Date: Tue, 6 Nov 2018 07:58:11 +0100 (CET) From: jacoblion@tutanota.com Subject: A Neglected Boy Chapter 31 Please support Nifty to keep these stories coming. http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html This is my first story at Nifty. Thanks Nifty staff for all your help. Your comments are always welcomed and appreciated at jacoblion@tutanota.com Please remember this is fiction and all the characters names are simply fabricated. **Note of interest** All locations are accurate including mileage, & descriptions of Yale, restaurants, & our meals & Mountain Biking Chapter 31 Kori, Jake, and Liam; A Story of Love Please continue to enjoy; A Neglected Boy jacoblion@tutanota.com . . . Chapter 31 . . . Liam and I watched as Kori and Peter trotted slowly down the fence line. We could tell that at about half way they started to get a little faster. As the two boys approached the left end of the lower pasture they were about the break into a canter. Liam was fascinated with the change of gait. Kori and Peter made the turn and broke into a very nice relaxed canter. They both looked so amazing and the two horses were so well trained that it made the boys look better than they really are. But I'm not telling anybody. Liam and I walked to the house and back to their bedroom for a game of "Build a City". So how is it that a 9 year old can destroy me at this game? I thought I was good at games but this is ridiculous and Liam thinks he is all that now. So it is "get even time" for me. I looked at Liam with that evil look when I am about to attack and he just started to run. He didn't have a chance and I caught him right at the door. I tackled him and had him pinned in 10 seconds. Then just smothered him in hugs and kisses all the while he was either screaming or giggling. I love to see Liam laugh. I let Liam go and that was a mistake. He had not had enough and then the attack was at me and I just let him take me down. He had his knees pinning my shoulders and was tickling my sides and under my arms. I pleaded for him to stop but it was in vain. The assault continued till he was giggling and drooling so hard I thought he might choke. I had to stop him and just squeeze him hard and say those magic words . . . "Liam I love you so much" . . . then I heard Liam say . . . "I love you more" I would give up everything I have to just have these boys forever. Liam and I went back out to see what Kori and Peter were doing. As we walked Liam held my hand, it was nice. Liam has settled in and I know he is enjoying being part of a real family. We walked to the fence to see Peter and Kori in what almost looked like a dressage extended trot or Half-Pass as they crossed diagonally the upper pasture. They were truly graceful. We called the boys to the fence and Liam said . . . "You guys looked really good." I told the boys I wanted to get my camera and take a video of them as they traversed the upper pasture diagonally again. The boys were excited to be asked. Liam and I fetched my camera and just as the boys started to trot toward us Peter's mother arrived. We stood and watched and it truly looked so graceful. Peter loaded all his gear in their SUV and they waved goodbye. Kori, Liam and I unsaddled Eric and Dusty and hitched them for grooming. I told Kori he looked real sexy while he was riding. What a beautiful smile that created. Then I told Kori he would have girls chasing him all over town. Yuk! Was Kori's only reply. We turned the horses out and would bring them about dark. Tomorrow started the last four days of school. We had time before dinner and the boys wanted to play X-box. I had a few papers to finish for school. Then while the boys were playing on the X-box I decided to work on a story I have been writing for Nifty Archives. It's all fiction, just a dream about a young adult and a teen he met while skiing. I sat at my desk and was just getting into the Chapter where I was with this drop dead gorgeous Asian boy skiing in Vermont. He is 15 and so damn sexy. I knew the first time I saw him I wanted to know him and more. . . . Just then Liam interrupted me. Liam was all bright red and pissed and was saying Kori cheated. See what I mean? I just get started and it's over, can you believe that. I used to have all evening for me; now I have all evening for two of the sweetest boys in Ashfield, Mass. So my cute Asian boy and Nifty will have to wait. Liam nearly dragged me back to the bedroom I am not sure what he thought I could do. I walked in and Kori had this clever, sly grin. I asked . . . "Kori what is going on Liam tells me you're cheating." . . . Then I had to get Kori's side of the story . . . "Jake you know how Liam always wins at "Build a City"? Well this time I beat the pants off him and I didn't cheat I was just lucky." It does seem that Kori is telling the truth and Liam is not being such a good sport. I ended the whole thing with "Time for dinner." Pork stir-fry and I let the boys work things out and I just supervised. It took all