Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2017 12:48:52 -0500 From: JOHN C Subject: Pops & Josh Installment X This story contains sexually explicit scenes of a boy discovering his Sexuality with an adult male. If this sort of things offends you, you are under 18, or is illegal in your location, leave now. Be advised that this is a work of pure fiction. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is coincidental. Also all locations mentions herein are fictional. I love to hear from readers. Comments or criticisms may be sent to Jamcam@Gmail.com Please donate to Nifty.org at http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html. Your donation will allow stories such as this to be published. *************************** Installment X ****************************** Pops, Josh, Jennie, Billy and Becky were all loaded up in the van for the homes for the homeless meeting. Jesse, Val and his dad followed in Jack Harvey's car. The meeting went very well. Father Rick, Luke, Mr. Tully (the city councilman) and Mrs. Banks from homeless social services and all the tradesmen really liked Jesse's idea for the stepped trailer 2 bedroom apartments with solar energy. When they heard the expected cost they were astonished; it was so low. Jack Harvey said the biggest single expense would be the demolition of the existing building. Finding land fill sites that would accept demolition refuse was not easy and those that existed charged a small fortune. Derrick asked if that could be lessened if a lot of the demolition like gypsum wall material was done by workers. Jack said actually there could be a big saving if workers pulled the copper & steel piping as there was a big salvage market for that material. Luke thought homeless folks could help out with that work as well as finish work (painting, molding, stuff like that.) Jesse, Josh, and Derrick all the young people said that the kind of work they could do with the homeless people. The council man was concerned by the type of person who would get the housing. Josh and Luke spoke up.. that most of the homeless were not drug addicts or criminals but people who got a hard break in life. Josh said of course there should be rules for the house, like no drugs and being in a work training program of some type. Billy chipped in that the work training program was what got him and his mom out of the shelter with the help of Jack Harvey and Pops. Jack said Annie was an extremely valued worker in his company and it was one of the best decisions he had ever made and he was going to call Luke when another vacancy opened up. Mrs. Banks raised the question, everyone was concerned with, of financing. Jack Harvey said he could come up with a detailed estimate but expected the project to be under a million dollars, more like $750,000.00. Luke said the cost to city for a single person in the shelter system was about $35,000.00 a year. Mrs. Banks agree with that cost. So at maximum capacity of 20 people the saving of $700,000.00 for the shelter system would just about pay for itself in the first year certainly it would be paid off in the second year. The solar electricity should be enough to keep the building off the grid and supply heat, hot water and air conditioning by using air pumps. The cost to run the building would be practically nothing. Everyone was real enthused especially Mr. Tully and Mrs. Banks. They said they would need a firm estimate of the cost and then take it to the city council. Mr. Tully felt strongly that that he could get the city to finance the project and if successful a whole bunch more going forward. Luke joked " I got 2 kids to feed -- Do you think I should be looking for a new line of work." Mrs. Banks said not to worry he would always have a job with her. So homes for the homeless was officially launched. The next week or so was filled with work on the project. Jesse, Val and his dad developed cost analysis, Josh, Billy, Jeanie and Becky were working on a criteria and questionnaire for selecting the homeless participants. Drug tests were a big part of the screening process as well as being in a work training class so they could support themselves once in the new apartment. Father Rick, Derrick and the youth group were working on fund raising ideas. Luke, Mr. Tully and Mrs. Banks were working on getting the city's approval to use the building site and secure funding for the project. The goal was to at some point to return the building to a revenue (real estate taxes) producing property. The bureaucracy and accounting was never ending. One greedy official wanted to know who was going to pay the back taxes due on the building. It was decided that the property could be foreclosed on by the tax department. They then would sell it to the homeless agency. The homeless agency would use a bond initiative to secure financing for the building. The city council and the mayor had to sign off on the bond initiative. The building department had to review the plans to make sure the building would meet code. To put up the building required a variance to the zoning laws which meant that the neighborhood would be canvassed to approve the project. For sure Luke, Mr. Tully and Mrs. Banks had their hands full. The next meeting had Jesse and Jack Harvey deliver their detailed cost estimate of $743,562.00. Mr. Tully said that was a reasonable number. Jack said the real cost saving was in building the units off site in a controlled environment as well as the inexpensive shell of the old trailers. Mr. Tully was sure he could get the council to approve . Mr. Tully, Mrs. Banks and Luke went before the council. Hard questions were asked and answered. What assurances could the agency give that the property would be revenue producing going forward. Luke took that one. "Members of the council we really don't know the future. I mean if any one of us could predict the future I expect we would run out to the race track and earn our living there. However this I can say. We have had very good results on our work training programs. Feedback indicates that close to 90% of those who complete the courses get jobs and become productive members of society. These people do not want charity. They want to work and pay their fair share. The agency will provide free rent until the client is working; once that happens rent will be expected and paid at 30% of their income. Clients will be screened to insure drugs are not an issue and draining resources from the clien; that should be going back to the agency. Single people on disability will live 4 to a unit and 30 % of their disability will go for rent. I expect the property to be able to pay property taxes and be making mortgage payments after the first 2 years of operation. The benefits are huge; the city gets 20 people out of the shelters saving $700,000.00 a year and gets a taxable producing property that pays off the mortgage to build the property plus get the public relations benefit and you go to sleep knowing you have helped 20 people