Date: Sat, 9 Jul 2022 15:45:30 -0500
From: Keith Yates <keith.96@att.net>
Subject: Devyn's Struggle 52

This is a fictional story involving sexual acts between two or more men.
If this offends you, why are you here?  If you are under the legal age to
read sexually explicit material then do not read any further.  This story
in no way represents any person living or dead.  Any resemblance to any
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To argue with a man who has renounced the use and authority of reason, and
whose philosophy consists in holding humanity in contempt, is like
administering medicine to the dead, or endeavoring to convert an atheist by
scripture. Thomas Paine

Thanks for reading and for the feedback. I'll be looking forward to more
feedback. Please send the comments to me at keith.96@att.net.

Devyn's Struggle
Chapter 52

Devyn was feeling like things were going well for him. With Dewayne locked
up, the bullying had died down. Dale or Ted would give him a tough time but
they were the only ones. Terry was even just avoiding Devyn. Devyn had
considered trying to talk to Terry but he did not want to stir something
up. He also did not want to make Terry a target for Ted or Dale. Without
Dewayne around, Terry might be an easy target for them.

Devyn was looking forward to the upcoming three-day weekend. Joe had made
plans for them to visit Matt. Lee was taking care of the livestock and Joe
was booking a hotel room for them to spend a couple of days. Devyn wondered
about seeing Brent. He knew he probably could not call but he did not want
to just show up either. He thought about doing like he did the last time he
and Brent had talked and just scoping the place out until Brent's parents
left. Of course, there was no reason to believe that they would leave or
that Brent would not leave with them. It might be better to send Joe to the
door to see about getting Brent to come out. Devyn also thought about
having Joe call. Brent's parents would not recognize Joe's voice. Once Joe
got Brent on the phone then Joe could pass the phone to Devyn.

Devyn kept kicking ideas around as he moved through the lunch line. He had
told Charlie about him and Joe going away for the weekend. Devyn had
explained about possibly seeing Brent. Charlie had seemed nervous about it
but was also supportive. Devyn was glad that he could be honest with
Charlie. He would soon need to tell Charlie a little more about his
past. He did not want their relationship to be built on deception.

Devyn took his tray and headed across the cafeteria to join his friends. He
liked knowing that he had faithful friends this time. They knew he was gay
and for the most part they did not care. Oh, Julie cared, as she was trying
to fix Devyn up with someone. Devyn wished he could tell her he had a
boyfriend but Charlie was not ready for that.

Devyn sat down at the table with Sam and Charlie. "Where are the girls?"

"They are off working on some top-secret project," Sam said.

"It's all hush, hush," Charlie added. "They aren't telling any of us what
it is."

"All they will say is that it is girl stuff," Sam said.

Devyn did not know what that would be but he also figured he probably did
not want to know what `Girl Stuff' was. "As long as it doesn't involve me
doing another play."

"How is that going?" Sam asked.

"I guess not too bad," Devyn said. "Mrs. Rogers says I'm not horrible."

"That is something," Charlie said.

Devyn started to say more but stopped when Danny came over to the
table. "Devyn, I want to thank you again for the help. I got a `B' on that
last test thanks to you. I was only a couple points from an `A'."

"That's great," Devyn said. Danny was holding his tray of food when he had
stopped to thank Devyn. "You want to join us?"

"Sure," Danny said. "I wanted to talk to you anyway." Danny sat down at the
table and said hi to both Charlie and Sam. "I was wondering if you could go
over some of the new stuff. I'd like to do better on the next test."

"It sounds like you did fine," Sam said. "I'd be excited with a `B'."

"I'd like to get an `A'," Danny said. "You got an `A,' didn't you?" Danny
turned to Devyn.

"Um, yeah," Devyn said.

"You aced it, didn't you," Danny said, shaking his head. "You stud."

Devyn chuckled at Danny's comment. If Danny's dad were anything like Danny,
Devyn could tell why Joe had fallen for the man. "I'll be happy to study
anytime. It helps me too."

"Cool," Danny said. "I also told Randy how good you are. Would you be
alright if he joined us?"

Randy was the quarterback of the football team. Devyn looked over at
Charlie out of the corner of his eyes. He could remember Charlie telling
him about the crush Charlie had on Randy. Devyn knew exactly why that was,
the jock was a total hot stud. "I am fine with that." Devyn had an idea
that he thought might also help Julie. "Um, would you mind if Julie also
joined us?"

