Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2000 15:01:57 -0500 From: fsw99 Subject: Chapter 31 of One Big Happy Family Legal Notice: The following story contains descriptions of graphic sexual acts. The story is a work of fiction and has no basis in reality. Don't read this story if: **You're not 18 or over, **If it is illegal to read this type of material where you live, **Or if you don't want to read about gay/bi people in love or having sex. The author retains copyright to this story. Placing this story on a website or reproducing this story for distribution without the author's permission is a violation of that copyright. Legal action will be taken against violators. E-mail responses to the stories, story suggestions or other 'constructive' comments or advice may be sent to me at fsw99@mindspring.com. Chapter Thirty One "Let me ask him first, OK? Just wait here for a few minutes," Jimmy said, as he knocked on his father's door. "Come in." Jimmy opened the door and stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "Dad, I need a big favor," he said. His Dad just chuckled. "Earlier today, you earned yourself another beating because of your attitude, which has sucked around here for months, and an hour later, you want a favor? Do you think behaving the way you have been is the way for me to grant you a favor?" he asked loudly. "Dad, please. Calm down. I don't want them to hear you. You have to come hear us. We are really good. We want you to record us and be our agent. If we get good enough, we want you to record our first record. You won't believe how we sound. We are going to start playing some of the songs Brian and I have written. We really can make it like Kenny did," Jimmy said. "That is pretty brash talk about a group of kids you had never seen before this afternoon, isn't it?" Mr. Shepherd asked. "Just come record us. We already can play about eight songs really well. Then, make up your own mind. One hot band on your old label could get you right back where you used to be. Think about it, OK?" Jimmy asked. "What about your attitude problems? When is your attitude going to improve? I am tired of waiting." "It will drastically improve from now on, I promise. Just give me a chance. I have never wanted anything this bad in my life." "So you want a fresh start?" "Yes sir. You won't be disappointed, I swear." "What about what you have already earned? I am not going to forget about that, you know." "I know. Can we take care of that when we get home?" Jimmy asked softly, lowering his head. "No, if you really want my help, I think we should get it out of the way right now, in front of your new friends. You want a new start? That is the only way we can do that. I think ten ought to do it. When we get finished, we will start over from scratch, and I will treat you like my son as long as your attitude stays positive." "Dad, please. Not in front of everyone. That will embarrass me to death. Please! Wait until we get home," Jimmy begged. "My mind is made up. That is the price you have to pay, if you want my help. Either you call them all in here and tell them that you are sorry for the way you behaved and you deserve your proper punishment, or I don't help. It is that simple. That is the only real way you can wipe the slate clean with me and them." Jimmy just sat with a horrified look on his face as he stared at his father. Bit then, a look of determination replaced it. He said, "Fine!" and opened the door to the office. He looked Brian in the eyes, shook his head, and whispered "I'm getting another one in front of everybody." Then he raised his voice and said "Could everyone please step in here?", then walked back in. Brian just shook his head and walked back towards the studio. He had seen this before, and didn't want to be there for another of his best friend's beatings. When everyone that could fit came in, with the rest looking in through the doorway, Mr. Shepherd said, "Jimmy has told me he wants me to help you and become your agent. I have to admit, you do sound better than my wildest expectations. My son and I have had problems dealing with each other for many months. He has asked me for us to start over. I have agreed, on one condition. He has to pay for his little outburst this afternoon, and apologize to all of you. Jimmy?" Jimmy took a big breath, then said, "I am sorry for all that I said. I know I already apologized to all of you, but not in front of my Dad. I told you I would do anything I could do to make us into a top notch band, and I guess if you really need convincing, this is it. I deserve my punishment, and Dad will be glad to administer it in front of all of you. Dad, I really am sorry for how I have been acting, and it won't happen again." "I am sorry that you have to see this, but sometimes it takes extreme measures to pound a point into Jimmy's head," Mr. Shepherd