restore their lives." With that Luke sat down. Mr. Tully congratulated Luke with a "WELL SAID". Then the council voted. The approval to proceed with the project was unanimously approved. Luke had Josh help with the screening process. Sweat equity was expected and given as the clients with the help of the youth group as well as Josh, Billy, Jesse, Jennie, Becky, Val and Ty all worked to clean out the building salvaging copper pipe and wire. Cake sales and dinner fund raisers were held so lunches and refreshments could be had by the workers. Josh got coach Mathews to agree to a charity game against Derrick and his team. Tickets were $5.00 a piece and they drew a crowd of over 500. The small St. Francis Gym was packed to the rafters. It seemed all rooting for their CYO champs. The small contingent of Hopewell team family & friends were easily drowned out by the enthusiastic St. Francis supporters. The stands exploded when St Francis scored and a few weak cheers were heard went Hopewell scored. Derrick, Paul and all the St. Francis player were a tough scrappy team. Derrick matched up well against Jesse in the low post and Paul knew what to expect from Josh. The Hopewell high team, although state champs, were in a tough fight. Time and again Josh went to feed Jesse in the post only to have a quicker Derrick front Jesse and steal the ball for a fast break. Down 8 points at the beginning of the 3rd quarter coach Mathews decided to bench Josh for Bobby Edwards and go to the trap defense. It worked well and Bobby was able to get Hopewell back in the game and up by 2 points by the end of the quarter. The St. Francis coach saw what was happening and made adjustments to pass over the trapping press. Half way through the 4th quarter, again St Francis was up by 5 points. Coach Mathews called time and substituted Josh for Bobby. "Jesse on offense you are going to set screens for Josh out at the 3 point line and Josh you are going to get free and hit your shots. That kid Paul, might be a friend but not now; not in this game. If Derrick switches to you, Josh then look to Jesse rolling to the basket. Jesse you gotta hit your shots over Paul." Coach Mathews' strategy worked well and Hopewell had closed to 1 point at the 1 minute mark. Josh had hit 2 - 3 pointers and passed to Jesse for 2 lay in's over Paul. At the 40 second mark Derrick missed a jump shot but was fouled by Jesse. Derrick made 1 of the 2 free throws. Hopewell was now down 2. On the rebound Josh and Jesse both raced up the court beating Derrick and Jesse got Hopewell even at the 20 second mark. Paul in bounded to Derrick who was trapped in the corner by Mutt and Josh. Derrick passed to Paul who took a long 2 point jumper. He scored, the stands went crazy there was 8 seconds left. Coach Mathews called his last time out. Hopewell now down 2. Just like the game against Madville coach asked who wants the last shot. They all looked to Josh. "What do you think Josh" coach asked. "I don't know coach." Josh replied "How about the old triple screen, we haven't run that yet." "It'll be close coach not much time" "Well Josh you are just going to have to run faster" "Want me to run for ya " Bobby Edwards asked "Ok , these guys aren't gonna mug be. I'll be fast as lighting" They all laughed knowing Josh was a great player but lost every race in practice. Bobby in bounded the ball at half court to Josh then ran to set the 3rd screen. Josh raced past passed Jesse and Paul bounced off Jesse like a rubber ball. But Derrick switched to cover Josh everyone knew Josh was going to take the last shot. Josh ran Derrick into unmoveable Mutt and Josh was free behind Bobby. The shot went up the horn sounded the end of the game. For the second it took for the ball to get to the basket the gym was eerily silent. Josh ran up the court. He never stood and watched. The ball hit the back rim then the front rim and then fell though. A ghostly sigh went out from the St. Francis fans. The 30 or so Hopewell rooters let out as big a cheer as they could. Josh was mobbed by his team mates. Derrick, Paul and the rest of the St. Francis team came over to Josh. Derrick said "Dang you're good" Typically Josh said, "Wow you and your whole team played great. What a game !!" Congratulations and hand shakes and hugs were given all around. Father Rick came to center court and thanked all the players for a very thrilling and exciting game. He said " All you that came to the game I want to thank you as well and you sure did get your money's worth. It was a game that neither team deserved to lose. You know when I was a kid growing up in Brooklyn I rooted for a baseball team, the Brooklyn Dodgers who seemed to lose to the Yankees every year in the World Series. We had a saying at the end of each season. It was " Wait till next year." Well, Hopewell you played a great game but ... wait till next year Hopewell ." After the game the youth group and their parents had arranged a little barbeque with burgers and hot dogs; chips and salad. Girl friends dished out food to boyfriends. Talk center around the game and the home for the homeless project. Girlfriends found boyfriends after the clean up. Ty and Billy held hands in public for the first time. The big stereo was brought out for music. The late spring evening was mild even hot in the city. Some boys took off their shirts after getting sweaty from dancing. Billy and Ty slow danced together. Annie found out that her son was gay. The words of Pops came back to her."If he is gay make sure you love and accept him all the more. There are those who'll be mean to him. Don't you be one." She turned to Nathan Stewart "My son has a boyfriend." Nat said "It is what it is. I think my boy might be gay too. It makes me want to love and accept him all the more. Being gay shouldn't make a life any harder but with a lot of people it is an issue. But it's not an issue to me." Annie turned and kissed Nat and said, "I love you." It was the first time she said it. It felt good. Nat kissed her back and said, "I love you too. This is such a great night. I feel like one of those teenagers over there. Dance with me." So they joined Ty and Billy; Josh and Jennie, Jesse and Val, Jack and Karen Harvey. Becky grabbed Pops exclaiming "gosh girl I haven't done this is 30 years." Bobby Edwards asked to cut in. An out of breath Pops thanked him immensely. Becky was dancing with one of the stars of the basketball team Bobby thought he was dancing with the prettiest girl there. Bobby heard about what Josh said to Jennie. While they were dancing he half whispered "Not now dummy; calm down" Becky asked what he was saying. So cool Bobby asked "did I say something " "Sounded like not now dummy calm down" "Oh jeeze, I did say it out loud. I'm sorry Becky. I'm so embarrassed." "What are you babbling about Bobby" "Ok I'll come clean. Stupid as I am I sometimes talk to my boy parts" Becky eyes lite up with the biggest smile on her face, "You mean you were talking to umm your umm " "Well he is like at attention