Date: Sun, 13 Jul 2003 00:07:47 -0700
From: luvyngcks@hotmail.com
Subject: Lil Dude  Chapter 12

Legal Notice:

The following story may contain descriptions of graphic sexual acts.  These
acts may be between boys, men or between a man and a boy. Just a reminder
to all readers, this is a work of pure fiction with no basis in reality,
and is intended for reading by mature readers of the age of majority in the
governing jurisdiction of your residence.

The author, or his designee, retains copyright to this story.  There may be
no reproducing or distribution of this story without expressed written
consent.


Lil Dude Chapter 12


I wish I knew why waiting rooms were always so bright and over lit.  At
least the couch we were sitting on was somewhat comfortable and there was
no canned music playing.  The TVs in the corners weren't much better
though, one was tuned to a soap opera in English the other had a novella in
Spanish going.

"Here ya go.  You still drink yours black I hope?"  Max said as he handed
me the paper cup of coffee he had gotten from the vending machine.

"Oh, thanks Max.  The freeze dried coffee from those machines doesn't make
much difference one way or the other."  I laughed and answered him as I
took the cup from him. He sat down next to me on the couch.

I had been surprised when I looked up earlier this morning and saw him
coming down the hall toward me.  I stood up when I saw him and he came over
to me and gave me a big hug.  He said there was no way in hell he was going
to let me wait here by myself today while awaiting the outcome of the
surgery.  Max had covered things at work so he could be here with me.  This
wonderful man and friend was more of a brother to me than either one of my
two older biological brothers had ever been.  Max was always there for me
whenever he was needed, God bless him.  I used to kiddingly call him my
Rock of Gibraltar.  Every time I saw that insurance company's slogan, 'a
Piece of the Rock', I thought of him.

"This waiting is killing me Max.  Gawd, I hate this."  I knew this surgery
was going to take some time, but I am not a patient person in situations
like this.  I needed some fresh air and a change of scenery to maybe help
the time go by faster.  Just then I heard a familiar voice call my name.

"Derrick my son, how are you?"  It was Mike's voice, initially it scared me
a little, I mean he was one of the hospital's chaplains.  And I had already
had an encounter with a chaplain here once, long ago in the past, to last a
lifetime.

I stood and turned to Mike, his bright smile was brimming from ear to ear,
and shook his hand.  "Mike what are you doing here?  I'm sorry, how are you
doing today Mike?  Please forgive my lack of manners this morning."

"Don't worry about it lad.  It's understandable under the circumstances.  I
have chaplain duty here today and I saw James' name on the surgery roster
this morning.  I figured you'd most likely be down here.  I just came down
to see how you are doing is all."  He looked over at Max and introduced
himself.  "Good morning, I'm Father Mike, also known as a cherished old
nemesis of Derrick's."  He winked that twinkling eye of his at me, chuckled
and stretched his hand out toward Max.

"Oh, I'm sorry.  Mike, this is Max Winters, he's my best friend, we go back
to college days together.  Max, this is Father Mike, the unpriestliest
priest you will ever meet.  I can guarantee you!  The bigwigs in Rome threw
up their hands and gave up on him years ago, then Ireland shipped him over
here to us."  Enjoying the banter of teasing with Mike I was also ashamed
for my etiquette having flown out the window this morning.

"It's nice to meet you Father Mike."  Max shook Mike's hand.

"The same here Max.  My pleasure I assure you.  And don't be listening to
this young heathen lad here, truth eludes the poor soul, like rain on the
Sahara.  Wherever the hell that is."  Mike responded laughing and took
Max's hand to shake, greeting Max with a gleam in his Irish eyes.

"Derrick lad, I know you haven't heard anything yet, I just wanted to
assure you that Tom Kane is the best in his field.  James is in excellent
hands.  I remembered James in my prayers at Mass this morning at Our Lady's
before coming over here." Mike was comforting me as best he could with his
warm wit, humor and empathy, all that I held dear of him.

He continued, "I just got here and haven't even had my blessed coffee yet.
Why don't you let me treat you guys to a bite to eat or something to drink?
Of course the beverage would have to be minus anything really good in it."
Another leprechaun chuckle escaped his lips.  "The surgery is going to be
quite a while lads.  I can let Doris know where to reach us if need be.
Come on now, it will do you good to get some fresh air and they do have a
wee outdoor caf‚ here that is quite nice."

