Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2023 12:06:07 -0500 From: D Dragi Subject: The Courage to Care. Chapter 10 Nifty relies on your support to keep this site going. Please give generously. Every bit helps. I continue to enjoy the emails I receive from my readers. Your comments and suggestions are most welcomed. I will write back to everyone. My email address is tughill1383@yahoo.com Chapter 10: Truth Be Damned I woke up early Saturday morning because I wanted to see the newspaper and what they had to say about our win over Emerson. I rushed downstairs where Matt and Brad were in the kitchen having coffee. Matt had the newspaper and I asked if I could see it. Joking around Matt said "is this the sharp shooter Jake Pennington who wants to see the paper? " He handed me the sports section of the newspaper and the headline was McBride and Pennington Light Up Emerson. The article went on to say that the sharp shooting of Connor and I led Watson to an easy victory over Emerson. It went on that Emerson had no answer as to how to stop the onslaught of shots by the dynamic duo of McBride and Pennington. I read the article a few times rereading praise of my efforts last night. Matt looked at me and said "Someone seems pretty pleased with himself." Brad said "Stop teasing him." "He deserve all the accolades he gets for last night's performance." "We're so happy for you Jake." Matt said "that was some performance you and Connor put on last night." I said to Matt "it's like Connor and I are on the same wave length and there is nothing that can stop us." I wanted to tell them that Connor was my boyfriend but Connor and I pledged to tell no one about us. We needed to keep it quiet at all costs. Matt reminded us that the reporter from the Advocate Evan Royko would be here at 11 for our interview. Matt said to me that I did not have to answer all of his questions and to be myself. I was worried whether the reporter would be questioning me about my past. That I was a runaway on the streets selling my ass for my pimp. That I sucked dick and took it up the ass for money. Since I have been with Matt and Brad I blocked out that part of my life and never wanted to think about it again. Brad said that we needed to look our best because a photographer was coming as well and wants pictures of us. Matt asked if I was nervous and I told him that I was fine. Brad wasn't convinced. He looked at me and said don't worry about a thing, Matt and I will not leave you alone with the reporter. I asked how the interview was going to take place and Matt said he didn't know. After eating breakfast I went upstairs, showered and got changed into a pair of khaki pants and a red polo shirt. When I came down Brad whistled and said looking good. Matt was wearing the fisherman's knit sweater I got him for Christmas and Brad was wearing a red and black silk shirt that I got him for Christmas. I joked with them about where they got such good looking clothes. Just before eleven the door bell rang and Matt went to answer it. It was the reporter and a photographer. The reporter introduced himself and said that this was Paul Chapman my photographer. Matt welcomed them in and escorted them to the living room. When the reporter arrived Brad and I introduced ourselves and shook hands. The reporter said the photographer just wanted to get some shots of the family in our home. He wanted to see us as we were on a daily basis. The photographer complimented Matt on the house and Matt said Brad keeps it in shape. We all sat down on the big sectional couch and the questions started. The first set of questions was about Matt and Brad how they met, how long they lived together, and were there any struggles living as a gay couple in suburbia. Matt said he grew up in Watson and knew most of the people in the town. Brad said he was quite comfortable in Watson and had no problems. Then questions shifted to me and why Matt and Brad decided to adopt me. Brad took over saying how he was friends with my case worker Angela and she told them about me and that I just needed a chance. The reporter asked why were you willing to take a chance on a runaway homeless boy from Kentucky. Brad said he read my file and was impressed and thought that maybe we could do some good for this boy. Matt added we had a meeting with Jake and discussed being his foster parents and what was his thoughts on the matter. The reporter turned to me and said what were your thoughts of being a foster child of a gay couple. I told him that at first I was nervous but after getting to know Matt and Brad I knew I found a home and two men who were willing to open up their hearts and home to help me. Anything was better then that homeless shelter. I got a twinge in my heart thinking about how my life had changed because of Matt and Brad and said so to the reporter "Matt and Brad saved me and gave me a chance at life I never thought possible." And for that I will always love them as the two best dads any teenager could have." Brad gave me hug and was tearing up. The reporter and photographer stopped dead in their tracks. The reporter said "you guys really have something special here" The reporter pressed on about being adopted by two gay men and how that was out of the norm. I got annoyed by this line of questioning and said "all I know is that I am in a loving home with two men who deeply care for me and love me I don't understand how love regardless of who it comes from is out of the norm. And if anyone ever says anything disgusting or derogatory about my family I will kick their fucking ass." Matt stepped in and joked that my passion was one of the things they loved about me. The reporter then questioned me about my calling out Brad and Matt at the game against Emerson. I looked at the reporter and said what those people were chanting in the stands was pure hate and I wanted to let the whole damn world know that I had two dads and they could go fuck