Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2018 07:17:58 +0200 (CEST)
From: jacoblion@tutanota.com
Subject: A Neglected Boy  Chapter 19

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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.

Thank you for your thoughts.  I hope you will continue to enjoy the story.

Chapter 19

Kori and Jake A Story of Love

jacoblion@tutanota.com

   . . . . At the end of Chapter 18 . . . .  I turned on my side and pulled
Kori to me and with my arms around him I gently kissed his neck.  I don't
think we were like that for more five minutes when I felt his body relax
and I knew he was asleep.

   . . . . Chapter 19 . . . The alarm was screaming, Kori and I had slept
soundly through the night.  I had set the alarm 30 minutes earlier so we
would have time to take care of Finley and Eric. I wanted the horses out
for about an hour before we had to leave for school.  Sometimes I like
Mondays and sometimes I hate Mondays.  Kori hates Mondays and getting up
this early, but not today.  He barely said good morning while he was
dressing and out the door.

   By the time I was dressed and got to the barn Kori had filled the water
buckets dropped flakes of hay and a quart of oats for both Finley and
Eric. As Eric was eating Kori was grooming him so they both looked very
happy.  I asked Kori how he was and he said . . . "I'm fine Jake and so are
the horses and I wanted to brush Eric before school.  Oh, Jake Finley has
some hay stuck in his tail you might want to brush it out."  Wow now I am
being told by an eleven year old how to take care of my horse.  Well it was
cute to hear him and how he was thinking of the wellbeing of the animal.
Perhaps Kori and I will be a good team; at least it looks like it for now.

   We finished grooming the horses and turned both out to the paddocks and
went in for showers and breakfast.  I told Kori to go get his shower as I
started breakfast.  This morning it was simple cereal, Fruit Loops and
Raisin Bran, toast with peanut butter, OJ and coffee. Everything was done
we just needed to add milk and put the toast down.  I ran in and took my
shower and as I am under the spray Kori pushed the curtain back and
whistled at me and said . . . "Cute butt Jake."  And he was gone.  I
finished and Kori was at the table eating.  I sat down and looked at Kori
and said . . . "Think you're real cute don't you?  Here is something to
remember paybacks are hell, so perhaps you need to watch your back."  Kori
laughed and we had a good breakfast.

   We let Finley and Eric stay in the paddocks for the day and just dropped
in a few flakes of hay.  Here we are in the first week of May and the
weather was beautiful.  We arrived at school early as usual.  Kori spotted
Peter and was off running to meet with him.  I was looking forward to a
good week with perhaps just the usual classroom days.  Please no drama this
week.  Picked up my badge and went to my room and I was surprised at the
growth of the plants.  I had everything ready and decided to go out the
playground and watch the kids.

   There over by the fence was the "Mob" as I call them.  As I looked to
see who was there I noticed a new kid, it was Liam.  It looks like the
"Mob" has taken Liam in as the newest member.  To be honest that was great
as I knew Peter would see that Liam would be protected.  Well for the next
week we didn't have to worry about Charlie he was suspended.  The boys
spotted me and came running over to let me know that Liam is officially
part of their group.  I was delighted to hear for two reasons, one Liam
being so small would be protected and two because they accepted a younger
boy to the "Mob" as I call it.

   The day was fine and nothing out of the ordinary which was such a
relief. Kori headed home but not directly.  I made the turn up Raven Woods
Rd. to check Myrna.  We drove in the drive and went to the door and Kori
and I entered and there was Myrna sipping hot tea and watching one of those
soap operas on TV.  Ok, I'm kind of shocked.  Kori smiled and told his mom
all about Eric and school and for Kori to talk about school; well that's
not normal for Kori.  Myrna was not working tonight so I told Kori that I
wanted him to do chores and then go home and be with his mother.  Damn
there was another surprise for me . . .  Kori just said Ok.  . . . .

   We visited for a few minutes then Kori and I went to get chores done.
We cleaned the stalls and I told Kori to go home and I would put Eric in
tonight.  Kori looked at me and said . . . "Thanks Jake I wanted to spend
some time with my mom and tell her all about Eric and everything we've been
doing.  Jake I know something is wrong with my mom and I know you know what
it is.  There is a reason you're not telling me so I'll wait."  With that
Kori headed up the road to see his mother.  I will see him in the morning.

