Date: Sun, 10 Dec 2023 19:42:53 -0500 From: D Dragi Subject: The Courage to Care Chapter 11 Please donate to Nifty to keep this site going. Show your support for the people who make stories like mine and many others possible and accessible. Give whatever you can and keep this great site available. Ediitor's Note: I wish to apologize to my loyal readers that this chapter is so late. I had to buy another computer, then the holidays, and pressures at work. But things have calmed down and the chapters will be coming must faster. I truly do appreciate your emails and will answer every one. Your comments and suggestions are most welcomed. My email address is tughill1383@yahoo.com. Chapter 11: Traditional Values Monday morning finally arrived and I was glad I would be going to school and see Connor. He's all I thought about. I wanted him. I needed him. When Brad dropped me off at school when I got to my locker Heather was there waiting for me. I gave her a kiss and said good morning. She seemed incredibly happy. I asked what's up? She told me I was a big hit yesterday. My mom likes you and approves of you. As long as mom likes you my dad will as well. He also said you were OK. My brother is bragging to his friends that I date Jake Pennington . I told her that was a relief. I'm glad I passed the test. She said she would show me how much she was pleased with me later and gave me a deep kiss. I walked Heather to her first class and I passed Connor in the hall. I told him I'd see him at lunch. I couldn't wait to see Connor. During the middle of the morning I was called to the principals office and told my interview for the youth government conference would be Wednesday at 1 pm in the Board of Education conference room. He told me it would be about an hour. I just shrugged it off and headed to my next class. Lunch time finally arrived and I headed over to our table. Vic was there with Paula his cheerleader girlfriend as was Mikhail. The rest of the team and cheerleaders gathered around. This was the popular kids table and so many other students wished they could join us. Connor and I were the most popular kids in school and we could do no wrong. We ruled that school. As I sat at Matts bedside listening to his labored breathing I thought back at that time. I remembered on how that a year ago I was at a homeless shelter and then I was one of the most popular kids at a wealthy suburban high school. It was one of the best of times and I owed it all to Brad and Matt. I began to tear up as I looked at Matt and knew he was slipping away. My husband Jeffrey comforted me and gently kissed me on my cheek. My thoughts drifted back to that time. The conference playoffs started Friday and Watson was the number one seed and had home court advantage throughout the tournament. We were playing the eight seed Mocassin Lake who we easily beat during the regular season. I sat at the cafeteria table and Heather grabbed my hand and took me away. We ended up in the back room of the auditorium. Heather lifted off her sweater and her breasts were out in the open. She took my hand and I began caressing each breast while slamming my tongue in her mouth. I then began kissing and sucking her breasts and she was letting out soft moans. Her hands reached down and undid my pants. Her hand slipped down under my briefs and she began playing with my engorged dick. She started stroking me and it didn't take long for me to shoot my load. I was panting just sitting there on the floor with a top less Heather. She said she wanted me to be her first and she said her parents would be away this weekend and her brother was going to spend the night at his friends. She said we'd have the house to ourselves. Heather got her sweater back on and I buttoned my pants. She whispered in my ear "I want you." As we headed back to the table Ashley asked where did you two go? Heather said we just went for a walk. Ashley said yeah sure and laughed. I was disappointed because I wanted to be alone with Connor. But I did get off so it wasn't all bad I thought. The bell rang and we all went to our classes. I told Connor I'd see him at practice. For the next two days after practice Connor and I disappeared into the bathroom and gave each other hand jobs. I was getting frustrated because I want more time with Connor. I wanted to do more then just hand jobs. It was getting difficult not to spring a boner being next to Connor in the showers. I just wanted to fuck that tight bubble butt of his. Every night before bed I jerked myself dreaming of the day Connor and I would be in bed making love. Wednesday morning was here and at breakfast I told Matt and Brad about my interview for the youth government conference later today. Matt asked if I was nervous and I said no. Brad told me to be myself and I'm sure you'll get it. I said I still didn't know what the big deal was about it. Matt told me it's an honor to be selected and you meet many influential people in the state. I did get a little dressed up wearing tan chinos and a navy blue polo shirt. When I got to school Heather was at my locker