Date: Mon, 23 May 2005 12:27:47 -0700 From: Phantasm Subject: Jason's Haven - Chapter Three Jason's Haven by Phantasm Warning The following story is purely fictional. Any similarities to real persons or events is strictly coincidental. This story contains graphic descriptions of sexual acts between males of varying ages, including minors. If such material offends you or is illegal in the location from which you are reading it, please seek your reading enjoyment elsewhere. This story is copyright protected under the pseudonym of "Phantasm". This story was submitted for the sole enjoyment of the Nifty Archive readers and may not be redistributed in whole, or in part, without the expressed written consent of the author. This story may not be used by anyone in the pursuit of monetary gain. The author of this story in no way condones the physical, mental, or sexual abuse of anyone, particularly minors. Chapter Three I was jolted from my sleep at 6:00am when the alarm clock sounded. Sleeping in is certainly something I miss when I am away from the island. I crawled out of bed and headed for the bathroom to dispense with the morning piss, shower, and shave. With my hygiene taken care of I dressed in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt with flip-flops. The weather report called for a scorcher today so I was definitely not going to wear my Dockers. I headed for the kitchen and started the coffee maker. I was a little surprised that Mihai had not already started the coffee. The kitchen has a small breakfast nook so I took a seat to relax while the coffee was brewing. Just as I filled my coffee cup, Mihai came slouching into the kitchen. "I am sorry Tim. I should have realized you would be getting an early start on the day. I should have had your coffee ready for you." Mihai said as he grabbed a cup for himself. Mihai got his coffee and sat down at the breakfast nook. "James is a rather stunning looking boy don't you think?" Mihai asked. "Yes! He is a gorgeous boy." I replied as I sipped at my coffee. "I think he likes you Tim. I noticed he grabbed the chair next to you at dinner last night." Mihai observed. "I think you are imagining things Mihai. All the boys had to sit somewhere and he just happened to get the chair next to mine." I replied. "If you say so Tim." Mihai said with a disapproving look. "I suppose I should get breakfast started. We are having scrambled eggs, sausage, and orange juice this morning." Mihai informed me. "That sounds great Mihai. I better go get the boys up and get them ready to face the day." I replied as I headed out of the kitchen. I walked up the stairs and into guestroom one. The house has six bedrooms counting the master bedroom and Mihai's room. The other four rooms were converted into mini-dorm rooms with two sets of bunk beds each. With fifteen vacancies to fill, we will need almost all of the beds we have. I walked over to James' bunk and gently shook his shoulder. "Good morning sunshine" I said as he rolled over and rubbed his eyes. "Good morning Tim. What time is it?" James asked. "It is 6:35am. Time to get up and get ready for breakfast." I replied as I looked at my watch. I woke David and Jonathan with the same greeting and then left the boys to get washed and dressed. I headed back down to the dinning room and took a seat at the table. I looked at the long Chippendale table and reminisced about how much I disliked it as a child. But it was certainly going to come in handy on this particular trip. Mihai had set place settings for five and had a fresh cup of coffee sitting by my plate at the head of the table. Mihai's place was to my right and he had a fresh cup of coffee sitting there as well. Before long I heard the boys thundering down the stairs. James was first to the table and grabbed the chair immediately to my left. Jonathan sat beside James and David sat down next to Mihai's seat. Mihai brought the food out from the kitchen and then took his seat. He kicked me under the table and nodded at James sitting next to me. I just shook my head at his persistence. Mihai filled the boys' plates before filling his own. I took care of filling my own plate and then we all dug in. I was pleased to see the boys taking a more leisurely pace during the meal. The boys made sure there were no leftovers. "I have asked my driver, Marcus, to help watch you guys today because Mihai will be helping me with the interviews. I will be in my office most of the day but I will make time to come and have lunch with you guys. Mihai will give each of you a Speedo this morning so that you can go swimming. If you would rather play video games or watch a movie then you can hang out in the Arcade room or the Media room. Does anyone have any questions this morning?" I asked. "Will you be able to come swimming with us sometime today Tim?" asked James. "I am sorry James. I wish I could, but I have a full schedule today. Perhaps tomorrow." I replied. James was clearly not happy with my response but there was nothing I could do about it. I simply had to many interviews to deal with. The boys all helped clear the table and then Mihai took them upstairs to get their Speedos on. I grabbed another cup of coffee and headed back to the office. I spent the next hour going over all of the case studies on today's interviewees. Before I knew it, Mihai was walking the first boy into my office. Mihai introduced me to Stefan Hamilton. "It's a pleasure to meet you Stefan. My name is Tim Stevens and I am the Executive Director of Jason's Haven. Please