Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:01:30 -0700 (PDT) From: larry_c_@excite.com Subject: My Brother's Kids, chapter 1 This story is fiction, for the most part; I will not reveal which parts might have truth in them. I will say that the names used are not actual names of real people, nor does the activity reflect actual illegal acts being done with underage boys. Because of the fictional nature of the story, safe sex is not described within, but the author insists on the intelligence of its use in real life scenarios, as well as the wisdom of older gentlemen in regard to abuse of our youth. All the legal disclaimers are applicable, and you know what those are already. So, if you pass all the tests, enjoy the story as it unfolds. The first chapter is foundational, and I promise that by chapter two, temperatures will rise. Let me know what you think! My Brother's Kids Are Now Mine Chapter One I was shocked out of a deep sleep by a telephone call from the State Police at three o'clock in the morning. I was asked if I knew a Morris Freeburg of Monterey, California. I stammered a moment until my mouth began to work properly, and I said... "Yes...he's my brother. Is he in trouble? Is he drinking again, and needs someone to drive him back home? Damn Shit head! I told him he needed to stop that habit before it hurt his wife and kids!" "Uh Sir, ... That's not why we called! I am sorry to say that I wish that was the case...but... this is Officer Radbury, and I found your name in his wallet as the person to contact in case of an emergency. There has been a terrible automobile accident on the interstate here near Salinas, and... "Officer...is he hurt? What hospital is he going to? I can be there in twenty five minutes..." "Mr. Freeburg...he isn't going to the hospital, sir. Neither is his wife. The Coroner has..." "Coroner? FUCK! ... SHIT! ... Excuse me Officer, but ... just tell me two things... Was there booze involved? ... and two ... were my nephews there too?" "Sir ... Yes, Alcohol does seem to be a contributor, but this time it was the other driver who was highly intoxicated, not your brother and his wife. It seems that the other driver was mesmerized by the oncoming headlights, and swerved to Morris's side of the highway...hitting his car head-on at over 70 miles per hour ... not even a chance for your brother to react ... I am sorry, Sir. But as to your second question, there was no sign of any children in Morris's car. Evidently, that much is positive." "Officer, when the Coroner has finished with his job, please have him call me so that I may make proper arrangements. Meanwhile, I am heading over to my brother's home. I am sure the boys are with a responsible sitter, but I want to be the one to tell them what happened. The phone number there, if I am needed before I return to this number is (408) 555-9811. I do appreciate you calling me (gulp), but I just can't handle any more details right this minute...I'm sure you understand! Thank you, Officer Radbury." ***** CLICK ***** Immediately, I felt sick to my stomach. I had to face my nephews with the bad news, and I knew that they had heard me tell Morris many times that booze would be his death...but this way? HELL! It wasn't fair...he'd tried very hard to be sober for at least 6 months straight now, ...and someone else's habit screwed up the whole thing for both him and his wife, Anne. God, I hope it was instantaneous! Neither of them deserved to die in pain and agony! Then it hit me, the Officer didn't mention whether or not the other driver lived. Maybe because he didn't want me to come unglued and go after the bastard if he was still alive ... or maybe because I didn't ask ... I don't know! For now that was police business ... I have two nephews to take care of first! I immediately got myself dressed, after splashing cold water on my face and eyes. Then, I headed out toward my brother's house to send the sitter away and somehow break the news to my nephews ... uh, now my boys, because in Morris's will, I was to take the two as my own if anything ever happened to Morris and Anne. I was the kids' Godfather, as well as their Uncle ... by legal declaration. Oh, Man! I am now a parent! I'm not married ... there will be no mother for the boys! There never will be, either, because Morris knew I would never marry any woman. He understood me very well, and had clearly discussed it with Anne, who also never held my personal choices against me. They both trusted me totally to care for the boys anyway. I had never even attempted to make any advances toward either one of them, as my own desires were closeted, and strictly restricted to fantasizing about hunks in magazines, on TV, or maybe in a movie or two. Well, I suppose there were a few trips or so to a XXX-Vid shop, or to a secluded park bathroom that sported a glory hole ... but only when I was out of town on a trip, and no one would ever have