The Bus Stop

by Rafael Henry

Chapter 8

'You know that advert for a Saturday job I saw on our way back from the church on Sunday?'

'Yes.' Kerry says, wondering.

'I'm up for it. You can come too if you want?'

'Can I? Would I get any money?'

'Yes! We could share what Phil gives us.'

'Phil? Have you spoken to someone?'

'Yes. Last night. I phoned him. He sounded nice. I've an appointment to go and see him after school today at ten past four. He said you can come too. Will you?'

Five past four, the following day.

'Hello! You must be Arlo Templeton?' 'Yes. I phoned you about the Saturday job. You said to come at ten past four?' 'Of course I did! Sorry. And I see you've brought your friend. Excellent. Do come in. Let me show you around. The class will be finishing soon unless you'd like to see now. One of your tasks will be to clean the studio. I run photographic courses and life drawing and portrait photography classes in a purpose built building I put up a couple of years ago. I have students come here from quite far away. One as far as London. Come on I'll show you in a minute. Are either of you interested in any art form or……….'

'Oh yes. I paint and draw quite a lot.' I said truthfully.

'And what about you young man?' Phil says, looking hard at Kerry.

'Oh yes , a bit. At school. We have to.'

Which was not really the right answer.

We were led out through French windows at back of the large detached house down a wide path and down to the 'studio' as he called it, a substantial timber construction with a pitched roof but very few windows as far as I could see. There was a porch inside the front double doors and then another set of double doors into the studio itself. Then the surprise came. There were about eight people standing at easels and drawing from a model standing in the centre of the room. The model was a man. The room struck me as very warm, and there was an old-fashioned electric fire glowing a deep red colour to one side of the model who was standing with his back to us and had long fair hair. He didn't look anything like an old person at all, and quite muscular. Kerry and I just stood there not knowing what to do next. There was nothing to do next except wait for Phil to say something.

'We have to keep it quite warm in here so when you clean up you won't need those jumpers on, and certainly not that lovely blazer of yours young man.' He laughed. Oh please don't use that term; young man . I hate it.

'So it's this room mainly, sweeping up and putting the furniture away and the drawing boards, organizing the materials the students use, sink cleaning and anything else that needs attending to. Do you think you could manage those simple tasks? You will need to organize the tea things and wash those up after the break halfway through, and any other bits and pieces that will certainly need doing, so a little of your initiative would be very useful.' He says, smiling benignly. Another man with long hair was going around talking to the students, most of them young men and a couple of women, presumably giving them bits of advice about the work they were doing. Then the tutor moved to centre of the room and spoke……

'Thank you Clive. Twenty minutes then everyone. We need to resume on time please. Twenty minutes then, max?'

I heard a piece of charcoal hit the floor. If anyone treads on it there will be a proper mess. The model stepped off the small dais and turned towards us. He was wearing a pair of very small brief style underpants which just about kept everything in. I looked at Kerry who had flushed, just as I had. I could see the exact form of the guy's penis, the head and the two objects practically bulging out underneath it. I'm at an age when I make comparisons. I instantly assessed his bits as at least three times the size of mine.

I thought the class ended at four. It obviously doesn't. The model wasn't what I'd call a mature man. He looked like one of our sixth formers. About seventeen or eighteen. I thought he was very handsome with nice muscles and long fair hair. As he walked towards the corner of the room he glanced in our direction. And then again. I felt my face burning. Goodness knows what I looked like. Most of the students stood up and moved quietly towards the long table in another corner which had a large teapot on it and rows of pale green cups and saucers and a jug of milk with broad blue bands around it and a couple of large plates of pale beige biscuits. They poured their own tea from a large brown enamelled teapot, the kind you get at cricket teas.

'I'll need you for an hour three times a week, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. I will pay you in cash at the end of each week, and it will be six pounds each for each day. So that would be……….'

'Eighteen pounds sir?'

'Exactly right Kerry.'

