Saving An Angel
By Jason Finigan

This story is completely fictional. Any similarities to any persons or events, past or present are purely coincidental. This story may contain scenes which involve sexual situations between young males. If this type of material is offensive to you, or it is not legal for you to be reading this type of material, please do not read any further. This story is copyright © 2007 by Jason. Please do not copy this story for distribution or post on any online server without the author's permission. Please send all your comments to: jasonfinigan@yahoo.com You can also visit my site at: www.jasonfinigan.net. Thanks and enjoy the story.

Chapter 9

The door opened, and standing there, dressed sharply in a pair of black slacks with a khaki long sleeve shirt was Jason. His hair, which looked to Ryan as though it had been recently cut, was neatly combed. He could smell the unmistakable scent of freshly washed hair, a clear indication that Jason had just come out of the shower. He was clean shaven, though he couldn't detect any sign that he had put on any aftershave. Ryan took in every detail he could, and concluded that Jason was the most beautiful man he had ever seen in his entire life.

"I was beginning to worry that you weren't going to show up," Jason said, standing there in the door and smiling.

"Of course I was going to come," Ryan said finally, after stammering slightly.

"Anything wrong?" Jason asked.

"No, not at all. In fact, quite the opposite. I can't believe you're the same person I saw in the store yesterday," Ryan said.

"Ah, well you saw me in my work clothes. This is what I look like normally, though I don't usually wear this. Actually, I feel a little over dressed."

"You didn't have to get all dressed up you know," Ryan told him.

"Well, I didn't want you to think I was a slob. Listen, do you want to come in for a minute?" Jason asked.

"Thank you, yes," Ryan said, and stepped into Jason's apartment. Jason closed the door and showed Ryan into his living room. What Ryan saw there shocked him a great deal. It was empty, or practically empty. Jason had no couches, no chairs, save for the one in front of a computer desk which was against the wall that separated the kitchen from the living room. On the opposite side of the living room, across from his desk was a TV stand with an old RCA twenty-five inch TV on it. Beside the TV was a media shelf, which held a fairly large collection of DVDs, most of them looking as if they were brand new.

"I know, it's not much to look at," Jason said, noticing Ryan looking around.

"Where's all your furniture, Jason?" Ryan asked.

"Can't afford it. I don't make enough on my salary at work to be able to pay for much of anything. I only moved in here in February, and I haven't been able to pay for anything other than what you see here. In my bedroom, the only thing I have is an end table and my bed. I don't even have a dresser."

"Well that's not right Jason, you can't live like this," Ryan said. "What about food? How do you eat?"

"Honestly, sometimes I don't. Most of my money is tied up in my rent and the Internet."

"Jason, you can't continue on like this. How much do you make an hour at your work?" Ryan asked.

"Right now, just a little over twelve dollars an hour."

"What? But that's almost minimum wage!" Ryan exclaimed.

"I know, but hey, it's work, and it was the only thing I could get at the time. At least I have a roof over my head."

"Yes, but still. Did you get a hold of my assistant this morning?" Ryan asked him.

"I did, and I have an appointment for an interview at one o'clock tomorrow. I'll just have to call in sick tomorrow, so I can make it," Jason said.

"You really don't like working there do you?" Ryan laughed.

"It's okay, honestly, but sometimes I feel that the management cares more about numbers than they do about the people who work for them. Every morning during the meeting we have before the store opens, it's the same thing, running off a list of numbers for people to listen to. I just let those numbers fly over my head. All I care about is doing my job, helping people as best I can, whether they're customers or fellow employee's and doing what I have to to pay my bills."

"That's all any of us can do Jason. Well, you make sure you make that appointment tomorrow."

"I will. I just hope that the person who's interviewing me won't be the same guy I had to deal with before."

"Don't worry about him, I've started an investigation on him already. I should get some preliminary results by tomorrow. I'll have Ken Tanaka do your interview. He's my project manager, and does the majority of my hiring."

"Sounds good. Okay, I'm all set," Jason said, grabbing his keys from the kitchen counter..

