Date: Mon, 19 Jul 2021 01:24:47 -0400 From: Eric Murphey Subject: Transition's Continued Journey Section 2 Gay Adult youth Greetings and salutations to everyone.I think that you will enjoy this section as I had an editor this time. I think they did an amazing job fixing all my fuck ups. I saw how truly horrible I am at punctuation and grammar. So for him taking the literal hours to go through and edit. I say Thank You. I hope that those of you that use readers it is better for you. I know a few of you do so if it is better for you let me know. I hope you like this section. I was told I am getting lazy and not including as many details as I used to. Not from my editor a friend told me this. I thought about it and I cant deny he was right. I have tried to remedy it in this section. I hope you like it. I am trying to become a better writer for you and for me. I have been getting some advice from Rob who writes the Kurt Seris and Schoolies Both absolutely amazing stories. Read them if you havent. I was simply amazed by how amazing they are. He is a fantastic writer. Like all writers here on nifty he loves to hear from his readers too. He is a nice guy as well. Anyway thats enough of my ramblings other then to say Donate to Nifty Eric Continued Journey Section 2 A Murphey Family Adventure When Eric wakes he goes to the restroom. He looks at himself in the mirror. "I need a trim in the worst way," he says as he runs his fingers through his hair. He pees and walks back out to the living room area of the suite. He is a bit surprised that one of the boys didn't wind up in bed with him. He has a seat on the couch and flips on the TV. It's on CNN in English. "Hmm. Wonder if that's supposed to be there?" he wonders out loud. He watches for a half an hour or so, catching up and learning that everything happened yet nothing is different. Typical, he thinks. He flips a channel and it's flippin' Sponge Bob in Chinese. "I knew it; Sponge Bob is taking over the world." Eric says. "Ba, Sponge Bob is not taking over the world," Tran says walking into the room, his hair out of place from sleep. "Really? Look at the TV," he says, pointing. "Ba, it's a cartoon. Maybe we need to go back to the island if you really believe that." Eric starts laughing. "No, I don't really believe it. But, isn't it odd? That was the last thing I expected to find on TV in China." "Ba, it's funny. Doesn't matter where." "You know what I want to do right now?" Eric asks with a smile on his face. Tran reaches down and strokes his growing cock. He smiles back. "That wasn't what I had in mind. However, if you want a quick cum I will suck you off. But, I was thinking of waking the boys, getting breakfast, and getting a haircut." Tran is in front of him now. "You mean you would rather get a haircut than play with this?" "I never said that," Eric says and takes Tran's now very hard cock into his mouth. He sucks him off and it only takes about two minutes because Tran hasn't had time to have a wank or any fun with a brother. Seems he and Joey have kind of paired off in a way, Eric is thinking as he is blowing Tran. Tran reaches down and grabs the back of Eric's head and thrusts into his mouth quickly and releases his boy cum. Tran slowly pulls out his cock after a moment and Eric swallows his prize. Tran flops on the couch and Eric says, "Let's get some breakfast and go to Japan. We need clothes anyway. It is my understanding Tokyo is an exciting place to shop." "Ba, it's clothes. It's not exciting." "Yeah, but we can still have fun." "We always have fun Ba," Tran says coming down from his orgasm. As he says this the house phone rings. "Well, I wonder who that could be?" Eric asks. "Ba, you will never find out if you don't answer it." As Eric is walking to get the phone he shoots a glance at Tran that says "smart ass". Tran smiles at the look knowing his Ba is toying with him. "Hello?" "Eric we are so fucking happy you are all safe and back to the land of the living." Eric mouths to Tran, "It's the record people." Tran gives him a thumbs-up. "Yeah trust me we are too. Though we never left the land of the living. Just civilization. However, it was pretty civilized on the island with just me and the boys. Crime was at an all time low. We didn't even need a police force." "Sounds wonderful. Now since the tour is over we would like to get Joey into the studio and get a new record made. But, that's of course up to you and after a good break I'm sure." "Joey actually wants to finish the tour." "Whaaaa.....Really?" "Yes, he feels he is obligated to go finish because they bought tickets. He doesn't like to let people down." "Well, I think that's admirable. But, no one would ever hold it against him if he didn't." "I told him the same thing. He's adamant about finishing the tour. By the way, you think you could get us the hell out of here?" "Sure, I will have my assistant on it. Actually he is waving at me he is already on it. He's good. When would you be wanting to restart then?" "I was thinking we've had plenty of rest honestly. I think if you can get it together in a few days that would work. Then Argentina afterwards. But, give us a few days then too, as the time change is so drastic." "Consider it done. I will have my assistant call you back shortly with details you may need." "What, you're too important to do that?" Eric says getting his goat a little. "Damn straight baby," he says laughing. "If you want I will call back though." "No, it's fine I'm just messing with you." "I figured as much. I really am glad you guys are safe now. I really like your family. There's something special about you guys." "Nothing special. We are the Family of misfit toys. (This is a reference from Santa Clause movie I watched as a child. You can see it on YouTube I'm sure.) All broken yet somehow work together." "You're something, Eric," he says laughing." I better let you go. I just wanted to touch base with you." "See ya," Eric says and hangs up the phone. He turns around and Tran is looking at him. "Well, wake them up," he says, like what are you waiting for. "Cool, I'm starving." "It is good to eat something other then fish, and fruits. Granted it's probably the healthiest any of us has ever eaten. But, it got kind of old pretty fast." "Yes sir it did," Tran says turning his head back to answer Eric, as he leaves the room to wake up the boys. Eric hears a scream from the bedroom, and Tran laughing. "Dang it Tran!!!! What is that?" he hears Joey shout. Eric can't hear Tran's response, but Alejandro comes out, eyes half