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This story is a work of fiction, and any resemblance to people, living or dead, is entirely a coincidence. As the author, I retain all rights to this story, and it cannot be reproduced or published without explicit consent from me. This work is copyrighted © 2016 by Steven Wells.
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Jeffery Comes Home
Previously
"Jeffery," Shelia our administrative aide said. "I have Arnold White on the line. He would like to speak with you."
I took the phone from Shelia. "Mr. White," I said into the phone. "Thank you for calling."
"Congratulations, Reverend," Mr. White said into the phone. "I have made a statement to my supporters and to the press acknowledging your victory."
"Thank you, Mr. White," I replied. "I appreciate your phone call and your effort on this campaign."
"I believe the district will soon discover their error in voting for you," Mr. White replied. "I have several announcements you will be interested in hearing over the next several weeks. Good luck, Reverend."
"My, my," I replied as I hung up the phone. "Mr. White is one of very few words."
"I hope you don't mind, but I listened in on your conversation," Bruce added. "I think we might need to brace ourselves for whatever he may have up his sleeve."
"He won't have a chance to get a word out of his mouth," Mr. Williamson added as he joined our growing circle. "I believe, and I am not prophetic here, Mr. White could be behind bars by tomorrow evening. The State will be announcing the findings of its investigation of Mr. White's business dealings. From what I understand it is not a nice finding."
"We will deal with Mr. White tomorrow," Bruce added. "We have an acceptance speech to deliver."
"Good morning, Congressman-Elect Harris-LeBlanc," Bruce Spinner said to me as I walked into the storefront which served as my campaign office.
"Thank you, Bruce," I said. "Don't schedule anymore early morning meetings, Bruce. Early morning is not my favorite time to do anything but to drink coffee.
"I'll keep your request in mind," Bruce said with a smile. "Mr. Williamson is on the phone in the next room. He said it was an important call."
"Hopefully it is not about Mr. White, my former opponent," I said. "What's on our agenda for today?"
"Transition staff," Bruce replied. "Any thoughts on the subject?"
"I need a transition staff?" I asked. "How many transition people do we need?"
"The staff will hopefully move into positions on your permanent staff," Bruce replied. "Chief of staff, legislative director, legislative assistant, legislative correspondent, press secretary, communications director, district representative, legislative correspondent, personal assistant, scheduler, district director, constituent services representative, staff assistant, and field representative."
"Fourteen people?" I asked. "Why do I need fourteen people on my staff?"
"Trust me, you'll need every one of them," Bruce replied.
"Will you consider being my chief of staff?" I asked. "You were Congressman Fielding's Chief of Staff."
"There are others with more experience than I have," Bruce admitted.
"I trust you," I replied. "You know more than I do about being a Congressman. I want you to be my chief of staff. Otherwise, I will quit."
"Thank you, boss!" Bruce said with a smile.
I pulled him in for a hug.
"It will be a pleasure to work with you, Bruce," I added. "Keep me on the right path. I get lost easily."
"Mr. Williamson would make a terrific district director," Bruce suggested. "He knows everyone here. He knows more about some people than the actual people know."
"Good point," I responded. "Do you ask him?"
"You do," Bruce explained. "Protocol. You also need to pick a personal assistant."
"Suggestions?" I asked.
"Shelia, our administrative aide," Bruce suggested. "She amazed me during the campaign. She's energetic, intelligent, personable, and reliable. Ask her. I think she will jump at the opportunity. She'll be here in about an hour."
"She'll be on my to-do list," I replied.
"I also think you need to consider Zac as your press secretary," Bruce added. "We both know he's at the top of his game."
"You or me?" I asked.
"You," Bruce replied. "More protocol. You ask your potential press secretary. I also believe you might want to consider Jennifer Miller as your legislative director."
"Good choice!" I replied. "Better than good, actually."
"Call her and make an offer," Bruce suggested.
"Why am I doing all of the calling and asking?" I argued.
"You're the Congressman," Bruce said with a smile. "I'm just your chief of staff."