"Let's go then," Ryan said, opening the apartment door. He waited until Jason had left the apartment, then, taking one last look at it, closed the door. Jason locked the door, then slipped his keys into his front pocket.

"I hope I do well on the interview," Jason said as they made their way to the elevators.

"You'll do fine. I've seen what you know, and I think you'd contribute a great deal to the company. It's not fair for you to have to live like that Jason. You deserve to live better."

"Well, the way I see it, the choices you make dictate the future you lead, and I'm afraid I haven't made many wise decisions in my life."

"Nonsense," Ryan said after the two of them had walked into the elevator. He pushed the button for the lobby, waiting for the doors to close and the elevator to begin its descent. "Look, I believe all of us make bad choices, but no matter what happens, we can always make new ones to change the outcome."

"I haven't done too much changing. It's been almost eight years since I've started working for Future Shop, and at first things were going great. I was making money, people were talking to me. I still didn't have any friends, which I didn't exactly encourage, but things were okay. I don't know what happened. One day things just started to get to me. I wasn't happy and I didn't know what to do to change that."

"Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to look in the mirror and be honest with ourselves."

"You have that right," Jason said. The elevator stopped and they stepped out into the lobby. Ryan led the two of them out the front door, heading for his car. "You know, when I started working for Future Shop, I had already had one boyfriend. It didn't work out very well. He turned out to be straight, and was using me for sex because his girlfriend wasn't putting out for him. I didn't really see myself as being gay then. Heck, I didn't even know what the meaning of gay was. I decided that I was going to stop seeing guys, and began dating this woman. The thing is. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't fall in love with her. We spent nine years together before I finally realized that I couldn't keep lying to myself. Last June, I told her that I was gay, and that I couldn't truly love her. I was alone again, and the only thing I had left was my job."

"I'm so sorry Jason. I know what it's like to be alone. I lost my parents in an accident a few years ago. If it wasn't for my Uncle, and the business, I would have been a completely different person than I am now," Ryan said.

"I'm sorry to hear about your parent's death Ryan," Jason said.

"Thanks. I visit their graves every now and then. But with Kyle and now Greg and Adam with me, I probably won't be seeing them as often," Ryan admitted.

"Hold on, Greg and Adam? Who are they?" Jason asked.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Greg and Adam are two boys that I just recently fostered."

"Wow, you really are a glutton for punishment aren't you?" Jason asked, smiling for the first time since they left the apartment.

"Not really," Ryan laughed, unlocking the car doors, and climbing inside. He waited while Jason opened up his door, and climbed in as well. "Kyle and Greg knew each other in the home, and Adam just recently was placed there before I fostered him."

"And they're okay?" Jason asked.

"Oh yes. They are. You know. I think what it is is that some kids who've been hurt by someone for most of their lives just want to find someone to love, to take care of them. I've seen a lot of kids who don't have love, or who can't trust enough to love. They just pretty much go through the motions of living. You can see it in their eyes that they're not happy. But some boys, like Kyle, Greg, and Adam, they are the ones who's desire for love is so strong that they reach out for anyone willing to give it. I just happened to find three boys who had that desire, and I am going to make sure that they are happy, and feel loved for the rest of my life."

"Sounds like you love them already Ryan," Jason said.

"You know what? Honestly, I do."

"That's good. I was adopted too, you know," Jason said, as Ryan started the car and pulled out of the parking lot.

"Oh really? I didn't know that."

"Well, it's nothing really," Jason said, shrugging his shoulders.

"Nothing? I doubt that very much. Your adopted parents must love you very much."

"Me and my parents don't talk very often any more. And quite frankly, I'm happy about that," Jason said bitterly.

"I'm sorry to hear that. I think being a part of a family is the most precious thing we have."

"Don't get me wrong Ryan, I love them very much. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have had the chance to grow up in a family. It's just that I didn't really feel loved. Not really."

"I doubt you're giving your parents a fair chance Jason," Ryan said.

