Date: Sat, 5 Jan 2019 22:13:56 +0100 (CET)
From: jacoblion@tutanota.com
Subject: A Neglected Boy  Chapter 71

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*Although there is some sex in the story it will be very gentle and loving.*

Chapter 71

A Neglected Boy   .......   A Story of Love

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jacoblion@tutanota.com

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. . .  Chapter 71 . . . Why am I awake in the middle of the night?
....... Oh it's 6 am Friday and my brain is saying get up go to school;
however my body is saying more sleep.  This just plain sucks!  The bed is
big and empty without the boys, hmmm I thought they slept here last night
.......  Oooh is that the smell of fresh coffee?  Ahhhhh it is! ....... and
my boys are in the kitchen.

   It just hit me today is early release at noon.  I jumped from bed,
pulled on house shorts and a t-shirt and walked to the kitchen.  Standing
side by side were two handsome young boys.  Kori and Liam looked at me with
the biggest of smiles and reminded me "early release" Jake.  Kori already
had hot oatmeal made with fresh banana, perfectly made French vanilla
coffee, and Liam had 6 slices of wheat toast buttered with apricot jam.

   I adjusted my thinking ..... Not such a bad way to wake up with
breakfast made and two amazing little butlers.  There must be something
going on that I don't know about and I will bet I am about to find out.
The three of us sat eating breakfast when Liam and Kori reminded me that
Neil and Peter will be here this afternoon to build the practice room.
Damn!  I forgot all about that.

    Then Kori asked if I bought the sound system for the practice room.  I
forgot that too.  I called Neil and asked if he could start without me so I
could stop on the way home to buy the sound system.  Neil said he would be
here about 1pm and perhaps I could drop off the boys first.  Perfect
everything was going to work out and I am sure a few more hands will
appear.

   We ran out and did chores and turned out the horses.  The weather was
great 42 degrees and sunny.  I finished the stalls while Liam and Kori ran
and started the shower.  Back in the house I stepped in the shower as Kori
and Liam stepped out, it was all nice and warm.  Funny on any other day the
boys would have wanted to stay for a little attention.

   We were all dressed and in a flash to the truck and at school.  Kori
walked over to the middle school and Liam and I headed for the playground.
I watched as Liam spotted Abby and some friends and I headed for the office
and my classroom.  The day has started as one of those days where
everything is just going to be perfect.

   The bell rang and soon the room was full of happy, loud, enthusiastic
kids and like last year we were working on their favorite subject
Geography.  Today the kids are mapping South Africa and we will be watching
a special video after recess.  The bell rang and the kids were all excited
as it was recess, video, math and home.

   I was correcting papers while the kids were out and my phone
buzzed. Mrs. Benson, admin assistant, said Mr. Prince, vice principle,
needed to see me as soon as possible.  I closed my grade book and walked to
see Mr. Prince as I approached his office I noticed Edith looking upset.  I
knocked on his door and as I walked in Liam was sitting in a chair next to
the door with his head in his hands.

   Mr. Prince looked at me and said . . . "Mr. Roberts we have a problem."
I looked at Liam he had tears running down his face, a bloody nose and a
black eye.  Liam didn't try to move, he didn't openly cry, he didn't try to
take my hand, he didn't say my name.  Liam just sat there.

   Mr. Prince said . . . . "Mr. Roberts, Liam has been in a fight, not just
a little skirmish but a real all out fight.  We have it on our playground
camera and I need you to watch it."  I looked at Liam he was really
frightened and would not look at me; he just held his head in his hands.

   Mr. Prince started the playback ...... The incident took place next to
the jungle gym so that is where the camera is aimed for best results should
something happen there.  What Mr. Prince and I were watching was a boy
named "Parker" a fifth grader shoving another boy named Ning, a second
grader.

   Ning is a small Chinese boy who is delightfully sweet.  Parker began to
openly punch Ning, and then it happened . . . . the video captured Liam on
a full out run as he hit Parker full force knocking him to the ground.  It
didn't stop ........ Liam began to repeatedly punch Parker in the face over
and over again until the on duty teacher pulled Liam off Parker.