"Sorry I'm late," Mr. Williamson said as he joined Bruce and me. "I had to take the phone call. It seems the police arrested Arnold White a few moments ago."
"On what charge?" I asked.
"Several," Mr. Williamson replied. "Conspiring to commit mail fraud, money laundering, sexual assault, and operating a sex ring. All young Asian women."
"How young?" I asked.
"Fourteen to sixteen," Mr. Williamson added. "There may be even more charges coming down the pike. My sources have told me it might include bribery of a federal employee for providing contracts to Mr. White's company."
"Oh!" I whispered. "So, I'm assuming he won't be contesting the results of the election."
"Trevor's ex-father might be involved," Mr. Williamson continued. "You might want to tell him before the news breaks."
"Trevor will be jumping for joy," I added. "Not to change the subject... Well, yes, to change the subject, Mr. Williamson. Would you consider serving as our district director to oversee local operations?"
"You want me?" Mr. Williamson asked.
"Yes," I explained. "No one in this district knows more about what going on than you. I would be honored if you would accept."
"I will talk this over with my wife and let you know tomorrow morning," Mr. Williamson replied. "One condition though. You will call me Charlie and not Mr. Williamson."
"Done," I responded.
"You might want to consider asking Trevor and his boyfriend Rupert to Intern with us this summer," Bruce suggested.
"Excellent idea," I replied.
~~~~~
I drove to UIUC to pick up the Thanksgiving gang. Philip went to work. Tim and Sam went to preschool. I called Trevor once I had the SUV parked in the pickup area beside the dorm.
"Hello, Trevor," I said. "I'm downstairs. Are you guys ready yet?"
"Come up for a few minutes," Trevor replied. "I'm still trying to get my things together."
"I'll be there in a few moments," I said as I hung up the phone.
As I neared the entrance to the dorm, a handsome guy stopped me. "Aren't you Jeffery Harris-LeBlanc, the new Congressman from downstate?"
"Yes," I replied. "And you are?"
"I'm from Effingham," the kid said. "I'm George Kiddle. I voted for you. It was my first election. Congratulations, by the way."
"Thank you, George," I replied. "I'm picking up my son and a friend of his Thanksgiving break."
"Trevor?" George asked.
"Yes, do you know him?" I continued.
"I've seen him around," George replied. "I saw him on television during your campaign. But, we haven't met."
"Would you like to meet him?" I asked.
"Sure," George responded.
"Let me warn him I am bringing someone with me," I said as I pulled out my phone. "Just in case he has any plans to embarrass me. Trevor, it's me again. A student stopped me outside. He voted for me. I want to bring him up with me to introduce you and him. Is it okay"
"Sure, Dad," Trevor replied. "The more the merrier."
"We'll be right up," I replied as we headed inside the door.
Trevor's door stood open. George and I walked inside. Trevor, shirtless, hovered over his duffle bag packing his clothes. Trevor hugged me and turned to George, "I'm Trevor Harris-LeBlanc."
"I'm George Kiddle," George said. "It's nice to meet you. I saw you on television during your father's campaign."
"And you voted for him anyway," Trevor said with a smile. "I sometimes frighten people away."
George ogled Trevor's well defined chest. "I certainly wouldn't be frightened away. I'm glad to meet you."
"George," Trevor said. "This is my boyfriend Rupert. He's spending the break with us."
"When are your parents picking you up?" I asked.
"They're not," George replied. "My parents and little brother are in London."
"Where are you going to spend Thanksgiving?" Trevor asked.
"Here," George replied.
Trevor shot a glance at me. I nodded my head yes.
"Come home with us," Trevor said. "We have plenty of room. My Dads are great cooks. We'd like for you to join us, right Dad?"
"Of course," I replied.
"I don't want to intrude," George added.
"You're not intruding," I replied. "You voted for me, so it is the least I can do to offer to cook you Thanksgiving dinner. How long will it take to pack?"
"About ten minutes," George said as a smile broke across his face. "I'm one floor down."
