Date: Tue, 28 Mar 2000 23:31:34 EST From: William Watts Subject: The Castaway Hotel - Chapter 18 Legal Notice: The following story contains descriptions of graphic sexual acts. The story is a work of fiction and has no basis in reality. Don't read this story if: *You're not 18 or over, *If it is illegal to read this type of material where you live, *Or if you don't want to read about gay/bi people in love or having sex. The author retains copyright to this story. Placing this story on a website or reproducing this story for distribution without the author's permission is a violation of that copyright. Legal action will be taken against violators. E-mail responses to the stories, story suggestions or other 'constructive' comments or advice may be sent to: bwstories44@hotmail.com * * * * * * * * The Castaway Hotel - by BW (Young-Friends). Copyright 2000 by bwstories44 Chapter 18 - A nearly perfect ending. February 2000 Later that week we had our first major school incidence. Danny had been walking down the hall at the high school with Brandon. One of Brandon's old nemeses passed them as they talked in the hall. This kid had tormented Brandon and spread rumors around about Brandon being gay. "Hey, I see our little fag's got a new boyfriend." The boys tried to ignore him. "Why don't you give your lover boy a kiss so everyone can see how the fucking fairies make out." "Why don't you get lost or go to hell," Danny shot back. "Oooooh, did I hit a sore spot." "Look, asshole, we're not gay so fuck off and get lost." "Maybe you're not gay but your sweet little friend is." "And how do you know that? Do you have a proof or anyone to back up your big mouth?" "I don't need anything or anyone else. Everyone around here knows he's gay." "And everyone knows you're a fucking asshole. Get lost and go crawl back under a rock before I lose my temper." "Oh, and what are the gay boys going to do about it?" "Something that you may not be ready for," Danny shouted, as he smashed his right fist into the kid's nose, knocking the boy on his ass. The boy lay sprawled out on the cold marble floor as Danny straddled his chest and grabbed his shirt, pulling the loudmouth's upper body off of the floor. "If I ever hear you say anything like that again, I won't stop beating your sorry ass until you aren't able to pick it back up." At that moment, a teacher came out of his room, grabbed both boys and dragged them to the principal's office. Danny stated his case and I got a phone call. I drove over to the high school for a meeting. Danny accepted his part in the fight (if you could call it that) and he accepted his detentions. I explained to him that the school couldn't accept that type of behavior but I could understand why he did it. Danny told me that the only way you could shut up a bully and his friends was to show him up or make him back down. He said he doubted there would be any further incidences. I agreed with him. That night, Brandon's father drove Brandon to our house. They both came in. Mr. O'Hara told us that he had heard about what had happened in school earlier in the day. He told us that that particular boy had been harassing Brandon for nearly a year. He said they had talked to his parents, spoke to school officials and even spoken to the police about him. Nothing had ever been done to get him to stop. He and Brandon thanked Danny for what he had done to defend Brandon and Mr. O'Hara told Danny that he was the best friend that he could have ever hoped his son would have. We told him that we doubted that kid what say any more, now that he had been humiliated in front of the school and they agreed. As it turned out, the kid transferred to another nearby school district later that week. Mr. O'Hara and I enjoyed a cup of coffee while Brandon and Danny snuck away for a private moment. During that time, Brandon showed Danny his personal gratitude for defending his honor. And they say Chivalry is dead. It wasn't that much longer after the incident died down that the soccer season drew to a close. The JV team finished 11-1 and the modified team ended 7-3. All of the boys were satisfied with their personal performance and how their teams had done. The next big day on the calendar, before Halloween, was Cole's birthday, October 22nd. I sat him down and asked him about what he wanted for his birthday and his party. He gave me ideas for gifts and we decided to hold his party on Saturday the 24th, the Saturday after his actual birth date. I asked him whom he wanted to invite to the party. He responded that he wanted his seven brothers (which included Jay and Brandon), Mrs. Swartout, the two kids he had made friends with at school and me. I told him that this would be fine so we ironed out the details. That Saturday, we took everyone to tour the local cider mill as part of the party plans. Many of the boys had never seen one before or realized how it worked. I was somewhat surprised at their lack of experience with something this basic but it pleased me to see they were all having a good time. We bought a couple of gallons of cider, a candy apple for each boy and we headed back to the house. They boys went out for a game of kickball while I got the grill ready to cook up some hot dogs and hamburgers. After they ate, we sang 'Happy Birthday' to Cole (I'm