   I was stunned at what I just watched.  I was trying to make sense of it.
This was my little Liam and at the same time it wasn't the Liam I hug at
night.  Mr. Prince asked Liam to have a seat out in the main office.  As
Liam passed by me he never looked at me or acknowledged that I was there.

   Mr. Prince said . . . "Jake you know we have a problem and I can't fix
it.  The video shows what happened and I have no choice as how to handle
this.  With just the video both Parker and Liam will be suspended for 3
days."  It was as we were talking that Mr. Prince received the photos from
Helen of both Parker and Ning.

   The photo of Ning showed a red mark and bruise on the right side of his
face.  The photos of Parker showed a cut lip, bloody nose, 2 black eyes,
and a large red mark on his forehead.  Liam had not had photos taken as
yet.  Mr. Prince asked Helen to send Ning in as each boy had to be
interviewed.

   Ning arrived and bowed slightly as he entered.  Mr. Prince asked Ning to
please explain what happened.  Ning said . . . "I was just going on the
monkey bars when Parker said to give him my money for the Bookfair.  Today
is the Bookfair for first, second, and third grades.  I said no and he
pushed me and said if I didn't give it to him he was going to hit me, and
he did."  Ning continued ............

   "Liam came flying at Parker and knocked him down and started hitting
him.  Liam is my best friend at school he never makes fun of me cause of
how I talk."  Mr. Prince thanked Ning and said he could go back to class if
he felt Ok. Ning started to leave then turned to me and gave me a hug and
said . . . .  "Tell Liam he's my best friend."

   It was time to interview Parker.  Parker came in and gave me a dirty
look and sat two chairs away.  Mr. Prince asked Parker for his side of the
story. Parker said . . . "I duno Ning started it he called me stupid, I
told him to take it back and then Liam blindsided me."  Mr. Prince asked
. . . "Parker did you ask Ning for his Bookfair money?"  Parker replied
. . .  `No that's stupid."  Ok Parker well we do have to let you know that
school policy is that you get 3 days suspension as well as Liam too.

   Parker got up kicked the chair and slammed the door as he was leaving.
Now it was time to interview Liam.  Liam was asked to come in and I was
asked to leave and Mrs. Benson was asked to witness the interview and it
along with the others he was recorded.  Liam walked by me as if I wasn't
there.  I know Liam was upset but that he walked passed me as he did hurt
like nothing I had ever experienced.  It was all I could do not to cry.

   Mr. Prince told Liam to relax and just tell what happened on the
playground as best he could.  Liam began . . . "I was on the bars and I saw
Parker push Ning then he shoved him hard then Parker punched Ning in the
face.  It was like I was seeing my foster parent beating me and I couldn't
take it I remember running and tackling Parker then Mr. Burns pulling me
off Parker."  Do you remember anything else Liam? . . . . Liam continued
. . .

   "No, I mean I know I hit Parker.  I think Jake is very mad at me we're
not to ever hit; I don't think he'll want me anymore."  At that Liam broke
down and began crying.  Mrs. Benson held Liam and I was asked to come back
in.

   Mr. Prince told me what Liam said, I took Liam from Mrs. Benson and he
wrapped himself around me and kept saying .....  "I'm sorry, I'm sorry."
Three of us were in tears and Mr. Prince turned away but I saw as he wiped
a tear from his face.

   I called Ian and had him pick Liam up and take him home.  I needed to
finish and wait for Kori and Peter.  Ian arrived and I walked Liam to the
exit door to go with Ian.  On the way down the hallway several students
gave Liam thumbs up and I had to tell them to stop, fighting is never the
answer.  Ian took Liam and headed for home.

   Noon came and the kids were gone to their buses and walkers left at
about the same time Kori and Peter arrived.  News travels fast and they
both already knew what had happened.  Peter being Peter gave Liam 10 points
for kicking the sh - - out of Parker.  I had to step on Peter quick for
that and remind him that fighting is not the way to solve anything.