"We'll wait here for you," Trevor replied as George scurried off to pack.
"You were very kind to offer him the invitation," I said to Trevor.
"Thanks, Dad," Trevor said.
"He'd better not be competition, Trevor," Rupert warned. He was smiling.
"No one can compete with you, sweetie," Trevor said as he gave Rupert a peck on the lips. "Besides, you are staying with me in my room."
"I'd better be," Rupert said. "And you need to put a shirt on before George returns. His eyes practically fell out of their sockets as he looked you over. I think he liked what he saw. He can look, but he cannot touch."
"I wonder why his parents and his brother went to London, knowing George would be alone?" Trevor asked.
"Not everyone is as considerate as you, Trevor," I replied.
"Would you go to London and leave me at school alone?" Trevor asked as he pulled a t-shirt over his head.
"No," I replied. "I'm certain his parents had reasons for going to London. Don't you think your t-shirt is a little tight, Trevor?"
"I think he looks hot in it," Rupert said.
"See, Dad," Trevor said as George knocked on the door frame. "You're fast, George."
"I've learned the technique since starting school here," George explained. "I grabbed what was in sight and left my room. I'm certain I've missed something, but I'll adjust."
"Good philosophy," Rupert added. "See, Trevor, I'm not the only one who adapts to the surroundings."
We arrived at the SUV. The boys stowed their bags in the back.
"You can ride shotgun, George," Trevor explained. "I'll keep Rupert company in the back."
"No necking in the back," I said as I looked through the rearview mirror.
"You take all of the fun of traveling in the back seat, Dad," Trevor said.
"You are only allowed to neck in the back seat of a car after dark and provided you are the only ones in the car," I explained.
"Did you ever neck in the back seat of a car, Dad?" Trevor asked.
"No," I replied. "I didn't have anyone to neck with during my years in high school. It wasn't until I hit college did I have a friend with benefits. But, we didn't consider it necking because neither one of us had a car."
"You had sex in your dorm room?" Rupert asked.
"Of course," I explained. "Where would you make out? On a park bench?"
"I see your point," Rupert replied with a smile as his hand snaked its way up Trevor's thigh.
"What's your major, George?" Trevor asked.
"Computer science," George replied. "What's yours?"
"Music," Trevor explained. "Rupert's is Journalism. He wants to be the next Anderson Cooper. You should talk with Sam Williamson. He finished his degree in computer science last May. He bought a website development company."
"Straight out of college? He bought a website development company? Where did he get the money to do that?" George asked.
"Money is not really a barrier for Sam and Chris," Trevor continued.
"Who's Chris?" George asked.
"Sam's husband," Trevor said.
"Oh!" George exclaimed.
"Does our being gay bother you, George?" I asked.
"No," George replied. "Just the opposite. I've never been around gay couples—or even gay men for that matter. It's freeing in a way."
"So, you're gay?" I asked.
"Yup," George replied. "Just don't tell my parents. I could be toast."
"Your parents have a difficult time accepting gay people?" I asked.
"My mom wouldn't care if I were gay or straight," George began to explain. "My step-father would put me out to pasture, I am certain. He can't have a gay son. It would be bad for his image."
"Okay," I said.
"Talk to Dad J while you're with us," Trevor suggested. "He's a really good listener and has helped many gay men and women who were seeking acceptance from their families. His help is the reason I'm his son. My ex-father, the ex-Congressman Franklin, beat the shit out of me when he discovered a book I had checked out of the library about how to tell you parents you are gay. Dad J and Dad P rescued me from a McDonald's parking lot beside a dumpster. I was bleeding all over Dad J's back seat of his new car."
"Wow!" George exclaimed. "I knew the dude had problems, but I didn't know he beat the shit out of his kid."
"Yup," Trevor replied. "I lived it so I sort of have first-hand experience. It's something no one should experience."
"Trev plans to follow in his father's footsteps," Rupert said.
"If I don't flunk out of the undergrad program, it is my plan," Trevor said.