"Fine with me," Danny said.

Devyn knew that Julie had a crush on Randy. Julie had told him that Randy
had not noticed her. Devyn thought if they were all studying together that
it might give Julie and Randy an opportunity.

"Here you are," a girl said, coming up to the table.

"Hey," Danny said. "Join us. This is my girlfriend, Kelly."

Devyn could see Sam practically drooling over Kelly. Charlie might have a
crush on Randy but it was kind of obvious that Sam had one on Kelly. Devyn
found Kelly to be a lot like Danny; it was no wonder the two were a couple.

"You my bud are becoming quite the popular guy," Sam said as they were
leaving the cafeteria for their next classes.

"I'm just being a friend," Devyn said.

"Well helping Danny and now Randy is going to get a lot of people in your
corner," Charlie said. "Randy is `Mr. Popular' with both the guys and the
girls because of being quarterback."

Devyn was sure it also had to do with Randy being hot as hell. The guy
looked like one of those guys right off one of the team dramas.

"I think you bud are starting to fit in," Sam said. "Maybe all the shit you
have been putting up with will start to disappear now."

"I hope so," Devyn said.

# # #

Devyn did not know how but the word `fag' and sometimes `cock sucker' and
`queer' were still appearing at random in his locker. Devyn had asked and
Sally had changed his combination but the word continued to appear. It was
obvious that someone knew a trick to trip the latch.

"I'm tempted to just leave it on there," Devyn told Charlie as he was
scrubbing away the word.

"But someone might see," Charlie said.

"Hell, everyone knows I'm a fag," Devyn said. "What difference will this
make?"

"Are you still, um, going on that trip this weekend?" Charlie asked,
changing the subject off the slurs that appeared in Devyn's locker.

"That is our plan," Devyn said.

"You, um, still going to see, um, Brent?" Charlie asked nervously.

"Yes," Devyn said. His brown eyes looked into Charlie's blue ones. "That
doesn't bother you, does it?"

"Um, I, um, don't know," Charlie said. He was worried that Devyn might end
up realizing he was more into Brent than he was into Charlie. Charlie would
have no one else if Devyn dumped him. As far as Charlie knew there was no
one else in school that was gay.

"You have nothing to worry about," Devyn said, wanting to reassure his
boyfriend.

"I hope not," Charlie said looking down at the tile floor.

"You could come with us," Devyn said. "I might actually need the emotional
support and I'm sure Joe won't mind."

"I would like to be there for you," Charlie said. "I have this stupid
family reunion thing this weekend. I can try and get out of it, but my mom
really thinks it is good to see all the relatives once a year."

"You sound so excited," Devyn teased.

"It is always boring," Charlie said. "I'd rather go with you."

"I will understand if you can't," Devyn said, putting the rag and cleaner
in his locker. He had started just keeping the stuff to remove the words in
the locker. It was easier than going to the office every time the word
appeared. "I think if it shows up on there again, I'm just leaving it. If
I'm going to be a fag, I am going to be proud of it."

"You got balls," Charlie said.

"Will your brother be going to this family reunion?" Devyn asked.

"Yeah," Charlie said and sighed.

"Are you and him having a problem?" Devyn asked. If Howard was figuring out
that Charlie was gay, then Devyn was certain the two would be having a
problem. It was probably good that he and Charlie would not be together
this weekend. It might bring up too many questions if they were together
every weekend.

"Just the usual brother stuff," Charlie said and shrugged. He was not about
to tell Devyn that Howard was a homophobe.

"Try and have fun at your family thing," Devyn said.

"I'd rather be there to support you," Charlie said.

"Maybe next weekend," Devyn said.

Devyn went on to his class and Charlie to his. The rest of the day went by
without too much trouble. Devyn was called a fag and he was harassed by
Dale again. "He is never going to leave you alone, is he," Sam said.

"I guess not," Devyn said. "Not sure why he is so hateful to me.

"Well, I kind of found out," Sam said. "Lori told me."

Lori was a girl Sam had dated off and on for a couple of months. "What did
she tell you?" Devyn asked.

"Mindy has been talking," Sam said. "You my bud are quite the stud."

"What?" Devyn asked.

"I guess Dale just doesn't measure up to you in the sex department," Sam
said grinning at his friend. "And did you really tell her to have him wear
two condoms?"

