The Diamond Ring Effect

After a horrible accident a year ago, Roy is left to care for his disabled mother. A job he does without thought of reward. Unfortunately, he is also very lonely. Caring for his mother takes up all of his time. What’s more, his father has retreated into his work and no longer has the time to even talk to Roy. Then one night everything changes. Man’s first contact is made and it’s Roy who has been chosen. But why him? Roy would rather spend his nights dreaming about Hamish then having to accept a request of help from strange beings from another planet. But that’s just what’s happened. Roy must do something for the aliens, something that will mean confronting his father at his work. What exactly does his Dad do for a living that’s so important to these aliens? As far as Roy is concerned his father is a nobody, just like him. When the night is through, Roy's life will never be the same. But something more important than that, he may get his mother back and his dream man in the process...if only he can talk to his father.

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. The Diamond Ring Effect Copyright © 2011 Mark Alders ISBN: 978-1-55487-811-6 Cover art by Angela Waters All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.eXtasybooks.com

The Diamond Ring Effect By Mark Alders

R

oy Edgars felt so alone, so empty that the pain was tangible. He stared down at the fine cut crystal beaker he had just filled with whiskey, the golden fluid so alluring. His vision blurred, the weight of his emotions overwhelming him, numbing his reason. He wiped his eyes. He wanted to take a sip of the alcohol—heck, he wanted to drain the glass, then the bottle. But he couldn’t. Sure, drinking himself into a stupor would be a far better option than being alone. Without someone to love there was no point, was there? And no, he didn’t mean his mum. He loved her without question. What he wanted was someone he could give himself to both physically and emotionally. Someone like Hamish. The thing was, Hamish was straight. Roy sighed deep. He had an infatuation for a guy who would never think of him as anything more than a friend. His thoughts darkened. Roy plucked his iPhone off the table. The blackness of the screen reflected his emotional state. He checked his messages. Nothing. On his Facebook page, he saw that Hamish was going out tonight, probably partying. He swallowed hard, the lump in his throat swelling up to the point 1

Mark Alders where he thought he’d burst into tears at any moment. Roy checked Hamish’s profile for the umpteenth time. The words seeking woman burned into his retina. If only Hamish knew how much Roy would give himself for him. He would treat him like a prince—no, a king. He would love him forever, give himself without question. Oh God, how he would love to see him naked, be naked together. He shook his head. Some things in life were never meant to be. Roy had to move on and thinking about a straight guy wasn’t the answer. Neither was drinking. He pushed the glass away, the fluid spilling over the side. Draining it would be the first step into a darker place than he already was. Sure, it would improve how he felt at the moment, and feeling anything was better than feeling like he had been lately. But no. He had to be strong. His mother needed him. A message tone sounded, startling Roy. His hand shook uncontrollably as he pressed the screen, opening the text. Was it from Hamish? He realised he was holding his breath. As the message revealed itself, with both disappointment and a let out of air, his thoughts darkened once more. The small spark of hope that had been ignited in his mind extinguished as quick as it had come to him. The message was from his dad. It simply read, be home soon. 2

The Diamond Ring Effect He glanced at the kitchen clock on the wall in front of where he had parked himself. He snorted the air, showing an outward disgust at the fact that his father wasn’t home yet and that the message was his way of making up, a justification of why he was late. Again. It was well past eleven at night. Every night his father had been getting home later and later from work. In fact, ever since his mum had the accident, his father hadn’t been the same. Actually, the family hadn’t been the same. Roy sighed, then swallowed hard in his throat again. Perhaps he should send Hamish a message. Perhaps Hamish wasn’t straight after all, and posting that he was seeking the opposite sex was a front. Maybe he hadn’t come out yet. A couple of times he swore he’d seen Hamish stare at him with something a lot deeper than casual friendship. Roy smiled. That hope ignited again inside him. He hadn’t come out yet either, not even his mum knew. Perhaps Hamish thought the same and all of this hesitation and angst was unnecessary, delaying the inevitable. Oh, God, why did everything have to be so complicated? He cursed himself under his breath. If he asked Hamish out, the worst he could say would be no. What harm would that be? He would then know for sure where he stood with him. Roy’s stomach churned. The reason was simple. He was scared. 3

Mark Alders Rejection was something he didn’t take well. In fact, rejection wasn’t something anyone took well, the truth be told. He wanted to go to bed, not bothering to wait for his father to get home. Actually, that was a lie. He wanted to jack off, thinking of Hamish next to him in his bed, all naked and beautiful smiles. He knew such a thing wouldn’t happen and in reality he’d fall asleep alone, feeling his guilt rise up to consume him while his cum dried on his stomach. He was knocked from his reverie by the sound of his father’s car pulling into the driveway. His dad being home chased away any immediate plans he had of any self-love right now, the only physical love he ever got lately. Roy looked up the clock again. It was almost midnight. He tried to stand, but the combination of tiredness and the draining effect of his emotions made him think twice. He didn’t need to drink, he was inebriated enough. Swimming in depression had the same effect and he had to steady himself. The room spun like he’d just stepped off a theme park ride. He sat back down, knowing this was the best way to greet his father instead. He heard the front door creak open. “You’re late again, Dad,” Roy spat, realising his speech was weighted by emotion, slurred and incoherent in many places. “You don’t have to wait up for me,” his father 4

The Diamond Ring Effect replied, more an off-handed retort than an actual answer. “What else am I going to do?” Roy snapped, looking at his father as best he could through hazy, tear-filled eyes. “It’s not like I can leave Mum alone now, is it?” “We all have to—” “Have to what?” Roy questioned, his voice raised. He managed to pull himself half up by using the table as support. “Make sacrifices? Is that it, Dad? How about being here once in a while? Why are you never home when I need you? I have a life, too.” “I’m not talking to you in this state. Sort yourself out, then maybe we can have a decent conversation.” “We’ve never had a decent conversation, Dad, especially lately.” Roy tripped over a curl on the rug and cursed himself. He must have looked like a drunken fool and the thing that stung the most was the fact he hadn’t touched a drop. “You can see why,” John said, glancing at the whiskey glass on the table before he turned away. “You’re just like you’re mother when you get upset.” “Don’t walk away. Do you have any idea what I have to put up with? Do you?” Roy said, losing his balance several times, his emotions getting the better of him. His whole body was numb. He 5

Mark Alders hated this. Confrontation, especially with his father, always ended badly. Several times he had to catch himself from falling, various objects crashing to the floor in the process. “Mum’s worse than ever. I have to care for her…I’m, I’m only eighteen, Dad. What’ya think I do here all day?” His dad said nothing for what seemed an eternity. Then, in a voice above a whisper, he finally said, “I’m…going to bed.” Roy was frozen to the spot. His depression gave way to sadness and his stomach knotted. The root of that sadness, his disappoint in his dad. Why couldn’t he tell him why he was away all the time and working so late? How hard was it to acknowledge, especially to his son, why he left him all day and night with his mother so that he couldn’t live his own life. Actually, scratch that. Roy wanted to care for her and he’d be there for her no matter what. He loved her with all his heart. It’s just that every now and again he would like his own time. To be with others of his own age. He thought of Hamish and how, at this very moment, he was at some party. He would have liked to have been there. “Why can’t you tell me why you’re so late all the time?” Roy said, the words barely audible even to himself. He began to sweat like a racehorse and his stomach heaved. There. He had said it. He had put it out there for his dad to chew 6

The Diamond Ring Effect over. “I just have to. Now get some sleep. You look like shit, Roy.” Roy didn’t respond. They both turned their backs on each other. Roy decided he’d said enough, even though the conversation was far from resolved, and stormed out of the kitchen. Stumbling past the sofa, his body still affected by his emotions, constricting him, he slid open the glass door that led out to the patio. He needed to get some fresh air. He needed to calm, to soothe his feelings. Otherwise he’d be mulling over and over in his mind how the conversation with his dad could have been better. Sleep was the furthest thing from his mind right now. How stupid had he been confronting his dad? When outside, he took in a deep lungful of crisp, cold night air. He felt a little better for it all of a sudden and was about to turn around and see if he could talk to his dad, make some sort of amends, when he heard a rustle from the bushes near the fence. “Who’s th-there?” His mind was cloudy from the events of a few moments ago. Was he imagining the disturbance? The bush, a camellia and his mother’s favourite, moved once more. This time with more intensity, like someone or something was behind it. This 7

Mark Alders time he knew it wasn’t in his imagination. But what could make that ruckus? A cat perhaps. Cats always wandered out at night in this neighbourhood. But as he thought about it, he knew without doubt that a cat couldn’t create such a commotion. “I said, who’s there?” Roy would never be able to explain it, even though he experienced it, but he was hit by a force. A force that took him up as though he were made of nothing but air, flinging him backward back into the lounge. His landing stopped by the coffee table. He blacked out. Roy groaned. He held his head so as not to aggravate the headache he had acquired from the force that threw him onto the floor. He tried to moisten his dry tongue, to no avail. He must have had his mouth open. How long had he been lying on the floor? Then it came to him. He could see that it was morning. “What a night,” he mumbled to himself. “Did you lie there all night?” John asked, shaking his son’s shoulder. “Wha—” “I’m really beginning to worry about you, Roy.” His dad’s brow furrowed. “What do you care?” Roy whimpered, now squinting at the morning light that streamed in 8

The Diamond Ring Effect from the patio doors, hurting his eyes. “I…I…” John hesitated. He picked up his briefcase and added with a whisper, “I care.” “I haven’t seen you for more than an hour over the last six weeks. Did you even realise that, Dad?” John frowned. “You don’t understand.” “I don’t understand! I don’t understand! Do you even understand what I have to do? Do you? I have no life, Dad.” Roy pulled himself up off the floor. “Why do you need to be away so much, especially now? We need you, too.” “I don’t have time to discuss this now. I have to go…look, um…I’ll try and get home a little earlier tonight. We’ll all have dinner together. All right?” “So you say.” Roy glanced over to the whiskey bottle still resting where he had left it on the kitchen table last night. Would he dare take that first drink tonight if his dad broke his promise yet again? No. He couldn’t. He had to think of his mum. She needed him. “And if you don’t come home early. What then? Am I to spend another night alone because I can’t leave Mum?” John turned away from his son, heading for the front door. “I’ll try,” he mumbled as he searched for his car keys in his jacket pocket. “Believe it or not, I do appreciate what you do. I—” John turned to look at his son one more time, then gently closed the door behind him. 9

