Date: Fri, 31 Aug 2001 20:24:45 -0400 From: Bill Porter Subject: Tossed Away Kid Chapter 5 Tossed Away Kid - Chapter 5 This is a work of fiction. Any similarity to anyone in real life is a coincidence. A special thanks to Ed for his editorial help. Please let me know what you think wep363@myexcel.com My Website http://wpstories.tripod.com/ ******** This is a story of love, hope, and trust. It also deals with rejection, false hope, and mistrust. It is not a sex story. However, this story deals with love between two male teenagers. If you are offended by stories involving love between two teenage boys, please do not read this story. There may be some sex scenes in this story; however, sex is not the main theme and will not be graphically described. If you are under age 18 or 21 or it is illegal to read this story where you live, don't get caught reading it. Reproducing this story for distribution without the owner's permission is a violation of that copyright. I woke up and looked outside and saw it was still dark. I heard some noises and went to investigate. The light was on in the living room and Mark and Mike were doing stretching exercises. "Good morning, Tommy," said Mark. "We're going running. Want to join us?" "I've never been running before except in gym class." "Well, you better get used to it. Next week you'll be running every morning." Danny wandered into the living room, "What's going on?" "We're going running," I replied. Mark smiled. "Want to run with me, Danny? I don't think I can keep up with Mark and Mike." "I did bring some sweats with me - let me get changed." I followed Danny into my room and we both changed into sweats and running shoes. We went back into the living room and Mark and Mike helped us do some stretching. We went outside and went to the center of the apartment complex. There was a pond there with a trail that ran around it. Mark explained to us that the trail is about a quarter mile and we shouldn't try to overdo it. We started jogging and made 4 laps before both Danny and I were wiped out. Mark and Mike had lapped us once and were about to lap us again when we quit. Mark and Mike kept running while Danny and I sat on a bench. We held hands and watched the sun come up. "I thought I lost you, Tommy, forever when we moved up here. My parents really didn't have a choice so I couldn't blame them." "After my dad threw me out of the house I went to a park like this one. All I could think of was how can I get back to you, Danny." "I think that your parents were just looking for a reason to get rid of you, Tommy. You worked so hard to please them and they couldn't care less." "What really hurts is I really love them despite everything they have done to me." "That's one of the reasons I love you so much, Tommy. No matter what, I know you will always love me. You love people who show you no love at all. You have so much more love for me because I love you back. It's like the more we're together the more our love grows for each other. I know as long as you live you'll love me, Tommy. "Don't sell yourself short, Danny. You're just as loving as I am." "But I'm not as strong as you are, Tommy." "Please, don't sell yourself short, Danny. I've been locked in my room the last two weeks too. The only thing that made me feel better was getting a letter from you and taking time to answer." "How do you really feel about going to police boot camp this summer, Tommy?" "Tell you the truth, I'm excited. I've always dreamed of being a police officer. I like to watch the Cops show on FOX and wonder what it would be like to do that for a living. I think I'd like to solve crimes too. Who knows, I might end up finding my future this summer. I'm sure going to have a headstart on other 14 year-olds. And if I'm chasing a pipe dream and don't have what it takes, I'll find that out too." "Whatever you do, Tommy, I want you to know that I'm proud of you." Mark and Mike ran up to us and told us they had had enough. We went back to the apartment and Danny and I jumped in the shower. We washed behind each other's ears and other places. I guess we got a little carried away because Mike knocked on the door and told us breakfast was ready. I have learned that apartments don't run out of hot water like in my house and so far I'm loving it. We got dressed and went into the dining room. Mark had prepared pancakes, eggs, and bacon. We tore into it and I was impressed with Mark's cooking. We'd almost finished when the phone rang. Mark answered. "Hello, Hi, Detective Samuels. Yes, he's here, hang-on a second. Tommy, he would like to talk to you." "Hello!" "Hi, Tommy. How's it going?" "I'm doing great. Mark and Mike are great." "I'm glad to see that you're adjusting well, Tommy. The reason I'm calling, Tommy, is this. As part of my ongoing investigation I contacted both your brothers. Your older brother Pete would like to fly into Chicago O'Hare tonight at 7:00 and meet with you. He said he'd like to come with his wife and 8 year-old son and stay the