Date: Fri, 09 Jun 2000 23:18:11 EDT From: William Watts Subject: The Castaway Hotel-2 chapter 10 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. I wish to extend my thank you to Ed for his editorial assistance with this chapter. If you have enjoyed reading this story, you will find other stories by me at http://www.teenboyauthors.org/thewolf/, in the 'Other Stories' section. E-mail responses to the stories, story suggestions, or other 'constructive' comments or advice may be sent to: bwstories44@hotmail.com. * * * * * * * * The Castaway Hotel -Book 2 - by BW (Young-Friends). Copyright 2000 by bwstories44 Chapter 10 - Worries and disappointments. May 2000 It was a very long week and there was a great deal of tension in the house. The boys all tried to let Kevin know they were there for him but they were all leery about what they should say to him because they didn't want to make matters worse. Kevin continued to sleep with me each night, and Trey stayed in with Dustin. That was good, too, because they were able to comfort each other and help to allay each other's fears without Kevin being there. All in all, it was a very trying week. Unfortunately, that wasn't the only problem we faced that week. Tuesday night Ricky, Graham, and Cole came to me and told me that money was missing from their bank. They said that they went to get the money out so they could buy something for Kevin to take with him to the hospital and they discovered the money missing. The said there were only coins left in the bank and all of the bills were missing. I asked them if they knew when this might have happened and they said 'no'. The last time they had seen the bills in the bank was a month and a half ago. I informed them that I'd see what I could do but I wasn't optimistic. There had been numerous people in and out of the house during that period and it would be hard to pinpoint who might have taken the money. I suggested that, in the future, they give their money to me to put in the safe. I also gave them $20.00 to replace at least some of the missing money. The boys had good intentions and I didn't want to penalize them for someone else's action. On Wednesday, the problem deepened. Danny came up to me and asked if I'd seen the gold chain that I'd bought him for one of his birthdays. He thought that he might have misplaced it, but after asking him several questions about it and with knowledge of the missing money, I suspected otherwise. I was now concerned that I either had a thief in my household or that someone close to us was less than honest. I knew that something would have to be done, I just wasn't sure yet what that was. Later Wednesday, things got worse. Dustin was going around asking everyone if they had seen the boom box that belonged to Kevin and him. It had suddenly come up missing in action. This was the straw that broke the camel's back. Now, I had to do something. Thursday after school I called all the boys into the living room for a discussion. "Boys, I think that we've got a serious problem here and I feel that I need to do something to counteract the effects of what has been happening. I'm not sure how long this has been going on, but things have been disappearing from various rooms. At first, I thought I could just lock up a few things to keep them safe but now I'm afraid that small effort wouldn't be enough. I hate to do this, but I called my contractor earlier today and I asked him to install a key-entry deadbolt lock on each room. He'll be here Monday to do the work. You will all have keys to your door locks so you can keep your valuables safe. I hope that we won't need to use these measures forever but, for the time being, I don't see any other option. I'm sure that whoever took these things has either disposed of them or hidden them. I hate to accuse any of you without proof and I don't want to include the innocent in a random search so none will be conducted. I've always tried to make sure that each of you had what you needed and most of what you wanted. Of course, I had limits on the reasonableness of what you could have, but I've never felt that you were being treated unjustly. You don't know how bad this makes me feel to have to go to these extremes, but I want to protect those of you who are innocent from the one or ones who are not. If the guilty party wants to own up to what he has done, I will be fair about a suitable punishment and not expose him to the rest of the others. If I haven't heard anything by tomorrow morning, I will let the contractor install the locks on Monday and then I'll pass out the keys. Any questions?" I think most of the boys were too shocked to respond. After a couple of minutes I sent them on their way and I went to sit alone in my office. Some of the boys stopped by, one at a time, to offer their thoughts or sympathy for what had happened, but I never got a confession. I was sorely disappointed by the time I went to bed. Kevin was still sleeping with me and he seemed to want to talk before we turned in. "Do you think it's one of the three new boys?" he asked. "I have no idea, Kevin, and I don't want to speculate or accuse anyone unjustly." "But who else could it be? The rest of us have been together a long time and this has never happened before. It's got to be one of them, right?" "Not necessarily. It could be one of the others who had a change in their situation or maybe just a case of good, old-fashion greed. Maybe someone needed something for who knows what reason and thought that was the only way to get it. I don't know who did this and I don't know why." "Do you really think one of your sons