Devyn had forgotten or tried to push the conversation with Mindy telling
him about Dale's hair trigger out of his mind. "You got to be kidding."
Devyn could not believe Mindy was talking about that shit.

"Nope," Sam said. "According to Lori, Mindy says you are hung and know
exactly how to use it."

"Fuck," Devyn muttered.

"I guess you gave her multiple orgasms," Sam said. "Dude why you aren't
straight is beyond me. You could have any girl in school."

"Shit," Devyn muttered. "If she is throwing that up to Dale when they are,
um..."

"Fucking," Sam provided.

"It is no wonder he is pissed at me," Devyn said. "I sure wouldn't like my
boyfriend throwing in my face that his ex was better in bed."

"I guess that is true," Sam said. "You got a boyfriend?"

"No," Devyn lied. He hated lying to Sam but would do it for Charlie.

"I thought maybe you were holding out on me," Sam said.

"When I have something I can tell you, I'll be sure you get the key
details." Devyn grinned. "I will tell you every little detail. I'll go into
just how hot he is and just how big his..."

Sam held up a hand cutting off Devyn's words. "Um, that won't be, um,
necessary. Although you could tell me how to do the multiple orgasm
trick. If I can do that, then maybe I can be classified as the super stud."

"Ugh," Devyn groaned. "Don't you ever think about anything besides sex?"

"Um, not really," Sam said.

Devyn and Sam were walking towards the gym. They had gym together and then
Devyn had study hall with Charlie. He was glad the day was almost over.

As they were walking, they passed by Ted who was going in the opposite
direction and Devyn heard him call them fags.

"Fuck you," Sam said, turning and flipping Ted off.

"Watch it fag," Ted snarled Ted had turned and was returning Sam's gesture.

Sam had also turned and was facing Ted. "Let it go," Devyn said. "Let's
just get to class."

"Listen to your boyfriend," Ted said. "Just keep swishing to your class."

"Fuck you," Sam growled back. "You're a fucking piece of trash."

"You better watch it," Ted said. "I'll kick your little fairy ass."

"Try it," Sam said.

Other kids were stopping to watch the exchange between Ted and Sam. It was
obvious that they were expecting it to escalate.

"I'll fuck you both up," Ted said looking from Sam to Devyn.

"Come on Sam," Devyn said, grabbing Sam's arm. "He is not worth it."

"I think he is jealous," Sam said. "He wishes he had a hot stud like us to
pal around with."

"Fuck you," Ted snarled.

"That is what you want," Sam said. "Then come and try and take it. But what
I think you really want is to be down on your knees sucking this." Sam
gripped his basket and sneered at Ted.

Devyn groaned as Ted rushed at Sam. He was not sure what he should do. He
knew if he got involved, he would end up on Tanner's hit list. Of course,
he could not stand back and let Sam be beat up by the larger boy. He also
did not want to hurt Sam's ego by fighting Sam's battle for him.

Devyn stepped back to let Sam and Ted slug it out. He was watching close to
make sure Sam was not going to get hurt. Devyn was not as worried about
Ted. Devyn already knew firsthand that Ted was built like a bull. There was
a reason he was on the football team. Devyn glanced around at the
onlookers. They were standing there watching the fight between Ted and
Sam. He wished one of them would step up and get involved. He hoped no one
went for a teacher or worse Tanner.

Sam was giving as good as he was getting but Devyn could also see that Sam
was slowly losing ground. Then Sam went down under the blows from Ted.

"Ted get off him!" Devyn was not going to let his best friend be beaten to
a pulp. "That is enough. Get off him."

Devyn grabbed Ted, pulling him away from Sam. He managed to get Ted off Sam
but Ted then turned his attention to Devyn.

"You want some too fag boy?" Ted threw a series of blows at Devyn.

Ted was used to using his brute force and had no strategy that Devyn could
tell. He easily blocked or danced out of the way of Ted's blows. He landed
a few of his own resulting in loud grunts from Ted.

"Get your fucking hands off of me," Ted snarled. "You fucking queer pussy."
Ted swung and slammed his fist into the side of Devyn's face.

"Fuck," Devyn cried as he saw stars. He was going to have a black eye. Ted
threw another punch but Devyn blocked it and struck out with one of his
own. His fist contacting Ted's chin.

"You fucking faggot!" Ted snarled and threw a punch towards Devyn's
stomach.