weekend. He says you have never met your nephew." "Pete is 15 years older than me and he moved out when he got married and moved to Detroit when I was 5. I've not seen him since. I have gotten birthday and Christmas presents from him. I hardly remember him. What do you think I should do, Detective Samuels?" "I think you should meet with him and his family, Tommy. He supplied me with lots of information to help me with my case and has said that he'll back it up by testifying against your father. I didn't tell him why your parents forced you out. Don't tell him about our plans to set up your father because he doesn't need to know. I think you could probably trust him with just about anything, based on what we talked about. However, part of being a good police office is keeping some information to yourself. So what do you want me to tell him, Tommy?" "Hang on, let me ask the guys." I explained what Detective Samuels told me and my feeling on seeing my long lost older brother. Everyone agreed I should meet with him. "I think it's a great idea, Detective Samuels. Call him up and tell him we'll see him tonight." "Great, put Mark back on and I'll give him the flight information." Mark took the phone and wrote down the information. They talked for some time so I assume he was getting other instruction. He said good-bye and hung up. "So what do you guys want to do today?" said Mark. "We've got about 10 hours to kill. How about the beach?" We all agreed that sounded like a great plan. We went and changed into swim trunks and took a change of clothes with us. Mark said that we will go right from the beach to the airport. Mark packed a lunch and some pops. (Soda, Cokes, Soft Drinks, etc.) It waa looking like another fine day outside. Danny and I got in the back of the truck and off we went. Forty-five minutes later we were spreading our towels on the beach. The view was fantastic. Lake Michigan is a dark blue with the Chicago skyline in the background. It's kind of breathtaking. We had lots of fun putting sunscreen on each other. We got a few looks from people as we were really enjoying ourselves. We were near a volleyball court in the sand and Mark rented a ball for a few dollars. We practiced volleys back and forth when 4 other guys about our age challenged us. We found out they are brothers. We practiced with them for a few minutes and then started playing. We were pretty evenly matched and had lots of fun. They ended up beating us three games to two but it was close to the end. They said that they had to go and we thanked them for the competition. We went and ate lunch and then lay around in the sun for about an hour. It got hot so we went swimming. The water was really cold but we got used to it. Mark just went running in and then started swimming. I can tell he's a good swimmer. We played and splashed around for about an hour and then went back on the beach and lay around for another hour. Mark pulled a Frisbee out of his bag and we threw it around for about another hour. Then it was back in the lake to cool off. Although I saw lots of cute boys around, with Danny by my side I didn't give them more than a passing look. Mark and Mike seemed the same way. They seem far more interested in each other than anyone else. There is nothing greater in the world than playing and having fun with someone you love. Danny can say more to me with a smile than with a thousand words. Mark said it was time to get going and we headed back to the parking lot. We got to Mark's truck and three big black guys appeared out of nowhere. "You got some money you can spare?" the biggest one in the middle said. "Nope, sure don't so I suggest you go somewhere else," Mark saids. "In that case, we'll take all your money and your truck," he said, pulling out a big switchblade knife. Somehow I felt really calm. I guess standing next to Mark had a calming effect on me. Mark reached into his bag and pulled out his wallet. He opened it and showed them his badge. "You see, I'm one of Chicago's finest and you're under arrest for assault with a deadly weapon, attempted grand larceny, and attempted robbery. Please make my day and let me arrest you for resisting arrest too." Everything went into slow motion. The guy lunged at Mark with the knife. Mark grabbed his wrist with the knife in it with his left hand and pounded him in the chin with his right fist. The guy went down hard, out cold. At the same time another guy threw a punch at Mike. Mike dodged his punch and grabbed his arm with both of his, while throwing his body into the front of the guy's knees while pulling down on the guy's arm. He lost his balance and I saw his head bounce off the payment. Mark then looked at the third guy who seemed to be in shock or something. "You can either join your friends on the ground with your hand behind your back the hard way or the easy way!" The guy got down on his stomach with his hands behind his head. Mark reached in his bag and pulled out three handcuffs and a pistol. He handed the pistol to