"I don't know Mike; I don't really think I could eat anything."  My stomach
was in knots at this point.

"Well you don't have to eat, just get some fresh air, and maybe something
to drink.  I'm sure Max would agree with me, about getting you away from
here for a while.  It's going to be a long wait Derrick."

"Come on Dare, I think Father Mike is right, It'll do you some good.  You
know James doesn't want you sitting here on edge like this.  It's not doing
him or you any good."  Max was siding in with Mike.

"Okay, but you're sure that they will get a hold of us if there is
anything?"  I was about to give in.

"Yes, Doris has my pager number.  Come on Derrick it'll be okay lad.  Max,
let's get him out of here."  Mike smiled.  He walked over to the nurses'
station and spoke with a gentle looking woman that was seated there and
then returned to Max and me.

"Okay fellas. Let's get that fresh air."  Mike led the way.

As we were walking along the halls Mike asked me, "So what's new since I
saw you last week?"

"We had a wonderful weekend Mike.  We went to Newport Beach Saturday for a
family outing and all went surfing.  The boys learned to surf and did a
pretty good job for their first day.  The remodel on the apartments got
started Saturday.  Between the surfing, the moving furniture, and setting
up James' and my temporary residence in another vacant apartment for the
duration of the construction, it was a full and busy weekend."

"Father Mike, you would not believe how busy things have been for this guy
over the last three weeks.  Dare has had more happening during these three
weeks, than he has had going on in his life for the last several years.
I've wondered when he's found time to breathe even."  Max added.

He told Mike about Jorge, James and Danny, Dustin and Jared, the trip to
Catalina, the engagement party, the surfing expedition, and the remodel of
our new home.  Mike conveyed how happy he was to hear it all. He said he
was just a wee bit concerned that maybe I was taking on too much too quick.
But he said he knew I would recognize my limits and take care of myself.
Mike expressed that he had always been sure that things would look up for
me.  It just needed to take some time was all.  I knew he was referring to
Miguel's passing and getting on with life again.

We arrived at the little outdoor caf‚, found a table, sat down and
ordered three large cappuccinos.

"It's okay to smoke out here if you'd like Derrick. Or have you quit that
disgusting habit yet?"  Mike teased because he still smoked.

"Thanks.  No, I still have that nasty habit I'm sorry to say."  I shrugged
then took out my pack of cigarettes and offered one to him one to Max then
took one for myself.  I pulled out my lighter and lit all of them.

"Max, now I know where I remembered you from before.  You were with Derrick
at Miguel's funeral Mass and later at their house.  I knew you looked very
familiar."  Mike was looking over at Max.

"Yes, Father, I remember you from then also.  That was a very beautiful
Mass, Father."  Max answered.

"Thank you, Max.  It was a very difficult one for me personally.  My heart
was breaking as I said that Mass.  I had been so close to Miguel and
Derrick with all their participation in the Dignity events."  He paused a
moment as if reflecting on his feelings.  "You know Derrick, I am hoping
you don't find this painful when I say this, but...I am sure Miguel is
peacefully at rest in our Lord's care, and that he'd be very happy for you
now.  He would be very proud of the family you now have; and your loving
relationship with James."

"Thank you Mike, I have thought the same thing, and it's not painful.  As a
matter of fact it has helped lessen the pain and is quite comforting to
think."  I had admitted this to myself just a few days before.  "I know he
would approve of James very much, and if they had ever met I'm sure they
both would have liked each other very much.  They share so many of the same
wonderful qualities and traits."

"Derrick lad, I know they would have, because they share one beautiful
common denominator...their deep love for you my lad."  After all these
years, Mike was still helping see me through it.  "And the family you have
adopted in such short time, they all share that same love for you.  God has
truly blessed you my son!"

"Yes, Mike.  He has.  And I am most thankful for that blessing and all the
others He has given to me."  I really was so thankful.

"I can't help but think God has wonderful things in store ahead for you,
James, and the lads."  Mike added.

"Mike, I hope you're right.  I just get a little scared when too many
things go too right for me is all."  My insecurity issue at work again.

"Father that has always been Dare's biggest fault.  Receiving and accepting
things...he is great at giving, but he has always had a hard time
receiving.  He doesn't feel he is worthy to receive, especially when things
happen as they have recently to him.  When things happen in his favor he
gets insecure."  Max was filling Mike in on a trait I have always had a
rough time dealing with.