have a seat and we can get started." I said as I motioned towards the chair opposite my desk. "How old are you Stefan?" I asked. "I am fourteen years old." he replied. "How long have you been homeless?" I asked. "I been on the streets for about a month." he replied. I explained the program to Stefan and asked him if he had any questions. "So you want me to be a prostitute for you on some Caribbean island?" he asked. "No Stefan that is not it at all. We offer a place for young men to come and be themselves without being abused or ridiculed for what they are. We offer them a chance to get a good education and save up money to provide for themselves when they are eighteen. There is no prostitution involved." I explained. "Whatever makes you feel better dude! You want to be my pimp and I have enough troubles on my own. I certainly don't need someone besides me making money off of my body." he said with more than a touch of indignation. "I am sorry you feel the way you do Stefan. You are wrong about our program but I see you have your mind made up so I will not try and change it. If you ever change your mind, you can always contact our recovery specialist and he will get in contact with me." I said before walking Stefan out to the front door. I shook the boy's hand and wished him well. I instructed the van driver to take him back to his pick-up point. I closed the door and went to the kitchen for a soft drink. Mihai was standing in the kitchen when I walked in. "What happened with Stefan? He did not want to join the program?" Mihai asked. "I guess you could say that Mihai. He called me a pimp." I said as I shook my head. "You can't save the world Tim. Don't let it get you down." Mihai pleaded. "I am fine Mihai, but thanks for the concern. I will just focus on the next interview." I replied as I headed back to the office. The next three interviews all went smoothly and our group of boys expanded to six. After the last of the morning interviews, Mihai came in and told me that lunch was ready. I walked out to the pool area and told the boys that it was time for lunch. I told them to bring their towels in with them so they would not get the chairs wet. I greeted Marcus and asked him to join us for lunch. As I walked back into the house I was nearly run over by James. Once again he raced to the seat next to mine. I was beginning to realize that Mihai was right about him. Mihai had prepared chicken salad sandwiches and chips for lunch and there was plenty for everyone. The three new boys started attacking their food like they were starving. "Slow down guys." James said with a smile. "There is plenty for everyone and no one is going to take it away until you are full." "Thank you James." I said as I flashed a big smile at him. Everyone had two sandwiches and a hand full of chips which seemed to fill them up. I explained to the boys that they would have to play in the Arcade room for a while after lunch because they could not go straight back to the pool after eating. The boys helped clear the table and then headed back to the Arcade room. Marcus stayed with the boys while Mihai and I prepared for the day's second round of interviews. Although each interview only lasted about thirty minutes, we had scheduled the afternoon interviews for forty five minutes each. The next four interviews went off without a hitch and we increased our group size by four. After the forth interview of the afternoon I took a break to stretch my legs and get a drink. I grabbed a soda from the kitchen and then headed out to the pool area. The newest boy was just getting into the pool as I took a seat next to Marcus. All the boys seemed to be enjoying themselves and getting along together. Marcus told me that all the boys had been well behaved and that James had been befriending each new boy as they were added to the group. James was turning out to be quite the little helper. I finished my soda and headed back to my office to finish the last two interviews of the day. I had not been in the office long before Mihai walked in and introduced me to Nathan Harper. "Hello Nathan, it's nice to meet you. I am Tim Stevens and I am the Executive Director of Jason's Haven. Won't you have a seat?" I asked as I motioned towards the chair. "So how old are you Nathan?" I asked. "I just turned sixteen sir." the boy replied politely. "How long have you been on the streets?" I asked. "I have been on my own since my mom and dad kicked me out of the house last year. Its been about ten months." he replied. "May I ask why they kicked you out of the house?" I asked. "Sure. Me and a friend of mine where at my house one day and smoking some crack. Once we were high, we started fooling around with each other and my parents came home earlier than expected. They caught us naked in the living room having sex. My dad started yelling at us and telling my friend to get out of his house. After my friend was gone, my dad told me that I was no longer his son. He said 'it is not enough to be a crack head but you had to be a faggot too? You are no longer welcome in this house.' so I split." I asked Nathan if he was still smoking crack and he told me he was. I explained the program to him and I also explained that we had a treatment program on the island to help him get off of the drugs. He would just have to stay in the infirmary for thirty days to dry out. I assured him we could help him kick the crack habit. "I don't want to quick smoking crack!" he exclaimed. "I like it!" "Well Nathan, I am afraid that we have a very strict 