Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2018 09:32:27 +0200 (CEST)
From: jacoblion@tutanota.com
Subject: A Neglected Boy     Chapter4

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This is fiction and all the characters names are simply fabricated.
Comments are welcome and appreciated at jacoblion@tutanota.com

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

A Neglected Boy Chapter 4

   . . . At the end of Chapter 3 I met with Myrna, Mrs. Preydon, Kori's
mother received her blessing to take Kori with me to Yale. As she said
>"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." Then Kori walked out
with me to say goodbye at my truck . . .

   Chapter 4

   Kori's kiss goodnight was a little surprising. I thought about his
erection for about 1 minute. No it's not anything more than boys his
age. At eleven and twelve it seems their penis has a mind of its own and
will inflate at any time it wishes. The more bothering thought was the
statements from Mrs. Preydon, Kori's mother. I thought of the woman for a
few moments.

   Her handshake was firm and quite honest. Her appearance was one of a
woman who has had a very hard life. Myrna Preydon looked tired, worn, and
that of a woman that had more than her share of problems. She appeared to
be years older than her actual age. Her skin was brown and dry, her hair
unkempt. She had on a skirt and blouse that were threadbare and perhaps
needed washing. This reflection of meeting Kori's mother actually made me
feel bad for the woman. Who am I to judge another person? I don't know the
whole story. I need to concentrate on Kori and give him the love, attention
and opportunities that he has been deprived of.

   It was a short ride home and once in the house thoughts turned to
Kori. I chuckled at his surprise hug, kiss, and his little erection poking
me. Now there were pressing matters. Only 3 days of school before spring
break and the need to get a formal written permission letter from Kori's
mother to take Kori with me. Make arrangements for the trip to Yale and
contact Professor Alves to confirm my visit. I need to call my friend Neil
and ask him to feed and exercise Finley while Kori and I are in New
Haven. I think I better make a checklist or with the way I am thinking now
I will end up forgetting something.  I finished a quick dinner did some
paper work and just sat back and enjoy a cold drink. It was now getting
late so I went to the barn to check Finley and fill the water and put
another flake of hay in the rack.  With everything finished for the day I
returned to the house turned out lights and went to bed.

   Morning came quickly. I could not believe how sound I slept. I was
thinking it must have been that things are coming into place. With Kori's
mother giving me permission, and only three days of school before spring
break, and Neil agreeing to take care of Finley. With those thoughts I ran
to the barn and took care of Finley and dashed back to the house. Coffee,
and toast with peanut butter and a banana then a quick shower, dress and
get to school. I was in a hurry and on most mornings not this rushed. I was
trying to get to school so I could see Kori as he stepped off the bus. I
admitted to myself that this boy was now an important part of my life. I
told myself that perhaps I should slow down but then changed my mind
quickly as I knew just how important Kori had become to me.

   I pulled into the staff parking lot just as Kori's bus was pulling up to
the gate. I picked up my briefcase locked the truck door and slowly walked
toward our entrance. Just as I arrived at the door I spotted Kori and Peter
walking to the playground. I had to laugh a little as they were such good
friends but so physically different. There was Peter so tall and then Kori
so small. Then I thought; Friends are Friends tall, small, black, white,
Asian, Italian so what who cares as long as they are real friends. It was
so obvious that Peter and Kori were that type of friends, the real
ones. Neither Kori nor Peter ever gave any thought to who was bigger or
smaller it just made no difference to them.

   The bell rang and it was the usual. All the kids in a hurry to line up,
who would be first who would be last? Well for the most part the girls were
always first. The boys had to go through their regular routine of pushing,
pulling, shoving, and there was the language issue again. This time I had
to really speak to Peter. "Peter; come here now! Peter what did I tell you
about your language? If I hear you use that word again you get 10 days
detentions! Got it? I'm serious and I think you could be a better example
to Kori and the other kids." Peter knew I was pissed and he also knew that
I would write him up and he would get the 10 days detention. I glanced over
to Kori who had this devilish grin. Later I will take Kori aside and let
him know I better never hear him use that language.

   With all the kids in the classroom settled down and in their seats we
started our daily routine. Looks like this will be a great day. Wednesdays
are usually the best day of the week. I said usually, not always, just
usually. Lesson plan is going great and the geography project is a hit with
the kids. They are at the big maps, the globe and on their iPads
researching the country list they have. I hear the phone and asked Billy to
answer it. "Mr. Roberts it's the office" . . . Ok Billy I'll be right
there. It was Edith Benson, admin assistant asking me if I could fill in on
the playground. Now that is just the kind of call I was waiting for
today. I told Edith "Of course I would be very happy to have playground
duty." I was in the best of moods as I get to watch Kori, Peter and their
friends as they run, jump and carry on. Now I can't wait for the bell.