'Yes sir.' Goes Kerry, wide eyed and clearly excited at the thought of actual real money falling into his hot paws.

'So how does that sound?'

'Fine thanks.' We said almost in unison, Kerry a nano sec after me.

'We also run on Thursdays a portrait class. We are always looking for new faces to draw if that would be any interest to you? That would attract a larger fee of course.'

Phil waited for a reaction. He didn't have to wait long.

'How much is the pay for that?'

'Ten pounds for children. Often one of the students supplies the model. It just involves sitting reasonably still for an hour, with a couple of rests, but that gets you off the other duties doesn't it.' Phil says, stating the fact.

'Could it be both of us?'

'Oh yes, easily, back to back. There would be work for you in the life class too, but that's a different matter entirely.'

'Why?'

'Let's not run before you can walk boys. Now don't forget to discuss this with your parents. It's most important that you do that. Do phone me anytime if you want to talk further. I shall need a permission letter from them.'

'Kerry is staying with us; permanently, so he's like…….my brother now. He doesn't have his parents here so it would have to be one letter. Would that be alright?'

'That would be fine Arlo. Can you bring it with you on Thursday?'

The model boy Clive took the envelope from Phil and headed for the door just as we were leaving. Kerry and I stood to one side so he could go through the door first.

'Thanks boys. How did it go with Phil?'

'Ok thanks.' I said with a smile. The boy looked vaguely familiar.

'Oh good. Phil's a nice guy. Did he give you anything?'

'I think so. Some cleaning and setting up the tea things and then sorting all that stuff out, and probably some other bits and pieces too. We've got to get a letter from my mum and dad to say it's ok to come here.'

'Oh. Do you think they'll agree to you doing it?'

'I doubt it but it's worth a try. I don't know why we need it anyway.'

'You a bit young I suppose. You'll see nude models and all that stuff. Have you seen a nude woman or a man before?'

'Not really, no. Have you Kerry?'

'Yes. My mum and her boyfriend. I saw them doing it.'

'Oh.'

A pause, as Clive looks at us both, particularly Kerry. I thought he looked concerned. So was I. He saw his mum doing it? Does that mean what I think it does? That is not normal. Then Clive says….

'Look, why don't you walk with me for a bit? Where do you two live?'

'Just off Stade Street.'

'Ok, I'm further on than that so we could stroll along together in that direction? Along the prom?'

I think Kerry and I immediately 'took' to Clive. He seems warm hearted, kind and considerate especially towards us. Frankly we are both very happy to do anything he says. And he had an idea that came to him just as we passed the Hythe sailing club which not unsurprisingly is just the landward side of the promenade, or prom as we always call it. We've only just met Clive but it seems that I've known him for years already. He's the sort of older boy you just want to trust. Something else too; he's very very handsome!

'If you're not going to ask your parents to write a letter, I'll do it. If that's what you want, no problem. Then I'll sign it and Bob's your uncle. Job done. Phil won't know the odds. He'll just say fine, and you can carry on. Has he asked you about being a model?'

'No?' I said, 'I don't think he mentioned that. Or maybe he did. For a portraiture class maybe?'

'Probably that one but there are life classes too. If you could get in on one of those you'll get good cash for doing it. How long are you going to be working there?'

'An hour, both of us, assuming we have the letter; and he still wants us after that.'

'Oh he'll want you. And so will the students. They're always asking about new models, and the younger the better. Everybody prefers a younger body to look at rather than a saggy gnarled old one about eighty. I'll write that letter tonight. I'm there on Thursdays too, but not Fridays. That's a life class too. They do an early one and a later one that day. You could do the early one, both of you if Kerry here wanted to. He'd pay you pretty well for that one. You'd get away with modelling in a pair of briefs so you wouldn't need to be nude, if that's a problem for you. Probably is. Normally it's a nude model. That's fifteen quid an hour for me when I'm nude. If you're over eighteen it's twenty. I go to Folkestone and just hang out in the town. A night off and all that. Do you have any briefs?'