would do that? Come on, Dad. None of us are afraid to come to you with a problem. If one of us needed something, we'd just ask you. It's got to be one of the others." "The odds are probably greater in that direction but I don't want to accuse any or all of them without good reason. I don't consider the fact that I don't know them as well the rest of you as sufficient justification. I will definitely keep my eyes open and take precautionary actions, but I will not blame or accuse anyone without some kind of proof. Enough talk about that, though. How are you doing?" "Fine, I guess. I've tried not to think about it much. Everyone has tried to keep me busy so I wouldn't have time to think about it. I guess it's worked, because I haven't thought much about it at all. I'm still nervous and I'm still scared but I know that I have to do it or I might lose more than just one nut. I'm okay, Dad, mostly because of you and my brothers. Thanks." He gave me a quick hug and a kiss, placed his head on my shoulder, and we remained that way until we fell asleep. Actually, we remained that way until we awoke. I woke up first, before the alarm, and I just lay there looking at him as he rested so peacefully against me. The alarm went off and Kevin began to stir. I reached out without looking and shut off the alarm. Kevin looked up at me and smiled. "How long have you been awake?" he asked me. "How did you know I was awake?" "Because you always jump a little when the alarm goes off and you didn't do that this time." "Think you're smart, don't you?" He just smiled. "I was only awake for a few minutes before you." "And you were just staring at me?" "Guilty as charged. You looked so peaceful this morning that I couldn't resist." "And because you love me, right?" "Of course you're right. I love all my boys." "And we love you too. I'm glad we have you." "And I'm glad that I have all of you. You've brought so much to my life." "Yeah, like medical problems, constant running around, thieves." I interrupted him, "And the love, the good times, and the memories." We looked at each other, knowing that there was much more to our lives together than just the good times and the bad. I ruffled his hair, pushed him out of bed, and chased him into my bathroom. "You get showered and I'll go down and start breakfast," I yelled behind him. "Okay, Dad. I'll see you downstairs." This was Kevin's big day. I was surprised at how well he was dealing with this. No one said anything to him about his upcoming operation throughout breakfast but they all wished him well when we dropped them off early at their schools. They agreed to wait around outside their buildings so I wouldn't have to leave Kevin at any point. I had also reminded them once more, I had told them the same thing every day this week at breakfast that they were on their own tonight for dinner. I would remain at the hospital with Kevin the entire day, and one of my friends would drop Dustin off after classes to join us. They knew that I wouldn't be home until very late, so the older boys were to help look out for the younger ones. Just before we were ready to drive away, the terrible trio came back to talk to Kevin. "Kevin," Ricky began, "we all bought you something for today but we didn't want to give them to you in front of the others. We thought they might feel guilty that they didn't get you something or that they might get mad at us for not including them." "We wanted to give you something that might help you through the day," Cole added. "So we got you these," Graham said, handing something to Kevin. He held it up. It was a simple, cheap chain on which hung a rabbit's foot, a four leaf clover in a round plastic pendant, and, as was explained to us, a piece of the Blarney Stone, crisscrossed in a metal frame with a connecting loop. They had given him three of the best-known symbols for bringing luck that man has ever known. "We just thought it might help," Ricky said. "We know it can't possibly hurt." Kevin got out of the van, hugged his three brothers, and got back into his seat. I saw the tears streaking down his cheek as he climbed back in and I tried to wipe the tears from my eyes as he refastened his seat belt. Things were very serious and quiet for a while, but that did change. We were nearly to the hospital when Kevin started joking around. "Well, it won't be long before I'm your only one-balled son," he quipped. "It's a good thing that I know that both you and Dustin will still love me when my voice starts getting higher." I looked at him to try and tell if there was more to this jocularity than met the eye, but he seemed fine. "It doesn't quite work like that," I responded in case it wasn't a joke. "You won't be singing soprano any time soon and your body will still produce enough testosterone to keep you maturing just as you are. The only way anyone will ever notice the difference is if they're playing around down there." "Then I guess there won't be many people knowing about this then, will there?" "That's entirely up to you." I paused and looked over at Kevin again and he sat there smiling at me. "I'm very proud of you, young man. I don't know many boys or men who could go through this as well as you are. I'll stay with you as long as I can today and then I'll be there for you when they bring you back out. I love you and everything will be fine. I promise." "Thanks, Dad. I just want to live and I know that I probably won't be able to do that if I keep this diseased nut. I'd rather have them take that than lose everything else. I guess that going through this before and knowing that none of you will treat