themselves if they didn't like it." The reporter looked at Matt and Brad and said that's quite a kid you got here. Matt and Brad said "we wouldn't want him any other way." The reporter then questioned Matt and Brad about being parents and why were they were willing to become parents. Matt joked that Brad always wanted children but then Brad added that the both of them wanted to do some good and they were in both a financial and professional position where they could do some good. Matt then got serious and said he thinks it's important for the gay community to get involved and to show to the heterosexual world that gays can also be good and loving parents. That being parents was not exclusive to heterosexuals. There are many children who are in need of homes and I hope other gay couples will consider it. Then Matt paused and said the bottom line is "love is love" from wherever it comes from. The reporter pressed on about how Matt and Brad would answer critics who would say it is not natural for gay couples to be parents and that it was unnatural. Brad looked at the reporter and said if two men or women in a committed relationship and wanted to open their hearts and homes to a child I fail to see how that could be considered unnatural. What is the difference in who provides the stable home and family to an abandoned child. Our sexuality does not mean that we cannot be good parents. Would it be better to just let children languish in state institutions instead of giving them a chance for a home and family? The reporter remarked you make one hell of an argument for gays and lesbians adopting children. Do you see yourselves as trailblazers? Matt said we see ourselves as a loving family facing all the joys and challenges that come with it. We don't see us as being any different then heterosexual parents. The next questioning was most uncomfortable because the reporter asked if I was gay. I told him I was straight and had a girlfriend. He wanted to know how I was treated in school by the other students. I told him most of the kids in school could care less about me having two dads. I know some people make snide and disgusting comments but they are the minority. I became defensive and said "look, I'll say this again, I love Matt and Brad like any other child loves their parents. There is nothing sick or weird going on. Just two men who were willing to help me out. What the fuck is wrong with that? Matt shot me a look and I apologized to the reporter for my outburst. I then added the bottom line is I have a loving home and family and if it is being provided by two gay men so what" The reporter stated 'well I can see that this is a beautiful home and as a gay man I'm honored to know you and think you are role models for other gays and lesbians. Matt and Brad you should be congratulated and praised for what you are doing. Change can only come about when people step up and take the lead. This has been a most enlightening and incredible day. I just can't say enough of how impressed I am by what I see here. The reporter ended the interview and said he wanted to get some more shots of the three of us together. One of these photos would be the cover for the magazine. So there the three of us were Brad on my left, Matt on my right, and I in the middle. We had our arms around one another and big smiles. The photographer said "perfect" and snapped the photo. When the photographer was done the reporter and photographer thanked us for our time and said that we would be the main story in the next issue. We all shook hands and waved goodbye. When Matt closed the door he said "I'm glad that's done." Brad said "Amen to that." I told them I thought it went well. Matt looked at me and said I needed to watch my language. I understand and love your passion but sometimes you need to take it down a notch. Brad always ready to defend me said "Although the language may not have been appropriate I appreciate the sentiment." He then gave me a big hug. Matt looked at Brad and said "can Jake do any wrong in your opinion." Brad said "No." "He's our perfect son." Matt shook his head and said that he sees who is going to be the disciplinarian around here. I joked with them saying 'What I'm not perfect?" Matt grabbed me and wrapped his arm around me and was rubbing his knuckles on my head. We were both laughing and I said I give up. Matt let go and gave me a big hug and said he thought I did well today. I told them I had to get ready because Connor, Ashley, Heather and I were going out tonight. I told them that Connor was picking me up at 6 and don't bother about dinner. Matt reminded me to be home by midnight. I sighed and said yes dad. Six o'clock rolled around and when I heard Connor honk the horn I said goodbye and I was out the door. I got in the car and Connor said we need to go get the girls. After picking up Ashley and Heather, Heather and I were seated together in the back holding each other close. Ashley was up against Connor in the front. We got to the local Italian Restaurant and when we got in the hostess recognize Connor and I and said you two are the hot shots of the Watson basketball team. Connor said yes we are. The hostess went and got the manager and the manager said your meal is on the house tonight. Enjoy. I looked at Connor and said what the heck was that about? He said the owner is a big basketball fan and he showed me all the pictures and news clippings hanging on the walls in the restaurant about the Watson boys basketball team. In the back corner was a picture of a teenager in a Watson basketball uniform and underneath it said In Memoria. I read the caption underneath and it was the owners son who died in Vietnam. We sat down and had a great dinner. After dinner we went back to Connor's house and were in his basement just the four of us. Connor dimmed the lights while he and Ashley were on the couch and Heather and I were on the love seat. Once the lights were dimmed that was