waiting for me. I gave her a kiss and she asked why I was dressed up. I told her I had the interview for the youth government conference. She wished me luck as I walked her to class. At lunchtime Heather and I went to the backroom of the auditorium. This time I was playing with her breats I undid her pants and slipped two fingers inside. Heather let out a soft moan. She was wet and my fingers easily slipped in. She said she couldn't wait for me to take her and make her a woman. The bell rang as we lost track of time. We quickly got dressed and went to class. At a little before 1 I went to the Board of Education conference room for my interview. When I got there were three men sitting behind a table and a single chair in front of the table. They called me in and told me to take a seat. I sat in the chair in perfect posture as the men were organizing papers. One man had a buzz cut of gray hair and a weathered face. The second man was younger with brown hair and short haircut. The third man was older then the second man with black salt and pepper hair. They introduced themselves and said the represented the local American Legion post. The gray buzz cut man said he caught the last game and complimented me on my play. He told me that he played for Watson years ago. He asked what I thought about our chances to win the conference playoffs. I said I thought we had a great shot and were looking forward to the state sectionals. The three men then introduced themselves. The gray haired man with the crew cut said he was Mr. Kettleman. The brown haired man said he was Mr. Jacoby and the salt and pepper black haired man said he was Mr. Evenowski. They offered their congratulations for my being nominated and said that the point of their questions would be to discover if I would be a good representative of Watson. They said there were no right or wrong answers and said I was to respond openly and freely. The questions were pretty basic like why I thought I would be a good representative why I thought I could get from the experience and what I thought I could accomplish at the conference. I thought my answers were solid and I was doing a good job. The next round of questions were either going to make or break me. The questions focused on my personal life and I wanted to avoid being defensive or combative. I worried how I would be perceived and of being judged. Mr. Kettleman looked at me and said you have an interesting background. You're a runaway from Kentucky living in a homeless shelter in New York. You become a foster child of two gay men who later adopt you as their son. Not your typical story for a Watson high school student. I just sat there quietly waiting for a question. Then the question came and it was brutal. Do you think Jake that with your background could you be a good representative of Watson? Your situation is so out of the norm. I wanted to get up and punch the judgmental bastard in the face. Mr. Jacoby then added the representative from Watson must reflect the values and traditions of the community. Not to be left out Mr. Evenowski stated I must be clear that the representative from Watson must have impeccable values and is beyond reproach. Your homelife and personal history is so unlike the other candidates, said Mr Kettleman. Why do you believe that a boy adopted by two gay men could ever represent the traditional family values of Watson? I was about to pop a blood vessel and wanted to yell at these sanctimonious assholes. I was so offended and enraged I began to tear up. I stood up and said " first of all if anything my personal background shows that I am a survivor and that even a homeless runaway from Kentucky could succeed if given the chance. I raised my voice and said "with regards to representing the values and traditions of Watson I come from a loving home where two men were willing to take a chance on me out of the kindness of their hearts. They are caring loving parents who I love and respect. They have given me everything. Is not love, kindness, generosity and respect values of Watson? And to question my values is offensive. Just because I have two dads doesn't mean I'm some moral degenerate. I'm a hard working honest student doing his best to make a life for himself. No one has the right to cast dispersion on my values because I have two dads. Then the tears began to flow and my voice went up in volume I may not come from what you call a traditional family but my dad's are two loving parents and I'll be damned before anyone questions their character. My dad Matt was Watson's representative to this conference when he was in school. Just because he's gay does not mean that the qualities you saw in him back then change just because he is gay. He is a moral, courageous man living his life on his terms. That is something I respect and admire. And before I go let me quote William Shakespeare from The Merchant of Venice. Just because a person is gay if you cut them do they not bleed. If you tickle them they do not laugh. They are no different from anyone of you except for who they love. I'm proud that I can