when he comes in… that headband is new. The goose bumps were nearly gone.

Mark opened the door carefully; he planned to shower before awakening Julian. He peeked in, expecting to see the top of Julian’s head poking out of the sleeping bag. Instead, he saw a grinning face. What a surprise! Julian’s hair was comical; obviously he hasn’t been awake for long. The golden rumples were evidence that he probably enjoyed a sound night’s sleep. Enviable. He closed the door and walked to the dresser. Good morning. You’re up bright and early.

Julian had never seen Mark look like this. Look at the sweat run down his temples! Too marvelous for words. I never knew you went running. How far did you go?

I’m not sure; probably three or four miles. Did I wake you up?

Nope. Seeing Mark like this was a big discovery. Julian knew him only in his scoutmaster uniform or his business suit. Does he run every morning at home?

Scree-eep!

Mark pulled out the fresh underwear drawer.

Look at your chest! You sweated a lot! And your armpits! He had never seen a sweaty man before. He wanted to touch the wet fabric. I sweat sometimes, but never like that.

I’d better take a shower. Mark grabbed fresh socks and underpants from the drawer. It just occurred to him to ask: You don’t need one this morning, do you?

Julian was memorizing the view as well as he could, considering—the curtains were still drawn. Oh, no I don’t need one; ’sides, I’ll go swimming with Danny after inspections. Why didn’t you pull those curtains open, Julian?!

Great. Mark pulled off his sweatshirt and hung it on the end of the clothes rack to dry. The running shorts he draped over the clothes rack pipe. He grabbed the fresh underwear and headed for the bathroom. I won’t be in there too long. If you’re under pressure, you can go ahead while I’m in the shower. He resisted the urge to give Julian’s disheveled wavy locks a playful fluffing as he passed by.

Julian was perfecting his appear-to-be-preoccupied-while-actually-studying-closely pose. The dim light was his ally there… he loved every second of the show. He especially enjoyed studying Mark’s backside as he walked into the bathroom. Now, those are choice buns. The image of him stepping into the shower last night flashed to the front of his mind. His eyes wowed. Choice… capital C.

He just remembered what he was dreaming: Buns. Why am I thinking about buns all of a sudden? That’s right! Yesterday at the lake! Nick said that! Julian, you don’t have buns; you have Choice Buns. Nick wouldn’t explain what he meant for some reason. He was talking about Bruce, who’d just been rescued at the Lifesaving merit badge class. Bruce weighs a lot—almost twice as much as me, probably.

He tried to understand. I don’t know why, but I do like to look at Mark’s; I’ve only seen them a little. They don’t look nearly as sexy when he has pants on, though. Choice… what does that mean? I need to look at myself back there; maybe I can see what… darn: there isn’t a mirror around here, except for the one above the washbasin in the bathroom. I remember Danny’s buns from yesterday—when he was carrying that big pot to the creek to get water, he balanced it on his head. He wagged his rear end on the way and lost his balance. I could see them, sort of, even though Danny had his shorts on. Hmm. At free swimming today, I’ll pay attention to buns. Before now I always paid attention to what’s around front. What about Nick’s buns? Can’t remember. Tom? Him either. I bet Sid has odd ones because he’s so skinny. He chuckled, imagining Sid standing next to Bruce. I bet most guys are in between those two.

I know! He grinned: he had just invented the Sid/Bruce scale; SB for short. From now on, I’ll rate all the buns I see on that scale. Sid will be the zero end, Bruce the ten end. Wait. I’d better make that a larger number. There are a lot of buns out there. Twenty-five? Silly boy, make it a hundred! Yeah. So where would Choice be? Fifty on the scale? This is the hard part. He pondered… I might have to get a second opinion on this. Maybe I’ll ask Nick about it—he seems to know about buns.

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Mark finished his shower promptly and toweled himself dry. He noticed that it was quiet… maybe he’s gone back to sleep. He looked out into the main room… Julian was sitting up, still wrapped in the blanket. He looks like a blond Buddha, concentrating on a great matter. Good morning, again. He stepped over to check the clock. Ten minutes. Not bad. He pushed in the alarm button. Let’s get some light in here. He opened the curtains above the table and pushed the window open full. He stepped over to the window by the fireplace.