"Maybe not; doesn't change how I feel though."

"No it doesn't. But I will tell you this much, I think you're a really nice guy. You've obviously had a hard life, and yet you're still fighting. I admire that in you Jason. I really do. A lot of people would have given up on themselves, but you haven't."

"I don't believe in quitting," Jason said, turning his head to look at Ryan.

"Good," Ryan laughed. "because if you did, I'd have to give you a spanking."

"Oh God!" Jason laughed almost hysterically. "That would be the funniest thing ever; a twenty-four year old man with a thirty-four year old over his knee, spanking him!"

"I know!" Ryan said, laughing almost as hard as Jason. "You have an amazing smile though Jason. You should do it more often."

"Hanging around you should make that a certainty Ryan. I don't know what it is about you, but I feel so relaxed around you. I can't believe I told you all I did, and I'm sorry for laying all that on you."

"Don't be. You were being honest with me, and I regard honesty very highly."

"I don't believe in lying," Jason said. "All it does is hurt people."

"Even if you lie to protect them?" Ryan asked.

"Especially then. For what happens when they find out the truth?"

"True. You know, I have to be honest with you Jason," Ryan said.

"Please."

"I'm really beginning to like you," Ryan said.

"Thank you Ryan," Jason said, his eyes beginning to water. "Not many people have said that to me before."

"Then let me tell you something else Jason," Ryan said, pulling the car into his driveway and stopping the car. "I think I'm beginning to fall in love with you." The tears then began to fall from Jason's eyes. He began to sob slightly, holding his head in his hands in front of him. Ryan undid his seatbelt and leaned over, putting his arm around Jason, holding him until he was able to pull himself together. He didn't know why, but he felt a tear form in his eye, and begin to fall down the side of his face.

"Thank you Ryan," Jason said, leaning into Ryan. "I was afraid to tell you that I was falling in love with you. I didn't want to lose the chance of being your friend."

"Hey, look at me," Ryan said, letting go of him. Jason looked up at Ryan, and saw that he too had been crying. "You will not lose me as a friend. Ever. When I make friends, they stay friends. But I don't want you as just a friend. I want you to be much more than that."

"Me too," Jason sobbed, trying to wipe away the tears from his face. "I want that so much. The first time I saw you, I saw the most beautiful person in the world. Then I saw Kyle, and how happy you were with each other. It's something I had almost given up on, being happy that is."

"Jason, I don't know what is to come, but I would like the chance for us to find out."

"I would like that very much, Ryan. You've already made me a very happy person."

"Good, because I plan to keep on making you happy."

"Sounds like fun," Jason said, his smile suddenly hinting at a bit of mischievousness.

"It does at that, doesn't it?" Ryan asked. They sat there in the car after that. Just staring at each other, neither of them saying a word. They didn't need to.

"Hey!" Jason exclaimed, suddenly snapping out of the trance they were in. "What are we still doing in the car?"

"You're right," Ryan said, realizing that they were still in the car and had been sitting there for several minutes. "Let's get inside." Together the two of them got out of the car and headed up to the front door. Ryan had just been about to open the door when it suddenly opened, startling the two of them.

"Well, it's about time you got back Ryan," Darren said.

"Sorry Uncle Darren, we were talking in the car and lost track of time," Ryan said.

"Yes, I imagine you did," Darren said, smiling knowingly at Ryan. "Well, aren't you going to introduce us to each other?"

"Oh yes, of course. Sorry. Jason, this is Darren Cummings, my uncle. Uncle, this is Jason."

"It's very nice to meet you, Jason," Darren said, shaking Jason's hand.

"Likewise Darren," Jason said.

"Now, would the two of you please come in? I could use a hand in the kitchen," Darren said.

"You haven't changed a bit, Uncle," Ryan laughed, as he and Jason walked into the house, closing the door behind them. "I thought you said the kitchen was off limits."

"Don't be a wise-ass, Mister," Darren scowled.

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry. What is it you need us to do?" Ryan asked as they neared the kitchen.

