Date: Sat, 11 Jan 2003 06:43:08 -0800 (PST) From: No Label Subject: Donny - Chapter 22 Here it is, the same old drill. This story contains descriptions of homosexual acts, maybe even some between different generations (Donny hopes) and may be illegal where you live. Download and possess at your own risk. This story is completely fictional. However, if there are any sweet, young volunteers out there who want to play Donny to my Tom and turn this story into non-fiction, please contact me at zero78245@yahoo.com. Or if you just want to chat. The friends I am making through this story is amazing, and something that I treasure. So don't be a wall flower! I own this story. It's mine, you can't have it. Oh, all right. You can play with it (or me). As long as you put it back where you found it. Yes, mother. I know this chapter is a little short, but does convey the message I wish to impart. Again, many thanks to the Alienist for his necessary and intelligent contributions to the entire story. Glad to hear you are writing again! Donny - 21 Tom's POV I guess I Was thinking too hard to keep it a secret. Bob asked, "Are you worried about what Donny will think." "Yes and no. No because they are friends. And yes because of what happened this morning. And I think I am beginning to have feelings for Deke also. Like Donny, he grows on you." "Somehow I think any kid would grow on you, Tom." Buddy stated. I smiled a little at that, probably because I would have to agree with him. Children are just so much easier to grow close to because you don't have to wade through all the bull shit that adults seem to gather around them. They usually don't have the prejudices and preconceived notions until taught by their surroundings. Evil and hate are learned emotions, while love is natural. "I agree." said Bob. "And I don't think you have as much to worry about with Donny now after this morning." "Huh? What do you mean by that?" "Well, you can confirm this with Bill tomorrow, but I think you just passed your final exam with Donny. He now feels safe and secure with you." Buddy asked, "Because Tom saved Donny this morning?" "Yeah, sort of. I don't know how much saving there really was, but Tom showed Donny that he wanted him." I was really confused. "What do you mean? If I hadn't pulled Donny out, he would have drowned." "But he didn't. Now think about it, Tom. When you figured out Donny was not in the house, where was the first place you looked?" "The pool house." "Why?" "It just seemed natural to check there first. Donny spends most of his time there." "Right. Was he in trouble when you first found him?" "No, he was swimming. But I could tell he was bothered about something because he was working real hard. I didn't check again until I didn't hear the splashing for a while." "Okay. And as soon as you saw him you pulled him out." "Yeah. And he did almost drown. There was water in his lungs. So how was this a test of me?" "Think about it. He goes to the first place you would look for him. Next he used a method of trying to kill himself that would take some time for a non-swimmer, and a very long time for him. Enough time for you to notice he was missing, come looking for him, and save him if you wanted. He was testing you to see if you really wanted him, really loved him. By finding him and saving him, you have proved in his mind that you really do want him and love him. And all of this probably happened in his subconscious. He probably wouldn't be able to tell you now why he did what he did, but now, you are his knight in shining armor. My guess would be that you will not have any more problems with Donny accepting you as his father and mentor." "Wow." "I can believe it." Buddy added. "I have seen some rather bizarre behavior acted out by people, especially when they are under a lot of stress, that they couldn't explain later." "Correct. And Donny was under a lot of stress. He was thrown into a situation that was totally different to him, and before he could accept that situation, he had to know if it was what he hoped it was, a safe, loving home with his savior." I sat back, trying to digest what Bob was saying. Was Donny testing me this morning? Did he have doubts before? What could I have done to prevent this circumstance that could have ended so tragically. Bob, as if reading my mind, "And don't think you could have prevented what happened this morning. It was bound to happen very soon, it just needed a trigger. The trigger I unwittingly provided by being here this morning. Donny had to know that you would come after him and save him so that he can release the past and accept you like he so desperately wants, as his new father." "But wasn't this kinda drastic?" "Yes. Donny was driven this morning by his conscious mind also, to react to the jealousy and betrayal that he thought was happening. That is probably what caused his test to become a life or death situation. But because it was so drastic, it has probably made a much deeper impression on him than any of us can know. And the bond that now exists between you two cannot be broken. He knows that you would sacrifice anything for him, including your life. So now, if Deke were to come live here, Donny will not feel that his position here is threatened. As a matter of fact, he will probably try to help you with his buddy Deke, to make Deke feel as safe here as he now does." "Hmmm. You're not just saying all this to get me to take Deke, are you?" "Tom, that hurts." "Shit, I said that wrong. I'm sorry, Bob. I know you wouldn't do that." "Okay, Tom. I realize I just layed a lot of heavy shit on you. I got an idea. Would a little test of your own help? Lay your mind to rest?" "Sure, how?" "Ask Donny what he thinks should happen with Deke. And listen carefully to how he give his response, not just what he says." "Uh, okay." I rose to go get Donny. "And Tom? Make it private. Just between the two of you." "Okay." I went back to Donny's room and knocked on the door. Both boys chorused, "Come in." "Ah, Donny, can I speak with you a minute? We won't take long, Deke." "Sure, Tom." "What do you need Dad?" I held my arm out for Donny and he came to me. I led him into my bedroom and shut the door. Donny started to get a wooried look on his face. "Ah, Dad? What did I do? I'm sorry." I chuckled. "No, Donny, you haven't done anything wrong. I just wanted to ask you a very important question that will be just between the two of us. Okay?" "Uh, sure Dad. What is it?" "Okay, son. You know that Deke's home life isn't very good. And that the beatings he gets from his father are not right. I was wondering if you had any ideas about how we could help him?" "Do Buddy and Doctor Bob want to take him away?" Shit, this kid is smart. "Yes." "Can he stay here, with us? Please?" "I don't know, Donny. What..." Donny grabbed me in a hug. "Please Dad? He likes it here. And he knows you. He probably wouldn't know anybody if they put him somewhere else. And he'll be all scared and everything." "Now..." Donny turned on those puppy eyes, "Please. Please Dad? I know he will be safe here. And he can still go to school with me." "Okay, okay, Donny. It's not my decision where Deke will go, but I will offer it to Buddy and Bob." Donny squeezed me tightly. "Oh, thank you, Dad. I knew you would help him. I love you." "And I love you too, son, so much." "And Dad?" "Yes son." "We got lots of room here. If any more kids need help, can they come here too?" I looked at Donny in amazement. "What?" "Yeah, Dad. We could help lots of kids, like you helped me. And like we're gonna help Deke. They need someplace safe too." "Ah." I didn't know what to say. "It would be great. Okay, Dad?" "Mmmm, we'll see, son. Go back to your room. I'm sure Deke is wondering where you are." "Okay, Dad. But can we?" "It's not as easy as you make it sound, son. Like I said, we'll see. Now go." I gave Donny a little push toward his room. I walked into the kitchen, still stunned by what Donny had said. Bob saw me first and noted the look on my face. "What's the matter?" "You won't believe what Donny just asked me." "Oh, what?" "He asked if we could take in more kids that are in trouble, so they could be safe here." Buddy started laughing, "Well, I guess Donny passed his test." Bob chuckled, "And we know what his answer was about Deke too." TBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hey guys, if you feeling a little down or have some questions that you just can't seem to find the answer to, I know a group that can help. It is called thegayyouthgroup and is hosted by yahoo. They are a great bunch of guys, some with lots of experience in which your question may be answered. But watch out for me, I'll talk your ear off, hehe. 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