Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2018 04:54:06 +0200 (CEST)
From: jacoblion@tutanota.com
Subject: A Neglected Boy Chapter 3

Please support Nifty to keep these stories coming.
http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html

This is fiction and all the characters names are simply fabricated.
Comments are welcome and appreciated at jacoblion@tutanota.com
This is my first attempt at writing a story.

Thanks everyone for your emails of support. I want to thank the Nifty
writing staff for all their support and help.

A Neglected Boy Chapter 3

   At the end of Chapter 2 . . . . I bent down to hear the secret and
without any notice Kori kissed me on the cheek, then hugged me and told me
it was nice to be with me. He wished we could spend lots of time together.

   I watched as Kori walked slowly toward his trailer home. He turned about
half way and with an expressionless face gave a slight wave goodbye. For a
second I almost thought that I wished he had not turned . . . as now his
cute angelic face was like a never-ending picture on my mind. I turned the
truck around and drove slowly down Raven Woods Rd. As I was driving in my
mind I could still see Kori walking toward that old trailer home. It was an
olive green single wide that looked to be from the 60's. I noticed
cardboard on two of the windows and trees close to all sides but as yet no
leaves. It seemed cold and chilling, sad, and unforgiving in some way. In
the yard there were what appeared to be some broken toys, an old wood pile
and a broken bicycle. I thought was he alone? Was she there? Was he in
trouble or being abused and neglected for another night? Being neglected is
being abused.

   It was good to see my house with lights on and for a time allowing my
mind to be on the present. I needed to check Finley so out to the barn to
my other big boy. I gave Finley a snack of oats and brushed him for a
bit. As I was brushing Finley the thought of Kori and this afternoon, his
never ending appetite, his cute cheeky remarks and that curly hair and dark
blue eyes. It was hard for me to imagine how in such a short amount of time
this young boy had become a major part of my life. I just realized my last
thought; Kori has become a major part of my life. I can't seem to take a
step, eat, or even brush Finley without thinking of Kori. I can't
understand or justify my feelings I have never felt this way before. He is
young, he is only a boy but in my heart I know I am beginning to love
him. Having realized this I am almost afraid of what is to come.

   I brushed Finley a little more then shut off the lights left the barn
and returned to the house. Tomorrow is Tuesday and I need to get my mind
straight and ready for school. I wiped down the counters in the kitchen and
put things away. Of course no matter where I look there are little things
out of place or flashbacks that remind me of this charming little boy. I
said charming little boy but in reality I think there is a bit of the devil
in him and I love it. I went into the living room and picked up a few
things like the books Kori had taken from the book shelf. I noticed a paper
on the coffee table in front of the couch. As I looked at the paper I was
to see a drawing Kori had made showing what I assumed to be me Kori and
Finley out in the paddock his hand in mine. Did Kori have the same feelings
for me as I had for him was my next thought. No it can't be, Kori is just
finding that he feels safe and is enjoying a new and exciting experience
with an adult he likes.

   Tuesday morning was dark and cold. Off to the east there was a dark
purple sky. It was the kind of day in New England when the air can chill
you to the bone. The gloom hangs low and everything reminds you of that
book "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" Irving's book is almost a look at the
area where Kori and I live. Raven Woods can be a place where gloom, horror,
and nightmares can exist for a little boy, not to mention a grown man.

   The school was all a bustle with children getting off the bus, cars with
parents dropping off their kids and a number of teachers trying to get the
kids in out of the cold. The sky had darkened even more and it looked like
rain at any second. Wow there it was a flash of lightning and the sound of
thunder. Not far away you could smell it in the sir. The kids ran like hell
to get in the school with teachers helping to make sure each child was
safe. I looked for Kori, I looked everywhere but either he was already in
school or had not arrived yet. There was no way to tell at this time but
for sure Kori was on my mind.

   First hour just ended and I checked the attendance record for the
day. Kori was not at school. I called Edith, admin assistant, and asked if
they had received a call from Kori's mother. Edith said they tried but the
phone was disconnected so they call the sheriff department and asked for a
wellness check. I asked the class to begin working on the reading project
and let them know we would have story hour next. As we were finishing story
hour and with the weather so bad I was making mental notes as to the games
we could play in the gym. I told the class no outside so games in the gym,
oh how they liked that. The bell rang and as the door opened my phone
rang. The kids were on the way to the gym and I was asked to come to the
office. Kori had been found and was in the office.

   I arrived at the office to see a scared, frightened little boy covered
in mud head to toe. With tears running down his face he looked at me and
said "I'm sorry I missed the bus Mr. Roberts, I was running and I fell and
the bus drove off as I was getting up." Without thinking Kori wrapped his
arms around me and asked me not to be mad. I said "Kori I am not mad why it
was an accident and looks like you took a really bad fall". Edith called
the school nurse and our school officer and they took Kori to get cleaned
up and to find some clean clothes for him. With that the sheriff deputy
asked to speak with me. He told me he found Kori shivering under a tree and
checked the trailer home but no one was at home. He also said that it
appeared that there was no electricity. Edith said that on occasion they
have been able to help in situations like this. They would check and
contact some local churches and see if donations could be set to turn on
the electric and phone.