"You won't flunk out, Trevor," I added to the conversation.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Dad," Trevor replied. "What do we want to do to pass our time in the big town of Olney?"
"Rest," Rupert suggested.
"Dad, we forgot to warn George about Sam and Tim," Trevor said.
"Sam and Tim are Trevor's five-year-old twin brothers," I explained. "They are normally harmless. Sometimes they spontaneously explode in a flurry of activity. If you see it happening, run. Find emergency shelter. We also have two Border Collies, Barkley and Barlow. They follow Sam and Tim around and also serve as coconspirators with the twins."
"I was never allowed to have a dog," George replied. "My stepfather didn't like dog hair all over the house. Dog hair didn't fit his image."
"Then you can bond with Barkley and Barlow," Trevor suggested. "They're dog enough for an army of people. They demand attention."
"Thanks for the offer to borrow a dog," George replied with a smile.
"Have you met many friends since you started school?" I asked.
"Not really," George explained. "Between school and a part-time job at the student union, I'm pretty much exhausted."
"You could come with us to the next Gay and Straight Alliance meeting," Rupert suggested. "People are really friendly at the meetings."
"I think I would like to attend," George added. "If nothing else, it will get me out of the dorm room and into another setting."
"How's your roommate?" Trevor asked.
"He was great until he had a little problem with campus police and large amounts of crack cocaine," George said. "Needless to say, he's not attending UIUC anymore. So, I don't have a roommate."
We continued our conversation until we arrived at the house. The guys disembarked taking their bags with them. I followed.
"Enter carefully," Trevor warned. "Either two dogs or two boys could attack upon our entry. If not, Dads have some work ahead of them."
We were no longer in the door, and we heard the stampede. Two boys and two dogs. Sam and Tim took a running leap and landed in Trevor's arms.
"You need to stop the running leap, guys," Trevor replied. "You're bigger than you used to be."
Trevor handed Sam and Tim to Rupert. "Uncle Rupert! Can we go talk to Mabel while you are here?"
"Ah...," Rupert hesitated. "Sure. We can talk to Mabel."
"Who's he?" Tim asked as he first spotted George.
"He's a friend of ours," Trevor replied. "George, meet the dynamic duo, Tim and Sam."
"Nice to meet you," George said as he stood a little closer.
Barkley and Barlow circled around George where he stood in the entry hall.
"Meet Barkley and Barlow," Sam said. "Can we call you Uncle George?"
"Ahh...sure," George replied as he leaned down to greet the dogs. "Which is which?"
"The one on your right is Barkley," I explained. "The one on your left is Barlow."
The dogs seemed to give George their blessing as they both began to lick George's face.
~~~~~
Philip and I sat on the sofa relaxing for the first time all day. We fed twenty people.
"We had a fun day, didn't we?" Philip said.
"Sure," I responded with less enthusiasm than Philip. "It was fun and interesting to see everyone meld. I'm not eager for another gathering until next Thanksgiving."
"What about Christmas?" Philip asked.
"We might need to skip it," I added. "I won't be home until December 16 at the earliest."
"Trevor and I will organize the Christmas gathering," Philip explained. "What about a gathering for your staff?"
"Maybe," I began. "Everyone except Jennifer Miller lives very close. We could have a Sunday afternoon gathering here at the house."
"Excellent idea," Philip replied. "Do you want to plan it?"
"No," I replied. "Since you are now the husband of a Congressman, you can plan the gathering. It will be good practice for you when you become First Gentleman of the White House."
"For a dude who didn't want to be a Congressman, you have some lofty political goals," Philip said with a smile.
~~~~~
"Are you ready for this, Jeffery?" Philip asked as I held Sam and Tim in my arms. The new Congress was about to take our place in the House chamber to take the oath of office.
"I can't think of anything I'd rather not be doing," I replied. "But, I have been called to action. What if I can't act, Philip? What if I fall flat on my face?"
"We'll pick you up, dust you off, and give you a shove in the right direction," Philip replied, with a huge grin on his face. "It's what family does."
