Lost and Found
by Jack Kendle
Chapter 2
The next few days were busy with arranging schedules, organising music and generally preparing for the new term. Occasionally I would catch myself thinking about Leo and how he had affected me. Obviously, I would have to be very careful indeed in the future, as any inkling of my true feelings would literally be the ruin of me, both jobwise, and, of course, my already strained marriage. Organising is one of my strengths and I threw myself into my work, mainly to keep my thoughts from wandering too far in directions I knew they shouldn't be heading. All through my married life I had avoided confronting my inner gay self and had all but suppressed my sexual urges in that direction. I can honestly say I have never been unfaithful to my wife - physically, that is. But now and again, when I had seen an exceptionally handsome boy, I have, as the euphemistic saying goes, "taken myself in hand" and relieved my built-up tensions. I could see that Saturday morning rehearsals were going to be something to look forward to, but at the same time I would have to tread very carefully indeed.
Saturday morning rolled around and with a nervous expectation I awaited the arrival of the orchestra in the band room. The kids drifted in, laughing and greeting each other after the summer holidays. I distractedly greeted the "regulars" who came up to me to say hello, but all the time, I had an eye on the door, waiting for the arrival of Leo. I knew from experience that Cat was invariably one of the last to arrive; she somehow always managed to have something unexpected happen "just as she was about to leave home" (indeed some of her excuses should be framed) when, in fact, I suspect she just preferred to lie in bed as long as possible on Saturday mornings. But she always made it in a nick of time so that I couldn't tell her off for tardiness. This morning, however, she arrived well before most of the other kids and my heart jumped... where was Leo? Was he sick? Had he cried off at the last minute? Had I been too obviously infatuated at his audition? All sorts of scenarios played through my mind in the short time it took for Cat to come over to me.
"Hi," she said. (I don't care for much formality between my students and me at this stage in their education.)
"Leo's late because he broke a string practising this morning and he's had to go and replace it. Can you believe it? He was up at six this morning practising!!! He's really keen to be here, you know. He's hardly talked about anything else since his audition." She looked around, then lowered her voice as she said: "He's a bit worried. He's very shy and he's the only boy here. Would you mind if I sat next to him, for the first few rehearsals at any rate, just while he finds his feet?"
I replied that was exactly what I had in mind.
She looked relieved. "Thank you. It means so much to him to be here... he's not a jock and doesn't fit in with the sporty crowd or the nerds even. Not anywhere really, except when he's playing his violin. Then he's in his element."
"You're obviously very fond of your brother," I observed.
"I sometimes feel he needs to be protected," she responded. "I don't know what exactly, but he sometimes seems so, so... lost and lonely. He's got hardly any friends, no real 'best friend', so I feel I have to look out for him."
"I think you show remarkable astuteness and kindness," I said. "We'll try and make this a good experience for him, shall we?"
She smiled warmly at me, and I could see in her Leo's expression. They were very alike, about four years' difference in age, both with that blonde, almost white silky hair and those astounding eyes. But on Leo, it was not merely good looks or being handsome. He was beautiful, and, in my opinion, he outshone his sister, who was no ugly duckling herself!
Gradually the room filled and the noise-levels rose as the kids got out their instruments and started wa rming up. I was busy organising the seating, giving out music and generally trying to get some order into the proceedings. Without even looking around, I knew exactly when Leo entered the room. Something in the atmosphere changed, subtly. A few of the girls did not disguise their admiration for the Nordic God that materialised in their midst. They stopped their tuning and twiddling and, so help me, if some of their jaws didn't hit the floor as the beautiful boy unpacked his violin, trying to be inconspicuous. (Hah! Something as beautiful as that, inconspicuous!!!???). I looked around. There he was, blonde hair shining from the shower from which obviously he had recently stepped; but I wasn't going to go down that avenue just now. He was clad in a brilliantly white tee shirt, which hugged his torso and showed off his young defined chest and flat
stomach to their best advantage. I wondered whether he had spent a long time selecting his wardrobe for this first rehearsal with an almost totally female orchestra in mind. His skaters' pants hung low on his slim hips, so much so, that I was really worried that he might lose them at any moment! I caught a glimpse of colourful boxers beneath, the garish pattern starkly contrasting with the white of his top. The trousers were three-quarter length, and to finish off this icon of young male beauty his defined calves, with just a dusting of white-blond hairs, disappeared into white socks and the usual trainers. If he was aware of at least twenty pairs of eyes riveted on him, then he didn't show it, save for a very faint coloration in his cheeks. He turned and sought me out. I indicated that he should sit next to his sister. He then smiled gratefully at me as if relieved that she would be close to him. I could see many of the girls literally drooling over the new arrival and decided it was time to step in and get things moving. I called everyone to order, welcomed the new kids, by asking each to stand and introduce themselves. I have always done that, let the kids introduce themselves, in order to try and get them not to be too shy amongst their peers. I know it can be an ordeal, but if you are going to be a musician, then you have to be able to "perform". Leo manfully got through his introduction and a ripple of appreciation seemed to go through the orchestra.