Mike and he handcuffed the three guys. Then he put the pistol back away and pulled out his cell phone and called the police for backup. "Why don't you three go in the back of the cab and change clothes. I have to do some paper work." We went and got changed and found Mark with a briefcase open on the hood of his car, filling out paperwork and talking to himself. "I hate paper work. Attempted robbery, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, attempted robbery, attempted grand theft auto, resisting arrest, assault and battery. Make one mistake on this paperwork and these guys walk." Just then a City of Chicago police car pulled up and Mark identified himself as a Chicago police officer and explained to the officers what happened. They took the three suspects into custody and helped him with his paperwork by taking statements from us. Finally we were finished and the police told us we could go and told us all how proud they are of us and how brave we acted. Danny said he almost peed his pants. I could hardly believe the rush I got from the whole experience. Both Mark and Mike seemed calm as if this was an everyday event for them. Based on their story I can see why, but it's different hearing a story and seeing it happen before you. It took us an hour and a half to get to the airport. It was stop and go the whole way there. I was talking non-stop the whole way there, reliving what just happened. Halfway there Danny and I switched places because my legs were getting numb with him sitting on my lap. I guess with all the excitement of the day I almost forgot the reason that I was going to the airport to begin with. As we got closer I finally shut up and started to think. What am I going to say to my brother after all these years? Is he going to hate me when he finds out I'm gay and in love with Danny? What will his son be like? What will his wife be like? What did he tell Detective Samuels? What did Detective Samuels say to Mark? Mark didn't say anything about his conversation to me. So many questions and so few answers. We parked and get out of the truck. With the delay from our afternoon of action and the rush hour traffic we didn't have much time left to get to the terminal. "Tommy, only tell your brother that you're with me under protective custody. He doesn't need to know about your training in police work or our plans for school. Even if you feel you can trust him, he has no need to know. Understand?" "Yes, Mark, I understand and agree with you. Why take a chance? I won't say anything." "Good, one more thing. It's better if he doesn't know that Mike and I are a couple. I don't care what you tell him about yourself. I'll leave that up to you. If he asks you what you plan on doing this summer, tell him you'll be attending summer school at Chicago Public Schools along with Mike and myself and keeping very busy." "In a way that is the truth. Should I tell him that I'll be moving in with the Smiths after they are approved as foster parents?" "You're almost a policeman already, Tommy. That's what I was going to tell you next." "Did you discuss all this with Detective Samuels this morning?" "Yes, I did. We want to make sure our story is straight." "Don't you mean consistent? I mean I don't like that word straight. It kind of implies that we are lying. Like your statement about going to summer school is the truth - just not the whole truth. There is a lot more to it." "Yes, I do mean consistent. And I will never tell you to lie. However, a good policeman keeps some things to himself." We get to the security gate and Mark showed his badge and got right through. I guess being a Chicago Police officer has some advantages. I've never been in a place this big before. I'm glad I'm with Mike and Mark or else I'd be lost for days. Finally we reached the gate just as the plane pulled up. About half the plane's passengers got off before I spotted my brother Pete. I also recognized his wife Barbara. Next to them I see a young looking boy about 4'8" with blond hair and blue eyes. What stood out on him was his smile. He had a wide mouth and I could see a huge grin on his face even from 50 feet away. I walked up to him and looked him in the eye and smiled. "Pete?" "Oh, my God, Tommy - is that you? You have grown so much since the last time I saw you I would have never recognized you. This is Barbara." I shook her hand and told her I recognized her. I then introduced Danny, who he remembered, and Mike and Mark. All this time hiding behind Barbara was my nephew Scott. Pete grabbed him by the hand and introduced him to all of us. At first I thought he was shy but within seconds after being introduced he was asking all of us three questions at once. "We have all carry on luggage and are renting a car. We'll be staying at a Days Inn off I-294 not far from your house," said Pete. "Are you hungry?" asked Mark. "Very, and we need to get our car and get checked in first. We also need to have a little talk. Without little ears around." "A'right, Dad. My ears