Mark Alders “We’ll see,” Roy whispered to himself, feeling the pangs of depression rise up inside him. He shifted his glance to the bottle once more, his brow furrowed. “We’ll see.” He realised he hadn’t changed his clothes. The smell of himself overpowering, he needed to shower, freshen up before he tended to his mum. He checked his watch. He had time. It was just after six thirty in the morning. Soon it would be time to wake her up and begin his daily ritual. Roy headed for the bathroom. Soon he was surrounded by steam, something that jolted a memory deep inside his mind. Perhaps it was the gaseous shapes swirling about before him, but he wasn’t sure why being here in the bathroom had made him think of the events of last night. In particular, the fact that he had been knocked unconscious but didn’t know why. Was this his mind telling him that he probably lost his balance and fell backward? Or was it an animal that had scared him? He wasn’t convinced of either explanation, even though he had to admit he was in a bad mental state last night. He disrobed and stepped into the shower cubicle. The water cascaded over his chest, covering him in warmth. His thoughts turned to Hamish. How he would love to have him here right now. He’d so like to wash him, touch every part of his body with the soap. Feel his muscles, 10

The Diamond Ring Effect his hard dick. He’d love to kiss his hot, wet lips, then explore that kiss to its deepest level when Hamish gasped for more attention. Roy would do anything to have him here right now, go down on him without question, even take him inside him. Oh, how he wanted Hamish inside him. He didn’t want to be alone any more. Roy was erect. He looked down at his cock. The water made his hardness look sleek and beautiful, especially seeing as his foreskin had retracted and his head was now exposed to the air and water, ready for attention. He cupped his balls, feeling himself how he would like Hamish to feel him. Spikes of ecstasy rose up to consume him like the depression he suffered last night. He moved his other hand over his length, slow at first. He wanted to savour the moment by imagining it was Hamish pleasuring him. He crouched down, opening his legs wide. The water cascaded even more furiously over him, blinding him. But he didn’t need to see for what he had in mind. The hand that he had used to massage his balls he moved so he could touch his arsehole, feel himself where he would want Hamish’s cock to penetrate him. Oh, how he wanted Hamish. To have him in such a way drove him to finger himself, like he had done so many times before. Moments later, Roy let his body become 11

Mark Alders overwhelmed with his own touch. With the other hand that gripped his cock tight, he stroked himself harder and faster. His foreskin tingled as it glided over his erection, giving him added pleasure. Roy let out a cry, his mouth filling with the warm water, his body a swirling mess of emotional joy, both from his thoughts and his own touch. The build-up began and Roy closed his eyelids tight, not wanting to do anything to spoil the illusion he had created in his mind. Harder and faster and deeper he touched himself until, moments later, and with a stomach churning and joyful explosion within him, he came. He had pinched the end of his foreskin so he could capture as much of his cum as he could. Roy opened his eyes. He let go of his foreskin. Cum seeped out onto his palm and he was careful not to let the water dilute it. He licked his lips and imagined it was Hamish who had just cum. How he would love to taste all of Hamish. He’d take him all, right to the last drop. With that thought he licked his cum off his hand, letting his fluid tingle his tongue and flow deliciously down his throat. He loved the taste of himself and never wasted his efforts, no matter how many times he jacked off in the day. After his shower, he prepared himself for his daily routine, which always started with him 12

The Diamond Ring Effect getting his mum a cup of coffee. When the kettle boiled and he was pouring out the water into her cup, something caught his attention. Like a distant voice calling for attention. At first he wasn’t sure about it and he dismissed the distraction from his mind. He pushed the button on the toaster. His mum liked two slices, one with peanut butter the other with vegemite. When the toast popped up, again his attention was arrested from him. This time he thought he heard a human voice. He wasn’t sure, but he thought he heard the voice say, We need you. He knew the call wasn’t his mum’s because the voice was most certainly male. Roy’s curiosity piqued. Why would someone call out to him? He knew his neighbours were at work, so indeed, where was the voice even coming from? “We need you,” the voice said again, this time louder and more distinct. Roy stopped for a moment. The only sound he heard now was that of his own heart beat loud in his ears. He glanced at the clock. It was seven. Damn it. He didn’t have time for distractions and Roy dismissed the voice as a remnant of his mental state from last night. His mind must be playing tricks on him, that much he was certain. He had fallen into unconsciousness, after all. He placed the tea and toast onto a tray and made his way toward his mother’s bedroom. 13

Mark Alders When he opened her door, he said, “Morning, Mum. Here’s your breakfast, just how you like it. When you’re done I’ll go get your dressing gown so you can keep warm while I run the bath, okay?” Roy’s heart sank as it always did when he came into her room each day and he saw her staring at nothing in particular with sunken, distant eyes. She never answered him either. He wished with all his heart that she could talk to him. He’d give anything to even hear her speak his name. But she couldn’t. For all intents and purposes, she was a vegetable, and that was the worst thing of all. “I’m going to get you some fruit, too, is that okay?” No response other than a curl of her lip. Roy went over to her. He ran his hand over her cheek in the vain hope that doing so would register some response. It didn’t. She just looked up at the ceiling, her face holding a blank expression. It was like Roy wasn’t even there. “Mum, I need you. I wish so much that—” He kissed her on the forehead before he clasped her hand into his. The next thing he knew he began to feel that oh-so familiar lump form in his throat. He struggled hard to fight back the tears. Roy prodded his stone cold mashed potatoes with his fork. He had already fed his mum and 14

The Diamond Ring Effect placed her into bed hours ago. It was now well after nine in the evening. His dad still wasn’t home. He had broken his promise. Anger welled up inside him. Why did he even believe him this morning anyway? He sighed and shoved the plate to one side. Food the last thing on his mind. Roy, in that instant, decided that he needed a drink, after all. Yes, he would suffer in the morning and yes, his mum needed him. But he had needs, too. He pulled the bottle closer to him, unscrewing the cap. There really wasn’t anything else to do now anyway. He had done all his chores and seen to his mum. She was sound asleep and would be that way until morning. Heck, he’d even jacked off three times today thinking of Hamish. It was too early to go to bed and the rising depression within him, now slowly overtaking his anger, saw to it that he didn’t feel like watching TV. What else was there? Roy hated himself for doing it, but he poured out the golden-brown fluid into the crystal glass that he had retrieved from the liquor cabinet earlier. Why couldn’t his dad have kept his promise? He wouldn’t need to do this if he had. It was all his fault. Picking up the glass, moving so the whiskey swirled inside, he stopped just short of his mouth. He thought for the longest moment 15

Mark Alders about whether or not he should take that first tempting sip into oblivion. He then thought of his mum. What would she think if she knew he was drinking like this. Then he thought of Hamish. Would he want to go out with someone who hated themselves enough to drink alone and for the wrong reasons? “I need you, Dad. Now more than ever,” he said to no one but himself, thinking of the good times they used to have before Mum’s accident and before his dad retreated into his work. His emotions saw the better of him. Shrugging his shoulders, he placed the glass onto his lips. The smell of the alcohol was rancid, yet inviting. He thought about his life. His shallow, empty life. No one to love because he was stuck at home all day every day. Who would come over to visit him when he was tied up looking after his mum, on call twenty-four hours a day? He sighed deep. The only thing worth living for was the love, the devotion he had for his mum. What the hell had happened to his father lately? Why had he abandoned him? His father had broken one too many promises and this was now the last straw as far as Roy was concerned. He sipped the whiskey, letting the fluid burn his tongue and numb his mouth. A split second after he had swallowed that first seductive mouthful, he heard a crashing sound outside. It 16

The Diamond Ring Effect sounded to him like the outdoor dining set had been knocked over. Startled, Roy plonked down the glass, deep down thankful for the distraction. He got up from the kitchen table and went outside to investigate. “Who’s there?” he said, trying to put on the most manly voice he could muster, even though the adrenaline was pumping through his body at a rate of knots and the ends of his fingers tingled. Thinking the worst, like a burglar had come into the back yard, he opened the sliding door, then thought twice and closed it. A momentary flash of light, as if from a powerful flashlight, blinded Roy. He turned his head away, shielding his eyes, but it was too late. All he could see were spots of light scintillating in front of him. He was blinded. “Damn! What’s going on?” His voice shaky, he’d lost all confidence in himself and his ability to fend off any would-be burglar, if that’s what this was. All he could think of in this desperate moment was his mum’s safety. How would she survive if anything happened to him? Before he could step away and make sure his mother was all right, he heard a noise that reminded him of an electric motor or generator winding up. It was bizarre and it stopped him in his tracks. What the hell was going on here? Then, as the noise reached its peak, a voice 17

Mark Alders boomed, “We are here…to see… you, Roy Edgars.” “What?” Roy squinted, trying to see if he could make out anything in the light that had blinded him. He couldn’t. All he knew was that his hands were sweaty and his heart was beating fast. He hated the not knowing. “Who the fuck are you then?” The noise and the voice continued. A voice that sounded familiar somehow. Was it the same he had heard this morning? Surely not. Why would someone be hanging around his house all day? “We are…just learning…only now. We need to fornicate with you.” Roy was taken aback. Was this some sort of prank? Were his friends playing a practical joke on him? “What did you just say?” He was truly baffled by what had been said. He tried to see what was outside, but because of the light being directed at him, found it useless to gauge any information other than what he already knew. “I’m gonna call the cops now unless you show yourself, you hear me?” he added feebly, but still trying to maintain his bravado. There was a moment when the generator noise, sort of like a loud metallic hum, gained in intensity. “We apologise. We want to… communicate with you.” Roy was somewhat relieved. “Oh, well, turn off 18