said, as he moved to his leather couch that was against the far wall and piled the pillows at the near end. "Over here, Jimmy." Jimmy looked up quickly at all of us with sadness in his eyes, and then quickly walked over to the sofa, pulled down the loose shorts he was wearing, revealing green and red checked boxers, and leaned over the arm rest. "Boxers too, Jimmy," his Dad said. "Dad, please!" Jimmy begged. "Not in front of everyone." "Jimmy!" his father said, rasing his voice. Jimmy didn't move for several seconds, then said "Why the hell not?" under his breath, and pulled down his boxers to his knees, assuming the same position. Mr. Shepherd quickly walked over behind him, removing his belt as he went. "Count them off, Jimmy," he said, as he raised the belt. Swat! "One" Swat! "Two" After five, Jimmy was having to fight his sobs as he counted out the number. After six, Paul walked out of the room. After eight, Jimmy was sobbing audibly, and Tim and Tom left. Finally, it was all over, and Jimmy reached down and pulled his boxers up first, then the shorts. "Now, Jimmy, if you don't mind, please excuse yourself and go wash your face in the bathroom down the hall. When you have yourself back together again, then come back in here and we can get down to business. In the mean time, I want to talk to the band," Mr. Shepherd said. "Excuse me," Jimmy said, looking at the floor, as he quickly ran out of the office with tears streaming down his face. "I am sorry you all had to see that. Jimmy is very talented, but he is extremely hard headed, and sometimes, this is the only way I can get through to him. Now, let's forget this and get to know each other. I am interested in hearing you play, and then we can talk about contracts, if you still would like me to be your agent," Mr. Shepherd said, acting like nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Everyone else just kind of looked at each other, like "What have we gotten ourselves into?" Keith, Mark, and Alex politely excused themselves, and left, wanting to get as far away right now as possible. Everyone else was kind of trapped. Jimmy was crying freely now that he was away from everyone, as he ran into the bathroom. Paul was leaning against the wall as he came in. "What are you doing here?" Jimmy asked, as he went to the sink and wiped his eyes with a paper towel. "I'm sorry. I had no idea you were going to come in here. I just had as much of that as I could take," Paul answered. "As much as you seem to hate me, I would have thought you would have enjoyed it," Jimmy said angrily. "I don't like to see anyone get abused. It brings back too many painful memories from the past," Paul said. Jimmy looked up at Paul in the mirror, and they stared at each other for several moments, before Jimmy started to wash his face. "I'll leave, if you want me too," Paul said. "That's OK. I am about over the pain. I don't know about the humiliation," Jimmy said, as tears started to slowly run down his face once again. "Hey man, it is all over now. None of us is ever going to say anything about this to you. It's over. We kind of share everything as a family, and I guess you just got adopted," Paul said, as he put a hand on Jimmy's shoulder and pulled him towards him. Jimmy tried to resist, but finally turned towards Paul and Paul pulled him to him, hugging him tight. Jimmy hugged back and tried to fight the tears, but they still were falling. "I'll ask Stan and see if you can come spend the night with all of us. We can trade horror stories. How does that sound, buddy?" Paul asked. Paul sniffed a couple of times before answering, then pulled away and looked at Paul. "So, all of a sudden, I am your buddy now?" Paul smiled. "Yeah. I guess I am not mad at you any more. See, it's a good thing your Dad beat you in front of us. Otherwise, you wouldn't have made friends with a great guy like me," Paul kidded, as he pushed Jimmy roughly away. Jimmy just grinned and faked punching Paul in the face. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. I would hate to have to kick your ass in your own bathroom and make you cry again," Paul kidded. "Yeah, right! I can kick your scrawny butt any day of the week," Jimmy said, taking up a karate pose. "Oh, karate, huh? Me too. First degree brown belt. We may have to square off some time," Paul said, as he also took up the same pose. "I am a second degree brown belt. Maybe we can train together some time. That would be lots of fun," Jimmy said. "Really? Second degree? Man, I would love for us to train together. Maybe we could do some training after band practice," Paul said. "There is a small studio we aren't using that we could use. All we would have to do is clean it up," Jimmy said. Both boys were talking faster and faster, like they had been friends for years. Just then, Tim and Tom walked in. "Oh, sorry, we just needed to use