"I'm certain you won't be the first US Congressperson to land in the quagmire of Washington," Trevor added.
"You have a way with words, Trev," I said to my son.
"What's a quag... quag... whatever it is?" Sam asked.
"A swamp," Trevor added.
"What's a swamp?" Tim asked.
"Icky mud," I said.
"Yuk!" Sam responded.
"Double yuk," Tim added.
"I couldn't agree more," I said to Tim and Sam. "I think it's time."
I put Tim and Sam on the seat of the desk, and Philip, Trevor and I crowded around each other. Along with 434 other Congressmen, I took the Oath of Office.
"Congratulations, Congressman Harris-LeBlanc," Philip said to me when the ceremony finished.
"Can we still call you Daddy?" Sam asked.
"Of course, you can still call me Daddy," I replied. "I will always be your Daddy."
"Good," Tim said.
"Daddy, can I get a new condo?" Trevor asked.
"No," I replied. "Not in a million years."
~~~~~
"You survived your first day," Philip said as he and I snuggled in bed at our hotel. "I'm very proud of you."
"Thanks," I replied. "I am going to miss you and the boys. This is the part I hate already."
"Time will pass quickly," Philip replied. "If you get too lonely, you can call up your Congressman friend from Massachusetts and commiserate with him."
"I totally freaked when Kyle Monroe asked to speak with me in private," I explained. "You of all people know he's one of my all-time favorite Congressman. He said he'd heard he and I have a lot in common on political issues. I sort of stammered, `Yes we do.' I hope I didn't make a fool of myself in front of him. Congressman Monroe wants to meet with me in the next few days to talk about our common interests. What if he does run for President in 2020?"
"Maybe you could be his running mate," Philip said. "You both went to Harvard."
"Yea, but he also went to Phillips Andover Academy and served in the Marines. The Congressman attended Harvard Business School and the Kennedy School of Government after he served four tours in Iraq as an infantry officer. His résumé has more points than the Bible has verses," I explained. "He's an inspiration. I'd be happy to shine his shoes."
"Don't put yourself down, Jeffery," Philip replied. "You are his equal. You may not have as much government experience as he, but you are both very bright and very empathetic. You walk the same political path, Jeffery."
"I'll keep your thoughts in mind," I replied. "He also wants to meet you and our kids. Which is strange because I didn't tell him about you or the kids."
"Your website mentions us," Philip explained. "He's obviously read about you. He thinks you are a capable person. And, guess what... you are a capable person."
"Thank you for your vote of confidence," I said. "My real concern is missing you. I've become extremely used to snuggling up to you before we fall asleep. I'll probably become an insomniac."
"Maybe it would help if we did some relaxation exercises," Philip suggested as he leaned in to kiss me.
"Are you trying to come on to me?" I asked.
"Yup," Philip hissed. "Have a problem with it?"
"None," I replied as I pulled him on top of me.
~~~~~
"So, Congressman, how are you adjusting to Washington?" Congressman Monroe asked.
"Washington is fine," I replied. "I'm actually enjoying the challenges. However, I miss Philip and the boys. The worst part is being separated from them."
"Your oldest son is a freshman at the University of Illinois, correct?" Congressman Monroe asked.
"Yes," I replied. "He considered Harvard, Stanford, and Northwestern. His boyfriend tipped the scales to the University of Illinois."
"He weighed all of his options and his heart one out," Congressman Monroe said with a smile. "Are you disappointed he didn't go to Harvard?"
"Absolutely not," I replied. "Philip received his undergrad degree and his MBA from the University of Illinois. I couldn't complain. He's thinking about Harvard Divinity. We'll see."
"How do you happen to have your oldest son starting college and the other two just starting Kindergarten?" Congressman Monroe asked.
I explained how Trevor came into our lives.
"I never met Trevor's father, but, from what I understand, he was a bigoted asshole," Congressman Monroe added. "I never knew the circumstances behind his retirement from Congress until now. It makes me dislike the man even more knowing he tried to throw away his gay son. Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting. And, your other two?"