The Diamond Ring Effect that light then. If you want to talk, talk.” Deep down, he was actually glad for the company. Even if the person behind the light turned out to be an axe-wielding maniac or a crazed rapist, at least it was someone to talk to. “We can’t turn off our light.” “Why not?” Roy said, his brow furrowed and a feeling of complete puzzlement overtook anything he had felt before. “I can’t see a damn thing.” “We are the light.” Roy strained his eyes to look outside once more. He could only just make out three forms of light amongst the wash of light that had filled the back yard. They looked ghost-like, ethereal even. Roy swore, right there and then to never, ever touch his dad’s whiskey, even if it was a mouthful. Roy stood for a moment, dumbfounded. Fixed to the spot like a stunned animal in a car’s headlights. The lights came forward. He could see now that there were indeed three of them and they were ghost-like in appearance. “I am Mondaras,” the middle ghost said. “This is Escallosh to my left. And this is Lapizious to my…other side.” “I can’t—oh, wait, yes, I can see you.” The light of their being no longer bled into each other. It was like a stage curtain had been lifted, revealing the setting beyond. To him they were unlike any 19

Mark Alders ghost he had seen portrayed on TV. In fact, they were distinctly alien in appearance, their heads elongated with bulbous eyes and thin, mean lips. “Oh my God, you’re aliens, aren’t you?” There was another increase in the intensity of their light and the background humming. “We are from another planet, if that is what you mean by the term alien.” Roy nodded, his mouth agape. “Yeah, that’s what I mean.” “We are beings from far away, trapped here by accident. We need to explain this happenstance so you are informed enough to help us.” “Sooo, what do you w-want from me?” Roy asked, unable to contain himself any longer. “There is an eclipse coming,” Mondaras stated matter-of-factly. Roy, puzzled yet amazed by what he was hearing and seeing, could do nothing other than stare. The three aliens approached and the humming eased until it was only a background murmur. The ethereal beings looked at each other. The middle one, the one who called himself Mondaras, glided forward effortlessly. Its light, its being, burning with a greater intensity as it began to hum again. Roy now knew it was about to speak. “During the eclipse period we must travel through the tunnel of darkness to the place of our 20

The Diamond Ring Effect rendezvous. It is there where we will transfer ourselves beyond your realm and back into our own. But we must be quick. There will be no turning back once we get started, for we must do all of this before the diamond ring occurs.” “What the heck does that mean?” “It means that we see this upcoming celestial event as the only brief chance for us to get off your world and back to our own.” Mondaras turned to his companions. They nodded, confirming his words. “Will you help us, naked ape man called Roy Edgars?” Roy felt annoyance when the being of light, dancing hypnotically before him, described him as a naked ape. Sure, he was only wearing his boxers and a T-shirt, but still. He did have clothes on. “I’m—I’m not naked.” Then again, he wasn’t sure whether he should be offended or not. He wasn’t ashamed of what God had given him. Heck, he’d show anyone who asked, especially Hamish. But this was different. They weren’t human. “Your fabric is only a small barrier for us. If we want to make it so, even walls and steel are all permeable to our vision. Serving no other function than the aesthetic.” Roy blushed. “Oh.” That confirmed it. They could see him in all his glory. “Don’t be alarmed nak— human male—” 21

Mark Alders “Please, if we’re going to get anywhere, just call me Roy.” The three ethereal beings’ ghost-like light bodies flashed a different colour for a split second, like they were communicating with each other on a different level or something. When the humming subsided and he couldn’t pick it out from all the other background noises of his house, like the clock ticking or the refrigerator’s compressor whir, Mondaras spoke again. “We agree.” “Good,” Roy said. “Now we can get on with things then.” There was a silence between them, like the aliens were contemplating his words. Then, without even remembering how it had happened, Roy noted that he was sitting down on one of the couches that dotted the lounge and that the beings were in the house with him. He hadn’t noticed them pass through the sliding door, so how they got in, he couldn’t even hazard a guess. But there they were. Shimmering with a beauty he’d never seen before in his life. It was awesome, humbling and frightening, all at the same time. “Roy, it is,” the alien named Escallosh said. “So what do you want from me? And now that I think about it, what can I, a useless excuse for a human, offer you?” “You are not useless. You are unique, special 22

The Diamond Ring Effect and important.” “Tell that to my dad,” Roy snapped back. There was another moment of excited light flickering and oscillated humming. “What?” Roy added, knowing something was up without understanding why. “Yourself and your father will be the key to our salvation,” they all said in unison. “Both of you together will save us, one no more or no less important than the other.” “Oh, and here I was thinking this was going to be easy,” Roy said with a sigh. Roy was consumed by mixed emotions and thoughts of still being unable to believe that aliens exist and that they were in his house. Okay, he couldn’t deny his eyes and senses, but at the same time he couldn’t help but think this was an elaborate hoax. How it was done he had no idea. He decided, in the end, to go with the flow of this bizarre situation. For the moment. He noted that the aliens were content for him to do most of the talking. It seemed the more he talked the more they learned from him, their speech becoming better and better with each passing moment. Roy was fine with that. Company was company and he was no longer alone, even if they were from another world. “Was it you I saw and heard the other day?” 23

Mark Alders Roy asked, rubbing his chin. “Yes,” Mondaras answered. “Then, umm, can you tell me why I was thrown across the room last night so I was knocked unconscious?” The ethereal being Roy referred to flicked a rainbow pattern across its body. After a moment of this sort of thing, it returned back to its more natural white light state. Mondaras said, “We were…learning. Our communication methods are primarily by sight, pressure and mental sound. We wanted to greet you using our secondary method first, thinking it the most benign. We were wrong and we apologise for hurting you. From what I can see inside you, you weren’t damaged, thankfully. We would not know what to do otherwise.” “Neither would I,” Roy admitted. “Then you tried the third method. That’s why I heard you.” Mondaras flashed green and hummed. Roy took that as an affirmative response. He had to admit it, he was learning from them just as much as they were from him. “You can see through me as well?” Roy added. Again the green flash. “Why me? And more importantly, why have me and my dad been chosen to help you over all the other humans on this planet? Like I said, I’m nothing special, and I’m sure my dad’s just as big 24

The Diamond Ring Effect a loser as I am. The fruit don’t fall far from the tree, as they say.” Roy winced, almost embarrassed by admitting what he just did. Mondaras seemed to confer with his colleagues for a long time, their bodily light changing from white to purple to green to red to blue to black and back again. The show was quite spectacular and dazzling. Not to mention the humming. That became deafening. If Roy hadn’t known any better he’d swear they were having a heated discussion. Finally, Mondaras said, “Because of what your father does for a…career. Is that the right term for what adult humans do?” “Where he works has something to do with helping you, you mean?” “Yes.” “That’s ridiculous!” Roy laughed. “Why, Roy?” “He works at a—oh, some sort of government place that’s all secret and hush hush or something. Anyway, who cares where he works? He’s always out and working all hours or so he says.” But as he said it he realised this was not as black and white as he’d first thought. “Hang on. He doesn’t…work …just anywhere, does he?” The ethereals flashed with a kaleidoscope of colours again. Mondaras answered, “No.” Roy turned around, half-expecting his dad to be 25

Mark Alders standing there, letting him in on the joke this seemed to be. It was not so. It was only Roy, the three ethereals and his stone cold dinner on the table with that glass of whiskey he swore he’d never get out of the cupboard again. He sighed, “So what does my dear old dad do for a career then?” Mondaras flashed green again. “He’s working at the Solaris Institute in the city you know as Canberra. He’s the head researcher there.” Roy couldn’t breathe. The air in the house was suddenly stale and he needed to get outside. He needed some oxygen. Why hadn’t his dad told him about this? Then again, as he thought about it, why should he? He never spoke to him about anything anyway. Why the hell should this be different? The bastard. “Are you all right…Roy?” Mondaras asked, flashing purple. Roy was gasping for air and he bolted for the door anyway. Ten minutes passed outside before Roy finally managed to compose himself. He had doubled over, holding his knees in an attempt to calm himself. What was his dad doing at a research institute, especially one as well known as the Solaris Institute? What was he researching there? Did mum even know about this? Why are these aliens even here? Actually, how is it they knew and he didn’t? So many questions swam 26

The Diamond Ring Effect about in Roy’s mind, the reason for his needing to get out into the fresh air in the first place. He did feel a little better, even though not one question had been answered. Time to change that. “Okay, what research does he do there?” Roy whispered. He sucked in a lungful of air, coughed, and added, “And does it have anything to do with you being here?” Mondaras obviously sensed Roy’s discomfort. He flashed crimson. Cautiously, he replied, “No, we are here because of our own misjudgements. We need your father to help us get back. He is working on something we think will help us do just that. It will travel the tunnel so we can safely get to our ship.” “Excuse me? Can you talk sense? If I am to help you, I need to know everything. You hear me, Mondaras? Everything!” “Go inside your home. There you can sit, eat, drink and be comfortable. I will then tell you all that we know.” Roy, after much hesitation, nodded in agreement, but not before he sucked in another clean lung full of night air. He was, he had to admit, hungry and thirsty. “I have a feeling the truth will make me peckish, that’s for sure.” “There is much more to the truth than you can even imagine, Roy.” “I knew it. I just bloody well knew it.” 27

Mark Alders

After raiding the refrigerator, Roy gorged himself on chocolate biscuits and milk. Satisfied, he was now ready for what the ethereals had to say to him whether he liked what they were going to tell him or not. “Okay, hit me with it. I’m all ears.” Mondaras flashed purple. “No, you’re mostly water, carbon, calcium—” “It was a figure of speech, Mondaras. I meant that you have my full attention, that’s all.” “So I can proceed?” “Yes.” Mondaras communicated with his comrades using the flickering coloured light method. Mondaras glided aside, letting the one on his left come forward. Roy remembered its name as being Escallosh. The next sentence spoken confirmed it. “I am Escallosh, the keeper of the records. It is my duty, my privilege to inform you, naked ape…I mean, Roy, about what you need to know. It is my duty to tell you everything as has been directed to me by my leader.” Escallosh seemed to stare right through him. Roy, his memory jogged by Escallosh’s glare, remembered that they could see through everything. He crossed his legs, now selfconscious. Sure, he didn’t care if Hamish or any 28