"Derrick lad, we are all unworthy on our own, but our blessed Lord has
taken care of that with His gift to us.  We need to believe that if we can
accept the wonderful gift He has given us, then we are worthy now of
receiving all the blessings that follow with it. You have to believe that
my son."

"Mike, I know you are right.  It just is hard to trust at times, is all."
Mike's and Max's presence were both lifting my spirits now.

"Fellas, may I ask that we all join hands?  I'd like to say a little prayer
for James, and for you and the family, Derrick."  Mike stretched his hands
out to Max's and mine.

We joined hands and respectfully bowed our heads.  Mike prayed one of the
most beautiful prayers I had ever heard.  I felt an inner strength warming
up inside the depths of my worry.  After our combined "Amen" we finished
our cappuccinos and Mike picked up the check and paid.  We walked around
the beautiful gardens for quite a while just taking in the beauty of the
day before heading back to the surgery waiting room.

Mike sat there with us; he asked Max questions about how things were going
for him.  Max covered his and my history together, then told Mike about his
job, all about his family...about me being Uncle Dare to all his kids, and
Godfather to his eldest, Max Junior.

I heard Mike ask Max which church he and his family attended.

"We are members of St. Mark's parish."  Max answered.

"Ah, and a fine church it is.  But you know, Monsignor O'Reilly, the old
stuffed shirt; he just doesn't have the personality or charm of yours truly
I might point out.  You should all come and visit us some time at Our
Lady's.  Isn't that right Derrick?"  He kidded as he giggled and asked me.

"Yes, Max, that's true.  You haven't been to Mass until you have laughed
yourself into peeing your pants from one of Mike's homilies.  God bless him
and his wicked Irish humor."  I teased him back.

"Now Derrick, my son, don't go givin' out all the secrets of my success
there.  We'll have all of Long Beach coming in for our Masses if word gets
out."  He was laughing at his own joke.  "You know Max, this poor lad here
has a wee touch of the blarney in his soul too.  You can see it twinkle
right there behind that evil right eye of his."  God bless the Irish and
their humor.

Mike filled us in on all of his activities there at the parish recently,
here at the hospital, and his continuing involvement with the Dignity
organization and events.

Somewhere in their conversation I got lost in my own thoughts again; all of
them being about James.

It seemed hours had passed and I'm sure they had, I wasn't watching the
clock.  I knew better.  I looked up at the doors going into the surgery
wing and saw them open.  Tom had on his scrubs and was removing his
surgical mask.  When the fabric came away from his face I could see the
most welcomed and appreciated beaconing smile I have ever seen in my life.
He came over to where we were seated and took a seat himself on the couch
facing across to me.

"Derrick, everything went great!  James is doing really well; he is in
recovery now and will be back in his room later this afternoon.  There were
no complications.  We got the entire tumor and the report from the lab is
that it's benign.  Everything looks really great for a full and rapid
recovery.  Your guy is a real trooper."  Tom shared the news to all of us.

I leaned into Max and he put his arms around me and then the floodgates
just burst wide open.  I was crying the largest tears of joy and relief,
all the while Max was patting my back.  I was actually sobbing...the relief
valve just shot off and I was letting it all out.  Max held me and soothed
me patting my back until I could start to get a reign on things again.

"God bless you Tom for doing such a great job."  Mike said to Tom.

"Mike, He did all the work, I just followed His lead as always."  This was
Tom's reply to Mike as he raised his face up toward Heaven or in this case
the ceiling.

I was regaining control of my emotions and Max released his comforting
embrace.  I turned to Tom and thanked him over and over again.  I told him
I could never thank him enough.  He said the best thanks he could ever have
would be, that James and I have a long and happy life together.  I told him
I would do everything in my power to see to that, for sure.

All this going on today, all thoughts about Max and Tom seeing each other
for the first time after so long weren't even taken into consideration.  I
looked and could see them both looking fondly at each other.  I told them I
needed to walk and stretch a bit to get the kinks out and looked over to
Mike excusing myself.  Mike picked up on my vibes I guess, he excused
himself and arose from his seat as well and walked with me.  I told Mike
about Max and Tom and he nodded his understanding.  I got a drink of water
from the drinking fountain near the elevator and we waited a while and then
walked back to Max and Tom.