closed and hard little cock leading the way. "Poppi, they're loud. Hurt them," he says as he walks over to Eric. Eric picks up his little guy and Alejandro wraps his arms around him resting his head on his shoulder. "You wouldn't want me to hurt your brothers?" "Maybe." Alejandro says giggling. Eric tickles his ribs. "Really?" "No silly, stop. I got to pee." Eric lets him down and he races to the restroom. Joey comes out. "What pray tell was all that about?" "Fu...Uh Tran put ice in my bed," he says looking a bit miffed. "I told him to get you up." "He did that." "Maybe he should do it nicer next time?" "Who you telling?" Eric starts laughing. "Daaaad, it's not funny." "Well, I never saw you get out of bed that fast before. I was thinking about putting some marbles in the freezer so when school starts I can drop them in bed with you." "Marbles?" "Sure. You wouldn't ever be able to get away from them. They would roll with you." Joey looks really seriously at Eric. "You really....don't need to do that." Eric starts laughing and Alejandro pops out of the bathroom. "Cool, I got to go." Joey says rushing in there. Eric holds up his hands like an old Jewish man. "What, we got three bathrooms. That one is special?" The boys laugh at his bad impression. "Let's get dressed guys." "Sure, Ba." "Kay poppi." Eric walks into his room and thinks whatever should I wear. Oh, the clean outfit I have seems a good choice. Once they all get dressed they go to the lobby as there is a nice restaurant in the hotel. Eric sees no reason to go out in an area he knows nothing about. Doesn't know the language and is not about to have a desire to get lost. Once they get there Eric is informed that they only have traditional Chinese breakfast available on a buffet. Eric always likes to try new things and thinks its good for the boys as well. They get their plates and put them on a tray and walk through the line. "Oh yum, I haven't had this in forever." Tran says. "Looks like bread," Alejandro says. "It is. Its called milk bread and it's really good. You will like it." So the others just followed Tran's lead. They figure it's his culture; he will know what's tasty. When they get back to the table a server comes over to bring them drinks. Tran asks the server a question in Mandarin. The server smiles, bows and heads to the kitchen. "What did you say?" Joey asks. "I wanted you all to try baozi, and mantou. I know you will love them. My mum used to make them for me when I was little." "What's this thing?" Joey says holding up a little ball. "Oh that's zongzi. It's a rice ball with stuff in the center. I like the ones with red bean paste the best. But the egg yolk one is really good too." Tran picks up something that remotely looks like a pancake wrapped around things and takes a bite. "Yumm." "Here Ba try this. It's a jianbing." "Wow that's good. Kind of salty but I like it," Eric says, raising his eyebrows at the new flavors hitting his pallet. A moment later the server returns with a tray and puts what Tran wanted them to try in front of them. The boys start giggling. "It looks like a piggy," Alejandro says giggling. "That's Baozi, it is filled with pork. The other is mantou; it has no filling. They are steamed buns and real good," he says shoving a good portion of one into his mouth. They all try it and enjoy it a lot. "I wonder if we can get this at home?" Alejandro says as he is really liking it a lot. "I am sure if not we can look online how to make them." Eric says shoving more into his mouth. "This is so good and so different." Joey says only stopping to comment quickly. One they are filled to maximum capacity and then a bit more they start heading back to their room. "Mr Murphey. you have message," the man at the desk says in accented English. "Thank you," Eric says and gets the message. "I took liberty to make a car ready for you to go to airport sir." "Thank you. We just need to get our things from the room and we will be right down." The man smiles at Eric. Eric and the boys head up in the elevator. "We are leaving that fast?" Joey says. "Sure, why not? Did you want to stay for a while?" Eric asks. "No, it's just that I figured it would be a few more hours is all." "I guess we got it timed just right," Eric says as the doors open and they go to their room. Eric puts the card in front of the lock and hears the click. It doesn't take a minute for them to gather their things, seeing as how their things have gone down to nearly nothing. Eric has the boys grab a couple of plastic grocery bags to toss dirty clothes in and carry. They get down to the lobby and are whisked away in a very nice car Eric wasn't familiar with. When they get to the airport they are driven to customs and quickly pass through. They board another private jet. When they get on Joey looks around the cabin. "Dad, it's almost the exact same," with a bit of fear in his voice. "Yeah poppi. I don't like it." "Ba, it's kind of creepy." "Look guys it was a freak accident what happened to us last time. We can't live in fear. We have survived a plane crash. It is safer to fly than it is to ride in a car. Not to mention the odds of us being in two plane crashes are absolutely astounding." "Ba, I know you're trying to make us feel better. but it's not working very well." "Alright then. How about this thought. It's not a very long flight. Joey, why don't you sing a song for us. You know, to pass the time. Get your voice back into shape. You haven't been singing since the accident." "Sure thing dad." He starts singing Imagine by John Lennon. The others join in as they buckle in. Once they are done the flight attendant lets them know they are taking off in the next few minutes. They are all pretty nervous when they get into the air. The last landing wasn't well much of a landing at all. Once they are at their cruising altitude the flight attendant comes and gets them drinks. Eric is on about his 6th cup of coffee for the day. He knows he is overdoing it. But it's just for a time. Not time, time, and times but just a time. He is drinking his coffee when Alejandro comes and sits by him. Eric looks at him and he just looks up and smiles then puts his nose back into the book he was reading. "Where did you get the book?" "Ship," he says. Eric cocks his head. "How did you get a book?" "Bought it," he says, wanting to get back to the story. "How did you pay for it?" "Money." "Where did you get money?" Alejandro sighs and puts the book aside. Eric can't help but smile as he has done it himself many times when someone is