The Diamond Ring Effect human saw him naked, but in this case, doing such a thing gave him a small comfort. He sipped from his glass casually, the milk cool and refreshing as it went down his throat. Roy was still unsure how to take these beings. Were they telling the truth when they said they could see through anything? He raised an eyebrow. “Please, go on,” he said as calmly as he could, so as not to arouse their suspicion. “We were on a survey mission, examining your planet. We miscalculated your atmosphere and this error on our part caused our vehicle permanent damage. You see, your atmosphere has changed somewhat since the last time we visited. It has more…toxins. Something we did not calculate into the protective shield’s matrix. We are stuck here. Sending off the distress call was not of any concern, it happens automatically. What is of concern is how to get off this planet so we can get into our rescue vehicle without being noticed.” Escallosh paused, like he was waiting for something from Roy. “Go on,” Roy repeated impatiently. “You are too kind.” Escallosh said, flashing blue. “We had to learn as much as we could about you…humans…if only to find a way home. We learned of your esteemed father and the valuable work he does—” “Now hold on. This can’t be about my dad. 29

Mark Alders Surely you’re joking.” Roy paused for thought, then added, “Are you sure you have the right man? My dad is the pathetic doofus that works as a government drone somewhere. As far as I know all this talk of him being a head researcher is crap.” “I am sorry to correct you, but we are not mistaken on this. Is your father not John Edgars of seventeen Livingstone Lane Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, latitude one—” “Okay, okay. I get the picture,” Roy said, short of air again. “Please continue.” “The institute your father is working at makes solar probes. Spaceships capable of gathering data on all sorts of cosmic events. One of these probes will be launched tomorrow. We must all be on it.” “I can see why you’d want to be on that probe, your ship has been damaged. But why the solar probe? Why not the space shuttle, or—well, even a rocket?” Roy said, his curiosity piqued once more. “Because, in conjunction with the launch there will be a solar eclipse over this part of your planet. The probe will study your star, and the circumstances make it ideal for us. The tunnel will be created. It will give us our chance you see, for we can leave this planet without being detected. The shadow creates the tunnel. The shadow will be our salvation.” Roy was beginning to understand, although 30

The Diamond Ring Effect some things still puzzled him. “I think I understand,” he said, reiterating his thoughts. “We only have this opportunity,” Mondaras added. “Once it has gone we would be stuck here, having to find another way to get off this planet without being seen. We are sensitive and your atmosphere in its current condition is damaging to us. We need to—no, we have to get away. Another chance may not happen before it’s too late for us. You understand now, don’t you, Roy?” The three ethereals flickered back and forth between green and blue, before settling once more on white. “Oh, I see. But it would have to be well timed. Total eclipses don’t last very long, do they?” “Agreed, Roy. We would have to get to our ship before the diamond ring… You have your father’s intelligence, I see,” Escallosh chirped. “Don’t say that,” Roy snapped. “He’s a jerk. If I do this, I do it for you and for you only. Don’t forget that.” “But you have half of his biological material. There is a bond there that is more than physical.” Roy rubbed his chin in thought for a long while. “That don’t mean nothing in my book. But I do want to go to this institute, just to see the look on his sorry face when I show up. He’ll know right there and then that he’s been busted and that he should have told him.” Roy slowly smiled, one 31

Mark Alders that revealed his inner delight. “So, you will help us then?” “I agree to help you, but I’m not leaving Mum alone. She needs constant care and I couldn’t live with myself if anything happened to her.” “You don’t have to. Lapizious is the carer, just like you are. He will tend to her.” “Oh, just perfect. That’ll be the icing on the cake as far as tonight is concerned. My mum waking up to see one of you guys. What do you take me for, some sort of idiot?” “She won’t wake. Lapizious is a master of his craft. Your mother will be looked after and serene in her own skin. I promise.” Roy eyed the ethereal suspiciously. The words he spoke didn’t do much to comfort him, especially not the skin part. It sounded so…alien. “We don’t have much time. The launch is tomorrow afternoon your time.” Roy nodded. Before he realised it, Lapizious had disappeared. Just like that. Gone and in an instant. One third the intensity of light in the room diminished as he did so. It took a moment for Roy’s eyes to adjust. Mondaras said, “She is at peace with Lapizious. Be at peace, too, Roy. All will be well.” “Let me check on her all the same. Then we can go.” The two remaining ethereals flashed so many 32

The Diamond Ring Effect colours that Roy became dazzled by it. Mondaras finally added, “As you wish. And thank you.” Roy climbed into his car. “Is this why my dad didn’t come home tonight? He’s preparing for the launch?” “I would imagine that to be so.” “He promised he’d be home. He promised,” Roy mumbled as he turned the key and fired up the engine. “Say, aren’t you two going to be rather conspicuous? Me walking into the institute with two beings of light might attract some of the wrong sort of attention, you know. Can’t you hide or something?” There was a brief and colourful conference between the ethereals. “We can hide, but it may be tricky.” “What’ya mean?” “We can hide within you. You have plenty of space—” “Hey, I thought you said I was intelligent!” Mondaras flashed yellow. If Roy understood their light patterns, he’d swear Mondaras was laughing. “In your lungs, Roy. We can hide in your lungs.” “Oh.” “But be warned, it will make you 33

Mark Alders uncomfortable and short of breath. Even though we are light, we do, believe it or not, have some physical substance. I would imagine you’d be unable to have us within you for very long so it’s best if we didn’t hide within you until the last possible moment. For your own safety, of course.” “So long as I can get into the building, that’ll be all the time I need.” Roy clunked the car into reverse. He took in a deep breath, realising he was going to see his dad, his lying, no good, breaking all his promises dad. His stomach felt queasy again as he backed the car up. He should be home with mum, for he knew the ethereals were only using him to get into the building and ultimately onto the probe. Once they had achieved that—well, time will tell he supposed. For now he would continue to go with the flow. Roy, when he had backed the car off the driveway, ground the car into first gear, realised he had absolutely no idea where this so-called institute was. Sure, he had a fair idea, it’s just that he’d never been there before. “Which way do I go?” “We will guide you.” “Somehow I knew you were going to say that.” Over an hour later, Roy pulled his car into a car park that looked for all intents and purposes like 34

The Diamond Ring Effect any other. Somehow he was expecting guard dogs, security fences with razor wire and burly blokes carrying menacing machine guns. The building at the far end of the car park looked like an office block, and a normal looking office block at that. It was all steel and glass and modern in every way. Roy felt cheated. A sign in front of the building read, Solaris Research and launch facility. Under that, in golden script writing were the words, John Edgars and Co. incorporated. Roy swallowed hard. “Are you all right?” Mondaras said. “Let’s just get this over and done with.” Roy stepped out of the car, the two ethereals close behind him. He traversed the car park as quick as his legs could carry him and slipped into the rotating glass entrance door. He didn’t look back. He didn’t waste time. Roy wanted to get this done. He came to a long hallway, which had a large reception desk at the far end. To his left there was a door. Roy tested the handle of the door. It turned. He didn’t need to look back to know that the ethereals were still behind him, his shadow was cast strong against the wall of the hallway. Roy opened the door. Had he been seen? He didn’t have time to contemplate such things. He could see the cameras were on, but whether or not the person monitoring them was vigilant would 35

Mark Alders be another matter. No alarm was raised. Roy snuck inside the room. It was some sort of storage room. He didn’t need to turn on the light, the ethereals provided plenty. “You guys stay here, I’ll go check out who’s at reception first.” The ethereals flashed green. Roy took that as a yes. He stepped out into the hallway and crept closer to reception, his back firm to the wall. Again he didn’t know if he had been seen, but again, he couldn’t worry about such things. Then, to his complete and utter surprise, he spied Hamish sitting at reception. His handsome features, complete with adorable smile and that wonderful blond well-kept hair, was unmistakable. Roy gasped and he felt as though his heart wanted to occupy the same space as his throat. He didn’t know Hamish worked here— well, he knew he worked in an institute, just not this one. Wide-eyed, Roy stood silent and still, looking at him for the longest time. He was simply beautiful and he became mesmerised as he watched him work. Hamish was, for lack of a better word, his dream man. Roy licked his lips. He realised, after what seemed an eternity, that staring at Hamish wasn’t accomplishing his goal. He was here for a reason. Slowly, his muscles, 36

The Diamond Ring Effect frozen by the sight of Hamish, responded to his thoughts. He slipped back along the hallway away from reception. Roy’s heart beat was loud in his chest and his breathing became erratic. This made matters more complicated, for sure. Creeping back into the room where he had left the ethereals, Roy clung to the wall like it was his lifeline. Their light momentarily blinding him, he knew he couldn’t go on. He didn’t know how he could get past Hamish without making a complete spectacle of himself. Not only that, because he couldn’t go on, he would be holed up in this utility room forever with a couple of aliens, too. Roy cursed himself under his breath. Why did everything have to be so complicated? Why couldn’t he just walk up to reception and announce that he wanted to see his dad? Roy knew the answer. He was head over heels in love with Hamish. When Roy had controlled his breathing so that he was no longer panting like a dog that had run around the park chasing tennis balls all day, he found a small vestige of strength within him to make a decision. He couldn’t get past Hamish without stuffing it all up. Hamish was straight and he was gay. A combination that just didn’t mix. Yes, he had to admit that not only did he fancy him, but he wouldn’t be able to get past Hamish without making a fool of himself. Suffering an 37

Mark Alders embarrassment and jeopardising any chance of getting the ethereals to the probe. The jig was up before it had even started and all because of his feelings. “Why is your heart palpitating, Roy?” Mondaras asked in an off-handed manner. “Does it require something?” Roy, remembering they could see into him, blushed. And not for the first time since meeting the ethereals either. He said in reply, “None of your business. Let’s just concentrate on the matter at hand. I-I can handle m-myself.” He waved his hand to dismiss the ethereals question and to reassure himself that his emotions shouldn’t get the better of him. Roy thought about how stupid he just sounded as he justified a natural function of his body. He felt his cheeks flush red. Fuck, he had it bad. “As you wish,” Mondaras said. “But are you angered?” “Whatever do you mean?” “You’re displaying a crimson shade.” “Oh, um, no,” Roy continued. “I’m—oh, damn how do I explain human nature to an alien that isn’t even corporal?” “Explain…then we all learn.” “It’s normal for a male to…um, I don’t think we have the time to go through human biology at this stage. We’d better get on with it.” 38

