Date: Sun, 21 Oct 2018 06:06:08 +0200 (CEST)
From: jacoblion@tutanota.com
Subject: A Neglected Boy   Chapter 14

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Please remember this is fiction and all the characters names are simply
fabricated. **Note of interest** All locations are accurate including
mileage, & descriptions of Yale, restaurants, and our meals.

Comments are always welcome; please continue to enjoy A Neglected Boy

Chapter 14

 Kori,  Jake,  and  Myrna Ravens Wood Road

jacoblion@tutanota.com

   . . .At the end of Chapter 13 . . . I felt Kori's hand slip from mine
and he was fast asleep.  I kissed him gently on the forehead turned out the
lights and went to my bedroom.  . . .  As I got into bed I was thinking of
what to say to his mother, Myrna tomorrow.

Chapter 14

      It was 9 o'clock and I had already turned Finley out to pasture and
finished barn chores.  I was in the kitchen and had 8 strips of bacon in
the pan and on medium low to slow cook.  I felt some loving arms around me
and heard this soft sleepy voice saying . . .  "Smells so good Jake and I'm
so hungry."  Oh yes that is my boy Kori and of course he's hungry what else
would he be after a long nights sleep.  I didn't move I just enjoyed the
feeling of his hug and his head resting in the middle of my back.

   After a minute I turned and hugged him and kissed his forehead.  I asked
Kori if he slept well and apparently he did.  He woke with an appetite and
a smile.  I was relieved to see his smile.  So I told him go get ready for
breakfast and perhaps a few more clothes than just his underwear.  Off he
trotted to the bedroom and put on shorts and a T shirt and returned to the
kitchen.

   As we sat having eggs, bacon, toast, OJ and coffee for me I could see
that Kori was deep in thought.  I knew what the subject was and just as I
was about to say something Kori looked at me and said . . . "Jake when you
take me home will go in with me.  I don't want to be alone with my mom at
first.  I don't know how to tell her about our trip and maybe you could
help a little." . . .  I said . . .  "Kori I will be happy to go with you.
I do think you may see your mother a little different than when we left.
When I spoke with her last night she seemed calm and the sound of her voice
told me she missed you.  Another thing Kori the yard has been picked up
some.  I just noticed a difference and hope you will too."

   I think we need to talk about something.  Kori got nervous right away.
I knew what he was thinking and noticed his expression and the look on his
face.  I put him at ease when I told him I was going to show him where he
could find the key to the back door, and not use the code for the front
door.  I said . . . "I want you to have a place where you can come and be
safe and maybe have a time out if things are really bad for you at home.
You know what I mean maybe you and your mother are having a bad day or
something like that.  I think knowing where the key is better than giving
you a key."  His face quickly turned to smile.

   So Kori there are three bedrooms, there is mine and it will stay mine;
and then there are the other two.  I want you to go and look at both
bedrooms, look very carefully open the closet doors look out the windows
look at everything and choose one.  The one you choose will be yours.

   Kori looked at me then sprang from his chair and into my arms.  It was
hug, strangle time.  I wasn't sure I would survive he was so tightly
wrapped around my neck.  Kori ran to the bedrooms and was gone for quite
some time.  He returned and said . . .  "Jake I chose the back bedroom it
is the bigger one but not much bigger; but that isn't the reason.  I want
that bedroom cause the window looks out to the paddock where Finley is.  I
like where the closet is and the door to the bathroom is right next to my
door.  So is it Ok for that one to be mine?"  I answered "Kori I think that
is a great choice and a perfect reason.  It's all yours."  OMG the hugs and
kisses.

   So this week we will get whatever things you want.  You choose your
desk; if you want a different bed or bunk beds then that is what we will
get.  It will be your room.  Decide the colors, decide the posters, decide
everything and keep in that little brain of yours the thought that we can
change it as you get older. Kori, here is why I am saying this . . . I love
you and I am not going anywhere and I just want you to have a place where
you know you belong and will always and be loved.