of 3 minutes and they were back to hugging and best friends. See that is what team work and good food does. Dinner was the usual talk until the topics of the visit to Yale, camping, fishing and horseshows came in. The boys forgot all about their little disagreement and were excited about the summer. I got talked into camping this coming weekend again. Just a mental note; Bass Pro loves us and I need to get fishing poles and that large griddle. We were finished with dinner and everything was done and the boys wanted to watch TV so they went to the living room. I went to the den / office and called Neil. Neil would be back Tuesday around noon and I invited him for dinner but kept it a secret from the boys. From what Neil told me his brother is not well and is looking at some serious tests and long down time. I really miss Neil we have been friends for years. I think it's funny we are best friends and I think we are still trying to figure each other out; if you know what I mean. Sometimes we are so close, like in the kitchen, it gets awkward. Neil and I are the same age. I went to the living room and told the boys that it was time for bed. We had a very exhausting weekend and I wanted them awake at school. Their next question was the same as almost every night, will you wash us? Kori and Liam didn't like the answer. I said . . . "Hey guys I think tonight you can shower by yourselves and Liam you use my bathroom and Kori you go use your shower. Perhaps it was a little strange for them to hear that but there was no argument and as Kori walked away and I think I saw a smile. I was tired and just wanted a warm shower and a good night sleep. I heard Liam call he forgot his towel. I went to the master bath with a big towel and dried Liam and noticed his back was almost clear of all bruising. I felt good about that and he was becoming a very happy kid. I knew the outer physical injury would disappear but how long would it take before the psychological damage would heal. I picked up Liam and with his arms around my neck I carried him to his room. I set him down and he got his red briefs and started the X-box. I told him 10 minutes and that was it then bed. I passed by their bathroom the door was open and I could see Kori's outline through the curtain and it was obvious what he was doing. I quietly shut the bathroom door. I thought about things as I sat with Liam. I picked Liam up and took him to my bedroom and he crawled in my bed and pulled the covers up. I went to my bathroom and stepped in the tub and took a long warm shower. I was happy, content and felt very relaxed. When I walked in my bedroom Kori was hugged up to Liam and both were fast asleep. I slipped under the covers and slept till morning. The sun with the most beautiful golden hue shown through the window and it was time to get up. Just as I turned Kori's arm caught me. It was just a hug and what he said that told me we would have a great day . . . "Jake what's for breakfast?" I replied . . . "I love you too Kori now get your butt out of bed and help!" all that with a smile. . . . . "French Toast" Chores done, breakfast done, quick showers done. We jumped in the truck and off to school. It was the same as any other day. It is our last week so everyone was in the best of moods and there were no problems Monday or Tuesday. Tuesday at last bell the boys were at the door and ready to go. A short ride home and I thought it would be a good idea for them to ride and exercise Dusty and Eric. Kori and Liam ran in the house and were back in minutes ready to ride. We saddled Eric and Dusty and the boys were off to the upper and lower pastures. I took Finley out and worked him for thirty minutes and wanted to start easing weight on him this week. I released him in the large paddock and watched as he kicked up and played much like a young colt. I walked to the back porch and uncovered the grill and started to get things ready for dinner. I think it will be lots of fun tonight. Salad, flank steak, baked potatoes and Boston cream pie. I told Neil six for dinner and I wanted the boys busy when he arrived. I can just imagine the excitement when they see him. It was 5 and I signaled the boys to come in and unsaddle the horses. I wanted both Eric and Dusty to be well groomed and turned out to the upper pasture. This would keep the boys busy for about an hour. Just on time Neil drove in right at six. The boys were in the small paddock and didn't see Neil when he drove in. Neil greeted me with a big hug we had missed each other so much. We walked around the corner as the boys were grooming Dusty and Eric. Liam spotted Neil and dropped the brush and was at a dead run. Neil had just enough time to open his arms as Liam landed in them. Just then Kori attacked Neil with a football tackle and it was hugs all around. Kori did something neither I nor Neil was expecting. Kori kissed Neil not like he kisses me; it was a happy kiss but nevertheless a kiss. Neil looked at me then kissed Kori on the forehead and