"Sam and Tim came into our lives about two years ago," I began to explain. "Their mother and Sam and Tim were visiting the mother's cousin in Olney. Mel, the cousin, is a dear friend of mine from my earlier days. They have a way of endearing themselves to people. Unfortunately, their mother's cancer got worse. After a lot of consideration, she asked Philip and me to raise her sons. Sometimes I just can't say no. Neither can Philip. We are now a family of a son who is in college, two six-year-old twin boys, and three dogs. Two years ago, I, as a single gay man, still lived in San Francisco and worked as an outreach minister at a UCC Church in the Castro. I dealt with homeless people, addicted people, and mentally challenged people to name just a few. Now, I am sitting in Washington, DC, talking with a fellow Congressman about the insanities of the current administration."
"Trust me, we have addicted and mentally challenged people here in Congress," Congressman Monroe added with a smile. "Tell me about your major challenges you want the Congress to face this term."
"Where do I start," I began. "At the top of my list, which could change at any random moment depending on the direction and speed of the wind, is helping food challenged and homeless families. When families in this country, and I don't mean just a few, are starving or living on the streets because our Republican colleagues want to balance the budget after a huge tax cut for the very rich, I get angry."
"From what I've heard and read about your campaign, you are a force to be reckoned with when you get angry," Congressman Monroe added. "Affordable health insurance becomes a partner in the two issues you've mentioned."
"Yup," I replied. "Other issues at the top of my list are isolationism, bigotry, violent crimes, lack of gun control, and the health and safety of our veterans."
"I understand the tenor of your district is flip flopping in many social areas," Congressman Monroe said. "How did this change come about?"
"I would like to say I was the catalyst for the change," I began. "However, I can't claim that honor. The real truth is a family of people who put their money on their religion. They happen to be members of the UCC church in Olney where I work... worked. And there is a second generation about ready to leap tall buildings."
"I'd like to meet them," Congressman Monroe said.
"Visit us, and I guarantee you'll meet them," I replied.
"We should ask our Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to get to know one another," Congressman Monroe suggested. "I suspect they will work together a great deal in the next two years."
"Good idea, Congressman," I replied.
"I'll have my chief of staff schedule an initial meeting with Bruce and Jennifer," Congressman Monroe suggested. "And could you please call me Kyle. We need to be friends as well as colleagues if we take on the Republicans in Congress."
~~~~~
Bruce Spinner sat across my desk from me at an early morning meeting.
"I know you don't like early morning meetings, Jeffery," Bruce began. "But, you have a full schedule today, and we need to talk about something."
"I'm here and I have coffee," I said. "What will the topic of this meeting be?"
"Kyle Monroe's plan for you," Bruce replied.
"What plan does Kyle Monroe have for me?" I asked.
"Power moves," Bruce replied. "Damian, Congressman Monroe's chief of staff laid out an aggressive plan which involves not only Congressman Monroe, but also you. Play your cards right, Jeffery, and you will be one well-known freshman Congressman. He wants the two of you to draft the first bill to repeal the Republican's health care agenda before it even begins. He's also offered to help you get a more senior Congressperson to draft legislation related to the SNAP program. Besides, Damian is cute as shit."
"Boyfriend material?" I asked with a smile on my face.
"It's too early to tell, but I am leaning in his direction," Bruce added.
"Why me and not some other freshman Congressperson," I asked.
"Damian suggested Kyle Monroe might see a little of him in you. Your energy. Your straight forward approach. Your passions. Damian also suggested many Democratic Congress members watched almost every second of your campaign. You, Jeffery, are the talk of the town. Congressman Monroe also wants you on his side if he can muster enough support to oust our Republican President before he ruins the country."
"Tell Damian I will be right behind Congressman Monroe ready to pick up any pieces or run interference," I said. "He just needs to tell me what he wants me to do, and I will do my best to accomplish his goals."
"I will relay the message to Damian," Bruce replied. "Also, I mentioned you were looking for housing in the city. He suggested you contact this guy, Eric Swenson. He is the renal agent for a one-bedroom condo is Congressman Monroe's building."