any idea who I was. After all, a 27 ½ year-old High School Teacher could never let on that he had desires for other guys, or even toward a couple of his students, now could he! I arrived at Morris's house, and used my key to enter, so as not to wake the boys by knocking. The sitter was a bit surprised to hear the door open, but as soon as he saw it was me, he relaxed a bit. He was one of my music students who I had often recommended to Anne as a decent and responsible H.S. Senior who had four younger brothers at home, qualifying him to take care of her two easily. "Hi, Kor, it's me, Larry Freeburg ... how are the boys?" "Oh, Mr. Freeburg, they're asleep, and they were good as gold for me. Thanks for recommending me in the first place a few months ago. I needed the job, and I do enjoy these guys a lot more than I do my own little bratty brothers. Uh ...but ...why is it you here instead of Mr. and Mrs. Freeburg? I expected them home an hour ago." "Well, Kor ... it's this way ... (and I told him the details that I knew so far.) ... so I will make sure you get paid for your good work. But, just in case I need some help for the next few minutes, you mind staying while I tell the boys? If they freak out, I just might need an extra hand." "Uh ... I don't know what I could do, but for you, Sir ... of course I'll stay, just `cause you asked. You've been such a great teacher for me, helping me through a lot; so it's the least I can do for you! God, I'm so sorry, Mr. F!" I walked slowly toward my oldest nephew's bedroom door, trying to gather my thoughts as to just how I was going to break the news ... when he almost staggered out his door with a shocked look on his face. "Uncle Larry ... (running to me, and burying his head in my chest) ... what I just saw on TV ... was that ... it looked like ... Dad and Mom's car on the news?" (Picking him up in my arms and carrying him to the couch) ... "Eaton, Eaton ... my dear boy ... I'm here because I wanted you to find out from me, not from TV. Yes it was their car. I wish it wasn't. I know it's gonna hurt, but you need to know the truth, and let me help you face it and deal with it the best we can together." We both cried together as the reality sank in. I did wonder why Eaton happened to see it on TV so early in the morning when he usually slept so soundly that it usually takes an earthquake to arouse him back to consciousness. He told me that he had a dream that woke him, and because he didn't want to go back to sleep yet, he had turned the TV on, instead of bothering Korey with his dream details. I asked whether he wasn't yet comfortable sharing things with Kor, and he answered by a solid ... " I like him a lot. He's cool. But I thought he might be asleep on the couch and I didn't wanna wake him, and have us both not able to sleep. Besides, I'll be twelve in about a month ... I didn't want Korey to think I was still a little kid!" "Geesh, Eaton, I'd never think that! You're a whole lot cooler than my Seventh Grade brother ... I much rather spend time with you than him, any day!" "Eaton ... Son ... do me a favor, and stay here with Kor while I wake up Casey and bring him out here with us, OK?" "Sure, Uncle Lar ...", as he scooted toward Korey, and Kor wrapped his arm around Eaton's shoulder like a big brother would do. Eaton almost melted into Kor's arm, and tried not to sob too hard as Korey used his other hand to rub gently on Eaton's back to comfort him. I opened Casey's door, finding him totally asleep without a care in the world ... hating the idea of even waking him to share the terrible news. I felt guilty, but knew it was necessary. I pulled back his covers, and lifted his nine-year old body into my arms, resting his head against my neck as I carried him to the living room. As we made our way there, Casey began to awaken, yawned hugely, and almost moaned out a ... "Hey, Unk ... is it morning already? Whatcha doin' here so early?", (and he kissed my neck as he still attempted to be aware of the things going on.) It didn't take too long for him to realize that Kor was still here, his brother was awake too, and that it was me here instead of his Mama and Dad. He looked puzzled, and somehow he knew something just wasn't right ... but as he began to shake a little, he wasn't too sure he wanted to ask! "Casey, listen to me, My Boy ... something has happened that I wanted to be the one to tell you about. I'm here right now because your Mom and Dad won't be coming home tonight, or tomorrow either." "Uh...and Korey isn't staying with us ... he's gotta go home for school, right? So you're here, Unk...to watch us till Mama gets back?" "Uh...Case ... I wish that was the whole truth ... but ..." "Uh ... Eaton, ... you're crying ... You never cry ... uh ... Uncle Lar ... what's all this mean?" "Listen carefully, Son ... Daddy and Mama won't be coming home any more. They went to a new home tonight. You know which one I mean ... the one with Jesus!" "NNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! I still need them! Jesus' got a whole bunch of mommies and daddies up there with Him ... I only got one set! UUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNKKKKKKKKKKKK..." I held him so tightly...so close...while he sobbed so hard that I thought he would shake off my lap. My clothes were getting quite wet from tears, and I didn't even care if his nose dripped all over my chest ... he had to know he was safe with me, no matter how scared and torn up he felt. The inner torment this little guy was feeling made Eaton more upset, too, and I was so thankful that Kor had stayed to give Eaton support while I tried to comfort Casey. The next half-hour was anything but easy to get through. But eventually, the tears ran out and the shaking stopped. "Uh...Mr. F ... I really need to go now, unless you think it would help for me to stay here until school time. I could call my `rents and let `em know if you still need me." "Korey ... you have done plenty, and I am so grateful. Go ahead and head on home. I probably will not be at school for a day or so, getting things all taken care of and such; so since you're my student director anyway, help the substitute keep things going properly. I know I can trust you with that responsibility on my behalf. By the way, here's a $50.00 bill for your job well done tonight." "Mr. F ... I only earned about $20 bucks ... I can't... I mean, I'd really rather not get paid at all, just to help you any way I can!" "Kor, I know where your heart is, and I am more than grateful, believe me. But you have monetary needs too, and you did earn your wage. So if I want to add to the pot as a thank-you ... that's my business, OK?" "Uh ... OK, I guess! Just be sure that I won't let you down at school, either, Mr. F. You've been more of a Dad for me these last four years than my own father ever was. All you gotta do is ask, and I'm here for ya...Honest!" Korey took a moment to give a hug to both boys, letting them also know that he cared for them as well as for me, and he left. I have to admit that if I had any of my own kids, I would wish that Korey was one of them. Why his father never gave a shit if he existed or not totally escapes my mind. And to think of how great a kid he is in spite of all that, well ... the young man is just plain special! (You know, he's the student that started the entire music and drama departments calling me "Papa", which has grown and spread all over campus as my reputation of being available for any kids who need to have a person who cares about them as important people. What a Kid!.) I guess you can tell that I feel like he is almost `family' to me ... guess it's because I started my first year teaching at the same time Kor began as a Freshman, and we were drawn together to travel these last four years as support for one another through the good times and the bad ones too. That's the other reason I trusted my nephews to his watchful eye, convincing my brother and sister-in-law to use him as a sitter during this past half-year. They grew to consider him more than just a sitter, too. He made me proud of my trust in him, both here and at school. Hell, yes...I love him as if he was my own kid. What do you expect? The guy needs a caring man in his life, too. Anyway, back to my boys! As soon as Korey left, both my guys snuggled under my arms and held on to me with every ounce of strength they could muster. It was like they were never going to let me get out of their site. I assured them that we were going to be together for good, and that we all needed to get to sleep till morning since we had things to attend to as a family unit. Eaton was astute enough to realize that now I was going to be their Father in place or Morris. He even told me that Anne had explained to him exactly what a God-Father was about a year ago, and that he would help tell Casey what it all meant. I was impressed with the amount of maturity showing through Eaton's character at this moment. But, there was still some little kid left in him when he also said... "Uh ...Papa Larry? If we all gotta get some sleep ... can we sleep together? I know Casey needs it that way ... can we ... for him ... too?" Looking into his eyes, I could see he needed it as badly as he thought Casey did, and so without making any fuss over the fact that he was almost 12, I gathered them both, and headed to the king-sized bed in the master suite. They fell asleep almost instantly, but I was laying there taking in the smells and the feel of my new sons as I tried to push the pain out of my heart enough to get some rest before tackling the new day's necessities. It was almost 11 AM before I was awakened by a phone ringing loudly in my ear. It was the Coroner's office in Salinas, our County Seat. The Coroner was calling to say that he had finished his work, and wanted to know who he should