"Simple. You need to get the table set."

"Uncle, we're not eating in the kitchen. The table is too small for all of us," Ryan pointed out.

"I know that Ryan, but I've put everything out on the table, and I need you to take it all out to the living room for me."

"Sure, we can do that. By the way, where are the boys?" he asked.

"They're upstairs sleeping," Darren said. "Oh, and by the way, you got a phone call while you were out. Anna from the CAS would like you to call her back as soon as you can."

"Okay, thanks Uncle. I'll call her first, before we start on the dinnerware. I wonder what the heck she could be calling about."

"I have no idea Ryan, but she didn't sound too happy."

"Thanks. Come on Jason, you can sit in the living room for a minute while I talk to Anna. Did you want something to drink?"

"Yes please, if you have any, I'd like some orange juice."

"You're in luck, we have lots of that," Ryan said, grabbing a glass from the cupboard. He took the juice out of the fridge, and filled the glass, handing it to Jason before putting the juice back in the fridge. "Okay, this way," Ryan said, leading Jason to the living room.

Jason sat down on the couch, which he found to be extremely comfortable. Ryan walked over to a small desk in the corner, and picked up the cordless phone that was resting there. He watched as Ryan dialed a number, and waited for someone to answer on the other end.

"Hello, Anna? This is Ryan."

"Yes, Ryan. Thanks for getting back to me so quickly," Anna said.

"No problem. My uncle said you had called."

"Yes I did. There is a problem with you fostering Adam."

"I see. And just what is the problem? I thought we had everything approved."

"We did. It's not a problem that the CAS has with you though Ryan. This has to do with Adam's father."

"His father? How is his father involved?" Ryan asked.

"Apparently, his father knows you, and is aware of the fact that you have fostered his son."

"Just what is the story with his father anyways? From what little Adam has told me, he didn't have a very good home life before coming to live at the group home."

"No he didn't. Look, I can't say anything about this over the phone for privacy reasons, but what I will tell you is that his father has just filed for custody of Adam with the courts."

"He did what?" Ryan exclaimed, loudly.

"I'm sorry to have to be the one to tell you, but you needed to know," Anna said.

"Anna, I've grown very fond of that boy. He's happy with Kyle and Ryan and it would kill him to be taken away from them."

"I know Ryan, and I agree with you on this. But he is Adam's biological father, and since there is no record of abuse filed against his father, the application does have a chance of succeeding."

"I need to know everything there is to know about his father, Anna. Can you stop by sometime later on to fill me in? I'm going to have my lawyer present to see what our options are, as well."

"I will do that. I was planning on doing just that and have all the records ready," Anna said.

"Good. We're having dinner in a couple hours, and you're welcome to join us if you like."

"Thank you, I think I will. I'll be there in a couple hours."

"Alright then. Thank you again Anna, and I'll talk to you later."

"Bye."

"Bye," Ryan said, and hung up the phone.

"What's wrong Ryan?" Darren asked. He was standing in the doorway to the living room, looking concerned.

"The bastard of a father has filed for custody of his son, Adam," Ryan said emotionally.

"What? How's that possible?" Darren asked.

"I don't know, but I need to call Jerry. Anna is coming over for dinner, and I expect Jerry will be staying too," Ryan said.

"Alright, I'll get two more places set while you call Jerry."

"Who's Jerry?" Jason asked.

"Jerry's my lawyer. He helped me with Kyle, and now it looks like I need help with Adam too."

"If there's anything I can do, just let me know Ryan," Jason said, getting up from the couch and walking over to where Ryan stood.

"Thank you Jason." Ryan then dialed the phone again. It seemed to take forever before someone picked up on the other end, but finally someone did. "Hello Jan, can I speak with Jerry please? It's Ryan. Thanks." Ryan waited a few more minutes before Jerry answered the phone.

"Ryan? How's everything going?" he asked.

"They were fine until a few minutes ago, Jerry. I need your help again my friend."

"Anything, you know that."

"I have fostered two more boys..."