The Diamond Ring Effect “You’re right, of course, Roy,” Mondaras’ body splashed a kaleidoscope of colours before returning to white. “If you say it’s normal, then we’re not concerned. Lead on good friend.” Roy had the proof right there and then that they could definitely see through anything. Which gave him an idea. “Say, can you see where my dad is?” “Yes, of course. As easily as we see anything else,” Mondaras said. “But don’t you think it’s time we got inside you—to get past that secretary your body reacts to.” “I suppose,” Roy said with a squeak. “But how do you know how I’m feeling?” “Well, if you are not displaying anger, then it must be attraction. Am I right? Are you attracted to that male, Roy?” Roy nodded. “Yeah, I got it bad for him. He…pushes all my buttons, so to speak.” Mondaras and Escallosh flashed all sorts of colours. “So does he feel the same way as you? Does he get sweaty palms and heart palpitations when he sees you?” “I don’t think so.” “Then you must ask him how he feels about you. Attraction is important to you humans, is it not?” Roy didn’t answer. The alien was right. But the other thing that was important to humans, and probably far more important than attraction, was 39

Mark Alders reciprocation. What point was there for attraction if it couldn’t be shared? Roy felt the pangs of loneliness shoot up to consume him, like it had last night…and the night before. Escallosh then said, “Shouldn’t we hide now?” Mondaras flashed blue. “Yes. We must get inside you, Roy. It will be the only way. This building’s security may look innocuous, but at the lower levels where we need to go it gets much more…intense.” “Yeah, yeah, don’t remind me,” Roy said, looking up to the heavens. “Okay, let’s get on with it. What do I have to do?” “Breathe in deep. We will enter you that way.” Roy did as instructed. As he took in air, the alien light that was Mondaras and Escallosh travelled with it. Moments later, Roy’s lungs were filled with the ethereals, leaving only a small amount of space left for him to continue breathing and keep himself alive. There was an intense pressure from within and Roy couldn’t help but gasp for air, like a fish that had been landed. Actually, the sensation of having the aliens inside him felt like he’d dived down into deep water and the pressure pressed against him, only from the inside. Roy was uncomfortable. His ears even popped and he heaved a couple of times, too. “My God,” Roy gasped, doubling over straight 40

The Diamond Ring Effect away. “Now I know…how that chick…in the Alien movie must have…felt. This is…ahh, steady on…This damn well hurts…like hell.” We are sorry, but we told you it would be difficult. We will try and make you as comfortable as possible, but I cannot tell how long you can carry us like this. “Say, you’re…talking…to me…differently.” Yes, we are communicating with you using mental sound. I think this is best. Otherwise to hear my voice out loud could jeopardise your efforts. “Good…thinking.” Roy staggered to the door, pushing on it. It opened with a crash and he fell over himself as the door swung open. Not only was his breathing shallow, his legs felt weak and he began to sweat. In fact, everything was an effort all of a sudden. He could even feel his heart beat, which was squashed between his alien filled lungs. To any on lookers he’d look drunk or on drugs. What would Hamish think of him he shuddered to think? And just when I only had one sip to drink tonight, too, he thought to himself. What was that, Roy? It was clear the ethereals could pick up on his thoughts as well, the communication working both ways. He’d have to watch what he thought. “Never mind. Shh, I’m…nearly at…the reception…desk,” he wheezed. Roy, walking up to the main desk the best he 41

Mark Alders could, collided into absolutely everything. A plant. An ornament. Hamish, disturbed by the commotion, looked up as soon as the glass doors slid open and Roy entered the room. His eyes sparkled. “Roy! What are you doing here?” Hamish cried, dashing away from behind the desk and running over to him. His touch on his arm was so warm and masculine. Roy felt his heart beat again, but not from the aliens squeezing it. “Hi…Hamish,” Roy gasped, utterly exhausted from the short walk and trying to sound as casual as he could. “My God, what’s happened to you, Roy?” “Nothin’ I-I…ahh!” Hamish grabbed Roy by the shoulder so he could offer a supportive embrace. Roy had to admit, the smell of his deodorant and the closeness of his body sent shivers of delight through his body. What is happening to you now, Roy? Mondaras asked. Why is your penis engorging with blood? Is this a normal function of attraction? Roy didn’t answer. He was too fixated with Hamish. “Here, come and sit down,” Hamish said, guiding him to a plush looking sofa that sat nestled between two indoor palm trees. 42

The Diamond Ring Effect “No, no. I…need to see…my…Dad. Quick! I can’t hold out…much…longer with…this.” Hamish looked puzzled but did as Roy instructed. He went back to his desk and picked up the phone. Roy couldn’t help but stare at his arse as he sauntered away. Fucking hell, he’d give his eye-teeth to see him out of his clothes and touch that cute bubble butt of his. “Can I speak to Mr. Edgars please?” A moment of silence. “Sure. It’s his son here to see him. I think it’s urgent.” Hamish returned, his smile so magnificent on his plump kissable lips. “Well?” Roy slurred. “He’s coming,” Hamish said, looking concerned all of a sudden. “Are you sure you’re all right. You’re sweating like a racehorse and as white as a sheet, too, Roy. I’m a bit worried about you.” He is showing a sign of attraction, too, Roy. His heart is beating faster. This time Roy answered. He’s probably more concerned than attracted. I would be if I was confronted by someone who looked like a drunk. You humans are so complicated. Why can’t you just flash colours that show your true emotions? Things would be so much easier. Hamish repeated, “Are you sure you’re okay?” “I’m…fine…couldn’t be…better,” Roy replied. He clenched his eyelids closed and screwed up his face as pain shot through him from within. It 43

Mark Alders seemed Mondaras and Escallosh were moving, probably trying to give Roy more air space in his lungs. “Look, you’re obviously in—” Before Hamish could even add another thought to his words, John Edgars stepped into reception from a back entrance. “Roy! What the hell’s the matter with you, you don’t look well? Where’s your mother?” “Dad…I-I-I need to see…you.” “Have you been drinking, too?” Roy’s dad added. So much for that impression you wanted to give him. Mondaras’ thoughts punctured his mind like a stab with a knife. Roy winced. Breathing heavily and worried about whether or not he could continue holding the aliens in his lungs, Roy managed to stand up. He dry heaved. Hamish supported him, and again, his touch was welcome. His dad had a look of both horror and confusion flash across his face. “Come with me into my office,” John said, prying Roy away from Hamish’s grasp. He then added, “Hamish, thanks for your assistance. You can return to work now.” “Yes, Mr. Edgars, sir.” Hamish took one final look at Roy before returning to his duties. Was Mondaras right? Did Hamish have feelings for him, too? He did notice, in his pain induced 44

The Diamond Ring Effect state, that he gave him a look that consisted of a roving gaze and a quirky smile. Roy smiled, even thought it was difficult to do so. Perhaps there was hope after all. John slammed his office door shut. Roy knew he was upset, but what confirmed it was the way his dad plonked him roughly on the first available office chair. Roy winced and the room span. Again he dry heaved. “What the hell are you playing at, Roy? Why are you here when you should be at home looking after your mother?” You can’t reveal us yet. You need to talk to your father. He is the key. You are the key. Working together is the only way we can return home, free from this place. “He won’t understand. He’s too…pigheaded,” Roy answered, realising all too late that he had spoken the words out loud. “I beg your pardon, young man. At least have the decency to give me a proper coherent answer. Is that too much to ask?” “I want to…know what you…do here, Dad. It’s…important.” “What?” John questioned, his cheeks bright red. It didn’t take the senses of an ethereal to know that he was upset. Roy couldn’t blame him, he’d probably be upset too if the situation were 45

Mark Alders reversed. “Why…didn’t you tell…me what you… did?” “You never gave me a chance, Roy.” John’s words not only softened, they were filled with sincerity. “So I made up anything. I didn’t think you cared. You’ve come all this way for nothing. Now, please, go back home and see to your mother.” Roy mustered up all his strength. He breathed in deep, trying to get as much air into his lungs as he could. His chest ached. But he didn’t care. He had to tell his father what he knew. “I know that… you’re…working on a…probe. It’ll be launched soon. There is something I need…you to…know. I have to get to the probe. I have to send some…friends home.” “My God, son. You’re delirious, aren’t you? Can you even understand a word I’m saying? Can you?” John’s anger became apparent again. That vein in his temple bulged. “You’re…such a…bastard.” “That’s the only thing you’ve said to me that makes any sense. Now go home, Roy. I’ll get someone to drive you.” John picked up the phone that sat covered in paperwork on his desk. “We’ll talk about this later.” “See…I-I… told you he’d never…understand.” Breathe out, Mondaras said. It is premature, but we must show ourselves to him. He does not believe you 46

The Diamond Ring Effect and the communication rift between you even though you are genetically linked is too great. “Dad. Wait.” Roy’s face contorted. His arms and legs flailed like he were possessed, which in a way he was. Then, with every ounce of strength within him and one great exhale, he tried to expel the ethereals. John looked on in horror, dropping the phone before he could even press the first number. Roy gagged and his father rushed to his side. Roy could see in his expression that he didn’t understand why his son would be behaving this way. But again, Roy didn’t have time to contemplate such matters. He had to rid himself of the aliens. “What’s happening to you?” John screamed, coming to embrace Roy, to stop him from falling. Roy heaved again. Stars scintillated in his vision as he pushed out every molecule of air from his lungs. He felt as though he were being squeezed, which in a way he supposed he was. Thankfully, the ethereals emerged, flowing from his open mouth. Unfortunately, they came from him with everything Roy had in his stomach, too. His dad’s swish looking office carpet now stained with bile and masticated cookies and half-digested milk. Once the ethereals were out, Roy slumped exhausted back into the chair. He was relieved 47

Mark Alders and thankful at the same time. He hoped he didn’t have to go through that again. Roy wiped his brow. He was saturated with perspiration, his hair plastered to his forehead. His father could only stare wide-eyed at the two phantoms shimmering in front of him, projecting an eerie luminosity that splashed his office walls. Roy said in a hoarse voice, “I told you I had to see you, Dad.” John turned slowly to his son. “I think you’d better tell me everything. Right from the beginning.” Roy and the ethereals put all their cards on the table, which Roy enjoyed. Not only was he talking with his father, his father was listening to him as well. A rare occurrence indeed. And all it took was aliens from outer space. Roy smiled at that thought. “It’s been so long since we’ve talked like this,” John said. He had sat down, remaining silent until now. “Since Mum had the accident a year ago, I think,” Roy whispered. “And that’s been about how long we’ve—I’ve been preparing for this launch,” John conceded. “Being the boss I do my own hours. I think I let that get a little out of control. Oh, Roy, I should have been there for you more. It’s just that—” 48