call to make the transfer of the remains for proper burial arrangements. I responded almost automatically for him to contact The Paul Mortuary in P.G., since it had been the place which handled all our family members since I was a child, and maybe even before that. The owner is my good friend and fellow Kiwanian, so I knew I would have no question as to the quality of service we would receive from the firm. Next, I called Paul's and made an appointment to make arrangements. Since I wanted Korey to come back and be with the boys while I took care of details, I made it for 4:00 PM. Then, I called the school. (Ooops...I didn't wake up this morning to call for a substitute...oh, man...I was a bit nervous as I made the call now.) ... "Oh Larry, this is Sheila ... We are so very sorry for your loss. Korey came in first thing this morning and told us everything. We called a sub right away, and we want you to take whatever time you need. We'll stand behind you through it all. Mr. Jacobs wants to know when the services will be, so he can cancel school that day to allow your friends here to attend and support you in this time." "Thank you so much, Sheila, and tell Frank thanks, too. But I need one favor. Can you find Korey Prince for me, and ask him to come to the house after school. I need him to watch the boys while I go to the Funeral Home." "I have his schedule right in front of me. He said you might call for him. No problem, Larry. I'll take care of it right away. Consider it done." I thanked her, and hung up, letting my new sons know that he'd be here right after school... "But Papa...can't we go with you? We don't want you to leave!" (Evidently, Eaton had already told Casey the fact that I was now their new Father, and suggested the term `Papa' to make it easier than using `Dad' for other than Morris.) "Look, Casey...I'll be back sooner than you know. This something only I can do, and it won't take that long. I'm going to make sure things are done right for saying g'bye to your Mommy and Daddy. We all need to do that together, but this part is just for me to do...OK?" "Just promise you're coming back! Please!" "Of course I'll be back, and Korey will be here to make the time go faster till I do get back. We'll all go out for dinner afterwards ... Korey too!" Just then, the doorbell rang, and in popped Korey. He surprised me, however, by coming to me, grabbing me in a big hug, holding to me for a bit longer than expected...and then standing back a little, looking into my eyes, wondering if I minded the hug. I drew him back to me, and returned a hug that showed him I was pleased that he wanted to show me that he cared so much. There seemed to be some powerful electrical charge that surged between us as we held one another this time. My God...what just happened? I know my guard is down right now because of my having to deal with so much, but this? I mean, Korey is my student! He's still in High School...the one where I work every day. Yes, we have a close relationship, as teacher/student, but...it's just that, isn't it? It has to be! It can't be any more! It's so absolutely forbidden! But as he stood there in front of me, his eyes drilling into my heart; I began to look at him in a totally different way ... before, he was my Marching Band Drum Major, striking to look at in that crème-colored uniform, commanding in his stance, authoritative in his body language, and respected by his peers. But now ... he was 5'10" of well-toned muscle, perfect skin texture and color, sculptured and chiseled in his body shape (a little like the statue of David in my mind's eye), and a radiance to his smile that melted my heart. And then there was ... was ... the other sensation I felt as we hugged ... that ... pressure against my groin ... from what must have been his ... his ... (Oh, Shit!) maleness in a very erect condition. Korey? No, it must have been my imagination! He just isn't that way! What am I thinking! Why am I even thinking it? "Korey, I asked you to be here with my boys while I go to the Funeral Home. I'm not sure how long I will be gone, but if you can stay till I get back, I'll take you to dinner with the guys ... if you don't have any other pressing duties for the evening." "Mr. F ... "Papa F., my time is yours! I'll tell you why at dinner, but for now...don't worry a bit about the boys. We'll get along great!" ... And then, he hugged me again, and snuck a kiss onto my neck on the side where the little guys couldn't see. Another high voltage bolt shot through me. I left the house silently, but my guts were trembling, and my mind swirling around new thoughts that ran rampant inside my head. I drove down Forest Hill, all the way to the waterfront, and then around the beach to the golf course, that is, next to it at the Chapel By The Sea where the Funeral Home owner scheduled our meeting time. As I pulled into the Cemetery grounds, I came to the realization that for