not sure he ever had that done for him before), cut the cake and passed it and the ice cream out. Then, I let him open his presents. The boys and I got him a CD player (like Kevin's) and CD's for his room. We also bought him his own bike. He almost did back flips and hand springs seeing the bicycle and he hugged each one of us as a thank you. He was one excited kid. I thought ahead, birthday wise, and realized that Graham's birthday would be next but that wouldn't be until next March. The next big occasion was Halloween. Only Graham, Cole, Ricky and Jay went trick-or-treating, although the others went out to mess around with some of their other friends. The younger boys each had a costume and went door to door. Graham and Cole said they only remembered doing this a couple of times, when they were much younger. It became just one more reason for me to hate their mother. >From there, we went on to basketball/wrestling season and, then, to Thanksgiving. Danny, Brandon, Kevin, Jay and Ricky all went out for their basketball teams while Dustin and Cole went out for wrestling. Graham would try his hand at basketball when the elementary teams began in a couple of weeks. He would be able to wrestle beginning in late January. The elementary programs split the winter season into two halves, so kids could try both sports. At Thanksgiving, the boys got to meet my youngest daughter and both of my sons. The also met my two grandsons. Brandon and Jay came over to meet them after their own meal was completed. My children welcomed their new brothers with open arms and the boys were happy to meet their older siblings. I was very proud of all of them. My oldest son told me that he, his brother and sisters had all discussed, via email or telephone, my new brood and they were glad that I had taken this on. They had all been worried about my living alone and they were afraid that I was becoming depressed. They said that all of their worries disappeared after I told them about Danny and Ricky, my first two boarders. He did warn me not to bite off more than I could chew, though, indicating that they thought I might have reached my limit on family size. We spent most of the four-day holiday together and we had a great time. Juggling the sleeping arrangements for the holiday was our biggest challenge. Eventually, Danny and Ricky slept with me, my oldest son and daughter-in-law took Danny's room, my youngest daughter slept in the only remaining bedroom and my youngest son slept in Ricky's room. My two grandsons, ages three and five, slept with Cole and Graham. These four bonded over that period. Even though I had stopped bathing the two youngest by this time, they asked me to do it over the holidays so they could each bathe with one of my grandsons. All four boys loved it and I enjoyed watching them interact and playing in the tub. I don't think Cole and Graham had ever had the opportunity to bathe with another child, until they came with me, or play with toys in the tub. I marveled at their innocence as they did so. Next came Christmas. This time both of my daughters and my oldest son came home. My youngest son had to work and said he be home to celebrate the first weekend after New Year's Day. Originally, he wasn't planning to come home for Christmas at all, because of his work schedule, but, after meeting his new brothers, he decided to come home the first chance he had. I was really proud of my oldest children as they each made sure they brought a present for each of the boys, including Jay and Brandon. The eight boys were thrilled because they'd never received that many presents before. I had asked the boys to make their Christmas lists out before we had even reached Thanksgiving. They presented me with a single, joint list upon which was written 'the only thing we want for Christmas is to be your sons'. This moved me greatly but it didn't help me to decide what to get them for the holiday. I decided to buy things that all of them would benefit from and then threw in one special gift for each of them. I had sent them off with my oldest son on Christmas Eve Day, loaning him my van, so I could prepare and have deliveries made without them being there. Christmas morning they found a large screen TV, a slate top pool table in the family room (purchased at the liquidation of a local pool hall) and a new computer that I put into a small room I had turned into a small office for the boys upstairs. This would give them two computers to access, as it was becoming harder and harder for them to get access when they wanted it. They each were, also, given a small box that contained their last present from me. I watched their faces as they opened their boxes, pulled out the paper and read it. I had made them each a certificate on the computer. The certificates read as follows. 