The Diamond Ring Effect “I think we’ve both been pigheaded,” Roy admitted, standing up and dusting off his jeans in preparation to leave the office and get on with getting the ethereals home. Then his father’s words struck him. “I’m…I’m just so happy you do care for us.” “Of course I do, Roy. You’re my son and I’ll love and care for you no matter what and no matter how selfish I seem.” Roy felt that lump rise in his throat once more. “I…hate to admit it, but I…I thought you didn’t care.” Roy felt himself blush. That would confuse the ethereals. The redness his cheeks displayed would have nothing to do with anger or arousal. “I’m sorry, Dad.” Roy and his father embraced. “Roy, don’t apologise. I have been at fault, too. Like you said, we’ve both been pigheaded. It should be me that apologises to you, after all. I seriously thought you were drunk or something and I should have given you the benefit of the doubt.” Roy held onto his father for what seemed an eternity. But the greatest thing about this moment was the fact his dad returned his embrace with just as much strength. Tears of joy rolled down Roy’s cheeks. Mondaras flashed yellow. “See, the bond is more than you know between you. Just like I 49

Mark Alders said.” “There’s something else you should know before we go to the loading room,” John added, pulling away and holding Roy by his shoulders. “What, Dad?” Roy questioned, concern evident in his voice. “The loading room where the main body of the probe is kept—well, that’s now under lockdown. Security and all, you know. I mean, I don’t think that even I could get in there now.” “We’ve got to try, if nothing else.” The ethereals white light bodies speckled dark tones, and their humming increased. Roy knew they shared his concern. “We can’t fail now, not when we’re so close. We must go home. Please, John Edgars, please let us get to the probe,” Mondaras pleaded. John looked from one ethereal to the other before he rested his gaze on Roy. “Okay. I’ll try. The longer we stand about flapping our jaws the harder this might become. People get all jittery before a launch…I should know.” Roy smiled. John clicked his fingers and pointed at his son. “Say, you’re going to have to do that swallow-thealiens trick again, aren’t you? I certainly won’t be able to explain them to the board tomorrow.” The smile was wiped from Roy’s lips. “I don’t suppose there’s a better way, is there? From what 50

The Diamond Ring Effect happened last time I won’t be able to walk and talk at the same time. It was just too damn hard. Besides, Hamish already thinks I’m a drunken idiot.” Roy looked up into his dad’s eyes. “I think I blew any chance with him, as remote as that was.” John’s eyebrows rose as quick as one of his probes at launch. “Is there something more you want to tell me, Roy?” Roy swallowed hard. Now was a good a time as any to tell his father he was gay, seeing as everything was all out in the open now anyway. “Yeah…I’m…I’m gay dad.” The words came out as difficult as if he were expelling eternals from his lungs, but he had said it. Now his dad knew. There was a moment of silence before John said, “I’m sure Hamish doesn’t—hang on, we can use this. I’ll say you’re my sick son visiting the institute and that you want to see the probe before you have to go back into the hospital. That’ll be plausible. We may be able to get easier access into the launch room with that story, I’m sure.” John’s eyes sparkled, filled with enthusiasm. “Yeah, we can pull that off. It will be a long shot, but worth a try. You’re going to have to carry them, hopefully for the last time. I can see no other way.” “Did you hear what I said, Dad?” John embraced his son once more. “Like I said, you’re my son and I’ll love you no matter what.” Roy felt choked by his emotions again. 51

Mark Alders “Thanks,” he whispered. The ethereals flashed brightly, their tones far more joyous than a few moments ago. “Time is running short. We must hurry,” Escallosh said. “But it is good to see that you both have come to some sort of mutual understanding,” Mondaras said. “This mission would have been very difficult if you hadn’t.” Roy opened his mouth and took in a deep breath. In his peripheral vision he could see his dad stare, mouth open in awe, as the ethereals took their place inside his lungs. Instantly, Roy’s breathing became laboured and he was unable to stand fully upright. At first he tried to walk unaided, but found it difficult, especially so soon after the last time. John came to his son’s side, helping him to walk. They had a way to go, the loading room was three stories below them. “Just concentrate on walking, Roy. Let me do all the talking. Okay?” Roy could only nod in reply. To even speak would make him heave his guts up, he just knew it. Ever so carefully Roy was led out of the office by his dad and together they proceeded down the hall toward reception and the rooms beyond. At the end of the third hallway, Roy had about as much as he could tolerate. He was weak, 52

The Diamond Ring Effect sweating and panting for his very life. The ethereals moved constantly inside him, every nuance punctuated with pain. He stumbled many times. “Nearly there,” John said in a soft reassuring tone. Roy noticed that his dad had to support him more and more with each passing step. “Just past this next door. Then we’re in.” This time, Roy was worse than before. He had no sensation below his waist. And he was certain that if his father wasn’t holding him up and literally dragging him along, he wouldn’t have known what he would have done or how he would have made his way to the loading room. The ethereals were right. They were both needed to complete the mission. “This reminds me of the time I took your mother into hospital when she was in labour with you,” John said with a joviality Roy hadn’t heard from him in—well, in a year at least. Roy managed a quivering smile. But only just. He knew his dad was trying to lighten the moment, but really, having two aliens in his lungs kind of killed any joy he had. The pain saturated him worse than his depression of late. “I…miss you being…there for me. I need…help with…mum…you know,” Roy stammered. It hurt to say it, but he just had to let his dad know how 53

Mark Alders he felt. “I will be around from now on, I promise, Roy,” John said. “I did all this for you and your mother you know. Even though I went about it all wrong. I should have told you everything. Besides, you’re right. You have a life, too. Say, once this is over how about inviting Hamish over to dinner? I’ll cook.” “That…would be…awesome. Although, I don’t know if he feels…the same…about me.” “Well, only one way to find out, isn’t there?” John seemed to strain for a moment. He pulled Roy up, adjusting the way he held him. “I don’t think I could have done all this without you though. You looking after your mother has been the greatest thing you could have done for the family and…well, I appreciate the sacrifice you have made.” “Thanks…I needed to…hear that.” When they reached the door at the end of the passage, John leaned out to open it, focusing his efforts on both holding up Roy and reaching for the handle at the same time. He needn’t have bothered, for no sooner had he touched the handle, the door opened. Standing there was a uniformed man, plump, muscular and looking rather unimpressed. He held a baton tight in his right hand. “Hank, is it?” John said, trying to intone as 54

The Diamond Ring Effect much authority as he could into his voice considering he was burdened. “Yes, Mr. Edgars, sir.” “Just showing Roy, my son, the loading room.” John placed Roy against the wall as carefully as he could so he could address the security guard. “You know the rules, sir. Heck, I bet you invented them. No entry after lockdown to any unauthorised person…sir.” “Can’t you see that my son is sick?” John snapped. Coming as close as he could to the guard. “Well?” “I surely can,” the guard said, stiffening his stance. “But rules is rules.” John placed his hand onto the guard’s shoulder. “Can’t you see that he really wants to see the loading room? Surely you can grant him this one wish.” The guard’s face softened, but Roy couldn’t tell whether he had done so because of capitulation or because he enjoyed having something over his dad. The next words out of the man’s mouth confirmed Roy’s worst suspicion. “What sort of security guard would I be, sir, if I let any Tom, Dick or Harry pass? You wouldn’t have hired me if I couldn’t be trusted to do a proper job, now would you, sir?” “Good point, Hank. And I understand completely—” 55

Mark Alders “Then this’ll be easy, sir.” The guard smirked. One that Roy wished he could remove from the man’s lips. “No entry to anyone without the proper clearance. End of story.” “That’s good, Hank,” John said. He turned away from the guard. “But I don’t have time for this.” “I’m just doing my job, is all.” “Get out of my way and that’s an order, Hank.” Roy didn’t need to see his dad’s face. He could tell he’d lost his patience. He should know, he’d seen it plenty of times. “It’s either that or I’ll have you removed…by force if necessary. And I’m sure you don’t want me to do that.” There was an awkward moment of silence. Hank, for the briefest moment, looked like he was about to step aside. Then, to Roy’s surprise, the man said, “Then you’ll have to remove me by force.” Hank folded his arms in defiance, standing firm. Roy couldn’t believe his ears. His dad was the boss, right? Is there another way into the loading room? Mondaras asked. “Is there another way into the loading room, Dad,” Roy repeated, knowing full well they couldn’t hear Mondaras speak. John shook his head. “Will you move aside, 56

The Diamond Ring Effect Hank? This is my final warning. If you don’t, you’re fired. Clear?” “Then you’ll be hearing from the union. I have my rights and doing my job isn’t a sackable offense. Now you’re more than welcome to go in, but your son isn’t. Am I clear?” “I beg your pardon.” John came even closer to Hank. “What did you say to me?” “You heard…sir.” The next thing Roy knew, his dad turned on the spot and proceeded to try and land a right hook into the security guard’s face. The guard, trained and wary and suspicious, ducked within plenty of time. John’s feeble punch only found the air. “Dad, don’t,” Roy screamed, his voice filled with pain he felt inside, burdened with the ethereals. “There must…be a better…way.” In the next instant, John charged at Hank, screaming like a banshee as he made physical contact with the burly man. Both were soon locked in a bear hug and tumbling around on the floor. Roy added his voice to their cries, but they went unanswered. The last thing he needed right now was his dad being injured, too. Roy pushed himself away from the wall. Pain, intense and overwhelming shot through him. He heaved. All he could do was watch as his dad and the guard twisted and turned and cursed and screamed at each other. 57

Mark Alders A few moments after that, Hank finally managed to free himself from his boss’ clutches. John attempted another punch. Hank dodged it again and this time it was he who initiated the tackle. Both men hit the floor again with a dull thud. Roy didn’t know what to do, and he was in no condition to help his dad. “Dad!” “Run, Roy! Get into the loading—” Roy, exhausted, but fearful of what he was witnessing, pushed himself away from the wall once more. This time he had summoned the strength within him to stand upright. He paused for a moment and sweat poured off his brow. He then staggered to the door where Hank had emerged, guiding his hand along the wall for support. The effort of walking those few steps made his breathing erratic. He heard more shouting from the two men battling on the floor, shouting that sent shivers through his pained body. To Roy it sounded like his dad had been hurt. “Run, Roy!” John cried out. “I don’t know how much longer I—” Roy turned to see his dad stagger to his feet, only to cop a punch fair in the stomach. His dad yelped as he stumbled, before Hank set upon him again. Tears blurred Roy’s vision, tears from both the 58