   I had the boys sit for a minute to explain what had happened and how
Liam was seeing a flashback to him being beaten by his foster parent.  Kori
and Peter looked so sad and said how they wished his foster parent had been
punished by being beaten every day in prison.  I just said we need to be
careful of Liam and that he may think we don't love him because he hit
another student.

   I told Kori . . . .  "Hey Kori when we get home please turn on the tub
heater and fill the tub with real warm water and plenty of bubble bath.
The one place I know where Liam feels really safe is when I hold him in a
nice warm bath.  Kori smiled he knew that for some reason that is the one
place we all feel peace and love, Kori even knows what music to have
playing; Howl's Moving Castle.

   We arrived at home and soon the place a beehive of activity.  Ian told
me Liam had been in his room for the past two hours.  I gave Ian my "Debit
card" and asked him to get the Onkyo sound system for me and give it to
Neil when he got back if I was still with Liam.

   I went to the boy's room to get Liam he looked so sad.  I picked Liam up
and whispered in his ear I loved him.  I know he has grown but he is still
small for his age and much smaller than Parker.  I don't know how he did
it.  I carried him to the master bath and it was if he knew just what was
happening not saying a word he undressed and was in the bubbles in a flash.

   I stepped in and he just leaned back against me.  His right hand reached
up and touched my face so lovingly.  I just held him for 3 or 4 minutes.  I
could feel Liam as he began to relax and then I lathered his head.  Liam
began to sing ............ it was not his happy song "The Bear went over
the Mountain" it was the song he first sang when he first lived with me.

   My heart broke to hear Liam sing this song, the song he would sing when
he was beaten.  I'm crying and I want him to stop.  I began to sing
. . . . "The Bear went over the Mountain .............." finally he joined
in and sang with me "The Bear went over the Mountain"

   We were very shriveled up when we stepped out of the bath.  Liam looked
like he was a little old man and I looked like a mummy from Egypt.  We
dried and I got Liam to smile and we went to see what all the noise was
about and how much the crew had accomplished.

   Wowww it was amazing Neil, Ian, Peter, Garret, Riku and Kori had the
entire outside wall, ceiling, soundproofing and door all up.  It was just
finish the inside tomorrow.  It really looks great and I know the boys will
love it.  Neil had talked me into making it large enough to have 4 or 5
people play inside it.

   I was watching the excitement as all the boys were talking about this
and that.  It occurred to me how lucky I was to find this teacher
Mr. Allen.  Ok so he teaches his private students much the same as his band
students.

   He uses this method called "standard of excellence" so each instrument
book is written so it can play with any other instrument in the series.  So
Kori and Liam can play together all the same songs even when clarinet is a
Bb instrument and Flute is a C instrument. It has a practice CD so they can
play along and it sounds like they were right in band.

   Peter, bless that child, woke me up and said . . . "Great work don't you
think Jake?  We all worked hard Jake while you were napping Jake.  We
worked up an appetite Jake; pepperoni pizza and garlic sticks and wings
sure would be good Jake." (if he says my name one more time! I'll) Ok, Ok
Peter I got the message.  I'll buy and you and Neil go fetch. I love to see
Peter smile, oh and that got Neil to smile too. Those two, hmmm?

   Everyone was giving Peter high fives and thumbs up.  Neil said he would
buy the soda; "great help Neil" Liam was smiling but glued to my side and I
could feel his hand in mine every so often.  I am not sure we are back to
normal yet; actually I know we are not back to normal.

   The party was over and plans were made for Saturday to finish the room
and give it a good try.  Garret and Riku were bringing their Cello and
Violin as well and Riku asked when I was getting a piano ...... "WHAT?" ! !
Excuse me what is the yearly average cost of having a child?  Hmmm maybe
Riku has a point.  Maybe we could get a good keyboard like a Roland RD
2000. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04JnGqYUZLk

    Kori asked if Peter could sleepover but before I could answer Peter
said he was helping Neil with the rest of the material we needed for
tomorrow.  It appears Peter is staying at Neil's and that means it is just
Kori, Liam and I for tonight.  Ahhhhh yes.  It is so nice to have all the
friends over and it is so nice when all the friends go home.  Sometimes I
just want alone time with Kori and Liam and tonight Liam needs some special
attention.