'Yes, both of us.'

'Good. Make sure they're clean. I go to Folkestone and just hang out in the town afterwards.'

'What for?' Asks Kerry being nosey.

'Oh, just for a bit of fun. I usually meet a mate there, or someone. I can drop the letter off at yours if you want, tomorrow morning early?'

Clive lives a fifteen-minute walk away from mine, towards West Hythe. He gets a different bus to our one, up to Brockhill. He's seventeen. He told me he is neuro divergent. We were sitting on one of the benches in front of the sailing club, Clive to my left and Kerry slightly out of earshot, hopefully, to my right.

'What's that? Neuro divergent?'

'I'm supposed to be on the spectrum.'

'Spectrum of what?'

'Autism. Apparently I behaved in that way when I was younger.'

'What does it make you do?'

'All sorts, if you're properly on it. I did a few weird things. I got tested. I don't do weird stuff now. I'm heavily into Performing Arts. I want to sing and dance all the time. That's how I am. What are you then? And Kerry? You look like best mates together. It's quite obvious. Do you know you look that way?'

'What way?'

'Boy lovers. You look like that, both of you. I saw what Kerry did, trying to hold your hand. He's sweet isn't he? A really cool boy. He has fantastic eyes. No doubt you've noticed. What's he like then, you lucky boy?'

I hardly knew what to say to that. Does it show that much? Oh shit.

'He's nice. We get on really well.'

'How well?'

'Pretty well thanks.'

' That well then?'

'Umm.'

Clive told me he was gay and always knew he was. Then he asked me the question. Was I?'

'If it's easier, just nod. No need to say it in words.'

I nodded and then retracted quickly.

'No, but I'm not really sure. Kerry isn't either.'

'Have you kissed each other yet?'

'Sort of.'

'And what happens.'

I smiled which was enough to make Clive smile too.'

'It's nice isn't it. Those two things together, in harmony. Do you love him?'

'Sort of yes and no.'

'Does that feeling, when you think about him, does it make you very slightly weird in your tummy?'

'Sometimes, a bit.'

'That's lovely. He's so cute, your friend. I have a feeling he loves you back.'

We sat quietly for a few minutes, both of us absorbing the significance of what's just been said.

'Thanks Clive.' Was the best I could come up with.

'That's ok. Was that it then, just sloppy kisses? Nothing after that?'

'No, nothing.'

'You mean not yet. You're right to go easy on all that stuff. It might spoil things.'

'That's what I thought. He's almost two years younger than I am. Boys shouldn't be doing stuff at that age, should they?'

'That depends on the boy I suppose.'

'Did you then?'

'Yes, I think I first did it properly when I was eleven, or maybe slightly earlier. I had an older boy friend.'

'How much older?'

'Two years or so. Somehow we just found ourselves discovering how to do things. He knew more than I did but I was very happy to go along with it. Because of his lack of physical maturity, it was pretty easy.'

'What does that mean?'

'It means it went in easily. His penis was relatively small so there was no grunting and groaning trying to fit into me. I don't think we even used any proper lubricant. Don't ever use soap by the way. Get the proper stuff. Tesco sell their own brand. It's cheaper than KY. Do you have any, just in case you get very excited one night up in your bedroom and mummy is out? I can get you some. Just pay me back out of what Phil gives you. About three quid or so.'

'I found a couple of books on our bookshelves in the lounge.'

'Which ones?'

'The Joy of Sex, and the Joy of Gay Sex. They tell you what to do.'

'Yea I've seen those. They're good ones, but you can find loads of stuff online if you look. Do you have your own laptop or something?'

'Yes, a tablet; and a laptop. You have to have one for school stuff these days.'

'Does your mum know?'

'You mean have I told her?'

'Yes. Have you?'