me any differently afterwards helps. I know that I'll be fine with all of you around to help me through it." "My brave little soldier. I'm so proud." We pulled into a parking space and we got out. I walked over to him, put my arm around his shoulder and walked with him toward the main entrance. Soon, I felt his arm come up around my waist and we walked into hospital. I was allowed to go with him while he changed into his hospital gown (it's a good thing he isn't shy about his body with that thing to wear), and he climbed up on the stretcher. I was able to walk beside him as they wheeled him down to the operating room and I kissed him on the forehead when I couldn't go any further. I watched as they wheeled him through the doors of the O.R. and then I walked down to the waiting area and tried to occupy my mind with other thoughts. I wasn't succeeding, though I tried to get interested in the television program that was on and, when that didn't work, I read some of the ancient magazines that adorned the various tables. Nothing seemed to help me. It was about an hour later when the doctor came in and called my name. I jumped up and went to meet him. "Everything went fine," he reassured me. "He's in recovery now and they'll take him to his room once he's alert. I want to keep him overnight, just a precaution, and you may take him home tomorrow if everything goes well. We're sending the testicle away for testing and I'll let you know the results from that when I get them." "Thank you, doctor. I appreciate everything you've done for him." "You're welcome and it was my pleasure. I'll make sure that someone comes out to get you when they take him to his room. I'll be around later to see him and to evaluate how he's doing." I'm not sure how much longer it was before an orderly came in and called my name. I followed him out to where Kevin's stretcher waited for us in the hallway. He and the nurse guided Kevin through the corridors, into the elevator, and up to his room. I was able to talk to him at various points along the way and I told him that the doctor said everything went well and he was doing fine. He flashed me a weak smile and I said no more. We arrived at the room and I waited outside the door until the orderly and nurse had him situated. I went in and sat down in the chair beside his bed. He dozed in and out, so I merely held his hand and stroked his head. I lost all track of time until Dustin walked in and then I had a rough idea of how late it was. We both sat with Kevin and talked to him when he was awake and we were having a conversation about something inane when meals on wheels rolled up outside his door. I told the boys that I was going to run down to the cafeteria and get Dustin and me something to eat and then I'd bring it back so we could eat it in the room with Kevin. As I left, I asked one of the nurses if I could bring Kevin back a milkshake and they said that would be fine. I only left them alone for a brief time and retrieved the food, but Kevin had finished his meal by the time I got back. I handed Kevin his chocolate shake and he smiled and licked his lips. Dustin and I began eating our food and Dustin and I had shakes as well. Kevin finished his shake and drifted off to sleep for a while. By the time he came to again, we had finished our meal and were watching a little television. Kevin joined us and we were soon shouting out and debating answers for one of those early evening game shows. It must have been just after nine when Kevin discovered a problem. "Dad, I forgot to bring my pouch. I meant to put it in my pocket this morning but I forgot it. I want it for after you guys leave." "Why don't I run home and get it for you? I know right where it is. Dustin will stay with you while I go retrieve it and then we'll stay with you until the nurses kick us out." That mollified Kevin and I went home to retrieve his teen 'pacifier' or maybe 'security blanket' is a better description. If it made him feel better once we were gone for the evening, I had no trouble getting it for him. As I pulled into the driveway, I noticed other cars parked there that I did not recognize. I walked into the house and was shocked by what I found. There were a number of teens, male and female, walking around my house, drinking beer and making out. "Party's over," I yelled out. "I want everyone who doesn't belong out of here." Only a few people started to move toward the door. "I will notify the police in ten minutes to remove anyone who still remains." Now, there was a mad dash to the exits and soon everyone was gone, except for my boys. I must admit that I made one mistake and that was that I didn't think beforehand about people driving after they had been drinking. I only hoped that it would not prove to be a fatal mistake. I imagine that I was concentrating so much on Kevin that I failed to recognize that possibility before I evicted all of our unwanted guests. Now, I would have to speak with the others. I summoned all of the boys to the family room. "Who's responsible for this?" I asked them. They all looked at their feet and there was no response until Danny spoke up. "I guess that really isn't important, because we all went along with the idea." "Then you are saying that you're all responsible?" "Yeah, I guess I am." "Not only am I disappointed that you would do this behind my back but to do it while Kevin is in the hospital recovering from surgery is even worse. You boys know that you are allowed to drink in the house if you wish, within reason. I am willing to give you the chance to try such things as long as it's controlled in our own