Devyn thought he heard several of the kids cheering him on. Maybe Ted was
not as popular as Devyn previously believed. The training Joe and Lee had
taught him got Devyn out of the way before the blow could connect. He used
Ted's momentum against him, tossing the larger boy to the floor.

"Way to go!" Devyn was not sure who shouted it but he was glad someone was
on his side.

Ted was up and pissed and coming at Devyn fast. Devyn managed to block the
blows and step aside. As Ted passed by him, Devyn once again used Ted's
bulk against him and sent the larger boy sprawling to the floor.

"You motherfucker!" Ted's voice echoed in the hall as he jumped back up to
his feet. He used the back of his hand to wipe some blood from his
face. "I'm going to fucking, fuck you up!"

Devyn was a little pleased with himself for being able to hold his own with
the much larger boy. He was tensed up and ready for the next move of Ted's
assault.

"Enough!" bellowed coach Albert. "All three of you into my office! The rest
of you get to your class."

The three of them froze where they were. Sam had picked himself up from the
floor. His nose was bleeding, his lip was split and it looked like he was
going to have one heck of a black eye.

"Into my office now!" Coach barked again.

The other kids took a couple last looks before hurrying on to their
classes.

"Fucking little fags," Ted muttered as they were following the coach to his
office.

"This is your fault fuck tard," Sam said to Ted.

"I'm going to fucking..."

"QUIET!" Coach Albert's voice cut over Ted and Sam's banter. Coach Albert
jerked open his office door. "Inside."

Devyn followed Sam and Ted inside. He could see that both Sam and Ted had
fresh blood on their faces. Ted wiped his away again with the back of his
hand. Sam was bleeding quite a bit more than Ted.

The Coach slammed his office door and turned to face the three
teenagers. "Just what the hell was that all about?"

"He was talking shit," Sam said.

"He's a fucking faggot," Ted snarled.

"I do not give a shit what he is," Coach Albert shouted into Ted's
face. "You do this again and your ass is off the team."

"No but," Ted started the fags.

"No fucking but about it," Coach said. "I won't have you beating up anyone
on campus. I won't have you bullying a student just because you have an
issue with his sexual orientation."

"But they're fags," Ted said.

"You have used that term 3 times now," Coach Albert said glaring at
Ted. "You are going to be doing twenty laps around the field for each
time."

"But coach they're..." Ted began.

"You are already up to sixty, so I would stop if I were you," Coach
said. "The number doubles the next time."

"But they're gay," Ted said.

"Was one of them hitting on you?" Coach asked.

"No. But," Ted started again.

"There is no reason for this kind of behavior from one of my players,"
Coach said. "Now go to the locker room and get changed. Then sit and wait
on me. We are going to have a little talk. Coach looked at Ted and the boy
backed down. He left the coach's office. "You two sit."

"Um, coach," Devyn began. "Do you have something for Sam. His nose is
bleeding a lot." The front of Sam's shirt was covered in blood. Devyn could
remember just how bad a nose would bleed, from the two times his had bled
like this.

"Fuck," Coach said. Coach pulled rags out of a cabinet in his office and
passed them to Devyn. Devyn tilted Sam's head back and looked at the
nose. He wiped away the blood and saw that more of it was coming from the
teenager's lip. "It is split pretty bad," Devyn said.

"I have seen worse," Coach said inspecting Sam's face.

"Hurts like a bitch," Sam said and the words were slurred due to his lip.

"Now," Coach said looking at them while Sam held the bloody rag to his
face. "I don't really care if you two are boyfriends."

"Coach," Sam said. "We..."

"I don't care," Coach said. "Just do not have PDAs at School."

"Coach," Devyn began. "Sam is straight."

"So does that mean you aren't," Coach said.

"Um, what rock are you living under," Sam asked, pulling the rag from his
mouth.

"Watch it boy," Coach said.

"I'm gay," Devyn said. "I thought everyone knew."

"I hear gossip," Coach said. "I do not listen to it."

"We are just friends," Devyn said. "We were just going to class when Ted,
um,"

"Got in your face spouting some shit about queers and fags," Coach said.

"Something like that," Devyn said.

"You are better off to ignore it," Coach said. "But I know that is hard and
not right."

"It is wrong the way he and a few others are treating Devyn," Sam said.

"So, you were letting your friend fight your battle," Coach asked, looking
into Devyn's eyes.

"That is what we fags do," Devyn said his voice dripping with sarcasm. "We
don't have the nerve to stand up for ourselves."