the entire drive there, I had been sporting the hardest erection of my life, and that there was a spot forming near my zipper that could be very embarrassing if noticed. So, since the shirt I had on was one that could be worn tucked in or hanging out, I tugged it out of my belt, and let it fall in front of me as I walked around the grounds for a couple minutes to allow a return to normalcy before heading into the Chapel office. Randy was waiting there for me when I arrived. Being that we had been friends for so long, none of that formality of the stereotype Funeral Director was part of our greeting each other. It took a little more than an hour to discuss alternatives and make appropriate choices for both Morris and Anne. The service would be a duo, to symbolize that they were together in life, and also in death. The rest of the details are not important to share with you, but for sure, a positive memory picture would remain for all who attended to honor my loved ones. I returned to the house, satisfied that things were being handled both professionally and with the compassion of my close friend adding to the positiveness of a tough situation. I knew the boys would be comforted by what they still had to go through. I was greeted at the door by three smiling faces ... trying to calm down from what was evidently a blast they were having together before I arrived. "Alright Dudes...stop trying to look solemn. You can still have fun. It's OK! In fact, it's a good thing! I guess Korey has done a fine job keeping you happy!" "Gee, Unka...I mean, Papa...he sure has. I wish he could stay with us for good!" "Well, Case ... he has a life of his own, but I'm glad you think so highly of him! I am sure glad I can count on him at school. He's certainly my right-hand man. I know how you feel!" "Uh...Papa Larry? We gonna go eat soon? I'm starved!" "Just when are you not hungry, Eaton? I bet if I kept record of your intake, I could feed all the rest of us on less than what it costs to fill you up! But, hey...you need it, you're gonna get it! So...how does the Outrigger Restaurant sound?" "Mr.F., that place is so ... so ... well, fancy and uh ... if I had a girlfriend, it'd be kind'a romantic! South Seas atmosphere, Polynesian menu, ocean view ... that's really something special ... you sure you want to waste it on us guys?" "Look, Korey ... if I thought it was a waste, I wouldn't have suggested it. You three deserve the best, and right now ... we all need some atmosphere!" We all piled into my car, Kor in the front seat, and the little guys in the back. I could see some whispering as I looked in the rear view mirror. Those two were sharing something that they didn't want me or Korey to hear. Ever so often, a giggle or two bounced around between the comments. Maybe by bedtime, they'd share with me the mysterious and humorous topic of their playfulness. If not, hey...they're boys! I wondered more about the fact that Korey was so silent and contemplative through the entire drive to the restaurant. He kept looking my way, smiling, and then staring out the side window again. I knew he had something bothering him, but since he didn't bring it up, neither did I. I did have ideas about the possibilities, though. Maybe he had figured out what inappropriate thoughts had crossed my mind earlier. Maybe he was thinking he ought to distance himself from me, because my reactions were scaring him off. I had tried not to convey any negative vibes earlier, but maybe I didn't succeed. Damn Me! If I lose this young man's friendship...I think I might just curl up and die ... but then Casey and Eaton would have nobody! FUCK! Have I already screwed up the best thing that ever happened to me up to this point? It was early May, and the evenings were very pleasant on the Peninsula. Since I loved the smell of the sea and the feel of salt air, we decided to sit outdoors on the Lanai deck as the waves splashed onto the beach below us. There was one table near the corner of the deck, where we could be away from other guests and not be concerned about anything that might come up in conversation ... after all, kids aren't always used to being out in high class society, as if this mattered to me a bit tonight! This was my special treat to the three young people I loved, and I wanted them to be free to be themselves. We were first served a "Pu-Pu Platter" of Hawaiian appetizers, and the boys attacked that as if they were locusts. The little guys turned their noses up at the Turtle soup, probably just because of the idea of it being turtles. However, as soon as Korey showed them how good it tasted, they copied his lead, and that too disappeared ... but with a little less enthusiasm then was given the platter. I couldn't help but notice the effect Kor was having on the boys. If he had been a teen-age movie star out of High School Musical, he couldn't receive more idol worship than he was getting at this