'I've sort of implied it so she pretty much knows. She's very good at that kind of stuff.'

'Good, that's kind of her. She must be a nice lady, your mum. I had a bad time with mine. I still do. I don't think they will ever understand me properly. I know I was a terrible child growing up. My head was all over the place, all the time. They understand all that stuff up the hill there. The Performing Arts faculty is great. That's my future. Nothing else. Good luck with Phil's mob. Best to keep your pants on.'

'Are they a bit……..?'

'Not what you'd call predatory, but they'll look at you. That's the idea of life drawing; to study your body in minute detail. Well, they have to look at you don't they. They'll be drawing you. They are not allowed to take photos of you though. They can't do that so don't worry about Kerry on that score. In fact he shouldn't be there at all. I wouldn't encourage him to go, certainly not to be one of their nude models. He can wash up and clean. You could share the money fifty-fifty if you wanted too.'

'He's desperate to give his granny some cash. She feels guilty that she can't do much for him. She's skint basically. We're buying him some new kit like pants and socks and a couple of pairs of trousers. He had three pairs of pants which he wore all week, longer in fact. I gave him some of my older ones and ordered some new.'

'What sort? Where from?'

'Next, They do nice ones.'

'Boxers or trunks?'

I turned towards Clive wondering why he wants to know a detail like that?

'Sorry. Is that too personal?'

'No, not at all. Briefs actually. I prefer them.'

'Nice in bed too. Is that both of you?'

'Yes, apart from when you've got to undress at school. Something different for those days.'

'Yes that's wise. Best to be on the safe side with that. Kids talk.'

'Is it some sort of indicator then?'

'Could be, with some of them. I'm with you on that front, so long as they haven't got a 'Y' at the front!'

'No they haven't! Nothing at the front, just silky- smooth white cotton.'

'Oh good boy. Perfect for modelling until you pluck up the courage to get them off.'

Well there's nothing like saying it as it is. Crikey.

Clive said he would cycle over early to deliver the letter but not to open it as the envelope should be sealed shut to look authentic, which meant I couldn't read what he's written.

The letter.

Dear Phil. Arlo tells us that you have kindly considered the boys for casual employment at your studio. That is fine by us as he would like him to start earning something a bit more than we can give him for special things like games and so on.

Well, that's what Clive did write, sealed up in the envelope, but below is what he also wrote via email to Phil, completely behind my back. I had no idea he has done this.

Hi Phil. I've sort of made friends with Arlo Templeton and his friend Kerry, the boys you saw yesterday. I think they'd be up for modelling for the life classes but Arlo's parents are I think very unlikely to agree to it. Very unlikely! I told the boys that it would be fine to do it in the right kind of underwear which they both have, rather than nude this time, but if that goes alright I strongly suspect that they might well be prepared to take the undies off because of the extra cash. I think Arlo would like it. I think he's a bit of a show off but I've no idea what he has to show off; something very nice or not much. Ditto the other kid, who by the way needs money badly so he could well be tempted as well. They know nothing about this message but showing them the letter I've written for them would be good if you want to or if they ask to see it which they probably will do. A gentle introduction to the art of nude modelling might be the way forward with these two. And make sure those leering sods Peter and Henry don't get too close! You might have to go about this one gradually, not quite like the way I started with you guys! Those boys are very involved with each other but they have no experience of you know what , so my feeling is to tread carefully if you don't want any nasty come back on you. Are there any new people in the Friday afternoon group or is it still just Peter, Henry and that new guy. They all swim in the same pool so if they miss me they will have those boys to gawp at. Are we still ok for Friday night? I have a rehearsal until six thirty but I'm ok for seven onwards. Hopefully it won't be as late as last week. I was knackered!! See you Thursday for the early portrait class and you will have those boys for Friday's life drawing around four assuming that Thursday doesn't put them off altogether. I can help on Thursday ok. All the breast! Clive. And thanks for the extra money for last week.

Make of that what you will?

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