   Edith said, "Mr. Roberts I think Kori really likes you and he needs
someone like you to depend on. Thanks Edith I need to get to the kids in
the gym so I can tire them out for the rest of the day. I would appear that
everyone in the office never noticed the hug I received from Kori. Or did
they? In the gym the kids were playing dodge ball with great enthusiasm and
I seemed to be the target. Dang these kids got good aim! I played and it
was great fun for all. The door opened and I saw Kori walk in. Kori was all
dressed in what looked like new clothes and was as cute and handsome as I
have ever seen him. He looked my way smiled slightly and ran to his friend
Peter. The two boys look good together but one is tall and then there is
Kori. Most boys at 11 are about 4' 10 inches and 85 to 90 pounds. Kori was
shorter and perhaps 75 pounds so much lighter than other boys in his
class. Despite his size Kori seemed to be friends with most kids at school
even those in other grades.

   The bell rang and it was time to go back to class. As we were at the
exit Kori walked by me and with a slightly sly smile I got a thumbs up. I
took that to mean everything was alright for now. As I entered my classroom
the phone rang, it was the school nurse asking me to stop and see her after
last bell.  I told her I would see her and asked if it would be Ok after
bus duty for today and she said that will be fine. The remainder of the day
was as usual lunch, geography, reading and all to soon it was time to pick
up, feed the fish and water the plants. There is the bell and the kids were
at the door and now it was time to load the busses. The sky had lightened
and it had stopped raining. I was relieved in a way to see Kori on his bus
and gave a general wave to all the kids as they drove away.

   With bus duty finished I walked in to see Helen our school nurse. Helen
explained that after a good hot shower Kori was putting on his new shirt
that she noticed a large bruise on his side. Helen said it was most likely
from the fall he had when he was running for the bus this morning. She also
let me know that she is keeping a school record separate from the one at
the office. At this point there is not enough to recorded material to take
the next step. That last phrase scared me to hell and back. Involving child
proactive services at this point could see Kori placed in the system and
that is just not an option. Is his home life at a point where it is
critical? My mind is confused by my feelings for Kori but I need to put him
and his wellbeing first. I thanked Helen and went to my classroom gathered
my work and out to my truck. The ride home was quick and I needed a break
and a good coffee.

   I drove in my driveway to find Kori sitting on my front porch. I was
happy but also questioning why he was here at my house and not at home. I
said "Hey Kori what's up and how come your not home?" Kori answered "I went
home but there is no one there, no electricity, it's cold. I'm cold and
hungry. Jake can I please stay here for a little while. I can help with the
chores and I can get my homework done. Maybe you could help me with the
math I'm not so good at that".  So what can I say , . . .  sure Kori you
can stay and why don't we go get you, hey why don't we both go get some
food I am starving too. We both sat at the table and had some Raisin Bran
(that is all I had) and toast. When we finished I said I'' wash you
dry. Kori looked at me and said "deal always you wash I'll dry" I was
running the hot water to wash the dishes when I felt Kori's arms around me
and at the same time hearing say "Jake I love you" that is all he said then
picked up the dish towel and was ready to dry the dishes.

   Kori noticed that there was a tear in my eye and asked "Jake are you
upset with me? Did I do something wrong? Please don't be mad at me I won't
hug you anymore. I'm sorry Jake, I'm sorry". Hearing Kori say that I turned
to him wrapped my arms around him and told him that I loved him very much
and nothing would ever change that. I told Kori that he was special to me
and that he was in my heart every minute of every day. I told him I would
be there for him whenever he needed. I assured Kori that we would work
things out as time passes and that we would always be friends. It was then
I realized that Kori and I had a very special relationship he loved me as
much as I loved him. I said to Kori . . . "well little man where do we go
from here?" with a big grin on his face he said "To the barn Jake chores
remember? Finley wants out . . . oh and his stall needs cleaning and maybe
he will let me brush him is that Ok?" Kori made me laugh as the dishes were
put away and then out to the barn we go. As we were walking to the barn I
felt his hand in mine, and my heart was racing and happy like never before.