'No Drugs' policy on the island." "Thanks for trying to help sir. But I don't think it would work out for me so I am just not interested in going to some Caribbean island." he replied. I shook his hand and wished him well before escorting him to the front door. I had the van driver take him back to his pick-up point. When I closed the door, Mihai was standing right behind me. I explained Nathan's situation to Mihai and he agreed that it was a pity the boy was unwilling to get off the drugs. Mihai returned to the kitchen and I went back into my office. The final interview of the day went pretty well and our group size was now up to eleven boys. I picked up the phone and called the recovery specialist that handled Nathan. I told him to keep tabs on Nathan and to call me if the boy changed his mind. I informed the specialist that we would need at least two more interviews scheduled for tomorrow. I told him we also needed to have a couple boys on standby in case we had any more boys decline. He told me he would take care of everything. I ended the call with the specialist and loaded the fax machine with the case studies for the eight new boys. I picked up the telephone and dialed Allen's number. "Jason's Haven, this is Allen. How may I help you?" Allen answered. "Hi Allen, its me." I replied. "You sound down Tim. What's wrong?" Allen asked. "We had two turn downs today. We only got eight of the ten boys that were interviewed." I replied. "I am faxing you over the case studies for the eight boys. They are Adam Frasier age twelve, Evan Stackhouse age fifteen, Ryan Martin age thirteen, Myles Harkin age ten, Joshua Kramer age twelve, Shane Miller age eleven, Nicholas Bristol age fifteen, and Gregory Cardova age eleven. Please get a file started for each of them and get their dorm rooms assigned." I instructed. "No problem Tim. Better luck with the interviews tomorrow. Goodnight." Allen said. "Thanks Allen. Good night." I said as I hung up the phone. I placed the case studies in the secure folder with the previous night's studies. I checked my watch and it was 5:35pm so I walked out to the pool and told the boys it was time to get cleaned up for dinner. I thanked Marcus and told him I would need him again in the morning. The boys headed upstairs to get washed up. The main bathroom upstairs has four shower stalls in it just like the main bathroom downstairs. The boys would have to take turns getting their evening showers to get the chlorine off of their skin. I went upstairs to the master bathroom and got cleaned up as well. When I came back downstairs, Mihai had the table set for thirteen. He had prepared meatloaf, Mexican corn, green beans, and mashed potatoes for dinner and the table looked very nice. Mihai poured eleven glasses of milk for the boys and then poured wine for the adults. We sat and chatted at the table while we waited for the boys. A few minutes later we heard the boys stomping their way down the staircase. It is amazing how adults can navigate a staircase without a sound, but young boys have to let the whole world know they are coming. The boys all took a seat and James grabbed the chair next to mine. The new boys took their queue from the rest of the group and ate their dinner at a very relaxed pace. Mihai and I watched as the boys ate and chatted amongst themselves. They all seemed very comfortable in their new setting and eager to get to Jason's Haven. When everyone had finished their meal, the boys helped Mihai clear the table and then took their seats again for dessert. Mihai served up warm apple pie with a scoop of ice cream on top. As the boys ate their dessert I told them I had something to say. "For the boys who just joined us today, you need to be aware of something. Until you have completed your medical tests on the island, you are to have no sexual contact with anyone. Since you agreed to join our program, you agreed to follow the rules we have laid down and this one is a big one. The penalty for violating one of our safety rules is removal from the program. Tomorrow evening I will fill you in on what will be happening on the day we go to the island. Does anyone have any questions for now?" I asked. "You said that we can have sex with other boys or with the customers once we are on the island. Is that right?" James asked. "Yes. With one exception, which I will explain tomorrow evening, that is correct." I replied. "So are we permitted to have sex with the Executive Director?" James asked with a wicked grin. The question caught me off guard and I was at a lose for what to say. I had never had sex with one of the boys from the island before. "I suppose that all depends on if the Executive Director is a willing participant." I replied. "And would the Executive Director be willing?" James continued to query. "If the right boy asked, he might be persuaded." I chuckled, hoping my response would end the current line of questioning. It had been nineteen years since I was involved with anyone. The ghosts from my past have been my daily companions since Jason's death. They have never allowed me to open my heart to another. I looked over at Mihai and his head was hung down and a tear was running down his cheek. I told the boys to head back to the media room and pick out a movie to watch. I told them that we would join them in a few minutes. I helped Mihai clear the dessert plates and then we both walked outside to the table by the pool. "What's wrong Mihai?" I asked compassionately. "Why were you crying?" "I just think it is so very sad." he