Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2018 06:07:45 +0100 (CET)
From: jacoblion@tutanota.com
Subject: A Neglected Boy    Chapter 24

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Please remember this is fiction and all the characters names are simply
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mileage, & descriptions of Yale, restaurants, and our meals.

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

Chapter 24

Kori,  Jake, and Liam;  A Story of Love

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

jacoblion@tutanota.com

. . . . Chapter 24 . . . .  Breakfast over, chores done, horses turned out
it is time to go.  I locked the house and the boys jumped in the truck and
we were off to Wal-Mart.  Kori and Liam both took a carriage.  We needed to
get Liam's clothes first then food, oh the amount food.

   Where do we start?  Feet first, so flip flops, sandals, sneakers, hiking
boots, 10 pair of socks, 10 pair of boys' briefs all different colors, 3
pair of shorts, one work pant, one school pant, (almost out for the summer
and he is growing) 10 T shirts, 7 short sleeve shirts, and a light jacket
and 2 new base ball caps, and I bought the boys 2 new backpacks.  Yikes!  $
$ $ $ then we had to get Food!

   I thought we had everything when Kori said . . . . "Jake we need
shampoo, and how about one of those bath sponges? Two new toothbrushes and
toothpaste and I like that strawberry rinse."  Ok and I needed a few things
and I picked up 4 cans of body spray and thought it was a good time to
teach Kori to use it.

   With everything loaded in the truck the boys wanted lunch; of course.
We went to Arby's and we ordered a mess of sliders and curly fries.  Lunch
over it was home unload everything and put things away.  The next surprise
is there was not enough room for all the clothes and I would have to get
another dresser.  Tomorrow!  This afternoon it was hike and to have
fun. The boys opened the new backpacks and we put in a few snacks and two
water bottles each.  Liam had on his new hiking boots and shorts and Kori
was dressed the same.  Out to the truck and down the road we went.

   Only a few miles and we were at the D.A.R.  State forest.  It has an
activities center and upper and lower lakes. It is really big almost 2,000
acres of dams, camping and picnicking areas, and bridges. There are 15
miles of trails that cross through the northern hardwood-conifer forest and
are used for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding and camping at
51 campsites.  The boys were so excited.

   The next thing I heard from Kori was . . . "Camping, Jake can we go
camping?  Hey it said horseback riding too Jake can we?  Can we get
bicycles?"  Now Liam is all the way with . . .  "I know how to ride I'm
good but my bike is trash."  I thought quick and said . . . "Hey guys I
tell you want we can hike all afternoon and after dinner or on the way home
we can get bikes think that will be ok?"

   There were cheers and lots of excitement as the boys jumped from the
truck.  I wanted to get hiking and I already knew we would have to get the
bikes on the way home . . .  dinner could wait.  We started out on a 5 mile
round trip with snacks and water and within minutes we were face to face
with spectacular views.

   The boys were having a great time when Liam spotted Poop . . .  that's
right Poop.  Not dog, not deer but Bear poop, Black bear poop.  The scat
was maybe two days old but I explained to the boys we needed to be careful.
I said sing and keep singing. . . . and they did . . .  She'll be coming
round the mountain when she comes, she'll be driving six white horses when
she comes, and they kept singing and singing; then it changed to 99 bottles
of bear on the wall.  I was laughing so hard when Kori and Liam pretended
to be drunk.

   We reached the fire tower and walked up to beautiful views of the
forest.  I took many photos of Kori and Liam with the forest background and
then photos of each boy with different views of the forest.  A nice lady
asked if I would like a photo with the boys and I was so excited and I said
. . . "Oh thank you so much; could you shoot several please?"  Now I have
great photos of my beautiful boys.  I am very happy.  I looked at the boys
and they were so happy and both were hugging me tightly.

   We made our way back to the visitor center and poked around a bit till
Liam found the mountain trail maps. We took three and looked a little more
and headed for the truck.  I think I know where we are going from here.

