Destination Elk Pond

Chapter 1-2

Once we completed training at the institute, we were asked to give two or three preferred locations where we’d like to be posted—no guarantee, mind you. Elk Pond couldn’t be further from any of my prime picks. I had to admit, it was hard to move so far from my family and friends, but one of the perks of the job was quarterly airline tickets to anywhere in the country, for the first two years of a rural posting. Elk Pond definitely qualified as rural. It might even be classified as a remote location.

When my parents saw me off at the airport, Mom hugged me tight, her eyes full of tears. Dad shook my hand and wished me well, making me promise to keep in touch. As I walked toward the security gate, Mom called out for me to hurry and find a man I can settle down with, so she won’t have to worry about me being alone. I waved over my shoulder, smiling at how easily they accepted that I was gay.

I wondered what kind of community Elk Pond would turn out to be if, or more likely when, people found out. The few that I met were friendly, and open to strangers. As I walked, I kept an eye out for any signs of nightlife, like bars or lounges. I knew the hotel had a bar just off the dining room. There was a Legion, and a licensed restaurant, but that seemed to be the extent of it. I noticed a Subway restaurant, and my stomach told me it was ready for some attention. With all the flight connections, there really hadn’t been time for a decent meal.

“What’ll you have? Visiting for a bit, or just passing through? Lord, you’re tall. What do you think of the town? Have you seen the lake? It is absolutely gorgeous.” The young woman behind the counter was definitely in the mood to chat.

“Roast chicken on flatbread. Go with cheddar cheese and I’d like the whole thing heated. Garnish with pickles, tomatoes, onions, all the peppers, and no sauce.”

“Are you planning on staying long? We have a movie theatre, and there are dances at the Legion on Fridays.”

I believed I was being scoped out as a potential date. I momentarily thought to ask if her brother would like to do those things with me, but then figured it would be best to let my orientation ease itself out to others over time. I ate, waved goodbye, and continued on my tour of the downtown. It consisted of a main street. I thought the service stations on the highway saw more action.

There was a video store near the end of the drag, so I decided to see what they might have. Edna’s rooms all had a VCR, no added charge. There were four aisles of various genres, and a black curtain across the back, which I figured was the adult section, so I strolled on through. Both sides of the aisle, behind curtain number one, had movie box covers, with disembodied large breasts or p*****s that poked and prodded various orifices. Near the back, and at the bottom, were three box covers that featured the “hottest in all-male action.” The lighting was dim so I couldn’t read the story line, although with porn, I’m sure it was worded with lots of innuendo. I grabbed one and headed to the counter. The young man there nearly fainted.

“Do you have a m-membership?” He wasn’t stammering when I came in.

“Not yet. I’m new in town, staying at Edna’s hotel. What do you need for me to rent?”

“You really s-should fill out a m-membership form, t-then we can…how long do you want it?

“I’ll bring it back tomorrow. I promise.” I grinned.

“A dollar ninety-nine for a three-day rental and if you don’t rewind we’ll charge another buck. Got it?”

“Done deal, mister. I’ll have it back within three days. My name is Sam, and I watch this kind of movie when I get the chance.”

The clerk blushed and looked around. “So do I, b-but please, don’t t-tell anyone. I don’t think I ever saw anyone rent these ones before you. I’m Jeremy.”

I shook Jeremy’s hand, told him his secret was safe with me, and hoped he had some happy moments from watching these movies.

At least I knew I wasn’t the only gay man in town. I guessed that Jeremy’s nuts had barely dropped, which made him way too young for my tastes. I was optimistic that where there’s one, there likely had to be more. I found a beer outlet and bought a six pack of the local brew, then wandered back to the hotel.

The movie was a typical Oh yeah, oh f**k dialogue, but it got me aroused enough that with the help of a few of the local brew, I rubbed one out. I was careful not to mess Edna’s sheets. I’d hate to have to explain to strangers why their grandma’s linens were all crusty.

I crawled into my comfy firm bed, nested into the covers, and soon drifted off to a weird dream that had Jeremy moaning, “Oh yeah, oh fuck.”