Julian snapped out of his preoccupation at once. I screwed up again! He’d missed the re-appearance from the bathroom. He watched Mark open the curtains. Ooo.

You get to open the curtains on your wall, remember. Mark winked on his way to the last window, next to the clothes rack. It didn’t look like Julian had moved a single muscle. What’s he so preoccupied about?

Julian snapped out of it. He had been so fixed on studying what was walking by at eye level that he missed the wink entirely. Oh! Yeah… He flung the blanket to the side and stepped onto the floor. He grinned wide and looked over at Mark. Good morning. He turned around and opened the drapes. With a firm push, the window swung open; the track needs to be greased or something. Wow… it’s warmer today. He looked up at the sky: no clouds; no breeze to speak of either. Oo: how long do I have? He dashed over to the clock: ten minutes! I gotta get going! He stepped in to the bathroom. First off, brush your teeth… didn’t get to do that last night.

Mark watched, bemused. What could he be thinking about? There are times when being able to read minds would be handy. He chuckled and walked over to the table. Might as well get the morning agenda squared away. He sat down at the table and opened his case.

Julian opened the medicine cabinet. He was after his toothbrush but stopped at the sight of the can of shaving foam. Wow… he picked it up gently, as if it were fragile. He examined it closely, remembering last night… how does it do that? It just foams up. Magical. He felt a rush—I’m holding Mark’s shaving foam. The sound of the chair being pulled out from the table snapped him back to the real world. He’s sitting at the table, just like yesterday! With a giggle he grabbed the toothpaste off his shelf.

Mark rummaged in his case for his pocket firearms instructor’s guide. He had a training job to do this morning. Refreshing his memory on things like that always paid off… they’re supposed to have some new rifles this year. Aha! there you are… now then. He pulled over his notepad. First, make a list of the safety basics.

Julian brushed his teeth rapidly… he didn’t want to be late. What will we be fixing today? Everybody liked my pancakes yesterday… I wonder if we do those every day. The white ring around his mouth spread slightly. It reminded him of Mark shaving last night. That was so cool. Maybe he’ll let me practice that sometime. He bent down to rinse. Too bad they don’t have a glass or something… uggo uggo.

When he was finished rinsing and washing his hands and face, Julian stepped to the wall rack for a towel. He was assigned the one on the middle bar. As he pulled it free, he noticed Mark sitting at the table. I forgot he was there! He held the towel up and dried off his face vigorously with one end. The huge towel nearly touched the floor.

Mark glanced to his right and saw a wiggling wall of white terrycloth. Amused, he returned to his self assigned refresher course.

Julian’s mind raced as he dried his hands… be cool. That’s all you have to do… he’s busy. As long as you’re cool, he won’t know. He folded the towel and returned it to the wall rack. He made certain it was straight and neat. Danny might want to inspect again today. He took a deep breath and headed toward the doorway. His eyes were pre aimed. Yesterday he saw the view from the other side. He expected today’s glimpse to be better.

He was absolutely correct: the slit in Mark’s briefs was loose, and open about a half inch wide at the center. It was wonderful and marvelous and better than he had hoped for. He had a new center picture for his mental file of Mark views. He hastened past Mark and went to his footlocker with a skip. He didn’t want to get caught gawking. And he’d gotten a good peek—a very good peek. The tingle below was returning. Maybe it won’t get too hard. I’m about to leave. It will go down on the trail.

Julian pulled out the T-shirt he’d worn yesterday and held it up. Still looks good. He slipped it over his head. He had to be careful about using up his clean clothes—he only had six sets for fourteen days. Unconsciously, he softly hummed fragments of a favorite melody while he dressed.

Mark’s concentration was interrupted by an unexpected sound. Julian is humming to himself! What a marvelous sound… the tune… I know that tune. He blushed. That was Erik’s favorite. I was singing that last night in the shower! What