   On the way home we stopped at SHP Bicycle Adventures you can check them
out here. http://www.bicycletrips.com/ , ... they always some great used
bikes. Ok so we were going for new bikes.  We drove up and the boys were so
damn excited.  We were standing by the truck and I asked them to be
gentlemen and touch anything and let one of the bike people help us.  I
already had purchased a new FAT bike a few months ago.

   The boys promised to be good.  We went in and they began to explore.
Garret was one of the high school boys that helped at the store and he came
over and greeted us. Garret is Asian about 16 and amazingly cute.  About
5'5" beautiful features and maybe 120 pounds and wearing pearl izumi attack
shorts "tight" with nothing left to the imagination.  I think he noticed me
looking and for sure he noticed Kori looking.

   Ok, he measured the boys and was very good to be careful with the tape
measure.  Garret showed Kori and Liam bikes that would fit.  Liam picked a
"Frog" bright colors it was all white but with round dots all over in these
really bright colors. Kori picked a "Prevel" silver and black.  Now you
have to have the correct riding apparel.  $$$$$$$ I'm starting to sweat.
Helmets, gloves, they both wanted riding shorts like Garret, and pearl
izumi jerseys.  Bikes $600.00 gloves and apparel $320. . . . .  We got a
real deal out the door total $780.00 everything loaded in the truck and
home we go.

   Turned in the drive stopped and I was attacked!  I was attacked by two
handsome and excited boys.  It was hugs and a kiss from Kori and then Liam
jumped in my arms and a tight hug around the neck and a big kiss on the
cheek.  The $780.00 ah it was worth it.  The boys ran in the house and I
took the bikes from the back of the truck.  The next thing I saw was two of
the best looking mountain bike riding kids in all of Massachusetts.  Damn
these boys are cute.  I took a hundred pictures as they rode around the
drive and barn area.  I think they both asked at the same time if we could
go trail riding tomorrow.  So I guess it is back to D.A.R. State Forest.

   For now I had things to catch up on and I just let them play.  Once in
the kitchen I reached to the top shelf and brought down the box Myrna asked
me to give to Kori.  I put the box next to the coffee maker as that place
is sort of hidden. I started to get things ready for dinner and thought
meatloaf would be good.  I put it together and in the oven and now had an
hour to throw some things in the washer.  Why am I so tired?

   I took out the vacuum and did the hall and the living room and then it
occurred to me that both boys are part of the family.  Being part of the
family should mean that we all have certain responsibilities.  I stopped
the vacuum and called the boys.  The boys came running both very happy with
their new bikes.  Did I mention the $780.00 new bikes and apparel?  I said
. . . "Hey boys go change to shorts and T shirts please we're having a
family meeting."  The boys figured that this was about Sunday and Monday
and what I had planned.  Well it was about what I had planned "called house
chores" and now was a great time as they have had a great day.

   The boys were back and we were in the living room and we had a pow-wow.
I said . . . "Ok boys we are now a family and we will do things together
right?"  They were so into this and all smiles and it was of course they
said . . .  then I continued . . . "We will hike together, and swim
together, and bike together and even clean the house together."  Now the
last thing I said "clean house together" took 1 second to hit their brain
and the look I got was priceless.  "What?"  They both looked a little
stunned at the last phrase.

   Then I knew what each of them could handle so . . . "Kori you are old
enough to vacuum so that is your responsibility and Liam you are old enough
to empty all the trash every day. The best way to make sure that it gets
done for now is do it right before dinner.  Now while I am fixing dinner
you both set the table. . . . Oh and that starts tonight."

   The boys looked at each other smiled and tackled me.  The surprise for
me was they were fine with helping.  Then Kori started trouble by showing
Liam how to tickle and poke me and that ended in a wrestling match that I
didn't win.  Well maybe I did.  When we were through it ended with Kori
giving me a big hug and kiss and then Liam doing the same thing but that
was the first real kiss from Liam.  I hugged both boys and gave them a kiss
on the cheek to which I heard . . .  yuk . . . and they wiped it off.  Kori
looked at me and winked.