"You've done what?" Jerry screamed into the phone.

"Fostered two more boys," Ryan replied.

"I heard you the first time, I just don't believe it."

"Well, believe it. I need your help though. Apparently the father of one of the boys I've fostered has filed for custody of his son. I can't let that happen, and I need your help to fight this."

"Okay Ryan, I understand. Damn, you really do know how to get into a pickle."

"Yes, so I've been told."

"When do you need me?" he asked.

"Anna Jacobs is coming over in a couple hours for dinner, and she's bringing over all the information. Could you make it here by then?"

"I'll leave right now Ryan. I should be there in a short while," he said.

"Thanks Jerry. I owe you."

"You're damned right you owe me. Just wait till you get the bill," Jerry laughed.

"So long as Adam can stay with us, it'll be worth every penny."

"Alright, I'm going to pack up what I'm doing here, and then I'm on my way. Oh and Ryan, I hope you have something good cooking. A good meal is part of your bill."

"Don't worry about that. Uncle Darren has moved back in. He's making dinner as we speak."

"Damn, I'm on my way then!" Jerry said.

"Okay, see you soon," Ryan laughed.

"Count on it," Jerry said before hanging up the phone.

Ryan then walked over to the couch and sat down. Jason sat down beside him and put his arm around Ryan's shoulders. He didn't know what to say. Ryan leaned into him, resting his head on Jason's shoulder.

"I can't lose him Jason. I just can't."

"You won't, Ryan," Jason said. "I know how much he means to you. All I can do is promise you that I'll be here to help however I can."

"Thank you Jason. That means a lot to me," Ryan said.

"Hey look. How about we set up the table, and then you can show me around," Jason suggested.

"That sounds like an idea," Ryan said.

"Forget it Ryan. You go right on upstairs to those boys of yours. I'll get the table set. Right now, I think you need them, and I'm not a cripple."

"I know you're not, Uncle. Thank you. For everything.

"Bah, just get up there," Darren said, waving his arm at Ryan before heading back to the kitchen.

"Come one Jason, let's go," Ryan said, getting up from off the couch.

* * *

I was awakened by the sound of my door opening, and a light filling my room, shining in my face. Turning over towards the light, I slowly opened my eyes and saw Ryan standing in the door, with someone beside him.

"Dad?" I asked.

"I'm here son," Ryan said. Walking into my room, and sitting on my bed. "And I brought home someone."

Looking up at the new figure coming into my room, I saw that it was Jason, and I began to smile. "He came after all," I said.

"Yes, he came. Listen. Dinner's going to be ready soon. Do you think you could get your brothers up and join us downstairs?" he asked me.

"I will Dad," I told him.

"Thanks bud," he said, smiling down at me.

"Hey dad?" I asked as he got up from my bed.

"Yes?"

"Is he your boyfriend now?" I asked. Behind Ryan, I heard Jason snicker.

"No he isn't Kyle, but we'll see what happens, okay?" he said.

"Okay Dad," I said, sitting up.

"We'll be downstairs waiting for you. I'm sure Greg and Adam would like to meet him."

"Oh yeah, they'll like him too."

"Well, I hope they do. Make sure you boys get dressed before you come down," Ryan said.

"We will, Dad," I told him before both he and Jason left my room. Climbing out of bed, I went over to where I had laid out my clothes on the chair. Stripping off my pajamas, I began to put on my clothes again, stumbling a couple times as I tried to balance on one foot while putting on my socks. Finally dressed, I took Greg's and Adam's clothes across the hall and opened Ryan's bedroom door. What I saw there made me smile.

Greg and Adam were sleeping together. Adam had his head resting on Greg's chest and his left arm was draped across his body. Greg had both arms around Adam. To me it looked as if they were hugging each other in bed, and I was pretty certain they had fallen asleep like that. I didn't want to disturb them, but I knew that dinner was almost ready, and the thought of food made my stomach begin to rumble.