   Kori its eleven o'clock and I think we need to get things ready to take
to your house and see your mother.  He appeared Ok with that and began to
gather his things near the door.  I was cleaning the kitchen when Kori came
in stood in front of me and asked . . . "Jake if I have my own bedroom and
you said I can get a different bed . . . .  well does that mean I can't
. . . umm, well does it mean I can't sleep with you anymore?"  I had to
laugh a little which made Kori mad but then I said . . .  "Oh Kori I don't
know you'll have your own nice room (his face was getting red) but I guess
if the wind was blowing and you were afraid of the dark then I guess you
could come sleep in my bed" Kori giggled and said as he walked out of the
kitchen. . . "I'm always afraid of the dark."

   I had finished cleaning and putting things away. Kori without being
asked had already showered and was dressed very nicely.  He looked sharp.
Kori gave me a hug and thanked me for a great spring break.  In a little
more grown up attitude he said that it was time to go home even if he would
rather stay here.

   We got in the truck and drove up Ravens Wood Rd. to Kori's driveway and
drove in almost to the porch.  Kori's mother, Myrna, was standing on the
porch and came to greet us.  She was dressed nice and her clothes, although
old, were clean and pressed.  Myrna opened her arms and gave Kori a big
hug.  Kori's expression was shock, like it had never happened before but he
hugged his mom back and smiled.  Kori said . . . "Mom I got something's for
you" . . . he opened the truck door and took out the boxes. Myrna and Kori
went the trailer home with me walking behind with the rest of the boxes.
We went in and Myrna asked me if I would like a coffee.  I thanked her and
said that I had just finished breakfast.  Myrna thanked me for letting Kori
stay the night.

   Kori started with handing his mom the gifts.  Myrna was excited to think
Kori would have thought to bring his mom something.  When she opened her
gifts her eyes were so bright and wide. Then she opened the little box with
the scrimshaw necklace she cried and hugged Kori thanking him over and
over.  Kori showed his mom the ship model of the Charles W. Morgan and
began telling his mom all about Yale and Professor.  I knew then that
things would be ok for the afternoon.  I made my excuses for leaving and
started for the door.  Then I turned and made sure Myrna had my phone
number and thanked her again for allowing me to have Kori for spring break.
Kori simply came over to me and thanked me for everything and with that
winning smile of his he hugged me right in front of his mother.  I hugged
him back and said . . .  "You're welcome sport . . . and be good see you
tomorrow."

   I returned home with both a feeling of happiness and a feeling of
loss. I walked in the house and it was empty.  Yes all the furniture was
there, nothing was missing.  The house was just as it had been for the last
year with one exception.  "Kori."  I actually leaned back against the
kitchen sink and didn't' know what to do.  I decided that I needed to go
work Finley.

   I went to the paddock and Finley came running to meet me.  I spent an
hour working him and then an hour brushing him.  I thought working him and
brushing him would take my mind off Kori.  It didn't.  I filled the water
bucket dropped another flake of hay and gave him a quart of oats. Wherever
I was, whatever I looked at something was just not right.

   I decided to just go in the house and get things ready for school
tomorrow at least I would see Kori there.  Then I went to the back bedroom
and just stood looking at it.  It would be Kori's room.  Well it couldn't
be Kori's room with all the furniture that was in it.  I wanted it empty so
Kori would have to choose everything; color, bed, desk, lights, posters
whatever he wanted.

   I began removing everything from the walls.  Little by little I took
everything to the basement storage area.  Pictures, lamps, dresser, I took
apart the bed, now that was a chore, the chair and everything went to the
basement.  In the middle of tugging on the mattress my phone rang.  I
answered and it was Kori's mother, Myrna, I said "Hi Myrna I was just in
the middle of rearranging some things is everything alright?"  Myrna said
. . .  "Yes Kori has gone to see Peter and I was wondering if you perhaps
you had a few minutes so we could talk it is important and I need to speak
with you about it."  I said sure please go ahead . . . at which she
responded "Mr. Roberts, excuse me, Jake could please come up so we can
speak face to face?"  Now my heart started to race and I was afraid she
knew about Kori and I and sleeping together I almost thought I was going to
pass out.  I got hold of myself and said . . . Myrna if you can give just a
few minutes I will be up to see you.  Myrna responded with that will be
fine and thank you.  I had no idea what was going on and was very afraid.