Tom had finished his brief conversation with Max and was just standing up.
"Derrick, I've got to go now.  I'm going to go back and check on our guy
and then I have another surgery.  I will see you later.  I'll have Doris
let you know when he is back in his room and you can go see him.  Don't
freak out when you see him, he'll be very groggy and may not even wake up
for quite a while yet.  That's normal, but you can stay with him as long as
you want, I have already cleared it with all the staff.  Take care and
relax now, okay?"  He smiled as he was getting ready to walk back.

I went over to him and hugged him and thanked him again.  He hugged me back
and said that now that he had James back on the road to good health again,
it was mine and the family's job to get him the rest of the way.  He gave
me a final hug and smile and then walked off.

I turned back to Max and saw that Mike was gone.

"Father Mike said he would see you later, that he had some other people he
had to look in on."

"Max, thank you.  Thanks so much for being here with me today.  I love you
so much buddy.  I don't know how I would have made it today without you and
Mike being here.  Especially you."

He came over and gave me another hug.

"Dare, nothing could have kept me away from here today.  You've always been
there for me when needed; I'm only returning the favor.  And I love you too
my brother!  I'm just so happy it has all gone so well today.  The Man
Upstairs has been listening to us today for sure!"

"He sure has!"  We broke our embrace.  "I need to call the boys and let
them know.  I know Dustin and Jared are anxious to hear the good news and
they can tell Danny and Jorge when they pick them up at school."

"Good, then I'll head back to the office now.  I'm glad it all went so well
Dare.  Call me later after you see James and tell him we all send our love.
Let me know if you need anything.  See ya later."
  With that said Max gave me a quick pat on the shoulder and headed for the
exit.

I smiled watching him walk away.  I would ask him about what happened
between him and Tom today at a later time.

I sat back down on the couch, pulled my cell phone out of my pocket and
called the boys.  Dustin answered, I told him the news and he was shouting
with happiness.  He put Jared on the phone and I told him, his reaction was
the same as mine had been.  He was so happy he was crying.  I asked him if
he was okay and he said he was NOW. He told me to give Dad their love when
I saw him and I told him I would.  Jared also said they would tell the
younger boys when they picked them up from school this afternoon.  I told
him I would call them all again later after I got to see Dad.  He told me I
wouldn't believe all the work the construction guys got done today, they
were going to have that wing done in no time at this rate.  We said our
goodbyes and I ended the call.

I went down to the chapel and spent some time in prayer, thanking God for
being so protective of James. When I finished my prayer, I came back to the
waiting room.  Doris told me I could go on up to James' room now. They
would have him back in his room shortly.

I entered the room and took a seat in one of the visitors' chairs.  The
privacy drape had been drawn around James' bed.  I sat there for quite some
time when I heard voices entering the room.  I saw two orderlies and two
nurses wheeling James in on the gurney.  They smiled over to me and rolled
it next to the bed.  In one swift gentle move they had him comfortably
placed on the bed.  The orderlies left and the nurses made sure James was
in a comfortable position, they adjusted the IVs, checked his pulse and
heart beat, made some notes on his chart.  The older of the two came over
to me and spoke.

"He will probably be asleep for a while, but he is doing just fine.  If you
need anything, just call for me with the nurse call button.  I'll be back
shortly to check on him."  She smiled and turned to leave.

"Thank you."  I smiled back to her.

I got up and went over to the bed.  His coloring looked very good.  The
bandage around the top of his head and the oxygen tubes from his nose were
a little discomforting for me at first.  I took his hand in mine and bent
over and kissed his cheek.  I just stood there watching this beautiful man
sleep.

I moved the chair over next to the bed and continued to hold his hand.
Have you ever had that feeling that you just loved someone so much that you
thought your heart was going to burst wide open from not being able to hold
all the love you had for them?  That is what I was feeling now.  I sat
there talking softly to him, telling him how much I loved him, how much
happiness he has brought into my life, how he was the most important thing
in life to me.  How much all the family loves him and what a terrific guy
he is.  I knew he was still sleeping but I knew his heart was hearing me.

Later in the afternoon the nurse came back in and checked all his vitals
again.  She made more notes in the chart.  Then asked me, "Can I get you
anything to drink or eat while you're waiting?"  Her voice was so
compassionate.

"Yes please.  Could I bother you for an iced tea or water, please?  My
mouth and throat seem to have gone dry on me."  I answered.

"It's no bother at all; I'll see that you have one or the other or both
shortly.  He's still doing fine."  With that said she turned and left the
room.