   Finley was standing there waiting for some attention. I moved Finley to
the next empty clean stall and placed a short step so Kori could brush
Finley. I get the dirty job. With the stall mucked, filled the water bucket
and clean shavings for him it was time to take Finley for a walk. Kori had
done a good job brushing and there was a high five for the work as well as
that big smile the kid had when he was happy. Because the paddock and ring
were so wet we did some in hand training for the summer shows. Kori asked
what shows and where. I messed with Kori's hair and explained about horse
shows in the New England area. After a good walk and showing Kori how to
get Finley to park-out I let him give it a try. "Wow Kori you seem to be a
natural at this" Maybe I could use a good groom to go with me this
summer. Speak without thinking! Foot in mouth on that one. Kori looked at
me with that excited look and said "Jake you serious, I can go with you,
really? We can go all over New England together? I get to work with Finley
too?" I realized I spoke without thinking and now had created a problem for
sure. Would his mother even consider something like that? I didn't know his
mother had never spoken to her and now I had this boy excited with the
expectation of traveling with me during the summer.

   "Hey Kori let's put Finley back and go in and get a snack and we can
talk about this idea. Kori was excited and hungry, again, but that is not a
surprise any more. As we cut up some fruit and scooped some ice-cream on
top I could feel Kori's hand rubbing up and down on my back, very gently
and in a loving manner. I made no mention or movement as to what he was
doing. I knew that it was just in friendship and nothing more. I started
telling Kori that if he really wanted to go with me that I would have to
speak with his mother. Immediately Kori said "Jake she won't care, she will
be happy to have me gone, out of the way, more time with her boyfriends and
more money if I not around. She is always complaining that I eat everything
and the food bill it to high".  I said, "Kory we both need to talk to your
mother and to be honest I have to get written permission to take you out of
state.  Even if we are only going into Vermont and that is just an hour
away. Kori got up from the table came over to me and put his arms around my
neck and said "Ok Jake then I think you need to meet my mother. I bet she
says yes. I'm telling you the truth she really doesn't care about me at
all." I felt Kori's hand as he started to rub my chest but kind of in a way
that I thought he didn't even know he was doing it. I said "Kori I think it
is time to get you home"

   As Kori and I walked out the door and to the truck I reminded him that
next week was spring break for us and we should speak with his mother
before then. I knew that Kori would want to spend as much time with me as
he could during break and I wanted the same. I also knew I had to make a
trip to Yale University in New Haven Connecticut and would be gone for
three or four days. I knew that Kori would not be so happy with knowing I
would be gone. I opened the door to the truck for him to get in and as I
bent down to help him he turned quickly and wrapped his arms around my neck
and legs around my waist. Kori looked directly in my eyes and said "Jake I
love you so much, please put me in the center of the seat so I can be near
you."  ~I did. ~ And it was with much pleasure as I wanted him close to me
also. Up Raven Woods Rd. we went to his driveway. To our surprise the
lights were on. I looked at Kori and said "Kori are you sure the electric
was off when you got home? Kori said "Jake it was and cold in the house" Ok
Kori lets go meet your mother.

   Kori walked up the steps and opened the door walked in looked at his mom
and said "mom this is Mr. Roberts he is a teacher at school and my
friend. You know he lives in that nice house with the small barn and that
horse." I quickly extended my hand and said Good evening Mrs. Preydon I am
pleased to meet you. I quickly explained about how Kori fell this morning
and was slightly bruised as well as his clothes being ruined. I told her
that the school has many extra shirts and pants and that he can keep the
ones he has on"

   Mrs. Preydon said "Call me Myrna and I hope the little twerp has not
been a bother. He can be a pain in the ass most of the time" I was a little
shocked that his mother would speak of him that way to a stranger. Well
Myrna, Kori has been very good and a great help to me with my
horse. Actually he seems to be a natural with animals. Mrs. Preydon when I
was speaking with Kori earlier today I spoke to soon of the summer without
speaking with you first. I told him I could use him as a groom with me at
the horse shows. You know Myrna a boy like Kori takes it as fact, but you
and I know that I could not have Kori along without your permission. I am
asking you to think about it and let me know if this is something that
would perhaps benefit Kori. Of course I would pay him to help with chores."

   Without hesitation Myrna replied "Well Mr. Roberts I think that is a
splendid idea. You can take Kori for the whole summer if you wish. That
will give me a break from having him under foot everyday and a real
vacation from his nagging about this and that." I was taken aback, shocked
then realized about the trip to Yale. "Mrs. Preydon, Myrna next week is
spring break for us and I have to make a trip to Yale University do you
think Kori would enjoy going to see such a big university?" Mrs. Preydon
responded "Mr. Roberts that is a fine idea take him for the week if you
like and show him the things he will never be able to have." I thanked
Kori's mother and said goodnight.

   Kori walked with me out to my truck. He said "I told you Jake she really
doesn't me, not at all and I bet if she could get rid of me she would." We
got to the truck and on the driver's side where no one could see he jumped
up, wrapped his arms around my neck and legs around my waist and kissed me
again and told me he loved me. There was another thing happening, I could
feel his erection again small but like a spike as it was poking me in the
stomach.

   Chapter 4 soon, Hint spring break, trip to Yale and the motel . . .

   This is my first story and I hope that many readers will enjoy it. You
can e-mail me at jacoblion@tutanota.com