   I finished with the barn and let Eric and Finley stay out till dusk.  I
went in the house and had a number of things I needed to catch up on.  With
Kori being around all the time I find that I put off some stuff just so I
can be with him.  I hate the feeling of him not being here.  The house is
empty and cold and I know now a little of what a parent would experience at
the loss of a child.  I love Kori that much.

   As I am cleaning and doing the things I needed to get done I was
thinking of how to tell Kori that his mother was going to die.  How do you
tell an eleven year old that his mother is facing death?  How do I console
him in his grief?  Will this event in his life affect our relationship?  My
thinking is mixed up.  All my thoughts need to be on how to help Kori
through this painful time in his life.

   Somehow I got through the rest of the day, dinner, correcting papers and
then to the barn.  Finley and Eric were horsing around, excuse the pun, in
the paddocks and I needed to get them in for the night and it was good to
have my mind on something else.

   It was fried chicken and potato wedges for dinner and then some TV.
After dinner that had no taste, no smile or laughs I just walked down to
Kori's room.  Then it hit me . . . .  The X-box.  Ok so this is not my
thing but I was going to get it and hook it up as this had not been done as
yet.  It was easy and in 30 minutes it was working.  Then I looked at the
twin bed and it was just a mattress no covering or anything.  Problem
. . . . I didn't have any twin sheets.  Off I went to buy what I needed for
the twin bed.  At 9 o'clock everything was done and now Peter would have a
place to sleep when he came over.  I knew it would be sometime later maybe
at the end of school if Kori was living with me then.

   I took my shower and went to bed.  It was toss and turn.  Look at the
clock, and toss and turn some more.  Finely I got his pillows and just
hugged up to them.  I could smell the sweet smell of strawberry.  My body
relaxed and I slept till morning.

   I awoke at the sound of Kori hollering . . ."Hey get up you're so lazy!"
He was standing at the bedroom door and smiling at me.  He said . . . "time
for chores, wakey wakey rise and shine, get up damn it you're going to be
late!"  OMG . . . . . . What did he just say?  I said . . . . "Hey Kori
don't you be using such language and put two slices of toast down and push
the button on the coffee maker, please?  I jumped out of bed and in old
clothes so I could go do chores.  When I walked in the kitchen Kori asked
why I was dressed like that.  I told Kori . . . "Chores you know we have
chores."  To which he replied . . .  "Jake the chores are all done and Eric
and Finley are already in the paddocks."  Holy mackerel was all I could
say.  I looked at Kori and asked if everything was done and the answer was
. . . "Yup everything."

   He already had Fruit Loops in his bowl and had Raisin Bran on the table
for me.  Easy to explain why I miss him when he's not around.  I ate my
breakfast and we both went to see the horses.  I checked the barn and, he
had everything done he even swept the floor.  I looked at Kori and just
said good job kiddo and thank you.  Now I had an extra fifteen minutes for
a good shower.

   Now the reason why Kori had everything done becomes apparent.  I had no
sooner stepped under the spray in my shower when the little bugger stepped
right in behind me.  He had the cloth and started to wash my back; oh it
felt so good it really did.  He wasn't taking his time he was just washing
and then he commanded . . ."Turn around!"  not asking but telling me what
to do.  Cheeky little bugger.  He washed from my neck to my pubic hair and
giggled a bit then, handed me the cloth and said . . . "My turn."  Ok, I
had to admit to myself that I could start every weekday like this.  This
would not be a problem for me, nope.  Not bad for a Tuesday morning.

   Kori and I jumped in the truck and took off for school.  Arrived at
school and it was the same old routine.  Kori and the "Mob" I really
shouldn't call them that but it has become a term that just comes to mind.
The fact is that that little gang is a great bunch of good boys.  It's so
cute to see tall Peter and then Kori in the middle and Liam so small.  Liam
is the smallest kid in grade three and about average for second graders.
Despite his size he has the personality of a rat terrier.  Don't cross this
kid or you night just get the worst end of the stick.

   The rest of the week went great.  School was a breeze and the kids were
all excellent.  Kori had been at his house with his mom all week and then
at the barn in the morning; and then in the shower with me.  Ok, don't get
the wrong idea nothing happened.  He washed my back I washed his that's
all!