the bathroom," Tim said. "No problem. I think we were just about done in here. Don't you think so, Jimmy?" Paul asked. "Yeah, I think we have come to an understanding. After you, buddy," Jimmy said, as he opened the door for Paul. Both boys left, laughing and talking together. Tim and Tom just looked at each other with puzzled looks on their faces, but then decided nature's call demanded their attention. Jimmy and Paul walked into Mr. Shepherds office, just as he was talking over terms of his standard deal as an agent. "OK Dad, we are starting a new relationship, right?" Jimmy asked. "Yes, that is what we agreed to," he answered. "OK, so don't take this the wrong way. We won't have much money to start with. You have to help us. You have to accept a smaller commission to start, and we can make it bigger as we get more revenue coming in. If you want us to go anywhere that is not close by, you pay for it and take it out of the revenue we generate before any of us sees anything. You have to bankroll us. You did this for Kenny. We will stay with you if this works, I swear. This could be all of our last big chance. If we believe, you have to believe. You taught me to drive a hard bargain, and I plan to do so with our band. Now, you want to hear us before you make up your mind? I would hate to have to call Kenny's agent and make a deal with him, if you don't see things my way," Jimmy said. Jimmy's Dad just smiled at him, and said, "That sounds like you need another lesson, boy!" Everyone else just took in a big breath to see what was going to happen between father and son. "No, our lessons are because of my attitude, right? That is what you said. This is totally different. This is what you have taught me. Get the best deal you can. Don't screw the people you are working with, but get the best deal you can negotiate. If anything, you should kind of like this. I have you over a barrel, not the other way around. It is something you would have tried to pull, right? We will share if we go up, I swear. We won't run, like Kenny. I want to go after him. You know damn well you do, too. We'll grow together. But, if you take this deal, you will never beat me again, or I swear, we will leave you in a heartbeat. Your choice. You always wanted me to grow up and be a man. Now is the time. I am standing up to you as a man. Now, you want me to call the welfare authorities and report a beating in front of lots of witnesses, or do you want to do things my way?" Jimmy asked. "Come on, everyone knows all I did was belt you ten times," his Dad answered. "That's not exactly what anyone saw, right guys? Paul, I know we are now friends, but would you mind giving me a bloody nose or a cut lip? Maybe a few bruises? I know a lot of really nasty things I can call you to get you into the mood," Jimmy said. "That won't be necessary. I am always in the mood," Paul kidded. "I will be glad to work you over a little." Mr. Shepherd just laughed out loud. "So now you are going to blackmail me, too?" "Whatever it takes," Jimmy smiled back. "I want this really bad." "And your attitude will still improve like you promised?" "I give you my word. Have I ever done that before and not done everything I can to live up to it?" "No, I have to admit, you haven't. OK, you win. I will draw up a bare minimum agent contract, but will put in lots of incentives if you do break out. Just like I did Kenny. Deal?" Mr. Shepherd asked Jimmy, standing up and holding out his hand. "Deal!" Jimmy said, shaking his hand and then hugging him. "Can we ask what we all just agreed to?" Matt asked from the doorway. "Mike and I are the band's managers, and we don't have a clue what is going on." "Yeah, I am kind of lost, too," Isaiah said. "Just trust me on this, guys. We just got a great deal. We can go over all the fine points of the contract before anyone signs it. We will all have to sign it. I can explain it to you later on tonight, if I can spend the night like you said, Paul," Jimmy said. "I didn't even ask Stan yet. Is it all right if Paul spends the night with us?" Paul asked. "I guess so," I said, befuddled at Paul and Jimmy acting friendly all of a sudden. "Great. Come on, let's go show Dad what we can do," Jimmy said, as he and Paul walked out of the office. When they got out in the entrance area, Jimmy said "I guess I won't need you to beat me up after all." "Man, that is a shame. I was looking forward to that," Paul kidded. "Well, I would have to have kicked your butt later if you had," Jimmy answered. "Oh yeah? Well, try this on for size," Paul said, as he kicked towards Jimmy's face. Jimmy easily blocked the kick, then lightly kicked Paul across the chest and pulled him to the carpet, sitting on top of him. Both boys started wrestling around, until Ed came over and picked Jimmy off of Paul. Everybody thought the fight was for real, until both Jimmy and Paul