   Kori had the vacuum and was back and forth with it in the living room.
I was showing Liam where the baskets were and where to empty them in the
big trash bin.  Now it is almost time for dinner.  The meatloaf is done and
I had mixed vegetables on the stove and because the kids like garlic bread
I made that as well.  I asked the boys to please go wash and set the table.

   In a few minutes Kori and Liam were back in the kitchen and setting the
table.  I'm thinking just how lucky I am.  I served up the plates with
meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and veggies and we all sat and the boys were
telling me about their new bikes.  It seems that the bike were a perfect
choice.  Kori thought it would be great if Garret could come over and teach
them few things about mountain biking.  Hey I thought that was a great idea
too.  So I said . . .  "Kori that's a great idea I'll check and he might be
interested in making $20.00.

   Liam was not about to be left out of the conversation and went on to
tell Kori and I about how to shift a mountain bike while riding.  He was
telling us how important to keep pedaling while shifting.  Liam is so cute
and I am finding out that he is a very smart kid. I watched the boys as
they continued to talk about maybe trail riding tomorrow if the weather is
good.

   Dinner was over and both boys cleared the table, without me asking.  Ok
I came from a strict house and my dad expected it of me without asking.  So
even though he was at sea I knew what my responsibilities were.  Still
these two kids have come from very different backgrounds.  I love them both
and want them to have every opportunity that I can give them.  I also want
them to grow to be gentlemen with proper manners.  Maybe I am asking more
than I should.

   I told the boys that I would do the dishes and they could go watch TV or
an X-box game.  I was trying to figure out how to sit with Kori and give
him the box Myrna asked me to give him.  I wiped the table and washed and
dried the dishes and all the time was thinking about how to get him to just
sit with me.

   It was eight o'clock and it was time for chores.  I called the boys and
we went to the barn and chores were finished in minutes.  We brought the
horses in and turned the lights off and back to the house we went.  I asked
Liam quietly to please go play a game and that I needed to talk to Kori
about something very important about what his mother asked me to tell him.
It was funny the look and the expression on Liam's face.  It was as if he
really understood that is was not a secret from him but something special
for Kori.

   Liam went to their bedroom and as Kori turned I asked him to please sit
with me.  He immediately looked concerned.  I messed his hair and said
"smile" not a problem I just have something I need to explain.  We sat
together on the couch.  . . . . . "Kori I am not really sure what it is
that I am about to give you but it is from your mother and it was her wish
for me to sit with you when I gave it to you."  With this Kori started to
get up and leave and I had to grab his arm and say . . . . "I know you
don't want to, but that is just putting off what needs to be.  I am sitting
right here with you and I need you to know that this is a way that your
mother is telling you how much she loved you and does love you now.

   Kori sat and even before I gave him the box the tears were running down
his face.  He wiped them and I gave him the box just as Myrna had given it
to me.  A small cardboard box wrapped in carefully cut brown paper bag with
a blue ribbon tied in a bow.  A small plain card was under the ribbon with
Kori's name written in the most beautiful hand.

   Kori gently slid the card out from under the ribbon and opened it.  As
Kori read the card he began to cry.  I had my arm around him and held
tightly as he continued to read.  When he finished reading the card he
opened the box.  On top of the box in a small clear envelop was a lock his
mothers hair so he could remember her for many years and a small photo
taken when he was small.  Under the photo, again wrapped in brown paper
were forty . . . fifty dollar bills a total of $2,000.00.  Kori through his
tears smiled.  He handed me the box, and the money then left and went to my
bedroom.  A few minutes later I went to check him.  Kori was on my bed with
the card, the lock of hair and he was crying softly.  I gave him time to
grieve.