   Tonight the shower was special and Liam got all the attention.  There
was not a spot on him that had not been washed, scrubbed and tickled.  He
enjoyed every second.  We dried and jumped in bed.  Liam was in the middle
and being hugged from both sides.  The softness of night surrounded us and
soon only the sound of hearts beating in the stillness.

   It was around three o'clock and Liam was very restless.  He was turning
from side to side and then .........  Liam screamed . . . . "Stop please
don't hit me" he was drenched, completely soaked.  Kori and I grabbed Liam
he woke but was trembling and crying.  Kori ran a got a big towel and we
dried Liam.  All Liam said was . . .  "The belt hurt so bad."

   Morning arrived with Kori in the kitchen and I was holding Liam
protecting him from Lucifer's torment during the darkness of the night.  He
turned and there was just the hint of a smile.  His eyes were red and all
puffy.  Where is my Liam?  Where is my little boy?  Where?

   I kissed Liam and his smile widened.  I kissed him again but this was no
ordinary kiss; this was just about the sloppiest kiss complete with
abundant poking, teasing, and tickling I could think of.  Amazingly I heard
a giggle.  I had him.  I knew I he loved what was about to happen.  I
jumped up and pinned him to the bed and nibbled and kissed him from head to
toe. He screamed . . . .  "Stop I'm gonna pee!"

   My Liam was back.  He ran from bed and I heard an almost never ending
stream of pee.  I hollered that he best be using his best aim.  He finished
and with a run and jump I was attacked by this little rug-rat.  He wrapped
his arms around me and with softest whisper I heard Liam say . . . "I love
you Jake you're my dad."

   Kori ran in and jumped on the bed and hugged Liam and said
. . . "Pancakes" Liam and Kori were gone but I knew it would be a very long
time before the devil would crawl in his hole and let Liam be happy.

   I made sure to arrive in the kitchen in shorts and t-shirt so not to
give anyone an unexpected surprise.  I was smart to do so as there sat Neil
and Peter, Neil with fresh hot coffee and Peter with hot chocolate and
whipped cream.  Peter being Peter looked at me and said . . . "Kinda formal
for breakfast Jake."  Neil couldn't hide his smile.

   I of course reminded Peter that "what goes around comes around".  Liam
was in Neil's lap enjoying some tummy rubs till Kori put his plate of
pancakes down.  Peter was having toaster waffles and was just about tied to
Neil; I seriously think there's something going on between those two.

   I gently pushed Kori aside and began making my pancakes as I felt Kori
pinch my butt.  Kori gave me a little wink as he slyly passed his hand over
the front of my shorts.  Without hesitation and if front of Neil and Peter
I grabbed Kori's face in my hands and gave him a big kiss on the lips.  OMG
I thought Peter would fall on the floor.  Neil just said . . .  "wow that's
a good start to the day."

    Kori was a little red; Liam wasn't paying any attention as he was
feeding his face and Neil just went on drinking coffee and enjoying the
"Free" breakfast.  Thank goodness everyone was acting normal and I hoped
the day would continue this way.  I sat down to have my breakfast as Ian,
Garret and Riku walked in.  I heard Riku say . . . "oh yes I love pancakes"

   Kori reached up and grabbed the box of pancake mix handed it to Riku and
said . . . "there you go help yourself ......... oh and you and Garret can
do the dishes."  Way to go Kori!  I thought for sure that Garret and Riku
would say thanks but they had already had breakfast.  Nope!  Garret took
the bowl and they made more pancakes.

   I made more coffee Liam gave up his chair and was back in Neil's lap and
Peter and Riku were up to no good.  Things couldn't get out of hand as long
as everyone stayed in the kitchen.  Neil took control and said . . . Ok 10
minutes and everyone needs to be downstairs to help finish the practice
room.