moment. For the main course, Casey and Eaton wanted Fish and Chips. (Hey...maybe some day they will appreciate Lobster!) Kor and I had Calamari and Filet Mignon Surf and Turf Combos, a la Moana. Of course the boys finished before we did, and ran down the staircase to the beach while we slowly enjoyed our meal. It was then that Korey began to open up about what was on his mind... "UH..."Papa F., uh ... remember I said earlier at the house that I would tell you why my time was yours for as long as you needed me?" "Yes, Kor ... I certainly do remember...and I am listening probably more intently to you than I have ever done up till now! Go on!" "Hope you don't get turned off on me, or nuthin', but ... I gotta say it now, or I never will! I love you, Papa. I have for over a year now! Maybe longer! But now that I have turned 18, and will graduate in a month ... You gotta know just how I feel. I left home last week, because I couldn't deal with my Dad's accusations and his rejection of me any longer. Mom is OK with me being out on my own, because she hates what Dad says too, as well as how he's treated me all my life. It'll be tougher for me to make it alone, but maybe ... just maybe, I won't have to be alone ... that is, if...uh...uh..." "Korey, you know I will help you any way I can to make sure you can succeed. If you want to tell me details, you know I care enough to not only listen but to help too. You are very special to me, Kor ... in fact, I have come to the realization lately that I love you too ... much more than as just a student. And, my boys ... they almost idolize you. In fact, Casey even asked me if you could..." "Yeah, I heard him ask. I'll be honest about my feelings ... I want to be a part of your family. I want to be like a big brother to the boys...or maybe even better like an Uncle. But ... damn it; I don't want to call you Papa anymore! I want to be your lover, and I think I have picked up on the fact that you may just feel the same way about me! There! I said it! Hate me if you want, but I can't hide it any longer!" "Hate you! Hell ... that will never happen! NEVER! Damn it, Kor ... I ... I ... want us to become lovers, I really do, but the school, the boys, your Mom ... the entire community would ostracize us. I'd be out of a job and a career before we ever got to share our love the way I want to ... there...I said it too, I do want you as my lover! I just don't know how we could pull it off, and not be drawn and quartered." "Mom already knows how I feel. She has known that I figured out I was gay at the age of 13. Dad doesn't give a shit what I am, because he says Mom was unfaithful while he was in the service, and that I wasn't his kid anyway ... so I could crawl in a hole somewhere and die, and he'd be happy not to be bothered with me ever again. As far as the boys are concerned ... they already feel like I belong. I heard some of the whispers in the back seat. Little Casey was telling Eaton that he figured that you already loved me ... and Eaton said that some guys like other guys, and that if you and I did, he wouldn't be surprised, or disappointed. God, Larry ...it fits so beautifully! Shit! I called you Larry ... sorry I ..." "Larry's fine away from school, Kor. That is my name! Just so the other students don't hear you use it. You know, respect thing on campus and all. Tell you what! I have an idea that might buy us some time to see just how it all might work out. Since my brother's house is now mine, and I have to live there for the sake of the boys not having to move ... and of course since I'm their father now, too ...the apartment condo I bought for myself is vacant. You need a place to live at least until you graduate, right? Well ... that place is yours if you want it, free of charge, so you don't have to earn rent money while you finish school. After graduation, we can evaluate the possibilities of future changes, but at least by then ... you will no longer be my student, and the school will have no real say about impropriety." "Man, that sounds so wonderful. But, Larry ... do we have to do absolutely nothing about sharing our love till after graduation? As I said, I am 18 now! There's no legality problem with two consenting adults!" "I don't know, Kor ... I really don't! That kiss you gave me on the neck ... the hard cock I felt against my groin when we hugged ... the lightning bolt that went through me when ... if there's any way we can share, I'll find it! But, we still have to keep from blowing things up as far as the community is concerned. We can't jeopardize our jobs, and even worse, the boys! Imagine what Social Services would say if they found out the boys were being raised by two male lovers! Kor ... I wish I had the right answers!" "Just tell me you will work on it. That's all I need to hear!" "Shit, Love! If you don't know that already ... we're in deep Doo-Doo!" ****************************** End of Chapter One