replied. "What? What is so very sad Mihai?" I queried. "I just think it is so sad that you refuse to drop your guard and let others get close to you. It wasn't your fault you know." Mihai said as he took hold of my hand. I became very uncomfortable with where the conversation was heading. "What was not my fault Mihai? What are you talking about?" I asked. "When I first met you, I tried to seduce you but you rebuffed my advances. It hurt my feelings pretty bad until I finally figured out what the problem was. You are haunted by your past. You are afraid that, if you let someone else into your heart, something bad will happen to them. You did not cause Jason's death Tim. It wasn't your fault and you need to stop punishing yourself for it." Mihai explained. I was astonished that Mihai had been able to see what was happening inside of me. I felt very proud of him but at the same time I felt like he was intruding into territory where he was not welcome. "Mihai, I appreciate your concern. A lot of what you say is true. But this is something I have to work out on my own. I can not change the past and I have made peace with the demons that haunt me." I said as I gave Mihai a big hug. "Well, I hope you work it out soon. From what you told me about Jason, I can not imagine that he would want you to spend the rest of your life alone. James took a big chance tonight by exposing his feelings towards you and it would be a real shame to let him down. Just promise me you will think about it okay?" Mihai asked. "I can promise you that much Mihai." I said as I pulled him to his feet and led him back to the media room. We joined the boys and started watching the movie the boys had chosen. The boys all enjoyed the movie but I was unable to enjoy it. My mind was consumed with thoughts about Jason and James. I knew I would never be able to have a relationship with anyone as long as I was filled with so much guilt. But guilt is not something you can simply give away. I resolved in my mind that I would just have to let James down easy. I told the boys it was time for bed and they all headed upstairs. I decided that I would have a talk with James in the morning. I did not want to let him down just before bed. I walked to each of the guestrooms and told the boys good night. With everyone settled for the night, I headed to the privacy of my bedroom. I got undressed and slid between the sheets. It took a very long time to clear my mind and surrender to sleep, but it finally happened. I had not been asleep very long when I felt someone grab my hand. I assumed James had snuck into my room and I would just have to send him back to bed. As I opened my eyes, a shiver ran down my spine and I sat straight up in the bed. Sitting there holding my hand was my beautiful Jason. I grabbed him and hugged him tightly to my chest as the tears streamed down my face like a river. "I have missed you so much Jason." I sobbed. "I have never left you Tim. I have been right here in your heart. I have felt your love for me every day. But I have also felt your pain. So I have come to tell you that what happened to me nineteen years ago was not your fault. I have heard you asking me every day to forgive you but there is nothing to forgive. You loved me Tim, and shared yourself with me. It was the greatest gift anyone had ever given me and I hold on to those memories every day." Jason explained. "I never meant to hurt you Jason. All I wanted to do was love you and be loved by you." I cried out. "Your love for me is all that brings me peace Tim. But I can never have true peace until you let go of the guilt that is consuming you. I can not rest knowing that my memory is causing you pain. So my love, I have come to ask for one more gift from you. Please let me take your guilt and lay it to rest so that we can both have peace. Will you give it to me Tim?" Jason asked. "I will try Jason. But I can never let go of the love I feel for you. I will love you forever and you will always be alive in my heart." I replied. "And I will love you throughout eternity Tim. But there is room in your heart for another. Do not deny him the beautiful gift you gave to me. Do not deny yourself the gift that he is offering. Your love for another will not diminish your love for me. My life is over but yours is not. Live every day to the fullest and be happy. That is the greatest gift you can give to me." Jason said as he leaned over and kissed me on the mouth. We just sat there locked in an embrace that warmed my very soul. It felt so good to hold him in my arms again. To feel his body next to mine. To feel his love filling my heart. I hoped that our embrace would never end. I wanted to keep him with me for as long as I could. Suddenly I was rocked from my sleep by the alarm clock's beeping. I sat up in the bed and I was covered in a cold sweat. The room was empty and I was all alone. It had all been just a dream. But something was different. Something was missing, and I finally realized what it was. The guilt that had been my companion for nineteen long years had gone. I strolled into the bathroom and relieved myself before jumping in the shower. I felt as if I was walking on clouds. When I finished my shower, I shaved and brushed my teeth. I walked back into the bedroom and dressed in shorts and a t-shirt. I slid my feet into my flip-flops and started walking towards the door. As I grabbed the doorknob, I turned and looked back at my bed. "Thank you Jason. I love you." I whispered, as I walked out of the room. To be continued...