   It took me about ten minutes to get in control and then I went to see
Myrna.  . . . .  I arrived and walked to the door and Myrna answered asking
me in. I was nearly shaking.  Myrna said . . ."Jake please sit down what I
am about to say is not easy and I ask you to please just let me speak and
get it all out."  At this point I was getting sick to my stomach, she knew
and I didn't know whether sit or run.  I looked at Myrna and said
. . . "Myrna this sounds very serious and important to you so I will not
interrupt."

   "Jake I know that what I am about to tell you and what I am about to ask
you isn't fair to you.  (I'm now really sick to my stomach) About two years
ago I was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer.  At that time the
expected survival rate was five years.  Just before you and Kori went on
spring break together I had further tests and the results show that I now
have 4 to 6 months to live."  I interrupted and nearly broke down on the
spot.  "Oh Myrna I am so sorry but with today's medicine" . . .  she cut me
off short and continued . . .  " Jake no . . . it has metastasized and
spread to lungs and bones and nearby lymph nodes.  I know what I am about
to ask is so unfair of me but would you just think about it.  I have no
family but my brother who is a drunk and is on drugs most of the time and
when I die I don't want him to have Kori.  I know Kori loves you because
you're all he talks about and I could see it when he looks at you.  Could
you please become his legal guardian?  I have talked to my social worker
and it is important to have this done soon.  Jake I am so sorry to have ask
this of you, you're such a young man to have the responsibly to raise an
eleven old but I have no one else and I don't want him in foster care.
Just think about it please."

   I composed myself as best I could and said . . . "Myrna I can see how
this is weighing on you and how hard it is for you to ask.  Let me put your
mind and heart at ease I would be honored to become his legal
guardian. Myrna I don't know what to say as this is quite a shock for me.
We have only known each other for such a little time.  I can only say to
you that you need not to worry about Kori. I will see that Kori will have
everything he needs and a great education.  Is there anything I can do for
you now and please know that you only have to ask should anything come up
in days ahead?"

   Myrna was smiling and looked better now than a few hours ago.  This must
have been such a struggle for her.  I was quite ashamed of myself for the
thoughts I had before about this woman.  I got up as did Myrna shook her
hand and gave her a hug.  I drove home with tears and thoughts of what was
to come.  When and how would Myrna tell Kori?  What would his reaction be?
Could it be that all this time that Kori thought his mother was drunk that
really it was medication?  How is she able to continue to work?

   I went in the house and it became even more important to get the back
bedroom completely empty.  Kori would need a room that was his, all his a
place where he could think and recover from what was to happen.  Kori also
would have me to come to and share his sorrow.  He will need more than ever
to know he was loved, cared for and protected.

   It was seven o'clock and I heard a knock at the door.  Surprise it was
Kori and it was a surprise as I thought he would go home after being with
Peter.  Kori came in and just wanted to tell me how happy Peter was with
his present.  We joked for a minute then I said . . . "Hey Kori I want to
show you something go take a look at your room and tell me how you like it;
I have rearranged everything." . . . Kori ran back to the bedroom then back
in the hall he looked at me and said . . . `Jake it empty there's nothing,
not even the curtains."  All with a smile he knew that I had taken
everything out so we could go shopping this week and make it his room next
weekend.  He came down the hall and jumped up on me wrapping his legs
around my waist and his arms around my neck.  He's just a happy boy and
best of all he's my happy boy.

   As much as I didn't want to . . .  I told Kori he had to go home.  Right
after I told him I loved him and gave him a little kiss.  I put him down,
opened the door and said . . . "Out!  Home!  Go!  Now!"  He smiled at me
and ran up the drive and looked back and waved and then was gone.

   I smiled to myself and felt good.  It was time for dinner.  There was
much to think of.  I think it is best to make a call to Professor Alves and
let him in on the event.  Perhaps he will have some thoughts.  I picked up
the phone and called professor.  I told him how excited Kori was with
everything about Yale; and then explained about Kori's mother and what she
was asking.  Professor was not shocked at Myrna's request regarding Kori
and thought I would be the perfect guardian.  He thought it best for me to
see my attorney and have the papers drawn up immediately in the event of
her sudden death.  That way preventing Kori's uncle from getting him.  We
talked about the remainder of the trip and how Kori seemed to be a sponge
for history, Professor was delighted to hear that.  We said goodnight and I
told him I would be down to Yale at the end of school.