bothering him. "Poppi, I'm trying to read here. You say reading is good right? I had money in my back pack you got from the first plane." "Oh sorry then. I was curious. Go back to reading buddy." Alejandro smiles. "Thank you poppi." Eric is smiling inside at Alejandro's attitude. Because he knows that now he is finally becoming a regular boy. One who is a bit of a smart ass, not always trying to please everyone. Just being a boy. It's a nice feeling. He knows he is doing good letting him be comfortable and not in constant fear of a beating or who knows what else this little guy has endured in his short life. Eric looks at him and just feels his heart glowing from the love he has for this little boy. He looks at the other boys around the plane. He smiles to himself. Yeah, he is definitely a blessed person. He has everything he would ever want or need. He has the love of three great boys. He thinks back to before they came into his life. The utter boredom and loneliness. When Lucas went off to college he really didn't have anyone in his life anymore. Sure Joy would come by and they would do things. But not working anymore he just didn't know how to fill the days. He had been working since he was around 7. Not legally but doing things at the store. He would go to school. Afterwards he would rush to see Mr Brown. He always had a pie or a cheese burger waiting for his hungry little friend. He smiles to himself thinking about Mr Brown. He really enjoyed telling the boys about him. He would have been kind of like a grandpa to the boys. He thinks his own mom and dad would have loved the boys. But Mr Brown would have spoiled them rotten. Eric smiles at this thought. "What are you thinking about, poppi? Seems to make you happy," Alejandro asks. "Mr Brown, and you guys. I like you telling stories about him." "Yeah dad me too." Joey adds from his side of the cabin. "I like telling them too. I didn't think I could. But it's getting easier and I like telling you about him. He was like a second dad to me. Well, I actually spent more time with him the my own dad. My dad taught me to work hard and to do a good job. I owe him a lot in that regard. But in life's lessons Mr Brown taught me more. My dad worked a lot and really didn't have time for a family. I suppose he could have made time for it if he wanted. But he was a hard worker and he, like me, enjoyed what he did. When you boys get older and you get a job, I want it to be a job you enjoy. Because if you don't it's just misery." "So tell us something that Mr Brown taught you, Ba." "Alright. I was just half thinking about this one." The boys all gathered around Eric. The way the plane is designed it has two seats facing forward and two facing backwards, a bit like a commuter train. "One day I was working at the store. I guess I was eleven or twelve. It was a Saturday and I was outside cleaning up trash in the parking lot. It was snowing like there's no tomorrow. I mean it was coming down fast. We were slow and Mr Brown comes to the drive through window and pokes his head out. "Eric Alowishus Murphey, get in here." I remember I smiled as I looked up at hearing his voice. I rushed in and dropped the trash in the container and went in the store. I kicked all the snow off of my boots to not make a mess. I walk in and Mr Brown is leaning over the counter. Joey has to interrupt. "Your name is Alowishus?" he asks and starts laughing. Tran and Alejandro do as well. "No wonder we didn't know it poppi." "Yeah Ba. That's hilarious." "Alowishus is a fine name. My middle name is Thomas. He just liked to call me that because it was amusing to him." "Oh cool. He was funny though. Alowishus." Joey says laughing. "So anyway there I am. I walk in and he is leaning on the counter. "`Mr Murphey it has come to my attention you were here when I was off this week.' "'Yes sir I was.' "'Now what have I told you about this?' "Now guys I was busted. I knew what he wanted me to say, so I said it. "'That our lives have to have a happy balance between work and fun. That I should do things that I find fun or interesting on my days off. But Mr Brown this is fun to me. I really love being here. I don't see what the problem is.' "He looks at me and sighs. "'What am I going to do with you?' he says standing up and putting his hands on his hips. "I looked at him timidly. "'Let me work all the time like I want to?' I had my eyebrows lifted and half smiling hoping but, knowing that ain't gonna happen. "'Its dead here and the snow is going to get worse. I'm closing so everyone can get home safely. You and I are going to have some fun.' "I should have kept my mouth shut when he said this. But, you guys know how sometimes at your age you try to push things. So I say, `So I can work all the time?' "He looks at me and gives a half chuckle not believing what I said, and shakes his head. "'So that's a no then?' "'You got it right now. Now go and make sure the bathrooms are clear and clean and we will get going here in a few minutes. I need to call my wife and have her get some things ready for us, but we are going to have fun young man. Not work.' "So I do what he asks me to do. No one is in the bathroom. The place is pretty clean, just a piece of paper on the floor so I threw it away. When I got back out I pulled a trash bag because it was full. "'Eric that will be there tomorrow. Leave it be. We are leaving.' "'But, Mr Brown if I leave it then the roaches will try to move in and then we got trouble.' "'Eric leave it alone. I don't believe that in one day they will move in. Now get your little butt in my car. I will be out in a second,' he said and handed me his keys. I went out and got in and started the car. Like I always did. I turned on the heater and waited for him to set the alarm and come out. He arrived about two minutes after I got in the car. He puts the car in gear and we go to his house. He has me wait in the car. I wasn't paying attention but, he put something in the trunk. He got in and handed me a thermos. He smiled at me. "'You're a good boy you know that?' "'Sure I do. You tell me all the time.'" Alejandro laughs at that. "That's what I tell you, poppi." "I know it. You know what else I know?" "What?" "That if you respond that way then you believe it. So I am saying it enough." "Back to the story dad. What did you do?" "Well, we started driving and we were going pretty slow because the roads were pretty bad. But, we pulled into the parking lot at the golf course right by where we live." "You went sledding didn't ya?" Alejandro asks. "Yep