   Friday and everyone was happy it was the end of week two in May and
everyone was already counting the weeks till the end of school and summer
break.  Just after recess and I was back in the room and we were in the
middle of a geography lesson when our in-school sub knocked on my door.  I
opened the door and he asked me to step out and said . . .  Mr. Roberts you
have an emergency phone call in the office.  I knew immediately what it
was.  He stepped in and took over the class and I ran to the office.

   When I arrived at the office they handed me the phone.  The person on
the other end identified himself as the minister at the Congregational
church.  He briefly told me that Myrna was in her last days and was asking
for me to come to her home.  I let our Vice Principle know and he said just
go and we will take care of Kori and to call if I needed anything.

   I immediately rushed to Kori's house to be with Myrna.  When I arrived
the pastor greeted me at the door and walked in with me.  Myrna was on the
couch and looked as if death was at the door.  Myrna then told me and the
pastor her wishes regarding her passing and where the service was to be
held.  I was a little shocked at the moment but clearly understood that
there was to be no funeral as such.  She wanted to be cremated and a very
simple service right outside in front of the porch in the sunlight and that
was all.  Myrna then asked me to please get a box from the shelf.

   I sat next to Myrna as I handed her the box wrapped in a plain paper
bag.  She removed the paper bag that she had carefully cut to fit the box.
There in her hands was a small cardboard box wrapped with blue ribbon and
tied in a bow.  A small card was slid beneath the ribbon and on it was
Kori's name.  She told me to please take it with me and after the service
to sit with Kori and give it to him.  She asked me to explain how much she
loved him and how sorry she was not to be able to give him the life he
deserved.  The most difficult thing was yet to come.

   Myrna asked me to bring Kori to her after school today.  She wanted to
say goodbye to him and wanted me to be with her while she talked to him.  I
am not sure how I will be able to do this.  Myrna said . . . "Thank you
Jake for loving Kori I know he will happy with you.  It is best for you to
return to school please take the box with you."  I left and stopped at my
house for a minute and put the little box on the top shelf in the kitchen
where Kori could not see it.  I drove back to school.

   It was just as lunch was ending and I finished my classes and everyone
left.  There was the little knock at the door and Kori standing there
impatiently saying it's Friday let's go.  I tried to look happy and smacked
his butt when he turned to walk down the hall.  The smart ass turned and
told me that could be considered sexual harassment.  Then looked at me and
said . . . "Paybacks are . . . .  well you know!"  We dropped off my badge
at the office and Edith Benson, admin assistant, looked at me as if to say
we are all so sorry, and then said you two have a great weekend.

   I told Kori we needed to stop at my place for chores and I wanted him to
change his clothes to play clothes then after chores I would take him home.
Kori had a strange look on his face when he said Ok.  I knew he was
suspecting something.  We both changed and did chores and went in the house
for a snack.  After the snack I asked Kori to change back to his school
clothes.  Kori looked at me and asked . . . "Why do I have to change again?
My mom sees me in play clothes all the time; so why today?  When he asked
me his face was somber and there was a tear in his eye.  I simply said
because your mom should see you looking nice.  So change and let's go.  I
did not want to do this.  While Kori was changing I text Neil and told him
what was happening and asked him to go to my house.  I thought it was best
that Kori was to have all the support and love he would need tonight.

   Kori was ready and we drove up Raven Woods Rd. to his drive.  Kori saw
the pastor's car and immediately wanted to know what's up with the car.  I
just said it was a friend from church.  Kori knew his mother really didn't
go to church.  We went in and Myrna was sitting in her usual place on the
couch.  She motioned to Kori to come sit next to her and he did and I sat
next to him but looking at Myrna.  This was going to be so very difficult.

   Myrna introduced the pastor to Kori and then began to explain to Kori
about the illness. She explained that it had been sometime that she knew
that she was sick and that sometimes when she would sleep late or seemed
angry that it was the cancer or the medications speaking not really her.
She told Kori how much she loved him but that the sickness had come to the
point that she could no longer take care of him or herself.