aren't that little," said Scott. "We have some important things to talk to Tommy about, concerning your grandparents." "I never met them either and I just met Tommy." Mark picked up Scott under the armpits and looked him in the eyes. "How would you like to go to Six Flags Amusement Park tomorrow?" Mark put him back down. "Yes. Yes. Yes." And Scott started jumping up and down. "Can we go? Can we go? Please! Please! Please!" "Perhaps, Scott, now calm down. First we need to get the adult things out of the way so we'll have time to play tomorrow. Barbara can stay with him at the motel while we go to dinner and talk." "Now, that's not fair," said Mark. "I have an idea," said Danny. How about we leave Scott with my parents while we all go out to dinner. I'm sure they won't mind." We all agreed that was a good idea. Even Scott, when he found out that Danny's mom had some homemade chocolate cake. We agreed to meet at the motel and went to Mark's truck. It was only a 10-minute ride after we got out of the airport. It's amazing to me how quick you can go from one place to the other quickly when it's not rush hour. During rush hour, Mark says, the same trip might take 45 minutes. We called the Smiths and they were happy to take Scott. They suggested because it was almost 8:00 PM that he stay overnight there. We got to the motel and only had to wait about 10 minutes before my brother pulled in. They checked in and we told them about the Smiths' offering to keep Scott for the night. Scott liked the idea because he'll get his own room and won't have to share with his parents. I think his parents liked the idea too because they looked at each other and winked. It was getting late so we dropped off Scott and went to Red Lobster for dinner. "Tommy, there is a reason why you haven't seen me in the last 9 years. Our parents didn't approve of my marriage to Barbara. They said we were too young. We got into a big fight and we were told we weren't welcome there anymore. So after we married we moved to Detroit and have been very happy. I do love you and miss you, Tommy. I guess I still love the folks too but it's hard to deal with. It's like an itch I can't scratch. Even before I left I noticed how the folks treated you. Our brother Bob also kept me informed after I moved out. I talked with him about all this yesterday. We want you to know that none of this is your fault. Although I've not talked to our folks in 9 years, Bob still does. I don't want to embarrass you, Tommy or Danny, but Bob got a call from Dad two days ago. Bob tried to calm him down but he was not hearing him. We both want you to know that no matter who you grow up to be we will always love you and our home is your home if you want or need it. However we will not go to court to take you away from someplace you're happy. Understand, Tommy? "Wow, that's a lot to take in all at once. But with as much as I've been through lately I'm not surprised. Let me think about everything you just said some." "No problem, Tommy. It was best that I said it all at once instead of beating around the bush. So what were you guys up to today?" Mark went on to tell Pete about our day. I was deep in thought and heard nothing of what they were saying. Now I understand why Pete never came to visit. My parents lied to me. They told me he didn't, because he didn't want to see his loser little brother. Oh my God, Bob talked to my dad. Dad had to tell him I'm gay. And Bob must have told Pete. But he doesn't seem to hate me? He even said I could come live with him! Oh my God, he must know all about me and Danny too. He said he didn't want to embarrass either one of us. He said Bob stuck up for me too. "Tommy?" "Yes." "I asked you how you felt about nearly being mugged today." "I'm sorry, I was just thinking. I found it quite exciting. I wasn't scared at all. For the first time in my life I wasn't scared. Having Mark, Mike, and Danny with me, I feel like there's nothing I can't face. I've lived in fear most of my life and I'm not going to be afraid any more. I've been thinking about what you said, Pete, do you really know about me and Danny?" "Only secondhand from Bob, based on comments from Dad. However, I'd been watching you two since I've gotten here and I can see the love you have for each other in your eyes." "And you don't hate me?" "I could never hate you Tommy, or Danny for that matter. As a matter of fact, I feel it's kind of ironic that our parents hate both of us because of who we love. If anything, Tommy, I feel even closer to you. I understand your pain." "It's great to know that I still have family that loves me, Pete. A few days ago I thought I lost everything. Now I have more than I ever had before." Our dinner arrived and we all tore into it like a pack of wolves. We decided we would go to Six Flags in the morning. After we finished, Pete and his wife went back to the motel and we went home. Danny and I stripped down to our boxers got into bed and fell asleep at each other's arms. ******** To Be Continued...