   Garret and Riku washed the dishes and cleaned the kitchen and the rest
of us unloaded Neil's truck with the paneling to finish the practice room.
Ian and Neil both had a chance to ask about Liam.  I just said it was a
rough night.  Garret and Riku joined us and we all would hold the paneling
against the wall as Neil used the nail gun to fasten it in place.

   At three o'clock we were rolling out the thick carpet and tacking it in
place.  The room was finished except a few little things.  The boys ran and
brought down the music stands, chairs, music, and instruments.  All 4 boys
were in the room and here goes the test as they all began to play.

   Neil, Ian and I stood outside the room.  Kori, Liam, Garret and Riku
played the simple arrangement of Ode to Joy they played at the Ito's house.
Wowww it was amazing almost no sound.  There was more like a hint as if
coming from a very far distance but you really could make out what it was.
Then the real test they put on the Onkyo sound system and played along with
it.  Nothing but quiet.

   I thanked Neil a thousand times and he said it was his pleasure as he
handed me the bill .......... $$$$$ Ow! Holy Sh _ _ ......  Then Neil
handed me the real bill . . . Oh that was much better only $$.  Ian, Neil
and I left the boys and went up to the kitchen.

   We sat and for a minute or two talked about how unbelievable it was that
the boys were downstairs and we couldn't hear anything not a sound from
here.  The conversation turned to Liam and we all began to realize just how
badly Liam had been hurt.  Liam has been holding things inside and I think
I may have to find someone for him to talk with.  Ian and Neil agreed.

   We decided to go out for dinner my treat and we will go Chinese Buffet.
We called downstairs, ha, Ian ran down to tell the boys and I realized the
soundproof room works both ways.  I need to install an intercom or a red
light or something.

   We all washed and were on our way to "Panda Garden" good restaurant,
nice and clean and great food.  So here we are Neil, Peter, Ian, Garret,
Riku, me, Liam, and Kori all at this big round table.  Wonton soup, then
the food kept coming but we hadn't ordered.  All of a sudden Ning was
hugging Liam and next thing we saw was Ning half on Liam's lap.

   As it turned out the restaurant is owned by Ning's grandparents.  Ning's
grandmother came to the table and Ning introduced Liam and me in Chinese.
I then introduced everyone else.  Liam and I were thanked again and again
for what Liam had done.  Ning ended up having dinner with us or should I
say Liam as he never really moved from Liam's lap.

   Before dinner was over we were introduced to Ning's mom and dad and Liam
asked if Ning can visit and have sleepovers.  Well that was answered by
everyone and Liam now has a "boy" friend that can visit as well as his
"girl" friend, Abby.

   We must be very careful how we say "boy" friend, "girl" friend.  Liam
was smiling and slightly pinkish in color.  He whispered in my ear that
Peter in London is also his "boy" friend and wants him to visit here with
Simon and Jonah.  So I clued everyone at the table to be most careful with
the terminology.  Liam was about to tell everyone that Kori and Simon both
have the same problem ....... Yikes I shut Liam up quick.

   Now who do you think caught what Liam was about to say and wanted to
know? ........... Yes Peter.  Liam got away from me and ran over to Peter
and whispered in Peter's ear .....  "They both have a stiffy in the
morning" Geeez Liam did you have to tell Peter?  Well Peter being Peter
couldn't contain himself and said . . .  "Liam did you say Kori and Simon
both have a stiffy in the morning?"  Uproarious laughter from the entire
table.

   That was the how our dinner ended, I thought.  Ning's mother and father
appeared just as we were getting up with Ning and a small backpack.  She
handed me the backpack and said . . .  "thank you Ning is very pleased to
be having a good time, we are very happy he stay at your house come back
him tomorrow, Ok?"  Somehow there was a misunderstanding Ning's mom and dad
speak very little English and thought Ning had been invited to sleepover
tonight.