we sure did and you know what, I had a great time. We talked and it was so fun seeing Mr Brown slide down those hills. I honestly don't know who had more fun, me or him. We were laughing and joking. He had the thermos and in it was hot chocolate. He poured it out into the lid for me and got a plastic cup from his pocket for himself. We sat on top of that hill and sipped hot chocolate and looked out over the snow covered world. "We sat in silence for a good while. He put his arm around my shoulder. "'Eric did you have fun today?' "'Sure I did.' "'More fun then being at our McDonald's?' "'A little bit. I just really love it Mr Brown.' "'I know you do. But, this was more fun than that. So from now on on our days off, I want you to go get your friend Joy and go do something like this.' "'I will try.' "'I know you will buddy. I know you will.' he says and rubs my shoulder with his big gloved hand. "'So what are you doing tomorrow since you're grounded from the store for three days for not listening?' "Now guys I knew better to argue about him not letting me come for three days. Because once I did and he made it a week. And he stuck by what he said too. So l looked at him and smiled. "'I'm going to go visit Joy and see if she want to go sledding.' "'See I knew you would understand. I'm not doing it to be mean. I'm doing it because I love you and want you to have a happy life. You're a good boy and I love having you around. You are a go getter and no matter what you decide to do when you get older I know you will succeed. You are a very determined young man.' "'I want to own a McDonald's like you.' "'You always say that. McDonald's has been good to me. I won't lie. It's given me a very comfortable life and it would for you as well. But you need to go to college. Get out and see the world some. Not get stuck smelling fry grease day in and day out. I want more for you then that. You are young yet I still have time to change your mind.'" "He never did though did he poppi?" "Absolutely not. I loved what I did and did what I loved. It was a perfect fit for me. I hope that you guys find that joy in what you do." "I wish he was still alive so I could have met him. I bet he would have been real proud of you at how much you have done." "See that the Catch-22 of it. If he was still here I wouldn't have everything I have. Not to mention I wouldn't have you guys. Because I would have had to work I think. So I wouldn't have ever met Alejandro when he was in the hospital and it all started from that day. The day all of our lives began to transition. To Transition into something better. Something great and wondrous that none of us had even imagined doing. I mean shit look at us now. We are on a tour because Joey is famous. So I guess that the universe decided that I must say goodbye to Mr Brown so I could say hello to you. I miss him greatly everyday. But I love you guys so much stronger than that feeling of loss. I am certain he would have felt the same way." The flight attendant interrupts us. "Gentlemen if you would fasten your seat belts we will be landing shortly." "Thank you," Eric says to her. "Gosh dad, the flight didn't seem like we were in the air hardly at all. You need to tell us stories on all our flights from now on." "Um buddy the next flight is like 20 hours." "Blech," Joey says. Alejandro gives a Bronx cheer. Tran just slumps his head down. They land and go through customs again and are quickly taken to a very nice hotel in downtown Tokyo. They walk up to the counter. "Yes we are the Eric Alowishus Murphey party." Joey says. All of them laugh at his silliness. After they check in and get to their suite Joey starts laughing. "Alejandro you should move here. Then you won't be so short." Eric hears this and is instantly furious. He thinks of an old cartoon of the man going from red from his toes to his head then his head explodes. Man, cartoons are violent. "Go to your room right now," he says as calmly as he can but there is anger is in his voice. "Why dad?" Eric starts to say something but he is so angry he can't say a word. He points with a vengeance to the room. Eric turns and goes into his room and slams the door. He hears Tran say to the other boys, "I don't know what you did. But you sure pissed off Ba. I never heard him slam a door before." "Me neither," Alejandro says. "I better do what he says," Joey responds. In the room Eric is pacing back and forth trying to calm down so he can talk to Joey without wanting to hurt him. He is mumbling to himself as he paces. "Why dad he asks. Like he doesn't know. Let me tell you something. I tell you what. I'm going to ... No I'm not. But, I should. Fuck!!!!!" He shouts the fuck part. Alejandro hears Eric shout through the door. He walks over to Tran and puts his arms around him. "I'm scared. I never seen poppi mad like this before. Well, that one time when he beat up that manager guy. But he called me a wet back and a spic. Joey was just saying I'm short. I mean I am, it's not my fault." Tran holds his brother and gently rubs his back. "Ba will be fine just give him time to get un-mad. I'm not sure why he is so mad. But I could see the fire in his eyes. It is kind of scary. "I haven't been around Ba as long as you. But from what I have seen he is a good and patient man. I believe that he went in the other room so he wouldn't say or do something he will regret. Remember he always says not to argue when you're angry." "Yeah that never makes sense to me." Tran chuckles. "Me neither. But, I think he means not to say things when you're mad because it can't be taken back." "Yeah, I said some pretty mean stuff to Joey before when we were fighting. But he knows I didn't mean it." "That's true. But it still hurts and you said it to hurt him. Because he hurt you somehow. So Ba wants us to be able to think when we speak. When you're angry you don't think. You just blurt out hateful things." "Yeah." "Ba is a smart man." "I think hes the greatest poppi in the world." "Me too." The boys sit down and turn on the TV and go figure Sponge Bob is on in Japanese. Tran giggles. "Whats funny?" "In China Ba said that Sponge Bob is taking over the world. I'm starting to think maybe he is right." Alejandro starts laughing. "Poppi is funny." They sit and watch the cartoon until it's over, and Eric still is in his room. Alejandro gets up and goes to Eric's door and taps on it. "Poppi? Can I come in?" he says lightly. He gets no response. He taps a little harder. "Poppi can I come in please?" he says in his regular