A wicked smile began to form across my face as I thought of ways to wake them both up. I remembered the trick my mom used to play on me, and I thought it would be fun to try on them. Walking to the foot of the bed, I pulled up the covers, exposing their bare feet. I then gently ran the tips of my fingers on the bottoms of their feet, waiting until they began to twitch, which happened very quickly.

Adam was the first to wake up, and he woke up giggling. Squirming this way and that, trying to get away from my fingers.

"Stop! That tickles!" he protested, which made me want to tickle him even more. He was laughing uncontrollably now. I had to grab a hold of his foot to stop him from kicking Greg who, by this time, was wide awake and looking at what I was doing.

"Oh, ganging up on my brother are you?" he asked. Without warning he sat up, and grabbed a hold of my arm, pulling me onto the bed. I found myself on my stomach beside Adam, and Greg got on top of me, holding me down. "Okay Adam! Get his feet!" he said.

"No!" I protested, trying to get out from underneath Greg, but it was no use, he was too heavy, and Adam had already started attacking my feet. I couldn't help but begin to laugh, as Adam tickled me mercilessly. "Oh God stop! I'm going to pee the bed!" I protested.

"You promise not to try that again? Adam asked.

"Yes, I promise!" I laughed. Greg got off of me, and Adam stopped tickling me. I hurried off the bed and ran to the bathroom, where I had just made it in time before I had an accident.

When I returned to Ryan's room, Greg and Adam were giggling at each other, obviously laughing about teaming up against me. They were in the process of getting dressed, and I just stood there looking at them.

"Hey Kyle," Greg said. "Did you make it?"

"Yep. No thanks to you turkeys," I said.

"Hey that's what you get for tickling us," Greg laughed.

"Yeah will, it was fun to see you both squirm like you did," I said, smiling at them.

"Don't worry, we'll get you back for that," Adam said.

"Promises, promises," I laughed. "Listen. Dad wants us downstairs. Dinner's going to be ready, and Jason's here."

"Who's Jason?" Adam asked.

"He's the guy that Dad met at the computer store when I went to get my computer. He helped us pick out everything for me."

"Oh you mean that big guy?"

"No, that was Nigel, Jason is the guy Ryan and I met at the first computer store. You'll like him. He's funny."

"Cool. We'll be right down. I need to use the bathroom," Greg said.

"Me too!" Adam said, and together the two of them went into the bathroom.

Shaking my head, I made my way downstairs. Ryan and Jason were sitting on the couch in the living room.

"Hi Dad," I said, walking into the living room. "Hi Jason."

"Hey Son," how did you sleep?" Ryan asked.

"Pretty good. But I'm hungry."

"You're always hungry," Ryan said.

"So?" I said, causing both of them to laugh.

"Well Kyle, how do you like your new computer?" Jason asked.

"I haven't tried it yet. Dad hasn't set it up.

"Oops, that's my fault. Sorry Son," Ryan said.

"Don't worry Kyle," Jason said. "I'll set it up for you."

"Would you?" I asked.

"Sure thing. I'd be happy to."

"Careful Jay," Ryan laughed. "You'll end up spoiling him."

"Somehow I doubt that he'd complain," Jason laughed.

"Nope, I doubt he would."

"Aww Dad, you know I love you," I told him.

"I know Son, and I love you too. Where are your brothers?" Ryan asked.

"They went to the bathroom before I came downstairs," I said.

"Together?" he asked.

"Yep. I tickled their feet to wake them up and I guess they had to go real bad," I said snickering.

"Oh really? And that was what all the rukus was about upstairs?" he asked.

"Yep, but they did gang up on me and tickle me, and I only just made it to the bathroom in time."

Jason was laughing hard on the couch. "Oh my God, I remember when I did that to my brother. I didn't stop and he wet the bed." That made all of us start laughing.

"What's going on in here?" Darren asked, coming into the living room.

"We were just talking about how we used to wake people up in the morning, and Jason told Kyle about the time he woke up his brother by tickling him and made him wet the bed."

"Kind of reminds me of me and my sister. Only she played the old shaving cream gag on me."