   The bell, the bell, the kids were just as good as can be and in three
minutes we out the door and on the playground. There was the usual messing
around. Pushing and shoving over at one group, some girls sitting on the
ground talking and some kids were on the jungle gym setup. I spotted Kori
and Peter and there mob as they were playing kickball. I swear watching
these kids is better than a good movie. Well maybe I am a little taken with
the fact that Kori is in the group and he is having a great time. Peter and
the group were kicking the ball as hard as they could. The ball got away
and they were chasing it toward jungle gym set. I watched and then it
happened . . . Kori ran smack into a post. My heart raced and my mind went
into a panic. Peter was screaming "Mr. Roberts, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Roberts
. . . Kori is hurt!" I ran as fast as I could and told some of the kids to
get the school nurse. When I got to Kori he was on the ground holding his
arm. My first thought was ... no, please not a broken arm pleases not that.

   I was on the ground with Kori he was crying and holding his arm. I told
the kids to back up and give me room. Gently and so very carefully I picked
him up. His head rolled to my chest as he said so softly "Hold me Jake hold
me tight." I asked Kori if he could move his arm at all and he moved it
slightly. He had stopped crying and started to move his arm a little
more. Kori said "I think its Ok It's not broke" I said "Good" and carried
him with the school nurse to her room. As I laid Kori on the gurney his
lips next to my ear in this so soft voice. I heard "I love you Jake" thank
goodness the school nurse was on the other side of the room. In just a few
minutes the nurse had examined Kori and told me he would be just fine in a
few hours. It was just a hard hit and more like a hard tackle. Give him a
day or two and he will forget all about it she said.

   I walked over to Kori and told him he could ride home with me and not to
ride the bus. It was right then that I think he forgot all about running
into the post. I opened his hand and gave him two dollars and said "Kori go
back to class if you can and go with the other kids to lunch. Make sure you
buy a good lunch and its milk not juice." He smiled and gave me the thumbs
up. I went to the nurse and thanked her then returned to my class.

   In class the kids asked of Kori was Ok and some said they were so afraid
that he really got hurt. I thanked them and told them it was so important
to always think of others and wish them well. Time moved quickly and the
bell rang for lunch. My kids were so well behaved. I am proud of them. I
went to the lunch room with the other teachers and I was surprised how they
all were so concerned about Kori. It amazed me to see some of the teachers
that I thought were there just for the paycheck become so interested in the
welfare of Kori. I informed everyone that Kori would be just fine in two or
three days. I had a quick apple and then went to the cafeteria to check on
my boy.

 Nonchalantly I walked about the kids again with the high-five thing
stopping to speak to a few. Of course all the time watching Kori out of the
corner of my eye. Yep there he was with Peter and friend. They all seemed
to be asking him about how he was. At one point I heard one boy ask about
the school nurse and if he had to take his clothes off. I about burst into
laughter right there. I heard Kori say "Geeez no it was my arm that hurt
not my butt." And then they all broke out in a fit of laughter. Kori
spotted me and called me over to the table. "Hey Mr. Roberts thanks so much
for helping me when I hit that post. Do you think I damaged it?" the humor,
the smile, the wit this kid has. The boys were laughing and carrying on
about how Kori would have to pay for damages.

   Lunch was over and it was back to class. The afternoon went quickly and
it was the same routine. Pickup everything and put the room back in
order. Someone has to feed the fish, water the plants and place the waste
baskets near the door for the custodian. The bell, the bell, and the kids
as quickly as they could line up for the busses. It was a fast routine
today and everyone was gone even the walkers. The room was empty, quiet and
now darkened as all the blinds were down.

   I heard a knock at the door and turned to see Kori as he walked in. I
said, "Hi champ, how are you feeling? Are you ready to go home? Do you want
to go home to your place or do you want to go to my place till your mother
gets home? Now that was almost a stupid question. Kori looked at me with
that adoring smile and said . . . "Your place please, I still hurt and need
some place warm and with someone to give me some attention and a snack."
And I said with a sly smile "Oh you need someone to hold and protect, and
be your butler and make you good things to eat. Perhaps you would like it
if I were to brush your hair and rub your back as if you were a horse."
Kori laughed and said "Yep all that will be just fine Mr. Roberts" Get my
car please." I replied, "Ok you little bugger I'll help you out this time
but you need to remember that what goes around comes around."

   Kori and I walked to the office and I turned in my badge. We walked out
to my truck and I opened my door. Kori looked at me and said "Mr. Roberts
can you open my door for me please?" I said "Nope you have to get in over
on my side I want you sitting right next to me cause you're an accident
waiting to happen." OMG the smile, that damn smile of his and in a flash he
was at my door. I lifted Kori up and on the seat giving me just enough room
to get in and behind the wheel. Snuggled next to each other we headed for
my house.