and it's not time to do anything like baby making. It's kind of embarrassing and uncomfortable " Becky laughed and then hugged Bobby big time and kissed his cheek. "Awhh he is never gonna calm down now" While continuing to slow dance with Bobby, Becky wrapped her hands around his neck and kissed him again this time on the mouth. Her tongue penetrated and probed his mouth then she sucked Bobby's tongue out of his mouth into hers. She let her hand slide down between them and felt his crotch. There was a hard, hard piece of wood there. Bobby was passing out from lack of air. His boner was ready to explode. Becky rubbed it once, twice and a third time. Bobby let loose. Becky held him tight with two hands around his chest. Her perky young breasts almost penetrating him. Bobby was weak first from the kiss and then from his organism. She held him up and whispered in his ear. "I like boy parts especially when they are excited." Bobby kissed her cheek, nibbled on her ear and neck. Put his head next to her head and whispered. "Will you be my girlfriend." Becky kissed him again and said" yes". The song was over. Bobby asked "Will you walk in front of me while I go to the boys room. I mean you kind of got stupid down there to make a mess." "Why Bobby what are you saying" "Come on Becky, please" "Ok but don't say I made him make a mess. Can't you control him." "I'm trying but I guess I need more practice. Will you help me sometime?" "Yes Bobby I'll help you, now you follow close. You should wear darker color pants then the dampness won't show as much" "Thanks, I'll go shopping tomorrow" Bobby made to the boys room without incident. Josh was there taking a leak." Hey bud you really got into it with Becky." "Yeah , she is one hot girl; jeeze she made me cum in my pants." "Really." Josh said laughing. "Come on Josh this is serious. How am I gonna clean up Josh." "Go in the crapper and take your pants and underwear off. You're going to have to go commando the rest of the night. Take some toilet paper and clean up the cum as best as you can. I'll give your undies to Pops. He'll wash them for you and you can pick them up tomorrow. Make sure none gets on your pants." "Thanks Josh, hey don't tell anyone about this." "Nah, who would believe that one of Becky's kisses could make the great Bobby Edwards cum in his pants." "Josh !! " "Just teasing buddy; I had to get one tease in before I put it out of my mind." Josh took Bobby's cum stained under ware and put them in his backpack. Inspected his friend and said "You're all good no stains down there. Now control yourself, don't recharge. Just hold hands or something." Leaving the boys room Becky was waiting outside. Josh smiled and said "Hi Becky, be a good friend and no more kissing Bobby tonight. You have some kind of spell over him." Becky smiled and said "Why Josh what do you mean" "Just be his friend, Becky " "I understand Josh. I won't get him all excited again and have him be embarrassed." The game and the dance and the barbeque was a great success. All the kids wanted to do it again. Father Rick said he would think about it, knowing his St. Francis team would like another crack at the Hopewell team. But short of breaking Josh's legs he couldn't see anyway for them to come out on top. He had watched Josh as a grammar schooler and now as a high schooler. He searched his memory to find one game Josh had lost. The kid never lost. He said to himself I guess I am blessed to have seen him play. In a matter of 2 weeks the building was gutted with all the help from the clients and the teenagers; then another week for the demolition. Construction for the core tower was started. 3 months latter, the first trailer home was placed on it's pad followed quickly by the other 4 spiraling up and around the tower. Summer followed spring, the high schoolers devoted their summer vacation to the homes for the homeless project. The clients and the teenagers did the painting and helped with the electric and plumbing under the watchful eyes of the St. Francis tradesmen. Ikea brought a trailer load of furniture as well as cabinets, counters and vanities. Ikea asked if they could film the delivery for public relations benefits. Being as they provided everything at cost it seemed the least the agency could do. There was a ton of assembly, all grew weary. Along the way Father Rick kept watch over his young volunteers and just like Sunday was declared a day of rest Father Rick declared one day a week as a fun day. He took his hard workers to the beach and amusement parks, to the hated Yankee ballgames. The kids liked it best when they could just relax with each other and do barbeque and volleyball and softball games followed by a dance in the St. Francis parking lot. By keeping up the morale of his volunteers the work stayed on schedule. The Grand Opening of the first "home for the homeless" was scheduled for the second Saturday of September. That way the teenagers who had worked so hard and now back in school could be present. In the planning for the Opening the mayor thought it would be nice if one of the teenagers that put in so hard work said something. Farther Rick called Josh, Jesse and Derrick together. Jesse said "Josh gives great speeches, Father. You should have heard him at our championship basketball rally " Derrick said "yeah it was him and the coat drive that started all this. He should do it." "Well Josh, I guess you are elected." Father Rick exclaimed. "If I'm gonna do this; I want you guys to help me prepare the speech. I'll give it and Father there might be some people that don't like what I say." "How's that Josh" "I'll tell the truth about how the banks steal people's houses and stuff like that." "HMM I see well as long as you are factual and truthful I say go get them, son." "Will do Father, hopefully we can wake some folks up about what causes homelessness. Jesse, Derrick will you guys help." "Yup we're all in and I bet we can get the girls and Billy to help to." Jesse said. Derrick said "It will be hard for me to get to Jersey but I'll do whatever you want from here and the kids in the youth group will help too." "Alright the first thing we have to do is come up with a list of topics. Then we'll share the research on them and maybe get some of the homeless folk to share some of their experiences ." Derrick said, "Me and some of the youth group can go over to the shelter and get stories from the folks there. Do you think we should record them?" "Great idea Derrick. If they don't mind being recorded I say do it." Josh said. "Sounds like you guys are off to a good start so I'll tell the mayor you'll do a little speech." "Sure Father just don't tell about what I'm going to say. Really you don't know because I don't even know. Derrick you can send your stuff by email; you use MS word don't you." "I do. So we're set here. I get on the topics latter today." Pops took Josh and Jesse back to Jersey. "So what are you guys gonna do the speech on." Josh replied "I think the banks, disability, jobs