"Where is this condo building?" I asked.
"Walking distance," Bruce explained.
"I'm thinking I can't afford to rent an apartment within walking distance," I added.
"Damian suggested you talk to Eric and be certain to mention Congressman Monroe's name," Bruce replied. "He all but guaranteed it will be something you can afford."
"Is this legal?" I asked.
"Yes," Bruce replied. "This building will only allow Congresspersons who are referred to Eric by another known Congressional entity—Congressman Monroe is your entity. Understand?"
"Yes," I replied. "Is anyone else planning my life?"
"Not at the moment," Bruce replied. "But who knows what the future may hold? This is DC after all."
~~~~~
"It is so good to be home," I said as Philip and I settled on the sofa in the living room after Sam and Tim were tucked into bed.
"How was your first two weeks as a Congressman?" Philip asked.
"Exhausting," I replied. "Every waking moment seems to be planned. My agenda is taking shape with a great deal of help from Congressman Monroe. Kyle's an amazing man. He knows when to push. He knows when to listen. He knows the difference between right and wrong—unlike some of the others in the House."
"You seemed to enjoy the work when we've talked on the phone," Philip added.
"I do," I continued. "By the way, I've invited Kyle to visit us during the February break. I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all," Philip replied. "So, you're now on a first name basis with Congressman Monroe."
"Privately, yes," I explained. "Publicly, no. He connected me to Judy Blankenship who is on the Agriculture Committee with me. We are officially on the war path to eliminate the cuts to the SNAP program. Judy is pushing for a fairly big increase so people and families aren't starving."
"So, you're making a splash," Philip exclaimed.
"I would be a do-nothing first term Congressman if it weren't for Kyle... er... Congressman Monroe," I said. "I'm actually beginning to get excited about being a member of the House of Representatives. I feel as though I am doing something important, and people are taking note of what I intend to accomplish."
"I told you I thought you would be a natural at his," Philip replied. "And you are showing the world you're good at this!"
"Thanks," I said. "My mother wants me to give the talk on Sunday. I need to turn in my resignation, too."
"Isn't turning in your resignation sort of permanent?" Philip asked.
"I owe it the congregation to resign," I replied. "They need someone who can be available. I'm not that person right now. I want to tell the congregation how lucky I was to be chosen as youth minister."
"Lucky?" Philip asked.
"I wouldn't have met you. We wouldn't have Trevor in our lives. We wouldn't have Sam and Tim. So, yes, I am lucky they chose me."
"They are lucky you agreed to let them find you," Philip replied. "You've accomplished more in a few years than many people over a lifetime. You are a gift to this community. Don't forget it."
"Yes, Sir," I said as I kissed Philip. "Do you want ice cream?"
"In me or on me?" Philip asked.
"Hmmmm. Is my husband feeling kinky tonight?" I asked.
"Maybe," Philip whispered as he gave me a kiss.
We both looked up. Sam and Tim stood across the coffee table from us.
"What's up, guys?" Philip asked.
"Do you remember the plant that jumped into the toilet and then out of the window?" Tim asked.
"Yes," we remember the plant. "It's not around anymore."
"Do you remember the plant you bought to replace the one who jumped out the window?" Sam asked.
"Yes," I replied not liking the direction this late-night conversation seemed to be going.
"Do you remember the table the plant which replaced the plant who jumped out the window sat on?" Tim asked.
"Yes," Philip replied. "We remember the table."
"If the table had an accident, will you be mad at us?" Sam asked.
"Why would we be mad at you if the table had an accident?" I asked.
"We were watching it," Tim said.
"What did the table do to have an accident?" Philip asked.
"The new plant who replaced the old plant wasn't cooperating with the table," Sam explained.
"What was the new plant doing which the table didn't want the plant to do?" I asked.
"Trying to jump into the toilet," Tim added.
"Trying to jump into the toilet?" Philip asked.
"Yes," Sam continued. "The plant didn't make it."