call Matt McNulty and Brad Peterson dad. And if because I come from a home where I am being raised by two gay men disqualifies me to represent Watson then I say to hell with it. I'd put my family and homelife up against any other. I'm so sorry you cannot see beyond your stereotypical views but someday that will change and I hope to God I'm there to witness it. Tears were flowing down my face and I yelled Good Afternoon gentlemen. I'm out of here. I stormed out the door and headed down the hallway trying to regain my composure. I opened my locker and gathered my stuff and stormed off to the gym for practice. When I got to the locker room Connor saw the rage in my face and asked what's going on? I glared at Connor and said None of your God damn business. Now let's get out there and focus. We got out to the court and started shooting around. Coach organized us to scrimmage and I thought the guys weren't serious. If you play like this you lazy asses we'll lose. Now get you're fucking shit together. Coach called me over and asked what was that about? I said we can win the championship but these shitheads need to do better. I agree with you but yelling obscenities is not going to get it done. So you think you could let me do my job. Well then do your goddamn job. Coach looked at me and told me I could start running laps around the gym for the rest of practice. I ran those laps still fuming. When practice ended Coach told me to keep running. The other players were in the locker room and there I was still running laps. After about 15 minutes coach told me to come in to his office. I told him I was sorry and had a really rough day. He asked if I wanted to talk. I said no. You wouldn't understand. I went to the locker room showered and changed. Brad was outside waiting and I got in the car. Brad said how was your day and I growled at him I didn't want to talk about it. When we got home Matt was there and he asked me how the interview went. I lost it. I yelled those fucking bigoted assholes can take there youth government conference and shove it up their ass. I'm going upstairs and I don't want to be fucking bothered. I don't want dinner. I just want to be left alone. I ran upstairs and slammed my bedroom door. Brad said to Matt what the hell is that about? We need to go upstairs and see what's wrong. Matt said no. We need to let him calm down and go up later. Are you sure? I've never seen him this angry. I'm worried Matt. What do you think is wrong that he is so upset. We need to find out what went on at the interview. Matt said we need to give him space and we'll go up after dinner. Matt and Brad had there dinner and Brad put a plate in the refrigerator for me. Brad said it's killing me. I need to know what's going on with our son. I can't stand to see him hurting. You ready to go upstairs. Matt said before we go upstairs we need to remember to tread lightly. Brad said he agreed and the two of them went upstairs. Matt knocked on my door and asked if we could come in. Theÿ opened the door and sat down on my bed. Matt on the right and Brad on my left. Matt asked if I could please tell them what went on today. Brad said it's OK Jake your safe here. We're just worried about you. I paused and was thinking about what to say. I didn't want to hurt them by telling them what they said questioning their morality. There was this tense silence as both Matt and Brad stared at me waiting for me to talk. I told them that the men doing the interview questioned my values and that our family life didn't meet up to the values of Watson. They questioned the morality of our home. That because I was adopted by two gay men I didn't represent the traditional family values of Watson. I lost my cool told them off and stormed out of the room. I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want to hurt your feelings. Matt looked at me and said "So they think we're immoral do they? Brad jumped in because he saw Matt's face getting red. Brad asked me if I could remember what they said. I told him they thought my homelife did not represent the traditional values of Watson. Matt looked at Brad and said he would handle it. Matt gave me a hug and said he would have done the same. Brad knew Matt hreased in my bad a temper and was worried what he would do. Brad asked if I was hungry and I said I was. Brad said to come downstairs and that he had a plate waiting. I went downstairs and had dinner. After eating I was tired and told Matt and Brad I was going to bed. Before I went upstairs I told them I told the committee that you are the best dads and I am grateful for all you have done for me. Brad started to tear up and Matt said always remember that Brad and I will always be here for you. Matt then said "we love you Jake and always will not matter what." I went upstairs and crashed. It was a long and exhausting day and I was quickly sound asleep. Bard looked at Matt and said "I know you Matt. I saw that look on your face. You're up to something." Matt responded and said "I think I need to go to school tomorrow and straighten a few things out." "I'll be