and the army." "I think you are leaving out, one very important topic." "What's that", Jesse asked. "Healthcare boys, healthcare, in this country, we are a healthcare for profit system. So if someone gets seriously sick they often go bankrupt trying to pay off the doctors and hospitable. It is the biggest cause of bankruptcy by far. " "Really, I didn't know that, Pops." Josh said. "Look it up, son." "Jesse said "I want to research that one. Can I get Val to help?" "Sure, go for it, Jess" Pops asked, "do you think you guys should come up with some kind of a name." "Yeah Pops, I think so." Jesse said. "How about "Crusaders Against Homelessness ?" Josh's genius brain replied. "You nailed it again, Josh. What do you think Pops." "Real good, so Crusaders you'll be." The teens only had a week to do the speech and all the research. They all put it as a priority even ahead of home work.. Now that school started; teachers asked why they didn't have their assignment done. The teens were hesitant to explain and were getting detention. Finally, Josh went to Mrs. Martin to explain. He told all about the homes for the homeless building that they helped to put up and the mayor of New York City was going to be there and he wanted the speech to make people aware of all the good people that were forced to be homeless. We kind of call ourselves Crusaders against Homelessness. Mrs. Martin was flabbergasted to be sure. She was also very, very proud that students from her school had undertaken and completed such an immense project. She asked Josh who was involved. "Well Billy and Jennie and Jesse and Val and Becky here and Derrick and the whole youth group at St. Francis." Josh explained. Mrs. Martin wrote a note to each of their teachers saying home work assignments for the group could be handed in up to 2 weeks late due to their involvement in an important civic project. "Do you think you'll be able to catch up in the two weeks after your speech." "I think so; but if anyone has a problem can they came and see you, Mrs. Martin? " "Of course, Josh they can come to see me at anytime and I just want to say how very proud I am of you and all the kids that helped on your," Homes for the Homeless " project." "Oh it wasn't my project, Mrs. Martin there were so many people that helped. Jesse and his mom and dad were great, Luke the shelter director with Mr. Tully and Mrs. Banks and of course Father Rick and the St Francis youth group, all the tradesmen that helped so much. Hey the management of the IKEA store. It was quite a project and all the homeless folks who put in their sweat equity. So many people just came together to make it happen. I guess if there was a leader pulling it all together it was Father Rick. I was so happy to be a part of it. I used to lay awake at night dreaming of doing something like this and having a place for me and my grandma." Mrs. Martin was always impressed by Josh. His forthright easy manner, his down to earth humility; when she spoke with Josh there was never anything hidden like so many of the kids; he said it out there just like it was. "Well Josh, I am going to be there to hear your speech and I'm going to put a notice up about it in the teachers longue and the student bulletin board. And I'm going to break a teacher school rule, come here young man." Her arms were stretched out and as he approached she gave him the biggest hug and kiss on his forehead. " Josh wondered if this was how it felt to have his mom hug him. Mrs. Martin said "Now that was from your Mom and Grandma they just whispered in my ear for me to do it." "Thanks Mrs. Martin, you're the greatest. I think I felt my mom hugging me through you." "Get on with you now.. get back to class and make sure those assignments are in on time." "Yes mam" Josh said with a big smile. Saturday dawned as a beautiful Indian summer day, bight and sun shinning, leaves just beginning to turn. The contingent from Hopewell High was such that Mrs. Martin decided to rent a luxury bus. Jack Harvey did the same thing out at PHS. It was a big day for his company as well. It was their design and engineering that brought all the pieces together for the first "Homes for the Homeless" building. They didn't make any money on it but they created a ton of good will. Good will that was paying off in other municipal projects though out the northeast. Annie and Billy along with Nat Stewart and Jeff Stewart were on this bus. Annie and Nat sat together of course so Billy and Jeff had to buddie up. As the bus got going Jeff asked Billy "I heard you're out, you know the gay thing" "Well I guess I am, I'm not hiding it but I didn't make an announcement to the whole school or have a big discussion with my mom. It's just kind of happened and I'm glad it did. Why do you ask?" "Ahh just curious I guess." "Well, I know if you are curious there must be a reason. You can be honest with me Jeff. I don't go to your school and even if I did I'd never say something that might hurt or embarrass you." "Gee I guess there is no hiding stuff from you." "It's up to you buddy; you don't have to say it. I know it's a hard thing to say." Jeff look directly at Billy there were tears in his eyes but all that looked back were eyes of compassion and caring. Billy went on, "You know one of my best friends told me you have to love and accept who you are. No matter what. You know there are benefits to being gay. A real big one is not worrying about getting a girl pregnant if you have sex. When you are boy on boy no babies come out." Jeff smiled at that. "I want to tell my dad but I'm afraid." "Of what ?? Your dad is a great guy. He was with my mom when she and I had a little talk. It was an easy talk. She said she saw me dancing with another boy and she's kind of know for some time. She said it was ok. I am what God made me and she said I was special to her just the way I was and that she loved me maybe a little more because of me being gay because there were some out there that could be mean about it. That was the whole deal. Your dad shook my hand and gave me a hug too. My guess is that he already knows but doesn't want to say anything to upset you. He'll be there for you Jeff I know it." Jeff smiled again and a sigh of like the biggest relief came out of him. "You really think so." "Yeah, if you want some help coming out without a big production; we can say we're going out on a date with each other." "You'd do that" "Hell yeah you are hot dude." Jeff blushed like crazy, his face was red as a beat. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to embarrass you. I just meant that your are very good looking and very cute. I would love to go out with you. We could tell our parents that we have a date together or I could tell them I was meeting you for a date with your dad there. Whatever way you want. No big discussion but it tells them you like a gay boy. And usually boys who date gay boys are gay." "You make it sound so easy." "It will be. Your dad will probably ask how your date went. It hope you would say it was real nice. I really like Billy." Then you can say " But can we save the G word for another time dad. I just want to be me without any labels." "Wow Billy you are great at explaining this. Thanks so much. Do you really mean it; would you go out with me?" "For the second time, Jeff I really mean I would love to get to know you better. Do you want me to shout it out to the whole bus? Can I kiss you now?" Jeff started to turn red again. "Ok, Ok I think my dad has something planed for tomorrow with your mom. Are you free?" "Yeah I don't charge anything what do you think I am one of those rent boys." Billy said laughing. Jeff laughed too. "You know what I mean." "No plans for me tomorrow, do I have date." Billy slipped his hand onto Jeff's thigh. "Yes you have a date." Jeff put his hand on top of Billy's. It felt so good to do what his instincts told him to do. Both boys raised their eyes and kind of pointed to their growing crotches. Then they smiled at each other and stopped holding hands. The rest of the way Billy told about his friend Josh and praised Jeff for standing up to his coach in the title game. That took guts. Whenever the Mayor went out there was always a bunch of TV people to follow him and today was no exception. The buses from Jersey arrived and the Crusaders gathered. Pops, Jack Harvey and Mrs. Martin had pins made up with a crusader emblem and the slogan Crusaders against Homelessness. Enough were made up for the youth group too Jennie and the girls were fast to hand them out and help the clumsy high school boys pin them on their shirts. It was a fine group of about 40 teenagers that stood behind the podium as they waited for the mayor. To start Father Rick blessed the building with holy water everyone fell silent and bowed their heads. Then the mayor stepped to the podium and praised Father Rick and the youth group aptly named Crusaders against Homelessness. He praised the homeless folks who put so much sweat equity into their new home. Then he asked the crowd which was about 400 and standing out in the street if they want to hear from one of the crusaders. They all cheered the Hopewell folks yelled Josh, Josh, Josh. "Mr. Mayor, Father Rick, we have a lot of people to thank today not the least of which is Jack Harvey, his son Jesse and Jack's firm PHS who designed, engineered and contracted for the construction. They did it for ZERO profit so I think they deserve a big thank you. "Josh started clapping and the whole assembly cheered widely lead by the crusaders. " Of course we have to thank the tradesmen from St. Francis Church who made sure the crusader laborers like myself didn't electrocute themselves or take an unscheduled bath doing the plumbing. The tradsmen got a round of applause as well. Then there is Mr. Tully, Mrs. Banks and my good friend Luke Calahan who did all the bureaucratic leg work to get the property. Josh stopped his speech and again applause rang out. People from Hopewell New Jersey and all across your city, Mr. Mayor came together to fight against homelessness. As of today there will be 20 less people in the shelters, it is a start but it is a drop in the bucket and it is a band aid on the symptom and not attacking the many causes and devastation of homelessness. I'd like to say something about what I think are the real causes of homelessness. Not the stereotyped stuff that you hear on the TV. Homeless folks are not all drug addicts or drunks. I'm not an addict or a drunk and I was homeless neither is my friend Billy he was homeless both of us just got out of the shelter this year. Billy waved from behind the podium. Most homeless folks are honest good people, who got a bad break in life. My grandma was sold a bad mortgage on her house with a balloon payment 3 years latter. The bankster evicted her and me 3 years after she took out the mortgage. They said it was all legal and proper. It may have been legal but it sure wasn't proper and the laws that made it legal need to be changed. They stole her house. My grandma died in the shelter. Billy's dad was a marine. He got called overseas. His leave got cut short before he could marry Annie, Billy's mom. He sent money back for Annie and his son every pay day. Until one day when an IDE went off killing him. The marines said there was no documentation that Billy was his son and Annie got nothing but memories of a good man taken from her and a boy that she didn't know how to support. She tried but got only low paying jobs. She turned to selling drugs and then over time tried using them. Yes, she was an addict. But today she works at PHS and has an apartment in Hopewell because she struggled through the drugs and completed a computer training course. Why couldn't a DNA test have been done for Billy and Annie? My friend Jesse Gordon, wave Jesse, (Josh paused) walked just about 10 miles in freezing snow to my Grandma's funeral. He was in the service got wounded and can't work. He has a disability pension but it is so small he can't get a place to rent. Now he is going to share an apartment with 4 other fellows like himself in our new building. But why couldn't the government give him a pension that would have allowed him to live with some dignity? He served his country got wounded and returns home to become homeless. There are a lot of stories just like these of my friends but there are more terrible abuses in our system. Why is there a credit check on a person seeking a new job? Hey if they were working they would have good credit but if a person is out of work how does he get money to pay his bills. Won't food and shelter come first? Followed all too swiftly by homelessness and no chance for a decent well paying job. What about healthcare. How many people go bankrupt because of serious illness or injury? Well I'll tell you more people become bankrupt because of healthcare than any other reason combined. Why in the United States of America is our system a healthcare for profit system when in every other developed country healthcare is considered a right and is basically free. In all of Europe it's free; in England it's free, in Canada it's free, in Japan it's free, in Australia it's free. Hey even in Cuba with a supposed tyrannical dictator it's Free" "Mr. Mayor, you are a politician, can you use your office to promote defenses against the real causes of homelessness?" Josh turned to look at the mayor. The assembly looked at the Mayor as well. He wasn't a bad man but he was entrenched in party politics and corporate donations. He fumbled a bit. He was being put on the spot by a 14 year old in front of the TV cameras and a good sized assembly. "You've fielded some very, very complex questions my young friend. I am running late for my next appointment but my secretary will invite you to my office to discuss these issues. " As the Mayor was walking to his car; Josh pressed the issue. "The question to you Mr. Mayor is pretty simple; Yes or No can you use your office to promote defenses against the root causes for