got up laughing. "What is wrong with you two?" Ed asked angrily. "Hey, we are just fooling around. Come on, buddy, no more fighting until we get back to Stan's, OK?" Paul asked, as he went and put his arm around Jimmy's shoulder. Jimmy put his arm around Paul, and said, "Deal, bud." They walked off towards the studio with their arms still around each other's shoulders, as everyone else just stared at them, open mouthed. "What the bloody hell just happened?" Phill asked. "I have no idea. If they are getting along now, I guess we had better count our blessings and not ask," Stan said, as everybody just shook their heads in confusion and followed the other two boys into the studio. The rest of the day at the studio wasn't all fun like it had been before. Mr. Shepherd was a perfectionist, and he kept interrupting them, adding his comments, and then starting them up again. He particularly kept telling Isaiah things to do to improve his stage presence, which Isaiah had never tried to work on since he was always behind the keyboards before now. Isaiah caught on fast, being a natural ham on stage from his acting days, and the overall show the boys were putting on improved more than their music had so far today. Isaiah now glided all over the stage, playing to his audience of now five people and his pretend audience of thousands more. They took a break to bring in Jimmy's keyboard set up from another studio to work on `Lorelei` and once it was set up, the dual keyboard lead coming from different speakers across the stage from each other really made the song that much better. Isaiah's presence as a lead singer seemed to explode as much as the guitar leads when the keyboard solos ended and Jimmy took over the organ lead. Everyone was excited when they finally quit for the day because they really had sounded like a professional band, and not just an average one at that (like The Police! - hehehe). A really good one. Everyone but Mr. Shepherd walked outside to get away for a few minutes, while he transferred the recording to a cassette. Jimmy was so excited that he couldn't stop moving. He started laughing uncontrollably. "We really might could do it." "What?" Paul asked. "Don't you see? We really might make it. We might be traveling around the country, playing music for a living in a couple of months. We are that good. None of you believe it yet, do you?" Jimmy asked. "To be honest, I don't think we do. I know you guys sounded better today than ever, but you are assuming way too much for your first day with the band," Stan said. "OK, I will slow down. If Dad says that, you will believe him though, right? He will be putting his money where his mouth is, since he is backing us. I guarantee you he won't stick his neck out very far unless he thinks he can also make plenty of money off of us. He won't do it just because I am his son. He might take a belt to my bare ass because of that, like you saw, but he won't waste his money. Let's go see what he thinks," Jimmy said, as he walked back into the studio, with Paul at his heals. Mr. Shepherd still had on his headphones, as he copied the tape to cassette, but he was smiling and tapping his foot to the music. Jimmy just grinned when he saw that, having seen that many times before and turned and gave everyone the thumbs up sign. He already knew what was coming. No one bothered him until he finally took off the headphones and walked out, holding two cassettes. "I went ahead and recorded two copies. I knew you would want one to take with you, and I wanted to keep one here. It is easier to copy other duplicates from a cassette. Once you learn four or five original songs, I think we will be ready for the next step," he said. "And what is that?" Stan asked. "Performing live in clubs, of course. I am sorry for my manners. I don't even know your name," Mr. Shepherd said. "I am David Shepherd." "I am Stan Miller," I said shaking his hand. "Stan Miller, the writer?" David asked. "One and the same," I said. "I noticed several of my books on your shelves. A writer tends to notice things like that, you know." David just laughed. "I am sure you would. I do really enjoy your books. I think I have all of them now. Are you one of these fine young musician's father?" "It's a long story," I laughed. "Kind of. Maybe part time Dad to all of them." "Me too?" Jimmy asked, coming up and grinning. "Yeah, probably you too," I said, as I put my arm around his shoulder. "What do you think, Dad?" Jimmy asked. "I think with a couple of weeks of hard work, we will be able to go out and kick some butts!" he answered. "Boy bands are the rage right now. Backstreet Boys. ‘N Sync. The Hansons. Several boy rap groups. None can play instruments like you guys can. If we can get the teen age girls interested, you might be an overnight sensation. You are all nice looking boys, and you can all sing. You also