"Bull shit," Coach said. "And never use that word again in regard to
yourself."

"Oh, but Ted can use it?" Devyn said.

"He won't be using it again after his next practice," Coach said and
grinned. "He is going to be paying heavily for his actions today."

"And us," Sam said.

"For you two," Coach said. "I could take you both to Mr. Tanner."

"Fuck," Devyn thought. How many detentions would he have to do this time?

"But I think I'll just let your folks decide your punishments," Coach
said. "Sam, I'm sure your Mom will be very interested in hearing from me."

"Crap," Sam groaned.

"And you won't report us to Tanner," Devyn asked.

"Not this time," Coach said.

"Thank you, coach," Devyn said.

"Joe might not like my report any better than Sam's Mom," coach said
looking at Devyn.

"Joe probably won't," Devyn said. "But Joe will always be fair and he will
listen to my side. Tanner will only treat me like crap."

Coach's eyes met Devyn's but he did not say anything about Tanner. Devyn
suspected the man knew just how Tanner had been treating him. He also
thought he saw some disapproval in Coach's eyes. Maybe Mrs. Jones and
Mr. Hanks were not the only ones on his side.

"To save me the trip to the office and telling Tanner, write down your
phone numbers," Coach said, passing a pad of paper to Devyn.

Devyn quickly wrote down Joe's cell phone number. He doubted Joe would be
in the house at this time of day. He then passed the pad to Sam. Sam added
his mom's number and handed the pad back to Coach.

"Now you two stay here while I go check on Ted and then make these calls,"
Coach said and left them alone in the office.

"Sorry about all of this," Sam said after several minutes.

"Me too," Devyn said. "You should really stop hanging out with me. It is
only going to get worse."

"I can take it," Sam said. "Plus, if I stop hanging out with you, I'll
never learn that multiple orgasm trick." Sam smiled and then winced as the
pain shot through his face.

"You are a mess," Devyn said and grinned. "But you are a good friend. I'd
kiss you but it looks too painful."

"You kiss me and I'll slug you," Sam said.

"What kind of way is that to talk to your boyfriend," Devyn said. "After
all, you are my hero. Coming to my defense and all."

"Oh, knock it off," Sam said, starting to laugh.

"It really was nice of you," Devyn said. "I appreciate it."

"Um, thanks for, um, getting Ted off of me," Sam said. "I, um, appreciate
it."

"No problem," Devyn said. "It is just what friends do."

"Where did you learn how to fight like that?" Sam asked. "I mean you were
blocking and tossing Ted to the ground. He's bigger than you are."

"Joe and Lee," Devyn said. "Maybe we should see if they would include you
in those self-defense training sessions."

"That would be cool," Sam said. "Then maybe I can kick Ted's ass."

"You will only make it get worse," Devyn said. "That is why I don't fight
back. If I do it makes it escalate. If I stand up to them, then Tanner
busts me. He has given them the green light to harass me. If I do nothing,
then at least I don't end up in trouble."

"I'm sorry about that," Sam said. "I didn't mean to get you into
trouble. At least he isn't telling Tanner," Sam pointed out.

"Yeah, but he is calling your mom and Joe," Devyn said and sighed.

"Will Joe be that upset," Sam asked. "He seems cool and understanding."

"He is," Devyn said. "He is better than I deserve."

Sam started to say something but Coach Albert came back into the room. "I
got ahold of your mom Sam," Coach said. "She is coming to pick you up. I
was not able to reach Joe," he said looking at Devyn. "But don't worry I
will keep trying."

"You don't need to," Devyn said. "I will tell him everything when I get
home."

"That is good," Coach Albert said. "I am glad you will be truthful with
him. But I am going to follow up."

"That is fine Coach," Devyn said.

Sam's mom got there just before the final bell. "I hope you have a good
explanation young man," she said entering the room. Then she stopped when
she saw Sam's face. "Damn!" She grabbed his chin and pulled his face up to
meet her eyes. "He did a number on you." She turned to Devyn, noticing he
only had a puffy bruise below his eye. Her frown deepened and anyone could
see the anger forming on her face. "Do you enjoy picking on smaller boys?"

"Me?" Devyn did not consider him that much bigger than Sam. Devyn was a
little taller and maybe his shoulders were broader but they were mostly the
same size. "I didn't..."

"You didn't?" she said. "Looks like you did." Her finger was pointing at
Devyn and then thumped him in his chest. "You lay a hand on him..."