"Right, now, settle down and let's get to work," I instructed and the rehearsal got underway. I started with some easy pieces, well within their capabilities, just to warm us up after the summer holidays. The real hard work would start next week, I just wanted to ease everyone in, not least the new kids, so they wouldn't feel too much out of their depth and get discouraged. From time to time I glanced towards Leo. He was having no problems technically and even managed to glance at me now and again, He seemed to be enjoying himself and gave me a brief smile as if to say, I'm fine. I smiled equally briefly back, but made sure not to look at him too often. Kids are very perceptive and it might have raised some eyebrows if it seemed I was spending undue time and attention on one student.
About an hour later, I called for a break and asked the kids to check the attendance register to see if the information on their addresses, phone numbers, cellphones and e-mail was correct. It is very important in such an environment that I can get hold of the kids quickly and easily if there are changes to the schedule or any other information they need regarding our work together. They also have my cellphone number and e-mail so they can let me know if they have to call in sick. Kids these days are so independent, gone are the times when one had to phone around the families and leave messages to pass on information. Now, it can all be done quickly and easily by computer. I looked over the list and saw that now all the kids had their own cellphones and e-mail. Leo's, e-mail handle I noticed was lioncub. I smiled to myself, as I conjured up an image of a playful fluffy little cub. Little lioncubs, however, grow up to be Kings of the jungle. I wondered if my sweet Leo would become a proud young man. His birthdate was in August: whether by accident or design he really was a Leo! And just recently turned 16.
I looked around the room. The orchestra had divided into groups, lots of chatting and a larger group than usual around Leo and Cat. Those poor girls, I thought, it's as if they haven't seen a boy before. (Even though most of them had brothers. But brothers didn't count. Brothers were obnoxious, smelly pranksters, whereas Leo was like a gift from Heaven.) The poor boy was by now blushing furiously and whispering something to his sister. I imagined what he might be saying: Get them away from me! It's like feeding time at the zoo! He obviously seemed uncomfortable with all the attention he was getting, so I decided I would intervene and put the poor sweet thing out of his misery.
"Okay kids", I called out, "let's get back to work now, then we can stop early, it's such a nice day. How about it?" That usually worked a treat, but for some reason or other, most of the gaggle of girls round Leo seemed suddenly deaf. I tapped my stand and called for attention. "Come on people, let's get back to work!" Reluctantly the group broke up and some sort of order was resumed. Leo looked at me with a silent Thank you in his eyes. I gave him a little discreet wink, which made him blush even more. It was time to get back to work and for the next hour, we rehearsed.
All too soon, our time was up and I dismissed the orchestra.
"Don't forget to let me know if you can't make a rehearsal," I said. "You can e-mail me or call me any time. But don't just not turn up."
The room gradually emptied. Leo seemed to be spending a long time packing up his violin. Cat was waiting for him to get a move on and he said he would be right there; he wanted a word with me. She said she would wait in the car for him and for a split second I thought I saw some sort of sign pass between them, but I could no t be sure. Slowly the kids packed up and left until just Leo and I were left.
"Erm, I wonder... could I ask you something, Mr Kendle?" he stammered as he came and stood before me. His face was slightly flushed and a small frown creased his brow.
"Before we go any further, Leo," I said, "please call me Jack. Mr Kendle is so formal. While we are all here working together, it's first names only. Agreed?" He nodded his blond head, smiled and continued:
"Er, please, Mr Ken... I mean Jack". He blushed a little as he said my name and looked down at the floor again.