   I went to the barn and made my last check on Finley and the made a
coffee and sat to relax and reflect on the day.  I knew the next few weeks
were not going to be easy.

   Morning came quickly and I had to get to school. It was Tuesday and the
kids would be either excited to be back or not in a good mood.  Like I said
before there is no telling what to expect with the kids. I began to back
out from where I park when . . .  what?  . . . who?  . . .  of course it
was this handsome, cute, adorable, sexy kid named Kori backpack and all.
Yes I am to fault it was I who told him he could ride to school with me.

   He jumped in buckled and with a big smile said . . . "Morning Jake nice
day isn't it?  Let's go I got friends to see and lots to tell them."  Oh it
hit me that Kori was about to tell his friends about his spring break.
Where he had gone, what he had seen, where he stayed and who he stayed
with. All of a sudden I was in panic mode.  Yikes.  On top of that he was
in his new clothes.  Now how was he going to explain that?

   Now let's see.  I'm 23 well almost 24 just took an eleven year old boy
across state lines, slept in the same bed, showered together and how many
years do I get for that?  I pulled off the road and looked at Kori and said
. . . "Kori, umm, you have to be careful what you say, you know what I am
talking about?"  . . .  Kori looked at me and said . . . "Jake I'm not
stupid you know!  So you took me to Yale University to show me what a real
University is like.  You introduced me to your history professor friend and
we stayed with him and his wife for the week it really was very boring for
me even if I did like Durfee Hall."  The little Sh_ _ had it all figured
out long before he got in the truck.  Cheeky little devil isn't he?

   School was a great day and it was over so quickly. Wednesday, Thursday,
and Friday all passed without any problems.  Now here it was Friday
afternoon and Kori and I were on our way home.  We turned in my drive and
parked by the barn.  There were chores to be done and Kori was going to
help.  Damn he didn't have old clothes to wear.  I said that I would take
him home so he could change then we could come right back.

   Just as we were pulling into his driveway his mother was closing the
door.  Kori and I got out and Myrna said . . . "Oh Jake I am so happy to
see you.  The night shift girl is sick and they asked me to fill in tonight
and I won't be home till midnight.  Is it possible for Kori to stay at your
house tonight rather than to be here alone?"  I said . . . "Well Myrna I
don't mind if Kori doesn't.  Kori flashed a huge smile and said it was Ok
with him and that I could help him with his math.  He passed his mother and
I and went to change his clothes.  I asked Myrna what time I should bring
him home Saturday and she said noon or even 1 pm would be better.  Then she
told me that when she takes her medicine it makes her sick for two or three
hours so no hurry to get him home.  Kori had changed so off we went.

   Two minutes and we were parked at the barn.  It was no time and we had
Finley out and chores done.  Kori asked how long before Finley could be
ridden.  I answered . . . "Well Kori he's young just turning two so we can
start getting him used to having things on his back.  If we go slow and
we're very gentle he will accept a saddle in a month or less. Then it is to
add a little weight at a time. Till he can let you up on him."  . . .  Kori
said . . . "For real I can get on him first?  When can you ride him Jake?"
I answered Kori . . .  "That is an interesting question maybe when he is
two and half we will have to see.  I think we should go look at your
homework so we can have the rest of the night and tomorrow morning all to
have fun.  You know you have to look at some furniture and stuff for your
room."  Kori and I went into the house to get the homework out of the way.

   We were in the door, shoes off, and about another five steps when I was
tackled from behind.  Kori was up on my back as we went to the kitchen to
do homework.  He asked for a glass of milk and some cookies.  I looked at
him and said . . ."Excuse me Kori I am your best friend not your butler and
you may go to the refrigerator and get your own milk and you know where to
find the cookies.  This is your house now as well as mine."  Now I got the
hug.  In my mind I knew I needed to make sure he knew and understood
without question that he was not a guest.  He needed to know now, that this
was his house, so that when the time came for him to be here permanently he
would feel it was indeed his home.