have a lots harder sound, which will appeal to lots other groups of CD buyers. I really think we might be able to be touring within two or three months." "What?" everyone said loudly, almost at the same time. "See?" Jimmy said, as he turned around as gave everyone a huge smile. "We will have to hire tutors for the boys, of course. They will all have to leave school to concentrate on their music. They will have plenty of time to study on the bus, while they go from city to city," David said. "Wait! Wait! This is all a little too much for us right now. We just came here to make a simple recording, and now you are talking about all the kids quitting high school. I am a writer. That is how I make my money. Ed and Paul are my foster sons. Robbie is like a son to me. We can't just take off and leave everything behind," I said. "Think about this. The kids could make a tremendous amount of money in a very short period of time. If they bank that money, and I will be glad to send you to a financial planner that will help you do that, they could be set for life. They can continue with their education on the road. The worst part of being on the road is what to do with so much spare time. We can hire a tutor, who travels with us. They will have plenty of time to continue their education and also play their music. It can easily be done. As for you, you do have a lap top computer, don't you?" David asked. "Of course," I answered. "Well, while the boys are studying, you will have plenty of time to write. Same principal. What is the problem?" David asked, smiling. "Just too much, too fast, I guess. What do you think, guys?" I asked. "We really are like you, I think," Robbie said. "I don't know if Mom will go for this at all. I think we all need to think it over." "Me too. My Mom will freak if I ask her to go on the road and leave home," Isaiah said. "Look, let's just take this one step at a time. You go and think about what I have said. We really have to get some experience around here first, before we go forward, anyway. You guys have to get used to playing in front of an audience, and you don't want to start in front of a large crowd. Do you think you could play before your high school any time soon?" David asked. "I know our high school principal really well. I could ask him," Isaiah said. "School does start Monday, so we might could play right away." "I knew our middle school principal really well, but I don't think he would do me any favors. Of course, I didn't exactly kiss his ass," Paul said, making kissing sounds at Isaiah. Everyone laughed, including Isaiah. "Yeah, but you were closer to getting your butt whipped by your principal, than asking for favors from him," Ed said. Jimmy and Paul looked at each other, and both blushed. "Whatever. Go ahead, Isaiah," Paul said. "OK, he really does like rock and roll. We were practicing for a play, and took a break. Someone started playing a rock song really loud through the speakers. I thought he was going to get really mad, but he just smiled and kind of grooved to the sound. He really got into it, you know? If I can play this for him, he might let us play after the first football game," Isaiah said. "That sounds like a plan. Why doesn't everyone sleep on it? I really do think you have the potential to break out, big time. I know there is a lot to consider. But, think about what it can mean to the boys later in life if it works out. They could be comfortable for life. There is a lot at stake, but so much to be gained," David said. "That sounds like a good idea. We all need some time to think. I think we will go home now. Jimmy is welcome to come with us, if he wants. Are you open on Saturday?" I asked. "Not normally, but I will be glad to meet you and we can go over some of the new songs, if you like," David said. "That would be fine. I was just making sure I wasn't signing up as Dad for one more kid quite yet. I want to make sure you won't move away before I can return Jimmy," I laughed. "Thanks a lot," Jimmy answered, grinning. "That sounds great. Follow me home, and Jimmy can get some fresh clothes for tomorrow. I really do have a good feeling about this," David said. "You can leave all of your equipment here. Your trailer, too. I can lock it up behind our gate. It is safe, and I have plenty of insurance to cover anything, in case anyone breaks in, but no one has ever done so before. Jimmy, make sure and take your tape from today, as well as the tapes you have recorded of the songs you have written." "Got them right here, Dad. And thanks, OK?" Jimmy said, as he hugged his father once more. Jimmy and his Dad seemed to be finally enjoying each other. That was one good thing that came from today. But, as we all followed David to get Jimmy some clothes, all of us were worried about what do to about the band's future. Comments can be sent to me at fsw99@mindspring.com.