the signal for making out. The four of us went at it pawing and kissing one another. I was able to feel Heather's breast as we were passionately deep kissing. I had a hard on in my pants and I didn't know what to do. I was hoping to get off but that wasn't going to happen in Connor's basement. I just wish it was Connor and I because if it was just the two of us both of us would have gotten our needs satisfied. At around 11, Mrs. McBride yelled down that it was time to go. Connor turned on the lights and we went upstairs. Connor dropped Heather off first and I kissed her good night and said I would see her tomorrow for dinner. He dropped Ashley off next and it was just Connor and I at last. Connor drove down to the river and parked the car. It was dark and deserted. We hopped into the back seat and our lips were locked with our tongues exploring each other's mouths. I unbuttoned Connor's pants and pulled them down. A stiff hard on was pushing through his white briefs. I used my mouth to take down his underwear and let that beautiful hard cock out for some air. I put my mouth on his dick and began working up and down his hard shaft. Connor was letting out soft moans of delight as I worked his dick. I licked his balls then put them in my mouth and began sucking. I then teased his cock by running my tongue over the tip of his dick. I felt his dick throbbing and then he let loose wave after wave of his sweet cum. I swallowed it down like I was a man dying of thirst. He then began working on my stiff rod and I loved the feel of his hot wet mouth moving up and down. It didn't take long and I was shooting my cum into Connor. We just sat there with our pants and underwear down by our ankles holding each other. Connor leaned over and kissed me. He said that was awesome. We kissed some more and then it was getting late and I didn't want to break curfew. We pulled our underwear and pants back on and went to the front of the car. Connor drove me home and as I got out of the car I leaned over and kissed him good night. I said I'd see him Monday. I went into the house with such a feeling of joy and contentment. Brad noticed the look on my face and commented "Did someone have a good time tonight?" I smiled back at him and said "Yes I did." Matt looked at me and said "you didn't make Brad and I grandparents did you." I said no and that I was just in love and couldn't be happier. Matt said good for you. I'm glad to see that Heather makes you so happy. I just looked at them and said good night. While I was laying in bed I couldn't get my mind off of Connor. I wanted to be with him all the time and no one made me feel they way he did. I dozed off into a relaxing sleep. Sunday morning arrived and I was just lying in bed thinking of Connor. I was not looking forward to going over to Heather's house later and I pulled the covers over my head. The thought of having to spend an afternoon with her father wasn't exactly high on my list of things to do. I finally got up and went downstairs. Matt was in the living room with a cup of coffee reading the paper. Brad was in the kitchen busy baking. I looked at him and said that smells good what is it? He said he was making a carrot cake for Matt. Sweets for my sweet he said and smiled. I told him that he spoils Matt. He looked at me and said I do it because I love him and want to make him happy. He was busy chopping up vegetables and I said now what? I'm making Matt his favorite Irish Stew. A nice Sunday dinner. I'm making enough so you can have some tomorrow. I said Matt is lucky to have you. He looked at me and said no I'm lucky to have Matt. Let me tell you something. When Matt's family found out about us that we were living together and more than just roommates they gave him an ultimatum. Either he get rid of me or the family would have nothing to do with him. Matt told them that he was sorry to hear it but he was not leaving me. From that moment on his family doesn't to talk to him to this day. He chose me. Brad paused for a moment and said softly but confidently "He chose me." I heard Brad sniffle and a tear was coming down his eye. He looked over at me and said 'damn onions." Those three words, "He chose me" said all about Brad and Matt's relationship. They truly loved one another. Matt came into the kitchen to get another cup of coffee and said that smells good. It's all for you babe. It's always for you. Matt grabbed Brad and gave him a kiss. Matt looked deeply into Brad's eyes and said I love you. He then smacked Brad on his ass and Brad let out a yelp. Brad said your not getting back there until after dinner so just cool your jets you horny Irishman. Matt laughed and said when I get back to that ass you'll damn well know it. Brad teasingly said, bring it big boy. When I sat down to have breakfast all I could think of is Connor and I having the same relationship as Matt and Brad. I was daydreaming of the two of us living together, running around the house naked, making love in every room of our house. I then heard "Earth to Jake." Matt said what was I thinking about. I told him I was thinking about Heather. Brad said our boy is totally gone for this girl. He is one happy camper. Matt said he wanted to prepare me for this afternoon's dinner at Heather's. He told me to be polite and be on my best behavior. I told him don't worry I got it. Brad said he has a bouquet of flowers in the refrigerator for me to take to the Angelini's. I thanked him for it and said I'm sure this will help making a good impression. I went in to the living room with Matt and was busy reading the paper and watching television. Matt started questioning me of how serious I was with Heather. I told him I think she's the best and I love being with her. Matt said is that all? I said it's not like I going to marry her tomorrow and I'm taking it slow. Matt backed off and said that's good. I didn't like lying to Matt and I wanted to talk to him about Connor and l. But I