"No, no mom!" Sam Interrupted. "It wasn't Devyn."

She looked from Sam to Devyn and back again. "Don't lie to protect him
after he did this."

"No, really," Sam spluttered. "Didn't Coach Albert explain this to you? It
was another kid. Devyn pulled him off. He's my hero." Sam added and
grinned. Devyn almost laughed.

"What is so damn funny," she said, her voice getting louder and the temper
showing on her face. "I had to take off from work early to come down
here. There is nothing funny about this."

"It is a long story," Sam said.

"I gotta go," Devyn said. He only had minutes to get to his bus. "I'm going
to miss my bus."

"You pulled the other boy off of Sam," she asked Devyn who had gotten up.

"Yes, um, Ma'am. Devyn said.

"Then we can give you a ride home," she said. "Then both of you can tell me
the whole story."

"Devyn has to meet his, um, little brother," Sam added. "He is
deaf. Devyn's brother I mean."

"Oh," she said and it was as if a light bulb went off in her head. "You're
Joe's kid."

"Um, I guess so," Devyn said. He glanced at the clock. Travis would be okay
riding the bus home alone. Devyn had prepared him just in case something
came up. He had told him not to worry, to just go on home and he would be
there one way or another.

"Then we will go pick him up too," she said. "Come on."

They went to the elementary school and collected Travis. Travis's eyes got
big when they saw Sam's battered face. He lightly touched the bruise under
Devyn's eye. "No, it doesn't hurt much," Devyn told him. "Yes, Sam's looks
worse."

"What is he saying?" Sam asked.

"He says you look better now," Devyn said.

Sam's Mom laughed as Sam protested. "He didn't say that!"

Devyn laughed. "No, he didn't. He says he is sorry. He hopes it doesn't
hurt much."

"Tell him it doesn't," Sam said.

"Now spill it," Janet said.

Sam proceeded to tell her what happened while Devyn signed it to Travis
omitting some of the phrases Sam used and playing everything down for
Travis. Devyn saw Janet watching him in the mirror.

By the time they had reached the farm Sam had related the whole story to
his mom. Devyn was surprised that he did not edit a thing for her. He told
her almost exactly what had happened.

Devyn saw Joe step out of the barn when he heard the car in the
driveway. He felt a warm feeling knowing Joe would be on his side and
support him. He might not approve of everything but he believed that in the
end Joe was there for him.

Travis jumped out of the car and ran to Joe. His fingers flying as he
signed. "Is he telling Joe everything," Sam asked.

"Um, a little bit," Devyn said. "I really need to talk to him about keeping
stuff to himself. He won't tell anyone else a thing but he tells Joe
everything."

"He's a good kid," Janet said.

"He is," Devyn sighed.

"Hi Janet," Joe said, as he was walking up with Travis still signing.

"I found these animals running amuck." Her gesture took in Devyn, Sam, and
Travis. "I figured they must belong to you."

"They do," Joe said laughing. "At least these two do." Joe indicated Devyn
and Travis. "I'm not sure who would claim this one." Joe gestured in Sam's
direction.

"HEY!" Sam cried in protest.

"Damn Sam, that looks painful. They did a number on you." Joe took a closer
look at Sam's face. "I hope you got in a few punches of your own."

"I did, but not as many as Devyn."

Joe looked over at Devyn. He could see the puffiness under Devyn's
eyes. That appeared to be the only evidence that the teenager had been in a
fight.

"Don't worry," Devyn said. "We are both fine and yes I was going to tell
you everything."

Joe was trying to not let his pride at Devyn being able to defend himself
show. "I didn't doubt that." Let us all go up to the house. You want to
come in for a bit?" Joe asked Janet.

"Don't mind if I do."

They sat at the kitchen table while Devyn related his story. It mirrored
Sam's almost exactly.

"See it is all my fault," Sam admitted. "Devyn wanted to just walk away."

"I think you should have beat the snot out of him," Janet said.

"What!" Sam said.

Joe laughed. "That is what she would have done. In fact, you did do that."

"What!" Sam cried again.

"One time," she said. "One damn time."

"I think it was more than once." Joe smiled knowingly at Janet. "You want a
beer?"

"Sure," she said.

"Who did you beat the snot out of?" Sam asked.

"It was a long time ago," Janet said.