"What is it, Leo?" I asked in what I hoped was my most friendly and approachable manner. I looked at his slight form, the tight white tee shirt that hugged his chest and through the material I noticed his nipples slightly erect from the friction of the material. His skater shorts still hung precariously from his slim hips and I could now see it was only his perfect bubble-butt which seemed to be holding them up. An image of me removing those trousers and exposing his delightful body beneath flashed through my mind and my cock gave a twitch as I tried to force the delightful picture from my mind and give him my full attention. He flicked his hair out of those eyes and seemed a little unsure as to how to proceed. I decided to try and help him out.
"How did you like your first time with us?" I enquired. "Not too difficult? Any problems?"
"Well..." he began, " It was fine today and I really practiced hard."
"Yes, I know," I replied. "Cat told me you were up at six this morning practicing. Good boy, I'm glad to see you take the orchestra seriously." Another smile lit up his face and his ruby lips parted to show his perfectly straight white teeth. No braces for this boy, he really was perfection!
"What I mean is," he continued, that small frown returning to his brow, "is... I mean, would it be okay if I asked for some extra coaching? I see the programme for the end-of-term concert is quite hard and I would really appreciate it if you could help me out." Again, the rush of words, like the other day, as if he had had to screw up his courage to ask me this favour and hoped that the faster he said them the easier it would be. He looked again at me, a question in those clear blue, blue eyes. How could I possibly refuse such a request? It was as if my prayers had been answered: to be alone with this boy, just to watch him, help him, work with him would for me be like my best dreams come true. But on the other hand, I knew how dangerous for me that situation could be. I was not sure if I could really trust myself to be alone with Leo, whether my "baser" instincts would take over and I would both hurt him and jeopardize my career. My whole mind and body screamed out to me to say 'Yes, yes YES!' but my professional self answered:
"Well, Leo, thank you for asking, but can't your own teacher do the job just as well? I would love to help you but I'm sure Ms Tomason would be willing to help you out." Leo looked crestfallen.
"I already asked her and she said she was too busy, she's got more students than she can handle and she suggested I ask you," he said.
I thought fast. Ms Tomason was, indeed overstretched and though a fine teacher, she would not take on more than she could cope with to give the students the best teaching she could... and it had been her suggestion... I hesitated again.
"I would practice really hard, Mr Ken... I mean Jack, and my parents would pay you and it would be fine, really!" He really was so keen, the sweet lad. Against all my better judgments and despite the alarm-bells going off in my head, and the fact that by now, my cock was straining to release itself from the confines of my pants. Thinking with my dick and not with my brain, I said:
"Okay, Leo, it's a deal. Just a few sessions, mind you. I can't be giving one student too much preferential treatment; then they would all want coaching! And don't worry about pay ment. As I say, let's call it temporary and see how it goes. When are you free?"
"I can come whenever you want me to," replied Leo. Then realising what it must have sounded like, he blushed a deep crimson. I pretended not to have got the double-entendre behind his words and made a show of riffling through my diary. Images of me letting Leo "come" whenever I wanted raced through my mind. My stiff member also appreciated the vision, as I felt the pre-cum leaking into my jockeys. However, I managed it, I kept as expressionless face as I could and asked, "How about Tuesday 6pm after your music theory lesson?"
"Oh, thank you so much, Jack. Yes, I'll be there on Tuesday and I'll work very hard. I promise, I won't let you down."
"I'm sure you won't, Leo", I replied and involuntarily I ruffled that silky blond hair of his. Oops. Straight away I had overstepped the lines I had drawn up for myself in the instant I decided to give Leo private lessons. But it was too late. The deal had been done. I would have to be more careful in the future and hold myself within my limits: Look, but don't touch. But Leo just beamed up at me, obviously so happy at my having agreed to his request he just said:
"Yay! See you Tuesday, then!" He positively sprinted from the room, and I was left alone half in shock at what had just happened, part frightened of the feelings, which seemed to grip me, and yet almost quivering in anticipation. What had I let myself in for? How would this situation I had created for myself pan out? Why had I agreed? It would be a supreme test of my self-control and I was rather scared of what could happen. I looked down and saw the damp spot on my trousers: my cock was in no doubt as to what it wanted! That was the problem. I would have to be very, very careful. I had let my dick rule my mind. My marriage and career and whole life, not to mention Leo's life as well, depended on my handling of this situation. I almost regretted my decision. Almost - but not quite.