   I pulled in as far as I could shut off the truck opened the door reached
in and pulled Kori over to me. I carefully lifted him and carried him up
the steps and to the door. He was all smiles. I gave him the code and the
door opened and I carried him into the kitchen. He screamed "Were
married!!!"  We both laughed so much he had seen it on TV many times and
thought it was just the best thing ever that I carried him into the
house. I made us both a good snack of fruit. After eating I told Kori to go
into the living room and watch TV while I did chores. Kori wanted to help
with the chores and to see Finley but I said later. I wanted him to rest
and thought maybe he would fall asleep.

   I went to the barn and let Finley out to the paddock to get some
exercise. I cleaned his stall, filled the water bucket, dropped another
flake of hay in the rack and returned to the house. When I went in it was
very quiet. With caution I walked around the corner and into the living
room. There on the couch was Kori and as I expected he was fast asleep. The
TV was on some cartoons that he likes and turned down very low. I just sat
there for a minute or two watching him sleep. He is so young, he is only a
boy, he's here and that's all I need to know. I'll keep him safe and watch
him grow. I got up went to the other room and brought back a light blanket
and as I covered him I noticed the slightest tenting in his pants. Like all
young boys eleven and twelve it happens without any notice and they have no
control. It made me smile.

   At five thirty I woke Kori and he ran to the bathroom not asking and I
could hear him peeing and peeing and peeing I thought he would never
stop. He found me in the kitchen making dinner and said "Great aim, not a
drop on the floor" we both laughed and then he helped me with dinner. We
had pork chops, smashed potatoes, and mixed veggies. For desert we had mint
chocolate chip ice-cream. Kori looked much better and ate like Finley's
brother. I told him if he kept eating like that he would be as big as a
horse. With that Kori said "Jake would it be Ok if I were just a stud
muffin for now?" I cracked up and told him he could be my stud muffin for
as long as he wants. Kori went to watch more TV and I washed dishes, put
things away and finished chores in the barn. With Finley in his stall for
the night I went back to the house. I said "Kori I think I want to get you
home now so let's get your shoes on and I'll take you home.

   He must have been really tired because there was no argument. I helped
with his shoes and we went to the truck. I lifted Kori to the seat and next
to me. He was very quiet all the way to his house. We arrived and I noticed
all the lights were on. We went to the door and Kori opened it and his
mother, Myrna, was sitting like last night. I went in and explained what
had happened at school. Myrna was like a different person tonight. She was
so appreciative she thanked me several times for taking care of Kori. I was
stunned at her being so nice. I asked Myrna if it would be Ok with her if
Kori could ride to school with me as his arm was still hurting.  Riding on
the bus could be a little difficult with the kids acting up
sometimes. Myrna said that it would be OK anytime. I reminded Myrna that
tomorrow was the last day before spring break and that I forgot there was
no school Friday.

   Myrna said "Mr. Roberts I can't keep up with that damn school schedule
either.  She had a nice smile. I took advantage at that point to ask her if
she could sign the permission letter and that I just happened to have it
with me. Myrna was very pleasant and signed the letter without
hesitation. When Myrna handed back the letter she said "Mr. Roberts you
will take good care of my son won't you? I said of course I will. She had a
nice smile and was warm and friendly. It was almost as if she realized that
she had made mistakes with Kori and that in some way this would help with
her relationship with her son. I don't know maybe I am wrong but only time
will tell. As I was about to leave I turned and said . . . "Myrna I want to
get things packed on Friday for the trip and I would like to get an early
start on Saturday. Would it be alright with you if Kori spends Friday night
at my place? I have an extras bedroom. That way Kori and I can have
Saturday to investigate the area and I want to take him to Mystic Seaport
there is so much he can see there.  Myrna said "no problem like I said
before you can have him all week if you like" Kori was beside himself. I
said goodnight and started to walk to my truck, with Kori tagging along. I
got to the truck and like the night before I got a hug and a big kiss.



    The ride home was a delight. I quickly finished my chores went to bed
slept like a rock. Thursday morning was just like Wednesday chores,
breakfast, shower pack and answer the door? What? who at this time in the
morning is at my door? Oh . . . right Kori. Amazing here is this cute,
curly haired, blue eyed, adorable boy at my door. And he says "Hey Jake
let's get going or we'll be late and today is the last day of school. I got
tomorrow off and we need to pack, clean the barn good, and other
stuff. Come on will ya?" . . . . "Slow down Kori how much sugar have you
had? He replied "None I'm just excited and I couldn't believe you asked my
mother if I could sleep at your house tomorrow night. I am really looking
forward to our trip. And Jake did you really mean the thing about this
summer? Can I really go to the horse shows with you?" I had to answer him
and to tell the truth. "Kori it is yes to all your questions. I am going to
try to make some arrangement with your mother so you can stay with me for
most of the summer. Something like going to summer camp. Now please lets
get to school."