promised Connor not to mention our relationship to anyone. We promised not to tell anyone and keep it between ourselves. But I just wanted to burst out how much I loved Connor and how happy I am with him. That was the hard part. Keeping my emotions all bottled up and not being able to share them with anyone. If anyone would understand it would be Matt and Brad. But I just kept things tight to my vest and played this game of being the all American boy with the pretty girlfriend. I didn't like this one bit but no one at high school was going to accept Connor and I being a couple, That would lead to a whole heap of trouble that was better off avoided at all costs. So we just have to be happy with the stolen moments we got and be grateful for it. I just wanted so much more but knew it would be suicide if Connor and I were open about our relationship. I knew if I wanted to keep my popularity and status at school I needed a gorgeous girlfriend and play the straight jock. It was time and Matt drove me over to Heather's. He said he'd pick me up at 7. Heather's mom answered the door. I presented her with the flowers and she said they were beautiful. She told me Heather was upstairs and would join us shortly. Mr. Angelini came and shook my hand. We walked into the living room and sat down. Mr Angelini said he was at the Emerson game and said I put on some show. He asked me how I learned how to shoot like that and I told him playing street ball in New York City. Mr Angelini paused and said that's right Heather told me you lived in a homeless shelter for boys in New York. Then Mr Angelini wanted know all about me. He asked why I ran away. Why my mother didn't come after me. Why I came to New York. How did I survive in New York. I was taken aback by his questioning and was getting really nervous. I did my best tap dance by saying my mom was abusive, she could care less about me and I worked in a restaurant. Since I was underage I wound up in the shelter. Mr Angelini said that must have been rough and he said he was impressed by my survival skills. If he only knew the truth I'd probably been thrown out on my ass. Finally Heather showed up and I was relieved. We sat down next to one another. Heather's little brother came in. He introduced himself as Dominic and said he thought I was awesome. He was a big fan and asked if I could teach him to shoot. I said no.problem. I'll get back to you on that. Dominic was beaming from ear to ear. The rest of conversation was about the upcoming playoffs and about our chances. I said I thought we had a good chance to go far and that I was looking forward to it. Mrs Angelini called us in to dinner. Heather said it's a typical Sunday Italian dinner. There was salad, garlic bread, and the main course was lasagna. I never had lasagna or garlic bread. I told Mrs Angelini I never had lasagna before but this is excellent. She smiled and said you eat up I made plenty. I helped myself to another piece and this pleased Mrs. Angelini. I even saw Mr Angelini smile who said we'll make Jake here a good Italian. After dinner we went back into the living room. It was now round two of Mr Angelini grilling me. He asked me about being adopted by two gay men. I told him Brad and Matt take good care of me and I'm grateful they took me out of that homeless shelter. I joked it was kind of cool having two dads. Heather then stepped in and said daddy Jake is in the top ten of our class and was nominated for the state youth government conference. The state government thing seemed to impress Mr Angelini. Heather then said not only is Jake a great athlete he's also a great student. Mr Angelini just sat there nodding his head. Mrs Angelini said it was time for dessert. Mrs Angelini said these are called canoles, those are napoleons and those are macaroons. She told me to have one of each. I tasted all three and when I was done I was stuffed. Mrs Angelini was smiling at me and said you must come over again. I'll introduce you to other Italian food. I like a man with a healthy appetite. You honor me. Well I was in with Heather's mother and that seemed to help with her dad. He seemed pleased that Heather was dating the star athlete. Her brother Dominic never took his eyes off of me and followed me around like a puppy. It looked like I was OK to her family. It was time to go and I thanked Mrs Angelini for a wonderful dinnrr and how I was stuffed. She smiled and said you come back again soon. I went to the car and Matt waved to the Angelinis. I don't know about you but that is one nice boy. Mrs Angelini said. I think Heather has a good boyfriend. So polite and well mannered. I'm happy for you Heather. He's a keeper. Mr Angelini was not so sure. Your not concerned about his background or home life. All I know is I saw a good boy and that's all that matters to me and that he treats Heather well. Alright. I give up. He's OK with me Heather. Heather squealed and said thank you daddy and gave her father a big hug and kiss. When I got home Brad was all over me. He had a thousand questions. How was the meal? What did I eat? Was Mr Angelini civil? What was the mother like? Did everything go well? Matt stepped in and said will you give the boy a break. Brad said he just wanted to make sure everything was alright. I told them Mr Angelini asked about my background and my home life. Oh really now said Brad. Matt asked how'd it go. I gave just the barest of details and told them I thought it was cool to have two dads. Brad smiled and said good for you. The nosy Neanderthal. Matt said I did well. I told them I was going upstairs and get ready for bed. I just wanted some down time. I was glad the day was over and that tomorrow I would see Connor at school. I said goodnight to Matt and Brad and went upstairs. When I got in bed I grabbed the Vaseline and started stroking my cock. I was thinking of Connor as I jerked myself off. My cum sprang onto my chest. I cleaned myself off and fell asleep.