   I went to Liam and played a game of Build a City with him.  I lost, then
I lost again and while we were playing I explained that I had given Kori
something his mother left for him and that right now he was sad and needed
to be alone.  Liam looked at me and was about to cry so I tickled him to
stop the crying before it started.  I said let's give Kori a little time
and Liam agreed.  Liam and I played another two games of Build a City and
we talked about a trail ride tomorrow.  I also need to have Eric and Dusty
ridden.

   It was getting late so I said . . . "Liam how about you take a shower
and I'll go check Kori."  Didn't work.  Liam said . . . "I want you to wash
me like last night."  Ok I needed to check Kori so I told Liam to get ready
and I would but it had to be fast and he agreed with that.  I went down to
check Kori and he had stopped crying.  I asked him if he was ok and he said
yes.  Then he said . . ."Jake can I have a warm bath, please?"  I said sure
start the water in the tub.  Then came part II . . . "but I want you in the
tub with me."  Oh.  I said Ok Kori let me finish with Liam.

   I went back to Liam and washed him and carefully dried him and said
. . . "Liam it's late I think it would be good if you got in bed Ok?"  He
was ok with that, I think.  The more I thought about it I knew it would not
work.  I picked Liam up and took him to my bed and said . . . Ok Liam I
want you to just stay here nice and cozy while I give Kori a bath.  Promise
me you will stay right here.  Liam promised and I went to the big tub with
Kori.

   Kori was in the tub and scooted forward when I stepped in.  The water
was perfect a very relaxing warm bath.  Kori backed up and leaned against
me.  I wrapped my arms around him and kissed the top of his head.  Kori
didn't move and every so often we added more hot water.  I am not sure that
my thinking is correct but . . . it seems that I either read or saw a
program about childbirth in warm water, in any case the warm water had a
calming effect.

   We were in the tub about thirty minutes when I felt Kori's hand raise to
the side of my face and as he touched me he said . . . "Jake thank you I
know you love me and now I have a real home with you.  I love you Jake."  I
simply told Kori that I loved him and let it go at that. We finished the
bath and dried together.  Kori was in a very quiet and loving mood.  There
was no curiosity, no touching, no erections, just a feeling of overwhelming
love.

   We went to the bedroom and Liam was sound asleep. I pulled the covers
back and gently lifted Liam and put him under the covers and then told Kori
to get in and he smiled at me. Once Kori was under the covers I slid in and
snuggled up to Kori and Kori had his arms around Liam.  It is hard to
believe but the night passed and all I remembered was the sound of his
breathing and the feeling of his heart beating.

   The sun peeking in the window and the sound of the birds chirping was
our morning music and the start of a bright new day.  I slowly and quietly
slipped from the bed.  I was able to wash and dress without waking the
boys.  I wanted them to sleep as long as possible this morning.  Without
making any noise I went to the barn and walked Eric and Dusty to the lower
pasture and turned them out; then back to the barn and took Finley and
released him to the upper pasture.  I left all the other chores for the
boys.

   Back in the house I checked the boys and Kori was hugged up to Liam and
both boys were still sound asleep.  I know that yesterday with all the
activity and fresh air it had worn them out.  I was thinking that with the
plan I had for today they would be exhausted tonight.

   Today for breakfast 12 strips of bacon and pancakes.  I made coffee and
took down the plates and put them on the table.  The coffee was just
starting to drip and the aroma of the fresh coffee was drifting from the
kitchen to down the hall to the bedrooms.  I put the bacon in the big fry
pan and turned it on low.  I went to my bedroom to check the boys.  As I
peeked in I saw Kori was awake and gently rubbing Liam's chest.  Then I saw
something that let me know for sure that these two boys were meant to be
together.  Kori bent over Liam and sweetly kissed his forehead and softly
said . . . "wake up pipsqueak and smell the bacon."

    Chapter 25 Next

Kori, Jake, and Liam; A Story of Love

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

jacoblion@tutanota.com