voice. "Yes." Alejandro enters the room and Eric is sitting on the couch looking out the window at nothing in particular. He walks over and he sits on Eric's lap. "Poppi, I don't care if Joey makes fun of me being short. I mean I am." Eric puts his arms around him and kisses the top of his head. "Go get Joey and tell him I want to see him please." "Poppi you aren't gonna hit him are you?" "No I wouldn't do that. You guys have been hit enough for ten lifetimes. Now scoot. Matter of fact join us, and ask Tran to join us too." Alejandro kisses Eric on the cheek and he scoots off his lap and does as he is asked. A short time later Tran and Joey walk in with Alejandro. Joey looks scared and has been crying. "Come here Joey," Eric says. Joey does as he is asked and is in front of Eric, waiting for whatever is going to happen. Eric leans forward wraps his arms around him giving him a hug. "I want you to know I love you very much. I always will. But we all need to talk." He releases Joey who at first cringed with fear when Eric started to hug him due to his past, but quickly realizes he isn't going to be harmed. Eric stands up and sits in the chair and has the boys sit on the couch. He leans back, interlocks his fingers, and looks over them at the boys. "Do you realize what made me so angry?" "I called Alejandro short?" Joey answers softly. "Yes." Eric looks at the boys he loves with all of his heart and just can't figure exactly how to say what needs to be said. "What is my rule about making fun of people?" "That it's OK if they do something stupid like dye their hair a stupid color or something like that. But not over how someone was born or what they believe." "Yes. That's correct." Eric looks at them for a moment and starts again. "Joey, do you know why your brother is so short?" "I guess his parents were short. I don't know dad." A tear escapes Eric's eye. He starts, his voice quavering a bit, but steady. "When I first met your brother he was the size of a five year old. He was 9. I asked the doctor why. I thought maybe he was going to be a little person or something, which is fine. I don't care. People are people. Love them and move on. Do you know what the doctor told me?" "No dad." The tears are really flowing down his cheeks now. He continues, his voice still calm. "He said Alejandro was severely malnourished. That for most of his life he was probably half starved. Not the kind when we are late getting dinner, but the kind where he hasn't eaten in days. Your brother will probably never get over 5 feet tall, if he makes it to that. So when you said that it just made me think of what the doctor said. I apologize for getting so angry. But it really upset me when you said that." "Gosh I didn't know it was that bad buddy." He says turning to his brother and putting his arms around him. "Yeah," is all Alejandro says. He just lets Joey hug him. "I try very hard for you guys not to forget the past, but not focus on it. Because if we are always looking at the past we can't see how bright the future is going to be. I think I'm probably wrong about this. I think when we get back home that you boys need to go into therapy to work on your issues. I mean shit Joey you are an international superstar now. It wasn't so long ago that you were acquiring money in a not so legitimate way so you could eat." "You mean stealing," Joey answers. "You were stealing, technically. Now stealing is never right. We know this. But sometimes it's not as wrong as others. But in a situation like that, as Joey knows now, just ask and people will usually help you." "Dad I'm sorry. I didn't know." "Its not me that you owe an apology to. But thank you." "Alejandro, you know I love you lots right?" "Sure, me too." "I mean I've been loving you for a long time. Like forever since when we first met. Cuz we been friends forever. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I would never do nothing to hurt you on purpose." "I know," Alejandro says softly. "What are you thinking about?" Joey asks him. "I know something's going on in that head of yours," he says, tapping his forehead with his fingertips, like Eric does to them when he wants them to tell him something and knows it's bothering them. Alejandro lets out a sigh. "I got to school one time early cuz all kinds of bad stuff was happening. I just wanted to get out of there. So I got to school like really early. I mean it was like an hour early. I was surprised that I could even get in. But it was kinda cold that morning and I was happy I could go in. So I got to the classroom and got out some paper and crayons to color for a while." Alejandro pauses. "You always were a good colorer." Alejandro smiles a second then continues. "I don't know how long I was there for, but it wasn't too long when Mr Eric walks in singing a silly song, not knowing I'm there. I looked over at him. He turned and saw me. He said, `Good morning little guy. Why are you here so early today?' "Now at that time I wasn't talking anymore. I just shrugged my shoulders at him. He came over and sat at the desk next to me. He told me that he knows things are not good at my house and he wants to get me out of there. But, he can only do so much. As he was telling me this my stomach didn't growl it roared. It was a Monday and last thing I ate was half of your sandwich on Friday. Maria was always getting me food. But I guess they didn't have enough that weekend, or she forgot. I was so hungry. Well next thing I knew he grabbed my hand and pulled me up to my feet and we were walking. I was scared and I thought he was going to fuck me. Cuz before poppi the guys just didn't care if they hurt me. They just wanted to cum. It's different with poppi, it feels really nice and good and I know he loves me. Anyway, next thing I know we are in his car. I think, `Oh crap.' He drove a few minutes and he pulled into poppi's McDonald's. We walked in and he ordered two of the great big breakfasts. Poppi, what are they called?" "Deluxe big breakfast." "Yeah deluxe big breakfast. So he got two of them. Now I'm thinking he must be real hungry getting two of them, cuz grown ups never were real nice to me. I mean Mr Eric was never bad to me ever. But he was a grownup and they can't be trusted, is how I thought at the time. So we get the food and sit down. Hey I just realized something. Poppi, you were there. You were clapping your hands and joking with people, going `Da da da da, I'm lovin' it.' You were even dancing with some lady. You looked real happy. "So we sat down and he put a breakfast in