   Homework done and the second round of chores in the barn it was time for
dinner.  Tonight I was going to fire up the grill.  We would have burgers
with cheese and mushrooms and all the fixings.  There were frozen fries in
the freezer.  I showed Kori how to get them ready and told him to slice
tomatoes and onions.  I knew he was only eleven . . . almost twelve and it
was time for him to learn.  I also showed him how to clean and start the
grill.  Making Kori part of everything I did made him so happy.

   We ate dinner and wow was it good and then cleaned everything and put
all the stuff away.  Now it was time to look at desks, and beds, and chairs
and everything he wanted for his room.  With our little town it is just
best to order things on the internet.  If we found what he liked in most
cases it would be at Wal-Mart in two days.

   First it was the bed . . . now I have never seen one like this. It is an
L shaped with a double on top and a study desk under and a twin next to the
desk.  Not such a good description.  Kori can have a big bed at the top and
Peter can sleep in the regular twin on the bottom.  Yes Peter can sleep
over and I knew that the question was going to come up when Kori started to
live here.  Certainly he can have sleepovers.  Then there was the
entertainment center (I wasn't expecting that) I just thought a TV on a
nice stand, then two chairs (wasn't expecting that either) lamps, dresser,
and he wanted a lighted world globe.  Just over $4,000.00.  Oh!  Well I
said anything he wanted. I knew there would be paint and posters and it was
all Ok with me.

   It was almost time for bed.  I told Kori we could watch TV for a little
bit but that I was very tired. We put on TV and watched some National
Geographic as we had both enjoyed that the other night and there isn't
anything good on the networks.  Kori was leaning against me and it was so
nice then he nodded and I said . . . "time for showers" Kori looked at me
and I knew what he was going to ask.  I said . . . "Kori go to the guest
bathroom and fill the tub and please don't argue with me."  He did as I
asked I think more because he thought I was going to wash his back but he
was in for a surprise.

   He called to me and said the tub was filled and when I got to the
bathroom he was just getting in.  I said I would be right back and went to
my bedroom and took off my clothes and wrapped a towel around me and went
back to the guest bathroom.  I told him to scoot forward and I just got in
behind him.  Kori was shocked and happy all at the same time.  I pulled him
back to me and just let him lie there in the warm water.  Nope there was no
rubbing, no fondling, we just sat in the warm water and listened to Mozart
Horn Concertos.

   As the water started to cool we just added a little more hot water.  The
music and warmth of the water had us nearly in a trance.  I could feel
Kori's body as it went completely limp.  I think a good thirty minutes
passed when I picked up the shampoo, strawberry of course, and began to
wash his hair.  He smelled so good. I did finally wash his back.  I opened
the drain and when almost all the water was gone I turned on the shower and
rinsed the soap from both of us.

   We stepped from the tub and I took a very large towel and dried Kori and
then wrapped it around him and told him to stand still.  I finished drying
and picked Kori up in my arms and took him to my bed.  I pulled the covers
over him and then pulled the towel out.  I lifted the covers slightly and
slid in like I had done at the motel.  Yes we were both naked and that was
a first.

   Kori and I were now face to face and naked.  I explained that for now
things needed to be as they were.  We could be like this but it would be
best that we did not do anything more than what we had done during spring
break.  I said I already knew he wanted more and I admitted to him that
maybe I did too but not just right now.  Kori's eyes were almost pleading
and at the same time he said he would try to understand and that it was
more important to just be with me.

   Kori I think knew that everything was going his way; and as much as he
wanted more physical contact and wanted more sexual excitement, wanted to
explore and to satisfy his curiosity he also was willing to wait as I
asked.  Kori was a very bright child and there was no doubt about it.

   As we lie there in the dimness of the light Kori leaned to me and
started the Eskimo nose rub thing.  Yes I wanted it I wanted Kori to kiss
me, he did.  I pulled Kori to me and we lay entwined in each other's arms
. . . . . I could feel him and I didn't want the feeling to stop and I
didn't want morning to come.

Chapter 15

Kori and Jake A Story of Love

Please let me know if you are enjoying the story, A Neglected Boy

jacoblion@tutanota.com