"What do you mean Uncle Darren?" I asked.

"Well, she put some shaving cream in my hand and then tickled my face with a feather. I was still asleep and when I went to scratch my face, I ended up with a face full of shaving cream," he said.

By the time he finished telling us about that joke, we were all laughing hystericallly. "I need to try that!" I exclaimed.

"Oh no you don't!" Ryan snickered. "That makes a mess!"

"Oh, okay," I said, but I was still smiling.

"Anyways, dinner is ready," Darren said.

"Yay!" screamed a voice running down the stairs.

"No running down the stairs young man," Darren said, stopping Adam in his tracks.

"I'm sorry Uncle Darren," Adam said. I could see that he was about to cry.

"Hey, don't cry little one," Darren said, coming up to Adam. "I just don't want you getting hurt is all."

"You mean I'm not in trouble?" Adam asked.

"No of course not. Just promise me that you'll take it easy on the stairs. You can get hurt if you're not careful, and I know it'd make your dad really sad if something were to happen to you."

"Okay Uncle Darren, I promise," Adam said.

"Alright. Now where's that smile?" Darren asked. Adam looked at Darren and gave him one of the biggest smiles I had ever seen him give anyone. "Okay, that's better. Why don't you and Greg go grab a seat at the table," Darren told him. Without skipping a beat, Adam wrapped his arms around Darren's neck and gave him a hug, before letting go and running off to the living room.

"That boy's been abused Ryan," Darren said, looking at Ryan.

"I had an Idea that that was the case Uncle," he said. "That's what is making what's happening so hard to believe."

"What do you mean, Dad?" I asked him, confused.

"I'll tell you a little later Kyle. There are two more people coming over," he said. Just at that moment the door bell rang, and Darren went to answer the door. A minute or so later, I saw Jerry, Ryan's lawyer walked in, followed by Mrs. Jacobs from the CAS.

"Dad?" I asked. "What's going on?"

"After dinner Son," Ryan said. "Right now, why don't you help Uncle Darren get the food on the table. Okay?"

"Okay Dad," I said, and followed Darren to the kitchen. Once we got there, I couldn't believe all the food that he had prepared. It was more food than I've ever seen.

"What? Never saw food before?" Darren asked.

"Not this much!" I exclaimed.

"Well, get used to it, Sport. You'll be eating like you should be eating from now on."

"I'm going to be a beach ball by the time I've finished dinner," I said.

"Nah," Darren laughed. "You'll get used to it. Just don't eat any more than you can. We don't want you getting sick."

"I won't Uncle." I helped him take out the food to the dining room. We had to make several trips, and each time we brought something in, Greg's and Adam's eyes just got bigger and bigger. Like me, I knew they had never seen so much food before. I didn't expect it to all be eaten today, which meant a lot of left overs for tomorrow.

By the time we had brought the last of the food out, Ryan and Jason, as well as Mrs. Jacobs and Ryan's lawyer had sat down. There was an empty chair to the right of Ryan and one at the far end of the table. I sat down beside Ryan, and Darren took the other seat. I was sitting beside Adam, and Greg was sitting beside him. On the other side, was Jason and Mrs. Jacobs.

"Well, as usual Uncle Darren, you've made one heck of an excellent dinner. Everyone dig in," Ryan said. And dig in we all did. Ryan started passing the food around, handing each dish to me first. Darren had cooked a large roast, which was already cut into slices, some baked potatoes, cooked vegetables. A large Caesar salad was also prepared. By the time everything was served, my plate, as well as everyone else's, was completely full.

It was the most wonderful meal I had ever had. There was very little talk at the table, with most of us busy eating what was on our plates. The adults only had one serving, but Greg, and Adam, and I had a second helping. By the time we were finished, all of us were full.

"Okay, who's up for dessert?" Darren asked, suddenly standing up. At the sound of dessert, my mouth began to water. No matter how full I was, there was always room for desert.

"Me please!" I said enthusiastically.

"Me too please!" Adam said just as excited.