front of me with a big orange juice. He took the lid off and told me to dig in. I tell you what, I gobbled it up before he changed his mind, or said I was taking too long to eat. That's why poppi is always telling me to slow down and take smaller bites, cuz I had to eat fast. Sometimes it was so I wouldn't get caught eating their food at home. So when we got done eating we threw our trash away and went out to his car. He started driving and I realized that he was just doing it to be nice. He was telling me I was a good boy. He wished he could help all the children in bad situations. How he wished he could just take me home and give me the love I deserve. I was sad he couldn't, cuz as we all know he is kind of doing that right now. At least trying to. "I wanted to make him feel good. I scooted over and I put my hand on his leg. He didn't say nuthin' so I moved it up and I rubbed his cock. It was hard. He moved my hand away. He told me that he didn't do it for anything, that he just wanted to know my belly was full before school. I tell you what, before I had to suck men off. That time was the first time I really wanted to do it, cuz I knew it would make him feel good. I thought, `He did something nice for me; I want to do something nice for him too.' "After that, every day I would get to school a little early and hope he would do it again. But that was the only time we left together. Every day I would open the top of my desk and there would be a doughnut, or a granola bar. Sometimes an egg sandwich. But always something. On Fridays he always asked me to stay until the other kids left. He would pull out a little bag of food for me to take home. It was always something that wouldn't go bad. "I remember the first time he gave me like six peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and a big bag of chips. He even put in some juice boxes. I tell you I was happy I was eating almost all the time. Then it got to be summer and then school started back and well I didn't have Mr Eric as a teacher anymore. After that I would be walking to school just hoping you would share with me again. You always did when you had something. But once in a while you wouldn't." With that he stopped. No one knew what to say. All of them were listening and could feel the hunger he had felt as he was telling them. No one said a word for a good five minutes absorbing what he had shared. "Poppi?" "Yeah buddy?" "I'm hungry." "Well lets go eat then," he says smiling and snatching the little guy off the couch and putting him over his shoulder. They all walk out of Eric's room and head down to the lobby to go to a restaurant they have there. They all ate a little bit more than usual for two reasons. First, it is something they wanted to eat, not had to eat to survive. Second, they were all trying to feed that hungry little boy. When they get done eating they head back to their suite and Eric lets them know he wants to take a nap. So they sit in the living room and play the game system that the hotel has. Eric takes a nap and the boys plot and plan for what to do that's different and exciting at the concert. It's Alejandro's idea and the others love it and think it's hilarious. They end up having to wait four days in Japan before the show can be put together. They wanted to experience Japan and they all wanted to do like Denise and see paper being made. Eric wakes up after about an hour or so. He walks out and the boys have finished their planning and are watching TV. "Well boys I feel much better now," he says stretching and lifting his hands to the sky. "Good, Ba." "Yeah we understand old people need naps," Joey says giggling. Eric breaks the stretch in a flash and grabs Joey by the ankles. Joey is hanging upside down and he flips him on the couch and starts tickling him. After a minute he starts crying out, "OK, you're not old." He is laughing hard at this point tears are coming out of his eyes. Eric stops. "You sure?" "Yeah." Eric lets him up and goes to the house phone. "Yes I need a car and driver please." There is a pause as he waits for the response. "Yes, I want to take the boys to see Senso-Ji. Is there someone who could go with us to explain things to us?" Another wait. "Yes. Yes. That's perfect. Thank you." "Poppi, what's Sens...what is it?" "Senso-Ji. It's a Buddhist temple. One of the most visited in Tokyo. I thought we should see it." "Is it going to be boring?" Joey asks. "I don't think so. I don't really think seeing different cultures and learning about them is boring." "Well, I liked the food in China. So I guess it will be kind of neat." "OK guys, get ready. She said about half an hour. Get a backpack with some waters in it. Also a snack if you want one. I don't know if there will be anything available." "Kay," Alejandro answers for them. It takes them a few minutes and they are all back with a few things to snack on and some waters. They are putting on their shoes when the house phone rings. Eric is told they are ready when he is. "Man the Japanese are efficient. She says half an hour, it's more like 10 minutes." They go down and meet their tour guide. They meet a pretty little slip of a thing. She bows, then she extends her hand to shake Eric's. "I am pleased to meet you Mr Murphey." Eric follows suit and bows back to her. "My name is Sakura. I will be taking you to Senso-Ji You have picked the best time to visit because it will be dark in an hour and a half and the lights are beautiful." "I am very pleased to meet you Sakura. That's a very beautiful name." "It's very common in Japan. It means cherry blossoms." "I still think its beautiful. Let me introduce my sons." "There is no need. Tran," she says bowing and then shaking his hand. "Joey," she continues. "Alejandro." "You are all very popular here in Japan. I am taking my sister to your concert." "Thank you," Joey says. "Let us go then. With your permission Mr Murphey I would like to take the boys and yourself of course for a walk down Donpoin street. I think the boys will like it very much." "Of course, you are the master of this adventure," he says smiling. She smiles in return and lets out a little giggle. Eric thinks she may be 20, but for Americans it's hard to judge Japanese ages. They get in the car and she drives them to a parking area and they start walking down the street she had mentioned. "It's so cool dad." "Look," Alejandro says pointing at a building. There is a ninja statue crawling up the side of the building. "That is so cool," Tran says. "There's another one." "Yes, he is a samurai