   Liam was all smiles and had Ning by the hand already.  Everyone else was
smiling at me like . . . . Oh Jake you get into the most interesting
situations.  Well now what?  Well Kori had asked Peter to sleepover too.
Neil looked at me and just said . . .  "Jake you always say the more the
merrier."  I looked at Garret, Ian, and Riku and immediately said
. . . "NO!" they just laughed.

   So here we go Kori, Peter, Liam and Ning and Liam and Ning in the front
seat with me and Kori and Peter in the back doing who knows what.  I'm
driving and trying to figure out who will sleep in what bed and I was kinda
counting on having a nice sleep with just Kori and Liam.  Geeez what
happens if Liam has a bad dream?

   We arrive home and it is just eight o'clock.  Kori and Peter were very
thoughtful and did chores so I could give Ning a tour.  That was a short
lived idea when Liam snatched Ning and ignored me completely as they headed
up to the trains first.  Fine I'll just make an OJ n Sprite.  Peter and
Kori finished chores and headed off to play X-box.

   Hey it's Ok, before I had kids I was all alone and now I have kids and
I'm all alone, unless there is a need for money; then I am very important.
When they hit 16 they best have a job.  I hear footsteps, ahhhhh Peter and
his friend Kori needing a snack, they just ate Chinese.  Peter is being all
sweet and lovey dovey and his arm is around my shoulder then I hear
........... "Jake you got a gray hair!"  Oh thanks Peter just what I needed
to hear.

   I asked Kori and Peter if they wanted to put up the tent and sleep in
the barn.  Kori and Peter were messing around and to be honest I loved the
attention then something good happened no really great ........ Peter began
to give me a backrub.  Wowww it was fantastic!  I asked how he learned to
do it and he slipped and said . . . .  "Neil taught me when we were lying
on the bed one night."

   Peter tried to eat his words but it was too late.  Kori looked at Peter
then at me and had that sly, devious grin.  Cat was out of the bag.  Peter
looked like a stop light he was that red.  I looked at Kori and said . . .
"Kori you and I will never tell Neil what Peter said, got it?"  Kori knew
and neither of us would ever hurt Neil or Peter.

   Peter gave me a hug but his look was like he was so embarrassed he
wanted to hide.  I spun Peter around and said . . .  "Peter I know you love
Neil and he loves you and I don't think anything happens other then you
sleep on his bed so . . . . how about that great backrub.  Peter relaxed
and I was getting a great backrub.

   Kori looked at me and there was that smile again as he said . . . "Jake
stand up and see if you can touch the ceiling?"  I didn't fall for it he
wanted to see if my pants were tented.  Peter got the message and started
to move around to me chest, I said "You two go play something."  Kori and
Peter laughed and ran up with Ning and Liam but Liam and Ning were on the
way down for a snack.

   It was time for showers / bath and well ......... Ok Kori and Peter to
the boy's bathroom and Liam and Ning well I wasn't sure about this but Ning
and Liam had already talked about it and it was a bath in the big tub.  I
turned on the tub warmer and in go the bubble bath.  I turned around and
they were both standing there naked.  Geeez Ning is very cute.

   I left Ning and Liam in the bath and went to check on Kori and Peter.
Dang as many times as I tell them to close the hall door to their bathroom
they don't.  It is a direct view to them standing under the shower and I
can see just what they are doing.  If I didn't know better I would think
Peter is teasing me.  I turned and walked back to the little ones.

   Liam and Ning were having a great time but it was time to rinse and get
them dry and in bed.  I also needed to talk to Kori and Peter and they
needed to wear underwear tonight.  The boys were all in bed.  Kori and
Peter looked cute in their boxers; I had to try not to laugh.  Liam and
Ning were in the twin bed at the bottom and both had Spiderman briefs and
t-shirts.

   I took my shower and crawled in a very large cold bed alone.  I was only
in bed a few minutes when I got up and took another look at the boys, they
were all asleep.  Back in my bed I tossed and turned a few times and
finally fell asleep.  I'm not sure what time it was but there were little
feet pushing against my legs.  I opened my eyes to find Liam and Ning in
bed with me.