   Myrna told Kori that she knew how much he loved me and that she knew
that I loved him as well. . . .  And then . . .  Myrna told Kori that she
would not be here much longer.  Kori knew exactly what she meant.  He burst
into tears hugging her and saying no, no, no, no, over and over.  Myrna,
holding Kori so tight said . . .  "Kori I want you to go with Jake because
he will love you and give you a wonderful life; you go now."

   Kori broke from his mother and as I tried grab him he ran out the door
and down Raven Wood Road.  I started after him when the pastor caught my
arm and said . . .  "Jake it is better to let him go.  He will be at your
house and will need lots of love tonight."  It was probably best as it
would have been worse if Kori had seen his mom leave with the pastor.  She
would now be going to hospice till her death.

   I watched as Myrna and the pastor drove down the road and out of site.
I jumped in the truck and drove to the barn and parked by the back door.
Neil was sitting on the back porch and just pointed to the barn.  I saw
that Eric and Finley were in the paddocks and I walked in the barn.  Kori
was sitting on fresh shavings in Eric's stall crying.  I tried to sit with
him but he told me to go away.  I decided it was best to leave him a little
while and then I would go back and get him.

   I sat with Neil and I explained what had happened.  Neil was as
sensitive as I and the tears were running down his face as well.  We talked
about twenty minutes and then I went in to Kori.  He was still crying
softly.  I went to him and he tried to push me away.  I picked him up and
held him tight.  I didn't expect the reaction I got.  Kori screamed at me
that he hated me again and again all the time hitting me.  Neil grabbed
Kori and took him in the house and I sat on the steps and cried.

   I stayed outside for about fifteen minutes then went in.  Neil was on
the couch tightly holding Kori.  Kori had stopped crying but his arms were
around Neil.  I walked over to the couch and sat beside Kori.  He released
his hold on Neil and climbed over onto my lap and hugged me tight and kept
saying . . .  "Jake I'm sorry, I love you."  I could only say . . . "Kori
its Ok, you're safe and I love you too."  You can't say things will be Ok
because they won`t be Ok for some time.  So I did the best I could and just
held him.

   I felt Kori relax and picked him up and took to my bed.  I took his
shirt and pants off and put him under the covers.  I sat with him until I
knew he was asleep.  I walked to the living room and Neil stood and hugged
me as I cried.  Neil's shirt was wet in front and now all over his
shoulders.  It felt good just to be held.  He asked me if I was Ok and I
just said I guess so.  He said if I needed anything to call or text.  Neil
left and went home.

   I sat in the kitchen and thought.  I think I was sitting almost an hour
when I heard Kori.  The next thing a saw was Kori standing in the doorway
looking so sad.  He looked at me and said . . . "Jake can you come lie down
with me and talk to me?"  I got up quickly and went to him and took his
hand and we went to my bedroom.  There was nothing happy or quick he
wouldn't let go of my hand and started to ask questions.

   "Jake will my mom die tonight?  Where did she go?  Will I get to see her
again?"  How do you answer those questions from an eleven year old?  He was
silent as I started to answer. . . . "Kori I don't know when your mom will
pass, no one knows the answer to that question and it will be when it is
her time to go.  Now the pastor of the church has helped your mom to go to
a very nice place where kind and gentle people will take care of her.  Your
mom has done much of this so you would not see her hurting because that
would hurt you too.  So tomorrow we will call and see if it is good to go
see her."

   Kori there is something I need to explain to you and now is a good time.
Your mom knows how much I love you and she was a smart woman and could see
how you love me too.  Your mom wanted to make sure that you would have a
good life so she made out these official legal papers making me your
guardian.  You will never have to worry about anyone ever trying to take
you somewhere else.  Kori this is your home for as long as you want. I love
you and you will have everything you need.

   With those words Kori seemed to relax more. He leaned into me and I
could feel him when he fell asleep. Gently I moved aside and let him sleep.
I put shoes on and went to bring in Eric and Finley did chores quickly and
returned to the house.  I sat in the living room till almost ten o'clock
when my boy came in saying he was hungry.  Tonight it was scrambled eggs
and toast and milk.  He ate everything.  I thought he was a little better.
He got up from the table and went to his room. A few minutes later he was
back and said . . . "Jake I would like a warm bath will you wash me?"

Chapter 20 Next

Kori and Jake A Better Day Tomorrow

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

jacoblion@tutanota.com