warrior," Sakura informs them. "Poppi, this place is so neat." "Um so Joey is it boring?" Joey looks at him and grins. "That's what I thought." They continue down and come to Nikamise street as they are informed it's called. "Look at all the little stores, Ba. We should get some gifts for people like Joy and stuff." "Yeah Poppi, and we are going to see Mr Eric soon. He would really like something from Japan, cuz he would know we were learning and he's a teacher and they like that stuff." Eric lifts his eyebrows. "Maybe Cindy?" "Well yeah, silly. I got her a doll I think in Russia that was really cool. It had like a bunch of dolls inside one another." "I think its called a Babushka. Though I'm not sure." "Yeah well it's in the ocean now. Whatever it's called." "When did you get that?" Eric asks. His boy seems to be full of mysteries lately. "Iilya got it for me to give to her." "Oh," Eric answers. They look around the shops and pick out a few nice things for people they love. The boys put them in their backpack. They get a thing like a pancake and all really enjoy its sweetness. Sakura told Eric what it was but he didn't hear her. Whatever it was, it tasted really nice. They get to the opening of the temple. Eric stops and admires its entry. "It's breathtaking." "Yes it is," Sakura says, then starts telling them about the history. "The temple is dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon. According to legend, a statue of the Kannon was found in the Sumida River in 628 AD by two fishermen, brothers Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari. The chief of their village, Hajino Nakamoto, recognized the sanctity of the statue and enshrined it by remodeling his own house into a small temple in Asakusa so that the villagers could worship Kannon. "The first temple was founded in 645 AD, which makes it the oldest temple in Tokyo. In the early years of the Tokugawa shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu designated Sensō-ji as tutelary temple of the Tokugawa clan. "The Nishinomiya Inari shrine is located within the precincts of Sensō-ji and a torii identifies the entry into the hallowed ground of the shrine. A bronze plaque on the gateway structure lists those who contributed to the construction of the torii, which was erected in 1727. "During World War II, the temple was bombed and destroyed during the 10 March air raid on Tokyo. It was rebuilt later and is a symbol of rebirth and peace to the Japanese people. In the courtyard there is a tree that was hit by a bomb in the air raids, and it had regrown in the husk of the old tree and is a similar symbol to the temple itself." (I stole this from Wikipedia. I'm not that smart.) "Um you said the brothers?" Alejandro asks. "Hinokuma Hamanari and Hinokuma Takenari?" "Yeah them. How come they got the same first name and different last names?" "In Japan the surname, your last name would go first. Then your personal name." "So I would be Murphey Alejandro?" "That is correct." "Cool," he says, smiling. They walk in and start looking at the temple. "It's simply lovely," Eric states. "Yeah dad its pretty cool." "Cool Ba, look, there's dragons." "Wow, cool," Joey says. "I'm getting a tattoo of a dragon." Eric looks at him and Joey quickly adds, "Well, maybe when I'm older." "Maybe?" Eric responds with his eyebrows lifted. "Probably not. But it would be cool." "Just remember that a tattoo is for life. You better like it a hell of a lot," Eric says to him. They continue and the lights come on, illuminating the temple. "Wow," all three boys and Eric say. Eric looks at their guide. "I'm usually more articulate then that. But that was just a wow moment." "I understand. I feel the same way and I have seen it hundreds of times." They finish walking through the temple and head back to the car. "Sakura, it is my understanding that Japan has the best beef in the world, as a seller of said product. Would you be so kind to take us to a nice steak house and join us for dinner?" She smiles. "Of course sir. I will take you to Mugi no Oto. It is my favorite." "Great." Eric says smiling. She drives them to the restaurant and they go in and she orders a table for them. It's only a few moments and they are seated. They look at the menus and everything looks amazing. "I can't order. If I do I will get it all. Would you order for us please?" Eric asks. "Poppi, can I get a hamburger. If it's the best beef in the world I want to have the best hamburger." "Sure buddy." "Yeah dad, I want to try one too." "Tran, you as well?" "No Ba, I want to try new stuff. I can get a hamburger anytime." "You can, that is true. But this is much better. I do not think you would be upset with that choice," Sakura tells him. "I will trust your judgment," Tran says to her. She orders in Japanese and Eric can't stop thinking how stupid he feels not having a clue what anyone is saying around him. But he had never planned on coming to Japan or any of the other countries they have been to so why would he learn the language? But he still doesn't like it. They sit and have idle chit chat and the server brings them their drinks. They are talking about what they liked about the temple. The dragons seem to top the boys list as the coolest thing other then the lights. A salad is brought out to them. "This is mugi no oto." Sakura tells them. Eric takes a bite. "It's nice. Is that Cesar dressing?" "Very good palate, Mr Murphey." "Thank you, this is nice. On the island I craved a salad like this. And coffee and a lot of other things. But this is very nice and refreshing." They enjoy their salad and when they are almost done the server brings out a plate. "That looks like chili con queso and tortilla chips." Alejandro says. Sakura smiles. "I know you wanted different. But, for me this is different. I love them," She says grabbing a chip and biting off a corner with chili and cheese on it. Eric takes a chip as do the boys. "This is good poppi, but not like the Mexican kind," Alejandro says between bites. Very quickly the plate of food disappears. After a few minutes, the server comes out with the main course. "Holy cow," Eric says as he sees the food. The hamburgers aren't at all what any of them thought. They are in a little skillet, covered in a light sauce, with mashed potatoes, some broccoli and caramelized carrots next to them. In front of Eric is a huge plate of different kinds of meat. It has some cherry tomatoes and baby corn on the plate with a few sprigs of parsley. "Poppi, you got little corns." "It's baby corn. Want to