   Liam's back was against my chest and I was wrapped around him and he was
all cuddled up with Ning.  We slept all warm and cuddly till morning.  I
felt something itching my nose and as my eyes opened I was greeted by 4
smiling eyes looking directly at me and a Liam finger tickling my nose.
Ning started to laugh as he and Liam jumped from bed and ran to the
bathroom.

   I heard the sound of pee, then it slowed and stopped ...........  Geeez
almighty two rug-rats attacked me from a flying leap ...... ohhh that hurt.
The smell of bacon and fresh coffee, well I think for Liam and Ning it was
the bacon and Liam needed to feed the toaster.  The rug-rats were gone in a
flash.  Good!  I needed to adjust things and go pee.

   I was in shorts and t-shirt as I entered the kitchen to get coffee and
found Peter and Kori also dressed in shorts and t-shirts.  Standing at the
end of the counter was Ning feeding the toaster as Liam was buttering and
spreading jam on the toast.  Perhaps I should invest in a breakfast
restaurant, I already have a crew.

   I was enjoying my coffee and I looked over at Kori as he was scrambling
a dozen eggs and had cooked the entire package of bacon.  Liam and Ning set
10 slices of toast on the table along with half gallon of OJ.  I'm thinking
I need another job.

   Well breakfast was great and Kori and Peter make a good team.  When out
of nowhere Peter looked at me and asked . . . . "Jake would you or Neil
adopt me if something happened to my mother?"  Whoa!  Where did that come
from?  Kori looked at Peter with a shocked expression and I think I did
also.  I said . . .  "Peter nothing is going to happen to your mom, but of
course Neil or I would gladly adopt you or be your guardian."

   Peter simply gave my arm a love punch and said thanks and that was the
end of the conversation.  I was left with why Peter would ask such a
question.  When Peter wasn't looking Kori looked at me with a very confused
look.  Obviously Kori had no idea why Peter would ask something like that.

   Today had already been discussed by the boys and they all wanted Ning to
have a sleigh ride.  It was out to the barn let the horses out for a few
minutes before hitching them to the sleigh.  Ning was so excited he had
never been so close to horses never mind in a sleigh.  The horses were
feeling good and we got the stalls cleaned in minutes.

   The boys turned the sleigh and we were hitched in 10 minutes and off for
a great ride.  The trail has been packed and Eric and Dusty know what to do
and down we went to the old orchard.  We rounded the big corner and were on
this mile and half straight away when Liam and Kori said lets go faster.  I
let Eric and Dusty have more reigns and off we went and the boys were
singing "Over the river and through the woods to Grandmothers house we go"

   The ride was as much fun as we have had so far this winter.  Ning
couldn't stop giggling and laughing and he and Liam were so happy.  We
unhitched and rubbed the horses down and turned them out with a few flakes
of good hay.  The boys were in the house and I said they had to practice 30
minutes then they could do what they want.  Surprise Ning takes piano
lessons.

   I heard the door as Garret, Riku and Ian came in and next thing I knew
they were all down in the music room.  I asked Ian to join me and explained
about Liam being suspended for 3 days and asked Ian to please take care of
him while I was at school.  Ian was happy to help out with the situation.

   The boys played for a little over an hour and we had soup and sandwiches
for lunch.  The afternoon was spent either on X-box or trains or back to
the music room.  I had finished all my school papers and was so happy that
Liam has a friend to have over.

   Ning's parents arrived and Liam and Ning gave them the grand tour.  Then
Riku who knew them invited them to hear all the boys play.  The boys played
the same Ode to Joy but they left the soundproof door open.  Ning's parents
were very impressed and thought Ning would love to do something like that
as well.  At least I think that was what they were saying.

   The day ended as Ning left with his parents and Peter, Garret, Riku all
left with Ian.  Kori and Liam were in a very loving mood and we just hung
together for the remainder of the day.  ...... To be Continued ..........

Chapter 72 Next ........  A Neglected Boy . . . .  A Story of Love

Visit Jake and the Boys at ~ ~ https://jacoblion.weebly.com/

**If you liked the story, please let me know. Thank you.**