Tom came in right as she left.  "How's our guy doing?"  He smiled over to
me as he picked up the chart and read the notations.

"He looks good Tom.  He's been sleeping the whole time."  I answered him.

Tom went over to James and checked him out.  I could see the smile on his
face as he did.  That smile had been so reassuring even from the old
college days.

"Well, he'll start coming around in a little while, but he'll still sleep a
lot on and off.  Everything looks good though.  How are you doing?" He came
over next to me and put his hand on my shoulder.

"Tom, I'm doing great now. Thanks to you and this guy right here." I
smiled.

"I'm glad to hear that.  Dare, I just do what I do.  It's my job."  He
laughed.  "I'll be checking on him in the morning.  Don't stay too late
tonight, okay?  You need to get your rest also, and he is going to be fine.
I'll talk to you tomorrow.  Good night Dare."  He squeezed my shoulder and
turned to leave.

"Thanks again Tom.  Good night."

Tom left the room.

I called the boys and talked to all of them, I told them Dad was doing just
great and really looked good.  And that the doctor was just in and said
that everything looked great.  I asked if they were all okay, Danny said he
was, but he wanted to see his Daddy.  I told him he would get to soon
enough, but his Daddy needed his sleep right now.  I told them I would call
them later, and for them not to worry.

The nurse returned with a tray that had two pitchers on it. One of iced
water and one of iced tea, there were two glasses, a lemon wedge and
sweeteners even.  She set them down on the adjustable bed table and asked
if she could get me anything else.  I told her thank you, this was just
fine.  She smiled again and left.

I poured a glass of each and took a long swallow of the iced tea.  All this
time I was still holding James warm and full of life hand in mine.

It was getting on early in the evening when I saw him trying to open his
eyes a little.  He finally managed to get them open and looked into my
eyes.  I moved next to him and told him I loved him and that everything
went great and that he was going to be just fine.  He smiled and closed his
eyes again.  The smile remained on his face though.

Now it was starting to get dark outside and he started to stir a little bit
again.  He opened his eyes again.

"You're still here?"  His voice was soft and low and a little slurred.  It
sounded so great to hear that beautiful voice.

"Yes, Babe, I'm here."  I patted his hand that I was holding with my other
hand.  "You just rest; you've been through a lot today.  Tom said
everything went well, they got all of the tumor, and it was benign. He said
that you are going to be just fine.  I'll be right here if you need me.
You go back to sleep and get your rest."

"Go home Babe.....Take care of the boys.....I'll be okay.....I'm just so
sleepy."  He was awake now but was groggy too.

"I will in a little bit.  I just want to sit here with you for a little
while longer.  I called the boys and they are doing fine and they all send
their love.  Danny is being very brave, he misses you, but he is okay.  Max
sends his love too."

"Thanks babe, I love all them too............And I did hear you earlier
when you were talking to me..........I just couldn't open my eyes was
all..............Please go home and get some rest.............I'm just
going to sleep tonight............I love you Derrick."  His speech was slow
and measured; he was starting to close his eyes again.

"Okay, I'll go home and see to the boys. I'll be back here first thing in
the morning though. You get a good night's rest sweetheart.  I love you."
I bent over and kissed him on his lips and he smiled.  I could see that he
was back to sleep already.  It was hard to tear myself away from him but I
knew the boys needed me too.

As I sat down in the car in the hospital parking lot I called Max on my
cell phone.

"Hi you.  Yes, he woke up for a little while and talked briefly.  He told
me to go home, so that is where I am headed now.  Max thanks again for
today.  I will, thanks.  I'll call you in the morning; give my love to the
family.  Thanks Max, good night.  I ended the call and started the engine
and pulled out of the lot.  It had been a long day here, but a wonderful
one.

I headed home and stopped on the way to pick up some fast food burgers,
fries and beverages to feed the hungry mob that was awaiting me at home.  I
didn't know if they had eaten anything or not, but being boys they could
always eat more if they had it in front of them to eat.

As I walked in the door all four met me at the entry.  Dustin took the food
and beverages from my hands for me. I picked Danny up in my arms and hugged
him tightly and gave him a big kiss on his cheek.  He looked right into my
eyes.  I smiled a big smile and told him Daddy talked to me and he is doing
just great and that he said for me to tell Danny he loved him and to not
worry.  Danny burst into a moonbeam smile and hugged me back tightly.  I
carried him into the kitchen with me and set him back down on his feet as
we approached the table.  I told them all to dig in; I knew they had to be
starved.  We all grabbed burgers, fries etc. and moved out onto the terrace
to eat.