homelessness. If you are committed to ending homelessness and not just put band aids on the issue you should stand up for universal healthcare, jobs for folks without credit checks, DNA testing for undocumented children of service men and jailing Wall St. Banksters; can you name me one bankster who has been jailed for making fraudulent loans." The mayor got in his limousine without answering and drove away. He couldn't offend the Wall St. Bankers or the Health Insurance industry. The assembly jeered at him and cheered Josh. Father Rick got up and calmed the crowd. Josh had stirred up a hornets nest just as he promised he would. "Josh I hope you tell us when your meeting with the mayor is so we understand the very, very complex questions". The crowd chuckled. " If it turns into a debate my money is on you." "Thank you Father" "Now let's cut this ribbon and get these people in their new homes." Josh, Father Rick, Jack Harvey, Mr. Tully, Mrs. Banks and Luke all got a hand on the big oversize scissor while newspaper pictures were taken. The homeless folks got moved into their new units. The TV reporters toured the apartments. Interviews were asked of Father Rick, Mr. Harvey, Mr. Tully, Mrs. Banks, Luke and Josh. While the interviews were going on the ladies auxiliary of St. Francis with the help of the youth group pulled up the barbeque pits and the big sterio and a block party was in full swing. The teens and the adults were dancing in the street. Jack Harvey said he would pay the bus drivers overtime and asked them to join in the celebration. Which they gladly did. Mrs. Martin was observed dancing with coach Mathews. Billy caught up with Jeff and asked if he wanted to dance with him. Jeff's hand shook a little but as soon as Billy had him he was fine. Billy whispered, " it'll be easier this way. These are all good people no one will bother or embarrass you." Billy lead Jeff into the street. Jeff's head fell onto Billy's chest. Jeff glanced up. He said. "hold me Billy, I'm scared." Billy cradled both hands around Jeff's head holding him tight to his chest. "I gotcha buddy it's gonna be fine." Holding Jeff was different than being with Ty. Ty had an air of indifference some times. Billy sensed Jeff needed him and that was a special different kind of a feeling. Annie saw her boy dancing with Jeff and quickly grabbed Nat hand. "Look", she whispered. "Look at Billy and Jeff." Nat saw his suspicions were confirmed and he was happy that Jeff was facing who he was. "They are the sweetest couple out there don't you think Annie" "Yes they are. Except for you and me lets go dance by them old man." "Who you calling old? ...lady" Nat and Annie danced real close to Billy and Jeff. Nat reached out and ruffled Jeff's hair. Jeff looked up his dad smiled and mouthed the words "I love you son". Annie whispered into Billy ear the same. " I love you Billy." Jeff was smiling ear to ear as was Billy. He hugged Billy really really tight and said "thank you, thank you, thank you. You made today the best day of my life and I couldn't have done it without you." Jeff Kissed Billy of the cheek. Billy said "come here boy " and kissed Jeff full on the mouth. His tongue probed Jeff's and they dueled until Billy sucked the air out of Jeff and his tongue into his mouth. Jeff went weak in Billy's arms. Jeff broke the kiss as he needed air. "Wow" Nat said "Calm down now boys. Remember this is a church affair." Billy and Jeff headed Nat's words. Annie was impressed by the way Nat handled the situation and looked on him with loving eyes. Come 7:00 o'clock the bus drivers told Jack they had to get back to their families. Jack under stood and gathered the Hopewell folks for the return trip. The block party was a huge success and the St. Francis folks stayed on with the now ex homeless folks. Monday in school Billy caught up with Becky. "Hey how ya doin?" "Good what's up Billy" "Well I kinda wanted to ask you a question about Ty." "I think you would be better off talking to him" "I will but I need to know what you think" "I heard you were making out with some new kid at the Grand Opening of the homeless building." "If you want to call dancing and 1 kiss making out; I'm guilty." "Well you are honest I'll say that Billy. What do you want to know about TY?" "Do you know if he is seeing other guys?" "I'm not sure maybe but you better ask him" "Do you think he thinks of us as a couple, like going steady or as friend with benefits kind of thing. We never said anything about being steady." "I guess more friends with benefits kind of thing. Where is this going?" "Well don't talk to him until I do. Ty has always been kind of distant, maybe a little indifferent. I mean I think he likes being my friend but not as a real steady or committed thing. I feel completely different about the guy I was dancing with. So I wanted to try to be sure about Ty. I still want to be his friend but I think I want to save the benefits. If I thought Ty was really serious about me, but had a hard time showing it. I'd try dealing with it some other way so I didn't hurt him." "I should have known better thinking you would want to be hurting my brother." "Oh no not at all; he's really a swell guy and a good friend but just not well ...right for me. I don't know how to explain it better Becky. If he had your heart in his body I'd want to marry him in an instant." "Really" "Without a doubt; you are the sweetest person I know. I knew I could talk to you about this and you would be honest. You know Ty better how do you think I should handle telling him about Jeff." "Just be yourself Billy. Be your sweet, honest self like you always are. Tell him about Jeff and the different feeling you have for him. He'll get the message real fast. I don't think he'll be upset because he would have told you if he wanted a steady thing." "Thanks Becky, I owe ya one." "No you owe me two. Someday I'll need your help and I know you'll be there." "How's it going with Bobby." "Ohh the world doesn't know it yet but I'm gonna marry him." "Really, I'm glad for you. That's the way I feel about Jeff. Then I remember how young we are but the dream is there." "Yeah, I dream about Bobby all the time. Hey I'm late for class." "Sorry go on. I'm gonna find TY." Billy did find Ty after school. He pulled him aside. "I don't know how to tell you this but I met another guy. He is super nice and I don't know, umhh, I feel so much different when I'm with him." "Really, wow that is news and here I was scared of telling you I meet someone too. We never talked about a steady thing so I thought I could go out with him. Billy you are a great friend, a better one I'll never find and we've had some great sex . But Ryan, I think I love him." "Good for you. I'm so happy for you and you are right we never had a steady thing. " Billy leaned in and hugged TY and Ty hugged back. Just then tall dark haired kid approached Ty. "Ryan this is my good friend Billy. He was just telling me about his new boyfriend and I was telling him about you. We went