"Oh yeah!" Greg exclaimed. "Please!"

"Regular food processors aren't they?" Jason quipped.

"They're growing boys," Mrs. Jacobs said. "That's what they do. Eat."

"You're right about that," Ryan said, and they all laughed at that.

Darren came out with three bowls of ice cream, and three plates of chocolate cake. As soon as they were set down before us, we attacked them like we hadn't eaten before in our lives. I couldn't believe how much I was able to fit in my stomach, and almost nearly wasn't able to eat everything, but I did.

Adam wasn't able to, only having finished his cake and half the ice cream before he pushed it away from him.

"I'm full, Dad," he complained.

"It's okay, Son, why don't the three of you go upstairs to brush your teeth then come back down into the living room.

"Okay Dad," Adam said, and slowly got out of his chair. It wasn't easy for Greg or I either, as our stomachs were so full, they threatened to topple us over. Somehow we managed to make it up the stairs. The three of us crowded around the bathroom sink, and brushed our teeth.

When we came back down, Mrs. Jacobs and Ryan's lawyer were sitting in two of the chairs in the living room. Ryan and Jason were sharing the love seat, which left the couch for the three of us.

"What are we going to do now, Dad?" I asked him.

"Well, we're going to watch a movie, but first there's something that Mrs. Jacobs wants to tell you. Especially you Adam."

"Me?" Adam asked.

"Yes you," Mrs. Jacobs said. "Adam, do you remember why you came to live at the group home before Mr. Adams became your foster dad?"

"Yeah, it was because my mommy and daddy didn't didn't care about me or my brother. They just left us alone all the time. You told me that I needed to live someplace else, because my mommy and daddy couldn't take care of me any more."

"That's right, honey," Mrs. Jacobs said. "And then Mr. Adams came and he fostered you."

"Yeah. He takes care of me. We went to McDonald's and everything, and I even got a toy," Adam said.

"Corrupting him already are you Ryan?" Darren said, looking at him.

"Hey, it was quick, and close by, and they were hungry," Ryan said, shrugging his shoulders. "They know it's not going to be a regular thing."

"Well, I personally don't see anything wrong with McDonald's," Mrs. Jacobs said. "But at any rate, Adam, I need to know what you think about your real dad."

"He's not my dad. He left me and Tommy alone all the time. When can I see Tommy?" Adam asked.

"Who's Tommy?" Ryan asked.

"Tommy is Adam's older brother. He's thirteen. There wasn't any room in the group home for them together, so I had to place them in separate homes.

"My God," Ryan said. "There has to be a way to get them together again."

"Now that you are his foster father, we can make that happen. Except we have to deal with something first."

"What do you mean? You mean I get to see my brother again?" Adam asked, hopefully.

"Not yet Adam. Tell me how you would feel if you were to go live with your real dad again," Mrs. Jacobs said.

"No!" Adam screamed. "I don't want to live with him. I want to stay here with Kyle and Greg and my new dad!" Adam was crying now, and I put my arms around him. He buried his head in my chest and cried, hanging onto me tightly, as if I was going to leave him.

"It's okay Adam, I'm going to do everything I can to make sure you can stay here. I can see that you're loved and that you belong here," Mrs. Jacobs said.

"You will?" Adam sniffed.

"Yes I will. Ryan and me, and his lawyer aren't going to let anyone take you away from here. We'll do everything we can to make sure of that. Okay?"

"Okay," he said, still hanging onto me.

"Anna, can you tell me who his father is? That way I can get Jerry to have people look into his background."

"Yes, of course. I have it in this file," Mrs. Jacobs said, pulling a file folder from her bag. She opened the file up and looked through a couple papers before finding what she was looking for.

"Here it is," she said. "His name's Rick Thomas."

"Oh my God," Jason gasped.

"What is it?" Mrs. Jacobs asked.

"Rick Thomas is the name of one of my managers Anna," Ryan said. "He interviewed Jason for a position in my company, and right now he's being investigated by my staff for harassment."