I answered all of the boys' questions and reassured them that Dad was doing
great, and he told me to come home to them because he was sleepy.  They
asked me when they could see him.  I told them I would ask the doctor in
the morning, but I imagined they would probably be able to see him tomorrow
afternoon or evening for just a short visit.  Danny came over and sat his
naked little butt upon my lap.  I put my arm around him.  Jorge came over
and put his arms around my neck and hugged me and kissed me on the cheek.
Everyone's worries were lifting.  You could feel the cloud of fear
dissipating.

When we finished eating Jared spoke up.  "Let's go over to the house so you
can see all that they have done today."  He paused a moment. "This place is
creepy it seems like a motel room here.'  He added.

It was good to see that we were all thinking of the two apartments as one
house now, but more than that...our home.  And yes, this apartment did have
a sterile feeling to it, but it was only meant to be temporary housing
until the construction was completed on our place.

"That's a great idea.  I really want to see what has been done."  I got up
and the rest started pulling on pairs of shorts as quickly as they could
and walked with me.  We walked through the complex over to 'our place'.
Jared opened the door and led us in.  I was curious to see how some of the
items were going to be started or completed.

Wow, it had only been four days, but the terrace was completed and it
looked fantastic.  The jacuzzi spa and the small waterfall going into it,
the built-in barbeque, wet bar and sink, the landscaping all of it was
better than imagined on paper.  It looked like a spacious sheltered
tropical paradise.  The bedroom suites with baths and the office/study were
all framed in and the dry wall was going up, the walls between the kitchens
and dining rooms were down and the kitchens had been gutted and the sliding
glass doors were in place, the excavation was already proceeding in the
family room and the ceiling and roof there had been prepped for the
fireplace and chimney in the middle of the room.  I would never have
believed so much could have been accomplished so quickly.  Jared said it
looked like an ant hill with all the workers all over the place doing
everything at once.  It was like an army of workers in here today,
yesterday and the day before he kept repeating.

Jack, Ted and all the gang were coming through for me again.  I think they
all felt a little added incentive this time.  The place was looking great,
we'd never had known it was just an apartment, rather two apartments, a few
days before.  It was taking on the appearance of our new spacious home.

"Pops, I've been taking pictures with your camera as I could so we will
have some kind of a photographic record of it all."  Dustin told me.

"That's great Dustin, thank you son. It will be nice to look back on all
this.  I'm really pleased with the job they're doing and I know Dad will be
too when he sees all this."  I was in awe of the amount of work that had
been completed.  The smell was comforting to me also.  I have always loved
the smell of new construction since my college days and my part time work
in the business.  It was one of those smells like the ocean's salt air,
fresh mown grass, and smoke from a chimney on a cool winter's eve, they
were all comforting.  I guess some people have their comfort foods, I have
my comfort smells...and new construction definitely was one!

"Guys, I'm going to head back to the apartment.  I need to take a shower
and rest a little; it's been a long day for me."  I started to leave our
place for the apartment.  They followed behind me and Jared locked the
place up.

I went inside the apartment to the master bedroom and took off my clothes
just dropping them in a heap there on the bedroom floor. Walking into the
bathroom I turned on the shower water to warm up.  I stepped into the
shower and just let the water cascade over my weary body.  The warmth and
the soothing tingling of the spray on my bare body was so relaxing.  I
lathered the soap over all my body then just stood again under the spray
for a long time; letting it rinse away the day's fatigue.  Feeling a little
refreshed I turned off the water and dried myself off with the fresh towel
that was there.

As I walked into the bedroom Jorge was picking up my clothes to put into
the hamper for me.

"Thanks lil dude.  I really appreciate that."  I smiled over to him.

"You're welcome Pops, I know you're tired."  He beamed his killer smile
back to me.

"How was your day today sweetheart?"  I asked him.

"It was okay; I tried to spend as much time with Danny today as I could.
Cause I knew he was scared."  His compassion came through with the sound of
his words even.

"Tanks Jorge, I'm glad you did and I know he feels better because of it.
You're quite a guy.  Guess that's why I love you so much son."  I meant
every word.

He came over and hugged me.

"Where's everyone else?"