out a couple of times, we will always be friends but we want to keep other stuff where it belongs." Ryan gave Billy a big smile and said "Hi, glad to meet you any friend of Ty' is a friend of mine." "Same here Ryan. Say I gotta go ...I got work to do for Mister Jenkins. Nice meeting ya." Josh was all over the news. The mayor was steaming but what could he do. Josh made the homeless into regular people who were abused by powers bigger than them. Josh's whole speech was on U Tube and Facebook; all over the social media. The media was saying those kids converted a dilapidated useless building into homes for 20 people. The mayor was pictured as running away. How could he go on the attack against a 14 year old boy who was called a Crusader against Homelessness. It was a time to hunker down lick his wounds and move on. Homes for the homeless became a topic all over the city. Josh and Jesse were in demand to speak in front of all sorts of groups, sure the Catholic Churches picked up on what Father Rick had done but also Protestant groups, Jewish temples, Hindu and Muslim temples as well. Derrick was shocked when he was asked to help out with the talks. His mom told him if he helped out she would make him chicken al la king for life. Derrick had already said yes but he sure did like his mom's chicken al la king. The speaking demand was putting a large dent in Pops' transportation budget so it was decided they had to ask for transportation money. Once explained everyone provided money for transportation. Some of the more well to do protestant groups sent a limo for them. Jennie and Val always accompanied them on their trips and helped out setting up posters they made showing the progress of the building and the completed apartments. At each meeting they gave out the Crusaders against Homelessness buttons. The demand spread out of the city, throughout the major cities of New Jersey down to Philadelphia and up to Boston and many stops in between. Every Friday and Saturday night they had to be someplace. They even some times squeezed in meeting on Sunday afternoon. The schedule was demanding but they kept at it. They believed they were Crusaders. Finally, just before basketball season Jack Harvey and Pops said they had to make a decision either basketball or the crusaders but not both. Jack said he could tell groups they were booked out till spring. Pops agreed. So they played basketball. But the groups the Crusaders started had established 100 building. 2000 people were out of the shelters and in their own homes. Josh and Jesse were to be nominated for men of the year by Time magazine but Josh demanded and got the entire original Crusader group pictured on the cover as organization of the year. After basketball the boys with the girls were back at it doing work for the crusaders. The entire town of Hopewell was behind the Crusaders. The sleepy little town in New Jersey even put up a sign "Home of the Crusaders against Homelessness." Josh, Jesse and all of the Crusaders had become the face of the fight against homelessness. Come the spring the demand for them to speak was there all the more. It was decided 2 weekends a month would be allocated to the Crusaders and the other 2 for the kids to be kids. Billy and Jeff had gotten there own notoriety. A picture was snapped of their dance and kiss at the grand opening. It became the poster for a love is love campaign sponsored by a gay organization to stomp out bigotry and discrimination of gay teens. They were asked to speak at gay groups. Billy's talk went like this: "I didn't tell my mom I was gay I just showed her. Really she already knew. It was the same with Jeff and his dad. But it was easier that way to come out. A good friend told me don't put labels on yourself but be yourself. Be what your instincts tell you . Be who you are then love and accept that person. My instincts told me to dance with Jeff that day; they told me to kiss him that day. Not because of a label but because he is cute and handsome and kind and courageous and most of all I love kissing him. It excites me." The last part always grew smiles and light laughter. It was simple straight from the heart advise. It helped a lot of teens and gave them courage to go on in the face of discrimination.. Also in the spring Annie and Nat had decided to get married. The only stumbing block was where to live. Nat had a nice house in Madville. Annie had just the 2 bedroom apartment. One boy or the other would have to switch schools. The discussion went back and forth, Nat when he proposed just assumed they would live in his house. He didn't count on Billy's loyalty to the friends he had in Hopewell. "I don't want to leave Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins, or Mr. & Mrs. Ackers, or my school, or Josh, oh my God I can't leave Josh or Pops, no not Pops. I can't. I won't. I'll ask Pops to take me in mom, I love you I want you to be happy I'll visit you as often as I can but I can't leave these people. The Jenkins need me and so does Mr. Acker and Mr. Martin and Mrs. O'Mara and Josh is my brother and Pops is my Grandpa. For me, Hopewell is the best place in the world to live I'm so sorry mom I can't leave." During his outburst Billy couldn't hold back the tears so he just let them fall. Jeff went over and hugged Billy. Billy had always been so strong for him. He helped when he needed it the most. Billy whispered through the tears "I'm sorry, I love you but I love these people and this place too. I'm sorry." Jeff said "I can switch schools Dad. Billy will be there to help me and he'll be my brother too after your married. Hey you can rent out our house and save a lot of money on rent. Come on dad this is so important to Billy. To me where you are is home. He's been homeless and for the first time in his life he has this apartment and good friends here. It'll be swell. It's smaller than our house and maybe we'll bump into each other but I like bumping onto you, guys. " Nat looked at Annie. Annie smiled and nodded. "Ok but I call first debs on the bathroom in the morning." The boys got up and ran to hug Nat and Annie. Billy kept saying "Thank you, Thank you , Thank you" and kissed Nat and Jeff and Annie. Latter that night as Nat and Annie were in bed. Annie was wrapped around Nat strong arm with her head on his chest. "You know I think we are really going to be a family here." "I do too. I love you and our sons." Jeff and Billy were in Billy's double bed. They were cuddled together. Billy said "Thanks again for today. I just can't leave. Thank you so much." Jeff -- "I know. I understand completely. Hey we are going to be real step brothers." "Say can step brothers get married." "Billy are you proposing." "Oh we are way to young for stuff like that but I have dreams about you and me and a family. They are more like happy wet dreams for sure not bad dreams." "You have those dreams too, so do I. Wow, Billy maybe we are meant to be together. How do you think we would have kids." "Well there are surrogate