The Diamond Ring Effect pain of seeing his dad fighting for him and because of Mondaras and Escallosh writhing within his lungs. He coughed, one as hacking and loud as someone who suffered from emphysema. Roy covered his mouth quickly, fearing the ethereals would be expelled. His dad was going to have enough to worry about without the ethereals appearing as well. Roy pushed on the door and tried with all his might to open it. With all his remaining strength and all of his willpower, he succeeded. The door opened. Now all he had to do was pass through it. Roy gasped some more. The lack of oxygen coming into his body was really taking its toll now. But he had to go on. If not for the ethereals, then for his father. Come on, Roy, we believe in you. You can do it. Just like your father says you can. Thinking hard so that he could concentrate on moving the muscles required to move into the loading room proper, Roy did indeed pick up his pace. In a way he wished he was drunk. At least then he would have a valid and believable reason for staggering around and having to use the wall for support. He must have looked a sight, his legs acting independently to where he wanted them to go, going in all directions possible. Then again, he didn’t care how he looked. What he was doing was important. 59

Mark Alders Eventually, and once he gained enough momentum, he managed to pass through the doorways threshold. Roy stumbled victoriously into the loading room, fatigued and breathless, but happy. Then, his vision blurred. He lost sensation in his legs and the next thing he knew he was falling. His reward for accomplishing the task was to collapse onto the floor. As the world around him spun, he took a final gasp of air before the ethereals made their exit. Their light the last thing he saw before he blacked out. Roy woke with his remaining stomach contents next to him. He recoiled from both the sight and smell of it. “Oh God, I hate that so much,” Roy said, his voice filled with disgust. He pushed himself away from his filth by getting up off the highly polished tiled floor. He felt weak, but was glad to be rid of the ethereals within him. “We’re glad you’re all right, Roy,” Mondaras said, positively shimmering with happy colours. Just then John burst into the room, locking the door behind him. He looked frantic. “Quick, get into the probe. We don’t have much time. It’s due for loading within the hour and soon this place will be crawling with personnel.” John said with a frantic gasp. “Besides, I have a feeling Hank will free himself long before then.” 60

The Diamond Ring Effect “What about Lapizious?” Roy asked with genuine concern, turning to Mondaras. “Aren’t you going to wait for him before you get into the probe?” Mondaras and Escallosh conferred with each other briefly. Mondaras said, “We thought you understood.” Roy gave the eternals his full attention, placing his hands on his hips. “No, I don’t understand.” “Lapizious won’t be coming with us,” Mondaras said the white light of his body solidifying for a moment. “What? Why? What’s happened? Mum, what’s happened to Mum?” Roy felt the blood drain from his face, his body going numb with fear. John placed his arm around his shoulder. “Everything will be okay, right?” “Yes,” Escallosh said, gliding forward to meet Roy at close range. “Lapizious is a carer. He is caring for your mother…forever. He has become one with her and she is now walking the path to recovery with him.” Roy couldn’t believe what he was hearing and that familiar lump formed in his throat. But this time joy welled up inside him as well. “What did you say?” “Lapizious and your mother are one. He is more skilled than we are at joining. No filling lung space with him, no. He has become one with her, 61

Mark Alders bone and marrow and muscle and sinew. Just like her blood is inseparable from her body, so, too, is Lapizious.” “I-I don’t know what—” Roy couldn’t finish his sentence. He choked up, hiding his face in his father’s chest. John hugged his son tight, laying a gentle kiss onto the top of his head, just like he had always done. “We shall go now,” Mondaras said. “How can we ever repay you?” Roy’s dad looked at the ethereals with watery eyes. “You already have.” “I have to…go…and see her, Dad.” Roy, too, was crying. John whispered, “You go, Roy. I’ll see to it the aliens—err, sorry, ethereals are in the probe when it’s loaded. You go.” “Again, we thank you,” Mondaras and Escallosh added together. With that, the ethereals, not unlike how they entered Roy, swirled into the small hatch of the probe. The light of the room dimmed once they were inside. “Take my solar telescope so you can see the eclipse. Hamish knows where it is.” “Hamish?” Roy had almost forgotten about him. The news of his mother’s recovery and having achieved his mission kind of saw to it that anything else was shoved to the back of his 62

The Diamond Ring Effect thoughts. “You still going to cook for us then?” John was about to answer when Hank stumbled into the loading room. “Mr. Edgars, sir. I think we have something to sort out.” “That we do, Hank. That we do,” John said, letting go of Roy. “But first, let me tell you, you will get an immediate pay rise for doing your job above and beyond the call of duty.” “Sir?” “Come, let’s talk about it.” John extended out his hand to the guard. They shook. Roy smiled. His dad then added, “Go, Roy, please. See to your mother. I’ll be home about midday tomorrow. I’m cooking, after all.” Roy let go of his father, took one final look at the probe and turned to leave. At the doorways threshold he said, “See you soon, Dad.” Roy, tired, anxious, elated and with a knot in his stomach of the likes he had never experienced, drove as fast as was permissible back to his home. To see his mum better was worth anything and he couldn’t wait. Once there, he burst into his house. What greeted him was the heavenly sight of his mother up and about making herself a cup of tea. It was early morning, dawn had just broken. The kitchen windows, curtains opened, let in the wonderful red glow of a new day. Roy’s mother looked 63

Mark Alders beautiful. Serene. Without words they hugged each other. It was an embrace Roy had wanted to give his mother on so many occasions lately, but couldn’t because of her condition. He didn’t want to let go just in case this was all just a dream. He squeezed her as tight as he dared. “Ow, you’re going to hurt me you know,” his mum whispered. But to Roy it was said with such warmth, such compassion that he knew this wasn’t a dream. This was his mum. And she was better. Roy tried to stop himself, but his emotions overcame him once more. He broke down in his mother’s arms. “Mum, I’m—oh, I’m just so happy you’re back with me and Dad.” He felt the tears stream down his face as she pulled on his chin, making him look right into her eyes. Her touch so soft. “All thanks to you, Roy. I love you so much, darling.” Roy couldn’t help himself, he wept like a little boy. “I…I love you…too.” “Later on, after you’ve got some sleep, young man, we can watch the eclipse together. Funny how I am looking forward to it. Space stuff has never interested me before.” Roy tried to suppress a chuckle, but failed. “Lapizious has told you everything, hasn’t he?” 64

The Diamond Ring Effect She nodded. “He has. It’s different to what you know from your experience. Lapizious is part of me, not just inside me.” She smiled a smile both broad and welcoming. “But generally speaking, yes, that’s true. Oh, and your father said that he’s cooking tonight…his speciality no less, Moroccan chicken. We have a guest apparently.” Roy’s eyes opened wide. “Hamish said yes?” “I believe he did. Your father asked him to come over last night after you left.” “So…you know?” Again she nodded. “Now go get some rest, and that’s an order.” A couple of hours later and after he had caught up on some sleep, Roy was disturbed by the sound of the door bell ringing. He jumped out of bed, clambered into his jeans and slipped on a Tshirt. “Roy, Hamish is here,” his mum yelled out. “Oh, and I’ll be in the garden if you need me. My gardenias need some attention.” Roy’s heart skipped a beat. But before he knew it, he was at the front door taking in the wonderful sight of Hamish. Tall, slim and oh, so handsome. “Aren’t you going to ask me in?” Hamish questioned with a smile. “Um…yeah. Come in. Please. But…but, why are you here so early? I mean, I’m glad—oh, shit. 65

Mark Alders I…I, well…” “Relax, Roy. I’ve got the day off and hey, might as well come over and spend some time with you. Your dad told me how you felt about me.” Roy swallowed hard in his dry throat. “He…did?” Hamish leaned over and pecked Roy on his cheek. The touch of his lips warm and wonderful. Roy’s stomach ignited with an explosion of butterflies and his spine tingled. He was speechless. Here was Hamish, the man of his dreams, kissing him. Roy blinked a few times. Yes, Hamish was still here. “You must be the luckiest bloke on Earth, Roy.” Hamish came into the hallway proper. “I wish my parents were so cool like yours. You must have a blast here.” Roy looked deep into Hamish’s eyes. “So you know…that I’m gay?” Hamish let out a laugh. “Oh, Roy. I’ve had it bad for you for so long. Why do you think I’ve been messaging you on Facebook all the time? But you never answered.” “I didn’t think you were interested,” Roy said with honesty. “Your status says you’re looking for girls.” Hamish came around to embrace Roy and he gasped. Again his stomach turned with delight. “Like I said, you’re lucky you’ve got 66

The Diamond Ring Effect understanding parents. My family are on Facebook, if I posted I was interested in boys, then holy shit, my dad would hit the roof. Heck, I’d probably be booted out of my home.” “I’m sorry.” “Hey, it’s all right. What matters is how I’m feeling right now.” Hamish smiled, one full and sensual and revealing his eye teeth. Roy ran his hands up Hamish’s back, enjoying the touch, savouring the moment. “So what you want to do then until Dad makes dinner? Watch some TV, play Xbox, what?” That smile turned to one of want. Hamish’s lip curled at one corner of his mouth. “How about we get naked and have some skin fun, Roy.” “Oh, God,” Roy said with a wheeze. Hamish leaned down. The next thing Roy knew was the wonderful fact that Hamish’s lips had touched his. With gentle and sensual force he kissed Roy. Their hug tightened and within a blink of an eye, Hamish parted Roy’s lips with his tongue. If Roy thought those butterflies were sensational before, now they were fucking awesome. The whole of his body sang out, every fibre, every muscle. Roy groaned. The taste of Hamish was unlike anything he had experienced. Like an exotic spice he couldn’t name but added so much flavour to anything it was added to. He opened his mouth 67