   The day at school was uneventful and was quickly over. I met Kori at my
classroom door at the last bell and we went quickly to my truck. I helped
him in and to the center seat as that has become his place. I took Kori
home so he could change clothes and then back to my house. It was the same
routine. Snacks, chores, exercise Finley, TV, dinner, dishes, TV . . .  ahh
but this is the best part. TV with Kori next to me, real close then snacks
popcorn juice, chores. Hey Kori I said, "I think it's time to get you
home. If we get you home now you can get a shower and a good night
sleep. And Kori I want you to be very good and respectful to your
mother. Please ask if there is anything you need to do before you come down
to my house." Kori answered with a smile "Jake I will I just want
everything to be real good for this trip." I took Kori home and he walked
in his driveway by himself and into the house. Tonight it was just a smile
and a wave.

   Once at home it was a quick check on Finley and into bed. Again I slept
so sound and the night passed in a flash. I awoke to the sound of knocking
at my door. I looked over at the clock and it was 9am. I never sleep like
that. Yes it was Kori and with him a bag already packed with his clothes
for the trip. We had breakfast together and I still can't believe how much
this kid can eat. Three scrambled eggs, two slices of toast, three strips
of bacon, fried potatoes, and milk. We finished breakfast and dishes. The
day had to be just like other days for me and Kori had to learn that having
a horse is work. So it was clean the stall, fill the water, give Finley the
grain, hay and then turn him out.

   I asked Kori to show me his clothes for the trip. Hmmm . . .  Ok kid
lets go shopping for a few things. We went to Wal-Mart, three new shirts,
socks, a new jacket, new tennis shoes, and pants. I wanted Kori to look
nice when we got to Yale University. Kori was excited for all the new
clothes and thanked me 500 times and all the way home.

   Arrived home and it was lunch, exercise Finley and then time to see what
Kori would like to do. He wanted to go see a movie so we did. The movie was
The House with a Clock in its Walls. Seriously. He had a great time and he
talked all the way home, of course cuddled right up next to me. It was time
for the routine, chores, feed Finley, water, make dinner, dishes. Then the
very best part of the day, TV but this time with Kori leaning on me like a
ton of bricks. I didn't realize that a kid leaning on you for an hour can
get heavy. I readjusted him and he pulled a couch pillow down, put it on my
lap and laid his head on it. Ten minutes later he was asleep. I gently
picked him up and took him to the other bedroom. He was awake and I told
him to go use the bathroom and get in bed. He was so tired he only mumbled
something went to pee and back in bed.

   Morning came quickly and we had both slept very well. Kori was wide
awake hungry (of course) and already dressed in new clothes. We had a quick
breakfast and I asked him to change into old clothes. We had chores. Chores
finished and Finley back in his stall we were almost ready to go. I said
"Kori when did you shower?" He said "I didn't" Ok Kori shower now and hurry
up about it. I had to help him by turning on the water get the temperature
right and get him a nice big towel. Kori took a quick shower went to his
room and put on new clothes. I could tell he had used soap because when he
hugged me he smelled like strawberry shampoo.

   We hurried out the door jumped in the truck and with my boy beside me
drove off turning south and heading toward New Haven. The ride isn't that
far it's only about 160 miles. I didn't drive fast and we both enjoyed the
trip talking about what we would be seeing when we got there. I had called
and made reservations at Clarion Hotel & Suites. When I called I was
informed that because this week is college bound seniors from all over the
United States and abroad rooms were limited. It looked like we may only get
a single unless a double opens up should someone cancel. I had not told
Kori this as I was not sure how he would react and I know we could always
ask for a cot.

   We arrived at the Clarion and went in to register. Then came the news
they were full up and we would have to take the single. Kori was looking at
stuff and looking at the pool so he didn't hear what was being said. I got
the keycard tapped Kori on the shoulder and said lets go. Our room was on
the first floor and I was happy about that. I opened the door and we walked
in. I watched Kori, I watched the expression on his face and then he looked
at me and said "Jake there is only one bed, where do I sleep? With you?"
My heart nearly broke I thought he was upset but with a smile I explained
. . . "Kori there are so many young people from all over here to visit
colleges in the area that this is all they have. Before I could say they
will bring a folding bed for you." Kori exclaimed "Yes! I get to cuddle up
with you all night and every night while we are here." He started jumping
around and then into my arms with that big smile came a big kiss and "I
love you Jake"

Hint Chapter 5, In bed Saturday night, Mystic Seaport and maybe Yale . . .

jacoblion@tutanota.com