'This certificate entitles the above named individual the right to be adopted by Joshua Currie. Adoption to become official as soon as the lawyers can work out the details." There was a mixture of cheers and tears around the room as the implications of their present sank in. The older boys took the time to explain it to Graham. I had forewarned my older children so they would know what I had planned. The each gave my gift their blessing and let the boys know that too. By the end of the hour, I don't think I'd ever been so emotionally drained. My grandsons thought it was special that they had so many uncles fawning over them. The nephews never lacked for attention or for someone to play with. It was a very tearful parting, as each of my children and grandchildren left. We all agreed to meet for a week's joint vacation with them. I'd confirm the arrangements and let each of them know the where and what, seeing we had already agreed on the when. Hugs, kisses and tears were shed as they departed, even knowing we'd all be together again at Easter and in several month's time for vacation. The New Year came and went. In the spring, all of the boys played baseball, except Danny and Ricky who played lacrosse. They would play their baseball with the summer leagues. Along the way, we celebrated some more birthdays. Graham's turned twelve on March 10th, Dustin was sixteen on April 27th and Danny was fifteen on May 6th. All of this was just a warm up for what was to come. I had my lawyer working with Sally and the Department of Social Services as they were clearing the legal obstacles so I could officially adopt the boys. My attorney told me that we cleared the last obstacle in mid- May and the court date was set for mid-June, after school was out. When that day came, I had the boys dress in a shirt, tie and sport coat and I piled them into the van to drive to the courthouse. The judge met with each of the boys, individually, to talk with them about the pending matter and to get their reactions to the issue. They each spent ten to twenty minutes with the judge and, then, he met with me. After a lengthy delay, our case was called in the courtroom. I led the boys in, sitting in the front row behind our lawyer's table. The case was announced and the judge addressed those present. "This case is to address the petition of one Joshua M. Currie who is requesting the legal right to adopt six young boys who are now in his care under the foster care program. I have spoken, personally, to each of the individuals involved in this matter. After asking numerous questions and getting personal views on the issue, I have reached my final decision. "I have found that each of the boys involved love Mr. Currie, respect him as a father and wish this adoption to become legal and permanent. They realize that their natural parents will no longer have any place in their lives or have any say in how they live or are raised. They have informed me that they are fine with this and they wish for the process to continue. "I have talked to Mrs. Swartout, whose department has overseen and monitored the placing of these boys. She and I agree that Mr. Currie has provided a warm and loving home for these boys, nurtured their development and he has given them the love and stability that had been lacking in their lives until the time they came to live with him. "I have spoken to Mr. Currie, who has repeated his desire to adopt these boys, with the whole-hearted support of his natural children. He has expressed his love and deep concern for these boys and I find him to be a sensitive, responsible and stable influence in their lives. Therefore, I am issuing the following decree and I would like each of the boys to approach the bench, as their name is called, to receive their own copy of the proclamation. "From this day forward the following individuals are legally recognized as the sons of Mr. Joshua M. Currie and will receive adoption papers and new birth certificate indicating said changes. Master Dustin Mathew Currie - 16 Master Daniel Edward Currie - 15 Master Kevin Michael Currie - 14 Master Richard Allen Currie - 13 Master Cole David Currie - 13 and Master Graham Thomas Currie - 12" Each boy went up to receive his paperwork and returned to his seat beaming and studying this official document. "Mr. Currie, I would like to make some final comments before you leave. I have found this to be a remarkable case and one that was a pleasure to preside over. As a family court judge, I often only see the results of broken homes, which bring much sorrow and anguish into the lives of the children involved. In my long stay on this bench, I have never witnessed a more rewarding and gratifying situation. After talking with your new sons, I have no doubt as to the love you all feel for one another. You are taking such a giant role in their lives and the awesome responsibilities that go along with it. I know that you are capable of handling these demands and meeting the needs of your new family. On behalf of the citizens of this state and, more specifically, the residents of this area, I would like to thank you for the time, money and energy the you have already put in and will continue to provide as you guide these young men into becoming fine upstanding members of our community. Had it not been for you, I might be dealing with one or more of these boys in a more serious family matter or in a criminal proceeding. "To you boys, I want to tell you that you should all say a prayer this evening, thanking God for creating Mr. Currie and introducing him into your lives. I pray that you will listen to him, heed his advice and live lives that will honor the sacrifice he's making and the great gift he is giving to you. Some day you may have families of your own and I hope