Mark Alders wider, letting Hamish explore him, kiss him deeper and deeper until he was intoxicated with his touch. A long moment later, Hamish parted. “Now, take me to your room, I want to be naughty.” “Oh…God,” Roy repeated. But this time he grabbed Hamish’s hand and led him to the back of the house. Could this day get any better? Roy sure hoped so. Roy fell onto his bed and Hamish closed the door, pulling off his T-shirt at the same time. His chest and stomach were perfectly defined and Roy couldn’t help but be taken aback by his beauty. “You’re so handsome,” Hamish said, clambering on top of Roy, clawing at his clothes. Roy didn’t answer. He wanted to savour everything about this moment and he feared that if he talked he’d miss something. Seconds later, Hamish was naked, his body may be something a great master would use as a template to sculpt from, but his cock was breathtaking. He was hard, huge and oh, so touchable. Immediately, Roy grabbed Hamish’s hardness, retracting his beautiful foreskin so he could see his bright red head. Pre cum dribbled from his piss slit and Roy could think of nothing else but to take him into his mouth. “I want to see all of you, too,” Hamish said, his voice breaking, overwhelmed by emotion. 68

The Diamond Ring Effect Roy didn’t need to be told twice. He pulled at his jeans and within a heartbeat, they were thrown onto the floor without care. Now it was Hamish’s turn to gasp. Roy smiled. He knew he was hard. His cock ached. Hamish smiled. Again, he came over Roy and again his lips and tongue and touch overwhelmed him. This time, after they had rolled around on the bed, their kiss going as deep as before, and the sensation of their contact as they embraced, as their bodies and cocks touched, Roy found his voice. “I want you to have me.” “I’d make love to you in a heartbeat, my handsome man,” Hamish’s said, taking Roy’s cock into his hand, feeling its weight. If it were possible, Hamish’s cock was even harder than before. The end wet with his excitement, his balls, beautifully red and ripe, had tightened in his sack, too. “No. Not that. Not yet.” Roy’s stomach, already a sea of churning delight was now like a storm within him. The thought of what he had in mind creating the maelstrom within. Hamish’s face flashed puzzlement for a brief moment. “You want to suck me off first. I’d like that.” Roy nodded. “That’s not what I had in mind. Not yet.” “Then what?” Hamish had sat up, running his 69

Mark Alders hand over Roy’s quivering stomach, letting his erection slap onto his stomach. “I want you to explore me with your…finger. But…only if you want to…of course.” Roy blushed, feeling embarrassed for a moment. He’d always touched himself that way, but now he had the opportunity to ask someone else to do it. His cock ached and his pre cum dribbled onto his stomach, his excitement clear. “There’s lube in the top drawer.” Hamish smiled. “You’re so hot, Roy.” With that, Hamish leaned over and retrieved the lube and prepared himself to pleasure Roy. They sidled into position, Roy opening his legs and Hamish coming so that he could access him easily. “Start off slow,” Roy whispered, touching himself. Hamish took Roy’s hand. “Don’t. I’ll do that, too. You just lay back. Let me do the work. Then you can do what you want with me after, okay?” Roy pulled his hand away, deciding instead to massage his nipples. Let them ache with pleasure like the rest of his body. What Hamish had said was true, once he had inserted his finger and Roy jumped with delight at the sensation of entry, he used his other hand to lift up Roy’s cock once more. Hamish licked Roy’s balls, at the same time stimulating his prostate 70

The Diamond Ring Effect with his finger. Roy became overwhelmed, consumed by Hamish’s attention. Fuck, this was exactly what he had dreamed about. Roy let out a moan through quivering lips. “Oh, fucking hell!” “Did you want some more?” “Yes,” Roy hissed, opening his legs wider. “Yes.” Hamish took Roy’s cock into his mouth, using his tongue to push back his foreskin so he could get at his engorged head. Again, Roy let out a gasp of joy, but also because Hamish had increased the attention at his arsehole, too. Now Roy swore there were two fingers inside him. He was in heaven. His whole body numb with pleasure. For the longest time, Hamish worked on Roy’s cock. The sensation of him sucking and slurping and using his mouth so deliciously along his shaft would have been more than he could take. But Hamish was also finger fucking him, too. His prostate, stimulated and burning, made Roy close his eyelids tight. He had to concentrate hard. He didn’t want to blow his load, not yet. “More,” Roy stuttered, his lips hardly able to form the word. “Keep it nice and gentle, just like you’re doing.” He was writhing on the bed, toes curled and in so much ecstasy that he thought he’d explode at any moment. His balls tingled and every extremity 71

Mark Alders seemed to scream out. Roy gasped louder and louder. But above all, the sensation of Hamish’s lips over his cock paled into insignificance compared to the attention he was receiving from his fingers. With every passing second, Roy felt more and more intense pleasure. He even shuddered, body, mind and soul, as he felt a greater intensity at his arsehole. It seemed Hamish had indeed given him more. Oh, God, Roy was sure he was going to faint from his nerves being overwhelmed with delight and he absolutely loved that sensation. He let out a cry, one filled with ecstatic rapture. “Fuck you’re so—” Before he could finish his thought, he was silenced by an increase in pressure all through his body. At first Roy was unsure, so much stimulation had numbed him. Then he hissed through his teeth as he realised he had cum. His cock exploded and his arsehole tightened around Hamish’s finger. Again wave upon wave of pain and pleasure coursed through him. It all happened so fast he didn’t feel Hamish’s fingers being removed from inside him, Then again, he really didn’t care. He had got what he wanted and from the most beautiful man he could ever lay his eyes on, too. God he loved Hamish so much. Roy opened his eyelids, only to see that his beautiful Hamish had finished blowing him. A 72

The Diamond Ring Effect victorious smile formed on his lips as he came close, complete with a dribble of cum that trailed down to his chin. Hamish wiped away the white fluid with his finger and licked off every last drop. “Now it’s your turn, Roy.” The euphoria Roy felt still tingled throughout his body, but he managed to sit up and embrace Hamish with all his heart. Fill his senses with this wonderful man. “Whatever you want, handsome.” Hamish had that wanting grin again. “Blow me until I cum. Then I want to taste myself in your mouth. You’re not the only one into kinky, you know.” Roy kissed him, this time sending in his tongue. When he was satisfied he had tasted Hamish enough, he parted. “Lay down.” Hamish obeyed without hesitation. His cock still as hard as when they started. Roy took it into his hands and then, also without hesitation, into his mouth. The taste was wonderful, tangy and sweet, especially when he retracted his foreskin and took in the flavour that was usually hidden. Roy worked and worked, sucking as hard as he could, rolling his tongue and using as much saliva as he could. Hamish was big, but Roy took all of him in, right up to the point that his pubes tickled his nostrils. He must have enjoyed Roy’s technique, because 73

Mark Alders he was groaning and writhing on the bed in no time. Roy cupped his balls, feeling them with tender care while he worked. Again, Hamish moaned. Seconds later, the warm, overpowering sensation and taste of Hamish’s cum filled his mouth. And as Roy was instructed, he didn’t swallow, letting the spice and salt of him saturate his senses. “Now…Roy!” Roy clambered so he was looking right into Hamish’s beautiful deep blue eyes. He smiled, and with his tongue numb from Hamish’s wonderful taste, he kissed him. For what seemed an eternity they kissed and hugged and rolled around on the bed. Enjoying each other’s nakedness, each other’s touch. Then, with a gentle movement off Hamish and a slap on the side of his buttocks, Roy said, “We’d better get cleaned up and dressed. I don’t want to miss the eclipse.” “Careful. Slapping me like that might get you into some more trouble.” “I sure hope so,” Roy said with a laugh. Hamish folded his hands behind his head, leaning back into the pillows. He was showing off his beautiful armpits, complete with tufts of strawberry blond hair. “You do know that I want you to be my boyfriend, Roy.” 74

The Diamond Ring Effect Roy was taken aback. “You do? I…I’ve always wanted that…so badly.” “So is that a yes?” “Yes,” Roy whispered with all his heart and soul. Again they kissed. Roy’s stomach quivering again as Hamish’s tongue chased his own in his mouth. When they parted, Hamish said, “Then it’s a good thing we found each other…thanks to your dad.” Roy would have never believed in a million years that his father would have helped him become the happiest man alive. Mondaras was right, biology was stronger than anything. Roy smiled. “C’mon, let’s hit the shower.” Roy jumped up off the bed. His cock may have gone flaccid, but his stomach began to tingle again. He wanted Hamish to do so much more to him. “You never know what could happen in there.” “Oh, I know.” Hamish sat up, pulling Roy back down onto the bed, coming over him. They were so close Hamish’s lips touched Roy’s. Roy felt the pangs of ecstasy rise up within him again. “What do you know?” “That I’m going to make sweet love to you over and over until you beg me to stop, that’s what. Both before and after the eclipse.” Hamish kissed 75

Mark Alders him. Another long moment later, they parted. Roy was hard, as was Hamish. “A long time after the eclipse, I hope.” Hamish nodded. “So do I.” Roy’s mum had set up the solar telescope right near the outdoor furniture. On the table were cut sandwiches and lemonade, the home made stuff. Roy, hand in hand with Hamish, smiled when he saw the look of joy on his mum’s face. “I’m so glad you found happiness,” she said, coming over to embrace them both. “Hey, don’t start the party without me,” a wonderfully familiar voice said from the doorway. Roy turned to see his dad. “Dad!” John and his mum held each other. “You look fantastic, my love.” They kissed and Roy found himself fighting back tears, yet again. He squeezed Hamish’s hand. “You so have the coolest parents ever, Roy,” Hamish said. John turned to Roy. “Now, sit down and relax all of you, the eclipse will start any moment. I bought goggles, too.” Roy kept the smile on his face as he watched his parents and Hamish talk and laugh and share their love for him. He was lucky, the luckiest guy on the planet, all thanks to his dad. 76

About the Author My name is Mark Alders. I live in a house. This house has a street in front of it which is a good thing because if it didn’t I wouldn’t be able to drive down to the shop and purchase the chocolate I need on a daily basis. *chuckle* Seriously, I am a mild mannered post office worker by day and an erotic romance writer (mainly male/male) at night. Not much else to say other than, like everyone else, I have bills to pay, a mortgage and family that I love and drive me crazy all at the same time. Oh, and I have a dog, too! See? Average Joe…except when I get down and write…then I let my imagination go to places I never knew existed and my characters invade my mind.