home or there is no chance of it harming others. It's just that I don't expect this to include others from outside our home or to be done without my knowledge. I don't know what to say, except that there will be repercussions from this, but I can't deal with that now. I just came back to get something for Kevin and I'll do that and take it back to him. I will be home earlier than I expected, now that I've learned that I can't trust you any longer." "You can trust us, Dad," Ricky answered. "We just made a mistake. Please, stay with Kevin. He needs you now and I don't want us to mess that up." "You already have. I've told you boys many times that I will trust you until you prove to me that I can't. Tonight you proved that to me. I've also told you repeatedly that once you lose my trust it will be very difficult to earn it back. I'm afraid that you will not have my trust again until you can demonstrate to me that you once again deserve it. I will be back shortly. I wouldn't leave at all if I hadn't promised Kevin and I didn't need to pick up Dustin. I want you all to get ready for bed and we'll talk further about this tomorrow." "This really sucks, man," Frankie added from the background. "What's the big deal anyway?" "The big deal is that you're all underage, this took place in my home, which makes me responsible, and, last, I don't approve of what you boys did. Do you need more?" "Nah," Frankie answered me. "This is just like every place else. No one wants to see teenagers have any fun." "You're wrong. We don't mind seeing teenagers having fun, it's just a difference of opinion on what they need to do to have fun. Beer blasts are not an acceptable choice, and such things will not happen in this house. This will also mean that there will be greater scrutiny on your whereabouts at other times now, as well. If you'd do this here, then I can only imagine what you'd do elsewhere, so from now on I will demand specifics about where you will be and who you will be with. I might also check up on this information to make sure it is accurate." "Man," Frankie yelled again, "this is turning into a big jail." "Does anyone besides Frankie think that I'm being unfair?" There was no response. "Shit. They're all scared of you." "I've never known these boys to not speak their minds or argue with me when they thought I was wrong. Unless they tell me otherwise, I will assume that you are the only one who thinks my actions are unjust." "Come on, you wussies. Tell him what you really think." "He already knows," Danny answered him. "We all know that what we did was wrong and now we have to answer for it. The rest of us are man enough to take our punishment and we think you should be, too." "You guys are hopeless." Frankie stormed out of the room and went up to his bedroom. The other boys all apologized to me as they passed and then I went up to my room to retrieve the object that led me to discover this clandestine gathering. Soon I was back at the hospital and in Kevin's room. I handed him his little pouch and then I told the two of them what I had discovered at the house when I arrived. They both looked at each other. "Dad, I don't want to be a snitch, but we knew that Frankie was trying to talk the others into doing that. We didn't get involved because we knew we wouldn't be there, but we thought the others were talking him out of it." "Well, I guess they didn't, so they're equally guilty. In a way, I'm proud of them for not trying to pin the whole thing on Frankie but I'm still upset about their lack of judgment. There are so many things that should have raised alarm bells in their brains so this would never have happened. First, there's your little bout with ecstasy, for one. Allergic reactions can be had to alcohol as well, not including the chance of alcohol poisoning. Second, I work for the school district and deal with children on a daily basis. How would it look to the other parents if they found out that keg parties were being held at my house, given by my sons? Then, there's the liability question. If anyone were injured at our place or as a result of what they did there, they'd sue us for all the money that is supposed to be used to raise you boys and give you a good start in life. We would all lose big time if anything went wrong. Last, there's the question of legality and acceptance. They know it's not legal and they also knew that I wouldn't approve. That's why they did it behind my back. I won't be able to put this behind me without making them understand how wrong they were and to make sure they know that there will be no repeat performances." Not another word was spoken about this issue and soon I said good night to Kevin before Dustin and I went home. Kevin told me not to worry about having to go, that he understood why I was leaving a little early, and I told him I would see him again in the morning. By the time Dustin and I got home, everyone else was in bed. We soon joined them but sleep didn't come quickly for me. A multitude of things were racing around in my mind until I finally slipped off into a dream-filled slumber. These were neither good dreams nor were they nightmares. They were just disturbing visions of different situations the boys might get into and that, alone, made it difficult for me to get a good night's rest. Actually, I was kind of glad when the alarm went off the next morning, for it put an end to my misery. * * * * * * * * If you have enjoyed reading this story, you will find other stories by me at http://www.teenboyauthors.org/thewolf/, in the 'Other Stories' section. E-mails may be sent to: bwstories44@hotmail.com.