that you are each as loving and devoted to your families as Mr. Currie has been to you. If you emulate his fine example, the world will benefit, ten-fold, from his efforts. "I now pronounce this adoption legal and entered into the official proceedings of this court. May God bless and follow you all." There were more than enough hugs and kisses to go around. Sally made the rounds and hugged and congratulated each boy. Then she turned to me. "Joshua Currie, you've made my job a great deal easier over the past year. I want to congratulate you and all of the boys and I hope that this doesn't end your involvement with my agency. "The boys wouldn't let me, no matter what. They made me promise, before we came here, that I'd still take in any boy that needed our help and that I'd be willing to do as much for any new boy as I had done for them. The threatened to not let me adopt them unless I made that promise." "Good for them. I see they've already adopted your caring and loving nature. It can only get better from here on out." "Thanks, Sally, and don't be a stranger. The boys think of you as family, as well. Without you, they'd never have met me. Thanks for all of your help, thank you for the boys and thank you for helping me to get my life back, not just my existence." I took the boys out for lunch to celebrating the official creation of the new Currie family. The restaurant even threw in desserts, on the house, when they overheard why we were celebrating. In fact, the manager made an announcement and we got a standing ovation from the other dinners. The boys were beginning to enjoy their new role as celebrities. We went home, to begin our new life together, and I announced my next surprise to the boys. "I have one more thing that I want each of you to know. Since you boys have been living here with me, the state has been sending me monthly checks to pay for your room and board, clothing, entertainment and so forth. I never really wanted or needed the money but Sally.Mrs. Swarthout told me that this was normal and that I should take the money and use it to cover expenses. I did take the checks but I deposited them into a special account and I have never touched that money, until recently. When the holidays rolled around, I took the money from the bank and split it six ways and then I opened a mutual fund account in each one of your names. This account will be used to pay for you to go to college or, if you decided that's not for you, we can talk about alternative uses later, such as seed money for starting your own business. I will not allow you to use this money frivolously, though. You must have a valid use for it for me to let you withdraw it because my name will be on that account for protection. "I have been told that there may be more money coming along in the future and I will handle that money in the same fashion. I will accumulate it, split it between you and add it to your accounts. This will help to make sure you have a future independent of my will and you are all now included in that as well. Your older brothers and sisters are aware of this and they gave their unanimous support to my including your names with theirs and my grandchildren so you will all split my estate if something should happen to me. I love you all and I only want what's best for you." The older boys understood the implications of what I had told them and they thanked, hugged and kissed me again. They tried to explain things so the younger boys would, also, understand this and I was soon getting my thanks from them, as well. I gave each of them the copy of the statement of their accounts so they had some record of what I had just explained to them and they carefully placed them with the other official documents they had received earlier. It had been a very emotional and draining day so we just kicked back, watched some television, enjoyed each other's company and began our new life together on a very peaceful note. The boys never proved to be a disappointment of any kind. Ricky, Cole and Graham turned out to be straight, although they didn't mind a little special attention from one of their brothers now and then. In fact, until they were considerably older, they were usually the ones seeking out one of their brothers for a little extra loving, though never of the anal variety. Dustin and Jay turned out to be bisexual while Daniel, Brandon and Kevin where the only true gays. Danny and Brandon were lovers and constant companions from that summer on. They made sure that they went to the same University and shared a dorm room or an apartment while they were away. Danny, Brandon and Kevin came back home to live with me after they finished college and they remained there even after they had started their careers. Besides being there for each other, they were also always there to serve as surrogate fathers/big brothers for the other boys who popped in and out of our lives. All of the boys continue to come back for frequent visits and they often spend their vacations or extended weekends at the house with their brothers and me but that's a whole other story. * * * * * * * * If you enjoyed reading this story, you will find other stories by me at www.teenboyauthors.org/thewolf, in the 'Other Stories' section. E-mails may be sent to: bwstories44@hotmail.com.