"I think they went out on the terrace."  As soon as he answered I could
hear the voices out there faintly.

I walked out to join them.  Jared got up off of a chaise and said, "Here
Pops, you sit here."

I went over and sat down and patted the cushion next to me for him to sit
back down too.  He did.

"I know we were all scared about today, but Dad is going to be fine now and
I don't want any of you worrying about him now.  You know he would be very
upset with us if he found out we were.  I looked over at Danny and put my
hand out to him.  He came over and sat on my lap and snuggled into my
chest. Just before Dad fell back to sleep tonight, he told me to tell you
how much he loves you guys.  I squeezed Danny extra tight.  I kissed his
cheek and tickled his ribs and he squirmed and giggled.  Everyone laughed.
Jared put his arm around my back and hugged into me.

"Pops, can we say a prayer for Dad?"  Jorge asked.

"We sure can lil dude.  Would you like to lead us in it?"  This was the
first that I had known of Jorge's experience with religious belief.  It
looked as though all the others were familiar with beliefs of some sort
also.  I made a mental note that this was a priority for me to find out
about each one.

"Okay."

The other boys gathered around Danny, Jared and me.  We took a hold of each
others' hands and bowed our heads.

"Dear God, thank You for taking care of Dad today.  We love him and want
him home with us real soon.  Thank you for loving us and taking care of us
too.  We love You.  Amen."

"Amen."  We all spoke.

"Amen."  Danny's little voice said a little behind the rest of us.

"Thank you Jorge that was a beautiful prayer."  I hugged him.

I was pleasingly amazed at Jorge's knowledge of prayer and God.

"Guys, I have to hit the hay.  I'm really beat."

"Can Danny and I sleep with you until Dad comes home, please Pops?"  Jorge
asked.

"I'd like that very much, then I won't feel alone in that bed.  You guys
will be doing me a big favor.  Thank you."  I answered him.  I knew they
wanted the security, what they didn't know was I kind of needed it tonight
also.

I started walking into the bedroom and they all followed.

"Pops, we're going to sleep in the room across the hall tonight in case you
need us for anything."  Dustin hugged me and Jared followed with his.

"Thanks guys, and thanks for taking care of the young ones today and for
all you have been doing this week. You're the greatest.  I love you guys."

"It's what we need to do Pops, we're all family."  Dustin easily replied.

"We love you too Pops, good night."  Jared said as they turned and left the
room.

I crawled into the bed and was joined on each side by an angel.  I put my
arms around them and kissed them both.  I told them how proud Dad and I
were of them both and how brave they had been throughout all of this.  Then
I told them we needed to get to sleep, morning would be rolling around
before we knew it.

We all snuggled up and quickly fell asleep.

I awoke and the dawn was just beginning to light the room.  Both boys were
still snuggled up tight next to me.  I could feel their warm breaths on my
chest.  And smell their sweet boy smells.  Jorge was lightly snoring.  I
needed to get out from between these two slumbering cherubs so I could
relieve my full bladder.  I carefully eased my way out without waking them
and made it to the bathroom.  I took aim and let go.  When the bladder was
empty I reached into the shower and turned on the water.  I stepped in and
shampooed, washed and shaved and rinsed.  When I got out of the shower to
dry off Jorge was standing in front of the bowl relieving his full bladder.

"Mornin' lil dude."

"Good morning Pops."  There was that terrific smile as he looked up to my
face.

"Is your brother awake also?"

"No, I woke up and heard you in here, but he's still asleep."

"Well we'll let him sleep a little bit longer okay?"

"Yeah, I think he kind of needs it."

"What do you feel like for breakfast this morning?"

"I dunno, I'm not that hungry.  Maybe just some cereal and toast I guess."

"That sounds good to me too."

We left the bathroom.  I checked on Danny and then Jorge and I headed for
the kitchen.  As we passed the other bedroom door we could hear the two
distinct snores of Jared and Dustin as they were sawing down an entire
forest it sounded like.  Jorge and I both quietly giggled to each other as
we continued down the hall.

I started the coffee brewing and Jorge was getting out the bowls for our
cereal, the cereal, the loaf of bread, the butter, jams, juice and milk.  I
finished with the coffee brewer and dropped the bread into the
toaster. Jorge poured the cereal into the bowls and the milk over it for
him and me.  I poured the juice and buttered the toast.  He and I had
shared our first breakfast with just the two of us in I couldn't remember
how long.