said . . . "I missed you buddy." The boys didn't let Neil go, they hung on him like apples on a tree. We listened to Neil as he told us about his trip and said he was glad to be back. I started the steak and Neil went to his truck and brought back gifts for the boys. Both boys got RC- trucks and it was like Christmas. Neil told them we would play after dinner. Dinner was great and as I cleaned the kitchen Neil and the boys played with the RC-trucks. After the boys learned how to work the trucks Neil came in with me. We talked and I told him how good the boys were doing riding and then showed him the video of Peter and Kori. Then I told him all about camping the tent the bikes and how happy I was. As happy as Neil was when he arrived I could tell there was something different, it was as if he were distracted. I figured he would tell me when the time was right. The boys came running and had to show us something new they could do with the trucks. We all watched as the boys had the trucks standing up and on just the rear wheels. It was just after 9 and Neil said he had to go so the boys gave him a hug and a little peck on the cheek. I asked the boys to help straighten the chairs on the porch so we could finish with barn chores shower and hit the bed. With everything cleaned up chores finished and things ready for school I told the boys to shower and get ready for bed. They whined a bit and wanted to all shower together but not tonight. Both boys were a little pouty and I said . . . "get over it" then they turned happy when I told them tomorrow after school we would go to Bass Pro for finishing rods. It was 10:45 and we were just getting in bed when there was knocking at the back door. I went to the door and it was Garret and his mother. Garret had been crying and obviously his mother also. I asked them in and they sat in the kitchen and Garret's mother explained. There had been a terrible fight at home and Garret's father had all but kicked him out. His mother knew that Garret liked me and thought as there were only two days left at school maybe I could help and let him spend the night or maybe two. Garret was a wreck. But this was a lot to ask. What would you do? I really could not say no so I offered to let them both stay. Garret's mother thanked me but said she was afraid it would be best for her to return home and try to settle her husband down. I agreed and went with her and helped bring in two large duffel bags with clothes. I walked her to her car and she thanked me and hugged me and told me she knew Garret would be safe here. I returned to the kitchen to find Kori and Liam hugging Garret and telling him everything would be ok. The boys were all ready for bed but this had them wide awake. I said ok how about some hot chocolate and turn off the lights so it was more relaxing. Then Garret asked if he could have a shower after the hot chocolate. I said . . . Of course and if you want to use the big bath you may do that also. (Not only am I slow at times but stupid as Well!) He thought that was a brilliant idea. Then Kori and Liam said . . . "and we can all sleep in the big bed." I started the bath and turned on the tub warmer as the boys were finishing their hot chocolate. I put a large towel next to the bath for Garret. I asked the boys to go to bed and offered Garret the twin bed in the boys room. Then Garret asked . . . "Jake can I sleep with you and boys tonight?" Can it get worse? I told Garret . . . "Garret I think for tonight it will be ok you have been through what appears to be a very difficult time so just relax in the warm water; and when you're dry come to bed." Kori, Liam and I crawled in bed and spoke quietly and just agreed to give Garret as much support as we could. I dozed off and Kori nudged me and said . . . "Jake, Garret is crying and calling you." I pushed the covers off and went to the bathroom. Garret was in the tub crying. I said . . . "Easy Garret it will be ok, everyone right now needs a break and things will settle down." With that I heard Garret say . . . "I'm gay, he hates me and he always will, he said I'm not his son anymore and find another place to live." Wowww! I can't believe his father said that. I didn't know what to say, I picked up the cloth and began to wash his back, neck and chest just to soothe him. He calmed down and I handed him the towel and started to leave but he stopped me and asked me to stay. He handed me the towel and asked me to dry his back. I took the towel and dried Garret the obvious reaction happened. I said nothing gave him back the towel and told him to come to bed when he was ready. I went to the bedroom and crawled in bed and hugged up to Kori as Kori had his arms around Liam. About 3 minutes later Garret came in and slid under the covers behind me and put his arm around me. We slept the night away and in the morning I awoke to find Garret gone. Chapter 32 Next Kori, Jake, and Liam; A Story of Love Your comments are very important to me, A Neglected Boy jacoblion@tutanota.com