damned before I let them treat our son as not being good enough because of his home life." "I'll stop in and see the principal and just make sure something like this doesn't happen again." Do you think it will do any good? I mean come on Matt regardless of how accepting some people are in this community the majority still hate us and who we are. Do you think you can do any good or just make things worse? Matt looked at Brad and said nothing is ever going to change if we sit back and take it. We must stand up for ourselves because no one else will. Just be careful what you say Matt. I'm just worried about any repercussions. It will be fine I promise. Not let's get to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a full day. I woke up and got ready for school. I had my breakfast and Brad drove me to school I was surprised that Matt was still home. Usually he is gone by the time I go to school. Matt said he had some things he had to attend to in town today and was taking the day off from work. He told me to have a good day. When I got to school I met up with Heather and I walked over to her locker. She asked how I was doing and said it was a rough day yesterday but I'm over it. I told her I don't think I'm going to represent Watson at the student government conference. It seems I don't come from a family that has traditional family values. It doesn't matter. Heather said she was sorry to hear it and said some people can be so narrow minded. Who cares if you have two dads. You should be judged on your merits and who you are. And I think you're pretty damn special. I gave Heather a kiss and thanked her for her words. I then walked her to her first class and told her I would see her at lunch. There's a Mr. McNulty here to see you. The secretary let the principal know that I was waiting to see him. The principal came out shook my hand and asked what he could do. We went in to his office and asked me to take a seat. I told him how Jake was humiliated during his youth student government interview. I don't think a student should be judged on his home life and neither do I think is appropriate for a student to be subjected to the prejudices of adults. I'm sorry Mr. McNulty. I had no idea what happened during Jake's interview. I;m sorry he was treated so poorly. Unfortunately I have no control over the matter. But I will look in to the matter and get back to you. Thank you. Jake is a good kid and I don't want him to be discriminated against because of his home life. I can assure you Mr. McNulty that Jake will be treated likeI admire all the other students in this school. Jake is one of the most popular students in this school and I wish more students were more like him. I think you and Brad are doing a great job and I admire you for it. I stood up and shook his hand and thanked him for his comments. As I was walking down the hall I saw the sign outside the Board of Education conference room saying Student Government interviews. There was a student waiting outside rviews. There was a student waiting outside rviews. There was a student waiting outside and I asked if hew as waiting to be interviewed. He said he was. I asked I just need a few minutes with the committee if you don't maind waiting a little longer. He student said he didn't mind. I went in to the conference room and saw the three men sitting at the table. When they looked up they were taken aback because I was not the student to be interviewed. I introduced myself and said I am Matthew McNulty and Jake Pennington is my son. "Oh we know who you are said Mr. Kettleman. What do you want we have work to do. I'll make this brief and to the point. I will personally come after you if you ever humiliate or cast dispersion on my son. What you did yesterday was reprehensible and where the hell do you get off being so judegemental. Jake is a good kid and you made him feel as if he was less than nothing and I will not stand for that. We did no such thing said Mr. Kettleman. We're not just sure that his home life is a good representation of the traditional family values of Watson. Stop right there. You are to judge the student on his character not on his home life. I know because I represented Watson at this conference. I'm sorry for your prejudice but I will protect and defend my son like any father and if you can't handle his home life that's your problem. So I'm not going to sit idly by as you unleash your hate on my son. I will beat the shit out of each and everyone of you and then you can tell your family and friends that you got your ass kicked by a faggot. Am I making myself clear. I'm disgusted by the lot of you. I stormed out of the conference room and the student waiting stopped me and introduced himself as Vic and he was a good friend of Jake's. I heard what you said and I'm glad you said. it I just want you to know that most students in this school love Jake and no one gives a crap about his home life. I just wanted you to know that. Vic put out his hand and I shook it and thanked him for that. I thought to myself. Maybe things will be different in the future.