mothers who could carry the baby for us and we use our own baby makers." "That is the best way. I always thought 2 kids. You could father one and me the other. We would have to have a good lawyer to make sure the surrogate mom's don't renege. If we are real lucky maybe we could have the same surrogate mom." "That would be so kool." Billy kissed Jeff and Jeff kissed him back. Billy took Jeff's hand and put it on his hard cock. Jeff took Billy's hand and put it on his hard cock. They kissed again, they made love thinking about always being together and having a family. It would be so kool and it was. The 4 years of high school flew by for Pops; everything was kind of in slow motion for Josh. He and Pops were a great team. Josh never forgot about Pops taking him in. He loved it when all of Pops family got together at Christmas, birthdays and holidays. They were great people and always seem to have fun together. He loved them dearly. Looking back he had no idea what would have happened to him if he had been transferred to a group home. He always did what Pops had a hard time doing at his age, the snow, leaves in the fall, grass cutting in the spring and summer and of course the weekly house cleaning. Pops never had to ask him to help he always jumped right in. Whenever he saw Pops doing something strenuous he always said let me give a hand Pops. For Pops part he was always there for Josh. Whatever he needed he always seemed to have the answer. There was no one better if Josh needed advice He was concerned for Pops when he went away to college. He talked to Bobby Edwards about the situation. Bobby's youngest brother, Justin was going to be a freshman in high school as Bobby and Josh were in college. Josh laid out his plan he would set Justin up to do Mrs. O'Mara, Mr. Martin and the Ackers and maybe even over at Billy's apartment if he promised to always take care of Pops first. The others would pay him and pay him well but don't take any money from Pops. If you feel you need money for something, I'll get it for you. He told Justin, "I owe that man my life, Justin if it wasn't for him I don't know what would have happened to me. Please, Please treat him right." Justin saw tears in the eyes of one of his heros as he spoke about Pops. "I understand I'll treat him just like if he was my grandfather. I know what he's meant to you. Don't worry Josh, I'll watch out for him." In his senior year Josh was elected president as well as captain of the basketball team. Graduation rolled around and he was Valedictorian. After all Josh had become a celebrity; star player of the basketball team that never lost; the unofficial leader of the "Crusaders against Homelessness'; one of the smartest if not the smartest kid in the whole school. The auditorium was packed of course for the graduation ceremonies. Josh had 4 tickets for graduation. Pops, Luke, Mrs. Martin and Doc Brown filled the seats. They were all special people to him. Mrs. Martin had watched over him ever since that first day when she heard his story. For the last 4 years whenever he felt the needed help with anything. She had become the mother he had missed for so long. Doc Brown had become a dear friend one who always supported him; who patched him up and helped him to play through pain. Doc was a great player himself and taught Josh some great moves. Doc was always on the bench as team trainer for all the games. Luke was family, always giving of himself at the shelter; always there when you needed him. Pops, of course Pops his grandfather, there were no words for Pops. If every 14 year old could have a Pops in his life what a wonderful world it would be. Josh's speech. Wow!! 4 years ago I was a shelter kid from Queens crowding in the Manhattan homeless shelter. My Grandma died in that shelter just about 4 years ago. Yet here I am making the Valedictorian speech at Hopewell High School. What a name for a town, Hopewell, I never really thought about it much. I mean who thinks about a towns name. But I have to say Hopewell gave me hope and a lot of it. I was a scrawny 13 year old kid then, trying to feed my grandma soup; then one day holding her hand, she passed. I was all alone, no family just few shelter friends. Luke the shelter director, his job was to send me to a group home. I will be eternally grateful to him because for some reason he didn't do it. He should have but he didn't. Instead he called his own father to keep the scrawny kid at least over Christmas. So my Pops came and took me home to Hopewell. That was the most special Christmas of my life. I got more gifts than ever before in my life and food my gosh his family must have been cooking for a week before. But the most special thing was the love of that group. Everyone accepted me and loved me just for being there. Their hugs and kisses made me forget the loss of my grandma and my parents. On the way home from that Christmas diner I said a prayer and asked him if he could keep me permanent like. He said he was 73 years old what if something happened to him and he was incapacitated or worse died. He didn't want that memory for me. But I was sure I wanted him to keep me so I begged and begged. Finally he said I'll think about it. Well during the week everytime he said I'll think about what I wanted happened. What I found out recently he had called Luke and asked his help to adopt me and made Luke promse if anything happened to him that the family would take care of me. That I would not go into the system. During the fall of that year I stood before a guy in a big black robe and he said my name was now Josh Fitzgerald Calahan. After that whenever he got a little upset with me he would call me by my whole name, Josh Fitzgerald Calahan. Sometimes, I did stuff to upset him just to hear him call me, Josh Fitzgerald Calahan. I loved the fact that I was his. That he was my grandpa and I was part of his family. He feed the scrawny kid until he was strong; he held me when I had bad dreams about my parents death, he nursed me when I cracked my ribs and every other time I was hurt or sick. He always gave the best advice and gave me back my confidence that the shelter had robbed from me. In short I wouldn't have been able to do any of the things we have accomplished, like the basketball winning streak, the Crusaders against Homelessness, the coat drive for the homeless if it wasn't for Pops. Traditionally this speech is about saying thank you to all the teachers and parents who helped get us to this turning point in our lives. So to all you parents that have loved and supported us graduates. Without you we would be nothing. And a special thank you for my school mom, Mrs. Martin and Coach Mathews and all the teachers who helped us though all the subjects. But for me the biggest turning point in my life was when Pops took me home to Hopewell. So Thank you Pops, thank you all. The assembly stood and clapped and clapped and clapped. Luke helped Pops up. There were many with tears in their eyes not the least were Pops & Luke.