try one?" "Sure." Eric gets one and hands it to him. He sees Tran and Joey are curious as well, and hands each of them one. They all pop it in their mouths. He got two "I like its" and one "It's alright." Tran is the first to take his fork and cut the hamburger and pop it in his mouth. His eyes light up when he starts chewing. He swallows. "You were so right. This is amazing," he says and takes another bite quickly. Alejandro and Joey take a quick bite and smile. At the same time both of them say to Eric, "You got to try this." He picks up his fork and takes a bite from Joey's. "Oh my that is good." Then he takes a bite from Alejandro's. "If McDonald's carried this it would be amazing. It would cost $38 but be amazing," Eric says, smiling. Eric cuts a slice of steak. It is so tender he is positive a butter knife would cut it. He puts a piece of t-bone in his mouth, and his taste buds explode. "Oh my god I have never had such a good steak before." He quickly cuts a few pieces to have the boys try it. The boys are all in agreement that it is incredible. Awesome was the word used two out of three times. The server saw them sharing and went and got a few more plates. Eric cut up some of the different meats and put it on a plate for each boy. Then they all gave him some of theirs. Sakura was amused by the happenings. When they got done Eric looks at the boys. "Boys I think that people are right. Kobe beef is the best I have ever eaten." "Me too, Ba." "Well, I never had much steak till I became your son. But its best I ever ate, too," Joey says. "Poppi, can we make hamburgers like that?" "Every once in a while. I wasn't joking that it would cost $38. It may be more." "Wow that's a lot for a hamburger. But I think every now and then yeah it's cool." Alejandro says smiling. "Are you ready for desert?" Sakura asks. "Yes, that would be nice," Eric responds. She nods to the server and quickly appear dishes of cookie and cream ice cream. "The perfect desert." Eric says taking a bite. "Poppi really missed ice cream. It's weird really. He doesn't eat it all that much. Maybe every couple months." "Yeah we go through the containers and you hardly ever get any." "Yeah Ba, whats up with that?" Eric shrugs his shoulders. "I guess its something I knew I just couldn't have. Normally I can have it whenever and it's not an issue. Or maybe I needed dairy. Don't know; I just know I am enjoying this ice cream," he says and takes another bite. After they finish Eric and Sakura have a coffee and relax. The boys get some more soda and they chat about just regular everyday things. They found out Sakura attends university and is studying to become a surgeon. She is 24, Eric is informed. Her sister is 16 and in love with Tran. Tran blushed at this revelation. They offered to go visit her but were informed she lives 3 hours away by train. They did take some selfies and instant message her. She got a kick out of it. Sakura thought the family was great fun. When the bill came Eric looked at Sakura. "Do I tip?" "No, in Japan we feel you are already paying for good service. To tip is sometimes viewed as crass." "Thank you for saving me from being the stupid American. But it just seems wrong not to." "Because you are American you are used to that custom." "True. I just think she did an amazing job. Would you tell her for me?" "Absolutely." Eric wonders as they are leaving if Japan has doggie bags, not that there was anything left on the table but bones. He is just curious. The next day they go with Sakura again and she takes them to a place in the country where they make paper the old fashioned way. Eric and the boys all thought it was really neat the way they did it. They were also amazed at how thick the paper is compared to modern paper. Eric learns that a lot of Japanese people speak English, which he thinks is pretty neat. They go shopping so that they could get rid of their designer plastic bag luggage and get some new outfits. The studio had outfits made for Joey and the boys as well because they knew they would be on stage. Eric is surprised at first that the studio did that, but then he thought it was to be expected. They fixed up Alejandro with a new tuxedo like he loves to wear on stage. He loves the way it looks and thinks he looks fancy. Sexy as hell is what Eric thinks, as well as a few million little girls and many other older men. The night of the concert before they leave Eric asks them, "So what is your big surprise for this show?" They all just giggle and say in unison, "Brothers' secret," and continue giggling. Eric rolls his eyes at them and they go to the stadium. It's actually a bigger stadium than they were originally scheduled to be in, and the extra tickets sold out in an hour. This wasn't a surprise because his first show sold out in six hours. Once they get there, Joey as usual puts on an amazing show, having nothing left when he leaves the stage, at which point the crowd goes wild because they know he and his brothers always have something cooked up. The boys wait a minute and Alejandro walks out on stage looking dapper in his new tuxedo and shiny shoes. He grabs a microphone. "Hi everybody I'm Alejandro." The crowd goes wild. He blushes. "Um gee thanks. My brothers and I have a little something extra for you tonight." Once again the crowd goes wild. Seagulls are heard over the speaker system. Alejandro shouts. "海賊：準備はいいかね" The crowd roars with laughter. Tran comes out and says. "他：アイアイキャプテン" Then Joey comes out and they all start singing together. 海賊：聞"えないぞ！ 他：アイアイキャプテン！ 海賊：ウ～ `イナップルに住"でいる 他：スポンジボブ ズボンは四' 海賊：黄色いスポンジ穴 ら` 他：スポンジボブ ズボンは四' 海賊：いつも楽しく暮らしてる 他：スポンジボブ ズボンは四' 海賊：魚はチョット怖い`ど 他：スポンジボブ ズボンは(海賊：いくぞ！)四' 海賊＆他：スポンジボブ ズボンは四' スポンジボブ ズボンは四' スポンジボブ ズボンは四' 海賊：スポンジボブ ズボンは四' ハハハハー The crowd is roaring with laughter and singing along. Eric is laughing his ass off at it. Then they start over in English. The seagulls are making their noises and Alejandro shouts. "Are you ready kids?" Everyone screams back, "Aye aye Captain." "I can't hear you," he shouts at them. "Aye aye captain." "Oh." So the entire crowd sings the Sponge Bob Square Pants theme in English. Everyone is laughing and having a great time. Once they are done with the song Alejandro shouts in the microphone, "Sponge Bob is taking over the world! And we are gonna help." He laughs and puts the mic back and they head off the stage. They head back to the hotel and have a nice relaxing evening and get things ready to leave for Argentina in the morning. None of them is looking forward to the long flight.