I enjoyed this time with just Jorge and me together.  He shared with me how
he knew that Dad was going to be okay.  He said he tried to tell Dad and me
both but we didn't seem to understand that he really knew.  I told him I
heard him and it was comforting to me when he said it.

"How do you feel about our new family lil dude?"

He looked at me with a kind of puzzled expression. "What do you mean Pops?"

"Are you okay with all of us being a family or do you wish it was just me
and you still?"  I needed to hear his answer.

"Pops, I am really happy with our family.  I love all of them.  You are
really special to me because of all you have done for me.  But I love all
of our family."  He looked as though he wasn't sure how I would take that
answer.

"Jorge, I'm really glad you feel that way.  I was just afraid that maybe
you might be feeling that with all the others around now I wasn't giving
you enough love and attention."

"Oh no Pops.  I know you love me more every day, I can feel it."  He got up
and came over and gave me his famous bear hug and kissed me on the cheek.

"Good."  I smiled at him.  "Because you know what, I really do love you
more every day.  I didn't know what life was really all about until you
came into my life lil dude.  You started everything good happening in my
life.  I am so glad and so proud you are my son."  I squeezed him tight.

"I like this though too, like this morning, just you and me." He shared.

"I do too sweetheart and I promise you I am going to make more time like
this, to have individual time for each one of you boys, that includes the
older ones.  I want you all to know how much you mean to me and that I am
always here for each of you when you need me."

"Sounds good to me Pops."  He grinned.

"Jorge, what's your experience with religious training?"

"I was baptized Catholic when I was a baby and my Tia Anita to me to church
with her all the time.  I went to catechism on Saturday mornings and had my
first communion.  I miss going to Mass, I haven't been since her funeral.
My mom and dad said they didn't believe in it."  His answer showed me he
had a good grounding with religious belief.

"Would you like to start to go to Mass again with me?"

"Pops I really would."

"Okay, we'll start going to Mass again together, how's that sound?  I'd
call Mike and talk to him about this, but I wanted to find out where all
the others were on this issue first.  It would be great for all of us to be
able to attend Mass together as a family and maybe even get involved with
the Dignity chapter here again.

"Thanks Pops, I'd like that."  He was smiling that Jorge smile again.

"Why don't you go wake up all your brothers now so they can get breakfast
and get dressed.  I'm going to go in and get dressed myself so I can get to
the hospital and be there with Dad when he wakes up this morning."  I
slapped his sweet little naked ass and he was off running.

I rinsed his and my breakfast items off and put them in the dishwasher and
headed for the bedroom to get dressed.  As I was walking down the hall I
heard Jared holler out.

"You're dead meat you lil squirt."  And I heard Jorge yelp and giggle and
Dustin laughing his ass off as Jorge ran from their room and into mine.

"What was that all about?"  I asked him.

"I just woke him up is all."  He looked sheepishly at me giggling.

Dustin came into the room still laughing.  "You better not turn your back
on Jared today if you know what's good for you lil dude."  He was warning
Jorge.

"What happened?"  I asked him.

"Good morning Pops.  Oh, you better ask Jared that."  He kept laughing.

With all the commotion going on Danny was waking up.  He was like me, not a
real morning person.  He rubbed his eyes, yawned and kind of frowned at all
the noise going on and waking him.

I went over to him, "Good morning sweetheart.  Did you sleep okay?"

Again he rubbed his eyes.  "Good morning Pops.  I think so.  What are they
doing, what's going on?"  Confusion was the expression on his face right
now.

"Oh, I guess Jorge pulled some kind of joke on Jared and he is in trouble
with him now."  I laughed.

"What did he do?"  Danny's expression was still serious.

"I don't know son, no one will tell me.  I guess we will have to wait
until, Jared tells us.

To be continued . . .


Personal Note:
It's really heartwarming for me to hear that these characters have come to
life for so many beside me. I would like to sincerely and appreciatively
thank all of you for your comments you have taken the time to email to
me. I do read every email!  I only wish I could reply to each.  I cannot
just send out a form reply to each, so that is the reason I try to reply as
I am able to. There are just too many to be able to respond to each.  Thank
you for understanding, and I do hope you will continue to enjoy this work
of fiction. Thank you for your kind encouragements, suggestions and
comments. They are taken to heart.  My wish for all of you is enjoyable
reading and happiness, health and kindness.  - D.