"The plant got dirt on the table when it tried to jump into the toilet," Tim said.
"What did the table do after the plant failed to jump into the toilet?" I asked.
"It decided to take a bath," Sam said.
"And what did the table do as it was taking a bath?" Philip asked.
"It slipped and broke its leg," Tim said.
"Does the table need to go to the doctor?" I asked.
"The table said it would be fine until tomorrow morning," Sam said.
"Then, why don't we let the table rest in the bathtub until morning?" Philip suggested.
"Okay," Tim replied. "So, you're not mad at us?"
"No," I began. "Why would we be mad at you if the table broke its leg?"
"I don't know," Sam added.
"Why don't the two of you go back upstairs and climb into bed?" I asked. "We'll be up shortly to tuck you into bed again."
"Okay, Daddies," Tim said as they both turned as headed upstairs.
"I'll bet Kyle Monroe doesn't have these kinds of conversations before hitting the sack," I said to Philip.
"His loss," Philip replied.
~~~~~
"Good morning!" I said to the congregation when it was my time to give the talk. "It's good to be back among friends. My first two weeks in the House of Representatives took its toll on me—running around in a sleep-deprived state for two weeks is exhausting. But, here I am."
"First of all, I want to thank everyone in this congregation for the opportunity to serve as youth minister. You gave me the courage to look at the world from a totally different perspective. You gave me the courage to take my experiences in my previous position and build on them. You gave me the courage to look beyond the walls of this building."
"I've learned many lessons in the years since I arrived here from San Francisco. One of the most important lessons, I believe, is to look people in the eye who come to me for advice or assistance. I discovered a whole hidden world lives in the eyes of all of us. Fear. Terror. Love. Hate. Prosperity. Hardship. Success. Failure. Goodness. Evil."
"You've also given me hope. My hope: We, as a congregation, community, country, make the right choices to bring the quality of life many of us here in this room enjoy to those who are less fortunate."
"I stood in the House of Representatives Chamber and took an oath of office. My family, Philip, Trevor, Sam, and Tim, were with me. I also stood with 434 others who were also taking the same oath. I felt something I have never felt before. I felt like a dark cloud lifted and replaced by sunshine and happiness."
"I'm working with some very nice, calm, empathetic members of Congress to give a lift to this country despite the wrongdoings flooding Washington, DC. Since meeting some of my colleagues in the House, I strongly believe we can put this country back on track to being a great nation. A nation of people who care about everyone in this nation—not just a privileged few."
"Before this begins to sound too much like a political speech, I need to share some other news. I have turned in my resignation as youth minister of this congregation. I am not ending a chapter of my life. I am merely moving down the same path I started here in this Church. I loved serving as youth minister. I will always remember the support his church have given me. I urge you to embrace my replacement with as much zest and energy as you did me."
"You will continue to see me in this church whenever I am not in Washington. So, this is not good bye. Thank you."
I stepped off the platform and joined Philip and our three sons.
~~~~~
Author's Note
This is the last chapter of my ongoing story about Jeffery. I will pick up soon with another story focusing on the Harris-LeBlanc family. This time through the eyes of Trevor. I am considering Taking a Stand for the new title. I'll keep you updated about my progress. I will use the Jeffery Comes Home email list to announce the new story when it is done.
Thank you again for reading this story. I am grateful for your support and comments during the writing process.
To be continued...
I am starting a new e-mail list because the previous one contains several incorrect e-mail addresses. If you would like to be on the NEW announcement list for "Jeffery Comes Home," please send an e-mail by clicking here.
I would enjoy hearing your comments about this story. You can write to me at MaWriterBoy@yahoo.com.
This is my 22nd posting of my fourth story on Nifty.org.
I also have three other stories on Nifty:
Sam and Chris in the `College' section
John's Journey Forward in the `Beginnings' section
Life With Tom in the authoritarian section (Please note, this story is not for everyone because there are several scenes depicting Master/slave and BDSM relationships. So, if you are not interested in this activity, please, please do not read this story.)
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