"Your Mom has quite the left hook," Joe said grinning. He handed a beer to
Janet and took a drink of one for himself. "There was this little kid," Joe
said as Janet scowled at him. "These older boys were bullying him. It
ticked your mom off. So, she marched up to the leader of this little group
and told him to pick on someone his own size. What exactly did he say to
you?" Joe asked, looking at Janet.

"He told me to go back to making pies," Janet said.

"You don't bake!" Sam said surprised.

"Exactly," Janet said. "It pissed me off even more. I was already ready to
slap someone for picking on the skinny little kid. Before I knew what I was
doing I punched him hard. Then kicked him in the balls and when he was
down..."

"Then she really let him have it," Joe said. "It was quite the event. She
kicked him, hit him, elbowed him, and kneed him. I am surprised that he was
able to have kids."

"Unfortunately," Janet said. "He has a few."

"I guess that is right," Joe said, his lips turned up into a smile.

Devyn was realizing how comfortable Joe was with Janet. He was realizing
how attractive the man was. The sexy lips, the bedroom eyes. He hoped Janet
was not getting the wrong idea.

They talked some more and finished their beer. "I guess I had better be
going," Janet said.

"Thanks for bringing the boys home," Joe said walking her out to the car.

"Not a problem," she said looking up at him. "You know it might just be the
beer but you are still one damn sexy man."

"Thanks," Joe said. "You are a hot woman."

"I hear you got a boyfriend," she said.

"Yep," Joe said. "He's a good guy. Cute, funny, and sexy."

"I hope he knows how lucky he is," Janet said. "If he mis-treats you..."

"You going to beat him up?" Joe said, laughter in his voice.

"You know it," she said. "I just can't help myself. I've always got to
protect those small skinny kids."

"You raised a damn good kid there," Joe said watching Sam and Devyn on the
porch horsing around.

"Thanks," she said. "He's a good boy. Sometimes he doesn't think but he's
got a good heart."

"Like his mom," Joe said. "Don't be too hard on him for the fight."

"Nope," she said. "He gets a pass on this one. I just about chewed your kid
out for fighting. I thought it was him who had beat up Sam."

"Devyn wouldn't do that," Joe said. "He won't fight unless pushed to a
breaking point."

"Oh, you didn't," she said.

"Never start a fight," Joe began.

"But be damn sure you finish it," she said. "Same words your Daddy said to
you."

"Yeah," Joe said wistfully. "When he used to share his wisdom before..."

"Joe," Janet said. "You're a better man than he was. You are raising a
better man. Two of them."

"I hope I am doing the right thing," Joe said. "You know sometimes,
sometimes I wonder if I can do it as well as Hannah."

"She trusted you too," Janet said. "She was one of my best friends in
school. She would be proud."

"Thanks," Joe said.

"If you ever decide to swing my way," Janet said, flashing him a sexy
smile. "We could raise them all together."

"My boys would be lucky to have you as a mom," Joe said. "But I'm not sure
I would be the right man for you. Besides, don't you have a boyfriend?"

"A girl always needs to keep her options open." She flashed Joe a
smile. Then she yelled "Come on Sam!"

Sam hurried down to the car. "See you tomorrow," he called to Devyn as he
got into the car.

Joe walked back to the porch as the car drove down the hill and across the
bridge.

"So how much trouble am I in?" Devyn asked.

"A whole lot," Joe said, his voice serious. "You are going to be coming
straight home, doing your chores, helping Travis with homework, and doing
your own homework.

"So...  exactly what I am doing now?" Devyn said.

"Exactly," Joe said.

"Wouldn't you rather just spank me?" Devyn asked.

"Hmmm," Joe said. "I think you would enjoy it too much."

"Seriously," Devyn said after laughing. "Are you upset with me?"

"One of your best friends was getting beaten up by a bigger kid. I would be
disappointed if you didn't jump in to help him."

"Coach Albert will probably call you tomorrow," Devyn said.

"Fine," Joe said. "I can tell him I am proud of you. If Coach doesn't like
that, he can come out here and tell me to my face."

"Joe," Devyn said.

"Yeah," Joe said.

"I love you," he finished.

"Me too boy wonder," Joe said and slid his arm around Devyn's shoulders and
led the teen back into the house.


# # #
Copyright 2022 by Keith yates (keith.96@att.net) all rights reserved.

Character is much easier kept than recovered. Thomas Paine

A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial
appearance of being right.  Thomas Paine